Walsh Heritage: A Story of Walsh County and Its Pioneers, Vol. 02

DATE MICRORCHED APR 1 l 1989 PROJECT and FICHE #

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GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

A Story Of Walsh County And Its Pioneers U.S./^N ^8.418

Volume Two

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Continued . . . From Vol I

DISTRICT FIVE

TIBER TOWNSHIP TIBER TOWNSHIP Pioneers of Tiber Township gave their first attention to road building after the township was organized in 1884. At the organizational meeting, the township was divided into four road districts and an overseer appointed for each. This meeting took place March 4, 1884. Officers elected were: Arastus Botsford, chairman of board of supervisors; Juel A. Granum and Olaf K. Gryde, supervisors; John Patterson, treasurer; Hans A. Anderson, assessor; Henry 0. Jackson and Charles Gilbert, constables; J. C. Gemmill, clerk; John Jensen, justice; Ole Kivle, Martin Hammerstad, Mathias Mortenson and Sundry Sondreson, road overseers. Others in attendance at the meeting were: Palmer Spagberg, Henry Stewart, Helge H. Lie, William Meacham, and Anton Cost. The first township meetings took place in the Bullock and Gemmill homes.

supervisor; Willis Rustan, supervisor; Edroy Troftgruben, treasurer; David Monson, assessor; and Denis Monson, clerk. Following is a list of other Tiber Township settlers possibly not listed in township or church histories. They were settlers in the southern part of Tiber Township Ole Raake, Eric Lovseth, Anton Haug (Vangum), Evan Stevne, Aslak Aslakson, Ole Hauge, Joe Ward, Halvor Grande, Harrison, Knute Ovanan, Ludvig Damen, Ole Void and Allan Void. Submitted by Denis Monson.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS TIBER SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 77

Mr. and Mrs. John Soderberg—Tiber Pioneers July 14, 1884, at a special meeting it was decided to "raise taxes to the amount of one-half cent on the dollar of assessment rolls for 1884 for township purposes." It was also voted to appropriate $75 for planking to span the "coulee" as the middle branch of the Park River was called, at different places. After this beginning, the township government appears to have proceeded successfully with the preliminary tasks involved in getting the township affairs well underway, the pioneers handling matters until the younger generation was old enough to take charge. The minutes of early meetings reveal that the old timers were well qualified for their roles and that they were constantly alert to the best interests of the township. Tiber was named for a couple who had settled at an early date near the trail across the coulee known as Tiber's Crossing. The first school in the township, known as the Tiber School (District No. 77), was established near Tiber's Crossing in 1883. It was later moved farther north. The McLean School District No. 91 and the Troftgruben School District No. 92 were opened later in 1883. Throughout the years, the township boards have concerned themselves chiefly with better and improved roads. Present officers of Tiber Township are: Orlando Gryde, supervisor and chairman; Harold Troftgruben,

Tiber Twp. School No. 77 built in 1900 in Sec. 9. Tiber School District No. 77 located 10 miles northwest of Edinburg was only one of the many rural schools throughout Walsh County that laid the foundation of our educational system of today. Enrollment of students ranged in ages from six to 23 years and attendance records showed anywhere from 16 (1889) to 44 (1895). The term of school was decided by the school board and would range from four to seven months. Teachers' salaries fluctuated between $40 and $50 per month besides obligating them to do their own janitorial chores or pay for such out of their wages. School officers' salaries were $8 per year with the exception of clerks, which was $20. There was no hot lunch program, extra curricular activities nor vehicle transportation. For both student and teacher, the lunch was in a lunch pail as they made their way through the coulee or on the prairie on foot, sometimes several miles to grasp at the education at hand. The subjects offered were reading, spelling, history, geography, grammar, physiology, and arithmetic. Some of the teachers in the earliest years of the history of the school were as follows: Flora M. Booth, 1889-1893; Stella R. Gergen, 1893; G. H. Hillier, 1894; Minnie Aos, 1895-1896; P. L. Solberg, 1900; Alice M .

It was also during this period of time, March 12,1895, to July 3, 1895, that the school enrollment reached its peak of 44 students and plans were made to build. Thus, in 1900 a new school building was erected. September, 1960, through May, 1961, became the last term of school in Tiber School District No. 77. It was at this time that reorganization took place and the district became part of Edinburg District No. 106. Serving on the last school board were Joseph Nygard, clerk; Orville Johnson, treasurer; Edroy Troftgruben, president; Johnny Nygard and Andy Seim, directors. Submitted by Joe Nygard.

Larson, 1904; Elizabeth Johnson, 1905; Morten Mortenson, 1905 ; Miss E. M. Peak, 1906; Julia Johnson, 1906; Morten Mortenson, 1907; C. Strand, 1907; Morten Mortenson, 1908-1911; Julia Johnson, 1911; Mary Jordahl, 1912-1913; and Mae Gemmill, 1913-1914. Through the recorded years of 1889 to 1961 there had been over 30 teachers employed. On file were the names of County Superintendents of Schools, namely, Dr. R. M. Evans (1881-1893), A. S. Wods, Ben Tronslin, Edw. Erickson, Benj. Rinde, W. J. Hoover and A. G. Strand. The first recorded district school board was in 1895 and the officers were Mathias Mortenson, president; August Nelson, treasurer; Herman Fom and A. Anderson, directors. In 1896 Arne Weberg was president; August Nelson, treasurer; Mathias Mortenson and Herman Flom, directors. In 1904 the board members were Jens Nygard, clerk; Mathias Mortenson, president; Andrew Nygard, treasurer; Jorgen Nygard and Herman Flom, directors. In 1925 John Myrvik was clerk; Oscar Johnson, treasurer; Albert Nelson, president; Herman Flom and Sigvard Engh, directors. As the years went on, the names of Martin M. Foseide, George Nygard, Arthur Flom, Walter Mecham, Johnnie Nygard, Joseph Nygard, Orville Johnson, Edroy Troftgruben, Vernon Rustan and Andy Seim were added to the list as board members. In 1895, Tiber School District No. 77 had a 15 member band.

School—Dist. No. 92—About 1915

CHURCHES ODALEN LUTHERAN CONGREGATION The Odalen Lutheran Congregation was organized June 16, 1884, by the Rev. M. C. Holseth. Rev. Holseth was at that time a member of the Norwegian Synod, serving a congregation about 40 miles further south by Forest River. He had for a year or more done some home mission work among the pioneers of Lutheran faith, west and northwest of Park River, including the territory where Odalen congregation was organized. The church site and cemetery ground was donated by Jens Haug. A meeting was called to organize a congregation June 16,1884. The records show that 24 voting members took part. As quite a number of the first members were from Odalen parish in Norway, it was decided to name the new congregation Odalen Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. The first congregation meeting was held at the Jens Haug home with the following being elected as the first officers: Ole Spaberg, secretary; Palmer Spaberg, treasurer; and Jens Haug, Mikkel Foseide and Theodore Holt, trustees. April 10, 1885, a meeting of representatives from Pleasant Valley, South Park and Odalen Congregations was held in the Garfield Schoolhouse to consider forming a parish. It was decided to call Rev. Holseth as pastor. Rev. Holseth accepted the call to be pastor of the three congregations and continued to serve them until 1892. Rev. Thorvald Larsen was then called and he served the three congregations until 1897.

Tiber Band members: Clarence Lien, Ed Mortenson, Fred Mortenson, Alfred Nygard, O. Rohne, Oscar Johnson, Anton Johnson, Hans Berg, John Myrvik, Albert Flom, Henry Flom, Nels Flom, Albert Nelson and Elmer Lein.

First Dist. No. 77 School in Tiber Twp. Built on John Gromish's land. 615

As Odalen congregation was a close neighbor to Zion and Trinity congregations, served by Rev. J. T. Langemo, it seemed more practical and more convenient for Odalen congregation to belong to the parish of these two congregations, than to the Park River parish. The connection with the Park River call was therefore dissolved and a call extended to Rev. Langemo to serve Odalen together with Trinity and Zion. Rev. Langemo accepted the call and served these congregations until he resigned as pastor in 1934.

Through the years many improvements have been made in the church due to love and devotion of the active members, who are proud of their church which stands as a lighthouse in the Edinburg community. Submitted by Denis Monson. ODALEN LADIES' AID

Other pastors serving our parish were: Pastor G. L. Halmrast, 1934-1942; Pastor R. 0. Overgaard, 1943-1947; Pastor S. L. Tallaksson, 1948-1951; Pastor Robert Bergeson, 1951-1955; Pastor S. 0. Kvaale, 1956-1963; Pastor Anton Gerlach, 1963-1970. Our present pastor is Paul Guldseth. He came to serve our parish in 1970. Odalen Church was built in 1896. The Ladies' Aid bought the altar and other furniture for the church. Gilbert Rud, a Tiber Township pioneer, helped with the carpentry and also was instrumental in building the scaffolding for the huge church bell in the church tower.

Odalen Lutheran Church

Mr. and Mrs. Even Stevne, Tiber pioneers. First Golden Wedding in Odalen Church.

First officers of Odalen Ladies' Aid The Odalen Ladies' Aid of the Odalen Congregation was organized by the Rev. Th. Larson at School District No. 92 on March 25,1895. The purpose and aim of the Aid was to raise funds for the building of a church. The constitution adopted was very brief, stating that the Aid meetings were to be held the first Thursday afternoon of each month, from two to five, at a member's home or the schoolhouse. Membership dues were 25 cents and an additional 10 cents each month. The program of the Aid meetings was conducted entirely in the Norwegian language. They consisted of devotions, talks by the pastor, lots of hymn singing and the present business. The social hour was spent in cutting materials for garments to be sewed by the members and later sold at the Aid Auction. At the close of the afternoon the hostess would serve lunch by setting a complete table and guests would partake of bread, butter, cake, sauce and coffee. The only means of transportation to and from the meetings in those days was walking, wagons in the summer, and sleighs in the winter. The charter members were as follows: Mrs. Mathias Mortenson, Mrs. Arne Weberg, Mrs. 0. Oien, Mrs. John Peterson, Mrs. Hans Hansen, Mrs. Sondre Sonderson, Mrs. Lauritz Nygard, Mrs. Aslak Juveland, Mrs. Hans Troftgruben, Miss Marie Hansen, Mrs. Even Stevne, Mrs. Jorgen Skyrud, Mrs. Jens Haug, Mrs. 0. Haugen, Mrs. Olaf Gryde, Mrs. Kittel Knudsen (Gryde), and Mrs. Erick Lovseth. The following joined the second and third meetings: Mrs. Mikkel Foseide, Mrs. Ole Haug, Mrs. Carl Svenneby, Mrs. Helge Lee, Miss Martha Mortenson, Mrs. Theodore Holt, Mrs. Erick Berg, Mrs. Olaf Wick, Mrs. Jorgen Nygard, and Mrs. Martin Hammerstad. The first officers were: Mrs. Sondre Sonderson, president; Mrs. Mathias Mortenson, secretary; and Mrs. Jens Haug, treasurer. The Aid would have an auction sale each year and also a 4th of July celebration to help raise funds for thenwork. The first auction sale was held at Kittle Grydes, Nov. 26, 1895. The amount realized was $138.55. After two years of work, the Aid had the sum of $1,300 in the treasury to help the building of the church. The aid bought the altar and other furniture for the church and

helped with the furnishing of the basement when it was built in 1916. As the years passed the Aid grew and the scope of its work entended beyond local needs. In 1952 the constitution was revised and the aim of the Aid was changed to: 1) Promoting and stimulating love for the great mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; making all nations disciples of Jesus Christ. 2) Aid prayerfully and financially the activities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, with emphasis upon its missions program. 3) Support the local congregation and its activities. 1975 finds the Aid still active in carrying on local and foreign mission work and aiding in general improvements in the church. Membership totals 36 and the officers consist of: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, stewardship secretary, education secretary, historian and librarian, pianist, nominating committee, flower and card committee, clothing committee, coupon committee, quilting committee and bazaar committee. "A busy Aid for the Lord is a happy one." Submitted by Mrs. Joe Nygard. ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH CONGREGATION

St. Stephen's Twp.

Lutheran

Church. Members from

Tiber

"To the Norwegian settlers and their descendants in Tiber, Silvesta and Montrose Townships, Stefanus Norsk Evangelisk Lutherck Menighed" stood high in the veneration of the sturdy folk who converted the foothills of the Pembina Mountains into a productive and beautiful agricultural district. The organizational meeting of this church was July 20, 1883, at the home of Ole Axvig, then in Pembina County. The title selected was Stefanus Norsk Evangelisk Lutherck Menighed. Rev. Jens Lonne presided over the organizational meeting. Charter members were A. A. Jewland, Ole H. Lykken, Sackarias Aardahl, and John Strete. Benjamin Tessem and A. A. Juveland were elected trustees and Torjus H. Flom and John Strete, deacons; John Strete, secretary, Anders J. Myrvik, treasurer and Jens Flom, "klokker" or choir leader. John Myrvik was the first child born after the organization of this congregation. His birthday is Oct. 2, 1883, and he was baptized Dec. 1,1883, by Rev. Lonne.

In an article written by Ole Myrvik some years ago, he stated that the first St. Stephen's confirmation service was held in a log school west of Edinburg and that of the group confirmed, three churches became represented later and that he (Ole Myrvik) was the only confirmand that stayed by the mother church and became a life-long member. The Juvland name I connect with Odalen, the Aardahl and Lykken and Axvig names became familiar in Hitterdahl Congregation. Submitted by Hazel Myrvik Thorson. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH Zion Lutheran Church in Cavalier County was organized Jan. 9, 1884, by Rev. M. C. Holseth. Officers elected were: trustees, Ole 0. Neste, Botolf Flom and Thorbjorn Olson Jordet; treasurer, Ole L. Aafedt, and secretary, Gudbrand T. Ulbaasen. Quite a few of the members of the congregation were born in Norway. The majority of them had lived for some years in older Scandinavian communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. The nearest railroad station for the first settlers was Grand Forks. Soon the railroad was extended north of Grafton and a few years later a branch from Larimore to Park River was completed. Rev. Holseth, a pastor from the Norwegian Synod, was serving congregations about 45 miles further south. From there he had made several trips into Cavalier County for home mission work. This eventually resulted in the organization of Zion Lutheran Church congregation in January, 1884, with a voting membership of 24. A little later, more members were accepted, making a total of 30 families. Rev. Holseth was asked to continue his services among the congregation, which he did for two additional years. Adjoining Zion congregation on the southeast across the Walsh County line was another mission congregation named Immanuel. The congregation later adopted the name of Trinity and is located at Edinburg. This congregation was organized by Rev. C. A. Flaten who lived ten miles west of Grafton. As neither Holseth or Flaten could spare the necessary time for these mission congregations, it became necessary to get a new pastor to take over the work of the two congregations. After some deliberations between the members of Zion and Immanuel congregations, an agreement was reached that these two congregations should form a separate parish and call their own pastors. Rev. Holseth gave the names of prospective candidates. In 1886, a call was extended to J. T. Langemo, who had just finished his seminary training, to serve the two congregations. He accepted this call, which resulted in a life long service of 48 years. A salary of $300 per year was promised by the two congregations. The new pastor found much homework to be done among several groups in the area, extending to the Canadian line. Many trips requiring several days travel were necessary to serve the extensive territory under the supervision of the new pastor. Pastor Langemo, in the mission capacity, organized two new congregations. Finally another theological candidate by the name of Jens Skrugstad became available and arrangements were made for him to take over the new field. Pastor Langemo then devoted his time to serving Zion and

Immanuel congregations, and also a group called Urland Congregation. Two schoolhouses were used for services as obtaining funds to build a church had been out of the question. In 1894, a serious effort was made to raise enough money to build a church with the result that the sum of $1,060 and notes were collected. Thus, Zion Lutheran Church could look forward to the day when their dream of a church building would materialize. The church and steeple without any finished interior walls was completed in 1894 at the cost of $1,500. For three years in this condition, with homemade benches and two large stoves for heating, the church was used for divine services. In 1897, the inside walls and ceiling were completed at a cost of $500. In 1901 two small additions were added. The church bell was bought in 1899 and pews in 1904. The church was dedicated July 19,1904, by Rev. T. H. Dahl, president at that time of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church. In 1907, the first furnace was installed and paid for by the Ladies' Aid at a cost of $215. In 1926 the basement was completed and some repairs inside the church were made at a cost of $2,850, of which the Ladies' Aid paid $1,100. Total cost of the church building thus far was about $6,000. Besides what the pastor could accomplish for the spiritual upbuilding of the congregation, much assistance was obtained from two of the congregations' own members, D. A. Levang and Nels Anderson. Submitted by Gilman J. Wooldridge.

As a young man he worked as a carpenter in Park River. Later, he started a pop factory in Grafton, which he operated for a number of years. He was an honorary member of the Grafton Fire Department, also a member of the Foresters, Workman and Maccabees Lodges. Edwards died March 19, 1914, leaving his wife and three young children, Frances (Mrs. Alvin Schroeder), Nampa, Idaho; Florence (Mrs. John Stark), deceased; and Finley Edwards, Robbinsdale, Minn. Mr. Edwards was buried at Grafton. Submitted by Mrs. Opal Gemmill. AMELIA EDWARDS

Amelia Edwards Amelia Edwards was born Aug. 5,1830. She and her husband, Evan Edwards, homesteaded in 1882, northwest of Edinburg, on the farm presently owned by Herman Zidon. After the death of her husband in 1892, she made her home with her daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Gemmill, until her death in 1923 at 92. Their family consisted of Mrs. Robert Gemmill, Herbert Edwards, and Harriet, a teacher in Tiber Township who died at 23. Mrs. Edwards was laid to rest at the Memorial Park Cemetery at Grand Forks. Submitted by Opal Gammill.

BIOGRAPHIES ALOF BRUNSVOLD FAMILY Alof (Aluf) Brunsvold was the first child of the Nils Brunsvold family to be born in Worth County, Ia., Dec. 1, 1872. After his marriage to Gunhild Rustan in March, 1898, they lived in Worth County for two years. Parents of Alof and Gunhild came to America from Norway on the same boat. In 1900, Alof brought his bride of two years to Edinburg and farmed there until Gunhild died in 1937. Alof went back to Iowa in March of 1901 and on his return trip, he came on an immigration train with cattle and farm implements. On the same train was Henning Gunhus. They were neighbors in the Edinburg area. This immigration train was stalled in a snowstorm for one week in Minnesota. Alof Brunsvold was the first to bring registered Hereford cattle into the Walsh County area. Alof and Gunhild had six children: Myrtle (Mrs. Emil Brunsvold); Ella (Mrs. Martin Foseide, died May 30,1957); Alice (Mrs. Willie A. Nelson, second marriage - Mrs. Wilbert Hanson), these two daughters were twins: Belida (Mrs. Marvin Bakken); Gina (Mrs. W. O. Morey). They were members of Zion Lutheran Church, Union. Alof died Dec. 23, 1948. Submitted by Wanda Nelson Hall.

HERMAN T. FLOM FAMILY

The Herman Flom family. Standing, left to right : Hilma, Arthur, Mabel, Clara. Seated: Torjus, Herman [father], Anna [mother], and Nels.

HERBERT JAMES EDWARDS Herbert James Edwards was born at Wilberforce, Ont., Aug. 14, 1872. He came to Walsh County with his parents, Evan and Amelia Edwards, when he was nine. They settled on a farm northwest of Edinburg, now owned by Herman Zidon. He was married to Maude Eker, Minto, Nov. 12,1903.

Herman T. Flom, eldest son of Torjus and Gunnilda Flom, was born in Dane County, Wise., June 18,1867. In 1868, they moved to Dalas County, Ia., where a brother and sister were born. In 1872, they moved to Lyons 618

were married in Rindals Church, Norway, in 1874. Two children were born in Norway. John on April 1, 1875, and Ole, Sept. 19, 1878. Their last communion service in Norway was May 15, 1881. They left Norway May 23, 1881, arrived in America June, 1881. They landed at New York and traveled by train to Grafton where they spent one year before settling in Tiber Township. They filed a homestead claim in 1882. Mr. Foseide applied for citizenship Oct. 14, 1882, and became a citizen Nov. 26, 1889. He worked one year in the Grafton area, walking home on weekends, carrying groceries. He had built a one room log cabin where his wife and children lived. Indians would often travel by and beg for food. She said they were glad to get a loaf of bread. Mr. and Mrs. Foseide had five children, all born in Walsh County, Edward, Mary, Ida, Martin and Julius. Julius lives in Hubbard, Ore. When Mrs. Foseide was expecting her third child, she took her two boys and her milk cow, walked a distance of two miles or more, leading the cow to a neighbor where she stayed until the child was born. She had no clock the first year they hved on the homestead. Mikkel was a good worker in the Odalen Lutheran Church and his wife was one of the first members of the Odalen Ladies' Aid. Mikkel was one of the first trustees at Odalen, also helped build the church. Mikkel Johnson Foseide died in 1921 and Mrs. Foseide died in 1931. Both are buried in the Odalen Cemetery. Submitted by Mrs. Martin Foseide.

County, Minn., where three brothers and two sisters were born. Ten years later, the family moved to Tiber Township where three sisters and one brother were born. Herman was the eldest of 12 children. All grew up in this area. Herman was educated in the northwest corner ot Tiber Township. March 22, 1887, he married Johanna Myrvik at the St. Stephen's Lutheran Church south of Milton. The land for this church was given by his father. They were the first couple married in this church. Rev. G. J. Omland was the pastor at this time. Six children were born: Henry, Nels, Arthur, and three who died in infancy. His wife, Johanna, died in 1903. Dec. 30, 1904, Herman married his housekeeper, Anna Gulbranson, Gulbransdallen, Norway. Six children were born, Inga, Torjus, Alf, Hilma, Clara and Mabel. All of his children were educated in the Tiber School District No. 77. They were members of the St. Stephen's Church, better known as the Flom Church. Herman is best known in Walsh County for his years as assessor of Tiber Township. He held this job 47 years. Starting in 1899 and resigning on account of ill health in 1946. He was a director of the school board of Tiber District No. 77 from 1893 until 1934. He always showed a special interest in the young people of the community. Herman was also an active member of St. Stephen's Church, serving as vice-president and deacon for many years. His second wife, Anna, died Aug. 31, 1944. Herman died July 8,1946, at his home one mile south of the Flom Church, where he lived his entire adult life. Herman and his wives are buried at the St. Stephen's Cemetery south of Milton. Surviving are one son, Nels, Thief River Falls, Minn., and three daughters; Mrs. Elmer Axvig (Hilma), Adams; Mrs. Orval Myrvik (Clara), Park River, and Mrs. Howard Skrogstad (Mabel), Milton. He also had nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Submitted by Mrs. Elmer Axvig and Mrs. Orval Myrvik, daughters, and Mrs. Chester Sandvik, granddaughter.

JAMES C. GEMMILL

FOSEIDE FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Gemmill

James C. Gemmill was born at Wroxeter, Ont., about 1845. He remembered being a young man when President Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. In 1873 he immigrated to Fort Garry (Winnipeg). He came up the Red River on a flatboat and located near Cavalier for three years, and later to Kensington, east of Park River, for three years. In 1881, he homesteaded northwest of Edinburg, presently the Selmer Olson farm, where the family resided until moving to Inkster. Pioneer home ofMikkel J. Foseide in the early 80 s. Left to right: Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Mikkel Foseide and Julius. In buggy: Ole. Left to right: Mary and Ida, standing. Missing is John.

He served on the Tiber Township board when it was organized in 1882. The first meeting was held in his home. His wife, Mary, died May 6, 1902. Children were Robert, John, George, James, William, Mary (Mrs. George Clark), Jeanette (Mrs. George Hillier), and Lyndon.

Mikkel Johnson Foseide was born in Norway in 1845. Gjertrud Landsem was also born in Norway in 1852. They 619

He married his second wife in 1905. He died Dec. 20, 1924, at 87, and she died Dec. 2, 1931, at 88. Both are buried at Inkster. Submitted by Opal Gemmill. JOHN P. GROMMURSH John P. Grommursh was born in Liberty Township in Dubuque County, Ia., Feb. 12, 1866. He came to Walsh County with his wife, Emma, in 1883 and they settled in Sil vesta Township where they farmed until his wife died. John and Emma adopted the youngest daughter, Anne, from Mr. Tiber, as his wife died when Annie was born. He later moved to Tiber Township where he farmed and married Hilda Nelson, Edinburg. She died January, 1933, and Grommursh moved to Park River where he resided until he died in 1930. He had three brothers and two sisters. Fred, St. Peter, Minn.; Nick and John of Dubuque, Ia.; Margaret (Mrs. Welu of La Mourse; and Elizabeth, Dubuque, Ia. His first wife is buried in the Hitterdahl Cemetery, second wife in Odalen and John is buried in the Park River Cemetery. Submitted by Alpha Nelson. JOSEPH 0. GRYDE Joseph 0. Gryde was born Feb. 6,1888, and died July 13, 1971. He was born on the place his father, Olaf K. Gryde, homesteaded in 1882 in Tiber Township. He went to school in School District No. 92, Tiber Township, his first year, then in Vesta Township through six grades. He could not go every day because they had to have help at home for work. They had school the year around, parochial and English. June 21, 1922, he married Hilda Troftgruben, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Troftgruben. She was one of 11 children. She was born April 25,1891, and died July 1, 1972. She went to school in District No. 92, Tiber Township, then in Red Wing for dressmaking for two years. She was a member of Odalen Church and Ladies' Aid which she served as secretary for a few years and received her lif e membership pin from the A. L. C. W. When Joseph and Hilda got married, they built a small house for Joseph's parents south of the other. When his father died in 1931, they moved both houses together in 1935. In 1935, they built a bigger house and moved the smaller one to town. Mrs. Julia Foseide lives there now. They had four children. Joseph died at birth. Cora, Orlando and James are all living at their grandparents homestead. Submitted by Cora Gryde.

The Joseph Gryde Family. Seated: Cora, Joseph (father), Mrs. Gryde. Left to right, standing: James and Orlando.

OLAF K. GRYDE Olaf K. Gryde was born Jan. 3, 1855, in Telemarken, Norway, he came to the U. S. with his parents, three brothers and two sisters to Lake Mills, Ia., in 1861. He married Aasne Bergland. She was born May 10, 1857. She came to the U. S. in 1861 at the age of four years with her parents, brother and sister. They were married at Lake Mills, Ia., Dec. 22, 1878, and settled near Houston, Minn. They came to Walsh County in April or May, 1882, by railroad with a carload of cattle, machinery and furniture. They settled in Tiber Township in Section 34. They had a tree claim west of Adams, too. He was a director for many years of School District No. 125, Vesta Township. He was chairman of Tiber Township for 20 years. He helped organize Odalen Congregation in 1884 and belonged until his death. He lived in Tiber Township until his death May 22,1931. Aasne Gryde helped organize the Odalen Ladies' Aid and belonged until her death. Shedied Nov. 23,1940. They had nine children. Clara was born in 1880, died in 1900; Knut, 1883-1902; Joseph, 1885-1887; Knuet and Carl (twins), 1887, died at birth; Joseph, 1888-1961; Tilda, 1890-1967, (Mrs. Carl Monson) ; Edwin, 1893-1957; and Sara, 1896-1900. All are buried at Odalen Cemetery except the twins. Submitted by Cora Gryde.

OlufK. Gryde and Mrs. Aasne Gryde, Clara, Knut and Joseph. EDWIN GRYDE Edwin Gryde was born in 1893, son of Olaf and Aasne Bergland Gryde. He was one of nine children. He attended school in Vesta Township District No. 125 and then college in Fargo. Later he farmed with his father and brother, Joseph. Sept. 22, 1917, he entered the army and trained ai Fort Dodge. He went overseas with the medical corps and was stationed at Bordeau France. He was assigned to the 30th Artillery Brigade, R. A., and later with camp hospital number seven as a nurse. He was discharged July 18, 1919. Returning to Tiber Township, he again farmed. In April, 1922, he married Myrtle Sunderland at

Badger, Minn. She was born Oct. 29, 1902. She had taught school in Vesta Township. She passed away Oct. 5, 1974. In 1941, they moved to Edinburg where Edwin was employed as a mail carrier on Route 2 until 1945 when he received a medical discharge from the postal service. They moved to Oregon that year and in 1947 he died. The family of four were: Otis, now living in Hawaii; Julian, deceased; Margaret (Lyng), Bismarck, and Carol, Yonkers, N . Y . Submitted by Cora Gryde.

The Edwin Gryde family. Front row: Carol, Mrs. Gryde, Edwin [father], Julian, Otis, Margaret [Lyng]. H E R B E R T WILLIAM G E M M I L L

Herbert Gemmill passed away Jan. 11, 1963, and is interred at the Odalen Cemetery. Gene Gemmill, third generation, is now on the Gemmill farm. Submitted by Mrs. H. Gemmill. MR. AND MRS. ROBERT C. G E M M I L L Rebecca Edwards was born at Pembroke, Ont., Jan. 10, 1870, the daughter of Evan and Amelia Edwards. When she was 12, the family moved to Dakota Territory, settling on a farm which now belongs to Herman Zidon, northwest of Edinburg. May 30,1888, she was married to Robert C. Gemmill. After their marriage, they continued to live on the farm where all their children were born. This farm was owned for more than 50 years by their son, Herbert W. Gemmill, and is now owned by their grandson, Gene Gemmill. Robert Crawford Gemmill was born Jan. 15,1864, in Huron County, Ont. The family hved near Winnipeg for three years, later southeast of Cavalier, then at Old Kensington, near Park River, for three years. In 1879, he and his brother, George, spent part of the winter cutting logs for buildings. They lived in a tent on the site where Selmer Olson now lives, northwest of Edinburg. His parents homesteaded on this farm in 1881. In 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Gemmill moved to Grand Forks. He passed away in 1923. She continued to live in Grand Forks where she was an active member of the Methodist Church. She died Dec. 26,1956. They are both buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks. The family of Robert C. and Rebecca Gemmill are: Mae (Mrs. Earl Armstrong), deceased; Ethel (Mrs. William LeClair), deceased; Andrew (married to Lyla Watson); Herbert (married to Opal Jensen), deceased; and Pearl (Mrs. Vernon Hanson), Sebastian, Fla. Submitted by Opal Gemmill.

Herbert Gemmill Family. Front, left to right: Herbert, Gordon, Helen (Sundvor), Opal (mother). Back row: Dale, Floyd, Gene and Rebecca (Ruud). Herbert William Gemmill was born Nov. 25,1894, the son of Robert and Rebecca Gemmill. He completed his 8th grade education in District No. 92, Tiber Township, and attended the Agricultural College at Fargo for a short time. He lived his entire life on the farm where he was born and purchased this home place in 1920 when his folks moved to Grand Forks. On June 15,1921, he was married to Opal Jensen by Rev. J . T. Langemo at the parsonage. The Langemo farm is now the home of his son, Gordon, and family. Herbert Gemmill was president of School District No. 92 for many years. He was also on the Edinburg and Gardar Telephone Board until it was sold to the Polar Telephone Co. He was also a member of the Odalen Lutheran Church. The children of this family were: Herbert, Jr. (died a tragic accident at the age of 4% years), Dale, Floyd, Rebecca (Ruud), Gene, Gordon, Susanne (died at 7 months), and Helen Jane (Sundvor).

Robert Gemmill family. Upper row, left to right: Herbert, Mae [Armstrong], Andrew, Ethel [LeClair]. Front row: Robert, Pearl [Hanson], Mrs. Robert Gemmill. MR. AND MRS. J E N S HAUG Mr. and Mrs. Jens Haug (the former Anne Christine Helgeson) came to this country from North Odalen, Norway, by boat and arrived in Tiber Township April 25, 1882. They homesteaded and settled on a farm six miles west of Edinburg. At that time some Indians were still living in the area. They would at times, camp beside a small lake near the farm buildings and come up to the house and ask for food. They never did cause any trouble. The nearest town was Grafton. On one of the trips to Grafton, on his way home, Jens had a bad toothache so he stopped in near Park River where a man, Mr.

Livingston, pulled his tooth for him. This Mr. Livingston happened to be the father of John D. Rockefeller. Mr. and Mrs. Jens Haug had 12 children, of whom only four reached adulthood. They were Mrs. Martha Ivesdal, Edmore, Mrs. Ella Munck, Winterhaven, Fla., Mrs. Agnes Anderson, Saskatoon, Sask, and James Haug, Edinburg. He married Anna Holth, Fairdale. They were the parents of five children. James, Jr., Glenn, Norris, Irma, and Anne Christine. James and Norris now live on and farm the land homesteaded by their grandfather. Submitted by James Haug, Jr.

Surprise party at the Jens Haug's new home. MR. AND MRS. MARTIN HAMMERSTAD Martin Hammerstad immigrated from Stange, Hedemarken, Norway, in 1866, settling in Scandia, Kansas. He moved to Edinburg in 1882. He homesteaded in Tiber Township and tree claimed land in Silvesta Township. He lived in Tiber Township his entire life. The farm is still owned and operated by a member of the immediate family. June 8, 1884, Kristi (Gunderson) Hammerstad immigrated to the United States from Osterdahlen, Norway, arriving in Grafton, by train from New York City, where she met Jorgene (Bue) Sobak and Dorthea (Monson) Hilde. The three ladies walked from Grafton to Edinburg. Mrs. Hilde settled near Adams, and Mrs. Sobak near Edmore. In 1885, Kristi Gunderson married Martin Hammerstad at Edinburg. They had 12 children: Lena (Mrs. WorthBotsford), deceased; Jennie (Mrs. George Hval), deceased; Bertha, deceased; Emma (Mrs. Homer Fuller), deceased; Oscar, Edinburg; Minnie (Mrs. John Evenson, Sr.), Edinburg; Clara (Mrs. Walter Botsford), Moorhead, Minn.; Sarah (Mrs. William Schissler), Moorhead; Ida, deceased; Melvin, Portland, Ore.; Goodwin, deceased; and Julia, Edinburg. Martin Hammerstad died Jan. 11, 1915, and Kristi Hammerstad Sept. 5, 1941. Martin and Kristi Hammerstad were members of the Odalen Lutheran Church. Mr. Hammerstad held offices on the church board, and Mrs. Hammerstad held offices in Odalen Ladies Aid. Sunday church services were held in homes of the members and later in school houses, until the church was built. Many hardships were endured by these pioneers, one eing prairie fires. One day Mr. Hammerstad was vorking almost two miles from home, and Mrs. Hammerstad was home with an infant daughter and a 15 year K

old hired man, Nels Olson (uncle of Alpha and Oscar Ellingson of Edinburg, who had just arrived from Norway). They saw the prairie fire coming, anc rushed to hitch the two oxen to the walking plow, so as to plow furrows around the house and garden to save them from the fire. It was difficult, because sensing the trouble, the oxen were very stubborn and upset. But they succeeded in plowing enough to save everything. As the fire grew nearer, the wild animals came from the wooded areas to share the place of safety with Mrs. Hammerstad, the baby, and Olson. They used burlap sacks dipped in pails of water to beat back the flames. Mrs. Hammerstad walked several miles to get the mail, about once a week. When harvest and threshing came, the neighbors got together at each farm home. Women, children, and all remained overnight, making mattresses of straw, and ladies prepared meals, until each farmer had his crop taken care of. During severe winter storms, in order to reach the barn and get back safely, they would tie a rope around their waists and tie the other end to the house. One incident, involving claim jumping for land by three Irishmen, almost caused the loss of a man's life, because the building in which the machinery owned by these three men was burned one night. A Norwegian bachelor was suspected. Not being able to speak one another's language made it difficult, so they took the bachelor, and were all prepared to hang him in the nearby woods when a neighbor, Mr. Lundgren, happened along. He told the Irishmen to let him go, or he would get Palmer Spaberg, who was law, judge, and jury for most of the settlers, because he could speak both languages. By the time he came back, the men had set the bachelor free, and the next morning had picked up what belongings they had since the fire, and disappeared. The Hammerstads were not aware of what had been taking place so near them until later. Mr. and Mrs. Hammerstad and several members of their family are buried in the Odalen Cemetery, Edinburg. Submitted by Julia Hammerstad.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hammerstad and Family. Left to right, front row: Sarah, Martin (father), Julia, Kristi [mother], Ida, Edroy Hval, George Hval, Jr., nephew, Goodwin, Melvin. Back row: Minnie, Clara. Lena, Bertha, Emma, Jennie (Mrs. Geo. Hval), Geo. Hval, Sr., Oscar.

OLE JOHNSON Ole and Helen Johnson came from Ringsaker, Hedemarken, Norway in the early 1870's. Their first stop was LaCrosse, Wis., remaining there one year then to Fellmore County, Minn. In 1882, they moved to Eden Township about 2'/ miles north of Conway, which is now the Elmer and Vendelyn Botner farm. At Conway they were members of the East Forest River Church. In the spring of 1900, Ole Johnson and the rest of the family moved to Tiber Township, west of Edinburg, where his grandson Orville Johnson now lives. He was a member of the Odalen Church. He died in 1932 at the home of his son, Hans Johnson, Fairdale, at 89. Ole and Helen had 12 children: John, never married; Peter married Emma Foxen, had 10 children; Anton, never married; Hans, married Clara Nygard, had four children; Oscar, married Agnes Thoe, had two children; Anna married Christ Anderson, had one child; Nette, married Anfen Quan, had two children; and Julia, married Louis Flergaquam, had two children. Henry and Bertha died at Conway in their teens. Anton Johnson and 0. K. Brandvold bought the building from the State Bank of Edinburg in 1907, in which originated the cash store in 1921 sold to M . B. Alvestad. After that Anton went back to Conway and operated a store there until the middle to late 1920's. As of this writing Julia, age 84, Mrs. Louis Flugequam, is the only remaining member of the Ole Johnson family living, plus grandchildren. Submitted by Mrs. Orville Johnson.

JAMES HOLMES

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Mr. and Mrs. Jim Holmes

James Holmes rode horse back from Little Falls, Minn., to North Dakota about 1900. He was born in 1875. He worked for a short while as a hired hand for John Gemmill. Shortly afterwards he purchased his own farm in Tiber Township, 10 miles west of Edinburg. Mrs. James Holmes (Gertie Ellingson) was born 1876 in Minnesota also and came here with her parents, the Herb Ellingsons, in 1882. They settled on a farm one mile north and five miles west of Edinburg. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Holmes homesteaded a quarter of land near Granville. She was required to stay there three years in succession night and day so she had a little one room shack built for shelter. There were no neighbors for miles. When she became legal owner she sold it and came back home and the couple were married at her father's place in 1904. They built a frame house starting out with two rooms and adding on until it finally became a large two story house. They planted a huge grove on their farmstead and dug their own well and were lucky enough to strike a natural spring, which is still in use. It was adequate enough for all the cattle toey finally accumulated, besides the 18 head of horses they needed for farming. Holmes also raised and sold Belgian horses. Their only means of transportation was horse and buggy and they took great pride in their sleek drivers and fancy buggies. Their first car was an Overland 90 which was purchased in 1915. The nearest town was Edinburg. Later Jim Holmes helped build Adams in 1905. He hauled lumber with team and wagon from Park River. Along with his farming operations Jim and his three sons owned and operated a threshing rig and did therr own threshing and most of their neighbors every fall. While Mrs. Holmes, with the help of a hired girl, boarded and roomed the crew. This was an extensive operation which often lasted from six to eight weeks depending on the weather and lengthy spells. Boarding the crew meant the women were up at dawn and cooked big meals on a wood range by kerosene lamp light and set a table for 20, three times a day, plus churning their own butter, baking their own bread and pastries and canning and curing all their own meat supply. Holmes was active in the Democratic party and served on various local boards. They had three sons.

Family of Ole Johnson. Front row, left to right: Henry, Ole (father), Nettie (Ovam), Oscar, Helena (wife) Back row: Hans, Peter, John, Anton, Anna (Anderson). GULLE J. JOHNSON FAMILY Guile J. Johnson, a cabinet maker, immigrated from Norway in 1891, to Tiber Township. He accompanied his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Kristian J. Seim, leaving his wife and family in Norway. Mr. Johnson filed homestead Aug. 5, 1897, on land adjoining the Kristian Seim homestead, then returned to Norway to being his wife, Judit, and family back with W

m

Mrs. Johnson born in 1837, died in 1903. She was laid to rest in St. Stephen Church Cemetery near their homestead. Later Mr. Johnson returned to Norway to make his home. He lost his life by accidental drowning in a Fjord near his home and was buried in a cemetery near his home in Norway. Submitted by Johnny Seim. 623

George born in 1906; Wendell, born in 1909; and Raymond, born in 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes retired from farming in 1946, then Wendell bought their farm near Adams and also the farm near Edinburg. Submitted by Mrs. Wendell Holmes. NORA KIVLE Nora Kivle married Asle Brunsvold in 1908. They had three children before they left the Edinburg community, Harry, Elmo, and Esther. They had nine children in all. Six were born at Landa, N. D. I remember we took a trip there with Ben Olsons when we were children. Dad and Ben both had new cars. We had so much fun with Ben. The trip would have been quite tiresome if it had not been for him entertaining us. The grasshoppers had eaten everything at Landa that year, also the drought had taken its toll so when we came towards home and saw the lovely green fields and high corn fields, we all joined in and sang, "North Dakota, Walsh County is the best of all." Submitted by Mrs. Justine Fingerson.

Martha was born Dec. 30, 1888. She is the only surviving member of both Kivle and Frovarp families. Jens and Martha had four children, Ingeborg, Mrs. Conrad Frovarp, Justine, Selmer, and Ethal. Ben Olson married Alma Kivle in 1908. Ben was born in Norway in 1879. They made their home in the Edinburg locality except for some years up at Adams. They bought the Ole Kivle farm. They had three boys Olger, Arnold, and Kasper. Ben died July 9, 1974, he had moved to Karlstad, Minn., spent his last years with his son, Olger. Mrs. Peter Fingerson.

Mr. and Mrs. Jens O. Kivle

The Kivle Family: Elisa, Selmer, Jens, Tina, Nora, Alma and Ella. OLE KTVLE Ole Kivle and his wife, Elbe, and their six older children came to Edinburg. They filed on a claim three miles west of Edinburg and built a large log cabin. They came from Red Wing, Minn. They had four sons when they came and two daughters named Henry 1877, Ole 1874, Selmer 1878, and Jens 1879, Lisa 1876, Marie 1876 and Tina 1878. Helmer and Aunt Ella were born west of Edinburg. Lisa married Gust Gullock from Northwood. They had one son, Ole. Kivels made a home for him after his mother died. In 18%, the whole family had typhoid fever except Mrs. Kivle and son, George. Six died in two weeks. Ole, Sr., Ole, Jr., Lisa, Tina, and Henry died. Those who survived were Selmer, Jens, Nora, Alma and Ella. Rev. Langemo was the only one who dared come and help Mrs. Kivle. He and his family did not get the disease. Aunt Ella tells how Selmer and Jens took over the farming operations. They built on a new location where Kasper Olson lives now, k mile west from the log buildings. They bought two steam threshing outfits, did custom threshing at Fairdale and owned land there. Jens Kivle married Martha Frovarp, Dec. 30, 1907. l

•

Ole Kivle's old homestead—Tiber Twp. GEORGE HOWE

Fordycc Howe—Son George Howe was born in Norway. He came to Red Wing, Minn., with his mother as a baby. When his mother married Ole Kivle, George remained with his grandparents until he was 17 years old. He came to Edinburg at the age of 19 to his mother's home to help her when typhoid fever broke out at Kivles.

living in Dakota and Renville Counties before settling in Lyon County for ten years. On June 7, 1882, Myrvik, his wife, children and possessions in two covered wagons, started for Dakota. Stores or eating places were only at widely separate settlements. Indians were not exactly hostile but roving bands were not averse to stealing or petty thievery. Maps were almost non existent. The Myrvik family started into the west, which had been described as a quagmire, a desert, an Artie waste and a garden of fertility only waiting the plow. Two wagons, one horse drawn, the other pulled by a yoke of oxen, constituted the rolling stock of the caravan. Following it were several milk cows, in one wagon was a hen coop to supply eggs on the territory. Outside of eggs and milk all other supplies had to be carried. For meat the party depended on their skill at hunting.

He married Josephine Howe in 1913. They lived at Kivles and worked on and rented the Kivle farm. Three children were born, Maxine (Mrs. Alfred Hanson), living in California. Fordyce died after he grew up and Donald died in his early 20's. George was a great baseball player. He played against Winnipeg and Minneapolis leagues. He had a chance to play in the big leagues but lacked the schooling and was not interested in school. He was also a fancy skater. George was a good hearted man and loved children and they loved him. I remember how we as children looked forward to spending Christmas Eve over at Howes in that large house. He always had so many surprises for us. Even the grown people were remembered. Submitted by Mrs. Justine Fingerson. JOHN LONGSEN FAMILY Dad John Longsen came to the U. S. in 1874. He was born Jan. 21, 1850, in Varmland, Sweden. Mother Mary Longsen came to the U. S. in 1887. She was born Jan. 14, 1867, in Varmland, Sweden. John Longsen worked on the railroad for sometime in Canada, then he came to North Dakota and bought a farm in Tiber Township. John and Mary were married in January, 1889, and lived in Tiber Township. In 1903, John sold the farm and bought a small farm north of Edinburg. May, 1905, they sold and left for Thief River Falls, Minn, where John homesteaded. The family includes: Agnes Longsen, Mrs. Carl Hilde (Ellen), Mrs. Albin Larson (Olga), Mrs. Theo. Bjorg (Anna), Alfred Longsen, Carl Longsen (deceased), and Edgar Longsen (deceased). Alfred is running the farm. Agnes, Olga, and Anna are on the farm place in Thief River Falls. Mrs. Carl Hilde (Ellen) has made her home in North Dakota. Carl and Ellen lived for 10 years on the Dan Bergsman farm south of Adams. Hildes moved into Adams. Their family Merna, Edna Lillian, Clarence and Clifford. Carl died June, 1961. Mrs. Hilde is living in Grafton. Submitted by Mrs. Carl Hilde.

One prized possession was a little cookstove, placed beside the trail whenever the party needed bread. Buffalo chips, twisted grass or brush along the creeks provided fuel. Often the wagon wheels broke through the sod of the trails and sank to their axels in the gumbo. Then the horses were unhitched and allowed to graze while all the family possessions were moved by hand to higher ground. Then the wagons were moved to firmer footing, the freight reloaded, and the homeseekers resumed their way somewhere into the West. Those pioneers were great improvisors-they had to be or die. The head of the family, Anders Myrvik, was then 46 and his wife seven years younger. The children were: Dorthea, 18, Ole, 11 yrs, Nils Pender, 8, and Karen Lydia, 5. Another boy born in 1881 had died of scarlet fever a few months after birth. Progress was slow, the draft animals could not be fed grain but now and then. Six to 20 miles made a day's travel. Stops had to be made with camping possibilities in view and had to be established before dark. They reached Grand Forks for the 4th of July celebration, having traveled 300 miles in 26 days. Arriving at a point six miles west of Park River July 18, Anders purchased a piece of "improved" land with a small log house and a few acres of broken land. For this the payment of $25 in cash, a team of horses, a harness, and an almost new Milburn wagon with a double box was made. The seller of the land, a youth, left that night and the next day the Myrviks found that there had been no land broken and they had been duped. Anders started after the youth and located him in Grafton. The $25 was given back and the youth agreed to return the team if they would drive him back to his mother's home which was about three fourths of a mile from the Myrvik camp. When they were almost there the boy drew a revolver and forced Myrvik from the wagon. There was a chase but the youth escaped with the team and wagon. When he returned from the chase, Myrvik moved four miles and dug a dirt cellar in the side of a small hill for a place to live. They also built a sod stable for the cattle. With the friendly spirit of the frontier, Mrs. Myrvik went to assist a neighbor who gave birth to twins. She was accompanied by her husband. The sled was drawn by oxen and filled with hay and sheepskin blankets. A storm came up and they had to take shelter in an abandoned sod shanty. The children had been left alone and the next morning found they could not open the door.

ANDERS JOHNSON MYRVIK FAMILY

Anders Myrvik Family. From left: Anders Myrvik, Ole. Standing: Karen [Mrs. Christ Flom], John, Nels and Johanna (Mrs. Herman Flom).

Anders Johnson Myrvik and his wife, Dorthea Olsdatter, were both from Sorranen, Norway. They were married in 1863, in 1869 sailed for Quebec, Canada, the trip taking six weeks. Then they came to Minnesota, 62r

They were crawling out over the door when the parents 6

^ r ^ S Anders Myrvik moved 15 miles northwest where he took up a claim. The youngest of h,s sons John Dideman Myrvik was born there in Oct. 1883. A new Sme and stable were built. In the spring Anders began making trips to Grafton, 45 miles away, by oxen, to sell Suter and eggs. The trip took four days. Butter sold for 40 cents a pound and in exchange, flour, a 98 pound sack was purchased for $2 per sack. It was the winter of 1884 before Myrvik children had any schooling. The land was not surveyed before 1883, toen it took time to arrange districts. In 1884 there was six weeks of school. ^ The Myrvik family moved to another farm in 1891. Mrs Myrvik died Nov. 25, 1893. Her husband died Dec. 18,1913 The youngest son, John Diedman, still owns the farm place. „ , ^ * Both Mr. and Mrs. Anders Myrvik were members ot St. Stephen's Lutheran Church and are buried in that ^Descendants of Anders Myrvik, by Mrs. Alton Thorson, granddaughter. Son - Ole Myrvik - Thorns, Olava Myrvik Aardahl Norman Myrvik, Minnie Myrvik Carl, Chester, Lloyd and Geneva; sons Nels Myrvik - Kermit, Andy, Agnes (Nelson), Maynard, Stanley, Hartley, Myrtle (Hanson), Monita (Von Rueden) and Allen; Karen M y ^ ^Mrs Christ Flom) - Adolph, Gilbert, Johnny, Christ Olava (Johanson), Melvin, Julius, Ernest and Clifford Johanna (Mrs. Herman Flom) - Nels, Arthur and Henry; John Myrvik, now residing in Tiber Township Arnold Myrvik, Orval Myrvik and Hazel (Thorson).

seen Game was plentiful, birds, deer, foxes and even babv cubs but he never saw grown bears. There seemed to be a colony of his family members who were neighbors in the hilly terrain of Tiber Coulee^ Norwegian Lutherans, some attended Hitterdahl Church and others were members of St. Stephens Church, just across the Cavalier County line. John is an avid reader, without the use of glasses. He has a good memory, good hearing and says he keeps healthy by regular walking. He makes a trip to the mail box up a steep hill, a distance of about three-fourths of a mile every day. Though he has twice had surgery, he appears in good health, has an amiable disposition, never complains of being lonely and keeps up with affairs of the day by his daily newspaper while he quietly whistles John Myrvik was married to Anna Kragero in 1907. They have a family of three, Arnold whobra. with his father; Orval, Park River, and Hazel, Mrs. Alton Thorson, living on a farm in the area. Mrs. Myrvik died in 1950. Submitted by Mrs. M. C. Flaten. CHARLES MCLEAN

JOHN DIDEMAN MYRVIK

John D. Myrvik Family. Seated: John D. and wife, Anna (Krago). Standing: Orval, Hazel (Thorson), Arnold. John Myrvik was born in 1883 in what is now Cavalier County He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Anders Myrvik, only member of that family born in Dakota Territory. His family came from Minnesota in 1881 Since early childhood he has resided on the home farm in Tiber Township, the last home built by his f ather, A X S Myrvik, where they lived before Mr. and Mrs. Mvrvik both died. „„ , John is a second generation farmer now 93, who recalls his early pioneer childhood in that area. He men ioned the old Indian trail through their pasture where the wagon trail marks can still be seen, stating that after Fort Totten was built, Indians were seldom

John and Mary McLean Family-1883. Left to right, back Vol Charles, Sarah, Flora, Allan, Mary Front row: Duncan, mother Mary McLean, father John McLean, Kate and James. CharlesMcLean was the third of eight children. Born to John and Mary Mckinnon McLean of Under woodjOnt in 1865 He married Elizabeth MacDonald. In 1895 he brought his wife and infant son, John Harvey, to North D a S where James and Allan, his b r o ^ h a d g o n e earlier and homesteaded in Tiber Township. Charles and to f S lived in the sod house that Allan and James tad made when they first came. The sod house had no Partitions, only curtains divided the areas. In this sod house Marie and Lauretta were born. Charles and Elizabeth worked hard on their farm. They planted trees to beautify and protect them from the strong wind and snowstorms. The new life was lonely for Elizabeth, she persuadedher sister Isabelle ,to come and stay with her awhile. Later Isabelle married Allan About 1902 Charles built a large wooden house on the farm. Rena was the third daughter born to them in 1902. Elizabeth became ill with pneumonia and died in 1903 Rena was just six months old so Grandma came and stayed with the family until her death in 1904. Grandma was a very strict, but devout, woman. She read daily from her Gaelic Bible. She asked that when she died, it would be buried in the soil so it would not be misused or torn so Allan buried it on his 'eighty.' Charles employed 626

a housekeeper from Ontario until Marie was 12 yrs. old, she kept house for the family from then on. Charles died in 1917. Harvey married Elizabeth Samson and farmed for a few years, later, Marie, who married Elizabeth's brother, Louie, came and continued to live on this farm. Lauretta became Mrs. Ruel Hensel, and Rena married Elmer Nordine. Lauretta and Rena taught many country schools. Submitted by Mrs. Rena McLean Nordine, daughter, and Mrs. Wanda Samson Hall, granddaughter.

JAMES MCLEAN He first came to what is now Walsh County in 1882, arriving in Grand Forks by train. He spent two years at Minto working as a farm hand. In 1884, he filed a homestead claim in Tiber Township; acquiring other land by the Pre-Emption Act. He and a brother, Allan, built a sod shanty on the Homestead and endured the hardships of the pioneer. Prairie fires were one of the hazards and when he and Allan saw the fire coming, they knew there was no way they could save the shanty. So, they carried a few pieces of furniture to what they thought was safety, only to have the wind switch and the furniture destroyed. In 1887, he married Margaret Ferguson, the first school teacher in Tiber School District No. 91. She, too, was Canadian. Her parents, Alec and Katie Ferguson had settled on a tree claim and operated a post office, known as the Silvesta Post Office. There are no living descendants to relate their story. Jim and Margaret lived in the sod shanty until 1895, when he purchased a quarter of land from Oscar Tovaaton, which included the first frame house in the area. Five children were born to this union, Stella Botsford, Adams; Irene Tanke, Anaheim, Calif.; John; Lloyd; and Elva Johndahl, deceased. After the death of his wife, Margaret, he married Annie Carlson. She came to the United States and the Edinburg-Adams community from Sweden at 16. Five children were born, Mildred Anderson, Hopkins, Minn., Clarence, Sadie Larson, Edna Olson and Roy, deceased. He served on the Tiber Township Board and was Clerk of School District No. 91 from the time it was organized until his death. The frame house still stands, uninhabited, across from the little white school house, no longer in use. Submitted by Mrs. Carl E. Anderson.

ALLAN McLEAN FAMILY Born near Underwood, Ont., of Scottish ancestry, Dec. 8, 1857, Allan and his brother, James came to Dakota Territory via train from Underwood, to Minto, and homesteaded in Tiber Township. The first home was of sod from the prairie, Allan built a large two story frame house in 1902 on the same location at the cost of $1100 with an additional $35 for a storm porch and sink. Allan married Isabel MacDonald, daughter of Neil and Catherine MacDonald.. . Isabelle came to North Dakota in 1897. They were married in August of that year. Five children were born, Gladys Allyn married Charles B. Cary, Richmond, Va.; Florence Katherine married Gordon Ketring, Seattle, Wash.; Melvin John married Martha Olson; Neil Dan married Anna Plummer, Langdon; Gordon Allan, World War H disabled veteran, died in a veterans hospital in March, 1968. Isabelle died in February, 1909, following Cesarean surgery performed at the farm home, leaving five little children. Allan kept the family together with the help of a housekeeper, first Stella McLean Botsford, then Ellen Longren Hilde. Then the older children took over responsibilities of the home. Allan died in Dec, 1918. Melvin, the older son, assumed farming operations. Florence died in Puyallup, Wash., in January, 1956. Neil died at Bremerton, Wash., in October, 1974. Gladys and Melvin are the two surviving children. Submitted by Gladys McLean Carey, daughter, and Melvin McLean, son.

ADELBERT MECHAM This article appeared in either the Walsh Co. Record or the N. D. Wheat Grower's Assoc. Magazine. It was written shortly after Adelbert Mecham's death in Jan. 1924. "Adelbert Mecham, of Edinburg, N. Dak, vicepresident of the North Dakota Wheat Growers Association, and founder of the first farmers cooperative elevator in this state, died Tuesday night, January 8, at 6:50 in a Grand Forks hospital. He is also survived by a brother, Wm. Mecham, of Minneapolis. "Mr. Mecham was born in Mason, 111., Feb. 19, 1858. While he was an infant his parents moved to Missouri, and 40 years ago he came to North Dakota. In 1891 he settled on a farm near Edinburg, soon after his marriage to Anna Moen. At the time of his death he was the owner of 1,200 acres of land in that vicinity. "Mr. Mecham holds the distinction of organizing the first farmers' co-operative elevator, establishing the Farmers' Elevator company of Edinburg in the '90's, which he managed the first four years of its operation. He has been associated with the wheat pooling movement since its very beginning in this state in 1920, at which time he served on the original organization committee. When the North Dakota Wheat Growers Association was incorporated in Jan., 1922, Mr. Mecham was named director, and at the last annual election held

Allan and Isabelle McLean Wedding—Aug. 1897 627

in July, was elected vice-president and member of the eXeC

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e

"M r M°echam was a leader, rather than a follower He it was, who first presented the plan o f £ . export aeencv for grain as advocated by Secretary oi S S t u r e Henry C. Wallace. Last July he made a S a l trip to G r i i d Forks in order to present his ideas tomeofficials of the association. It met such favor that it was immediately decided to forward a draft of the plan T s e c Sary Wallace and other officials at Washington that toe this project of a government«cport agency has gained nation-wide support, and there is a S h o o d thft congress will take favorable action on the matter during this session. Mecham "It was the keenest disappointment to Mr. M e e ™ (for he realized the end was near) and to his coUeages, that he would not be able to go to W a l t o n ^ t h e m terest of this project, as delegated by the executive committee at its last meeting^ ^ "Mr. Mecham was a member of the Masonic loage, A. F. and A. M. of Park River." M f l

n i c

In 1904, David Monson and a neighbor Olaf K_ Gryde, founded the Edinburg mail route no. L June: 15 ot that year mail was first delivered. Haakon Glaholt was 0 1 6

r

D?vki Monson was one of the organizers of Gryde School Dist. No. 125. The school was built in 1896. He was S S S r e r for many years. He was a charter member of ^ r i d T S s o n d i e d F e b . 3,1939. Mrs. Monson died May 12, 1929. Submitted by Denis Monson. CARL A. MONSON

l o d g e

MR. AND MRS. DAVID MONSON

Carl and Tilda Monson in 1908 Home

Mr. and Mrs. David A. Monson David A Monson was born in Norway, Feb .19, 1860.

Carl Monson family. Seated, left to right: Denis, Carl (father), Tilda (mother). Standing: Alice (Johnson), Vivian (Loe), Orville. Carl A. Monson, son of Mr. and Mrs. David A. Monson was born Mar. 13,1885, in Dewey Twp. In 1907 he S s t e a d S in Silvesta Township. The site is now owned and farmed by Rueben Espelien In 1908 he married Tilda Gryde, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Olaf K. Gryde. They built the farmstead in Silvesta TWP' ana hved there until 1924. His hope hadaways been toTeturn to the coulees of Tiber Twp. and this dream m a S z e d when he purchased the William Gemmill Srm in 1923. After moving to Tiber Twp he farmed both farSs for three or four years but foun1 i . to^ inconvenient so the Silvesta farm was sold to Olaf Bjerke. Mr^ and Mrs. Monson hadfive children: Alice (Mrs^ Bjorn Johnson), Amy (Mrs. Earl Lykken she and husband were killed in an automobile accident in 1940), Denis, Orval and Vivian (Mrs. Alvin Loe).

Here he lived until he brought the family farm in Tiber in 1893 This continued to be their home>until h * son Alfred, the last living family member, diedm W David Monson was marned to Andruie Hilde, also frorn Norway, in 1884. They had eight children: Melvin S r i , Anna, Dorthe, David, Alfred and Laura (Mrs. Chris ^They'encountered many hardships in their early years Their greatest fear was of prairie fires. In 1885 suS a fire destroyed their crops and oxen and also S u e d the life of Mrs. Monson's mother. There was also drought, grasshoppers, hail, and heavy frosts that S o y e d their crops. With determination and faith they withstood their trials and eventually acquired more land S up a beautiful farmstead with large buildmgs and converSencesthatwere considered modern for that toa The buildings on the farm have been abandoned but the farm still remains in the Monson family as a grandson, Denis Monson, owns and farms the land.

628

They remained on the farm until 1942 when they purchased a home in Edinburg and resided there until their deaths. Carl Monson died in 1963 and Mrs. Monson in 1967. Both were members of the Odalen Congregation. The farm is now owned and operated by their son, Denis and wife Janice. Submitted by Denis Monson. MATHIAS AND JOSEPHINE MORTENSON Mathias Mortenson was bom in Solor, Norway. He went to Saude, I., as a young man. It was in Iowa that he met his wife, Josephine Dahl Fredericks, Telemarken, Norway. They married there and moved to Tiber Township to file on a homestead in the spring of 1882. They resided there until their deaths in the 30's. The Mortensons had 11 children - six sons and five daughters: Martha, Aase (died in infancy), Morten, Halvor, Aasne (Aggie), Frederick, Kristian, Edward, Alleta, Mathias and Josephine. Only Kristian, Tioga, and Mrs. E. J. Bakken (Josephine), Grand Forks, are living. Mr. and Mrs. Mortenson lived in a small shack or hut on the prairie until the log house was built in the woods. During a prairie fire, the neighborly acts so prevalent in pioneer days helped save the log house, a log stable and haystack. Indians would go by in long caravans with their ponies and carts with buffalo bones. Mr. Mortenson broke the sod with oxen so he could plant crops. The family picked wild fruit like June berries, pin cherries, choke cherries, goose berries, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries from the woods near their home. There was also fishing from the river, which helped with the food supply. Mr. and Mrs. Mortenson were at the meeting to organize the Odalen Lutheran Church and Ladies' Aid. Mrs. Mortenson was elected first Secretary of the Aid March 25, 1895. They both worked for schools and donated the land for the school known as Tiber School.

Mortenson Log Home—Tiber Twp. Mathias and Josephine Mortenson homesteaded at Tiber Crossing. They lived there all their 67 years of married life. I remember my grandfather saying he had donated land for school Dist. No. 77. It was given the name Tiber to honor Mrs. Tiber who was one of the first to come to that area to homestead.

My grandmother helped as a mid-wife many times. She was also the first secretary of the Odalen Church Ladies Aid. Submitted by Mrs. Chester A. Erickson and Mrs. Manvel Moe. FRED MORTINSON My father, Mathias Mortinson, came from Solar, Norway, and my mother, Josephine Frederickson, came from Telemarken, Norway. They came to seek greater opportunities in a new free world. They came by sailboat and the trip took nine weeks when mother came over. Father came here in 1882 and stayed awhile in the Chicago, 111., area while mother came to Cresco, I., where later father and she met and married. They packed what little possessions they had, a team of horses, a wagon, a plow, and a few pieces ol furniture, some vegetables and two big trunks of clothing and heirlooms, on a railroad immigrant car and set out for the land of free. This train took them to Grand Forks, Dakota Territory, which proved to be the terminal of the railroad, at that time I think, they were laying tracks to Grafton. Here they transferred their belongings and loaded it on to a wagon and from there on history was in the making for the Mortinson family, as well as all the other pioneers who flocked into the Territory that June in 1882. They stayed a few days at Park River with my mothers cousin, Jerimiah Kittleson, who had located his homestead four or five miles NW of what is now Park River. They had three children, Jerry, Sander and a girl, who married Tom Greive of Adams. Both Jerry and Sander are dead. Leaving the Kittleson place they headed NW following an Indian trail that was used between Red Lake, Minn., and the Turtle Mts. The Indians traded with the Hudson Bay Co. When my parents came to what is now the center of Tiber Township, 7 miles west of Edinburg, this was to be the end of the journey. Dad walked to Grafton to get school District No. 77 started. He erected a log cabin and I was born May 25,1886. There were eight children born, Martin, Edward, Chris, Josie (Mrs. E. J. Bakken), Mathis, and Lottie. The pioneers not only by their hard work, made Walsh County into the "Bread Basket" of the World, but the many white churches with their steeples aimlessly points to the fact that without the help of our great and wonderful God their labors would have been in vain. Fred was married to Nina McKay at Moorhead, Minn., Feb. 9, 1926, and they had one son, Earl. She preceded him in death. He spent the last years of his life in Spokane, Wash. JENS NYGARD March 24, 1871, in Loiten, Norway, the eighth of 10 children was born to Amund Jorgenson Nystuen and his wife, the former Lisabeth Johannes Morthovsronning. They named their boy Jens. The years sped by swiftly and soon little Jens had reached the age of 20. Now the urge of seeking new adventures in a new land crept into his blood as it had with his four brothers before him-Jorgen, August, Lauritz and Andrew, and plans were made for his departure from home. In 1891 bidding farewell to his parents, five

brothers, and his only sister, Karine, Jens, together with his good friend, Ole Moen, set sail for the United States. It was quite some time later they began the long trip westward until they reached their destination which was to become their permanent home-Tiber Township. Jens worked first for his brother, Jorgen, and later in 1897, in partnership with his brother, August. It was at this time and the following three years that Jens purchased the acres of land on which he continued to li ve and farm until his retirement years. Upon Jens' arrival in the United States, he took the name of Amundson. This was a common procedure for a young man to do-take his father's first name and add the word son to it. Later, however, this was permanently changed to Nygard. January 9, 1898, Jens married Kristine Olson. Kristine was born Jan. 4,1878, in Holms Sayken, Sweden, to Oluf P. Olson and his wife, the former Katrina Benkston. She came with her parents and family to Walsh County in 1884 at age six. She was one of seven children-three sisters, Augusta, (Mrs. Chris Ellingson), Maria (Mrs. Jorgen Nygard), Anna (Mrs. Gust Samuelson), and three brothers, Carl, Nels, and Aaron. In April, 1884, at 11, she attended school in Tiber District No. 77 and her education was completed at 14 in July, 1892 Ten children were born-August, Fairdale, (deceased), Marie (Mrs. Ole Herseth, Adams), Ole, Ambrose, Oscar, Fairdale, Louis, Edinburg, (deceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry Rud, Edinburg), Joseph, Edinburg, Ruth (Mrs. Milo Mortenson, Puyallup, Wn.), Clarence, Adams, and Melvin, Pedley, Calif. During the summer of 1916, Jens made a trip back to Norway to visit his family. His mother died Dec. 26,1904.

Jens Nygard Family—1937. Back row, left to right: Elizabeth, August, Louis, Joseph, Ole, Clarence. Front row: Melvin, Marie, Jens, Kristine, Oscar, Ruth. Besides raising a large family, clearing woodland, tilling the soil with horses and crude machinery, milking cows, raising chickens and hogs, chopping wood for winter's heat supply, carrying water for all uses, scrubbing clothes on a wash board, ironing with a flat iron, spinning, knitting socks, mittens and sweaters, baking bread every other day, cooking over a hot range, canning and salting down meat, churning butter, making cheese and so many other chores that spelled hard work, there was still time for visiting and active participation in church and community affairs. They belonged to Odalen Lutheran Church and Sunday worship services would find the entire family attending. In summer it meant traveling by horse and buggy and in the winter by horse and sleigh. Their children were all baptized and confirmed in the Odalen Church and all ten attended

school in Tiber District No. 77 where their mother, Kristine, had received her few years of education. Kristine was an active member in the Ladies Aid and Jens held various offices within the church. He also served as treasurer of Tiber Township and clerk of Tiber School District No. 77 for many years. Jens and Kristine retired from farming in 1943 and moved to Adams. Their son, Joseph, took over the farm and with his son, Lon, continued farming there. Jan. 9, 1948, marked the 50th wedding anniversary of Jens and Kristine. Jens died Oct. 31, 1948, at 77, and Kristine Oct. 15, 1951 at 73. Submitted by Joe Nygard.

The Five Nygard Bros.—Pioneers. Standing, left to right: Jens, Andrew, Lauritz. Front row: Jorgen and August. LAURITZ NYGARD FAMILY

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Lauritz Nygard. Standing, left to right: Alfred, Martin, Laura, Martha. Sitting, center row: Anna Lauritz, Ella, Ludvig, Mrs. Nygard, Edwin seated in front. Lauritz Nygard came to Walsh County from Loiten, Norway, May 12, 1886. He settled in Tiber Township, where he resided until his death. Mrs. Nygard (nee Agnette Martinson) came to this country in 1887 from Solar, Norway. They were married at the home of Jorgen Nygard, brother of Lauritz. They had 10 children, six of whom are still living. Those who have died are: Martin Nygard, Alma Nygard, Leif Nygard, and Ludvig Nygard. Living are: Mrs. Laura Pike, St. Paul, Minn.; Mrs. Anna Moen, Park River; Mrs. C. C. Flom (Martha), Grand Forks; Alfred Nygard, Litchville; Mrs. Ella Reckner, Chicago, HI.;

27,1939. Burials are in the Odalen Lutheran Cemetery of Edinburg. Submitted by Marie Tveit Peterson (granddaughter) .

Edwin Nygard, Edinburg. Their descendants include 28 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and 31 greatgreat-grandchildren. July 17, 1938, Mr. and Mrs. Lauritz Nygard were honored in the Odalen Lutheran Church west of Edinburg, by more than 200 relatives and friends, at their golden wedding anniversary. A program was presented by their children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. The Reverend G. L. Halmrast and the Reverend J. T. Langemo were the speakers. Without modern conveniences and under difficult conditions, they worked hard on their farm, five miles west of Edinburg, to support their large family. Mrs. Nygard died Jan. 10,1943. Mr. Nygard died Oct. 14,1945. They were active and held various offices in the Odalen Lutheran Church. Submitted by Mrs. Edwin Nygard.

ANDREW NYGARD FAMILY

JORGEN NYGARD FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew

Nygard—1897

Andrew Nygard, son of Amund and Lisabeth Nystuen, was born in Liten, Norway, in 1868. He was one of 10 children, Jorgen, August, Lauritz, Andrew, and Jens who came to America, Karine, Johannes, Harold, Ole, and Oskar remained in Norway. When 18, Andrew came to America in 1886 and settled in Walsh County. He said the land in the Grafton, Park River area was swampy and wet. He worked for his brother Jorgen and later dug wells in the community and around Grafton. With his brother, August, he bought a farm one mile north and six miles west of Edinburg. This he purchased when August returned to Norway. He also bought land adjacent to his farm after his marriage to Anna Christine Thorson in 1897. This farmstead became known as the Andrew Nygard farm. Andrew cleared trees and built buildings when he and his wife moved to the new farmstead with four small children. They slept in the granary and cooked in the cookcar until their new house was built by Nickolai Anderson and Dietrich Levang. Eleven children were born: Lily, Calma, Amund, Agnes, Ingvald, Alf, Johnnie, Emma, Alice, Lloyd, and Clifford. Andrew Nygard returned to his homeland twice in 1930 and 1947. He died in 1949 at 80. Mrs. Andrew Nygard (Anna Christine Thorson), daughter of Anun and Kristin Thorson, was born in Skien, Norway, in 1878. She was one of four children: Karen, Edward, Theodore, and Anna. Her father died when she was two years old. Her mother married Johannes Glaholt and at four Anna came with her parents to America settling in the Edinburg, Union area. To the Glaholts seven children were bom: Haakon, Andrew, Inga, Alfred, Carl, Johann, and Alma. When the Glaholts crossed the ocean their ship became marooned on an iceberg. When nine, Anna left home to help others and provide

Jorgen Nygard Family. Standing: Louise (Thrugstad), Alfred, Selma (Tveit), George, Nora (Thrugstad), Mabel (Ellingson), Peter. Seated: Anna Myra, Jorgen, Catherine (Flom), Mrs. Nygard (Maria), Clara (Johnson). Jorgen Nygard was born at Loiten Hedemarken, Norway, Jan. 13,1859, and came to Philadelphia March 16,1881. He continued on to Texas and stayed at Norse for a year, coming to Grafton, April 2,1882, settling in Tiber Township on a homestead in 1883. Maria Olson was born March 22, 1866, in Horns Soyken, Sweden, and came to this country in Aug., 1884. They were married by Rev. Holseth on Dec. 20, 1885. They lived on the home place until 1918 when they moved to Edinburg, where they resided until 1926, when they again returned to Tiber Township. During his life he was active in community activities. He was a charter member of the Odalen LuJieran Church and had offices on the school board during all these years. He was also active in Township duties as supervisor and road overseer for several years. Jorgen Nygard died Dec. 11, 1941, and his wife preceded him June 19, 1939. They were the parents of 10 children: Alfred died at Northwood Jan. 26, 1969; Mrs. Hans (Clara) Johnson resides at Edmore; Mrs. John (Louise) Thrugstad, Denver, Colo.; Peter died at Larimore Jan. 21, 1974; George died April 27, 1957; Mrs. Henry (Mabel) Ellingson died at Cavalier Jan 2, 1974; Mrs. George (Anna) Myra lives in Fargo; Mrs. Christ (Selma) Tveit, Edinburg; Mrs. Edwin (Nora) Thrugstad, Milton; Mrs. Arthur (Catherine) Flom died in Tiber Township, June 631

for her own living. She stayed with several families in the community and related how kind they had been to her in providing for her needs. Anna cooked in the hotel in Edinburg when she was 15 years of age. She worked in a millinery shop in Minto, and also for the banker there. At 19, Anna Thorson married Andrew Nygard in 1897 She returned to her native land on one visit with her husband in 1930. Anna Nygard died in 1935 at 56. Both Anna and Andrew were members of the Odalen Lutheran Church, where their remains now are at rest in the church cemetery. Submitted by Amund Nygard.

BEN AND ALMA OLSON Ben Olson was born in Norway July 25,1879. He came to the United States in 1902. The original family name in Norway was Islandsrud, but as many other immigrants to the United States did, he changed his name to Olson. He did farm work until he got a farm of his own. In 1908 he married Alma Kivle of Edinburg. Her parents were homesteaders in Tiber Township. At first, Ben and Alma farmed near Edinburg, then they bought a farm near Adams and farmed there about 11 years. Then they bought the Kivle farm and moved back to the Edinburg area. Here he farmed until his retirement. Ben and Alma had three sons, Olger of Karlstad, Minn.; Arnold, Bisbee; and Kasper, on the family farm in Tiber Township. Alma died in 1941 and Ben in July, 1974. They were members of the Trinity Lutheran Church at Edinburg and are buried in the Trinity Cemetery. Submitted by Mrs. Kasper Olson.

Mrs. Anun Thorson, mother of Mrs. Andrew Nygard and 1st husband, Anun Thorson. WILLIE A. NELSON FAMILY Willie A. Nelson was born May 14, 1893. He married Alice Brunsvold who was born Sept. 12, 1904, at the Alof Brunsvold farm home near Edinburg on Jan. 23, 1924. They lived on the Andrew J. Nelson farm for seven years. In July, 1931, they moved to Edinburg and bought a hotel from Andrew Moen. This was known as the "Nelson Hotel" for 22 years. Besides managing the hotel, Mr. Nelson was a painter and was in partnership with Palmer Swensrud. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson had four children: Wanda (Mrs. Edward Hall), Edinburg; Dorothy Ann (Mrs. Dickson Gilliam), Scappoose, Ore.; Wallace Lee, Hebo, Ore.; Clinton Ray, West Fargo. Mr. Nelson died Sept. 1, 1949. Church affiliations were at Odalen and Trinity. Submitted by Wanda Nelson Hall. ANDREW J. NELSON FAMILY Andrew J. Nelson was born Sept. 13, 1844, Johanna Lundberg was born March 20, 1849, and came by boat from Sweden. They married and lived on a farm near Edinburg. They were members of Odalen Lutheran Church. Five children were born and raised by them: Ella (Mrs. Peter Nygard); August; Albert; Minnie (Mrs. Millard Botsford) ; and Willie. Mrs. Nelson died Feb. 9, 1919. Their youngest son Willie was serving with the U. S. Army at this time - he spent 22 months there. Andrew Nelson died Nov. 2, 1926. At this writing only one of the family survives, Minnie (Mrs. Millard Botsford), Chinook, Mont. Submitted by Wanda Nelson Hall.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Olson OLUF P. OLSON Oluf P. Olson was born in Rolanda Soden, Sweden, Sept. 9, 1836, and married Maria Katherina Nilsdatter April 8,1864. He came to America in 1881 and spent some time working on the railroad until 1884 when he came to Tiber Township and bought a homestead claim from Mr. Jackson. He farmed until his retirement in 1884. His oldest son, Aron, and oldest daughter, Maria, came and joined him. In May, 1885, his wife, Katherina, and the other five children cametothe U. S. from Sweden. Their children were: Mrs. Jorgen Nygard (Maria), Aron Mrs. Gust Samuelson (Anna), Nels, Mrs. Christ Ellingson (Augusta Maria), Mrs. Jens Nygard (Christina), Carl and Oscar. In Oluf's younger days he was active in the Lutheran church. He also had a few acres for a pound yard on his farm and kept stray cattle as there were not many fences in those days. So, if some cattle strayed off, they could be found in the pound yard for a small fee. O. P. Olson was poundmaster for some years. His wife, Kathrine, died

Jan. 3, 1911, he died Jan. 5, 1917. His son, Nels, and daughter, Augusta, farmed the place until retirement and now a grandson and granddaughter, Oscar Ellingson and Alpha Nelson, own the farm. Submitted by Oscar Ellingson.

operated a gift and card shop in the telephone office. Gladys was born in 1890 and died in 1953. The family burial plot is in Lampton Cemetery. Submitted by Ivah Johnson. MR. AND MRS. OLUF RUSTAN

Oluf Rustan Family. Left to right: Vernon, Willis, Lloyd, Pearl (Bjerke), Leonard, Olive (Drevecky). The home of Oluf P. Olson in 1885—Tiber Twp.

JOHN AND EMMA M. PATERSON John Paterson and his wife, Emma, immigrated to Dakota Territory from eastern Canada around 1880. All their possessions consisted of a wagon, a yoke of oxen and household goods and clothing that could be hauled in a wagon. Their first stop in Dakota Territory was at St. Joseph, now Walhalla. There they camped and captured a wild pig in the woods. They pushed on to the Edinburg area, squatting on land southwest of Edinburg, later known as the Eric Rustan farm. They lived there for a number of years. A daughter, Gladys, often related experiences she recalled as a child when Indians came into their home taking what food they found on the table, but no violence was ever reported. Later, they moved into Edinburg, building a home where they resided until their deaths. They were interested in gardening and planting trees and shrubs. John died and Emma lived with her daughter, Gladys, and son, John, until she died in 1920. She was born Nov. 9, 1845. Friends recall that she had been born in Prussia during a period of political unrest. As an infant she had been left in a cemetery by her parents, as they feared they were about to be taken prisoners and thought the child would be rescued by the German soldiers. She was taken to Germany and raised as a German subject. How or when she made her way to eastern Canada where she married John Paterson is not known here. She was artistic, painted many pictures. When Edinburg was burning in 1900, she climbed on top of a granary and painted the town enveloped in smoke and flames. She was also known as a fine seamstress. Children were: Florence (McAdams) who later lived in Hannah; John and Gladys, Edinburg; Robert, Hannah; William Rugby, skilled in sone work and builder of the Peace Garden marker and the marker of the center of North America at Rugby; and John, custodian of the school in Edinburg, interested in mechanics and carpentry. Gladys was well known in the entire Edinburg area as an early telephone operator, a music teacher. She

Mrs. Oluf (Louise Stenerson) Rustan was born in 1884 in a sod hut north of Edinburg. When she was baptized by Rev. Flaten, she was carried to what used to be the Hellick Nereson farm, west of Edinburg, where church services were held. She was confirmed by Rev. J. T. Langemo. She told about when her parents first came to this area in the early eighties. They had to camp by the present site of the Bible camp, as a snowstorm halted their progress. Her mother and the children sat under the wagon box and a fire was built to keep them warm until the storm let up so that they could be on their way again. Later, they lived in a sod hut in the side hill three miles north and one mile west of Edinburg. Her sister, Gunhild, later Mrs. Edward Field, had been ill with the measles and her mother had just taken her out of the bed when a cow walked over the top, fell through the roof into the bed and smashed it. July 21, 1905, she married Oluf Rustan. Rev. Langemo performed the ceremony. Oluf was born near New Richland, Minn., April 11, 1877, he came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Rustan when he was three years old to north of Edinburg where he hved until he was 27 years old. When Oluf and Louise got married, they moved to a farm in Tiber Township, west of Edinburg. He died Nov. 6,1940, at 63. They told of an experience they had shortly after they were married. They had gone to bed and were awakened by a strange noise. Mrs. Rustan awoke first and tried to wake Oluf. When she finally got him awake, to their surprise the first thing they saw was the moon shining where the kitchen used to be. They got up to investigate and discovered that there had been an electrical storm and lightning had struck in their kitchen. The strange noise Mrs. Rustan had been awakened by was the neighbor's dog which had come over to investigate and was standing by their bed panting. When they got up, they found the kitchen in quite a mess, stumbling over things that had been torn apart and scattered. Mrs. Rustan said when she took the silverware out of the drawer it was magnetized so much that it all came out when she reached for one piece. A large

number of their wedding gifts were destroyed. This experience left them with a fear of lightning. Mr. and Mrs. Rustan had seven children. Helery died April 6 1911, at the age of one; Leonard, married Myrtle Johnson, died Sept. 28, 1973, at 66. Pearl (Mrs. Magnus Bjerke), has one child, Mrs. Jack (Paulette) Misialek, Adams. Lloyd married Dorothy Thommason, lives at Larimore. Vernon married Stella Bjerke, Edinburg, they have five daughters, Lavonne (Mrs. Syl Narlock), Warren, Minn.; Sandra (Mrs. Reif Samuelson), Fairdale) Lynda (Mrs. David OsowsM), Grafton; Darlene (Mrs. Wendell Shirek), Ellendale, Minn.; and Judy (Mrs. Tony Osowski), Minto. Willis married Fern Meling and they have two sons, Glen, married Mary Langerud, lives at Park River, and Curtiss at home. Orine (Mrs. Vernon Drevecky) has one child, Bonnie (Mrs. Rick Elofson), Grand Forks. Mr. and Mrs. Oluf Rustan were also survived by 12 great grandchildren. Mrs. Rustan died June 15, 1973, at 90. Their son, Willis, and family live on the home farm. Submitted by Mrs. Magnus Bjerke. GILBERT RUD

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Rud and son, Henry, age iy years. 2

Gilbert Rud was born in Nordie Odalen, Norway, in 1867. He came to America about 1890. He had three brothers and one sister, none of them came along to America. He worked as a carpenter and also did farm work. He homesteaded in Tiber Township on 40 acres about 1895. About 1900, he bought some land. He married Inga Nelson from Nordia Odalen, Norway, March 12, 1913. Gilbert and Inga farmed in the western part of North Dakota for four years, coming to Walsh County again in 1916, where they bought land that is still in the family. He helped build Odalen Church and was janitor for a few years, received $10 a year salary which he gave to the church. For heating the church, they burned wood. He helped build houses, barns and business places in Edinburg and Adams. Gilbert also served on the Tiber School Board for many years. Gilbert died in June, 1955, and Inga in 1962. They are buried in the Odalen Cemetery. Submitted by Henry Rud. JORGEN HANSEN SKYRUD FAMILY Jorgen Hansen Skyrud was born in Sand Sogn, Nordre Odalen, Norway, Aug. 24, 1834. His parents were Hans Hansen and Martha Skyrud. Jorgen had two brothers: Frederick (in Norway) and Hans (married and

lived near Mohall); two sisters, Inge (married Olaf Hagen whose son, Halfdan, was the only one to come to America) and Anna (married but lived in Norway). Jorgen married Anne Ivara Sandrud, daughter of Kristoffer and Kari (Dasjeu Dahlsrud) Sandrud, also of Nodre Odalen, Norway, June 24, 1871. Anne was born Sept. 20, 1848. Anne's grandfather was Kristoffer Lyon, born in France. Anne was the oldest and had four brothers and four sisters: Karl (who drowned at 21), Kristine (Mrs. Hans Troftgruben), Julia (Mrs. Amund Smesrud hved in Norway), Arthur and another Arthur, both died as infants; Anna (in Norway), Laura (Mrs. John Klath) and Julius (in Norway). Jorgen was a shoemaker in Norway and lived in a log cabin there. Jorgen, like so many of his relatives and friends decided to go to America. With his wife, Anne, and their three small children, Hans, nearly nine, Knut, six, and Kari, nearly three, started off from Bruval, Norway, about 40 miles north of Oslo, for America on a sail boat across the Atlantic Ocean. This same boat, loaded with cattle, sank on the way back to Norway. The ocean was rough and their trunk would slide across the floor in their cabin. They brought their spinning wheel along from Norway. Kari walked on the deck, holding her father's hand, and saw the blue waters and a whale spouting water. Kari (later known as Carrie) is the only surviving member of this family and celebrated her 96th birthday May 8, 1975. She is in fairly good health and spends her days reading, embroidering and crocheting on pillowcases. When Jorgen and his family left Norway, they sailed to Holland where they stayed four days. It took about six weeks to sail from Holland across the ocean to the new country. They came to Cadillac, Mich., early in 1882 and he worked in a saw mill. In July, 1883, they came to Section 35 in Tiber Township and stayed with Anne's sister, Kristina, and her husband, Hans Troftgruben, until they got a place of their own. The Troftgruben's lived in a dugout with a door and window to the front. The bedroom was to the back in the hill. It only had two rooms. They had dirt floors and candle light. The Skyruds bought timber land about one mile south of the Troftgruben place that had a one room log house on the place in Section 34 in Tiber Township. Jorgen worked until he got the timber cleared off enough to farm. They cooked by outside fire with iron kettles on " Y " sticks with a stick across to hold the kettles up. The first stove they had was carried by Jorgen and Halvor Grande, a neighbor both in Norway and here, walking from Grafton to their farmstead, which was northwest of Grafton about 30 miles. The stove was small with four legs. The top had four lids and burned wood. It had a small oven for baking. Jorgen and son, Hans, also carried 100 pounds of flour from Grafton. When they first came to Walsh County, they would see Indians drive by to the north of the homestead. Down by the coulee they found buffalo bones. Their first means of getting around was by walking. Later they bought oxen to drive the wagon and to plow the ground for planting grain. They cut hay with a sickle and raked it with a hand rake for the cow they had bought. Two more children were born here, Clara in 1884 and Frank in 1886. The family were members of Odalen Lutheran Church. Their childhood training consisted of a few weeks of Norwegian school which was held in the

homes The first school was at the Lauris Nygard home. The schoolhouse was built in 1888. Confirmation instruction began at the age of eight and continued through their 14th birthday. Their confirmation was held at the Tiber Schoolhouse. Hans was a member of the first confirmation service which is recorded Aug. 7, 1887, by Pastor M. C. Holseth. The children were young when they started working out Carrie remembers she was 11 when she helped take care of neighbors' children. When she was 14, she worked at the neighbors and at 15 she was sent to Park River to learn the art of dressmaking. She had her ears pierced when quite young by her mother with a shoemaker's needle and a cork. Later at 18, she worked as a waitress at the hotel in Edinburg. She cooked for many years in cook cars in threshing time. Jorgen and Anne lived together for 42 years and had five children: Hans (married Dina Elton, six children, Olive, Edwin, Melve, Irene, James and Eleanore); Knut (married Ida Ammerman, one daughter, Ida); Carrie (Mrs. John Setnes, eight children, Gaynell, Carl, Ernest, Clayton, Elmo, Ruth, Raymond and Alice); Clara (Mrs. Martin Olson, seven children, Ivan, Clifford, Marie, Ida, Evelyn, Alice and Merlin); Frank (married Alma Thompson, two sons, Jewel and Curtis - later married Alice Ulberg Lindell, two children, Warner and Adell). Anne resided with her two sons, Knut and Frank, after the death of her husband. Jorgen died Aug. 20,1913, and Anne, Sept. 11,1925. They are buried at the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery. Submitted by Mrs. Gordon Lykken.

cents a dozen to go some place else. He first walked to Edinburg and they were buying them for seven cents a dozen so he then walked to Park River, but he could only get six cents there. So he walked to the Vesta Store and could get seven cents a dozen there. It still wasn't the eight cents a dozen his mother had wanted, so he went and talked to his brother, Hans, who was working for Gilbert Hagen at that time. Hans told him, "You sell them right now, you have carried those eggs far enough." Knut married Ida Ammerman, who was teaching in the home school, in 1901. Ida was born in Canada Nov. 26, 1880 They hved at Edmore and a daughter, Ida, was born Oct. 16,1902. Mrs. Skyrud died Nov. 6,1902, and was buried at a f amily plot belonging to her Uncle R. B. Hunt at Park River. The cemetery is located about 3% miles east of Park River. Knut and Ida went to live with Grandma and Grandpa Skyrud. Knut and his brother, Frank, and their children and Grandma Skyrud went to Duval, Sask, where they farmed for a year about 1920. Their sister, Clara, and her husband, Martin Olson, were farming there. Clara and her family continued to live in Canada all their lives. Knut and Frank returned to Walsh County and around 1923 started farming west of Edinburg. They continued until 1940 when they went to work in a shipyard in Burlingame, Calif. Knut had a job of sweeping and cleaning up. Frank returned to Edinburg in 1945 and was married. Knut stayed in California and made his home with his daughter, Ida, and her husband, Robbie King, and their two daughters, Betty and Ida Ann, at San Mateo, Calif., coming back quite often to visit in North Dakota. ' „ He diedDec. 4, 1969, spent his last year at the Borg Memorial Home at Mountain, N. D. He is laid to rest at the St. Peter Cemetery. Submitted by Mrs. Gordon Lykken. FRANK SKYRUD Frank Skyrud was born in Tiber Township on Nov. 2, 1886 and was the last child born to Jorgen and Anne (Sandrud) Skyrud. He had two brothers, Hans and Knute, and two sisters, Carrie (Mrs. John Setnes) and Clara (Mrs. Martin Olson). He married Alma Thompson, daughter of Thomas and Louise (Larson) Thompson of Vesta Township in 1912. Alma was born Sept. 24,1892, and had six brothers and five sisters: Johnnie, Louis, Alvin (died as a baby), Emma (Mrs. Knut Westerlund), Julia (Mrs. L . C. Thompson), Hattie (Mrs. Melvin Orstad), Esaias (Cy), Clifford, Alvin, Hattie (died as a baby) and Lucille (Mrs. Elmer Orstad). Frank and Alma hved on the farm where Marvin Drevecky now lives in Vesta Township. When his father, Jorgen died, his mother and brother, Knut, and his little daughter, Ida, age 12, came to live with them. Frank and Knut continued to farm together for many years. Frank and Alma had two sons, Jewel born Aug. 15, 1913, and Curtis, April 9,1915. They are both married and live in California. Alma died March 21, 1919. In about 1920, the two brothers and their f amilies and mother moved to Duval, Sask., where they farmed. Their sister Clara, and her husband, Martin Olson, were also farming in that area. After a year, Frank and Knut returned to Walsh County and farmed near Park River. In about 1923, they moved to one mile west of Edinburg

Jorgen Skyrud Family. Left to right: Fares Habib, Ida (Ammerman), Knut, Olive, daughter of Hans, sitting on porch, Jorgen, wife, Anne Skyrud, Frank, Mrs. Hans Dina Skyrud, her son, Edwin, Hans, Clara and Came Skyrud. KNUT SKYRUD Knut Skyrud was born in Sand Sogn, Nodre Odalen, Nov 17 1875, to Jorgen and Annie (Sandrud) Skyrud. He came to Cadillac, Mich., with his parents, his brother Hans, and his sister Kari in 1882. In 1883 they came to Section 34 in Tiber Township. Here sister Clara and brother Frank were born. A human interest story about Knut is one his nephew, James, remembers his dad, Hans, telling him about. One day Grandma Skyrud sent her son, Knut, with several dozen eggs to sell and told him if he couldn't get eight

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where they farmed and raised potatoes until 1940. Their mother, Mrs. Jorgen (Anne) Skyrud, died Sept. 11, 1925. Frank and Knut went to California and worked in shipyards at Burlingame. Frank returned to Edinburg in 1945 and married Alice (Ulberg) Lindell May 31,1945, in a Lutheran church in Grand Forks. Alice was born Oct. 29,1899, and was the daughter of Christian and Bergina (Odne) Ulberg. Alice was a widow with two children, Warner and Adell (Mrs. Joe Anderson). They lived west of Edinburg and farmed in Section 27 of Lampton Township. They later bought a home in Edinburg where Alice continues to reside. Frank died Oct. 27,1969, and is laid to rest at the St. Peter Cemetery. Submitted by Mrs. Gordon Lykken. SONDRE SONDRESON FAMILY

Sondre Sondreson—1900

Mrs. Sondre Sondreson [Bergitte Kittleson]—1900 Sondre Sondreson was born in Belvidere, 111., in 1848. His wife, Bergitte Kittleson, was born in Racine, Wis. They married in Cresco, Iowa. In the fall of 1882 they immigrated from Cresco to North Dakota where they filed a homestead claim in Tiber Township. They came to Grafton by train and brought with them cattle, horses and machinery. They had a family of five daughters and three sons: Annie, Johanna, Carrie, Mary, Emma, Carl, Lawrence and Bertram. Two sons died in infancy. Mrs. Sondreson was active in Ladies Aid and she was first president of the Odalen Ladies Aid. Sondreson was treasurer of School District No. 52. They moved to Lampton Township in 1903, where they lived until their death. Over the years he farmed he acquired several quarters of land to pass on to his family. Sondre Sondreson died in 1915 and Mrs. Sondreson in 1936. They were buried in the Trinity Cemetery at Edinburg. Submitted by Amy Troftgruben Steen.

1908, the family moved back to their homestead in Walsh County.

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Their daughter Josefine Seim later married Nels Rud, who also homesteaded south of Tioga. The Ruds lived on their homestead and rented the Kristian Seim homestead. One son and one daughter was born to them. Henry Rud married Clarice Olson, Lillian Rud married Alvin Lovaasen. Their son Ole Seim married Johanna Flom in 1910. They purchased a farm in Cavalier County a few miles northwest of the Kristian Seim homestead. They made their home there, had four sons. Son Johnny married Gena Florence. Andy married Irene Moen. Kermit married Vivian Peterson. Leonard Everett married Mary Storslie. The following were laid to rest in the St. Stephen Church Cemetery six miles south of Milton. Kristian J. Seim, 1860-1943; Anne Seim, 1858-1939; Ole Seim, 18851950; Johanna Seim, 1887-1954; and Josefine Seim (Mrs. Nels Rud), 1891-1919. One of the treasures of this family is a cradle that Mrs. Alvin Lovaasen has in her possession. Her greatgrandfather. Guile Johnson, made this for her mother in 1891 when she was born. It was made of all wood, using wood dowels or pegs instead of nails. This has been used for two or three generations in the Seim and Rud families. Submitted by Johnny Seim. OLE A. THOMPSON Ole A. Thompson born in 1858 in Iowa came to North Dakota and homesteaded in 1880, four miles west of Edinburg in Tiber Township. He married Rebecca Knutson in 1887. She was born in Minnesota and her father homesteaded the farm now owned by Leonard Christopherson. They had nine children, two are still living - Inger Micklson in Florida and Lawrence of Golden Township, Park River. Ole died in 1927 and his wife in 1944. Both are buried in the Edinburg Cemetery. Arthur R. Thompson, a son, was well known as a band director in North and South Dakota. Mabel was one of Walsh County's long-term teachers. Submitted by Lawrence Thompson.

MR. AND MRS. KRISTIAN J. SEIM Mr. and Mrs. Kristian J. Seim were married in a church in Nesna, Norway, Dec. 27,1882. Kristian Seim, a fisherman and cobbler, made the shoes for his bride, Anne Johnson, while Anne made Kristian's wedding suit as she was a seamstress. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December, 1932. Mr. and Mrs. Seim and their six year old son, Ole, immigrated from Norway to North Dakota in 1891. A daughter, Josefine, was born to them a month after their arrival in Tiber Township. They filed homestead Nov. 16, 1901. In 1906, the family left by railroad immigrant car to file homestead claims on land, 12 miles south of Tioga. In

Washington High School Band, Sioux Falls, S. Dak., Arthur R. Thompson, conductor. Full symphonic band of 90 pieces—outstanding record in state and national contests—official band from the state of South Dakota to the New York World's Fair in 1939.

ANUN AND KIRSTEN THORSON In Skien a beautiful city in Telemark, Norway, lived voung family, Anun and Kirsten Thorson and their two children Karen and Theodore. Anun was a carpenter by trade and Kirsten was kept busy with her family in the home he had built for her. . On the 7th of July in 1876, a third child, a boy was born they named him Edward. Two years later a girl was born they named her Anna (Mrs. Andrew Nygard). Several years later a fifth child was born, a boy named Anun This baby died in infancy. Anun became ill and died when Edward was 4 and Anna, 2 years old. In a few years Kirsten married Johannes Glaholt. Shortly after their marriage they immigrated to America, coming to the Union-Edinburg area. There thev homesteaded, farmed and lived their entire lifetime To this second marriage were born seven children: Haakon, Johan, Andrew, Inga, Alfred, Carl and a

^ E d w a r d grew to manhood in the Union-Edinburg area While he was yet a young boy, he herded cattle for the whole summer season. One of these early years his wages for the entire summer was $.50, board and room, plus a bonus of white homemade pants. Thinking white not a suitable color for pants, he rubbed mud into the cloth to darken it. . He had his schooling and confirmation instrucuon in the Union area with Rev. J . T. Langemo as teacher and pastor When he grew older he worked for threshing rigs in the fall. Later he and Theodore bought a uireshing rig and threshed in the harvest season. They worked in the Fairdale area and it was there he met Gudbjor Holtii who became his wife. Andrew and Gina Holth were born and lived in Nordre Odalen, Norway. June 21, a daughter was born They named her Gudbjor. Andrew immigrated to America to find work and establish a home bef ore*.sent for Gina and the baby. When he had found employment m the lumber industry of Michigan, Gina and the baby m company with neighbors and acquaintances came to Z S . After living in Cadillac, Mich., toe years they moved to the Fairdale area. There they homesteaded and lived their entire lifetoe. Andrew and Gina had 10 children: Gudbjor, Alma, Einar Olaf, Lena, Anna (Mrs. James Haug), Agnes, Halfdan, Marvin, and Andor who died in mfancy. Inearly years Andrew had to travel far to go to town while Gina and the children were home alone. One of these times a fierce prairie fire came sweeping over the country. She instructed the children under no c r cumstance must they leave the house, paving the four small children alone in the sod house, she hurried out^to burn around the sod granary where the grain was stored Inside the house itbecame dark when the flames passed by around the firebreak. But all went well. The children were safe and the year's supply of grain was saved. Gudbjor received her elementary education in a country school house. She was confirmed m a c h s ot two, Gudbjor and Martha Hammerby Rev • ^ i n g l a A s she grew older she worked with her aunt Thea Bloomquist, in the cook car in threshing during the fall Edward Thorson and Gudbjor Holth were marned m the Holth home June 29,1905. Edward bought a farm in Tiber Township in the Odalen community wherei they hved their entire lifetime. They worked hard at diver-

sified farming: raising grain, chickens cattle mdking cows In the fall Edward and Theodore threshed. After a few years they sold their threshing rig and Edward worked for Hans Troftgruben running his steam engine during the threshing season. My memory of those early years is howtonelyI was for my father when he was working all threshing season It seemed to me that time was almost endless. Edward and Gudbjor had six children born to them: Clarice Alva, Alton, Edroy, Wilma, who died when she was six months, and Carol. All the children received elementary education in District 91, known as the McLean School. ., . „ Clarice was married to Edwin Erickson; they have five children. Alva married Lester Carlson; they have three children. Alton lives on the home farm, marned to Hazel Myrvik, they have two children. Edroy marned Martha Granum, they have two children; Carol marned Harold Schwartz, they have one girl. There are 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thorson—1905 TROFTGRUBEN FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Ludvig Troftgruben—1906 Ludwig Troftgruben was born in Tiber Township in 1883 His wife, Mary Sonderson, was born in Tiber Township in 1883. They were married in Grand Forks in 1906 Mr Troftgruben was clerk of School Distnct No. 92 for several years. Mrs. Troftgruben was a member of the Odalen Ladies Aid. They raised a family of five sons and three daughters, Amy, Adelaide, Lila, Halfdon, Edwin, 637

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Carl Troftgruben, son of Hans and Kristina Troftgruben, was born on Sept. 24, 1887, on the old farm homestead which his parents settled on in 1882. He was baptized by Rev. M. C. Holseth and confirmed by Rev. J. T. Langemo. He attended school in District No. 92, Tiber Township. Jan. 12, 1910, he was married to Ida Sundvor, daughter of Hans Sundvor and Elizabeth Fjeld, also old settlers in Tiber Township. They had nine children, Mildred, Evelyn, Irene, Edroy, Harold, Arnold, Earl, Harlan and Marlys. There are 43 great-grandchildren and thirty eight grandchildren. Carl Troftgruben was elected treasurer of School District No. 92 in 1910, and he held this office for 47 years, which was the longest period of time that anyone had served as school treasurer in Walsh County. He has served as director of the Edinburg Farmers Elevator Company for about 20 years and also served on the Township Board for 40 years. He is still active and in good health at the age of 87 years. He lives on the old farm homestead with his son, Earl Troftgruben, and his family, where he has resided all his life. He is a life long member of the Odalen Lutheran Church, rural Edinburg. Submitted by Earl Troftgruben.

Clifford, Lenes and Sundry. They farmed in Tiber Township until 1939 when they moved to Edinburg. Mrs. Troftgruben died in 1970 and Mr. Troftgruben in 1960. They were buried in the Odalen Cemetery, Tiber Township. Submitted by Amy Troftgruben Steen. MR. AND MRS. HANS TROFTGRUBEN

Mr. and Mrs. Hans Troftgruben Hans Hanson or Hans Troftgruben was born Sept. 22, 1847, in Norde Odalen, Norway. He married Kristina Sannerud Nov. 16,1877. She was born May 13, 1854. They left Norway with three of their children in March, 1882, on a sailboat, and they arrived at New York on April 22, 1882 - 29 days later. They had to furnish all their own food for the trip and this consisted of salted meats, fish, potatoes and flat bread. They ran into storms, sicknesses and a shortage of food. Finally, they came to Grafton which was the closest railroad and were met by Halvor Grande. He took them to Tiber Township where he had a two room sod house. They homesteaded in Sections 27 and 34 where he built a sod house, which was replaced by a two room log house two years later. The sod was broken on 40 acres the first and second spring with oxen. In the fall of 1884, he bought a team of horses and a cow. Grain was hauled to Grafton by oxen which took two days. In the winter, he hauled logs for constructing stables and other buildings. They were members of Odalen Congregation and helped to build the church in 1896. He helped organize one of the first one-room schools built in 1888 in Tiber Township. He was also a charter member of the Edinburg Farmers Elevator and served as a director for about 25 years. Mrs. Hans Troftgruben died Nov. 28, 1899. They had ten children - four of which survive: Ludvig Troftgruben, Edinburg, born Oct. 17, 1883; Carl Troftgruben, Edinburg, born Sept. 24, 1887; Clara Jasmer, Park River, born Oct. 16, 1889; Hilda Gryde, Edinburg, born April 25, 1891; Constance Spaberg, Denver, Colo., born March 29, 1893; and Emma Dillabough, Shawnee Mission, Kan., born Sept. 12, 1894.

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Troftgruben—Golden Wedding

Pioneers Without Biographies A sincere effort has been made to obtain biographies of early residents who were adults by 1914 or associated in business up to 1930. In some cases, little or no information was available. The following is a list of such people but they may be mentioned elsewhere in this history. GOLDEN TOWNSHIP Thomas Aaker S. J. Borke A. C. Blynn Ole Bratstad Olena Baker Robert W. Craig J. W. Cowles D. D. Dickenson William, Charles and Frank Davis Ellef Edward Ole and J . E. Forgard S. K. Gonsaker

In 1914, he and three of his daughters, Hilda, Constance and Emma, went to Norway to visit. He did not enjoy the visit because everything had changed so much. He brought back seed of Norway Pine trees and planted them at the homestead of which about 40 pines are still growing. He died April 10, 1935. 638

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Joseph Hicks E. W. Jones Ole T. Klei Anna D. Knapp 0. E. Lofthus Sven Larson John Mundyal Bernard Middendorf Jas. R. Martin 1. E. Osterhouse Sever 0. Overly John Poole Ole C. Quill Jas. and John Ross D. D. and John and Ellen Smith H. H . Sisgard A. Svenumson 0. Stephens Andrew Simpson Andreas Timlie H. Treasung 0. A. Trovatten Mary Walker H. 0. Wheeler TIBER TOWNSHIP A. Aslakson Nels Broge William Brumwell T. H. Bakke E. L . Boen George Bullock George Dievel I. E. Ellsrud H. H . Kravik H. H . Lie George Muir K. 0. Ovnan C. Paulsness John Soli E. 0. Sobak Palmer Spaberg Carl Svenby John Seaholt 0. P. Spaberg J. P. Satterdalen 0. G. Sandbec Henry Stuart John Soderberg

The John Longren old family home (1895). Left to right: John Longren, Olga, Ellen, Mrs. Longren holding Anna, Agnes and three hired hands.

John Soder T. Tallackson Ollof Vik E. J . Wilson D U N D E E TOWNSHIP - WEST H A L F George Barett Isaac and Joseph E . Campbell Jas. and Annie Douglass T. 0. Grivi Annie Jacobson E. T. Kaljaarden Benj. Murta George McEwan Carl Olson Nils Olson John Scott Knut Sunderland Ole H. Wig J. P. Wilson LAMPTON TOWNSHIP H. S. Aker W. J . Baskerville Jas. Buker Anton Burkey Alex Currie H. J . Cundow Charles Ekeberg Michael Fairell H. L . Fletcher Herbert Freeman E. Gullormsen James Grant Alex, A. S. and A. H . Glendenning T. H . Galholt Ole Kittleson P. P. Lie Jas. Murphy C. A. McDonald John Nutt Eliz. Pollock R. M . Rietsch 0. K. and R. E . Saltvold R. M . Sherman John, P. F. and Mrs. E . P. Sheppard Evan K. Tuff

Theodore Thorson reaping flax in 1900 in Western Walsh County. 639

Smuggler's Point, which is now known as the town of Neche in Pembina County. The young Irishman was Patrick McHugh and the man who quit the saloon business in Grafton was W. J. Mooney, both of whom played an important part in the settlement of Langdon and other towns on the extension of the Great Northern Railway from Park River to Langdon. The Republican is indebted to Harrison Gamett, St. Thomas pioneer resident, to whom Jud LaMoure told the story of his being befriended at Deadwood and how he was able to reward his benefactor. Submitted by G. I. Gjevre for the 75th Anniversary Booklet.

Edinburg Townsite LaMOURE, MOONEY AND McHUGH Standing on the streets of the rough and ready pioneer gold town of Deadwood, S. D., a young Irishman with a song in his heart and a smile for everyone, was approached by a well dressed stranger who insisted that he was hungry in spite of his thrifty appearance. He asked for a grub stake on the promise of repayment of the loan as soon as some expected money should arrive by mail. The Irishman, was suspicious but it was not his practice to see anyone go hungry and he staked the stranger to a meal. When the same proposition was put up the following day he told the stranger that he had heard that hard luck story often and he had seldom had any returns on his investments in good will. But he was going to stake him to another meal just the same. The money finally came, the Irishman was repaid for his courtesy and the two men did not meet again for several years. The next meeting was at Grafton, N. D., then a pioneer city of the rich Red River Valley country that was being settled rapidly. It was in 1886. The Irishman had moved to this new town to try his fortunes in the real estate business and for some reason or other was not doing so well. He confided this to the wayfarer he had befriended at Deadwood, S. D., when they met on the streets of Grafton. Asked by the stranger who had been staked to a couple of meals at Deadwood if he remembered the incident, the Irishman said that he did not, for there were so many such touches. The Irishman's memory was refreshed and the appreciation of the recipient of the meals was expressed in no uncertain means. In fact the Irishman was told that the Great Northern Railway was going to be extended from Park River north into what was then Western Pembina County, and now Cavalier County. He was told that certain lands had been selected for town sites and that if he could get hold of one or more of these tracts on the projected railway survey he would be richly rewarded for his kindly treatment of a hungry stranger at Deadwood, S. D. The man said he was a personal friend of Jim Hill and knew that the townsites could be delivered. The young Irishman said he had no money but believed he knew where he could get it. He had a friend who had been in the saloon business in Grafton, but sold out because he thought the saloon business was illbecoming one of his type and training. The former saloon keeper welcomed the opportunity to become a vital part of the new communities that the extension of the Great Northern Railway would create and the deal was consummated. The land on which the town sites of Edinburg, Union, Milton, Osnabrock and Langdon were later to be platted was secured with the former saloon keeper's money and he became a partner with the Irishman who had given him the tip. In 1887 the railway was extended just as the man who claimed to be a friend of Jim Hill had prophesied. The man befriended at Deadwood was none other than Jud LaMoure, who later became a prominent figure in North Dakota business and politics. At the time of the Grafton incident he was operating a trading post at

Reminiscing WERE THEY REALLY "THE GOOD OLD DAYS?" DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN? When the grocer gave you kids a big sack of candy every time Dad paid the bill. When the girls wore spit curls and slit skirts. When the Sears Roebuck catalog served two purposes. When the baby diaper was always a three cornered affair. Sleeping three or four in a bed and arguing about whose turn it was to have heads at foot. When President Hoover started the first government give away by giving flour and commodities to the needy. When you ran two miles to see an airplane land in the neighbor's field. When you were given h. teaspoon of sugar and kerosene to knock a cold or maybe it was goose grease and turpentine on a flannel on your chest. When Monday morning found mother bent over the wash tub with clothes hung on the fence or spread on the grass. When you had to wind the victrola after each record was played. When "shorts" were something you fed a hog and not to cover a posterior. When "air conditioning" in the bathroom was two small half moons in the little house at the end of the path. When a small town could support two or more blacksmith shops. When "Happy Hooligan" was your favorite comic strip. When an "old nag" meantthe farm plough horse. When you had to crank the Model T and hold the choke at the same time and when changing tires meant just that and not changing wheels. When the school principal could and did whop the behinds of the misbehaved kids and still keep his job. When a farmer could grow any crops of his own choosing and get whatever he could for it. When a "footburner" was a walking plow. When sleeping bags were feather quilts and straw mattresses. When "hot noon lunches" were unknown and you carried your lunch to school in a bucket. When "Shinny" and "stick" were popular sports. l

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A BIT OF HUMOR From the Garfield Gazette, June 21, 1883. Dear Editor: There are lots of us squatters living here in town 155, range 57, and all are happy except those that have too much company holding claims. I am fortunate enough to have one of those extra good ones that another fellow is squealing after. I am very fond of company but this case is an exception, the other fellow is too large to fight as was demonstrated last Friday night on the adjoining claim. Two able-bodied men had a knock down while trying to "squat" on the same quarter section, one of them came very near being buried and now he doesn't care so much about land as he cannot "see" any money in it but his eyes are getting better. Farmers have large crops of gophers - I have several thousand of them and more hatching. By the way, gopher pie is the "stuff" with a tail for a handle for each piece, a sure cure for dyspepsia or "night-horse." We are having big times, lots of dances and surprise parties. The first dance in the township was at T. F. Browes. All had a good time. The last one was held at Mr. Beaths Thursday evening last, all of us squatters turned out. We had 17 women. The male turnout was too numerous to count. We danced all night, just as sociable, could not have been otherwise as the room was small. The room being warm some of them caught a saucy sneeze, but we don't care as long as we are happy. Some of our young men have "got it bad" since the dance. It is reported that one of the fellows went so far as to buy two feet of a board that one of the girls sat on at the dance and paid $1.50 for the same. Lumber is very scarce here. Your genial landlord, Nate Carman, was out last week calling on his many friends; it always drives dull cares away to hear his merry laugh. Sincerely yours, Sodbuster

A PRAYER Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older, and will some day be old. Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something or every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to try to straighten out everybody's affairs. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details — give me wings to get to the point. I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of others' pains. Help me to endure them with patience. But seed my hps on my own aches and pains - they are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint - some of them are so hard to live with. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all - but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. Anonymous Depression Days Down on the farm at half past four. I jumped into my pants and slipped out the door. Out in the yard I run like the dickens To milk ten cows and feed a lot of chickens. Clean out the barn and curry Nance and Jigs, Separate the cream and slop the pigs. Worked two hours and eat like a turk, Then I'm ready for a full day's work. Grease up the wagon and throw on the rack, Sling a quart of beer in a old grain sack. Hook up the horses and hustle down the lane, For got to get the hay in for it looks like rain. Look over yonder, sure as I'm born, Cattle on the rampage and cows in the corn. I run across the meadow, run a mile or two, Heaving like dam wind broke and wet clean thru. I got back to the horses and for recompence, Nance gotten straddled on a barb wire fence. With my bones all a aching and my muscles all a jerk, Fit as a fiddle for a full day's work. Work all summer till winter is nye, Figured on the books and heaved a big sigh. Work all year, but didn't make a thing, Got less right now than I had last spring. Some people say that there is no hell, But they never farmed so they can't tell. But when spring comes around, I'll take another chance, While the fringe gets longer on my old blue pants. By F. B. Kouba.

Civic League Float—1950. Henning Gunhus, driver. Left to right: Mrs. Laithwaite, Mrs. A. Jensen, Mrs. A. Loe and Mrs. A. A. Flaten.

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DISTRICT SIX

RUSHFORD TOWNSHIP Rushford Township was organized and named by Czech settlers who had resided in the vicinity of Rushford, 111. The township lies on the west edge of the Red River Valley. The first meeting was held on May 26, 1883, in District No. 1 School, which also was built in 1883. That year two road scrapers and 89 lbs. of barb wire were bought for $25.27. First officers were Wm. W. Warner and Joe Bilslance, supervisors; Charles R. Drew, Justice of the Peace; Wm. Brown, clerk. The township was divided into four districts for road maintenance. In charge of the districts were Donald Gillespie, District No. 1; John Spoonland, District No. 2; John Urban, District No. 3, and Joseph Vislisel, District No. 4. Meetings were held in District No. 1 School until March 21,1885 when meetings were held at the School House District No. 71 in Pisek. The first horse drawn dirt elevator grader was bought in 1903 for the sum of $1,400. The three schools in Rushford Township were District No. 1 in section eleven, District No. 56 in section seven and District No. 71 in section twenty-seven. District No. 1 School was built in 1883. The first officers were John Konan and John Khonen. The first school teacher was Miss Julia D. Farrell. Her salary was $35 a month, school was taught from April to October. She taught 1883-1898, then W. G. Brown was the next teacher. School District No. 1 closed in 1960. The last school teacher was Mrs. Allen Swartz, 1959-1960. The last officers were Melvin Hobbs, Wilson Bell, and Andrew Novak, directors; Harmon Jones, clerk, and Joe E . Listopad, treasurer. District No. 56 school was built in June, 1884. The cost of the school and all the fixtures was $617 and Rueben Pengilly hauled all the lumber for the school from Grafton for $54. The first teacher was Ena Ford, her salary was $25.00 a month. The first officers were D. M . Kennedy, clerk; Richard Pengilly, director; and Wenzel Zikmund, treasurer. The school closed Oct. 10, 1964, and the last teacher was Gertrude Novak, 1961-1962. The last officers were Thomas W. Novak, president; Florian and Ludvig Lovcik, directors; Ernest Pengilly, clerk, and Mrs. Ernest Pengilly, treasurer. District No. 71 School was built in 1882 and the district was organized in 1884. The first teacher was Miss Catherine McCahrie, 1882-1886, followed by Mrs. Anton Kadlovec, 1886-1892. John Maresh was treasurer in 1884. No other officers were listed until in 1892 when Wenzel Zikmund and Anton Kadlovec were directors; Albert Rumreich, clerk, and John Maresh, treasurer. The first school was small so when the present church was built in 1892 the first church was remodeled for a school located in section twenty-eight. Several rooms were added on. It was used until 1913 when a new school was built. The school was built of stone and brick on the east end of main street. The school is still being used and all grades including four years of high school and kindergarten are taught. Present officers in 1975 are

Emil F . Paur, Jr., Allen Swartz, Cyril Kotaska, directors; Frank Kadlec, clerk, and John H. Jelinek, treasurer. Frank Kadlec has been clerk for 30 years, Emil F. Paur, Jr., has been a director for 25 years and John H . Jelinek has been treasurer for 15 years. Present Superintendent is Eugene F. Kachena and James Raile is the Principal. The only church in the township is St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pisek, N . Dak. The township was in existence in 1975 and the present officers are Lawrence Kadlec, Cleo Novak and Clement Dub, supervisors; Louis Kachena, clerk and treasurer.

Pisek History Many industrious and devout Czeck and Moravian families settled in the Pisek vicinity in the early 1880's. When the railroad came from Grand Forks County to Park River in 1885 these settlers found themselves much nearer a market, although the change did not come at once. The Pisek postoffice was established June 8, 1887, with Joseph Lovcik as the first postmaster. John Lovcik platted his farm land for the original townsite, the plat being filed April 5, 1890. There have been 12 additions to the townsite, six platted by Anton Vavrik, four by Frank P. Rumreich and two by Ernest Rumreich. The first school was built in 1882, the first teacher was Catherine McCahrie and then Mrs. Anton Kadlovec. The school also served as a church for some time. Later, in 1886, a church was built one block south of the postoffice. When the present church was built in 1892, the first church was used as a school. The original school was moved and was a residence of Michael Vavrik. School teachers here were L. E. Seidl, Mr. Stanley Melcer, Sr., Mr. Joe Peleska and Mr. J . T. Hovorka. The village was launched in 1897 with a platform serving as a depot. Joseph Lovcik opened the first store when the railroad came by. The second store was erected by Jan Tomek and Frank A . Kotaska, Sr. Frank P. Rumreich established the first hardware store and the first lumber yard in 1889. Frank Jestrab was the first to handle machinery. A drug store was opened by Frank Vavrosky. Dr. Elhart Rumreich was the local doctor. Joseph Vislisel had the first hotel and livery barn. The flour mill was opened and operated by Frank Vavrosky until his death in 1914, when it closed. The first elevators were operated by Neste and Frank A . Kotaska, Sr. in 1888. These were run by horse power before gasoline engines replaced them. The first blacksmith was Jacob Miller. John Hrabik, a resident since 1886, was a carpenter and barber.

Pisek, N. Dak. Pisek is built on a sand ridge and the name means sand in Czech.

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Benjamin J . Schnedar, Mrs. Emma Novotny, Mrs. Adelia Greicar, Louis J . Lovcik and Mrs. Mary Krile. The rural mail route was started in 1907 and Mr. Thomas Krile, Sr., was the first rural carrier delivering mail with horses. He delivered mail to 1938 when George Chyle took over up to April 12, 1975, when route was consolidated to Lankin and Fordville. Wences Lutovsky and Frank Vavrosky (son of Matt Vavrosky) replaced George Chyle while he was in service. Butcher shops were opened by Edmund Ullman, Kolar Bros., Pytlik Bros., Frank Patocka, Frank Dvorak, Joe Kolar and William Houska throughout the years. During these years many millinery and grocery stores were also opened by John Maresh, Emil Novotny and Charles Blazek, John Kostohris, Anton Lovcik, Mrs. James Barta, Mrs. Helen Dvorak, Frank C. Kotaska, Frank Maresh, Studney Bros. (Charles and Steve) L . J . Lovcik, A . E. Greicar and Elmer Praska. Horace Senecal and Albert Kotaska owned and operated the blacksmith shops.

Pisek—No. Main Street In 1900 Pisek was incorporated June 5, 1898. First officers were Frank P. Rumreich, Mayor; Frank A . Kotaska and Anton Schnedar, Trustees; A. A . Rumreich, Clerk; Anton Hollan, Marshall; and Frank Vavrosky, Treasurer. The Pisek State Bank was established in 1903 by the Beecher interests of Grand Forks with Beecher as president and George Towle, vice president. C. J . McKean was cashier from the beginning until the bank closed in 1928. Many of the Czech families had come from Pisek, Czechoslovakia, thus the reason Pisek received its name, meaning sand in Czeck. The first band was organized in 1895. First members were A . A . Rumreich, Frank Rumreich, Frank Lovcik, Sr., Albert Lovcik, James Kadlec, John Hrabik, Frank Kostohris, Anton Lovcik and Mr. Harazim.

Pisek—So. Main Street—1914. Pisek School Built—1913 Joseph Lovcik and W. F. Lovcik built a general store in 1904 and in 1909 Joseph Lovcik sold his interest to Frank Cervenka which they operated until 1946 when they sold it to Alexander Jelinek. Benjamin Schnedar and Frank Jelinek, Sr., were Dodge dealers. Frank Pavek had a Hotel and Pool Hall and in 1913 when the present school was being constructed they had as many as 100 people for a meal. The school was constructed of stone and brick at the east end of main street. After this school was built the old school was sold to John Kolar, Sr., who made a residence from it.

Pisek Band—1904 The telephone office was started by Frank Vavrosky located in the drug store with his sister, Lizzie Vavrosky, as operator. Later John Kadlec bought the telephone office. There was 24 hour telephone service and operators were Ida Pavek, Mary Hamerlik, Lizzie Maresh, and substitutes were Philomena and Mary Hladik. Mr. Kadlec sold the service to another company and shortly after the office was closed.

A John Deere Implement was operated by Matt Vavrosky from the early 1900's to 1926. In the Spring of 1919 Albert Dvorak built and operated a garage and Delco plant as a sideline to the garage, later selling the Delco plant to Ottertail Power Co. After Mr. Dvorak retired, Stanley Pastorek rented the building, doing general repair work. Henry Dvorak was the first Standard Oil Dealer, 1922-1956. John T. Jelinek was his first customer. Francis Foerster took over the Standard Oil dealership when Mr. Dvorak retired. Bert Senecal owned and operated a T.V. and Radio Shop.

On Jan. 6, 1904, fire destroyed Mach's General Store, Pavek's pool room, John and Thomas Krile's hardware store and the postoffice. Anton Schnedar, the postmaster, built a new postoffice. Postmasters throughout the years were: Albert A. Rumreich, 646

Venceslaus Lovcik, Venceslaus Velek, Frank P. Rumreich, Anton Kadlovec, Anton Schnedar, John Maresh, Anton Vavrik, Venceslaus Zikmund, Simon Malinovsky and Joseph Vislisel. The first officers of the church were Frank P. Rumreich, chairman; John Kostohris, secretary; and Anton Schnedar, treasurer. The parish grew to 40 families.

In 1934 the second fire took its toll in Pisek, starting in Joseph Pastorek's blacksmith shop, destroying his shop and residence, the Hladik Hotel and Jestrab building. The hardware store, started in 18»y, nad us second owner Jan. 3, 1938, when Frank J. Kadlec, Jr., took over and operated it until April, 1969, when he sold it to Francis and Virgil Novak. The liquor establishments were run by Cyril Greicar, Joe Parkos, James Peterka and Frank Kouba. The sewage system was installed in 1970 and water was piped into Pisek and to area farms in 1973.

Pisek Baseball Team-1924-1925. 1st: GusSchildberger Louis Greicar, Andrew Novak. 2nd: Emil Greicar Ed Kadlec 3rd: Elmer Praska, Albin Praska, Steve Kadlec, Henry Dvorak, Frank Schildberger, Hubert Bily. St. John Nepomucene Church —Rushford In 1887 the church was blessed by Bishop Martin on the feast of St. John Nepomucene May 16, therefore St. John Nepomucene was chosen as the church patron. The Moravians hoped that St. Cyril & Methodius would have been chosen as those two Patrons brought faith to Moravia but there were more Czech and John's so St. John Nepomucene was chosen. Shortly after a beautiful painting by Alphonse Mucha of Moravia was sent to his relatives at Pisek. This famous painting still hangs in the church. On July 5, 1887, feast of St. Cyril, Methodius Monsignor Joseph Hessoun, a Missouri Priest, visited our parish and conducted services. From 1886 to 1890 Rev Vaclav Dvorak from Wahpeton served mass once a month. Rev. Thomas Rabsteinek came to offer mass from 1890 to 1897. The growth of the congregation necessitated the erection of a new church in 1892. Bishop John Shanley laid the corner stone and dedicated the church St. John Nepomucene. Rev Charles Votypka was installed as first resident priest by Bishop Shanley in 1897. Rev. Frank Just came m 1900 and in 1916 the interior of the church was tinned and painted, unique colored windows were installed and new Stations of the Cross were bought for the church. On Feb. 10, 1918, Rev. Just celebrated his Silver Jubilee to the priesthood in Pisek. He stayed until 1920. . * In 1920 Rev. Thomas Ballon came. The parish decided to put a full basement and winter Chapel under the church and a furnace was installed. He stayed for seven years (1927). Rev. Sverma came from

Pisek Ladies—1908 ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH PISEK, N. DAK.

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The first Czech and Moravian settlers arrived in Dakota Territory in 1881 with covered wagons from Iowa. The first school house was built in 1882. it was in this school house that the first Holy Sacrifice was offered up in May, 1884, by Father F. X . Sulak, a Jesuit Missionary born in Bohemia. In 188b, risen became a mission and organized a parish. There were 16 parishioners. John F. Lovcik donated 7 acres of land upon which a church 26 feet by 40 feet was built for $800. Matthew Vlasek erected the first church. Charter members of the church were John Kostohris,

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Veseleyville to offer mass and then Rev. Huebsch served our parish, 1928-1929. During his stay the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was organized for girls and St. Aloysios Society for young men was organized. Rev. Sverma again came from Veseleyville to hold services until Rev. Frank Tomanek came in 1929. He stayed with us to 1933 when Rev. Jon Turek came to our parish and remained with us up to the time of his death on Aug. 25, 1947. Rev. Placid Sasek served our parish up to the time Rev. John Roth arrived in 1948. On Aug. 22,1948, St. Anne's Rosary Society was organized. First officers were Mrs. Cyril Greicar, president; Mrs. B. J . Schnedar, vice president; Mrs. Herman (Edith) Praska, secretary; and Mrs. Edward Jelinek, treasurer. The furnace was converted to oil. In 1974 the interior of the church was painted, roof reshingled and steeple repaired. St. John's Guild was organized in 1962. First officers were Mrs. Frank Lovcik, president; Mrs. Elphage Denault, vice president; and Mrs. Cyril Greicar, secretary-treasurer. Rev. Roth celebrated his Silver Jubilee to the priesthood on June 19, 1966. The religious vocations that came from this thriving parish are Rev. George Krile and Rev. Thomas Kadlec O.S.C., both ordained in June, 1941. Sisters are Sister Placida (Irene Lovcik) and Sister Diane O.S.B. (Diane Maresh). Rev. Kadlec died July 28, 1966. By Mrs. John H. Jelinek Pisek, N . D.

Painting — St. Cyril and Methodius. CATHOLIC WORKMAN LODGE BRANCH NO. 28 The Katolicky Delnik (Catholic Workman) Lodge was formed on July 12, 1896, at Pisek. Branch No. 28 chose St. Anthony as their patron saint. The official charter was dated Oct. 14, 1896, and the charter members were Joseph F. Lovcik, Joseph F. Kostohris, Frank Dvorak, Vaclav Kadlec, Matt Petrick, Joseph Hajicek, Frank Urban, Anton Kadlovec, John Maresh, Anton Schnedar, Frank Swartz, Anton Vavrik, Vaclav F. Lovcik, Frank Vavrosky and Joseph Vislisel. First officers were Anton Kadlovec, president; Joseph F . Lovcik, secretary; Anton Schnedar,

financial secretary, and Frank Vavrosky, treasurer. Serving the lodge as presidents have been Anton Kadlovec, Frank Jelinek, Sr., Frank Kadlec, Sr., George Chyle and Francis Novak. The present president is Lawrence Kadlec. There are 101 adult members and 25 juvenile members. The 75th anniversary celebration was held July 10, 1971, with Joseph M . Kadlec as master of ceremonies and Father Joseph Hylden as guest speaker. The first hall was built in 1897, the kitchen and dining room were built in 1904. The hall served the community until 1947 when the present hall was built. The St. Anthony K. D. Hall Ass'n., Inc., was formed in Sept., 1947.

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Catholic Workmen Lodge—Pisek—Rushford Twp. REMINISCING: The pioneers and old-timers of yesteryear have all gone, leaving the next generation to carry on. There are only a handful of us left here to do much recollecting of what our small town really looked like. There have been so many changes since then. Would they ever be surprised if they could come back and see for themselves. My earliest recollections of the not so early days of Pisek are when I was about six. We had our church, a three room school, two general merchandise stores, postoffice, flour mill, drug store, telephone office, ice cream parlor, a hotel, (later this one closed and two others took over) a millinery shop, dressmaker shop, two pool halls, a feed store, a bank, lumber and coal business, three blacksmith shops, a photographer one summer, two dance halls, two or three "blind pigs" (as they were called) and a doctor for a year (he lived in the house of my grandmother, Mrs. Frank Rumreich). There were wooden sidewalks throughout the town; we had box telephones that you had to crank, later battery radios came in. Also I remember the first three cars in town. In January, 1904, while people were at some show in the hall, a fire broke out in a store on the north side and several buildings were burned. In about 1934 another big fire hit our south side of the street, caused by an explosion in a blacksmith shop. Again several buildings were demolished, even our large house across from the bank was threatened and most of our furniture was moved outside. Our house was saved.

There were also three elevators, coal sheds and two livery barns. Anyone needing a ride to Park River or elsewhere would hire a buggy and team. Roads were poor so it took a long time to get there. I remember we used to see salesmen come into town with their valises and brief cases from the depot at noon, coming past our house and on to the hotel. They left the next day by train, going on to the next town. There also used to come into town an old woman with two large suitcases, hauling them on a coaster wagon, to peddle her various wares through town. She would stay overnight somewhere and what fun we kids enjoyed looking through her pretty things. She lived in Crookston and every year she would come. Then there were the gypsies, they came every summer They would beg and tell fortunes, and occasionally steal from the store. Mothers would see to it that their children were in the house then, so the gypsies couldn't kidnap them. My grandparents, Frank Rumreichs, came here from Prairie du Chien, Wise, originally from Czechoslovakia. My father, L . E. Seidl, came from Green Bay, Wise, later moved to Witchita, Kans., to teach school, teaching the older folks English in the evenings. Then my grandpa asked him to go into the lumber business, so after clerking at Walstrom's store in Park River in 1896 for about a year, he came back to Pisek and went into the lumber and coal business, where he continued until he passed away. Our grandparents and others used to go to Grand Forks to do their shopping by wagon and team. They d get a supply to last them a long time. It took a day to go and another to come back. They lived in a sod house, whitewashed inside, and later built a house in town and farmed in the surrounding area for many years.

Franklin A. Cameron), Edna Pearl (Mrs. Howard N . Newman), Lloyd Widdes, and Loreen Margaret. All were born and raised in Park River. Mr. Cameron was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, held the offices of trustee, Sunday School Superintendent and Bible Class teacher for 21 years. He served Park River as alderman and mayor. He was a life member of Golden Valley Lodge No. 26 (Masonic), and charter member of the Park River Odd Fellows Lodge. He did blacksmithing in Park River until 1917, when, owing to the poor health of himself and his wife, he moved to California. They returned to Park River in 1919. Mrs. Cameron died in August, 1919. Mr. Cameron lived with his daughter, Mabel (Young) until he died March 8, 1939.

Stephen Cameron Family. 1st: Stephen Cameron, Margaret Loreen, Esther, Emma Cameron (mother). 2nd: Mabel Claire, Ethel Mae, Lloyd, Edna Pearl. Mr. Cameron must have served at least two terms as Mayor of Park River, as we found this little item: "Mayor Cameron was re-elected at the annual election by an overwhelming majority over his opponent, Samuel Holland." He must have had that homestead for a number of years, or took up another. I can remember Mother and Aunt Ethel telling about spending a winter with Grandma Cameron on a homestead. Grandpa's mother, Mrs. McLellan, was with them, and they told about how lonesome it was out there alone as Grandpa continued blacksmithing. Karl J. Farup used to tell us that we should always be proud of our heritage because he thought 'The Village Blacksmith' was written for Grandpa Cameron—that Grandpa could always "look the whole world in the face and owe not any man." Our family plot is in the Protestant side of the Park River Cemetery. The tall iron grey tombstone was ordered from and made in London, England, and shipped to Park River. (Grandpa Widdes ordered it.) Grandpa and Grandma Cameron lived in the white house south of the Methodist Church, now the Masonic Temple. To the south of them was the Finneseth residence. Finneseth had a grocery and dry goods store. Ida and Lawrence ran the store when I was a child. Lawrence Finneseth lived in the house south of Ida and her mother. On the corner (south) was Ex-governor Allin. Across the street to the east was the Libby residence, later the Meagher residence. To

Pisek Biographies STEPHEN ALEXANDER CAMERON Stephen Alexander Cameron was born at Owen Sound, Ont., Jan. 10, 1860. He received his early education there, served apprenticeship as a blacksmith before coming to the Dakota Territory in 1881, via Fisher's Landing, and filed on a homestead m Rushford Township. He did blacksmithing at Kensington after coming to this territory. In 1882 the Great Northern Railroad built a branch line through to Park River and Mr. Cameron moved his shop to that village. (Mr. Cameron came to Dakota with his mother, Mrs. McClellan who had married again after his father had died, and his sisters, Sarah Ann and Charlotte, and brothers, William and James.) Mr. Cameron married Esther Emma Widdes at Park River in 1883. She was born at Cartwright, Ont., and came to Dakota Territory at the same time as Mr. Cameron with her parents, William and Catherian Widdes, her brother, Robert, and sisters Margaret and Jennie. The Camerons had five children, Mabel Claire (Mrs. William A . Young), Ethel Mae (Mrs.

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the north was Vivian Birder and later the Priest's residence. To the north of that and on the corner, east across the street from the Methodist Church, was the Fahe residence. Right next door to the east of Fahe's was the blacksmith shop. Jennie Widdes married Smith Merriam. Mr. Merriam had a furniture store and undertaking parlors in Park River. Margaret Widdes married Rev. Henry Peyton Cooper in Park River in 1886. He had been ordained a Methodist minister two years prior to their marriage. Sarah Ann Cameron married John McEachern. They resided in Park River for the remainder of their lives. Mrs. R. H . LaRose, 297 First St. N . W., Glenwood, Minn. 56334 was June McEachern. Mabel Cameron worked as bookkeeper for Fred Walstrom in his store. Social activity was primarily in connection with the church. One Sunday night a large group — McPhersons, Bretts, Merriams, Libbys, Rourkes, Mother and Dad — went to John Peoples' in two Democrat wagons. They were singing and laughing and didn't notice that Maggie Brett had fallen off one of the wagons and they went a long way before noticing and going back to get her. There was a typhoid fever epidemic apparently about 1916. Grandpa Cameron became ill with it and that is why he retired and went to California. Mr. Cameron raised hunting dogs — setters. By Elva Mae Young Halcrow Drayton, N . Dak.

ALBERT DVORAK FAMILY Albert Dvorak was born April 18, 1891, at Pisek where he spent most of his life. During the war he entered the service and served under the mechanic classification, training at Fort Leavenworth. He took part in the Neuse-Argonne offensive and was discharged May 2, 1919. After his discharge he built and started a garage business which he operated until 1956, when he retired. In 1921 he married Margaret Seidl, daughter of L. E. and Antonette Seidl. They had four children: Lawrence, Mrs. Paul (Gertrude) Vavrosky, Mrs. Cecil (Margaret) Kouba and Richard. Albert died May 18, 1970. DUNCAN GILLESPIE Duncan Gillespie immigrated with his parents from Scotland. They settled in a rural community in the vicinity of Harriston. Ont. This is a land area connecting Lake Erie with Lake Ontario. After marrying Mary Bell, who also came from Scotland, he made the long journey to Minto in Dakota Territory where they established a home in 1882 for their six children, who were all born in Ontario. The family of Duncan Gillespie moved to Rushford Township in 1887. The oldest of the children born to Duncan Gillespie and Mary Bell was a son, John D. He was born near Harriston in 1859. John married, but had no children. Another son, Angus, was born in 1866.

He married Christine Cole and had one son, Dougal. A daughter, Katie, was born in 1868, married and lived her entire adult years in Duluth, Minn. Duncan D. was fourth in line, born in 1870, and married Flora McEachern in 1899. This marriage produced five children, Gordon, Dan and Edna remain in Park River. Rachel became Mrs. Ralph Whaley and lives in Fordville. The other daughter, Margaret, married Cliff Stage and resides in St. Paul. Jennie was the fifth child in the Duncan Gillespie family, born in 1872, and died at 30 without marrying. Her sister, Maggie, was born in 1875. She married Duncan McLean, who had been her elementary school teacher in Rushford School during the 1880's. Their daughter, Myrtle, became Mrs. Lawrence Ray, and lives in St. Paul. A son, Clark, lived much of his life in Park River. With his wife, Pearl McClellan, they now reside in Grand Forks. They have one son. Archie D. Gillespie, born in 1880, was the last of Duncan's family. He wed Sarah Storey, who came with her parents from Harriston in 1903. His one son, Walter, and four married daughters are all residents of the Park River community. Walter married Betsey Larson from Warren, Minn. They have no children. Gladys married C. D. Lewis and had two sons and one daughter. Mary became the wife of Orbin Erickson and they have a daughter and son. Effie was the bride of Walter Lindgren and two girls were born to that union. Margaret married Melvin Gutterud and they have one daughter. The sons of the Scottish clan of Duncan Gillespie became farmers but none of that family name carried on the tradition into the fourth generation. The family was affiliated with the Presbyterian church of Park River. By Mrs. Orbin Erickson Park River, N . Dak. ALBERT GREICAR Albert Greicar was born in 1838, in Germany, and later lived on a farm, a 3 hour walk from Vienna where he worked as a mason and walked daily to work. Greicar was not always spelled as now, but was changed a number of times from spellings such as: Krejcar, Greitsa, and in Iowa around Spilleville where Albert first settled upon arriving in the United States and where his brother remained, the spelling of the name is Kreitzer. As far as has been determined, Albert and his brother were the only two family members who came to the United States. When Alois (Albert's son) changed the spelling of the name to the present the cost was over $100. On Baptismal Records at the Spilleville Church the spelling is Krejcar. While in Iowa, Albert owned a 40-acre farm near Spilleville. He built the steeples on the church that still stands in Spilleville today. The church was built in 1860. Albert married Eva Houser (born in 1840 in Bohemia). Albert purchased the farm directly south of Pisek, on the east side of the road, about 1890. Albert and Eva had seven children: Frances, Joe, Alois (Louis), Frank, Mary, Anna, and Emil E . (According to Spilleville Church records Albert and

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Eva had a son, Wenceslaus, who died March 13, 1879, at nine. . . Emil E. is the last surviving member oi the family. (In January of 1975 he was 90 years old.) He was six when the property was purchased. He was born in Rushford Township on a different farm (in a sod house) which later was owned by Alois and his wife, Mary. . Frank, Joe, Alois, and Frances lived their entire lives around here. Emil makes his home at Manitowoc, Wise. There are many descendents living in Walsh County, as well as all over the United States, from the four children born to Albert and Eva. Albert died Oct. 25, 1914, and Eva on Dec. 17, 1905. In April of 1975 a letter was received from a 3rd generation of Albert's brother, who gave his name as Mathias Kreitzer. He married Agnes Shirmer. They had nine children. Mathias was killed hauling hogs to market on Feb. 10, 1882, at 49.

Karel, walked to Grand Forks in search of work, but as Frank was a young boy there was no work for him. His father bought him a ring of bologna and sent him home. He was a very scared boy walking alone as there were no roads, just some wagon tracks and tall grass. . Later he worked with James Lovcik on a tarm east of Pisek, a place by the name of Poland (close to Warsaw). Still later, he worked for John Maresh on a farm. One morning at 4:00 a.m. Mrs. Maresh called, "Frank, did you water the oxen?" He didn't answer but his quilt quivered. That was the answer, that he had watered the oxen. Nov. 23, 1891 he as married to Balbina Ullman at Veseleyville, by Father Augustinsky. They farmed and in 1903 moved to Pisek. He shipped horses from Nebraska and sold them to the farmers. He also worked at the International Harvester Implement Co. for eleven years in Pisek. He served as mayor of Pisek for many years and as state president of the Catholic Workmen Lodge for several years. The couple had 11 children, Mrs. Joe (Anna) Ruzicka, Mrs. A . A. (Jaromila) Wavrik, Mrs. Ed (Angela) Shimek, Frank, Ed, Sylvester and Engelbert. Four of the children died, Marie at 6 months, Agnes at 1 year, Marta, 12 years, and Vaclav, 2 years. His wife died April 29, 1940. Frank died Aug. 5, 1942. JOHN T. JELINEK

4&

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Greicar CHARLES A. JELINEK Charles A . Jelinek was born Sept. 13, 1870 in Moravia, later a part of Czechoslovakia. He died July 24, 1946. He came to the United States with his parents, Karel and Anna Jelinek, when he was 11 years old. His parents homesteaded 160 acres in Rushford Township. Charles broke 500 acres of prairie sod with a yoke of oxen. He was brought up with two brothers, Frank and John; two sisters, Teresia and Mary Zdenek. Active in community affairs, Charles served for 13 years as Clerk and twelve years as Assessor of his township. He also served as parish trustee of St. John's Nepomucene's Church. October 29,1895, he married Mary Maresh. They had seven children, Helen (Mrs. Frank Kotaska); Jessie (Mrs. Frank Kouba); Mary (Mrs. John T. Novak); Charles, Jr. (wife - Hermina Machovsky); Jerry (wife - Julia Bazalla); Edward (wife - Martha Zidon); and William (wife - Josephine Melcer). By Ed Jelinek Grafton, N . D. FRANK JELINEK Frank Jelinek came to the United States with his parents, Karel and Anna Jelinek, in 1881, from Moravia, where he was born Jan. 6,1869. They settled on a farm southeast of Pisek. Frank and his father,

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Jelinek John T. Jelinek was born Dec. 17, 1882, in a sod house on the land of his parents, Karel and Anna (Wavrik) Jelinek, homesteaded 1 mile south and 2Vz miles east of Pisek. As a boy, he picked buffalo bones for which was received $12 to $15 a ton. His parents bought him his first suit for the money from the buffalo bones. This suit was worn for his First Holy Communion. Some of the money was also used to buy supplies. In 1896 his parents built a house 1 mile west and V2 mile south of the homestead. August 19, 1907, he married Katherine Hodny, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hodny. She was born Dec. 29,1887. They lived on this farm until 1951 when they moved to Pisek. Mr. Jelinek was trustee of St. John Nep. Church and held various township offices. He owned and operated more than 1000 acres of land and owned the first gasoline tractor. They had 651

five children: Mary, Alfons (who died at 2 months), Anton J., John H., and Alexander. Mr. Jelinek died Nov. 11, 1967, preceded by his wife, Katherine, April 25,1965. By Mrs. John H. Jelinek Pisek, N . D.

FRANK KADLEC FAMILY Frank Kadlec was born at Nova Gdyne, Bohemia, April 17, 1842, and in October, 1865, he married Anna Lohman at Eluboka, Bohemia. She was born in 1847. He and his wife migrated to America in 1867. Stormy weather tossed their ship out of its course and they were on the ocean 56 days. They landed at Baltimore, Md. and from there went to Pilsen, Wise, where they lived for 15 years. He worked hard in the lumber woods and sawmills. In 1887 they homesteaded 2V2 miles north of Pisek. They had 12 children: Frank, Joseph, Barbara, Mary, James, John, Louis J . , Mrs. Anna Tupa, and Mrs. John (Antonette) Kolar. Three children died in infancy. April 17, 1942 Frank celebrated his 100th birthday anniversary and died shortly after. His wife died in 1899.

KAREL JELINEK FAMILY Karel Jelinek was born Feb. 14, 1841 in Moravia. He was later a soldier and received injuries. He married Anna Wavrik in 1867. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wavrik, born Jan. 20, 1844 in Czechoslovakia. They decided to cast their lot in the New World so they sold their property in the old country and had about $1,300 in native money, a sum they thought would be ample to start in the New World. However, when they came to exchange their Moravian money for United States dollars, they received only $28 for each $100 of their native coin. They bought their exchange in Berlin, on their way to America. They spent 19 days on the voyage to America, landing in New York in June of 1881. The family came directly by rail to Grand Forks, where the railroad ended. At Grand Forks they hired a man to drive them to Minto, paying him $15 for the three-day trip. When they came to Manvel and had to cross the river, the women and children had to be carried across. From Minto the family pushed west to Rushford Township (1 mile south, 2V2 miles east of Pisek) arriving there just as the surveyors had completed their work. Here they homesteaded a quarter of land with a patent on July 10, 1883, during President Chester A. Arthur's term of office. They built a sod house before winter set in and lived there for 12 years. The first year Karel walked to Grand Forks where he worked on a railroad at Christine, south of Fargo. Karel would come home once a month walking from Grand Forks carrying a sack of flour and other supplies. They had a mere $30 to sustain them for the winter. They had five children, Frank, Charles A., and Teresia, born in Moravia, and John T. and Mary, born in America. Karel died April 10, 1913 and his wife, Anna, died Oct. 12,1924. By Mrs. John H. Jelinek Pisek, N . D.

VACLAV KADLEC FAMILY Vaclav 'Kadlec, his wife Anna, their four children, two sons, Vaclav and Conrad, and two daughters, Anna and Josephine, immigrated to the United States in 1885 from Czechoslovakia. A third son, Frank, was born Aug. 13,1885. Their first stop was in the Ashland, Wise, area where they lived until 1888 when they moved to North Dakota. They purchased land in Rushford Township, southwest of Pisek. Their two oldest sons died in their early twenties, having never married. Josephine married the late John Matejcek and spent the rest of her life in the Lankin area. Anna married the late Frank Lovcik and lived all her life in the Pisek area. Vaclav and Anna farmed in Rushford Township until their retirement in 1906. They moved to Pisek where they resided until their death. After their retirement their youngest son, Frank, married Mary Hodny Oct. 22, 1906. She was the daughter of Joseph Hodny, and was born April 9, 1886. The couple took over the farming interest. They had seven children, Stanley, Louis, Louise, Frank, Ludger, Emeline and Edmund. Mr. Kadlec was active in community affairs, serving on the church board, school board and township board. He was president of the local lodge, the Catholic Workmen and also served as president of the State Catholic Workmen. They continued to farm until retirement in 1944 when they moved to Pisek. The farming was continued by their son, Ludger, his wife, Elaine, two sons, Lawrence and Rodney. Now the farm is occupied by the fourth generation of the Kadlec's, Ludger's son, Lawrence, and his family. Frank, the youngest child of Vaclav and Anna, died Jan.11,1975. Vaclav had a brother, Frank, who, with his wife and family, immigrated from Czechoslovakia and settled in Rushford Township, north of Pisek. By Ludger Kadlec Pisek, N . D.

Karel Jelinek Family—1894 652

MR. AND MRS. ANTON KADLOVEC Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kadlovec, natives of Czechoslovakia, settled near Pisek in April of 1883. They were married near David City, Neb. Mrs. Kadlovec's maiden name was Josephine Vislisel, born Dec. 12,1862, in Czechoslovakia. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vislisel, moved from Nebraska to a claim 2Vz miles southeast of Pisek in the year 1882. Mr. Kadlovec was born at Kaznov, Czechoslovakia, Dec. 13, 1855. He came to the United States when he was 14 years old, along with his brother-in-law, Gabril Krumpas. He was employed as a farm laborer in Illinois and Nebraska before coming to North Dakota. Mr. Kadlovec farmed with oxen and often traveled to Minto with them for their meager supplies. The coming of the railroad improved conditions and the community increased rapidly in population. The couple took an active part in the affairs of the village. Mrs. Kadlovec taught school and Mr. Kadlovec was supervisor, treasurer and director of the school board. Both were active members of the church. They had one son, Rudolph, and three daughters, Mary (Mrs. Frank Hajicek), Rose (Mrs. Alois Kotaska), and Pauline (Mrs. Joseph Kolar). Rudolph took over his fathers farming interests when Mr. Kadlovec retired. By Mrs. Harold Falter Park River, N . D.

John Kostohris was born in Czechoslovakia in 1839 where he was married to Anna Tupa in 1861. Anna was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tupa and was born in 1840. They arrived in America and settled in Spilleville, Ia. In 1880 they came to Dakota Territory where they filed a homestead in Rushford Township with a patent on March 10, 1882. The homestead was Va mile west and Vz mile north of Pisek. Mr. Kostohris was a charter member of St. John Nepomecene Catholic Church. They had ten children: Mary, Joseph, Katherine, Anna, John, Christina, Antonie, James, Frank and Thomas. Mr. Kostohris died Oct. 19, 1911 and his wife, Anna, died Sept. 12,1922. By Mrs. John H. Jelinek Pisek, N . D. ALOIS KOTASKA, JR. Alois Kotaska, Jr., married Rose Kadlovec at Pisek in the year 1900, where they started farming on his father's land. They moved to Pisek in 1913 and went into partnership with Joseph Kolar in a meat market They later moved to Park River where Alois went to work for the Park River Milling Co. which was owned by John Dunn and J . D . Robertson. Mr. Kotaska bought the dray line from George Anderson in 1917 and also began hauling mail from the train to the post office. He then had two teams of horses, and later modernized by purchasing a second hand Model T Ford truck. In 1929 he bought a second Model T Ford from Clark Farup at a cost of $25.00. He used this truck for 30 years, hauling freight and mail. They had four children, Ernest, Elmer, Emma (Mrs. Ben Arness) and Agnes (Mrs. Harold Falter). By Mrs. Harold Falter Park River, N . D. THOMAS KRILE FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kadlovec JOHN KOSTOHRIS F A M I L Y

Thomas Krile, son of John and Mary Krile, was born Sept.. 8, 1874, in Spilleville, Ia. Thomas and his brother, John, were hardware dealers in Pisek during 1906. Later John went into the confectionery store business and Thomas was a mechanic. In 1907 he started as rural route mail carrier hauling mail with horses. He continued as rural mail carrier until 1938 when he retired. In 1895 he married Frances Wavrik. She was born in Czechoslovakia Dec. 22,1874, the daughter of John and Anna Wavrik. Her parents died and she was left an orphan, along with three sisters and a brother, Mary, Anna, Sophie and John. The children came to America in 1888 and Frances stayed with her Aunt Anna and Karel Jelinek. (Anna was a sister of John Wavrik). Thomas and Frances had six children: Thomas, Jr., Frances, Anna, Mary, Albina, and Rose. Frances died June 8, 1907, and Thomas married Nancy Loree. They had four children: Dorothy, Irene, Nellie and Wilmer. Thomas died Nov. 2,1950 and Nancy is also de'

JAMES LOVCIK FAMILY James Lovcik and his wife, Barbara (Vocelka), came to America in 1886, settling first in Spilleville, Ia. He was born July 26, 1833, and his wife was born Dec. 4,1834, in Czechoslovakia. In 1882 they came to Dakota Territory, locating 2V2 miles northwest of Pisek. Their son, Joseph, was the first postmaster in Pisek. Joseph also owned and operated a general store with his brother James. Anton had a grocery store; Albert and Frank farmed. Their daughters were Mrs. Elizabeth Rumreich, Mrs. John (Frances) Kadlec, Mrs. Joseph (Mary) Kostohris, and Mrs. Anna Kouba. His wife, Barbara, died Oct. 7, 1911, and Mr. Lovcik died Dec. 18,1922. CHARLES A. MEDUNA FAMILY Charles A. Meduna was born in Vienna, Austria, Jan. 24, 1886, son of Joseph and Marie (Lahoda) Meduna. Charles attended school in Vienna. Following his fathers death he worked as an apprentice in a soft metal foundry of copper and brass casting for two years. At 17 he decided to come to America (1903). His sister and brother-in-law, Hedvika and Albert Schildberger, had been in the Pisek area since about 1894. Parting with his widowed mother, sister Marie, brother Frank, and nephews was very hard but he was looking to America with hope for a better life. They went through customs with name tags and if German was spoken, he got along fine. At Larimore he wanted to buy a shirt and not being able to speak English, he took the store-keeper out to the window and pointed to a shirt displayed there. The store-keeper smiled, measured his neck and gave him a shirt. Charles knew the value of money by then. Charles got on a train at Larimore, believing it was going to Pisek. Three miles out of town the conductor told him he'd have to get off, that he was on the wrong train. Dad had to walk all the way back, carrying his suitcase. He used to say, "I was so green. They wouldn't make me walk now. I'd stay on and go back." He made his home with Hedvika and Albert Schildberger and family. Their oldest son, Jeffrey, was eight years younger than he, so the older children and he had some good times together. Oswald (Frank) tells me he remembers when "Uncle" came. Dad was teaching him German and he taught Dad Czech. (Dad could understand Czech, both parents were Czech). Dad knew German as it had been used and spoken at the school in Vienna which he attended. He was sent to Park River for some "white pepper." From the grocery store they sent him to the drug store where they tried to sell him writing paper. He grabbed a pencil and wrote it down. "Oh, you'll have to go to the grocery store for that." After working in the Pisek area for seven years all he learned were a few unprintable words in English. He decided to go to night school and to learn the language. For about two winters he went to Omaha, Neb. where he worked for Georgie Brothers Seed Co. during the day and went to school at night.

He returned to his sister' home, worked in the area on farms and did various other work. On Aug. 18, 1913 he married Mary F. Vavrik (born Feb. 3, 1889) daughter of Anton and Marie (Hlina) Vavrik. After their marriage they started farming. The farm was her life. Mary helped by selling butter, eggs, chickens, ducks, geese and even turkeys. I remember how the neighbors exchanged help. The turkeys were shipped in barrels. Feathers and garden produce was also sold. Sauerkraut was made in ten gallon crocks and sold. She canned much from the garden, including many varieties of pickles. Meat was fried down and layered between lard to preserve it. It was also put in brine and all the "jaternice" they used to make. She was also an excellent seamstress, having learned to sew as a young girl while working with Mrs. Vaclav Barta who was well known for her work on bridal gowns, veils, hats, etc. They farmed in the Pisek area until 1927, lived in Pisek until 1942, and then moved to St. Paul, Minn. Dad worked for Federal Catridge Co., and the Morton Sausage Co., until his retirement. He died Feb. 6, 1955 and mother died Feb. 18,1969. The three children are Charles J . Meduna, St. Paul; Agnes H . (Mrs. Joseph F. Skluzacek), Prior Lake, Minn., and Mary A. (Mrs. Henry C. Marcotte), Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. All of us enjoy going back to Pisek. We subscribe to the Record so we keep up with the news even though we don't live there. We speak of the times we spent there often. Dad never got to go back to Vienna, due to the shortage of money and then the war. After the war his sister and nephew corresponded and he learned that one of our cousins was a prisoner of war. Another cousin, a few miles out of St. Paul, lost his wife in an air raid over Vienna. I can't forget to mention how dad was such a great fan of the Pisek baseball team. How he enjoyed those ball games! He'd mark the score on their huge billboard and how nice it looked when Pisek was winning. By Mrs. Joseph F. Skluzacek Rte. 1, Box 142 Prior Lake, Minn.

Charles A. Meduna

FRANK J. NOVAK Joseph and Katherine Novak homesteaded 160 acres in Prairie Center Township in 1881. They had left their former home near Decorah, Ia. taking the train as far as Grand Forks. From there they completed the trip to what is now Prairie Center Township, in a wagon drawn by a team of horses. With them were their three eldest children, the youngest was a baby. They had a cow, a plow and some supplies. They lived in a one-room house which was probably built by Mr. Novak's brother, Frank, who was a carpenter. They, along with other homesteaders, decided a church was needed for spiritual worship so a small church was built at Veseleyville by these pioneers. There were about two dozen families in all who built the church and purchased a plot for a cemetery. They were of the Catholic faith. In 1892 Mr. Novak purchased Vz section of land in Rushford Township. One quarter was paid for with 14 head of beef cattle. The family moved again, this time to their permanent home. After moving to Rushford Township they became members of St. John's Catholic Church at Pisek. They had 16 children, two of who died in infancy. Descendants in one generation were Mary, Anna, Joseph, Frank, Stella, Rose, Thomas, Steve, Florence, Emma, Jake, Agnes, Minnie, Louis and Andrew. The educational opportunities were at Rushford School District No. 1. The school was built in 1883. The first eight grades were taught. They practiced diversified farming, raising livestock and grains. They raised their own horses and at one time had 24. Mr. Novak served the emperor of Austria in the Cavalry for three years in the old country and probably learned much about the care of horses as they never required the services of a horse doctor. The horses were necessary for field work and driving. They had Clydesdales for draftwork and Pacers for driving. The family all worked in their large garden. They butchered their own beef and pork. An assembly line of the children was formed around the large table in the kitchen of their home as they made head cheese and sausages. In the winter the meat was frozen and in the summer it was salted. The mother sewed all their clothing, made their bonnets and hats and also made the soap. Mr. and Mrs. Novak were immigrants from Czechoslovakia. Mrs. Novak's maiden name was Katherine Ptacnik. She came to America with her mother, two sisters and two brothers. Her father had died in Czechoslovakia from asthma. One brother, Jacob, came to Dakota Territory at the same time and homesteaded near Edinburg. Ptacnik meant bird and he anglecized his name to Birder. He spoke five languages, two of which were Indian. This enabled him to trade with the Indians He became a financier and one of the pioneers of the Park River community, where he started places of business and built a home. This home is still in use today and stands at the north end of main street in Park River.

Mr. Novak purchased an additional two quarters of land and therefore farmed 640 acres up until his death in 1932, when his eldest son, Joseph, bought and managed the farm. By Andrew Novak and Arden Burbidge

Frank Novak, the butcher from Pisek, sat on the moon 70 years ago.

Frank J. Novak, threshing crews.

Pisek,

delivering

meat

to local

JOSEPH NOVAK Joseph Novak was born in 1822 in Bohemia, as was his wife Josephine, born in 1831. They came to the United States about 1871, settling in the Spillevdle, Ia., area. They had seven children: John, Joseph W., Anna, Mary, Josephine, Frank, and Rose. Joseph W., Mary, and Rose came to the Pisek area with their spouses and families and their mother, Josephine. The rest lived in and around Spilleville, with Joseph dying in Iowa in 1895. Josephine died in 1918. There are many descendants in the Walsh County area from the three children who came to North Dakota. Rose married Frank A. Greicar; Mary married Wencel (also known as Jim and Vaclav) Zikmund, and Joseph W. married Ann Sylhacek. They had from seven to 12 children each. By Mrs. Ben Greciar, Pisek 655

THOMAS W. AND ROSE H. NOVAK Thomas W. Novak was born March 7, 1893 at Spilleville, Ia., to Joseph W. and Anna Schilhachek Novak. At the age of six, in 1899, Thomas came with his parents to North Dakota and settled south-east of Lankin in Walsh County. As a young man he helped his father who was a cattle buyer and farmer. Rose H. Novak was born Feb. 5, 1907 at Lankin to Charles J. and Christina Velek Novak, and lived on a farm in the Lankin area until her marriage. Thomas and Rose were married at Lankin May 20, 1924, by Rev. Vaclor Mikolosek in St. Joseph Catholic Church. They settled on a farm three miles west and one mile north of Pisek where his parents had lived for almost twenty years. Thomas and Rose lived there 40 years. All 10 of their children were born in the farm home which still stands. The children are: George, single; Angeline, who married Herman Zidon; Caroline, who married Herman Barta; Bernice, who married Frank Fischer, Jr.; Lawrence, single; Donald, single; Loretta, who married Joseph Lovcik; William, who married Louise Machart; Patricia, who married James Votova, Jr., and Lona, who married Douglas Carter. 1934 brought the first radio to the Novak family and it was battery operated. In the 30's, during the drought, one year was so bad that they couldn't even get enough off the fields to buy a pair of shoes. Cream was sold to buy groceries. 1938 brought the grasshoppers that took the crops so Thomas worked for W.P.A. Acorns were picked that year, as well as others, for feed for the hogs. Of course there were good years, too, when crops were good, gardens and wild berries were plentiful, all to be canned and preserved. This was all done on a wood and coal range. This range was also used to heat the water for washing clothes, etc. 1940 brought the gravel crew to haul gravel from the farm for highway 17 between Park River and Grafton. This meant cooking three meals a day for up to 10 extra men. All the farming was done with horses until 1943 when the first tractor was bought. This was an F12. Threshing was usually done with the neighbors and their own threshing machine was bought in 1948. 1945 brought conveniences to the house and farm with a kerosene stove to be used during the summer for cooking. The first gas stove came in 1947 and 1948 brought electricity and electric lights. Rose got her first electric iron in 1949 and what a convenience it was not to have to heat that heavy iron on the wood stove. Thomas, like his father, was interested in cattle, but instead of buying and selling he took in cattle for pasture rent. Son George, in 1950, presented his mother with statues in honor of The Lady of Fatama, which she placed in her flower garden. Caring for the garden was to become one of her main interests. In July of 1954 the farm was struck by very high winds destroying a 100 foot barn, damaging the house and other buildings. With the help of K D Lodge,

neighbors and friends, the debris was cleaned up and a new barn was built. Thomas returned to Iowa for a visit in 1939 and again in 1955. Rose's first trip away from home was to Ohio with her sister, brother, and son, George, in 1947 to visit two other sisters. Thomas and Rose were members of St. John Nepomucene's Catholic church of Pisek from the time of their marriage. All their children were members until they moved from the Pisek community. Thomas has been a member of the K. of C. and K. D. for many years. He also served on the Church board, school board, and township board for a number of years. Rose was a member of St. John's Altar Society and after all her sons served in the armed forces, she joined the Pisek American Legion Auxiliary. In 1964 Thomas and Rose made their first move to a farm home one mile from where they had lived. It was Rose's desire that once Thomas retired they would move into the town of Pisek and in the fall of 1965 this became a reality when they bought a house in town just across the street from their church. In the fall of 1968 Rose passed away and was laid to rest in St. John Nepomucenes cemetery. Thomas continued to live in town with his sons until 1971 when he and son, Donald, moved back to the farm home where he now lives. Thomas is a true farmer as it is only by living on his farm that he is happy. Thomas has all his children and their families living, as well as 24 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren. There are four deceased grandchildren. ONDRACEK FAMILY Mr. and Mrs. Anton Ondracek (Frances Kbeibl) immigrated from Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, and made their home on a farm near Pisek. They had six children: Annie, Mary, Caroline, Thomas, John and Rudolph. As of now, John Ondracek, Grafton, and Mary Ondracek Gerstner, Dodsland, Sask., are still living. Mrs. Ondracek was born in 1858 and died in June, 1908. Mr. Ondracek was born in 1858 and died in January, 1944. They were members of the Catholic Church in Pisek. By Wallace Ondracek WENZL AND MARY PAUR Wenzl Paur was born in Czechoslovakia in 1856. He came to the United States in 1873 at the age of 17. He first located in Chicago where he worked as a tailor's helper. A few years later he homestead on land near Staples, Minnesota. The land that Paur filed on was almost completely overgrown with trees and he cut and sold railroad ties for a living. It was here that he met and married Mary Vomacka. She was born in Czechoslovakia about 1861 and came to that part of Minnesota with her parents when she was 3. Here their first child, James, was born. After living several years at Staples, and not

seeing any promising future in cutting ties, the Paurs left the area and settled on land west of Lankin. After farming there for a number of years, during which time several of their children were born, Paur bought a quarter section of land one mile east of Pisek, moving his family there. He farmed in the Pisek area until 1919, acquiring several more quarter sections of land As his children grew up, he saw the need for more land and in 1919 bought another quarter section of land near Waubun, Minn. He moved there with his wife and the two youngest children, Leon and Theodore He left another son, Frank, to manage the family farm at Pisek. After a few years Frank gave up farming and the youngest son, Theodore, moved back to Pisek from Waubun to take over the family farm. In 1930, after Leon got married, Wenzl and his wife Mary, left the Waubun area and moved back to the family farm at Pisek to make their home with Theodore. Mary Paur died in 1944 at 83 and Wenzl died three years later at 91. Of the 12 children, four are living: John of Saskatoon, Sask.; William, Inkster; Barbara (Mrs. Joseph Kouba), Devils Lake; and Leon, Waubun, Minn. By Emil F. Paur

Mr. and Mrs. Praska had ten children, seven boys and three girls. Joseph lived on his farm until his death in 1930. While farming with his sons he accumulated 880 acres of land, most of which is still in the Praska family. Mrs. Praska died in 1957 at 84. The Praskas helped build and maintain the first church in Pisek. By Albin Praska Pisek, N . D. FRANK P. RUMREICH FAMILY Frank P. Rumreich was one of the first settlers to arrive from Europe to start the town of Pisek. Rumreich was born in Ivancic, Austria, in 1847, and married Marie Schnedar in 1868. The family moved to Pisek in 1880 from Austria, along with their children. They had 13 children, nine of whom survived. Mr. Rumreich, with a few other settlers, started the town of Pisek. He was a mechanical engineer, a versatile man interested in business. His son, Albert, started in the hardware store; Frank W., a furniture store; Ernest and John K . farmed; Erhart was a doctor; Antonette married L. E. Seidl, who had the Lumber and Coal yard; Alosia married Anton Lovcik, and operated a grocery store; Rosalie married Louis Kadlec, who farmed. Mr. Rumreich was also interested in the town drug store, Roller Mill, and farming ventures.

WENCEL PRASKA Wencel Praska came to the United States in 1876 and settled in Iowa, near Spilleville, where he and his family lived for seven years. His wife was Mary Turek. They had four children: Albert, Mary, Katherine and J

Since the Pisek vicinity had no trees and was virtually a prairie, Mr. Rumreich applied, under a Timber Cultural Act of 1873, a U.S. Government issue, which allowed, if one planted 40 acres of trees on a 160-acre of land, he would in the end receive a grant and deed for the 160-acres. He received the Growth of Timber on Western Prairies Deed from President William McKinley on March 28, 1898. From a railroad grant he bought another 160-acres. Pisek is built on the land, along with land owned by Anton Wavrik.

Se

° T h e y came to Walsh County in 1883 and settled on a claim in Vernon township. All the land around Pisek and Veseleyville was already taken so they had to go farther west, across the hills, about five miles south oi Fordville. The older children soon left home, and Joseph, the youngest, farmed with his father. In the late '80's, Joseph bought a farm ™ Rushford township from a man named Malone for $500. In 189.2 Joseph married Rosa Zdenek, who came from Czechoslovakia. All of her belongings were packed in a wooden trunk which is still in the family. It took six weeks to cross the ocean. Seven weeks after she landed in America she was married to Joseph Praska.

He was possibly the first taxidermist in the vicinity, had a private fish pond on the land, outdoor bowling alley in the tree claim, and owned two hunting dogs. Game was plentiful in those days. He also had a garden and orchard. Mr. Rumreich went on trips to visit his homeland many times, always returning with friends and relatives to settle around Pisek. While there one time he commissioned an artist by the name of Mocha to paint a picture of two Jesuits, their names were to oe used in the naming of the Catholic Church in Pisek. The painting was brought to Pisek by Mr. Rumreich s sister, Mrs. Marie Patocka, when she and her family sailed to the U.S.A. Due to a little confront or misunderstanding the names of the Jesuits were not used. The church was named St. John Nep.

The Joseph Praska Family. Left to nght back row. Mary, James, Rose, Albin, Joseph, Annie. Frank Front row. Charles, Mrs. Praska, Herman, Mr. Praska, Elmer. Picture taken 1923.

Frank Paul Rumreich died in 1908 at 62 years of age. 657

By R. J. Rumreich Grand Forks. N . Dak.

and Mrs. Strand had seven daughters: Mary, Nettie, Hilda, Lena, Anna, Clara and Mabel; four sons, Carl, Oscar, Albert and Bernhard. A baby girl died at birth. Strand was active in church and was a member of Our Saviors Church in Park River. By Mabel Helland

JOHN FRANK SCHUFLETOWSKI John Frank Schufletowski, who was born in Chicago, 111., June 4, 1866, came to Dakota territory in 1890. He bought the land south of Park River from William Randall, where he made his home for 65 years. In 1891 he married Anna Welleck, who was born in Spilleville, Ia. They had nine children: Frank. Albert, Mary, Steve, Florence, Henry, Agatha, Charles and Helene. Mr. Schufletowski was a member of the Farmers Elevator, and the Modern Woodmen. He and his wife were both active in the Catholic Church and other community affairs.

KAREL STUDENY Karel Studeny was born in Bohemia in 1854. In May of 1891 Karel Studeny and his wife, Ruzena, /emigrated to the United States where five of their children were born. Their children are: Frank, Victor, Josephine (Helt), Frances (Rumerich), Anna (Rumerich), and Julia (Vislisel). Allan Swartz, the grandson of Julia Studeny Vislisel, lives on his great grandfather's farm place. Frank Studeny married Antonie Jedlicka of Lankin Jan. 7, 1908, and lived in Rushford Township on a farm bought from Karl J . Farup. They had four children: Victor E . , Stanley R., Marcella and Henrietta. By Mrs. Victor E. Studeny Park River

L. E. SEIDL FAMILY L . E . Seidl was born Nov. 10,1870, at Green Bay, Wise, later moving to Witchita, Kansas. He came to Dakota in 1893 and taught school in Pisek from 18941896. He also taught older people English and clerked at the Aslakson-Walstrom store in Park River. He was married Nov. 9, 1896, to Antonette Rumreich, who was born March 31, 1876, in Czechoslovakia, the daughter of the Frank Rumreichs. She came to the Pisek community when she was six years old. In 1897 Mr. Seidl took charge of the lumber and coal yard, established by Frank Rumreich. He served as mayor of Pisek, and was active in village and community affairs. The Seidls had seven children: Mrs. Albert (Margaret) Dvorak, Fred E., Lawrence J., Mrs. Ed (Rose) Kadlec, Alice, Marcella who died at 3, and Henrietta, who died at 21. Mr. Seidl died July 11, 1938, and his wife in March, 1960.

EDWARD ULLMAN FAMILY Edward Ullman and Anna Vavrosky were married July 25,1893. She was born June 16, 1872, at Fort Atkinson, the daughter of Frank and Mary Vavrosky, and came to North Dakota in 1882 with her parents. Edward was born Nov. 13, 1870, in Braidwood, 111., coming to North Dakota in 1880. The Ullmans farmed until 1902 when they moved to Pisek, where he operated a meat market for several years. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1943. The couple had eight children: Mrs. A . (Mary) Pytlik, Mrs. R. J . (Anne) Mather, Joe, Mrs. J . J . (Beata) Zuerlien, Mrs. Lawrence (Gertrude) Seidl, and three who died, Rose at 1, Stanley, 3, and John in infancy. Mr. Ullman died June 3, 1944, and his wife Sept. 11, 1945. ANTON VAVRIK FAMILY

KITTEL STRAND Kittel Strand came with his parents from Norway, where he was born Oct. 22,1859. His parents first settled in Wisconsin. When homesteads were made available in Grand Forks, his parents moved there, where they filed on a homestead in Grand Forks County. He lived with his parents until he was 21 years old. As no more land was available in Grand Forks County, he moved to Grafton where he filed on a homestead in 1881. In 1883 he met and married Kjersti Mohagen, a Norwegian girl who was born Oct. 14, 1864, and who had come from Norway with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hans Mohagen, to file on a homestead in Walsh Center Township. , Strand sold his farm to Martin Torkelson in 1890 and moved to Little Falls, Minn., where he lived for a short time before moving to Broaten, Minn. From there he moved to Elbo Lake, Minn., returning to Dakota in 1899. He rented some land east of Grafton, where he lived for a year and a half before moving to Park River where he purchased a farm in Rushford Township in 1901. He lived there until he died June 9, 1908. Mrs. Strand died Jan. 2, 1927. Strand farmed with horses and traveled from Minnesota to Dakota by covered wagon and train. Mr. 1 o n n

Anton Vavrik—1850-1922—Pisek 658

Anton Vavrik was born in Nemicice, Moravia, Tune 11 1850, to John and Marie Vavrik. His father died when he was five and his mother remarried (Kliebl) When he was 11 he left home to work and e a trade. He worked at the International Exhibition at Vienna (1873) as a cabinetmaker and carpenter. After coming to the United States he spent some time working in St. Paul, Minn., where he was employed by James J . Hill, the railroad tycoon. Through Anton's work for Mr. Hill they became good friends and on occasion Anton was invited to the Hill a r n

" ^ V h V e T n ' s f p a u l he lived with the Borovanskys and Burianeks. A few years later he went to work in the Prairie Du Chien area. He met and married Marie Hhna at Eastman, Wise, on April 12,1880. She was born Sept. 28 1859, in St. Louis, Mo. A short time before her birth her parents, brother, and sister, left Czechoslovakia for America. While on their journey her sister died and was buried at sea. Her brother, Joseph, 19 years her senior, died before 1880 while working in the mines ot the Black Hills in South Dakota. She was three when the family moved to Prairie Du Chien, Wise Anton and Marie were part of a group preparing to leave Prairie Du Chien by wagon train some time in 1881 The Frantisek Rumreich family stayed at the Hlina home while preparations were made I t j m decided that Marie and infant son, Mike, would follow a year later by train to Grand Forks. The wagon tram headed for Mitchell, S. D., and it was there Rumreich and Anton left the wagon train to go to Pisek. Anton homesteaded a tree claim (he had to plant trees and live there a certain length of time before the land was his) two miles east of Pisek. The KoukM Homestead was to the east Already there) the Anton Schnedar Homestead to the north (later) the Ullman Homestead was north of the Koukal s and east of the Schnedar's homestead. The homesteaders' life was lonely. Anton was digging a well when he heard a voice calling, Antomn, are you down there?" Anton was so excited that he propped himself up on the shovel and jumped out not bothering to use the ladder. He was surprised and so happy to see his friend, Anton Schnedar m North Dakota. Later Mr. Schnedar loved to tel this story A sod house was built near the trees closest to the road. Before he had oxen or horses, Anton walked to Grand Forks for supplies. In those very early days buffalo chips served as fuel and rags dipped uL tallow or lard burned in a saucer serving for light. Time was told by the sun and setting the hour glass by guess each morning. The grass being so tall, they worried about the children getting lost and prairie. Anton farmed and also made use of hpi trade making coffins and furniture as requested White the children were small he bought the farm north of Pisek. The children's greatest worry was to move thentreasures, consisting of an old cracked vase and spools (their toys). Anton sold building lots off the farm and about half of Pisek stands on the southeast corner of this farm. The Pisek-Lankin road to the south, the Pisek-Park River road to the east and the Cemetery to the west, formed it's borders. Mrs. Mary

Zdenek, his niece, still lives in the southeast corner. Anton also donated land for the K . D. Hall. His home was used for township elections. Marie fed many hungry men who stopped while walking the railroad tracks looking for work. The children were taught by Mr Peleska and Mr. Hovorka. The girls were members of the church choir and several of the boys were members of the band. By working together the family owned about seven farms in the area. Anton and Marie had five boys and two girls: Matt, born Feb. 24 1881, died Sept. 23, 1957, married to Barbara Zidon; Anton, born May 23, 1883 and died Dec. 30, 1961; Adolph, born June 17, 1886 and died Feb 24, 1952 married to Jaromila Jelinek, who was born April 21 1894 and died June 25, 1970; Mary, born Feb. 3, 1889 and died Feb. 18, 1969, married to Charles A . Meduna who was born Jan. 24, 1886 and died Feb. 6, 1955; John, born May 6, 1891 and married to Justine Ernsbarger; Rose, born Sept. 8, 1893, and married to John Ellision; and Ralph, born April 17, 1896 and died J a n

' Anton retired in 1912 and died Dec. 16,1922 at 72. Marie died April 19, 1927, at 68. Anton's mother, Mrs. Marie Kliebl, two sisters, Julia and Frances Ondracek, brother-in-law Anton Ondracek, and the orphaned children of his brother, John (Sophia, Frances, Anna, Mary and John) came to America in 1888. His sister, Anna (Mr. and Mrs. Karel Jelinek) came to America in 1881. Mrs Steve Jarolimek is the only grandchild living in the area. By John H . Jelinek, Pisek

Standing- Mrs. Charles A. Meduna (Mary Vavrik) S S Sitting- Her mother Mrs. Marie (Alina) y^rm'ls!S. Grandson Charles J. Meduna, 1914-. FRANK VAVROSKY FAMILY Frantisek Vavrosky was born in 1841 in Czechoslovakia. In 1863 he married Mary Ryant, who was born in 1840. In 1868 they came to America and settled in Spilleville, Ia., where they lived until 1882, when they came to Dakota Territory and Wed a homestead in Prairie Center Township (1 mile south, 3 miles east, Vz mile south of Pisek). They had five children: Mary, Frank, Anna James and Matt. In 1901 they built a house in Pisek S is still occupied. ^ - V a v r o s k y ^ Aug. 17, 1919, and Mr. Vavrosky died July 28, 659

Franktisek (Frank) Vavrosky, 1841-1928; Mary (Ryant) Vavrosky, 1840-1919.

the first telephone exchange in Park River, and Fred installed the first telephones in town between his home and the homes of high school friends. He married Frances Higgins, Red Wing, Minn. They moved from Fargo to Minneapolis where Fred continued to work for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. until his retirement. They had four children. He died in 1965. Will Warner, Jr., taught school at Rushford School No. 1 for a short time, before going to Fargo, where he was a mail clerk on the train. He married Lila Ingalls of Jamestown. They moved to Denver, Colo. Will retired from the mail service in 1952. He helped organize the shuffleboard club in Berkeley Park, Denver, for retired men. They had two sons. They reside in Columbine Manor in Denver.

WILLIAM W A R N E R F A M I L Y

William Warner and his brothers, Simon, Edward, John and Harry, came to Park River in 1880. They arrived by train in Grand Forks from Racine, Wise, bringing six oxen and a team of horses. William Warner was selling fanning mills for the J. I. Case Company in this territory. He filed on land in Rushford Township, Walsh County, in 1884. He also filed on a tree claim in 1893. The brothers filed in the same vicinity and the Warners built a sod shanty and planted trees. William Warner and Emma Meierhoff were married in March, 1882, in Racine. They returned to the homestead where four children were born: Fred, Will Jr., Geneva and Elmer. Fred was born in the sod shanty. Two years later a frame house was built and the other three children were born there. Louis and Herbert, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Warner, were also born there.

William Warner—1901 Gertina Pederson Warner—1901

William later built a house in Park River, where St. Ansgar Hospital now stands. Emma Warner was a member of the Eastern Star Lodge and sang in the Presbyterian choir. She died in 1899. William Warner Sr., spent the remainder of his life in Walsh County. He was a member of the Rushford Township board. In 1904 he built a table and foot stool of spools. William's brother, Simon, built a house in Park River and worked at the C. E. Nelson store before moving to Seattle, Wash. Harry went to Kenmare, and the other brothers returned to Racine. William's son, Fred, worked for Ed Code, who had

Mrs. Skjoe and Mrs. Warner

Geneva became the wife of Reuben Roberts of Racine, Wise, and they had two daughters. Reuben was a clerk in the postoffice there for 50 years and also taught Sunday School at the Holy Communion Lutheran Church for over 50 years. Twelve of his Sunday School boys became ministers, including his grandson, Rev. Edward Aller. Reuben died in 1971. Elmer, who was born in 1891, went to Saskatchewan to homestead in 1911. His wife is the former Lottie Hillier, daughter of pioneer parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. John Hillier of Cashel. She taught at the Rushford School during 1909 -1910 for $30 a month before moving with her mother and brothers to Saskatchewan, where she and Elmer were married. After 50 years on the farm there they moved to Orkney, Sask. Fred, Will Jr., Geneva and Elmer all lived to observe their fiftieth wedding anniversaries. William Warner Sr. and Gertina Pederson were married December, 1901. Gertina was born in Norway and came to America when she was 19. She spent some time in Mankato, Minn., after coming from Norway. They were the parents of three daughters: Vera, Alice and Laura. Alice died when she was 8. The Warner family moved to Park River in 1924. Vera clerked at the A. Finneseth Company for several years and later was librarian. In 1950 she married George Fisher, farmer near Grafton, and following his death in 1968, returned to Park River. Laura was secretary at the Walsh County Agricultural School for 15 years prior to her marriage to Glenn Ellingson in 1945. They make their home in St. Paul where Glenn worked for the Corps of Engineers before his retirement. They have two children.

Perhaps Gertina Warner's Norwegian heritage gave her the talent for hand work. She made beautiful quilts and embroidery work. Her velvet log cabin quilt won first prize at the Minto fair in 1904. She demonstrated spinning at the fiftieth anniversary celebration for the founding of Walsh County and also displayed a white shawl she had knit from wool she clipped from the sheep, carded and spun. She worked at the Ebbson Tailor Shop for many years. She made many wagon wheel rugs. William Warner was born May 26,1855, and died July 9, 1924. Gertina Warner was born December 19, 1870, and died September 25, 1955. By Mrs. Vera Fischer Park River ABRAHAM MIDBOE) WYLIE FAMILY Abraham (Midbo) Wylie was born Aug. 8, 1881. in Telemark, Norway, and emigrated, when very young, with his parents to Dakota Territory to what is now known as Walsh County. His parents were Gunleik and Helga (Strand) Midbo. After the death of his father, his mother married Henry J. Wylie and Abraham took his stepfather's name and lived with his parents, his sisters, and brother, on a farm in Rushford Township where he grew to manhood. In 1908 he was married to Theresa Nymon. He farmed near Pisek and had a threshing rig. Active in community and township affairs, he served on both the school board and the township board. The Wylies had six children: Frank (1910), Theresa (1912-1963), Ida (1917), Minnie (1919), and twins, Marian (1921), and Theodore (1921). Frank married Marion Dahlen and they live in Edinburg. They have one daughter, Mavis Ann Theresa (Mrs. Dennis Hogfoss). Theresa married Harold Raske and they had no children. Ida is unmarried and lives in Portland, Oregon. Minnie married Robert Copp and they live in Portland, Oregon, and have one son, John. Marian married Andrew Werner, and they live in Portland, Oregon, and have seven children: Theodore, Wayne, Blaine, Mary, Anna, Julie and Andrea. Theodore married Lois Wilhite, and lives at Bryan, Texas, and has five children: Marian, Theodore, Kathleen, Theresa, and Elaine.

Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Wylie, Pisek Abraham's wife died in 1921. He continued living near Pisek and was a monument salesman. In 1935 he moved to Edinburg and was married to Oteha Odden. Here he lived, continuing in the monument business until his death June 14, 1946. Otelia died in 1969.

Surviving Abraham were five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. By Mrs. Frank A. Wylie HENRY J. WYLIE Henry Johnston Wylie was born June 23, 1848, in Liverpool, England. He emigrated to Canada and while living there was married. He and his wife immigrated to Dakota Territory to what is now known as Kensington Township where Henry homesteaded in 1883. They had four children: Ethel, Tillie, Henry and Russell. He lived there until his wife died. Henry moved to Rushford Township where he continued to farm. He married Helga Midbo, a widow with two children: Abraham and Mary. (Helga was born July 8, 1855, in Norway and emigrated to Walsh County) Henry and Helga had three children: John, Anna, and Rose. Ethel married Daniel Ferguson, and they had two daughters. Tillie married Dave Bruce, and they had five sons. Henry married Shirley Bell and they had two daughters. Abraham married Theresa Nymon and they had six children. Mary married Oscar Paulson and they had one son. John married Gladys Capes and they had four children. Anna married Harry Rosenberger and they had one son. Rose married Alvin Gullingsrud, and they have seven children. Henry and Helga Wylie lived on their farm in Rushford Township until their deaths; Helga died in 1933 and Henry died in 1940. They had 26 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and 22 great, great grandchildren. By Mrs. Alvin Gullingsrud WENZEL ZIKMUND Wenzel Zikmund, also known as Jim and Vaclav, was born April 29, 1854, in Bohemia, as was his wife, Mary Novak, in 1856. They live in Winnishick County, Ia., for a few years before coming to Rushford Township in 1880-1882 with several small children to settle on a farm under the Homestead Act. They had 12 children: Charles, Mary, Lydia, Joseph, Anna, Rose, Jim, Martin, John, Louis, Mathias, and Veronika. Some died at an early age. At one time five of the brothers (Joseph, Jim, Martin, John and Louis) had an orchestra until the death of Louis, when the orchestra then dissolved. Wenzel's father, Mathias (born in 1814) and his mother, Anna (born in 1815) came later from Iowa and lived in the Pisek area. Wenzel owned the elevator (north one) in Pisek, as well as a house or two, and purchased numerous land holdings in the Pisek-Conway area. There are many descendants living in Walsh County from the children of Wenzel and Mary Zikmund: Mary, Lydia, Joseph, Anna and Rose. The others never married or died at an early age. (In Jan., 1975, at the age of 95, Lydia is the sole survivor.) Wenzel died Dec. 22, 1912, and his wife, Mary, in 1946. His father, Mathias, died Nov. 15, 1888, and his mother, Anna, Oct. 28, 1890. By Mrs. Ben Greciar Pisek

KENSINGTON TOWNSHIP The nucleus of settlement in Kensington township was centered about the postoffice and store conducted by E. 0. Faulkner within the borders of what became the township. The postoffice was opened Sept. 23, 1879 and became the Park River postoffice Sept. 15, 1884. Originally, it was settled by people of Scotch descent coming here from Canada. These people were progressive and worked together to build up a terminal for grain storage and after the railroad came they had five elevators to sell their products to. These farmers were also interested in raising pure bred cattle, horses and hogs. Norwegians moved into the settlement in 1879 and from these early settlers the township officers were recruited. The township was organized in 1882.

City Public and High School

ES

fur* Park River Grade School SCHOOL #26 - Treasurer: David Ford, 1883-1896. Directors: George Shephard, 1893; Wm. Burbidge, 1894; John Baird, 1895; Fred Robb, 1896; John Bennington, 1897-1898; John Job, 1898; Wm. Murta, 1899. Presidents: John Baird, 1894; John Job, 18951897; John Bennington, 1900. Clerk: Wm. Craig, 1892. Teachers: Mrs. Emma Rutledge, 1886; W.J. Medland, 1892; J.R. Landsborough, 1892; Wm. Brown, 1893; S.F. Bateman, 1893; W.G. Brown, 1894; Addie E. Malone, 1895; Florence Livingstone, 1895; Maggie Johnston, 1896-1897; Maggie Cook, 1898. SCHOOL #78 - Treasurer: Sidney Clark, 18851886; C D . Lord, 1887-1892. Directors: Jas. A . Dougherty, 1893-1896; Karl J . Farup, 1894 & 1897; H.R. Aslakson, 1895 & 1898; C.E. Nelson, 1899; C D . Lord, 1900; G.O. McEwan, 1900. Presidents: Karl J . Farup, 1893; H.R. Aslakson, 1895 & 1898; C.E. Nelson, 1896; J . Morley Nyard, 1897. Clerks: George L . McLeod, 1892; F.J. Prochaska, 1897; John Bidlake, 1898. Teachers: E.M. Hayes, 1892; L.S. Iiwin; Hannah M. Paulson; E.M. Hayes; Minnie E. Ingrandson.

Kensington Township along the Park River.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS SCHOOL #45 — Treasurer: Wm. Davis, 1883; D.D. Green, 1891. Directors: Thomas Foster; Joseph Butler, 1891; George Dobmeier, 1894; Joseph Coulter, 1894-1897; John Holmes; B.E. Towle, 1898; Robert Brett, 1900. President: George Dobmeier, 1894-1897. Clerk: Wm. Milne, 1892; Joseph Robbie, 1893; D. Brett, 1895. Teacher: Frank Douglas, 1892; W . J . Medland, 1893; Sophia Sever, 1894; Myra Hoeford, 1895; Florence Livingstone, 1896; E.H. Green, 18971898.

SCHOOL #98 — Treasurer: Engebert Arnes, 1886; Peter Martin, 1891. Directors: Wm. McMurray, 1893; John Sahd, 1894; W.H. Landsborough, 1895 & 1898; Jas. Stewart, 1896; Simon Oen, 1899. Presidents: James Stewart, 1892 & 1893; Simon Oen, 1894,1895, & 1899. Clerk: W.H. Landsborough, 1892. Teachers: Jas. R. Landsborough, 1892; Lydia Landsborough, 1893662

1895; Guy L. Whitlemore, 1896-1897; Agnes G. Smith, 1898! SCHOOL #117 — Treasurer: D.G. McKay, 1898; Directors: David Aitkin, 1895 & 1898; Lars Nelson, 1896- W J. Phair, 1897 & 1900; Lars Nelson, 1899. Presidents: David Aitkin, 1895; W.J. Phair, 1896; Lars Nelson, 1897. Clerk: D.G. McKay, 1894; Thomas King, 1895- Mrs. W . J . Phair, 1895. Teachers: Florence Fallis, 1895; Lydia Landsborough, 1896-1897; Augusta H. Bri'ttner, 1898.

Trustees of this institution were: E. Smith-Peterson, President, Park River; John A. Dunn, Park River; John A. Harris, Park River; A.G. Bylin, Norton; Edward Erickson, Secretary, Grafton.

WALSH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL Park River is the seat of the Walsh County Agricultural and Training School, which was erected in 1913 at a cost of $40,000, the first institution of this kind in the state of North Dakota. The first Board of

Walsh County Agricultural School

HISTORY OF PARK RIVER

this area. The post buildings consisted of a stockade, dwelling house, starlhouse and shop, all made of oak and completed by Sept. 20 and the British flag raised. Park River, Henry recorded, was so named from the fact that the Assiniboine Indians made corrals of brush, parks or pounds for buffalo, heading them in from all points, as they became alarmed from any cause, and then killing them at short range in a time before they had firearm's. The Park River Post was abandoned May 17,1801. Forest and Park Rivers were known as Big and Little Salt Rivers respectfully by the Hudson's Bay trappers and half breeds, for it's saline water. By Mary Ann Barnes Williams

PARK RIVER POST

1956 view—Old Red River Ox Trail and Trading Postnow disintegrating fast, located three miles south and one mile west of Park River.

WALSH COUNTY (Material for this history is taken from the book as published in 1895, notes from the 1893 Atlas, history of Park River as written by Harry O'Brien in 1940 and from the 1928 Atlas, and from the article written by Frank Prochaska, former editor of the Walsh County Press who wrote for the 50th Anniversary edition of the Grafton News and Times in 1932.)

In 1783 the Montreal fur traders consolidated under the name of the "North West Co.", and pushed its trade into new and hitherto unexplored regions. In 1800 Alexander Henry, a fur trader on Lake Superior was leader of an expedition which set out from there with Turtle River for its objective point. It was Henry's intention to establish his headquarters on that stream for use while in charge of the Red River District, to which he had been assigned by the North West Co. His party bore the title of "Henry's Red River Brigade". On Sept. 2, 1800, they arrived where Morris, Manitoba is now situated. The brigade divided here, a portion remaining for the winter and the others going on to Park River with Henry. The latter group arrived there Sept. 8, 1800, and the following day determined to build a post on the west side of Park River, about three quarters of a mile from the mouth. This became known as Henry's Post.

When it is taken into consideration that an overwhelming majority of the new settlers came into the country almost without means, and in addition thereto had to settle against the existing high prices on all commodities, it is nothing less than wonderful that a great majority of them not only succeeded in establishing a permanent home, but in a great many instances even acquired a competency in a comparatively short while. The prevailing high prices were a direct result of the experimental feeling which pervaded all business in the early years of the history of the state. In the year 1881, the County of Walsh was formed out of the south part of Pembina County and the north part of Grand Forks County, with Grafton on the Great Northern Railroad from Grand Forks north, as the County seat. As to quality of land

The number of beaver dams near this point influenced Henry in his choice of it as a site for a trading post and there was evidence that bears, buffalo, deer and other wild game were plentiful in 663

and general character of its inhabitants, it ranks second to none in the state, a statement which is amply proven by its general condition. While it ranks third in population, it ranks first as to the number of farms it contains. PARK RIVER In 1884 a branch of the Great Northern Railroad was built from Larimore to the Park River, one of the tributaries of the Red River, and what is now the city of Park River, was established in the fall of that year. The first day of July 1884, saw the entire site upon which Park River is now built, one continuous wheat field. By 1895 they had a population of 1400, a public school, eight teachers and an enrollment of 456 pupils. Churches were built almost simultaneously with the first buildings of the town. The first church service in town was held in a saloon, with planks supported on beer kegs serving as seats. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1880; erected in 1884 with a seating capacity of 500 and a membership of 200. In 1895 Rev. J.A. Strachan was serving as Pastor. The First Presbyterian Church had a membership of 135. In 1895 Rev. T. Davis Achison was the pastor and the Superintendent of the Sunday School was J . D . Landsborough. The Norwegian Lutheran Church was served by Rev. M.N. Knutson and the Roman Catholic Church which was erected in 1888 was served by Rev. J.D. Simpson. Rev. J.P. Schell was supplying as a Home Missionary at Conway, Ramsey's Grove and other Union Churches in the area. The Baptist Church came about the same time.

City Park, Park River Two years after its founding a fire wiped out half of the business section. The road had gone north the year before and most of the people who lost their business places, migrated northward to populate the new towns of Edinburg, Milton and Langdon. The trading area extended in all directions, reaching west beyond the present towns of Edmore, Brocket and Lawton. The volume of business is best explained by the fact that the city supports two banks: The Bank of Park River: J.P. Birder, Pres.; W.S. Smith, Vice-Pres.; C D . Lord, Cashier; general banking, collections, exchanges bought and sold; organized in 1886; capitol, surplus and profits $47,000. The First National Bank of Park River: Capitol $50,000; surplus and undivided profits of $10,000; financial responsibility of $1,000,000; solicits your patronage with assurance of

liberal treatment that is consistent with sound banking; David H. Beecher, Pres.; W.F. Honey, VicePres.; George Towle, Cashier. The prosperity of the farming community at large has not only been responsible for the rapid growth and prosperity in an indirect way, but has directly contributed a large share toward the population of the city, as well as to the number of handsome residences which adorn it. A large number of farmers from the adjacent country, having given up their farms as a home and abandoned the once cherished idea of going back to the old country to establish a home for their old age, have instead moved into the city and built. William Code built the first home in 1878 and other prominent homes were built by John Wadge, W.F. Honey, J.P.

Main Street looking south, Park River, 1914. Birder, W.H. Warner, C D . Lord, George Towle, C. Nelson, K.F. Farup, Sander Soil, J . Davis, George Petty, C H . Honey, A.S. Parke, O.E. Hasle, John Ross Sr., Thomas Johnson, Thomas Catherwood, Samuel Landsborough, John Wyllie, Dr. Douglas, Ivar Overbye, S.F. Wilson, J . Morley Wyard, Rev. D.G. McKay, Ed Brett, Hugh Loughead, James McCauley, J.J. Dougherty and Thomas Wadge. Prominent farms adjacent were owned by Peter Campbell, William H . Landsborough, James Holmes, Alexander Bruce, James Ross, Thomas Bolton, David Aitkin, Harry Peoples, William Brown, David Ford, S.B. Warner and Joseph Thompson. To be sure, the climate is at times severe, but the beautiful summers amply atone for the hardships of winter and the healthful condition of the climate and local surroundings leave nothing to wish. Park River is a purely agricultural city and the healthy development from the first day of its existence until the present insures a continuance which will at all times maintain the rank which it now enjoys—that of being one of the fairest cities of North Dakota. The businessmen from "Garfield" and "Kensington" and many from other places immediately moved into the new town and by 1895 laid the foundation for the metropolis of Walsh County. The town was proud to have 5 elevators, two hardware stores: O.E. Hasle's and Lofthus, Bannerman and Booth, five department stores: C.E. Nelson, Anderson and Co., F. Walstrom Co., Hall and Brandt, and Code and Irwin, three farm implement stores: Thomas Johnson and Wadge, White and Warner, and O.A. Trovatten, one Tonsorial Parlor operated by E . B . Woodward, two tailors doing business as Follis and Follis, one Medical Doctor:

Moritz Halldorsson, one Veterinary doctor: Robert C. Cliffl, two lumber yards: Robertson Lumber Co. and Staltze Lumber Yard, three drug stores: Henry Anderson's Drug Store, C.S. Stranahan and Hamre and Palace Drug, one newspaper: "The Park River News", three livery stables: Johnson and Robertson, E.R. Swarthout and E. Larness, one Dentist: Dr. Kerr, one jewelry store: Emil Nelson, owner, one furniture store: Merriam's Furniture, one restaurant: City Restaurant, Frank Hughes owner, three grocery stores: J. Amoth and Co., W.W. Kisner's Store, and Thorson Brothers, two contractors: George Petty and W J . Edwards, Millers and grain dealers were the Honey Brothers (W.P., J.A. and George F.), one lawyer, H.A. Libby who became the first Mayor. The first train came into Park River Aug. 17, 1884. A petition for the incorporation of the town of Park River was filed in the office of the County Auditor on Nov. 12, 1884 and was returned for correction; it was again presented to the commissioners on Dec. 16, 1884, and on that date a resolution was adopted ordering the first town election to be held on the 30th day of Dec. 1884; on Jan. 5,1885, the board adopted a resolution ordering that the town be incorporated under the name of Park River; the return of the election showing the vote to have a majority of sixty-five in favor of the incorporation. On May 1896, an election was held to change the incorporation to a City, and the vote was ninety-three for, to seven

Currie, and Dr. James Robertson, a druggist, W.D. Bates, the printer, was elected clerk; H.A. Libby, town attorney, Thomas Simons, Marshal. Bondsmen for the officials were 0.0. Berg, O.A. Trovatten, J. Wilson, Dan Taliff, William Brown, Thomas Catherwood, H.L. Haussamen and N.H. Hamilton. Bids were advertised in the "Park River Gazette" and James Yae and J.B. Widdes were the low bidders and they built the jail for $40. The town furnished the material at a cost of $261.85, including $25 for iron bars for the door and windows. Mr. A.R. Amber built the chimney of brick for $4.50. Many names that appear in minutes of the town board of trustees have a familiar sound. C . L . Finneseth, C. Cairncross, H.A. Ball, J.J. Dougherty, H.R. Aslakson, George Diebel, C F . Getchell, Joseph Thompson, C D . Lord, Ed Code, Ole Thorson, Thomas Catherwood, George McEwen, Sander Soil, Steve Cameron, Billy Metz and Ed Herwick. Jan. 3, 1887, ordinance 8 provided for the establishment of a volunteer fire department to consist of Park River Hose Company and the Park River Engine Company. The chief could command any inhabitants of the town to help extinguish a fire and the said inhabitant had best obey, or he was liable of a fine of $10 and costs and in default of payment may be imprisoned in the town jail for a period not exceeding one day for every 75 cents of such fine and costs. Town treasurer T. Hanson, reported a balance in the treasury for the year ending May 25, 1887 of $948.07. A balance of this size bothered the city fathers and they bought a fire engine for $1600.

Early Fire Truck In 1890 the population of Park River was 534 and it incorporated J.P. Birder's addition, Honey's addition and Harvey's addition and Kohnen's addition to the original townsite. In 1900 the census was 1088. In July 1892 they held a special election for the purpose of deciding to issue bonds in the amount of $8500. George E. Towle bought the 7% bonds and paid $100 premium for them. Joseph Callander was low bidder, $5900, on the town hall and the contract was awarded to him. The last of the bonds were retired about two years before the building burned in 1937. It had been dedicated in July 18,1893. The city started with $66.24 in the treasury, with several thousand dollars of outstanding bonds, but with hopes and untarnished honor. The Minneapolis and Northern Elevator company built the first elevator which was managed by Charles

Early City Light and Power Plant, 1917 against incorporation. One June 2 the trustees adopted a resolution in regard to the change, which was filed for record in the County Auditors officer on June 5, 1896, which resolution transformed the then village of Park River into a corporation, known as "The City of Park River." The City Council of Park River was led by Jayor H . A . Libby; Chief of Police-Chas. Service; Alderman, J. Amoth; Auditor, George F. Honey; Aldermen, 0. O'Reilly, John Wyllie, George Stockoff, Sylvester Wilson and T. Davis. The Park River Public and High School was led by Professor Hoover, Principal and a staff of seven teachers. C. Honey was the first Postmaster of Park River. The first Trustees were Dr. J.G. Millspaugh, J.L.

665

Eaton, who received 682,000 bushels. The grain was marketed in two-bushel grain sacks and handled by hand, it was a slow process to get unloaded, it being no uncommon sight to see at daylight a string of teams loaded with grain stretching from the bridge at the river to the elevator awaiting their turn to be unloaded. Familiar figures on the streets were Ed Nash, Wm. A. Rockefeller, William Code, one of the first County Commissioners. Two disasterous fires have visited the town, one in 1887 and one in 1901. The one in 1887 started in the Windsor Hotel owned by J.E. Mitten and as there was very little equipment for fighting fires, every building on the east side of block 9 and west side of block 10 was consumed with the exception of the corner store. After this a hand engine was purchased, water being obtained from a well sunk in the street. The other fire started Feb. 28, 1901 in Bannermann and Booth's Hardware store located on Lot 4, block 16. At that time every building on block 15 and 16 facing the main street on both sides were burned except two brick buildings on block 15. When these buildings were rebuilt, as most of them were at once, they were required to be built of brick.

fT».

boasted of, to come here and make a flight. The machine was taken to the top of the hill west of town on No. 17. Then after numerous attempts to get the motor started, it did start, and after getting up about 25 feet, landed in a wheat field which ended the exhibition for a very disappointed crowd. In January, 1907, the Farmers Elevator Co. was founded. The elevator was purchased from the Duluth Elevator Co. for $6,860. Founders were: D.E. Towle, C.E. Reinertson, Fred Robb, D.G. McKay, Dougal Ferguson and John A. Harris. The first directors were: Tom Johnson - Pres., Ducan White - Vice-Pres., David Aitken, D . G . McKay and Harry Peoples directors and C D . Lord - treasurer. Prices in 1907 were: Wheat, 98c; Flax, $1.17; Oats, 39c; Durum, 76c; Barley, 75c; Hard Coal sold for $9.49 per ton and Soft Coal was $6.84 per ton. There were 75 original stockholders: John A. Harris, D.G. McKay, David Aitken, D.E. Towle, C.E. Reinertson, Ed Bret, Harry Peoples, Oscar Lindberg, John Peoples, William Burbidge, D.D. Smith, F . J . Prochaska, Alex Ford, John Gillespie, N . J . Marifjern, Joseph Coulter, John Jensen, George Young, T.F. Waugh, Henry Anderson, F. Walstrom Co., Ole Stevens, John Parke, J . J . Ferguson, George Dobmeier, P. Martin, R.O. Reinertson, Pat O'Brien, Neil Campbell, Oscar

—

Park River Milling Company Johnson, O.E. Hasle, F.W. David, John Spoonland, O. J. Pederson, Park River Furniture Co., John Lewis, S. Currie, William Landsborough, J.F Schufletowski. Joseph Cudmore, Henry Bates, D. White, Ole Quill, L . J . Marifjern, Frank Harris, D. Halldorson, B. Middendorf, J.P. Slette, N.G. Grovom, Frank Falter, H.O. Groven, Fred Harris, E . E . Bagne, J . Ross, Dougal Ferguson, Thomas Johnson, Matt Dahm, D.F. Gillespie, William E . Nicklin, Ole Larsen, A . Finneseth, John Bennington, Andrew Osterhus, John McEachern, Moses Harris, Ole B. Madland, John Dunn, John Schneckloth, Alfred Lindell, J.J. McGraw, J.P. Johnson, Hugh Loughead, James McCauley and H. Warner. J.J. McGraw was the first manager. On June 23, 1901, a special election was held on the question of issuing bonds for $19,800 for electric lights and water-works. Interest rates had lowered by this time and these bonds sold readily at 5% to C C Gowran and Co., of Grand Forks for a $715 premium. In August 1901 the contract for the installation of an electric light plant and water-works was awarded to a

Nils Marifjern's hardware store, 1894. Horse racing and baseball were the principal early day sports. A half mile track was built where the Agricultural School is now and many interesting events took place. Dr. Evans of Minto had a pacer called "Tony P " which took most of the purses although he was not able to make better time than 2:40. July 4th had always been celebrated. John H . McCullough was the orator of the day at the first celebration. A t a subsequent one the sports committee, headed by George K . McEwan, induced the builders of the first airplane which Grand Forks 666

St. Paul firm for $21,000. Since $9400 of this money was ear marked for construction of water-works, it was a modest electric light plant that was built at the turn of the century but it was a venture that was destined to earn for Park River a good many thousand dollars in the years to come. Earning from the municipal electric light and water plant were later to pay for substantial city improvements: The city's little plant struggled along as best it could, furnishing its citizens water 24 hours a day. Patrons were not numerous and those that did use electric lights doubtless kept a sharp watch to see that lights were not used extravagantly. Rates were high, 15 cents per kilowatt hour prior to 1909. Coal was $2 a ton plus freight. In 1915 the old generator had to be replaced at a cost of $3680 and in 1919 the plant instituted an 18 hour service. In 1922 diesel engines were installed and when the electric refrigerators were coming into use they had to go to a 24 hour basis. In 1936 a 300 h.p. diesel engine with a generator was added for $25,000. By 1940 the plant was grossing $100 per day and was staffed by a superintendent and four engineers.

First City Hall In 1904 the city paid a bill for moving it's "pest House." A tribute to the advance of medical science that it was now not needed. In 1905 the city awarded a contract for it's first cement sidewalks at 63c per square yd. In 1906 they passed an ordinance forbidding steam threshing engines to pass over the nice cement crossings. In 1906 the city board pondered the problem of a strange new mode of transportation. Just appearing was J.B. Taintor's new automobile assessed at $100; the first gas buggy in Park River. The next year Thomas Catherwood had one and the city was more lenient and assessed him $50. Even the figure was high as compared with the councils assessment of W.J. Kohnen's horse and buggy: Horse $9 and buggy $8. In 1907 the Great Northern locomotive had to use city water. The Great Northern paid the city $30 for the water and the city generously split the $30 with the volunteer fire department. In 1907 the city bought it's first typewriter. In 1908 an ordinance had to be adopted to regulate the use of automobiles. Some of the reckless drivers were tearing around the city at a speed of 15 or 16 m.p.h.

Left to right: L. McPherson, Mr. Wadge, S. A. Cameron. In 1901 the city granted to Edward Code, a franchise to erect and operate telephone lines in the city. His franchise was not exclusive and it cost him nothing except the cost of publication of the ordinances. He was required to furnish the city one telephone free of charge. In 1910 another franchise was granted to the Farmer's Mutual Telephone Co., Terms were identical except this time they had to furnish the city two telephones free of charge. E. Smith-Peterson, city attorney in 1901 and again from 1910-1916, compiled a "Park River Blue Book" in 1913. Most of the book was devoted to reprinting city ordinances. Seventy-eight pages of fine print were devoted to ordinances. In 1929 the city ordinances were revised and curtailed to a modest 38 pages of "do-nots." In 1901 the city voted 89-2 to establish a city owned library. In 1902 the city erected hitching posts where visitors could tie their horses. In 1903 fire chief Christ Schlenk appeared before the council and requested the city pay a $5 reward to the person bringing the first team of horses to the City Hall to haul hose cart and hook and laddar to a fire. The council compromised with a $2.50 reward. In June 1940 at the State convention of Firemen, Christ Schlenk was honored for 50 years of service as a volunteer fireman.

In 1910 Park River became baseball minded. Citizens put up many a dollar to pay professional players to try to win games for the glory of the town. Fans still recall victorious games, time has erased the memory of defeats. In 1887 the town board ordered that a bandstand be built so it might be available for a July 4 celebration. In the 90's a fairgrounds was built where the county's school now stands. The first park, a full block centrally located and still used, was a gift of the Great Northern Railway, owners' and platters of the "original townsite." In 1912 the city acquired a 110 acre wooded plot of land adjoining the city on the north and through which flows the Park river. A good deal of money has been spent in developing the Park's natural beauty. It contains a golf course, a baseball diamond, a large dance pavilion, swimming pool, playground equipment and picnic facilities. A private park was built and maintained for a few years before the first World War by A. LaLier. H.A. Libby, Mayor until 1900; John Wyllie to 1904; 667

Governor of North Dakota; J. Frank Douglas, now Vice Pres. of the Carnation Milk Co.; Dave Elman of "Hobby Lobby"; his father, Jake Koppelmann, was a Jewish peddler who lived in Park River in the late 1900's. These pioneers opened a new empire. They broke the sod with horses or oxen. They saw precious crops destroyed by drought, frost or prairie fires. In the long winters they were often ill clad and cold, sometimes hungry. Babies were born in sod shanties without the trained help of a physician. People sickened and died because the only doctor was many miles away and there was neither telephone to summon him nor fast motor car to transport him. In the villages merchants extended liberal credit to people who had no money and who might never have enough money to pay. Debts were almost always paid if the money could be obtained. Too often the money could not be obtained and because of this we know of some pioneer merchants who spent or who are spending their declining years in poverty. They were not good businessmen, as we measure businessmen now days. But surely there must be a rich reward awaiting these people in another and better world. Because of their toil and suffering and courage and honesty they are leaving a rich heritage for those who follow. If our world is not a better world it is because we have so soon forgotten the lessons taught by the pioneers and instead have chosen to follow false Gods of hate, greed and selfishness," a quote from Harry O'Brien, editor who wrote a history for the 50th Anniversary of the Walsh County Record in July, 1940. Harry was well known for his column, "Read em and Weep" in the Walsh County Press. Mr. O'Brien died in October, 1953.

James J . Dougherty to 1910; Joel Myers to 1912; J.W. Metz to 1914; S.A. Cameron to 1918; J.A. Dunn to 1919; R.J. Richardson to 1920; J.D. Robertson to 1938 and Fred Hultstrand serving now. The Park River special school district was established by vote in Feb. 1897. A school house was built and this building was destroyed by fire Jan. 2, 1921. The school was replaced at a cost of $135,000. In 1933 the high school was discontinued and the district made arrangements whereby high school students would take their work at the County Agricultural School. From 1900 to 1930 the population of Park River was almost stationary with small gains recorded: 1900-1088; 1910-1108; 1920-1114; 1930-1131; and 1940-1407. In 1927 the "white way" was installed. In 1928 Atlas prominent names like G. Chapman; dealer in insurance; Fred Hultstrand, photographer since 1916; Elmer R. Landsborough, meat market in 1919; J.H. Maher, baker in 1925; T.F. Meagher and son, farm implements; Park River Auto Company Garage; Park River Furniture Co.; P.J. Rose, Dentist (1920); Walsh County Press, Publishers: F.E. Weed, M.D., Physician and Surgeon 1915; J.O. Hamre, Druggist; Farmers Security Bank, Henry DenckerPres., Joseph Coulter-Vice Pres., J.D. Robertson-Vice Pres., C P . O'Brien-Cashier, M.B. Holmquist-Asst. Cashier. Capital and Surplus $25,000. Walsh County Press: formerly Gazette - News, Christ Levang-Pres., N.G. Grovom-See, Treas., J.H. Ulvan-Manager. " A weekly newspaper, owned and controlled by the people of Walsh County."

This is William C. Kerian, R. F. D. carrier, Route No. 1,

Smith Merriam in furniture store. In the 1930's more improvements came. Streets were paved, a soil conservation district was established in surrounding townships, a city hall, half a dozen potato houses and 40 to 50 new residences and apartments were built. Sewer and water mains were added to the city system which was begun in 1916. Notables who lived in Park River include, Lila Bell Acheson and her Barclay who are editors of the Readers Digest; Honorable Roger Allin, at one time

Residence of William Warner, Park River. 668

Area Map Of Park River AtJO

669

PARK RIVER A City Great In A Growing State

Early Park

River

Part of Briggs Ave., Park River

670

LaLIER PARK

LaLier Park, Park River. A private park was built and maintained for a few years before the first World War by A LaLier. He built rustic bridges across the river, had boats for rent and in other ways made his little park a pleasant place to spend an idle summer hour. It is not quite clear whether Mr. LaLier got mad about something or just had a whim to destroy his handiwork, but at any rate citizens woke up one morning to find Mr. LaLier had waged a blitzkreig in his park, destroying boats, bridges and everything.

CHURCHES

church in 1903. The church was gutted by fire in February of 1913. It was repaired and redecorated at a cost of $5,000. Rev. D.G McKay, the first pastor, was present when the church was re-opened. There was also a fire in 1921 but damage was minor. Early members of the Presbyterian Church included: James, William, John, Annie and Lizzie Ross; W.G. and Fannie L. Landsborough; John Baird, Roger Allin, Alexander and Flora Bruce, David and Laura Aitken, William and Elizabeth Bruce, John, Robert and Ena Craig; Neil and Mary Campbell, Inkerman and Margaret Davis, David and Mary Ford, M r . and Mrs. Dougald Ferguson, Mrs. Angus Ferguson, James, Jane and John Holmes; James and Mary Ann Mills; Emma McKay, James and Helen McKenzie; Jessie Robb, Alexander, Thomas, and Maggie Smith; Robert and Aggie Stewart, Mary and Matilda Wyllie. The first baptism listed in records available was Lillian Jane McKenzie, daughter of James and Ellen McKenzie, who was baptized in October 1892. The first marriage on record was on Nov. 30, 1898, when William J . Burbidge and Lizzie 0. Griever were married. Witnesses were Annie and John Burbidge. The first deaths recorded were early in 1899 when three small children died: Feb. 10, 1899 - Lilly Peoples "Infant Child"; Feb. 28, 1899 - Margaret Aird, "aged 9 months"; A p r i l 10, 1899 - Baby McCracken, "aged 2 yrs." On Sept. 15, 1899 funeral services were held for an "Unknown Man — Dark Complexion, killed by train." On Jan. 22, 1902 - Mrs. Archibald Gillespie who was "about 100 years old."

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The First Presbyterian Church of Park River was organized in the Kensington school house, a log structure just east of the present site of Park River, by Rev. D.G. McKay in 1881, and the church was built a few years thereafter. Three Elders constituting the first session were Roger Allin, the fourth Governor of the state of North Dakota, William Bruce and John Baird. , ,, , The church was built in the shape of a cross and had a very high steeple which was conspicuous on many early pictures taken in the city of Park River. The church was originally built at ground level, but was later raised and a basement constructed-probably m 1918 The large window which now faces the west was originally on the east. There was also a balcony along the east wall for the choir and also was used for a Sunday School class. The manse was budt prior to 1899, but the date is not known. Church records show that the manse was "fully renovated" in 1899. Minutes of the session for March 18, 1899, indicate there were 120 members in good standing. Persons wishing to become members of the church presented themselves to the session and were examined as to their sincerity, knowledge and faith in Christ to become members in full communion. Minutes ot the session noted that when the Sacrament of the Lord s Supper was observed "nearly all the members were

Outside activities of the Ladies Aid Society included a memorial service in September 1901, for "our beloved President McKinley." In January 1903 and for several years thereafter a "Burns Day" was held, an indication that many members of the Society were of Scotish ancestry. Also, in October 1914, a request was made to the session that they allow the church to be used for a meeting in the interest of women's suffrage, and this request was granted. In December 1917, a call was extended to a Rev. E E . Parkes to become pastor of the church. The salary was to be $1400 a year and manse, and one month vacation each year. , ,. . During the late 1920's and early 1930 s, declining attendance and finances were mentioned in minutes of the session. On May 2, 1931, it was decided that current receipts were no longer adequate to take care of the minister's salary and church expense, and the pastor was notified that unless other arrangements could be made, the church would be closed 3 months from that date. On June 14, 1931, the First Presbyterian Church celebrated its Golden Anniversary, holding three services during the day. The principal speaker during the afternoon service was Rev. D.G. McKay of Park River, the minister who organized the church in 1881. Also present was ex-Governor Roger Allin who was one of the first elders elected to the session. Another speaker was Rev. Duncan Matheson who had been ordained in the Park River church 33 years earlier.

A gas lighting "plant" was installed in the church in 1901. Electricity came to the manse in 1902 and to the 671

Aug. 5, 1931, found the session still struggling with finances and ways to keep the church open. On Sept. 5, 1931, the pastor, Rev. E.V. Headen, was notified that his salary would be reduced from $150 per month to $50 per month, but that he would be given every second Sunday to preach at any other point, should he so desire. Negotiations were being had with the Fordville Presbyterian Church in regard to uniting in the hiring of a pastor, at least for the summer months. On May 15, 1932, it was announced that Fordville would have Rev. Headen fill their pulpit from May 22 to October 1, and that Fordville wished to have the morning service. It was decided that Park River would have only the Sunday evening services during this time. This arrangement continued until the following spring. In September 1934, Rev. Headen submitted his resignation and it was decided that preaching services in this church would be discontinued at least until April 1935. In April 1936, it was decided to unite with Fordvile in the hiring of a pastor, and on Aug. 28, 1938, the Articles of Federation with the Methodist Church were adopted. Pastors who served the First Presbyterian Church prior to the Federation were: D.G. McKay, Alexander Burr, T. Davius Acheson, D.M. Mcintosh, Donald Finlayson, E . E . Parkes, James Mclnnis, James Robertson and E.V. Headen.

pastor of Kensington. The services of those years were held in the log school house on the farm of John Wadge. In the fall of 1884 the iron horse reached the Park River about three miles west of the Kensington school house and a new town sprang into being. Rev. H.P. Cooper had just been appointed pastor of Park River and besides had charge of Grafton. Services at Park River were held for months in a railway coach until March when the new church building was occupied, Rev. J . Turner preaching the first sermon therein. C H . Honey and Robert Fletcher were active in this church work. The church was finished, and dedicated on Jan. 9, 1887. Cooper still being pastor of the charge. The membership changed very much during these years and the membership generally reached 100." Written by H.P. Cooper, October 1887. In the year 1918 the church burned and in 1920 a new church was built. Trustee members of the first board were John Wadge, William Burbidge, John Harris, Robert Fletcher and James McMurray. The "Alphabetical Record of Members in Full Connection" contains no mention of members received prior to 1881. The first member listed for 1881 is: William Burbidge, recieved 1881 from Canada by Rev. E. Healy, followed by the notation "Died Dec. 21,1910, TRIUMPHANTLY."

Methodist Episcopal Church

First Presbyterian Church of Park River. PARK RIVER CIRCUIT METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH "In the summer of 1879, Almon Healy, a local preacher residing at Drayton on the Red River, visited the regions of the Park River looking for the scattered sheep. He had been commissioned to do this work by Presiding Elder Starkey. The service, held at that time in the house of John Wadge, was fairly attended and Healy made a second visit in September of the same year. The preacher at that time was in his sixtieth year. These dates and facts I have direct from Brother Healy. Rev. Ezra Healy was appointed pastor of Drayton and Kensington in 1880. In the following year Rev. R.J. Laird was given the charge of Kensington & Forest River and in the fall of 1882 Grafton & Kensington were united under the pastorage of Rev. John Walton. Next year Rev. J . Turner was appointed

Other members received during 1881 were Martha Brown, C.H., Susan and Kate Honey, John, Harriett, Elizabeth and Hettie Harris, Mrs. R.B. Hunt, George and Sarah Nicklin, Sarah Elizabeth Ross, Mrs. E.W. Townshend, John, Mary and Thomas (or Enos) Wadge and Susie Wadge Code. The first marriage of record was Nov. 1, 1882, when Richard Mitchell and Mary Maize, both age 25, Crystal, ND, were married. The officiating minister was John Walton and the witnesses were C A . MacNamara and Jane Mitchell. The earliest baptisms recorded were Robert James Higgins and Annie Higgins, children of Benjamin and Janet Higgins who were baptized on Dec. 16, 1885, at Tiber, ND, by H.P. Cooper. Following is a list of pastors who served the Methodist Church to the time of the Federation with the Presbyterian Church.

RECORD OF P A S T O R S : Almon Healey, 1879; Ezra Healey, 1880; Robert J. Laird, Sept. 1881-Oct. 1882; John Walton, Oct. 1882-Oct. 1883, who preached first sermon in Grafton; Johanathan Turner, Oct. 1883-Oct. 1884; H.P. Cooper, Oct. 1884-Oct. 1887; W.E. Loomis, Oct. 1887-Oct. 1889; G.H. Van Vliet, Oct. 1889-Oct. 1892; William Love, Oct. 1892-April 1897; James A . Strachan, A p r i l 1897-Oct. 1902; W . J . Hutcheson, Oct. 1902-Oct. 1905; C.E. Vermielya, Oct. 1905-Oct. 1907; Charles E . White, Oct. 1907-Oct. 1909; John H. Deniston, Oct. 1909-Oct. 1910; A.W. Brown, Oct. 1910-Oct. 1914; C.L. Wallace, Oct. 1914-Oct. 1918; T. Sharp, Oct. 1918-Oct. 1919; E . A . Folley, Jan. 1920-May 1921; John Morange, May 1921-Oct. 1923; Robert Johnstone, Oct. 1923-Aug. 1924; Thomas A . Simpson, Oct. 1924-Oct. 1925; Fletcher Forster, Oct. 1925-Oct. 1927; James Anderson, Oct. 1927-Oct. 1930; Grant S. Moore; Oct. 1930-Oct. 1932; C.W.Baumann, Oct. 1932-Oct. 1935; K . Orlando Lee, March 1936-Feb. 1939. OUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Lutheran Church, 1900

Work was begun in Park River in 1881 with Rev. C A . Flaten of Grafton holding occasional services in the homes and otherwise attending to the spiritual needs of the Lutheran people. In 1883 Rev. M . E . Holseth took over the work as he was pastor of several congregations near Park River. The first recorded meeting was held in 1889. It's purpose was to organize a congregation and to call a pastor. Rev. Holseth acted as chairman of this meeting and he was later called as pastor. Rev Holseth's salary was $100 per year. Officers elected were: Ole Ouverson, Secy.; John 0. Hamre, Treas.; Trustees, Carl J . Dahl, John Ofstedahl and Ole E. Hasle. A committee elected to acquire a meeting place in some church in town was C.L. Finneseth, C J . Pederson, and Reir Torgerson. Our Saviour's was the name chosen for the congregation. Their constitution was drawn up and accepted in 1890. Rev. T.H. Larson became pastor in 1892. . . In 1895, the congregation decided to budd a church and to build as much as their money would allow. Members on the building committee were: C . L . Finneseth, C. Dahl, and T.T. Thompson. Samuel

Holland was elected supervisor for the construction of the building. Lots were bought from C H . Honey which were then on the very outskirts of Park River. Early members tell that the church was very simple with no furnishings, but it was a place where they could worship, and it belonged to them. Prior to this they held their services in the Presbyterian or Baptist churches in the city. Rev. M.N. Knutson was pastor from 1897 to 1900. As there was a Lutheran Free Church in town, an invitation was extended them to become members of Our Saviour's congregation if they wished. They did so in 1900. That year they received their charter and it was framed for safe keeping. Rev. Guldseth was called as pastor in the latter part of 1900. He continued here until in 1910 when he resigned to become Secretary of Home Missions in our synod. Sunday School is first mentioned in the records of 1901. Ninety children attended. A board of Education was elected and a term of six weeks of Vacation Bible school was held. Since then the Sunday School has been held regularly. Bible school was held for four to six weeks until 1940 when they changed to a two week term. In 1902 the old parsonage was sold with the idea of building a new one the following year. The site was bought from Towle and Farup. At that time the parish consisted of Our Saviour's, Pleasant Valley, Golden Valley and East Forest River congregations. The latter three did not care to help build a new parsonage but they offered to pay rent yearly if Our Saviour's built one. T.T. Thompson, E . Herwick, Ole Hasle, C. Sjerden, T. Ostboe and the pastor were on the building committee. Rev. Guldseth and his family moved in in 1903. In 1903 the interior of the church was furnished with chancel furnishings and pews and Rev. Dahl, president of the synod, came to dedicate the church. A Ladies Aid had been organized in 1892. In 1900 it disbanded and together with the ladies of the Lutheran Free church, which merged with Our Saviour's, they drew up a new constitution and worked together as one. It was mainly through their efforts that the church was completed in time for the dedication. In 1904 they were able to put electric lights in the church and they built a sacristy. Whenever the church needed financial aid and were concerned about the Synodical budget they were able to help. The men of the congregation always sent someone to personally thank the Aid for their assistance. Rev. George Shurson became pastor in 1910. While he was pastor English services were held every third Sunday. Norwegian had been used exclusively until that time. Rev. J.O. Bjerke came in 1911. In 1912 the church bought the first Lutheran hymnarys. In 1918 work was begun to put a basement under the church where the Ladies A i d could hold their meetings. Several improvements were made on the church itself and the church was rededicated in 1919. Rev. S.J. Strandjord came in 1922, and stayed until 1929. The church was without a pastor until 1931 when Rev. L. Nypen accepted the call.

673

Missionary in September, 1898, marked the turn of the tide in the life of the mission. Although he remained five months, it was under his ministrations that the Mission took on new life. After his departure, the work was placed under the charge of the Rev. E.W. Burleson of Larimore. By holding semi-monthly services through nine months, Mr. Burleson kept the mission together until the coming of the Rev. Samuel Currie. It was Rev. Currie who fostered the building of St. Peter's Church in Park River. They built a stone foundation with stone walls extending about four feet above the foundation, the rest of the building was built with timber. Rev. Currie commandeered the young boys of the parish to collect symmetrical stones from the fields surrounding Park River to be used in the building of the structure.

At the annual meeting in 1931 the right to vote was given to the women of the congregation. The Constitution of the church was written in Norwegian so in 1933 a committee composed of Rev. Nypen, O.P. Olson, Olaf Malde and Thomas Severson was asked to revise and rewrite it in English. Since the church found it difficult to meet its financial obligations in 1933 the pastor gave a special donation of $45 so the church might start the new year without a deficit. The envelope system of collecting church funds was discussed in 1934 and a few members made use of that method. It came into general use in 1944. ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Park River The history of the missionary work by the Episcopal Church had its beginning about 1878, which was among the Indians of Minnesota, North and South Dakota. A large share of the work with the Indians in these three states is still under the jurisdiction of the Episcopal Church. It was some years later, in 1890, with the coming of many settlers of Episcopal faith, that churches were established at many points in North Dakota. In the local area churches were built at Grafton, Drayton, Walshville, Park River and Forest River. In 1881, John Code, brother of E d Code, brought Rev. Law up from Grand Forks by team, which was a long drive for the first Episcopal service which was ever held in Park River. Service, the first missionary service in Park River was held in a log cabin belonging to Abraham Code but at that time was the home of Will Code. It was located a mile and a half east of Park River on the south side of the road.

Rev. Samuel A. Currie, first minister of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Park River. Started work on the church in 1900 and the first service was in 1903. The church is located on the corner of Code and Sixth Street. The lots for the church were given by Mr. and Mrs. C D Lord. Exclusive of the lots, the cost of the building and furniture was about $3,800 making the total value of the property something over $4,000. The cornerstone of the St. Peter's Mission was laid by Bishop Edsall on July 15,1901 and the consecration of the church took place Jan. 23,1902. The train from the south brought many friends from Orr, Inkster and Conway. From the surrounding countryside, others drove in to rejoice with the good people of Park River in the completion and consecration of their beautiful church. As the train was due at 11:00, the service was set for 11:15 and began promptly at the hour. The clergy present beside the Bishop and Rev. S. Currie, priest in charge, were The Rev. Wm. M . Walton of Bathgate, Rev. Alfred Kalin of Adams, Rev. E . E . Burleson of Fargo. The Prayer Book form of consecration was followed in all particulars, Mr. C D . Lord, the warden reading the Instrument of Donation and the Rev. Mr. Currie the Sentence of Consecration. The sevice of Morning Prayer was taken by Rev. Messrs. Walton, Kalen, E.W. Burleson and J.K. Burleson. Dean Burleson took the first part of the Communion Office; Bishop Mann preached and celebrated the Communion, being assisted in the distribution of the Elements by the

People of other denominations attended the first Episcopal service. As far as Ed Code recollects, there were no other services held at Park River until the Bishop's car, a railroad car, sometimes called the Cathedral car, came up on the railroad in the year 1884. This was the year that the railroad reached the Park River area. At the first service in the Code cabin, Richard Switzer was baptized. Rev. Law was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Jones, who officiated for a short time only. The Rev. C. McCarthy took charge of the work in 1886; at that time services were held in the Baptist church. After Mr. McCarthy, the Rev. Mr. Tassel took charge of the Mission; he was followed in turn by the Rev. John Caldwell. The coming of the Rev. Charles E . Dobson as 674

Dean. Some of the early communicants of St. Peter's were: Abraham, John, William and Ed Code. The Codes farmed east of Park River, Ed Code had a store in Park River. C D . Lord, the banker and his family. The John Lewis family who farmed west of town and the Catherwoods, Woodwards, Owens and Parkers. By Kenneth Colter Grafton, N.D. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH In 1894 when L . J . Anderson visited the Torket H . Haavet home near Edinburg, he was the only Baptist living in Walsh County. Anderson held some meetings in his home and several were converted and baptized by Anderson, among them Daniel Halvorson Hove and Elling Bagne. Later, Rev. Modall visited the place several times and baptized more converts. The church was organized Feb. 17, 1896. The name given was "The Bethel Norwegian Baptist Church of Edinburg." There were eight members; Andreas Larson, Mrs. Andreas Larson, Lars Neilson, Mrs. Lars Neilson, Miss Thora Halvorson, Aaron Nordquist, Secretary H . C Hendriksen and Treasurer Daniel Halvorson Hove. Rev. L . J . Anderson and L . J . Parbst were present and assisted with the organization. Rev. Anderson was chosen to be the Pastor. He served as Pastor the rest of the year on the Edinburg and Milton fields and during that time eight new members were received into the church, three of whom lived near Park River. From October, 1897, Rev. C J . Hill served the church for one year at the same time as he was serving the Barton Church. During the summer of 1899, J.O. Gotaas served the church at the same time he was laboring on the St. Thomas field and the following summer did the same. From 1901 to 1904 Rev. S. Reinhaldtsen was Pastor. The work was gradually transferred from Edinburg to Park River as Park River was more of a center than Edinburg and since there was a church building in which the Norwegian church was allowed to hold services. Since 1902 the Edinburg church had been known as "The Scandinavian Bethel Baptist Church of Park River." In 1904 Rev. N . J . Lee came to Park River and became Pastor of the American and the Norwegian churches and served them two years. From 1907 to 1910 Rev. J.A. Moe pastored the church. In 1907, the Norwegian Church took over half the property rights of the house of worship. Two years later the church changed it's name to "The Bethel Baptist Church of Park River." That was done because the American Church carried on little work and the Norwegian Church was the only Baptist Church in Park River. Finally the American Church went out of existance. In 1909 the Norwegian Church took over the church building completely and received the deed on the same. As the Baptist church was the first church in town it was used by other denominations until they could obtain churches of their own. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1920 and the present building was rebuilt in 1921. Rev. R.J.

Jensen was Pastor when it was rebuilt. Rev. O.M. Jorgenson served as Pastor for the longest time, from 1929 to 1946. The church has an active missionary program with over twenty missionaries throughout the world of whom several are members of the church and from this area. By Mrs. Carl H. Larson Park River, N.D.

Bethel Baptist Church, Park River ST. MARY'S PARISH Forty hard working pioneers gave the Parish of St. Mary's its start by building St. Veronica's Church in 1888. It started as a Missionary to the Larimore Parish and remained as such for 16 years, although it was officially incorporated in 1895. The first resident Priest, an Irishman, introduced Catholic practices yet uncommon to Park River. These were the Benediction of the Blessed Sacraments, Stations of the Cross, Lenten devotions, and observance of the nine Fridays. Talk of building a new church came in 1913, because the membership had increased to 150. In 1914 this became a reality with the building of a new church on the same site, and the name changed to St. Mary's. The new structure could seat 350 with a choir loft in back. Cost of the church was $5,000. From 1914 to 1938, the Parish of St. Mary's continued to grow and prosper. When Father O'Meara arrived in 1938, things started to move. He built a chapel in the basement of the Rectory for Lenten services, and Mass during winter months. In 1941 the name of St. Mary's was changed to St. Mary's of the Presentation. Although the Parish was 45 years old, Mass was only celebrated every other Sunday, due to Missionaries at Milton and Osnabrock. When there were no longer Missionaries, and there was only Conway to serve, Mass was celebrated every Sunday in both Parishes. Another outstanding event that took place in 1941 was the celebrating of the first Holy Mass of Rev. Lloyd Joseph Hylden, who was ordained in Fargo on June 7 of that year. Father Hylden, a native of Park River, was born here Dec. 17, 1913, the only one from the Parish to enter the Priesthood. Rev. Father J.J. O'Meara served our Parish from Sept. 1,1938 to June of 1964.

Harris Sr., asked him to help them load up and invited him to go west with them. John Martyn decided to join them. He was only 18 or 19 years old at the time. After they got off the boat they went by oxcart and oxen to Grand Forks, N.D., where most of the family took the passenger train to Park River. Mr. Harris, Thomas Harris and John Martyn continued with the oxcart and oxen. They got mired in the mud, so they unloaded the heaviest barrels, etc., by the side of the road. They continued on their journey about as far as Minto, N.D., where they waited for the gumbo mud to dry. After three weeks had passed, they returned for the goods they had left behind. Imagine how amazed they were to find all of it just as they had left it. When they finally arrived at Park River, N.D., John Martyn helped the Harris family build their temporary home of oak logs found along the river. Later he hauled lumber all the way from Winnipeg, Sask., to build their more permanent home, as well as the neighbors' homes. He stayed with the Harris' to help them with their farming. The land was deep and rich, but first it had to be cleared of stones and buffalo bones. Many a flat car of buffalo hides and bones was shipped to St. Louis. The hides came back as warm coats and robes for the settlers. John Martyn married Henrietta Harris in 1888. She died of T.B. about 1891. Shortly after that a typhoid fever broke out. John and his brother, Tom Martyn, both were very sick, as well as Lulu McLaughlin. It was a dreadful epidemic. Many died as drugs were almost unheard of then for dealing with such high fevers. They would wet sheets and hang them outdoors to freeze and place them over the hot bodies. Most of the patients were taken to the Windsor Hotel and the other pioneers stood in shifts taking care of them. This is where John Martyn met my mother, Lulu McLaughlin. They were married in Grand Forks, March 30, 1892. They lived north of town, farming, until all four children were born—Mabel, Maude, Opal and Clinton Dewey. Then he sold to Robert Arnot and moved south of town. With the money he got for his crop, he bought 160 acres of land about five miles beyond Lankin, N.D. He built a home there, but a tornado leveled all that he built. He rebuilt and rented this farm to Bohemians. He continued to live south of Park River until 1918, when he sold out his horses, cattle, machinery, etc., and bought a home on four or five acres in Park River. Here he retired until his death in 1948. By Opal Martyn Cramer

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH The resplendent and modern structure on Highway 17 just east of Park River, N.D., which stands as a welcoming sentinal for all residents and travelers in the area, is the home of the new St. Mary's Catholic Church of Park River. It is the symbol of progress from the early days of a traveling priest who would celebrate the Holy Mass in the homes of the few Catholic families in this area prior to the time of the construction of St. Veronica's Church, a modest frame building, seating 150, built at a cost of $600 in 1888 at the corner of Code Ave., and 6th Street. This was replaced in 1914 by St. Mary's Church, built on the same site, at a cost of $5,000, and seating capacity of 350. In 1969, a new brick structure housing Church, Rectory and Parish Center, was built on the present site on Highway 17 at a cost of $350,000. The first resident priest was Rev. John Maxwell, 1911 to 1913, followed by Rev. Patrick Long, Rev. Alex McDonald, Rev. Philip McGee, Rev. Charles Fay, Rev. John J . O'Meara, Rev. Michael McNamee, and present pastor, Rev. E.A. Zirbes. The altar from old St. Mary's was a special order, hand cast in Germany, and snipped here in sections, valued construction cost of $1800, now on display at the Walsh County Museum in Minto, N.D. By Mrs. Phyllis Cowger Park River, N.D.

St. Mary's Church Park River

BIOGRAPHIES

AN INCIDENT John Harris, Sr., filed on his Park River, N.D. homestead north of the city in 1879. His oldest son, Thomas, came in 1880. The two went back to Canada to fetch the rest of the family the fall of 1880. His sons were Thomas, John Jr., Frank and Fred. Three of the five girls were married. I only remember Henrietta's name. John Martyn was helping early settlers load their belongings on boats going south on Lake Huron. John

DAVID AITKEN David Fothingham Aitken was born May 30,1865 in Forfarshire, Scotland. His parents were John and Mary Fothingham Aitken. He came to the United States in 1882 with his sister, his brother-in-law and his brother-in-law's father. The men came to North Dakota in the spring of 1882 and homesteaded in what is now the Leonard Hankey farm northeast of Park River. 676

David Aitken homesteaded on a farm 2V« miles northeast of Park River which he farmed until his death in 1926. In March, 1892, he married Laura Burbidge. I hey lived on the farm until 1900 when he moved to Park River where he owned a machine shop until he died. David and Laura Aitken had four girls: Edith born Oct 24 1893; Mary Isabella born Feb. 6,1901: Evelyn Margaret born Nov. 20, 1903; and Mildred Laura born Jan. 1, 1906. We lived in the house just north of the Olaf Brandt home in Park River. He kept a driving horse and often took the family for a buggy ride on Sundays. He had a one-seater car about 1910 which had wheels the size of buggy wheels with hard tires on it. It ran on gas and had gas lights. The car had two cylinders. In later years he had different cars such as Whippet, Overland, and the last car he owned was a Reo. _ Laura Aitken died in 1923; David Aitken died in 1926; Edith Aitken Henry died in 1935; Mary Aitken died in 1938; Mildred Aitken Anderson died in 1960; Evelyn Aitken Behnkie is the only survivor of this family. „ , ,. By Mrs. Les Behnkie Grafton, N.D.

folks moved to North Dakota they were in very poor financial circumstances. In the spring of 1882, my father filed on a quarter of land 2 miles west and 1 mile south of Veseleyville. Ihe family built a wooden shanty on the place and moved into it and here I was raised.

John Bena at age 24. Taken at Minneapolis in 1906. When I was old enough I went to school in Conway and lived with my sister Madlena (Mrs. John V. Stary) through the winter. In the summer I did farm work. I graduated from grade school and high school in Conway. . About 1901 I secured a job as clerk m a general store in Conway which was owned by Frank E . Vorachek who married my sister Mary. I worked here about 5 years. . In 19061 went to Minneapolis and took a commercial course at the Minnesota School of Business. After graduating, I worked for some time in Minneapolis. In 1908 I came home and took a job as clerk in a general store owned by Nappen Brothers in Lankin. This I held for three years. When there was an opening for an assistant cashier in the First State Bank of Lankin, I secured this job and held it for seven years. , In 1917 I secured a job as deputy state bank examiner with headquarters at Minot, and afterwards in Lankin, which I held for five years. On Sept. 26, 1917 I married Blanche Jarus in the Pisek Catholic Church. In 1922 I secured a position as cashier of the Farmers Security Bank of Conway which I held for three years until the banks began to close all over the state due to the depression. From then on I worked for Mills-Farup Auto Co. as coUector and solicitor. In December 19421 went to San Francisco and worked in the Henry Kaiser shipyards at Richmond, Calif. I returned home to Park River in 1946 and since that time have been a painter and decorator. My wife and I had five girls: Irene Marion, born Oct. 9 1925; Lorraine May, born April 30, 1929; Dorothy June, born Nov. 11,1931; Kathryn Blanche, born Sept. 26,1933, and JoAnn Erma, born April 29,. 1937. Dad enlisted in the Army in World War I and was called for service just before the Armistice was signed. He never missed a Memorial Day service and always attended the 4th of July celebration and parade. He organized a band that played for the

Farm machinery shop owned by David Aitfeen JOHN BENA The following autobiography of John Bena was found in some personal papers and is submitted herewith as it was written by him. My parents, Vaclav Bena and Barbara Vlcek, emigrated from Bohemia to che United States about 1870. I believe they had five children at that time: Joseph, Anna, Mary, Madlena and James. They came to Iowa and settled on a farm near Spillville, Ia. On June 15,1872, a daughter was born, and on June 29,1872, she was baptized Eleonora. On March 22, 1874, a son was born and baptized Francis. About 1881, my parents and family moved to North Dakota and lived with a family by the name of Votava about 4 miles southwest of Grafton through the winter. I was born on March 5,1882. , The last three years my folks lived in Iowa, the chinch bugs destroyed the grain crops and when my 677

afternoon old-time dances in the Coliseum. Dad played the violin. Mother died June 24, 1963 at age 65. July 30, 1966, at 84, dad died. By Irene Bena Hankey Park River, N.D. JOHN BENNINGTON John Bennington came from England at age 9, as a stowaway. He went to Canada, then to Grand Forks. He worked on the first building ever built in Grand Forks. From there he came to Walsh County and homesteaded. He built the first log cabin in that area. He married Emma Thode. They had six children: Mabel, George, Norman, Grace, Albert, and Mary. Mr. Bennington was active in the Methodist Church. His wife Emma, in the W.C.T.U. John died at age 84, and Emma died at age 78.

Mr. and Mrs. John Bennington BENNINGTON FAMILY This biography is primarily the life of John Bennington and his wife Emma, also a brief story of their children, and the parents of these pioneers. The material for this biography was compiled from legal sources, their own daughters Mary and Grace, their own grandchildren, friends, and other relatives, and written by Mrs. Thelmer (Marie Bennington) Dale a grandaughter. John Bennington was one of a family of eight: Lisa, Mary, Hannah, Bob, E d , George, Tom and John himself. The family lived at Filey, but he was born in Great Driffield, Yorkshire, England in Aug. 24, 1854 and the family later moved to Devonshire, England. Robert and Berthia Bennington were their parents. Robert, John's father, a layman, did traveling while preaching. He went out on a fishing boat and was never seen again. Jonn Bennington at 16, in 1870, borrowed money from a Mr. Harris of England, and took his mother, sisters and brothers, and immigrated to Whitby and Pickering, Ont. John Bennington worked as a lumberjack for five years in the woods to pay back the immigration money. His mother Berthia was active, and walked one mile a day for the mail until her death Jan. 15,1917. She lived till 86 when she fell into the cellar.

Mrs. John (Emma) Bennington was one of a family of five: Ella, William, Jack, Fred and Emma. She was born in Myrtle, Ont., Feb. 20, 1864, and was the daughter of Grace and Isaac Thody. Her father, Isaac, died. Her mother, Grace Thody, was married again to Richard Pengilly and had one son Amos. Richard Pengilly and Grace Thody each had families by their first marriages. Mrs. Richard Grace Pengilly, her mother, died May 11,1901. In 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pengilly and their one year old son Amos and their families immigrated to Dakota Territory. In Park River Emma Thody worked for John Harris Sr. who was her uncle. John Bennington came from Ontario, Canada by oxen to Park River. John Bennington used to walk to Grand Forks for flour; he carried the sacks (one large one) home. He built one of the first log homes where he lived three miles east of Park River. Emma Thody was 17 when she married John Bennington. In Nov. 27, 1885, John Bennington became a citizen of the United States, and they homesteaded in Jan. 27, 1887. Their oldest child Mabel was born in this first log home. The other children were born in their home built later, which is still standing on the farm. John Bennington and Frank Harris had one of the first threshing rigs around Park River. In threshing time, Oct. 7,1915, Albert, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bennington of Park River, was seriously injured and had his back in a cast for sometime, while at work on a threshing separator, when he lost his balance. Albert was run over by the separator wheel while moving, but the loose ground saved his life. Mr. and Mrs. John Bennington were devoted church members, belonging to the Methodist Church in Park River. On one of John's quarters of land, there was for years, a huge boulder with a large buffalo wallow around it. There was also on the top of another huge boulder a dish shape where a smaller rock fitted into the dish shape of the boulder, probably for grinding corn by the Indians. Apparently the smaller rock was tied to a pole at one end, a horse hitched to the other end furnishing the power by walking around the boulder which had made a worn path. Also near here were some willow trees. There is a log house still on the Bennington farm moved there from the John Seldon land which grandpa had bought when he first farmed. This log house was made for John Seldon by John Bennington, John Harris Sr., Frank Harris and John Seldon himself. John and Emma Bennington had six children: Mabie, George, Norman, Grace, Albert and Mary. They lost Isaac John and Evelyn as infants. Most of their children were high school graduates, but George attended the University for a short time, and Norman who was a University of Grand Forks, graduate, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. Albert taught rural school near Park River. John and Emma have fourteen grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Land that John Benningtons' homesteaded is still farmed by the third generation of Benningtons': Grandpa Bennington John, his son Albert, John's

grandson Lee, and now John's great-grandson is helping on this farm. Mabel Bennington married Dan McEachern and moved to Vancouver, B.C. They both worked. She was a salad maker in a large restaurant. Their four children, Dunnett, Ruth, Emma and Ethel were all married. Emma holds a high position with the Salvation Army. Her family was once stationed in the Bermuda Islands.

River for years. Later the family moved into town where he was a grain elevator man, from there they moved around the area of Englewood, Calif., and they worked in a factory and are now retired, they both still live there, as also the families of their three children Duane, Florence, and John (Jack), live near there and their families. Mary Bennington married Rhinehart (Beck) Bellin who were in the nursery business at Hankinson, N.D., for some time. They then moved to Edmonds, Wash., where they owned and operated "The Bellin Gardens." Later they moved and retired to Poulsbo, Wash., near where their one son Gordon and family lives. Before "Mary was married she owned a hemstitching machine and she did custom hem stitching for others. She then lived at Park River with her folks John and Emma Bennington. She was the youngest child. Albert Bennington married Florence Bylin, my mother who was from near Adams.

GUSTAV BRANDT FAMILY Gustav Brandt of West Sildre, Valdres, Norway came to America in 1888, living for a time at St. Paul, Minn. He came to Park River in 1891 where he was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1897 M r . Brandt and Helge Hall established a men's clothing business in a frame building on the west side of main street. This building was destroyed by the big fire Feb. 28, 1901. A new brick building was built. Ten or 15 years later he bought out Mr. Hall and continued in the business until he retired in 1931.

Mr. and Mrs. George Bennington • ft£l W , r

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He married Oline Koppang, who at 14 had come from Norway in 1889. They had ten children. Living are: John, Beata, Olaf, Karen, Chris, Signe and Helen. Mr. Brandt was not associated with any political party. He preferred to maintain an independent course. He was a master Mason. He accompanied L.B. Hanna, Governor of North Dakota, to Norway for the presentation of the statue of Abraham Lincoln to the city of Oslo July 4, 1914. The statue was a gift of the Masons and Mr. Brandt was one of the members of the Presentation Committee appointed by the governor to represent the people of the State of North Dakota at the exercises. By Mrs. Helen Neste

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bennington George Bennington married Florence McEachern. For many years he was a fireman and for a short time he was a roundhouse forman and later on was promoted to engineer for the Northern Pacific Railroad in East Grand Forks, where they then lived. After retiring as an Engineer, they lived in Park River. He was once an Engineer for the locomotive that stands as a relic in the Park at Dilworth, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. George Bennington owned a farmstead near Park River. Norman Bennington married Irene Campbell, and at one time managed a garage and sold Buick cars at Crookston, Minn. They then moved to Worthington,, Minn, where he was Territorial Blockman now called a Territorial Manager of the Oliver Corporation. They later moved to Whittier, Calif., where he and Irene worked and lived for many years near where their one son Clifford and family live. Grace Bennington married Lester Campbell, they farmed on the Neil Campbell homestead, east of Park

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Sale at Brandt Store attracts large crowd. 679

MR. AND MRS. OSCAR BYGLAND Oscar Bygland, son of Mr. Halvor Bygland and Mrs. Elizabeth (Johnson) Bygland, was born on April 15, 1893 in Grand Forks, N.D. His father passed away when Oscar was only 6 months old. Oscar came to Lankin, N.D. in 1911. Eleanore Helt, daughter of Mr. Joseph Helt and Mrs. Anna (Swartz) Helt, was born on October 28, 1892. Eleanore and Oscar were married on May 14, 1914 at the home of her parents in Park River. They had two children: Elaine and Robert. Mr. Bygland was associated with the Citizens State Bank for 25 years, where he served as a cashier. On April 7, 1936, Oscar joined the County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in Park River, now known as the A . S . C . office. He retired in December, 1962. M r . and Mrs. Bygland celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Park River.

Oscar and Eleanore Bygland CATHERWOOD FAMILY Thomas A . Catherwood, born in Brantford, Ont. of Irish parentage, came to Grafton in the early spring of 1884 and to Park River a few months later, just before the first train arrived in August, 1884. He resided here until his death July 12, 1942. Mrs. Catherwood, the former Sarah Wiggins, whom he had married in Newbridge, Ont., in 1881 came to Park River in April, 1886, on a mixed train.

THOMAS CATHERWOOD Thomas was born in Haldimond County, Ont., June 7, 1856. He was a graduate of Goderich High and Model School. He came to North Dakota in 1880, and taught the first school in Kensington township. He also was the first merchant of Park River. DR. R. J . CHURCH Dr. R.J. Church was one of the earlier doctors that served Walsh County and Park River community. He was born at Irish Creek, Ont., Dec. 8,1870. He was the son of Dr. and Mrs. J.R. Church. The family moved to North Dakota in the territorial period. He was educated at Carleton College and the University of Minnesota. His first practice was at Conway; moving from there to Lankin, and then to Park River in 1911, where he purchased the practice of Dr. Halldorsson. He established the first two bedroom hospital in conjunction with his office over the Ebbson building with Olga Christenson as his nurse. Dr. Church was a Park River councilman and chairman of the Walsh County Board of Health for several years. Dr. Church married Christine Brownlie in 1895. They had four children: Bernice (Mrs. Palmer Overbye), Harold B . (Doc) of Des Moines, Iowa, Jerome R. of Rockford, 111., and Richard H., Grafton. Mrs. Church died in 1961. Dr. Church died Aug. 15, 1915. At the time of his death, in addition to the immediate family he was survived by his father Dr. J.R. Church of Grand Forks; a sister, Mrs. William Edwards of new York; and a brother, Edward Church of Youngstown, Alberta. He was a member of the Masonic, I.O.O.F., Yeoman and Forester fraternal organizations of Park River. By Richard Church Grafton, N.D. CUDMORE FAMILY mum

Catherwood a blacksmith, was in business for himself for a short time, then in partnership with S.A. Cameron for many years. Later he was in business for himself until 1921 when he retired. He served as Chief of Police in Park River for four years after his retirement from business. Mr. and Mrs. Catherwood had six children: William, born in Ont., Maggie, Sheldon, Elsie, Hector, and Beth, all born in Park River. Mr. & Mrs. Catherwood were active in community affairs, were members of the Episcopal church and instrumental in erection of St. Peters Episcopal Church in Park River in 1901. By Elsie Jean Catherwood Park River, N.D.

Mrs. Richard Cudmore

Richard Cudmore, early 1800's. Cudmore ancestory traced back to early 1800's. Ervin Cudmore, Park River, who was born and raised in the farm home his grandfather built in 1882, is the third generation to continue farming the home place after his father retired due to poor health in 1942. In 1941 Ervin married Bethel Ingulsrud and they

have four children: Adele, Lee, Larry and Cynthia, all raised on their great grandfather's homestead.

this home that Alvin was born Nov. 8, 1884. Joseph and Jane lived in Park River a couple of years before moving to Portland, Ore. in 1911. Joseph died Jan. 20, 1920 and Jane, April 30,1934.

Erwin and Bethel Cudmore, 1916. Jane Ann Cudmore Joseph Cudmore, 1850. Hester Cudmore never married, moved to Portland in 1916 to care for her ailing parents. When her health faded in 1956 she moved back to the homestead at Park River to live with her nephew Ervin and famdy. She died May 30,1958. ' . Alvin Cudmore and Charlotte Ruth Buckley were married Nov. 24, 1915. Besides Ervin, they had one daughter Ethel, Clayton and Glenn. They retired from farming in 1942 and moved to Park River. Alvin died Feb. 13,1947 and Charlotte May 12,1947. Adele, Larry, Cynthia and Lee Cudmore. Ervin's great grandfather, Richard Cudmore was born in the early 1800's. His wife was born in 1833 in Devonshire, England. As a young woman she emigrated to Canada. Making her home first in Toranto, then in the wilderness of Huron County, Ont. Six children were born. Two of them, Joseph and Annie, made their home in Park River. Richard Cudmore died Oct. 14,1906 at Clinton, Ont. Annie Cudmore was married to John Fitzpatrick Oct. 12, 1858 at Clinton, Ont. and they resided there until 1882 when they came to North Dakota and took up their home on a farm in Golden township. They resided there for a couple of years, then moved to Park River in 1884 when the town was started. John Fitzpatrick was a carpenter and during a period ol many years in this community he built a large number of school houses, farm buildings and homes including his own. He took an active part in civic affairs and served as alderman of Park River for ten years. In 1916 Mrs. Richard Cudmore moved from Clinton, unt. to Park River and spent the last two years of her Uie with her daughter Annie and John Fitzpatrick.

Alvin and Charlotte Cudmore, 1884 THEODORE DAHL Mr. Dahl was the son of Ole and Olina (Bjerke) Dahl. Ole Dahl was born Oct. 1868 in Valders, Norway. Olina Bjerke was born April 14, 1875 in Valders, Norway. They were married in 1893. They imigrated to Minnesota and homesteaded in Badger area. They had 14 children: Oscar, Theodore, Gillman, Amel, Dehha, Alma, Ethel, Myrtle, Sofia, Nora, Olie, and Spencer. Two sons died in infancy. Theodore Dahl was born Oct. 21, 1893 at Roseau, Minn. He married Ellen Louise Stark March 29,1916. Charley Stark (Ellen's grandfather) came to America from Sweden in 1870. He worked as a surveyor on the Canadian railroad. In 1881 his family joined him. He homesteaded on land 3 miles south of St. Thomas. Charley Stark was born in Goteborg, Sweden, his wife Kasa Johndotter was also born in Goteborg. They had four children: Otto, Frank,

Joseph Cudmore was born to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cudmore in Huron County, Ont. in 1850. He was married to Jane Ann Landsborough, daughter ol Samuel Landsborough, in 1879. One daughter Hester Jane, was born there Aug. 26, 1881. In 1882 they emigrated to Kensington township and homesteaded a quarter of land north of ParkRiver. Joseph hauled the lumber from Grand Forks to build his home. It took him a week to make the round trip with oxen. It was in 681

The family had four children: Thelma (Mrs. Carroll Vreeland); Ruth Ann (Mrs. Clinton Gjevre); Blanch (Mrs. Reuben Espelien); and Ronald Dahl. Ronald is married to the former LeeAnn Gunstenson.

Hilma, and Andrew. Charley was the son of an Army officer. Frank Stark married Ann Louisa Anderson. Her father, Andres Anderson, was born in Skareborgo Lann, Sweden. Greta Louise Johndatta was born June 21, 1840 in Sweden. They had two children, Albin Johan and Anna Louisa. Mrs. Greta Anderson and her daughter Anna Louisa came to America from Sweden in 1890. Andres Anderson was a miller. His mill was called Doda Quarna, located near Goteborg. Anna also attended home economic school in Goteborg, Greta passed away in 1921. She lived in America with her daughter and family, Frank Stark.

Ellen Lousia Dahl died Oct. 12, 1961. Ted Dahl has been a resident of the Lutheran Sunset home in Grafton for the past year. Mr and Mrs. Dahl were lifetime members of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and held several offices in these organizations. JOSEPH AND NANCY DAVIS Joseph Davis was born in the area of Cornwall, Ont. As a young man he followed the logging industry. His work brought him to the region near Cresco, Iowa where he met and married Nancy Johnston in 1870. Nancy Davis had learned the tailoring trade and was a skilled wool carder. Upon marriage his logging and her tailoring trades were abandoned, and they established a farm near Cresco, Iowa. The crop of 1879 was destroyed by the cinch bug, so the family, Joseph, Nancy and four small children moved to Dakota territory. Joseph Davis filed his claim late in the fall of 1879. The family came later by train as far as Fisher's Landing. Joseph met them and took them to Kensington Township in a covered sled. A f t e r a difficult trip, they arrived on Dec. 31, 1879. The remainder of the winter was spent in a shack and dug-out which had been constructed by William Davis in the late summer of 1879.

Theodore Dahl's earlier home. He and his family, 1915. Ted Dahl on motorcycle.

Joseph and Nancy Davis had a family of four girls: Maggie, Jennie, Mary, and Harriet. Many descendents of Joseph and Nancy Davis reside in various parts of the United States and Canada, but only the descendents of Harriet Davis are still making their homes in Kensington Township and the immediate area. Harriet married John Lewis, another early Kensington Township settler. The account of John and Harriet Davis Lewis appears in another place in this book.

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Dahl, wedding picture, March 29, 1916.

Frank Emil Stark was born June 5, 1965. His wife Anna Anderson, born Jan. 19, 1871 were married Dec. 11,1890. They started married life on the farm given him by his father. They had ten children: Ellen Louisa, Andrew Olaf, Gerda Carolina, Edwin John, Beda Sofia, Hanna Signild, Hildur Singtwld, Hildur Amanda, Ruth Olag and Richard Frank. Ellen Louisa Stark and Theodore were married at the Stark home near St. Thomas. Their first year of married life was spent on a farm near Hoople. On March 21, 1917 they came to Park River. Later that year they moved to their home in north Park River, where they lived for 27 years. Then they moved to their home on Wadge Ave., which he built himself, in western Park River. Ted Dahl was employed by a building contractor for 11 years. In 1923 Ted Dahl, Clarence Ward, and Peter Bye started building. In 1931 Bye left and moved away. Ward left to work in a lumber yard in Forest River. Dahl kept his business going until he retired and his son, Ronnie now owns and operates Dahl Construction.

Joseph Davis family [1900]. Left to right: Harriet Davis Lewis, daughter; Nancy Davis, wife; Joseph Davis, Lucy and Susan Davis, sisters of Joseph Davis. The man inthe buggy is FrankDavis, Joseph Davis' brother. 682

THE O'DOUGHERTY'S The personification of the family coat of arms, "Vigor our Heritage," lives in the song and story in County Donegal, Ireland, from where the O'Dougherty clan migrated to America. The descendents of the Dougherty's stand 15th in the list of the commonest surnames in Ireland. In early 1800's, the O'Dougherty clan came to America. Some of the family stayed in Boston, Mass., while the more adventurous ones came by way of New Orleans, up the Mississippi River to Lycurgus, Iowa, to an established Irish settlement known as French Creek James J . Dougherty was born Oct. 13, 1857. His father had dropped the '0*, being known then as Dougherty. . . Here James J . Dougherty received his early education. He was an excellent student and throughout his lifetime he was an avid leader. He was gifted with a photographic mind. He enrolled in Valpariso University, Ind., where he received a teacher's certificate. Margaret Kelleher was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, Oct. 13,1859, where she grew up. July 19,1881, she married James J . Dougherty. July 27, 1882, they moved to Park River. That year J . Dougherty became the first school teacher in Larimore. He traveled by horse-back receiving $35 a month as his salary. In 1883, they moved to Grand Forks, where James worked for Stephen Collins who was in the coal and lumber business. The following year, he came back to Park River and was associated with McEwans and Dougherty Company-a farm implement business serving Park River, Conway, Edinburg, and Milton. In 1907, he organized the N.W. Machinery Company and the McEwan-Dougherty West Line of Elevators in Sask., Canada. J.J. Dougherty was known as a real estate tycoon. It was said that you could walk west of Park River to Rugby, N.D., and not put foot on any land that wasn t Jim Dougherty's. He acquired large holdings in the Swift Current, Canada area; including elevators and a large general store. This enterprize was destroyed by fire at a loss of a half million dollars. His land in Kansas never brought in an oil well in his lifetime. J J Dougherty was one of four to organize the Implement Dealers Mutual Fire Insurance Company where he served as director for 20 years. Dougherty never lost his keen interest in politics. He was affiliated with the Democratic Party. In 1897 to 1899, he served in the State Legislature for two terms. He was elected as mayor of Park River for four terms. He served on the school board for several years. He was appointed Post Master of Park River by President Wilson, serving eight years. He provided his family with much of the worldly goods such as a racing horse named Florence, pomes for his children's enjoyment, pets, dancing, painting, and music lessons, traveling, higher education, and fast cars.

Their home was torn down in 1975 to be replaced by the Metropolitan Savings and Loan Building. Through Dougherty's help and assistance, Mrs. Dougherty's relatives, the Kennys, O'Briens and Kellehers were brought to Park River in 1902 from The obituary of Mrs. James J . Dougherty (Margaret Kelleher) reads; "In the death of Mrs. Dougherty, Park River has lost a good and useful citizen who was universally loved." Four sons and one daughter were born: John, Emmett, Florence, Harold and Walter. John received his early education in Park River, attended Georgetown University, at Washington, D C , where he articulated in law. He held the world s record in sprinting. This record is posted in Georgetown University. From here he attended the University of Minnesota. He married Julie Grace of Grafton, and they left for Swift Current, Canada in 1909, to run the J.J. Dougherty business. Two children, Margaret (Mrs. Fening) of Moreticelli, Iowa, and T.E. Dougherty, Waterloo, Iowa were born in Swift Current. A son Jim, born in Waterloo, Iowa, died at seven. There are six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren in this family. Emmett, a graduate of Park River High School, attended Notre Dame at South L ad, Ind. He, too, studied law, but never practiced. His career was in business. He married Esther Weiss of Chicago, 111. One son, James Emmett, Jr., was born. James Emmett, Jr. left one son, James Emmett the III, who lives in Chicago. He has one son, James Emmett the IV, in Chicago. . Esther Weiss Dougherty lives in Chicago Heights, LU. Florence Dougherty, after finishing high school in Park River, enrolled at St. Catherines in Minneapolis. She spent one year here, transferring to the North Dakota University where she received a teacher's certificate. Her teaching career was short lived. She married Clement O'Brien (Pat) who was a cashier in Farmers Security Bank of Park River. Five chddren were born: Jean (Mrs. Jack Strouts) of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Walter of Alaska (now deceased); Pat of Minneapolis, who married Lydia Larson of Park River (daughter of Lars Larson); Nancy (Mrs. Jim Balcom) and Mary Ann, who married Lee Johnson of Carroll, Iowa, were born in Minneapolis, where Clement O'Brien had been transferred to the First Bank Corporation of Minneapolis. Later he owned and operated a hardware store in South Minneapolis. There are 26 grandchildren. Harold received his early education in Park River. He attended a business coUege in Grand Forks, coming back after his graduation to work in the Park River Roller Mill as bookkeeper. He worked here until it was destroyed by fire. From here he worked as bookkeeper in the Williston Roller Mill for many years. This too was destroyed by fire. He returned to Park River with his wife and family, worked for the Standard Oil Company until his retirement, and lived in the J.J. Dougherty residence until Mabel and Harold's death. 683

Walter and his friend, Ernest Harris, organized the Paul Farup Post 147. They secured the location from Sam Robertson of the Robertson Lumber Co. as a "gift," a contractor was hired and permission was granted from the Farup family to name the Post, the Paul Farup Post. The first officers were W . L . Dougherty as Vice-Chairman and E.M. Harris as Post adjutant.

He served as mayor of Park River, like his father, and married Mabel Laxdal, Cavalier. They had three children: Dan, Betty and Donna, and four grandchildren. Betty chose a career in the Military, receiving many honors and promotions. Donna (Mrs. Burney Cook) lives in Minneapolis. She is employed by the Girl Scouts. Dan has made a career with Zenith Corporation, as vice president. He and his wife Donna live in Northfield, 111., with three of their children. By Agnes Dougherty Henderson Park River, N.D.

Walter operated his father's 1000 acre farm east and south of Adams for a few years. The losses he sustained here and particularly the poisoning of 21 head of horses by a disgruntled hired hand discouraged the business of farming for him.

J. J. Dougherty family W. L. DOUGHERTY FAMILY The family coat of arms "Vigor, our Heritage" had a deep-seated influence on the youngest son, Walter Leo, of J . J . Dougherty and Margaret Kelleher Dougherty, Park River. Walter L . Dougherty was born and baptized in the Catholic Church in Miles City, Mont., Sept. 20,1893. There was nothing Walter couldn't repair, plumbing, electrical things, carpentry; he could do it! His hobby was growing a flower garden. His hands were never idle. He loved the outdoors. His greatest contribution in sports were H.S. football and roller skating. He played baseball and golf too. He fished and hunted, taking his son, Thomas James, with him on these trips. Walter graduated from Park River high school in 1913, where he had been active in sports. That summer he worked as a laborer at the construction site of the Walsh Co. Agriculture School. The summer of 1910-11 he worked at his father's farm at Adams. It was here he became "lousy." 1913 he enrolled at the St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN, where his father directed him to study law. The strict regimentation of this school and its curriculum was indeed not what he wanted so he became a "drop-out." From here he attended a Business College in Minneapolis. Upon completion he returned to Park River, then to Edinburg where he purchased and operated an automobile agency with a partner. When the first war broke out he sold his interest to his partner and enlisted in the 1st Signal Corp, in 1917. He served in the Verdun Sector with the French Army. Toul Sector, St. Mihiel Offensive, Meuse Agronne Offensive where he was gassed. He was discharged in the late 1918's.

Walter L. Dougherty The fall of 1921 Agnes Heltne came to teach Music and English in the Park River high school. She was born in Grafton, of a pioneer merchant T.L. Heltne and his wife Ollegard Swiggum Heltne. She received her early education in the Grafton schools. In the school, community, and church activities she was active and also in music and dramatics and sports from the 3rd grade throughout her high school days. She received a B.A. degree and a Teacher's Music Certificate from St. Olaf College at Northfield, MN, in 1920. She was a member of the famed St. Olaf Choir in her freshman year, under director F . Melius Christensen. In the fall of 1920 she taught and was principal of St. Thomas high school. Her girls' basketball team was undefeated. In the fall of 1921, Agnes Heltne came to teach English and Music in the Park River high school. Her undefeated girls' basketball team gave her much satisfaction. The dramatic plays and music groups under her training were successful. The first of April, 1922, she was rehired to teach another year in Park River. Her contract was terminated Dec. 31, 1922. She married Walter L . Dougherty, April 29,1922. Through his good friend Lloyd Cameron, a former Park River boy, who was General Manager of the Missouri Division of the Standard Oil Co., Walter was hired as a salesman for that division. Walter went to his first job in Chilliocthe, Mo. Agnes stayed in Grafton to substitute for a teacher 684

until the school year was completed. In June of 1922, she joined Walter at Chillicothe. From there they moved to St. Joseph, and Albany. As a salesman for Standard Oil Co., Walter was transferred to the Illinois division locating in Joliet, 111 for four years. From here he was sent to the Wisconsin division as a salesman in Fon Du Lae, Kenosha, Racine, Wise. J . J . Dougherty, Walter father urged Walter to return to Park River with his family'to a more permanent job. Thomas James,_ their only son was born 1925 while Walter was working in the Missouri Division of the Standard Oil. They returned to Park River in 1933. Walter operated a wholesale beer establishment. This led to the Club, which he operated for 11 years. In 1947 he sold the Club. Diane Dougherty was born in 1934. Tommie had known hard manual labor during the summer vacations. He worked on Hi Way 17 when it was first built. He picked potatoes in the potato fields and worked in the potato pit. Diane died Oct. 29,1942. In May 1943, Thomas James enlisted in the U.S. Navy and saw active service on a L.S.T. in the South the fall of 1946 Thomas entered the University of North Dakota where he studied for two years. He wanted to be a lawyer. From here he transferred to George Washington University in Washington, D.G. where he graduated. He married Anne Diffenderfor of Washington, D.C. who was a graduate of George Washington University. They live in Bethesda Md. They have eight children: Thomas James Dougherty Jr., graduated in 1975 from Dennison College in Grandville, Ohio; In 1975 Scott William has finished his sophomore year at Emory College in Atlanta Geo.; Craig Walter enrolled as a freshman in Tufts College in Boston, Mass.; Anne Lenoir is 16 and is attending high school in Bethesda; Diane Taylor who L13 S d s school in Bethesda; Paul Christian who is 10 and his sister Sharon who will be 8 are attending the elementary school in Bethesda, and Melanie attends kindergarten school in Bethesda.

CLARK EATON Clark Eaton was born at Woodstock, Ont., Jan 24, 1870 His parents were Sarah and Andrew Eaton and he had five brothers and sisters. About 1874 the family moved to Wells, Minn. At 18, he was leading the brass band in his home town, having learned to play the cornet some years before. In 1890 he came to Milton. He married Jessie Nye, from Wells. They came to Inkster where they lived 10 years. Coming to Lankin before the first passenger train ran through there, he had one of the first elevators. In 1909 he came to Park River to manage the Farmer's Elevator, where he led the band for nearly 20 years. Mr. Eaton died Jan. 29,1929. Clark and Jessie Eaton had three children who came to Park River when they moved there in 1909. Kenneth Eaton, who later married Rose Wick of Park River He was an artist on papers in Minneapolis, Sioux City, Iowa and was with the Register and Tribune in Des Moines, Iowa at the time of his death in 1941 Esther Eaton, now resides in Vista, Calif., and is Mrs. Charles Waldron. Ruth Eaton, is in San Diego, Calif., and is Mrs. Harvey Cole. By Mrs. Ray Halcrow Drayton, N.D. CLARK EATON BAND W A Young, Pres.; M . B . Holmquist, Secy. Membership: W.A. Young, Eb bass; M.B. Holmquist, 1st trombone; Fred Levang, Marcella Wick and Esther Eaton, Cornets; Elva Young, baritone; Roy Neste and LaVerne Mclntyre, altos; Alice Dunn, Thelma Wick, Adeline Mclntyre, Melvin Hobbs and Vera Ferguson, saxophones; Sophie Brandt and Joyce Masloski, clarinets; and C F . Harris and Tony Gangsperio, drums.

After Walter sold his business in Park River, he became associated with the Studebaker Car Agency in Grafton,»known as Wilson & Dougherty. They bmlt a bunding there. After Wilson died this partnerstop^as dissolved. We owned the budding until 1974 when it was sold to the Grafton National Bank. Walter came back to work ^ Park River as a salesman for Silliman's Garage. He had a heart attack July 1,1956 from which he never recovered. He bought and remodeled the Birder's house. Agnes Dougherty Henderson still lives there She married E.O Henderson in 1967, a lawyer and former owner and operator of "The Humpty Dumpty chain of stores By Agnes Dougherty Henderson

W A Young, E flat bass; M. B. Holmquist, first trombone; Fred Levang, Marcella Wick and Esther Eaton, coronets; Elva Young, baritone; Roy'Neste and LaVerne Mclntyre, altos; Alice Dunn, Thelma Wick Adeline Mclntyre, Melvin Hobbs and Vera Ferguson, sZophones; Sophie Brandt and Joyce Maslosfei, clarinets; C. F. Harris and Tony Gangsperio, drums. 685

FRANK FALTER Frank Falter, originally from Germany, and his wife (Mary Ripple) homesteaded one and one half miles west of Park River in 1878. They chose a sheltered place in the woods close to the river to build their log house. They had 160 acres of land. They came here from Columbus, Ohio, where they had met and married. Frank had been a brew meister there. Mrs. Falter went back to her home when her first child was to be born. She returned shortly after the birth of their son, Paul, March 16, 1880. He was the first white baby boy west of Park River. They came here with one horse and one ox. The first years they had to go to Grand Forks to get supplies. When the raUroad came to Grafton they got supplies there. There was a great deal of excitement when the train finally came to Park River. Paul was three then, but he remembered it vividly, and talked about it to his children. Mr. and Mrs. George Dobmeier were their first neighbors to the west. They settled a claim one half mdes west of the Falters. The winter of 1880 was cold. Mr. Dobmeier froze his feet. Frank Falter carried him on his back to their place and the two families spent the winter together. The women nursed Mr. Dobmeier's feet most of the winter with camphor balm and whiled away the time playing with little Paul. Two more children were born to the Frank Falter's: Mary (Mrs. Henry Staven) and Philip. By Harold Falter Park River, N.D. K.J. FARUP K . J . Farup arrived in Park River in 1880 with two college degrees. He was a graduate of a navigation course and in civil engineering from a college in Gothenberg, Sweden. He became a government surveyor in northeastern North Dakota, including Walsh County. Surveying on what was little more than a frontier had its share of hardships and as Farup became a homesteader in Walsh County he also shared the trials of pioneer life. As a navigator he spent four years as an able seaman on a Norwegian sailing vessel. A native of Norway, he was born on a farm 50 miles north of Oslo on Aug. 10, 1856. He began surveying soon after arriving in this country. Headquarters were maintained at Fargo. The surveying contractor was George G. Beardsley. Township and section lines were run in Walsh County and in the Cando area. The crew of 10 men lived in tents on the prairie and traveled in five wagons drawn by horses. In 1882 their headquarters were at Bachelor's Grove in Grand Forks County. In 1883 he quit surveying and filed on a claim five miles south of Garfield. In 1890 he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank in Park River. In 1906 he became manager of the Bank, continuing in that capacity until 1931. Bertha Powell was born Oct. 13,1867, at Oshawa, Ont. She attended school at St. Marys, Ont.,

until 1884 when the family moved to Devils Lake. She was married to Karl J . Farup Jan. 11, 1888, in the Methodist Church in Devils Lake. They came to Park River for their first home. Five children were born to the Farups: Norma Irene (Mrs. Isak Edwin Hansen); Ruth Muriel (Mrs. Kenneth D. Bennett); Jessie Evers (Mrs. Cyril Emmet O'Reilley); Clarke Whitfelt, who was granted the Ford agency and established garages in Park River and Grafton which he operated until his death in a plane crash on Oct. 30,1941; and Paul Farup, who was born in Park River Jan. 10, 1898. He graduated from Park River high school, enlisted with C Co., 164th Inf., serving at Camps Greene, Mills, and Merritt, and went overseas Dec. 14,1917, on the Leviathan. In France he was transferred to E Co., 18th Inf., 1st Div. He saw much active service in Toul trenches, Somme front, Battle of Cantigny. He was killed near Soissons during the Aisne Marne offensive July 20, 1918. The Park River unit of the American Legion was named the Paul Farup Post #147. From the "Clerke Family Book and Walsh County Press CHRISTEN L. FINNESETH

C. L. Finneseth family: C. L. Finneseth, Elmer, Gladys, Lawrence, Ida, Myrtle, Anna Finneseth. Christen L. Finneseth was born on June 9, 1856, in Fountain, Minn. He came to Grafton via a team of horses in 1881. He had a homestead 5 or 6 miles west of Park River. He first worked in a hardware store which was owned by John "Joe" Monson, during which time he met and married Joe's sister, Anna Monson, on July 7,1882, in Grand Forks, Dakota Territory. Their first child, Lawrence, was born on the homestead, after which Mr. Finneseth moved his family into Garfield and lived upstairs over the hardware store which he operated, in addition to the Post Office. In the summer of 1884, the railroad came into the area, and Mr. Finneseth again moved his family, this time into Park River — there he operated the first store in that community. In addition to his hardware store, he also operated a lumberyard. He was instrumental in helping with the laying out of the City Park and many other things necessary to the starting of a new town. During the time before the railroad came to Park River, the farmers took their grain to Grand Forks by wagon. These wagons brought back merchandise for Mr. Finneseth's store, the most sought-after items

being stoves for the settlers as well as nails and barbed-wire. . He later went into the mercantile business. K rom 1898 until 1942, his store operated in the large brick building on the east side of the main street, and still stands even though it was in the big fire of 1901. In his later years, Mr. Finneseth spent his winters in California and Mexico. He died in 1922 in Long Beach, Calif. Two surviving members of his family reside in California - Gladys (Mrs. O.M. Moore) who lives in San Marion, and Myrtle (Mrs. David Md s) who lives in Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula. By Harriet Mills Pacific Grove, Calif. JOE LAWRENCE FINNESETH Joe Finneseth was the son of Christen and Anna Finneseth. He was born AprU 2, 1883, Garfield, Dakota Territory. Joe went to Park River High School. He married Marie Austin at St. Paul, Minn. He was a sales clerk m his father's store, eventually becoming its owner and manager. In later years, he worked as a sales representative for Dr. Scholl's products, in Portland, Ore. . . His main interests were music, sports, especiauy hunting, and he also took an active interest in civic events, helping to organize parades, celebrations, building floats, playing in the band on these occasions, etc. He was also a member of the Park River Volunteer Fire Department. Mr and Mrs. Joe Lawrence Finneseth have one daughter, Margaret Finneseth Hensley, who is currently residing in Chicago. She is the mother ot Michele, Michael and Mark Sproull. Mr. Finneseth died Dec. 8,1968.

Ida was born June 27, 1885. She attended the Park River schools and was a member of the Lutheran Church. She never married and worked at the family store as a salesperson until she retired to California. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Rebekah Lodge and the Luther League.

Ida Blanche Finneseth [1885—1973] OSCAR ELMER FINNESETH Oscar was born Sept. 30, 1887, and was the son of Christen and Anna Finneseth. He went to school at Park River High School, and was a sales clerk in his father's store in Park River. He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, and played in the Park River City Band. He liked music, sports, hockey and hunting, and was a member of the Park River Volunteer Fire Department. Oscar never married. He died in 1916.

Joe Lawrence Finneseth [1883—1968]

Oscar Elmer Finneseth [1887-1916]

IDA BLANCHE FINNESETH Ida Blanche Finneseth, the daughter of pioneer settlers in Park River, Christian and^Anna Monson Finneseth, came from southeastern Minn, to North Dakota. They were in business in Garfield and Park River. Five children were born to Christian and Anna Monson: Lawrence, Elmer, Ida, Myrtle (Mrs. David Mills) and Gladys (Mrs. Oliver Moore). Lawrence, Elmer and Ida were in the business with their father Myrtle worked in the bank, officer and general business and Gladys was a teacher, housewife.

IVAH MYRTLE FINNESETH Ivah was born June 17,1891, and was the daughter of Christen and Anna Finneseth. She went to Park River High School and attended business college in Grand Forks. She attended the Lutheran Church and was a member of Chapter 0, P.E.O., sisterhood. She liked needlework, cooking, reading and traveling. She married David Mills and they moved to California. They are now living at Pacific Grove. 687

GLADYS MAE FINNESETH Gladys Mae Finneseth was born in Park River June 7, 1899. She was the daughter of pioneer settlers Christian and Anna Monson Finneseth. Mr. and Mrs. Finneseth had one of the first hardware stores in Park River in 1883. They were active in civic affairs and in getting the first Lutheran Church started. Gladys Finneseth married Oliver Merritt Moore, M.D. at Crookston, Minn., Sept. 1, 1921. They moved to California in 1922 and have lived at Los Angeles, Downey, Huntington Park and San Marino. Dr. Moore was a Colonel in the U.S. Army in World War 1 and 2. They are Republican and members of the Lutheran Church. Gladys Finneseth was educated in the Park River Schools, Long Beach Healds College and University of North Dakota. She enjoyed horses and athletics, and was on the basketball team for Park River High School and also at the University of North Dakota. She later coached basketball teams while teaching in Dakota for two years. Gladys taught one year in Medina as a physical education and commercial teacher, one year as Principal in the consolidated school of Orr. She had a trained goat, which served as her pony, pulling the cart in the summer and sled in the winter. Every circus that came to town wanted to buy her goat "Nanie." After Dr. Moore completed his Medical School at Rush, Chicago, they moved to California. He was a physician surgeon who practiced for 50 years in the south east area of Los Angeles. He served in two Wars as a Colonel. Gladys Moore was a charter member and past president of a number of medical and veteran organizations. The family lived in Orange Orchard in Downey, Calif., following the Dr. military service. Since 1957 they have lived in San Marino, Caltf. They have three children: Donovan Moore, aeronautics, has three children — Susan, Tim and Rita; Kathleen Sehr has two children — Shawn and Maureen and live in San Marino; Anita Jeremiah has two children — Janice and Jill and is a fashion model and personnel director of Inter Health Services in Los Angeles.

Gladys Mae Finneseth Moore

DAVID FORD

Mr. and Mrs. David Ford David Ford was born near Forfor, Scotland July 10, 1841. He enlisted in the Scotch Fusileer Guards when he was 19 and came with his regiment to Canada in 1861. The regiment was sent to Canada to safeguard British interests during the U.S. war of secession. He purchased his discharge in 1863. He married Mary Mclvor in 1865. She was born in Caithness shire, Scotland in a family of 11 children, and was the first of her family to venture across the Atlantic. She came in a sailing vessel in 1860. It took about two months to cross the ocean. She came to a village near Hamilton, Ont. with a family she met on shipboard. Later she moved to London, Ont. where the couple met and were married. Six of their seven children were born there. The youngest, his father's namesake, was the only one born in Kensington township where they homesteaded. David Ford made his first visit to Dakota in December, 1879, arriving at Stephen, Minn. From there he went on foot to his brother-in-law's farm in Fertile township. On the way he was overtaken by a terrible blizzard. His hat blew away and he came across some abandoned loads of goods. He appropriated a horse blanket and wrapped it around his head and staggered on. He was about to give up when he heard a dog bark and made his way in that direction. He was taken in and cared for, stayed a day or so and then went on. The first house he came to next belonged to a man who was an old schoolmate of his in Scotland and whom he had not seen since leaving the old country. William Bruce was a neighbor of Mrs. Smith, the sister he was going to visit. Mr. Ford had been very badly frozen in his encounter with the blizzard. Since there were no doctors it was necessary for his sister to remove his ear. This she did with a butcher knife on Christmas Day, 1879. The first school was a log house built on the John Wadge farm, now owned by Mrs. Annie Gillespie. Each family contributed two logs and they had a bee and built it. The desks and seats were made of boards from a primitive sort of saw mill. Tom Catherwood was the first teacher. There were no bridges in those days—logs were felled across the river and the teacher carried the small ones across. The schoolhouse was a gathering place for all sorts of get togethers. They had

what they called a lyceum where programs, little playlets and debates were given. It met weekly in the W

The first church services were held in Mr. Wadge's house before the schoolhouse was built. Theirs was a very pretentious house for those days. The first story was the kitchen dug into the bank, over that was a log structure built for a sitting room and over that the bedroom was built. They had what they called surprise parties, but they were not surprise parties around in the neighboring homes. Chairs were few but were supplemented by syrup kegs (5 gal.) of which there were many. The first summer many families did not have cookstoves and the neighbors brought their bread to bake wherever there was a cookstove. Some cabins did not have floors and the youngsters thought that was great because then they would not have any sweeping to do. . The family lived in a log house they built in the barnyard of the David Ford farm until they erected the house that is still standing on the farmstead. Mr. and Mrs. Ford moved into Park River in 1912 into the house now owned by O.M. Jorgenson. Mrs. Ford died Sept. 3, 1926 at 84. Mr. Ford died Dec. 15 the same year at 85.

moved into their new home the fall of 1911. Three more children were born. , Ordean, born Sept 27, 1900 was killed by lightning in July, 1922. He had been in Watford "City to visit friends and was on his way home to the place where he worked, riding horseback. Both he and his horse were killed by a lightning bolt. The current had gone right through his body. Myrtle, the oldest girl, was born March 4, 1902. She married Ralph Boe. They live on a farm west of Adams, and have three children and 10 grandchildren. Ervin was born Sept. 23, 1904, and married Grace Bergen, Minot. They live in Great Falls, Mont. Ida was born Oct. 30, 1906, and married Roy Grove. They live on a farm west of Adams and have three children and 10 grandchildren. Emily was born Dec. 15, 1908. She married Henry Ness, and lived in Chicago, 111. Henry died in 1972. Borghild was born Oct. 20, 1911. She married Martin Haugen. They live at Dazey and have three children and 10 grandchildren. Evelyn was born May 28, 1914. She is married to Kenneth Fox and live in Livingston, Mont. They have one daughter and two grandchildren. Baard Foyen died in June, 1919, and his wife Kari in February, 1922. It was about this time that most of the children came back to the Park River area to live.

Mr and Mrs. Baard Foyen and family: Ida, Evelyn, Myrtle, Elaine, Ordean, Borghild and Ervin.

Kensington School picture, District No. 26

CASSIMIER GATES

BAARD FOYEN Baard Foyen was born in 1871 on an island called Foyno, near Norway. Later the family moved to Stavanger, Norway. At 19, Baard came to the United States. He landed in Duluth, Minn., where he was met by a brother who had emigrated to U.S. Baard went to Park River where he worked in a Furniture Store. He also did carpenter work in that area and also Hoople. While in Park River, he directed a choir. In 1900, he married Kari E . Lockrem, daughter of Andrew and Mrs. Lockerm, Dundee Township. They lived at Ross, Minn, for a few years, then moved back to Park River. . _ , In 1906, Baard Foyen went to McKenzie County and homesteaded. He built a sod barn and a sod house. A year later, 1907, his wife Kari, and their four children moved there. They lived in this sod house for four years, when Baard built a frame house. The tamuy

Mr. and Mrs. Cassimer Gates Cassimier (Cass) Gates was born in Harriston. Ont., March 1, 1873. He is the son of Peter and Janet Lotheon Gates. He came to Walsh County at 17. He married Mary Bruce, the daughter of Alexander and Flora Gillespie Bruce, Dec. 15, 1897. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gates were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gates was a Mason and she was an 689

Eastern Star and Rebekah Lodge. They had two children; Clifford Gates and Florence (Mrs. M.O. Johnson.) Mr. Gates was born at Harriston, Ont., June 17,1874 and came here when she was 4. They lived on a farm for the first three years after marrying and lived in Park River the rest of their lives. Mr. Gates operated a dray line from 1900 to 1927. There are two grandsons, Rossford Johnson and Clayton Gates. JOHN AND SARAH GILLESPIE John Gillespie, his wife Sarah Ferguson Gillespie, and their 11 children immigrated from Harriston, Ont., to Prairie Centre Township in 1888. They had emigrated from Argyleshire, Scotland. Gaelic was the language spoken in the homes. John Gillespie died in 1914, and Mrs. Gillespie died in 1910. The 11 children grew up in Kensington, Fertile and Prairie Centre townships. There were 10 sons: Malcolm, Duncan, Archie F., John, Donald, Angus, Edward, Alexander (Sandy), James and Robert (twins) and one daughter Phoebe (Mrs. W.D. MacKenzie).

sleigh and horses. He never was one to refuse to go out into the country any time, day or night. It was rough going in winter but he was a very welcome sight at many a farm home. It was his habit to sleep the minute he got settled in the sleigh. One winter night, he had a relief driver who had fortified himself too well with whiskey against the cold drive. The Doctor awakened an hour later and they were driving in circles around the park block. The air was blue for awhile but the ride continued without further incident. At a picnic in Portland, Oregon in 1969, his daughter Anna says there were four women present of Icelandic descent who told of their mothers just swearing by Dr. Halldorsson. After so many years, that was quite a compliment. He died in 1911.

M. Halldorsson, B. A., B. S., M. D.

John Gillespie family: Malcolm, Duncan, Archie F., John, Angus, Edward, Alexander, James, Robert, and Phoebe. MORITZ HALLDORSSON Dr. Moritz Halldorsson was born in Rykjavik, Iceland in 1854. At 20 he entered the University of Copenhagen, Denmark and graduated with degrees in both medicine and engineering. He married a Danish girl and practiced in Copenhagen for several years where his two oldest chUdren were born, Birgitte and Halldor. In 1891 he immigrated to U.S. At Duluth he heard of the Icelandic settlement at Gardar and settled in Park River. His wife and children followed the next year. He had a large practice both in Walsh and Pembina Counties. His degree in engineering was of great assistance in helping the farmers properly locate their wells, placement of barns, etc., in the early days. He was a keen diagnostician. The Mayo Bros. Clinic at Rochester, Minn, invited him to join their staff which he declined because it was too far away from his beloved Icelandic patients and friends. Three more children completed the family; Johan, Julius and Anna. Johan and Halldor both became druggists. Julius was a farmer. The only one is Anna on the West Coast. In the summer he traveled by horse and buggy and in the winter by

HELLEK HALVORSON FAMILY Hellek Halvorson, his wife and four children left Bo Telemarken Norway in June 1881 and emigrated to the United States. On arrival at Park River, Mr. Halvorson homesteaded in Kensington township about three miles north of the town. Except for a few years which the family lived in Golden township, the original homestead was their home. Three more children were born. A daughter Anne, 24, died, and the mother in 1887 and also and infant daughter the same year. In 1896 the family moved back to the original homestead in Kensington township. Anna was raised in the home of Mrs. Marifjeren near Hoople. The other children stayed with their father. They attended school in Garfield, known as the Martin School in Kensington. Mr. Halvorson died in 1914. He was survived by three sons and two daughters. They took the name Hellekson for their surname. The oldest son Halvor homesteaded near Edmore in 1898. He married Annie Strand of Grafton. They lived on the homestead until 1947 when they retired and moved into Edmore. Seven children were born. Diseases were prevalent, and claimed the lives of two of their little sons and two little daughters. Reuben now lives on the original homestead, Glenn resides in Milwaukie, Ore., and Mrs. Hellekson and daughter Alvina live in Edmore. Aslaug Hellekson married Hans Hanson of Park

River They had five children. They homesteaded in Mountrail County near Van Hook but later moved to Glasgow, Mont, and lived there the rest of their lives. Their son Adrian lives near Glasgow, Mont. Hialmer Hellekson lives near Chicago, 111. Mrs. Larry Seiher resides at Yakima, Wash. Luella lives in Seattle, Wash. Thelma died in September, 1974. Sam Hellekson married Minnie Aos, of Edinburg, and after a few years in Swift Current, Sask moving to Long Beach, Calif., where they spent the rest of their lives. A daughter, Mrs. Hiram (Alva) Scriver lives in Long Beach. Matt Hellekson married Selma Aos of Grafton and thev lived on the original farm in Kensington before moving to Grand Forks. Matt died in 1919 and the family moved to Grafton. They had three children; Marion was employed in the office of the County Superintendent of Schools. She died in 1972. Stanley died in an airplane crash during World War II. Ray lives near Bemidji operating a turkey farm. Anna Helleckson died in 1937.

Telemark, Norway, to Hoople. They were married at Edinburg in 1904. They had a family of five sons and six daughters: Alma, Tillie, Henry, Mabel, Oscar, Theodore, Alice, Gordon, Esther, Selma, and a baby boy that died at birth. They farmed in the Park River area and Adams area, and for many years Gullick operated a threshing rig. In 1942 they moved to Park River. They were members of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Park River. JOHN AND HANNAH HANSON John Hanson, born in Alesund, Norway, came to the United States as a teenager. He worked in the lumber mills in Washington for a couple of years then went to Mayville to be a "Watch Maker." While there he met Hannah Evinrud Teslow, and they married April 9, 1898 Hannah Evinrud was born in Brandbu, Hadeland, Norway and came to this country. After their first daughter Thora was born, they moved to Park River in 1900, where Hanson became associated with lorn Catherwood as a partner in a jewelry store located in in the Huseth Block, now a part of the Coast to Coast St

J o h n and Hannah were active members of the Lutheran Church. John as a choir member and Hannah in the Ladies Aid. There were two more children born, Eling Harold who died at age 2, and Ella, who operates Ellas Beauty Shop at Park River. . John Hanson died at 33. Hannah, after a trip to Norway with her children, Thora and Ella, carried on making a living with a boarding and rooming house and eventually making herself quite famous as a cook at "Chike's Cafe." Mrs. Hanson died in 1946. Thora was married to Samuel Knutson on AprU 1929 They had two sons, Kenneth and Dennis. Kenneth Knutson married Monica Schlenk; they have three sons, Kenneth Jr., Kevin,^and Keith Kenneth Knutson was born Jan. 8, 1932. Kenneth and Monica were married in June 1952. Dennis Knutson married Monika Zeiher June 1U, 1966. They have two sons, Michael and Andrew.

Hellek Halvorson family—Halvor, Sam, Matt, Aslaug, Anna. GULLICK HANSON

Gullick Hanson family: Esther, Gullick, Selma, Mrs. Hanson, Tillie, Theodore, Henry, Oscar, Alice. Gullick Hanson immigrated from Telemark, Norway to North Dakota with several friends in 1902. A sister, Alice, came later, married and rnoved to Canada. Gullick worked in the Park River and Hoople areas He met Annie Odegard, who also had come from

John and Hannah Hanson, 1898, [couple on the right] 691

MOSES AND ELIZABETH HARRIS

Moses and Elizabeth Harris On Jan. 17,1882, a party of 22 people migrated from Darlington, Ont., to Kensington Township. The party included John Harris Sr., (1809-1893) and his family; Moses Harris and his wife, Elizabeth, and 2 sons, Fred (1880-1945) and Clayton (1881-1932); John Harris Jr., (1833-1917) and his wife, Harriet (1832-1897); Fannie Harris (who later married Wdliam F. Landsborough) and Grace (Harris-Thody) Pengilly and husband, Richard, and son, Amos; 5 children of Grace's by a previous marriage to Thody: John Issac, Emma, William Epsen, Fred James, and Ella; 6 children of Richard Pengilly's by a previous marriage: Rubin, Richard, Thomas, Jessie, James, and John. The Moses Harris family filed on a homestead 1 mile north and 1 mile west of Park River. They remained on the farm until 1908 when they retired and moved into Park River. They had 2 more sons, Leslie (1886-1961) and Lloyd (1894-1941). They were life-long members of the Methodist Church.

the deck of the ship and all doors and openings in the deck had to be closed to keep the water out. Everyone on board ship feared the ship would sink. They survived the storm and in due time arrived in J^ew York. Mr. and Mrs. Helle traveled from New York to Decorah, Iowa, where they stayed with some friends for a time. There a daughter was born. They went from Decorah to Ada, Minn., where they settled on a quarter of land. Their first daughter died and another daughter Bertha was born. Being dissatisfied with the land at Ada, they came to Walsh County in 1882, in a wagon drawn by oxen. They settled in Kensington Township. In 1898 a new house was built to replace the log house and in June 1898 Marit Helle passed away. The daughter, Bertha, continued to live with her father and in November, 1911, she married Axel W. Larson of Lankin. Mr. Helle retired from farming at that time but continued to live on his homestead until his death Feb. 18,1947 at age 96. By Alton 0. Larson

Mr. and Mrs. Ole P. Helle and Bertha ED HERWICK Ed Herwick, was a contractor and builder in the early 1900's. Many of the older buddings in the city of Park River and surrounding territory were built by Ed and his crew. He built the Tom Johnson house, now occupied by the Paul Meberg famdy and the Mountain Lutheran Church at Adams. John Harris family. Back row: John Harris, Mrs. John Patterson, Moses Harris. Front row: Mrs. Richard Pengilly, Mrs. Emma Dillsworth, Mrs. Forme Landsborough. OLE P. HELLE Ole P. Helle and his wife, Marit Helle left Oistre Slidere, Valdres, Norway in April, 1878 for New York. A few days after their ship left Norway there was a calm and the ship lay in the water for days being unable to move. There were fears among the people on board that they would run out of food before reaching New York. The wind came and they were on their way again. A couple of days later a terrible storm came up with waves so high they were constantly washing over

Ed Herwicfe's crew. Standing: Sam Knutson, Ole Brager, Simon Ellefson, Peter Bye. Sitting: Mr. Strand, Ed Herwick, Ben Meberg.

SAMUEL HOLLAND Samuel Holland was born in Norway on April 26, 1859 and immigrated to the United States in the 1870's. He worked for a time in a foundry in St. Paul, Minn., and later became a clock maker in southern Minnesota before moving to Park River in the 1888's. There he set up a blacksmith shop and began his career as an inventor and builder of self-propelled motor vehicles. His first vehicles were bicycles but by early 1900 he had built a three wheeled tricycle powered by a one cylinder, air cooled engine of his own make and design. He also built his first four wheeled vehicle, a steam powered, tiller steering automobile. The June 24, 1904 issue of the Park River Gazette-News stated that "Sam Holland built an automobile in the spring. The motive power is furnished by a six horse gasoline engine." It is quite possible that this is the Holland car that still is in the hands of long time Park River Dodge dealer William Skjerven, Sr. Holland built a new shop in Park River on Code Avenue in the summer of 1905, in an area now occupied by a parking lot across the alley from the Windsor Hotel. He lived with his wife, Annette, and they had nine children. Holland may have built as many as eight automobiles while in Park River. The last cars built were air cooled, four cyclinder vehicles. Holland left Park River in 1916 to farm in Roseau County, Minn., leaving behind one of the four cylinder engines at the Walsh County Agricultural School in the city. Sam Holland patented an automobile timer with another Park River man, Mr. Catherwood, and later built air hammers for use on construction sites. Holland died in 1937 while living in Minnesota. Two sons survived; Selmer and Harry, both living at Roseau, Minn.

1904 Holland automobile, 1 cylinder-4-6 horsepower. Built by Samuel Holland. CHARLES P. HONEY Mr. Honey is one of the oldest settlers of our city. He came to Dakota in 1879. Seeing many of his neighbors as sheep without a shepard, he called them together and conducted the first union religious service in Kensington Township. He was also chosen chairman of the first board of supervisors and was postmaster from 1882-1884. . He received the appointment as postmaster in Park River several times and held the same for eight years. His sons had a large milling business, while he supervised farming interests. He served as Police Magistrate. In politics he was a republican; in religion a Methodist Episcopal. FRANK HUGHES Frank and Julia Hughes came to Park River from Canada in the spring of 1887. Lome Hughes was three years old and Permilla (Millie) was born three months after their arrival in Park River. Mr. Hughes filed on a tree claim west of town near Adams. When they proved up on the land, they moved into the Arlington Hotel, which was less than a block from the depot. The Hotel changed owners. Then they opened a restaurant on Main Street next to a confectionary store owned and managed by John and Chat Honey. In 1900 Mr. and Mrs. Hughes took over the Windsor Hotel which they managed until they left for Montana in 1907. They lived in Valier, Mont., untd they died, Mr. Hughes in 1911 and Mrs. Hughes in 1934. , „ , „. Permilla (Millie) graduated from the Park River High School in 1905.

Holland's automotive inventions have been recorded in automotive history journals of over five thousand different automobile manufacturers that have existed in the United States since the invention of the automobile. Sam Holland is one of less than hall a dozen men who built or attempted to build an automobde in North Dakota.

Family of Samuel and Annette Holland, 1905. Back row: Emma, Alma, Sophia, Anna, Mabie. Front row: Esther, Samuel, Selmer, Harry, Annette, Clara.

VINCENT S. IRVINE M. D. Vincent S. Irvine was born in Dominion City, Man., Sept. 18, 1889. He studied medicine at the University of Manitoba and graduated from there in 1915. Dr. Irvine practiced medicine at Bantry and Lankin, before coming to Park River in 1923. He practiced in Park River 20 years leaving in 1943 to practice in Lidgerwood. In May, 1965, he was given his "50 year pin" from the North Dakota Medical Association. Vincent Irvine married Carrie Bolstad in 1917. 693

Carrie was a nurse and did private duty nursing in the community. They had five children: Frances (Mr. Harold Van Heuvelen); Donald of Lakewood, Ca.,; Robert of Rosemead. Ca.; Dorothy of Fullerton, Cal.. and Connie of Lamberton, Minn. Dr. Irvine married Ruth Hovland in 1947. Dr. Vincent Irvine died in Lidgerwood in 1972. JOHN JOB John Job was born in County Terhone, Ireland in 1846 and came to Canada when he was 17. He married Margaret Parke and they had five children. The family came to Kensington when they were young. When Margaret died John married Annie Corrgill of Ontario. They had three daughters, Minnie, Inez, and Dorothy. Somehow an "e" was added to this name when this second family was young. The first Job family came to a place west of Grand Forks by train and on to their new home by wagon. The tracks ended in the middle of the prairie with no buddings near. There were some people living a few miles away and they stayed there overnight. THOMAS JOHNSON Thomas Anton Johnson, son of John and Anna Johnson, early settlers of Walsh County, was born Jan. 11, 1853. His education included public schools followed by Bradley Academy at Bradford, and Luther College at Decorah. Thomas' youthful years were spent on the famdy farm. After college and a brief term teaching school he returned to farming in Iowa untU 1892 when he moved to Park River. He established an implement and farm machinery business with partners Hendrickson, Olson and later Thomas Wadge. After 1900 he owned the business. In 1909 Thomas was one of the organizers of the Farmers Security Bank, and later served as president. He also was president of the Farmers Elevator Company. On May 6, 1896 at Northfield, Minn., Thomas married Belle Huseby, daughter of Andrew and Gertrude Huseby of Northfield. At the time of her marriage, Belle and her sister Bessie operated a dressmaking shop in Park River. Three chddren were born; Geneva Alvina, Oliver Rueben and Pearl Henrietta. Thomas and Belle were members of the Lutheran Church and the Commercial Club of Park River. In 1903 Thomas served as a Republican member of the State Legislature from the third district and during the two succeeding terms was a member of the State Senate. He also served for more than 20 years on the school board and was a member at the time of his death in March, 1924. Belle died in November, 1941. ROBERT JOHNSTON Robert Johnston was one of the earliest Kensington settlers. He filed his claim in 1879. Robert Johnston was born at Cornwall, Ont., in 1831. He married Isabella R. Logan in 1873. The couple moved first to Cresco, Iowa where they farmed for several years. Because the crops of the summer of

1879 were destroyed by the cinch bug, Robert Johnston decided to join his brother-in-law, Joseph Davis in a move to Dakota Territory. They came to Kensington because Joseph Davis' cousin William had settled there. The men, Robert and Joseph went ahead and staked their claims late in the fall of 1879. Their families came by train to Fisher's Landing where the railroad ended then. It was nearly Christmas when the families arrived. Three families, nineteen people, spent the remainder of the winter of 1879-1880 in a small shack that had been built by William Davis. Robert and Isabella Johnston had four children; Margaret, Martha, Mary, and John. Many grandchildren of this famdy survive, but none reside in Walsh County. A part of Robert Johnston's original homestead is now the Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River. It may be of interest to note that Martha Johnston the second daughter of Robert Johnston, as a girl often was employed by Dr. Livingston, who is said to be the father of Jonathan Davison Rockefeller. This man is reported to have used an assumed name, and to have practiced "quack" medicine in the Park River area during the earliest settlement years. Martha Johnston reported him to be hard to work for and stingy in paying his help.

Robert Johnston family [1900]. Seated: Robert and Isabel Johnston. Standing left to right are: Maggie, John, Mary Ann, and Martha Johnston. MTCHIAL KELLEHER My grandparents, Michial and Catherine Kelleher came to America from Co. Wexford, Ireland, a few years before the CivU War. In the U.S. they settled in Alamakee Co. Iowa and my father, Michial F. Kelleher was born in Allamakee Co. on Oct. 5, 1865. In 1884, Michial F. Kelleher came to North Dakota to join his brother-in-law, J.J. Dougherty and the next year he was appointed Police Chief of Park River. My mother, whose maiden name was Myrtle Scidmore, was born in Blue Earth, Minn., to William and Susan Scidmore, Oct. 3, 1871. My grandfather Scidmore was a road building contracter and owned a number of horses and mules, and dump wagons, road scrapers, etc. He budt the first R.R. grades for Jim Hills Great North Dakota R.R. thru the Dakotas, that

North Dakota. Mother came to North Dakota when she was about 13. William Scidmore and wife settled in Park River and there my mother met my father, and on May 27, 1890 they were married. Previous to the marriage, my mother had the job of carrying the U.S. mail on horseback from Park River, to a place west of Park River called Linstad. She was an accomplished horsewoman. Shortly after my folks were married, they moved back to Iowa where dad farmed the Kelleher homestead, and that is where my sisters and brothers and I were born. In 1911, we came back to Park River and my father farmed 3 V* miles west of Adams until W.W. I, when we moved to Park River where my folks lived the rest of their lives. My father died in 1945 at 80. My mother died in 1952

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home to home each year doing the sewing that was needed for each family in the neighborhood she continued to do sewing for folks after she married and lived in Park River. Nettie was a member of the P E 0 , Eastern Star and the American Legion AuxU iary. The Kinsalas were members of the Lutheran Church in Park River. The Kinsala's had three sons; Jerome, Doug as and Don. All served in the Armed Forces during W.W.11. Jerome died in 1967, Douglas now lives in Huntington Beach, Calif., and Don in Port Clinton, Ohio.

By V.B. Kelleher

PETER J. KENNEY FAMILY Peter J Kenney with his wife, Annastasia O'Brien Kenney came to Park River in 1903 from Wanton. Iowa, where they had married Nov. 4, 1902. They came by raUroad, along with Mrs. Kenney s parents Mr and Mrs. Patrick O'Brien, bringing their livestock with them. They farmed land owned by Judge Shepherd, northeast of Park River. Later they purchased the adjoining farm. For several years they farmed near Adams, living in Park River during the winter months. , , They had nine children, all of whom attended the P R . Grade and High Schools. Only one remained in this area; J . Clement Kenney, who took an active part in this community. He served on the N.D. Potato Council, was president of the Commencal Club, president of the hospital advisory board, and was instrumental in bringing about the construction of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He died Nov. 2,1970. Other chUdren of the Kenneys are; Harold, M t . Vernon, Wash.; WUliam, of Moorhead, Minn ; Cecil P.; Mary Marifjeren; Mabel Eckmann; Ange yn^ Bach; Kathryn Sherman all of San Diego and Stella Carlson of Seattle, Wash. , . Peter J . Kenney died May 2, 1950 and Annastasia

David Kinsala family. Leftto right: Jerome, Don, Doug, David, Annette. NATHAN KNUTSON Nathan J . Knutson born at Red Wing, Minn March 20,1863, was the son of Rev. Knute and Mary Knutson who came to America in 1843. He married Ida Allen, who was born in Sweden and came to'Radium Minn with her parents when she was 15. They had 12 ^ A s T y o u n g man Nate was a lamplighter in Grand Forks. He worked on the engines on river boats on the Red River and when the railroad came in he worked as an engineer on one of the lines that went into Edinburg The famdy moved to Edinburg in 1891 and to Park River in 1911. „ .„ , Nate worked with the engines at the flour null and the power house and taught sheet meta work at the Agricultural & Training School during W W. I before opening his own plumbing and heating shop m Park River. JOHN J . KOHNEN John J . Kohnen was born in Wisconsin in 1858. He married Elizabeth in 1887 at Grand Forks. Elizabeth was born in Iowa in 1865 and had come here with her

Kenney died Feb. 6,1975. DAVID KTNSALA FAMILY David Kinsala was born in 1884 on a farm near Gilby. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. John Kinsala, Mrs" Kinsala (Maria Douglas) who came here from Smith Falls, Ont. David spent his early Me in that community. In 1912 he came to Park River and purchased the Sim Auto Co. which he operated for sometime, and sold this business to ?verbye and Scidmore. He was associated with that firm for a few years. In 1935 David went to work for the Park River City Power Plant and resigned a week before he died in September of 1951. He was an active member ot the Park River Fire Department. In 1920 he married Annette (Nettie) Qudk the d a u g h t e r V ^ ana Mrs. Ole C. Qudl of Park River. Nettie was a dressmaker. In early days before she married she used to go from

Shortly after their marriage they came to Park River where John was an auctioneer. He is believed to be one of the first auctioneers in the territory. They built a home in Park River on Harris Ave., and later moved to the grandparents home on Code Ave. Mr. and Mrs. Kohnen had eight children; Edna, Eunice, Myra, Stanley, Lillian, Mildred, Margaret and Curtis. Mr Kohnen had two sisters and a brother that also lived in Park River. One sister, Lizzie ? X ™ Kreitzberg, was a practical nurse and worked with Dr. Halldorsson and Dr. Waigh, who served many of the pioneers and delivered the first citizens of Park River They were active members of the Odd Fellows and K

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Rebekah Lodge. John Kohnen served on the school board for many years. He was a member in 1922 when the present school was built. KAREN SAGSTUEN KOPPANG After the death of her husband, Tarald Halvorsen Sagstuen Koppang, at Koppang, Norway Karen accompanied by her younger son, Torvald, followed her four other children to America and took residence at Park River, where her daughters, Perhella (Mrs. Uie Thorson) and Hanna (Mrs. Peder Ostboe) had settled. Mrs. Koppang was about 70 at that time, but filed on a claim adjoining that of her son Peder. In order to satisfy the residence requirements a house was built directly on the line between the two quarters. Karen occupied the south half and Peder and his family the north half. After proving up the claim and getting title to the land the mother spent much ol her time in Park River with her other chddren Eventually Peder purchased his mother's quarter and she budt a home of her own in Park River. She died in 1916 at 88.

as his mail was constantly getting mixed up with the other Marifjerns in the area, who were his cousins. They were members of the Park Center Lutheran Church. SAMUEL AND JANE LANDSBOROUGH

CHRISTIAN LAHD Christian Lahd was born April 6, 1895, the son of John and Martha Marifjern Lahd. He remained on the homestead and continued farming with his father. In 1916 Christian married Gunelle Odegard, daughter of Ole Odegard of Telemark, Norway, who was working for his father. They had seven chddren; Thelma, Vernon, Naomi, Mabel, Charles, Doris and Rhoda. He lived there till his death in 1945. The ! mother and children left the farm. They were members of the Park Center Lutheran Church.

Samuel and Jane Landsborough

JOHN MARIFJERN LAHD

Front row, left to right: Wm. H. Landsborough, Robert Landsborough, Samuel Landsborough, and James D. Landsborough. Samuel and Jane were of Scotch and English descent. They migrated to Seaforth, Ont. Mr. and Mrs. John Lahd and family

They had 4 sons; Robert, James D., Samuel, and William Harvey, and 5 daughters; Maggie Landsborough Davis, Isobell Landsborough Lewis, Jane Landsborough Cudmore, Lydia Landsborough Burger, and Elizza Landsborough Ingram. James D. and William H., were active in the Presbyterian Church in Park River. John Robert Landsborough was a minister. He and James D. moved to the Portland, Oregon area. Three other chddren died in 1864 of Diptheria. Samuel and Jane came to Park River in 1892.

John Marifjern Lahd came to America from Sogn, Norway in 1864, at the close of the CivU War. He located at Kenyon, Minn., where he met and married Martha HUlstad, also of Sogn, Norway. He farmed at Kenyon for a few years, then came to Park River where he took a homestead in 1879, five miles north and farmed for 45 years. They had a family of 11 chddren; Mary, John Peter, Christina, George, Christian, Martin, Caroline, Joseph and two died when small. John Marifjern changed his name to Lahd after coming to Park River, 696

WILLIAM AND FANNY LANDSBOROUGH William Landsborough married Fanny Harris in 1886 Fanny Harris who with her father, John, her brothers John and Moses, 4 sisters, Emma Harris Dilworth, Grace Harris Pengilly, Evelyn Harris Landsborough, and Mrs. Paterson and other members of their family (22 in all) left Whithy, Ont., Jan. 17, 1882 for the Dakota Territory. William homesteaded in Kensington Township where they farmed and had a fruit orchard. He died at 53 leaving his wife and their five children, Ethel Landsborouth Routledge (1889-1912), Elmer Ray Landsborough (1891-1962), Vera Mary Landsborough (1895-1974). Lina Alice Landsborough (1899-1967), and William Roy Landsborough. Vera and William remained on the farm. Elmer went into business in Park River. Lina was a school teacher. The land for the Kensington school was donated by the family. Vera and William were active members of the school board until its closing.

Samuel and Evelyn were married Nov. 13, 1892 in Kensington township. Evelyn was the daughter of John Harris who migrated to the Dakota Territory with her family in January of 1882, from Whithy, Ont. Her sister Fanny Harris was married to William Landsborough. Evelyn and Samuel had two sons, Earl and Harry. She died at 26 after the birth of her second child Harry. Samuel then married Mary Routledge. They had one son Charles Landsborough, and two daughters, Florence Landsborough Beach and Lula Landsborough, who died at 14. ELMER AND MABEL LANDSBOROUGH

Elmer R. Landsborough family Elmer Landsborough and Mabel O'Rourke were married at Woonsocket, S.D., June 18, 1919. Mabel was born in Argyle, Wise, the oldest of 10 chddren. She came to Park River as a milliner and worked tor Fred and Janet Walstrom. Elmer was a business man in Park River, had farm interest, and was in business for 42 years beginning with a grocery store, then expanding to a liquor store and the town's first meat locker plant. Later he built a new budding to house 4 new bowling lanes. These buildings are still located at the corner ot Briggs and 4th street and now owned by their three daughters, Fern Landsborough Isaacson, Virginia Landsborough Whalen and Geraldine Landsborough Sorenson. , Mr. Landsborough served as city alderman tor 1/ years and was active in many other civic organizations. He was a veteran of W.W. I. They have two grandchddren, John L . Whalen and Keith M . Sorenson.

Wm. Harvey and Fanny [Harris] Landsborough. SAMUEL AND EVELYN LANDSBOROUGH

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AXEL W. LARSON Axel Larson was born in Sauk Center, Minn., Sept. 12 1881 the son of Andrew and Frida Larson who came from Sweden in 1880. In 1882 he came with his parents to Lankin where they took a homestead. He worked for his father while a young man, then worked in the surrounding area. _ „ On Dec. 6, 1911 he married Bertha Marie Helle,

Fanny Harris [Mrs. Wm. Landsborough] John. Harris, father, Evelyn Harris [Mrs. Samuel Landsborough] 697

immigrated to America in 1878 leaving his wife and family temporarily. After he came to America, Ole took the name "Larson," being the son of 'Lars' and adding 'son,' which was a common practice in Norway. He came to Walsh County and homesteaded in Kensington Township, six miles northeast of Park River, on what is known as the Enoch Larson & Sons Farm. He built a sod house, graduating to a log cabin, and in 1900 built the wood frame house that stands there today. After claiming his land and working temporarily in Minnesota logging camps (a period of two years) to earn a little money for boat and train fare, he sent for his wife and two sons, Lars and Hans, the latter whom he had not seen. The family had train fare to Grand Forks, but upon arriving at Fargo, Kjerstina learned that she had lost her ticket. The conductor "took her by the arm" and led her and her sons off the train. With determination, Kjerstina turned about and followed him back on, insisting her fare had been paid to Grand Forks.

daughter of Ole Helle, Park River. He then started farming north of Park River and continued farming till his death Aug. 14, 1941. They had one son, Alton and two daughters, Minnie and Julia. He was a member of the Park Center Lutheran Church and served as Trustee on the church board. He served on the school board of School District #98 in Kensington Township. BEN 0. LARSON Ben 0. Larson was born in Becker County, Minn., June 14, 1878. Hannah 0. Larson was born in Fisher, Minn., Dec. 6,1883. They were married Feb. 14, 1902 at Mcintosh, Minn., and lived in Trail, Minn., until 1918 when they moved to Park River. Mr. Larson was in carpenter work and also was licensed to operate steam engines and boilers. He was secretary of the Odd Fellows Lodge for many years. Mrs. Larson was a life member of the lutheran Church Women and of the American Legion Auxiliary. They were members of the Lutheran Church and observed their Golden Anniversary February 1952, in Park River. They had six children: Hubert, Irene, Kenneth, Glendora, Aldis and Lawrence.

Ole was known to have travelled by foot to Grand Forks on one or more occasions, and by oxen a few times, for groceries and supplies. He began homesteading with oxen and wagon, then mules and finally horses. When Grafton started, it proved a great relief to this area. Six sons and three daughters were born; Lars, Hans, Bertha, Martha, Olaf, Enoch Sr., Enoch, Josef 0., and Christina. He was of Lutheran background and when the Zion Lutheran Church of rural Hoople was started in 1879, they became members.

Ben O. and Hannah Larson

Enoch and Pauline Larson, Olaf and Lena Larson, 1919. 1 9 1 L

OLE LARSON FAMILY

Seated: Mr. and Mrs. Pete Knoff [Martha Larson]. Standing, left to right: Christina Larson, Olaf Larson, Lena Larson.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Hagen Larson and Enach, Harold Lien, Gust Walstad, Christina Walstad, Mrs. Lien, Lena Larson, Olaf Larson, Hans Larson. Ole Hagen Larson was born in Romsdal, Norway in 1851. He married Kjerstina Remen in 1876. He 698

Seated: Mr. and Mrs. Hans Larson. Standing, left to right: Alma Hagen, Lena Larson, Chester Thompson and Henry Lien.

H. A. LIBBY Mr Libby was Mayor of the city in 1895, and was known as one of the leading lawyers of the State He had a very extensive practice and has been a resident for 15 years, and for the past four years has been mayor of the city. He had one of the largest and best selected law libraries in the State. H D. LONG H D Long was born at White Bear Lake, Minn., in 1886 and received his early schooling at Morris and West S Minn. He later attended Dakota Business Co lege and then became secretary to Dr. H. L. Boley of North Dakota State Agricultural College at Fargo. He was aJsociated 4 h the State Seed Department at Fargo from W10 until 1928 when he moved to Park River where was associated with the Walsh County Agnculture School and engaged in farming. Specializing in the breeding of potatoes and grain whichhe carried on in Walsh County and Florida he is credited with originating the Dakota Chief, the earliest of the red varieties of potatoes which gained national recognition. Mr Long served as a seed analyst and was Deputy State Seed Commissioner while residing in Park River. During those years he gained national recognition as a plant breeder. While at the Seed Department in association with Dr. 0 A Stevens and Dr. H.L. Boley Mr. Long developed tiie Walsh rust resistant flax variety, a one tune popular strain in the Red River Valley. In the Park.River-areahe combinedhisinterest in plant breeding with the business of grain and potato cropping. He also experimented with insecticides and fungicide formulation, going into the business of selling these products commercially.

Cathode Church and were active as members of various organizations in Park River. Mr. Long passed away in 1964 at Park River. Compiled from newspaper clippings by Mrs. M . C. Flaten.

Program honoring H. D. Long for his contribution to the potato industry, 1960. Left to right: C. Kenney, Park River potato grower; Pete Flaten, chairman; Mr. Long; Mrs. Long; Mrs. T. J. Feely, daughter. C. D. LORD C D . Lord arrived in Park River Jan. 15, 1886, and found a town of some 500 inhabitants. Mr. Lord was cashier and president of the Bank of Park River. He was one of the early pioneers of Walsh County owning land west of Park River which he sold in 1913 to James and Etta (Coulter) Lawson. He and his wife Annie had four children that grew up in Park River: Frank, Ethel, Jessie and Leah. They were early members of the St. Peter Episcopal Church in Park River.

A modest man, he pursued his experimental work, commenting "You can't patent a tuber - it's what keeps me alive and going." However, his potato work meant a great deal to the potato industry and according to Bob Amstrup, former Walsh County Agent, Mr. Long s work has meant a great deal to the potato industry, it increased the quality and yield of the Red Pontiac over what went before and it has meant millions of dollars to the Valley. He pointed out that after the variety got into major production, Long made no more money off of his development than any other certified seed dealer m the Valley. Harry Long married Anna ButtweUer at Melrose, Minn in 1917. Two chddren were born to them, a son Robert, and a daughter, Anthonette (Mrs. T. J. Feely) of St. Paul, Minn., with whom Mrs. Long now makes her home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Long were interested in beautification projects. Their gardened home was a well known beauty spot in Park River. Mr Long pointed out the recreational possibilities of Homme Dam area and assisted the Agasaz Garden Club uVbeautification plans for the Walsh O o « £ P » n « Memorial Garden Flower Shows and fund racing.activities. Mrs. Long was the first president of the garden club when organized in 1954. ,„ Both Mr. and Mrs. Long were members of St. Mary s

JOHN WILHELM LINDGREN John Wilhelm Lindgren was born May 7, 1871 in Dahsland, Sweden. His parents were Anders Nilson and Augusta Jonson, and they came to America in 1890. John married Bertha Larson on Dec. 20, 1901 in Park River, N.D. Ten chddren were born: Philip, Victor, Joseph, Alvin, Esther, Ruth, Walter, Roy, David and Marion. John Lindgren farmed in Kensington Township until his health forced him to retire in Park River. He was a member of the Baptist Church. He died Oct. 11, 1924. BERTHA LARSON LINDGREN Bertha Larson was born April 5, 1882. She was the daughter of Ole Larson and Kjartina Remme. She spent her entire life in the Park River area. She married John Lindgren in 1901 and was widowed in 1924 She continued to farm with the help of her oldest son Philip. She was a member of the Baptist Church. She died June 27,1964.

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LOUGHEAD FAMILY Hugh Loughead was born in Grey County, Ont. He was the second child of a family of ten. His parents were William and Mary Loughead. Hugh spent his early life in Grey County, coming to Walsh County in 1881 at the age of 28. He started as a farmer in Kensington township. He married Elizabeth Craig soon after coming to Park River. After their second daughter was born, she died Their daughters were Bena (Mrs. Stromwald) and Florence (Mrs. Elliot). After the death of Elizabeth, her sister (Sophia Craig) moved in to care for Hugh's home, and his two small daughters. After caring for the two girls, the home, and Hugh for two and V2 years, she married Hugh Loughead. Sophia was born in Canada April 4, 1870. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Craig. She came to Walsh County at age 12. , • Their life went on with the budding of a home in town. There they had four boys and one girl: Willie, Bert, H . Allen, Ida and Joseph. Willie and Bert both died around seven. Their daughter, Ida died at 17. Hugh at one time ran the poor farm, located about one-half mile north of Park River. There they gave refuge, shelter and fed the poor and needy people around the surrounding communities. There were so many, that they often had to turn people away. On one such occasion, a man poorly dressed, unshaven and dirty came and knocked on the door. Hugh went to the door and told the man they could not possibly take him in as they just didn't have any room. Hugh watched as the man turned and walked away, and it came to Hugh that the man walked so simdiar to someone that he should know. He called out to him, and when he came back he asked his name. Hugh stood in shock, because before his eyes stood the man who was his own brother whom he hadn't seen since he was between the age of nine and eleven years old. Hugh was a member of the local board of education, County Commissioner for 16 years, was a township supervisor and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died Nov. 25,1926. Mrs. (Bena) Stromwald became a school teacher. She lived in Glenburn, Mohall and other places. Later she moved to Spokane, Wash., where she died Dec. 19, 1960. Mrs. (Florence) Elliot died at Mohall Feb. 2, 1943. H. Allen (Boots) and Joseph (Joe) took over the farm. H. Allen remained to live with his mother, untd her death July 25, 1958. Mrs. Sophia Loughead was born in Canada on Aprd 4, 1870. She came to Walsh County with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Craig at 12. She died July 28,1958 at age 88. Joseph (Joe) Elmer Loughead used to mdk 20 cows by hand morning and night. In the winter in order for them to have water, he had to walk three-fourths of a mile in twenty to thirty below zero weather, often having to make paths through big snow drifts in order for the cattle to get through. He would then with a rope and pad, pull up water 30 to 50 feet in a well. He would be so covered with icicles hanging from his eyes that he couldn't see. Joe married Mrs. Alma (Odden) Stenerson. She was

a widow with four children: Allen (deceased), Willard, Lois and Marilyn. Joe and Alma had five children of their own: Jimmy (deceased), Joann, Joseph, Jerry and Joyce. He died Nov. 29, 1963. He was born on March 5, 1905 spending his entire life in Park River. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. H. Allen (Boots) was the last surviving member of the family. He never married. He was a city Assessor and mail carrier. At one time his car caught on fire, but he managed to get the mail out and himself. He sang in the church choir. H. Allen died at age 73. JOHN LEWIS John Lewis came to Dakota Territory from Renfrew, Ont., in 1881. For two years he worked for John Harris at a place now called Old Kensington. He then filed a claim on the northeast quarter of section 19 in Kensington Township. After he had built a claim shack and broken some sod, he returned to Renfrew, Ont., to obtain household and farming supplies. He brought back a team of horses, a yoke of oxen, a walking plow, a cradle scythe, a broad axe, a hammer and a musket with powder horn and a supply of powder and ball. He also brought dishes, blankets, an awl with a good supply of thread and wax for harness and shoe repair. Two more items brought back from Ontario were a huge iron kettle and a large tin trunk. Many of the things brought back by John Lewis on this trip are stdl in the possession of the Lewis family. On the return trip, John Lewis was accompanied by his brother Tom and his sister Susie Lewis. Tom Lewis filed on section 20 just west of John's claim.

John Lewis, 1923 Until their permanent homes were built the brothers and their sister Susie lived in adjacent claim shacks. They reported that their worst problem was with fleas and bedbugs which could not be kept out of the shacks and were particularly annoying at night. House flies were rare untd in later years. The Park River at that time was a lovely stream with plenty of fish. Fish, prairie chickens, grouse and wdd berries supplemented diet during the sod-breaking years. The permanent home was located near the northeast corner of the quarter, because John Lewis found there an ample source of good water. He dug a well into which he placed a home-made wooden pump. After that he built a barn. The house on the permanent home site was not built until some years later. John Lewis reported that in the first years a band of 700

Indians made temporary camp in the shelter of a ravine a few hundred yards to the south of his barn. He said that the Indians were friendly and caused him no trouble. In August of 1884 John Lewis obtained his warranty title to the northeast quarter of section 19. Meanwhile he had continued to make improvements in that area that would become his permanent home He planted a <rrove of trees to shelter his farmstead from the north and the west, and also started a small fruit orchard with plum, apple, crab apple and cherry trees. Three oak trees that John Lewis planted in this period are still growing. On June 17, 1891 John Lewis and Harriet Davis were married by Rev. Hunter, Presbyterian minister at Park River. John and Harriet lived in the hay loft ot the new barn while the farm house was being completed. The house which was completed in the tall of 1891 was considered large for that time. It had three large rooms on the first floor and three rooms and a closet upstairs. It was one of the first farm houses in the area to have a cistern for rain water and a basement with stone walls. John and Harriet Lewis had six children: William H , Elizabeth, Clinton D., John L., Frances H., and Albert D. Lewis. Of the six children only Frances Kristjanson, and Albert D. Lewis are still living.

active in Women's Guild of St. Peter's and in the Cemetery Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Riverside Rebekah Lodge. As a young man John Lewis was interested in harness racing. He otten competed in the races at Park River. The pioneers had a race track where the buildings of the present high school now are. . . The northeast quarter of section 19 in Kensington Township, John Lewis' original homestead, is still in possession of the original family. After the death of John Lewis, Harriet Lewis continued to farm. When Harriet died, two sons, Clinton and Albert Lewis took over the farm operations. Upon the death Clinton Lewis and the retirement of Albert Lewis the farming was carried on by Clinton Lewis, junior, grandson ot John Lewis. The farm is now occupied and managed by Larry Lewis, another grandson of John Lewis. The original farm house, with only minor changes, still stands and is lived in by Larry Lewis and his ^ X h n Lewis firmly believed that the security of the home must never be threatened by obligations against the land. He always paid his taxes promptly and would never allow a mortgage. His policy was continued and there never has been a mortgage on the northeast quarter of section 19 of Kensington Township. THOMAS F. LEWIS Thomas F. Lewis came to Kensington Township in Dakota Territory from Renfrew, Ont., in 1881. He filed his claim on the northwest quarter of section 20 in Kensington Township. His claim was the next quarter east of his brother John's claim. To this claim he got a warranty deed in August of 1884. During their first years in Dakota Territory Thomas Lewis, John Lewis and their sister, Susie Lewis all worked together. By 1888 Thomas Lewis had completed a permanent farmstead with a well, a house and a barn. On Christmas Day of 1888 Thomas Lewis and Isobella Landsborough were married. Thomas and Isobella had three chddren: William I!*., Mildred and Lowell R. Wdliam and Mddred Lewis moved away from Kensington Township, but Lowell remained to take over the "family homestead upon the death of his parents. When Lowell R. Lewis died the homestead passed out of the possession of the Thomas Lewis family. It is now owned by Arnold Staven. , .... Mddred Lewis Brooks and seven grandchddren, sons and daughters of William E. Lewis survive. ;

Left to right: ClintonD. Lewis, Sr., Albert Lewis, Clinton D Lewisf Jr., holding his son, Michael, hand on shoulder o/ his son, Douglas, and Larry D. Lewis.

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SUSIE LEWIS Susie Lewis came to Dakota Territory from Renfrew, Ont., to work with her brothers John and Thomas Lewis. She filed no land claim in Kensington Township. After the marriage of her brothers, Susie moved to Park River and established a dress-making shop. Later she married William Pickles who at that time had a butcher shop in Park River. Wdliam and Susie Pickles later moved to Crystal, N.D., where Mr Pickles started a butcher shop. Later still they moved

Elizabeth I. Lewis, daughter Frances Lewis of John and Harriet Lewis. ^ Z T ' H Z T Z J John and Harriet Lewis were members of St Peter's Episcopal Church in Park River. They helped to erect the present church building. JohrLewis belonged to the Orange Men's Lodge The Odd Fellows Lodge and the Republican party. Harriet was zoi

to another county. Their only child, a son, Archie, died childless, so none of the family survive. NELS J. MARIFJEREN Nels J. Marifjeren was born in Kenyon, Minn., Feb. 18,1862. He came to Grafton June 16, 1882 with father and Johanes J. Marifjeren and family. His father had been here the year before and bought 320 acres of land in Dundee Township from Ovi Overson to make a new home for his famdy of three girls and three boys. His wife Soneva Hillestad was born in Norway in 1882. He was born in Marifjeren, Sogn Norway in 1818. When she came from Norway she brought her belongings in a rounded top trunk or chest which was home made. Painted in blue and red Rosemalling. On the front of the chest was inscribed Soneva, (Lars datter) Hillestad in 1843, which is still kept in the famdy heirloom. A smaller hand chest was carried with personal belongings. Also food was carried as flatbread, cheese, lefse to nibble on. It took six weeks for the trip by boat from Norway to N . York and on to Wanamingo, Minn., in 1846. Here she married Johanes Marifjeren in 1855. Six chddren were born. She died in 1866. Grandpa Marifjeren budt a house of lumber to replace the log house with a sod roof. He budt a store in 1882 on his land by the Post Office, which he operated. When the people came from area of Fairdale, Edmore, Adams, Mdton and area to go to Grafton for supplies they would come as far as Dundee and would stay at Grandpa Marifjerens for the night to rest and feed their horses and start for home in the morning. Nels J. Marifjeren went to a Business School in Minneapolis in 1892, and worked in the store and Post Office until the radroad came to Park River. Dad then went to Park River to work for Mr. Aslakson in the Hardware Store. Nels married Jennie Lockrem June 29, 1893. She came to Grafton with her folks, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lockrem from Northfield, Minn. They were the first couple married in the Park Center Church, which had planks for seats. Chairs were brought from the Lockrem home for the bridal party. Nels and Jennie came to Park River to make their home, buying the house from Dan Tollef where Fritz and Ethel Thorson lived for years. In 1901 the frame stores and west side of Main Street burned. All new stores were built in 1902. In 1903 Dad had the big house built where we moved October, 1903. The little house got to small for the famdy of 5 children so had the big house budt where 4 more children were born: Juel E. Marifjeren - born Aprd 22, 1894 and died Oct. 8,1922; Amy - Mrs. H.I. Peterson born July 20, 1896 and lives in Fargo; Mabel Marifjeren - born Sept. 10, 1898 and died in 1899; Mabel Marifjeren - born April 18, 1900 and lives in Park River; Neil J. Marifjeren - born Sept. 18, 1902 and died in 1902; Neil J. Marifjeren - born Nov. 7, 1904 and lives in San Diego, Calif.; and Ander J. Marifjeren - born Oct. 3,1906 and was killed in an explosion March 15, 1957; Leon W. Marifjeren - born Sept. 2, 1909 and

lives in Moclips, Wash.; Vernon G. Marifjeren - born June 23,1911 and lives in Seattle, Wash. Dad had a brown team of horses called Fred and Fly. Also a double seated surrey. We went for rides in the country on Sunday afternoons usually ending up to visit our grandparents, uncles, aunts and families. On the way out or back home Dad would stop the horses so we could get out and pick the red lilies, blue bells, butter cups and wild pink roses along the roadside When automobdes came into use and one would be coming down the road the horses would be frightened and as it came near to pass, the horses would rear on their hind legs. Not saying how frightened we were sitting in the back seat of the buggy. Practically stiff with fear until the car had passed us. Iver P. Overbye was a partner with Dad in the store know as Marifjeren and Overbye. He sold out to Dad in 1916 and moved to Lemstord, Sask., where he operated a Grocery Store for several years. After retiring they came back to Park River to live in the little house in Ida and Melvin Neste yard. Dick Overbye, their son, owned the Overbye Funeral Home. , , Ole Hasle owned and operated the other Hardware Store on the west side of the street, later sold to O.P. Olson. ,. , . The Ole Hasle famdy of 8 girls and 1 boy lived next to us. Henry Anderson with one child Anne bought the lots north of our house and built a large house there. He owned and operated the Rexall Drug Store until his death about 1941. It was then operated by Anna s husband Ted Eyolfson until his death in 1965. Iver Overbye's famdy of 8 chddren lived in the same block. The fourth of July we all gathered in the back yard of the Hasle home for potluck supper after the parade. , N J Marifjeren's operated the hardware store tor over 50 years. It was sold to Gab Sharp and Olaf Malde in 1933. It is now operated by Harvey Loftsgard. Mr. and Mrs. Marifjeren helped organize and budd Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Park River. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary June 29,1943. M r . Marifjeren died March 1, 1946 and Mrs. Marifjeren died Nov. 28,1946.

mn Nels and Jennie [Locferen] Marifjeren, June 29, 1893. First couple married in Park Center Church. 702

DAVID MILLS David Mills was born on a farm west of Park River. After attending some years at a country school he moved into Park River where he stayed with local families while he attended Park River High School Soon after finishing high school, he went to work at the First National Bank. It was during this time that he met Myrtle Finneseth, who was to become his wite ^ After several years at the bank, Mr. Mills formed a partnership with Clark Farup. They opened an automobile agency in Park River, and another later m Grafton. This partnership also owned and operated several farms near Park River and the surrounding countryside. . . , , David was a highly respected and civic minded man. His quiet deeds of kindness were known by many in trouble or in need, not only in Park River but for many

her Windsor Hotel with two of the wheels being used. So famous had she become with this hobby that she was invited to appear on the Hobby Lobby radio show in New York, through the courtesy of a former Park River man, David Elman. Mrs. Neste was a charter member of the Degree ol Honor Lodge. Mr. Neste a charter member of the Odd Fellows and Workmen Lodges. Since Ole Neste was in business on Main Street, (now Briggs Ave.) there has always been a Neste in business there; when Mrs. Neste died her daughter Ester Neste Knutson, operated the Windsor Hotel, Gertrude Neste Wilson operated a dress shop, Naomi Neste Kitze operated a Fashion Shop, which was later purchased by Helen and Roy Neste, Roy Neste is an attorney with his office on the former named Main Street, and Lee Neste runs a clothing store, known as Melvin's Store for Men, which he had purchased from his father, Melvin, who had been in business for over 15 years.

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DavTd°and Myrtle Mdls had four children: Mark, Harriet, Marjorie and Robert. David died in California in 1937, and is survived by his wife Myrtle and by his children Harriet, Marjorie and Robert. David Mills was born Oct. 4, 1887, and died Aprd 23,1937. GEORGE K. McEWAN George McEwan was postmaster of Park River in 1895. He was also a member of the well-known firm of McEwan and Dougherty. EMIL NELSON Emd Nelson was a Park River jeweler who budt a business in a very short time. Mr. Nelson claimed that Jhe success he attained was due to the guarantee he has always been able to maintain in superior work.

Mrs. Ole Neste

Prairie Harvest

PAT O'BRIEN Pat O'Brien, born in Kdkinney Ireland in 1850, came to the U.S. with his parents when a small boy. The famdy settled near Waukon, Iowa. O'Brien made his home there until he married Mary Ann Kelleher. The couple came to Park River in 1903. They owned and operated 345 acres of land on the south end of Briggs Ave. In 1917 O'Brien retired and sold the land to his son & his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Bill O'Brien. They operated the land and it was called the O'Brien Dairy untd 1947. After selling the farm to Bill, the Pat OBnen s moved into the home Bid had lived in. This home is now the Jerry Sandy's residence. The O'Brien's had 16 children, a granddaughter, Mrs. Lucille Lykken and another boy whom the O'Briens adopted were also members of the O Brien famdy. One member of O'Briens survives, Mrs. Lottie Rangle and lives in California. The O'Briens were members of St. Mary's Parish. Mrs O'Brien was an active member of Altar Society. On the 60th Anniversary of the couple, the late Harry O'Brien wrote this: "Mr. and Mrs. Pat O'Brien are going to celebrate 60 years of married life. Their marriage was not a foundation of brick and cement,

OLE NESTE Ole Neste came from Valdres, Norway with his family at age 12. They settled in Decorah, Iowa for a short time, then moved to Union, N.D and fded a homestead claim. The famdy consisted of six boys and three girls. Ole Neste went to Park River and served as meat cutter for the Sander Soli meat market. Later he owned and operated a meat and grocery store of his own. In the early 1900's he purchased a hugh buffalo from South Dakota which he displayed on Mam Street in front of his market. The meat sold for $1.00 per pound" Mr. Neste was an ardent hunter and trapper as a hobby, and he won many prizes for marksmanship. He married Inga Forgard who also came from Norway at the age of 5 and whose parents drove an oxen team to Golden Valley, where they homesteaded. Ole and Inga had nine chddren: Eli, Gertrude, Melvin, Ester, Naomi, Ruth, Alyce, Jerome and Roy. In later years Mrs. Neste owned and operated the U C T Hotel in Park River and in 1925 purchased the Windsor Hotel, which establishment she was associated with untd her death in January of 1958 Mrs. Neste's hobby was collecting old spinning wheels. She had 18, the oldest 200 years old, all imports from Norway. She had a demonstration of spinning given at >

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but one of love, confidence and loyalty—without which no marriage can long survive happily. The early years were not easy—no electricity as we have now, no autos, no movies or radios. They didn't have much money, but did not need it. Why? Because they had each other, good health and an abundance of Faith in God, prayers and the future." Mr. O'Brien died at age 89 and Mrs. O'Brien at age 83. Other members of the famdy who have died were: Mrs. Mary E . Connor, Mrs. Margaret Deviney, Anastasia Kenney, J.J. O'Brien, Agnes Hanson, Kate Leonard, Bill O'Brien, Mike O'Brien, Florence Utecht, Vencent O'Brien, Chike O'Brien and Clemment O'Brien. OLE ODEGARD Ole Odegard immigrated to America in 1902, taking his oldest son Tom with him. He was a carpenter. They settled in St. Thomas. Three months later he sent for his wife, Tonje, and other chddren, Ed, Ole, John, Annie and Gunelle. They came from Boston by train to St. Thomas and were met by Ole and Thomas and other friends who had come earlier from Norway. Before they got on the train at Boston they bought some bananas from a peddler, but couldn't eat them. They didn't know they had to be peeled untd someone showed them. They always remember that as a humorous event. From St. Thomas they moved to Canada for several years, then came to Park River where they made their permanent home. OEN F AMILY Simen H . Oen, was born May 18, 1860, at Gravlismoen, Nes, Aadalen, Norway. Accompanied by 2 younger brothers, Rasmus and Harold, 3 cousins, Gilbert, Hans and Christ Granum, and a friend, Peter Weberg, he saded for the U.S. aboard the "Ocean Blue," landing in Castle Gardens, N.Y., in the spring of 1880. Their destination was Albert Lea, Minn. After a short stay at Albert Lea, they departed for Sweden, Dakota Territory, present day Nash, working their way helping homesteaders and doing railroad construction work. Crossing the Red River at Fisher's Landing, they checked the U.S. Land Office in Grand Forks to learn where land might be avadable for homesteading. Obtaining a map of the area, they walked to the Nels Monsebroten farm west of Grafton using a watch as a compass. (The Monsebrotens had homesteaded in 1879. Kari Monsebroten and Simen had been baptized together when infants and also confirmed together in Nes Church in Aadalen. There were no roads, but their map was well marked. The government surveyors had placed mounds of earth with oak stakes at the corner of each section. The stakes were marked with the section, township and range, and thus the land seeker could tell just where he was and just where he needed to go to locate the land of his choice. Traveling on foot in a northwesterly direction from the Monsebroten farm, they proceeded untd they

saw some trees and brush with a deep coulee through the center. (This is on the shore of ancient Lake Agassiz, approximately 5 miles northeast of Park River.) Fed by 7 springs along its banks,' a stream of clear running water flowed through the coulee. Growing on the banks were willows, Cottonwood, aspen, thornbushes, chokecherries and delicious wild strawberries. Fish, ducks, prairie chickens and rabbits appeared plentiful. The sandy loam of the surrounding area was covered with a medium length thickly tufted grass and flowers including the Wild Prairie Rose. In the coulee and scattered about the banks were loads of buffalo bones. Broken bows and arrows were found nearby, and indication that buffalo had grazed there and then been driven into the coulee and killed. Buffalo bones brought $6 per ton, and the settlers were eager to gather them to sell at almost every radroad station. The bones were shipped East to make carbon black. This was often the first income for the pioneer farmer. Mr. Oen decided that this was the location he would select for his homestead. Not yet of age to fde, he worked in the PortlandHatton area cutting and dovetailing logs, and later at radroad construction near Fargo. In the early spring of 1881 he purchased a yoke of oxen, a wagon, and some tools, and with a load of ready cut logs returned to Grand Forks. On May 12, 1881, 2 days after his 21st birthday, he filed his homestead claim for his chosen tract of land. Returning to his homestead site, he erected a 8' x 10' log cabin. After purchasing a breaking plow, the task of breaking the sod commenced. The sod proved very tough, and the plow shares had to be sharpened every night. His first crop was beans, peas, rhubarb and horseradish (all from seeds brought from Norway) together with corn, potatoes and a peck of wheat. The wheat was broadcast, harvested with a scythe, bound with self-bands, cured, and threshed with a flad. Some of this wheat was saved for seed, some was roasted, mixed with sorghum, and after being ground in a coffee grinder, was brewed as "coffee." Barley and wheat treated thusly was later often used as a beverage when coffee prices rose to $1 per pound. The beverage resulting tasted something like modern day Postum. The coarse parts of the ground wheat were cooked as a cereal, graut, and the remainder was used as flour for bread. After another stint of railroad construction work the following winter (1881-1882) near Mapleton, he took his yoke of oxen to Albert Lea to get his belongings brought from Norway. Included were 2 chests full of homespun and homewoven linens and woolens, knitted articles, wearing apparel, 2 sheepskin robes, a feather-tick (qudted in squares with each square being stuffed with a handful of feathers—made in this fashion, the feathers did not shift and the tick was washable) sdverware, books, a clock, and some antiques. From a cousin's nursery he obtained some seeds, a variety of shade and fruit trees, evergreen seeds, and potatoes. He planted these on his homestead after backsetting the sod. He broke more

sod and built a sod house. To house his oxen and a goat, he built a log barn. For use in planting trees and potatoes he made a 2 wheel lister. Later, he devised a hand potato planter, and also a corn and bean planter. About 1885 he learned tinsmithing from C . L . Finneseth. Thereafter, he made a number of items useful inside and outside a pioneer home. Included were such things as grain scoops, skis and skates. Speaking 7 languages, he was the interpreter and counselor for many other immigrants. Winters found him teaching his friends English and Math. Rev. M.C. Holseth officiated at the wedding of Inger Berthine Nidtmoen and Mr. Oen, June 17, 1891. She had immigrated from Begnadalen, Valders, Norway to Perry, Wise, in the spring of 1885. In Perry she attended 6 weeks of school to freshen her English. She was employed by the Frank J . Webbs, whom she accompanied to Grand Forks in 1886. Another banker, C.D. Lord, brought her to Park River, and she was employed by the Lords and the James J . Dougherty family until her marriage. Being from the same area in Norway, the Kjos, Helle and Oen famdies never missed a Christmas gathering, enjoying their native styles and partaking of the tasty, richly prepared festive delicacies of their native land. The Oens were members of the Lutheran Church and active in all its lay affairs. Mr. Oen served as a deacon and Bible teacher. He conducted a neighborhood Sunday School in 1917. Mr. Oen served as president of Kensington School District #98 for 38 years, also held several township offices. . In the late 1890's, he was among the earliest m North Dakota to experiment with and encourage the implementation of diversified farming, crop rotation, and the use of clover and alfalfa crops on the land. He was among the first in the state to engage in and encourage the commercial production of potatoes in North Dakota. He contributed numerous articles to farm papers and the Decorah Posten. On the night of the fire in Park River the Oen farm had been visited by someone in need of 70 grainsacks (all stamped with the name of Simen H. Oen.) Tracks in the mud and snow again led from the Oen farm to the house of the same suspect. Mr. Oen notified the authorities, and a subsequent search disclosed most of the stolen sacks fdled with merchandise, bolts of yard goods, notions and supplies from Andrew A . HaU's Dry Goods and Fabric Dept. Men's wear and shoes from Hall's and Brandt's were also recovered. The Oens raised a famdy of 5 chddren: Bertha, Oscar, Sigurd, Viola and Harold. Oscar and Sigurd served with the U.S. Army in France during World War I. Mrs. Oen died August 26, 1930 and Mr. Oen died on January 7,1931. Mrs. Bertha M. Johnson, Grand Forks, and Harold S. Oen of Seattle, Wash., survive as do 13 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

TVER P. OVERBYE Iver P. Overbye was born April 1, 1865, and left his home in Hamar, Norway at 14 and lived with an uncle at Valparaiso, Ind., while he attended business school. He moved to Park River to be with other relatives. He clerked in several stores and later he and N . J . Marifjeren went into partnership in a hardware store, known as Marifjeren and Overbye. On Dec. 1, 1891 he married Julia Walden at her father's home in Conway. In 1914 Overbye sold his share of the partnership to Marifjeren and moved with his family to Lemsford, Sask., where he was postmaster and ran a general store. The Overbys had nine children: Palmer, Johan, Clifford, Harry, Lawrence, Mildred, Ida, Dick, Elda and Helen. The Overbyes moved back to Park River in 1947. Mrs. Overbye died July 22, 1953, and Mr. Overbye died in June, 1957. 0. P. OLSON FAMILY O.P. Olson was born March 24, 1874 at Fort Dodge, Iowa. When he was 8 his family moved to Hillsboro. His folks homesteaded on land east of Taft, N.D. Mrs. O.P. Olson (Helena Arnegard) was born Aug. 4, 1878 at Hillsboro, and grew up on a farm 6 miles west of Hillsboro which her folks had homesteaded. O.P. Olson and Helena Arnegard were married June 15, 1899 at Hillsboro. They farmed 5 miles east of Cummings until 1910 when they moved to Park River and purchased the hardware business from O.E. Hasle. After being in town 6 months they purchased their family home on Briggs Avenue from Fred Honey where they raised a family of 2 sons and 4 daughters. They are Inez, Ernest (deceased), Miranda, Lila, Earl, and Donah. . Active in church and community affairs, Mrs. Ulson held various offices in Our Savior's Lutheran Ladies' A

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M r . Olson was trustee and served as church treasurer of Our Savior's Lutheran Church from 1919 to 1946. He was elected alderman of the 2nd ward in 1913 and was a member of the first board of directors of St. Ansgar's Hospital. O.P. Olson died July 24, 1958, and Mrs. Olson died Dec. 23,1967. , .

Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Olson [Helena Arnegard], married June 15, 1899. 705

0. P. OLSON HARDWARE STORE O.P. Olson purchased the O.E. Hasle Hardware Store April, 1910 and operated it until 1946 when he suffered a stroke. At this time, it was sold to his son, Earl L. Olson who operated the store under the name of Olson Hardware. He operated this store until Nov. 15, 1966 when a fire destroyed the business. The ruined building was sold to Lloyd Staven and remodeled into the present Dental Building. PARK RIVER NEWS

July 3, 1940, and lived there while he was Ramsey County Agent. She had taught Home Economics in three towns, and was Associate County Agent in Grand Forks county. Since 1941 they have farmed at Davenport. They have three children: Marion, Ronald and Beryl, all married and 4 grandchildren. Feme A. Peck married William B. Hanmer II, at Fargo, July 20, 1942. They live in Hibbing where Mr. Hanmer manages the Red Owl grocery store. They have three children: Mary Jane, William B. I l l , and Robert who is in high school. Mary Jane has two children, and William is married.

The Park River News was established in July, 1897. They printed all the local news and happenings to the families of Park River and the large farming community, and were also Democratic in politics. Charles Wilson was editor and manager. MR. AND MRS. GEORGE E. PECK George Edward Peck, born Aug. 15, 1876, died in 1953, and was the son of John Peck and Mary Jane Rouatt of Bayfield, Ont. After 10 years working at 73 station stops from 1897 to 1907, Peck became Great Northern Railway station agent in Park River. In the Walsh county area he had been a relief agent at Crystal, Minto, St. Thomas, Glasston, Auburn and Hoople before coming to Park River. In 1907 he married Clara Mabel Larson, daughter ot Mr and Mrs. Henry J . Larson, Lake Park, Minn. She was born Oct. 17, 1880 at Lake Park. They were married at Moorhead, Minn. Mrs. Peck had been teaching in Becker county and later working in the store of her brothers at Clyde where Mr. Peck had been station agent. They lived in Park River until Mr. Peck retired in 1943 and moved to Fargo. He died in 1953. {. , . _ In 1975, Mrs. Peck, now over 94, lived in Bethany Nursing Home in Fargo.

George Peck, 1920's, Lillian, Feme and Agnes. Mr. Peck was active in the Presbyterian church and the Masonic lodge. Mrs. Peck is a life member and past matron of Mary C. chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, a former member of the Homemakers extension club, and was a member of the Ladies Aid and Missionary Society of the Presbyterian church, and a member of W.C.T.U. During M r . Peck's time as Agent the potato industry expanded greatly with warehouses being built along the Great Northern tracks. Up to 150 freight cars had to be checked and during the potato shipping season in the fall the charcoal heaters in the cars had to be individually started and fueled. He had to crawl up the ladder on the car and down the hole in the roof. The second Agent at Park River during the time of Mr. Peck's duty was Melvin Neste, and at times a third agent was needed. The daily passenger train from Grand Forks to Hannah went up in the morning and back in the afternoon. There were several freights a week. Several depot buildings were used, as they were destroyed by fire. During the time the third one was being built, several cabooses were set out on track to serve as a depot. Mr. Peck was a member of the Veteran's Association of the Great Northern and attended several conventions.

Mr. and Mrs. George Peck The Pecks had three daughters: Lillian, Agnes and Feme. Lillian J . married Arthur W. Nystrom of Crosby, July 12,1936. He was sheriff of Divide county, and Lillian taught in Crosby. They moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho and later to Naples, Idaho where Art farmed. Lillian taught in Naples School until 1975. They have five children: Marilyn, Carol, Gail, Donald, and Kenneth, all married, and 11 grandchildren. Agnes M. married Wilfred A. Plath of Devils Lake,

For over 20 years the Pecks lived in one of the oldest homes in Park River, the C H . Honey house, which they purchased from Richardsons. Mr. Honey was the first postmaster in Park River. 706

MICHAEL POOLE Michael and Brigette Poole of Ireland homesteaded on the north side of Park River. They came here from Perth, Ont., bringing a daughter Margaret, in 1880. The Falter's and the Pooles visited and helped one another in times of sickness. They also shared the good times with house parties and barn dances. Paul Falter and Margaret Poole married in 1902. They went to Viking, Alberta to homestead, and remained in Northern Canada until 1920. They came back to farm his father's land when the elder Mr. Falter retired. The couple had five children. Two survived, Olive (Mrs. Adolph Unger) and Harold. GEORGE RATLIFF George Ratliff and his wife, Grace, came to Park River from Doland, S. D., in 1912. There were 11 children, two sets of twins, George, Grover, Garnet, Forest, EUen, Leon Viva, Gaylord and Gad, twins, Roy and Joy, were also twins, the last pair being bom in Park River. George served as alderman for a term in 1913. He also worked at the Park River flour mdl. It stood where the Farmers Union Elevator now stands. He did carpenter work, tended steam engines for the railroad when ever they had to lay over in Park River. He also hauled the town doctors out to their patients in the country with horses, both Dr. Hanson and Dr. Weed. I remember him telling of one trip, especially, north and east of Adams. The doctor had to perform surgery at that place using the kitchen table to operate and take a leg from the patient. That patient turned out to be Leslie Chally's grandfather. Grace also helped the doctors serving as midwife. She delivered over 300 babies in and around the Park River area. In those days, people didn t go to the hospital. . ... „ George and Grace celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July, 1944. Grace died in 1946 at 73. George died Aprd, 1969 at 93. Submitted by Mrs. Viva Grovum. JAMES D. ROBERTSON

James D. and Emeline Robertson on their golden wedding anniversary in 1950. James D. Robertson was bom in Paisley, Ont., April 9, 1865, son of James Dickson Robertson. He was marriedtoMaggie Elson Robertson, she died in September, 1894. Five chddren were born, James D., Jr., Clarence William, Grover C , Erma L. Robertson (Harris), and Harold, who died in infancy. In November, 1900, Robertson married Emehne

Rath, who was born at Almont, Ont., Sept. 29, 1877. One child was born, Ralph E. Robertson. James D. Robertson was of Scotch and Irish descent. He was depot agent at Forest River and Grafton; postmaster at Grafton, and worked at the flour mdl at Park River. He served as Mayor of Park River for 18 years was County Chairman of the Democratic party, member of the Walsh County Welfare Board, Masonic Lodge the Odd Fedows Lodge. Mrs. Robertson served as postmaster in Park River, a member of the Order of Eastern Star. The famdy belonged to the Presbyterian Church. Submitted by Mrs. A. G. Harris. WILLIAM AVERY ROCKEFELLER or D R WILLIAM LEVINGSTON RockefeUer's death recalls life of his furtive father in Walsh. Progenitor of Od Czar, who left family, lived recluse's life on Park River farm. ByAlHaugner "His father was William Avery Rockefeller, a shrewd farmer and doctor, and his mother, Enza Davison, noted for piety and firm, but gentle, family rule She taught her chddrentowork, save, to give... With these terse sentences did die obituaries of John D RockefeUer, nonagenarian Croesus of the greatest oil empire ever budt, dismiss his progenitors when the former billionaire died three years short of his goal, the century mark. But out of the gray mists of the past strode a tall, husky bearded man in the minds of old-timers in the Park River vicinity. That man, investigation has proven, was not "Dr. William Levingston," as he was known in the homesteading days in Walsh County. He was plain Wdliam A. RockefeUer, father of the man who built the greatest personal fortune in the history of the world and a self-imposed fugitive because of a bizarre double-life. Levingston Little Known For the story of Dr. Wdliam A. Levingston, adventurer, quack doctor, dog fancier and recluse, is the story seemingly more incredulous than fiction, a mystifying episode torn from the yedowed pages of Dakota Territory. Today, the earthly remains of this baffling character of early Walsh County he not in the flower-banked, majestic family plot in a Cleveland cemetery, near a giant obelisk bought by the od czar, but in an unmarked grave in Oakwood cemetery, Freeport, 111 There he died May 11,1906, aged 96 years, 5 months, 28 days, only four months less than his famous son. To the homestead home of his father, one-half mile east of Park River, the bflhonaire years ago is supposed to have made an undercover visit, but none live today who can prove he ever did. To the fact that mysterious father of od baron lived on that farm, there is plenty of substantiation. In a prestatehood deed register book in the Walsh County Court House are several transfers of the property on which "Dr Levingstone" hved but the deeds were signed by Wdliam A. Rockefeller, not the recluses's pseudonym. Left Famdy inN.Y. According to the best sources of information, fragments in the life of William A. Rockefeller pieced together shape up something like this: Back in Rockford, Tioga County, New York, William A. RockefeUer left his famdy some years before the CivU war, because, some 707

MiMiriiim

investigators say, he was involved in some difficulty because of his "practice" as a doctor who used but one prescription for healing all ailments of man and beast Making his way westward through Canada, which bordered his home state on the north, William A. Rockefeller met and married Margaret Allen, The New York World found in unraveling the mystery. Apparently unable to return to New York without detection, Rockefeller, now to all intents and purposes, twice married, made his way to Freeport, 111., by a circuitous roUt

An adventurer at heart and still practicing his peculiar brand of healing, Rockefeller left his second wife and in company with a Dr. Johnson, also a "cureall," made his way to Dakota Territory when the Park River region was opening to homesteaders. Filed Homestead Claim For several years, the "Doctors" Johnson and Levingston hved in the log house of Robert Johnson, directly across the road from the land on which Levingston in 1881 filed a homestead claim. This land was section 27, township 157, one half mile west of Park River "Dr." Johnson filed claim to the Park River townsite, later selling the land to the city. Johnson apparently moved on after a short stay in Park River. Levingstone, however, stayed on and on one trip back to Freeport, 111., brought back with him Pierson D. Briggs familiarly known as "Pete," who managed the farm for RockefeUer during the latter's frequent return trips to Freeport. Several mysterious transfers of the land, to which RockefeUer in succeeding years added several parcels, are recorded in the deed books at the Walsh County Court House Briggs, as it turned out, later became purchasing agent for the Standard Oil Company, but in the light of RockefeUer business sagacity, proved a poor farm manager. Several Transfers Shown Transferred from P. D. Briggs and wife to Wdliam A RockefeUer June 23,1886, was the north one had of the southeast quarter, the south one half of the northeast quarter in section 27, township 157; the northwest quarter of section 27, same township, and the southeast one half of section 28. The consideration was $10,000. Four years later, Oct. 10, 1890, the books show the transfer of these same parcels back to P. D. Briggs and wife by WiUiam A. RockefeUer. This time the consideration was $11,000. Other instruments are on fde involving the land, also a quit claim deed, some showing Briggs bought some of the land in his name from a John Ross. Shortly after 1890, the land was sold by the Standard Oil Company to Robert and Margaret Arnot, that being about the time WiUiam A Rockefeller, then a man of about 70, returned to Freeport for the remainder of his Ufe. Today, Lars Larson farms the land where RockefeUer hved, but the vast tract that came into the possession of the od king's father has been broken up since and is now owned by several individuals. Lord Was Company Agent C D. Lord, who is stdl in the real estate business in Park River, acted as agent for the Standard Od Company in making the final disposition of the land, selling the three quarters of land to Robert and Margaret Arnot. The money was taken back to St. Paul by a Standard Od Company representative.

Levingston always had plenty of money, Lord recalls There were two banks in Park River in the early days the First National and the Bank of Park River. In each'of these banks, Levingston did business. Harry Lord Cando, handled his affairs in the Bank of Park River, and George Towie, now head of a Minneapolis investment company, was his confidant in the other. Drafts from Cleveland, then the headquarters of the already Standard Od Company, were frequently cashed for Levingston. At one time, Levingston traveled to Larimore where he wired Cleveland for $18,000 for supplies he wanted. The telegrapher who took the message said Levingston readily paid the $27 cost of the message. Levingston said he sent the wire from Larimore rather than his home. Park River, to direct attention away from his business. Avoided Being Seen H. R. Aslakson, Edmore, merchant and owner of a store in Park River in the early days, recaUs how Levingston constantly strove to avoid being seen, and on his infrequent trips to the vdlage of Park River a halfmde away, took a path across the field rather than walk down the highway. ' ... Levingston always flashed lots of money in public, old-timers in the Park River vicinity recaU, but he adopted a constant reticense about the source of his wealth. In Grand Forks, too, on infrequent trips, veteran residents recaU Levingston, "the man nobody knew, always appeared to have plenty of money. Clarence A. Allen, a sohcitor in Grand Forks for a fire and marine insurance company, who had an office in Princeton, IU., on a trip to Park River in the early days heard the "doctor's" name mentioned. Curious, he investigated and visited Levingston at his homestead where he was cordiaUy received. AUen said last week, on recalling the visit, he had known Levingston in Uhnois between 1874 and 1876 and saw him in Park River in 1891 or 1892. Listed as Widower In Cleveland, where the famdy moved years after the departure from New York state of WiUiam A. RockefeUer and where John D. RockefeUer grew to his high position of affluence, the lawful Mrs. RockefeUer died and is buried, expiring shortly before a deed to a parcel of the Park River land was made out to WiUiam A. RockefeUer, supposedly a widower. Back in Freeport, HI., Mrs. Levingston survived the man with whom she hved happily for half a century, assuming she was the lawful wife of the bizarre adventurer and doctor. Levingston's second wife had continued Uving in Freeport during all the years he was in North Dakota but the father of the billionaire kept in touch with her and went back to Freeport during the winters. . Thus, although not forgotten in material things by his immensely wealthy son, the life of the incredulous, sdent, furtive and adventuring "Dr." Wdliam A. RockefeUer came to an ignominious end after more than 96 years of Ufe. What effect this strange episode played in making the much-prosecuted but seldom-convicted od czar adopt his aloofness and secluded Ufe cannot be determined, but it is logical to presume it might have been one factor in his desire for privacy. JohnD. at Funeral Rockefeller attended the service for his little-known father in Freeport, Mr. Lord at Park River recalls from a 708

newspaper clipping, but did so with no fanfare and as unobtrusively as possible. Ida M. Tarbell, a famous woman writer, said to have been angered because of losses her husband had suffered in Standard Oil stock, wrote a story for McClure's Magazine several years ago, Mr. Lord recalls, in which she unraveled the mystery of Dr. Rockefeller, supposedly for spite. And, today, far from the cemetene s in Cleveland and Freeport where lie buried the last remains of son and father, an anonymous touch is added by a fixture 50 feet from the farm house where the elder Rockefeller lived his furtive life. It is an abandoned service station oil pump, inscribed with two words - "Cities Service." (Taken from the files of the Walsh County Record, Grafton, N. D.)

Arne, Paul, Iver and Tollef Staven homesteads in that area. Submitted by Adolph C. Kerkreit.

all took

C. S. STRANAHAN C. S. Stranahan was a druggist in North Dakota for 45 years. He was born in New York State in 1835 and came to Park River when the town started in 1884. E. J. TAINTOR E J. Taintor was well known in Walsh County as Superintendent of the Walsh County Agricultural and Training School at Park River. He was born in Winona, Minn., in 1892, graduated from the Iowa State Agricultural Codege and taught agriculture in the Grafton High School from 1915 to 1917. He served in France during World War I and in 1921 was selected as Superintendent of the County School at Park River. . Always an advocate of progress, Mr. Taintor championed better grain, selected quality of seed Dotatoes, and purebred cattle. On Aug. 9,1922, he married Jewel Haugen of Gflby. A son and daughter were born. He is a past commander of the American Legion Post, Paul Farup, Park River; a past master of Golden Vadey Lodge No. 26, A. F. & A. M. He was aff diated with the Woodmen and A. O. U. W. and the Shrine and was a member of the Presbyterian church. Submitted by Mrs. M . C. Flaten.

Eliza Davison Rocke/eller William Avery Rocfee/eller JOHN ROSS, SR. John Ross, Sr., emigrated from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1848. After residing in Ontario until 1881, he came to North Dakota. He was a resident of Park River and vicinity. He was wed known, beloved and respected by his many friends. For many years he was an elder m the Presbyterian church.

TESLOW FAMILY Edward Teslow, born in Brandbu, Hadeland, Norway came to the United States in 1905. Two years later, his two brothers, Lars and Hans, arrived in Park River and made their home with Mrs. Hannah Hanson, their sister. Ed and Lars worked for Fred and Janet Walstrom in Walstrom's Store, the budding now occupied by the Variety Store. Ed later worked for Ed Herwick, contractor and builder. Lars married Ragna Rienertson and movedtoCanada. Hans became a farmer and besides his own land he farmed for the Landsboroughs, Mrs. Peter Martin and Mrs. Minnie Masloski. He died in 1950. Ed Teslow, 91, is living in Grand Coulee, Wash. His brother, Lars Teslow, a painter in Seattie, Wash., was killed in an accident in 1960. Submitted by Eda Hanson.

REV. J. P. SCHELL Rev J. P. ScheU was born in Iowa in 1845, graduated at the State University at Iowa City in 1870, Union Theological Seminary, New York, in 1873; spent three years in home mission work in Utah and Idaho. He came to the Red River Vadey in 1880; commissioned first for Ihe Park River and Forest River districts, with headquarters in Grafton. Afterward, he located m Minnesota where he organized nearly all the Presbyterian churches between Crooks ton and St. Vincent; at Bathgate from 1886 to 1890; Drayton from 1892 to 189*6. He resided at Park River, and supplying as a home missionary at Conway; Ransey's Grove, and other points. He served in an Iowa regiment during the Civil War. THOR AND BARBO STAVEN Thor and Barbo Staven settled on a homestead about 10 miles southeast of Park River with their sons Arne, Paul, Tollef, Iver and daughter, Christine. They left HaUingdal, Norway, in the fad of 1874 and came to the United States. They stayed in Fertde County, Minn., that winter of 1875. Later in 1875 they traveled by oxen to the place where they homesteaded.

Edward Teslow 709

JOHN MARTIN THOMPSON John Martin Thompson, more commonly known as J. M. or Johnnie Thompson, was born in Goodhue County, Minn., on Dec. 28, 1880, the oldest child of Thomas and Louisa (Okelbo) Thompson. He came to Grand Forks with his mother in September, 1882. They were met in Grand Forks by his father who had preceded them to North Dakota and homesteaded in Vesta Township in the spring of 1881. Like ad farm boys, he was required to help with the farm work at an early age, and had only four years of elementary education, attending school in Vesta Township District No. 63. Occasionally he was able to spend some time with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. John McCarthy at Milton and enjoyed helping his uncle in his photo studio, and this interest developed into a hobby for him after his retirement. He also assisted in the budding of St. Peter Church in Vesta Township, and recaded being sent to Edinburg with a wagon and team of horses to get the church bed. This was a very hot day and he was overcome by "sun stroke" and lay in the shade under his wagon until after sunset, when he made the return trip to the church with the bed. A trip to Park River to purchase whatever food items could not be grown at home usuady took two days, and finding food and shelter for the horses was the first order of business upon arriving in town. The next day the purchases were made and the travelers returned to their home. J. M . Thompson and his brother, Louis, farmed together in Vesta Township untd 1917 when they divided their land and farmed separately. From 1902 to 1917 he also operated a steam threshing "rig" which he owned together with his brother, Louis, and a brother-in-law, L. C. Thompson. In February, 1917, he married Ldlie Carlson of Mcintosh, Minn. She died in February, 1919. In 1923, he married Emelia Kraft of Plummer, Minn., and she died in June, 1942. J. M. Thompson and his famdy moved to Park River the fad of 1930 where he remained untd his death, Feb. 17,1967. Descendants of J. M. Thompson are two daughters, Helen (Mrs. Clinton 0. Berg) and Ruby (Mrs. Henry Green), three grandsons, David and Jeffrey Berg and Henry Green, Jr., and four great grandchddren.

year they settled, planted their garden, and Thor hired out as a hired hand. They put up hay out of the slough cut by a scythe, and dragged it out by hand to dry. They both worked together at it and carried their baby in a clothes fociskct That fall Thor had to accept his pay in wheat. They hired a yolk of oxen and a wagon to haul the wheat to market and got 38 cents per bushel. From the proceeds they purchased the yoke of oxen and lumber for a floor and walls of their sod house. They then papered the walls with the "Decorah Posten" and "Home and Hearth." They broke 10 acres of land and that winter was spent hand-picking wheat seed for planting. Their second son was born in December, 1885. In a stormy period in December, 1887, both little boys died within a few minutes of each other. With the aid of neighbors a coffin was made. It was blackened and sealed with a mixture of soot and lard. In 1891 they moved into Park River with two young sons, Clarence and Seymour. Mr. Thompson operated a general store there untd 1912 when he sold out to Joseph Kowalski. While in Park River they were active in the Lutheran church. Mr. Thompson served on the budding committee in March, 1895, when the congregation decided to budd a church. Mrs. Thompson served 27 consecutive years as treasurer of the Ladies Aid. Mr. Thompson also served on the Park River City Council for several years. Mr. Thompson died Jan. 25, 1929, at 71. Mrs. Thompson died Oct. 17, 1951, at 89. Submitted by Harold Harris.

Front Row: Thor T. Thompson, Alma, Ida, Millard [seated], Jennie. Standing: Seymour, Thurman, Juel, Clarence. [1911]

MR. AND MRS. THOR T. THOMPSON Mr. and Mrs. Thor T. Thompson, their two months old son, Clarence, and Thor's 11-year-old brother, ThoUef T., migrated to Dakota Territory from the Spring Vadey, Minn., area in Aprd, 1884. They traveled by train through Grand Forks to Michigan, N. D. They recaded that before getting into Grand Forks the train was barely moving as the tracks were in water as a result of the Red River overflowing its banks. After they got off the train in Michigan City they traveled by hired wagon to a tract of land located along the Forest River on which they settled on pre-emption. They had brought their possessions with them which included a bed, spring, table, chairs, a stove and a bureau. The foodstuffs they brought included two large hams, potatoes, flour, lard, butter, salt and sugar. Since there was no way of obtaining potato seed for their garden, they planted the thick peelings from the potatoes and ate the inside. They built a sod house 12' x 14' the first

REV. N. S. THORLAKSSON Rev. N. S. Thorlaksson was bom in Iceland, emigrated to this country in 1873, studied at Luther Codege, Decorah, Ia., where he graduated in 1881, then studied theology at the University of Christiana, Norway. In 1887 he was ordained at Mountain and became pastor of the Icelandic Lutheran congregations in Lyon and Lincoln counties, Minn., and in 1895 of the Scandinavian Lutheran congregations of Park River and the Golden Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Garfield. OLE J. THORSON Ole J . Thorson, pioneer Park River merchant, was born in Rio, Wise, Jan. 10,1859. Coming to Walsh County in 1882 he farmed near Park River for several years. Later he moved into town where he operated a dray line. Fodowing that Mr. Thorson was in partnership with his brother, Halvor, in the confectionary business. 710

His last venture was a grocery from which he retired in 1938

0 n Feb 9, 1887, he married Pernella Sagstuen Koppang, who had earlier migrated to the United States. Several children were born, three hved to adulthood, Walter Gudrun and Frithjof. Walter married Minnie Johnson was associated with his father until he moved to Spokane, Wash. Two children, Marion and Robert Otis, were born Gudrun married John Halberg, bad one adopted son, Demy. Frithjof married Ethel Herum, Niagara. Their children are Robert and Rebecca Frithjof Thorson worked in the post office at Park River for 34 years, serving as postmaster for eight and one-half years until he retired in 1965. He and his wife, Ethel, moved to Livermore, Calif., in 1974 where their daughter, Rebecca, resides. FRED WALSTROM Janet Cairncross and Fred Walstrom were married Jan 6 1896, in Grafton, came to Park River as newlyweds. Fred was in the department store business a pioneer merchant. They had five children, Lloyd, Prescilla, Amelia, Fred, Jr., and Jane. Mrs Walstrom (Janet) better known as Jessie also was active in the mercantile business and operated a millinery department, gaining local ^me for her "Easter bonnets." She was a charter member of Mary C. Chapter of the Eastern Star of Park River and a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Fred was a school board member for many years and a worker on the committee to procure the Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River Many summer evenings Fred acted as umpire to the local baseball games. Both were members of St. Peter's Episcopid Church They maintained and operated their general store for 38 years. In 1940 they moved to Zanesville, O., to spend their later years. Submitted by Ida Neste. F. WALSTROM AND CO. "This firm has one of the largest stocks of general merchandise in the county. They employ fromJUTto,15 clerks and appreciate an ever increasing patronage. From the 1895 book. WEED FAMILY Dr Frank E. Weed, a native of Conway, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1912, came to Park River in 1915 with his wife, the former Hortense Spain, who bad been a teacher at Lankin.,It was in Lankin that Dr. Weed began his practice of medicine. Dr. and Mrs. Weed had a family of girls, Anna Fay, Irene, Patricia and Frances. Dr Weed's mother, Anna Jenme Bena, who had come to this country from Bohemia at 12 marned Dar Weed in Grand Forks in 1887. They spent the largest part of their married Ufe in Conway where Mrs. Weed operated a boarding house and a millinery shop. Dr Frank Weed was a member of the North Dakota State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, a fedow in the International Codege of Surgeons and a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners. His interests and activities in Park River were varied and extensive, including membership on the school board, local and state offices in the American

Legion, Shriners, Toastmasters, etc. In 1944 the Weed Clinic was established. The community activity closest to Dr Weed's heart was the development and construction of a hospital. This was realized with the opening of St Ansgar's Hospital in Park River in 1952 - just two years before this exceptional and dedicated physician and surgeon died in 1954. Dr and Mrs. Weed were both charter members ot many organizations of the community during the years they hved in Park River. Submitted by Mrs. Anna Fay Fritz.

Dr. Weed KNUT NICOLAI WICK Knut Nicolai Wick came to Minneapolis from Orstavik, Norway, in 1889. He worked as a structural engineer for the American Bridge Company of Minneapolis While in Minneapolis he met and marned Karohne Hildenes, Nordfjordeid, Norway. The fan^r moved to Park River in 1906. Dunng World War I Mr. Wick served in the Philadelphia Navy Yards as a foreman, testing steel that was used in budding Navy destroyers. On his return to Park River after the war, he opened his own shop. Knut and Karohne had nine chddren, Clarence, Borghdd, Lidien, Josephine, Rose, Thelma Sylvia, Victoria; and Kathryn. Mrs. Wick died in 1953 at 80. Mr. Wick died in 1964 at 92. E. B. WOODWARD E B Woodward ran atonsorialparlor which the 1895 book described as having "First class work and workmen, always in first class condition, neat and clean. Your patronage sohcited." WILLIAM ALBERT YOUNG WiUiam Albert Young was born at Burr Oak, Wise, Oct 14 1882 He left Wisconsin in 1902 with a group of settlers' for Beach, N . D., where he started the first newspaper. In 1908 he bought the newspaper in Park River. He lived there until 1934 when he bought the newspaper at Drayton. _ . Mr Young married Mabel Claire Cameron in Park River Feb 10, 1909. They had three girls, Wanda Ruth (Andreasen), Elva Mae (Halcrow) and Mabel Alice (Petterson), all born and raised in Park River. They were married in the J. M. Brett residence by Mabel's 711

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uncle Rev. H. P. Cooper. Ida Finneseth was maid-ofhonor and Will McEachern was the best man. They went directly to their home on what is now Wadge Street. To the south of them on the comer was the Bateman residence. Across the street west was John Martin s home John Martin came to the territory with the Widdes. He used to tell us how he carried Margaret Widdes (Mrs Cooper) across the river from the boat to shore. The Martins came to town from a farm. There were big stone markers in front of some of the houses, and I think the one in front of Batemans said Bateman, but the one in front of Martins said Reinertson. I think that Albert Hansons hved there before the Martins. Mr Young was a Ufe-long member of the Methodist Church a charter member of the Masonic Sunset Lodge at Beach af fdiated with Golden Vadey Masonic Lodge at Park River and then the Fidelity Lodge of Drayton. He was a member of the Royal Arch Masons of Grafton, and of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He was a member of the Republican Party. He was publishing one of two newspapers when he came to Park River, and politics entering into it he sold his paper. He then established and operated the Tri-County Sun at Fordvdle. He had a one-cylinder Rambler car he used to drive. He used to ted about having to crank it, and having to lift it over muddy portions of road or push it up a hid. He

devoted his career to the publishing and printing profession. During the years before he left Park River he operated a commercial printing plant. Most of his adult Ufe he played in a band. He played the tuba in the band at Park River, was also good on the alto horn and snare drums. I played the baritone in the band while I was in high school.

William and Mabel Young

Early History Of Agricultural School There were four year courses and three year courses and two year courses. Also a one year special course. Later on it was a four year course with a short course term in winter months. Ad general courses were of fered besides home ec, auto mechanics, and actual farming courses in crops, horticulture, farm animals and dairying, soils, farm management, art and free-hand drawing were offered along with handwork, typing and bookkeeping, farm accounts, and penmanship. In the home economics department the actual cooking, canning butter making, food study, sewing, dressmaking, millinery, needle work, hygiene, nursing, ete. were studied. Manual training was also offered and actual carpentry was used. Music and sciences were taught along with history, English, math, etc. The records show the first graduating class was in 1914 Long course graduates were John Berg and Ernest Harris In 1915 Albert Bennington and Arthur Erickson graduated. Graduates at this time from the two year winter course were Elmer Anderson, Elmer M. Anderson, Minnie Berg, Henry Borgeson, Grace Erickson, Hj aimer Lundeen, Alfred Midgarden, Sigurd Oen, Arthur Thompson, Lawrence Thompson, and Clarence

The Walsh County Agricultural and Training School was the first school of its kind in North Dakota. This school was recommended for federal aid under the Smith-Hughes Act for Vocational Education. The County and Agricultural and Training Schools of North Dakota are authorized under the provision of an act introduced by Senator A. S. Gibbens of Cando. This act was passed in 1911, and the Walsh County School was established pursuant to vote of the people of the county at a popular election in 1912. The budding was erected and occupied in 1913. Professor and Mrs. WiUiam Anderson Broyles, who were respectively the first principal and secretary of the school, did much in cooperation with the early members of the Board of Trustees to budd a strong foundation for the school. To the strong and tireless efforts of these two and the faithful services of Hon. E. Smith-Peterson, who has long been a hard and persistent worker for the school, the institution owes the major part of its success. Mr Smith-Peterson was one of the men through whose efforts the school was established and located in the center of the county in Park River. Tuition was free. The aim of the Board of Trustees was to maintain a high standard in the institution, their motto being: "Nothing is too good for the boys and girls of Walsh County." The School was located in Park River and the main building being on an elevation, can be seen for mdes from the surrounding country. The courses offered were to prepare young people for living in rural districts, farming and homemaking, rural teaching, and other practical apphcations of these principles. Board and room were secured in a number of homes in Park River and later it maintained dorms for boys and girls. Noon lunches were provided at the school.

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°The graduating classes slowly increased so in later years the classes were up to 80. The purpose of the Walsh County School was to give instruction in agnculture, domestics, economy, manual training and training teachers for the rural schools. Board of Trustees in 1918 included Hon. Smith-Peterson, Hon. A. G. Byhn, Hon. Karl J. Farup, Hon. Jerome Ruzicka, Hon. W. J. Hoover^ County Supt. of Schools, as secretary. They worked1 with public education people from the state along with the county commissioners, who in 1918 were James McDonald, Grafton; Theodore Wysocki, Warsaw; H.

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Loughead, Park River; Iver J. Kluxdal, Edmore; andO. E. Lofthus, Adams. This school was operated under the name W. C. A. b. and had an addition built on to it in 1956. It operated under a County School until it was dissolved and sold to Park River School district in 1972.

The athletic name for W. C. A. S. was the Walsh Coumy Aggies. Annual names were Wildcat, Aggie Annual and Seigga. School colors were black and gold. Submitted by Mrs. Harvey (Glenna) Tallackson.

History Of Park River High School The Park River High School first graduating class was in 1894, with the exception of the years 1899 and 1901, when there was no graduating class. The first graduating class was two people. They were Emma Robertson and Alice Taliff. In 1895 the graduates were Dan L. Campbell, Beatrice H. Honey; in 1896, Burt Greene; in 1897, four graduates, Annie L. Campbell, Lewis Fallis, Evelyn McMurray, Etta Ford (Mrs. John Porter); in 1898, Clayton Harris, Nellie Ames, Mae Greene, Fannie Baird, Zella Scott, Ruth Woodard, Anne L. Fallis, Elenore Smith; in 1899, no graduates; in 1900-1908, Mayville McMurray, John Dougherty, Annie Burbridge; and in 1901, no graduates. From then on the classes increased from five to 17 in 1912 and so on. The annual for the school was called the "Voice." , . The records back to 1915 listed the following: Supt.

WiUiam Davenport, Prin. E. R. Ascraft. Board of Education at this time was Pres. Thos. Johnson, G. W. Young, J. D. Robertson, H. Laughead, M. C. Moore, clerk. Some other early board members were D. White, C D. Lord, Mrs. S. Currie, andP. S. Hilleboe. It was noted in the annuals some of the graduates pass into the great streams of Ufe to take part in a number of devoting themselves to teaching, farming, offices, or other businesses, some sharing in responsibdities of homemaking. Not all the records are available as the Park River High School burned Jan. 1, 1922. Then in 1923 it was rebudt. In 1933 it was closed and the students from Park River attended the Walsh County Agricultural and Training School, also in Park River. These are excerpts taken from the annuals, the "Voice" from 1915-17. Editors for the Voice for 1915 was Wdliam Helt. In 1916 it was Joyce Martin, and in 1917, Leland S. Taylor.

A tractor built in 1915 at the Walsh County Agriculture and Training School by Albert Bennington.

The Finneseth Store in Park River

John Hanson, watchmaker, 1900. Great Northern depot

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VERNON TOWNSHIP MY FATHER WAS A FARMER My father was a farmer, A strong, good man. Straight were the furrows where His sharp plow ran. Straight were the thoughts in His unschooled head, And straight from the Scripture was The life he led. Gnarled were his fingers From lifelong toil, But mellow was his heart That loved the soil. Close after God in his Soul came labor, And an equal feeling for Every neighbor. My father was a farmer Who knew the worth Of kinship with The planted earth. — S. Omar Barker

William Liddle herding sheep as a young boy.

EARLY HISTORY OF VERNON TWP. VERNON TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS Serving School #53 and the years they served were Treasurer: Michael Hylden, 1883-1885) H . F. Bergsland, 1886-1890; and C. G. Gaarder, 1891-1892. Directors: H . G. Hosford, 1893; M. Hylden, 1895 and 1898; I. M. Walden, 1895; B. Borgeson, 1896 & 1899; J. M . Walter, 1897; and John Ramsey, 1900. Clerk: Ed Wambum, 1892. Teachers: Miss Myra Hosford, 1886; Mrs. W. Ching, 1892; Theo H . Jackson, 1893; Lizzie Foxo, 1894-1895; Myra Hosford, 1896; and Mrs. M . Ching, 1897-1898. Wages ranged from $35 to $50 a month. The school had enrollments of from 14 to 51 pupils.

VERNON TOWNSHIP Originally settled by Irish, Scotch and Bohemians, they raised grain, horses, cattle, sheep, turkeys and geese. They would also sell stone for use in building foundations. They were considered a hard-working lot and their land and farms were prosperous.

RAMSEY GROVE SCHOOL Ramsey Grove School District #53 was organized in 1883, and the first school was built in 1884. It was located on the north side of the grove. The first teacher was Mary Kealy, and her wages were $91.70 a year. School was conducted from April to July and August to October and some years right through the summer. The first school board was Dr. J . G. Millspough, 1st Clerk; Edward Wambem, Director; John Liddle, 2nd Clerk, and Mikkel Hylden, Treasurer. Other early directors were H . G. Hosford, C. G. Gaarder, B. Borgeson and John Ramsey. In 1898 a two story consolidated school was budt on the site. It had a belfry, and the Ramsey Grove

Vernon Township settlers — 1899, N. S. Cramton, Effie King, Aggie King, Jack Sounders, Carrie Cramton, Joe Coulter, Ervin Brandt, Beatrice Coulter. EARLY COUNTRY STORE In the 1880's the railroad was surveyed one quarter mile east of the corner of Highway No. 32 and the town hall. A store was budt across the corner from the town hall, and did business for a short time. Because the railroad never came through, as first surveyed, the store closed. 714

Literary Society donated a large bell. Two teachers were hired. Because of the long distance some children had to travel, it was necessary to bus some of the children. In the winter canvas-covered sleighs, drawn by horses, were used to bus the children. Inside were benches and little round coal-burning stoves for heat. When the busses tipped on high snow banks, it was dangerous for the children inside with the red hot stove leaning at a precarious angle.

was sent to this area of the world because one of our local young men is a missionary of the American Lutheran Church there. It is to the north part of Cameroun, and the nearest largest city is Garoua. The Missionary's name is Donald Flaten, whose father, Alfred Flaten, was a student of Ramsey Grove School and also a member of R.G.L.S. It is mounted on trunks of palm trees. The school, where the bell is used, has about 100 children and three teachers. The bell is also used to call the people together for Sunday church services. The Balkossa District has about 400 baptized Christians and continues to increase. The bell was inscribed R.G.L.S., and now we feel repaid and grateful that the bell can still be of use in another part of the world so far away. Although the Literary Society has long since been disbanded, it still lives in a bell engraved R.G.L.S. in far off Africa.

RAMSEY GROVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Early school board members: Emil Borgeson, Mikkel Hylden, Christian Gaarder and John Ramsey.

Ramsey Grove Presbyterian Church. The congregation first met in the Ramsey Grove school house, by the appointment of Pembina Presbytery, for the purpose of effecting a church organization in 1894. Rev. Madson of Inkster was Moderator, assisted by the pastor, Rev. J . B. Ferguson. . The pastor read a summary of the doctrines ot the Presbyterian Church and called out the names of those who desired to unite with the same 24 members. Aftef the persons had satisfactordy answered the questions put by Rev. Madson, he proceeded with the final organization ceremony. The old name being agreeable to the people, he pronounced the Presbyterian Church of Ramsey Grove formally organized. The congregation elected Elders, John Liddle, John Ramsey and Calvin Walters; Trustees, Wm. Baird, Wm. J . McArthur and George Woods; Secretary, Richard Grayson, and Miss Millie Hendrickson, Treasurer. This church was located in Ramsey Grove, three miles east of Lankin and one mile north, on Highway #32. Services were held up to 1898 in homes and the school. When the new school was built the congregation bought the old school building for a church. It was moved to its present site and is still used as a town hall.

Ramsey Grove School. The two-story school budding was condemned in 1954, torn down, and the district was dissolved. A one story building was moved to the site and school was held there until 1961. Since that time the chddren have been bussed to the school in Park River. When Ramsey Grove School District #53 was torn down in the year 1954 the bell that had hung on the top of the school for so many years was boxed and sent to a remote and isolated community in Cameroun, Africa. The name of the village where the bell is installed is Balkossa in the County (Arrondissement) of Poll. It 715

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This Ramsey Grove Presbyterian Church functioned about 10 years, closing with the idea of organizing a new church in Lankin. Having new people coming into Lankin a bigger congregation could be formed In 1909 a new church was built in Lankin, which was dedicated Sept. 11, 1910, as the First Presbyterian Church. The first pastor was Rev. Russell Browne. RAMSEY GROVE LITERARY SOCIETY Forty young people of the Ramsey Grove School District met in the school with Mrs. Hagen and Mr. Bow, teachers, on Jan. 11, 1908, to organize a Literary Society. Purpose of the organization was entertainment and money-making projects to purchase furnishings for the school. Members were R. W. Bow, Johnnie Wambem, Amund Gaarder, Mary Ramsey, Hattie Ramsey, Alma Gaarder, Inga Gaarder, Hazel Ramsey, Bedah Borgeson, Anna Hylden, Edward Wambem, David Hylden, Lars Hylden, Johanna Wambem, Julia Flaten, Laura Flaten, Sarah Ramsey, Ethel Walter, Charlie Ramsey, Henry Borgeson, Gust Anderson Iver Wambem, Hannah Hylden, Mrs. Ole Hylden, Lydia Ramsey, Johnnie Ramsey, Edward Ramsey, Ole Hylden T. L . Larson, Edwin Larson, Bertha Hagen, Wm A Liddle, Edith Walter, Will Ramsey, Christopher Flaten, Hans Hylden, Arthur Trovatten, Oscar Borgeson, Emd Borgeson and Amund Flaten.

A PIONEER STORY I am trying to write a story that Aunt Sara told me. She said John and Aaron had cut logs enough the first year (1880) to build the walls of a log cabin. They put up willow poles for the roof and sod for shingles. They planted some wheat and potatoes, as well as a small garden. In the fall they harvested a good crop of potatoes and stored them in a small cellar, covering them first with leaves and then with dirt. That winter they spent in a lumber camp in Minnesota. In the spring of '81, they returned and found their potatoes had wintered good, so they sold seed to settlers and those heading west. Aaron stayed on the farm, while John worked out for the settlers. They had a team of oxen and a dog. Again they planted wheat, potatoes, and a garden. ; In the early summer of 1881, their brother, Will, and sister, Sarah, left Michigan for Dakota territory They came to Grand Forks where Will found work and Sarah got a ride to Park River and then out to John s claim. She kept house for the boys. She said every morning Aaron would ask her how many ducks she wanted for supper, then he would go shoot them. There was plenty of game, both duck and prairie chickens. She would save the feathers and make P m

° L a t e r , in the summer of 1881, they got word that their parents, John, Sr., and Jamina, along with Willie McArthur (age 7 or 8), son of Elizabeth McArthur, who grandmother had taken care of, were coming to Grand Forks. They were suppose to stay at Harriet Chalcroft's house in Michigan but Grandfather got restless and was determined to come see the boys. Aaron had got a cradle or cythe and was cutting wheat when the word came that his parents were m Grand Forks. Aaron showed Sarah how to tie a bundle of wheat by taking a few strands of wheat, twisting it together, then making a bundle and tucking the ends in so she could stand it up and make a stock. Aaron then went to Park River, got a livery team of horses and a buggy, and started for Grand Forks. He got to a place near where Inkster is now, called Half-WayHouse, where people would stay overnight on their way west. A man that just came in with a load of farm goods told Aaron he had passed an elderly man and woman with a small boy, the lady carrying a bird cage with a canary in it. He had a full load, so he couldnt take them on. Aaron left at once and found them very tired. They all returned to Half-Way-House for the night.

Officers were elected and members voted to name the group the Ramsey Grove Literary Society. A Basket Social was held March 27,1908, when 52 baskets were auctioned off. H . G. Hosford was the auctioneer and the net proceeds were $75.80. With this money a school bell was bought and placed in the belfry of the school house, where it was used for many years. The group met weekly. Some of the programs included recitations, impromptu speeches, spelling bees and debates. Some of the topics debated were "Country Life is Preferable to City Ltfe" and "Resolved That the Negroes Have Suffered More from the White Man Than Have the Indians." Musical numbers, duets, violin solos and group singing were also enjoyed. William Liddle was the first to purchase a portable phonograph, which he would bring to the meetings and play records. When the school was condemned and torn down, the bell stood in the corner of the school yard. As it didn't belong to the school, some of the remaining members were notified and all decided the bell should be shipped to Africa, where Donald Flaten was a missionary, and where a bell was needed to call people to meetings. Donald's father, Alfred Flaten, was a student at Ramsey Grove School, and also a member of the Ramsey Grove Literary Society. We enjoyed the programs and social activities. Now we feel repaid and grateful that the bell can stdl be of use in another part of the world so far away. Although our literary society has long since been disbanded, it still lives in a bell engraved R.G.L.S. in Africa. By Mrs. Mary J . (Ramsey) Liddle

Meanwhde, Sarah was alone on the farm with a team of oxen and the dog. She tried to stack the wheat that Aaron had but had a lot of trouble making the knot hold. Mr. Wamben, a neighbor north of them drove up. He showed her how it was done. He had come to buy some lime because he had heard that the Ramsey boy had it for sale. The boy had made a lime kdt up in the hills, that is now the Merritt McArther farm. There is a stoney ridge on that place where large lime-stones protrude. The boys took up wood there and built a fire under those large stones. The heat powdered the stones into lime. They mixed the lime with sand and water to make plaster, used to chink in 716

between the logs in their cabin. Also, lime mixed with salt and water makes a good whitewash to put on the inside to make it white and clean and fresh-smelling, ^arah eave Mr. Wamben some lime. Next day was Sunday, which she thought would never end. She fed and watered the oxen many times. Late in the evening, Aaron and her folks arrived They were tired but happy to be there even if thing weren't fixed up for them. The cabin stdl had a dirt floor and a sod roof. There was a saw mill northwest of Park River, near Garfield, where they got lumber to lay a floor. The wood was still green when they laid it anc when the womenfolk scrubbed it, it would warp Sarah said they were not nailed down so they would turn the boards over, until they finally laid flat When he fall rains came, the roof leaked, so they got more lumber for a new roof. Sarah kept busy making tea for the boys and keeping her parents and the bedding dry. Grandfather was worried about his toolbox getting wet. Since I have been writing this, I wonder if maybe he was a carpenter? ,. That box, as he called it, should be in the machine shed at Crystal. It used to be on the front porch over there. I wouldn't doubt that it may of come from England. I never heard her say d John and Jamima saw Will when they were in Grand Forks. I never heard of him being out at the farm. By Mary Emma (Ramsey) Liddle

MEMORIES OF THE OLD LOG HOUSE A log house was budt by Aaron Ramsey on his homestead in Vernon Township in 1884, with the help of his two brothers, John and George Ramsey. Logs were cut off of John's farm at Ramsey Grove. It is a two-story structure with a gable window on the north ^ Three Ramsey brides have heard the joyful laughter of 23 children grown within its rugged log In December, 1885, Aaron and Miss Alice Davis were married in Grafton. Aaron brought his bride home to a wedding reception and house warming, given by the famdies and friends of both The new floors were polished that evening. The beautiful footed glass cake plate, that the bride's cake was on, is still a heirloom of the family. Years later, two of their daughters, Emma and Hattie, were married in the house by Reverend Mcintosh, a Presbyterian minister from Park River. Several" Missionaries held church meetings in the house before a Presbyterian Church was established in the Ramsey Grove area. I remember a very bad blizzard from the southwest. When Dad opened the south door that morning, all we saw was a huge snowbank. The only shovel we had in the house was a small fire shovel used to clean ashes out of the cookstove. Using that, he dug a tunnel to the east end of the house, putting the snow in washtubs, pails, and pans. The tunnel was used to get to the barn to tend the stock. The tunnel was enlarged to allow for freer passage to and from the house A lot of fun was had by us youngsters in the tunnel and on the snowbanks later.

Another storm I have a vivid memory of was in June, 1888. The black Friday hail and cyclone did much damage over a large area. A large, black cloud came up in the southwest in the forenoon. The air was so still, sultry and dark, people lit their lamps before noon. We could see the pinpoint lights against the black cloud. My father left early that morning, with four horses and a wagon to work on a farm he had seven miles southeast of home. His sister and famdy lived close to that farm, so he stayed there wnen he worked the farm. He watched the storm eoming up. There was a shed barn that had room for eight horses. Uncle Charley had his four tied to the manger on the east side. Dad tied his to the west side. One horse had a new halter and rope. He unhitched his wagon then stood in the south door with his hand on the frame. When the storm struck, he felt the barn move and lumped into the storm. He crawled under his wagon and lay flat on the ground and was not injured by the big hail stones that destroyed the grain and broke windows in his sister's house. When the storm was over, he got up and saw that the barn ended up on its roof several yards away, with seven horses standing up and one just struggling to get on its feet. One horse must have gone up in the air when the barn was blown over. Dad got his horses and came home to find the crops badly damaged, windows broken, but no one hurt. One boy in the area was kdled, struck by a board when a barn was destroyed. A woman got her chddren in the cedar of the house which was destroyed. She emptied mdk pans to put over the children's heads to save them from the large had stones. She was hurt quite badly. The house has been modernized. Siding on tne outside was one improvement. Lath and plaster on the four bedrooms upstairs, ceding and paneling on the ground floor. Electricity, plumbing and oil have all been installed. It stands empty now. But the owner, one of the brides who lived in it, now has some very interesting plans for it. By Mary Emma (Ramsey) Liddle

BIOGRAPHIES PEDER AAFEDT FAMILY Peder Aafedt was born Aprd 26, 1845, in Sogn, Norway. He came to the United States when he was 16 and settled in Estervdle, Iowa. There he met and married Gertrude Skattaboe, who was» born in Valdrez, Norway, in 1851. She came to the United States in her early teens and lived with a brother, Knudt Skattaboe. Four of their children were born in Iowa; Sarah, Ole, Celie and Leonard. In 1880 they took their belongings, and with their four children, migrated to the Dakota Territory by covered wagon. Ole, 10, rode horseback and herded the stock They settled 35 miles west of Grafton, about four miles southeast of the Medford Post Office (now Fordville). They lived in their covered wagon whde they felled trees and budt their log cabin. Six more children were born to Peder and Gertrude; Mary, Charles, Julia, Peter, Emma and Henry.

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HENRY S. ANDERSON FAMILY Henry S. Anderson (Andreas Syverson Skavelhuset) was born Dec. 17, 1845, in Valdres, Norway. His parents were Syver and Marit Anderson Skavelhuset. He emigrated in 1850 with his parents when he was five. They settled in Wisconsin; later moved to Minnesota, first to Goodhue County and then to Montevideo. Henry married Marit K . Lyseng of Clinton, Minn. They moved to Polk County, Minn., in 1877. Marit became ill in 1879 and Henry took her to the home of her parents at Clinton. She died there Sept. 4, 1880. They had three children: Sivert (1875-1956), Mary (Marit) (1877-1961), and Christina (1879-1880). Sivert and Mary stayed for some time with their maternal grandparents, Knut E . and Marit Lyseng. Henry immigrated to Dakota Territory in 1880 and squatted and filed a claim in Vernon township. Due to the illness and death of his wife he had stayed away too long and another got his claim. He had accumulated some livestock and other property when he moved to North Dakota from Polk County. He purchased land, married Julia Gilbertson, and returned to Clinton, Minn., for his two children, Sivert and Mary. Nine children were born to Julia and Henry; two died in infancy, Janette (1888-1901), and Adolph (1899-1901). The other seven are: Hulda (1884-1972), Minnie (1886-1948), Elmer (1890-1965), Ella (1893-1964), George (1895), Myrtle (1897-1970), and Alwdda (1902). Sivert married Anne Huselid, lived at Ortonville, Minn., and had five chddren. Mary married Ole E. Dahlen, a farmer near Dahlen, and they had eleven chddren. Hulda married Gust Strom, lived at Park River and later at Moorhead, and had three sons. Minnie married Roy Everson, lived in Grand Forks, and had three daughters. Elmer married Julia Flaten, was a farmer near Park River and later at Hillsboro, and had three sons. Ella married Leslie Ballantine, they lived at Larimore, and had seven children. George married Esther Mysen and had six children. George lives at Wichita, Kan. Myrtle married Alfred Flaten, and they farmed in Vernon township before moving to California. They had nine chddren. Alwdda married Arthur Trout and they live on a ranch at Turner, Ore. Henry was not one to boast but his grandson, Alfred Dahlen, recalls that grandfather told how he got along well with the Indians in western Minnesota. Henry's father was an Overland freighter for Hudson Bay Trading Company and Henry sometimes rode along with him. Henry spent two summers playing with the Sioux Indian children before he was 12 years old. His father left him with some white settlers who lived near the Indian Villages. He dropped him off in the spring on the way north and picked him up in the fall, on his return trip. He said that the Indians had strict rules on morality and chaperoned the young in their activities with the opposite sex. Henry lived on his farm in Vernon township until moving into Park River. He was a member of the Valdres Samband and was interested in the

Peder was active in getting a Lutheran Church organized and held many offices in the Church. He was affiliated with the Republican Party and was a farmer, stock buyer, thresher and veternarian. Gertrude died at 42 and Peder kept the family together, helping the boys get their education and settled in their businesses, and the girls in finding a trade and learning homemaking. Peder died at 84. The children of Gertrude and Peder Aafedt are: Sarah (Mrs. Helge Huseby) one child living named Gladys; Ole (married to Sina Walden) was a farmer and elevator operator. His children were Palmer, Clarence, Merle, Mamie and Arthur. Celia: a practical nurse, never married. Leonard: (married to Elva Rupert) a farmer and meat market and locker owner. Children, Lloyd, Lois, Evelyn and Helen. Mary: (married to Andrew Aafedt, elevator operator) Children, Crystal, Prudence, Sylvia, Mariel and one son. Charles: (married to Alma Gallagher, real estate, loans, insurance business and a farmer. Children, Ella, Ira, Dorothy, Clayton and Aura. Julia: (married Goerge Lang) Children, George, Gertrude, Celia Mae, Helen, Robert, James and Thomas. Peter: (married to Ethel Ferguson) Farmer, practical sheriff. Children, one child, Bernice. Emma: (married to Ralph Kempf) Children, Raymond, Bernie, EmRal, Donald and James. Henry: (married to Louise Larbas) Banker. He had no children. He served in Europe during World War I. By Mr. Sylvester Fordvdle, N . D.

Peter Aafedt family. Back row: Celia, Sarah. Center: Mrs. Aafedt, Charles, Mary, Ole, Julia and Mr. Aafedt. Front: Peter, Henry and Emma. HANNAH (HYLDEN) ANDERSON Hannah Anderson was a woman homesteader and daughter of Mikkel Hylden. She was one of nine children. In the spring of 1907 Lars Hylden, a brother, filed on a quarter of land in McKenzie County and later that year Hannah went along and also filed on some land. They were natives of Vernon township in Walsh County. Hannah married Chris Anderson. They had two children, Bertha and Melvin. She has written a story of her homesteading days in Western North Dakota and the book has been made available to the public. By Dorothy Gronhovd Grand Forks, N . D. 718

Republican party and the Non-Partisan League He anThrs wifewe/e both members of the Colder.Valley Lutheran Church. Julia died Jan. 18. 1928. and Henry died Oct. 6. 1930. Surviving are two children. 33 grandchildren, 115 great grandchildren, 125 great-great-grandchildren, and 16 great-greatgreat grandchildren.

Mrs. Johanna Bakke died May 6,1975 at 92. She was survived by ten children, Mrs. Selmer (Helga) Johnson, Sig Bakke, Laura Bakke, Mrs Adolph (Thelma) Haug, Alvin Bakke, Oscar Bakke Mrs Joseph (Gertrude) Landsem, Mrs. Gerald Sigrid Houk, Joseph Bakke, and Mrs. Bjarne (Clara) Dramstad. She had 28 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

By Marion Dahlen Wylie

By Miss Laura Bakke Park River, N.D.

Henry S. Anderson MRS. JOHANNA BAKKE Johanna Flaten Bakke was born Aug. ?8, 1882, to Anders and Guri Flaten of Vernon Township. With the deatn of Johanna's mother in 1888 Anders hired Ingeborg Gryte to help care for Johanna and her younger^rother, Amund, and to do the housework Johanna attended school in Vernon Township School District #53, and one year at St. Olaf Preparatory School in Northfield, Minn. On Jan. 5, 1905, she married Syver S. Bakke, a parochial school instructor for Vernon Township and the surrounding community They moved to Union and purchased a quarter of land from Ben Twe ten Alter farming this quarter for about 10 years they purchased an additional eighty acres from Hans Thompson. When Syver died on June 6, ^ . it was this Quarter and a half that Johanna and her 1U chMrTn ranging in age from 5 to 16 years of age, were left to farm. In 1948 Johanna and her daughter, Laura moved to the home'of her son, Alvin, whose wife had ted leaving him to raise three young girls. They stayed there caring for the house and piping to raise the children. In 1965, Johanna and daughter Laura moved to Park River. She devoted her tune to developing her knowledge and interest in national and ^ e l g n missions. Since she loved to knit she decided to us! this interest to help others. During the time she was in Park River she knitted nearly 450 pairs ot mrttens which she gave to the Bob Hammond Miasm, for distribution to underprivileged foreign children. She also knitted and crocheted many scarves, mrttens, pillows, doilies, etc., and gave them to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

53 Johanna Flaten Bakke. JOSEPH COULTER

Joseph and Johanna [Larness] Coulter with their S e n William George, Joseph. Ruth and Etta May. Not pictured is Ada Coulter. Joseph Coulter was born at Minden Ont., July 6, 1858, and came to North Dakota in 1880 He settled first at Grand Forks. When he left Grand Forks with three friends they walked northeast until they came to the "big tree." They split up there, two going to the TI9

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low land and two to the high land. Joseph Coulter settled in Vernon township and his friend, M r . Lamb, continued west to Michigan. Through thrift and application Coulter met with unusual success. At the time of his death, September, 1912, he was managing his threshing crew. He was vice-president of the Farmer's Security Bank of Park River. Joseph Coulter was married to Johanna Larness Oct 14 1890 They had five children: Etta (Mrs. James Lawson), William George, Ruth (Mrs. Garfield Mauritson), Joseph and Ada. He had two brothers and five sisters. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Coulter died in May, 1940. He and his wife were active in the Presbyterian Church and the Masonic and Eastern Star lodges.

called the Pleasant Valley Cemetery John and Ragnild were both lifetime members of the Golden Valley Lutheran Church. John's first automobile was the 1917 Overland John E . Espelien died July 7, 1928, at 80 His wife Ragnild, died Nov. 6, 1930. Three of the children still live in Walsh County; Gina 85, Minnie 81, and Johnny 78. They are all residents of Park River.

T

By L. Clemetson ANDERS F L A T E N FAMILY

By Ada Coulter Park River, N . D. JOHN E. ESPELIEN John E . Espelien was born in North Aurdal, Norway, Nov. 22,1848. He came to the United States by ship with approximately 150 other people from the same area of Norway. The trip took about three weeks from the time of departure until their landing in New York. From there they all traveled by train through Wisconsin into Minnesota, where they settled John Espelien married Ragnild Gausaker Oct. 20, 1873, in Mower County, Minn. She was born in North Aural, Norway, June 14,1851, and came to the United States on the same ship as John. While living in Minnesota four children were born: Edward, 1874, Clara (Mrs. Andrew Dahlen) 1876, Ida (Mrs. 0. P. Nappen) 1878, and Dina, 1881. In the fall of 1881 they moved to Walsh County and settled in Vernon Township where they fded on two quarters of land. They built a sod house and farmed the land with two oxen. In 1892 the sod home was replaced by a wooden two-story house which still stands and is now owned by one of their sons (Johnny). Six more children were born: Carl, 1883, Lars, 1886, Gina (Mrs. Ole Morstad) 1890, Mina, 1893, Minnie, 1894, and Johnny, 1897. One of the children died at the age of 1 year, 9 months, Mina. Another child, Dina, died at 21. „ ., Water was plentiful for them. The same well exists and has good drinking water. Some early settlers and close neighbors were K . A . Momeraks and the John Petersons. The closest country store was Gariield, later moved to Park River. The closest school was two miles away and the children walked to and from school every day. The nearest town, Lankin, was 4Vi miles away The railroads came to Lankin in 1903 and John s daughter, Ida, owned and operated the first cafe there Ida died in the flu epidemic of 1918. Their first mad service came to Park River and was picked up once a month. Later a mail route was established with the mail being delivered to them once a day by horse and buggy. Early church services were held in the country home of the minister, Rev. M . C. Holseth. John donated IV2 acres of land to the church for a cemetery which is located east of his homestead and is now

The Anders Flaten

family.

Amon Paulson Flaten was born Feb. 18, 1819, and his wife, Johanna Joranby Huset, was born Jan 12, 1826 They had 12 children: Peter, Mattie, Olive, Christopher, Anders, Iver, Amos, Guri, Inger, Marion, Alfred and Paul. They were all born in Vistre Sure, Valdris, Norway. _• , Anders Flaten was born Nov. 12, 1850. His brother, Christopher, came to Wisconsin in 1856 and settled at Black Earth, Wise, farming in that area for 24 years. In 1880 the rest of the famdy came from Norway and settled at Black Earth. With such a large family they decided to look lor new lands. Loading up their wagons and with their team of horses, Christopher, Anders and Christ Gaarder set out on their long journey, through all kinds of weather and poor trails, which eventually led them to what is now known as Vernon Township. In 1881 they built a log house and settled here. One of the main reasons for leaving Wisconsin also was the people around the Hoople area called Christopher to minister to them and he had accepted the call. Anders homesteaded in Veron Township and began farming. This same year the Ulberg family had traveled to a nearby area. Anders married G u n Ulberg shortly after with Rev. Christopher Flaten as the minister. Anders had to walk to Grand Forks to get flour and whatever he could carry home. They would walk most of the time so as to rest their horses as much as possible. One particular day during the grain harvesting, Ander and his father, Amon, who was here visiting, took a load of grain to the nearest town and accidently drove over a lamb which had just sprung out onto the road. Not knowing whose it was Amon took the lamb,

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walked home and butchered it immediately so they would have some meat. Two children were born to Anders and Gun Flaten. Johanna, who married Sever Bakke, and Amund Palmer, who married Johanna Wamben. Two other children, Peder Oscar and Peder Olaf, died in infancy. Mrs. Anders Flaten died March 6, 1888. In 1889 Anders Flaten married Maria Backstrom. She was born in Sweden Jan. 17, 1863. Anders and Maria had nine children: Christopher, Julia (Mrs. Elmer Anderson), Inga Laura (Mrs. Peder Johnson), Peter John, Alfred, and Iver Marcellus, who died in infancy The following year another son was born and they named him Iver Marcellus, Mabel (Mrs. Thelmer Christianson) and Esther. Going to church or visiting often was quite an experience for them. One Sunday when they went to church, an old log house north of where the Golden Valley Church now stands, a storm came up during the service and people quickly tried making it home with their teams. Anders and his family, with Christ Gaarder's family, travelled side by side and made it as far as Christ's house. Anders could not go any further with his family but decided he had to walk the mile or so home to see if everything was safe at home. There was a fence line that he was able to follow but could scarcely see from one post to the next. The rest of the family stayed at the Gaarder home untd the storm was over. The children enjoyed this as it really gave them a chance to play together. , . , Mrs. Maria Flaten died Jan. 23, 1933, and Anders died at the homestead in 1941. By Mrs. Arthur Flaten

Ander Fiatens silver anniversary

1919. Surviving are Amund of Grafton, Clarence of Park River, Mrs. Alma Moen of Fergus Falls, Minn., Mrs. Inga Moen of Park River and Mrs. Nora Edhlund of Fargo. Mr. Gaarder was active in the community and served for more than 20 years as clerk and treasurer of Vernon Township. He was also a member of the School Board for District 53. By Rodger Gaarder Park River, N.D.

The Gaarder family in 1904:: Seated: Clarence, Mr. Gaarder, George, Mrs. Gaarder and Nora. Standing: Amund, Alma and Inga. FIRST DOCTOR IN VERNON TOWNSHIP First to look after the physical well-being of the settlers in Vernon Township in the early 1890's was Dr. Herman Gutherie, or as he was popularly referred to, the "old French Doctor." He lived in a dug-out on the hill side, just south of John Ramsey's homestead. He came from Minneapolis. No one knew much about him but he had two daughters who came to visit him. He was a good doctor, would travel on foot, with his little black bag in hand, or the homesteaders would come for him by horse when there was an illness. He saved many lives. The next doctor in the area was Dr. Church, who, when the town of Lankin was started, established an office there. He later moved to Park River where he practiced until his death. MR. AND MRS. GEORGE V. HAAS George V. Haas was born at Gjeithus Medum, Norway, March 20, 1888, and came to Chicago, 111., at 17 years. He came to Vernon Township in about 1908 or 1909, started farming about 1914, and farmed untd his death in 1957. He farmed in Vernon and Golden Township. He was married April 6, 1912, to Augusta Holter at Minneapolis. Mrs. Haas was born in Hoff Solar, Norway, April 14, 1888, and she came to Minneapolis when she was 18. Mr. and Mrs. Haas had ten children: Arnold N., a rural Park River farmer; Linnea who died at 12 days; Lloyd J., a rural Park River farmer; Edith Haas Bjerke, Coon Rapids, Minn.; Myrtle Haas Erickson, Grand Forks; Arthur G. of Emmons, Ia.; Olive Haas

party.

CHRISTIAN G. G A A R D E R

Christian G. Gaarder was born in Torpen, Nodre-Land, Norway, in 1858. He immigrated to the United States in the spring of 1877 and settled near Black Earth, Wisconsin. In June, 1881, he came as far as he could by railroad to Ojata, west of Grand Forks, and traveled the remainder of the distance by horse and wagon to Walsh County where he homesteaded on land in Vernon Township, which remained his home until his death in 1935. , . On Aug. 6, 1882, he was married to Gun Maten at the Zion parsonage, with the ceremony performed by the bride's brother, Rev. Christopher Flaten. Mrs. Gaarder died in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Gaarder had nine chddren, three ot whom died in infancy and George Clement died in

721

I Thompson, Casper, Wyo.; Vernon L. Coon, Rapids, Minn.; Fredolph M . Anoka, Minn.; and Arvid C. Fridley, Minn. Mr. Haas was a graduate of Molor Barber College, Minneapolis, and served several terms on the School Board of Golden School District #97, which all of his children attended. George Haas died Oct. 6, 1957, and Mrs. Haas died Dec. 18, 1963. By Arnold Haas Park River, N.D.

Mr. and Mrs. George Haas and family.

MIKKEL HYLDEN Mikkel Hylden was born Feb. 19. 1848, and died in 1941. In April, 1865, he came to America with his parents and other family members. They had lived in Ulvik, Hardanger, Norway, and left Bergen by sailship. A storm at sea almost sank the sailship but they landed in Quebec and traveled by train to St. Ansgar, Iowa. He lived there two years and then moved to Albert Lea, Minn. Mikkel bought land in Mitchell County, Iowa, in 1873. He married Brita Torblaa in 1877. They had nine children: Anna, Bertina, Ole, Hannah, Lars, Adolph, Hans, Anna and David. When Mikkel moved to North Dakota they moved with the hope that great opportunity waited for them in their new home in Pleasant Valley and Vernon Township. Mikkel arrived in Grand Forks by emigrant car and transported his belongings by wagon and sleigh to Pleasant Valley. He traveled back to Grand Forks with a neighbor and they had to build a raft to cross the Red River. They dodged steamers and maneuvered the raft past the dangerous whirlpools and currents to a safe journey The name Vernon Township was suggested by Mikkel Hylden because of its relation to Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington. By Dorothy Gronhovd, Granddaughter

DAVID HYLDEN

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SAMUEL LARSON Samuel Larson and Anna came from Norway to Zumbrota, Minn, when quite young. They married and came to North Dakota in 1882. They settled in Vernon township of Walsh County, i There were seven children: Elsie married Harry Axtell; John, never married; Edwin married Mary Praska; Theodore married the widow of Edwin; Charles died in infancy; Lyla married Loyd Axtell; Clara died as a young girl. , . • „ Lyla is the only one stdl living. She and Loyd Axtell make their home at Medina. By Mrs. Cramton, Fordville DAVID JOHN LIDDLE

Teaching certificate o/ Alvina Colsen. David Hylden was born Jan. 30,1894, and died Aug. 2 1955. He married Alvina Colsen June 21, 1922, and she died May 30,1968. They lived on the farm that was proved up by David's father, Mikkel Hylden. David will be remembered by others for his pleasant ways and for his interest in his farming, famdy and neighbors. , . Mrs. Hylden was a quiet person. She taught school before her marriage and raised her famdy with pride. Her hobby through the years was codecting dolls. These dolls have come from ad parts of the world and are now housed in the Geographical Center Museum in Rugby, N.D., and a sample display at the Walsh County Museum at Minto, N . D . There are approximately 600 dolls in the collection and they are a part of our area heritage. This is a former school teacher's way of preserving past history. By Dorothy Gronhovd, Daughter

David John was born July 21, 1877, near Bells Corners, Ont., son of John and Jane Liddle. In 1883, his parents moved to homestead near Park River. Along with David John, they brought Hugh, seven; William, three; and Eliza, one. Another daughter, Ella, was born about 1885. David John attended Ramsey Grove School. In 1904, his father bought two quarters near Lankin which David John farmed. Mary Emma Ramsey became the wife of David John Dec. 11, 1907. Miss Marry Emma Ramsey was the daughter of Aaron and Alice Ramsey, the Liddle's neighbors. David John and Mary Emma lived in a new twostory, four-bedroom home on David John's farm near Lankin. The home was constructed by John Wamben In 1920, a large two-story barn was budt on the farm by Ole Thorson. 722'

Five sons and one daughter were born. David, Harold, Earnest, Delwin, Glen, and Alice. Earnest died in 1917 at five. His brother Harold in 1958, at 45. David John raised his family and continued to farm in the Lankin area until suffering a heart attack in 1942. In the fall, he auctioned off his farm equipment and moved to El Monte, Calif. He died in July, 1945. By Mary Emma Liddle

to Canada, worked there until he married Jane Brown in 1873, in Almonte, Ont. They moved to Vernon Township in 1881, and had three boys: Hugh, John, William and a girl, Elizabeth. In 1883 they started paying on land in Walsh County. The land was registered in 1884. In 1883, Ellen Jane Liddle was born. In 1889, Jane died. About a year later he married Agnes Rielly, Park River. He farmed until 1913, when his son William moved onto the home place. John bought a house in Park River. He lived there until his death March 28,1885. Mr. John Liddle, was a good Christian man, who helped to start the Presbyterian Church of Ramsey Grove. He was one of the great pioneers of the valley. By Doris Martin Devils Lake, N.D.

Back left: Ella Liddle, Mrs. Emil Borgeson. Back right: William Liddle. Left front seated: John Liddle, Jr. Right seated: Elizabeth Liddle, Mrs. John Grayson. HUGH LIDDLE Hugh Liddle was born July 8,1875, in Canada when his parents John and Jane Liddle were enroute from Ireland to North Dakota. They settled on a farm near Psrk. Riv©r His mother Jane Liddle died March 21, 1889. After his father remarried, he left home and traveled from place to place. The west coast suited him best, especially Oregon. . He married Pearl Howard September 15, 1905, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. To this union four chddren were born: Luella (Mrs. Henry) Hottman, Roger, Forest, and Hazel (Mrs.) Burk. . They moved to Park River. Father helped his brothers and father on their farms. From Park River they moved to Barnard, where father managed the Farmers' Grain Elevator. He transferred to Gettysburg, to become manager of the elevator.' They built a home on the edge of town, had chickens and a cow. Roger became ill and the doctor advised taking him to the mountains. They sold their home, moved to Colorado, and truck gardened. After Roger died there was no reason to stay in Colorado. They left for Oregon. Hazel and Forest made the move with them. He died May 17,1949. By Luellen Jane (Liddle) Mrs. Henry Hottmann JOHN LIDDLE, SR. John Liddle was born to Hugh and Ellen Liddle November 24,1852 at Crookgraly, Ireland. John came

Mr. and Mrs. John Liddle, Sr. WILLIAM ANDREW LIDDLE Wdliam A. Liddle arrived in Vernon Township at two. Wdliam was born to John Liddle and Ellen Brown Liddel July 12,1879, at Bells Corners, Ont. In 1881 William's parents came to North Dakota with their three sons, Hugh, John and William. The famdy lived in a sod house until a frame house was budt. William had two younger sisters, Eliza and Ella. Wdliam's mother died when he was nine; his father re-married. Wdliam bought a farm in Vernon township in 1906, planted 2,000 young trees to form a grove and shelter for his house and farm buddings. He budt a seven room house. On December 9, 1908 Wdliam and Mary Ramsey were married. William later bought his father's farm and moved his wife and son, Lawrence there. On that farm he lived his entire life from age two, with the exception of farming the "hill place" which he had bought a few years before his marriage, and one winter when he worked in Racine, Wise, for the J . I. Case Company. Wdliam had three sons, Lawrence, George and Lloyd; and three daughters, Ethel (Mrs. Fred Brandt); 723

Grace (Mrs. John Austin); and Doris (Mrs. Alan M

WUliam was a charter member of the Ramsey Grove Presbyterian church. He was also a member ot the Ramsey Grove Literary Society. He was active in other community affairs and was a member of the township board. William died October 22,1950, at age 71.

Mr. and Mrs. William Liddle [Mary Ramsey].

Mr. William "Bill" Liddle and son, Lloyd MARY RAMSEY LIDDLE . Mary Jamima Ramsey was born in Vernon Township August 18, 1890, to John and Lydia Ann Ramsey. Mary and her sister, Lydia, mdked the cows in the summer time. Mary's mother made her butter in one-pound molds with a sheaf of wheat imprinted on the top. She sold some to stores in Park River in exchange for groceries. Mary's father had a large garden. They sold navy beans for $3.00 a bushel. ^ , When Mary was 14, she went with her dad to tarm in Medford Township. During seeding and harvest she cooked for her father and two brothers. Sometimes she walked behind the binder, carrying the gun for her father in case some birds flew up. Mary married William Liddle December 9,1908. They later moved to the Liddle home place when the elder John Liddles moved to Park River. Wdliam and T r

Mary lived on the Liddle farm 42 years. William died in 1950. Mary continued living there another 19 years. PIONEER LIFE - VERNON TOWNSHIP MRS. J. E. MILLER My parents were both born in Renfrew County, Ont., my mother, Esther Hunter, near the little town of Dacre, where father's folks had a hotel. Grandfather Hunter had a grist mdl on the Constaw Creek. Both went to grammar school in Dacre. In 1882 Father, Robert Mills, came to Grand f orks, looking for land. He walked from there to the Lankin area, stopping for a drink of water at a house east of Park River. He filed on land near Lankin and spent the summer breaking the ground where Lankin now is Once when he walked back to Grand Forks he waded the river (N. Branch of the Forest River) at the corner of the land he later filed on. He washed his socks and rested He sold the Lankin land because it was so rocky and went to work for a farmer near Grand Forks, cutting grain with a scyth and tying bundles by hand. Later he rented a farm near there. He earned some extra money that winter hauling students from Grand Forks out to the University over three miles of muddy roads That winter (1886) he went back to Ontario and married my mother. How she longed for a drink ot good water when she lived in Grand Forks. That year Father filed on land in Vernon Township, building a two-room shanty and a sod barn. In April 1887 they moved there, hauling their goods and themselves from Grand Forks in a wagon. A cow and team were enough to start farming. My brother David was born that fall, Oct. 4. That night the potatoes froze in the ground. That was the beginning of nearly forty years of frost, drought, had, poor prices, all the things farmers contend with. That winter Father cut wood along the Park River and hauled it home, ten miles or more, to keep the tire going night and day. The fall of 1889 Mother cooked for a threshing crew to earn enough to go back to her old home She missed her relatives, 11 brothers and sisters, and friends, the woods and streams of her old home. I was born there January 1,1890. . . , In those days cattle roamed over the prairie till the crops were planted and again after harvest. We sisters learned to ride at an early age so we got the stock home at night. Riding horseback and driving horses were my special pleasures. We budt a new house in 1904. A new barn had been built in 1897, which stood for 60 years while nearly all the barns in the country around were demolished in DlvidTorked in Mr. Farup's bank in Park River, so we girls helped with the farming. David later had a partnership with Clark Farup. I remember driving one horse raking hay when 1 was about seven. Farmers then stacked the gram until they could get a thresher to come. I went with my father to see the man with the ng and heard them talking about President McKinley being shot. Later l drove the team and stacked the bundles on the wagon W

724

to haul to the thresher. The separator and engine were pulled with horses. Life was exciting when the big tractor-pulled machines came to thresh, complete with cook car and cooks. When I was 14 my father and I hauled the first two loads of wheat that were dumped in the new elevator in Fordville. (1904). Before the Soo railroad went through, long lines of teams hauling grain went by our front door on their way to Pisek. We had no school in winter because our parents were afraid of blizzards, but went from April through November. To amuse ourselves in winter we skated and played on the ice or roamed up and down along the river. In summer we poled a raft up and down or swam.

Robert Mills family - 1898, Mary, Harriet, Robert Mills, Esther Mills, Elsie, Olive and David. My father and a neighbor went to Grafton on business one winter, a drive of 27 miles with few landmarks. It got dark before they got home. The horses went off the track and into a snow bank. The men put blankets on the horses, then ran around the sleigh all night to keep warm until it was light enough. Once a week, usually on Saturdays, we drove to Park River for the mail and groceries. We couldn't all go, so we took turns. I remember once staying home to scrub and churn. The bottom came off the churn and I had a big mess to clean up, besides losing the butter. There was an old pioneer lady, Mrs. Oaks, who lived half way to town. We liked to go to her house and maybe stay to dinner. Once she came to our house. We wanted her to come in as it was raining, but she said, "No, I'm not sugar nor salt and I'm nobody's honey." Away she went in the rain. Four in the family, David, Olive, Elsie and Harriet graduated from Park River high school. I went four years to the Normal-Industrial School at Ellendale, finishing with a teaching diploma. The other sisters graduated from the University. Mary Mills Mdler

• CHARLES J. NOVAK, SR. Charles J . Novak Sr., son of Frank Novak and Anna Jedlicka of Czechoslovakia, was born June 6, 1872, in Prague. , ... When Charles (Karel in Czech) was 18 he lett Czechoslovakia, acquired a passport and came to

America with money he borrowed from his parents. He reported a rough ocean voyage. He came to Chicago and stayed with his cousin there. He worked in a factory for 50c a day. He told about applying for a job in the factory, and to prove his ability to work he had to go down in a pit where hot cinders were thrown, and he had to shovel them out. Hot cinders would fall on him and burn him. He had scars from the burns. He persevered and passed the test. They gave him another job. He couldn't make a living so he came to Pisek to work for his brother for $120 a year. . He started homesteading in the Lankin area. During the winter he went to Pisek, chopped wood during the day and did chores at night for his board and his oxen's keep. He had three oxen to do his farm work. When the weather was hot they would get thirsty and take off from the field and go to the nearest waterhole to get a drink and then go back to work. They were so strong, Charles couldn't handle them. During plowing Charles walked to Pisek, IOV2 mdes, to get the plow lays for the breaking plow sharpened. In 1896, he married Christina Velek, daughter of Wenseslos Velek and Kathryn Kostohriz. She was born in Spillville, Iowa, July 20,1874, and came to the Vernon Township community in 1896. They were married in Pisek by Father Augustinski. Their oldest daughter, Anna, was born at the first homestead. Charles and famdy left that homestead and claimed another closer to Lankin. Here he lived the rest of his life. His son Charles has the deed to this homestead. Theodore Roosevelt was president at the time and signed the homestead certificate No. 7981 application 15622. It stated the Homestead Act was approved May 20,1862. A cyclone struck the farm on the second homestead and all that was left was the little shanty—all buildings, horses and chickens were gone. Neighbors helped by picking up lumber that was scattered for miles. They helped rebuild the barn. In the early days most all foodstuff was raised on the farm. In the winter butchering was done at home. Homemade itrnice and blood sausage of jelita were made. These were Bohemian recipes using pork. In the summer pork was butchered and the day was spent either frying or baking steaks, chops, and side pork and then packing them into large crock jars with hot lard poured over the layers of cooked meat. When this was cooled a white cloth was spread over the lard which completely covered the meat. Then a thick layer of preserving salt was poured over this. Then down it went into the cool basement. As the meat was used the cloth with salt was removed and the amount of meat needed for the meal was taken out. The cloth and salt then was replaced. They also smoked bacon and hams. The beef was cut up into chunks and packed into sealers, put into the oven, and canned. This meat was delicious cooked in its own juice and then thickened to make a brown gravy. Served on mashed potatoes you had a delicious meal. Cows were milked and the cream was sold for buying staples and cases of dried prunes and apricots. These were used for sauce or fillings for those delicious Bohemian 725

It was 17 miles to Park River, but we soon forgot it and never regretted that we had come to the land of the free and the home of the brave. There was a Dr. Melville that wanted to rent his farm near Park River. He had a team of broncos and yoke of oxen, so my brother-in law rented it for us until we could look around and get settled. We started farming right away. Later we bought 320 acres of prairie land, broke it up, built a shanty on it and started farming. For several years then we kept buying land until we had five quarters, then we built a house. As the boys got married, they started farming for themselves. Then my husband rented our farms to two of the boys later. We moved to Park River. Our farm was five miles from Park River. My husband died April 11, 1925. We are Presbyterians. John and Esther Parke's children: William John Parke, Park River, born Nov. 25, 1885; Alexander James Parke, Park River, born Oct. 9, 1886; Robert Earnest Parke, Park River, born Sept. 2,1888; George Earl Parke, Park River, born Sept. 28, 1890; Vernon Jordan Parke, Grafton, born Aug. 22, 1895; Esther Olive Parke, Langdon, born Feb. 12, 1897; Iza Florence Parke, Park River, born Dec. 7, 1900; Violet Irene Parke, St. Paul, born April 31,1903. William John Parke and wife, Evaline Biddle, children: Ruth Irene Parke Ziemer, Mankato, Minn., born May 22, 1910; John Elsworth Parke, died, born Aug. 20, 1911; Paul William Parke, Devils Lake, born March 17, 1913; Royce Biddle Parke, Rib Lake, Wise, born Dec. 2, 1941; Emaline Olive Parke Mathews, Devils Lake, born Sept. 25, 1916; Clyde Willis Parke, Devils Lake, born Sept. 8, 1919; Ada May Parke, Devils Lake, born Jan. 28, 1923; Henry Adolphus Parke, Co. 29 U.S. Fst., born July 3,1921. William John Parke's grandchildren - children of Ruth Irene Parke Ziemer: Adelia Ruth Ziemer, born May 7, 1928; Eric Alvin Ziemer, born Jan. 29, 1930; Laverne Evaline Ziemer, born Jan. 11, 1931; Robert Richard Ziemer, born Jan. 25, 1932; Gladys Lilla Ziemer, born Oct. 25, 1938; Louise Lorraine Ziemer, born Feb. 28,1941. Paul Parke's children: Donald Earl Parke, born Jan. 14, 1940; Warren William Parke, born April 18, 1938. Emaline Oliver Parke Mathew's child: Evaline Pauline P. Mathews, born March 17, 1940.

kolaches. Another cheaper filling used was cottage cheese which was made at home. Acres of navy beans were raised on the farm with his children and later grandchildren helping weed them. (Grandpa was of the opinion children should learn to work, and this was one job they got.) After the beans ripened they were threshed with a flail and cleaned by hand. Enough was kept for family use and the rest were sold. During the winter after the ducks and geese were butchered, evenings were spent stripping the feathers (stripping was pulling the feathers off the rib of the feather). While this was going on the famdy would pray the rosary and other prayers, tell stories, sing Bohemian songs, or listen to Charles discuss current events from the Bohemian publications. The feathers were used for pillows and then popular warm feather ticks. If any feathers were left pdlows were made and sold. He was well read and very knowledgeable in ancient history. He subscribed to a Czech newspaper and magazine published in Chicago. He was upset when he read the United States was shipping scrap iron to Japan. He said they would use it to shoot at our boys. He never lived to see it, but his oldest grandson, Merle Bazal was wounded at Bougainvdle during World War II. He also predicted his home country would be overrun by the Communists. During his young life he was able to communicate only in the Czech language, but as time passed English became a necessity. At first he spoke broken English, but by the time of his death he had become quite proficient with the English language. He died May 4,1933, and was preceded in death by his 21 year old son John, who died March 26, 1926. Anna Stella (Mrs. Frank Bazal), Grafton; Rose (Mrs. Thomas W. Novak), Pisek; and Frank J . Novak, Park River, all now deceased; Charles J . Novak now living on the homestead; Anton J . , Tacoma, Wash.; Christine, (Mrs. Joseph Vorachek), Barberton, Ohio; Josephine, (Mrs. Ray Huber), Cleveland, Ohio; and Mary (Mrs. Frank Tupa), Clearlake, S.D. Mrs. Percy Davis Grandchild PARKE FAMILY My father and mother were Moses and Elizabeth Jordan, natives of County Tyrone, Ireland, near Belfast. My name was Esther Jordan, born Oct. 17, 1865. In 1879, with my parents, we immigrated to Eastern Canada, near Toronto, Canada. In 1882,1 was married to John Parke, also a native of Northern Ireland, in Toronto, Canada. My husband had a brother who had homesteaded near Park River. He kept writing to my husband about the wonderful place North Dakota was to make a home. My first baby, a boy, was just five months old. Our friends said if you go to that cold wild county, you may lose your baby, but we risked it. The baby stood the trip fine. My husband wrote to his brother to meet us in Grafton. He met us with a wagon with one spring seat. Buggies weren't the style yet, and that was the longest and hardest trip I ever had.

Alexander James Parke's, and wife, Violet Ellis, children: Vernon John Parke, Minneapolis, Minn., born Jan. 22, 1909; Albert Jordan Parke, St. Paul, Minn., born Dec. 6, 1910; Vera Florence Parke, Park River, born Sept. 24, 1912; Ruby Esther Parke, Park River, born Nov. 12, 1916; Allin Alexander Parke, Honolulu, born March 6, 1922; Ernest Earl Parke, Park River, born Sept. 29, 1926; Clarence Raymond Parke, Park River, born Jan. 1, 1930; Alexander James, grand children. Vera Parke Ratcliff s children: Joyce Ratcliff, Park River, born Sept. 2, 1934; Bobby Ratcliff, Park River, born July 7, 1936; Dickie Ratcliff, Park River, born Jan. 25, 1939; Janice Ratcliff, Park River, born Jan. 6, 1941. Ruby Parke Ratcliff's children: Roselie Esther Ratcliff, Park River born Feb. 4,1941. 726

Vernon John Parke's children: Robert John Parke, born May 24, 1940. Albert Jordan Parke's children: Gloria Ann, born Jan.4,1936. Robert Ernest Parke's children, married to Edna Baird: Harvey Baird Parke, Park River, born April 18, 1924; Dean Robert Parke, Park River, born March 13, 1932; Jimmy Earnest Parke, Park River, born Aug. 20, 1935. George Earl Parke's children, married to Amada Grovom: Lawrence Albert Parke, born Dec. 2, 1916 (dead); Verona Esther Parke, born Nov. 7, 1918, (dead); Dorothy Parke, Fresno, Calif., born Oct. 29, 1920; Leonard Parke, Park River, born July 31,1935. Vernon Jordan Parke's children, married to Dorothy Kitchen: John Lew Parke, Grafton, born Aug. 31,1931. Esther Olive Parke's children, married to Stanley Walker: Elizabeth Jean Walker, born Nov. 17, 1930; Marilyn Ann Walker, born Jan. 11,1933. Violet Irene Parke's children, married to Henry Hobbs: Jerome Allison Hobbs, St. Paul, Minn., born Oct. 23,1922; Earl Vivian Hobbs, St. Paul, Minn., born June 8,1926. Twenty-seven grand children, and 15 great grand children.

m flte v.

WW Mrs. John Park TRAVELING REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESS GIVE INTERESTING DESCRIPTION OF EARLY PIONEER HISTORY By this time, it was a sturdy young Norwegian, John H . Pederson, who was working near Austin, in Minn., heard rumors of the great Pembina county to the north and west of Grand Forks. The urge to own his own home and economic freedom was in him, and he spent restless nights till he had talked matters over with his wife and the decision to start out for the new promised land was made. A couple of weeks later John H. Pederson had bought a few horses and a prairie schooner and started out on the long and cumbersome drive up through Minn., toward the Red River with Pembina as his ultimate goal. His wife, with their four children, were to take the train to Grand Forks where John was to get them at a later date. A few weeks later early in July, 1880, a lonely driver was traversing the country around the present Park River in Walsh county, which then was a part of

Pembina. He had not seen a human being for five days and was steering northwest. Reaching Garder he met a few Icelanders. From there he turned southward till he reached the so-called Golden Valley west of Park River where he camped on what later became section 33 in Golden township, Walsh county. "When I awoke in the morning and got a full view of the country, I was so fascinated with it that I decided to settle right there." said John Pederson, and so he began to erect a little sod house, the first human abode in the later so prosperous Golden Valley. "A couple weeks later, when I went to Grand Forks to get my wife and four children at the date agreed on, I got the surprise of my life," John continued, "for, crying with joy, wife there presented me with a new arrival to the family, a couple of weeks old sturdy youngster. At about the same time John H. Pederson, the first settler in Golden Township, departed from Austin, Minn., for his drive through Minn., and Dakota to Pembina, another party was preparing in another state for the journey through the same wilds to the same promised land. This party consisted of Halvor N. Grovum, Knut Levang, Aslak Stenerson, and their families; in all eight people. The trek of this party through Minn., looked much like the travel of a caravan. All three families had prairie schooners and brought cattle along. They even had chickens caged in the schooners. The rooster did not forget to wake the company up at three in the morning, to the great annoyance of the boys who liked to sleep through the early hours. It is said that Christ Levang and Nels Grovum, who as grown ups became political fighters of rank, showed their fighting metal already during this their first great adventure, for they were scrapping every day of the seven weeks journey. Otherwise the youngsters enjoyed the travel greatly. They enjoyed driving the cattle; they were proud of being allowed to stand and watch over it like grown men and they rejoiced when one of the cows got a calf so the caravan had to stop over a day or two to allow the cow and her youngster to gain strength for travel. After about several weeks we find this caravan traveling the same territory in Walsh County that John H . Pederson had covered a couple of weeks earlier. They found that Golden Valley was the promised land of their dreams and started to build sod houses and break land. Thus the first pioneers invaded the famous Golden Valley. Of these, two are living, John H. Pederson at Park River and Aslak Stenerson, who at present makes his home with Nels Grovum, his wife being under doctor's care at Adams. The first settlers in Golden Valley belonged to a race who, besides being used to hardships from time immemorial, distinguished themselves as a godfearing people, with love for schools, for social order and self government. It was but natural and logical for them in the course of the first years to take steps to establish churches, schools, and local government. A few months after their arrival, on Nov. 16th, 1880, a meeting was held by Aslak Stenerson, Knut Levang, John H . Pederson, and Knut Toft, who had come a little later at the home of Halvor Grovom for the purpose of organizing a congregation. Rev. Harstad and another

clergyman had visited with them and prepared the ground, and the result was that the settlement had a church organization within less than a half a year after its first start. The first white child born and baptized was Aslak Stenerson's son, Alfred. The first girl to be married was John H. Pederson's daughter, Guro, now living in Oregon. The first school house was Golden Valley school house. Here also was the first post office, with Knut Levang as postmaster, and Aslak Stenerson and Halvor Grovom as the first mail carriers. The mail was carried on horseback in the summer, spring and fall. When snow was deep, skis were used. The first church, the Golden Valley Church, was built close by, but was later moved further north. The cemetery with its graves may still be seen at the original location, however. As early as March 4th, 1884, that is less than four years after the arrival of the first pioneers, the township had been organized and an orderly local government introduced. The first election took place on that date and all the voters of the community which had increased to 65, met to cast ballots for township officers. Elected were: Knut Levang, chairman, 65 votes; John H . Pederson, supervisor, 65 votes; John Fitzpatrick, supervisor, 64 votes; G.P. Slette, township cleTk; C . J . Finneseth, treasurer; G.R. Gullickson, assessor; John Soil, proud master; John McCollough, justice of the peace; Sander Soil, constable; O.C. Quill, overseer. As judges of this election acted P.S. Schellenburger, Isaac Stenerson and A.R. Amber. Clerks were G.P. Slette and Leroy Munger. The meeting was called to order by A.R. Amer. The population of the township has showed itself and is active in public affairs, locally, statewide, and nationally. It has given good men to the county since, as well as to the state; among them such as Senator Christ Levang, Nels Grovum, G.P. Slette, B . N . Johnson, Ole Orstad, Joe Charon, Claus Bornholdt and other. It is a long step from having to haul grain from Golden township to Grand Forks by team and wagon as John H . Pederson did in his first pioneer year, to the high powered trucks and autos of today that take us to elevator, town and market in only a few minutes time.

search of the promised land with the Red River Valley and Pembina as his goal. After a few weeks travel by Prairie Schooner, he arrived at the present Park River. He had not seen a whiteman in 5 days, but saw Indians. He proceeded northward arriving at Garder where he met a few Icelanders. He then turned and traveled southward till he reached the so-called Golden Valley, where he camped. He was much pleased with the land and filed a homestead and built a sod house, the first human abode in Golden Valley. A couple of weeks later, he went to Grand Forks to get his family, who came by train at a date agreed upon. To his great surprise his wife crying with joy presented him with a new arrival to the family, a sturdy two week old youngster. At the same time, Mr. Pederson left Austin, a different group from another state; 3 men, their wives and children, were preparing for the same journey through the same wilds to the same promised land. After traveling for 7 weeks by a caravan of 3 schooners, cattle and chickens arrived in the same vicinity as Mr. Pederson. They were Halvor Grovom, Knut Levang and Aslak Stenerson. These first pioneers met Nov. 16, 1880 to organize a church. In less than one-half year a church was organized. Less than 4 years after the first settlement, the township had been organized and a local government introduced. On March 4, 1884, the first election took place with 65 voters for 10 different township offices. Mr. Pederson was elected supervisor. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson had 10 children, Gura, Peder, Gurine, Larsine, Ole, Margaret and 4 children that died in early chddhood. They lived in their sod house untd 1886, when they built the first frame house in that community, living there untd 1903 when they moved to Park River, where they lived until old age. By Florence Torson Park River, N.D.

JOHN PEDERSON John Haugstvedt Pederson was born Nov. 19, 1847. Margarethe Lard Datter Aga was born Jan. 4, 1851. They were both born in Ullensvang Hardanger, Norway. John came to America in 1870 and settled at Decorah, Ia., as did Margarethe in 1871. They were married Jan. 14,1872 in Luther College of Decorah. In 1878 they moved to Austin, Minn., and lived there for 2 years. Mr. Pederson had heard of the Homestead Act of 1862 and of the fertile lands and the great Pembina county to the northwest of Grand Forks. The urge for a home of his own and economic freedom caused him in early July, 1880 to leave his wife and four children in

The John Pederson family.

in 1856, they brought a family of four girls: Mary, Harriet, Lizzie and Lena, and one son, John. The trip was made by boat and took six weeks. They settled near Mount Forest, Ont., and farmed there. They completed their family with three sons: George, William, Aaron and the youngest child, a daughter, Sarah. In 1880 their sons, Aaron and John, came to Walsh County, the first settlers in Vernon Township. In 1882 they sent for their parents to come and join them. They had built them a new log cabin. At this time John was 65 years old, Jamima 61. They came by train to Fishers' Landing, Minn., and crossed the Red River by ferry. Their sons met them and brought them to their homestead in Vernon Township, where their cabin nestled in the woods, not far from a branch of the Forest River. They proved up their farm by 1884 and their sons farmed it for them. In the next few years all the rest of John and Jamima's children came to the United States. Some farmed and settled for some years around Lankin, later to live in Montana. John died in 1887 at 70 years of age. Jamima was 87 when she died in 1908. The 21 years Jamima lived beyond her husband were busy years for her. She shared her home with her daughter, Elizabeth McArthur Maloney and her chddren Mary and Johnny Maloney, after her husband Jim Maloney died. She did handwork, such as piece work quilts and appliqued pillow shams. She won first prize at the Walsh County Fair. By Doris Martin Devds Lake, N . Dak.

OLE C. QUILL Ola Christopherson was born in Norway in 1848; he imigxated to the United States in 1872, and first went to Brown County, Wise. He came to Walsh County around 1880, settled in Golden Township of Walsh County. After coming to North Dakota he changed his name to Ole C. Quill. He married Anne Rude daughter of Adolph Rude, who was also a homesteader. They belonged to the Lutheran church. He was treasurer of the school for many years. They were the parents of five children; Clarence, Annette (Nettie), Alfred, Emma, and Ruth. Ruth is the only member of this family still living. She lives in Long Beach, Calif. John Kinsala, his wife Sharon, and daughter Lisa now live on this farm. John is a Great Grandson of the Quills. By Mrs. Betty Barge Hoople, N.D.

Mrs. Ole C. Quill holding first grandchild, Jerome Kinsala. Ole C. Quill holding first grandchild, Jerome Kinsala. JOHN AND JAMIMA RAMSEY

The children of John and Jamima Ramsey. Back row, left to right: George Woods, John Ramsey, Mrs. Aaron Ramsey [Alice Davis], Aaron Ramsey, Charley Chalcroft, George Ramsey and Isaac Smith. Center: Grandmother Jamima Ramsey. Front row, left to right: Mrs. John Ramsey [Annie Woods], Mrs. George Woods [Sarah Ramsey], Mrs. [Lizzie] McArthur Maloney, Mrs. [Lena] Isaac Smith, Mrs. [Harriet] Charley Chalcroft, and Mrs. George Ramsey [Annie Davis]. Only two of John and Jamima Ramsey's children are not pictured, Mrs. William Grayson [Mary] and William [died in 1880's].

John and Jamima Ramsey John and Jamima Ramsey were born, raised and married in Somersetshire, England. They lived and worked on a large estate. When they came to Canada 729

MARY RAMSEY Mary Ramsey, daughter of John and Jamima Ramsey, was born in Somersetshire, England in 1847. She came with her parents to Canada, grew up there and married William Grayson in Ontario. They had the following family: Richard, John and a girl, Sara. William worked as a lumber-jack before coming to Dakota Territory in 1882 to farm. They homesteaded three miles northwest of Lankin. Mary was a mid-wife and nursed many famdies. They all farmed in this area. John Grayson was one of the first merchants in Lankin that had hardware under the firm name of Grayson and Wambem. He sold to his partner and went to Montana. In 1910, John and Richard and their famdies, their sister, Sara and husband, Mr. and Mrs. James Stewart, and their parents, Wdliam and Mary Grayson moved to Antelope, Mont. Richard Grayson married Emma Woolridge. They had 10 children: Louisa, Earnest, George, Arthur, Milton, Ldlian, Miles, Leonard, Edward and Kenneth. John Grayson married Elizabeth Liddle and they had eight children: John, Wdliam, Eda, Earl, Walter, Opal, Roger, and Gwendolyn. Sara Grayson married James Stewart and they had six children: Leslie, Henry, Wdliam, John, Louie and Grace (Mrs. Edward Van Hee). HARRIETT RAMSEY Harriett Ramsey was the daughter of John and Jamima Ramsey, married Charles Chalcroft and lived in Jackson, Mich., and raised most of their nine chddren there. They came to Dakota Territory about 1897 with Effie, George and Wdliam and farmed in Medford Twp. They moved to Montana with George, Kitty and two little girls, and George took up land there. Harriett and Charles Chalcroft went back to Jackson, Mich., some years later. ELIZABETH RAMSEY Elizabeth (Lizzie) was the daughter of John and Jamima Ramsey born about 1851 in Somersetshire, England. She came with her famdy to Canada when she was 5. They settled near Mount Forest, Ont. and farmed. She married Wdliam McArthur and they had a son, Wdlie Jr., in 1873. Mr. McArthur died in 1882, and they came with her parents, John and Jamima Ramsey, to join her brother, John and Aaron who were homesteading in Vernon Township. At Park River, Elizabeth met and married Jim Maloney and they farmed. They had two children, Mary and Johnny. Jim Maloney died. In 1908, Lizzie, her son Johnny, daughter, Mary, daughter-in-law, Caroline McArthur or (Millie) and grandson Merrit McArthur left for Medicine Lake, Mont. Lizzie moved to Bonner's Ferry, Ida. where she died. Elizabeth or (Aunt Lizzie) was a mid-wife like her mother Jamima, and delivered many babies as well as nursing other diseases. EVANGELINE (LENA) RAMSEY Evangeline Ramsey was the daughter of John and Jamima Ramsey, born in Somersetshire, England in

1853. She came with her parents to Mount Forest, Ont., in 1856. She married Issac Smith. They came to Vernon Township and farmed. They had six children, moved to Superior, Wise, then came back to Park River, before moving to Montana. JOHN RAMSEY John Ramsey was a son of John and Jamima Ramsey in Somersetshire, England in 1855. He came with his parents to Mount Forest, Ont., in 1856. At 24, he left with his brother Aaron for Dakota Territory. WILLIAM RAMSEY William Ramsey was born in Mount Forest, Ont., about 1857. He came to Dakota Territory, and died as a young man in Grand Forks. MR. AND MRS. GEORGE RAMSEY George Ramsey was born in Mount Forest, Ont., in 1859. George and Anna came to the Park River area and farmed. George was a carpenter and stone mason, budt a stone mdk house on the John Ramsey farm. They had four children: Wdliam, Mabie (Mrs. Johns), Henry and Charley. They moved to western North Dakota. George died in 1942 at 83 years of age. MR. AND MRS. AARON RAMSEY Aaron Ramsey was born in Mount Fores, Ont. SARAH RAMSEY Sarah Ramsey was born in 1864 in Ont. Sarah came to join her brother, John and Aaron Ramsey in Dakota Territory in 1881. She kept house for them and helped them get the log house ready for the next year when their parents, John and Jamima came. She cooked alot of wild game her brothers would shoot. She married George Woods. They farmed on the Tom Woods farm and ran the Gault Post Office just north and west of Lankin. When Lankin first started they ran a cafe there. They had 7 chddren: Maggie (Mrs. Bruce), Florence (Mrs. Markel), Edith (Mrs. Oakland), Lydia (Mrs. Carr), Bertha, Walter and Clifford. They moved to Montana and farmed. JOHN HENRY RAMSEY John Henry Ramsey was the youngest child born to Lydia Ann and John Ramsey April 22, 1893. He had brother Wdliam, two sisters, Mary and Lydia Jane. He attended the Ramsey Grove School because of its location in a grove of trees by the original Ramsey claims. He graduated in 1916 from a two year winter course at the Walsh County Agricultural and Training School. John was handy at treating cattle and horses, and he also did some carpentry work. John married Amy A. Simmons, Grand Forks, who came from East Harptree near Bristol, England, at 21. They had eight chddren: Desmond, Lester, Virginia (Mrs. Wayne Meyer), Gordon, Ernest John, twins Ronald Ray (who passed away just before his first birthday) and Donald Jay, and Shirley Ann.

He was a member of the Norton Telephone cooperative of Lankin and Clerk of Ramsey Grove School District #53. He was a member of the Ramsey Grove Presbyterian Church in Vernon Township, later in the Federated Church in Park River. He farmed the original John Ramsey claim until health required that his young sons take over. He lived in Park River and Grand Forks prior to his death March 10,1960. By Doris Martin

Mr. and Mrs. George Ramsey. LYDIA ANN RAMSEY - PIONEER MOTHER Lydia Woods was the only girl of a famdy of 12. Lydia's parents came from Ireland and it was whde they lived at Tecumeth, Ont., that Lydia was born in 1851. Later the famdy settled near Mount Forest, Ont. She attended the Methodist Church in Mount Forest which was a three mile walk—the common transportation of that day. Being urged by letters from her two brothers, Robert and Thomas, to come to visit them in Dakota, she decided to go in July 1882. She visited Robert at Minto then went to stay with her brother, Thomas and famdy, who operated the Gait Store and Post Office in Walsh County. She met John Ramsey, a young settler who had come from Mount Forest, Ont., in the spring of 1880. John had filed a claim in Vernon Township. He had budt a log cabin in. a 40-acre woods what was later known as Ramsey Grove and his brother, Aaron, were the first settlers. Although they had never met in Mount Forest they found they knew many of the same people. Lydia had filed on a claim, planted trees and had 40 acres broken. Lydia and John were married Dec. 5, 1883 in the Methodist Parsonage in Grafton. Their home was a stopping place for settlers coming from Grafton and other places and going further west. They never knew what time of the day or night people would come or how many, but provisions were always made for them. One time, after they had started raising sheep, John had to make a long trip and was detained after dark. Lydia realized she would have to hang a lantern by

the sheep pen to keep the wolves away. She fixed up an old lantern to carry on the way back to the cabin. It wasn't too bad until she had reached the pen and hung up the good lantern and started back with the old-nottoo-dependable lantern. She hurried in the direction of the cabin dragging a chain to make noise as the woods echoed with the howling of the wolves. They seemed to be all around her. Once more inside the cabin she felt the satisfaction that she could tell John on his return that the sheep were safe. Lydia Ramsey was a charter member of the first church, Presbyterian, organized in their community. Besides church activities, Quilting Bees and house raisings were the extent of their social life. The first of their children were twin boys, who died shortly after birth. Four more children were born; William, Lydia, Mary and John. They lived on this same farm until John's death in 1919. They made many changes. Near where the two room log cabin once stood is a two story 8-room home and other farm buildings. William, married Laura Falter. Their children are: Mrs. Joseph Hajicek (Crystal); Clinton, Leland, Elmer, Warren, Mrs. Frank Gordon (Lucdle, and Mrs. Lisle Boss (Winnie) all of Washington State; Mrs. Ralph Bone (Wilma) and Vernon of Oregon. Mary married William Liddle and had six chddren; Lawrence, Mrs. F.D. Brandt (Ethel), Grace, Mrs. Alan Martin (Doris) all of North Dakota and Lloyd of California. One son, George died in 1942. John married Amy Simmons, their chddren are: Desmond, Lester, Mrs. Wayne Meyer (Virginia), Gordon, Ernest, Donald and Shirley, all residents of North Dakota. Ronald, who was a twin of Donald died at one year. The oldest daughter, Lydia, remained single. Lydia Ann Ramsey died on her homestead Nov. 5, 1933 at 81. LYDIA JANE RAMSEY

Lydia Jane Ramsey

Lydia was born Nov. 21,1887, one of four children of John and Lydia Ann Ramsey. She was the eldest of the two girls in the famdy. Lydia was studious and got along well in elementary school. She also took a secretarial course at night school classes held in the local school. Lydia was active in church and Sunday school work. She was one of the group that started the Ramsey Grove Literary Society in the community. She was active as an officer and in arranging the programs and social events, that made money to purchase a bell for the Ramsey Grove School. Lydia never married. She was in the Valley Memorial Home in Grand Forks for 10 years. Her right side was paralyzed from a stroke. She could only sit in a wheel chair all those years. Lydia died Nov. 2,1967 at age 79. WILLIAM JAMES RAMSEY William James Ramsey was born Sept. 21, 1885, eldest of four children born to John and Lydia Ann Ramsey. . He got along well in school, took a secretarial course at night in the local school, and later attended a business college in Grand Forks for two winters where he developed excellent penmanship. William was the favorite of Grandmother Ramsey. He was active in the group that started the Ramsey Grove Literary Society, and served on programs and as an officer. Wdliam was a violinist who never had a lesson. Able to play by ear, he could hear a tune, then go home and play it. When he was a young boy he tried to make a violin out of a box with wire strings, and would sit in the yard where no one was bothered and tried to play it. When he got a violin, his greatest pleasure was in playing it. He would play for dances, which they were paid $5 for an evening. He also loved to read, especiady Zane Grey Books. He read every book that Zane Grey wrote. William married Laura Falter Nov. 4,1914. Children were: Clinton, Crystal, Leland, Vernon, Warren, Lucille, Wilma, Winnie and Elmer. ... Wdliam farmed up until two years before his death. After two years of ill health, he died in October, 1933. By Doris Martin

Robertson Lumber Co. for 9 years. He was very active there in civic and community affairs. In 1917 he began farming, having bought the pioneer John Pederson farm. Mr. and Mrs. Torson were both active in community and church affairs. The former serving as President of Pleasant Valley Church for twenty years. He was actively interested in the development of the Park River Lutheran Bible Camp. He designed and helped build the chapel and other buildings and was assistant business manager of the camp from 1941 to 1958 when at the age of 84, he retired. Mrs. Torson was organist in the Park River church for two years and Pleasant Valley Church for 14 years, also serving as Ladies Aid president for several times. Mrs. Torson died at the age of 86 and Mr. Torson at the age of 90. They had 3 daughters, Clara (Mrs. A . Momerak) Minot, N.D., Mrs. Olive Ward of Mpls. Minn., and Florence of Park River. WAMBEM FAMILY

Ed and Bergetta Wambem Ed Wambem was born July 18, 1853 in Ulvik, Hardanger, Norway. He came to America at 21 with his brothers, John and Iver, and sister Martha. They came in a small sailing boat which had an auxdiary steam drive for power. The fare was $30 from Bergen, Norway, to New York, with the trip taking 14 days for Liverpool, England. They went to Stevens Point, Wise, where the men were employed in a lumber mdl. In 1878 Ed was married to Bergetta Johnson, Lodi, ^^isc. New interest was aroused to "go west" from relatives who had located in the famed Goose River country in North Dakota. Ed got in touch with a good friend, Mikkel Hylden in Iowa, who had already arranged for an emigrant car for rad transportation and he consented to share space on it for Ed's cow tools, machinery, a team of horses and feed. Ed, with his wife and baby Matilda, sister Martha with Mrs. Hylden went on the passenger train whde Mikkel stayed with the emigrant car. Upon arriving in Grand Forks in the late spring of 1880, all possessions were unloaded beside the tracks. With the horses hitched to

OLAF TORSON Olaf Torson was born in Namsos, Norway Nov. 15, 1874 and came to America alone at the age of 16. He came to Park River where he lived with his uncle Karl Dahl, who taught him the carpenter trade. He also worked as a farm hand on various farms including pioneer John Pederson's where he met their daughter, Gurine, whom he married Jan. 2,1901. Mr. and Mrs. Torson traveled by stone boat with their belongings, including a calf, to Lawton, N.D., in Ramsey County where they filed a homestead. In those early days Mr. Torson farmed and did carpenter work, building the first business places of Lawton and various schools, churches and dwellings in the surrounding counties. He moved into Lawton in 1906 and resided there till 1908 when he moved to Lankin where he operated the 732

MR. AND MRS. RICHARD WOODS Richard Woods came from Palmerson, Ont., to Ramsey Grove. His wife, Matilda and two children came about 1879, and they lived here for a few years and then moved to Minto. Matilda had a Millinary (Hat) shop and dress making business while Richard farmed. Richard and Matilda had three boys: William, George, and Adna. They moved to MooseJaw, Sask.

the wagon, the cow tied behind, some provisions in the wagon with the people crowded between, they started for the Torblaa farm at Grafton. The Torblaas were relatives of Mrs. Hylden. Snow, mud and slush made it a difficult 2 day journey. They found living accommodations near the Torblaas in a vacant log cabin belonging to Gunder Midgarden. Due to the mud it was impossible to haul their belongings from Grand Forks so Ed and Mikkel walked there. Ed decided to use his carpentry skill and experience with barges in constructing two 12 x 12 rafts, calked and pitched to hold out the water, to use in floating their 5 wagon loads of possessions down the swollen Red River to Acton. With the use of improvised oars, they managed the hazardous 2 day trip without serious mishap. After docking, they unloaded everything on the bank and set out on foot for Grafton. The next concern was to find land for a future home. Ed and Mikkel made a "walking survey" of the land to the west, with thought of going as far as Devils Lake, but after coming to the Golden Valley west of Park River they stopped to investigate the area. B. Borgeson was already there busy digging a cabin in the side of a river bank. Ramsey, Joe Pederson and Christianson had built cabins. Ed and Mikkel both decided to locate in this same vicinity and assisted each other in building crude log and sod homes. Ed's sister, Martha, settled a mde from her brother. She married Sever Overby and they farmed in the area until their deaths. They had no chddren. Donald Hylden lived on that farm at the present time. As years went by a new large house was budt along with barn and granaries. Tie famdy had 8 chddren; Matilda, Andrew, Iver, Lars, Johanna, Johnny, Edward, and Martha. At the present time Art Flaten, a son of Amund and Johanna Wambem Flaten, resides on the original homestead. Ed served as a representative in the state legislature and was chairman of the Liberty Loan drive for Vernon Township in World War I. He was a charter member of Pleasant Valley church and often walked the 2 miles for Sunday worship. Mrs. Wambem died in 1915 and Mr. Wambem continued to live on the farm for a few years, spending the winters in California. In later years he remained in Caltfornia continuously until his death in 1954 at the age of 100. By Bergetta Flaten Christopherson

Richard Woods Tillie Woods

MR. AND MRS. GEORGE WOODS

•nil

Mrs. Richard [Tillie] Woods' millinery shop and dressmaking business in Minto.

George Woods came to Dakota Territory from Mount Forest, Ont., Canada. He met and married Sarah Ramsey and they farmed for years on the Thomas Woods farm in Norton Township, Walsh County, northwest of what is now Lankin, N.D. They also ran the Gault Post Office there. When Lankin started they ran a cafe there. They raised seven chddren. Later they moved to Montana and farmed. Their children are: Maggie (Mrs. Bruce), Florence (Mrs. Markel), Edith (Mrs. Oakland), Lydia (Mrs. Carr), Bertha, Walter and Clifford.

MR. AND MRS. ROBERT WOODS Robert Woods came from Mt. Forest, Ont., and married Lizzie Henry there. He filed on land north of Grand Forks, later moving into Minto where they raised nine children: Lizzie (Mrs. McCaw), Henrietta (Mrs. Harris), Bella, Lydia (Mrs. Larson), Jennie (Mrs. Kilgore), Robert, Tom, Willie, and Jimmie. Robert was a carpenter. They moved to Montana for a few years, then back to Grand Forks. 733

WILLIAM AND SARAH WOODS William Woods came from Mt. Forest, Ont., and married Sarah. They farmed at Ardock, and had seven children: Walter, Sadie (Mrs. Blackie), Clifton, Roscoe, Robert, Emma (Mrs. Fulton), and Anna (Mrs. Schultz). Later, they moved to Alberta to farm, then to Inverness, Mont.

MR. AND MRS. TOM WOODS Tom and Mary Woods and five children came from Mt Forest, Ont., in 1881. They lived near Arvdla and ran the Turtle River Post Office. They later moved one and one-half miles north-west of Lankin, N . Dak., to run the Gault Post Office in Norton Township. They proved up land there and farmed for several years, moved to Hoople where they lived the rest of their llV

Tom and Mary Woods had seven children: Ethel, (Mrs. Beall), Anna, William & Emma (Twins), (Mrs. Arthur McMurray), Tom, James and Robert Henry. Remember when the most widely used tranqudizer was a rocking chair? - Boulder Dady Camera. How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to the young?

William and Sarah Woods on their golden wedding day.

Early threshers.

734

Drawn by William L. Chromy

DISTRICT SEVEN Prairie Centre Eden Medford Townships

TOWN OF CONWAY village. Conway at one time had six elevators. John Stary opened a livery barn. Conway remained under township government untd Nov. 7,1895, when it was incorporated. The record books have been burned but early residents recall that F. E. Vorachek was chairman of the board; 0. Davidson, a trustee, and Jim Curtin, clerk. In 1890 a band was opened by John Birkholtz, Grand Forks financier, with Charles A. Vanarsdale as cashier. It closed in 1929. John Foerster also had abank there. The first school was built in 1885. W. E. Black was one of the first teachers. After a few years this building was sold to the Conway Bohemian Lodge and a larger one erected. The Soo Line was built through the Conway neighborhood in 1905. The first post office was Kelner, named for Norman Kelner who had the office in his home. This office was estabdshed June 2, 1884, and the name changed to Conway. A post office caded Conway was estabdshed Nov. 26, 1884, with James Francis as postmaster. It was discontinued Dec. 23, 1884, and the mad ordered sent to Kelner. I Submitted by Mrs. Francis Chromy.

Conway came with the projection of the Great Northern railroad through that point in 1884. The site was homesteaded by Tilson Wager. The townsite was purchased and platted by the Minneapolis Trust Co., April 22,1885. Vorachek and Vobada and Robert Woods opened the first general store. Other general merchants were Martin Flynn and Herman Landon, partners, and George McCann and John Vernon, who operated a store together. Cross and Francis had the first hardware store. The Robertson Lumber Co. opened the first yard in Conway with Hans Nesne in charge. John Kerr and F. E. Vorachek had the first saloon. Bert Fredenberg was the first blacksmith and later John Currie, Dan O'Reilly and John Dvorak opened shops. The Conway Hotei, opened by William Cross not long after the railroad reached the site, was the first in the village. Later, J . W. Boeing established a drug store in Conway. Ed Hatch was one of the first depot agents. Dr. Belton was the first physician and was succeeded by Dr. Church. J. D. Cummins was the first wheat buyer. The St. Anthony & Dakota Co. budt the first elevator in Conway, and the Northern was also an early one in the

Cross Street—Conway

Soo Line Depot—Built In 1905

CONWAY AFTER 1905 In 1902, a fire took most of the business places in Conway. Some of the buildings were rebudt of brick. One such was the Merriman Block. The building housed many places of business. The upstairs was used for a dance hall. Later, when John Wurth moved into town he used part of the Merriman store for a kitchen and dining room. The upstairs was taken over for sleeping rooms for his hotel. Mrs. Weed had a mdlinery shop. In 1906, there was a paper published caded the "Conway Citizen." Bert Stary was the local automobde dealer. Business places and owners came and went. Names of some of them are: Dr. Richard Church, Tom and Charles Daily, drug store; P. J . Nichols, dentist; Dave Curtin, depot agent; Jack Bina, bank; F. E. Vorachek, store; VanArsdale, bank; Bert Stary, tire shop; a telephone company; Fitzgerald, restaurant; Nasinee,

Merriman Block, Conway. Built after fire destroyed most of Conway in 1902. 736

terested in the wireless telephone and succeeded so well that he held over 100 patents on his inventions. He was associated with Bell Telephone Laboratories for 40 years. Mr. and Mrs. Dar Weed had a son, Frank, who was one of the students in the first graduating class of Conway. He became a doctor, and when Dr. Church of Park River died, Dr. Weed took over his practice. He worked hard for a hospital in Park River, and his dream came true with the opening of St. Ansgar's Hospital. Conway also had its bands, baseball teams and other things to entertain the community. Looking back, this writer can say she is glad to have known Conway "back then." Submitted by Alice Foerster.

blacksmith; John V. Stary, livery stable; W. J. Bye, barber; grain buyers were, Charles Heising, Dar Weed, and Oliver Davidson; early postmaster was Louis Egstad. Later, came others, such as, Mary Maxwell (Mrs. William Finley), Mary Sobolik, and Edna Daily.

Conway main street, 1902. Right to left, Vorachek store, beer parlor, and blacksmith shop.

Postmistress, Mary Sobolik (Mrs. Frank Swehla)

Interior of Jack Bina Bank

Fitzgerald Cafe Some of the young men from Conway made names for themselves; twin sons of the John Wurths became musicians and later played in the Lawrence Welk band. Ray Heising, born in Albert Lea, Minn., came to Conway with his parents, attended school in Conway. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1912. He became an electrical engineer. He was most in-

Left to right, Burris grocery store, Bert Stary tire shop, telephone shop and post office. 737

Dance Hall on the upstairs floor of Merriman building.

Dar and Jennie Weed and son, Frank. Mrs. Weed had millinery shop in Conway.

Conway baseball team taken in 1907.

Conway Band. Back row, left to right: Albert Sobolik, Earl Heising, Bert Stary, B. B. Wells, Herman Sobolik, Bill Bina. Middle row: Leonard Dougherty, Frank Maxwell, Jack McDonald, Dewey Heising, Stanley Bina, Jim Houdek. Front: Jimmy Robertson, Stanley Meltzer, George Heising, Frank Zelenka, Ralph Heising.

Another Conway Band. Front, left to right: Charles Sobolik, Frank Maxwell, Arthur Thompson (instructor), Dewey Heising, Ralph Heising and Frank Zelenka. Back: Albert Sobolik, Leonard Dougherty, Harold Maxwell, Bill Bina, Herman Sobolik, Stanley Bina, and Frank Chromy.

FORDVILLE ESTABLISHED IN 1905 hometowns for the people of the community. For some this still meant 10 or 20 miles to market, a considerable way by horse-drawn equipment. The Soo Line extended its tracks west from Thief River Falls to Kenmare in 1905, budding the Wheat Line. In September of that same year, C. A. Campbed, townsite agent, conducted a sale of townsite lots, and many were on hand to pick a location for the business in which they wished to engage. Residence lots sold from $125 to $200 and business lots sold for $250 to $400. Among the first to buy were : Al

(From the 50th anniversary edition of the Walsh County Record.) In the early 1880's, people came here from all parts of America and from Europe to avail themselves of Uncle Sam's offer of free land. The nearest railroad was Grand Forks which was 60 miles away. From there they came by oxen, by horses or on foot. It was not long before the railroads were extended westward and northward, cutting the distance to market in half. Several years later, the Great Northern built their lines from Larimore, and Inkster and Conway became the 738

Sorg, who opened a hardware store, W. J. And D. D. Henry, who opened a general merchandise store; Ingebregt Rotnem and Joe Miller, as the Medford Mercantile Company. Mrs. Halvor Hanson bought one lot and opened a general store; Charles Aafedt bought one lot with his brother, Leonard, opened a hardware store; Christopher Hagness bought two lots and opened a hotel and livery barn; Peder Aafedt, Sr., one lot and opened a meat market which one year later he turned over to his son, Peter, Jr. Ole K. Thoe bought a lot and opened an implement shop. The First State Bank also bought a lot. Through the sale of lots was in the fall, by spring, business had already been started. The preceeding spring, M. L. Dryburg, with a satchel full of money and a set of books, arrived here from Grand Forks, and having a small shack built, opened the First State Bank. The first store to be opened was by the Henry Brothers, and a little later in the fall, Ole and Knut Forsaker moved their store from Conway to the new town. In the early days, several rural postoffices had been established. One of these was in the home of Sherburn Worthing and named Medford. As the new town was established in Medford Township and near the Medford post office, that was the name chosen. This caused much confusion as there was another station on the Soo Line by the same name. Another of the early post offices here was named Bellville, so the idea was hit upon to give the town the name of Fordville - taking the last syllable of each of the former post offices. W. J . Henry was appointed the first postmaster. The population reached 120 persons by June, 1906, one year later. The first marriage ceremony performed in Fordville took place in 1906 when Miss Julia Aafedt became the bride of George Lang, who was manager of an elevator operated by the Northland Company. The first child born in Fordvdle was Ldlian Mdford Clausen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Clausen. The first doctor to reside in Fordvdle was Dr. Arnold, who came in 1906 and remained for five years. In 1912, Dr. Clarence E . Lommen came to Fordvdle and remained for nearly half a century. He had come from Mayvdle with his wife, Keziah, and two sons, Donald and Conrad. He had practiced medicine in Mayvdle for two years. Late in 1911, afire destroyed most of the main part of the business district. Estimated loss was about $100,000. These were young energetic businessmen and during the following year a row of fine brick buddings were erected on the ruins of the former structures. 1912 saw the beginning of a local newspaper and print shop. W. A. Young, publisher of the Leader at Drayton, had a printing plant moved here and opened for business. A year or so later, he sold out to Sam Haslett. Later the printing business was run by Mr. Wilson, who also operated a plant at Oslo, Minn. But in 1919, the Fordvdle Chronicle gave up and the printing was stored away in a small budding untd G. K. Ness came here in the spring of 1922 and took possession, establishing the Tri-County Sun. The Fordville townsite lies in the northwest quarter of section 25, Medford Township,which was homesteaded by Alice E. Carpenter. She received a U. S. patent Nov. 12,1900, and deeded the land to H. J. Vorachek, Oct. 23, 1901, and he in turn, transferred the townsite area to the Minnesota Loan and Trust Co., who platted it, as Medford, the plat being filed Aug. 23, 1905. There have been

four additions: Dryburgs, April 20, 1914, by C. D. Lord and M . J . Dryburg. The same two men platted Dryburgs second and third additions Oct. 14, 1919, and Dryburgs fourth addition was platted Aug. 29, 1921, by the Northwestern Trust Company.

SCHOOLS CONWAY SCHOOL By records, there was a school built in Conway in 1885. In a petition to build the school there were the names of some early settlers, John Svoboda, M. H. Flinn, F. E. Vorachek, Tim Curtain, C. Cross, Wdliam Cross, John Vorachek, W. Paur, E. P. Seilstad and others, 33 names in ad. A one room school was built and one teacher was hired. In 1893 a larger school was budt and two teachers hired. The upper floor was used as a city had for special events. As time went on, more room was needed so the upstairs had to be used. Moreroomswere made up there and four teachers were hired to teach over 100 students. In 1906 Conway had its first graduating class including five: Lloyd Daily, Frank E. Weed, Joseph L. Bina, Mary Vorachek, and Lillian Vorachek. Of these five students, Ldlian and Mary Vorachek became teachers, Frank Weed became a doctor. The first school was sold to the Z.C.B.J. Lodge of Conway. That same budding is now the kitchen of the hall now owned by St. Mark's Church of Conway. The second school was torn down in 1975. Submitted by Alice Foerster.

Conway school built in 1893.

During a term in the early 20's the pioneer school house in District No. 9 burned to the ground. A new and larger building was built and served the district until that district through annexation became a part of Dist. 79, the Fordville School. The No. 9 building was moved and converted into a teacherage. Also in the early 20's a new and larger schoolhouse was budt in District 84. When the district joined with District 79, No. 84 was vacated and sold to Medford Township and for a while was used as a town had. Finally, it was destroyed by fire in early 1972. Later the east half of Eden Township became part of Conway City School, while No. 9, later known as the Gillbertson School, furnished the site of learning for the southwest part of the township and No. 56, the Jestrab School, for the northwest. When Fordvide was started in 1905, the schoolhouse, a 20 by 24 foot one-story frame building, was moved onto lots in the north end of town where a city block had been set aside as school ground. This school served until 1908 when a two-story, four classroom brick budding was erected. The old school house was then bought by the Lutheran congregation, moved and remodeled, and known as the little chapel, served for rehgious purposes, until the new Lutheran church was budt in 1923. In 1924 the dtfle chapel was sold and moved to main street, enlarged and converted into a print shop. In the early 20's high school courses were added in the Fordville School. Walter Clauson was the first to receive a high school diploma being the only graduate in 1922. The first four year graduation was in 1923. A high school graduation has been an annual affair since. The second graduation class consisted of four members, Hjahner Lien, Orvide Hegland, Eda Aafedt, and Eda Ryan. With annexations in the 40's and 50's taking in outlying districts - ad of Medford, all of Eden Township and Conway city, most of Elkmount, and about half of Inkster Townships - the schoolhouse soon became too smad and after several unsuccessful attempts at bonding, a $95,000 addition was erected. When rural schools were in operation both pupds and teachers walked the distance, sometimes two mdes or more. In the 30's crowded private buses came into use in the rural areas that sent children to town schools. In 1950 public school buses accommodating 36 students each were bought. Later, 48 passenger buses were purchased.

EDEN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41 This school was built in the 1880's in Eden Township, on what is the Vorachek farm about one and three fourths miles east and south of Fordville. This not being in the district, it was decided to move farther east on land homesteaded by Albert Jallo, later the land of Davie Rea. When the railroad came through in 1905, near the school building, it was decided to move the building a few rods farther east where the building still stands. Many children ranging in age from six to 15 went to this school. For many it was the only public education they received. School was held seven months of the year, closed in the coldest months of January, February and March. Some of the teachers that taught were Maude Rea Watson, Wiuiam Henry, Engebert Henry, Florence Henry, Isabelle Henry Froyer, Gladys Berg, Mina Seildstad Lauridson, Elizabeth Seymour Scott, Violet McConnachie Thorpe and Hulda Carlson As roads and transportation improved, the schools consolidated. District No. 41 then went to Fordville. Before the churches were built, this school was used for worship and for many other forms of meetings and entertainment. At Christmas, there was the program, tree, exchanging of smad gifts, and perhaps there would be an apple and a bag of candy.

Students of School District No. 41, taken in the fall of 1913. Back row, left to right: Laddie Vorachek, Charles Swehla, Viola Henter, Josie Swehla, (All deceased), Gladys Huseby, William Swehla, Helen Blasky, and William Vorachek. Front row: Vernon Potzloff, Clifford Close (Deceased), Thelma Potzloff, Blanch Swehla, Lavina Henter (deceased), Beatrice Henter (deceased), and Dorothy Close.

CHURCHES

MEDFORD AND EDEN SCHOOLS The first school budt in this area in the 1880's was in Walsh Dist. No. 9, the southwest one fourth of the township. For years that suppded the seat of learning for children of the area containing most of Medford, part of Elkmount in Grand Forks County, and possibly part of Cleveland Township as wed.

ST. MARK'S CHURCH OF CONWAY The first settlers came to Conway in 1881. Father Considine, Minto, celebrated Mass for them the following year. The first church was budt in 1884. Before that Mass was celebrated in new granaries or houses. Another early priest was Father P. J. Flannagen, Larimore.

As the families grew and the number of chddren increased other districts were organized, schoolhouses budt and teachers employed. In Medford Township District No. 79, in the southeast corner, was a bit larger than ordinary, embracing 10% sections, instead of the customary nine.

When the first church was built in 1884, Father James Simpson took over. He would go from Larimore to Park River, having Mass there at 9 a. m., then to Conway for Mass at 11 a. m. This was done every other Sunday. 740

The John Foersters had a daughter, Mary, who married Charles Hennessy. Their daughter, Delores, studied for the sisterhood and is now stationed at Vancouver, Wash. The Michael Dougherty family had a daughter, Ada, who married William Ruella. Their son entered the priesthood, is at Bismarck. The Joseph Bina family had a daughter, Barbara, who married Albin Lovcik. They had a daughter, Constance, who took the vows of sisterhood and is teaching music and now resides in Portland, Ore. St. Mark's Church was given a large sum of money from the Bolger estate to be used for the education of anyone wishing to enter the priesthood or sisterhood. Submitted by Mrs. Alice Foerster and Mrs. Francis Chromy.

He would come by horse and buggy in the summer and by sleigh in the winter. The first wedding ceremony in St. Mark's Church was the wedding of Johanna McKinnon and Robert Burris, who hved and farmed near Conway. They later moved into Conway. Father Simpson served Conway for many years.

Father James Simpson, priest, when first church was built. In the 1930's, Father Turek, Pisek, was the priest for St. Mark's Church. In 1939, the Conway parish remodeled the church. It was destroyed by fire a short time later. They were determined people, and a new church was constructed the same year. Father John Omeara was the priest now, coming from Park River. He had to leave the parish due to illness. Father Michael McNamee served St. Mark's for one year. At present, Father John Roth, Pisek, is the priest.

St. Mark's Catholic Church after being remodeled in 1939. CONWAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A number of the pioneers immigrating from eastern Canada and the eastern United States of Scotch and Irish descent came to the Conway area and were of the Protestant faith. They wished to have a church where they could worship. In the early 1890's they organized a congregation and set about to build a church in Conway. James Henry, living south of Fordville, was secured to build the church with the help of the members. Little is remembered about the church since there were no records saved and nearly all members of that time have died. Some of the members and families were: WiUiam Maxwell, John Skidmore, Charles Cory, Fred Getchman, Hans Sutherland, James Henry, John Vernons, Andrew Close, Frank Westoner, Charles Van Arsdale, Pauline Chernery, Emma and Jim Finley, Mrs. Sisson, Mrs. Carrie Halvorson, Anna Marsh, Conrad, Jack and Martin Bjerke and later, Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Cawley were members.

Catholic Church built in 1884.

Some of the early members of St. Mark's Church had children who chose the religious life. The Charles Heising family had a daughter, Blanche, married to Bert Burris. Their daughter studied for the sisterhood and is now in the state of Washington. She took the name of Sister Frances.

Pastors or ministers that can be remembered are two students, Samuel Mayne from Ireland, who interned one summer and Mr. Woolet; Rev. Robert Rhinehart, Forest River, and later, Rev. Farber Robertson, Inkster, served the Conway Church. 741

A Sunday School was started. Mrs. Van Arsdale and Mary Maxwell Finley were two of the teachers. Mrs. Van Arsdale was church organist. Mary Finley also played at various times. Later, as families moved away or died, the church had to close its doors. In 1929, it was torn down by the man who built it, James Henry. He and his sons took the lumber and built a house on the farm one-half mile west of Fordville, near the now Oak Grove Cemetery. This house was for Robert Henry who married Ethel Bayne, Forest River. It was their home until Robert died. Submitted by Gladys Huseby.

Conway Presbyterian Church built in early 1890's.

They would have to go to Minto and Grand Forks for provisions the first years on foot, carrying flour and sugar on their backs, always having things stored away for the long winter. Even though there were hardships and trials the pioneers were anxious to establish a church and have the word of God brought to them. Going through history, we find a missionary pastor, Johannes Flaten, who was in the area west of Grafton which is now known as Zion and South Trinity Lutheran. He also continued on to Pleasant Vadey, west of what is now Park River, on to the now Whitman, Dahlen, Conway and south to Bachelor's Grove, having services in the homes. On Jan. 10, 1882, a meeting was held at the Ole Skattebo home in Eden Township. Rev. Flaten was present and a congregation was formed to be known as the Forest River Norwegian Evangedcal Lutheran Church. Trustees elected at this meeting were Peder Aafedt, Eding Dahlen and Engebrit Sedstad, with Ole Skattebo as secretary. The first services were held at the homes of the trustees. On Dec. 8,1882, this congregation, together with Pleasant Valley, sent a letter of call to M. C. Holseth, who came in June, 1883, since Mission Pastor Flaten could not cover this entire area. Pastor Holseth was to receive a salary of $150 a year plus one bushel of wheat and two bushels of oats from each family, three festival offerings and for ministerial acts. Pastor Holseth served this large parish untd July of 1885. Pastor Johannes Ringstad came in the fall of 1885. On Nov. 11, 1885, this large parish covering much territory was divided into the West Middle and East Forest River Congregations. In 1886, the Bachelors Grove Congregation of Grand Forks County which is now known as Elk Vadey, also joined this parish. Submitted by Gladys Huseby. ;

EAST FOREST RIVER NORWEGIAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH In 1880 and 1881, the first pioneers came to this area of the rich Red River Valley, coming first from Europe to Iowa, Wisconsin, southern Minnesota and parts of Illinois. The land in these states was fast being taken and hearing of the new opportunities in North Dakota, they came by covered wagons. Some were drawn by oxen and some with horses and a few brought along cattie, driving them alongside and whatever else they possessed was in the wagon. They were young, fud of energy and stamina. They put their trust in God, that he would be with them on their long journey to Dakota. Arriving here and looking around, some settied near the Forest River in the shelter of hdls and trees which gave protection from the winds and storms. Others settled on the broad prairies where the land was ad tidable. The pioneers soon made ready log and sod houses together with barns and perhaps a granary, ad working together and helping each other in true pioneer spirit. They began to break the virgin soil with a pair of oxen or perhaps one oxen and one horse hitched to a walking plow. They harvested the few acres in bundles and stacked it to be threshed later from the stack. Among the Scandinavians there was plenty of good flat bread, lefse, "spikekjot" (dried beef), "spikeflesk" (cured dried pork) and many other good things that we do not have in our modern way of life.

East Forest River Lutheran Church located in Eden Township. EAST FOREST RIVER CHURCH In the records are the fodowing names as members: Peder Aafedt, Ole Walden, Juel Neste, Ole K. Thoe, Engebrit Sedstad, Andrew Hoye, Gdbert Norbo, Ole Skattebo, Ole Johnson, Nels Tolden Nelson, John Swenson, Alf Hjelle, Bendik Halverson, Andrew Haaverdson, Kristian Haaverson, Andrew Berdahl and Knut Jado. In 1886, Ole Skattebo gave one-half acre of land to be used for a cemetery and on April 7, 1896, the members decided to budd a church. Peder Aafedt gave one acre of land beside the cemetery for the new church. The church

was built that summer and even though not finished, services were held that fall and the pioneers came together to worship in a new church in a new land. On the building committee were Peder Aafedt, Peter Hove and Ole K. Thoe. The cost of the church was $750 since much of the labor was donated. Pastor Ringstad resigned in the fall of 1897 after serving the parish for 12 years. He accepted a call to Petersburg. At this time another realignment of this parish took place and East Forest River Congregation became a part of the Park River parish, once served by Pastor M. N. Knutson. Also at this time, we officially became a part of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church. Pastor Knutson resigned in 1900 and Pastor Olaf Guldseth was called and came in November, 1900. He remained in this parish until 1910. During this time the church was completely furnished inside and dedicated in 1905. Ole K. Thoe made the altar, pulpit, baptismal font and designed and did all the art carving work. It was truly a beautiful piece of work. Pastor Guldseth resigned in 1910, followed by Pastor George Shurson, who after one year was forced to resign due to ill health. He was followed by Pastor John Bjerke who served us until the fall of 1919 when East Forest River Congregation left the Park River parish and merged with the newly formed Fordville Lutheran Church. They were then served by Pastor H. C. Olson of Dahlen until Pastor Norris Olson came in 1921. He was our pastor until 1926. A call was given to Pastor S. K. Knutson, who accepted and gave his first sermon Christmas Day, 1926, and was a faithful servant. On May 29, 1929, a tornado destroyed our beautiful church. The cemetery, however, was left intact.

O God our help in ages past Our hope for years to come Be thou our guide while life shall last And our eternal home. Submitted by Gladys Huseby. FORDVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The present church body is a result of the union of several smaller groups, who, as means of travel improved, decided to combine. Those earlier groups included the Elkmount Presbyterian Church (Belleville) and the First Presbyterian Church of School District No. 9 (Medford Township). Records are meager regarding the first church activities in School District No. 9, 3% miles west of the present site of Fordville. However, by the initiative of Daniel McKeith, Sr., sometime during the 1880's, a few church members of several denominations succeeded in having regular services in the schoolhouse of the district. In the fall of 1894, the First Presbyterian Church of that district was organized with the Rev. J . B. Ferguson as pastor. Regular Sabbath services and Sunday School were held every summer for some years. Services in winter could not be held because it was impossible much of the time for the minister to travel from his home church to this outlying pastorate. Quoting from an account by Mrs. David Robertson, Sr., "The schoolhouse in DistrictNo. 9 where the services were held, was usually full. Some five or six denominations were represented and I am sure there is a warm feeling in more than one heart for those young men (i. e. the pastors) who worked so hard for die Master those years. With the village of Medford, now Fordville, growing so rapidly, it seemed expedient to formally organize a congregation there. On Sept. 13, 1905, the congregation from District No. 9 united with the residents of Medford and the surrounding community. During the next two years, services were held in the hall above the original Medford Mercantile building and in the schoolhouse. The church building proper was built in the year 1907 by James Henry and his sons, and others at a cost of $3,000. Older members of the congregation can remember it as it was built. The pulpit was on the south side and the choir sang in the loft on the north side. The choir at that time was made up of young married couples for the most part. In addition to the choir loft on the north side, there was anotherroomfor use when the main auditorium was filled. The Rev. W. Gleason was pastor. There are several charter members living in this community and taking active part in church affairs. In addition, many of the children and grandchildren of the earliest members now continue the work started a half century ago. The Fordville Church has been served by several ministers until 1943. At that time different arrangements were made and since then, the resident minister of the Federated Church of Park River has served as the pastor of the Fordville Presbyterian Church. Approximately twenty pastors served the congregation during the first 50 years. Taken from the 50th anniversary booklet of the Fordville First Presbyterian Church.

Since there were so few members left of the East Forest River Congregation, they joined the Fordville Lutheran Congregation and became a part of this church, and so came an end to the East Forest River Congregation. The pioneer women were not slow in becoming interested in working for the church. The first Ladies' Aid was organized in 1885 and they met regularly in the homes having Christian fellowship and working for home and foreign missions. They also helped in a financial way with the work of their home church. During the summer, they would have a sale of articles that they had made throughout the year and a picnic was held for the entire congregation. This was a day everyone looked forward to. The first officers were Mrs. Ole Walden, president; Mrs. Peter Hove, secretary, and Mrs. Peder Aafedt, treasurer. The young people also got together for meetings and Christian fellowship in the homes, too, before the church became a reality. Having picnics and parties during the summer was also a part of their fellowship. Sunday School was also begun in the homes. The first marriage recorded was the double wedding of Alex Walden and Hanna Monson and Juel Neste and Martha Walden June 1, 1886. Surely there is a challenge for us to go forward as these pioneers did, in order that the word of God and Christ's saving grace and the power he brought to the ends of the earth. Let us Christian men and women meet this challenge to go onward and work untiringly, as did these pioneers of near one hundred years ago. 743

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF FORDVILLE The Norwegian people are pioneers by nature. When they learned free land was obtainable in America, they determined to leave their fatherland and seek homes in the new country giving promise of more favorable economic conditions than they were used to. Many of the immigrants spent some time in the eastern states before coming to the Fordville area where they homesteaded. They were also religious minded and soon after being settled here, sought church connections. Rev. C. A. Flaten was the first missionary pastor to conduct services here in 1881 and 1882, coming here from Grafton. Early services were held in the homes of Peter Aafedt and Elling Dahlen. On Dec. 8, 1882, this congregation and the Pleasant Valley Congregation sent a letter to M. C. Holseth, who came in June, 1883. Pastor Holseth was to receive a salary of $150 a year, plus one bushel of wheat and two bushels of oats from each family, three festival offerings, and money for ministerial acts. Pastor Holseth served until July 1,1885. Pastor John Ringstad succeeded him in the fall of 1885. On Nov. 11,1885, this large congregation was divided by mutual agreement into the West, Middle and East Forest River Congregations with Pastor John Ringstad serving all three. In 1886, Elk Vadey Congregation also joined the parish.

The first holy Mass was celebrated at the beginning of November, 1881, at the farm home of Frank Kouba by Rev. J. Considine. Ad the settlers, being Catholics, felt the need of a church and a priest in the parish. After three meetings, which proved quite successful, they decided to build a church on the place where the present church now stands. For this purpose, Matt Tupa donated five acres and F. J. Sedivy donated four acres of land. The building of the church started in the fad of 1881. Since there were no carpenters avadable, the parishioners built the church themselves. The budding material had to be hauled by wagons from Stickney, later known as Ojata. Despite ad hardships, the church was completed in a reasonably short time. It was 16 feet by 18 feet. It is generally bedeved that this was the first Catholic church in Walsh County.

Fordville Lutheran Church Fordville Lutheran Church built in 1923. today. Built in 1959.

First church, St. Luke's parish. On Dec. 26, 1881, Rev. J. Considine celebrated the first holy Mass in the new church. Rev. J. Considine held services every fourth Monday of the month and in the year 1883, he came every first Sunday of the month. His yearly salary was $150 and feed for his horse. By 1882, the parish had grown to 40 famdies and it was necessary to enlarge the dttle church. A 12 foot addition was built, making the church 28 feet long. In 1882, a Polish priest, Father Grynholc, came to hear confessions.

VESELEYVILLE PARISH In the spring of 1880 several Czech families of Spidvdle, Ia., decided to move west to seek new homes. Famdies arriving in 1880 and 1881 were Frank Votova, Frank Dusek, Joe Dusek, Frank Reyleck, Anton Barta, Anton Karnik, John Burianek, Frank Sedivy, Matt Tupa, James Lust, John Lust, Joe Lust, Joe Kasal, Frank Barta, John Janousek, Matt Houska, Matt Dvorak, John Dvorak, John Krde, John Suda, August Kubesh, Anton Houdek, Frank Peterka, Jacob Chromy, Frank Novak, Joseph Novak, John Stroble, John W. Ruzicka, John Maresh, Frank Maresh, Frank Kouba and Louis Kotaska. Most of them settled in the vicinity which is today known as Veseleyville. At that time it was named Veseli, which had been the name of a city in Bohemia where the parents of the immigrants lived. The name was changed to Veseleyville when the post office was organized in about 1882.

On Dec. 8,1883, the Most Reverend Bishop M. Marty visited here. With him came Father Considine and another Polish priest. They came from Minto, and owing to bitter cold and deep snow they arrived at the farm home of Frank Votova around midnight. Here, they were obdged to sleep two and three in one bed because of scarcity of room and furniture. Next day, the Most Reverend Bishop Marty celebrated holy Mass and dedicated the church. During 1883, Father Considine left 744

the parish. After he left, a Polish priest, Father Michnowski, from a neighboring parish in Minnesota, came to hold services until Sept., 1885. During the absence of a priest, Anton Karnik led prayers and instructed Sunday classes. The organist was Matt Dvorak. In 1884, Rev. Pribyl from Montgomery, Minn., held missions in the parish. He advised the parishioners to build a new church which would accommodate all of them. Fifteen hundred dollars were pledged for the new building, but owing to the price of wheat (40 cents a bushel) the work was suspended. In 1885, Father Pribyl came again to the parish and offered his help. Thirty-seven parishioners promised help but could not pay the amount pledged because it was just before harvest. Thus, ten parishioners donated $800 and Frank Dusek added $100. For this sum, lumber was ordered. The building material arrived Aug. 14 and 35 parishioners hauled the lumber in one day. During the spring of 1886, the parishioners prepared everything for the building. Because the contractor was delayed, the church was not funished until September. The contractor was John Marousek from Minnesota, recommended by Father Pribyl.

charge. During Father Dvorak's absence, Rev. J. Hessoun held missions in July, 1888. Father Hessoun was a well-known organizer of the Bohemian people and founder of the first Catholic Bohemian newspaper, "Hlas." Aug. 1, 1890, the parish received their first resident priest, Rev. Joseph Bartik. In the same year, the new parish house was budt at the cost of $1,286.55, of which $1,115 was direct donations by the parishioners. It stood until 1914 when it was sold, and in its place a smaller and more modern rectory was budt. In 1891 during the summer, Rev. C. J . Augustinsky came to take Father Bartik's place. He was the only Bohemian priest in this area, so he also took care of the Bohemian people in Pisek, Bechyne and Conway. It was agreed that he have Mass on two Sundays and Holy Days of each month. The other Sundays, Mass was at the missions. On Sept. 12, 1896, the parish was incorporated under the name of Saint Luke's Church, Veseleyvdle. Incorporators were Rev. Bishop John Shanley, Rev. Thomas Egan, and Rev. C. J. Augustinsky. In the same year a new parish school was budt. pledges amounted to $537. The work was donated by the parishioners. The corner stone of the new school was laid Oct. 29, 1896, by John Janousek, who was a stone mason. The construction work was under the supervision of August Kubesh. It was a two-story building. The painting, inside and outside, was done by the parishioners free of charge. On July 5, 1896, a meeting was caded to decide whether the present church should be enlarged or a new one built. It was decided that a new church should be budt instead of enlarging the present church. However, the construction was delayed untd the fall of 1898. Architect, Louis Weissbecher, drew the plan and the contractors, Nodman and Lewis, were engaged. The foundation contract was given to Mr. Travnicek for $282. Pledges for the new church amounted to $5,874.13, and the lumber sold from the old church brought $805.80. The total cost of the church was $9,237.37. The laying and blessing of the cornerstone was Aug. 10,1898, by the Most Reverend J. Shanley. The solemn dedication of the church took place Sept. 27, 1899, in the presence of many priests and people of neighboring communities. But Rev. CK. Augustinsky did not enjoy the new church for long. He died Jan. 25,1901, at 52. In 1910 the school was closed owing to financial difficulties.

Father C. J. Augustinsky The church was to be dedicated to the name of the Blessed Virgin, as the first church has been, but, because the celebration was held on the day which honored Saint Luke, the Rev. Bishop Marty dedicated it in the honor of St. Luke, the evangelist. During the time the church was being built, there was no resident priest here. In March, 1887, Rev. Bidy held missions in the parish. In August of the same year Father Waclav Dvorak, recently ordained, visited the parish. With him came the Rev. Bishop Marty, who dedicated the church and administered the sacrament of Confirmation. Shortly before, the old church building had been moved across the road and remodeled into the rectory. It was later used as a parish school. Also, a new stable was built for the horses. The cost of this was about $300, which was paid by the parish. Furniture for the rectory cost $55. The cost of the church building was $2,424.19.

In 1912, during the management of Rev. V. Stepan, a new modern parish house was built. The old building was $3,665.80. Donations and pledges amounted to $2,221 and $1,600 was secured by a loan. The work was done by Nollman, Lewis and Brye. Rev. V. Stepan did not enjoy the new parish house for long because he died April 29, 1914. He is buried on the local cemetery beside C. J. Augustinsky. A month after Father Stepan's death, Father Ambrose Kolar was appointed pastor and during his administration a new pipe organ was purchased for $760, of which $500 was raised by the local Dramatic Club. The balance was donated by a few young people of the parish. Due to rising prices, this organ was valued at over $3,000 when the church burned. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek.

The big bell in the church tower was donated by Ed Ullman and the little bell was donated by John Krile. During all this time, the parish was under the leadership of Rev. V. Dvorak, who came here once a month from Wahpeton until October, 1889. Then Rev. Rabstejnek took 745

ORGANIZATIONS CATHOLIC WORKMEN On May 24, 1896, the branch of Catholic Workmen was organized at Veseleyville. It is a subordinate branch of the Fraternal Mutual Benefit Association which was organized and incorporated in the State of Minnesota in 1891. The Veseleyville branch was the 24th to join the Association. It is believed that the Veseleyville branch was the first one in North Dakota. The general purpose of this association is to promote the moral, social and intellectual culture of its members, to pay death benefits to the families, relatives and other beneficiaries of the deceased members. The Association's motto is for God, church and country. The charter members were: Rev. V. J. Augustinsky, August Kubesh, Joe Sindler, Frank Kubesh, Paul Pastir, Frank Spale, John Capouch, Joe Vavrosky, John Kostohryz, Matt Schanilec, John J. Janousek, John Janousek, Sr., Matt Vavrosky, Joe Panek, Steve Rosek, John Mlcoch, Frank J. Sedivy, Jake Chromy, Frank J. Bazal and Frank Kouba. First branch officers were: Rev. C. J. Augustinsky, chaplain; August Kubesh, president; Frank Kubesh, vice president; Jake Chromy, recording secretary; Frank Spale, financial secretary; John J. Janousek, treasurer; Frank Kouba, John Janousek, Sr., and John Mlcoch, trustees; Joe Vavrosky, messenger and Paul Pastir, sentinel.

In 1905, the branch built a new K. C. Hall, better known as the Veseleyville Hall. The building consisted of a large dance floor, kitchen, dining room and a club room where members held their monthly meeting. For over 60 years, that hall was the center of all social activities held in the Veseleyville community. On June 30, 1955, hghtning struck the St. Luke's Catholic Church and it burned in a few hours. From that day until Dec. 24, 1957, church services of the St. Luke's parish were held in the hall. Branch 24 has 186 members. Present officers are: Rev. Jaroslov Tomanek, chaplain; John Janda, president; Ben Dusek, vice president; Frank A. Suda, Gabriel Dusek and Joseph Schanilec, trustees; Louis Barta, marshal; Gregory Dusek, secretary; Vendelyn Burianek, treasurer and WiUiam D. Suda, flag bearer. Submitted by Gabriel Dusek and Fred Karnik. WESTERN UNION The Western Union Lodge was organized at Veseleyville in 1894, the Z. C. K. J. Branch 52, by Rev. C. J. Augustinsky. There were 22 members. EDEN TOWNSHB? Conway viUage existed for several years under township government. There are no records of the first township officials but those active in the Conway community were early township leaders and officers. Eden Township was so named because of its fertility and its scenic attractiveness. The township was organized in 1882. Submitted by Mrs. Francis Chromy.

Medford and Prairie Centre Townships MEDFORD TOWNSHIP Josiah Sanborn was the first settler in Medford Township. In June 1879, when the township was surveyed, Sanborn was the only squatter in what was to become Medford Township. The first filing was June 3, 1881. Medford was organized in November, 1882. The organizers were: Augustus KeUogg, Josiah Sanborn, Daniel McKieth, Jr., John Byfield, Bertram Carpenter, Lyman Brandt, Frank Worthing, and Smith Johnson. The only church established in Medford Township in territorial days was Presbyterian. There were three early schools (Districts No. 9, No. 79 and No. 84) in the township. Mrs. Alder was the practical nurse in early days in Medford Township. Bertram Carpenter had a general store. David Robertson was the first blacksmith. His wife, Edith Jeffry, was one of the first teachers in Medford Township. In 1881, Dr. Madigan came to Medford Township. He lived alone in a dugout in the side of a hUl. Sherburn Worthing was the first postmaster, the office located in his home. He named the post office for his hometown, Medford, Minn., and the township took its name from the post office. Taken from The Walsh County Record, 50th anniversary edition, published in July, 1940.

PRAIRIE CENTRE TOWNSHIP Early Bohemian settlers in Prairie Centre could not agree on an old country name. Prairie Centre Township was organized in 1882. First officers, so far as is known, were Matt Houska, Sr., Jacob Chromy, John Kratky, John Kadlec, Frank Kouba, John Karel and Frank Sedivy. The records at Bismarck show that organization of the township was official in 1882, but old timers say the first meeting took place in 1881. The first township board had planned to adopt a Bohemian name for the township, but could not agree on a choice, so they called it Prairie Centre, as it was centrally located in the county. The biggest project the township had, when they budt 16 miles of road for $9,200, when Anton Schanilec was chairman, Paul Pastir, Jr., supervisor, Gabriel Dusek, supervisor, Bernard Dvorak, clerk; and Jerome Dusek, treasurer. Bernard Dvorak held office over 40 years as clerk and Gabriel Dusek was supervisor over 30 years. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek.

HENRY BURRIS FAMILY Henry Burris was born Aug. 9,1859, at Lindsay, Ont. His parents emigrated from the British Isles to Canada in 1855. Both died before Henry was 16. In 1881 he came to work as a lumberjack in Michigan. In 1882 he came to Dakota and filed on land in the SE'/4 of Section 1 of Eden Township. One day, not long after he had erected a small cabin on his claim, Burris saw a man driving across the prairie with a team and buggy. When the rig neared the cabin he recognized the driver, Dr. F. J. Duggan, long a Grand Forks physician. Dr. Duggan had been Henry's teacher back in Lindsay. In February of 1884 he married Frances O'Keefe of Grand Forks. Their cabin was far from being the ideal home. It did not have a wooden floor until 1886. Things got better in the 1890's and they built a much better home in 1893. Mr. Burris, along with farming, ran a threshing rig, traded in horses and bought grain. He was one of the organizers of Eden Township. They were charter members of St. Mark's Church of Conway. Mrs. Burris died in 1933. They had 10 children,. Thomas, Harry, Robert, Widiam, Timothy, Charles, Martha, Wadace, Bert and Leo. One son, Wallace, is living. Submitted by Mrs. Juda (Leo) Burris.

EDEN BIOGRAPHIES MICHAEL BLASKY FAMH.Y Michael Blasky came to the United States from the section of Poland which was under the government of Germany at that time. He had been made to do military service there during the Franco-Prussian War and came to this country, settling in Spillville, Ia. Here he married Anna Vorachek, whose parents came to the States from Bohemia. About 1876, Mr. and Mrs. Blasky came to Dakota with their growing family and settled somewhere north of Grand Forks near the Red River. After being flooded out several years, they moved farther inland and chose a farm in Eden Township where they made their home until 1912 when they retired, turning the farm over to their son, William, and moved to Minnesota. During their early years in Eden Township, four of their children died from communicable diseases (two within the same week), and are buried in St. Mark's Cemetery in Conway. Their parents are also buried there. Three daughters and two sons grew to adulthood. They were Mary (Mrs. Anton Holland), Eleanor (Mrs. John Drevecky), Stella (Mrs. Jim Harizim), William and Emil. All are deceased. Their son, William, married Josephine Jechort, Conway. They had one daughter, Evelyn. When Evelyn was 11 months old, her mother died of pneumonia. On July 12, 1904, William Blasky married Lucy Gorecki. One daughter, Helen, was born. Evelyn Blasky married George Iverson, Doyan. They hved for a number of years at Doyan and Fordvdle, later moving to Seattie, Wash. They had three daughters, lone, Arlene and Beverly. Helen Blasky married Glenn Neidlinger of Hampden. They have one son, Jack, Hampden. Lucy Gorecki Blasky died in 1969. Widiam Blasky died in 1940. During those pioneer years, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Blasky had their share of hardships. One time, Mrs. Blasky became ill. Dr. Church of Park River was caded and did an emergency appendectomy, using their dining room table as his operating table. Submitted by Helen (Blasky) Neidlinger.

ROBERT BURRIS An old pioneer of Conway, Robert Burris, was born to Michael Burris and Mary Hutton Burris in Bertrand, Mich., Aug. 27, 1869. From Michigan the famdy moved to Lindsay, Ont., where his parents died when Robert was very young. There were two girls and three boys in his famdy. They hved with friends in Canada after the loss of their parents. In 1882, Robert came with Mr. and Mrs. Matt Butler and settled in Minto. While in Minto, he lived with his sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. John Kennedy, until he moved to a farm two miles east of Conway where he farmed. In 1894, Robert married Johanna McKinnon, who came from DeMerse Center, Quebec, to Conway. Three children were born on the farm. The first was a daughter, Mary. The day of Mary's birth, Aug. 7, 1896, there was a heavy hail storm which broke windows and caused damage. The second was a son, George, and another daughter, Annie. In 1902 the family moved to Conway where Frank and Michael were born. While in Conway, Mr. Burris was a dray man and later a carpenter. As a carpenter he helped build and remodel several homes and the Conway Had. Most of these homes are stdl hved in. The famdy lived in the house presently owned by Mary Pecka. They ran a boarding house, with approximately eight roomers and 16 or more for meals. At one time, a doctor quarantined the family plus their roomers for scarlet fever, keeping everyone in for six weeks. During Mr. Burris' stay in Conway, he was active in the affairs of the vidage, serving as a village trustee and for three terms was president of the village board. The famdy moved to Inkster in 1931, where Mr. Burris worked for the Great Northern Railroad. Mr.

Mrs. Michael Blasky on the left, her daughter, Mrs. John Drevecky of Adams on the right, her granddaughter, Mrs. Steve Kobek in the back and her great granddaughter, Naomi, in front. 747

Burris died in 1935 from cancer. He was buried in the St. Mark's Catholic Cemetery at Conway. Mrs. Burris died in 1941 at 74 and was also buried in the Conway Cemetery. Mary Burris was married to Kossuth Trosen Nov. 21, 1917. They farmed. They had 11 children. Eight survive. George Burris married Annie Krumpas in November, 1924. He worked as a depot agent for the Great Northern in Grand Forks. They have five children, four boys and one girl. Annie Burris was married to Elmer Murray July 1, 1936. They farmed, had three daughters. Two survive. Frank Burris never married. He served in World War H. He died in 1959. Michael Burris was married to Georgetta Miller in 1941. He farmed, died in 1943. Mary Burris Trosen died June 15, 1968, at 72. George Burris died Jan. 12,1967. All are buried in the Conway Cemetery except George. He is buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Grand Forks. Submitted by M. E. Skibicki.

LEONARD AND CLARA CAWLEY On Nov. 2,1913, Leonard W. Cawley came from the Lynd State Bank, Lynd, Minn., to be bookkeeper and assistant cashier in the Bank of Conway under the supervision of Charles E. Van Arsdale, cashier. Five years later, the interests of John Birkholz of Grand Forks were purchased by Van Arsdale, who became president and Leonard F. Cawley, who became cashier. In late fall of 1926 due to the continued depressed conditions in all farming areas, it was decided to voluntarily liquidate said bank and pay all its depositors. Van Arsdale devoted his time to the continued liquidation of the bank's assets and attended his farming interests. Leonard Cawley remained in Conway attending to insurance business and in 1927, looking after farm interests for the First National Bank, Grand Forks. In 1928 he moved to Grand Forks and was employed as manager of the insurance department of E. J. Lander & Co. until February, 1930, when due to the idness of Van Arsdale, he resigned and took active management of the affairs of Van Arsdale. (Van Arsdale died March 10,1930.) Besides this, Mr. Cawley also continued his insurance business, income tax service, farm management and management of estates in both southern Walsh County and the northern part of Grand Forks County until 1961, especially in the areas surrounding Conway, Inkster and Fordvdle. This was a period of about 50 years in North Dakota. June 30, 1915, he married Clara M. Larson, Lynd, Minn., who came to Conway where they made their home until 1928, then lived in Grand Forks several years and later moved to Inkster where they hved untd 1949 when they purchased their home at Grand Forks, selling it in 1961. In 1960, due to the poor health of Mr. Cawley, it was necessary to move to Mesa, Ariz., where they built their new home in the fall of 1960 and where tiiey live at the present time. In 1965, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by a reception at the Midway School. Four daughters and one son; grandchddren, other relatives and friends helped them celebrate. Three of the oldest daughters live in California. The youngest, Mrs. Ronald Greer, lives on a farm at Johnstown and their son, Leonard W., is a farmer northeast of Inkster. Ad their chddren were born in WaFh County.

Mr. and Mrs. Cawley were active in school, civic and church work. Mrs. Cawley is an Eastern Star member and L. F. Cawley, a life member of the Masonic Lodge. They acquired some of North Dakota good farm lands. Having a liking for our Red River Valley, they distributed it among their immediate family. Submitted by L. F. Cawley. RICHARD J. CHURCH Dr. Richard J. Church, M. D., came to Conway in 1895. He married Christine Brownlee of Fisher, Minn. Doctor Church practiced in Conway and after Lankin was started, moved there and served the community for two years. He then moved to Park River where he served the area with great success. Doctor and Mrs. Church had four children, Bernice, Harold, Jerome and Richard. The latter hved in Grafton, where he owned and operated the Church ChevroletOldsmobile Agency. Dr. Church died in Park River in 1915. Mrs. Church died in Rockford, HI., in 1961. This biography is from the Fordvdle book.

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Church, Bernice and Richard, Jr., doctor in Conway in 1895. MR. AND MRS. ANDREW CLOSE, SR. In 1882, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Close, Sr., immigrated to the United States from Canada. Mrs. Close was the former Annie Leslie from Canada. They brought with them their ten chddren, Beda, Sarah, Mary, Addie, Fannie, Tena, Lizzie, Alex, George and Andrew, Jr. They homesteaded in Eden Township, one mde west of Conway. Here, another son, Fred, was born. The farm that was homesteaded is now farmed by Carl Foerster and Lionel Grinter. All of the original Close family are now deceased. The farm that was owned by the late George and Martha Close is now owned by their son, Howard, and his wife,

Eleanore. They are parents of six children: Clifford (deceased), Dorothy (Mrs. Henry Nelson), Lloyd, Minnie (Mrs. William Pfannsmith), Willard and Howard. Andrew Close and family lived at Fordville all their lives. They had a family of four girls; Isabelle (Mrs. Thomas Gray), Edith (Mrs. Duane Kelly), Irene (Mrs. Harry McCoy), and Lois (Mrs. Herman Dvorak). The Fred Close family had two children; Ann (Mrs. E. 0. Borchers) and Donald. The rest of the family have moved to many other parts of the country. Submitted by Mrs. William Pfannsmith.

Mr. Grinter engaged in farming. He had two brothers-in-law who were farming five miles south of Grafton. They were known as the Thomas Brothers. The first place he rented was the Brownell farm, two miles west and one-half mile south of Voss. It belongs to the Tibert estate at present. In 1896, he purchased a quarter of land located Vk miles north and three-fourths mile west of Warsaw. He sold in 1902 and moved to the Minto and Voss area where he farmed until 1914.

TOM DAILY FAMILY My dad, Tom Daily, was one of the first settlers at Conway. He drove from Iowa with a team of oxen. Later, he came back to Iowa and married my mother, then they returned to Conway. They had three children, Lloyd, George, and me (Edna). My dad owned a machinery business. He was also in partnership with his brother, Charlie, in the drug store. Charlie managed the store as he was a druggist. My mother was active in church work. I remember she always had Father Simpson, our priest, for breakfast after Mass before his long drive back to Larimore. I finished high school at St. Catherine's College, St. Paul, Minn. They had a high school in connection with their college. I graduated in 1913. Then I worked in the post office in Conway. The telephone office was housed there and I handled that under Jim Houdek, postmaster. In 1914 we moved to East Grand Forks, Minn. I did not work there, as shortly after we moved, my mother fell and broke her hip. Then she developed heart trouble and I was needed at home. She died in July, 1916. My brother and his wife moved in with us, and a few months later, I went to Iowa to visit relatives. I met Frank Gallegou. We were married in 1917 and have always lived in Iowa. We have four children: Tom, Frances, Patricia (died at six months) and Geraldine. My brother, Lloyd, was a mail clerk for the Soo Line on the run through Conway. He then became an Internal Revenue man. Brother, George, worked in a bankin East Grand Forks, Minn., then became a bank examiner. Lloyd died in 1949 and George died in 1948.1 am the only member of the family left. Submitted by Mrs. Frank (Edna Daily) Gallegou.

Walter Grinter, Sr.

While living in the Warsaw area, his wife died in 1898. The second winter after that, he was caught in a blizzard while helping his neighbor, John Hanawold, haul hay from the Red River area. His team got off the edge of a rail less bridge crossing the Maray River. In order to free the horses, he had to cut the hame straps. One horse kicked up his heels and disappeared into the storm. The other horse, named Bill, stayed with him and they traveled all night. Shortly before morning, they hit the Forest River timber east of Minto and were lucky enough to come upon a straw pile. Mr. Grinter dug into the straw and the horse ate straw until daylight. Upon the break of day, he crawled out and to his delight he discovered he was only a few rods away from a homestead owned by Frank LizakowsM. They took him in and treated his frozen hands and feet. They took him and his horse home later that day. His excited family of five children were anxiously awaiting his return. Melvin Grinter, the writer of this article, was only five years old at this time. It had been a long night for the children. Rose the 13-year old girl had read to the others from the Bible and tried to ease some of their fear.

EDMUND BURKE FINLEY Edmund Burke Finley homesteaded in Eden Township »coming from Wisconsin. His daughter was married to John H. Sisson and hved in Conway. They had four boys and four girls, including Lewis, a mail carrier on the rural route, a graduate of Conway High School.

Mr. Grinter's brother-in-law, Henry Thomas, Grafton, came and did the chores and took care of the children until Mr. Grinter's hands and feet were healed. Grinter farmed and also operated a threshing machine, sort of pioneered in tractor farming when the first gas tractors were introduced.

WALTER GRINTER, SR., FAMILY Walter Grinter and his wife and family of two children came to this country from England in 1889. They came to Minto on March 1. The voyage was long and hard. Mrs. Grinter and the baby girl had been sea sick. A couple of days after arriving, sadness came to the Grinters, due to the death of the little baby girl. The first piece of property they purchased was a plot in the Protestant Cemetery in Minto.

In 1914 the Grinters all moved to the Conway area and farmed the Dan Sutherland land. In 1917, Mr. Grinter sold to his two sons, Walter and Melvin, and moved to Carlton, Minn., where he died in 1927. Submitted by Melvin Grinter. 749

SEVERT OLSON HOWE Severen Olson Haue had his name changed to Severt Olson Howe after coming to, and settling in Dakota Territory. He was born in Lister, Norway, Feb. 12,1865. He was a sailor for seven years before coming to this country. He came to New York and worked in New Jersey for a time and then worked his way to Dakota Territory. He worked at the Kristian Rinertson farm and other farms in the Dahlen area before purchasing the land in the W% of 20155-55 containing 320 acres in Eden Township Dec. 15, 1892. The land was purchased from Thomas Earl for $1,025. Severt sent for his father, Ole Salverson Haue, a shoemaker in Norway, who remained here until his death. His brothers, Lars and Oliver, also came to live with him, both dying shortly after. One sister came, she later returned to Norway. A niece also hved with him. When Severt walked to Grand Forks on business, he took a wheelbarrow to bring home supplies. Severt returned to Norway and brought Thelma Louise Kvavig, whom he married Sept. 21, 1910. Eleven children were born, Olaf, Sigvald, Thelma, Arthur, Hilda, Viola, Othelia, Lila, John, Hilmer and Esther. Severt Howe farmed his land until his death Aug. 4, 1946, after which his son, Arthur, continued to farm the land.

HELGE AND SARAH HUSEBY Helge Huseby came from Sogn, Norway, in 1892 to Dodge County, Minn., working as a stone mason and other farm work. Later, he came to Walsh County and worked as a stone mason and farm laborer, making his home mostly with the Ole K. Thoe family, who seemed always to have an open door and welcome for the many newcomers, even though they were a large family. There always seemed to be food and an extra place at the large table.

Christmas eve, after a special supper of all the homemade goodies Mother made, we would sing hymns of Christmas and Dad would read the Christmas story in Luke. We'd march around the tree singing "Her komme dine arme smaa." (Thy little ones are we.) There would be hard candy and fruit which really was a luxury, but we truly enjoyed it and were happy. Mother became dl with diabetes and died at 42. This was before insuhn had been discovered. She died June 2, 1914, and is buried at the East Forest Cemetery. My father and I continued on the farm. It wasn't easy since I was only 10 years old and we couldn't buy anything and everything as you can now. I did learn to make baking powder biscuits and this was our bread for a couple of years until we ventured to tackle bread. The results were not too good at first, but as time went on, we learned to master the situation along with many other things. The only education was in the little country school (District No. 41) nearby and through experience. My father became dl with heart fadure and died March 31,1933, and was laid to rest beside Mother in the East Forest Cemetery. I continued operating the farm for nearly 30 years, raising purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle with the able help of Harold Kvavig, now 87, dving in Fordvide. Id health forced me to retire and the farm is rented. We look back on the memories and perhaps with both tears and joys as we remember how they toded and struggled to make this the greatest country on earth. May God bless the memories of these sturdy, hard working pioneers as we commemorate this, the Bicentennial. Submitted by Gladys Huseby.

Gladys Huseby by the log cabin where she was born. Taken in 1920's.

Helge Huseby with his first car. Helge Huseby and Sarah Aafedt were married May 31, 1902, and moved to the Skattebo farm which is stid owned by their daughter, Gladys, and where she makes her home. There were four more chddren, three boys and a girl, Lloyd, Lawrence, Kermit and Pearl, died in infancy and are buried in the East Forest Cemetery. At Christmas time, Dad would go to the woods and find a young ash tree. As I grew older, I went along. This was such a happy moment. We would bring the tree home. Mother would decorate it with homemade decorations and smad candles which I stid have, and

OLE JOHNSON Ole Johnson and wife, Helen, came from Ringsaker, Hedemarken, Norway, in the early 1870's. Their first stop was in Wisconsin, then later to Minnesota. In 1882, they moved to Eden Township, two and onehalf miles north of Conway. Their oldest son was about two years old when they came from Norway and had land in Section 4. They were members of the East Forest River Church. His wtfe died in the spring of 1900 and two children died. The chddren were: John, Peter, Anton, Hans, Oscar, Henry, Anna, Nette, Juha and Bertha. Their son, Anton, had a store in Conway in the 1920's.

In the spring of 1900, Ole Johnson and family moved west of Edinburg. He was a member of the Odalen Church, west of Edinburg. He died in 1932. Oscar Johnson was married to Agnes Thoe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole K. Thoe, Fordville. SIDNEY STEARNS MARSH FAMILY Sidney Marsh came to Dakota Territory from western New York state. His wife was Mary Beardsley. He came here about 1880, by way of Kansas City and St. Paul, where he had sisters living. S. S., as he was called by his friends, settled on a homestead west of Conway, about 10 miles. When the railroad went through Minto, he rented his land and moved, with his wife, Mary, daughter, Harriet, and son, Will, to Minto. A second daughter, Caroline, had stayed in St. Paul to assist an uncle in the care of his three children. His wife had died. Caroline came to Minto nine months later, and became the wife of Dr. Robert Mercer Evans, the Marsh's neighbor in Minto. He had come to Minto in 1879 from Ontario. Mr. Marsh, with the help of his wife, bound books and magazines. He also ran Minto's first library, that is, the many books owned by the Marsh and Evans families were loaned to people desiring to read them. The Marshes kept track of the names and dates just as a library does and permitted them to be renewed, if so desired, after the original two weeks were up. He also sold magazine subscriptions to many residents in the days before the drug stores sold the new copies as they were published. Mr. Marsh was also the voluntary weather observer for that area. The federal government furnished the thermometers, one for registering the highest degree and one for the lowest degree in that 24-hour period. These readings he recorded on government forms, sent the records to an office in Bismarck at the end of each month. His later years he was almost totally blind, so that his duties of earlier years had to be performed by his wife or his daughter, Caroline. The Marshes were living with Caroline at this time. Mr. Marsh survived his wife by a couple of years. THOMAS WILLIAM MAXWELL Thomas William Maxwell was born in Woodlands, Ont., June 27, 1857. As a young man he came to the Superior area where he worked on the railroad. On Nov. 4, 1881, he filed on 160 acres of land in Eden Township. The nearest town was Grand Forks and he walked from there in order to file on his land. He built ad the buddings on the farm. William and Rose Skidmore, with another couple, were married in a double wedding at the farm home Dec. 14,1887. Ten children, including a set of twins were born, Widiam, born 1889, Brainerd, Minn.; Kate, 1890, Fordville; Mary Finley, 1891, Fordville; Maude Maynard, 1892, Puyallup, Wash.; Ida Hamdton, 1894, Puyadup, Wash.; Frank, 1895, deceased; Bertha Grinter, 1897, deceased; Clarence, died at 10 months; and twins, Harold and Percy, born in 1905, Mesa, Ariz. Twins were also born in the second and third generations of the family. Ida, Frank and Maude were ad married in the farm

home, Ida to Joe Hamilton and Frank to Barbara Krumpos in a double wedding, and Maude to Chris Ideker. William returned to working on the radroad in the winter months in order to earn money to improve the homestead. The nearest town was Minto and ad groceries and provisions had to be carried from there. During a three day blizzard, Wildam used twine to guide him from the house to the barn in order to keep from being lost. One day when Wildam was doing his chores he had a vision of a friend coming toward his place, when he finished his chores the man was not to be seen. Two days later, he received a letter from Canada saying the man had died at that time.

Mr. and Mrs. William Maxwell (she was Rose Skidmore), and children, William, Kate, Mary, Maude, Ida, Frank, Bertha, Harold and Percy.

Mr. Herman Mittleholtz, Superintendent, Turtle Mountain Consolidated Agency, presented William Maxwell with a "Length of Service Award" for 44 years in the United States Indian Service, in 1958. Maxwell on right. Wildam and Rose Maxwed moved to Conway in November of 1926 after the marriage of their son, Harold, to Geneva Krumpson. Harold now resides on his father's homestead in Eden Township. The original house is stdl on the homestead and Harold and Geneva lived in it until 1960 when they budt a new home on the farm. Wildam and Rose Maxwell celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the farm Dec. 14, 1937. He died on Oct. 28,1939, at 82. Rose died Feb. 22, 1951 at 82. They are buried in the Inkster Cemetery. The Maxwed famdy has what appears to be a near record for a long period of attending the same school. When the Conway School opened in 1895, Widiam Maxwed, Jr., enrolled in first grade. From then until 1922 when Percy, the youngest, graduated from high school.

One or more of the nine sons and daughters of William M^wTattended the Conway SchooL E evenly ears later twin sons, Harold, Jr., and Hilliard of HaroM and Geneva Maxwell, were enrolled in the, Conway School H again there were one or more of the Harold Max well's S children in attendance until the youngest, Jefry ,1Ssned the eighth grade in I960. At that tune the Cnnwav School was discontinued and the district an to the Fordville district. Jerry then attended high school in Fordville, graduating in 1965. Mary Maxwell was postmistress at Conway for nine y e a r l o n g in 1930 when she married William Finley, a n

for 19 years. He was granted a leave of absence and went to budd air strips in Missouri and the Aleutian Islands during WWII. After retiring, he and friends bought E.W. Coons road construction Company in Hibbing "\^ 1962 he sold his interest in E. W. Coons and bought the Buckaroo Motor Lodge in Mesa, Ariz. After eight years, he sold the Motor Lodge and retired. He is now living in M

m

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^ T h e eldest son, WiUiam, was employed by the United States Indian Service, a branch of the Interior for 45 years. He began his service in 1914 in Fort Totten then moved to the Navajo reservation at Flagstaff, Ariz., and ten to the Turtle Mountain Indian Reserve at Belcourt. He was in Belcourt when he r etired^ R^lph B. Maxwell, son of William Maxwell, Jr., was aoDoin ed District Judge of the First Judicial District by nTernor WiUiam Guy in July, 1968. Judge MaxweU is a SlgTaduate^ our years in the army in WWH, he returned to UND and receivedhiTlaw deg/eein 1947. He served two.terms* Rolette County States Attorney, and in ^ J * ^ Assistant U. S. District Attorney for North Dakota, in ^ h e w a s appointed U. S. District Attorney. For 10 years prior to accepting appointment to the district bench, he was in private law practice as a partner in the West Fargo firm of Ohnstad, TwicheU and MaxweU.

Submitted by Harold Maxwed and Mary MaxweU Finley. CORNELIUS MEAGHER Cornedus Meagher and Ann O'Connel were married in Ontario and came to Minto where they lived on a farm. Later they bought a farm in Eden Township where they resided until their deaths. They had seven children, Maggie, Anne, Edward, Mary, Kate, Lda, and Leo. Edward married Katherine Murray and they lived in Eden Township. Their children were WaUace, Agnes, George, Rose, Irene, and Grace. ALLEN MURRAY AUen Murray came from Ontario, Canada, and settled in Eden Township. He married Marcella Malone and they had four chUdren: Frank, Katherine, Mabel, and Elmer. After Mr Murray's death, the widow was married to John Coughlin, also an Eden Township farmer They had three chddren: Marceda, Emmet, and Harold, all were farmers in that area. Marceda was married to Joseph Foerster and after his death resided for many years in Conway, later moving to Fordvdle. , FRANK NASINEC FAMILY Frank Nasinec, his wife, the former Anna Hlubek, and eldest daughter, Ldlian, came from Mahno^men, Minn., to the Conway area in 1901. Another daughter, Dorothy, was born and several years later a son, Ralph. They were members of the Cathode Church which was served for many years by Father Simpson who drove the 25 miles from Larimore to serve the smaU mission church at Conway. Frank operated a blacksmith shop in Conway until 1918 He also purchased a farm which he operated untd Sfdeath to 1940. Frank was active in township and village affairs while living in Conway.

Ralph B. Maxwell, appointed Dist. Judge of the First Judicial Dist. by Gov. William Guy in July 1968. Harold Maxwell, surviving twin resides on the farm in Eden Township. He retired from farming in 1966 when Ss oldest son, Harold, died. Harold, Scottie.» he. * better known, was substitute mail earner in 1924 untd a Permanent one was appointed. He served on the schod board as clerk and later as a board member until the Shool district annexed to Fordvdle serving one term after annexation. He served on the Board of te Farm and Home Administration for several terms. He is an active member of both the Masonic Lodge, going in with his oldest son, and the Eastern Star. Percy graduated from UND as a civd engineer and worked widi the Minnesota State Highway Department

The eldest daughter, Lillian, married Ed Hobbs. They had two sons. He died and also one of the sons. Lddan dves in Grand Forks. Dorothy married Dr. Alfred N. Flaten in ^ T h e y had three sons. Dr. Flaten died in 1972. Dorothy make ter home in Lighthouse Point, Fla., near her youngest son Dr. Paul Flaten. To Ralph and his wde, Margaret Zikmund, one son and two daughters were born. Anna Nasinec died at her home in Grand Forks in 1961 Both she and her husband, Frank, are buried in the

^ l ^ Z Z M r s . A. N. Flaten and Ralph Nasinec. 752

E. P. SEILSTAD FAMILY Engebret P. Seilstad and Marit Grav, both of Sondre, Gudbrandsdalen Norway, were married in 1875. In 1880 they and their two year old son, Ole, came to America. They were met by his brother and wife of Pelican Rapids, Minn., and made their home with them for a year. Their ambition was to own land and have a home of their own. Hearing of land openings in the Dakota Territory, 10 men formed a party and took the train to Grand Forks. From there, with knapsacks on their backs, they walked looking for land along the Forest River which would give them water and timber for building and fuel. This land had all been taken and the men walked on north, into the open prairie. Five of the men staked claims near each other. They were John Swenson, Gilbert Norbo, John Peterson, Louis Egstad and Dad. There were stakes marked with the section, township, and range numbers and they filed their claims at the land office in Grand Forks. Dad filed, by the Homestead Act, on 160 acres that had a creek running through it and on 160 acres by the "Tree Culture Law," commonly known as a "tree claim." Uncle Ole was helpful in advising Dad in purchasing a covered wagon, a team of oxen, a cow, a walking plow, and other necessities, and with the chests of their precious things brought from Norway, they started for Dakota. They traveled the "Big Stone Trail." It was a hazardous trip, fording the rivers and experiencing severe storms. They arrived on their claim June 18,1881. The folks lived in the covered wagon for a few weeks while they were building their sod house. Dad broke the sod with the walking plow, which had one share and was held in the ground by holding the handles while the oxen pulled it. The sod house was 14'xl6'. They later built an 8'xl0' addition. After five years, they built a frame house. Grand Forks was the nearest town and the only transportation was by oxen and wagon. The days were filled with anxiety for Mother and Ole when Dad was away. Although they had made a fire break with the walking plow, there was the threat of prairie fire in the virgin grass. She was afraid when landseekers and Indians came, because she did not understand their language, so she gave them food and they never did them any harm. But the worst of all was the feeling of loneliness from being so isolated from the world they had known in Norway and from their relatives there. The trip for supplies could be made in a day after the railroad came to Minto. Once a terrible snowstorm came unexpectedly as Dad was returning home. There was no visibility and he soon lost all sense of direction. To keep warm he walked, holding to the back of the wagon, until he was exhausted. He climbed into the box and covered up. The oxen plodded on, unguided, and finally stopped. Dad walked to their heads and bumped into the barn at home. He said he would never sell Dime and Charley, the oxen who had saved his life, and he kept tbe promise. The first years of privations were almost unbearable, but they both had been raised in Christian homes and they put their trust in the Lord. Year after year they had adverse weather conditions and little crops or gardens. The early settlers had to look for other ways to make a living. The Great Northern Railroad was pushing north from Larimore and Dad,

with his oxen, worked on the railroad. Mother baked bread and washed clothes for the bachelors in the area to help with the income. In later years when they had sheep, she spun yam and knitted for the family. Ole's sister, Carodne, was born in the sod house. Neighbor ladies helped each other and acted as midas there was no doctor in the area. The children were healthy and happy. In spite of the adversities, they were optimistic enough to decide to stay one more year. If conditions didn't change, they would be forced to give up ad that they had worked so hard to attain. The next year the rains came, hope returned, and the setflers continued to work hard to make it a community with opportunities they wanted for their famdies. The folks were charter members and Dad a trustee in the Forest River Congregation, organized in 1882. Their church in East Forest River was budt in 1896. Mother served as Sunday School superintendent for several years and Dad held various offices. When the church was destroyed by a tornado, they transferred their membership to Fordvide Lutheran. The cemetery by the church was left intact. Dad, Mother and some of the members of the famdy are buried in this cemetery. There was no iditeracy in this group of settiers and they were anxious to provide schooling for the chddren. My folks, in spite of hard times, wanted us to have as much education as was possible for them to give us. Even in those early years, Ole and Caroline each had a term at Concordia Codege, Moorhead, Minn. Educating the younger children also took much ingenuity. During the severe winter months, Mina stayed in Conway from Monday through Friday so that her schooling would not be interrupted. By the time Inga was ready for school, another arrangement was made. Emma Finley, who hved in Conway, taught in a country school east of the Seilstads, which recessed during the winter months. She picked up Inga, who was seven, and Oscar, five, every day in exchange for feed for her horse. Each morning a bundle of hay and a container of oats was put in the back of the buggy. She was also given a supply for the winter months. With her smad salary and their need for education, this proved to be a satisfactory arrangement. Mina studied to become a teacher, later married Jacob Lauridsen. They moved to Roosevelt County, Mont. Inga taught school for five years, then married James Douglas Cormack, Blanchard. Oscar attended Aaker's Business Codege. He married Eda Thoe, a teacher from Fordvdle. Dad, Engebret Sedstad, died in 1908. He left his wife and five children, Ole, Caroline, Mina, Inga, and Oscar. Two sons preceded him in death. He had spent his life giving his best to his famdy and community. Mother was not wed but was fortunate in that Ole and Caroline stayed on to help. Ole inherited his father's concern in managing the farm and giving help and guidance to the younger members of the famdy who were stdl in grade school. He worked for the community, holding offices in church, in the township, and was a school director. Carodne was active in women's organizations and had the capacity for reaching out and spreading Christian influence and cheer to all with whom she came in contact. She died in 1943. Ole and Oscar continued to farm together, raising small grains and Uvestock. In spite of the many times the country was in the grip of depressions, progress and

expansion continued. They took active part in farm organizations and practiced sound soil conservation. Ole died in 1954. Oscar and Ella continued on the farm and both took part in church and community activities. Oscar's natural leadership abilities made him well known throughout the county. Oscar served as supervisor of the Walsh County Soil Conservation District for 25 years, and a term as state president. Tribute was paid to him by the Skelly Oil company on an NBC network program for his superior achievement in agriculture. Oscar died in 1972. Oris, Oscar and Ella's son, married Vivian Infeld and built a home near his dad's on the original homestead site. They have three children, Jeanne, David, and Julie. David expresses the wish to follow in his father's footsteps. If he does, the land that E. P. Seilstad homesteaded in 1881 wid remain in the famdy, not only providing a dving, but continuing to produce a Submitted by Mrs. J. D. (Inga Sedstad) Cormack.

The E. P. Seilstad Family. Back row, left to right: Caroline, Ole, Mina. Front row: E. P. Seilstad, Inga, Oscar, and Mrs. Seilstad. MR. AND MRS. OLE SKATTEBO

River farm home of Ole Skattebo, built in 1881, now owned by Gladys Huseby. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Skattebo came from Norway to Estherville, Ia., for a short time, then to North Dakota and Walsh County with Mr. Skattebo's sister and brotherin-law, Mr. and Mrs. Peder Aafedt, and famdy by covered wagon in 1881. They brought with them cattle and other belongings. Being accustomed to shelter from the cold and storms in Norway blowing in off the North Sea, they looked for land where there were huls and trees and woc^ for fuel and also water. They setded on the banks of the Forest River on the dne of Grand Forks and

Walsh County in Eden Township which had been surveyed the year before. They budt their home, barn and granary from logs cut and hewn in the timber on the homestead. The barn and granary are stid standing. The Skattebo's had three children. Two died while small and are buried in the trees near the home. They were interested in organizing a church and the first organizing meeting was held at the Skattebo home Jan. 10,1882. Mr. Skattebo was elected treasurer serving until his death in 1886. He was buried in the East Forest River Cemetery, land which he had donated and was the first to be buried there. Mrs. Skattebo and son, Knute, continued on the farm until 1902 when they sold the farm to Helge and Sarah Huseby. Mrs. Huseby was a niece of Ole Skattebo. Mrs. Skattebo and son moved to Rugby, later to Idaho. Submitted by Gladys Huseby. STEPHEN SKIBICKI Stephen Skibicki was born Sept. 2, 1855, in Posen, Poland. He did not wish to serve in the Prussian army, which controded Poland at that time. In 1869, at 14, he stowed away on a ship and came to New York. He signed on a railroad construction crew and spent five years helping build radroad from St. Paul to Duluth, Minn. He then worked on iron ore boats from Duluth to various ports on Lake Superior. Two brothers, Frank and Joseph Skibicki, a sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Weslowski, came to America in 1873. Joseph Skibicki settied in New Jersey and became a truck farmer. Frank Skibicki and the Weslowski famdy settled in Marquette, Mich. Stephen Skibicki married Sarah Crochiere in 1878. The couple lived in Marquette, Mich. Their three children were born there, Stephen, Jr., Anthony and Mary. In 1883, the Stephen Skibicki family, the John W. Weslowski famdy and Frank Skibicki came to Eden Township. Stephen homesteaded the southeast corner of Section 18. The Weslowskis settied near Conway. Frank married Frances Goreski of Eden Township and farmed the southwest corner of Section 31 in Eden Township. They became naturalized citizens. Stephen Skibicki had seven more children born in Walsh County, Eleanora, Anna, Sarah, Julianna, Clara, Stanley and John. In 1901 the famdy moved to a farm in Minnesota near Red Lake Fads. Two more chddren were born, Sophie and Frank. Stephen died in 1919. Shortly after Mrs. Skibicki moved to St. Paul, Minn., and died in 1924. Martin Potulny purchased the Eden Township farm. Two children of the Stephen Skibicki family returned to make their home in Walsh County. Anna Skibicki married Martin Clausen in 1909. Mr. Clausen had come from Hadley, Minn., to Walsh County in 1905 to work for the Soo Line Railroad that was being budt from Thief River Falls, Minn., west. They lived three years in Cado, returned to Fordville in 1912, where Mr. Clausen was section foreman until his retirement in 1939. Mr. and Mrs. Clausen had two chddren, Arden and Delores. Mrs. Clausen died in 1960 and Mr. Clausen in 1967 at 93. Their son, Arden, died in 1961. Stanley Skibicki married Tilde Holwerda. They have farmed in the Fordvdle community many years. They

have five children, Arleen, Harold, Dorothy, Marvin and Donald. Submitted by Delores Clausen Stoering.

and Merchants State Bank in Fordville. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Rea died in September, 1916. Maude and Ethel moved to California and later, Mr. Rea sold his farm and moved there, also. He died in February, 1946. The girls are also deceased. This family endured many hardships of the pioneer Ufe and worked hard to help make our county what it is today. Submitted by Gladys Huseby.

JOHN V. STARY In 1884, John V. Stary worked on a large farm at Casselton. In 1885 he decided to start farming for himself. He came to Walsh County and bought 160 acres adjoining the Conway townsite on the south from Hugh Kerr for $1,800. He farmed the property for two years, then went to southern Minnesota and bought a carload of horses which he brought to Conway and sold in the community. He also opened a livery barn in Conway, continuing to operate his farm. He received as much as $450 and $500 for a good team and traded for oxen, which he sold to farmers unable to buy horses. Mr. Stary acquired a section of land. But he did not confine himself to farming and the livery business. From 1889 to 1893 he carried mail on a route covering the Conway, Medford, Tomey, Lambert and Gait post offices. He made the trip of 45 miles both ways three times a week for which he received $300 a year. Mr. Stary was married Oct. 20, 1894, to Madeline Bina, whose father was a pioneer of the Veseleyville area. He brought his family from Iowa in a covered wagon. The Starys had two sons, Bert and Jack. Jack died in an automobile accident as a young man. Bert was a car salesman and ran an auto supply store in Conway. Among the cars he sold was the Overland. Through this company, the Conway Band, of which Bert was a member, received a free trip to Toledo in 1915. Bert married a girl from Lankin. They had one son who died in an airplane accident while a young man. Submitted by Alice Foerster and Mrs. Francis Chromy.

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David Rea MR. AND MRS. OLE K. THOE Ole K. Thoe, Hayfield, Minn., and Louisa Halverson, Mondovi, Wise, whose parents had emigrated from Norway, homesteaded in Grand Forks County in 1881, Dad in Inkster Township and Mother in Elkmount. June 5, 1882, they were married in Grand Forks. Some of Mother's acquaintances from Wisconsin also filed for homesteads. Two adjoining hers, the Christ Hagnesses and the Ed Eversons, made her stay at her homestead less lonely. If she needed help, she was to hang out a white flag. During this time. Dad worked for a while at the roundhouse at Larimore, a division point. He serviced the engines and kept them fired and ready for their daily runs. He boarded with Mrs. John O'Nefl's mother and traveled by foot to and from the homestead, and also to Grand Forks. Dad and Mother were blessed with a large family and by the turn of the century had seven sons and four daughters - Carl, Peter, George, Casper, Agnes, Henry, Owen, Elmer, Lila, EUa and Julia. The log house gave way to a large frame house of 12 rooms, built on the Forest River among oaks and elms. The homestead is still in the family, farmed by Owen and his son, Gene. Dad had many interests, one of which was milling. He built and operated a miU on the river, using a water wheel for power. He ground wheat into flour for neighbors in the surrounding area. The spring floods played havoc and much rebudding and repair work was necessary each spring. After a few years, the lumber was incorporated into a large two story granary, part of which is being used by Owen.

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Bert Stary Auto Supply. Left to right: Albert Sobolik, Bert Stary, Herman Sobolik. DAVID REA FAMILY David and Mathilda (Seymour) Rea were among the many young people who came from Canada in the 1880's. They came to the Newt Seymour homestead in Inkster Township. Newt was a brother of Mrs. Rea. They built a log cabin a short distance from the Seymour place. A few years later they moved to Eden Township. They had three children, Ethel (Mrs. Corey Delaney), Maude (Mrs. R. E. Watson), and Melville, who died in 1918. Mr. Rea was director and president of the Farmers

Our home was Vt mile from the Walsh County Une, just a few mUes from Medford, now Ford vide. In 1905, when the Soo Radroad bed was being built just a short distance through the woods from our home, Dad was much interested. Peter and Casper worked with a two horse slips Fresno and a four horse scraper, moving the dirt to budd up or fill in where needed. In this area a steam shovel dug through a long cut, and 755

of planks were hauled from Inkster for tables and benches, and a platform was built from which the fancy work and aprons were displayed and sold. There was a lemonade stand, homemade ice cream, layer cake and confections were sold. Boats were ready for rides on the river and the hay carrier rope from the haymow was used for a swing from one of the tall trees. Young and old came from miles around in buggies, surreys, and wagons. With horses unhitched, tied in the barns or to a tree, the day was spent feasting, visiting and enjoying themselves. The Ladies' Aid netted a tidy sum used in helping furnish the new church and for benevolences. Mother baked bread three and four times a week for our family. The potato water was saved and a sponge was set in the evening, and then it was well covered with a blanket to keep it warm. A batch of bread made eight loaves, baked in two black tin bread pans which filled the oven of our Majestic range, and a pan of biscuits. Mother's custard pies with meringue and little golden beads scattered over them was something special. Carl says, "No one can make custard pie like Mother's." Peter, Owen and Elmer farmed in the Fordville area Peter married Olga Martinson of Viking, Minn., had a son, Loren. All are deceased. Owen married Mary Matthie of Inkster, has a son, Gene, and a daughter, Betty Ann. Mary died in 1950. Elmer married Jessie Currie of Forest River, has a son, Harley, and a daughter, Janice. They have retired and live in Fordville.

skeletons were unearthed, as this had been a former Indian burying ground. Many interested in archaeology came to observe and study. Rats were unknown to the early settlers until the railroad came through. Dad and his sons made up part of his crew, and each fall threshed for many of the neighbors and farmers as far away as Lankin and Dahlen. Dad's first top mounted Avery was fired with straw. Owen tells me he was the "straw-monkey" at the age of 10, bucking the straw to the engine for fuel. The under mounted Avery, purchased in 1910, burned coal and was in use for 15 falls. Mother, with the help of us girls, cleaned the cook and sleeping cars and gathered sufficient bedding for the hired help. The men filled their own ticks with fresh straw. When the season was over, the bedding was laundered in a 50-gallon copper kettle, which had been brought from Norway by a friend, Ole Hove. A fire was built under the kettle and the blankets were boiled to kill any vermin that might be in them. In the fall of 1905, Dad moved the cook and sleeping cars to his lots in Medford (Fordville) and served meals and gave lodging to many of the workers engaged in building the town. Dad built a large two story building, renting to McEwen, Dougherty, and Daily, a company selling farm machinery. They sold out to a second machine company in Medford, and Dad went into the machine business selling the Acme line. An addition was built to this first building, with George and Owen helping with the carpentry. This housed the first telephone office, with Agnes, the late Mrs. Oscar Johnson of Edinburg, as the first operator. There was also a photography studio and living quarters. Dad also built and operated a feed mill for many years, shipped in, sawed, and sold cordwood, which was used extensively for heat at that time. Al Sorg, Inkster, for whom Carl had been working, built a hardware and furniture store with Carl as manager. Carl married Mary Ellingson, Dahlen. Their family of five, Oren, Lenora, Conrad, Ardis and Ella Marie, all graduated from high school at Fordville. Carl died in 1952. George associated with his dad in photography, worked as teller at the First State Bank of Fordville, and after a few years, took over the Standard bulk station, selling gasoline for many years. He built a new home at I ordville and was married to Nina Lein, Inkster, in 1913. They moved to California in 1928 with a son, Omer, and daughter, Glenna. George died there in 1946. Mother and Dad were charter members of the East Forest River Church organized in 1885 and held various offices. They were interested in the Christian welfare of their family and the community and many Young People's Society gatherings were held in their home. Dad's talents ran to carpentry, with the use of a homemade lathe and spindles, he built the altar and pulpit with their unique wooden decorations, some overlaid with gold-leaf, for the new church built in 1896. As a child, I remember Dad's many curved, polished chisels with red handles. We must not play with them, for they were treasured by Dad. Dad was a member of the building cornmittee of the East Forest River and Fordville Lutheran Church after the merger in 1919. The East Forest River Ladies' Aid held their annual picnic at the Thoe picnic grounds. Much preparation was made for this event. The grass was cut and raked, a load

The Ole Thoe family, taken in 1910. Back: Owen, Henry, Agnes, Casper, George. Middle: Carl, Julia, Dad, Mother, Peter. Front: Elmer, Lila, Ella. Casper homesteaded in Montana. He loved the outdoors, worked for the Forestry Service, and spent many years at lookouts near Troy locating fires and becoming acquainted with the trees, wild animals and birds. He died in 1966. Agnes married Oscar Johnson, Edinburg, had two sons Orville and Arnold. Oscar died in 1928 and Agnes in 1951.' Both are buried at the Odalen Cemetery, west of Edinburg. Henry worked in banks at Ardoch and Lancaster, Minn. Later, he served as Custom and Immigrations Officer at Baudette, Minn. He married Sarah Swanson, Thief River Falls, Minn., and had a son, James. Henry and Sarah are deceased. Julia was married to Leland O'Neil, Fordville, had a son, Jack, and a daughter, Louise. Julia, the youngest member of the Thoe family, died in 1929. Lila and Ella taught school several years in the local 756

area and Fordville. Lila married Pastor B. L. Duckstad, has a daughter, Beverly and a son, David. They are retired and live at the Duckstad farm home near Fertile, Minn. Ella married Oscar Seilstad, Conway, has a son, Oris. Oscar died in 1972. Mother and Dad died in 1919 and 1927. I have beautiful memories of the love, work and faithfulness of my parents for their family and for their Christian teaching and influence. Submitted by Mrs. Oscar (Ella Thoe) Seilstad.

1904, a graduate of UND, now living in Cincinnati, and Frances, born in 1910 in Conway, attended schools in Grand Forks and elsewhere, died about 30 years later in Ohio. Several years prior to Van Arsdale's death March 10, 1930, the Van Arsdale's lived in Grand Forks. Due to Van Arsdale's health, they moved to Cincinnati where he died. Mrs. Van Arsdale died about 25 years later. Submitted by L. F. Cawley. FRANK E. VORACHEK Frank E. Vorachek was one of the founders and long a prominent citizen of Conway. His father, Joseph F. Vorachek, was born in 1849 and his mother, formerly Barbara Infield, was born in 1854. Both died in 1931. They were married in Iowa in 1874, located in Eden Township in 1881, settling near Fordville. The family lived in a log house at first, near the banks of the Forest River. A lifetime resident of Conway, Frank started with the school records in 1885 and spent his entire life there. Frank E. Vorachek married Mary Bina, daughter of Joseph M. and Mary (Sedivy) Bina. They had five children, Frank, Jr., Pauline, Lillian, Mary and another son who died at an early age. Frank, Jr., died shortly after finishing military service. All three girls became school teachers. Frank operated a general merchandise store with a partner in Conway. It was named Vorachek & Vobaya. Later, it was called F. E. Vorachek & Co. Submitted by Alice Foerster.

CHARLES AND MAUD VAN ARSDALE As a young married couple the Van Arsdales came to Conway. In 1898, when the Bank of Conway was organized with John Birkholz and S. S. Titus, Grand Forks, and Charles E. Van Arsdale; John Birkholz was president and Charles E. Van Arsdale, cashier. The bank opened for business October 10, 1898, with the incorporators as directors. Conway at that time was a thriving North Dakota community and its business activities extended throughout southern Walsh County, with only one railroad, the Great Northern. In 1905, the Soo Line was extended from Thief River Falls, Minn., through Conway with the result that various towns were established along its line, Medford (now Fordville), Lankin and Dahlen. State banks were also organized and Mr. Van Arsdale was vice-president of both First State Bank and Dahlen and Fordville State Bank. In 1918 the Birkholz interest was acquired and Van Arsdale became active president and Leonard F. Cawley, cashier, until the fall of 1926 when it became apparent, due to the general depressed conditions everywhere, that for the benefit of the depositors, that the Bank of Conway be voluntarily liquidated. Between December 16 and December 31,1926, all depositors were paid through private financing, mostly by the Van Arsdales. Charles E. Van Arsdale was born at BrookviUe, Ind., and Mrs. Van Arsdale was born in the vicinity of Cincinnati, 0., where they received their early education. Mrs. Van Arsdale was an excellent penmen, teaching penmanship in the Cincinnati school before her marriage.

Frank E. Vorachek family. Mary (Bina) and Frank, Frank, Jr., Pauline, Lillian, Mary.

JOHN VORACHEK John Vorachek filed on land in Eden Township. He married Mary Infield and they moved to Thief River Falls, Minn., where they entered business. Mary was one of the first six to file homesteads in Medford Township and the first woman to file in the townsite.

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Agnes Van Arsdale, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Van Arsdale, Conway's first banker.

JOSEPH VORACHEK Joseph Vorachek filed on land in Eden Township where he farmed. He and his wife had four sons and two daughters, Joseph, Jr., John, Frank, James, Anna (Mrs. Michael Blasky) and Kate (Mrs. John Swehla).

Both Mr. and Mrs. Van Arsdale were active in all civic, church and school affairs and had a deep interest in this community in which they made their home. Van Arsdale was very interested in all farming methods and was foremost in introducing various special seeds and in the meantime, acquired farms in Walsh and Grand Forks Counties. They had two daughters, Agnes, bom at Conway in

Joseph, Jr., had a son, James, with the Bank of Lankin in 1905 and continued as more than 63 years until his death. In later years, he was assisted by his three daughters. James, Jr., had eight 757

Citizens State president for five sons and sisters, Mrs.

Frank Skala, Mrs. Jerome Ruzicka, Mrs. Rudolph Witasek, Mrs. Adolph Witasek, Mrs. Frank Bina, Mrs. Gilbert Bjorlie and Mabel. James was married to Mamye Swartz. OLE WALDEN Ole Walden, his wife, Martha, their three sons and a little girl came from Numedal, Norway, in 1871. The little girl was only two days old when they landed in New York. They first settled in Minnesota, close to the Iowa border. Eight years later, they came to Dakota Territory and homesteaded in Eden Township, four miles northwest of Conway. Minto was the oldest town at that time. One day in May, Ole bought a load of lumber from Minto to build a little house on the homestead. That day a snowstorm came and he had to unload the lumber, turn the wagon upside down and sleep under the wagon box the first night on his homestead. Ole and Martha had 12 children, Ole, Jr., Alec, Andrew, John, Martin, Theodore, Martha, Julia, Lena, Sena, Annie and a two year old girl who died as a result of drinking poison from a bottle. A few years later Lena took a table fork to untie a knot in her shoelace, the fork slipped and went into her eye. There was no doctor. She became blind in that eye. Ole was among the members of the first board of trustees of the new East Forest River Church. His wife, Martha, was president of the first Ladies' Aid. Ole Walden's daughter, Martha, became the wife of Jul Neste at a double wedding with her brother, Alec, and Hannah Monson, June 1, 1886, the first wedding held at the East Forest River Church. Jul and Martha were the parents of Carl Neste, whom I married. Eventually, Ole and Martha left the homestead. Martha Walden died in 1904, and Ole Walden spent his last years in Fordville with one of his daughters, Mrs. Ole Aafedt. Ole Walden died of a heart attack in 1918. Those were the bad years of the Spanish flu epidemic. All activity had to be stopped. There was no school, church or meetings of any kind held. Hardly a home escaped the flu. All the Aafedts were sick except Mrs. Aafedt, so Grandpa's funeral was held outside in the yard with only a handful of friends who were well enough to attend. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Walden are buried in the East Forest River Cemetery. Submitted by Mrs. Nellie Neste. ALBERT WOOD FAMILY Albert and Hannah Wood and their family, Hattie, four, and Arthur, two, left their home in Brockville, Canada, and came to settle near the Turtle River, east of Manvel, in 1880. Their first year was a big disappointment as hail took their entire crop. Albert found work running the engine in an elevator. Their home was near the river and one night soon after they moved in, Albert threw his arm out over the edge of the bed and to his surprise threw it into water. The river had overflowed its banks and flooded the surrounding land. He had to help his wife and two children to higher ground. They found shelter in the hotel and remained there for six weeks. After some years, they came west and settled on a farm west of Conway. There was no well near the buildings, so each day they hitched a team of horses on

the stone boat, loaded with two large barrels, and drove a half mile to a well. A rope with a pail tied to one end was used to haul the water up and in this way they filled the barrels. They had 10 children. Two died in infancy. Albert, Jr., died at 16 from a heart attack. Their home seemed to be a half way place between the homes of the settlers living in what is now the Fordville and Lankin communities and the then metropolis, Conway. No one was ever turned away without a hearty meal and feed for their horses or a bed if they wished to stay for the night. Times were hard. Hail came many years and battered the crops into the ground. However, Albert, Sr., was a good carpenter and could always find work to do, even though the pay was small. Albert, Sr., died from a stroke in 1907 at 55. Hannah had a stroke in 1927 that left her unable to maintain her balance without help. From then until her death in August, 1940, she lived with her eldest daughter, Hattie McConnachie. She was 87 at the time of her death. Their family consisted of Hattie (Mrs. Alexander McConnachie), Arthur, married Minnie Ratcliffe and after her death married Myrtice Taylor; Ezra married Jessie Ratcliffe; Ida (Mrs. Alex McEwan); Fred married Jennie Gibbons; Alice (Mrs. Morgan Close); and Herbert married LaVina Badentine. In 1975 Adce is the only member of the family left. She is in a Pioneer Home in SwiftCurrent, Sask. Submitted by Mrs. J. W. Johnston.

MEDFORD BIOGRAPHIES ARCHIE ABEL FAMILY Archie Abel was born in Middlebury, Ind., Jan. 28, 1848. He married Louesia Brandt Jan. 1, 1877, at Bennington, Mich. They resided at Valparaiso, Ind. They had two children, Ray and Melvina. Abel came to Dakota territory in 1883. He had a team of horses and some furniture which he brought on the train. These were brought to Grand Forks and then by horse drawn wagon to Medford Township. This load got too much for the horses, so some of it was left along the way and had to be picked up on a later trip. Abel filed on land in Medford Township. The next year he sent for his small famdy. They came by rail. Five more chddren were born, Hattie, Ross, Edna, Ethel and Harold. A. M . Abel (brother of Archie) and his wtfe, Margaret, had settled in that neighborhood in 1882. Margaret's brother, Lyman Brandt, was also an early settler there. He later became postmaster in Park River, a position he held for a number of years. These folks were all strong Republicans. Submitted by Mrs. Edna Mercer. HARRY AXTELL Harry Axtell was born in Iowa and came to North Dakota in 1897. He bought a farm in Norton Township and hved on the NW 'U of Section 34. The post office then was Praha. In 1898 he married Elsie Larson. There were five children, Ivah, married Stanley Bates and hved on a farm near Hanley, Sask. After Stanley's death, she moved to Saskatoon where she now fives. Boyd is

married and lives at Forest Grove, Ore. Velma married Mac Whiting and lives at Forest Grove. Jessie married Harry Cramton and lives at Summer, Wash. Adna married Evely Rye who lived at Hastings, Neb. Adna died in April, 1974, at Hastings. Elsie and Harry Axtell lived on the same farm for 48 years. Harry Axtell died in 1946 at 77. Mrs. Axtell and son, Boyd, sold the farm in 1947 and moved to Forest Grove, Ore. Elsie Axtell died in 1961 at 82. Harry Axtell served several years on the township board and also served on the board of Gait School District No. 39. Lankin was their town. Submitted by Mrs. M. Cramton.

married Howard Hall of Hillsburgh, Ont. They have one daughter, Frances Hall, born Aug. 28, 1948. At this writing, Mr. and Mrs. Enos Bell are in good health and observed their 66th wedding anniversary at a reception at the farm home of Willard and Olive Bell Dec. 30, 1974. Submitted by Mrs. Willard Bell.

ANGUS BELL FAMILY Angus Bell, son of John McMullen Bell, was born in the Isle of Isle in Scotland in 1849 of Scotch descent. He and his wife, Martha, came from Harriston, Ont., to the Bellville area about 1875-1876. They made their home on a farm four miles south of Fordville. They were parents of three children, John, Enosburgh and Luella. Following the death of his first wife in 1905, Angus Bell married Margaret Switzer. After Mr. Bell's death April 2,1933, Mrs. Bell returned to eastern Canada. She died Jan. 10, 1948. John, born Oct. 29,1878, married Florence Sherwood June 19,1912. They adopted two children: Donald, living in Orlando, Fla. and Joy (Mrs. Ansel Suldahl) Phoenix, Ariz. John died in April, 1945, and is buried at Sand Hill Cemetery near Climax, Minn. Enosburgh, born Sept. 13, 1887, married Martha Johnston Dec. 30, 1908, in Harriston, Ont. Upon their arrival from Canada they made their home on the Angus Bell farm. In 1909, they purchased the Absalom Hunt farm, three miles west and one-half mile south of Fordville, previously owned by Frank D. Worthing in 1883. Enosburgh and Martha had two children, Willard, lives on the home farm, and Jean (Mrs. Oscar Olness), lives in East Grand Forks, Minn. They have two grandchildren, Mavis Bell Ness (Mrs. Kenneth Ness), Grand Forks, and Arden Bell, who lives on the home farm, and six great grandchildren. When living on the farm, Enosburgh served on various church, school and township boards and both were active in community affairs until his retirement in the spring of 1949 when they moved into the former A. 0. Banks residence in Fordville where they now reside. Martha Louise Johnston was the oldest child of John and Annie Johnston, born Oct. 10,1885, in Harriston, Ont. Her father, John, was born in Ayr, Scotland, Feb. 22, 1852. Whert six years old, he came with his parents, John and Catherine (Hamilton) Johnston by sail ship from Scotland, a trip that took about six weeks. Mrs. Bell's grandfather, John, lived in Ireland at one time, but later moved to Scotland. John and Catherine are both buried in Harriston Cemetery, Harriston, Ont. John and Annie (Armstrong) Johnston were married Jan. 7,1885, and lived on a farm in Minto Township near Harriston. They were parents of two other children, Lyda and Jack. John Johnston died Oct. 27,1907, and is buried in Harriston, Ont. Annie Johnston died Sept. 17,1935, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery at Fordville. Enosburgh's sister, Luella, born Nov. 10, 1894, married William McDonald and lived at Kerrobert, Sask. They had one daughter, Elva, born April 19, 1916,

Mr. and Mrs. Enos Bell L Y M O N BRANDT

Lymon Brandt and his wife, Zoye, came to Medford Township in 1881 and lived on a farm in the timber in Section 28. They had two sons, Bert and Erwin. Erwin married Anna Pike and lived in Lawton. Lymon Brandt was a brother of Louise Brandt Abel. He was postmaster in Park River for many years. Taken from the Fordville book. CHARLES CARLSON FAMILY Charles Carlson and his bride, Lenora Hanson, were married in Lister, Norway. They immigrated to Dakota in 1893. They filed a homestead claim in Walsh County. They hved in a sod house until 1902. They had a family of three sons and six daughters. The oldest son, Christ, was born in Norway, the rest in Walsh County. These included, Berent, Lena, Lillie, Mathilda, Hilmer, Clara, Agnes and Annie. Their first stop when they arrived in this country was in Minnesota where they got some trees to plant on their land. They were active in township affairs and Quale Lutheran Church. They were farmers. Submitted by Noah Huckell. GEORGE HENRY CASS FAMILY George Henry Cass was born at Sparta, Wise. He came to Dakota about 1880. He walked from Grand Forks with a man named Frank Zolar to the place now known as Fordville. They had walked on so much wet land that Mr. Cass said he would file on land that was high and dry, which he did. He filed on the quarter north of the overpass, west of Fordville, later owned by Minnie Robertson. Zolar filed on land farther north in the valley, on the farm later owned by Raymond Borgerson. At that time the land was under water. George Cass married Edith Jeffery, a sister of Mrs. David Robertson, Sr., also early pioneers. They had a 759

brother, Ed Jeffery, a painter in Fordville. His house was the first house south of the Presbyterian Church. The family of George Cass included Florence, Marilla, Sina, Laura, Edith, Earl and Roland. One younger child died when only a few days old. George s wife died soon after the birth of this baby. Florence Cass married Everett Cramton and lived on a farm at Fordville. Roland married a woman from Canada. They lived in Seattle, Wash., and later moved to Alaska. Roland is buried there. Earl married Hattie Ramsey and moved to Canada. Marilla married Stanley Cramton and they moved to Canada. The rest of the family moved to Canada where the other members of the family were married and lived. George Cass's wife, Edith, and baby are buried in the cemetery at Fordville. George lived to be more than 80. He died in Alberta and is buried there. All members of the George Cass family are dead. Submitted by Mrs. M . Cramton. WILLIAM COULTER Among the early residents of Medford Township were Wddam and Katherine (Harrison) Coulter who were married in Ontario. After a six year residence there they came to Medford Township and bought large farm interests which they operated until 1919, selling to James Drtina, who later with his big famdy moved back to his smader farm in Norton Township. Mr. and Mrs. Coulter moved to Los Angeles, Calit. They had six chddren: Hanna, Beatrice, Joseph, Minnie, Ellen and Wdliam, Jr.

Martin worked for John Birkholz, a Grand Forks investment banker. In 1905, Birkholz established the First State Bank in Fordville with Martin Dryburgh as cashier and stockholder. In 1911, Dryburgh was instrumental in establishing The Farmers and Merchants Bank of Fordvdle and became cashier. In 1920 he sold his interests to C. C. Jacobson and P. B. Peterson and the Dryburgh famdy returned to Grand Forks where Martin and an associate established the Holmes and Dryburgh Investment Company. Dryburgh later took over the ownership of the company and changed the name to Dryburgh Investment Company. Martin and Maude Dryburgh had two daughters, Helen, Mrs. Gerald Durick, Los Angeles, CaUf., and Frances, Mrs. Charles Ego, Minneapolis, Minn. The Dryburghs were active in church and community developments. Martin Dryburgh is deceased and was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery. Mrs. Dryburgh died in 1966 and was laid to rest beside her husband in Grand Forks. Submitted by John Dryburgh. THOMAS DRYBURGH, SR., FAMILY

FRANK DICKERSON AND DYANN CRAMTON Frank Dickerson came to Pembina about 1881 from Blinois. He drove a livery team while there. About 1883, he went back to dlinois to help his sister, Dyann Cramton. Her husband, Nelson Cramton, became sick and went to California for his health. He had fought in the Civil War. He died in April, 1884. Frank Dickerson and his sister, Dyann Cramton, and her two children came to Medford Township in 1887. The children were Everett, Stanley and Carrie Cramton. Dickerson never married. He raised some of the first registered Shorthorn cattle in Medford Township. Everett Cramton married Florence Cass. They had two children, Harry and Milton. Mdton married and lives on the Everett Cramton farm at Ford vide. Harry married and dves in Summer, Wash. Everett and Florence died in the 1950's. Stanley Cramton married Mardla Cass and moved to Strome, Alta., about 1907. He is now 94, living in Edmonton, Alta., at this writing. Carrie Cramton married Alex Mclntyre and moved to Vulcan, Alta. She is 92 and lives there at this writing. Frank and sister, Dyann Cramton, went to Alberta about 1937. Frank Dickerson died at Strome, Alta., and is buried in Wavy Lake Cemetery. Dyann Cramton died at Vulcan, Alta., and is buried there. Submitted by Mrs. M. Cramton.

From left to right: Mr. and Mrs. George Dryburgh, Emerado settlers, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dryburgh, Fordville 1913-146, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Dryburgh, Fordville 1901-1920. Miss Agnes Tierney, of Irish and Engdsh descent, came to Philadelphia, Pa., from England in 1892 to help an aunt who had suffered a broken arm. On that same boat, came Thomas Dryburgh, a Scotchman from Connenmant, near Edinburgh, Scotland. They were married two years later in Philadelphia. They had four children, Florence, John, Dorothy and George. Because of severe rheumatic problems Dryburgh decided to leave his machinist work in the steel works in Philadelphia and to seek better health conditions in North Dakota where his brothers, George, William and Martin, had located. The famdy came to North Dakota in February, 1913. Martin, in the banking business in Fordville, was instrumental in locating a farm, the present Joe Hagen farm, for Thomas. The family moved there in March, 1913. The young people attended School District No. 84, Park River Ag School and Fordville School. , In 1920 Florence married Widiam Bayne ot Forest River They farmed west of Fordville and in 1943 moved into town. Two of their four chddren survive, Robert of Melbourne, Fla., and Calvin of Denver, Colo. Both are married. The Robert Bayneshave a son, Richard, and a daughter, Linda. Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Bayne are parents

M. L. DRYBURGH FAMILY Martin L. Dryburgh, born in Connenmant, Scotland, came to Grand Forks in 1901 where his brothers, George and Will, had already come to make their homes. In 1903 he married Maude Cooper, Emerado. 760

of three girls, Kathleen, Diane and Patricia. Dorothy married Lawson Bayne of Forest River in 1924. Lawson was the city barber in Forest River until his recent retirement. Their three sons are married and have families. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Bayne and family live in Lorain, Ohio, the James Baynes live in Los Angeles, Calif., and the Donald Baynes family lives in Bottineau.' John married Loraine Larson, Buffalo, in 1933. They farmed in the Fordville area until 1944 when they moved into town. Their six sons are married. Mr. and Mrs. John Dryburgh, Jr., and Laurie live in Waco, Tex. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dryburgh live in Ft. Meade, Md., have a son and a daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dryburgh and three daughters live in Grand Forks. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Dryburgh and their three children live in Jacksonville, Ark. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dryburgh and two children live in Sebring, Fla. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Dryburgh, their son and daughter live in Fordville. George Dryburgh married Irene Krile of Pisek. They have a daughter, Ruth, and a son, Glenn. All are residents of California. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dryburgh, Sr., retired from farming and moved into Fordville in 1937. Mrs. Dryburgh died May 7, 1943, and Mr. Dryburgh April 13, 1946. Both are laid to rest in the Fordville Oak Grove Cemetery. Submitted by John Dryburgh. CARL FALTER FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Falter—Feb. 1922 Carl Frederick Falter and Nettie Lashuay were born in Limestone County, 111., and were married Dec. 31, 1890, in Kankakee, 111. Fourteen children were born. Mr. Falter was better known as Bill. This young couple moved from their birthplace to the unsettled wilds of Dakota in 1905 to a farm three miles west and one-half mile north ©f Fordville. This land was purchased through a real estate agent named Chatfield. Towns were few and far between in 1905.1 remember the folks talking of driving to Conway with the team and wagon. Later a post or town of Medford was started, where Fordville now is located. They had eight children when they came to Dakota, Laura, Archie, Pearl, Flossie, Myrtle, Arthur, Carrie and Bessie. Six children were born in Dakota, Percy, Hazel, Mildred, Charles, Forrest and Donald. Mr. and Mrs. Falter were active in all affairs. Their home was open to church socials and neighborhood gatherings. He owned one of the first cars in the community and drove the minister to his churches. He also drove hunting parties to the western part of the state to

duck and geese hunt. He was a conscientious farmer and farmed until the time of his death in 1933 at 61. Mrs. Falter preceded him in death by six months. Submitted by Mrs. Robert (Hazel) Ward.

Falter children taken in 1964. Back row: Arthur, Donald, Kenneth, Archie. Middle row: Hazel, Mildred, Carrie. Front row: Myrtle, Bessie, Flossie, Charles, Pearl. JOHN FREDRICKSON FAMILY John Fredrickson was bom in Vangsnes Sogn, Norway, in 1837. He immigrated to the United States in May, 1882. His wife, the former Kari Aafedt, came with him. They homesteaded in ElkmountTownship. They had three daughters: Martha (Mrs. Lars Berdahl), Guri, and Ingeborg (Mrs. Lars Vangsness), and one son, Fredrick. He lived here until 1914 when he retired. His first wife died after living here a few years. He married Venni Drege, who died after a few years of marriage. After he retired in 1914, he went back to Norway for a visit. Hearing of the start of World War I he returned home. He did not take the ship he was supposed to, the Lusitania. When he came home, he came to Medford Township to live with his daughter, Mrs. Lars Vangsness. He was a farmer, carpenter and shoemaker. While in Norway he did a lot of fishing. He used to walk to Grand Forks. He would carry a sack of flour on his shoulder home. That was about 50 miles. He had to swim the Turtle River as there weren't many bridges at that time. John Fredrickson, along with his two wives, daughters, Guri and Ingeborg, and her husband and five of their six children are buried in the Middle Forest Cemetery at Fordville. Submitted by Mrs. Everett Schoyen. ANTON GORECKE Anton and Kathrine Gorecke were bom in Poland. They immigrated to Marquette, Mich. In 1881, Anton came to Dakota and located on an 80 acre claim in Medford Township. This later became the home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Potulny and successors. Anton stayed at the Sandborn Hotel by the river near Fordville while he built the first dwelling on his claim. This was a sod shanty. After this was built, his wife and two small children arrived. They had seven children: Frances (Mrs. Frank

Skibicke), Molly (Mrs. John Lewis), Lucy (Mrs. William Blasky), Vernie (Mrs. Tip Masters), Julie (Mrs. George Socka), Annie (Mrs. Martin Potulny), and a son, James. Submitted by Mrs. Victor (Rose) Potulny.

JAMES HENRY FAMILY James Henry, who became a pioneer settler and the founder of the Henry family in Walsh County, was the youngest of six chddren bom to James and Edzabeth Henry of Nottingham, England. James and Elizabeth were Scottish people who had migrated to England. In 1855, when James was four, the family left England for Canada. They settled at Mount Forest, Ont. There, James grew to manhood. In 1872 he married Mary Peckover, Pilkington, Ont. In 1880 James and Mary Henry, with four children, left their home in Ontario to make a new home in Dakota Territory. They came first to Ardoch where they lived two years before moving to Medford. Fordvide became the permanent home of James and Mary Henry. There, they raised their family of 11 children. James and Mary were both active in many community affairs. They became charter members of the first Presbyterian Church, and for many years James was an elder of that church. Mary Henry was the first to break the family circle. She died in 1925. Here is a tribute to Mary written by one of her sons: "Mother was untiring in the performance of her tasks, deeming no work too tiresome to do d it benefited one of her famdy. She was a Christian mother whose home was her chief concern. Though she was not widely known, she was greatly esteemed by those who knew her." In 1926 James Henry died. His death took from the Fordville community one of its most active workers. Both James and Mary are buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The land for Oak Grove Cemetery, which has become the resting place for so many of the Henry family, was given to the Oak Grove Cemetery Association by Clyde and Louise Sanborn in 1896. The cemetery land was originady a part of the farm that is now owned by Mrs. Robert Henry. Wddam Henry, the oldest son of James and Mary, was a teacher and an active worker on the famdy farm. He took part in many community affairs. He was a school board member for many years and a member of the village board for 20 years.

A pioneer mother, Mrs. Anton Gorecki of Medjbrd Township, with her three youngest daughters, left to right: Vernie [Mrs. Clifton Masters], Lucy [Mrs. William Blasky], Anna [Mrs. Martin Potulny]. GILBERT HAUGEN FAMILY Gilbert Haugen was born Sept. 5,1863, in Nordfjord, Norway. His family line is directly descended from the Viking kings. Two Viking kings are buried on the Hauge farm in Norway. There are two hids, and as was the custom, the entire ship is buried with the body. Gdbert graduated from school and received a certificate in engineering. When he was 19, he came to America with three brothers. Much of the migration in those years was caused by the feudal system which prevented freedom in self development.

When the Soo Line brought a railroad to Fordvdle, Widiam and his brother, Daniel, opened a general store. Widiam Henry became the first postmaster of Fordvdle. He held that position until the Wdson administration came into power. In 1919 the Henry brothers sold the store to the late George Hegland. Later the store came into the possession of the Johnson Stores, Inc. It is now the Fordville Variety and is owned by Mrs. Clarence Dahlen, previously married to Ernest (Bud) Henry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henry. Ernest Henry lost his dfe in an automobile accident. Daniel Henry was seldom called by his right name, being known as "D. D." or "Deed." Like his father before him, he became a carpenter. When Daniel was still a young man, he and his father constructed the Presbyterian Church budding in Conway. In 1928, after the Conway Presbyterian Church had long been closed, "D. D." bought the building. With the help of his brothers, he took the building apart, hauled the lumber to Fordville and used it to budd a house on his farm. The farm is now owned by Mrs. Robert Henry. The two oldest daughters of James and Mary Henry, Elizabeth (Liza) and Florence, both taught in many

Gilbert located first in Ada, Minn. In 1885, he came to Dakota and lived on a homestead 14 mdes west of Medford. In 1888 he married Bertha Severson. Four children were born, George, Carrie, Bertha and Gertrude. In 1891, fire destroyed their home and they moved to Inkster where he was employed by the Reitan Company implement business. In 1894 they returned to farming in Cleveland Township, one mde east of the Zeman farm, than the Praha post office. Gilbert was clerk of Cleveland Township for many years. His wife and infant daughter died in 1897. He continued farming untd 1905 when he moved to Bismarck where for 17 years he was state deputy land commissioner. He died in 1936 at 73 and is buried in Quale Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Haugen were charter members of Quale Lutheran Church. None of the children married. Carrie is the sole survivor and lives in San Francisco, Calif. Submitted by Carrie Christine Haugen. 762

rural schools around Fordville. Later, Elizabeth went to Washington, D. C , where she was employed for some time; Florence became the assistant postmaster during the time her brother, William, was the postmaster. William, Daniel, Elizabeth and Florence, the four oldest children of Mary and James Henry were never married. They are all buried inthe Oak Grove Cemetery. James, third son of James and Mary Henry, was born while the family was at Ardoch. He grew up in the new home at Fordville. When he was a young man he bought a farm near Forest River. He married Annie Poole of that community and made Forest River his permanent home. James and Annie Henry had five children. Their oldest daughter, Mrs. Frank Sobolik lives near Pisek. The other four reside in,Grand Forks. Both James and Annie are buried in the Forest River Cemetery beside Annie's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Poole.

Delbert, the youngest son of James and Mary Henry, grew up on the family farm. He enlisted in the army in World War I. He served in the 88th Division. On his return from military service, he married Edith Aitken, Park River. Delbert and Edith Henry had one adopted daughter. They made their home in Fort Francis, Ont. Delbert began work as a mechanic, but later became owner of Henry Motors Ltd. Edith died. Delbert married Alma Paulson, Fort Francis. Delbert Henry is well remembered for his participation in civic and community affairs. His body is buried at Fort Francis. Isabel, the youngest child of James and Mary Henry, grew up and attended school in Fordville. She taught school for a number of years. She married Robert Troyer of Goodrich. Robert and Isabel resided in western North Dakota for some time, but Indiana was their permanent home. To Isabel and Robert, three children were born. Robert, Jr., lives in Terre Haute, Ind. Mary lives in Peru and Marjorie in Hartford City, Ind. Isabel Henry Troyer died in 1973. She is buried in Marion, Ind. There are 110 living descendants of James and Mary Henry. Submitted by Mrs. Robert Henry.

John was the first of the Henry children to be born at Fordville. He attended the Fordville School and later a business college in Grand Forks. John married Bertha Shaw of Elmwood, Wise. John's work as an abstractor took the couple to various places. They resided for some time in Grafton and in Cavalier. In 1929 they moved to Cut Bank, Mont., where John was employed as an abstractor by the R. C. Tarrant Oil Company. John and Bertha had three children. Helen lives in Cut Bank, Mont., Ruth in Helena, Mont.; John and Bertha's only son, Don, lives in Santa Fe, N. M. The bodies of both John and Bertha were returned to Fordville to be buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery near other members of the Henry family. The next member of the Henry family, Emma, grew up in Fordville. She married James M. Learn, Grafton, a teacher. Mr. Learn taught at Fordville and in the schools of other area towns. In 1955 the Learn family moved to Drayton, which became James and Emma's permanent home. James and Emma had four children, Mrs. Gordon Halcrow, Drayton; Allan Learn, Superior, Wise.; the twins, Robert, Dickinson, and Delbert, Bismarck. Both Emma and her husband, James M. Learn, are buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Charles and Robert Henry, brothers, neighbors, partners - operated the Henry Farms for many years. Charles married LilUan Drake of Clear Lake, S. D. Charles and Lillian had one son, Ernest (Bud). Though Ernest died young, two sons survive him. Charles teaches electrical engineering at the State School of Science in Wahpeton; Kenneth is a mechanical engineering instructor in the vocational school in East Grand Forks, Minn. For 19 years, Mrs. Charles Henry (Lillian) operated a maternity home. She and Dr. Clarence Lommen delivered over 400 babies in her home. Robert Henry married Ethel Bayne, Forest River. They had three daughters, Ruth (Mrs. Norman Stokke), Inkster; Ruth and Norman Stokke farm west and south of Inkster; Ethel Lois (Mrs. Gordon Halstenson), also Inkster. Gordon Halstenson, aerial sprayer, has his base of operations in Inkster. Janice (Mrs. Curtis Iverson) lives in California. Mr. Iverson is a district sales representative for the Kellogg Cereal Company. Both Charles and Robert are deceased and are buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

First row: Mr. and Mrs. James Henry. Row 2: Elizabeth, Isabel, Florence, Emma. Back row: Delbert, Robert, Daniel, Charles, John, James, Jr., William. OLE H. AND OLINA JARSTAD Ole H. Jarstad was bom June 5, 1849, in Vestre Siidre, Valdres, Norway. His parents, Ingrid and Halvor, and a sister, Gjertrud, and a brother, Knute, remained in Norway. Ole died in 1922. Ole Jarstad married Olina Torson. They were married by Rev. Holseth. Rev. Holseth was the first pastor of the Middle River Congregation of which Ole Jarstad was a charter member. His wife, Olina Torson, was born in Ovre Aardal Sogn, Norway, in 1860. Her parents were Kari and Tore Vetti. When Olina came to the states, she first stayed with her sister, Emma Swenson, at Dahlen. Another sister, Soneva Larson, hved in Fennimore, Wise. Ole Jarstad came in a sail ship called the Viking. The trip took several weeks across the Atlantic Ocean. Ole Jarstad came to Iowa in 1870 and later to Medford Township. In 1881, he filed claim to a homestead near Fordville. Four others came and filed homestead claims the same year, Gilbert and Knute Lien, Knute 763

Morstad and Nels Hadalen. Their home was first a log cabin, later replaced by a house. Ole Jarstads had five children. Gina Jarstad Johnson, wife of the late John I. Johnson, died Oct. 29, 1974. Other chiildren were Lena Offerdahl (Jarstad), Henry Jarstad, Inga Jarstad and Sena Jarstad. Ole Jarstad once pulled a sack of flour and some groceries on a sled from Ojata, a small station west of the present Grand Forks. Submitted by Mrs. Louis Machart.

second son, Martin Kellogg; third son, Lt. Joseph, who immigrated to America in the old ship Mayflower around 1640; fourth son, Dea Samuel; fifth son, Capt. Isaac; sixth son, Capt. Noah; seventh son, Noah; eighth son, Mathaniel and ninth son, Augustus Hulbert. Laura Baker Kellogg has the distinction of being one of the five ladies of Red Wing, Minn., who made the first flag that the First Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers carried into the Civil war in the spring of 1861. Submitted by Arnold Kellogg and Edna Mercer.

Guy and Hattie Kellogg

Left to right: Lena, Ole Jarstad, Gina [Mrs. John I. Johnson], and son, Henry. AUGUSTUS H. KELLOGG FAMILY Guy Herbert Kellogg was born in Pine Island, Minn., May 9, 1881. Augustus Hulbert Kellogg (Guy's father) was born in Litchfield, N. Y. Aug. 14,1834. Augustus married Laura (Worthing) Baker in Rochester, Minn. Laura Baker was born in Bristol, N. H. April 5, 1839. They were married March 29, 1866. Augustus Kellogg pioneered at Grafton for a short time, then homesteaded what is now the Vangsness farm west of Fordville in 1881. Guy Kellogg was a small baby at this time. Augustus Kellogg's wife, Laura, died Feb. 7, 1912, at the farm home at Fordville, then known as Medford. Augustus died at Cartwright March 23, 1921. They are both buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery at Fordville. Guy H. Kellogg married Hattie Abel June 5,1907, at Medford. They purchased the Adolph Howe farm 5% miles west of Fordville, where they lived until retiring. They sold their farm to Harvey Offerdahl and moved to town. Guy H. Kellogg died at Grand Forks Nov. 20, 1964. Hattie, his wife, died May 9, (Guy's birthday) 1974, at Grafton. They are both buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery at Fordville. They had one son, Arnold W., born Dec. 12,1912, who lives inSeattle, Wash. Hattie Abel (Guy's wife) was born Aug. 23, 1885, at Medford. Hattie's father was Archibald Abel. He and his wife homesteaded five miles west of Fordville, now also owned by Harvey Offerdahl. Archibald Abel came from Indiana to North Dakota. The first authentic record found of the Kelloggs is that of Philippe Kellogg of Essex Co., England. Hi*

Hattie Kellogg and Essie Abel

CLAUDE A. KELLY Claude A. Kelly, born in 1884, was a rural mail carrier on Route 1 out of Fordville for 23 years. His route was 32 miles long. In the winter, he had built a one horse sleigh. When the weather was real cold, he walked by it to keep warm. Each day he stopped at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clern Lommen, where he got a hearty welcome, a delicious dinner and a change of horses. Later, he purchased a snowmobile type car, one with tracks on the wheels. He made many long trips after route duties were finished. He would take Dr. C. E. Lommen to visit sick patients in Inkster. Claude was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fordville, a member of the Masonic Lodge and the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge. He died April 27,1940, at 56. His wife, the former Etta McKeith, whom he married in 1909, lives in Fordville. Submitted by Mrs. C. A. Kelly.

Claude A. Kelly taken in 1932. GILBERT LIEN Gilbert Lien married Mary Morstad, who died as a young woman. One son, Albert, was born. After his first wife's death, Gilbert married Mary Lotten, Manitowoc, Wise. They farmed Gilberts homestead and other land later acquired, including a quarter of School Section 16, Medford Township, until Gilbert's death. They had four children, Myrtle, Hjalmer, Thorfin and Gladys.

Mrs. Lien and family moved to Fordville and Mary was remarried to Older Nelson. Hjalmer was owner-operator of the Fordville Service Station for many years. Gladys served for many years as a nurse at Fargo. She also served as a nurse in World War II. Myrtle served as assistant postmaster at Fordville until retirement. Torf in died as a young boy. Taken from the Fordville book.

KNUT GULDBRANDSON MORSTAD

JAMES MCCONNACHIE James McConnachie and his wife first located in the Dahlen area where they faced the earliest hardships of pioneer life. Mr. McConnachie tells of an experience he had when going to Grand Forks to obtain twine to bind his crop. Coming on the train, he carried the ball of twine and when the conductor learned what the contents were he charged a dollar as freight. So McConnachie gave him the dollar, the last one he had. From Niagara to his homestead, he had to walk carrying the twine. Later, the McConnachies bought land five miles south of the site of the present Fordville. Mr. and Mrs. McConnachie raised three sons and one daughter: Henry, Milton, Frederick and Lila. Lila was married to Edgar White and lived at Park River, a resident at the nursing department of St. Ansgar Hospital. After the death of his first wife, McConnachie married Jane Horack who had arrived from eastern Ontario. She also spent her last year at the St. Ansgar nursing home. From the Fordville book. DANIEL McKEITH FAMILY

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Daniel McKeith, Jr., and his bride, Lucy Steen, whom he married in Pakenham, Ont., March 23, 1881, accompanied by his father, Daniel, Sr., mother, brothers, Peter, Alexander, John and sister, Margaret, immigrated to Grand Forks in April, 1881. They came by train, bringing a team of horses, a cow, a dog, household articles and all other belongings in a freight car. They were nine days on the way. They spent the first summer near Grand Forks. The family contracted scarlet fever and as a result of it, Peter died. When Medford Township opened for settlers, they filed homestead claims June 10, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. McKeith, Jr., had a family of seven children; Alice (Mrs. E. R. Ridgway), Etta (Mrs. C. A. Kelly), Roy, Mabie (Mrs. D. E. Robertson), Ida (Mrs. K. M. Morstad), Walter, and Ruth (Mrs. A. P. Morstad). McKehh used to tell of an experience he had one winter day. He drove to his father's place, about two miles away, to help butcher. A storm came up and he was forced to remain two days. Upon looking for his bob sled, he found it had been completely covered by deep snow. It had to be taken out piece by piece and handed up to someone on top of the snow bank. He was active in church and township affairs and held many various offices including many years service as county commissioner for the fourth district. He was affiliated with the Presbyterian church and helped start the first Sunday School in Medford Township. At this time Sunday School was held in the District No. 9 schoolhouse. Submitted by Mrs. Knut Morstad.

Children of Knut Morstad taken in 1906 or 1907. The old log house is in the back, wood house in foreground was built in later years. Knut Guldbrandson Morstad was bom in Ostre Sledre, Norway, Jan. 13, 1855. He was the son of Guldrand and Anna Guldbrandson Morstad and spent his early life in Norway. When he was 13 years old, his parents and family immigrated to America in a sail ship. The trip took over three weeks. They settled in Adams, Minn., and remained there for 12 years, then moved to Walsh County. In 1881, he filed on a pre-emption and built a log cabin that summer in Medford Township. On July 3, 1882, Knut married Marit Helgeson at Grand Forks. They had nine children: Anne Gunile, 1883; Gilbert Henry, 1885; Olet, 1887; Ida Marie, 1890; Mary Korina, 1892; Albert Gustav, 1894; Knute Martin, 1896; Alma Elisa, 1898; and Andrew Peder, 1900. Knut and Marit settled in a wooded area close to a river stream to make it easier for them to get a water supply and to supply them with firewood for heating and cooking purposes. Knut lost his only team of horses when they drowned trying to cross a stream. From then on, he had to carry all of his food supplies on his back from Grand Forks. All supplies for the winter had to be bought before the snow came, so a lot of gardening and canning had to be done in the summer and a lot of trapping had to be done all year round. When the family outgrew their one room log cabin, they cut trees, with the help of many neighbors, and built a much larger two story house. The first crop raised was 40 acres of wheat. For many years, Knut ran the "Tomey Post Office" from his home. The mail was delivered to their home by horse and buggy from Conway and then distributed. After the Soo Line came through in 1908, the post office was transferred to Medford and then to Fordville in Walsh County. Their main entertainment consisted of going to church and having Sunday School picnics. Knut and Marit were members of the Quale Lutheran Church and are both buried in the Quale Cemetery. The Knut Morstad children went to school as School District No. 9, Medford Township, 1 % miles southeast of the Morstad homestead. Other settlers were the Daniel McKeith, Jr., family who were neighbors of Knut and Marit. Knute and Andrew, Knut's youngest sons, married two of their daughters.

moved to Lankin. They purchased the K. P. Nappen residence and lived there until their deaths. Anton died Sept. 26, 1964; Mary Feb. 3, 1965. In addition to his farming interests, Anton was bridge foreman in the Fourth District and served as a school board member of Medford School District No. 84 for several years. Submitted by Mrs. Ronnie Novak.

One of the later luxuries was the electric lights which were generated by a battery and only used when necessary. Another great help was a threshing rig which he helped all of his neighbors with their crops. Knut owned one of the first cars, which was called the Interstate. The car steered with a stick instead of a steering wheel. Knut G. Morstad died July 31, 1933, at 78. His wife, Marit, died July 6,1951. Two of the children died in the flu epidemic of 1918. Three of the seven children still live in Walsh County: Mary (Mrs. Carl Espelien), 83, Park River; Knute, 79, Fordville; and Alma (Mrs. Wm. T. Williams), 77, Fordville. Submitted by Mrs. Knut Morstad, Jr.

JOHN J. NOVAK FAMILY John J. Novak was born in 1885 near Spillvdle, Ia., son of Joseph and Anna Schilhachek Novak. They came to North Dakota from Spdlvdle, Ia., in 1899 by train, bringing horses, cattle and machinery. They came to Larimore. From there they drove the horses and herded the cattle to a farm in Medford Township, Section 7, three miles south and one mile east of Lankin. John J. Novak married Anna Cicha, daughter of Frank and Anna Cicha at Veseleyville in 1912. They farmed ad of their lives untd they retired in 1956 and moved to Lankin. He served a number of years on the Medford Township board and was a director of the Lankin Farmers Union Elevator Co. for 23 years. He was a trustee of St. Joseph's Cathode Church for many years. They had six chddren: John H. Novak, married Gladys Lansing of Lankin; Mrs. Myron (Rose) Midthun, Crosby, Minn.; Mrs. Walter (Emma) Nelson, Orvdle, Cadf.; Mrs. Harold (Florence) Hagen, Lankin; Stanley S. Novak, Park River; and Mrs. George (Ann) Linded, Adams, deceased. John J. Novak died Sept. 4,1963, and is buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Lankin. Mrs. Anna Novak is dving in Lankin. Submitted by Mr. and Mrs. John Novak, Jr.

ANTON J . NOVAK FAMILY James (Vaclav) Novak, after serving in the German Army in Austria, married Marie Prochaska and settled in Vienna, Austria. Born to them were two children, a son, Anton J., and a daughter, Mary. Anton was four when they came to America in 1891. The ship docked in New York, from there they went to Chicago. James chose Chicago because two of his brothers were living there. They settled there and James did tailoring. In 1892, they settled in Pisek, where James continued tailoring. Two more children were born, Ferdinand and Louise. In 1900, James Novak bought a quarter-section of land from Hugh Marshall in Vemon Township. In their early years of farming they endured many hardships, burning twisted flax straw during the winter months for heat. They used oxen for their farm work, hauling grain and bringing their supplies to and from Pisek. James retired and he and Marie moved to Lankin. His son, Fred, took over the farm. On Oct. 20, 1914, Anton, the oldest son, was married to Mary A. Trenda at the Catholic church in Lankin. Mary was the oldest daughter of James and Mary Trenda. Anton and Mary settled on a farm in Medford Township. On Oct. 12, 1915, a son, Edward, was born. Edward married Florence Cost in 1940, and they now live on the original James Novak farm. They are the parents of one son. June 20,1917, a son, Victor came to join the family. A single man, Victor resides in Fordville and farms in partnership with his brother, Ronald. During World War E Victor served in the armed forces for almost four years, three years seeing action overseas. Veronica was born Feb. 4, 1919, and married Earl Loveness in 1941. Earl is now retired from the Soo Line, served in World War H for three years, one year overseas. They are the parents of two children, a son and a daughter. A son, Herman, was bom Aug. 11, 1923, married Lucille Ridgway in 1947. They reside on the original Ole Morstad farm site, near Fordville. They are the parents of a son and three daughters. Herman, too, saw action in World War H, spending two years overseas and was awarded the Purple Heart. Another son, Ronald, was born March 6,1936, served in the National Guard, married Sandra Rose in 1959. They have two sons, reside on the family farmstead in Medford Township which Anton and Mary purchased from Thorsten K. Lien in 1916. Here, he had continued his farming until his retirement in 1948, when he and Mary

JOSEPH NOVAK Joseph Novak was born in 1884 in Spillvdle, Ia. He was the son of Joseph and Anna Schdhachek Novak who came to North Dakota from Spidvdle in 1899. They came to North Dakota because there were larger tracts of land available and it cost less. They sold their land in Spdlvdle and thus were able to buy a much larger piece of land in North Dakota. They looked for grazing land for the cattle they were bringing and also land withenough water for the animals. The famdy moved ad their possessions and ad their animals on a train where they occupied several box cars. They made their first stop at Larimore and from there they herded their cattle and horses to the land and a small house which is now located four miles from Lankin, where John Novak, a brother to Joseph, lived later. The famdy lived there for some time, later bought more land near Pisek. They left Joseph and John to farm the property near Lankin and the rest of the family moved to the farm at Pisek. Later, Joseph bought his own land in Medford Township. Joseph Novak married Barbara Capouch in 1907. They hved on the farm 11 years. They had one daughter, Marcella (Mrs. Frank Helt). In 1918, Barbara died of influenza and Joseph moved into Lankin, but continued his farming interests until he died in 1970. He worked for Witasek Brothers Store for many years, except for four years when he operated 8th Avenue Grocery at Grand Forks. Submitted by Marceda Helt. 766

JOSEPH W. AND ANNA NOVAK II Joseph W. Novak II was born in Czechoslovakia to Joseph and Josephine (Jehlicka) Novak March 19, 1853. At 18, in 1871, he came with his parents to America settling in Spillville, where he met and married Anna Schilhachek. Anna was born July 26, 1861, to Wenceslus and Roselie (Tomer) Schilhachek. Joseph and Anna were married Jan. 25, 1881, at Spillville. There were seven children: Joseph F. married Barbara Capouch; John J. married Anna Cicha; Mary married John Beneda; Rose married Charles Chyle; Elizabeth married John A. Chyle; Thomas married Rose H. Novak; and Frank, never married. Joseph and Anna and their children, all born in Iowa, came to North Dakota in 1899 and settled on a farm three miles south and one mile east of Lankin in Medford Township and built a house a couple of months after thenar rival. Joseph and his sons farmed. They raised wheat, barley, oats and some corn. They also raised registered Shorthorn cattle which Joseph brought with him from Iowa. Joseph went into the cattle buying, feeding and shipping business. To do this he bought cattle and his sons drove them back to their farm to feed until time for shipping, then drove the cattle to Pisek to the railroad and loaded them in cars. Joseph would go with his cattle to St. Paul, Minn., and sell them. With cattle buying and shipping Joseph owned many quarters of land in the Lankin area. As his shipping of cattle was at Pisek, he thought it wise to have a farm in that area, so in 1903 he bought a farm located three miles west, 1% miles north and 'A mile west of Pisek where their son, Thomas, still resides. Joseph and Anna moved to the farm at Pisek and resided there until 1924, then bought a house in Pisek and moved to town. Joseph shipped his last railroad car of cattle to St Paul and made his last trip with them in 1928. Joseph died in November, 1928, and Anna died in April, 1942, both are buried at Pisek. Two of Joseph and Anna's children are living, Rose (Mrs. Cas. Chyle), Pisek, and Thomas, on the farm northwest of Pisek. Submitted by Mrs. William Novak.

JOHN PFANNSMITH FAMILY John Pfannsmith was bom Nov. 18,1862, in Oshkosh, Wise, and came to Dakota and filed a claim in Medford Township in 1883. He married Melinda Steen, Ontario, in 1889. They had six children, Lester, Irene (Mrs. Harry Ridgway), both of Fordville; Fred, Shelby, Mont.; William, deceased; Edger, Fordville, and Robert, Minneapolis. John was a farmer all his life. His wife died in 1926. He stayed on the farm with the boys until his death in August, 1940. Edger still farms the home place. Lester and William had their own farms. Fred operates a jewelry store in Minneapolis. Irene, the only girl of the family, married Harry Ridgway and lives on a farm two miles west of Fordville. John and Melinda are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery at Fordville. Submitted by Mrs. Harry Ridgway. MR. AND MRS. MARTIN POTULNY Martin Potulny was born in Duluth, Minn., in 1885. He came to Fordville in 1906 and worked as a farm hand. Then he leased the livery barn in Fordville. Among his duties in this line of work was transporting Dr. Arnold to his patients. Martin often mentioned waiting for the doctor at a farm home for many hours. In the summer, Martin used his horses to haul timber to help build the Dahlen Railroad Bridge when the Soo Line built the cutoff to Drake. In 1910, using his large number of horses, he rented 1,000 acres of land, planted to wheat, but because of the dry summer he harvested only about 40 acres of the low lands. Martin was one of the first auto owners. He purchased a two cylinder Buick to be used in his livery business. He gave up the livery business in the fall of 1910. On Nov. 1, 1910, he married Annie Gorecke. Her parents, Anton Gorecke, homesteaded on an 80 acre claim near Fordville. This was all they could get because the rest was all taken up. Martin and Annie took over the farm and lived in the same house Annie was born in until their retirement to Fordville in 1943. They were the parents of three children: Evangeline (Mrs. Lloyd Cost), Victor, who later took over the farm and Gertrude, deceased. They kept expanding and adding to their farm operation. They always had a large herd of cattle. They raised sheep for some years. They tried raising sugar beets, but the land was too light. Grain and potatoes were their main crops. Mrs. Potulny always had her own projects; turkeys, chickens and a large garden, taking care of the cook car for the threshing crew. Martin had many a free ride to Minneapolis with stock. Saturday was stock day on the Soo Line and each farmer accompanied his own car of stock. Martin and Annie supplied the Fordville residents with milk and cream for many years, making deliveries morning and evening. Milk sold for 25 cents a gallon during the depression years. In the winter months the deliveries were made with a team of horses and a bob sled. In the late 30's, a creamery was built in Fordville, thus eliminating home milk deliveries.

Front row, left to right: Tom, Mr. Joseph Novak, Mrs. Anna Novak, Elizabeth. Back row: Frank, John, Joseph, Jr., Mary, Rose. 767

Martin Potulny, Ole Aafedt, Charles Aafedt and Mr. Stensfield formed the Fordville Farmers Elevator Company. The elevator was located on the site of the present Mobil bulk station. This elevator burned in 1930. The Fordville Potato Company was formed by Ira Aafedt, Albert Hamilton and Martin Potulny. This warehouse was discontinued in the 1950's. During the slack summer months, Martin maintained township roads and built and repaired many rural roads. Throughout the years, Martin had an extensive fanning operation. This is now being carried on by his children and grandchildren. Mrs. Potulny died in 1950, Mr. Potulny in 1966. They were members of St. Mark's Church in Conway. Submitted by Mrs. Victor (Rose) Potulny.

The grandparents of Nina Robertson were Ezekil Sanborn and Lorinda Sawyer. Her mother, Marilla S. Sanborn, born in Alexandria, N. H., Oct. 12, 1836, was married to John D. Jeffrey of Medford, Minn., born June 15, 1833, in England. Three children were born, Edith married to George Cass; Anna Louise (Nina) married to David Robertson, and Edd, never married. David Irving Robertson and Anna Louise Jeffrey were married Nov. 24, 1886, at Grand Forks. Anna L. Jeffrey was born Jan. 29,1863, in Medford, Minn. There, she received her elementary education. She attended Carlton Codege at Northfield, Minn., and after graduating in 1883 came to Medford Township. She was the first teacher in Medford School District No. 79. She later taught in the Fordvdle School District and also filed on a homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson took an active part in the Ufe of the community. They were charter members of the First Presbyterian Church of Fordville. Nina was the first treasurer and served in that capacity for 20 years. David died July 21,1927, and Anna died Oct. 20,1929. A Happy Christmas Party The fodowing splendidly wntten account of a large Christmas gathering at the Dave Robertson farm home, west of Fordville, is furnished the Chronicle by a friend: "Santa Claus in his annualroundsnever fails to stop at the beautiful country home of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Robertson. As usual, the relatives and a few friends of the Robertson and McKeith famdies gathered there this year to strengthen and renew the ties of esteem, friendship and good wid. The genial Dave, beaming behind a big, fat turkey, make an ideal host. The hostess is always at her best when sunounded by a bunch of happy young people. A unique feature of the elaborate dinner was that practicady everything was grown on their own farm, a demonstration of genuine North Dakota thrift and bounty. Cigars, nuts and candies were dispensed throughout the day with a lavish hand. Of the games played during the intervals, the fifty-mile automobile race proved especially interesting, in spite of delays caused by codisions, tire punctures and shortage of gasoline. Itwaseasdy wonbythe Metz touring car. "When the lamps were fit in the evening, a happy crowd gathered around the beauttful Christmas tree laden with gdts, tokens bearing the good wid of the givers to the hearts of the recipients. Gatherings of this kind, spreading their Christmas cheer, are remembered whde life lasts; they have an influence for good upon the fives of ad who partake of them, which nothing can efface, urging on to noble and unsedish deeds, to the upbudding of the human race. Blessed is the land that has many such homes." David and Nina Robertson had two sons, David Edward and James Jeffery. David was born in Medford Township Dec. 30, 1889, and grew up in that community where he continued to dve. On June 11, 1911, he married Mabel McKeith. Two sons were born to them, Darrel and Lloyd. Mabel died May 31, 1916. Darrel was born May 31,1912, died June 11,1947. In 1911 he married Alyce Berg, daughter of Oscar and Anna Marie Berg, Langdon. They had three sons, Clare in Maine, Lyle in California and Roger in Oregon. For many years he was in the garage business, then became manager of the Robertson Lumber Yard in Fordvdle.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Potulny. She was Anna Gorecki. Taken Nov. 1, 1910. ELDIN R. RIDGWAY Eldin R. Ridgway moved to Medford Township from Delaven, Minn., in 1881, with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Thad Tatros, at the age of one year. He started farming as a young man in Medford Township. He married Alice McKeith, daughter of Dan McKeith, in June, 1903. Eight children were born, Hazel, Harcy, Guy, Walter, Claude, Alice, Daniel and Lucille. In 1906 they moved to Mountrail County and farmed there. They moved back to Medford Township in 1919 and farmed near Fordville. In 1928 Eldin started as a Raleigh salesman in parts of Walsh and Nelson Counties. He spent 29 years in that work. Mrs. Ridgway died in 1945 and Eldin Ridgway in 1960. Submitted by Mrs. L. A. Pfannsmith. DAVID AND ANNA LOUISE (NINA) ROBERTSON Janet Patterson, daughter of Jonah Patterson, was married to David Robertson, Edenbury, Scotland. Their son, David, mamed Lady Jean Boyle and lived in Limmerick, Ireland. One of their 12 children, David, was born May 5, 1857. When he was three years of age, the family moved to Brockville, Ont., where he grew to manhood. In Brockville he learned the blacksmith trade. In 1880, he came west to Dakota Territory and filed on a homestead in Medford Township. Returning the next year, he set up a shop which he conducted for many years. 768

Lloyd was born in May, 1916, and lives in Bismarck. He married Dorana Plante, Langdon. They have four children, Llona, Kent, Larry and Michael. After an accident in 1928, he became blind. He attended school in Bathgate, the State School for the Blind, also took a course in medical massage at Cleveland, 0. He was employed in Grand Forks until moving to Bismarck in 1948. There, he formed the Lloyd Robertson Piano Service. He tunes and repairs pianos. Lloyd was named Burleigh County's out-standing handicapped citizen for 1971. His wife, Dorana, is legally blind since birth, having only about 10 percent vision. She also attended school at Bathgate and studied social work for three years at UND. She has done a great deal of secretarial work, including serving as a stenographer at the State Capital. She also was the editor of "The Promoter," the official organ of the North Dakota Association of the Blind. On Jan. 1, 1919, David E. married Estella Bayne of Forest River. They had two sons, Lynn David and Lee Bayne. David E. was active in community affairs serving as clerk of Medford Township and later as clerk of Medford School District No. 79 of Fordville. He farmed until 1929 when he moved to town and was in the garage business for a number of years. His wife, Estella, taught school at Medford District No. 84 before their marriage. Their third son, Lynn, or Bud, as he was always called, was born on the farm in Medford Township Dec. 4,1925. He went to school in Fordville and then served in the Navy for four years. On June 6, 1948, he married Ardis Thoe, daughter of Carl and Mary Thoe of Fordville. They farmed in the community until moving to Roundup, Mont., where he works for International Harvester Company. They have four children, Conrad, a teacher in the Montana schools; Jerry, working with an oil company and Elaine, now Mrs. Laurie Sealey, her husband is the band instructor in Roundup; and Cindy who has just finished high school. The youngest son, Lee, was born in Fordville Feb. 28, 1929. He served in the army for two years, entering in November, 1951, and was in Metz, Germany, with the European Command. Oct. 8, 1950, he married Betty Lou Holwerda, daughter of the late John and Emma Holwerda, Fordville. They have four children, Sharon Lee, Terry Lynn, Mary Lou and David Lawrence. Sharon married Wayne Dupree, Grafton. They have one son, Shawn. For a number of years Lee operated the Standard Station in Fordville. He now has moved to Grafton where he operates Lee's Standard Service. James 'Jeffrey, second son of David and Anna Robertson, was bom on the farm in Medford Township Sept. 22,1900. Here, he grew up and after the death of his parents, took over the management of the farm which he operated until his death. He served for several years as township supervisor in Medford Township, also was president of the Fordville Co-operative Marketing Association. He was elected president of the Walsh County Farm Bureau shortly before his death. He was active in public activities. He married Minnie Bayne, Forest River, June 20, 1923. She moved to Grand Forks after his death. Before their marriage, she taught school at Medford District No. ?• They have three children, Alan James, Anna Jean and David Irving.

Alan James was born March 3, 1925. He received his education in public schools of Medford Township. He farmed with his father before entering the army. On Nov. 5,1955, he married Rose Kotaska, Pisek. They now make their home in Grafton where he is employed with Bordens, inc. Anna Jean was bom Nov. 12, 1927. She attended school and worked in the community until her father's death. She then moved to Grand Forks where she is now employed and living with her mother. David Irving was born Sept. 4, 1930. He attended public school and worked on the farm until moving to South St. Paul, Minn., in 1953. He is employed at Armour's Meat Packing Company. Buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, are: Mr. and Mrs. David Robertson, Sr., Edd Jeffrey, David E., Mabel and Estella Robertson, Darrel Robertson and James J. Robertson. Submitted by Anna Robertson.

Mr. and Mrs. David Robertson and sons, David and James. ANDREW SEVERSON

Andrew Severson taken June, 1946, 85 years of age. Andrew Severson, son of Sjuer (or Suiert) Bergglum Olsen and Setona (Zellone) Halvardsdafter, was born in Madison, Wise, Nov. 23, 1861. He was one of a family of 11 children, some of whom were born in Norway. Some died in Norway, hence, the change of name to Severson. He married Johanna Erickson, who was born in Norway. The date is not available. Johanna had one son, Ed Erickson, who was born in Norway. He married Clara Severson, who was bom in Adams, Minn., but was living

Sluke organized the first band in Fordville. He played both the violin and cornet. He also played for many dances and house parties that were very popular in those days. Anna Katherine Sluke married Bert Fierst in 1923 and they resided in Fordville. Mr. Fierst operated the drag line for many years and then worked on the railroad as a track man. He died in 1936. She died in 1948. Willard Sluke operates the original homestead at Fordville. He married Helen Octakee in 1920. They have one son, Lynn, married to Joanne Foerster. They live on the home farm also. They have five sons. Willard's wife, Helen, died in 1954and is buried in Fordville. Alice Katherine Sluke married Emil Carlson in 1915. They had five children. Emil Carlson came to the United States from Sweden at the age of 21 and settled in Minnesota. In 1905, he came to this area and worked on the railroad when it was built. He also farmed. He died in 1936. Mrs. Carlson died in 1967. Both are buried at Fordville. Three of the daughters live at Fordville, Mrs. Arthur (Odessa) Pederson, Mrs. E . (Helen) Jacobson and Mrs. Joe (Marion) Murphy. The other two children are Mrs. WiUiam (Amelia) Grace, BurnsviUe, Minn., and WUlard, Jr., Independence, Mo. Submitted by Mrs. Arthur Pederson.

in Adams, North Dakota, at that time. Clara and Ed had three sons. Johanna and Andrew had three sons, Sigurd, died in 1952; Carl, lives in Minneapolis, and Severin died in 1914. Andrew farmed in Cleveland Township for several years when he sold his farm to Ed Erickson (his son). He moved to Fordville where he resided until his death in 1948. Johanna died in 1943. Andrew served as custodian in the Fordville Lutheran Church from 1923-1945. He was also chosen on a committee to build a church for the Quale Congregation in 1897. Johanna was a member of the Quale Ladies' Aid when it was first organized in 1876, later becoming a member of the Fordville Mission Club when it was organized in 1912. Submitted by Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Starkson. JOSEPH MAXMILLIAN SLUKE

KNUT THOMPSON Knut Thompson and Jertrude came from Valders, Norway, locating for a short time near Manvel. They came to Medford Township and filed homestead claims in 1882. He did considerable carpenter work and operated a cafe in FordviUe and financed several residences in town. They had one son, Torsten, who married Clara Lotten but died young., His widow was remarried to Albert Rutkotski. From FordviUe book. ARTHUR WOOD

Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Sluke and Mr. and Mrs. John Andera. Joseph Sluke was born July 22,1871, at Marble Rock, Ia. At a young age he moved with his parents to Kimball, S. D. In 1893 he was married to Anna Katherine Andera, born at Marble Rock, Ia., Feb. 28, 1873. They had one daughter, Alice Katherine, in 1895. In 1896, they and other relatives came to Dakota, residing first east of what is now Fordville on the Delaney place. In 1898, they moved to a farm west of Fordville where a son, Willard, was born. He resides on the home place. With the original farm, they also farmed what is now known as the Rosencran farm. Mrs. Sluke cooked for many men who were building the railroad. In the winter one of the first school teachers, Stanley Melcer, stayed at their home. Mrs. Sluke also did a great deal of sewing. Sluke operated an elevator for the Woodworth Company at Medford. He was assisted in farming by James Brakesk. He also operated elevators at Conway and Lankin. After leaving Fordville, Sluke operated elevators at Lidgerwood and Mahnomen, Minn. He also served in the House of Representatives of Minnesota. After retiring he was a guard in a bank in Duluth, Minn., until ill health caused him to return to Mahnomen, where he died in 1951.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wood. Arthur is 84 years old here. Taken in 1964. Arthur died in 1965. Arthur Wood began duty as rural maU carrier out of Fordville July, 1918, first with horse and buggy and in winter a covered sleigh, later by car. One of the many incidents remembered was the time a blizzard came when Arthur was coming towards FordvUle. The car became stuck in the snow. Realizing he could not stay there, he left the car and found the railroad tracks and followed them to town. It was several days before the road could be cleared so the car could be gotten out with its bags of maU and packages. 770

Arthur Wood served under four postmasters, Charles Aafedt, Hulbert Casement, Frank Swehla and Pauline Dougherty. He served his patrons for thirty years and retired in 1948. He continued to make his home in Fordville until his death in 1965. He is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Submitted by Gladys Huseby.

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MYRTICE TAYLOR WOOD After the resignation of Mr. Nelson as rural mail carrier, Myrtice Taylor was appointed carrier on Route 2, west of FordviUe, later taking the examination. She worked for 1% years when she resigned. Myrtice Taylor later married Arthur Wood. She stiU resides in FordviUe. Submitted by Gladys Huseby.

;

Grand Forks Band in light uniforms. Dark uniforms are members of the Conway band that went to Toledo, Ohio, 1915. Known members are: 1 Martin Bjerke, 3 Harold Maxwell, 5 Johnny Bina, 6 Bert Stary, 7 Herman Sobolik, 8 Frank Maxwell, 9 Bill Bina, 12 Stanley Bina, 13 Dewy Heising, 14 Ralph Heising, 18 Frank Chromy, 19 Albert Sobolik, 21 Earl Heising.

r F. E. Vorachek home (now home of Hannah Omdahl).

Bert Stary Auto Show, 1916.

Arthur Wood, mail carrier with his "winter car."

Bohemian Brass Band—Conway 771

PRAIRIE CENTRE BIOGRAPHIES FRANK BARTA FAMILY Frank Barta and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Kostohris, settled in the Veseleyville community in the 1880's. They were parents of 11 children, Mary, Frank, Joseph, Antoinette, Anton, Henry, Agnes, Valerian, Valeria, Mildred and Georgia. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek. FRANK PETER BAZAL Frank Peter Bazal was born on a farm southwest of Veseleyville Jan. 31, 1895, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Bazal. His mother was the former Anna Francis Jechort. Both parents were born in Czechoslovakia. When he was about three, the family homesteaded on a quarter of land in Perth Township, SW'A Section 5. He grew up and attended the Ryba School for four years. Because school was held during the summer months, a time when farmers needed the help of their children, he, like many other children, didn't have much of a chance for education. He was interested in education and studied encyclopedias, his children's textbooks and worked the Grand Fork's Herald crossword puzzle daily. Frank's father had taken music lessons in Chicago and gave him music lessons. He first started playing the piccolo, but he didn't like it, so he changed to the E Flat clarinet. Then his father started a band. Young Frank, who was 12 or 13 played in it. That was his start in music. In 1912, he organized the Bazal Band. Others in the band were his brothers, William and James, Joe Ryba, Frank Ryba, Frank J. Kouba (one time Walsh County Sheriff), and John Kalash. Some other bands he played in were the Brodina Band of Lankin, Pisek Band, Slama Band of Milton, Veseleyville Bohemian Band and the Grafton Parade Band. With the parade band, he made two trips to the Rose Bowl at Los Angeles, Calif., and the Rose Festival in Portland, Ore., plus many others. Besides playing the clarinet, he played the accordion and the violin, which was his favorite. He never had a violin lesson, but could play it by note or by "ear." When a young lad, he made a violin from a cigar box. Given half an hour he could play any instrument after he "found" the scale. Every day he could be heard practicing. He was often requested to play the violin and accordion for dances and house parties. When a young man, he worked for farmers in the community around Lankin. In 1915, he married Anna Stella Novak in St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Lankin. They moved to Pisek, where he worked on farms and later worked as a butcher in the local meat market. They had two children. Agnes Anna was bom on her grandfather Charles Novak's farm at Lankin. She is now Mrs. Percy Davis of Grafton. Merle Ivan, now of Livermore, Calif., was born in Pisek. About 1920, he moved with his family to Orr, where was the butcher and a clerk in the mercantile store. In 1923, the family moved back to Walsh County. He went back to farming. During the winter of 1925, when the farming season was slack, he drove to Park River and worked in the Chevrolet Garage for Nemo Overbye, Roy Skidmore and Dave Kinsala to learn to be a car mechanic. In 1932, the garage then owned by Overbye and Skidmore, burned, and the business was moved to

Grafton and started in the building where The Grafton Record is now located. Frank moved his family to Grafton and was shop foreman. Later, the garage was moved to its present location on Griggs Avenue and Dick Church became a partner with Overbye. Frank was still with the firm and advanced from shop foreman to parts manager. About 1965, he was honored by the firm for having worked with them continuously for 40 years. In all, he was with the firm for 43 years, working half days the last eight years while on Social Security. He was an avid hunter and every fall went duck and goose hunting. He loved to fish. He and his wife spent many afternoons fishing at Homme Dam. Frank was the oldest in his family. Others were William of Vining, Ia.; Mrs. Frank (Mary) Malafa, Lankin; Mrs. James (Anna) Seidl, Cheyenne, Wyo.; James and Charles, Lakota; Mrs. Paul (Elsie) Markus, Watertown, S. D., and Stanley, died in his early twenties. Frank became sick the last of January, 1968, and died Aug. 11, 1968, of cancer. He is buried in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Grafton near his wife, Anna, who died Oct. 2, 1963. Besides his children, seven grandchildren survive and seven great grandchddren. Submitted by his daughter, Mrs. Percy (Agnes) Davis, Grafton.

Frank Bazal and his violin taken in 1916. JOHN BURIANEK FAMILY John Burianek was born in 1853. He came to the Veseleyvide community in 1880. He married Mary Reyleck, who was born in 1862. They were parents of sue children, Mary (Mrs. Joe Vavrosky), Anna (Mrs. Joe Schanilec), Josephine (Mrs. W. S. Peterka), Frank married a Kennedy, Anton, and John C , who married Agnes Dusek. . , Mr. Burianek died in 1911, Mrs. Burianek died in 1933 Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek. JACOB CHROMY FAMILY Jacob Chromy was born in Austria in 1842. He and his wife, whose maiden name wasSmolik, came to Dakota in 1882. They were among the early settlers of Prairie Centre Township. They were the parents of six chddren, Joseph, Frank, John, Mary, Katherine and Elizabeth. Mr. Chromy was a member of the board of trustees of his township for several years. He was a member of the school board of Prairie Centre Township for 12 years. He was secretary of the lodge of Catholic Workmen. Jacob Chromy died in 1914 and Mrs. Chromy died in 1933.

Mary, the oldest girl, taught school in Conway and was married to Ralph Wavrunek, who operated a store. They had three children, Georgia, Gertrude and Dorothy. Joseph married Mary Votava, daughter of an early pioneer, Frank Votava, in 1892. They first farmed on a quarter of land northeast of Conway. In 1895 they purchased two quarters of land 2te miles east of Conway, from Mr. Davidson, who earlier had claimed several sections of land in that area. Here, their seven children were raised and received their education in District No. 89 and Conway District No. 34. The children were Joe, Jr., Frank, James, Jerome, Mary Ann, Agnes and George. Joe was married to Agnes Novak Swan. Frank married Katie Foerster. Their children are Francis, Rose Marie and William. James was married to Millie Cost. They had no children. Jerome never married. Mary Ann was married to Fred Rueter. They had one daughter, Joyce. Agnes married Sephen Lutgen. They had no children. George married Henrietta Horejsh. They have three daughters, Shirley, Beverly and Betty. Frank was married to Annie Dusek and they lived in the area of Veseleyville. They had five children, Cyril, Benedict, Frank, Joe and Rita. Katherine married Simon Reyleck. They hved southwest of Veseleyville. They had eight children, Pauline, Mary, Hattie, Joe, Betty, Steve, Dorothy and Frank. John married Annie Loven and farmed south of Grafton near Dewar and later moved to Waubun, Minn., where they operated a general merchandise store. They had sixteen children, Pat, Joe, Frank, Mary, John, Wendy, Jacob, Emma, Betty, Ceceilia, Anne, Bennie and Tracy Rose. Two children died in infancy. Elizabeth married Paul Pastir. They farmed near Veseleyville. They had two children, Paul and Joe. Submitted by Agnes (Chromy) Lutgen.

married Josephine Vavra, Mary married Bohmil Dub, Anna married John J. Novak, Elizabeth married Anton Dub and Rose married Steve Novak. Jim never married. FRANK DUSEK, SR., FAMILY Frank Dusek was bom on or about Dec. 1, 1835, in the village of Zhor, Bohemia, Austria. There, he spent the early part of his life. In 1860, he married Barbara Janovsky and they continued to reside there until 1867, when they decided to emigrate to the United States to seek a new home. The trip over the ocean was made in a sailing vessel and it was a long, weary trip, lasting almost six weeks. Upon reaching this country, they went to Spillville, Ia., their destination. They settled at this place and engaged in farming until 1880, when insects and other handicaps to farming in the northwestern part of Iowa went from bad to worse. Then, Mr. and Mrs. Dusek, like many others at that time, decided to select some other and better place for a home in this country. The Red River Valley in North Dakota was just beginning to attract hundreds of settlers at that time. Frank Dusek and his family and four other families started for northeastern North Dakota. This trip was no joy ride, it was made over land in wagons for more than 500 miles. Cattle and horses were driven along and over dangerous crossings of rivers. This trip took seven weeks, as the parties set out the first week in May and arrived here about July 1. Mr. and Mrs. Dusek settled on a homestead Vh miles north of Veseleyville and farmed until 1898 when they decided to retire to Veseleyville. Mrs. Dusek died in 1899. Since then, Mr. Dusek has lived there almost continually, except for one year in Montana in 1904. He hved to be almost 100. He died Aug. 16, 1934. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dusek, Sr., were parents of 11 children, Mrs. Anton Houdek, Vaclav, Frank Jr., Mrs. Frank Karnik, Mrs. Joe Karnik, Albert, Thomas, Mrs. James Suda, Mrs. Joe Lavin, Mrs. Joe Peterka and Mrs. Frank (Annie) Chromy. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek.

Joseph Chromy taken in 1906.

FRANK CICHA, SR. Frank Cicha, the first, and Anna Krivanek Cicha came to the U. S. from Tabor, Czechoslovakia with three sons, Frank, Joe and John, to New Prague, Minn. A daughter, Mary, was born there. They filed a timber culture entry in Sauter Township, Section 4, near Lomice. Two more children were born, Anna and Jim. They moved to a farm near Vesleyville. Two more daughters were born, Elizabeth and Rose. They farmed there until Frank died at 49, and his wife at 62. They are buried at Veseleyville. They had eight children. Frank Cicha married Mary Uhlir, Joe Cicha married Lenora Veseli, John Cicha

Frank Dusek, 97 years old, Mrs. Frank Karnik, 64 years old, and Mrs. Joe Peterka, 52 years old.

Pauline (Mrs. Joe Bina), and Albina (Mrs. James Votova. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek.

JOSEPH DUSEK FAMILY Joseph Dusek was born in Czechoslovakia in 1843. He came to North Dakota in 1880 and filed homestead in Prairie Centre Township. Mr. Dusek's wife, whose maiden name was Anna Houska, was bom in 1853. They had four daughters, Rosa (Mrs. Frank Kouba), Elizabeth (Mrs. John Kouba), Mary (Mrs. James Bina) and Anna (Mrs. Albert Votava). Mr. Dusek died in 1905, and Mrs. Dusek in 1944. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek.

CORNELIUS FOXEN FAMILY Cornelius Foxen, Stephens Point, Wise., married Helene Boletta Selmer at Stoughton, Wise, in 1880. Their first child, Emma Josephine, was bom at Iola, Wise, June 5, 1882. In 1884 the family moved to North Dakota where they settled in the Veseleyville area. They had three more children, Ella and Ada, twins, and a son, Oscar. Ada and Oscar died at a young age; Emma grew up to marry Peter Johnson of the Conway area in 1902. Ella attended Concordia College, later became a registered nurse and served at Camp Dix during World War I. She later married John Hemmingson of Lake Bronson, Minn.

JOHN H. DVORAK FAMILY

The Foxen family were members of the Grafton Lutheran Church and Emma was a member of the first class confirmed in that church Dec. 5, 1897. Mrs. Foxen died in 1905. Mr. Foxen later married Stena Opperud. They moved to Grafton where Mr. Foxen died in 1910. Their farm is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. John Janda and family. Mr. and Mrs. Foxen, Ada and Oscar are buried in the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery. Submitted by Henry O. Johnson.

Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Dvorak. She was Mary Anna Sobolik. Taken June 23, 1903. John H. Dvorak, born Aug. 25, 1879, in Winneshiek County, Ia., came to Walsh County in 1882. His parents, John J. Dvorak (Big John) and Anna Humpal, came to Iowa from Bohemia in Czechoslovakia in 1863. They had 12 children: Joseph V., Mary L., John H., Frank J., Anna L , Adolph T., Emma H , William W., Albert A., Henry H., Pauline and Albina J. His grandparents were Frank Dvorak and Mary Hlavak. Mary died in Iowa and is buried there. Frank, born March 26, 1819, died Nov. 16, 1897, is buried here. John H. Dvorak married Mary Sobolik, daughter of Josef Sobolik and Mary Nasinec June 23,1903. They had seven children: Bernard J., Robert F., Hattie, James G., Agnes M., Sephany M., and Sidney S. They lived on a farm in Prairie Centre Township most of their lives with the exception of a few years when they hved in Voss where John Dvorak owned a machine shop and sold farm machinery.

Cornelius O. Foxen family. Mrs. Helene Foxen, Ella, Emma, Ada, Mr. Cornelius Foxen. Oscar, kneeling.

JohnH. Dvorak was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church in Veseleyville and was active in the Catholic Workmen's Lodge and the Knights of Columbus. He served as a board member of School District No. 36 and as a board director of Prairie Centre Township. Upon retiring from farming, he became the owner and operator of a tavern in Veseleyville until the time of his death Oct. 3,1955. He is buried in St. Luke's Cemetery in Veseleyville. Submitted by Audrey M. Anderson.

ALBERT GREICAR Albert Greicar was born in 1838 in Bohemia. As a young man he worked as a mason in Vienna. He married Eva Houser and they had one child bom in Bohemia, Frances. Sometime between 1862 and 1868 they came to Spillville, Ia., where Albert had a 40 acre farm. He also practiced his masonry work as can still be seen in the spires of the Spillville Church. Five more children were born in Iowa, Jim, Joe. Louis, Frank and Mary. In 1880 they came to Dakota Territory, Feb. 13, 1884, Albert purchased 160 acres in Section 18 of Prairie Centre Township. He built his home in the southwest corner. Two more children were bom, Annie and Emil. Eva died in 1905 and Albert died in 1914. They are both buried in the Pisek Cemetery. Submitted by Audrey M. Anderson.

JOHN DVORAK FAMILY John Dvorak and his wife, whose maiden name was Anna Humpal, settled in Prairie Centre township. They were the parents of 12 children, Joseph, Mary (Mrs. John Peterka, J :hn, Frank, Anna (Mrs. John Bazal, Adolph, Emma (Mrs. George Janda), William, Albert, Henry, 774

JOHN HELGENSET FAMILY

farmer at Lawton and a skillful carpenter. She died Feb. 20, 1948, and is buried in the Concordia Cemetery near Edmore. In 1880 Mr. and Mrs. Helgenset moved westward to Dakota Territory. Together with two other families, they loaded their supplies and homestead equipment unto three covered wagons which were drawn by oxen. Then they were bound for the west. The journey took many weeks. They came to Walsh County (then Grand Forks County) where he filed on a homestead in Prairie Centre Township (NE /. of Section 6). This farm is presently owned by Edward and Ida Monson. Oct. 22, 1902, they sold their farm to Archibald McLillan and moved to the NW'/i of Section 16 in Lawton Township. This farm was owned by their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Swanson (Mina), who hved across the road from them. Some time later, Mr. and Mrs. Helgenset moved in with the Andrew Swanson family and it was there that they spent their "sunset" years. Mr. Helgenset died Sept. 27,1920, and Mrs. Helgenset July 13,1925. They are buried in the Concordia Cemetery near Edmore. Submitted by Mrs. Cliff Berg. 1

John Helgenset family. Standing: Mina (Mrs. Andrew Swanson), Ole Helgenset, Josie (Mrs. Hans Brekke). Sitting: Ella (Mrs. Gjert Heggen), John Helgenset, Mrs. John Helgenset, Maren (Mrs. Martin Rude).

ANTON HOUDEK

John Olson Helgenset was born June 2, 1836 in Solar, Norway. He received his early education in Norway. He was married to Martha Rue March 4, 1862. She was also born in Solar, Norway, Sept. 1, 1842. They remained in their homeland until 1865 when they decided to venture their future and boarded a ship for the United States. After almost six weeks of sailing, they landed in Quebec. At Quebec, they boarded a ship that took them, via the St. Lawrence, over to Chicago where Mrs. Helgenset had a brother engaged in the manufacturing of furniture. From there they went to Winnishek County, Decorah, Ia., where he farmed until the spring of 1880. Their family included: twin daughters, born in 1867, died as infants; Maren Otava Helgenset, bom Dec. 22, 1869. She was married to Martin Rude from Park River and they moved to Stephen, Minn., where he farmed. Mrs. Rude died Oct. 2,1948, and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Stephen. Ellen Maria (Ella) Helgenset, born Aug. 11, 1871, married Gjert Heggen, a Spanish-American War veteran. They moved to Stephen, Minn., where he farmed. She died Jan. 5, 1933, and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Stephen. Ole Johnson Helgenset was bom Oct. 5, 1873. He married Mdeborg Sophia (Sophie) Skjerven. He farmed near Park River and Adams. Upon retirement from farming, he moved to Thief River Falls, Minn. He died Feb. 20, 1948, and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery there. Hulda Josephine (Josie) Helgenset was bom Sept. 23,1875. She was married to Hans J. Brekke, a Grafton Township farmer. She died Nov. 24,1957, and is buried in the South Trinity Cemetery, rural Grafton. Mrs. John (Martha) Helgenset died in April, 1876, and is buried at Decorah, Ia., where her twin daughters are also buried. In 1877 Mr. Helgenset met and married Eh (Elle) Grobel. A daughter was born, Mina Augusta Helgenset, Sept. 16, 1878. She was married to Andrew Swanson, a

Anton Houdek was born in Czechoslovakia in 1855. He came to Iowa when he was an infant. Marie Dusek was born in Czechoslovakia in 1860, she came to Iowa when she was five years old. Anton and Marie met in Iowa and got married there. In 1880, they came to Veseleyville. Anton Houdek farmed in Iowa before he came to Veseleyville. He homesteaded on one quarter of land. Later he purchased the Reyleck quarter. They were the parents of 11 children, Marie, Anna, Rose, Antonette, Agnes, Jean, John, James, Thomas, Frank and Bohumir. Anton played the drums and occasionally the bass viol in the local band. Anton Houdek died in 1928, Marie Houdek in 1914. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek. MATT HOUSKA FAMILY Matt Houska was born July 5, 1850, in Czechoslovakia. At the age of 15 he left Czechoslovakia and came to America. His relatives advanced $46 for his fare across the ocean to America, with the promise that he would return the money after he found work in America. He had to work hard and a long time to repay the relatives the fare. He arrived in Baltimore, Md., in 1866 and went to live with his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Bosh, who came to America a few years earlier and settled and made her home in Chicago, 111. After spending a couple of years with his sister, he decided to go to Iowa, in the vicinity of Spillville, where a group of the Czech people settled. He worked hard as a common laborer and attended school in the winter time and gradually assimilated American principles and the English language. From his savings he purchased an 80 acre farm and saved enough money to help pay the fare for his father and mother to come to America. His parents, Matej Houska and Marie Houska, came from Austria in the year of 1872, to make their home with their son, Matt. His father, Matej, died at 86 Dec. 14,1886. His mother, Marie, died at 85 July 9 1896. 775

Matt Houska and Wife, Mary

weather became unusually mild and the snow on the prairie melted so fast that the roads were almost impassable. The coulees were full of water and there were few bridges, so the coulees had to be forded in most places. He reached Minto, when the sun was setting and the horses were almost exhausted from plodding in the slush and mire all day. Veseleyville was many hours distant and he selected a high knoll, tied the horses to a double tree so that there would be a receptable for the hay so that the horses would not trample it under their feet. For his own bed, he threw a couple of horse blankets upon a log and went to sleep. During the night he woke, to his dismay he heard the spring water going past trees and branches. He struck a match and verified his plight and noticed the white capped water almost up to his blankets, the horses stamping and neighing. Nothing could be done but to wait for daylight. At day break he rode horseback to the hotel at Minto and had breakfast and secured a bundle of hay for the horses. The water was constantly rising and their lives were in danger. The horses were moved to a higher and dry spot, but it required a lot of work to move the wagon and contents. The wagon had to be taken apart and the load moved piecemeal. When the water receded, the river was crossed and the journey continued to Veseleyville. Mr. Houska had to do lots of ditching and worried about the spring floods. Roads were often impassable.

Dvorak.

At 23, Matt Houska and Mary Dvorak were married at St. Wenceslaus Church, Spillville, June 10, 1873, by Rev. Francis Mikota. Farming a number of years in Winneshiek County, Ia., they were beset with crop failures and hard times. Farmers had to pay from 15 to 18 per cent interest on borrowed money and finally Mr. Houska came to the conclusion that he did not want to be a peon to the money lenders of Iowa, but preferred to try his fortune in North Dakota, the mecca of all brave and resourceful men in the early eighties. He made settlement with creditors and left Spillville, coming to North Dakota in March of 1881. He and his family arrived in Grand Forks by train, bringing with them their personal possessions, kitchen utensils, cook stove, beds, blankets, farm machinery, covered wagon and horses. It was in 1881 in March, when Mr. Houska and his family drove up from Grand Forks, with the horses wading in the deep snow that was gradually melting. It took a day and a half to reach the farm home of Frank Sedivy, where Veseleyville now stands. Immediately, Mr. Houska began to make preparations for his permanent home in Walsh County. His first homestead was in the NW% of Section 16, Township 156, north of Range 54 west (Prairie Centre Township) where he settled in 1881. There he built a sod house, 18'xl4', for his family. When the sod house was completed, he started to break the prairie. Little was seeded the first year except a few acres of oats and a patch of potatoes. In the spring of 1882, he had 30 acres prepared and wheat and oats were seeded. The prospects were promising, but a hail storm wiped it all out. The following year the wheat averaged 28 bushels to the acre. In the pioneer days the settlers did not hesitate to walk, and when Mr. Houska and his neighbors completed their land filing, they walked to Grand Forks. It was in the fall of the year and no time was wasted in making the trip. They would carry home on their backs some of the necessary items, such as flour and sugar. They kept on walking until the less hardy of the party were exhausted and sought shelter in the hay or straw stacks along the trail. There was no lack of water in the early days, especially in the spring. Mr. Houska drove to Grand Forks for the family's provisions with a wagon and team of horses. He barely started homeward, when the

Matt Houska farm and family.

Mr. Houska was the first postmaster in the Czech settlement. The post office was located at his farm home in Priairie Centre Township and was called "Nova" (which means new in the Latin language, a very appropriate name for the vanguard of pioneers to designate their first settlement). The mail was hauled from Minto to this post office. Eventually the post office interferred too much with his farming interests and it was transferred to Frank Sedivy, and the name changed to Veseleyville (Vesley means happy in the Czech language.). Since that time, Veseleyville has been a community center and has had stores, church, school, community hall and residential homes. Now when you arrive in Veseleyville you will first see a new St. Luke's Church of brick construction, built in 1957, and a new parish center built in 1966, and a new rectory built in 1967, which houses the ministry. All of these facilities are modern and of the latest design. Serving the congregation at present is Rev. Vaclav Tomanek. Also, you will see a well-stocked grocery store and meat processing plant that is owned and operated by Arnold 776

Hanson and his wife, Marion, who is a granddaughter of Matt Houska. Mr. Hanson serves on the board of county commissioners of Walsh County and is presently chairman of that board. He was first elected as commissioner in November of 1968. Matt Houska was one of the organizers of Prairie Centre Township and his neighbors insisted that the new township be called "Houska" but he objected and Prairie Centre was then selected. Houska was honored by being called to serve as the first supervisor-chairman and treasurer. He was elected Prairie Centre Township assessor Nov. 18,1892, serving two years. He also served as director of the Farmers, Security Bank of Park River. When Veseleyville School was organized, he served as clerk. He was a charter member of St. Luke's Church of Veseleyville and assisted in providing funds for the erection of the church, the school and rectory at that time. He was always prominent in the community and the councils of the Democratic party. In 1891 he was nominated by the Democratic party and elected register of deeds Nov. 8, 1892. He served Walsh County as register of deeds one term of two years, 1892 and 1893, but declined renomination. He did not seek re-election as it was not convenient to farm and conduct the office. He found he preferred farming to office work. While in office, he drove over 15 miles to the farm with a horse and buggy every weekend and in winter moved to Grafton with part of the family. A daughter would keep house for him and some of the younger children would attend school in Grafton. His wife, Mary, and the older children remained on the farm in winter and looked after the farm work. In summer, Mr. Houska would drive from the farm Monday morning, always arriving early enough to get to the office on time. Matt Houska had a family of five sons, Joseph, Mike, Louis L., Charles and James; all followed the tradition of their father as farmers, except Charles, who was an attorney. There were seven daughters: Elizabeth, Mrs. Frank (Mary) Peterka, Mrs. John (Rose) Harazim, Mrs. Frank (Emma) Vavrovsky, Mrs. Thomas J. (Bessie) Novak, Mrs. James (Stella) Novak and Mrs. Louis (Tillie) Lovcik. Charles, one of his sons, obtained his education in the schools of Grafton, UND and U of M, graduating with a law degree. After graduating, he married Mary Barta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barta, on June 18,1901. They moved to Bisbee where Charles began his law practice. Later, he was elected States Attorney of Towner County and moved to Cando. He held this office for 16 years, resigning at the end of his eighth term to become Chief Supervisor of the Home Loan Corporation. His family yien moved to Fargo. Two years later, he was appointed as United States Attorney for the district of North Dakota by the Democratic party, under the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. His headquarters were in Fargo, where his family resided until his death July 24, 1943. His family consisted of one adopted daughter, Phyllis. Another son, Louis L., was prominent in his community. He was born April 24, 1884, in Prairie Centre Township, obtaining his education in the rural schools of Prairie Centre Township. At 21, he married Antoinette Barta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barta. He was an extensive and successful farmer, owned and operated an 800 acre farm in Prairie Centre Township. Besides farming, he was active in community affairs. He

had served 16 years as supervisor and chairman of Prairie Centre Township; was a member of the Triple "A" (Agricultural Adjustment Administration) when it was first formed; chairman and active in the sale of United States Liberty Bonds during World War I; was a director of the Federal Land Bank, a member of the Greater North Dakota Association, member of the Catholic Workmen and a trustee of St. Luke's Catholic Church of Veseleyville.

The Louis L. Houska family, picture taken in 1955. Top row, from left to right: Mrs. Stanley (Amelia) Sobolik, Valerian Houska, Cyril Houska, Frank Houska, James Houska, Mrs. Arnold (Marion) Hanson. Bottom row: Mrs. Manville (Dorothy) Monson, Louis Houska, Jr., Mrs. Louis L. (Antoinette) Houska (mother), Louis L. Houska (father), Charles Houska and Joseph Houska.

Louis L. Houska had a family of seven sons and three daughters. Louis, Jr., Register of Deeds of Walsh County; Valerian, a farmer; James, veteran of World War II, a farmer; Frank, veteran of World War II, now in the landscaping business in Sacramento, Calif.; Joseph, veteran of World War II and a commercial air conditioning engineer in Houston, Tex.; Cyril, also a veteran of World War II, now in the beverage retail business in Grafton; Charles, employed by the street department of the city of Grafton; Mrs. Stanley (Amelia) Sobolik, Hoople; Mrs. Arnold (Marion) Hanson, Veseleyville; Mrs. Manville (Dorothy) Monson, Fergus Falls, Minn. Mr. Houska and his wife, Antoinette, raised two other children; Mrs. Fritz (Emma Houska) Birk; and Mrs. Walter (Edith Houska) Keeter, both in Crockett, Calif. The father, James, and the mother, Emma, died when the girls were four and eight years of age. It is rather a coincidence that Louis Houska, Jr., grandson of Matt Houska, holds the same office as Register of Deeds, that his grandfather held in 1892 and 1893. Louis Houska, Jr., was first elected in November, 1934, as Register of Deeds of Walsh County at 26, one of the youngest Registers in the State of North Dakota at the time. He has served in public office a total of 46 '/ years, and as an elected public official in Walsh County for over 40 years. This gives Houska the honor of occupying the same elective office longer than any one in the history of Walsh County and the State of North Dakota. If Mr. Houska serves his present term to which he has been re-elected November of 1974, he will have served Walsh County as Register of Deeds 44 years. Mr. Houska received his education in the schools of Walsh County, Union Commercial College and the University of 2

She has two sons, Albert, Jr., who lives in Sedney, and Eston, Great Falls, Mont. Patrick Kelly died in 1922. Mrs. Patrick Kelly died Dec. 20, 1936. Submitted by Edna Foerster.

North Dakota, obtaining his degree in Higher Accounting. June 18,1935, he married Cyrilla P. Volek, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Volek. They have one daughter, Judith, now Mrs. Paul D. Stratton and five grandchildren, Terry Dean, Tristi, Leah, Alana and Michael Paul. The family resides in Zebulon, Ken.

ALOIS KOTASKA FAMILY Alois Kotaska was born June 20, 1835, in Rademovice, Taborske Cp. Tabor, Bohemia. He lived in Voznice, near Dlouhe Lloty Tabor, Bohemia, during his later years before coming to America. Alois Kotaska married Maria Vesela in 1860. They came to America in 1869 with their three children, Frank, Joseph and Anna, by steamship to New York and by train to Canover, Ia. They spent one year in Canover and then moved to Spillville, Ia., where they hved 12 years. Alois received his citizenship papers in Iowa Oct. 17, 1876. Five children were born in Spillville, Victoria, Marie, John, Barbara and Alois. They then had eight children when leaving Iowa. The Kotaska family came from Spillville, Ia., as far as Grand Forks by train, and then from there to Walsh County, 50 miles by wagon or walking, to file on the land. Kotaska took up 160 acres, one mile south, v mile west of Veseleyville, SW'A OF Section 22. Kotaska bought a fisherman's shack for $75 in Grand Forks to live in until they could build a shack on the claim on the Dakota prairie. There were six children and a cow. They came to Walsh County April 30, 1881. When moving to his claim from Grand Forks the last week of April, six families moved together and just one cow. It rained all day and all night so they got only 16 miles from Grand Forks. There, they stayed one night. Next day they traveled through water and thawing snow and when they got six miles from Minto, the man who was helping them out with his horses and wagon said the horses could go no further. So a change of horses had to be made to deliver the mother, children and goods to the claim. The father and oldest son, Frank, led the cow in a straight direction to the claim, but three miles from Minto they ran into low spots and coulees and had to cross deep water and deep snow. They were all wet and so tired they stayed with another claim owner overnight to dry out their clothes and rest. It was worse with the mother. She was delivered to the sod house at night, unloaded, no light, no heat and she did not know where her husband and eldest son were. She walked all night around the shanty, crying and calling, that they might hear her if they came. That was the way she spent her first night on the claim. The father and son arrived the next day with the cow. That year they could not plow much, only for potatoes, and that was plowed by a neighbor with oxen. That year the railroad between Fargo and Grand Forks was completed by the end of May. Wages were $1.50 a day with 50 cents for board. Times were hard and many people were looking for work which was hard to find. That fall, wages for harvest were $3 a day, which were big wages, but long days. Two children were born to the Kotaskas in Prairie Centre. They were James and Albert, bringing the number to 10 children. The home was two miles southwest of Veseleyville. They lived in the sod house for a time. They were active in the Catholic church.

JOHN JANOUSEK FAMILY John Janousek and his wife, Mary Janovsky settled in the Veseleyville community in the 1880's. They had six children: John, married Anna Cervenka; Peter married Josephine Stejskal; Frank married Cecilia Lavin; Joseph, a lawyer, married Emma Hladek; Anna (Mrs. Frank Suda); and Katherine (Mrs. Blazek). Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek. ANTON KARNIK FAMILY Anton Karnik and four childen arrived in the Veseleyville community in 1880. Mr. Karnik's wife, Anna Kratochvil, died in Iowa. Children arriving with Anton Karnik were Charles Karnik, Frank Karnik, Joseph Karnik and Anna Karnik. They settled on a farm in the community. They all remained except Charles Karnik, who returned to Iowa in later years. Frank Karnik and August Kubesh collaborated in the invention of a flax combing and cleaning machine, on which they received U. S. Patent No. 782140 granted on Feb. 7, 1905. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek.

2

JOSEPH KASAL FAMILY Joseph Kasal and his wife, whose maiden name was Anna Reyleck, settled in the Veseleyville community in the 1880's. They were parents of ten children, Vaclav, Anna (Mrs. Frank Souter), Mary (Mrs. Joseph Souter), Elizabeth, Josephine, William, Agnes (Mrs. James Jelinek), Lillian, Rose and Joe Kasal, Jr. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek. PATRICK KELLY

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Kelly, James, Edward, Frank, Leo, and Lauretta.

Ambrose,

Patrick Kelly came to Prairie Centre Township in 1880. He married Kathem McClellan, a former schoolmate, in 1881 at Rushford, Minn. The couple came to the homestead and made their home for many years. They were the parents of seven children. One daughter died in infancy. James, Edward, Ambrose, Frank, Leo and Lauretta grew up. Only one remains alive. She is Lauretta, Mrs. Albert Sobolik, Sidney, Mont. 778

Besides farming and operating a threshing rig, Alois, being a miller's son and grandson in Bohemia, became lonesome for a mill, so he built a flour mill on his farm near Veseleyville. This mill was run by a steam engine, using wood for fuel, hauling fuel and other supplies for the mill, six miles. In 1894, Alois moved to Pisek with his family and built a flour mill there across the road from his home on the northwest corner of the town. The railroad had aready been built there and ran directly east of the mill. He built a 75 barrel mill, run by a gasoline engine. Two years later he traded it for an implement shop which he operated with his son, Frank. Alois died at 69 Sept 26 1904. Submitted by Mrs. Arthur Howe. JOSEF KOUBA Josef Kouba (born Aug. 5, 1842) and his brother Frantisek (born May 20, 1830) were the only members of their immediate family to come to the United States from native Bohemia. Josef married Veronika Chalupsky, also born in Bohemia. They first stopped in the Protevin, Ia., area where some of their seven children were bom. They settled and lived in Prairie Centre Township. There are many descendants in the area from these seven children: Elizabeth, Anna, John, Frank, Joseph, Mary and Helen. Josef died March 22,1900, and Veronika Jan. 29,1891. Both were members of the church and are buried at St. Luke's Cemetery at Veseleyville. Submitted by Mrs. Ben Greicar.

Danvers, Mont., in 1913 where he was postmaster until his death in 1927. John lived and farmed the homestead until the late 1930's. He married a widow with two boys. They moved to retirement in Minnesota by a lake where he could spend time fishing, which he has always liked. I married Anna Lust in 1913. We took over the farm when my Dad left for Montana. We had two girls, Evelyn and Helen, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. I was second man at the Herriot Elevator under William Gorder from 1928-1962. I was township assessor in Oakwood Township from 1941-1966. Also, I was a telephone lineman from 1913 until the company was taken over by Northwestern Bell. I farmed until 1968. My wife died in 1967.1 decided to retire, bought a home in Grafton, where I live with my daughter Helen who works as a baker and part-time cook at the Lutheran Sunset Home. I have been a lifelong member of St. John's Catholic Church in Grafton. At nearly 83, I am the last of the Lineharts enjoying myself with my daughters, granddaughters and grandson and three grandchildren. What more could one ask for? Submitted by Frank Linehart. JOE LUST FAMILY Joe Lust was born in 1858, he died in 1943. His first wife's maiden name was Mary Krile. She died and he married Mary Slama. The Lusts had three children, Anna - married William Linhart, Mary - married James Kotaska and Joe Lust, Jr., died when young. Joe Lust settled in Prairie Centre Township in the 1880's. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek. MR. AND MRS. THOMAS J. NOVAK

Josef Kouba

Veronika Chalupsky

Kouba

JOSEPH LINEHART F A M I L Y

Joseph and Mary Linehart came to this country from Bohemia. They settled in Spillville, Ia., had four children, Uftseph, Frank, John and Mary. Coming from Iowa by ox cart, they homesteaded in Harriston Township. Joseph Linehart left shortly for Napivine, Wash., where he operated a general store. Mary married Charles Uhlir. They farmed many years three miles south of Grafton. Frank (my father) homesteaded a half mile north of his father's homestead about 1888. Not liking the land and the location, he tree claimed a quarter section in Oakwood Township (SE Sec. 32-157-52). My father was a steam engine engineer. He ran the large (at that time) engine at the tow mill in Veseleyville when that went into operation. He also ran the steam engine for August Kubesh and Louie Hoesveen for many years. He started the Herriott Telephone Company in 1909. He was president of that until he left for

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Novak on their 60th wedding anniversary. Children, left to right: Charles, Agnes (Mrs. F. C. Soutor), Stanley, Maymie (Mrs. John Burienek), Irene (Mrs. Dan Rolczynski).

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Novak (Bessie Houska) of the Veseleyville area were married in 1911. The wedding reception and dancing went on for three days and nights. They drank 32 kegs of beer and dozens of

ducks and geese with all the trimmings were served to their guests. They lived to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at their home in Grafton. Submitted by Stanley T. Novak. STEPHEN O'REILLY FAMILY Stephen O'Reilly was bom Dec. 26,1856, at Lindsay, Ont. In 1887, he came to Walsh County with his brother, Mike O'Reilly. They each bought land in Prairie Centre Township. Stephen O'Reilly married Mary Burris June 25,1889. She was bom in Niler, Mich., Feb. 7, 1867, moved to Lindsay, Ont., with her parents, two brothers and one sister. She came to Walsh County at the age of 16 with her brothers and the late Mr. and Mrs. Butler, Sr., formerly of Grand Forks. Three sons and two daughters were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Steve O'Reilly - James, Mike and Henry, Gertrude and Mary. Mary O'Reilly, Minto, is the only surviving member of the family. There were two grandchildren, Mrs. Harry Mach, deceased, and James O'Reilly of Terrell, Tex. FRANK PETERKA FAMILY Frank Peterka was bom around 1838 in a small village in the neighborhood of Milevsko, in the state of Bohemia, then a part of Austria. Austria was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire located in Central Europe. After World War I this empire was dissolved and Bohemia with some surrounding territories became a new nation called Czechoslovakia. Frank Peterka's parents were very poor as were most of his neighbors and his opporunity to attend school was limited. School facilities were not only inadequate but inconveniently located. Upon reaching manhood, Frank married Mary Barta. This marriage was dissolved by the death of Mary within two years. There were no children. Frank remarried a couple of years later to Mary's sister, Josef a. Since they had difficulty making a living on the small parcel of land they lived on, Frank would hire out for a miserably low wage. Prospects for the future looked dim so they considered liquidating their property for possibility of emigration. It seems the people were either moving to the United States or Russia and a decision had to be made whether to go east or west. By this time, they were the parents of two boys, Frank, Jr., born in 1866, and John in 1868. They wrote to Josefa's brother, Joseph Barta, who was already on American soil, for advice and recommendation. Joseph wrote back describing the unsettled conditions of post Civil War era. He stated in his letter that things were not as easy as tales related and that you had to work for everything, the same as everywhere else. He used the traditional Czech saying, "Roasted birds do not fly by themselves into your mouth," which means nothing is handed to you on a silver platter, but you must work for it. But on the other hand, he encouraged the emigrants to move to the States because of the many varied opportunities which could be foreseen. He said with God's help and self determination anyone could be successful in this land of opportunity. The decision was made to emigrate to the United States of America and very little was received from the

disposition of their meager possessions. They could only keep what was capable of being packed into a trunk. Many details had to be attended to, such as transportation by rail to the port of embarkation, which was Bremen, Germany, and transportation by boat across the Atlantic Ocean. Visas and passports had to be obtained for an orderly entry into another country. Mrs. Peterka related very little of the train trip to Bremen; it probably was uneventful in comparison to the fourteen day trip across the Atlantic Ocean on a steamer. After weathering two or three ugly storms, she said it was an occasion where everyone learned how to pray. At that, they were fortunate in completing the trip in fourteen days, because those who had crossed a year or two before, had to cross by sailing ships which took anywhere from three to five weeks. The Peterkas encountered some serious difficulty when they landed in Baltimore with their inability to speak the American language. Some of the immigrants could get by with some knowledge of the German language, but the Peterkas could only speak Czech. From Baltimore they proceeded directly to Winneshiek County, Ia. Here they joined a large settlement of Czech immigrants near Spillville and settled down on a rented farm to raise grain crops which at that time consisted mostly of wheat. They were plagued by an insect called the chinch bug, which entered the wheat stem, chewed off the joint, causing the plant to wither away; therefore failing to produce grain. This plague grew worse from year to year due to its hardiness to hibernate quite well through the milder winter months. The continual crop failures forced many of these farmers to move to other parts of the country in search of better conditions for growing grain crops. It should be noted at this time that those who remained in Iowa changed their methods of farming soon thereafter to the raising of hogs and cattle. They began raising corn for feed. This accounts for Iowa being one of the richest agricultural states in the union today. In 1880,16 Czech families decided to move to the Red River Valley. Frank Peterka and his family did not move until 1881 after being near Spillville 10 years. This trip was made overland across the country by typical wagon train. The cattle were herded along and it took about three weeks for the trip. After encountering many unforeseen difficulties such as fording rivers, they arrived at a point fourteen miles southwest of Grafton. They filed claims on land under the Government Homestead Law and soon a village sprung up which they named Veselej. The federal government requested that the name be changed before a post office charter be granted due to the existence of another town by the name of Veseli. The name was then changed to Veseleyville and a post office was in operation there until about twenty years ago. The Frank Peterka family had increased by one with the birth of Joseph in 1876. Since the Peterka family did not join the wagon train in 1880, after another disastrous crop year they decided to make the trip to Dakota Territory by rail in 1881. Frank had to secure the help of a neighbor who could speak a little English and Czech as well as being German, to accompany him to the nearest railroad station which was about three miles away, by the name of Calmar, Ia. They made arrangements for a box car to be available for loading at 10 a. m. the following day. This German neighbor by the

name of Popp helped the Peterkas pack and move their belongings to the station but to their disappointment, the car was not there. It seems that much pressure by the businessmen, bankers and town people to have the farmers remain was exerted on the railroads to prevent this emigrating. Mr. Popp walked up to the depot agent, pounded his fist on the table and warned the agent that if there was no car he would telegram Chicago. In two hours a special engine spotted a car for the Frank Peterka family thanks to Mr. Popp. Frank rode in the box car with three horses, a couple head of cattle and some farm machinery, while Mrs. Peterka rode in the caboose with the three boys. Everything went along fine until they reached St. Paul where their car was to be switched unto another train headed for the Dakota Territory. An inspector found a flat wheel on their car and prohibited its traveling any further on the rail. This was now a serious predicament: not knowing anyone in this city and not knowing how to speak the Egnlish language. There was excitement and confusion on all sides, Frank tried to contact some person of Czech nationality and after he did find some, they each advised him differently. One told him to transfer their belongings to another car near by. On their first trip to the car, they carried blankets and beddings, but when they returned with the second load, they found the car gone, never to be seen again. Another helper claimed he was informed by the railroad to place the mother and the three boys on a passenger train which was leaving in a few minutes. Frank was to follow later, as soon as he could find another box car. A few miles out of St. Paul the conductor came by to collect tickets and found that Mrs. Peterka had none. She gave him all the money she had, which was $4. Since she had no more money for fare, she was asked to debark in St. Cloud. Just imagine a woman all alone with three small children to look after, separated from her husband, penniless and unable to talk to anyone and in a strange place! Everytime a train whistle blew, the boys expected their father, but to no avail. She sat in the waiting room so long that she began to cry. No one paid any attention to her until a young man around thirty years of age asked the attendant something, but he just shrugged his shoulders. At ths point he asked Mrs. Peterka something which she couldn't understand and he retorted by saying German, Norwegian, Polish and Bohemian; she nodded yes at the last word. The man patted her on the shoulder and left. The mother stopped crying a while before the young man returned. He returned with an elderly man of Polish descent who had liquor on his breath. Because of the similarity between the Bohemian and Polish languages, it was possible to make out some conversation. She proceeded to tell him of their experiences in St. Paul and apparently had the station agent telegraph for its verification; after which he made arrangements to board the next train for Grand Forks and said she would be met at the train and taken to a boarding house to await her husband. He stayed with the mother and the three boys until she boarded the train and hollered out into the train for any Bohemians. To her joy, there were two or three on this train and she traveled to Grand Forks with these people. That was the last she heard of this kind gentleman and she told her children that she never forgot his kindness and remembered him often in her prayers.

The post office and general store at Veseleyville, run by (W. S.) Jim Peterka and brother Joseph. Jim (in the car) had the 1st car in Veseleyville, a Model T and the following year purchased the 1st license (1911) which is still in the family. Joseph stands next to the car. (Note how deep the mud on the wheels is). They were met at the train in Grand Forks and brought to a boarding house as the man promised and waited for two days before the father arrived with the boxcar. Frank had some difficulty reloading in St. Paul, such as breaking a coop of chickens and trying to round up all the chickens in the railroad yard. They unloaded the railroad car in Grand Forks and immedately proceeded overland in a northerly direction. They headed for Vesili some fifty miles away. Frank, Sr., drove one wagon, while John, now about 12, drove the other wagon with his mother and Joseph. Frank, Jr., rode horseback herding the few cattle they had. It wasn't easy to follow the right trails and landmarks, but they eventually arrived in the Veseleyville area. All land in the immediate area had been homesteaded, so they would have had to go six miles west to stake a claim. Mrs. Peterka's brother, Joseph Barta, and all of their former friends from Spillville had homesteaded around Veseleyville, so they much preferred being near them. Fortunately a family had filed on two separate quarters of land and the limit was really one and he had to build a shack in which he had to live a certain length of time. If the farmer did not reside in his shack, someone could come and "jump" the claim. The settler who had two claims, one on which he lived and the one on wnich his wife lived, was convinced he could not keep it, so thereby let the Peterkas have it. This was the northwest quarter of Section 22, Township 156, Range 54, which was one-half mile west of the village. It wasn't considered too good a quarter, being of lighter sandy soil with a coulee crossing it on the south side. One distinct advantage of this location was its nearness to relatives and friends. They proceeded to build a shanty and break up a few acres of sod which later had to be replowed or "back set" in order that the sod would be in condition for seeding. Food, fuel, building materials and seed, as well as many other items, had to be procured. Their fourth chdd, Mary, was bom approximately one year after their arrival in Dakota. Mrs. Peterka teds of pitching bundles off the hay rack onto a stack in the yard just three days after the birth of their daughter. It is quite difficult to fully readze the fortitude, determination, perserverance and stamina possessed by these early settlers.

By the time Frank and John reached the ages of 15 and 17, the family had more help than was needed, so Frank went looking for work. He found work for about six months at a neighbor by the name of R. Reese for the miserably low wage of seventy five cents a month. The mother reiterated that he could make enough in two months to buy a sack of flour and in the meantime save on the board at home. His work consisted of chores and plowing with two mules on a walking plow. Nov. 13, 1888, the family had another boy, Wenceslaus (Jim). The family now consisted of four boys and one girl.

W. S. Peterka, early postmaster at Veseleyville. During threshing time during the fall of 1889, the father was involved in a very serious accident. Night set upon them while they were threshing two stacks of grain and due to the change of wind direction the following morning, they planned to reset the separator. The engine being slow and cumbersome and not too powerful, horses were usually used to move the separator. While waiting for the horses to be hitched to the machine, Frank crawled under it to retrieve spilled grain. In the meantime, the boys decided to use the engine to move the machine. Frank heard the engine puffing, but thought it was moving by itself. To his surprise and too late, the separator started to move. The axle twisted and broke his back. He never recovered from the terrible accident; he was an invalid almost three years before he died. Naturally, this tragedy was a severe setback for the entire family. Frank, Jr., married a neighbor girl but the marriage lasted only a few months. She left Frank, went home to her parents, sued for alimony but the case was settled out of court. After the divorce, she married another man. Frank remained with his mother for another ten years. John married in 1896, Joseph in 1900 and Mary in 1901. Frank married for the second time in 1903 and this lead to mother's retirement. She moved into the village of Veseleyville where she resided until her death in 1928. She was 85 at the time of her death. The last 25 years were spent in helping other people, attending church services and offering all her sacrifices and prayers to the Lord. Wences, the youngest of the family, was married in 1912 to a wonderful woman. They are the parents of six children, two boys and four girls, twenty five grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Mr. and Mrs. Peterka would very much like to five to see the ordination to the priesthood of their grandson, Dale. Written in 1965 by W. S. Peterka. Submitted by Roberta Peterka.

JOHN J. RUZICKA FAMILY John J. Ruzicka and his wife, whose maiden name was Anna Lust, settled in the Veseleyville community in the 1880's. They were parents of seven children - James married Katherine Janda, Mary (Mrs. Thomas Zeman), John married Antoinette Pletka, Joe married Christina Tupa, Frank married a Janousek, Anton married Mary Rukavicka and Charles married Anna Zeman. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek. JOSEPH V. SCHANILEC Joseph Vaclav Schanilec, son of Metez and Marie (Bares) Schanilec was born in Jestebnice, Tabor County, in old Bohemia on Dec. 24, 1880. He came to the United States with his parents, sister and brothers in the month of May, 1886. The family settled on a farm four miles east of Pisek. Joseph married Anna Burianek on Feb. 17, 1903, the daughter of John and Mary (Reyleck) Burianek. She was born on a farm near Veseleyville. Her parents and grandparents migrated to the Grafton and Veseleyville area from Spillville, Ia., where they had lived for some time after coming to America from Europe. Joseph and Anna continued farming in Prairie Centre Township near Pisek. They were parents of five children - William, Evelyne, Ann, Mayme and Marcy. They were members of the St. Luke's Catholic Church at Veseleyville and School District No. 6 where Joseph was a member of the school board for many years and also a member of the Catholic Workmen Lodge. At the time that the Reyleck family, friends and relatives were migrating to North Dakota from Iowa, they were forced to leave some of their belongings and food supply due to some misfortune or mishap with one of the covered wagons. This was all left at the depot in Grand Forks. When they returned there later to bring back these items to their homes, they found that in the meantime lightning had struck the depot and all burned down, losing all their supplies. Submitted by Mrs. Pete Matejcek. FRANK SHEDIVY FAMILY Frank Shedivy and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Hejni, homesteaded in Prairie Centre Township in 1880. They were the parents of nine children : Thomas, Mary (Mrs. Bina), Wencel, Frank, Joseph, Barbara (Mrs. James Shedivy) and Rosalie (Mrs. Frank Sinder), twins; Anna (Mrs. Joseph Hodny) and John. Son, Frank, was killed by runaway horses at Harriot. Submitted by Fred Karnik and Gabriel Dusek. PAUL T. STAVEN FAMILY Paul T. Staven and Anna Maria (Mary) Markuson, pioneers of Walsh County, were married Dec. 24,1888, at Grafton. Paul T. Staven was the fourth son of Thor A. Staven and his wife, Barbro. There were 13 brothers and sisters in the Thor A. Staven family. Seven of the children were born in Gol, Hollingdal, Norway. In 1874, Thor A. Staven, his wife, Barbro, and seven cnildren immigrated to the United States. Paul T. was nine. They came by sailing ship with other Norwegian immigrants, then by train to Spring Grove, Minn., where they lived for two years, then moved to Filmore County where they lived four years. In 1880 Paul moved with the rest of the family by

oxen and covered wagon to Prairie Centre Township. On March 30, 1886, Paul bought 160 acres of land in Prairie Centre Township, Section 4, the SW'A, from homesteader, Halvor Torkelson, paying $500. Anna Maria Markuson was the oldest daughter of Jens E. and Maren Markuson, early day Walsh County pioneers, came with her folks in 1882 to Walsh County. Anna Maria was called Mary most of her life. She was born near Lanesboro, Minn., Nov. 13, 1871. After their marriage, Paul and Mary Staven lived and farmed on their farm in Prairie Centre Township until 1919, when they traded this farm for a larger farm in Kensington and Golden Townships, 720 acres. They moved to this farm in 1920, taking their first crop that year. This farm is northwest of Park River. Four girls and five boys were born, Minnie (Mrs. Charles Askelson); Jennie (Mrs. Hellick Helleckson); Arthur; Elmer, 1898; Francis (Mrs. Herman Sjeveland; John; Lloyd, 1907; Herbert, 1909; and Evelyn (Mrs. John Foster). The Stavens were active in church affairs. He was constable of Prairie Centre Township many years. They were members of South Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Staven was bom July 24, 1864, and died Aug. 9, 1923. Mrs. Staven died July 30, 1945. Submitted by Stella S. Skjerven.

Lena Strand was bom April 17, 1883, and died Feb. 18, 1963. She was one of 16 children. They were members of the Concordia Church until it closed in the early 1900's. They then transferred their membership to South Trinity Church, rural Grafton. Submitted by Mrs. John Brekke.

Anton Strand family. Front, left to right: Alvin, Mr. Anton Strand, Mrs. Anton Strand, Elmer. Back:'Mrs. John (Tilda) Brekke, Mrs. Melvin (Hilma) Lee, Mrs. Nels (Bertina) Nelson. LAWRENCE SVOBODA Lawrence Svoboda (born Aug. 10, 1838) and his wife Katherine Chapek (bom July 29, 1837) came from Bohemia by ship, the trip taking about two months with crowded conditions and turbulent waters. They spent some time in Prairie du Chien, Wise., before coming to North Dakota with several young children. They settled and farmed in Prairie Centre Township. Their children were: Mary, John, Albert, Jacob, Frank, Thomas and Victoria. Descendants of Thomas, Frank and Victoria are living in the area. Lawrence died June 12, 1896, and his wife Katherine March 14, 1914. Both were members of the church and are buried at St. Luke's Cemetery at Veseleyville. Submitted by Mrs. Ben Greciar.

Paul and Mary Staven, wedding day Dec. 24, 1888. ANTON AND LENA STRAND Anton Martin Strand was born Aug. 24, 1881, at Stenjar, Tfohhjem, Norway. He came to America in the spring of 1902 and worked for his brother, Ole Kirkriet, near Edmore. Katherine Chapek Svoboda Lawrence Svoboda

June 8, 1904, he married Lena Staven, daughter of Thor and Barbo Staven, who were among the first settlers to file a homestead in Prairie Centre Township, near Veseleyville. They lived at Kempton, where Anton worked on the railroad. In 1905 they moved to the Thor Staven (his wife's parents) farm in Prairie Centre Township where they farmed until Anton died Oct. 27 1940. They had five children: Mrs. John (Tilda) Brekke, Mrs. Nels (Bertina) Nelson, Alvin Strand, Mrs. Melvin (Hilma) Lee and Elmer Strand.

MR. AND MRS. MATT TUPA Mr. and Mrs. Matt Tupa arrived in this country about 1875 from Czechoslovakia. They came by way of Chicago and went on to Iowa. Hearing of good land in Walsh County, they decided to go there. As they journeyed along with wagon, horses and household goods, they had rivers to cross. When crossing a river they had to tie the wagon box to the wagon so it would not float away when crossing streams. 783

anything for his fellow man. His wife, Anna Kerian, also was known as a wonderful person who had food ready for anyone who came. They were active in the Catholic church. Anna died after the birth of their last child in 1890. Frank died in 1914. They are buried in Veseleyville. Submitted by Mrs. Arthur Howe.

They finally arrived where Veseleyville now stands. This was open prairie with only grass growing. At first they lived in a sod shanty. My grandfather walked to Grand Forks and worked on the railroad to earn money for his first pair of oxen. He settled on the quarter of land where the Veseleyville Church now stands. He donated the land on which the church is built. One time while my grandfather was working in Grand Forks, four Indians came to my grandmother's sod shanty, but the big dog did not let them near. The Indians had blankets made of skins over their shoulders. Eleven children were bom. My mother was about the fifth child. She was bom in 1904.1, Joe Rose, am the last child and I am 58. My father died in 1961 and my mother in 1966. Submitted by Joe M. Rose, grandson.

IGNAC VOTAVA FAMILY Ignac Votava was born Sept. 19, 1866, at Spillville, Ia., to Mr. and Mrs. Frank I. Votava. In 1880, he came with his parents to Dakota Territory. He was the oldest child. He was united in marriage May 24, 1887, to Mary Vavrosky, daughter of Frank and Mary (Ryant) Vavrosky. She also was born in Spillville March 10, 1869, and came with her parents to Dakota Territory when she was 13. Ignac and Mary settled on a farm 1 '/ miles west of Veseleyville. On April 29, 1891, Ignac had his seeding completed because of the faborable spring weather. Ignac died Feb. 1, 1896, leaving his widow* with six small children, Mary, Anna, Frank, Elizabeth, Joseph and James. His widow remained on the farm for some time and then moved a house to Pisek, where she took in teachers for room and board to support her family. She died March 28, 1961. Submitted by Mrs. John H. Jelinek. 2

FRANK I. VOTAVA FAMILY

Frank Votava, father of Ignac Votava. Frank I. Votava, son of Jacob Votava, was born Feb. 19,1843, near Budejovice, Bohemia. He came to America with his parents in a sailing ship, which took six weeks crossing the ocean. They settled in Spillville, Ia., where they farmed. Frank Votava married Anna Kerian in 1865. They had nine children, Ignatious, Joseph, Frank, Albert, Anna, Mary, Elizabeth, Charles and James. Votava came to Walsh County in 1880 from Spillville with a group of Norwegians to look this area over. He liked it here, so he wrote about the area in the paper, "Slavia" of Iowa. That way quite a few farmers from Iowa decided to come to Dakota to take up land in what is now the Veseleyville-Pisek territory. Votava returned to Spillville and emigrated with his family to Veseleyville in 1882. Transportation was with oxen. Mary was the young girl who walked almost all the way, tending cattle, on the trek to Dakota Territory. Their first stop was Acton, then a flourishing village on the Red River. Shortly afterwards they moved to west Walsh Centre Township, northeast of Veseleyville. Votava was one of the first settlers and led the group. In fact, they wanted to name the town after him if he furnished a keg of beer, but he did not feel his finances were such that he could afford it. When he began farming, he hauled grain to Grand Forks with oxen to get it ground for flour. He traded with friendly Indians along the way. At first Votavaslivedina sod house. The Votava home was a stopping place for many Czech families who came from their settlement in Iowa to homestead in the new country, and anyone else who ever came to his door. He was known throughout the entire area as a good, kind-hearted man who would do

Ignac Votava and Mary Vavrosky wedding day May 24, 1887. FRANK J. VOTAVA FAMILY Frank J. Votava was a small boy when he came to Walsh County with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Votava. He became prominent in community affairs, serving several terms as register of deeds. He was born in Winneshiek County, Ia., June 19, 1871, and married Celia Matcha Jan. 12, 1892, in Grafton. They had 11 children: Frank K., Joseph, James, Charles, George, Jerry, Hattie, Mamie, Emma, Julia and Sylvia. Other activities included positions on the school board, township board and Catholic Workmen. He was a city alderman. Before moving to Grafton in 1918 as register of deeds, he farmed in the Veseleyville community where he served as a trustee for the church for 10 years. He died May 6, 1945. 784

DISTRICT EIGHT Adams

Shepherd

Dewey

Silvesta

Kinloss

Latona Vesta

Hofrtestead Act — 1862-1962

This is the original sod house built by John Bakken in 1895, a Silvesta pioneer. This picture, taken in 1898, was used on the Homestead Act stamp, the first of its kind. The Postal Department had not used pictures of living persons, but John Bakken was 91 years old at this time. The little girl is Mrs. Benn Aune and the boy, Eddie Bakken.

SARLES This town will soon develop into one of the important commercial centers of North Dakota. Besides being a division point, the town is splendidly located in what is known as the G O L D E N V A L L E Y , one of the richest and best improved parts of the state. Sarles will command the trade from a wide territory and grow rapidly into prominence as an agricultural and railroad city. ' Parties with ample capital, desiring locations for business, should investigate the opportunities in Sarles before locating. For map, prices, etc., address

C.A.CAMPBELL, Or Local T o w n s i t e A g e n t , SARLES,

Townsite Agent " S o o L i n e , "

D.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. 786

A TRIBUTE TO OUR FOREFATHERS They came, those immigrants of old From lands across the sea. Their dreams were bright as purest gold Of the future yet to be. They left behind, their homes and kin To cross the ocean wide; To see what fortunes lay within That land on the other side. They heard about the great midwest About its wide and fertile lands, And vowed they would go there, would do their best With strong and willing hands. They came, the Norse, the Swedes, the Scots, the Danes; The Irish, Czechs, and Germans too. They came by ox drawn wagon, came by train; To build a life anew. On North Dakota's prairies rich and broad, They found that, for which they sought; And built their homes with that black sod, To house what they had brought. They turned the furrows dark and straight With ox drawn walking plow. They worried when the spring was late If grain would ripen, then as now. Grasshoppers came, but much more dire Were the leaping flames of prairie fire. In the evening when the lamp was lit No one around the fire would idly sit; Father found shoes and harness to repair While Mother on a straight backed chair Beside her spinning wheel would like a charm Change wool into yarn, both soft and warm; To knit socks for all the busy feet To keep them snug and warm and looking neat. On a warm spring day she would make soap, With garden weeds, she too, would cope. When it came time for making hay They worked together day by day This pioneer man and his good wife As they dreamed their dreams of a better lif e. A country church, a one-roomed school On the plains soon found a place Built by willing hands and simple tool; And from such as these, we still can trace The history of many a man, and woman, too, Who helped to make this country great, When as a nation it still was new. These old pioneers were of sturdy stock And they made their dreams come true. And for all the blessings we have now, We must give these pioneers their due. So when we raise our flag up high See it unfurled against the sky Let us give them a quiet salute For their example of integrity and truth So rest, ye pioneers, of by-gone days Let us ne'er forget to sing your praise. By Ebba E. Severson.

787

EARLY HISTORY OF ADAMS Pete Hanson, marshal; and O. E. Lofthus, justice. A special meeting was held to vote in a Special School District, Aprd 16, and the vote was 25 for and 1 against; the first Board of Education members were: John Aamoth, O. F. Bookwalter, G. H. Sherman, M. Orvik and S. West. Aaron Knutson was appointed the street commissioner and C. A. Jeglum was the first mayor of the town.

Adams Main Street "A crew of 45 men reached Sarles and began tramping the ties in the yard. It is stated the road bed will not be graded further than here this year, although this will not interfere with passenger service which will be established about Dec. 1, regularly, daily," stated a news item which appeared in the Sarles Budget, Oct. 30,1905. The surveyors had laid out the site for the town of Sarles, as it was originally named, when land was purchased from Jake Payer, Frank Hosna, Sr., and Frank Dvorak, Sr. Sarles had been named for a territorial governor, E. Y. Sarles, but when it became known that another town along the Soo Line was already named Sarles, the name was changed to Adams. Long before the railroad reached Sarles (Adams), buildings had been hastily erected; lumber was hauled in from Park River and Edinburg with horses and wagons. The wagon wheels mired down so deeply that two teams of horses could not pull them out. The slogan of that time was "Sarles on the Soo; Adams in the slough." It teds the story of Adams' main street; the businessmen and farmers decided to haul dirt from a pit south of the town to fid the streets; over 50 teams hauled about 1,000 loads of dirt a day. Lunch was served by the businessmen and kegs were placed along the way for the thirsty. Men shouted and yeded at their horses ad day long and in the evenings they drank and fought; the new town was busy, noisy and troubled.

A residential street in Adams. In August of 1906, three telephones were granted to the vdlage for use in case of emergencies such as fire, dlness, podce, etc.; they were installed in the depot, post office and fire had. The notice from the County Auditor selected the following men: Nels Steen, Dan Morrison and Christ Hendrickson for the first slate of jury duty from Adams. When the town was mapped out, one block was adotted for a park. For several years no improvements were made. The local chapter of the Women's Christian Temperance Union made the first improvement when they had the land plowed and worked up for tree planting.

Adams Main Street looking South. A meeting was held on Dec. 27, 1905, to incorporate Adams into a vidage. The vote was 24 "yes," and 1 "No"; census of the town was 343. Jan. 30, 1906, the town officials were elected with 60 votes being cast. C. A. Jeglum was elected chairman; W. E. Parsons, clerk; E. P. Oveson, first ward; C. A. Jeglum, second ward; W. C. Rukke, third ward; J. Aamoth, treasurer and assessor;

Plaque on rock at Adams Park. In tribute to Andrew Rosendahl, Mayor of Adams. His dedication made this Parka reality in 1921. Bicentennial project, Adams Civic Club. But, the one individual most responsible for the improvements at the park was Andrew Rosendahl, 788

pioneer businessman. He took an active lead in the park improvements up until his death in 1955. The first electrical service for Adams was furnished by Ulysses Grant, who set up a small generating plant powered by an old automobile engine; later on, the town purchased a two-engine diesel plant. This unit furnished electricity until 10 p. m. on week nights and a few hours on Sundays. However, this did not meet the needs of the community and in 1926 the unit was sold to the Otter Tail Power Co. That company installed another unit and operated it through the winters of 1926 and 1927. In the summer of 1927, the company built its power lines into Adams. Otto Dvorak was the company's representative for many years and upon his retirement Jack Misialek assumed the job of serving the Adams community. The first band in Adams boasted a membership of 20 in 1907. It was known as the Woodman Band and was first directed by Mr. Couchram; later, Clarence Lien, Sr., directed the organization.

was moved to the same building that she had her printing shop m. She was succeeded as postmaster by Mabel Fletcher who was assisted by her sister, Eda. When her term was finished she was succeeded by Andrew Olson He was succeeded by "Happy" and Bertha Tressing"Happy" also was depot agent in Adams at that time. .....

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Old Adams Post Office. 1 Susie Bjorg, 2 Anne Lofthus, 3 Mrs. Tom Grove, 4 Sara Enge, 5 Mrs. Olaf Hanson, 6 Louise Oster, 7 Ida Larson, 8 Ted Ellingson, 9 Tom Midbo, 10 Oscar Midbo, 11 Tom Grove, 12 Andrew Larson, 13 John Lund, 14 Eric Bjorg, 15 Ellef Lofthus, 16 Jens Bjorg, Jr., 17 Elmer Agan, 18 Jens Bjorg, Sr.

A pioneer child's funeral. The Theodore Holth family. This was taken at their infant son, Hjalmer's, funeral. Their children were: Jonathan, Otto, Sophus, Lief, Seymore, Lloyd, Hannah, Lottie, and Inga Berg. Mrs. Berg was Mrs. Manne Westberg's mother. Sophus was a barber in Adams and also Manne Westberg. Not all the children are on the picture. POST OFFICE

Adams Post Office

Adams began its existence as an inland post office when Erick T. Grove established the mail point on June 23,1890, on his farm three and a half miles northwest of what is now Adams village. E. T. Grove, the first postmaster, chose the name "Adams" for the new post office site because his wife, Christi, came to North Dakota from Adams County, Wise. In 1905, when the village of Adams became established, the post office was moved from the country into the town where Mr. Grove had a new building erected to house the postoffice; he had two rooms at the rear of the building which he used for a kitchen and bedroom; two of his children moved to Adams with him to assist with the work in the post office; they were Olai and Christine. He was postmaster until 1914 when he retired after 24 years of service. Mrs. R. B. Dougherty, who was editor of the Adams Budget, became the next postmaster; she was assisted by her son Charles, and daughter, Irene. The post office

Adams Post Office

In 1924 F. W. Lovestrom was appointed acting postmaster and was commissioned as postmaster on Jan. 22,1931. In Aprd, 1928, Uncle Sam's post office was

All modes of travel were used by these carriers, such as horse drawn wagons, sleighs, buggies and stone boats. As the years passed by, the car, truck, pick-up and the snowmobile were used. The Star Route was also established in the early days with the first route being eleven miles to Norton and back to Adams. In 1928 this route was extended to over twenty miles. Some of the early mail carriers for this route were: Henry Mathiason, Selmer Johnson, Helmer Hagen, Gust Helle, Jack Hosna, Ted Rundhaug, Harry Geary, Obert Olson, Sam Olson, Laddie Kosobud. The present carrier is Emil Drevecky.

moved to the old bank building across the street from where the present post office is now located; this move gave them much more room and there was also a vault in the building in which valuables such as money, stamps, money orders, etc., could be kept. The mail was brought to Adams by train and was then taken to the post office from the depot by drayline; horses were used in the early years on the drayline, later replaced by trucks and cars. Many winter days the railroad tracks would be blocked by snow drifts, making the mail service very irregular. T H E PENNIES IN T H E BOX.

ADAMS BANKS

I'm Uncle Sam's most favored pet, I'm hearty and I ' m hale; I've nothing i n this world to do B u t glide 'round w i t h the m a i l ; But one thing almost- breaks my heart, A n d my nervous system shocks; It's the everlasting pennies That I'm fishing f r o m the box. I carry stamps and envlope°. A n d postal cards and such; A n d I would like to sell a few— ' T w o u l d please me very much. But a man can't sell unless you buy. No matter how he t a l k s ; So I have to keep on diving A f t e r the pennies in the box.

Scandia-American Bank Early Adams boasted three banks, the Security State Bank, on its original site, houses the American Legion Club today; the First State Bank of Sarles was a smad bank located where Roy's Market stands today, it was in existence for only a year, the cashier was J. Omett, the budding was moved and is the present residence of Roy Schultz; the Security State Bank and the Bank of Sarles merged in 1907 and the new bank was caded the Security State Bank. The First National Bank, estabdshed in 1907, became the Scandia-American Bank in 1921 with C. A. Jeglum as cashier. It was located at the site of the present Security State Bank. In 1925, the Security State Bank purchased the assets of the First National. 0. H. Lundquist was the cashier. He later became president and operated the bank until his retirement when he sold it to Howard Clapp and son, Robert. At the present time, Robert Clapp operates the Security State Bank.

It's alright i n the springtime, Or when summer breezes blow; But a different proposition When it's thirty-two below; When a l l your fingers and your toes Are frozen hard as rocks, It's most anything but f u n n y Scratching pennies f r o m the box. A n d now, quite confidentially, I ' l l tell you something more A r u r a l carrier (way out west) Forgot himself and swore; Says he: "I can stand the snow d r i f t s , I can stand the frozen locks, But blast the measly pennies In the blasted measly box." -

When the " r o l l is called up yonder," A n d we s h a l l gather there, They wouldn't let a m a i l man i n I f they knew he learned to swear; If you want St. Peter to open the gate When your r u r a l carrier knocks, B u y stamps and don't be g u i l t y Of putting pennies i n the box. The Mail Carriers' "Lament" Rural free dedvery began in the early days of the post office service. Some of the early carriers were Pete Hanson, Gustav Helle, Harold Kenny, Halger Anderson, Myron Bateman and James Skyrud.

A. J. Felt family in their 1914 Overland. He was vice president of the Scandia Bank and agent for Robertson Lumber Co. 790

Philistines; Moses made the first run when he slew Abelthe prodigal son made a home run. David was a long distance thrower and Moses shut out the Egyptians at the Red Sea. The game was called off when the flood came.

BUSINESS GENERAL STORES

Adams Band. Front row: Clarence Lien, director.

Groves, Halbergs and Bergslands on an outing in a 1913 Overland with a right hand drive. ADAMS NEWSPAPERS Adams had three newspapers for a short time. The Adams Budget (once called the Sarles Budget) was edited by Mrs. R. B. Dougherty; it was located where our post office is located at the present time. The Adams Standard, edited by M. C. Lovestrom, began on Dec. 8,1912. It was first located in the Security State Bank building; from there it was moved to the present post office site and from there to the old Security Bank building (now the American Legion Hall). In 1928 the assistant editor, Herbert Gilbertson, became the publisher.

The Larson-Gravlie Store The Larson-Gravlie Store with H. M. Heen as manager was located west of the present Security State Bank. The building was moved to its present site south of the church and became H. M. Heen's residence- this early building has been remodeled and is now the GroveJohnson Apartments.

The Enterprise, with N. A. Levang as editor, started in 1906, and had its headquarters in a building south of our present bank. It was published by Levang and Lovestrom until 1907. In 1908 the paper was moved to Park River where it was known as the Park River Republican and Enterprise. It went out of existence in 1908 when Mrs. Dougherty of the Adams Budget purchased the subscription list. During the lifetime of the two papers, there was a lively feud carried on between the Adams Budget and the Adams Standard - which boosted the circulation considerably. In 1906 the Enterprise carried a complete story on the murder of Annie Ingulsrud of Fairdale. This article was found in a 1905 Adams newspaper concerning baseball: (a Biblical version of baseball) The devil was the first coach. He coached Eve when she stole first; Adam stole second; Isaac met Rebecca at the well - she was walking with a pitcher. Samson struck out a good many times when he beat the

Adams Mercantile Store. Sitting: Nora Lofthus, Lucille Lofthus, Elvira Sandstrom and Nels Olson, clerk. The Arneson Store, built in 1906 by Arneson, was west of the Larson-Gravlie Store and was moved to main street after an early fire destroyed many main street buildings. This store became known as the Adams Mercantile Co. owned by H. M. Heen and served the 791

community until 1927 when Mr. Heen had his closing-out sale. This building is still in use and was in operation for many years as the Johnson Store, a part of a chain of stores owned by M. A. Johnson of Michigan, N. D. It was later purchased by James Johnson, who was with the company 28 years. Some of the early clerks were: Christ Bue, Hans Rakstad, Carl Tumervold, R. Lykken, Nels Olson, Arne Weberg, Thorvald Beek, Ed Lian, Anna Bakke, Christine Wasing, Olga Doxrude and others.

1928, purchased the store and he remained in business for 27 years, selling the place in 1972. It is now used as a Senior Citizens' Center. Grocery and confectionery stores have been operated over the years by Sever Bolstad, Gulbro and Lee, and Carl Bergsland and Grovum. Dan Bergsman operated a store and ice cream parlor next to his hotel. There were two millinery shops which provided fine hats for the ladies - Schram's Millinery and the Lindgrin Sisters'. Mrs. Anna Schram sold out in 1914 and moved to Sandpoint, Idaho.

The L. J. Olson Store The L. J. Olson Store was one of the first buildings to be built by the Rosendahl Brothers. Mrs. L. J. Olson had a millinery department in this store. This building was moved to the site of the old State Bank of Sarles and remodeled into the present grocery store and locker plant which Roy and Alice SChultz own and operate; they have continued in this business for over forty years.

Bergsland's Store and Ice Cream Parlor. Janice Holth, clerk.

Red Cross Auction Sale—1918. John Gordon operated this store at this time. Ernest Gehrke, auctioneer. The Barsness Photo Studio was located in back of the Knutson Hotel (Myrlin's Standard). It closed in 1913, but left a great number of wedding, family and confirmation pictures in the community bearing its name. Bellerud General Merchandise Co. The Morrison-McKay Store was built in 1905 when the town was still called Sarles. The owner of the lot on which it was built was Nels Koppang. The first store was opened by Dan and Peter Morrison and Roy E. McKay. They continued in business until 1913, when a "going out of business" sale was advertised in a local paper with such bargains as: calico, 4 cents per yd., flannel, 7 cents per yd.; dress shirts, 69 cents; shoes, $1.69, and men's suits, $7.98. From 1913 until 1917 this store was operated by Axel Lundeen and Henderson; in 1917 Haaken Bellerud bought the structure and placed the stock that he had purchased the year before from L. J . Olson in this building. He began a business that served the community for over 30 years. Melvin Swenson, an employee since

Meat markets were operated by Christ Hendrickson, L. Norquist and Ole Schjaastad, better known as Ole "Butch." When Norquist's butcher shop on the west side burned, he moved to the Pete Frovarp shop on the east side. Other meat markets were operated later on by C. Keillor, L. Speilvogel and Lawrence and Gilman Haroldson. Blacksmithing was an important early business; Olaf Wasseng began in 1906 and continued until his death in 1952, almost a half-century of "blacksmithing." His shop was located south of the Thorvilson-Swenson Livery Barn, or what is now Mrs. G. Berntson's residence. Another blacksmith shop, east of the LarsonGravlie Store was operated by B. Ramberg. Hagen's Livery Bam, east of Ramberg's, and the Erickson Bros, also operated machine shops and did blacksmithing.

Anton Swenson's blacksmith shop was located on the corner east of the Charles Erickson house and had living quarters above it. The Rosendahl Garage, east of the present post office, was built in 1916 by Andrew and August Rosendahl. This building (66'x70') was later moved south of the Swenson Store where Myrlin's Standard is today. The Rosendahl Bros, continued in business for 41 years in Adams. RESTAURANTS With the coming of the Soo Line and the building "boom" - there was great demand for eating places. The Rudd Sisters' Restaurant west of Roy's Market (today) began when the town started. It was operated by Tilda and Gina Rudd. The Lindgren Restaurant operated by Mr. Lindgren and Alma was situated south of the Thorvilson-Swenson Livery Barn. This building was the first in 1905 to burn. They then moved their business to the Soo Cafe, south of me Knutson Hotel (Myrlin's Standard) on main street. This cafe was later run by Hans Nelson. The Foss Cafe was also in this area. WiUiam Rukke also operated a restaurant as weU as the lumber yard. The Everson Cafe was located west of the Legion Hah and also burned in the first fire of 1905. "The Beanery" was an eating place for the Soo Railroad crews and was located west of the depot. It was operated by 0. F. Bookwaiter in conjunction with his hotel; he sold the Beanery in 1913 to A. J. Felt. Several old timers also recall a smaU eating place north of the present laundromat, where only sandwiches and soup were served to men. Goodwin Hagen remembers the excellent food very weU. The Nels Steen Cafe served this area early and was in operation until it burned in 1940. It was located north of the Robertson Lumber Yard, next to the Bookwalter Hotel. Alvin Egge also had a cafe in the early days; in addition, the hotels and rooming houses also served as eating places. In later years there have been cafes run by Charley KeUlor, U. S. Grant, Christ Ellingson, Paul Rutherford and Fred Young, Hugo and Ebba Erickson and many others. Many of these buUdings have burned or have been moved to different locations; the Foss Restaurant building was moved and is now the Credit Union buUding, prior to that it once housed a shop owned by John Odden and once was a drug store owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Ted Rundhaug.

Hotel Adams burning in 1913. The Hotel Adams was built in 1905 by O. F. Bookwaiter and was the first building erected in Adams according to a newspaper account in the Adams Standard in 1913, as it reported the fire that gutted this budding. It was located where Glenn's Bar is today. The hotel was never rebuUt but a potato house was later moved in and it was used for many years as a grocery store, cafe and drug store by Charley KeiUor, Roy Schultz and Charley Rice; it was known as KeiUor's Kozy Korner.

HOTELS t

Dan's Hotel. Mrs. Manne Westberg [Jennie Berg], waitress in white apron. Bookwalter later operated another hotel in the south end of town; Nels Steen built this - then sold the budding to Orvik, who later sold it to Bookwalter. This hotel was

Hotel Adams—1906 793

also destroyed by fire, in 1940. Mrs. Bookwalter died in the fire, one of Adams' tragic events. Dan's Hotel, part of which is today Otto Dvorak's Laundromat, was owned by Dan Bergsman. A confectionery was also operated in this hotel. An early register contains the bold signature of a distinguished guest, that of John D. Rockefeller; the register is in the possession of Bergsman's daughter, Mrs. William Felt, Grafton. Charley Knutson operated a hotel south of the Larson-Gravlie Store. There were also rooming houses in town.

Hagen, who operated it for many years. It is now operated by Glenn Vigen. The Lofthus Bros. Hardware Store was located west of the Bank of Sarles. It was built in 1909. Later on, C. Lofthus operated a hardware store in partnership with Pete Hanson. Lofthus remained in the business for 19 years. The David Aiken Hardware and Implement, west of the old Security State Bank (Legion Hall) burned in the first big fire along with two pool halls and a restaurant along this street. John Omett also had a furniture store in one of these buildings. DRUG STORES

mm O. F. Bookwalter, Hotel Owner HARDWARE STORES AND IMPLEMENT SHOPS

O. E. Lofthus & Co., Druggists Anderson Hardware Store. Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Anderson, Tom Grove. The Stein Hardware Store was located north of the Legion Hall. Stein sold the business in 1909 and moved with his family to Wimbledon, where he bought another hardware store. Shirley Oveson's Hardware was at the site of the Farmers Union today. This was purchased by Hans Anderson in 1910 and he added furniture and an oil station to his business. This store was known as Hans Anderson and Son Hardware Store. His son, P. M. Anderson, was a partner and bought the business in 1927. P. M. was also county coroner for a time and he had his undertaking parlors in the rear of the store. The Nils Orvik Hardware Store, south of the Bank of Sarles (now Roy's Market) was built in 1908. The Adams Budget had this item, "N. M. Orvik of Adams has moved into his new business quarters; he is proprietor of one of the largest hardware and furniture firms in the county." This building later housed the Lofthus Bros. Hardware and Implement and the Hanson-Bateman business. Pete Hanson began his business in 1916 and it burned in the 1940 fire. He rebuilt the store and later sold it to Orville

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Lofthus. Early drug stores were operated by Hagen & Bookwaiter, Ole Lofthus, Carl Nilson, Wm. Rukke and Paul Gronvold. The Gronvold Drug and Jewelry Store was located south of the Scandia-American Bank (Security State Bank). Carl Nilson operated the Red Cross Drug Store north of the Morrison-McKay (Swenson) Store. Another

drug store was located west of Glenn's Bar. An Adams newspaper recorded: "Paul Gronvold and Carl Nilson applied for drug permits on May 12, 1907, and the petitions were granted." Drugs were later sold at Ted Rundhaug's and Keillor's Kozy Korner. The 0. E. Lofthus Drug Store was the building known as the Sandstrom Harness Shop, north of Glenn's Bar. The first doctors in Adams were Borghild and Rouke. The next doctor was Dr. Fredrick Gronvold, a cousin of Paul's, who had his office on the second floor of the Gronvold Drug. He practiced medicine here for five years, leaving in 1913. Dr. Axel Nelson was the next doctor. Dr. Short practiced for a short time before Dr. Oscar Dixon began his practice here. Dr. Dixon moved his practice from Fairdale to Adams in 1928 and located in rooms over the Swenson garage; later Drs. Dixon and Smith (dentist) obtained rooms on the second floor of the Bellerud Store for their offices and practiced for many years there. Another early dentist was Dr. Baasen.

who operated it for about six months. Manne Westberg who worked for Ebeling from 1910 to 1913 purchased the shop from Cairn and started his own business Later Manne operated the Midway Barber Shop on the east side of main street, then moving to a location north of the Legion Hall and going into business partnership with Clarence Nygard. Manne served the public for almost a half century, from the days when cutting women's hair was rare, to the days when the "bobbie" and the girls' boyish haircuts, on to the days of the long hair that is still popular today. Westberg's hours, as advertised in 1919 were: 8 to 8 weekdays and 8 to 12 Saturdays. Other barbers of those early days were Frank Wade Sophus Holt and Roland Monteith. Another early barber was Powers, a colored man who had his shop in the basement of the State Security Bank Building.

POOL HALLS Pool halls were operated by Ed Thompson, Knute Evenson, Dan Bergsman and Gunder Olson Daley when the town started. In 1913 Ed Thompson leased his pool hall to Pete Wick. This was later occupied by Ed Kuball. Gunder Olson Daley's pool hall was moved to the west side and became a drug store operated by Paul Gronvold. J. Moudree and Andrew Kjose also had pool halls. Later operators were William Poppie, Harry Geary and Glen Erickson. In addition to pool halls, there were seven "blind pigs" that served liquid refreshments to the thirsty. It being prohibition days, they carried on their furtive business after dark. Many a time the sheriff visited the town on business. In 1909 a newspaper account reported a "blind pigger" operated from his headquarters under the the Adams depot platform, where he was apprehended and put in jail. The fine for this crime at that time was from $200 to $300.

Kuball Barber Shop. E. Kuball, Sophus Holth, Manne Westberg. THEATRE

Dan Bergsman's Opera House The Liberty Theatre was built in 1909 by Dan Bergsman at the cost of $7,000. It was the setting for many wrestling matches, road shows, chautauquas and silent movies. The Rosendahl Bros, operated the silent movies. A notice in the paper on June 13, 1928, stated "Olli Skratthult" appearing at the Liberty Theatre. Here, also, Frank Hosna, an early boxer, was awarded a decision over Jack Martin of Lawton. Hugo Erickson was the referee. Another local boy, G. E. Lofthus, made good in early sports when he won the state heavyweight championship as a wrestler in 1927. He defeated L. Shong. Charley Keillor was also an early wrestler of the Adams community.

Dan Bergsman Pool Hall BARBER SHOPS G. Sherett and W. Waldref were accredited with being the first barbers in Adams, according to the Sarles Budget, Aug. 18, 1905. Emil Ebeling was also one of the first barbers in town. The Ebeling Tonsorial Parlor, located in the Sarles Bank Building, boasted massages, baths, laundry, the sharpening of razors, as well as hair cuts and shaves. He sold his shop to James Cairn in 1913. 795

The Liberty Theatre burned in 1960 and a new auditorium was built the following year.

LIVERY BARNS

HARNESS AND SHOE SHOP A Harness and Shoe Shop was operated by John Sandstrom for many years after Mr. Sandstrom bought out the G. Hagen merchandise in 1910; this place of business was located just north of where Glenn's Bar stands today. TELEPHONE The Bell Telephone Exchange was located on the second floor of the Sandstrom Building, beginning in 1908 with Ella and Gertrude Omland as the first operators. Mrs. Eva Girard began her duties as operator in 1921; Ida Hendrickson was the operator in 1927. Mrs. P. M . Anderson is well remembered by all the people of Adams for her long and faithful service as Bell Telephone operator in Adams. There were, no doubt, many more good operators through the years.

Hagen's Livery—1905 Gilbert Hagen owned a livery barn east of the Larson-Gravlie Store. It was sold and moved out to the George Gunhus farm, where it was rebuilt into a barn. The Thorvilson-Swenson livery bam was located west of the Security State Bank on the corner of the street where Mrs. Netta Borgeson has her residence. This barn burned and was rebuilt by Dan Lattin; it was in turn operated by Ole Simonson and William Geary. This barn also burned to the ground in the 1930's. The Stommen Bros, and John Fogan also operated a livery barn in 1905.

CREAMERY AND MILL

A creamery was built in Adams in 1906 and in 1913, H. 0. Kobberdahl was hired as buttermaker. This creamery was operated for several years by Carl Lindberg. Ice cream sold for 25 cents a half gallon and 10 cents by the bowl. It was located where Armand Vejtasa's residence stands today; the creamery closed in 1927. Adams also boasted the Meling Bros. Flour & Feed Mill which was operated by Halvor Halvorson and stood where Cyril Peach has his residence today.

Livery and Feed Stable—1909. Rudolph Boe (in buggy), Halvor Hanson, John Thorvilson (in chair), Olof Wasseng, Gilbert Bolkan, Johan Elton [with white team]. LUMBER YARDS Three lumber yards mushroomed to fill the early building needs; the Lamb and Rukke Yard with Rukke as manager, located east of the Robertson Lumber Yard site today. The Bauve-Shute Lumber Co. with Alex Bannerman as manager, directly south of Lamb & Rukke, and the Robertson Lumber Co., with George Sherman as manager, located at its present site. W. G. Scott operated the yard in 1906, A. E . Steinwich, 1906; John Jenson, 1906 to 1908 and A. J. Felt, 1909 to 1913. D. I. Cobb, 1913. When the building rush was over, only the Robertson Lumber Co. survived and is still in business today. A. J. Felt was the manager of the Robertson Lumber Co. from 1909 to 1913. Felt then bought an interest in the Scandia American Bank and became its vice president. Other managers through the years were: Nels Koppang, F. Cobb, Pete Johnsrud and V. Lundberg. This lumber yard burned in 1940 and was replaced with a building from Lankin. Richard Dorian is the present manager.

Meling Bros. Feed and Flour Mill 796

THRESHING RIGS Early threshing rigs in this area were operated by Dan Bergsman and John Gilbertson.

John Gilbertson's threshing rig. X is John. Dan Bergsman was an agent for the Overland car with a touring car priced at $985 and guaranteed to go 30 miles an hour. C. A. Jeglum and G. Williams had the Ford S ° ^ - - Anderson sold Whippets and Willis Knights; the coach was priced at $625 and the roadster was $695. The Rosendahl Bros, handled the Dodge agency. Other models seen around town were- the Star, Reo, Hupmobile, Buick and Cadillac y

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John Gilbertson and his cook car. DRAYS AND OIL COMPANIES Ordinance No. 15 (1906) stated: in order to get license, a description of the outfit was needed and the number of wagons; the charge for one year was $15 an outfit and $10 for each additional outfit. A drayline was operated in 1905 by Otto Erickson. The same year Pete Hanson took over the drayline From 1909 to 1913, G. E. Williams operated the dray. It was sold to Alfred Haugen, who in turn sold it to Ed Lovness from Fairdale. Some of the other operators of this drayline were: Ed Qually, Louis Larson, Lloyd Wade, Gunder Strom and Goodwin Hagen. There were also short term operators as well as independent draymen. As soon as autos arrived on the scene, oil companies came into existence. The first cars appeared to have been Olaf Wasseng's Buick (White Angel) and C A Jeglum's Ford.

Adams Dray. Edwin Qually, Tom Weflen, Henry Elton.

Pete Hanson became agent for the Bartle Oil Co. with the first bulk station being built in 1907. Prior to this Pete received his gasoline in barrels by freight and emptied them into an oil tank which he had mounted on a trailer drawn by a team of horses. G. E. Williams was an agent for the Standard Oil Co and when he left town in 1913, Goodwin Hagen replaced him as an agent for the company. Lloyd Wade and Lloyd Qually were also bulk dealers for Standard Oil. So a motorized era began and car dealers blossomed.

John Vejtasa and his oil rig. 797

The following was an important notice in the Adams newspaper - dated 1913. "In the excitement of so many new autos coming to town this spring the state law limiting the speed through town to eight miles an hour seems to be forgotten, with about 23 machines traveling on the streets at speeds of 10 to 30 miles an hour, something is going to happen someday. Several good stiff fines would curb the desire for excessive speed and swell the treasury. There are about 350 people to be considered in town."

space for the new Farmers Elevator that was built in 1955. Carl Hilde continued as manager until 1953 when Bjarne Hjelmstad replaced him, and is the present manager. Bjarne had been with the company for 34 years. Today, only this elevator survives and serves the Adams area. Due to short term operators and incomplete records - many names will, no doubt, be overlooked, for this we are sorry.

Elevator of H. E. Braum

Woodworth Elevator and Adams Grain Co. The five original elevators and their managers were: Northland, Tom Midbo; Atlantic, Ole Lofthus; Woodworth, Jack McConnell; Knutson, EdRyal; and McCune, Dougherty & West. The Atlantic became known as the Adams Grain Company, purchased by Lander and Lyford with 0. V. Lundberg as the manager. Another early manager was C. M. Case. This elevator burned in May, 1929. The Woodworth elevator was operated by A. M . Hagen and succeeded by Ted Ellingson from 1918 to 1950. One of his grain buyers was Carl Omdalen. The Knutson elevator or the Minnekota, had G. Porter as an early manager and M. L. Flugekvam was manager until 1929. It was sold to the Osborne-McMillan Company and later managed by Ole Sherven and Otto Dvorak among others. The Independent elevator was built by C. Anderson and Thorn Swenson and later sold to Egar. This was purchased by the farmers and became the site of the new Farmers Elevator. The McCune-Dougherty & West changed hands and it was purchased by H. Braum. His grain buyer was S. J. Broberg. This was sold to forty farmers for $6,500 in 1913 and became the Farmers Elevator. A notice in the Adams Standard dated June 16,1913, stated "The Farmers Elevator opened for business with S. J . Broberg as manager; twenty-two loads of grain were brought the first day with D. A. Monson leading the list with his first load." The directors were: K. P. Levang, L. C. Thompson, G. N. Vigen, C. A. Monson, and Erick Bjorg. Original stockholders were: K. P. Levang, Ole Olson, Nels Berntson, John Midbo, Oscar Midbo, John Westberg, D. A. Monson, Lars Lundeen, Robert Strelow and John Peterson. Carl Hilde became manager in 1926. He was also one of the first stockholders. This elevator was later moved to the east side of the depot as extra storage

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Minnekota Elevator. Carl Andersen, manager, Emil Dvorak. ADAMS SOO DEPOT

Soo Line Crew at Adams. Left to right, East crew, front Row: Hans Nelson, Eric Larson, Gunder Gunderson. Back row: (unknown), Clarence Nelson. West crew— man alone unidentified.

The railroad, the life of the past, is now only history. The Soo Line was built to Sarles (Adams) in 1905 and Sarles became the division point between Thief River Falls, Minn., and Kenmare. A depot was built and Chapman was the first agent. Other agents have been Floyd Dalton, Charles Stuart, R. A. Campbell, Keiffer Bros., Tom Michelson, John Schoenig and John Dean. There were relief agents and short term operators, of which there are no records available.

Ada ms Soo Depot

Adams still has a depot in operation with John Dean as agent. He is now a traveling agent as he takes care of Lankin, Dahlen, Whitman, Ops and Fordville. The Dean family still live on the second floor of the depot where they've lived for thirty years. The present section crew is composed of Howard Thorvilson, George Kosobud and Ed Polak.

Installing turn table at Adams Soo Yard.

ORGANIZATIONS

Engine at water tank. Sig Engh, engineer. The original depot burned in 1919 and one was dismantled and brought in from Ardoch. In 1913 the Soo Line put on a passenger train. In rush seasons, six or seven freight trains arrived daily to be serviced at the Adams Roundhouse. There were two section houses in town and two section crews. Steve Hosna, Miller Krouta and Eric Larson were East Section Foremen, among others. Eugene Norton was the first roadmaster and his office was a small building close to the west section house. Charley Hanson was roadmaster in 1913. Sigvold Rasmussen was section foreman for the west section until they incorporated and he became sole foreman. Rasmussen began work in 1917 and continued for years. Fred Pilffer was roundhouse foreman in 1913. Other workers in the roundhouse were: Christ Berger, Charley O'Trombo, Martin Gilbertson, Oliver Hanson, Hans Nelson, Clarence Nelson, Helge Hanson, Fird Hatlestad, Reinholt Sellheim and Leonard Vaudrin. Hans Nelson began his railroad work in 1906 and Clarence Nelson in 1918. Clarence recently retired after over half a century of railroading. Today, there are no passenger trains coming in to Adams and only one freight train a day makes its appearance. Almost all the depots in the small towns have been dismantled, some to become museum attractions.

Qually-Dvorak Post No. 237 of the American Legion was organized 48 years ago and named in honor of Edwin Qually and Emil Dvorak, the first World War I casualties. They purchased the old bank building which they remodeled into modem club rooms. The post sponsors a candidate to Boys State every year and handles the Memorial Day activities in addition to its other community services. The Adams American Legion Auxiliary was organized a year later with twelve charter members The Auxiliary sponsors a girl to Girls State every year and conducts the annual sale of poppies in addition to it; other community work. There were four Gold Star Mothers: Mrs. Clay Botsford, Mrs. Amelia Olson, Mrs Clarence Knutson and Mrs. Goodwin Hagen. Only Mrs Knutson and Mrs. Botsford survive. Royal Neighbors of America Camp, known as Fern Leaf Camp No. 8886, was organized in Adams in 1921 by District Deputy Mary Louise Coen. There were 24 charter members: Anna Anderson, Lena Egar, Thelma Egar, Amelia Boman, Eva Girard, Amelia Grant, Jennie Hagen, Lillian Hagen, Viola Hagen, Mrs. M . Hanson, Mrs. Lawrence Haroldson, Amelia Hosna, Minnie Johnson, Mathea Matheson, Ragna Mikkleson Alma Myrand, Christine Myrand, Amelia Olson, Gina Rudd Mrs. Ole Schjaustad, Ella Steen, Bertha Tressing and Mrs. Halvor E. Tressing. Meetings were held twice a month, one business and one social, in the Modern Woodman Hall. First officers were: Sarah Haroldson, oracle; Lena Egar, vice-oracle; Mrs. Nygard, past oracle; Ragna Mikkleson, chancellor; Bertha Tressing, recorder; Jennie Hagen, receiver; and Eva Girard, marshal. Mrs. Amelia Grant, a charter member, is still living in Adams. Mrs. Henry Lundene and Mrs. John Hosna received their 50 year gold pins in 1975. There are, at the present time, 118 members. The Isaac Walton League was organized in 1927 as Adams Chapter No. 20. The first officers were: Paul Gronvold, president; P. M . Anderson, vice-president; John Gilbertson, treasurer; A. J. Rosendahl, secretary!

street and was converted into the Congregational Church. The directors in 1906 were: G. H. Sherman, F. E. West, O. F. Bookwalter, G. N. Hagen and N. M. Orvik; the clerk was E. W. Ryall and treasurer was L. J. Olson. In the year 1906-1907, records show that Lizzie Stoskoff served a full term of nine months, Anne Berrigan 8Vz months, while Mrs. C. Rosenmeir taught half a month and C. W. Stancer, a short while. The salary was $50 a month.

The purpose of the League was to protect wild life by providing a game refuge. This they did by.designating an area in Vesta Township for this purpose. They also enjoyed many social gatherings, such as picnics and oyster suppers, crow, rabbit and gopher hunts. It is recorded that this organization contributed to the development of the Adams City Park. The Isaac Walton League is no longer in existence, but at that time it was one of the larger Leagues in the state with a membership of 91. MODERN WOODMAN LODGE OF AMERICA Modern Woodman Lodge of America was organized at Adams April 23, 1906, and was known as Big Four Camp No. 7599. The first officers were as follows: council, John A. Amoth; advisor, 0. Ingwaldson; banker, D. Morrison; clerk, W. E. Parson; watchmen, H. P. Rokstad; sentry, G. H. Boeton, and physician, Dr. F. A. Bordwell. Shortly after being organized, they erected a hall where they held their monthly meetings (the place where Vivian Levang's garage or workshop is now). The Woodman Lodge was very active in the early days. They supported the first Adams Band which consisted of 20 members. This band was directed by Mr. Couchrom. Later on, Clarence Lein, Sr., directed the group. They played for many entertainments and dances. They were several times out at Kosobud Hall to play for their dances. They were known as the Woodman Band of Adams. Their membership was largely due to Ernest W. Gehrke, who was the organizer. His son, John, was also a member, as well as Carl W. and Albert Gehrke. Ernest Gehrke worked hard to make this a successful lodge. However, in the later years their membership got smaller and in the 1940's, due to this, the Adams membership was transferred to Grafton, No. 3166. Albert Gehrke held the office of council and Paul Skarstad was clerk when the Lodge dissolved. The following people still hold their membership with the Grafton Lodge (former members of Adams Camp 7599). Albert G. F. Gehrke, Adams, joined May 1, 1921; Harry Bergquist, Adams, joined Feb. 21, 1924; WiUiam Krause, Grand Forks, joined March 1, 1926; Elmer Bergquist, Adams, joined June 1,1930 and Haakon BeUerud, St. Louis, Mo., joined June 1, 1930. Albert Gehrke has been awarded the 50 year membership pin. Earl Olson, Park River, is the district representative. Diane J. Syverson, Grafton, is the secretary of Camp 3166.

The 1926—7th grade class at Adams. In the 1908-1909 term, a third teacher was added with Bernard Larson, principal, Mathilda Wambiem and Lizzie Stoskoff. There was an enrollment of 74. The County Superintendent was B. B. Wells and the clerk of the school board was Roy McKay. In 1913-1914, a fourth teacher was added, the faculty included: E. B. Ness, AUce Doxrude, Alma Swiggrum and Rowena Rinde. The salaries were: principal, $95, and the grades, $65. It was not until 1917 that a high school course was provided for, with Levi Anderson, Alma Olson, Irene HuUett, Mary Towler and Sarah Anderson as faculty members. A formal graduation was not held until 1921. The graduating class included: Elsie Payer, Elsie Lofthus, Lillian Hagen, Viola Hagen, Karen Gronvold, Olga Nelson, Selma Swenson and Edith Nelson. The school buUding burned in 1961 and a new buUding was erected in 1962. Today Adams boasts a 15 teacher faculty and an enroUment of 172 students, grades 1-12. The present faculty is: supt., Charles Clute; prin., Tom Parker; coach, Steven Dick; music, Kent DalzeU, Edith Pinkney, Margaret Stenvold, Michael Strand. Grade

SCHOOLS In 1905 a Special School District No. 128 was organized, one mile square in Section 14 in Adams Township. The first frame schoolhouse was built on lots owned by Goodwin Hagen. When the enroUment became larger, it was necessary to hold classes for some of the grades in Pete Hanson's garage, which was attached to his house. This was later known as Manne Westberg's garage and today the post office is located here. The first brick structure was completed in 1906. The original schoolhouse was moved to the north end of main 800

teachers include: 1st, Thelma Thorvilson; 2nd Mrs Ernest Grieve; 3rd, Mrs. Charles Clute; 4th, Mrs Tom Parker; 5th, Mrs. Norman Hogfoss; 6th Mrs. Orville Hagen; 7th, James Green and 8th, Marcella Blikre The janitors are Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Bjorg and the cooks are Mrs. Harvey Gehrke and Mrs. Armand Vejtasa

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A Congregational Church was incorporated in Adams on Nov. 15, 1905, by Dr. F. A. Fardwell, F. Thody and A. Banner-man. Rev. E. Evans served this church, which was first located where Goodwin Hagen now lives It was later moved to the west side of the north end of mam street. The church building was sold in 1912 to Latona Township and was named the Sarepta Church which is still active today. John Gilbertson moved the building to its present site. There was also a small mission church in existence for awhile. This church is now the Vivian Levang residence. On Oct. 30, 1886, the South Park Congregation's annual meeting was held in School District No. 72 (this congregation was organized in 1883) and decided to sponsor four worship services a year for the Lutheran settlers in the area to the west. On Nov. 13, 1886, Rev. Holseth of South Park met with several families in the sod house on the Jens Bjorg farm. Here, the Mountain Congregation was organized and the first officers elected were: trustees, Elling A. Ellingson, Jens 0. Bjorg and John Kittleson; secretary, David Benas. Services were held in homes and schoolhouses with Rev. Holseth serving until 1891. Rev. Thorvald Larson, Nelson County, was then called. His salary was shared as follows by the parishes: Pleasant Valley, $150; Odalen, $150; South Park and Mountain (jointly), $100. He served until 1897. Early records show that South Park and Mountain members were baptized and confirmed together until 1896.

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Adams Basketball Team—1929. An early district triumph. Back row: Leonard Anderson, Prof. A. Solom, Manfred Erickson. Front row: Earl Norby, Silas Olson, Elmo Norby, Melvin Swenson, Olai Erickson.

CHURCHES

Class of 1916. Back row: Minnie Johnson, Emma Hilde, Inga Larson, Conrad Grove, Nils Omdalen, Oistin Hanson. Seated: Sylvia Gulbranson, Bertina Ellingson, Amelia Gehrke, Rev. Kluxdahl, Ruth Chally, Mabie Myrand, Nellie Brown, Lillian Hagen. Seated on floor: Thomas Severson, Hans Gronvold. Pastor G. Kluxdahl served as the second pastor in Adams.

Mountain Lutheran Church—1906

The first class confirmed in the Mountain Congregation Aug. 2, 1896, were: Karl Johan Kittleson, Knud Anfinson, Ragnhild Lerohl, Signe Louise Midbo, Eline Grove, Martha Norby, Martin Birid and Ole Bjorg. In the early 1900's, South Park dissolved and Mountain served the area of Mountain, Trinity and part of Gustavus Adolphus. Meetings were held in Olson Hall. In 1906 the Mountain parsonage was built; at this time, Norton and St. Olaf (southwest of Fairdale) joined Mountain to form a parish. They then called Rev. M. O. Silseth to serve the parish. That same year, Mountain incorporated under the name of Mountain Norwegian

Rev. M. O. Silseth, first to serve the Adams Mountain congregation. 801

The Ladies' Aid, then as now, was a strong arm of the congregation. Donations were given to missions and to people in the community that had suffered misfortunes. Memorials were given in memory of the deceased. An excerpt from a 1919 meeting read as follows: "Flowers for Mrs. Gronvold, $6; charity, $50; piano, $100; trimmings, $17.80; Sunday School, $10; curtain rods and goods, $15.60." In 1918 the meetings were suspended for a short time due to the influenza epidemic. Today, the Mountain Lutheran Ladies' Aid has 118 members. Mrs. Myrlin Troftgruben is the president, Mrs. Marvin Drevecky, the vice-president; Mrs. Donald Boe, the secretary, Mrs. James Johnson, the treasurer; and the present pastor is Pastor Robert Nelson.

Lutheran Evangelical Church of Adams. In March of 1908, several families withdrew and organized a new congregation, naming it Trinity. A meeting was held on Nov. 25,1905; at this meeting it was decided to build a church. In 1908 the contract was let and the cornerstone laid. Only the basement was built the first year and services were held there. The first confirmation class in the new church were: Agnes Morstad, Annie Nelson, Clara Dahl, Ida Rudd, Midel Monson, Ole Tollefson, Martin Wick, Emil Johnson, Ludvig Larson, Oscar Nelson, Gustav Johnson and Theo. Johnson. The first wedding was that of Christine Grove and Oscar Haug, March 10, 1910. In 1921 St. Olaf withdrew from the parish, leaving Mountain, Hoff and Trinity as members until 1924 when Sarepta joined the parish. The Norse language was used almost exclusively until 1931.

MOUNTAIN LUTHERAN SUNDAY SCHOOL The Mountain Lutheran Sunday School was organized at the annual meeting of the congregation on Nov. 13,1906. The Sunday School to be held in Adams was in charge of N. M. Orvik and Mrs. M. O. Sdseth as the teachers. The north part of the congregation met at the Stensland School with John Pederson and T. H. Stensland as teachers. Since the Trinity Congregation was organized, there has been the one Sunday School held in the Mountain Lutheran Church. Twelve people have served as superintendents since 1907. Those who are known to have served as teachers for 20 to 25 years or more are: Mrs. Mina Bergsland, Mrs. Selma Edingson, Mrs. Paul Rutherford, Mrs. F. W. Lovestrom and Mrs. OUa Strommen.

The pastors having served the Mountain Congregation are: M. C. Holseth, 1886-1892; Rev. Thorvald Larson, 1892-1897; J. T. Langemo, 1897-1899; E. B. Wollan, 1899-1905; M. O. Silseth, 1906-1911; G. Kluxdahl, 1911-1919; O. T. Lovaas, 1919-1921; Alfred Brevick, 1921-1926; Joseph Eastvold, 1928-1929; B. J. Hatlem, 19301943; and O. T. Haugen, 1943-1957. Pastors E. R. Leivestad, Gary Olson, A. G. Ehlers, David Christenson and Robert Nelson (our present pastor) have served the Mountain parish. the present officers are: trustees, Harold Johnson, Keith Boe, Orlin Rostvet and Alvin Shim*; deacons, James Johnson, David Clemens, Kenneth Stensland, Clifford Grove and Dennis Larson; secretary, Mrs. Donald Boe; and treasurer, Clarence Nygard. The Mountain Congregation maintains two cemeteries, the West Mountain and the East Adams.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S ORGANIZATIONS The earliest organization for the young people in the church was caded "Ungdomsforening" and this name was changed to "Young People's Society," this organization is known today as the Luther League. No records were found of the early meetings which were held in the homes. Today it is caded the Hi-League. A Sunbeam Society was organized in 1930 at the parsonage, with Mrs. B. J. Hatlem as the leader and Mrs. C. A. Solom, assistant leader. This group was later divided into two groups. The older girls became members of the Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation (L. D. R.) and the younger girls remained members of the Sunbeam Society. The Sunbeams dissolved and the L. D. R. Society is known today as the Junior Lutherans.

MOUNTAIN LUTHERAN LADIES' AID A meeting was held on Thursday, Oct. 25,1906, at the home of C. J. Arneson for the purpose of organizing a Ladies' Aid Society. The fodowing became members at that meeting: Mrs. C. J. Arneson, Mrs. E. W. Stein, Mrs. E. P. Oveson, Mrs. N. M. Orvik, Mrs. G. H. Bolken, Mrs. C. A. Jeglum and Mrs. K. Storvik. Officers elected to serve one year were: Mrs. C. J. Arneson, president; Mrs. Bolken, vice-president; Mrs. Jeglum, secretary; and Mrs. Stein, treasurer. Meetings were held at 2 p. m. on Thursdays every two weeks, and a fee of 10 cents per member each month was charged. The time was spent sewing and the material was bought by the Aid.

ADAMS PIONEERS Frank Springer was a bachelor who hved in a little house, which is now on the James Johnson yard. He worked for the railroad for a short time. Eric Skeide also hved in this house.

A Thanksgiving dinner was served one year in November and the proceeds were $60.55 and the expenses were $7.05; they charged 35 cents per dinner and it was held in the Olson Had. Comments in Norse was "det var et storarted sucses."

Gunder Olson was an early custodian of the school. Mrs. Turi Peterson, sister of Bert and Gilbert Ovnand, lived here many years with her daughters, Ada, Jessie, Violet, Bergine, Jennie, Marie and Maye (Mrs. Pete Hanson) who made her home in Adams for many years before moving to Park River where she now lives. Louis Reidy worked on the Soo Line. Ed Selgiby was a tailor. Theo. Thorson was a wed known cattle buyer. Bdl Hayes was a well driller. Enock Heglus worked in a hardware store.

Early meetings were held at the homes and the pastor always led in the devotions. The secretary's reports were recorded in the Norwegian language until 1921 when Mrs. L. M. Flugekvam became secretary. The collections averaged about $4 per meeting and when members were unable to serve they would pay $5. There were records of picnics, ice cream socials, bazaars, lutefisk suppers and sales. Many quilts were made and sold and in one instance, Pete Hanson donated a horse that sold for $25. 802

Ole Simonson, Sam Haise and Oscar Halberg were well drillers. Jim McDonald was a horse breeder. Knute Lerhol and Charlie Erickson were stonemasons. G. H. Gulbronson was an early contractor and builder. Other carpenters were Bert and Gilbert Ovnand and Edwin Johnson. Kiest was a painter. Lilliquist was a cashier at the Security State Bank. Urda Erickson was a dressmaker. 0. Haugland was an agent for Northern Elevator Co. P. Gillespie and Al Betcher and Helgi Hanson were blacksmiths. Lydia Manderud was a parochial teacher at Adams in 1912-1913. Clarence Jeglum opened a new grocery store in 1928 - called it "The Home Groceteria." Kuriko, Ole Oil and Lydia Pinkham tablets were advertised as always on hand at the E. T. Grove home. Pete Honouf was a meat cutter. Louis Herid was proprietor of Dan's Hotel. After he left, Huseby leased Dan's Hotel for a time. L. Larson was a cashier at the Scandia-American Bank. Dr. Otto Ottoson hved in Adams in 1909. Henry Berg was a trucker. Amos Nabeth was an agent for the Bovey-Schute Lumber Yard. Carl Berg worked at the Adams Mercantile Store. FUN AND FACT An early ad read: "It takes a rich man to draw a check, a pretty girl to draw attention, a horse to draw a cart, plaster to draw the skin, a topper to draw a cork, free lunch to draw a crowd, and a well displayed advertisement in this paper to draw trade." The Socialist Party was very active in early Adams. Anotice, June28,1913, read: "Comrade 0. M. Thomason of Minneapolis will lecture here on June 28; Comrade Thomason is an eloquent speaker and it is by mere chance that the Adams Socialist Party obtained his services. Everyone welcome." Adams Budget said: "A swarm of beggars has struck town thicker than Z's in a Russian alphabet, but the marshal made the dumb talk, the broken backed to straighten, and the lame to hurry. (1906)." Many hobos also arrived in the fall to hire out as hired hands since shalking the grain was done manually, and bundle haulers were needed; when they weren't out begging for food, they slept and ate in a clump of trees close to town called "the hobo jungle." They used to sit on the benches in front of the stores - waiting for the farmers to come into town and hire them. They were needed and most of them were very good workers.

more than two days old (the eggs will displace liquid) and cover. Eggs preserved this way keep well and it is a money saver when winter comes. Having no welfare program or nursing homes in early years, Adams had this notice in a local paper. BIDS WANTED! Bids wanted for the keeping of one, John Doe, a pauper, his keep to be paid for by the month. Bids will be received at this office up to Sept. 19, 1913. Another notice (1929) stated that $45 would be paid a month, with funeral expenses not to exceed $40. NOTICE: Our town has been infested with a bootlegger who has worked his trade on a certain class of people. This town is supposed to have a village marshal and a county constable; WHY DON'T THEY ACT? When instead of running a criminal in and doing his sworn duty, a constable himself, runs about in a drunken condition, it is high time that some other kind of law enforcement be established and an officer who will do such things ought to be allowed to sober up in jail along with his drunken assistant. (1913) Olie Grove purchased a motorcycle of Indian make from Sver Wamben of Lankin (1913). Pete and Maye Hanson were given a lively chivari party in December, 1927, beginning with a fast sleigh ride behind a truck! The first child bom in Adams was Carl Thorvilson, son of John Thorvilson. Charley Erickson and Tilda Rudd were the first couple to be married in Adams; Tilda is still living. The residence of S. A. Lattin was the only residence that burned in early fires. Sons of Norway Lodge was organized in Adams in 1909 with 75 charter members. The first electric light plant west of Park River was installed in 1913. The census of Adams in 1905 was 380.

H. S. Koppang organized a Mandolin Club in 1906.

Concerning early traffic problems, an Adams editor offered this tribute: "Go Get 'Em, Chief" Our city marshal is enforcing the speed law. The Independent Newspaper is back of him for this, as there is a speed law abiding citizens try to obey, others should be forced to do so. There is no necessity for driving through the street at break-neck speed, turning corners on two wheels, sliding the rear wheels in order to get stopped, and then getting out and lighting a cigarette and looking up and down the street to find a good place to loaf for an hour or so. Go get 'em, Mr. Chief, we are with you!

Hens didn't seem to work in the winter months long ago, so people would preserve eggs for winter use. This was the recipe: Purchase from your druggist a quart of "quid glass, or about 3 lbs. in weight. Pour in a 10 gal. nf . ' S !- of water, add the liquid glass and stir. Drop in eggs as gathered - using only clean eggs, none

This is a prediction of the Standard in 1913. Here is the way papers will write up weddings ten years from now: The bride looked very well in a traveling suit, but all eyes were centered on the groom. He wore a dark suit that fitted his form perfectly, and in his gloved hand he

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carried a rose. His curly hair was beautifully done, and the delicate odor of hair oil of the best quality floated down the aisle as he passed. The young people will miss him now that he's married. He is loved by all for his many accomplishments, his tender grace and winning ways. The bride commands a good salary as bookkeeper and the groom will miss none of the luxuries to which he has become accustomed to. A crowd of pretty men saw him off at the depot. Mrs. Peter Flom, a pioneer, made her own soap as others did, and Mrs. Oscar Sunderland, her daughter, shares the recipe with the readers. Mrs. Sunderland, herself, makes this soap every spring and has sent bushels of it overseas to needy countries, throu^i the work of the Mountain Ladies' Aid. Homemade Laundry Soap (9 lbs. of soap) Clarify all fats by boiling in equal amounts of water. Remove from heat and let cool. Remove firm fat from the top. One can lye, 1 k pints cold water six lbs. of fat or tallow or combination of both. Method: Very slowly empty lye into cold water and stir gently until dissolved. Set aside and cool to lukewarm (note: never use glass, stoneware or aluminum utensils.) Melt fat to lukewarm, pour lye solution very slowly in a thin stream with even stirring into the melted fat (too fast stirring causes separation). Stir slowly for 15 to 20 minutes until thick like honey. Pour into wooden boxes lined with clean white cloth; cover well with an old blanket or rug and let stand for at least 24-30 hours before cutting into bars; Let air reach the bars for about two weeks at even temperature to age. Wrap each bar in Saran wrap and store. Mrs. Josie Sunderland x

He was born June 4, 1858, at Vestre Toten, Norway, and coming to America with his parents, in 1867, at the age of 9, to settle at Coon Rapid, Wise. They came to Walsh County in 1881 and settled on a homestead northwest of Edinburg. They also spent a few years at Wadena, Sask., Canada, and two years at Edmore before coming to Adams. He assisted in the building of the railroad northwest from Park River. Then he was manager and assistant of the McEwen and Dougherty Implement business at Edinburg prior to settling in Adams in 1910. The implement business in Adams was known as the Hans A. Anderson and Son business. After taking this business over from C. A. Jeglum Co. the Andersons added hardware, furniture, and an oil station to their new venture. In 1927 the son, P. M. Anderson purchased the business. Hans passed away April 5,1930, and is buried at the Kivle Cemetery northwest of Edinburg. Three children were bom to the Hans Andersons, Mrs. Hilda Guloin, Mrs. L. H. Haroldson (Sarah) and P. M. Anderson.

BIOGRAPHIES

Hans Anderson children: Martin, Nora, Hilda, and Sarah.

HANS ANDERSON

P. M. (MARTIN) ANDERSON

Mr. and Mrs. Hans Anderson, Hilda, Nora, and Martin. Coming to Adams in 1910 and building the single largest business venture in Adams, Hans Anderson deserves tribute as a pioneer who gave Adams its share of growth.

Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Anderson P. M. (Martin) Anderson settled in Adams in 1910 where he was in the hardware and farm machinery business with his father, Hans Anderson. He was in Adams until 1942 when he and his family moved to Klamath Falls, Ore. where he worked in the lumber mills until he retired in 1956. While he was in Adams he was in the undertaking

business, fire chief, county coroner and deputy county sheriff. He passed away in January of 1960. Anna E. Goranson settled in Adams in 1910 where she went to work in the bank. After her marriage to Martin in December of 1911 she helped in the hardware store until she took over the management of the telephone office. She held this job until Northwestern Bell went to the all dial system. While in Klamath Falls she was the head bookkeeper for a large lumber company. She passed away in January of 1954. There were four children born to this marriage: Jessie E . (Mrs. E . C. Lawrence), passed away March 1974; Carol M . , who now is head nurse for Weyerhaeuser Co. in Klamath Falls; Paul M., passed away January 1961; and Albert E., foreman for Weyerhaeuser Company in Klamath Falls.

Hamilton in St. Louis, Mo. has one son, Daniel. Mabel, Mrs. Calvin McCamy in Wappinger Falls, New York, has 3 children. DAN AND HILMA BERGSMAN

HAAKEN BELLERUD

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Bergsman Dan Bergsman came to Adams in 1894 as a carpenter, from Eksharad, Varmland, Sweden. The first year he farmed on the once Carl Hilde farm before moving into Adams and entering the business world. He built a hotel, pool hall and in 1909, the opera house, which cost $7,000. He was an aggressive business man, expanding his businesses to a restaurant, an implement shop and a clothier shop in partnership with Lundeen. In 1913 he married Hilma Berquist, who was also from Eksharad, Varmland, Sweden. One daughter, Devina, was bom to them. She lives in Grafton with her husband, WiUiam Felt, a former Adams resident. They have three children. He died at the age of 66 years from a paralytic stroke, May 5, 1928, and is buried in the Gustavus Adolphus Church Cemetery west of Adams. His wife, HUma, died in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1974.

Mr. and Mrs. Haaken Bellerud Haaken Bellerud, merchant in Adams in the early years, was born in Toten, Norway in Feb. 1889. He came to the U. S. Oct. 15, 1905, to Esmond, N. Dak. where his elder brother, Fred, had already established himself. During the summers he worked on farms and for his brother in the store during the winter. Later he went to work for his brother, Ole Bellerud, in a store in Nekoma. In 1916 he and his brother, Ole bought the general business store in Adams from L. J. Olson and in 1919 they bought the building south on the present day corner from Nels Koppang. This building had been a store operated in earlier years by Morrison Bros. & McKay, Axel Lundee, & Gorder. Haaken was married to Alice Nelson of Osnabrock, N. Dak. They had 2 daughters, Alta and Mabel. Mrs. Bellerud died when Mabel was born. Haaken married Lydia Anderson in 1925 and she died ai Tacoma, Wash., in 1959. During his years of living in Adams, he served as trustee on the village council and also for the Mountain Lutheran Church.

O. F. BOOKWALTER O. F. Bookwalter was bom in Minneapolis and became the superintendent of the commissary department of the Bismarck, Washburn and Great Falls Railway Co. before the Soo Line was buUt in Walsh County. He wanted to locate on the Soo Line, so he buUt a hotel in Adams in 1905. It wascaUed "Hotel Adams." Adams was a Soo division point several years and the hotel business was brisk. This hotel was a two story building, half a block long, with a 50 foot front and a full basement. It contained 35 rooms, and hot and cold running water, modern bathrooms, two large sample rooms and a large dining room. A restaurant was operated in connection with the hotel and located next to the depot platform. It was caUed the "Beanery." The hotel was destroyed by fire in 1913. After the fire,

In 1945 he sold the general store to Melvin Swenson and moved to Puyallup, Wash., where they lived until after Mrs. Bellerud's death. The past years he has made his home with two daughters. Alta, Mrs. Robert 805

Neither impassable roads, nor inclement weather, could deter this courageous and dedicated doctor from going to the people that needed him, and many are the people that owe their lives to this man. There are still memories of the long night vigils beside the bed of a sick child or mother, waiting for the crisis to pass. Rewards were not monetary, but rather a devotion to duty that must have been a part of that mysterious pioneer spirit.

Bookwalter resided in Minneapolis, returning to Adams in 1919 to again operate a modern hotel. This was located next to the Lofthus Brothers Hardware Store and Steen's Cafe. Bookwalter married Celia B. Blewitt in Minneapolis in 1907 and they had one child, Edwin. She died in 1927. In 1929 he married Mildred Rebin of Wausau, Wise. In 1940 ill fortune again struck at Bookwalter when his second hotel again burned. This time his wife went back into the burning building for some possessions and perished. The hotel, along with the Hardware Store and Steen's Cafe, also burned. This hotel was never rebuilt and Adams has never again had a hotel. 0. F. Bookwalter returned to Minneapolis.

HUGO V. ERICKSON Hugo V. Erickson was bom in Sweden and came to the United States with his parents at the age of six. He spent most of his life in the Adams community, except for a time in the service in World War I. He had received life membership in the QuaUy-Dvorak Legion of Adams. He served for a time as Adams policeman and also hauled mail on a rural route for some time. In 1940 he began working for Haakan Bellerud on the farm and later in the store. He continued working in the store after Melvin Swenson became owner and worked there until the time of his death in 1964. He never married.

CARL BERGSLAND

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bergsland Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bergsland built their home on the west edge of Adams in the early 1900's. Carl owned a candy store on the street west of the Security State Bank (now the Legion building). That street burned out. He also did mechanical work for surrounding farmers and operated the Nels Grovem threshing engine every fall. Mrs. Bergsland did a lot of sewing, was a Sunday School teacher for many years and also a 4-H Leader for a number of years. Their latter years were spent at the Borg Memorial Home at Mountain.

Hugo Erickson receiving Life Membership in the American Legion. CARL LEONARD ERICKSON FAMILY Carl Leonard Erickson, also known as C. L. or Char he Erickson, was born to Franz Edward and Anna Erickson in Norrkoping, Sweden. He emigrated to the United States as a young man. He worked on the Iron Range in Minnesota before coming to Adams in 1905. The town was just beginning. Charlie was a stone mason, he he helped build the foundations for Scandia-American and Security State Banks, the church and the first school, several houses and later the foundations and the chimney for the Adams Opera House. The rocks used for the first foundations were hauled to town by the area farmers, from whom they were purchased, by wagons and horse teams. Lots of these rocks were large and had to be cut by the masons to fit their work.

DR. OSCAR C. DIXON Dr. Oscar C. Dixon, beloved country doctor of the Adams-Fairdale area, died and 1,000 people gathered at the Mountain Lutheran Church to mourn his passing and pay their respects. Eulogies were delivered by E . B. Wollan and George Berntson and special music furnished by Mrs. Hatlem, Mrs. Paul Skarstad, Helen Barstad and Mrs. Frank Lovestrom. He was born Feb. 22, 1867, at Niles, Mich., and graduated in 1904 from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His early practice included four years at Utah and Oregon. In 1917 he came to Fairdale and remained for ten years, but serving this entire area. In 1927 he established his business office at Adams, until his death. He married Julia Post at Michigan in 1902. She passed away in 1933. Two children, a son James, and a daughter, Mrs. C. A. Watkins of Los Angeles, Calif., were born to them, and Harold Hoagland, Adams, was an adopted son.

Charlie met his wife, Tilda Amelia Rudd, in Adams where she and her sister owned and operated an eating place. Tilda is the daughter of the late Iver and Anna Rudd who farmed in Vesta Township. She was born Nov. 19,1882, in the rural Grafton area. Charlie and Tilda were married March 23,1906, in the city of Grand Forks. They were the first young couple from the Adams community to be married. The townspeople gave them a round oak 806

table and oak dresser as a wedding gift. They moved into a small frame house situated on Lot 6, Block 9, where they spent their entire married life. All their nine children were born here. They are Leonard, Anna, Edwin, Olai, Mamford, Glenn, Charlotte, Violet and Delayne. Charlie Erickson was village marshal for several years. He died Dec. 14, 1947. Tilda Erickson is presently residing at the Lutheran Sunset Home, Grafton.

One of the winter jobs of those early years was hauling ice from the dam east of Adams. The ice was cut into large chunks by hand, a lot of it was cut by Bert Ovnand. Ice was also loaded and shipped by train to different towns around this area and put into different ice houses here in town, the meat markets, confectionery stores, etc. The ice was packed in saw dust and it kept the ice real well, even in the summer. Here one could get ice to make your own ice cream which was a real treat.

GUTTORM GARNAAS Guttorm Garnaas was bom March 1, 1848, and died April 13, 1922. Joron 0. Garnaas was bom May 11, 1858, and died May 15, 1922. Betsy Garnaas was born May 12, 1882 and died in 1901. Jorgine Hansine Garnaas was born April 13, 1891, and died Feb. 14, 1956. Mrs. Mary Berg (Helen Murrie Anderson) was born Feb. 20, 1860, and died March 3,1924. Ole Jorgen Garnaas was born May 1, and died Dec. 18, 1953. Caroline Berg Garnaas was born Dec. 6, 1889, and died Dec. 15, 1971. Gilman Millard Garnaas was born Oct. 30, 1915. He is now living in Lakewood, Calif. Harold Leveme Gamaas was born May 27,1921, and is now living in Park River. Guttorm Garnaas used to walk to Grafton for groceries and at that time the Indians were still a little on the warpath. He never was hurt, but when it would take longer than expected, Grandma would worry.

BiH Geary moving a building.

WILLIAM AND ELLA GEARY I was bom in Bellville, Ont., Aug. 22,1881. My mother died when I was six years old and when I was ten I came to Minneapolis with my father, who, a butcher by trade, looked for work. He did not find work, so went back to Canada, but put me on a train to Cavalier to live with my aunt and uncle. I was put on the train with a note inside my jacket telling where I was to live. My aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. John Conmee, lived near Hensel. There, I remember, I rode an ox ahead of three horses to take the side draft off the binder because the binder wanted to go sideways. When anything went wrong and they needed repairs, they sent me home to get it by riding the ox.

Then I also moved buildings around the area. In the town of Adams alone I have moved twenty-three buildings. I also tried my hand at farming and at one time had cows and delivered milk from door to door in Adams. This was when we delivered milk in glass bottles and cooled the milk by having the big milk can in a tank where the wind mill pumped the water into this tank and from there ran into the trough that watered the livestock. This really kept the milk cool. Life also has its tragedies. One of mine was losing a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Richard (Francis) Geary, and my one year old grandson, Michael, in a tragic accident. They were found asphyxiated in their trailer home at Forest River in 1940. My son, Richard, was away doing construction work. Richard passed away on Oct. 8, 1971. My other son was a businessman in Adams for many years and also a trucker and construction worker. He passed away in March of 1959 at the age of 55. My wife passed away on March 8, 1955, and is buried in the Odalen Cemetery in the Edinburg area with the rest of her family.

I've always been a lover of horses and as a very young boy worked in livery stables and drove livery or transportation for traveling men, or who ever needed to hire a rig to go from town to town. In Edinburg, I met my future wife, Ella Peterson, who with her sister, Ruby, operated a cafe. We came to Adams in 1905 and have been in this area ever since. My daughter, Mrs. Ruby Olson, and I live in the same house that was built for us then, by my fatherin-law, John Peterson. We had three children, daughter, Ruby, and sons, Harry (who was married to Ebba Bowman), and Richard (who was married to Francis Shoenig and later to Francis Cochayne). Both of my sons are deceased.

Surviving besides my daughter Ruby and her children: Donald Olson of Long Beach, Calif.; and Mrs. Don (Maureen) Conant of Cupertino, Calif., are Harry's children. Mrs. Glenn (Doris) Erickson of Adams, Mrs. William (Patricia) Ferber of Grand Forks; Don of Portland, Ore., and Lt. Comm. William J. Geary of Memphis, Tenn.

Years ago I hauled cattle with horses from many of the farms around here. I hauled for the cattle buyer, Ted Thorson. We had what they called stockyards here in Adams by the railroad tracks. Here the cattle were put into pens and then loaded into open box cars and shipped to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. In later years I hauled cattle by semi-truck to Fargo and brought back other supplies.

I have worked hard, but North Dakota has been good to me. I will be 94 on my next birthday and am still taking walks when the weather permits, and also go to our Senior Citizens Center. Submitted by Ruby Olson, as told to her by her father at the age of 94. 807

JOHN T. GILBERTSON John T. Gilbertson was born at Spring Grove, Minn. Feb. 10, 1878. Mrs. Gilbertson (nee Alvilda Nilson) was born in Trondjem, a fjord off the coast of Norway, Feb. 2, 1878. She came to the U. S. on a small boat at the age of fifteen, taking six weeks for the crossing. She worked in Grand Forks before her marriage for a Jacobi family, who was in the banking business. John and Alvilda were married Dec. 16, 1903, at Plummer, Minn., by Rev. 0. Kolstoe.

PAUL GRONVOLD—OLGA OLSON

They moved to North Dakota shortly afterwards, making their first home on the Pete Kenney farm east of Adams (formerly Sarles) where their first son, Herbert, was born. Later they moved into Adams where their daughter, Florence, and another son, Clifford, were born. John was a self-employed mechanic, at first, in a metal building off Main Street just back of what is now Glen Erickson's place of business. The 490 Chevrolet, a 1919 model, was one of his first autos handled. He had entered into the custom threshing business about 1905 or 1906, threshing with a steamer firing both straw and coal. For a time he was in partnership with Joe Charon, who farmed east of Adams.

Paul and Olga Gronvold, Hans, Karen and Anna. Paul Gronvold was born November 27, 1871, at Bergen, Norway. His education was acquired there and he was a registered pharmacist before leaving his native land. In 1905 he decided to try a new world and came to Chicago, Illinois, where he studied the American language before entering the business world. When fortified with the necessary knowledge of English he came to Lankin, and shortly thereafter came to Adams, where he operated a Drug Store until in 1930 when he purchased the John Hamre Drug Store at Park River. Mr. Gronvold was always ready to serve the people of Adams, not only as a pharmacist, but also administered to the sick when a doctor was not available. He helped organize the first Adams bank and also helped organize the commercial club to promote the Adams community. He served on the school and vdlage boards in various official capacities. Paul held membership as a shriner at Grand Forks, a Mason at Park River, and Grafton, a member of A. O. U . W., and the Elks fraternal organization. He was also active in church work. Mr. Gronvold was married to Olga Olson, Kristiania, Norway, in Norway, in 1902. She was born in 1882. To this union was born one son, Hans, and two daughters, Karer and Anna.

In 1918 he purchased a new 30-60 h.p. Aultman-Taylor tractor and a 42-46 inch Aultman-Taylor wood separator. He then built a 24 ft. cook-car on wheels in which to feed the threshing crew of ten teamsters, two spike pitchers, five field pitchers, a separator oiler, a clean-up man, himself, and a "flunky", who at first was son, Herbert, and later, Clifford. T.hey also ran the tractor when the "Boss" wasn't around or when he was busy hunting grouse or prairie chickens. For several years, John threshed with a Buffalo Pitts steam rig, and Herbert ran the gas Aultman-Taylor outfit. In 1918 they ran through 81,000 bushels of grain in 30 days. The tractor used 60 to 70 gallons of gas and from 3 to 4% gallons of oil per day. This three-piece threshing unit at that time cost a total of $11,000, and with it John did custom threshing in the Adams area until 1940 or 1941. By that time combines had made their appearance and took over most of the grain threshing. When John wasn't threshing, he did custom painting up to the time he wasn't physically able to handle ladders.

His son, Hans, was married to Nellie Shultz November 19, 1927, at Fargo. She passed away July 12, 1928, at the early age of 21 years. Later he was married to Edith Hallan, Fargo. Hans passed away in 1945 and Mrs. Edith Gronvold resides at Lamita, California. Karen married Charley Rice and they were in business for several years at Adams before moving to Vallejo, Calif. They have three children, Mrs. Alfred (Virginia) Newman and Charles of Vallejo, Calif., and Mrs. Don (Karen) Whitmire, Redding, Calif.

Mrs. Gilbertson was very involved in the Mountain Lutheran Church choir and Ladies Aid. Up to age 65 she always furnished her share of lefse for the annual lutefisk suppers put on by the Aid. For her personal enjoyment she became very proficient on the guitar. Crocheting, tatting and knitting took up some of her time, and quilting parties were a regular event she enjoyed.

Anna (Mrs. O. M. Overbye) resides at Park River. Her husband is deceased. Karen has also passed away. The Gronvold's still have many relatives living in Oslo, Norway, including Mrs. Gronvold's sister; a niece and nephew of Paul Gronvold, Lila Aars, and Arne Klem. When members of the Gronvold family visited in Norway, they saw Paul's first drug store (apothecary, as it was called) with his name still there!

She and John spent their last few years at the Borg Memorial Home in Mountain, where she passed away at the age of 80. John was then moved to Grafton for a time where he resided at the Norman Home, and was one of the first residents of the Sunset Home when it was opened. Bedridden for almost eleven years, he passed away there at the age of ninety. 808

Paul Gronvold passed away in 1932 and his wife Mary, in 1919. They are buried in the Adams west cemetery. PETE HANSON

Pete and Agnes (O'Brien) Hanson Pete Hanson was born on a farm near Waukon, Ia., Oct. 4, 1879. He started working in the summers at the age of seven, herding cattle for a neighbor. Then at the age of fourteen, he left home to work for his sister and brother-in-law until he reached the age of 23. He recalls that he started out with a salary of seven dollars a month and when he left there at the age of 23, he was earning $23 a month. In 1903, Pete married Agnes O'Brien and with his bride and her family the Pat O'Briens traveled to North Dakota by train. There were 23 in the party. Because of many in the group and cost of train fare, they purchased half-fare tickets for two of Agnes' sisters who were almost as old as she was. Pete recalls with a smile, how he and his wife would hold these two big sisters on their laps each time the conductor came by.

In 1913, after ten years of marriage, at the age of thirty, Agnes and a three month old daughter, Catherine, passed away on the same day, just three hours apart. Pete's mother from Iowa came and spent the summer with the family. Grandpa and Grandma O'Brien took Lucille, the youngest one, to make her home with them. Pete tried housekeepers, the convent in Devils Lake, and finally relatives in Park River took the children except for Ruth, who was brought to Adams and lived with the Oscar Lundquists. In 1914, Pete sold his drayline to Edwin Qually and in 1915 he bought into the hardware and implement business owned by the Lofthus Brothers. He bought out Johanus Lofthus and became a business associate of Christ Lofthus. He had saved money from the drayline and purchased a quarter of land which Ole Mysen farmed for him. With this quarter and another quarter he had purchased, he paid Johanus for his share of the business. Pete and Christ were in business together until 1933. During this time, Pete sold many makes of cars. He remembers that in 1917, he sold 76 cars. These cars were handled through Bert Stary, Conway. Pete would take horses as trade-ins on the cars, which in turn he would sell back to Bert Stary, who sold them to the United States Army. Dec. 1, 1927, Pete married May Pederson. In 1933, Mike Bateman and Oscar Lundquist bought into the hardware and implement business when Christ Lofthus sold out. Mike was a partner for four years and then sold out. At this time, Pete bought out Oscar Lundquist. Pete and May continued to run the business. In 1939, the hardware store, along with Steen's Cafe and Bookwaiter's Hotel, burned. Pete had just the implement business rebuilt in 1941. During the rebuilding period, he used the old Sandstrom Building to carry on his implement business. Pete and May continued on in business until the spring of 1946 when they sold out to Orville Hagen. In the f all of 1949, Pete and May built a home for their retirement in Park River, where they are still residing. On Oct. 4,1974, Pete celebrated his 95th birthday.

Park River was the home of Pete and Agnes for two years. While there, Pete worked in a livery barn for his brother-in-law, Frank Leonard's father. He then worked on the dray for George Gates. During this time, their first child was bom, a girl, Eulalia. During the time he worked on the dray, he hauled freight to what would become the town of Adams. In the fall of 1905, Pete and his little family moved to Adams. Because Adams was just being built, there were no houses. Thiy lived in a cook car that first winter. In the spring they built the basic part of the house that is now the home of Melvin Swenson. With $475 Pete bought a bay and gray team of horses, harness and wagon, and started his own drayline in Adams. The Mountain Lutheran Church's records show that Pete hauled the lumber when they built the church in 1908. He charged twenty-five cents for some of the loads and seventy-five cents for some. Louis Larson was working for him at this time. Pete also had the bulk oil business for two years. During this time, Pete was marshal for seven years. Four more girls, Maud, Ruth, Lucille and Catherine, and one son, John, were bom into the Hanson family.

Pete Hanson on his 95th birthday. Pete's children include: Eulalia (Mrs. Clinton Johnson), resides in Duluth, Minn., her husband and son, Wayne, are deceased; Son John (Jack) resides in Springfield, 111.; Maud (Mrs. Norman McPherson) resides in Park River, has three children, James of Williston, Shirley (Mrs. Charles Lindell), Park River, and Delores (Mrs. Art Tallackson, Jr.,) of Grafton. Daughter Ruth (Mrs. James Skyrud) resides in Adams, has four children, Jerome of Baltimore, Md., Mrs. Marge Koch of Phoenix, Ariz., Joy (Mrs. David Nordlie),

C. A. Jeglum came from Rudd, Ia., as a young man right out of school, about 1898, and taught in a rural school in Vesta Township. He was a son of Ole Jeglum. He married Josephine Thompson of Vesta in 1901. Then he and C. D. Lord of Park River went into partnership and purchased the bank at Edinburg. When the town of Adams was started in 1905, he founded the Scandia-American Bank. They resided here until 1914 when they moved to California.

Bemidji, Minn., and Connie (Mrs. Fred Bischke) Fridley, Minn. Daughter Lucille (Mrs. Joseph Lykken) resides in Edinburg, her husband is deceased. She has one daughter, Carol (Mrs. Richard Skjerven), Los Gatos, Calif. OLIVER HANSON Oliver Hanson was born in Oslo, Norway, Sept. 22, 1874. He married Mina Amelia Anderson, born in Ness, Norway, Sept. 21, 1876. When he lived in Norway he was a mail carrier, taking the mail from docks and railroad station to the post office. They had three children, Helge, born in 1899; Oisten, born in 1901; and Eva, born in 1909, all were born in Norway. The family came to America in 1912, landing in Boston and traveling by train to Adams. Oliver spent his first years in North Dakota working on farms. He also worked for the Soo Line Railroad. He was janitor of the Adams School for several years. He returned to his job on the Soo Line section crew. Oliver died in 1938 and Mina in 1950. Helge worked on farms and on the section before starting blacksmithing, which he did for 48 years until his retirement six years ago in 1968. Oisten was an airplane pilot and operated a training school for pilots at Davenport, Ia. Upon his retirement, he bought a summer resort at Lake Park, Minn., where he now lives. Eva trained as a nurse at Midway Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. She worked at the Langdon hospital for many years before moving to Phoenix, Ariz., because of her husband's (Earl Schmikle) ill health. She is now living in Kimberly, Ida.

CLARENCE AND WINIFRED JEGLUM Clarence Jeglum, born in 1885 at Rudd, Ia., came to North Dakota when he was 19. He worked at a bank in Knox and from there he went to Michigan, N. D., and worked in a bank. Here, he met Winifred Fowler and they were married in 1911. They moved to Edinburg, where he was also employed in a bank before coming to Adams in 1914 to work at the Scandia-American Bank, and continued there for 20 years. In later years, he owned and operated the Gambles Store in Adams until 1943 when they retired to Long Beach, Calif. They also had a grocery store. Mrs. Winifred Jeglum, who still resides at Long Beach, Calif., remembers their first car, aModel T. Ford purchased in 1913. She recalls Clarence accompanying Dan Bergsman and C. D. Lord to Grand Forks to bring home this car. Clarence had never driven a car before and didn't know a thing about it. Coming home, Bergsman and C. A. kept a close watch on the fledgling driver. They stayed together until they came to a trail north of Edinburg where Clarence took off, solo, and bumped along over ruts and around sloughs until he made it to Adams. The roads then were certainly not made for cars. Clarence was active in civic affairs and also in the Mountain Lutheran Church of which he was a treasurer for many years. His wife, Winifred, was an active worker in the church and community, helping her husband in the store. She also operated a beauty shop in her home in Adams, which was located at the present residence of George Kosobud. Clarence passed away June 9, 1967, at Long Beach, Calif., and Mrs. Jeglum still resides at their home in Long Beach. Their children were: Mrs. Juel (Ruth) Bjorg, Mrs. Edith Tande and Kenneth, all residing in California.

OLE T. AND ISABELLE JEGLUM Ole Jeglum was bom in Norway and came to Wisconsin, met Isabell there (she was bom of Norwegian heritage). They married and settled in Iowa in the 1870's. Ole was a teacher-farmer and instrumental in the development of a seminary at St. Ansgar, Ia. They raised a family of six children, of whom four sons and a daughter moved to the area of Park River, Edinburg, Adams and Fairdale in the early 1900's. The elder son, Albert, established banks at the four towns mentioned, helping greatly to establish a permanent economy for the early settlers. A son, Henry Otis, settled at Fairdale.

CHARLES KEILLOR Charles Keillor was born Sept. 2, 1890, in Chase, Mich., son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Keillor. They later moved to Hope. In January, 1915, he married Gertie Lykken, daughter of Hans and Kari Lykken. She was born in Silvesta Township on Sept. 22,1894. They lived in Alamo in 1916 where they had a meat market that furnished meat to camps for the railroad that was being built from Wildrose to Grenora. Later they hved in Bowdoin, Mont., where Charles worked as a machinist during World War I.

C. A. AND JOSEPHINE JEGLUM

Mr. and Mrs. C. A.

In 1919 they moved to Adams where he purchased a meat market on the east side of the street. In 1922, he moved a building known as a potato house to the comer street (Glenn's Bar now). He remodeled and put in

Jeglum 810

groceries, meats and a cafe and called it Keillor's Kozy Korner. Charlie was known as an avid wrestler, beginning the profession when he was about 19 years old. He held the Middle Weight Championship in North and South Dakota for several years. On the 4th of July he would wrestle other fellows from the Adams and Lankin area in Park River as part of their celebration. Some of the other fellows were Carl Bjorlein, George Lofthus and Frank Hosna from Adams. He later purchased a hardware store which was managed by P. M. Anderson. In 1932 he built an oil station and sold Chevrolet cars and Allis Chalmers tractors and later the Minneapolis Moline line of machinery. He had the first Allis Chalmers combine. He built a self-propelled grain swather in 1947, which he used on the farm land right north of Adams village. He continued to farm for several years. In 1944 they made their first trip west to Washington to stay for the winter. Each spring they returned to do his farm work again. In 1956 he sold his garage and service station business to Myrlin Troftgruben. After 12 years of spending the winters in Washington and corning back to Adams in the spring, he decided he would sell his land and property and make his home in Washington where he hved until he passed away Feb. 19, 1973, at Paulsbo, Wash., and is buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bremerton, Wash. One son, Conrad, was bom to them and now resides in Los Angeles. He married Doris Hagen of Adams and they have three children, Kay, David and Keith. Gertie resides in Paulsbo, Wash., and is very active in clubs, garden guilds and Senior Citizen groups. Submitted by Mrs. Harvey Lykken.

twin daughters, Oline and Kristine, were bom June 26 1886. From here, they moved to Fairdale, where they homesteaded and later moved closer to Adams. They continued to farm besides doing other jobs such as masonry work, carpentry, building bridges and other odd jobs. Here, they lived in a sod house. They had oxen and horses as their means of putting in the crops and transportation. Knute's wife, Ingeborg, was kept busy spinning wool and knitting garments for her family and many friends. Many were the times she served as midwife. Two girls were born to them while living here. Mina was born Jan. 9, 1890, and Hilda was bom Sept. 27, 1897. In the fall of 1909, the family moved into Adams to make their home. Ingeborg passed away Nov. 23,1942. She was almost 90 years old. Knute passed away Nov. 20, 1944, at the home of his daughter, Hilda (Mrs. Alfred Nelson), Fordville.

Mr. and Mrs. Knute Lerohl

Mr. and Mrs. Charley Keillor KNUTE LEROHL Knute Lerohl was born April 24, 1858, at Vang Valdres, Norway. At the age of 23, he married Ingeborg Alton. She, too, was from Vang Valdres, Norway, born Dec. 4, 1852. A daughter, Ragnild, was born to them while living in Norway, Feb. 20,1881. The year 1883 found them emigrating to the United States. They went to Minnesota and settled near Sacred Heart. There, they hved in a log house for five years. While living there, a son, Ole, was born May 14,1884, and

FRANK LOVESTROM My father was born in St. Ansgar, la., on Aug. 19, 1884, and died here in Midland on the same birthdate in 1967. He came from a family of six; four brothers and two sisters and was the last survivor. He spent his early Ufe in St. Ansgar and completed a business course at Upper Iowa University, after which he worked in a bank and finally turned to newspaper work. He was a classmate of Clarence Jeglum of Adams. After wc-king short periods of time at Albert Lea and Emmons, Minn., he came to Park River to work on a paper owned by BUI Young. It was here that he met my mother, Minnie GuUickson, who was working at Walstrom's General Store at the time. In 1912 he came to Adams and went into the newspaper business for himself as the proprietor of the "Adams Standard." My mother was bom Nov. 8,1888, in Park River. Her parents were Ole and Sarah GuUickson, who farmed between Park River and Lankin for many years. She graduated from high school in Park River and came from a family of 11. She passed away in Midland, also in 1970. The newspaper was located in the same buUding as the post office near the Liberty Theatre or Adams HaU and business was very good as the town was really booming. There were businesses on both sides of the street (north to south) down to the depot and also up west

I can remember many severe winters and extremely hot summers years ago. One time my uncle came to visit us from Park River and since all roads were blocked all winter long, he came by train. We had a snowstorm and he was snowbound for three extra days, since not even the plow could get through the 15-20 foot drifts. Often the banks were as high as the house. The summers were so hot at times that it was impossible to sleep at night. I believe the weather has moderated a lot in the last 30-40 years. In spite of it all, everyone in the family seemed to be in good health. I remember my dad being home from work only once with pleurisy in the 40 years he hved in Adams. Submitted by Earl Lovestrom, son.

past the Livery Stable, run by Art Lattin. We had two banks, two hotels, drug store, doctor and if the Fire Department had been just a little more efficient, the town would be twice as large today probably. The newspaper business did so well that my father started papers in Fairdale and Nekoma also and kept three going for a number of years. We lived about a block from the school and I remember a wheat field, owned by Jake Payer, that came right under my bedroom window. After a few years, we bought three lots north of us and landscaped the area. There wasn't too much in the way of recreation, but 1 remember my dad liked to bowl in the old Dan Bergsman Hotel, where the alleys were operated by Ed Thompson at that time. The favorite card game was "rummy" and "whist" was reserved for dinner parties, which were more frequent in the winter months. Our immediate neighbors were John Gilbertsons, Manne Westbergs, Oscar Lundquists, Haaken Belleruds and Martin Andersons. After the round house was moved and fire had taken its toll, the paper business became more precarious and my dad sold out. He succeeded in getting the post office position, located in the front of the same building. Myron Bateman, who had the Ford Garage later in Park River, was his first mail carrier. There was also quite an interest in civic affairs and I remember my dad was clerk on the town board for many years. He seemed to think he should be the only one for the job and one year the board decided to give him a break and ask someone else. Bjarne Hjelmstad told me this a few years ago, and said dad was really offended when he could not get his old job he apparently liked so well. One special enjoyment of our family was to drive about the country and look over the crops. One special time was threshing. John Gilbertson owned the largest set-up, and we used to watch by the hour. He never drove far from home and our four cylinder Dodge had only 27,000 miles on it in 17 years. The roads were very poor to begin with, and it was quite a trip to go to Park River and back! We used a road that went through the woods quite a ways north of Highway 17. Another pleasant pastime was visiting with the Rosendahl Brothers, August and Andrew, when the old garage was in existence near the church. They were all diehard Republicans and liked to talk politics by the hour. My mother was very active in Sunday School work and served as superintendent for 25 years. She was also on the school board for a number of years and served with Ole Lofthus, Jennie Hagen and Mrs. Paul Skarstad. She worked for a number of years in the printing office and also in the post office, so she was always very busy. She also belonged to a number of other organizations; among them the Legion Auxiliary and the church choir. She and her girlfriends had lots of fun picking potatoes for the farmers and especially enjoyed working for Henry Lundene. They played many pranks on each other and especially liked passing the "rubber doughnut" around with the white powdered sugar on it. She found time for other activities such as music (piano), sewing, cooking and gardening. She raised quite a variety of house plants up until the time she passed away. We raised a lot of vegetables every year and canned a large portion of it, together with lots of sauce. During her last years, she was in demand as a babysitter here in Midland since she got along with the children very well.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lovestrom OLE ANDERSON MYSEN Ole Anderson Mysen was bom in Smaalene, Norway, on April 5,1865. His mother died when he was a little boy. He left home at an early age. Ole married Gunda Larsdatter Ruud. She was born Nov. 14,1873, to Lars and Gunnar Ruud of Hedemarken Norway. Four girls were bom to them while living in Norway, Gyda, Lydia and Esther (twins) and Oline. Relatives living in America had written several letters to Ole and Gunda, encouraging them to come to North Dakota and make a new home for their family. This sounded good to them except for the little girl, Gyda. She hated the thought of leaving her friends in Norway. But Ole and Gunda were two young and ambitions people and were anxious to venture into this new land. It was in the late fall of 1902 that they left their homeland of Norway for America in a boat. After landing, they took a train to Edinburg. There, Simon Burke, a cousin of Gunda, met them at the depot. He took them to his home in a lumber wagon and horses. It was a cold December ride as they sat in the wagon box on their trunks. They stayed at Burke's the first night. The next day they moved to a house on a hill. It was a cold wood frame house with one board wall and two by fours. At night, frost would form on the quilts from their breath. They were lucky that Gunda had so many good woolen quilts along. They hadn't hved here too long before the baby, Oline, contracted scarlet fever. She died on her oldest sister's birthday, Dec. 28, 1902. During the years they hved in this area, Ole kept himself busy doing masonry work and helping neighbors with their farm work. Oscar, their oldest boy, was born here. Later, they moved to a farm in Adams Township which they rented from Pete Hanson. It was on this farm that Ole experienced a tragic event. Ole and his oldest 812

son, Oscar, were plowing. Oscar plowed with three horses, while his father, Ole, had either four or five horses on his rig. They were aware of a well that had been dug in this area, so Ole didn't want his son, Oscar, to plow near it. Whathe didn't know or realize, was that the well had caved in and before he knew it, two of his horses fell into a big hole. He hurriedly unhooked the other horses. He tried to pull up the horses from the hole, but there was little he could do. It wasn't long before several neighbors were there to help. The horse on top had a broken neck and died. They had to shoot the one below. It was a sad experience for Ole. His horses were his pride and joy. It was indeed a big loss to lose two of his finest horses in such a tragic incident. Besides farming, Ole continued with his masonry work. Some of these stone cellars are still in use. Four children were born to them here, Alfred, Carl, Olga and Leonard. The children attended the Fairview country school. While living here, the family belonged to the Vang Lutheran Church. The three oldest girls were confirmed there. Ole and Gunda moved with their family to Adams in the spring of 1919. Ole was janitor of the Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams for many years. At that time, churches were heated with coal and wood. During cold winter days, it took a long time to get the building warm. Water was carried in pails from the city well when the women met for their Ladies' Aid meetings or did any other kind of serving. Ole suffered from rheumatism for many years. At the age of 28, he walked with crutches. He passed away in 1948. His wife, Gunda, passed away in November, 1944.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole (Anderson) Mysen OLE AND GUNDA ANDERSON MYSEN FAMILY Gyda'was bom Dec. 28, 1895, in Norway. She was seven years old when she came to America with her parents, Ole and Gunda Anderson Mysen. She graduated from 8th grade at the Fairview Country School with honors. They had graduation exercises with County Superintendent B. B. Wells as speaker. Others in this class were Irene Gehrke and Bertha Boman. Gyda attended the Walsh County Agricultural School, graduating in the year of 1918. She taught school for four years. Gyda married Peter Linstad on Dec. 15,1922. Three children were born to this union, Orville, Gerald and Pearl. Orville passed away at an early age, three years old, from aftereffects of scarlet fever. He died March 16, 1927. Gerald grew to manhood and took over the Linstad

farm after his father's death. He served in the armed forces during World War n, spending two years in Germany. He married Florence Drevecky and they have one son, David Eugene. Both Gerald and Pearl attended the country school and graduated from the Adams High School. Pearl worked as a telephone operator in Grafton. She married Norman Peterson. They moved to Spokane, Wash., where he has been employed with Case Implement Co. He has been manager for many years. Three children were bom to this union, Gary, Jodi Ann and Mark. Gary is attending college at Pullman, Wash. Twin girls, Esther and Lydia, were born June 18, 1898, in Norway to Ole and Gunda Anderson Mysen. They were identical twins and enjoyed fooling people as to their identity. They even exchanged boyfriends for the evening to see if they could "catch on." Esther married George Anderson. He was a farmer and carpenter. They had six children, Harold, Mildred, Ellsworth, Myron, Clayton and Ronald. Esther died in 1972. Lydia married Haakon Bellerud, a merchant of the gerneral merchandise store in Adams. He had two girls from a previous marriage, Alta and Mabel They were like Lydia's own daughters. When Haakon retired, they sold their store to Melvin Swenson and moved to Tacoma, Wash., where they hved until Lydia's death in 1959. Haakon is now making his home with the girls. Oscar, the oldest son of Ole and Gunda Anderson Mysen, was born near Edinburg on Feb. 19, 1903. He grew to manhood in the Adams area. He worked for Ford Manufacturing Co. for many years. He was married to Fem Tompkins in Kingsford, Mich. They had five children, two deceased, and Carl, Claude and Glada. There are several grandchildren. Alfred was born Sept. 6,1906, in Adams Township. He was in the service during World War H and was stationed at Panama. Prior to that, he and his brother, Carl, worked on the Haakon Bellerud farm. He married Helja Thackle from Crystal Fads, Mich. Olga was born Feb. 19,1908, in Adams Township. As a young girl, she worked at the Edmore Telephone Office. She married Manley Rodgers. They live in Devils Lake. They have two children, Joan and Aden. There are five grandchddren. Carl was bom Feb. 21,1910, in Adams Township. He, along with his brother, Alfred, worked on the Bederud farm prior to him entering service in World Warfit.He was stationed in Germany. He married Mddred McLean. They have two children, Charles and Mary Catherine. Leonard was born Aprd 1, 1915. He worked in the Bederud General Merchandise Store for several years before entering service in World War H. He married Muriel Markholdt. They hved in Grand Forks where he operated a shoe store. They had three girls, Marilyn, Linda and Nancy. There are two grandchddren. Leonard passed away from a heart attack on Jan. 18,1973. HANS NELSON Hans Nelson was born in Norway about 1867. He was the only one in his family but had three half sisters and two half brothers by the name of Iverson. He came to the Mandt area as a pioneer. He married Caroline Johnson, a neighbor girl. Children born to them were: Older, Amanda, Emma, Alfred, Fred, Annie, Ella and Clarence. Chddren of Amanda and John Clemens were:

born September 11, 1928. She married Clifford Askim on June 19, 1949. They had two daughters, Laverne Doris and Corrine Dianne. Corrine is married to Curtiss Berg. Both Thomas and Inga passed away in the fall of 1955.

Milan, Lavina, Gladys, Arnold, Norman, Bernice, Ernest and Gilman. Emma and William Norton's children were: Eugene and Margaret. Eloise, Donna and Ardis, were children of Alfred and Hilda Nelson. Children of Fred and his wife were: Donna, Harold "Pee Wee", and Carol (Cotton). Annie and Sam Hatlestad's children were: Russell, Ferd (Corky), Lillian, Edmund and Donald. Children of Clarence and Christina Nelson was Deloris. Hans came to Adams on a bicycle in 1905 and worked on the railroad laying the first tracks. His family came to Adams in 1906. They operated a cafe in Fordville and had to quit because they couldn't get white flour or sugar. Then they operated a cafe in Adams in the present Credit Union building but was located on the east side of the street acros from the lumber yard. All this time Hans was working on the railroad. The family lived in a house in the northwest end of town, close to where Clarence Nelson now lives. Hans was a strong man and often carried a 100 lb. sack of flour on his shoulder from Heen's store and to his house. Two of his grandsons, Arnold and Milan Clemens were trying to get a jack under their Model T car, so they could change a tire, but couldn't, so Grandpa Nelson (about 70 years old), reached down and lifted the front end of the car off the ground while the boys slipped the jack in place. He spent his last years living with his daughter, Amanda, north of Adams. He died April 10, 1945.

ELINA GROVE NORBYE

Emil and Elina Norby's wedding. Left to right: Ellef Lofthus, Annie Grove, Eric Bjorg, Martha Norby.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ness

Elina was born May 9, 1882, to Erick and Christina Grove, near Larimore. She moved with her parents, brothers and sisters to Adams Township where she grew up to womanhood. She was confirmed in the first confirmation class of the Mountain Lutheran congregation on August 2, 1896. Elina married Emil Norby on April 2,1902. He was a mail carrier and butcher in Adams for many years. Five children were born to this union. Clarence was born January 20, 1903 (deceased). Melvin was born March 23,1905. He is now living in Spokane, Wash., and is involved in real estate and construction work. He married Geneva Moe of Overly, North Dakota. They have three children: James, Patricia and Mary Lou. All are married. Elmo was born June 12, 1909 (deceased). Earl was born December 6,1911. He served in the Armed Forces during World War II. He married Margaret Gillen. They live in Rochester, New York, where he is employed with the Rochester Telephone Company. Leona, the only daughter of Elina and Emil Nordbye, was born Aug. 7, 1914. She married Palmer Boe and they live on a farm in Adams Township. They have three children: Leah Rae, Nancy and Paul. Leah Rae is married to Don Mclntyre. They have two boys, James and Cory. Nancy is married to Douglas Eiken. They have a girl, Stephanie, and a boy, Timothy. Elina passed away in May of 1962.

Thomas Alfred Ness, the only boy in the Ness family, was born June 12, 1885, at Abercrombie, North Dakota. At the age of fourteen, Thomas left home to pursue a job. He was especially interested in mechanics and secured employment readily. At one time he built a two-foot long replica of a steam engine that worked like the originals. Many falls, Thomas would be taking charge of both the engine and separator of some large steam rig. It was on one of these jobs that he met Inga Linstad, who cooked in the "cookcar". This had been her life for several falls. Thomas and Inga were married November 23, 1926. They made their home in Adams. Thomas was a great musician aid would often times play the violin at dances. Thomas and Inga had one child, Gwendolyn Virginia,

The Emil Norby children. Left to right: Clarence, Melvin, Elmo, Earl.

THOMAS ALFRED NESS

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LARS AND JOHN OLSON

NELS S. AND AMELIA OLSON FAMILY

Last part of May, 1905, Lars Olson and John Olson took their bikes and went up north in North Dakota. They heard that the Soo Line was building a railroad from Thief River to Kenmare. They went to Winnipeg, Canada, first. Lars Olson bought a corner lot and one next to it. Then they went on their bikes to look for a place they liked. They came to a farmer that had sold part of his land to the railroad. They told Lars (often called Louis) and John they could stay at their home while looking for a place they'd like to buy. The farmer's name was Dvorak, very nice people; they always traded at our store. Lars liked the Adams area, so bought four lots on either side of the street. On the west side he built a general merchandise store. Before building, though, they returned to Kindred, got their things packed and Lars, John, Waletta and little Joseph plus Andrew Rosendahl, took the train back to Park River. They hired the man at the Livery Stable to drive them and their possessions to Adams. The wagon was a wagon with one spring seat. Waletta and Joseph sat there with the driver. The three men sat on the wagon floor with the trunks and tool boxes. Gilman was bom that October.

Mr. and Mrs. Nels Olson

The parents of Nels O. Olson, Serverb and Rachel Nassheim Olson came to the United States from Hardanger and Stavanger, Norway in the early 1800's. After their arrival in the United States they settled in Strongs Prairie, Wisconsin, where they homesteaded and farmed the land until their deaths. They raised a family of seven children, three boys and four girls, all of which were born on the original farm. Their lovely home was large and built from the maple on their farm. Nels was the youngest child. His father served as the lay Pastor when the regular pastor was not available, and his mother was a practical nurse who, besides having a large family and the usual hard work on the farm, found time to care for the sick in the neighboring area. The home was always open for church services and gathering of all sorts. The farm is now a part of a large dam and water project.

Andrew Rosendahl and John Olson helped Lars build the store. First they built a little 12' x 14' warehouse which they lived in until the store was built. They made a living area (apartment) in back of the store. The business grew, so we moved into a house (Hilde sisters' house on the northwest edge of town) until our own house got built. Two years after building the store, he sold the lots across the street where an opera house (48' x 100') was built. The whole main street was built up the first year. There were 3 or 4 general merchandise stores, 2 hardware stores, 2 hotels (one was large, 45' x 100' with full basement), 3 drug stores, 3 banks, printing shop, 2 or 3 butcher shops, lumber yard, 2 livery barns, post office, and 3 restaurants. In 1908 we built a big Lutheran Church of cement blocks which is still there.

Horses were used to deliver the merchandise from the depot to the stores (dray line). Traveling salesmen would come with big trunks showing dresses, yardage, etc., so the merchants would go to the hotel basement to choose what they needed in dry goods. The grocery salesmen would come directly to the stores with their samples, etc.

Nels Olson was born March 17, 1880, at Strongs Prairie, Wisconsin. At the age of 18 he left his home and found his way up to what later became the Adams area which was around 1898. We only know that he had a relative by marriage here, and so it was not completely strange. His mother's brother had been married to one of the Quams of which we are not familiar with. The Ellingson family were neighbors of the Olsons in Strongs Prairie so, what was more natural than for (Ted) Theodore Ellingson and Nels to decide to make the trip together. He first worked for the Bjorg family on their farm. He later went to Fargo and took a business course at one of the Business Colleges there. There were other young men in the area who did the same. He came back to Adams and thru the years worked for different merchants. They were: Lars Olson, Haaken Bellerud, J. O. Gordon, and H. M. Heen. For a short time he had his own grocery business. He was an avid sportsman and loved hunting and fishing.

It was prohibition time, so there were bootleggers. Most of the town, including residences, was built the first year. Lars and Waletta Olson had 13 children, 7 of whom are still living.

He married Amelia Caroline Anderson April 25, 1908. Amelia Caroline Anderson was born January 20, 1891, at Ada, Minn. Her parents came to the United States from Oslo, Norway, as young children. Christine Johnson and Servert Anderson both grew up in the Ada,

We had to have school in the church basement, until they built a frame building and soon after the brick one was built. We had three doctors and one dentist. There was no electricity; gas lights were used and the sidewalks were of wood. The Soo Line's round house was there, bringing many workers to patronize the restaurants, hotels, etc. There was another church, I believe Congregational.

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Minn., area. To their marriage seven children were bom: Clara, Amelia, Anna, Alfred, Dewy, Lawrence and Elmer. The father's trade was stone masonry and her mother's people were farmers. She came to the Adams area when she was 15 years old, which was around 1906. She had a married sister here, Clara, who was married to Oscar Holt, a son of Sam Holt of Grafton. She made her home with them until she found work. She found employment at the Dan Bergsman Hotel, which at that time was being operated by the John Westberg family. She met and married Nels Olson, and to this union ten children were born. All ten children grew up in the town of Adams and remained here until they finished most of their schooling. Amelia Caroline Olson led a busy life, besides raising a large family, she was active in church, school and community life. Her home made ice cream and walnut cake was her specialty when the children had their friends in for the round of parties that was the custom in those days. During World War I she was a member of the Red Cross Surgical Team. There were eight or more women in this group who, despite the fact some had several children at home, found the time to meet every week and sometimes more, to sew gowns, pajamas, pads, bandages, etc. At the time she had six small children. Some of the women who belonged were: Amelia Olson, Minnie Lovestrom, Mrs. Andrew Myron, Mrs. Anton Swenson, Mrs. Ole Lofthus, Mrs. Harry Keiffer, Mrs. Henry Eager and Mrs. Jennie Hagen. There may have been more. They wore white dresses with a head piece that had a Red Cross Insignia on the forehead. They had their picture taken at the Barsness Studio in Adams and it was very impressive. The children are proud of it. As some of the children grew older she did dress making for the public, besides making all the clothing for her six girls and four boys. She made most of her own patterns, both for sewing of garments and for the embroidery of which, she did so wed not only for herself but for others also. At 84 she is still doing a great deal of embroidery work. She resides at the Edmore Memorial Rest Home, Edmore, N . Dak. There she sits and does her fancy work for pastime. She sells a great deal of her fancy work to people who visit the home and to the younger generation. She is a Gold Star Mother and an honored member of the Adams American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the National Gold Star Mothers. Ad four of her sons served in active duty in World War II. She is a member of the Mountain Lutheran Church and the M.L.C.W. of which she is an honorary member. Nels Olson died Dec. 24,1936, at the age of 56 years. There are 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and one great great grandson. (Amelia died June 27, 1975, and was buried in the Adams West Cemetery. This story was written before her death.) THE CHILDREN OF NELS S. AND AMELIA CAROLINE OLSON Gladys-bom November 12, 1908, married Martin Glody, Chicago, 111. Lived in Evanston, 111., a suburb of Chicago and now living in Chico, Calif. They have two sons, Fredrick and Dennis. Fredrick is married and has two children. Both sons live in the Chicago area.

Edna—born December 20, 1909, married to Merritt McDonald of Winterset, Iowa. They lived in North Dakota for several years and then moved to California where they still reside. They have two children, John who is married and has five children, and Zona who is married and has no children. Both live in California. Silas—born March 24, 1910, was married to Beulah Randall of Dayton, Ohio. They had no children. He was affdiated with the North Pharmacy, having worked there for many years and learned to be a druggist. He enlisted in the Air Force when World War II broke out. He was a flight engineer and was killed in action on Easter Sunday April 9, 1944. Alice-born September 20, 1912, married Otto Dvorak at Adams. They have one daughter, Karin who lives in Denver, Colo. She has three children. Eunice—born December 15, 1914, married Clayton Reeson, Park River. They had three children. One died in infancy. Gary and Terrance, who are both married and live in California. She later married Merrill Ness of Nielsville, Minn. They have one son, Jan. They dve in Chico, Calif. They have 3 grandchildren and 6 step grandchildren. Harold—born June 25, 1917, was married to Irene Campbel of Willows, Calif. They had one son, Larry, who is married and lives in Washington, D. C. Harold was in the Infantry in World War II and was killed in action September 13, 1944. There are three grandchildren. Raymond—born February 22, 1920, was married to Phylis Orstad, at Adams. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Cahfornia. They had two daughters: Susan, who is married and has two children, and Kathy, who is married and has one child. He died July 21, 1973. Neil-bom April 27, 1923, was married to Opal McLaughlin of the Lankin area. They had three sons: Harold, Lankin, Roland and Keith of Denver and Colorado Springs. All three are married and have children. There are eight grandchildren. Melva—born September 3,1925, married to Kenneth Westberg of Adams. They have two children, Nancy in college and Michael who is married and in college. Both live in the Chicago area. Melva and Kenneth live in Napervdle, Dl. Lavonne—born February 24,1929, is married to John Bagge of Cummings, N . Dak. They have four children: Roxanne, Debra, Jill, and one son John. They moved to Edmonds, Wash, in 1970 and the entire family resides there. INGEBRIT (BERT) OVNAND Ingebrit (Bert) Ovnand was born in Eggedal, Norway, Oct. 26, 1881, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ole Ovnand. He came to the United States at the age of 8 with a sfster, Mrs. Turi Pederson, and an uncle, Knut Ovnand, of Vesta Township. Intentions were to only visit until other family members could join them. He was a carpenter by trade, erected many of the buildings in the Adams community. Even after the age of 70 he and his partner, Edwin Johnson, continued to do carpenter work. The last years of his life he was maintenance man for the park, city streets, and hall. For his 80th birthday in 1961 he was honored at Open House at the City Auditorium, the event was sponsored by the Royal Neighbors Lodge. He was the father of two children: Sgt. Chester Ovnand, who was killed by a snipers bullet in July, 1959,

just months before he was to be pensioned from the U. S. Army. This tragedy occurred at Bien Hoa, 20 miles north of Saigon. This also was before the U. S. became involved with South Viet Nam. Bert has a brother Thor (Ted) Ovnand living in Havre, Mont, and a daughter, Mrs. Glen Kaiser in Minneapolis, Minn. He was preceded in death by all his immediate family, 3 sisters, Mrs. Turi Pederson, Mrs. John (Olina) Lien, Gertrude and three brothers, Knute, Gilbert and an infant son. Bert died in November, 1967.

SIGVALD AND ALMA RASMUSSEN My father was born in Norway and as a young man worked as an apprentice newspaperman. He contracted tuberculosis and was placed in a sanitarium. On leaving the sanitarium he was adviced to seek work outdoors. So, at the age of 19, he decided the best place to go would be to America. He went to work, then, in the north woods of Minnesota before coming to Warren, Minn., where he met his future wife. Sigvald and Alma were married at Warren, Minn., in 1907. They hved on a farm in Minnesota until 1915 when they moved to Adams. He worked here for the Soo Line Railroad where he continued to work as section foreman until his retirement in 1948. They became naturalized citizens in 1922. Sigvald was born July 6, 1883, and died Oct. 14, 1953. Alma Rasmussen was born in Sundsvall, Sweden, May 19,1888, and came to America at the age of fifteen. She came to Warren, Minn., and worked there. Her father was a cabinet maker in Sweden. She passed away Oct. 4, 1959. Eleven children were bom to them: Myrtle (Mrs. Paul De Martini), both deceased; Gladys (Mrs. Fred Frank), widowed and lives in Middlesex, N. J.: Florence (Mrs. Loiiis Andreane), widowed and lives in Middlesex, N. J.: Vera (Mrs. John Edwards), Grafton; Signe (Mrs. Harold Rehrig), East Meadow, N. J . : Eunice (Mrs. John King), South Plainfield, N. J . : John (deceased); Dolores (Mrs. Joseph Korbl), Grafton; Von Dale, South Plainfield, N. J.: Werner and Anne died in infancy. There are thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Falls, Minn., and came to Adams in 1905 as a carpenter. He built the first store which was the L. J . Olson Store and after building it, proceeded to build the first residence, also for L. J. Olson, later owned by Carl Hilde, and Martha Nelson and still stands in its original location. He returned to Richland County for some years and returned to Adams in 1917. He then, with his two brothers, August and Adolph, built the Rosendahl Brothers Garage, whose first location was next to where the Walsh County shed now stands. In 1939 it was moved to the main street where it still stands. It was sold in 1962 to Myrlin Troftgruben. Andrew was the founder of the Adams park in 1921 or 1922. He passed away April 4, 1955. August Rosendahl was bom in 1884 in Richland County, the third son and fourth child born to Andreas and Anne Rosendahl in a family of ten children. He was educated in Kindred, Richland County schools and attended the Dakota and Tractor Mechanic School in Fargo. He came to Adams in 1917 and together with his brothers, Andrew and Adolph, built the Rosendahl Brothers Garage. August owned the first welding machine in North Dakota, purchased in 1911. He was noted for his skill in welding. He continued to run the garage business after Andrew's death, until he died Aug. 17,1957, of a heart attack while at work in his garage at Adams. He is buried at the Gol Cemetery at Kindred. Adolph Rosendahl was bom March 22, 1895, the youngest child in the Rosendahl family. He, too, received his education in Kindred and came to Adams in 1917. He helped build the Rosendahl Garage and in May, 1917, he joined the army and served in France during World War I, fighting in the last battle at the Argonne Forest at the Meuse River in France. He returned to Adams in 1921 and engaged in business with his brothers, Andrew and August. Then for five years, he operated the first power plant in Adams owned by the village. This plant was later sold to the Otter Tail Power Co. In 1934 he went to work for the Walsh County doing road construction until 1947 when he became county commissioner and served one term. From that time until 1961 when he suffered a heart attack, he was in the garage business, taking over the business in 1957 when August died. After the heart attack he was forced to retire and lives in Adams in the summers and in Denver, Colo., during the winter months. Emma Nelson Rosendahl was born June 27,1901, on a homestead west of Adams to Andrew and Mary Lust Rosendahl. Adolph Rosendahl and Emma Nelson were married in Grafton April 20, 1923. They have one daughter, Mrs. Neil (Marjorie) Samuelson, Denver, Colo. They have four sons. Submitted by Mrs. Neil Samuelson.

ANDREAS AND ANNE ROSENDAHL FAMILY

IVER RUDD FAMILY

Andrew Rosendahl, a pioneer who was here in 1905, before Adams was incorporated, was bom April 2, 1880, in Norway. He was one year old when he came with his parents who homesteaded in Richland County. He attended business colleges in Grand Forks and Fergus

Iver Rudd and his wife, Anna (Knutson) Rudd, were both born in Norway, Iver from Hallingdal and Anna from Sojn. They emigrated to the United States where they met and were married. They came to the Walsh County area from Otter Tail County, Minn. They farmed

JOHN AND MARIE PETERSON John Peterson was born Oct. 27, 1855, at Lillehammer, Gulbrandsdalen, Norway. He married Marie Monsdatter in 1879. She was born in 1847 in Gulbrandsdalen, Norway, also. She passed away in 1913. They immigrated to America in 1880 and resided at Grafton until 1882 when they settled in Tiber Township, arriving by covered wagon and lived there until their deaths. John was a carpenter by trade and worked on the Gotzian Block in Grand Forks, also on some of the first buildings in Grafton. Their children were Peter, Stancy O'Trembo and Ella Geary. Ruby died as a young girl. John passed away at the age of 81.

in the Grafton area in 1882 and moved after that to farms in Vesta Township. Iver Rudd was a farmer and carpenter, but spent a lot of time as lay preacher going to schools and homes preaching the Word of God as churches and ordained ministers were few and most far from rural areas. Iver and Anna Rudd had twelve children, Mary, Ole, twins, Tilda and Tommy, Henry, Clara, Gust, Gina, John, Ida, Oliver and Clifford. Anna Rudd was born March 8, 1856, and died June 25, 1925.

THEODORE AND EDITH RUNDHAUG Theodore or Ted, as he is mostly called, was the youngest child born to Torvald and Henrikke Rundhaug. He was born Jan. 20, 1900. He was married to Edith Pierson of Tioga, Oct. 28, 1924. Ted had purchased a store from Nicolai Olson in 1921, so had already entered the business world in which he continued for over fifty years. Prior to this, he had worked as a telegraph operator. His store was a confectionery, jewelry and watch repair shop. Later, he added packaged drugs. His wife, Edith, was his constant assistant throughout all the years of his storekeeping. In addition to his store, he was also mail carrier for four years, at a time when a car was used only in the summer and a mail carrier wagon, with large wheels, and horses were used in the long winter months. Their establishment served as a friendly place where people met and visited around the ice cream tables. Sometimes a friendly game of whist was played or Ted entertained by practicing his clarinet! Life in an early drug store had its problems, as all ice cream was shipped in by express and packed in ice. Then, in order to preserve it, they had to repack it twice a day in fresh ice and rock salt. One child, a daughter, lone, came to join this ambitious couple. She grew up in Adams and married Vincent Kjelaas. They have a son, Bruce, Crookston, a daughter, Mrs. Goodwin (Vickie) Helseth of Grand Forks and two grandchildren. After being a part of Adams for over half a century, they are still active citizens. Ted sold his store and it is used as a Credit Union Office. Ted's idea of retiring was to go right back to work at the Adams Department Store, and he is still there! JOHN SANDSTROM John Sandstrom was bom Oct. 3, 1876, at Follenge Jamtland, Sweden. He came to America in 1902, with friends, stopping first in Minnesota. On Jan. 3,1911, he married Emma Erickson of Lake Bronson, Minn., who also was born in Sweden and immigrated to this country with her parents when she was nine years old. Both of their parents were from the same community in Sweden, therefore, perhaps a reason for their acquaintance and marriage. John worked for a number of years at Stephen, Minn., and Mayville, doing the shoe and harness repair trade he had learned working as an apprentice in Sweden. In 1910 he came to Adams and started his own business of shoe and harness repair in a building which was located south of where the cafe is now. He also made shoes for an elderly lady, Mrs. Hilda Lerold, who had a

club foot. These were made of the softest kid leather known at that time. He appreciated his rights as an American citizen and it was his desire to serve his country well by being active in civic and community affairs. He served on the town board for several years and was on the school board for 20 years. In respect to him school was closed the day of his funeral, May 9, 1936. Four children were born to this couple: Elvira, Mrs. George Nelson, a retired telephone operator; Verner, married, a butcher for 43 years; John, married, a cook; and Phyllis, deceased. The three living children are all at Anaheim, Calif. Mrs. Sandstrom left Adams shortly after her husband's death to seek means of livelihood as a cook and pastry cook in parts of Minnesota. She went to Anaheim, Calif., in 1942, where she hved until her death in 1965. They are both buried at Lake Bronson, Minn. NILS AND HENRIETTA STEEN

Mr. and Mrs. Nils Steen Mr. and Mrs. Nils Steen came to the Adams area before the town was started. Nils homesteaded a few miles southwest of Adams. He went to Plummer, Minn., where he met and married Henrietta in 1897. Henrietta Steen was born in Norway July 4, 1875. Her family came to Crookston, Minn., in 1894 and moved to Plummer, Minn., in 1895, where they homesteaded. Nils and Henrietta lived on the homestead farm southwest of Adams for five years. They then moved into Adams and went into business and made their home for about 40 years. Nils Steen built a hotel and restaurant and business was good in the early days because the section crews were in Adams. Also, Adams was a division point and much activity was connected with the railroad. Nils passed away in 1932 but Mrs. Steen continued the business until 1937 when she and the younger daughters moved to Grand Forks. Mrs. Steen sold the building to Helmer Hagen which was later sold to O. S. Bookwalter. Mrs. Steen is remembered as being the first one in the area to honor the mothers on the first Mother's Day when the day became nationally so designated. She invited the Adams mothers to her restaurant and served them ice cream and cake and presented them with a corsage. This was indeed a special event since in those days it was considered unseemly for women to drop in at a restaurant for coffee. This was mostly a men's

domain. So it seems Women's Lib began for Adams at that early time! Nils and Henrietta's children were: Ella, Hazel, Mabel, Vivien, Alice and Thelma. Ella married Maurice Hanson and they lived in Edmore for many years where he worked for the Robertson Lumber Co. Mrs. Oliver (Vivien) Nordmarken lives at Odessa, Tex.; Mrs. Archie (Mabel) Keen, Phoenix, Ariz.; Mrs. David (Hazel) Childress, Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. William (Thelma) Do Brock, Chicago, ni.; and Mrs. Roy (Alice) Schultz of Adams. Hazel will be remembered as an early beauty operator in Adams, her shop being for a time upstairs over the cafe. She gave the women in this area their first permanent curls. The operator took many hours with early cumbersome machines, but the end result, tight curls that were generally never set afterwards, was a delightful transformation to women with straight hair. Alice and Roy operated a grocery store for many years. First in the building where Glen Erickson now has his bar. The building was a potato house that was moved in after Bookwalter's Hotel Adams burned in 1913. The grocery business was then moved to its present site which was the location of the Sarles Bank. This bank building was moved and became the Roy Schultz residence. The L. J. Olson store building, north of the Legion Hall, was moved to the Sarles Bank location and became the present Roy's Market building. So old Adams still lives on in our present businesses and Roy and Alice still operate it today. They have two children, Allison and Ray. Ray lives at Larimore with his family. They have two children. OLE STROMMEN Ole T. Strommen came to North Dakota from Wisconsin and with his brothers, Anton and Gilbert, engaged in carpentry around the Fairdale community. In 1906 he married Olia J. Roa in Grand Forks. The couple lived in Fairdale where they farmed for awhile. There, a daughter, Blanche, was born and hved only a few days. The next move was to Dutton, Mont., where Mr. Strommen was engaged in carpentry again as this was a new town and needed a lot of building. Crosby was the next move. He continued his carpentry until his later years when he became the rural mail carrier and held this position until his death Feb. 9,1927, at the early age of 48. Mrs. Strommen then moved to Adams with their five children, Thelma, Luella, Orville, Stella and Doris. Mrs. Strommen had a creamery business for some years. Thelma married Joel Flom. They lived in Adams many years but moved to Tacoma, Wash., where Joel died in 1973. They had five children, Ordean, Audrey, Richard, Randy and Connie. Lueda married Thomas Flom and hved on a farm in Cavalier County until they moved to Thief River Fads, Minn., where they operated a store. They had four children, Rita, Mary Lou, Janet and Loren. Orvdle had two daughters, Bonnie and Linda, and he now lives in Oconomowoc, Wise. Steda married Carl Myrvik and after teaching several years, Stella and Carl have operated a cafe in Adams for many years. They have two sons, Darred and Dwight.

Doris married Thilfer Lykken and hved on a farm in Cavalier County. They had three chddren, Terry, Sheila and Cynthia. Thilfer died Aug. 25,1969. She later married James Haug and they live on a farm in Tiber Township near Edinburg. Mrs. Strommen continues to Uve in Adams and makes her home with her daughter, Stella, and husband, Carl Myrvik.

Left to right: Mrs. Olia Strommen, Thelma Flom, Luella Flom, Orville, Stella Myrvik and Doris Haug. JOHN AND INGA VEJTASA

Mr. and Mrs. John Vejtasa John was born in 1888 to Frank and Francis Vejtasa, grew to manhood in Sdvesta Township and received an early education at the Vejtasa School. In 1909 he attended business college together with his friend, Victor Lundberg, at Crookston, Minn. In 1910 he married Inga Rinnhagen, a neighbor girl, and they moved into Adams and hved there until 1914. John was employed on an oil "truck," only at that time his truck consisted of a tank and four horses. One of his regular runs was to Fairdale. Their oldest daughter, Mildred, was born in Adams. In 1913, John ventured out to Circle, Mont., by bicycle and fded on a homestead site and in 1914 arrived there with his wife and smad daughter. John had budt a one-room tar papered shack in which they lived for seven years. During this time, Stanley, John and Francis were born. In 1921 they moved into a larger house and Frank was bom here. In 1924 John entered pohtics and was elected County Treasurer. They moved closer to Circle, the county seat, where John worked. Sons, Eugene and Bennett, were born here. In 1929 they moved into Circle where he

served as County Treasurer for four years and 46 years as Clerk of Court, ending half a century of service. This busy man also served continuously as secretary, treasurer, bookkeeper and on boards of innumerable organizations. Now at 87, he is retired, but still involved with civic affairs, his family, and mankind in general. His wife, Inga, passed away in 1965 and Bennett passed away in infancy. They are buried at Circle. She shared the hardships of the lonely prairies, drought and hard times, as well as the good times in Circle, Mont. FRANK J. WADE Francis J. (Frank) Wade, Sr., was born in Canada in 1854. He applied for U. S. citizenship and came to the United States in 1869 as a naturalized citizen of the U. S. at Port Huron, Mich. He traveled on to North Dakota in the late 1800's and homesteaded a few miles south of the town of Park River. He married Margaret (Maggie) King, who had also come from the Province of Ontario, Canada. They had three sons, all bom on the farm home at Park River: Lloyd in 1892, Earl in 1896 and Frank, Jr., in 1898. Frank, Sr., owned and operated a harness and shoe repair shop in Park River after he moved off the farm; the family moved to Adams in 1911. Frank, Sr., died at the Grafton Deaconess Hospital in June, 1924, and is buried at the Park River Lutheran Cemetery. Maggie Wade sold her home to Peder Johnsrud and moved to Washington, D. C , to make her home with her son, Earl, in 1941. She passed away in 1944 and was buried in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Washington, D. C. Earl married Cora Frovarp Gullacher. They had three children, Stella (Mrs. SamPolson), Washington, D. G.: Dean Earl, died at the age of five and is buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery; and Rodger Dean of Washington, D. C. Earl died in December, 1956, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Cora is living in Washington, D. C. Earl served in the U. S. Army during World War I. Frank, Jr., in partnership with Sophis Holt, owned and operated the Adams Barbershop for many years. In the early thirties, he moved to Missoula, Mont., making his home there until his death in April, 1959. He is buried in the Sunset Memorial Gardens, Missoula, Mont. He served in the United States Navy during World War I. Lloyd married FJvina Qually in 1918, they had three children. Shirley (Mrs. Ted Swenson), Adams, has two sons, Bruce, of Indianapolis, Ind., and Wade of Moorhead, Minn. Harold, Hyattsville, Md., has three children, Dan and Jerry, both in Washington, D. C , and Debora (Mrs. Steve Daugherty), San Diego, Calif. Edith Mae Hellem, Seattle, Wash., has three children, Patricia of Renton, Wash.; Richard of Portland, Ore., and Elaine of Kent, Wash. Lloyd owned and operated the drayline in Adams for many years. He was also bulk dealer for Standard Oil in Adams for a number of years. He left Adams for a few years during the 20's. During that time, he operated a service station in Minneapolis, Minn., a Woodworth grain elevator in Columbus, N. D., and Umbria, N. D. He returned to the Adams area in the late 1920's and started farming. He was farming during the "dirty thirties" when there was no price for farm products, and the rust and the grasshoppers took the crops. Many a field was burned to the ground and never harvested because of one

or all three of the plagues that were prevalent during those trying years. In 1936, Lloyd sold out and moved to Adams, buying the Texaco service station from Henry Berg. He continued in this business until 1955 when he suffered a stroke and was bed-ridden until his death in May, 1963. Elvina passed away in February, 1965. They are both buried at St. Peter Cemetery in Vesta Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wade, Sr. OLAF WASSENG

Olaf Wasseng's white Buick, "The White Angel". Some of the others are: 0. Bookwalter and Edwin Paul Gronvold with his dog, Chapman, Tom Swenson, Art Lattin, Dr. Bassen, Olaf Thorvilson. Olaf Wasseng, a native of Norway, was born in 1883. He came to North Dakota as a young man and was one of the first occupants of the town of Sarles, which was later renamed Adams. He was a blacksmith by trade and considered a very good one. He was the owner of the first automobile in Adams, a white two-seater Buick. They called it the "White Angel." There is a picture of this car and a group of the

town notables taken in front of the first hotel that was owned by 0. F. Bookwalter. Mr. Wasseng was married about 1912 to Bergliott Garman, also of Norway. They had two children, Bema, now of Minneapolis, and Garman of Klamath Falls, Ore. Garman has one daughter, Garla. In 1930, he was married to Christine Haroldson, who came to Adams in the late 20's and was a clerk at the Heen Mercantile Store.

During World War II they spent a few years employed in the ship yards at Bremerton but returned to Adams after that and were residents of Adams their remaining years. His blacksmith shop burned after his death in 1952, and at that location now is Mrs. Berntson's home. Mrs. Wasseng died in 1972.

ADAMS TOWNSHIP BIOGRAPHIES

snow outside, so they could get out of the house. In 1913, the family moved to the Morrissey farm in Fancher Township where they lived for the next 27 years, and later moved into Edmore.

HANS JENSEN ALPHA

Hans and Marie Alpha Hans was one of six children born to Andreas and Karoline Jensen in Oslo, Norway. His father, Andreas, was a carpenter and painter by trade. Johan (John) was the oldest child in the family. He was born April 1,1864. He emigrated to the United States when a young man, finding his way to Grafton where he was united in marriage to Julia Gurina Johnson Dec. 23, 1894. They continued to live in Grafton for the next four years before moving to the Edmore community where they homesteaded in Newland Township in 1898. On the homestead, three miles south of the townsite, they built a sod house. This was papered and whitewashed inside and made into a comfortable home in which to raise their family. At this time, it was not uncommon for Indians to camp nearby on the prairies. They were not of a hostile nature, but John and Gurina warned the children to play near the home to be safe. The Jensen's had four cows to provide milk for the family. For the evening milking, they were tied to the fence posts near the home and left tied there for the night so they were there for the morning chore. About 4 o'clock one morning, a bolt of lightning hit and killed all four of them. This was a great loss to a homestead family. The following day, a gypsy tribe arrived, selling their wares. Jensen's purchased a small item and paid them from a purse she had hidden in a closet. After they left, Mrs. Jensen had to go outside and gather wood to bake the bread she was preparing, only to find upon her return that the gypsys had spotted her hiding place and had taken the money she had saved. Snow storms in those days had the habit of covering the sod shacks. It was recalled that many times they shoveled snow into the house to enable them to get at the

Andreas and Caroline Jenson John and Gurina Julia had 13 children: Elmer born Aug. 4,1895, died July 19, 1974; Alma bom Oct. 24.1897; Jorgen born Jan. 17,1900, died July 10, 1974; Alvdda born Feb. 1, 1902, (Mrs. Art Todefson); Mabel born Feb. 25, 1904; Agnes born Dec. 28, 1906, (Mrs. Seth Mitched); Lillian born March 21, 1907, (Mrs. Rudy Lee); Bernice born Nov. 26,1909, died Sept. 15,1910; twins-James and Bernice born Feb. 8, 1911. James died Nov. 16, 1912. Bernice became Mrs. Ejnar Sorenson; James born Jan. 16, 1913; Harold born Sept. 2, 1915, died March 15, 1917. An infant born April 15, 1916 and died April 16, 1916. The second son of Andreas and Karoline Jensen was Jorgen. He was born in 1870, lived in Oslo, Norway, married and had five children. He died in 1936. Alvdda, the only daughter of Andreas and Karoline Jensen, was born Oct. 11, 1873, at Oslo, Norway. She married Anton Swenson. They lived at Karlskrona, Sweden, with their family of 6 children. Twins, Hans and Christian were born May 29, 1876, in Oslo, Norway. Christian remained in Oslo, married, and had two children and a foster child. He died in 1934 at the age of 58 years. Hans worked as a chimney sweeper while living in Oslo. At the age of 21 years, he like many of the other young men in Norway, had the urge to see the new country and establish a home for himself there. He took the name Alpha from his birthplace when he came to the U. S. Upon arriving in America, he went directly to Grafton as his older brother, John, was still living there, but later moved to the Edmore community. For awhile, 821

Hans worked on farms in the Grafton area. Later he farmed in Norton Township, living in a log cabin on what is now a part of the Roger Gustafson farm, north of the coulee near the old Bylin Post Office. In the spring of 1904, he went to Canada, where he homesteaded and lived for five years, returning to Grafton in 1909. It was here he met and married Gunhild Marie Gunderson. They were married on May 1, 1910. She was born in Stavanger, Norway, on April 18, 1874, to Gabriel Gunderson Finnestad and Grete Marie Goa. She was one of seven children, namely Gurine, Karen, Gunhild Marie, Gunnar, Lars. Gabriel, and Grete Marie. Gunhild Marie spent 29 years in Norway, working in a Fish Cannery and in a Shoe Factory sewing shoes. She arrived in Des Moines, Iowa April 13,1905, at the home of a cousin who had emigrated a few years before. Two of her brothers, Gabriel and Lars, came to Iowa, but returned a few years later and remained there. Gunhild Marie was called Marie in U. S. From Des Moines she went to Grafton where she worked as a housekeeper.

Gabriel and Greta Gunderson Hans and Marie, along with several others, Aug Blackstead, Bertha Flage, Carl Johnson, Glora (Olson) Knutson, Victor Monson, Albert Honsvald, Eli and Oscar Lykken, left for Galata, Toole County, Mont., where all took up homesteads, but the land was arid and people had a real struggle to make a living for their families. Hans and Marie homesteaded 19 miles north of Galata, as the land closer to the town had already been taken. To obtain money for building and farming supplies, it was necessary for Hans to work other places besides on the homestead. He worked in Great Falls, Mont., and Lethbridge, Canada, while his wife, Marie, lived on the homestead to prove up. Some time during 1911, Hans and Marie lost their first child, a girl. She is buried in an unmarked grave in a cemetery east of Galata. On May 11,1912, their first son, Andrew Gabriel, was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, where Hans was working at that time. When the baby was two weeks old, Marie returned to the homestead, while Hans remained at his job in Lethbridge. During those years, Marie seldom got to town as 19 miles was a long ways to go with horse and wagon. They kept the homestead and lived there until 1919. During those years two more children were born to them. On Easter Sunday, April 12, 1914, a daughter, Greta Caroline, was born and on January 5, 1917, another son, Harold Marvin, was born. In the spring of 1919, the Alpha family left their homestead in Montana and returned to North Dakota.

One crop failure after another due to drought caused them and many others to give up their land. The move was made by train. Hans rode the freight train with his livestock and belongings while Marie and the children came by railroad coach. They came to Edmore to the farm home of his brother, John Jensen, where they stayed until they found a place to rent. That following winter, they lived in a small house located about one mile north of Adams, and that spring moved to a farm in Latona Township, now owned by Art Erickson, jr. They lived here about two years and then moved to Adams where Hans secured employment on the Soo RR. Due to ill health, Hans fainted while riding on the speeder. He spent some time in the Warren, Minn. Hospital, and died at home on Jan. 12, 1923. He is buried in the Sarepta Cemetery south of Adams. Marie worked as a housekeeper for others in and around Adams to support her family. She returned to her homeland, Norway, in 1936, to visit her brothers and sisters, her parents having both passed on before. This was indeed an enjoyable trip for her. Marie retired at the age of 65, and continued living in Adams until 1955 when she went to reside at the Fisher Rest Home in Grafton. She passed away Oct. 7, 1966, at the age of 92 years. She was the last surviving member of her immediate famdy .she is buried beside her husband, Hans, in the Sarepta Cemetery south of Adams. HANS AND MARIE ALPHA FAMILY Andrew Gabriel Alpha was bom May 11, 1912, to Hans and Marie Alpha. He married Fern Mddred Schoening June 29,1936, at Park River. He is a geologist with an oil company and lives in Denver, Colo. They have three sons, Tau Rho Hans, Kappa Rho Eric, and Sigma Rho Lief. Tau was born Jan. 4, 1939, and married Hazel Ann Marr in Caltfornia. They have one chdd. Tau is a cartographer for the U. S. Geological Survey for Marine Hydrology. They dve in Palo Alto, Calif. Kappa was born Aug. 27, 1942, and married Cheryl Pederson Dec. 22, 1969, at Sterling, Id. They have one child. Kappa is a periodontist DDS-MSD. They live in Grand Junction, Colo. Sigma was born June 26,1944. He wid be an intern in Milwaukee Wise. Greta Carodne Alpha was born April 12, 1914. She married Aden L. Levang Nov. 28, 1945. They dve on a farm south of Adams, the former Christ Levang homestead (his father's). Harold Marvin Alpha was born Jan. 5,1917. He married Elizabeth (Beth) Harris on June 4, 1943, at Henderson, Tenn. They have one child, Janie Harris, bom Oct. 11,1946. Harold is purchasing agent for Yale Hoisting Equipment Division of Eaton, Yale, Towne Manufacturing Corporation in Forest City, Ark. ALFRED ARONSON Alfred Aronson was bom in 1860 at Dalsland, Sweden. At 20, he and his brother, Andrew Lofgren, came to the United States to find a new home. They worked on the railroad for several years. Alfred inherited some land west of Adams, now owned by Keith R. Boe. This land was homesteaded by Carl Anderson, who died. His widow, Lena Anderson, of Sweden, gave the land to Alfred Aronson Feb. 9,1902. Nov. 29, 1899, Alfred made his declaration to become a citizen of the U. S. He received his admission papers Nov. 16, 1909.

Alfred lived on this land for several years. His nieces, Hilma Lofgren Sholey and Annie Lofgren Vejtasa, would help him during the summer months. Later, he sold the farm to Ole J. Helgeneset. He spent some time at his brother's home, the Andrew Lofgrens, also lived at the Dan Bergsman Hotel in Adams. He left for Sweden some time later and lived there until his death. He never married.

August, the only child to grow to manhood in this family, took the farm over at the time of his father's retirement. August married Annie Samuelson of Adams. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Samuelson. August was active in church and community affairs. He was organist at the church for 29 years. He also served as a trustee and a deacon. He was a director of the district school board for 37 years. August and Annie had one daughter, Alvida. She married Arnold Baxstrom of Mylo Dec. 31, 1945. They farm and live in Mylo. August and Annie Backstrom farmed near Adams until Oct. 12, 1961, when he retired and moved to Mylo. August died Feb. 21, 1965.

Alfred Aronson HOKAN BACKSTROM Hokan Backstrom was born in Varmland, Sweden, Feb. 17, 1861. He came to America in 1886 with his parents. On July 24,1891, he married Anna Olson Flipstads at Park River. She was born Sept. 6, 1861, at Varmland, Sweden, came here in 1890. Five children were bom, August, Rudolf, Viktor, Hildur, and an infant. August was born Aug. 2,1894. Rudolf was born Aug. 15, 1896. At two, on Nov. 29, 1898, he accidentally fell into a boiler of boiling water and drowned. A boy was bom in 1897 and died in 1898. Viktor was born April 6, 1899, and died as an infant. Hildur was bom June 25, 1901, only daughter of Hokan and Anna Backstrom. She was talented in music, training at the North Star College in Warren, Minn. She contracted scarlet fever and died Dec. 31,1919, at 18. Hokan and Anna homesteaded on land in the western half of Adams Township. Their first home was a sod house with dirt floors. It wasn't unusual to find snakes crawling around inside this sod dwelling. During the early homestead days, churches were not available for worship services, so the schoolhouses and homes were used. In this area, the Brynestad Schoolhouse was used for church services as well as other meetings. »» In the fall of 1901, it was decided to build a church. The stones for the foundation were hauled that fall and the next year it was built. It was then named the St. Anskari Congregation, but later was changed to the name of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. When the church was finished and paid for, an organ was bought. Hokan Backstrom was the first organist. He played until 1911, when his son, August, took over. He was organist for many years. Hokan and Anna retired in 1924, moved to Grand Forks. In 1932, they returned to Adams and made their home with their son, August, and family. Anna died on July 22, 1941, and Hokan died Dec. 19, 1943.

Mr. and Mrs. Hokan Backstrom, August and Rudolph. DAVID BENAS David Benas was born in Nordfjord, Norway, in 1853. He came to America with his friend, Simon Brynstad. They homesteaded on land side by side in western Adams Township. He received his Homestead Patent April 8, 1891. Prior to that, Dec. 8,1888, he became a citizen of the United States. David Benas was greatly bothered with rheumatism. He had written to Samuel Hilde after Samuel's wife died (1898), asking him and his family to come and stay with him and rent his farm. This, he did in the spring of 1901. Samuel and the younger children lived with David Benas while the older children went to Montraill County and homesteaded. Nellie, the youngest child of Samuel Hilde, was four years old. Lena, one of the older girls, stayed and cared for David Benas. Samuel Hilde died in 1910. From 1913 until his death in 1915, Peter Hilde and his wife, EUen Bergstrom Hilde, stayed with Benas and took care of him. David Benas was treasurer of the Brynstad School District No. 102 from 1894 until in 1914 when he failed in health. Upon his death, he bequeathed money to this school district to build a new schoolhouse. It was named Benas Memorial. This school opened its door in September, 1916, and closed in 1960 when redistricting took place and many rural schools were closed to become a part of one large consolidated district. Besides leaving money for this school, Benas left a considerable amount to the Mountain Lutheran Church

in Adams, Adams West Cemetery, and to several individuals whom he felt had done a great deal for him in his life. David Benas died June 25, 1915. Burial was in the Adams West Cemetery July 2, 1915. A large monument marks his grave.

frame house was built for the Bjorg family. Here seven children were born, Brita, Thomas, Jens, Caroline, Arne, Syvert and Henry. The household was an active place with nine children in three rooms. There were times the teacher stayed there and if the pastor was in the area, there was room for him. Church services were held in homes and schoolhouses. On a hot day, July 10, 1902, Jens came in the house after hoeing the garden, complaining of being cold. His wife, Gjertru, went to get him some more clothes. As she reached for some warm, wool, clothes, she heard a thump - Jens had fallen from the chair, dead of a heart attack. His funeral service was held in a newly constructed granary on July 12, 1902.

David Benas OLE BERG Ole Berg was born Nov. 17, 1857, at Vang, Norway. His wife, Kjersti, was born Feb. 24, 1855, at Vang, Norway. They emigrated to the United States. Their son, Anders, was bom June 26, 1883, at Renville, Minn. They homesteaded in Adams Township. Ole Berg died in 1933. His son, Anders, died in 1943, and his wife, Kjersti in 1944. JENS OLSON BJORG Jens Olson Bjorg was born in 1846. He married Gjertru Eriksdatter Hogi in Goodhue County, Minn. She was born Jan. 7, 1857, in Sogn, Norway. The oldest boy, Erick, was born in Goodhue County June 22,1879. In 1881, Jens and his family and Erick Grove and his family decided to move to North Dakota to secure free land. Their first stop was north of Larimore. They remained there five years. There was a settlement of a different nationality who were waiting for more of their own people to come and settle there. They did not welcome these two Norwegian families. When the Bjorg and Grove families would be at church or away somewhere else, they would come home and find their cattle gone astray. Being they had no fences for their cattle, they had to tie them to a post. Many were the times when they came home and found the ropes cut. They felt they were not wanted, moved and homesteaded in Adams Township. While living in Larimore, two children were born to Jens and Gjertru Bjorg. Ole was bom Jan. 15, 1882, and Soneva (Susie) was born Aug. 23, 1884. Jens, with his friend and neighbor, Erick Grove, left their families in Larimore, drove with horses and wagon to Grafton to secure new land. The closest land was 40 miles west of Grafton. Jens took a quarter of land in Section 10 and Grove in Section 9. Jens Bjorg, with the help of Erick Grove, made a dugout dwelling in the hillside with one door and one window on the Bjorg homestead. They went back to Larimore to get their families. The two families lived in this dugout until they got a little frame house built for the Grove family. Later, a 16x24, one and one-half story

Back row, left to right: Syvert, Jens, Arne. Front row: Henry, Ole, Eric Bjorg.

Jens Bjorg, Sr.

Susie Bjorg

Years following were hard for Mrs. Bjorg, left alone with the responsibility of bringing up the family of nine. She and Jens had planned to build a larger house, but it wasn't until 1906 that this became a reality. The large bam was built in 1916. She had ambitious boys who farmed her land, bought more land for themselves, and then needed several horse outfits — thus the need for a new, large barn became a necessity. Gjertru Bjorg died Aug. 15, 1918, after being bedridden for five years. Her eye sight failed her several years before. Her oldest son, Eric, hved at home until his marriage to Annie Justad in 1906. They farmed near the home place. Two sons were bom, Juel and Clayton Eugene. Juel was bom April 12, 1908. He married Ruth Jeglum. He was a carpenter and also did sheet metal work at the Navy Yards in Los Angeles. They live in Magnolia, Calif., where he has built a new home for their retirement years. Clayton Eugene was bom April 22,1911. He married Alma Christina Grove Nov. 9, 1941. He took over his

their marriage. Two girls were bom, Janyce and Arnola. There are six grandchildren. Syvert was active in community affairs. He was a member of the school board for 30 years and served on the board of trustees of the Mountain Lutheran Church, Adams. Syvert died June 25,1955. Greta died in 1974. Henry, the youngest member of the famUy of Jens and Gjertru, was born March 12,1900. He married LilUan Olson at Adams Oct. 18, 1933. They lived on a farm in Vesta Township. Prior to their marriage, all new buildings were built on his farm, now owned and operated by their oldest son, Jan. Three boys were bom, Jan, JerroU and Jon. There are seven grandchildren. Henry was active in community affairs. He served on the Mountain Lutheran Church Board and was president of the Adams Farmer's Elevator Board at the time of his death. Henry was interested in 4-H work and encouraged his boys to take an active part. Henry died March 1, 1953, whUe attending a Luther League service at the Mountain Lutheran Church, Adams. LUlian resides in Grafton.

father's farm after his death in August, 1941. Besides farming, Clayton and his wife, Alma, are custodians at the Adams Public School. Ole, the second son of Jens and Gjertru, was born near Larimore Jan. 15, 1882. He remained on the farm until his marriage to Augusta Krause. Several years before he was married, the small frame house on the Bjorg homestead was moved on Ole's land. This was done with horses. The other buildings on his farm were built there. Ole was active in community activities. He held several offices such as being director of the township board and also the elevator board. Ole died in 1935. Soneva, or Susie, was bom near Larimore on Aug. 23, 1884. The greater part of her Ufe was spent at the Bjorg home. She was employed at the Morrison McKay General Store in Adams for some time. She spent four years in Washington, coming back to Adams in 1915. Susie had one son, Silas Everett, bom May 15, 1911. He married Alida Olson Samuelson Dec. 14, 1951. She had three boys by a previous marriage, Loren, Ronald and Allen. There are seven grandchUdren. Silas died in 1974. Susie died Dec. 9, 1947. Brita was the first child born to them in Adams Township Sept. 8, 1886. Her entire life was spent at the farm home. She died Dec. 4,1915, at 29. Thomas was born Nov. 7,1888. His life was spent on the farm. He died Sept. 25,1906, at 17. Jens was born AprU 22, 1891. He spent his entire Ufe at the farm home. After his father's death, he took over the management of the farm. Jens was active in community affairs. He held several offices. He was clerk of the school district for 33 years, clerk of the Adams Township board for 30 years, secretary of the Mountain Lutheran Church several years and director of the Farmers' Elevator Board. Jens died March 23, 1958.

KNUTE R. BOE

Mr. and Mrs. Knute Boe

Knute R. Boe was born in Maandalen, Norway, Feb. 8, 1869. He received his education in Maandalen, was confirmed in Void. Later, he learned the shoemaking trade. He entered the mUitary service for one year before leaving for America in 1893. He arrived in West Superior, Wise, worked in a sawmUl until the fall, when he arrived in Grafton. He worked in that area for several months, then resided in the Hoople district, later in Dewey Township until 1898 when he moved to Adams and filed on a quarter of land June 14,1898. This became his home.

Caroline Bjorg

Caroline, or Carrie, was born July 5, 1893. She married Ole Drevdahl in 1931. They made their home in Seattle, Wash. She died June 30, 1946. Ole died a few years later. Arne was bom March 2, 1896. He attended NDSU, Fargo, during the winter months, otherwise his Ufe was spent on the farm except for his time in service during World War I. He died April 7, 1929. Syvert was born June 30, 1898. He married Greta Jacobson, Osnabrock, Oct. 19,1930. They farmed north of the home farm. Here they buUt all new buUdings prior to

In 1904 he married Ida Qually. Four children were born: Ralph, who married Myrtle Foyen and are parents of three children, Marilyn, Keith, and Donald. Mina married Ander Marifjeren, had one son, Larry. Palmer married Leona Norby and had three children, Leah Rae, Nancy, and Paul. Borghild married Edwin Swensrud and had one daughter, Sharon. Knute took his share of work in many activities in the township, schools, church, and was director in the Farmers' Elevator Co. for many years. He served in the legislature as a representative from the third district 825

from 1928 to 1931. He was township supervisor from 1900 to 1920. He was district school clerk for 30 years and clerk of the Vang Lutheran Church from 1900 to 1930. In 1931 he purchased a home in Adams, hved there until he died Dec. 31, 1947. Mrs. Knute Boe was bom in Goodhue County March 3,1886. She is the daughter of Peter Qually and Margaret Haugen Qually. At 13, she and her parents left Minnesota, arrived in Walsh County, settled on a farm in Adams Township in 1899 to make their home. There were 10 children, Ida, Gena, Edwin, Mabel, Emiline, Carl, Alfred, Thelma, Ruby and Phillip. JOHN BOMAN John Boman was born June 30, 1865, at Glaslax, Sweden. When a young man, he left to seek a new home in America, reaching port in 1888 with his first stop at Herman, Minn. While here, he was employed on farms and also on the railroad, where he was section foreman. He had been offered a position as road master but chose to take his family to North Dakota. John married Kristina Swenson in 1892. She had recently come from Sweden. With their two year old girl, Bertha, and baby son, Alger, John and Kristina left Herman, Minn., in 1898. They traveled by train to Park River where they were met by her brother, Andrew Swenson. He drove a three year old horse, Charlie, on a single seated buggy and the five of them made the trip from Park River to his homestead southwest of Adams. Ingvald Boman owns this land now. John, Kristina and family made their home with her brother that first fall and winter. The following spring they purchased a quarter of land from Elling Ellingson and Torger Torgerson. There was a small house and bam on this land. This became their home in America. They hved there the rest of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Boman were charter members of Gustavus Adolphus Church, west of Adams. John was treasurer of the congregation for a number of years. He was active in community affairs, serving on the township board and school board. John and Kristina had seven children, Bertha, Alger (deceased), Ebba, Ingvald, Ann, Oscar and Emil. John died in 1953. His wife died in November, 1933.

children. Joan Wilma married Walter H. Moran, Jr. They have two children. John William married Kathrene Stallings. They have two children. James Leshe married Alice Mary Blackwood. They have four children. There are three great grandchildren. Alger was born in Herman, Minn., and came to Adams Township with his parents as a baby. He attended rural schools. He served in the armed forces during World War II. Alger died at his home in 1968. Ebba was bom in Adams Township. She married Harry Geary. They had four children, Doris, who married Glenn Erickson. They have three children. Don, married to Cozette Stretch, has two girls. Lt. Cmdr. William J. is married to Fay Anderson, they have two children. Patricia Faye is married to William Ferber, Jr. Ann and Ingvald were twins. They were born in Adams Township and received their education there. Ann married Fred Anderson. They had twin girls, Joan and Joyce. Both girls are married. Ingvald, who owned the homestead of his uncle, Andrew Swenson, married Amelia Boman. She is deceased. Oscar was born in Adams Township. He married Thelma Egar. They have one son, Henry. Oscar is deceased. Emil, who lives on the farmstead" of John and Kristina Boman, married Gladys Lotof. They have four children: Carol Joy married Roman Horejsi, a professor at a Great Falls college, they have four children. Judith Christina married William Lester. They live in Tonamanda, N. Y., where he has established his own real estate business, the Lester Realtors. They have two children. Joan Elaine married Robert Halberg. He is manager of the Robertson Lumber Company at Lakota. They have two children. Jon Ray is in the navy. SIMON R. BRYNSTAD Simon Brynstad was born in Norway. He came to America with his friend, David Benas. They homesteaded on land side by side in western Adams Township. He donated a portion of his land to the School District. This school was always called the Brynstad School until a new schoolhouse was built in 1917 with money bequeathed to the School district by David Benas. That school was then called Benas Memorial. Simon Brynstad went back to Norway. DOSE FAMILY

The home of John and Kristina Boman CHILDREN OF JOHN AND KRISTINA BOMAN Bertha was bom in Herman, Minn., arriving in Adams Township with her parents when a child. She graduated from the eighth grade in Fairview School. She married W. Lester a y . They had six children: Eva May married Floyd V. Opland. They have three children. All are married. Sarah Christine (Sally) married Ernest L. Krause. They have seven children. Betty Ann married Mario Tachella, they have four

Mrs. Hans Dose

Hans and Dorothea Dose arrived in America from Holstein, Germany, March 31,1899. With them came two sons, Henry and Bernard. A daughter, Alice, had come to this area several years before. She married John

Schneecloth, and settled on a farm one half mile west of the original Dose farm. Another son, William, came to America in 1898, living for some time at the home of his sister and brother-in-law. He also worked for John Lund for many years. He hved east of the Dose farm in Adams Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hans Dose spent the first two years of their Ufe in North Dakota with the John Schneecloths, and then moved into a sod house on the site of what is now known as the Dose farm. In order to break up the sod on their two quarters of land, they used what was then known as a "walking plow." This very early version of the modem day plow was pulled by one horse and guided by a man. This method of plowing was used by all the early settlers. Hans and Dorthea Dose were among the earliest pioneers of the area. After she and her husband had built their new house, it was used as the German Lutheran Church. In order that it might always be ready for this purpose, the Dose living room was furnished with a great numbers of chairs which lined the walls, and a small table in the center of the room which served as the pulpit. The Pastor would always arrive at the Dose home the day before the service. William Dose never married. Bernard Dose was married and moved to Nebraska. They had two sons and one daughter. Henry Dose married Gladys Tollefson in 1934. They lived on the Dose farm. They had one son, Albert, who passed away in 1949.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dose and Albert

JOHN DREVECKY—ELEANORA BLASKY John Drevecky was born May 24, 1871 at Owatonna, Minn. He came to North Dakota at the age of 14 and worked on farms near Conway and Fordville. He was married to Eleanora Blasky, Aug. 21,1894 at Veseleyville. She was born at Spillville, Iowa, to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Blasky. Nine children were born to them. There is an interesting story in the Drevecky family. Several very old papers were discovered in the back of an old picture frame when it was removed and among them was the discharge papers of their grandfather, Michael Blasky (on the maternal side) from service in the Prussian War, dated at Danzig, Prussia. Dating back to the maternal grandmother, Anna Vorachek Blasky's mother, whose name was Dvorak, it was discovered there was a strain of great music in the family. The great, great grandmother's brother was Antoin Dvorak, a great musician and composer. These latent strains often enrich future generations.

John passed away Nov. 12, 1945, and his wife, Eleanora, Aug. 3, 1948. They are buried in the Kosobud Cemetery, west of Lankin.

Mr. and Mrs. John Drevecky, Sr. Wedding picture, 1894. CHILDREN OF JOHN AND ELEANORA DREVECKY Charley was the oldest child and he retired and lives in Park River with his wife. He married Hansine Moe of Lankin. They have three sons: Wallace, who married Ada Qually and live in Adams; Marvin, married Edith Grove, farms about 2 miles east of Adams, and Wayne, married to Dorothy Flaten, lives in Texas. Emil, married Helen Johnson, has been a Star Route mail carrier out of Adams for years. They have two daughters, Elaine, Mrs. R. Lois of Grand Forks, and Jeannie, Mrs. Elmer O'Sell of Shelly, Minn. Clara, Mrs. Barney Thorvilson, lives at Bothell, Wn. Her husband died June 10, 1975. They have two sons: Marvin, Minneapolis, and Ronvold, Edmonds, Wn., and one daughter, Laverne Bouchard, St. Paul, Minn. Rose Koubek is a widow and lives in San Bemadino, Calif. They have three daughters: Mrs. Gene Yanzey (Irene), Cypress, Calif.; Mrs. W. Smith (Gladys), Mrs. Frank Petrla (Naomi), and one son, Volney, all of San Bemadino, Calif. Theodore married Emily Hendrickson. They farmed on the Carl Hendrickson farm five miles south of Adams until 1953 when they moved into Adams. The later years he worked at the Farmers Elevator until his death March 28, 1974. They have nine children: Harold, Seattle, Wn.; Robert, Watertown, S. D.; Glen, Belview, Wn.; Mrs. WiUiam Coleman, La Crescenta, Calif.; Theda, Mrs. James Rye, Grand Forks; and Nancy, Mrs. Gray LindeU, Park River; Joan Okeson and Eva Dean Ratliff. WiUiam and John are deceased. FRANK DREVECKY Frank Drevecky was born in Eden Township along the Forest river in a log house on the original homestead of his grandparents, the Mike Blaskys. He received his early schooling in Vernon Township, and then graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River in 1915. On March 4,1920 he was united in marriage to Minnie Berg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Berg of Vesta Township. To this union two children wereborn, namely:

Vernon, who married Orine Rustan and resides in Adams. They have one daughter, Bonnie, married to Rick Elofson, of Grand Forks. Florence—married to Gerald Linstad of Latona Township. They have one son, David.

south of Highway 17 until recently when the balance of the farm was sold and all traces of the farm fell to the changing times. The farm had five and one-half quarters, which in the standards of the early days was a large farm. The land extended east, southwest and north. Jessie Shore was born in Prague, Czechoslavakia Dec. 12, 1868. Her father and mother's parents were in the bakery business in the old country and her mother was a seamstress and embroiderer. She came to the United States with her mother, Josephine Pic Shore and her father, Frank Shore, when she was three years old. Not too much is known about their trip over except because they were immigrants who did not have the means to come over first class, they were crowded in the hold of the ship, and food, water and sleeping conditions were very bad, and many were sick and some died. They suffered many hardships after arriving in the United States, a strange country, strange language and customs. They came up to Blooming Prairie, Minn., which was near Minneapolis and then up the Red river by boat to Acton, and then on to Conway, where they homesteaded. After a time, we do not know the dates, they moved to the Lawton area where one of the sons had been farming, and there remaining until their death. There were eight children in the Shore family. Joe, Frank, John, Anton, Willie, and three girls, Jessie, Annie and Mary. There are no members except Joe Shore, of the immediate family living. Anton Shore, Mary Algie and Jessie Dvorak have children living.

FRANK AND JESSIE SHORE DVORAK

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dvorak The history of Frank and Jessie Shore Dvorak began in the early 1800's in Prauge, Czechoslovakia. Frank Joseph Dvorak, a native of Prauge, was born Aug. 10, 1859. At the age of 18, he came to the United States with his mother, Barbara Dvorak and his brother, Mike. Little is known by the family who are still living, of his relatives or early life in the old country. He talked often of one thing, that was of being part of a large Catholic Choir and how they sang for many audiences in different churches. He sang tenor and even in his later years he was interested in classical music, and you could hear him sing along with the radio when good music was being played. His son, Frank, inherited his father's love for music and in turn his son and grandchildren. Arriving in this country they traveled to Spillville, Iowa, and worked their way up to Veseleyville. From there he and his mother and brother walked from Veseleyvile, his mother carrying a sack of flour and the two boys carrying the rest of their worldly goods. He, with his mother and brother, homesteaded in what is now Adams, in the year of 1878. The town of Adams was part of the land which he owned and later sold and it became the town of Adams. He bought back the land which is known as the Adams townsite which lies south of the depot, and farmed it until his death. The ball diamond on the townsite was given to the town of Adams by him and is still in use. His sons were interested in baseball, especially Frank, who was always on hand to umpire. Their first home, a sod house, was located in what is now known as the jungles. The stone curbed well was there until not long ago. The little wooded spot which still exists became a haven for the hobos who rode the freights and used the spot to do their cooking and sleeping, while waiting for work in the harvest fields. This spot is part of the townsite. This land which was given to his son, Otto Dvorak, was sold to Frank Drevecky, who still farms it. The farm extended from south of the depot up to Highway 17 and east. The farm home stood on a knoll

The children of Frank Dvorak: Otto, Helen, Carl, Emil, Frank, Bill (seated). Jessie Antonia Shore and Frank Joseph Dvorak were married Jan. 4, 1892 at Grafton. They had seven children: William, Carl, Emil, Frank, Otto, Arthur and Helen. They attended the Omdahlen, Stone Valley and Adams schools. The closest town was Park River, where they had to go by horse and buggy to do their shopping and business. It was a day's trip and a very weary one over rough prairie roads and at first no roads at all. The children grew up and in World War I Emil served in the Navy, Carl and William in the infantry. Emil died while serving in the Navy during the flu epidemic. Carl died in 1919, William in 1944, Frank in 1971 and Arthur in 1972. The parents in 1948. Mr. Dvorak's mother made her home with them, died in 1923 at the age of 103. Jessie Dvorak was a Gold Star Mother and a 828

member of the Adams American Legion Auxiliary of which she joined in 1927. The Qually Dvorak Post of Adams was named for the Dvorak sons who had served in World War I. Two of the sons married. Frank to the former Ruth Berger of Adams. Frank was employed by the Soo Line Railroad for 50 years. They had one son, Charles, who is employed by the Burlington Railroad. He is married and lives in Bertha, Minn. They have five children. Otto is married to the former Alice Olson of Adams. They have one daughter, Karin, who is married and lives in Denver, Colo. She is employed by the Horace Mann Insurance Company. She works as an adjuster. She has three children: Lynne, Lee and Keith. Otto is the only son who survives and has lived all but a few months of his life in the Adams community. He worked for several years as a grain buyer and 25 years for the Otter Tail Power Company, from which he retired in 1969. He and his wife owned and operated the Adams Theater for many years and the past 14 years have owned and operated the Adams Laundromat. Helen never married and lives in Chicago where she is employed. Frank and Jessie Dvorak had one grandson, Charles, and one granddaughter, Karin. There are now eight great grandchildren.

One of his first neighbors was Torger Torgerson who came to North Dakota in 1880 with his older children. Elling would visit Torger quite often and bring along coffee beans so they would have coffee. When Torger's wife, Kari, came to North Dakota in 1882 with the younger children, Elling noticed a black haired, blue eyed, young lady, Berit, one of the Torgerson family. Elling brought coffee beans more often to Torger, so was called "my coffee man" by Torgerson.

Elling and Berit Ellingson

JOHN ECKDAHL FAMILY

Elling and Berit were married in 1884. Berit's mother lived only one year after coming to America. They came by way of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Elling and Berit had 11 children and were joined by Theodore when he was a young man. Elling built the first frame house in the Adams vicinity, this brought many visitors from other areas to see the house. The new house was used for township and other meetings. Elling was active in school, church and township events. Elling and Berit lived on a farm two miles south and one-half mile west of Adams. Their daughter, Thea I, died at 18. Berit was a midwife and was loved and respected for her kindness and willingness to always be ready to go deliver a baby. She never lost a baby or mother in spite of the inconveniences. In 1913 Elling and Berit moved into Adams, leaving the older boys, Elmer, Olie and Rudolph, to manage the farm. Their children attended Stone Valley School in Adams Township, except their youngest daughter, Thea

John Eckdahl was born June 9, 1867, in Eksharad, Varmland, Sweden. He and his wife, Brita Sophia Johanson, born May 15,1865, in Fillipstad, Sweden, came to the United States in 1898. They homesteaded in Adams Township. They had three children, Fritz, Clarence and Ethel. Fritz was born in Varmland, Sweden, Oct. 23, 1891. He came to the United States with his parents at seven. He married Emma Samuelson, daughter of Gust and Anna Samuelson, Dec. 11, 1919, at Adams. They lived their entire married life on the Eckdahl farm in Adams Township. Two children were born, Floyd, who makes his home at Warren, Minn., and a daughter, Florence, also of Warren. She married Clyde Munger June 9,1955. Florence and Clyde have two sons, Timothy Merriett, born April 23,1956; and Matthew David, born Oct. 9,1963. Fritz, Emma, and family were members of the Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church of rural Adams. Fritz died July 31, 1961, and his wife, Emma, died Jan. 25, 1967. Clarence Jale was born May 28,1901. He worked on several farms in the area. He died Sept. 21,1932, at 31. The only daughter of John and Brita was Ethel. She was bornMay 11,1902. She married Anton Levang July 5, 1923. They made their home at Arlington, Calif. Two sons were born, Morris and Neil. Morris and his wife, Clarice, live in Bellflower, Calif. Neil and his wife, Marion, and family hve in Granada Hills, Calif. Neil is a member of the Lawrence Welk Orchestra.

n.

Elling was a carpenter and cabinet maker, made cedar or hope chests for the brides in the family as well as for many others. He worked in the Adams lumber yard and was city marshal for a number of years. Labor seekers gathered in a small grove of trees across the railroad tracks southeast of Adams, known as the jungle. Elling had to go there and seek out the ones that wanted to work and find jobs for them with farmers. The others were ordered to leave the next day on the freight train. Their son, Rudolph, was killed in a construction cave-in of a gravel pit in Sleepy Eye, Minn., Aug. 15,1932. Children born to Elling and Berit Ellingson were: Theodore (deceased, Elling's son by first marriage); Caroline, Elina (deceased), Thea I (deceased); Elmer (deceased); Olie (deceased); Rudolph (deceased); Christ (deceased); Emma; Bertina; Anne, Thea II.

ELLING A. ELLINGSON Elling A. Ellingson was bom in Adams County, Wise, Feb. 2,1859. He came to North Dakota in 1880, was one of the first settlers in Adams Township. He came to North Dakota, a young widower, leaving a baby son, Theodore, with the grandparents. Elling named the village of Adams in honor of Adams County, Wise. 829

There are 24 living grandchildren and two deceased. Elling Ellingson died Sept. 10, 1933, and Berit died Dec. 28, 1934. Both are buried in West Cemetery at Adams. Berit Torgerson Ellingson's ancestors have been traced back to 1722 in Norway when Tormod Epsen married Berit Torsteinsdatter. OLIE ELLINGSON, SR. Olie Ellingson, Sr., was born Feb. 22,1893, to Mr. and Mrs. Elling A. Ellingson of Adams. Olie was one of 11 children born to Elling and Berit Ellingson, plus a halfbrother Theodore. Olie attended Stone Valley School in Adams Township. One of the teachers he remembered was T.I. Dahl, later a well known lawyer at Grafton. Olie lived on a farm all his life. In 1913 Olie's parents moved into Adams and Olie and his brothers, Elmer and Rudolph, stayed on the farm to operate it. This farm is still known as the Ellingson farm and is two miles south and one-half mile west of Adams. On Nov. 11,1915, Olie and Clara Egge skipped off to Warren, Minn., with their witnesses, Carl Omdalen and Alma Egge, and were married. Olie and his bride lived on the Ellingson farm. They had 11 children. In later years, Elmer and Rudolph left the farm and Olie took over complete farming operations. Olie had a threshing rig known as the Ellingson Threshing Company and went to many neighbors to thresh the crops. Olie served on the Stone Valley School Board for many years. On Sept. 29,1937, Olie was to take a few days off to go to Epworth to visit his sister, Caroline. Olie and a companion were about to board the train when Olie slipped and was fatally injured as one foot was severed and one leg crushed to above the knee. Ohe died that evening at the hospital in Grafton. He left Clara with 11 children, the oldest, Raymond, 21, and the youngest, Dorothy, 10 months. Ten of these children are living, Tilfred died in 1969. There are 39 living grandchildren, one deceased and 27 living great grandchildren and one deceased to claim ancestry of Olie Ellingson. The children of Ohe and Clara Ellingson are Raymond (had nine children, Stancil, Darrel, Virginia, Deanna, Keith, Larry, Bruce, Gregory, Deborah); Olga Hosna (two children, Ordean and Alice); Tilfred (three children, Richard, Marion and Roger); James (four chddren, Gail, Jeninne, Janyce and James, Jr.); Maurice (five children, Duane, Jerry, Patti, Gary, Lori); Donald (five children, Marlene, Michael, Trudy, Carol and Bonnie); Ann Ramberg (one child, Gary); Ronald (single); Ohe, Jr. (four children, Susan, Joi, Lynn, Ben); lone Maye Skalicky (four chddren, Cheryl, Jan, Jeffrey and Kelly); and Dorothy Boe (chddren. Dawn, Gary and Jon). Clara Ellingson resides with her son, Ronald, in Adams. OLE L. ELTON Ole L. Elton, born 1858, in Valdris, Norway, emigrated to U. S. in May 1880. He came to Goodhue County, Minn, and worked there to pay for his ticket. In 1883, he came to the Grafton community where he was employed until he homesteaded in Vesta Township, north of the St. Peter Church. This land is now owned by Carl Dahl.

Ole married Andrea Domstad in 1884. They lived on the homestead in Vesta Township for several years. Among the many hardships were the dry years. They hauled hay from the Edmore area which meant many miles of travel with horses. It was because of the dry conditions that Ole and Andrea decided to move to Adams Township and locate a homestead there. This was about the year of 1898. Children born to this union were: Josephine, Odin, Petra, Hilma, Mabel, Agnes, Oliver (born in Vesta Township), Lester, and Ervin were born on the homestead farm near Adams. Two children died in infancy. The children attended school at a country school located west of what is now the Oscar Heffta, Jr. farm. Mrs. Ole Elton passed away in 1934 from a heart attack. Ole continued farming until 1937, when he retired and lived with his children until his death in 1939. Both Ole and Andrea Elton are buried in the Vang Cemetery, southwest of Adams. CHILDREN OF OLE L. ELTON Josephine, daughter of Ole and Andrea Elton, was born in Vesta Township. She married Ingvald Hammer in 1901. They moved to Bottineau County in 1903. They had one boy, Arthur. He died in 1971. Josephine is now Uving in an old people's home in Turlock, Cahf. Odin was born in Vesta Township. He never married. He served in World War I. He died of a heart attack while plowing for his brother-in-law, Ingvald Hammer, in 1920. Petra was born in Vesta Township. She married Oliver Foss. They had four boys and one girl. The girl, lone, is an art teacher in Washington. The oldest boy, Philip, is a professor at a university in Colorado. Carlton, the second boy, was lolled on a bomber plane in World War H. Elton and Cdnton farm in Montana, east of Billings. They lease land from the government for pastures for their catfle. Hilma was bom in Vesta Township. She married John Odden in Adams, where they operated a confectionery store. In 1937, they moved to Minneapolis. About three weeks later, she was kdled in an accident. Three children were born, Aone, Lorraine and Jerrad. Aone married "Little Oscar," a famous show entertainer. He died. She lives in Kahspel, Mont. Lorraine married Kenneth Breen, lives in Pocatedo, Ia. Jerrad works for a gas company in Minneapolis, is married. Mabel was bom in Vesta Township. She married Carl Skavhaug in Plentywood, Mont., Nov. 24, 1919. They farmed in Adams Township, near her father's homestead. Four chddren were bom, Arlow, Aldon, Muriel and Carol. Arlow was a cat skinner employed by the county and Richard Geary. He married Harriet Wick. She had four chddren from a previous marriage. They had one boy, Cory, Arlow died Feb. 9, 1959. Aldon was bom March 7, 1922. He married Delina Ramberg. She died May 15,1954, shortly after the birth of their son, Allen Clair. Allen made his home with his aunt, Mrs. Norman Hogfoss. Aldon later married Doris Edefson, who had four children by a previous marriage. Aldon and Doris had two boys. They were divorced. Aldon married Selma Melland Kjos. She died 37 days after their marriage. Aldon is at present making his

home with his father, Carl. He is a carpenter and mechanic. Muriel was born March 27, 1924. She graduated from Adams High School. She married Theo Hendrickson in 1946. They lived in Adams for several years, then moved to Minot. They have six children, Karen, Brian, Robbin Lana, Carla and Becky. Carol was born Jan. 3, 1932. She graduated from Adams High School and married Tom Cavalier They have three children, Dale, Jane and June. He died in 1967. Agnes was born July 23, 1895. She married Arthur Kveiseth. They lived in Froid, Mont. He was killed in an accident on Fort Peck Dam in 1935. They had four boys, Clayton, Rudell, Marlyn and Loren. Loren was killed in a car accident in Los Angeles, Calif. Oliver, son of Ole and Andrea Elton, married Inga Moe. They had two girls, Adeline and Evalon. Adeline married Howard Tollefson. They have three girls, Diane, Kathy and Darlene. Evalon married LeRoy Wiste. They have five children, Susan, Sheila, Sharyl, Timothy and Jason. Oliver died March 1, 1958. Lester, son of Ole and Andrea Elton, was bom Oct. 2, 1899, on a farm southwest of Adams. He married Caroline Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jorgen Johnson of Fairdale. She was bom July 28, 1898. They were married June 24, 1925. They hved on a farm three miles south of Fairdale until Dec. 8, 1947, when they moved to Bemidji, Minn. Eight children were born, Ardell, Juel, Clayton, Robert, Janet, Audrey, Lester and George. Ardell married Harlan Stenerson. They live in Adams and have three children, Patti (Mrs. Clayton Olson), Peggy and Randy. There are two grandchildren, Thomas and Shannon Olson. Juel 0. Elton was born Sept. 17, 1927. He married Rosmarie Jacobson of Bemidji, Minn. They have four children: Kathy (Mrs. Kenny Castonguay), Greg, Kevin, and Kelly of Minneapolis. There are two grandsons, Chad and Travis Castonguay. Clayton L. Elton was born July 21,1929. He married Marlene Hastings of Bemidji. Their children are Wanda (Mrs. Ray Sick), Loma, Terry, Becky, Brian, Tammy and April, all of Minneapolis. His second marriage was to Janet Kreuger of St. Paul. They have one son, Eric. They live in St. Paul, Minn. Robert M. Elton was bom Aug. 3, 1931. He married Maureen Christopherson of Bemidji. They have three children, Robin, Richard and Annie, all of Minneapolis. Janet M. was born Dec. 23, 1934. She married Bernard Nielsen of Bemidji. They have three children, Barbara (Mrs. Ray Fowler), Joni, and David. Audrey A. was bom Dec. 29,1936. She married Phil Dupins of Estevan, Sask. They have one son, Jamie. Lester A., Jr., was bom April 2, 1938. He married Joyce Williams of Bemidji. Their children are: Kim (Mrs. Fred Biske), Jana, Daniel, and Leslie, all of Minneapolis. His second marriage was at Albany, Ga. They have two children, Pamela and Lester i n . George A. was born July 27, 1939. He married Gladys Elliott of Bemidji. Their children, Roy, Allen, Tina and Elliott, are all of Minneapolis. George died Jan. 29, 1974. Ervin was bom Sept. 23,1903, at Adams. He hved on the farm with his parents until their retirement in 1937. Then he worked at various jobs including trucking for Honeywell at Minneapolis. He died in 1953.

SARAH GROVE ENGE Sarah, the oldest child of Erick and Christiana Grove, was born May 21, 1875, at Goodhue County, Minn. She moved with her parents to Larimore, and later to Adams Township. In the fall of 1903, she left with several others from the Adams area, and went to western North Dakota to file on a homestead. She homesteaded south of Stanley in Sykes Township. She returned to Adams in 1905, and remained there until 1910. Sarah married Gunder O. Enge January, 1910, at Grafton. He was born in Gulbransdalen, Norway, Aug. 24, 1873. He came to the U. S. in 1891, settling first at Ringfield, Minn. In the year of 1901, he came to North Dakota and the following year filed on a homestead south of Stanley in Purcell Township, Mountrail County. Sarah and Gunder had four children: Sena, Clara, Oscar, and Martin. Sena married Magnus Carlson. They have four children. Both Sena and Magnus are deceased. Sena died at a young age leaving her four children, ages two months to eight years. Clara married Lloyd Rowe. They made their home in Torrance, Calif. They had one son. Her husband, Lloyd Rowe, passed away. Oscar married Doris Ledford. They have five children and reside on his parent's homestead. Martin lives in Stanley and farms with his brother, Oscar. Sarah and Gunder managed to survive through the dry, dusty years of the early 30's when many of the farmers had to leave that area. Sarah passed away March 7, 1955. Gunder passed away in 1958. OLE FETT Ole Fett was born in Haflo, Norway, 1882, to Thomas ahd Kjersti Fett. He emigrated to the United States in 1904. He lived with his brother, Olaf Fett, on a farm in Adams Township. Ole Fett passed away in 1927.

Ole Fett OLAF FETT Olaf Fett was born in Haflo, Norway, Sept. 23, 1886, and emigrated to this country in 1905. He first settled near Fairdale and after World War I, of which he was a veteran, he purchased a farm near Adams. This land is now owned by Tilford and Christ Grove.

Mr. Fett died of injuries sustained when his tractor traveling unlighted, was hit by a truck driven by a farmer in the locality. This took place in October 1946 Prior to this fatal accident, possibly a year or two before, he narrowly escaped death when the Soo Line train hit his pickup just as he was crossing the track to go home. The car was dragged for quite a ways. Olaf spent several days in the Grafton hospital. Upon leaving the hospital, he spent a week at the Roy Grove home recuperating before going home to live by himself. ' JENS FLATEN Jens Flaten was born in Hafslo, Sogn, Norway on June l l , 1875. He came to the United States as a young lad and worked as a carpenter. While here, his father passed away, so he went back to Norway to get his mother, brothers and sisters. His mother, Margrethe Flaten, was born Dec. 23, 1847. Jens' twin sister was Hilda.' She married Mohn. They had a son, Paul Olaf, born May 24, 1905. His sister, Severina, married Frettheim. A brother' Ole, was born June 13, 1885. He went to Canada to make his home. Nels, another brother, was born May 12, 1887. He farmed in the Adams Township. Arne, another brother, died at a young age. Margaret, another sister, was born April 6,1890. She married Claus Magnusson on Nov. 30, 1918. Anna, a sister, never married. She made her home in California. Jens married Marie Johnson, daughter of Erick and Britta Johnson. She was born Aug. 19,1885, in Eksharad Vermeland, Sweden, and came to the United States with her parents when one year old. When Jens and Marie were first married, they lived in Andrew Hogi's house in Section ten of Adams Township. At that time Hogi was living in Lawton where he operated a hardware store. Jens had some cattle and horses but no farm land, as he did carpenter work in the area. One cold wintry morning, Jens and his wife, Marie had started fires in their stoves and had gone to the stable to do the chores. A while later, Jens looked out the door, only to find their house in flames. They hurried to the house, chopped holes in the window to get their three children out safely. All their belongings were lost in this fire. After this, they moved further west in Adams Township and built their own home. Here they lived until five years before his death when he and his wife Marie moved to Redwood City, Calif., to be near their children!

Jens and Marie have passed away and also all of their children with exception of Josephine, who resides in California.

Jens and Marie Flaten family. Back row: Thelma, Eric, Regina. Seated: Arne, Jens and Marie, Josephine. NELS F L A T E N

Nels Flaten was born in Sogn, Norway, on May 12, 1887. He arrived at Neche April 26, 1907. From there he came to Adams Township where he farmed for many years. Four years prior to his death, he hved with his sister and brother-in-law, the Claus Magnussons. He was a member of the Mountain Lutheran Church of Adams. Nels passed away in May of 1962.

Nels Flaten HARRY FLETCHER

Many of the homes and buildings in western Walsh County were built by Jens. Jens and Marie had seven children, namely: Regina Henry, Erick, Clarence, Thelma, Arne, and Josephine' Anette Regina was born June 1, 1904. She married George Kdborn. She passed away. Henry Hess was born Jan. 20, 1906. He died as a young lad. Erick was born Dec. 27, 1907. He passed away Clarence was born in 1910. He died Jan. 9 1911 one year old.» Thelma Marjerete was born Sept. 30, 1912. She married Anderson. She passed away. Arne Clarance was born March 31, 1917. He married Leila Green of Langdon. She died in 1955. Arne passed away some five years later. Josephine Marie was born Oct. 6, 1919. She married Vern Kelley. They have a son, Robert.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Fletcher and grandson. Harry Fletcher was born Nov. 19, 1864, in Iona Ont. He arrived in the U. S. in March, 1886, settling in Park River. He worked in an elevator here and later moved to a farm north of the city. He homesteaded in Ramsey 832

County and then moved to Vesta Township where he farmed a number of years. He was farming in Adams Township at the time of his retirement. He married Nettie Burke on Nov. 19, 1890. She was born Nov. 19, 1864, the daughter of Simon Burke and Anna Larson Burke, who were both born and married in Norway. Upon coming to the U. S. they came to Garfield and farmed near Edinburg. Three girls were born to this union: Ella, Carrie, and Maybelle. Ella and Maybelle were postmasters at the Adams Postoffice for some time. Ella was born June 20, 1891. She married Earl Stoltz on Dec. 12, 1930. They had two children. Ella passed away April 19, 1967. Carrie was born June 24, 1894. She married William Johnson on Nov. 19, 1920. They had one child, William H. Carrie passed away Jan. 21, 1972. Maybelle was born Nov. 13, 1896. She married Jack O'Day. She passed away Nov. 14, 1974.

Mr. Gehrke had a team of black horses, often used in the early days to convey a wagon, a so-called hearse, to the cemetery when a death would occur. By this time, several other German families had arrived in the area and they decided they needed a place to worship. They could not afford to build a church, so agreed to have services in their homes. A pastor from Crystal was hired; he came every week to conduct services, usually staying at the farm home until Monday. He also conducted funeral services and baptized babies. In the winter he would have a foot warmer to keep his feet warm in his sleigh or cutter pulled by a team of horses. The German people have a cemetery which is near the farm home of Robert and Roy Strelow. Several of the German families still use this cemetery. It is maintained by them. There was a school built, known as the Fairview School. Miss Minnie Gehrke, daughter of Bernhard Gehrke of Grand Forks, niece of Carl W. Gehrke, was the first teacher in the school. She also taught the same school later. Eight children were bom to Carl and his wife, Wilhelmina, or Minnie as she was known: Amelia, married Ingvald Boman, died Jan. 29, 1973; Albert, married Elda Overland, retired farmer, parents of one daughter, Lovetta; Barney, never married, died June 15, 1974; Tillie, married Lloyd Johnson, had two children, Lyle and Dorrie, Lloyd died Oct. 30,1942; later married Lloyd G. Erickson, she is ex-postmaster at Adams; Harvey, married Beatrice Fuhrmann, parents of two children, Barbara and Richard, farmer; Martin, exserviceman and farmer on home place; Louise, housekeeper for Martin; and Florence, married Ervin J. Fuhrmann, died in WWH, parents of one son, Charles, later married Harvey Lykken, now postmaster at Adams.

CARL GEHRKE

Carl and Wilhelmina Gehrke Carl William Gehrke, bom Aug. 20, 1864, in Caslin, Germany, came to Grand Forks with his parents in May, 1882. He worked in Grand Forks for about 15 years at Ingles Boarding House. In 1893, he decided to go to Adams Township where his father had a homestead. Shortly after his arrival, he wanted a homestead of his own. Proving a claim north of his father's, he built a sod house and bam. He lived here alone. Later, he built a house of wood which he thought would be more substantial. He hauled lumber from Park River over the prairie trails. He met Wilhelmina Dencker, who had recently come from Germany. She was bom in Elmshorn, Germany, Jan. 6, 1880. She came to America when 16 years old to her uncle*s»home, Henry Dencker, Park River. They were married Feb. 3, 1899, by Pastor M . Bierwagen, pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Church, at the Adams Post Office. In 1907 they built a larger home, having three children. A stranger by the name of John Gehrke, no relative of the Carl Gehrke's or his parents, Johanes Gehrke, stopped to rest at their home. He walked, and was a professional well digger. He could find water underground with a branch of a willow tree. He dug wells with a spade and stoned them by hand, several of these wells are still in use in the community. He died in a well from gas fumes and is buried at the West Cemetery, near Adams.

The Gehrke Brothers ERNEST WILLIAM GEHRKE Ernest William Gehrke, son of John L. Gehrke, was born in Germany Nov. 4, 1874. John L. Gehrke and his family arrived in the United States in 1882. Ernest Gehrke was 8 at that time. They arrived in the area on the Red River called Grandas Fourchas, now known as Grand Forks. The family of John L. Gehrke built a sod house on the banks of the Red River, this area is now Central Park in Grand Forks. 833

Grand Forks in 1923. He sold insurance for the M. W. A. Lodge and organized New Modern Woodmen lodges in North Dakota. Ernest Gehrke died May 27, 1937. Mrs. Gehrke died May 1,1951. Irene Gehrke died Feb. 5,1916, at 17. John R. Gehrke died at Harwood in April, 1965. Four daughters remain: Irma M. Olson, Adams; Grace I. LufMn, San Leandro, Cahf.; Beatrice Bonnevdle, Mora, Minn.; and Augusta Schmidt, MinneapoUs, Minn. Submitted by Irma Gehrke Olson.

John L. Gehrke wanted a place to homestead and left Grand Forks on foot and alone. He walked through the wilderness many miles to the north and west. One day he came to a patch of diamond willows and staked his claim there. He walked back to Grand Forks to bring his family to the place he staked his claim. The family returned to that area, leading a cow and two oxen. The family consisted of two sons and his wife, all on foot. The rest of the family found places for themselves in Grand Forks. The path made by the Gehrke family walking, later became the railroad line we have today. Another sod house was built. John L. Gehrke was the first man to break land in Adams Township using the oxen and a homemade walking plow. And the farming began to form with many hardships. The first crop was wiped out by a prairie fire and the Gehrke family, the two oxen and cow were in the middle of a large slough of water west of their sod house untd the fire swept past. One Ufe was lost in this fire. A woman ran out to free her cow off a stake in the tad grass - she and the cow died. Ltfe got better and John L. Gehrke budt a house of lumber. John L. Gehrke was bom in 1831, he died in his home in Adams Township in 1901. His wife, AmeUa, was born in 1835, died in 1907. Ernest Gehrke married Frances Edith HUts, Langdon, on Feb. 10,1898. Ernest Gehrke had become a cigar maker, but had to leave his tobacco shop because of his health. They returned to the home of John L. Gehrke with two chUdren, a daughter, Irene, and son, John Raymond. Four daughters were bom, Irma, Grace, Beatrice and Augusta. Ernest Gehrke became interested in social work. He organized the Progressive Home Budders Club, assisted in organizing the Modern Woodman Lodge, became an auctioneer, assisted in organizing the Adams band. He was a snare drummer and played snare drum with the Sousa Band in concert at Grand Forks.

JOHN L. GEHRKE John L. Gehrke was born in Pommeran, Germany on Nov. 22, 1831. He grew to manhood there, and married Emelia Vierke, who was born in Benin, Germany Dec. 15, 1835. They were the parents of ten children, three of whom died in Germany at an early age. The oldest son remained in Germany to finish his term in the army, the other members of the family came to America in 1881. Upon their arrival here, the; family settled on the banks of the Red river, where Grand Forks is now located. They built a sod house in the area of Central Park of Grand Forks. The area was called Grandes Fourches by the French Canadians living there. The family consisted of the parents, four sons, Bernard, Carl, Ernest, and Frank, and two daughters, Augusta and Minnie. After a few years Mr. Gehrke decided he would like to have a homestead of his own, so he left his family in Grand Forks and started west on foot. He walked many long miles, there were no roads, just a few trails. It was all open prairie. After many days of walking he reached an area that he liked, trees had started growing there, there also were several sloughs of water nearby. This area is now Adams Township. He filed and proved up his claim. He then budt a sod house, after it was finished he returned to Grand Forks for his family. Bernhard at this tirrle had accepted a job driving for Standard Od in Grand Forks, he decided to remain in the city. Frank also managed the brick yard, both men remained in Grand Forks. Carl, who at the time, was employed in the Ingles Boarding House, and Ernest, decided to go with their father and mother to the homestead. They led one cow and carried their belongings. After many days of hard walking through the prairie, they reached the homestead, weary and tired but happy. He lived on this homestead until he passed away Nov. 2, 1901. Mrs. Gehrke passed away June 9, 1907. THOMAS E . GROVE Thomas E. Grove, the oldest son of Erick and Christiana Grove, was born in Goodhue County, Minn. May 3, 1877. He came to the Larimore community with his parents when a little boy, moving along with them to Adams Township where his parents homesteaded. Here he grew to manhood receiving his education in a nearby rural school. Thomas was a great help to his father on the homestead, being the oldest boy. He plowed many furrows with the oxen. Being his father, E . T. Grove, was postmaster, it became his lot to haul the mail between Adams and Park River. This he did for many years using horses and buggy as his means of travel. On April 5, 1900, Thomas married Caroline Justad. They lived on a farm near his father's homestead for 37

"The Four Minute Men". A. A. Myrand, Mr. Thompson, Rev. Kluxdahl, E. W. Gehrke, P. P. Peterson.

When World War I broke out, Ernest Gehrke was auctioneer for aU Red Cross sales. At one of diese sales in Adams, he sold one chicken placed in a box on a nest for $137. All the money made on these sales went to the Red Cross. Ernest Gehrke sold Liberty Bonds and was saving stamps during WWI, made speeches in Walsh County. Men from ad parts of the country talked to the people on aU phases of war work. These men of Adams were chosen for this work: Ernest W. Gehrke, L. C. Thompson, A. A. Myrvand, Rev. G. Kluxdal, Gilbert Peterson, Christ Levang and Peter Hjelmstad. Ernest Gehrke was also on the Food Administration program in Walsh County. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Gehrke and famfly moved to 834

years. At that time the farm work was done with horses and there was considerable more hand work than we find on farms today such as shocking the grain, pitching hay into racks and then in stacks or in barns, milking and many other tasks. They couldn't enjoy the conveniences of running water, electricity, as we do today but they were happy with the things they had. Refrigeration was a problem in those days. Milk was kept in cold deep, hand dug wells, butter was kept in stone cellars or dirt cellars and meats were canned. It doesn't seem like an ideal situation today, but the homesteaders got along with the necessities they had at hand.

Thomas and Caroline Grove's wedding picture. Left to right, back: Ellef Lofthus, Elina Grove, Carl Justad Susie Bjorg, Eric Bjorg, Annie Grove. Nine children were born to this couple. Conrad the first child, was born Feb. 18, 1901. He attended a tractor school in Fargo. He was employed for some time in Bozeman, Mont, at the State College. He also farmed for some time in the Adams area. He married Blanche Payer. They had two sons, Allan and Russell. Both are married; Allen has four children and Russell has two Conrad had an illness that left him an invalid His parents cared for him for 15 years, until his death in 1949

boys are married. Orvis has three daughters and Flovd has one son. Roy was born Sept. 16,1907. He married Ida Foyen in 1935 The first years of their married life Roy was employed as a carpenter. He took over his parent's home in 1937, when Thomas and Caroline moved to Adams Roy and Ida have three children, Darlene, Ronald, and Thomas. All three are married. Darlene has one son and two daughters; Ronald has one daughter and four sonsThomas has one son and one daughter Alvin was born Feb. 25, 1910. He married Margaret Ohnstad in 1933. They operated a cafe in Fairdale for several years. They moved to Bremerton, Wash in 1942 Alvin was employed in the shipyards and later worked on the toll bridges until his retirement. They have two sons Terrance and Rodney. Both boys are married and thev each have one girl and one boy. Christian was born May 17,1912. He spent two years with the CCC, at which time he was stationed in Langdon Mountainburg, Arkansas, and Park River. Later he started farming, and works in conjunction with his brothers, Roy and Tilford. Tilford was born March 16, 1915. He served four years in service during World War H. He married Dela Korff in 1943. Tilford farms. They have one son, Douglas Cora was born June 21, 1917. She married Eldou Aubol in 1937. They live in East Grand Forks, Minn where Cora is employed at the Ben Franklin Store in Grand Forks. They have one daughter, Marlene Inez was born Dec. 16, 1921. She married Clarence Lien. Inez was a teacher and taught school for many years. They have one son, Clarion. He is married and has two daughters. Inez passed away in 1973. J

OLIE GROVE Ohe Grove, son of Erick and Christina Grove was born March 8, 1893, in Adams Township. When a young lad, he moved to Adams with his father, who continued to serve as postmaster for Adams. Ohe went to Canada in 1914 and farmed near Duval, Sask. Later, he moved to Regina to live. He never married. Ohe died Nov. 14, 1958.

Left to right, back row: Christian, Alvin, Tilfred, Roy, Elsie. Front row: Cora, Clara, Thomas, Caroline, Conrad, Inez. Olie Grove

Clara was born April 5, 1903. She married Arthur Wallgren in 1930. They farmed in Dewey Township for several years, moving to Adams in 1949. Arthur died in 1954. Elsie was born July 11, 1905. She married Obert Olson in 1926. They lived in Adams. He was mail carrier for several years before moving to Roseau, Minn, in 1946, where they operated a service station and lunch room for many years. They had two sons, Orvis and Floyd. Both

ELMER GROVE Elmer Grove, first child of Erick and Christina Grove, was born Nov. 7, 1886. Elmer took over the homestead when his father, Erick Grove, moved to Adams to be the first postmaster. Elmer married Anna Linstad Dec. 5, 1908. Seven chddren were born, CUfford, Ethel, Edsworth, Inga, 835

Edith Lillian was born Aug. 30, 1926. She was a bookkeeper and stenographer before she married Marvin Drevecky June 26, 1948. Seven children were born, Susan married Bill Grove, Mark, Lance, Seanne, Kent and Kevin (twins) and Snarlyn. They live on a farm east of Adams.

Alma, Palmer and Edith. When the youngest, Edith, was four, their mother, Anna, died, leaving Elmer to bring up his family alone. Elmer was active in community affairs. He was director of the school board, director of the Adams Farmers' Elevator Board for several years and treasurer of the Adams Township, besides taking part in the church activities. He was trustee for several years, helped collect money from each member for the pastor's salary and other expenses of the church.

Elmer and Anna Grove's children. Back row: Clifford, Ethel, Ellsworth. Front row: Inga and Alma. Not pictured, Palmer and Edith. ERICK T. GROVE Erick T. Grove was born at Spring Prairie, Wise., Aug. 21,1855, the son of Thrond Larsen Grove and Anna Pederson Grove. In 1857, he moved with his parents to Wanamingo, Minn. His brothers and sisters were Louis, Per, Johannas, Annie (Mrs. Overbye), Thomaina (Mrs. Grade), Olger (Mrs. Tuften), Karin (Mrs. Walker) and (kristina (Mrs. Marum). Erick grew to manhood on a farm near Wanamingo, the place now owned and operated by his brother Johannes' grandson, Jerold, and wife, Myrtle Grove. Erick T. Grove married kristina Ellingson July 28, 1874. She was from Strong Prairie, Wise, and came to Goodhue County to seek employment. When Erick and Christine were married, they operated a grocery store. Three children were bom in Goodhue County, Sarah, born May 21, 1875; Thomas, May 3, 1877; and Annie, March 28, 1879. In 1881, Erick moved with his family to Larimore. Jens Bjorg and family moved from Goodhue County and the two families were in company. They traveled with wagon and oxen. They remained in the Larimore area almost five years. Lena was born while they were living here. May 9, 1882. In 1885, they moved with their families to Adams Township. Erick Grove and Jens Bjorg homesteaded on land across the road from one another. After Bjorg had built his dugout, they framed up a house of lumber for Erick. This was a two-room house with a basement. Christina's brother, Elling Ellingson, had settled south of Adams. He helped erect the house. Erick Grove established the first post office in his home on June 23,1890. It was named Adams from Adams County, where his wife came from. The first child bom in Adams Township was Elmer, Nov. 7,1886. On Nov. 13,1886, he was baptized in the sod

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Grove Elmer died June 14, 1951. Ethel Caroline, oldest daughter of Elmer and Anna Grove, was born July 18, 1909. She taught school for several years, also clerked in the Swenson Store at Adams. She married Lloyd Slatten Nov. 3,1950. They live on a farm south of Adams. Clifford Olie, oldest son of Elmer and Anna Grove, was bora Nov. 4, 1910. He did carpenter work with contractor, Ted Dahl, Park River, before entering the armed forces during World War H. He married Beatha Nelson. They live on a farm in western Adams Township. They have one daughter, Carmen. She is married to Robert Suminski. Ellsworth Arnold was bom March 10, 1913. He married Clara Nelson. They farmed near Adams for several years, now live in Grand Forks where he has employment at the State School for the Blind. They have four children, Carole, married to Stephen Hallin, Dennis, Donald and Marshall. Inga Selvina was born Dec. 4, 1915. She married Orville Olson, Stanley. They reside on a farm and have one son, David. Alma Christina was bom Jan. 12, 1917. She married Clayton Bjorg. They farm south of Adams. They have also been custodians of the Adams Public School. Palmer Tilford was born June 2, 1919. He served in the armed forces during World War H. He married Beatrice Aune May 6,1945. They live on the Erick Grove homestead and have two children, Richard and Patricia. Richard is married to Linda Troftgruben and they have one boy, Scott. Patricia is married to Neil Hove and they have three children, Kristi, Ann and Erick. 836

house at the Bjorg homestead by Rev. Holseth. At this time the Mountain congregation was organized. Jens 0. Bjorg and John Kittelsen were trustees, E. A. Ellingson became treasurer and David R. Benas, the secretary. Years later, in 1923, Rev. Holseth presented Erick Grove and his wife (second) with a Bible with the following inscription: To Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Grove, Christmas 1923. It is a pleasure to me to give this old family Bible to you, my old friends. This old book, I picked up at the Augsburg Publishing House a few days ago. It was put in for repair and new binding. And whatever, the owner did not understand the work that was put to it or he was not able to pay for it, he said they could keep it. And so, as they offered it for sale, the thought came to me - I should give it to an old friend - and now I give it to you, Mr. E. T. Grove, that helped to organize the Mountain Congregation in the town of Adams, Walsh County, North Dakota, in 1886, and all the time as a good Christian belonged to it. And also to your beloved wife, Anna, that came to this country, 1889, and was on a ship that sunk in the center of the Atlantic Ocean, April 6. By God's grace all the lives were saved, but no goods. God's grace be plentiful to you during your lives to the end. Yours, Rev. M. C. Holseth (first pastor 1886-1892).

the school district for many years and served as assessor for the township. On Nov. 8, 1923, he married Mrs. Anna Halberg. She cared for him during his last years. Erick T. Grove died in 1942 at 86. His wife, Anna, hved with her children from a former marriage. She died Feb. 25, 1947.

Eric Grove and children. Left to right, back row: Thomas, Annie, Elina, Sarah. Front row: Elmer, Christian, Eric, Ole, Christine. GOODWIN AND EDITH HAGEN Goodwin Hagen was bom Feb. 25, 1892, to Gilbert and Jennie Hagen, one of 15 children, seven girls and eight boys, in Vesta Township. When he was thirteen years old they moved to Adams. He remembers the house was moved by four farm wagons and two steam engines. Before Adams started, the Hagen's had a store and post office, besides farming and attended church at St. Peter Church. The school was situated across the road. Goodwin was confirmed in Gunder Olson's Hall by Rev. Silseth. Later, when the school was built, church services were held in the school. The school was situated on the lots where he now lives and the school building was moved out of town later, becoming what is now the Sarepta Church. Goodwin was janitor in that building until the new school was built and continued being janitor for about four years. He remembers driving the rigs that took the doctors to house calls many miles in all kinds of weather, many times not being asked in to warm up before making the return trip. Later, Goodwin's father owned a Richmond, air-cooled, car about 1911. Goodwin Hagen married Edith Berquam on June 2, 1915, at Grafton. Edith was teaching school in Vesta Township and Goodwin was "batching" on their farm when they met. Edith taught school for many years in the Adams vicinity and is remembered for her readings and chalk talks that she presented at churches and other occasions. Having artistic ability, she painted pictures and aroused many a school child's artistic ability. She passed away in 1972 and is buried in the East Cemetery of the Mountain Lutheran Church. Goodwin and Edith had seven children, two of which are living. Four passed away at a very early age. Glenn was killed in action in World War II. Ronald married Mildred Qually and lives in Devils Lake. Mrs. Alvin (Cora) Shimek lives in Park River. They farmed about 12 miles southwest of Adams until 1974. Their son, David,

Eric and Christina Grove Erick Grove's granddaughter, Mrs. Palmer Boe, has possession of this Bible at this time, but it no doubt will be passed on to the next generations. Other children bom to Erick and Christina were: Christina, Dec. 6,1888; Christian, Feb. 19, 1891. He died at 16; Ohe, March 8,1893 and Ragnald, July 29,1895. Three months before Ragnald was bom, Christina, his mother, fell while she was carrying two pails of water to the house. She stumbled in a barrel hoop, fell, was ruptured, was bedridden until her death, Aug. 5,1895, at 41. Ragnald was baptized on the day of his mother's funeral. He lived for three weeks. The older girls, Sarah and Annie, took care of him. Erick stayed on the farm with his family until the post office was moved from his home into Adams in 1905. It was felt he should continue to be postmaster. He built the postoffice in Adams. They had two rooms in the back of the building, a kitchen and bedroom. The two younger children, Olie and Christina, moved with him. He held this post until 1914, then retired after 24 years. Erick was active in the work of the Mountain Lutheran Church and in the community. He was clerk of 837

and family farm there now. Their other son, Harold, stationed at Dayton, Ohio, is in the air force. There are three grandchildren. Goodwin still resides in Adams. SVEND PETTER HALBERG Svend Petter Halberg was bom June 20, 1841, in Sweden. At 19 years of age, he went to Norway where he joined the armed forces. He served there until 1867. In 1868, he married Ragnild Gulbranson. Two children were born in Norway. In 1872, they came to Glenwood, Minn. Here, six children were born. In 1881, Mr. Halberg homesteaded on land north of Lankin where three more children were born. On Nov. 27, 1887, his wife died leaving ten living children, the youngest three months. His home became a happy home again when he married Anna GuUickson in 1890. The following account is taken from her diary which she kept and preserved when all else was lost on her trip over to America. "Anna K. Gulhkson was bom Aug. 6, 1865, in Lake Stokke, Landfjord, Norway, and hved on a farm as a young girl. She went to school in Kristiana (Oslo) and became a nurse, a profession she made use of most of her living days. In 1888, the decision was made to go to the land of plenty, America. So in the spring of 1889, on the 20th day of March at7a. m., a boat arrived to take us to Kristiana. This was supposed to be a new boat that would come in place of Giesers which sank the year before. The name of the new boat was Dan Mark. On the 23rd day, they went to Kristiansand. On this tour, we found out it was not a new boat and after several difficulties, we reached Kristiania on the 25th in the afternoon. Several of the passengers asked if the ship was to be repaired before we went further, but on the morning of the 25th, at six o'clock, we set our course for the distant shore. We did not realize what danger was in store for us. The ship's crews were mostly men that were working their way across and now discovered that the boat was in dire need of repairs and were fearful of the outcome. The weather was nice, so the trip went fine until April 4th, when the ship gave a lurch which sent an ink bottle from the table on the floor and back over to the other side. The machinery stopped and we thought we had run into something, but then one of the crew men came and told us that the axel to the propehor was broken. But as luck would have it, it broke far enough inside, so that it did not drop out. StiU the problem of water gushing in along the side of the shaft, which was twisted badly, was with us. They started the deck pumps and the bUge pumps, but the deck pumps broke, which left it to the bUge pumps. These could not quite take care of the water. The distress flag had been hoisted. At night, the distress lantern was lit, but that just burned for half an hour and went out. That same evening, they heard a shot, but nothing more was said until the next morning. Then, they reported that the captain had shot himself, because he was responsible for the outcome of the voyage. At five o'clock that evening, the captain was buried at sea. That night a storm came up. The waves were very high. They washed over the deck and this along with the water coming in along the axle, meant we were gradually going down. So, now die next best thing to do

was to make the load as light as possible. Trunks and personal property were thrown overboard. At eleven o'clock, one of the ministers aboard the ship told us that he had received a premonition that they would be rescued. At one o'clock word came from the look-out that rescue was in sight. Our S. 0. S. flag had been seen, so they changed course and came to us. They talked between each other by means of flags. This boat was the Missouri. It was loaded with cattle and rags. At first they intended to tow us to land, but then they were afraid if the Dan Mark went down, it would take the Missouri along. With aU the people in the boat, there was too much of a load, so they had to dump their cargo overboard to make room for more people. The last we saw of the Dan Mark was at 6 p. m. on the 6th when it sank below the dark waves. By now, we had drifted off course so far that the Azores Islands were the closest. FinaUy, we arrived at St. Michle, Azores. Three hundred fifty men were set ashore and 365 went with the Missouri. Eleven days later, we arrived at PhUadelphia. An event took place on the 7th when a baby girl was born. She was baptized Muriel Missouri Atianta. After we got ashore, a big celebration honoring the captain and crew for saving 715 lives took place. A big table was set and the first big meal for a long time was served to us. This was on the second day of Easter. Then we boarded a train for New York and Chicago. After many changes and stops, we arrived at Grafton on June 16, 1889." Anna was married to Svend Petter Halberg and at that time living north of Lankin. Two children were born to them there. In the summer of 1893, a cyclone came directly at them from the southwest. She and the chddren went into the dugout but nothing more happened. Suddenly they heard a terrific noise. She went out and she noticed that the cyclone cloud had raised up over their dugout and come down on the other side. It had puUed up large trees and left a trench instead. In 1894, they moved to Park River where another child was bom. In 1897, they moved to a farm southwest of Adams where two more children were born. Annie's husband, Svend, passed away June 12, 1916. Annie was very active in church activities. She helped start the Ladies' Aid organizations in the Hoff, Sarepta and Vang congregations. Her career as a nurse and midwife was a lot of hardships, sometimes riding for miles in buggies, lumber wagons, bob sleds and manure sleds, in all kinds of weather. She attended several hundred births. On two cases, a doctor was caded and there were times when the doctor took her along. On one occasion, there were no provisions made for the new arrival. The reason being that there was nothing to make provisions with. She then took her own shp to wrap the new bom baby in. She carried the baby in to show the father and he asked, "Is that all?" He became real angry because he had expected twins. At another place where she had been caded to deliver a baby, she went back a few days later to see how the family was getting along. She took one of her own children along this time. When the little girl of the place saw the child with her, she said, "Take him home again." Her pay for services as a midwife were whatever they gave her - a thank you, a piece of meat, jar of

butter, sack of cats and sometimes money amounting from fifty cents to fifteen dollars. In November of 1922, Annie married Erick T. Grove. They lived in Adams until his death in 1942. From that time on, she made her home with her son until her death in February, 1947.

Sven and Anna Halberg and Family CHRISTINA GROVE HAUG

Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Haug Christina, daughter of Erick and Christina Grove, was bom Dec. 6, 1888, in Adams Township. When young, she moved with her father, E. T. Grove, to Adams where he continued to serve as postmaster. Christine also worked in the post office. Christine married Oscar Haug March 10, 1910. This was the first wedding to be held in the new Lutheran Church in Adams. They went to make their home on his homestead near Duval, Sask. Three children were born, Irene, Esther and Norman. Oscar died April 11, 1935. That summer, Christine and her chddren came to North Dakota and visited for several months. She moved to Regina, Sask., to make her home with the chddren. Irene was bom March 4, 1911. She married Charles Moffat. They have two children, Janet and Gordon. Both are married. Janet has three children, Gordon has one. Esther was bom Jan. 10, 1914. She worked as a stenographer for an insurance company for many years. Her mother Uved with her in an apartment. Christine visited the elderly and sick in homes for the aged and the hospitals.

Norman was born Aug. 21, 1919. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces. He married Doris Sakrison Five children were born, Carole, Keith, Bernie, Gary and Eric. The three older children are married There are several grandchildren. Norman's wife, Doris, writes prose and poetry. Mrs. Christine Haug died July 9, 1972. JACOB AND TALINA HEGELAND In January, 1903, Talina Flugekvam married Jacob Hegeland. She was the daughter of Moses and Johanna Flugekvam. Jacob, with his widowed mother, sisters and brothers came to America from Kristiansand, southern tip of Norway. He had bought a farm north of Adams and decided to come and see what he had bought. On this place, Grandma Hegeland and Jacob made their home until he bought a farm a few mdes farther north. In 1901 he took a trip back to Norway. In 1902 he built up the buildings on the new farm. He was very active in community affairs and with two other men went on horseback from farm to farm to try to organize a church. A Hauges Synod Church was then organized and is now the Sdvesta Lutheran Church in Fairdale. Services were held in homes and schoolhouses before that. Jacob was, as wed as his family, musicady talented and served as the choir director while his brother, Enoch Hegeland, was the organist. The new home became the birthplace of Mabel, who was bom Nov. 19, 1903. She was only nine months old when Jacob died in August, 1904. Later, Talina was married to Gilbert Thompson who had two chddren, Amy and Mauritz. Talina and Gilbert had a son, Chester. Talina died in 1949. LARS K. HILDE FAMILY Lars K. Hilde was born March 19, 1854, at Indviken, Nordfjord, Norway. He came to the United States in 1877 at the age of 23. He worked at various jobs in Minnesota, around the Benson and Swift Fads areas. In 1882, he arrived in Walsh County and homesteaded in Tiber Township. His mother, Anne Lawson Hilde, homesteaded on a quarter of land 1 % miles north of what is now Adams, where she was caught and seriously burned in a prairie fire trying to save her two cows that were outside of the firebreak around the house. Her son, Lars, ran from his homestead to her and found her lying inside the door in critical condition. She hved two weeks after this, before she passed away in 1885. The Anne Lawson Hilde famdy consisted of Anne Hilde Monson (Mrs. David Monson), deceased 1884; Lars K. Hilde; Samuel K. Hilde; Andreas C. Hdde; Edzabeth Hilde and Andrine Hilde. Their father had passed away in Norway before the family came to the United States. Dorthe Gjorven was born in Stryn, Nordfjord, Norway, Aug. 15, 1866. At the age of two years, a snowslide came down the mountain and demolished several homes, one of which was her home. Her parents and a sister, Marte, were ad kdled. She and her brother, David, were buried in the snow and neighbors dug and tried to save people buried in the snowslide, but had about given up when they heard a dog bark. They began digging again and found David and the dog safe under a table and Dorthe was under her overturned crib alive, but was struck by one of the shovels in the hip, which was

moved back to Adams Township and bought the farmstead from Knudt 0. Lerohl. He lived on this farm until his death, although he had retired from farming several years before. Andreas E. Hogi died Dec. 8, 1944.

presumably broken and left with one leg shorter than the other. She was raised by a relative in Norway until 1882, when she came to the United States to Benson, Minn., where she worked. The lady she worked for said she would receive a special gift if she would clean out the bam. The special gift was a spool of thread. In 1885, she proceeded to come to Grafton, where she joined two other young ladies whose destination was also Tiber Township. They were Kristi Gunderson and Jorgine Bue. They made this journey by walking and getting rides in wagons with people traveling along the way. Dorthe's destination was to her brother David Monson's home where she was to live. On Nov. 19, 1885, she married Lars K. Hilde in the Vesta Township School, northeast of what is now the city of Adams, which was the meeting place of the South Park River Lutheran congregation. They hved and farmed on the farm which was homesteaded by his mother until 1930, when they moved into Adams. The farm was rented to son, Melvin, and wife, Olga, who later purchased the farm and which he later sold to his son-in-law, Dennis, and Arline Hilde Larson, daughter of Melvin and Olga and granddaughter of Lars and Dorthe Hilde, who are present owners of the farm. The farm homesteaded by Lars K. Hilde was sold to Henry and Anne Hilde Elton, a daughter, and is now owned by Knute and Dorothy Elton Bjerke, daughter of Henry and Anne and granddaughter of Lars and Dorthe Hilde. So, both homesteads are still in the Hilde family. The children of Lars and Dorthe Hilde are: Carl Andreas (married to Ellen Longren), Anne Christine (Mrs. Henry Elton), Dina Mathilda (Mrs. August Olson), Louise, Marie (Mrs. John Field), Martin (died in infancy), Melvin (married Thelma Qually, deceased, then married Olga Bolstad), Clara (Mrs. Alfred Qually), Emma, Maline, Selma, Lloyd Dayton (married Helen Borstad).

Andreas Hogi FRANK AND AMELIA HOSNA, SR.

Frank and Amelia Hosna. Frances (standing), Amelia. Frank Hosna was born in Czechoslovakia Jan. 15, 1874, and came, with his aunt and uncle to the United States at the age of fifteen. They came to Chicago and here, he worked for five years before coming to North Dakota. At the age of 21 he came to the Adams vicinity and worked on farms. In 1899 he married Amelia Svoboda Houser and they farmed one mile south of Adams. Six daughters and three sons were born to them. Amelia was born May 11,1879, in Czechoslovakia and passed away Oct. 5, 1963. Frank, Sr., died Oct. 7, 1922. They are buried at the Kosobud Cemetery west of Lankin.

Lars K. Hilde family. Back row, left to right: Selma, Dina, Louise, Anne, Clara, Emma, Maline. Front row: Melvin, Mrs. Dorthe Hilde (mother), Lloyd, Lars K. Hilde (father), Carl. ANDREAS E. HOGI Andreas E. Hogi was born Aug. 22, 1867, in Norway. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Erick Hogi. He arrived in the United States at the New York port in February of 1890. He homesteaded in Adams Township on land close to his sister's home, the Jens Bjorgs. Later, he sold that land to his nephew and went into the hardware store business at Lawton. Many were the times he would drive with horse and buggy from Lawton to the Bjorg farm for a visit. Upon discontinuing his hardware business, he

CHILDREN OF FRANK AND AMELIA HOSNA John was born March 8, 1902. He married Nora Drevecky July 24, 1924. Nora taught rural school for six years in Walsh County. They lived in Adams for ten years where John was a Star Route mail carrier. Their only son, Donley, was born at this time. They, then bought the east half of Section 24 in 840

Adams Township, one-half mile south of Adams and are still operating this farm. Their son, Donley, his wife, Hiroe, and their two children, Dean and Kathleen, live at Anoka, Minn. Mrs. John (Agnes) Vernes, Grand Forks, has four children, Mrs. John (Betty) Kouk, Grand Forks; Mrs. Richard (Ann) Carlson, Grand Forks; Mrs. Harris (Mary) Trosen, Fordville, and Nancy. Mrs. Clayton Donnelly has three children, Michael Richard and Susan, all of Minneapolis. Mrs. Harry (Alice) James (deceased) had two children, Timmy and Sandra, Minneapolis. Mrs. George (Marie) Ward has four children: Mrs. Kenneth (Marilyn) Anderson, Larimore; George Ward, Jr., Mashville, Mich.; and Pat and Norman are deceased. Marie is also deceased. Mrs. Alex (Frances) Brezina, Fargo, has seven children: Quentin, Langdon; Kenneth, Fargo; Gerald, Emery, Joe, Mrs. Lawrence (Alice) Powers, Langdon; and Mrs. Kenneth (Mary Ann) Heder, Grafton. Mrs. Ulysses (Amelia) Grant married Ulysses Grant May 21, 1919. Ulysses furnished the first electrical service for Adams by setting up a small generating plant powered by an old automobile engine. This unit furnished electricity to some of the business places on the west side of main street. He also operated a service station and garage in Adams for several years until his death. Amelia served the community by operating a cafe and serving large homemade buns M e d with hamburger for a nickel, mocha squares and all the other homemade goodies. She still lives in Adams.

Four children were born to the Grants: Ulysses, Mrs. Walter (Jane) Winslow, Grand Forks; Mrs. Robert (Pearl) Strong, also of Grand Forks. One sondied. FRANK HOSNA Frank Hosna was bom Feb. 25, 1904, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Hosna of Adams. Frank grew up on a farm onehalf mile south of Adams. Frank was one of eleven children. As a young man he enjoyed hunting and trapping as a hobby. He used to ride horseback as far as Lawton to hunt. Frank farmed for a few years. Frank, under the management of the late Charley Keillor, went into the boxing profession. His trainer was Jack Mayfield, a Negro that came to Adams. Frank was known as "Kid" Hosna while a boxer. Frank worked on construction in the state of Washington and Minnesota. While in Washington, he worked on the eight mile tunnel through the Cascade Mountains. In Minnesota where he worked, horses and mules were used for road building. Frank married Olga Ellingson and they have lived at Adams since their marriage. They have two children, Ordean at Bottineau, at the Bottineau School of Forestry, a branch of NDSU, and Alice Hosna Troftgruben, living in Adams. Frank has seven living grandchildren, Mike, Steve, Brad and David Hosna; and Shelly, Brenda and Teresa Troftgruben. His grandson, Shawn Troftgruben, passed away at 15 months. Frank operated the Walsh County Patrol for over 30 years, maintaining county highways. WILLIAM JOHNSON

William and Hilma Johnson John and Nora Hosna

William Johnson was bom Feb. 21,1892, in Ostmark Varmland, Sweden, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Halsten Johnson. He came with his parents to the United States in 1899 coming to the Park River area and then to the Adams community, where he resided the remainder of his life.

Four children wre born to them: Mrs. Robert (Anna Jane) Lundquist, Adams; Mrs. Milton (Kathy) Hjelmstad, Stephen, Minn.; William, Pleasant Hill, Calif.; and Kenneth (deceased) lived in Fargo. Ulysses passed away Nov. 4,1944, and is buried in the Mountain Lutheran Church's West Cemetery. Vlastimal (Pat) lives at Crystal Lake, 111. Frank (see biography). William Grant and Sarah McFee were the parents of Ulysses Grant and they lived in the Edinburg community first and then moved to a farm east of the Nils Vigen farm. Sarah came with her family from Ontario, Canada.

William's mother, Marie Olson Johnson, was born Dec. 7,1858, in Sweden. His father, Hallsten Johnson was born Aug. 7, 1863, in Sweden. They were married on Dec. 26,1882. Besides William, they had two daughters, Hilma and Ida Marie. Hilma married George Mclntyre on Dec. 7, 1903. She passed away Sept. 11, 1963. Ida Marie was born April 2, 1885. She passed away May 26, 1901, at a young age. 841

Halsten and Marie Johnson farmed in southeastern Adams Township. Upon their retirement, William took over the farm. Halsten passed away Aug. 5,1915, and his wife, Marie, passed away Dec. 25, 1926. On Nov. 19, 1920, William married Carrie Fletcher at Park River. One son. William H., was bom to this union. William was active in numerous organizations, serving on both the church and school board. Both he and his wife were members of the Gustavus Adolphus congregation, west of Adams. William Johnson passed away on March 4, 1962. His wife, Carrie, passed away Jan. 21, 1972. Their son, William H., continues to live on this farm. He married Charlotte Nelson. They have two sons, Stephen and Joel. ERICK JOHNSON Erick Johnson was born Sept. 1, 1845, at Eksharad Vermeland, Sweden. He married Britta Persdatter Olson in 1883. She was born Dec. 16, 1858, in the same area. They had a daughter, Marie, born Aug. 19, 1885. When she was a year old, they emigrated to America, arriving in New York in May, 1886. They homesteaded in the same section as Erick T. Grove, in Adams Township. They reached their homestead in a wagon and oxen. Driving past the Erick Grove homestead, they could see his two older children, Sarah and Thomas, helping their father turn over the sod with a walking plow. Erick and Brita hved on this homestead all their lives. He served on the school board several years. Brita was a great helper at her home and for neighbors as well, especially when it came to butchering. This was her mission in Norway. Besides Marie, four more children were bom to this union, Karolina, Agnes, Emil and Bernhard. Erick passed away Jan. 7, 1930. Brita passed away several years later. Marie was bom Aug. 19,1885, in Sweden. She was a year old when she came to America with her parents. She married Jens Flaten. Seven children were born to this union, Regina, Henry, Erick, Clarence, Thelma, Arne and Josephine. Marie and her husband have passed away and also all the children with the exception of Josephine. Karolina was bom Oct. 30,1888. She married Magnus Linstad. They farmed in Walsh County. He died Dec. 17,1967. Karolina spent her last years as a resident of the Pioneer Rest Home at Bathgate. She died Jan. 13, 1972. Eight children were bom to this union, Sherlock, Mabel, Edwin, Leonard, Mildred, Lloyd, Alma and Harry. There are twenty-one grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Agnes was born March 15, 1822. She married Louis Reidy. He worked on the railroad. They made their home in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Three children were bom, Lucille, Areol and Russell. Agnes died May 31,1950, at Chevy Chase, Maryland, where she was making her home with her daughter, Lucille (Mrs. David Cole). Emil was born Nov. 11,1895. He lived his entire life on the farm, which he and his brother, Bernhard, operated. Emil was also great to help neighbors with carpenter work.

Emil spent the last two years in a nursing home. He had suffered several strokes which left him in poor health. He died Oct. 14, 1968. Bernard was born June 8,1900. He resided in Adams Township on the farm his entire life. He had served on the church board and was a township supervisor at the time of his death, Dec. 19, 1966.

The Eric Johnson family. Standing: Emil, Marie, Karoline, Agnes. Eric Johnson, Barnhard, Britta Johnson. RASMUS C. JUSTAD

Mr. and Mrs. Rasmus Justad Rasmus C. Justad was born Feb. 5,1847, at Lier per Drammen, Norway. His parents were Kresten Fredrikson Justad and Karen Rasmusdatter. While in Norway, Rasmus had military training, served in King Haakon Guard. He was also employed by a railroad company, was a member of the crew that constructed a railroad tunnel in Oslo. He married Karen Andrea Treffen Nov. 8, 1877. When their first child, Helena, was two, they decided to go to America. After seven weeks at sea, they landed at New York. From there they went to Northfield, Minn., where Rasmus was employed on farms. Carolyn and Carl were bom. Three years later, they moved to Grafton. Rasmus worked with a construction crew erecting the first Walsh County Courthouse. They moved west of Grafton where Rasmus was employed on farms. Anna and Sofia were bom while living in this area, but died at one and three years from measles. Sadie and Anna were also born near Grafton. They moved to Adams Township to farm. Three girls were born, Clara, died in infancy, Louise, and another Clara. Rasmus and Karen retired on an eighty acre plot located about three miles west of Adams. They became U. S. citizens in 1886.

Mrs. Justad was sitting by the window in her home doing sewing when she was struck by lightning. This left her with a lame leg. She could never wear regular shoes but wore felt shoes. Years later, she broke a hip. She was in bed at her home for many weeks with a bag of stones for weight. Dr. Dixon, Adams, made many visits Daughter, Clara, 14, took care of her mother. Mrs Justad got over this injury. Rasmus was interested in gardening, and was anxious to get potatoes planted early. He would place a pail of potatoes behind the coal and wood cook stove to get them to sprout early. He always managed to have fresh potatoes for July 4. He would throw a sack of potatoes over his back and walk to Adams, a distance of three or four miles, and sell them to the merchant Mr Heen. Karen died in 1932, Rasmus died in 1937. CHILDREN OF RASMUS AND KAREN JUSTAD HELENA JUSTAD HANSON Helena Justad was born Oct. 9, 1877, in Norway. She came to the United States with her parents at the age of two. She married Olaf M. Hanson in Tiber Town shin Dec 11, 1895. Six girls and six boys were born, Caroline (Mrs. John Lofgren), Dena (Mrs. Peterson), Ida (Mrs. Oscar Isacson), Myrtle (Mrs. Lloyd Lien), Lillian (Mrs. Howard Johnson), Ruby (Mrs. Rudolph Jardine), Henry (deceased), Melvin, Burt, Albert, Goodwin (deceased) and Ernest. Olaf died in 1950, Helena in 1954. There are several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

ANNA JUSTAD BJORG CONKLIN Anna Justad, daughter of Rasmus and Karen Justad was born in Walsh County. She married Erick Bjorg iii 1906. They farmed in the Adams community Thev had two boys, Juel and Clayton. Erick died in August, 1941. Several years later, Anna married Harry Conklin He was killed in a car accident in December, 1955. SADIE JUSTAD SEBELIUS MITCHELL Sadie Justad, daughter of Rasmus and Karen Justad, was bom in Walsh County, and moved to Adams Township with her parents. Here, she received her education and grew to womanhood. She married Gilbert Sebekus. They had one daughter, Gladys. He died in 1918, during the flu epidemic, which he contracted when taking a carload of cattle to St. Paul. He never came home again. Several years later, she married Orrin Mitchell He died. Her daughter. Gladys, died. Sadie is making her home in Colorado Springs, Colo. LOUISE JUSTAD OSTER Louise Justad, daughter of Rasmus and Karen Justad, was born in Adams Township and married Emmett W. Oster. They hved in Williston all their married life. They recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. CLARA JUSTAD SEBELIUS Clara Justad, the youngest daughter of Rasmus and Karen Justad, was born in Adams Township on April 11 1901. She married A. Nobel Sebelius. They had two children, one died in infancy. The other a son, Calvin, is married and has three children, lives in Valley City.

CAROLINE JUSTAD GROVE Caroline Justad was born near Northfield Minn She came to Walsh County with her parents, Rasmus and Karen Justad. Here, she grew to womanhood. She married Thomas Grove of Adams in 1900 Four daughters and five sons were born, Clara (Mrs. Arthur Wallgren), Elsie (Mrs. Obert Olson), Cora (Mrs E M Aubol), Inez (Mrs. Clarence Lien), deceased, Conrad (deceased), Alvin, Roy, Cristian and Tilford. Thomas died in 1952, Caroline is deceased.

TOM SIGURD SWENSON KJELAAS

CARL JUSTAD

Carl Justad Carl Justad, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Justad, was born in Rice County, Minn., and came with his parents to Walsh County. Here, he received his early training, was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith by Rev. E. D. Quamme. Mr. Justad remained in Adams Township until 1910, when he went to Montana, locating at Bozeman, where he resided until his death Nov. 19,1930. He was married.

Tom and Esther Kjelaas wedding picture. Tom Sigurd Swenson Kjelaas was born in Tomter Norway, Jan. 20, 1890. He later moved to Trogstad' Norway, before coming to America March, 1907. In 1917, he married Esther Lund, daughter of John and Emma Lund. They resided on the Lund farm and 843

always preferred the longer strands of wool. William would like to knit too. He often times knitted even faster than she did. Besides the children from Mathilda's previous marriage, they had four children of their own, Augusta, WiUiam, Jr., MathUda and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Krause retired from farming in 1925 and moved into Adams. Their son took over the farm for several years and was later sold. Mrs. Krause died in 1932 and William, Sr., died in 1934.

three children were born: Mrs. Oscar (Hazel) Nygard, Fairdale; Vincent, Adams; and Earl, rural Adams. They were active in the growth of their church, the Gustavus Adolphus congregation. Tom and Esther retired and moved into Adams and Oscar and Hazel Nygard operated their farm. Tom passed away in 1958, a victim of a snowstorm. Esther still resides in Adams, an active woman. She has made two trips back to Norway to visit relatives. Her home is open to her neighbors, visit, or to seek help with their baking. She has been a great source of information in writing biographies of the early history of this area.

Gustav Schmidth, a native of Germany, homesteaded on the northwest quarter of Section 17 of Adams Township, receiving his patent on Jan. 24, 1889. He had two sons, Emil and Gustav. His wife passed away. Later, he married Mathilda Bankert who was bom in West Praisten, Germany. They continued to hve on his homestead. Five children were born to this union, Carl, Adeline, Edward, Walter and Amelia. Gustav died and the day of his funeral, there was such a terrible snowstorm that Mathilda and the children were unable to go to the cemetery. He was buried in the West Adams Cemetery. On Nov. 10, 1894, she married William Krause, who was born in 1858 in Belgard Pommeran, Germany. While in Germany, he served in the armed forces. He came to the United States in 1883 and homesteaded in western Adams Township.

CHILDREN OF WILLIAM AND MATHILDA KRAUSE Augusta, the oldest daughter of WiUiam and MathUda Krause, was bom on the original Schmidth homestead, the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Krause, her parents. She received her education at the Brynstad School where her father served as a director of the school board. In 1921, she married Ole Bjorg. After fourteen short years of married life, Ole passed away in 1935. Later, Augusta married James BeUany. He died in 1968. She resides on her farm in Adams Township. WUUam, Jr., the only son of WUliam and MathUda Krause, was bom in Adams Township. He attended the Brynstad School. He married Charlott Poole from Forest River. They were parents of two boys, Samuel Dean and WendeU. Both boys are married and there are seven grandchildren. WUliam was clerk for the Benas Memorial School District for several years. The Krause farm was sold to Palmer Boe and Clifford Grove, the latter buying the original Schmidth homestead. WUliam, Jr., wife, and family moved to Grand Forks to make their home. She died in 1959. Mathilda, daughter of WiUiam and MathUda Krause, was bom in Adams Township. She received her education in the Brynstad School. Mathilda married Ludwig Spielvogel. He was a storekeeper and butcher in Adams for several years before moving to Cambria, Wise., where they farmed. They had two chUdren, Marie and Raymond. There are five grandchildren. Emma, the youngest daughter of WUliam and MathUda Krause, was bom in Adams Township. She received her education at the Brynstad School and also attended the Benas Memorial School. Emma married Hans Sukstorf. They resided on a farm south of Adams. They had one son, LoweU Hans. Following surgery, Hans (Emma's husband), was left bUnd for almost ten years. He passed away in 1969. Emma and her son, Lowell, are stUl residing on the farm.

William and Mathilda Krause farmed with oxen and later were able to get horses to help them with their farming. Their grain was hauled to the nearby towns, Milton, Edmore and Park River. They exchanged their grain for flour and groceries. These trips were long and tiresome. It would take all day and part of the night to complete their journey. It was indeed good news for them when the railroad was corning through. Adams would soon be their town. Mathilda was great at spinning and knitting. They had a few sheep of their own, but often would buy wool from their neighbors. Mathilda knew her wool and

HALVOR KOPPANG The famUy name of Koppang is derived from a smaU town on the Glomma River in Osterdalen, Norway. Coming from the same hamlet, many took the surname of Koppang when coming to America in preference to the gaard name. WhUe in Norway, a person was usually identtfied by using the father's given name and adding sen (son) or datter (daughter) whichever the case may be. As the son of Svend Olsen, Halvor Koppang was born Halvor Svendsen. This custom accounts for the great

WILLIAM KRAUSE

The William Krause family. Left to right, back row: Carl, Adeline, Edward, Walter, Amelia Schmidth. Back: Augusta, Mrs. W. Krause, Mathilda, Mr. W. Krause, William, Jr.

844

number of names ending in sen (son) as Johnson, Anderson, Knutson, etc. Halvor Koppang and his wife, Maren Nilsdatter, with their several children, left their homeland in 1886. For better or for worse, they joined the great throng of immigrants to a new and strange land. Leaving their beloved Norway, their relatives and friends, wasn't easy. It was a step they had pondered carefully for a long time. There would be a strange language, new customs and conditions to which they would have to adapt themselves. There would be hardships, but life in Norway wasn't easy either. A great ocean and a whole continent would separate them from the world they knew. There would be no turning back, and in all probability, none would ever see his native land again. Customs were such in Norway that the eldest son always inherited the gaard or home place, unless by choice he wished to forego his tetular right. The other children had to go out and fend for themselves. Land was scarce. America beckoned. Friends and relatives gone before wrote in glowing terms about the opportunities in (he western world. They had nothing to lose, and probably much to gain. The die was cast. Svend, the second oldest son, had come to America alone in 1884. He was only 23. He had taken up his abode at Park River, which had become a sort of Mecca for the immigrants from Osterdalen (Eastern Valley) in Norway. This became the destination for the rest of the family. Halvor Koppang, his wife, Maren, and five children, Sigrid, Herman, Nils, Marie and Alfred, immigrated to America in 1886. Limited boat accommodations necessitated that the family be divided into two groups sailing on separate ships. One group consisting of Sigurd and two close friends, Hanna Koppang and her brother, Peder, embarked on the "Toronto," a vessel of the Dominion Line destined for Quebec, Canada. From thence, they proceeded by train to Zumbrota, Minn., where they joined Hanna and Peder's oldest sister, Sigrid.

spent his remaining years with his family in St. Paul He died in 1942 at the age of 76 and is buried in the Vang Cemetery. Marie remained on the farm, assisting with the work and looking after her aging parents. She became a second mother to her brother Karl's children after the death of their mother. She loved people and especially children and young folks. She was a gentle woman and never asked much for herself but was always solicitious of the needs and comforts of others. She loved her church and her friends and neighbors. Her home became the boarding place for many of the district school teachers who became her life-long friends. As a young man Alfred spent several years working in the Minnesota woods. At the time of his mother's death m 1905, he returned home and took over the work for his aged father who passed away the following year. In time, the years began to take their toll and Marie and Alfred hoped for a little easier life in a milder climate. Alfred made an exploratory trip west and selected Silverton, Ore., as the place. He went home, sold his farm and equipment, and moved in 1920. To carve a farm from the forest was something different from the flat plains of North Dakota. Alfred began to clear the land. He cut down trees and grubed the stumps until a few acres were ready for cultivation. He planted a small orchard and hay crops for his livestock. After a few years, the North Dakota farm came back into his possession and Alfred and Marie moved back to begin all over again on the old home place. Marie loved the west. She made one trip back to visit her nieces and nephews in Washington and Oregon. Her remaining years were spent on the farm. She died in 1938 at the age of 65. She, too, lies buried in the Vang Cemetery. Alfred remained on the farm for a number of years but found it a lonely hfe. Three times he came west to spend the winter with his sister, Sigrid (Mrs. Peder Koppang), in Portland. Finally, his failing health necessitated his selling the farm. He hved for a few months in a nursing home in Grand Forks until his health permitted him to travel west again. He drove his car to Seattle, Wash., where he entered the Columbia Conference Home for the Aged. He remained there until his death in 1963 at 87. His wish was to be buried in the family plot in the Vang Cemetery, where seven of the family now rest.

The second group, consisting of Halvor, his wife, Maren, and the four remaining children, sailed from Christiania (now Oslo) on the "Iceland," a boat of the Tingvalla Line. The "Iceland" was a small boat and encountered stormy weather en route. They landed in New York on Aug. 21, 1886, and continued their journey by rail by way of Chicago and Minneapolis to Park River where their son, Svend, awaited them. Mr. Koppang filed on a claim about four miles southwest of Adams. He built a house and a barn, bought a cow and moved his family there. The older sons also filed on claims. Sven's claim adjoined his father's on the west. Nils' claim was about five miles to the southwest, and Karl, who arrived a little later, filed on a claim a couple of miles to the southwest. Later, Nels sold his claim and bought Karl's, which he farmed for a number of years before he too sold. Later, he was appointed postmaster at Adams, a position he held until he retired. He died in 1945. Nels was a very fine violinist. He gave music lessons to many and played at many social functions in the early days. Herman never farmed. He was an excellent carpenter and built many houses, bams and churches in Cavalier and Walsh Counties. After his retirement he

GEORGE AND ELLINE LARSON George Larson was bom Sept. 24, 1867, at Moandalen, Romsdalen, Norway, and immigrated to the United States about 1888, and homesteaded on the NE'A of Section 26 in Adams Township in 1892. He married Elline Boe in 1893. She, too, was born in Romsdalen, Norway from the same area. Elline Boe had a brother, John, who settled two miles north of Edmore. Elline was bom March 27, 1872. Thirteen children were born to the Larsons, nine in the sod house. The sod house was used as a bedroom and other frame additions added until in 1911, when a large frame house was built. The children were: Ludvig, Ryderwood, Wash.; Arthur (deceased); Anton, Park River; Emil (deceased); Inga, New York; Gena (Mrs. W. Mikkelson), Roseau, Minn; Anna (Mrs. Milan Clemens), Moorhead, Minn.; George, New York; 845

Amanda (deceased); Elsie (deceased); Clara (Mrs. I. 0. Iverson); Edwin, New York and Clifford (deceased). George died Sept. 6,1923, and Elline Aug. 18,1915. Anton Larson, the third son, was born in 1898 in Adams Township and farmed on his father's farm. He married Sadie McLean in 1930 and moved to Union, N. D., in 1931, and farmed in that area for 12 years. In 1943, he retired and they moved to Adams and lived there until Sadie died in 1969. Anton then moved to Park River. Submitted by Anton Larson.

George Larson family. Taken in 1915. ANDREW LARSON Andrew Larson was bom May 10, 1856, at Gustas Adolfs, Varmeland, Sweden. He arrived in the United States in 1880, coming to Minnesota first. Three years later, he came to Adams Township where he homesteaded in the western part. He received the patent for his homestead on Sept. 28, 1893. His nephew, Claus Magnusson, came from Sweden as a young boy to live with him. Andrew Larson was known as being a kind, generous man. An incident portraying this characteristic may be revealed the day he came to his neighbor, Tom Kjelaas' home, with a quart jar full of pennies and divided them equally among the three children, Hazel, Vincent and Earl. This thrilled the children so greatly, the incident has never been forgotten. Andrew died in January of 1935. His nephew, Claus Magnusson, continued to live on his farm.

Andrew Larson

ANDERS 0. L E E Anders O. Lee, son of Ole and Barbro Hoff Liabranden, was born in Valdris, Norway, March 20, 1860. He had five sisters and two brothers, including a twin brother who died in infancy. Anders and two of his sisters, Sarah and Gina, immigrated to the United States, coming to the state of Minnesota. Later, they came to Adams Township in North Dakota and Anders filed a tree claim in Section 33 on the land where Carl Skavhaug now lives and owns. Sarah married Bernard M. Johnson and settled near Park River. Gina married Syver O. Huseth, who had a jewelry store in Park River. In about 1902, they moved to Great Falls, Mont., where he continued his jewelry business. Anders married Helene Prestrude, who was born in Hedemarken, Norway, Feb. 13, 1860. They moved to Alberta, Canada, in the 1890's where Anders was engaged in farming. Later, they moved to a town by the name of Ryley where they made their home from then on. Anders and Helene were the parents of three sons: Olaf, Henry and Helmer. Olaf never married. Henry married Olga Oslund and they have one son, Henry Albert, and one daughter, Alice. Helmer married Margaret Gordon Webster and they have one son, Herbert. Anders was very musical. One instrument he played was a viola. His son, Helmer, inherited his father's musical ability. Helmer came to the United States and was band director at St. Peter, Minn. He composed music. Helmer's son played the hom. Mr. and Mrs. Lee died years ago and their three sons died within a year, 1957-58.

Front seat: Helmer and Henry. Olaf, Anders and Helene KNUT LEVANG Jon and Marit Grovom were born in Telemarken, Norway. They sailed with their family to America and settled near Muskego, Wise. They had five children, Anna, Margaret, Anders, Sever and Gunvor, all grew up in Wisconsin. Anna married Petter Levang also from Muskego, Wise. Seven children were bom, Knut, Halvor, Gunnar, Engebret, Christina and twin sons. Petter was drafted into the Civil War, did not return. Anna received a pension of $12 a month. She died in 1905 at 83. Gunvor Grovom was bom near Muskego. She married Nels Mastre of Muskego. They had seven children, Gunhild, Andrea, Jens, Ellef, Isaak, Anners

and one child who died in infancy. Gunvor died at the same time. Nels Mastre married Ellen Morte. They had seven children, Julia, Christine, Dorothy, Caroline, Simon, Henry and Eli. This Mrs. Nels Mastre died in 1914. Gunhild Mastre and Knut Levang were married at Muskego, moved to Iowa, farmed. Five sons were born, Pete, Christ, Nils, Knut and Lewis. When Pete was nine years old, they moved to North Dakota in a horse drawn covered wagon, bringing their cows, sheep, hogs and chickens. They filed on a quarter of land near Garfield. Knute and his family hved in the covered wagon until the log cabin with dirt floor was built. Lewis was seven months old. Four children were born here, Clarence, Celia, Johanna and Clara. Clarence died when a child.

NELS A. LEVANG Nels Levang, son of Knut and Gunhild Levang, was born Jan. 30, 1875, in Fertile, Ia. He moved with his parents to Garfield where his father, Knute Levang, served as postmaster. It was in this area that he received his education and grew to manhood. He taught schools in Walsh County. On Dec. 26, 1902, he married Judina Thompson. She was born Oct. 25, 1877. In the spring of 1907, he went to Montana and homesteaded in Sheridan County. His wife and three young children went that fall. They lived the Ufe of true pioneers, in a sod house and worked the farm with two horses and oxen. Besides this farm work, he taught school and was editor of a weekly newspaper called "The Homestead Broadaxe." When his chUdren were of school age, he quit teaching and devoted his time to farming. He helped organize and build the Bergsland School, for which he was clerk for many years. Nels was a charter member of the First Lutheran Church of Homestead, Mont. Nels and Judina had eight chUdren, Laura, OrviUe, Clifford, Nina, Trenton, Gretta, Alvin and Woodrow. Judina, wife of Nels, died in November, 1957. Nels died in November, 1959.

Knut became postmaster of Garfield. The post office was in his home until the town was built about one and one-half miles south of his farm. He moved the post office to the town. When Park River was established in August, 1884, seven miles southeast, the post office was moved there. Knut resigned as postmaster and bought a farm near Adams. Knut held various office positions. He was State Senator for several years. Knut, born March 20, 1871, died Dec. 10, 1919, at 68. Gunhild, born Sept. 27,1876, died Aug. 10,1903, at 57.

Nels Levang Knute Levang, Postmaster at Garfield.

CHILDREN OF NELS AND JUDINA LEVANG Laura was bom September, 1903. She married Sidney Kerstein in December of 1934. They had three children, Wanda Lee, Janet Ann and Richard Dennis. Laura's husband, Sidney Kerstein, passed away Dec. 2, 1972. ArvUle was bom Dec. 20,1904. He passed away Aug. 7, 1958. CUfford was born Aug. 8, 1905. He married Mae Granthun. They had four children, Marilyn, Verona, Judith and Ronald. Nina Levang was bom March 16, 1909. She married James Logan in 1928. They had one son, Loren. Nina died in June, 1949. Trenton was born Oct. 21, 1910. He married LilUan Lietz in 1936. They had two chUdren, Gale and Dean. Getta was born Oct. 30, 1912. She married Uffe Nelsen on Feb. 14,1939. They had five children, Laverna, Lois, Allen (deceased), Robert and Doris. t

Daughters of Knute Levang: Celia, Johanna, Clara. 847

Carole Foster of Columbus, O., and JoAnn Newcomb, San Francisco, Calif. Gordon married Jessie Vddmo on Nov. 21, 1942, at Keene. They have two daughters and one son. Karen passed away Oct. 20, 1963, age 19; Sharon Anderson, Watford City and Gary at Keene. He is married. Carmen married Esther Dahl Jan. 8,1943. They have two daughters, Elverna Meley, Seattie, Wash.; and Rita Hovet, Watford City. Carmen passed away Aug. 18, 1972, age 49, at Seattle, Wash. Grace married Lucas Adex on July 26, 1949, at Watford City. They have three daughters, Deborah Thompson, Watford City; Linda Richardson, Watford City; and Lynette, at home. Brian is at home. Duane Levang, single, is now attending Minot Vocational Workshop, Minot.

Alvin was born June 24,1915. He married Rita Ethier in 1944. They have four children, John, Warren, Eileen and Laverne. Woodrow was born July 4, 1917. K. E. (LEWIS) LEVANG

JOHANNA LEVANG SWENSON

The Lewis Levang family. Top: Gordon, Clifford, Carmen, Tilford, Melvin, Duane. Bottom: Gladys, Olena, Louis, Grace. Knute Levang (Louie) was born Sept. 12, 1879, to Knut and Gunhild Levang at Fertile, Ia. He moved with his parents to Golden Valley in 1880, where his father homesteaded. He learned to walk on the dirt floor of their shack. Here, he received his education and grew to manhood. On July 26, 1902, he married Olena Volden. She was born July 24,1884, at Park River to Thomas and Maret Volden. In 1895, she moved with her parents to Roseau, Minn., returning to Adams in 1898. Louie and Olena farmed near Adams, operated a livery barn at Lawton. In the spring of 1907, Louie, with William and Alfred Van Dyke, moved west to McKenzie County, homesteaded 20 miles east of Watford City. In the spring of 1908, a year later, Olena and her two sons, Melvin and Telford, went to McKenzie County to live in a 16x14 shack that Louie had built for them. They farmed many years. In 1921, they built an 11 room house on the farm. They retired and moved to Watford City in 1943. They had six sons and two daughters. Louis died June 3,1958, at 78. Olena died March 23,1971, at 86.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Swenson Johanna Levang was bom May 19, 1888, to Knut and Gunhild Levang. She was one of nine children. She received her education in a rural school and was a member of the Scandinavian Lutheran Church. She married Henry Swenson June 9, 1906. They settied on a farm in Tiber Township. Later, they moved to the farm southwest of Adams now occupied by Harvey Gehrke. They farmed there a number of years. In 1927, the family of five chddren, Crawford, Herb, Avis, FJsworth and Beatrice, moved to McKenzie County where a married sister and a brother and his family had gone.

CHILDREN OF LOUIE AND OLENA LEVANG Melvin married Leone Ferguson on Feb. 22, 1924. They had one daughter, Lenora Loken, Watford City, and one son, Orrian Levang, who passed away Jan. 21, 1975, at the age of 49. Melvin passed away Feb. 16, 1968, at 65; and his wife, Leone, passed away March 20,1962, age 62. Telford married Myrtle Van Dyke on Oct. 27, 1934. They have one daughter, Marlene Thompson, Keene, and one son, Eugene. He died Jan. 22,1967, age28. Clifford, Forman, N. D., married Leckny Bernson Aug. 18,1938. They have one daughter, Beverly Jadsaas, Minneapolis, Minn., and three sons, Odin of Minneapolis, Leroy of Milnor, and Pfc Cleo who died in the Vietnam War, Jan. 5,1967, age 21. Clifford's wife, Leckny, passed away Nov. 7, 1974, age 61. Gladys married Otto Rau, May 28, 1939. They live in Sacramento, Calif. They have two married daughters,

The Swensons bought land south of Schafer. The timing was bad - rust, grasshoppers, drought, low farm prices, conspired against them as farmers. Henry oh tained a job as rural mail carrier delivering mail between Schafer and Banks for eight years. Mrs. Swenson took in boarders. She boarded many of the workers at the courthouse in Schafer. They moved to Watford City in 1941. Henry got a job trucking. In 1942, he had a stroke, was an invalid untd his death in 1948. The children had established homes of their own. Johanna worked in a cafe for 12 years. Early in 1966, she suffered a stroke. In April she entered the Good Shepherd Rest Home in Watford City where she now resides. She is very alert and gets about in a wheel chair. 848

Three of their sons have passed away. Avis died several years ago. Herb died Dec. 27,1965, Elsworth died July, 1966. Crawford lives in Williston, Beatrice lives in Laguna Beach, Calif. There are nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Celia and William celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1952 and their 68th wedding anniversary on Feb. 21,1970. She died March 3,1970. CHRIST LEVANG

CLARA LEVANG NOEL Clara, daughter of Knut and Gunhild Levang, was born near Adams. It was in this area that she received her education and grew to womanhood. She married Rev. Lance Noel. He had three children by a former marriage, Glen, Mrs. Roy Whitney and Mrs. Al Wright. Rev. and Clara Noel were missionaries to India, Formosa and Hawaii. He died March 31, 1963. On Nov. 14, 1974, Clara left again for Hawaii to continue mission work.

The Christ Levang

Family

Christ Levang, son of Knut and Gunhild Levang, was born May 25, 1872, in Iowa. He came to North Dakota with his parents when he was five or six years old. He grew up on the family homestead near Garfield. Christ married Frances Houser Feb. 12, 1896. She was born Aug. 28, 1878, to Frank Houser and Mary Grecier. They lived near Spillville, Ia., later moved in a covered wagon to the Pisek-Veseleyville area, then again to a farm east of Adams.

Pastor and Mrs. L. Noel CELIA L E V A N G V A N D Y K E

Celia Levang, daughter of Knut and Gunhild Levang was born May 7, 1886. She married William Van Dyke, born April 2,1882, on Feb. 21,1902, at the farm home of her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Christ Levang, near Adams. They drove the five miles to this farm with horses and bob sled. It was a typical wintry day with drifting snow. Celia and William lived near Adams until 1908, when they moved to McKenzie County, where they farmed. He also did blacksmith work for his neighbors. He would sharpen^set of plow shares for 50 cents. Celia would give the neighbor dinner while he waited for the shares. Celia and William had seven children, Elda (Mrs. William Dodge), died in 1971; Lillian (Mrs. Charles Dodge); Lettie (Mrs. Donald Dodge); Wilma (Mrs. Murphy Iklund); Lester Van Dyke, all of Watford City; Willard Van Dyke, Prescott, Ariz.; and Raymond Van Dyke, died in 1964. There are 20 grandchildren, 45 great grand children and two great great grandchildren. Celia was a charter member of the Clear Creek Lutheran Church and Ladies' Aid where she served as president and held various other offices. At the time of her death, March 3,1970, she was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Watford City.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank

Houser

•

Christ and Frances Levang homesteaded south of Adams on the SE V, of Section 23, Township 157, Range 58. The deed was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt May 20,1862. Nine children were bom, Clarence, Abner, Fred, Allen, Vivian, Florence, Blanche, Irene and Roy. Christ and his family hved on the farm near Adams until the fall of 1917, when they moved to Park River. Christ was active in community affairs, held offices such as school clerk, township clerk, justice of the peace, director of the elevator board and president of the Walsh County Press. He served two terms as State Senator, after that became Tax Supervisor for the state. Christ died April 4, 1931, on his way home from Bismarck. He was found in his car near the Okeson farm, west of Adams.

CHILDREN OF CHRIST AND FRANCES LEVANG Clarence Levang was born Feb. 1, 1898. He married Irene Ryan, Fordville, in 1917. They had one son, Cleo, born Sept. 28, 1918. Cleo married Grace Halberg Oct. 8, 1941. They have three children, Daniel, Frances and Pennie. All live in the Los Angeles area. Clarence died Sept. 25, 1926. Abner Levang was born July 15, 1901. He married Grace Fuller of Edinburg. They had two children, Phyllis and Alice Joy. Phyllis was bom March 26, 1928. She married Leonard Holm of Hoople on June 8, 1946. Alice Joy was bom Aug. 26,1936. She married Dennis Hagen of Park River on July 24, 1953. They have two children, Steven and Nancy. Abner married Rebecca Chisholm on Aug. 10,1953. He died Feb. 10, 1959. She lives in Grafton. Fred Levang was born March 5,1904, married Olga Nelson Nov. 11,1944. They have one son, David, bom Oct. 11,1945. He married Irene Melstad, Gardar. They have a daughter, Nichole Marie, bom Jan. 31, 1970. Allen Levang was born March 19, 1906. He married Greta Alpha, Adams, Nov. 28, 1945. They live on the homestead. Leonard Vivian Levang was born Nov. 17, 1908, married Charlotte Erickson of Adams May 29, 1937, has five children, Curtis, Linda, Wayne, Terry and Ann. Curtis, bom May 17, 1938, married Mary Faye Novak, Pisek, March 22,1963. They have two children, Craig and Lissa. Linda was bom April 27, 1942. She married Duane Severson of Fairdale on June 9, 1968. They have three children, David, Diana and Michael. Wayne Levang was born July 15,1945. He married Marie Melstad of Gardar on Aug. 15, 1970. Terry was bom Feb. 11, 1947. She married Dave Blomquist of Edmore on June 27, 1965. They have three children, Patti Ann, Jeffrey and Steven. Ann was born Dec. 24,1948. She married Gerry Gobel of Oxford, Ind., on Oct. 15, 1966. They have three children, Gerry Todd, Scott Gerald and Cheri Ann. Blanche Levang was bom Jan. 9, 1914. She married Walter Duff of Hoople on Feb. 24,1932. They have three children, Bonna Rae, Arthur and Kathleen. Bonna Rae was bom May 2, 1938. She married Duane Sondeland of Grafton on July 14, 1956. They have three children, David, Julie and Debbie. Arthur was bom Aug. 25, 1941. He married Bonnie Field of Grafton Dec. 20, 1958. They have two children, Carrie and Dawn. He married again in 1969. They have two children, Walter and Daniel. Kathleen was born July 25, 1944. She married Lews Vazquez on May 6,1967. They have an adopted daughter, Magda. Grace Florence Levang was born March 9, 1911. She married Wdmar (Bid) Magnussen in 1930. They had two children, Joan and Wdmar (Bid, Jr.). Joan was born April 4, 1931. She married Paul Hankey of Park River on Oct. 23,1950. They have five daughters, Patti, Paula, Pamela, Phydis and Peggie. Wilmar (Bid, Jr.) was born July 26, 1934. He married Joanne Herseth of Mdton on June 18,1955. They have three children, Angela, Bradley and Craig. Grace passed away Nov. 9, 1935. Irene Levang was born April 25, 1918. She married Hert Birk of Superior, Wise., on April 15,1934. They had one son, Elroy, who was bom May 17, 1934. He married Jeanyne Clautier at Superior, Wise, in April of 1952. They have five chddren, Ronald, Rodney, Richard.

Cheryl and Randall. Irene passed away June 1, 1961. Her husband, Ilert, passed away March 10, 1958. Roy C. Levang was bom Dec. 22, 1920. He married Irene Hendrickson on Nov. 28, 1945. Seven children were born to this union. Royce Iran, born Dec. 23,1946, passed away Feb. 17, 1968. Randell Ivan, born Feb. 19, 1948, married Karen Wiggen of Portland on Feb. 27, 1971. Ina Rae, born April 17, 1951, married Mike Spanier of Edinburg on June 4, 1971. They have one son, Eric Michael. Irving was bom Aprd 11, 1953. He married Jeanie Olafson of Gardar on July 29,1973. Cecil Lynn was born Oct. 24,1956. Kevin Frances was bom Aug. 31, 1958, and Stuart Lon was born May 14, 1963.

William Van Dyke Family PETER G. LEVANG Pete Levang, son of Knute and Gunhdd Mastre Levang, was born in Iowa in 1870. He moved with his parents to North Dakota when he was nine. On July 12, 1893, he married Mary Hauser. She was born Aug. 6, 1873. They homesteaded in southwestern Adams Township. Three chddren were bom, Mabel, Agnes and Anton.

Mr. and Mrs. Pete Levang AGNES LEVANG Agnes Levang, daughter of Peter and Mary Levang, was a teacher. She married Evan Kristiansen, a hardware store owner in Watford City. They are retired and hve in Bidings, Mont. They had one son, Elden, married, manager of a Gambles Store in Bidings, Mont. They have five children. The oldest, Gary, is an electrical engineer and is employed in Cedar Rapids, Ia.

... BERGER OLSEN LINSTAD Berger Olsen Linstad was the second chdd born to Ole Bergersen and Anne Christophersdatter Linstad n North Odalen, Norway. He was bom Dec. 9,1847. He was baptized and confirmed in the State Church of Norway. Berger's father died when he was 21 years old. Four years later, Berger decided to go to America. According to the records at the courthouse in Grafton, Berger 0. Linstad arrived in New York in June, 1872. Through correspondence with relatives, it is learned that he arrived in America, at Philadelphia, Pa., September, 1882, with his mother, Anne Christophersdatter Linstad and two brothers, Ole 0. and Edvard 0. Could it be that Berger had been in America and had gone back to Norway to get his mother and two younger brothers? This question remains unanswered but it does seem likely. Berger was married on Sept. 12, 1882, at Newago, Mich., to Martha Thorson, who was also from North Odalen, Norway. She was bom Sept. 26, 1861, and came over from Norway on the same ship as Berger, his brothers and mother. Berger and his wife hved in the state of Michigan for awhile, later moving to North Dakota, settling in Adams Township. On April 14,1885, he made his declaration for citizenship in Grand Forks County and then on June 14, 1890, he became a citizen of the United States. Some years later, they moved to Plummer, Minn., where they purchased a farm. In 1907, they sold their farm and retired in Thief River Falls, Minn. In September of 1932, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in Thief River Fads, Minn. Berger and Martha had seven children, Anna, Ole, Amelia, Agnes, Minnie, Tillie and Ella. Berger died Feb. 7, 1934. His wtfe, Martha, died in 1944. ;

Mabel and Agnes Levang ANTON LEVANG Anton Levang, the only son of Peter and Mary Levang, born Feb. 2,1899, married Ethel Ekdahl in 1924. They now live in Arlington, Calif. They have two sons, Morris and Neil. Morris is married and is a commercial truck driver. They live in Bellflower, Calif. Neil is married, has five children. He is a member of the Lawrence Welk Band. He plays violin, banjo and guitar. He lives in Van Nuys, Calif. His oldest daughter, Carol, is married and lives in Texas. His other children are in school. OTHER CHILDREN OF PETER G. LEVANG Mabel Levang, daughter of Peter and Mary Levang, was a teacher. She married Olaf Hansen Nov. 19,1919, at Grafton. They farmed near Demmick Lake, Berg, P. 0 , N. D. They had four daughters, Margaret, a teacher, married Howard Brown. They had four children, three girls and a boy. All are married and live in Spokane, Wash. Margaret teaches in Coeur-d-Alene, Ida. Her husband manages the Circle K Store. Ila Mae Hansen, married Wally Croff, Watford City. She is a teacher in the Watford City Schools. Her husband is a salesman and rancher. They have two children. Ward and Paige. Elinor Hansen, a teacher, married L. R. Safratowich of Belf ield. She teaches in Wolf Point, Mont., her husband is superintendent. They have one son, Larrie, attending Bozeman University. Arlene Hansen, a teacher, married Odver Halo of Arnegard. They live in Flaxville, Mont. He is superintendent of the school. They have four children, David, Terry, Robert and Mary. Olaf and Mabel Hansen retired in Watford City in 1948. He died in 1964. She is still residing there.

Mr. and Mrs. Berger Linstad CHILDREN OF BERGER AND MARTHA LINSTAD Anna, the oldest chdd born to Berger and Martha Linstad, married Arthur Boyce. They had two daughters, Ethel and Mabel. Anna was killed in a car accident. Ole was the only son bom to Berger and Martha Linstad. He was born March 29,1886, in Walsh County. As a young man, he moved with his parents to Plummer Minn., and then to Thief River Falls, Minn, where he was employed as a carpenter. He married Clara Bang. They raised a family of ten chddren, six boys and four girls, Gladys Viola, Bernard Herman, Elmer Olie, Alvin Morris, Allen Morries, Vivian Delores, Oscar' Carl

had come from Eksarad, Varmland, Sweden, and their destination was Dakota Territory. Others from the same Lutheran parish who had arrived here a few years before had written and told of the land for homesteads and employment to be found in that area which is now western Walsh County.

Laurence Floyd, Juanita Valerie, Neomie Virginia Mereline. In 1937, Ole moved to Oakland, Calif., where he made his home until his death, May 18,1963. There are several grandchildren. His wife, Clara Bang Linstad, resides in Valley Rest Home, Thief River Falls, Minn. Amelia, third child born to the family of Berger and Martha Linstad, was born April 17, 1887, near Adams. She married Charlie Nelson on Dec. 25, 1908. They lived in Grand Forks for a short while, then moved to Minnesota where they farmed near Newfolden, Minn. Seven children were born to this union, namely: Marie, Edwin, Minnie, Ivadell, Lorraine, Beulah and Robert. There are several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Amelia passed away at the Grand Forks Hospital on Sept. 18, 1952. Her husband is living at the Good Samaritan Nursing Center in East Grand Forks, Minn. Agnes was the fourth child born to Berger and Martha Linstad in Walsh County, on August 18, 1890. She married Carl Clyde Elkins of Murphu, N. C , at Moorhead, Minn, in 1916. To this union, three children were born, Carl Clyde, Morlan, and Evelyn Frances. Her husband, Carl, and their son, Morlan, passed away Nov. 1920. On Nov. 9, 1940, Agnes married Arnt Leiseth in Moorhead, Minn. He passed away in 1951. Agnes passed away April 23, 1966, at the age of 75 years. Minnie was the fifth child born to the family of Berger and Martha Linstad on January 11, 1894. Minnie received her education in the Plummer, Minn, schools. She became a teacher and taught in rural schools for eight years. She married Louis Roseland on August 11, 1920. Louis passed away August 1, 1962. Minnie is now making her home at Valley Home in Thief River Falls, Minn. Tillie, daughter of Berger and Martha Linstad, was born August 30, 1897. She married Emil Dahl. They had one son, Merton Cole. Both Tillie and her husband have passed away. Ella, the youngest child of Berger and Martha Linstad, was born March 16, 1901. She married Richard Johnk on Nov. 10, 1923. They have one daughter, Harriet Winnefred, who was born at Sabin, Minn, on April 10, 1927. She is married and they have two daughters and a son.

Mr. and Mrs. Ellef

Lofthus

In this group were Lars Olson and Martha Bjorn. They, like many others, were advised to request a change in surname before applying to become U. S. citizens (and filing for homesteads. They then became Lars Lundin and Martha Westberg and as such they were united in marriage on Decemer 23, 1888. Mr. Lundin's 160 acre homestead claim was located about 4V2 miles west from the present town of Adams. Here, before his marriage, he had erected a small frame dwelling which served as the family home until 1903, when a larger, more substantial home, was built to accommodate a growing family. Mrs. Lundin, upon marriage, had relinquished her homestead claim and her sod shanty, to meet homestead requirements. Early years on the homestead were hard. The railroad had come to Park River, but it was more than 20 miles away and a two day trip by ox team. Grass fires and winter blizzards that swept across the open prairies were hazards to life and property. Drought, frost, and had brought crop failures, and abandoned homesteads bore evidence that for some the prairie hardships were too terrible to endure. For most, survival became possible only through a cooperative effort. Since finances were nil, or very limited, neighbors pooled and exchanged machinery, horses and oxen, and their labor in efforts to improve the homesteads and produce crops that could be marketed. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lundin, one of whom died in infancy. Axel, Selmer, Eden and Edval are deceased. Hjalmar, Tempe, Ariz., Herman, St. Louis Park, Minn., Victor, Portland, Ore., one remaining a resident of Walsh County. She is Delia Baker of Adams. A community which was predominately Swedish, gradually grew and prospered, and in later years became known as West Adams. Norwegians, Germans and others who came to stay became a part of this community. As families sprouted youngsters, the need for a school was recognized, and the first grade school

ANNIE GROVE LOFTHUS Annie, daughter of Erick and Christina Grove, was born March 28, 1879, in Goodhue County, Minn. She moved with her parents, brother, and sister to Larimore and later to Adams Township. Here she grew to womanhood. She married Ellef Lofthus April 9, 1905. They farmed in Adams Township for some time, moved to Glasgow, Mont., where they operated a rooming house for about four years. In 1923 they moved to Walhalla, where Ellef operated an elevator until 1937, when he was forced to discontinue after having suffered a stroke. Ellef passed away Nov. 6,1943. Annie sold her home in Walhalla and moved to Adams, where she made her home until her death July 20, 1961. It was May 18,1886. A small group of young Swedish emigrants had landed at Ellis Island, New York. They 852

was built on a site Yz mile north of the Lundin homestead. Also, in 1894, the Swedish speaking people organized the Swedish Lutheran Church which continues to serve the West Adams community, although the original church structure was destroyed by fire some years ago. In this community Mr. and Mrs. Lundin raised their family of eight and continued to farm until 1927, when they retired and purchased a home at Adams. Through purchase of adjoining lands the farm had been increased in size to 400 acres, and supported a very substantial set of farm buildings. Mr. Lundin retained ownership of his farm until his death in 1943, following which the property was sold by his heirs. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lundin, one of whom died in infancy. Four children now survive, one remaining a resident of Walsh County. She is Mrs. Delia Baker of Adams. As an active member of his community, Mr. Lundin served on school, township, church, and election boards. During World War I he was active in Liberty Bond drives. He served a term as trustee on the board of the Walsh County Agricultural and Training School at Park River, and was for several years a Director of the Farmers Elevator at Adams. In October, 1938, friends and relatives gathered at Adams to honor Mr. and Mrs. Lundin's 50th wedding anniversay and to wish them well. However, in the spring of 1939, Mrs. Lundin was stricken by a lingering illness and passed away October 5, 1939, at the age of 74. Mr. Lundin remained at his home in Adams until December 7, 1943, when he suffered a fatal heart attack, a few weeks before his 79th birthday.

They started their married life on the farm with one ox and a walking plow, but later acquired another ox. In 1886 a daughter, Hulda, was bom to them and twelve years later their daughter, Esther, was born. Several children died in early infancy; a price early settlers paid in not having doctors and medical knowledge close by. The early hardships, slow transportation, snowstorms and prairie fires were always prevalent. John walked to Grafton, 34 miles, and carried his supplies on his back. The trip would take three or four days. John often took off his shoes and socks when he walked in in order to save them from wearing out too soon. At this early date there was no church building, but their church was in their homes and their religion in their hearts. The first church to be built west of Adams was the Gustavus Adolphus Church which was built in 1902. John Lund helped to build it. The congregation, however, was organized eight years earlier. In 1907 and 1908 double tragedy struck the Lund home. John Lund died Dec. 13, 1907, and to add to the loss, their barn burned September, 1908, all seven horses perishing in the fire. The cause of the fire was thought to be lightning. Mrs. Lund, in true pioneer fashion, with the help of a neighbor, Willie Dose, worked the farm to support her family. One warm summer day, to her horror, Mrs. Lund saw a wall of fire in the west, coming towards her farm. Hurriedly she dug a hole in a patch of plowed ground and placed the children in it and covered the boards on top with dirt. Luckily, before the dreaded prairie fire reached her farm, the wind shifted and her holdings and children were safe. Mrs. Lund passed away Jan. 28, 1914. By this time Hulda had married Jacob Tonning, and Esther, at 16, went to work for neighbors who needed help. Mr. and Mrs. John Lund, their daughter, Hulda, and husband, Jacob, and son-in-law, Tom Kjelaas, are all buried in the Gustavus Adolphus Church Cemetery.

Lars Lundeen Family »* JOHN AND EMMA LUND Mr. and Mrs. John Lund

• John Lund landed at New York harbor in 1883, coming from Varmland, Sweden. The journey by boat took 14 days. He traveled to Minnesota by train and one year later, he came to Grafton. Continuing on foot for 34 miles, he settled on a piece of land seven miles west of Adams, being the first settler west of Adams in this area. He drove his stakes and built a sod house. At this time if they built a house and squatted on the land for one year, it was their property. In 1884, he sent for his bride-to-be, Emma Olson. He met her in Chicago where they were married in 1885.

CLAUS MAGNUSSON Claus Magnusson was bom April 28, 1886, in Sweden. As a young lad of 18, he left his native land and came to America to live with his uncle, Andrew Larson, who had homesteaded in Adams Township. Claus married Margaret Flaten on Nov. 30, 1918, at Adams. She was bom in Sogn, Norway, on April 16, 1890. Both Claus and his wife were members of the Gustavus Lutheran Church. In 1945, Claus and Margaret rented out their farm 853

and moved to Larimore, where they lived for four years. They then made their home in Adams. Margaret passed away July 16, 1964. Claus passed away Jan. 1, 1967.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were charter members of Gustavus Adolphus Church, west of Adams. Mrs. Nelson was a charter member of the Augustana Ladies' Aid. Mr. Nelson served on the township and school boards for several years. Nine children were born, Annie (Mrs. Robert Strelow) deceased; Ellen (Mrs. Jeneson Strelow); Hilda (Mrs. Gunder Strom), deceased; Albert, Oscar, Edith, deceased; Olga (Mrs. Fred Levang), Elmer and Millard. Erick Nelson died June 27, 1946, his wife, Mina, died Aug. 23, 1946, at their home. They are buried at the Gustavus Adolphus Cemetery. Also resting there are Mr. Nelson's father, Nels Erickson, and a sister, Mina Erickson, also Mrs. Nelson's sisters, Beda (Mrs. Andrew Lundberg) and Augusta (Mrs. Carl Johnson).

Mr. and Mrs. Claus Magnuson ANDREW AND MARY NELSON Andrew Nelson was born in Decorah, Ia., in 1865, and came to Walsh County with his mother and homesteaded west of Adams. In 1900 he married Mary Lust. They had four children: Mrs. Adolph (Emma) Rosendahl; Mrs. Clarence (Christina) Nelson, deceased; George Andrew Nelson, Anaheim, Calif.; and Mrs. James (Mabel) Absey, deceased. Andrew Nelson died in 1910. Mary Lust Nelson was bom in 1880 at Spillway, Ia., and came to Walsh County with her parents at the age of one. They came in a covered wagon pulled by oxen, settled in Veseleyville, lived there several years. She was married to Andrew Nelson in 1900 and started housekeeping in a sod house on the Nelson homestead. Here, Emma was born. After Mr. Nelson died, Mary Nelson moved to Adams in 1912, where she resided until four years before her death when she was a resident of the St. Ansgar's Hospital, Park River. She died Dec. 28, 1966. Submitted by Mrs. Neil Samuelson. ERICK J. NELSON Erick J. Nelson was born in Mellerud, Sweden, June 1,1863. He spent his boyhood in that country, came to the United States in 1882, arriving in Grafton May 12. He homesteaded near Edinburg, lived there for several years. Mina Johnson was bom in Mellerud, Sweden, Feb. 22,1866. She spent her early life in that country, came to the U. S. in the early eighties. She worked in the Edinburg community for several years. Erick Nelson and Mina Johnson were married in Crookston, Minn., in 1889. They lived in the Edinburg community for several years, in 1891, homesteaded on a farm four miles west of Adams. The first home of the Nelson family was a combination sod and lumber dwelling. When the present home was built, early in the twentieth century, material for the project was hauled from Edmore.

Mr. and Mrs. Erick Nelson CHILDREN OF ERICK AND MINA NELSON Annie Nelson was born in Tiber Township Nov. 24, 1890. She married Robert Strelow of Adams. They made their home on his farm in western Adams Township. They had four children, Mrs. Walter (Marie) Halberg; Alice Strelow, died in infancy; Roy Strelow; and Mrs. Leonard (Wanda) Borchgrevink. Annie died at her home at 49. Ellen Nelson was born Feb. 5, 1892. She married Albin Jeneson of Duluth. He was employed by the railroad there. They adopted a son, Norman. Mr. Jeneson and son, Norman, died. Ellen married Robert Strelow. They made their home at Adams until he died. She lives in Duluth, Minn. Hilda Nelson was bom July 3, 1894. She married Gunder Strom in Grand Forks. They made their home in Adams for some time, later moving to Grand Forks, where Gunder was a carpenter. They had one daughter, Mrs. Jack (Naomi) Foley of Johnstown. Gunder Strom was killed in a car accident. Hilda Strom died Oct. 5, 1968. Albert Nelson, a veteran of World War I was born Dec. 13, 1896, at Adams. He farmed his folks' farm for many years. He moved to Puyallup, Wash., where he did upholstery work. He married Mabel Knutson. They are now retired. Oscar Nelson, a veteran of World War II, was born at Adams, May 10, 1899.

Oscar worked at the Sister Kenny Institute of Minneapolis for many years. He married Josephine Mason. They are retired at Bloomington, Minn. Edith Nelson was born at Adams on June 24, 1902. She died May 28, 1934. Olga Nelson was born at Adams on Sept. 4,1904. She taught school for many years. She was married Nov. 11, 1944, at Duluth, Minn, to Fred Levang, also of Adams. They have one son, David Levang, Edmore. Olga and Fred are semi-retired, living on their farm in Latona Township. Elmer Nelson was born June 9, 1907, at Adams. He served in World War II. While overseas, he was in England, France and Belgium. He married Gretta Grunett of Grand Forks. They have five sons, Edward of Country Club Hills, HI.; Donald of Grand Forks; Warren of Waukegan, 111.; Kenneth of Minot; and Stuart at home. Elmer and Gretta purchased the Nelson homestead, farm in western Adams Township. Millard Nelson was bom at Adams Sept. 1, 1907. He married Lyla Nelson of Adams. They have two children, Roger, Park River, and Debbie, Crookston, Minn. Millard and Lyla purchased another farm from the E. J. Nelson estate, farm in western Adams Township. EVEN ERICKSON NORBY

married Earl Bundy, lives in Wadena, Minn.; Irene, born May 14, 1913 (deceased); and Mardell (Mrs. Robert Cordroy) lives in Anaheim, Calif. Maurice Nordby was born Aug. 7, 1885, near Adams. He went to Devils Lake in 1940, was employed on farms in the community until his retirement. He resided at a rest home in Lakota until his death in 1963. Helmer Nordby was born May 28,1889, at Adams. He married Minnie Lerhol at Warren, Minn., in 1915. They have one daughter, Evelyn Mildred, bom Nov. 19, 1915. She is married to Clifford Olson, lives in Grand Forks. Helmer worked on the railroad. He died in 1954. His wife, Minnie, resides with her daughter. Jorgen or George Nordby was born Oct. 18, 1888. He married Anna Johnson. They had two boys, Martin Arnold and George. His wife, Anna, died during the flu epidemic when the boys were small. Their grandparents, Jorgen Johnsons, brought them up. Jorgen or George died in Williston. Helga Nordby married Hayes. They hved in northern Minnesota. Emil Nordbye married Elina Grove April 2, 1902. They hved in Adams where he was a mail carrier and butcher for many years. Five children were born, Clarence, bom Jan. 20, 1903; Melvin, bom March 23, 1905; Elmo, born June 12, 1909 (deceased); Earl, born Dec. 6, 1911; and Leona, bom Aug. 7, 1914. Emil and Elina are deceased. Olga Nordby, the youngest was bom Jan. 8, 1897, near Adams. She married Selmer Johnson June 9, 1917, at Warren, Minn. They farmed south of Fairdale until 1942, when they moved to the Overly area. Olga and Selmer had six children, George at Minot; Vernon, deceased; Lyle, Grafton; Maureen (Mrs. Donald Schultz), Grand Forks; and Marion (Mrs. Arnold Berg), Fessenden. Alice died at 13. Olga died in 1958. SAMUEL OMDALEN

Mrs. Martinus Nordby

Even Nordby

Even Erickson Norby was bom in 1827 in Norway. He, his wife and three sons imigrated from Norway, arriving at Port Huron, Mich., in May, 1883. He homesteaded on Section 4 in Latona Township. Two of their sons went to Oregon to make their home. The other son, Martinius, remained here. Martinius and his wife, Maren, homesteaded on a farm in-Asdams Township, now owned by Fred Sukstorf. They had eight children. Annie, the oldest girl, married Steve Skorgen. They had two daughters, Mabel and Annie. Steve and Annie Skorgen were divorced. Later she married Mr. Powell. They hved in northern Minnesota for some years, later moving to Oregon. They had several children. Annie is deceased. Martha was born May 28, 1882. She married Martin Gilbertson in 1905. He died in 1933, she on her 91st birthday, May 28, 1973. Martha and Martin had six children: Milan, born Feb. 18, 1906, married and lives in Alexandria, Minn.; Lila Margrete, bom Feb. 12, 1908, deceased; Beulah, born Jan. 30,1909, deceased; Gladys, bom June 19, 1911,

1 he Samuel Omdaten family. Left to right: Theodore, Samuel with Carl on lap, Oscar, Dorthe (mother), holding Stina, Caroline, and Selma in center. Sam Omdalen was born Oct. 25, 1856, at Numedahl, Norway. He emigrated to the United States with his parents. He married Dorthe Torgerson in Adams in 1883. She was bom in Sigdal, Norway, came to the Adams community in 1882 from Garvin, Minn., having come there two years before with a younger brother, Torger, to an uncle's home. Sam and Dorthe hved in Silvesta Township, later moved to Adams Township where they homesteaded

years, he lived in Spillville and Decorah, Ia. The Martin Payer family moved to St. Paul where they resided for 18 years. J. J. came to Adams territory mainly for health reasons. It was prompted by tragedy, his two sisters and two brothers had contracted tuberculosis in Iowa and died of the disease in St. Paul. He and his parents were the only survivors. J. J. Payer came with two pals on foot, with a bag of flour, salt and some matches. They ate wild duck eggs which were plentiful and numerous berries. It was an adventure for them. No guns. J. J . studied for the priesthood, but at 21, left the study. Shortly after coming to North Dakota, J. J. married John Houser's daughter of Vesta Township. They set up housekeeping in a house against a hill, built half of sod with a sod floor covered by blankets. It was far to market for food and clothing, farm implements, business transactions and a little social fife. Park River was 17 miles distant, it took two days to get there by horse and wagon. Music, which J. J. practiced in Iowa and St. Paul, was his craving. He played the accordion, had a good singing voice. He was an accomplished dancer at the local social gatherings. Tragedy again struck J. J.'s life. Returning home from a Park River trip, he found his pregnant wife had taken her life by poison, taking the three small children with her. J. J. now threw himself into improving his land. He became a political figure. He pursued his love of music. He went stag to social gatherings, danced with every lady present and went home stag. His parents, the Martin Payers, came from St. Paul in 1892. His father was a carpenter. In 1899, J. J. married Tennie Dufak of near Edmore. She was 18, he was 42. Birthplace of the new Mrs. J. J. Payer was Nebraska. Life began to improve for J. J. Martin Payer, with the aid of friends from St. Paul, built three dwellings for his son, complete with barns and granaries. For himself, he built a beer brewery, which also served as a smokehouse for ham and bacon and dried beef. He built the first and only boat, a ten-footer with two seats and attached oars.

about 1894. Eight children were born, Oscar, Karoline, Theodore, Selma, Karl, Stena, Nils Ingvald and another Nils Ingvald. Sam was active in the founding of Adams. He platted a section of the village of Adams known as Omdalen's outlots. He served as director of the school board for several years. Sam died April 28, 1908. Oscar, the oldest boy of Sam and Dorthe, was born in Silvesta Township July 25, 1884. He moved with his parents to Adams Township when he was 10. He married Delia Edwards March 27,1911. She was bom Dec. 8,1889. They lived on a farm south of Adams until 1943 when ill health forced him to retire from farming. They lived in Adams for two years, moving to Grafton in 1945, where they hved until his death in 1950. His wife, Delia, lives in Kalispell, Mont. Karoline was bom May 1, 1886. She grew to womanhood in Adams Township. She died at 31, Dec. 9, 1917. Selma was born Nov. 13, 1890. She married Ellery Theodore Ellingson April 9, 1916. He was born April 2, 1880, to Mr. and Mrs. Elling Ellingson in Wisconsin and came to Adams in 1897. He operated the Woodworth Elevator for 32 years. Selma was a faithful church worker. She taught Sunday School for many years and received a certificate of award for her 25 years of teaching Sunday School in the Mountain Lutheran Church of Adams. Selma and Theodore had one son, Silas. He is married ; they have a child and live in Elgin, 111. Theodore died May 10,1951, Selma died in 1974. Carl was born March 17,1894, at Adams. He married Ruth Roll. They had two sons, Harold and Marcel. Ruth died. Harold lives in Columbus, has one son, Marcel, lives in San Diego, Calif., and has two sons. On May 24, 1936, Carl married Jennie Glaholt in Adams. They have one son, Carl, Jr. He lives in Santa Barbara, Calif., and has two sons. Carl was associated with the Peavey Elevators for many years. He managed the Grafton Elevator several years later as a fieldman. In 1960, Carl was killed in a car-truck collision on U. S. Highway 10, about two miles west of Frazee, Minn. His wife, Jennie, lives in Devils Lake. Stina was bom March 16, 1896. She married Paul Rutherford on Jan. 31, 1916. They made their home in Adams. Stina was a faithful church worker, taught Sunday School for many years. Four children were born, Doris, Ruth, EsteUe and Monroe. They are all married and there are several grandchildren. Stena died in 1954 and her husband, Paul, in 1964. Nels Ingvald was born Oct. 17,1899. He died March 4, 1900. Their next boy was also named Nels Ingvald. He was born Jan. 17,1901. He married Hazel Lotof Jan. 3,1943, at Bremerton, Wash. He died in May, 1963. J. J. PAYER FAMILY Jacob Joseph Payer, St. Paul, Minn., was one of the first settlers in Adams, comingto the territory in 1882. He filed on two quarters of land, 160 acres each, one quarter for himself and one for his parents, the Martin Payers. He met requirements, such as planting three acres of trees on each quarter, improving the land with the intent of making it his home. J. J. Payer was born in New York City shortly after his parents arrived from Austria-Hungary. For seven

The Jacob Payer family, taken in 1916 at the Barsness Studio in Adams. Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Payer had eight children, all girls. In 1903, they had a duplex for a dwelling. The large top floor was not partitioned and served as a sleeping place for the numerous businessmen that flocked to the territory when the Soo Line Railway came through J. J. 's quarter of land in 1905. 856

The Soo Line Railway built a dam to hold the water on J. J.'s land and a pump house to pump underground water a fourth of a mile to the town railroad roundhouse. The dammed water was a swimming place for the town folk, with skating and tobogganing in the winters. William Geary, 93, still in Adams, had the ice concession, furnished ice for the Adams ice houses. J. J. named his town Adams for John Adams and John Quincy Adams, second and fifth presidents of the United States. The "ladies" came to Adams territory. They pitched their tents on J. J.'s land. He had to ask them to leave, as their boisterousness kept on all night. J. J. was on the Adams school board for 12 years. He was Democratic committeeman for Walsh County. He was to appoint a postmaster for Adams at one time from three finalists, but he said he had so many friends, he just couldn't do it. One of his daughters was consulted and gave Adams the postmaster. J. J. belonged to the Woodman Lodge in Adams and hired Clarence Lien of Edinburg, a bachelor, to organize the Adams Band, which was sponsored by the Lodge. Matchmaker J. J. said, "Now I have to hire an attractive school teacher." He did, and Esteem Wagley became Mrs. C. Lien.

Shortly after her husband's death, Mrs. J. J. Payer and her youngest daughter, Jacquelin, left Adams for Grand Forks, where they hved several years. Jacquelin married, Mrs. Payer moved to Chicago, then to Los Angeles, Seattle, Oakland, and San Francisco and Fresno, Calif. She died in Fresno in 1964 at 83. Four Payer daughters survive, four have died. Agnes Payer Moyer and her husband, J. P. Moyer, Montgomery, Ala., died in 1946. Mr. Moyer was elderly and he took his wife with him. Olga Payer Ryder of Anderson, Calif., died in a car accident in 1968. She left two children, Juanita Ryder Schmitz and Donald Ryder. Evelyn Payer John Richards, Sacramento, Calif., died in 1974. She has two children Dean Johnson and Cheryle Johnson Brozovick of Sacramento, Calif. Jacquelin Payer Liberman died in 1966. She left Seattle after the death of her husband for Fresno, to be buried beside her mother. The four suviving daughters are: Mabel Payer Farrell, Joliet, HI., living with her husband, E. J. Farrell, D. D. S. They have a son, LeRoy Farrell. Blanche Payer Grove Kingsbury McWhirther of Fresno married an Adams boy, Conrad Grove, son of an early settler. She lived with her son, Russell Grove, in Fresno and is his secretary in his insurance office. Her older son, Alan Grove, resides in Los Angeles. Elsie Payer Erickson married an Adams boy, Aimer H. Erickson. She was retired from the U. S. Postal Service in 1974, at 70, after being employed for 15 years. Mr. Erickson died in 1972. They have four children. Ada Erickson Schenone of Sunnyvale, Calif., college professor and housewife; Stanford Aimer Erickson, New York, news editor for McGraw-Hill Publications, served two years in armed forces in Korean War, married a Korean girl, has two sons; Eloise Erickson-Donch of Los Gatos, married J. J. Donch, has four daughters; and Ronan J. Erickson, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Aimer Erickson, estimator for Arc Electric Co. of Burlingame, resides with his wife, Jeannie, in Sonoma, Calif. They have a 40 acre ranch. The fourth Payer daughter, Lucille Payer Ding, Hebron, lives with her husband, Carl Ding, who is a cattle rancher and grain grower. Lucille has taught school in North Dakota for ten years and is active in local politics. Mr. and Mrs. Ding have two children: Ruth Ding Hubsmith of St. Anthony, Ida., a school teacher for the past five years and married to a teacher; and George Carl Ding of Hebron, principal at Hebron High School for nine years. Mr. and Mrs. George Ding have one son, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Payer's great grandson. Submitted by Elsie Payer Erickson.

J. J. supported three Christian churches: the Catholic Church of Lankin, where his parents were affiliated, the Adams Mountain Lutheran Church, where his children attended Sunday School and he enjoyed Sunday evening services, and the small Congregational Church, where Mrs. J. J. Payer and his eight daughters were members. He belonged to a Free Thinkers Lodge. J. J. Payer improved his land, removing rocks, ridding it of weeds, rotating crops and fertilizing his land. He became one of the three wealthiest farmers of Walsh County (the other two being: banker, C. D. Lord, Park River, and Judge Shepherd, Grafton). He invented a bundle-carrier and grain-saver, an attachment to the current grain cutting binder. In 1914, he spent a month in Washington, D. C , at the Department of Agriculture, after his mother, Mrs. Martin Payer, had died. He was offered $56,000 from the International Harvester Company of Denver, Colo., and as a result the small grains combine came into being. J. J. Payer was a compulsive gambler. He spent winters in Minneapolis or Grand Forks gambling in commodities. One last big fling and he would purchase the 12-unit Blackmore Apartment House on University Avenue, Grand Forks, so his girls would get state university educations. He lost $90,000 in 1918, from which he never, recovered. J. J. Payer was known as one of North Dakota's greatest scientists (Fargo Forum, 1938). He belonged to North Dakota's Farmers' Nonpartisan League. He had three daily papers corning to Adams, the Grand Forks Herald, the Fargo Forum and the Minneapolis Journal. He was active in the Adams Budget News, a weekly paper.

PETER QUALLY Peter Qually, bom in 1862, was the son of Peter P. and Ingre Qually of Voldres, Norway. He was born three weeks after his parents came by boat to this country and homesteaded in Wisconsin. He had four brothers, John, Andre, Tom and Andrew, and three sisters, Ingre Elton (Mrs. Ole L.) Bulla (Mrs. O. P. Oveson), and Rongnie.

J. J. Payer died in August, 1938, at 81. He and his visiting grandson, LeRoy Farrell, Chicago, had eaten pea pods from the garden and the peas expanded internally. His father preceded him in death in 1933 at 103. As a last tribute, J. J. Payer's remains were slowly, sadly, driven through Adams' main street, the town he loved. Burial was at Pisek.

Peter Qually was married to Margret Haugen, daughter of Knute and Regina Haugen of Goodhue County in 1885. They moved to Renville County, farmed about 14 years. Born during this time were four daughters, Ida (Mrs. Knute Boe), Gina (Mrs. Earl VanDyke), Emeline (Mrs. Carl Fern), Mabie (Mrs. 857

munity. He died Sept. 3, 1972. Anna was born Jan. 15,1898. She was baptized March 20, 1898. She died Oct. 6, 1898. Anders was born July 17,1899. He was baptized Aug. 6, 1899. He died in 1900. Inglev was born July 21, 1901. Soneva was born Dec. 20, 1902. Nils was born Nov. 5, 1904. The Iver Quam family moved away from Adams Township in 1912.

Ernie Walton) and three sons, Carl, Alfred and Edwin. In 1900, Peter Qually accompanied by Lars Elton, a neighbor, came by freight with machinery, four horses and four cattle, the family came by train a few days later to Edinburg, to the 0. P. Oveson home (Peter's sister) and to John Qually who lived by the St. Peter Church. They spent a few days before setting out on foot to take up homesteads. Peter built the house that stands on the farm today. When the first room was completed, the family used that for sleeping only. They cooked in a little shed with a dirt floor, a shelter put up while the house was being built. Three children were born, Thelma, Ruby (Mrs. Glen Brett) and Phylip. The children attended the Fairview School, built in 1903, had a three month term, first teacher was Nora Anderson from Edinburg. In 1921, Alfred Qually married Clara Hilde, daughter of Lars Hilde and Dorthe Monson. Peter and Margaret bought the house of Peter's sister, Mrs. Oveson, moved into town. Carl Qually, another son, still resides there. Alfred, who resided in the Adams community all his Ufe, had three daughters: Mrs. WaUace (Ada) Drevecky, Mrs. Ronald (MUdred) Hagen and Mrs. Merlin (Beverly) Hammer. The WaUace Dreveckys have four children, Lon, Minot; Larry, Great Falls, Mont.; DeAnne (Mrs. Wayne Vigen) and Wanda Le of Adams. Lon is married to Sandra Espelien, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Espehen and they have two chUdren, Kari Lynn and Kelly Lon. DeAnne is married to Wayne Vigen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Vigen and they have one son, Ryan NeU. Mr. and Mrs. Merlin Hammer have three chddren, Greg, Taryn and Kyza Kay.

Iver Quam CHARLIE SAMUELSON My great grandpa, Charde Samuelson, was born in Sweden in 1851, came to America in 1880. To get here, he took a boat to Chicago, stayed for two years, worked on vegetable farms. Grandpa came by train to Minto, and walked to Adams carrying a sack of flour. Grandpa bought a farm from Aimer Agan before Adams was built. After a house was budt, Grandpa married Christina, who had two sons, Walter and Carl. Christina died and Grandpa married Augusta Lagerquist in 1891. Augusta had four sons, Henry, Arvid, Oscar and Adod. Oscar and Henry are living, Henry in Alberta, Oscar in Adams. Arvid, Adolf, Walter and Carl are deceased. Arvid Samuelson farmed 40 years, Willard, Arvid's son, now has the farm. Great Grandpa and Great Grandma moved into Adams, and Henry Samuelson moved to the farm. Grandma and Grandpa Arvid Samuelson Uved on the present Keith Boe farm. When Henry came, Arvid and wife moved to the Wdlard Samuelson farm. Grandpa Arvid Samuelson was born in the sod house in 1895. He went to the Benas School, west of Adams. It was a one-room classroom with benches that seated two and a big heating stove in the middle of the floor. The stove wasn't the pot-belly type, but it burned wood and coal. There was no janitor, so the chddren and the teacher had to do the work. The children and teacher carried their lunch. In Grandpa's class, there were 20 to 25 students. The teachers were Bateman, KUen and Stanzar. Bateman used to walk all the way from the Harvey Gehrke place to the schoolhouse north of the Omdalen place. The school term was four months in the winter and two months in the summer. At the time the fashion for boys was short pants and a big blouse. The blouse had a big codar and a band around the waist. In 1911, Grandma and Grandpa were confirmed at the Gustavus Adodus Lutheran Church (the Swedish Church) by the pastor, E . J. Coleman. Grandpa's classmates in confirmation were Edvald Lundeen, Jalmer Lundeen, Albert Nelson, George Lundberg,

Peter and Margaret Qually IVER QUAM Iver Quam was born March 20, 1862, at Vang, Valders, Norway. He arrived in June, 1871, at Detroit, Mich. He married Britha Hogi. She was born Aug. 30, 1864, at Indre Hofslo, Sogn, Norway. Iver and Britha homesteaded in Adams Township, receiving their homestead patent May 14, 1888. Iver was active in community affairs. He served on the district school board for several years. Eight chUdren were bom. Gjertru was born April 20, 1894. She was confirmed at the Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams Oct. 18, 1908. Brita was born June 17,1895. She died Feb. 16, 1903. Erik was born Oct. 19,1896. He was confirmed alone on March 31, 1912. That year, the family left this com858

Selmer Lundberg, Victor Wallgren, Annie Samuelson (Mrs. Backstom), Ellen Westberg (late Mrs. E. Midtlying), Bertha Bowman (Mrs. Oty), Edith Westberg (Mrs. Arvid Samuelson), my grandmother. Grandpa's first car was a Ford touring car about 1914. On June 12, 1917, Arvid Samuelson married Edith Westberg. Three children were born, Willard, Verna, Warren, all living in or near Adams. Willard was in the service for four years. Verna attended college for four years. Warren (Dad) attended school in Wahpeton. Great Grandpa and Great Grandma were Lutherans and went to church at the Benas and Stone Valley Schoolhouse. The Norwegians and Swedes had ministers together. Grandpa died June 10, 1969. This information was obtained by personal interviews with my grandmother. Submitted by Kathy Samuelson. CARL AND EDA STENSLAND

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stensland Carl John Stensland was bom Aug. 17, 1892, son of Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Stensland, pioneers. He completed the elementary certificate training from Mayville State Teacher's College, taught one year. He completed the Dakota Business College at Fargo, worked as bookkeeper in Robinson. Carl was a homesteader for two years at Dutton, Mont., also a cowboy on a ranch. March 21,1917, he married Ida Jorgenson, Warren, Minn. She was a daughter of Gullick Jorgenson. Both the Gullick Jorgensons and the Halvor Stenslands were friends from Telemarken, Norway. Ida had taught several years after completing her high school education and teacher's college.

election and won. He had two years remaining of his term at the time of his death after serving 14 years. Besides being a county commissioner and farmer, he sold insurance for the Farmer's Union, Milbank Mutual and several hail insurance companies. He also made out tax reports for many people in the community, operating mainly from his office in Adams. He died Oct. 7, 1956, and was buried at the West Adams Cemetery. Ida, his wife, lives in Grand Forks, where their two daughters also live. Mrs. Delbert (Doris) Walker and Mrs. LeRoy (Pearl) Johns. He had one grandson, Stephen Johns, who died at three months, and one granddaughter, Darlene Fay Walker. Doris Walker finished Dakota Business College in Fargo and held office positions in Fargo and Grand Forks. She worked in the rationing office in the courthouse in Grafton for three years. After attending Chicago Evangelistic Institute, she married Delbert Walker and lived in Chicago and Pennsylvania for seven years. For the last ten years she has been employed in the telephone sales department of Sears Roebuck and Company in Grand Forks. She has been active in the education and music department of her church, has been in charge of Children's Church for ten years, and has a Bible study at the Good Samaritan Home in East Grand Forks. Pearl Johns taught for eighteen years after receiving her B. A. degree from Mayville State Teacher's College and taught at Fordville, Fessenden, Beulah, Devils Lake and Minot. Also at Cascade and Havre, Mont. She was president of the Grand Forks Mission Auxiliary and has been active in the education and music department of her church. LeRoy, her husband, has worked for thirty years as wire chief telegrapher of the Great Northern - now Burlington Northern. Darlene Walker graduated from Junior College at Northwest Bible College, Minot, and attended Aaker's Business College in Grand Forks. She is a receptionist and secretary for the Amco Oil Co. in Denver, Colo. STRELOW FAMILY

After they were married, they settled on a farm near Edmore, in 1920 began farming in Adams Township, where they continued farming operations until he died. Carl served on the township board for 10 years, Vang Church board, and for many years was on the AAA. He was township chairman, later served on the County AAA Board.

Robert and Annie Strelow

In 1938, he was elected county commissioner from the Fifth District, served eight years, was defeated in 1946. In 1950 he was elected in the primary election by friends who wrote his name in, because he was not a candidate. He was entered as a candidate in the fall

Carl Strelow was born in 1826 in Germany where he spent his early life. He married Mrs. Whhelmina Ulrich. She was bom Sept. 9, 1839, in Germany. They had one son, Robert, born Dec. 18, 1882, in Germany. Like many others, hearing of America "The Land of Plenty," they got the urge to make America their home.

Leaving in 1883, the couple with five children, Hulda, Gustie, and Julius, (Mrs. Strelow's children by a former marriage) and Albert, (Mr. Strelow's son by a former marriage) and their nine month old son, Robert, set out for a new adventure. They first settled at Manvel. Robert talked often about the times they would go down to the river to see the boats come in. They moved to Walsh County, settling in Adams Township, four miles west of Adams. Albert, the older son, homesteaded a mile and a half northwest of his parents' homestead. Albert died in March, 1892. He lost his way in a snowstorm, his frozen body was found five miles south of his home. His father Carl Strelow, had donated land for a cemetery, known as the German Lutheran Cemetery. Albert was the first to be buried there. The two daughters, Hulda and Gustie, were married and made their homes in Grand Forks. Hulda married Peter Werstlein and Gustie married Dan Perkins. They both had large f amines. Hulda and Gustie have died. Julius was employed in a Fargo store. He was crushed by an elevator. He left his wife and five small children. His mother, Mrs. Carl Strelow, and son, Robert, raised one of Julius' sons, Raymond, now dccGctssd Carl Strelow died in 1901. His wife, Wilhelmina, continued to live on the farm with her son, Robert, until her death Aug. 5, 1925. On Nov. 13,1909, Robert married Annie Nelson, born Nov. 24,1890, in Tiber Township. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erick J. Nelson. Robert and Annie had four children, all bom on the home farm, Roy Albert, Marie Ellen, Alice Vema and Wanda Mildred. Annie was a busy farm wife. She was a member of the Mountain Lutheran Ladies' Aid in Adams, boarded the country school teacher for many years, churned and delivered homemade butter in five pound stone jars to many residents in Adams. Mrs. Strelow died May 15, 1939. Robert was active in community affairs. He served as director of the township board, was on the district school board for several years. He retired from fanning in 1949. In September of that year he married Mrs. Ellen Jeneson, Duluth. They spent the winter in Tacoma, Wash., returning in the spring to begin construction of a new home in Adams. Robert became ill and died Nov. 25, 1950. His wife, Ellen, moved into the new home. She lived there for a time, returned to Duluth, is now a resident of the Lake Shore Lutheran Home. She had a son, Norman, by a former marriage who is now deceased. He had three children. Marie, the oldest daughter of Robert and Annie, was born July 8, 1911. She married Walter Halberg Nov. 10, 1934. They had one son, Robert Gordon, born Sept. 12, 1941, at Grafton. He married Joan Boman in 1962. They have two children, Daniel Jon, born Jan. 31, 1965, and Mary Elizabeth, bom April 26,1969. They live at Lakota. Alice was bom Jan. 1,1915. She died Feb. 17,1915. Roy, only son of Robert and Annie, was horn May 30, 1916. He married Agnes Chyle Nov. 6, 1946. They reside on the original Strelow homestead. They have two children, Sharon, bom July 20, 1948, at Grafton; and Sidney, bom Oct. 23,1952. Sidney makes his home on the farm with his father, having taken over the farm operations in 1975. Sharon, a nurse, is employed in Grand Forks.

Wanda, the youngest in the family of Robert and Annie, was bom Oct. 9, 1919. She married Leonard Borchgrevink Nov. 16, 1944. They have four children. Larry Wayne, their only son, was born Dec. 22, 1945, at Grafton. He was married to Bonnie West of St. Louis, Mo. Virginia Ann was born July 22,1947, at Grafton. She was married to Darrell Dvorak of Lankin June 21, 1969. They have a son, Darin Joe, born Dec. 21, 1972, reside in Fosston, Minn. Nancy Sue was bom Sept. 16, 1950, at Grafton. She married Francis Wheelock of Rochester, Minn., July 7, 1973. They reside in Rochester, Minn. Marilou was born April 20,1953, at Grafton. She married Kent Greene on Dec. 28, 1974. WILLIAM SUKSTORF FAMILY Mr. and Mrs. William Sukstorf and children, Anna, Emma, Dora and Hans, left a village near Kiel in Schlesevig Holstien, Germany, to come to America. Their relatives and friends marveled that they had been so conservative that they could save to buy fares for the whole family. They docked in Hoboken, N. Y., in April, 1908, came to Park River. Mr. Sukstorf worked as a laborer for Claus Barnholdt for four years, then rented his farm until they purchased a farm southwest of Adams from C. D. Lord and moved in the spring of 1916. Another son, Fred, was born in 1912 in Park River. William Sukstorf died in 1953, Mrs. Sukstorf in 1957. They are both buried in the German Lutheran Cemetery, West Adams. Anna married Frank Miller, they had three children, spent most of their life in Montana. Anna died in 1961. Emma married John Sobak, lived at Edmore. They had three children: John, Willard and Elna (Mrs. Milo Nygard), all of Edmore. Dora married George Edelmann, Minneapolis, resides there. They had three children. Hans married Emma Krause, Adams. They had one son, Lowell. Hans died in 1969. His wife and son, Lowell, are living on the farm southwest of Adams. Fred married Marie Larson. They have two daughters: Joanne (Mrs. Loren Samuelson), Adams, and Jenean (Mrs. David Baumann), West Fargo. Fred owns and operates the home farm southwest of Adams. TORGER TORGERSON II

Torger and Gunhild Torgerson Torger Torgerson II was born April 7, 1867, in Valdris, Norway, to Torger Torgerson I and Kari Knutsdatter Gunnerud Torgerson.

Torger Torgerson I was born in 1836, in Valdris, Norway. His wife, Kari Knutsdatter Gunnerud, was born in 1836 in Sigdal, Norway. They were married in 1858 at the Holman Church in Sigdal, Norway. When Torger II was still an infant, the family moved to Sigdal, the area where his mother was bom. His father was in charge of a tile and brick factory at the Hallegard farm. Torger II lived here with his parents until he was 10. He and his older sister, Dorthe, then 18, went to America, directly to Fillmore County, Minn., where their aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Hans Bredevien lived. This couple had five daughters and no boys, so they were happy to keep Torger as their foster son. He received his education, was confirmed. His sister, Dorthe, worked at various places. At 16 or 17, Torger II got a horse and rode to Adams to join his parents, sisters and brothers, who had come from Norway. His father came in 1880 with the older children. His mother, Kari, and her younger children came in 1882. She lived only a year after coming to America. Torger II reached Adams in time to see his mother before she died. She is buried in the Golden Valley Cemetery.

miles, to sell it. All he could get was fifty cents. Before he got paid, he had to unload the hay into a bam. During Torger IPs visits to the Roseau community, he met Gunhild Odegaard. They were married in 1894. Gunhild was born Feb. 23,1875, in Fyrisdal, Norway. She came to the Roseau community in 1890 with her mother and two brothers. Her father had died. Before bringing his bride home, Torger II built another room to his sod shanty. This room was built with lumber. During the fall of 1895, a girl, Cora Theoline, was born. She was named after her grandparents, Torger and Kari Torgerson, she hved only a month. She died of typhoid fever. Her parents were sick with this disease at the same time. In 1896, a son was bom, Edwin Justin. He is a pastor, married, has three children, lives in Seattle, Wash. Another girl was bom in 1900. She was named Cora Theoline after their first girl. She is a widow, has two children, lives in Roseau.

Family of Torger Torgerson. Back row: Pearl, Em, Elva, Geline, and Cora. Front: John, Edwin, Torger III. Gunvor Geline was bom in 1902, is married, has two girls and one boy. They live on a farm near Roseau. Torger Torgerson and his daughters, Caroline and Ingeborg.

In 1904, Torger H decided to move to Roseau and be closer to his relatives. He had an auction sale and sold tilings that he would not need in his new home. He bought a big, new wagon and a nice buggy. He put a two year old team of horses on the buggy which he, his wife, Gunhild, and thre children rode in. The two hired men drove the big team of horses on the wagon which was loaded with their belongings, along with some chickens and two cats. They had three cows walking behind. The first day they got as far as Park River. They did some business there and spent the night. The second day, they reached Drayton and spent the night with Delia Omdalen's folks. The third day found them in Pelan, Minn., where they camped. The next day they reached Gunhild's folks in Fox, Minn., a mile from the home they were moving to. They stayed with Gunhild's folks until their home was furnished and ready to move into.

Torger II had two brothers and four sisters, Reier, Knut, Dorthe, Beret, Ingeborg and Caroline. Reier, the oldest, started a store in Hoople. Dorthe married Sam Omdalen and lived on a farm near Adams. Beret married Elling Ellingson, lived south of Adams. Knute clerked in a store at Park River for several years. The other sisters lived with their father for some time. Torger II homesteaded on a quarter of land four miles southwest of Adams. He built a sod shanty, used oxen for doing the farm work. In the summer of 1888, Torger H helped his father, his youngest brother, Knut, and two sisters, Caroline and Ingeborg, to move to Roseau, Minn., by means of two oxen teams. His father and brother homesteaded. The two girls stayed with the father until Ingeborg got married. She married Arne Sorteberg. Caroline moved back to Adams. She lived with her sister, Dorthe, and family. Later, she married Thor Stensland, Adams. Coming back to North Dakota, Torger had fifty cents, just enough to pay the ferry to get him across the Red River. When he came to his homestead, he cut hay, loaded a rack and went to Park River, a distance of 18

In 1905, Netta Elva was bom. She married a farmer at Karlstad, Minn. They have one boy. Thilda Emilge, was born in 1908, is married, lives at Greenbush, Minn. Torger IH was bom in 1912. He is married and they have one girl. They farm at Roseau. 861

Adolph was born Nov. 6, 1890, died May 22, 1906. Wdlie was born March 2, 1893, married Thorine Holum. Ellen was born Dec. 15, 1895, married Ingebrigt Midtlyng. They farmed the "home place" after they were married. March 11, 1896, Lars Westberg had a fatal heart attack whde hauling grain to Milton, leaving his wde and nine children. The youngest was Ellen, three months old. Mary Westberg raised her family in a one room house. There was a north room, but it was used for grain storage for some time. The sons farmed and assumed responsibdities. Grandma Westberg did a lot of knitting, especiady socks and mittens. They were visited sometimes by Indians, but they were not known to harm them in any way. They gave them food and they would leave. The site of the Gustavus Adolphus Church and church yard and cemetery was given by the Lars Westberg family. It was part of their farm land. The neighboring pioneers attended this church even though they had to walk or go with horses. Mary Westberg died in October, 1933. AU her chddren are now deceased. The last was Wilde Westberg who died in November, 1965. He and most of the Westberg famdy are buried in the Gustavus Adolphus Cemetery, West Adams. Some of the Westberg farm was sold, but the homestead land is now owned by a grandson of Mary Westberg, Homer Midtiyng. This was his parents' farm. Many of the grandchddren and great grandchildren are living in North Dakota, many in Adams Township. Some are in other states. Submitted by Mrs. Fred (Marie) Sukstorf, grandchdd of Mr. and Mrs. Lars Westberg.

John was born in 1915, is married. They have six children, live in Roseau, also farm. In 1919, Pearl Lorraine was bom. She is a widow, has one girl. They live in Seattle. JOHN WESTBERG John Westberg came from Varmland, Sweden, as did his wife, the former Alfreda Olson. Alfreda was employed in Park River, doing housework, when she met and married John. They homesteaded west of Adams, later moved to Adams and managed the Bergsman Hotel. Gust Bjorn operated the farm during their absence. Some years later they returned to the farm, remained there until Alfreda died in 1936. Albin, a son, then operated the farm and John stayed there for a short period of time before moving to Minneapolis. During his stay there he spent time with his son, Dick, and wife and his daughter, Gerda, and her husband. He purchased a cottage by the lake and spent summer months there. He died in 1940. John and Alfreda had five children: (Edith) Mrs. Arvid Samuelson, Vendla, Dick, Albin, and (Gerda) Mrs. Alvin Teigland of Bethel, Minn. Edith and Gerda are the only surviving members. There were three grandchildren, Willard and Warren Samuelson and (Verna) Mrs. Ernest Grieve. LARS AND MARY WESTBERG Mr. and Mrs. Lars Westberg and three children, Olaf, Louie and Ida, left Eksharad, Varmland, Sweden, and came to America in August, 1885, to New York City, leaving Erick, the eldest son, in Sweden They came to Grafton, then to the Adams area. The family name in Sweden was Bjorn. The Westberg name was derived from having come from the west side of the mountain (west-berg). Lars (Bjorn) or Westberg was bom Oct. 22, 1851. Lars' wife was Marit Eriksdotter, here it would be Erickson. The sons were usually called Erickson. Marit Westberg (better known as Mary) was born Jan. 7,1852. They were married Oct. 6, 1876. As was the custom and surely of necessity they had to make their home with another family who was to be responsible for them, so they could come to America. The family that welcomed them to their home was the John Lund family, the parents of Mrs. Esther Kjelaas. They stayed with them until they could build their home on the land they homesteaded on under the Homestead Act. The Westbergs in turn did the same for another family, the Bergstroms. They broke up the land with walking plows and farmed. Lars Westberg became a citizen of the United States in 1890. Lars and Marit Westberg had nine chddren. Erick was born in Sweden Aug. 13,1878. He married Cora Rotterud. Olaf was bornin Sweden Oct. 7,1880, died Aug. 26, 1899. Louie was bom in Sweden Jan. 23, 1883, married Gina Todefson. Ida was bom in Sweden May 7, 1885, married Louis Larson, also born in Varmland, Sweden. Louis Larson was employed by Pete Hanson for a time, hauled the first load of lumber into what was the beginning of Adams. Manne was born Feb. 8, 1887. He married Jennie Berg. He was a barber in Adams. Christina was born Aug. 28, 1888. She was married to Albert Lovaasen.

Lars Westberg Family

CHURCHES GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS CHURCH The congregation of the Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church was organized in 1894. They had no church budding at that time, so services were held in the Brynstad School with Pastor Alfvegren as their first pastor. In the fad of 1901, the congregation decided to budd a church. The stones for the foundation were hauled that fall. The church buUding was erected in 1902, completed in 1906. On Memorial Day, 1968, the structure burned, having been struck by hghtning. In August of that year, the Gustavus Adolphus Congregation decided to build a small building 50'x28'. Ground was broken for the new 862

church Sept. 5, 1968. First services in the new Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church were held May 25, 1969. David Duane Severson, son of Duane and Lynda Severson, was the first child baptized in the new church. Pastor Emil D. Greiner, stated in his message, "We give thanks to those who have gone before, those who constructed the old church, and to those who have built this new building. May it be a building that can help unite us all, as the household of God."

No. 132. Jacob Tonning purchased the old school and converted it into a house. Benas Memorial District No. 132 opened in September, 1916, with Miss Nellie Wick as teacher. The enrollment was 26. Some of the children attending school that year were: Olga, Edith, Elmer and Millard Nelson, Victor and Delia Lundeen, Ethel Eckdahl, Marie Strelow, Emma Krause, Clara, Elsie, Roy and Alvin Grove, Gerda and Albin Westberg, Hjalmer and Jean Tonning, Oscar, Alice, Myrtle and Gladys Tollefson, Ethel and Clifford Grove, Regina and Erick Flaten and Paul Mohn. This school continued in operation with eight or nine month terms until the spring of 1960, when the districts in the surrounding area reorganized, and became part of District No. 128, the Adams Consolidated School. Mrs. Goodwin (Edith) Hagen was the last teacher in Benas Memorial School. Her students were Donald Grunett, Warren, Kenneth and Stuart Nelson, Richard, Patricia and Carmen Grove, Bonnie and Pamella Troftgruben, Sharon and Sidney Strelow, Douglas and Deborah Borgeson and Debra Lee Nelson. The school officers at that time were president, Roy Grove; clerk, Mrs. Roy Grove; treasurer, Palmer Grove; directors, Haldan Troftgruben and Roy Strelow. August Backstrom had resigned from his duties as school director the year before, after serving 37 years.

Gustavus Adolphus Church

SCHOOLS BENAS MEMORIAL SCHOOL Early records show that in 1892, the Brynstad School District No. 102, located in the northeast corner of Simon Brynstad's homestead, included the western half of Adams Township. John Lund was president of the school board in 1892; Lars 0. Westberg in 1893; and Lars 0. Lundeen in 1894 Erick T. Grove was clerk in 1892, had these duties until 1903 when Peder Qually became clerk. David Benas became treasurer in 1894, continued until 1914. Some of the first teachers were: Nettie Johnsrud, March 14, to July 1,1892; S. Bjomson, June 26 to Oct. 13, 1893; and Arthur R. Pollock, April 2 to July 31,1894. May 26, 1897, a document recorded in Grafton showed that Simon R. Brynstad, an unmarried man, deeded this school ground over to the School District No. 102 for $5. The school directors who had part in this transaction were: H. Backstrom, William Krause and Erick Johnson.

Brynstad School (Benas) FAIRVIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 102

The following year Jens Anderson became the teacher. He taught two terms, March 3 to June 30 and July 1 to August 19,1898. That year his enrollment was 15, and he received $37.50 a month salary. The next year, 1899, his salary went to $40. This building was also used for church services and other community meetings or gatherings. David Benas, friend of Simon Brynstad, was treasurer until his health failed. He died in 1915 and bequeathed a large sum of money to this district to be used for a new building and furnishings. This new school was then named Benas Memorial and became District

Fairview School On June 12,1900, Clinton D. Lord and Annie E. Lord transferred a tract of land to the trustees of School District No. 102 for Fairview School District No. 2. 863

beginning April 10, 1893 - Nona Carmen completed the term. It became necessary to have two schools in eastern Adams Township. This was still District No. 96, but was given the name Stone Valley. Another school was built in the middle of the nine sections in the northeast area. This became known as the Omdalen School, District No. 130. In 1898, the two schools were in operation. S. F. Bateman taught in No. 2 from Jan. 31 until June 3 for $40 a month with an enrollment of 22 pupils. J. M. Bateman taught in School No. 1 for the same length of time and salary with 8 pupils. Stone Valley School District No. 96 operated until the spring of 1942. Mrs. Clarence Lein was the last teacher. On July 1, 1960, when the school districts in the Adams area reorganized, it became a part of Adams Special District No. 128. The school board directors at the time of reorganization were William Johnson, clerk; Fred Sukstorf, president; Alger Boman, treasurer and Emil Boman. The schoolhouse was sold to Clarence Lee, moved to Shepherd Township, where it was used as a granary.

The first terms of three months, Sept. 3 to Nov. 23, 1900, was taught by Minnie Gehrke for 12 pupils. Her salary was $30 a month. The following year, 1901, April to June 30, a term was taught by Anetta Anderson, with enrollment of 15. Her salary was $35 a month. Brynstad School District 120 No. 1 and Fairview District 120 No. 2, both located in the western half of Adams Township, had the same school board until 1910. Then men in the southwestern area were on the school board, Peter Levang, clerk; Knute Boe, treasurer; Mrs. Peter Levang, Ole L. Elton, and Ernest W. Gehrke as directors. The latter was also president of the board. This school operated until the spring of 1948. Mrs. Elda Gehrke was the last teacher, teaching eight months. During the reorganization of school districts in the Adams area, Fairview became a part of Adams Special School District No. 128 July 1,1960. Directors at that time were Ralph Boe, Albert Gehrke and Carl Skavhaug. Alfred Qually was clerk and Palmer Boe, treasurer. The school building was sold to Ernest Grieve, and moved into Adams.

Fairview School. Back row, left to right: Ralph Boe, teacher—Clara Oberg, Oscar Mysen, Irvin Elton, Albert Gehrke, James Wick, Clarence Lundgren, William Lundgren, Minnie Wick, Amelia Gehrke, Thelma Qually. Second row: Mina Boe, Alfred Anderson, Joseph Wick, Barney Gehrke, Annie Wick, Erma Gehrke, Ruby Qually, Grace Gehrke. Front row: August Gehrke, Olga Anderson, Beatrice Gehrke, Mathilda Gehrke, Alma Lundgren.

Stone Valley School No. 96. Back row, left to right: Francis Hosna and Blanch Ingalls, teacher. Left to right: Emil Larson, Otto Dvorak, Oscar Boman, Anton Larson, Ebba Boman, Gina Larson, Clifford Larson, Marie Hosna, Ingvald Boman, Frank Hosna, Jack Hosna, Allen Levang, Abner Levang (on steps).

STONE VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 96 In October, 1892, School District No. 96 included Sections 10-15 and 22-27 in eastern Adams Township. June 18,1897, some additions were made; Sections 1, 2, 3, 34 , 35, and 36 of Adams Township from District No. 100 and District No. 74 were included. In 1897, District No. 96 included the eastern half of Adams Township. The school was located in the northeast quarter of Section 22. At that time the land belonged to Tosten A. Hauguerud. He transferred a tract to the Board of Directors of District No. 96, E. A. Ellingson, J. G. Iverson, andN. G. Iverson, June 9,1887. Now this land is owned by Levem Dahl.

OMDALEN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 130 Omdalen School District No. 130 opened its doors in January, 1898, continued operation until the spring of 1914. Then the district paid tuition to send pupils to another school. This school reorganized and became a part of Adams Special District No. 128 July 1, 1960. The last school board directors were Ellsworth Grove, clerk; Arvid Samuelson, treasurer; Dennis Larson, president; Greta Bjorg and Thelma Midbo. The schoolhouse was sold to Ellsworth Grove, he moved it onto his farm.

Some of the first school directors were Jens Bjorg, Iver Quam, Torger Torgerson, with J. G. Iverson as clerk and E. A. Ellingson as treasurer. Among the first teachers were Catherine O'Laughlin, April 11 to July 29, 1892; Edith M. Irwin, one month 864

DEWEY TOWNSHIP VISION Slowly from Dakota prairies The sod house has passed away. . . Now a tall and stately mansion Marks the homestead of today.

J. Vaekoc in Section 34; Wenzl Krai in Section 35; none in Section 36 but later it was Jorgen Johnson and Guldvand Vigen. A group of Swedish immigrants who had come from about the same area in Sweden (Varmland) grouped together in an area directly north of what is now State Highway No. 17. It was called the "Swedish Settlement" and five of these were named John. They were John Hedlund, John Bergquist, John Bergstrom, John Teenquist and John Norlund. Others in the group were Andrew Lofgren, Andrew Lundberg, Karl F. Okeson, Lars Dahlgren, Pete Walgren, Erick Bergquist, Jens Norquist, Bangt Norquist, Pete Backstrom. To the south were Norwegians, Lars and Jacob Skare, Martin Skytland, Andreas Iverson, Christ Sylvester and Skyrud. To the north and west there were more Norwegians, Michael Tollefson, Jergen Johnson, Olaf Hanson, Trond Monson, Gulbrand Skytland, Nils Gilbertson, E. B. Wollan, Ole Sunderland, Erick Skeide, Peder Granum, Christian Granum, Erick Nygaard, Helge Hogfoss, Johan Johnson, Ingvald Hoy, Olaf Hjelvik, Ole Venaas, Andrew Bakken, Harold and John Roa, still later were, Fred and Willie Dahlgren, George Gunhus, Lewis Stensland, Andrew Skare, Peter Hilde, Lewis Okeson, Thorvald Gutterud, John Sobak and Peter Hilde. There were several landmarks in the township, there was the "Green Hill Ranch," so named because of the growth of lush green grass. As no one had "claimed" this land at this time, it was "free" and so, many pioneers brought their cattle there to graze. It is located directly west of what is now known as the Arthur Gunhus farm. Recently a human skeleton was discovered on this hill. Another so called "Ranch" was the "Herd Hill." This was located directly east of the Norlund farm which in later years was farmed by Andrew and Emma Skare, then by the Goodwin Seversons and now by Rodger Severson. It was also a "free" for all ranch, many pioneers took advantage of this and brought their cattle there for the summers. Geoff Post Office was located on the Lars and Christina Dahlgren homestead in Section 14 on a little knoll directly south of the present Gunhus farmstead. Geoff Post Office also stocked general merchandise for the pioneers for miles around. John Bergstrom carried mail from Adams to Geoff Post Office. Ernest and Helen Gunhus now own and operate the Lars Dahlgren farm, Helen is a granddaughter of the Dahlgrens. John Bergstrom built the first house made of lumber in Dewey Township. Erick Bergquist, who later sold his homestead and moved to Saskatoon, Canada, was the first owner of a yoke of oxen. John Hedlund also farmed with oxen. It is said that his hired man knew how to get the oxen moving with a "gee-haw," but he didn't know that the magic word that would bring them to a halt was "pu-r-r." This was something he had to learn from his neighbors. Lars Skare is credited as having been the first Ford car owner in the township. The pioneers were planners and budders, determined to make a good life for their famdies in the new

Where the buffalo used to wallow Long straight furrows mark the way. Where the oxen drew the stoneboat Fine paved roads are here to stay. Where the little old red schoolhouse In mid-section was the rule, It has long since been abandoned For a larger, finer school. When the railroad reached the townsite Schools and churches grew a pace Trees and fences, grain and grasses Gave Dakota its new face. - Julia Belle Pringle Submitted by Mrs. Harry (Alma) Bergquist. Dewey Township was named for the famous Admiral Dewey and was organized in 1901. An attempt to organize had been made in 1895, but failed because of staunch opposition by a number of settlers. The first settlers in this area arrived in the 1880's. John Kittleson and his brother, Aamon, were the first settlers on what became known as the Andrew Lundberg farm in Section 1, now owned and farmed by Arthur Borgeson. John Schneekloch also settled in Section 1, Range 59. Section 2 was Ellef Edwards and Sarah Catherwood. Michael Tollefson homesteaded in Section 3, also Peter Thune had some land there. Peter Thune, August Vikstrom and Helge Hogfoss settled in Section 4. Ole Nygaard in Section 5 and none in Section 6 in 1894. In Section 7 it was Julia McDaniels. None in Section 8, but in Section 9 it was Harold Roa and John Roa and Ole G. Hanson. In Section 10 it was August Vikstrom and Knute 0. Lerohl. Section 11 was Karl Lindberg, Ales McDonald, J. Kem, G. Stoskopf and John Bergstrom. Section 12 was E. Hogberg, Peter Walgren and David A. Monson. Section 13 was S. R. Brynstad, I. E. Elsrud and Knude Sunderland. In Section 14 it was Angus McDonald and Lars Dahlgren. A Jackson was in Section 15; none in Section 16. Section 17 was F. R. Smith and none in Section 18. Section 19 was Christian Granum. None in Section 20. David McKaige was in Section 21. Section 22 was Nels Iverson; Section 23, Liza Olson, Paul Halvorson, H. C. Sylvester; and Section 24 was Thomas Volden. Frank Nehring was in Section 25, Henry C Shelton in Section 26, Hans P. Larson in Section 27, Frank Hughes in Section 28, Simon H. Oen in Section 29 and R. H. Oen in Section 30. None in Sections 31 and 32. Wend Sedlack was in Section 33, Samuel Larson and 865

ANDREW BAKKEN Andrew Bakken left Norway, the land of his birth, to come to America in May, 1906. His first employment was at the Hans Troftgruben farm near Edinburg. A short time later, he sent Thora Dahl in Norway a $65 ticket to join him in the United States. They were married Feb. 20, 1907. They bought a quarter section of land in Dewey Township, where they hved until his death in 1946. Seven children were born, George, Arnold, Mabel, Anna, Dagny, Lloyd and Lillian. The first tragedy for the young pioneer couple was the death of their first bom, George, from a minor ailment that could have been controlled easily by today's doctors. In those days a doctor was a rarity. They hved in a granary until they could afford to build a house; they carried water a great distance by hand for drinking, washing and other household uses, also carried wood for cooking and heat. The only form of transportation was horses, so on their infrequent trips to Edmore, the closest town, they bought enough groceries to last at least three weeks. The children walked two miles to school every day in the fall and spring, were taken by horse and sleigh in the winter. One happy childhood memory comes from the harvest season when Andrew hauled bundles of grain to the steam engines that threshed. The children would stay by the cook car, knowing they would get some goodies from the cooks! During one harvest, it rained so much that the threshers had to stay at the Bakkens for three weeks. Feeding that crew for that length of time took a lot of potatoes from their meager garden and a lot of feed for the horses. Thora Bakken is now living in a rest home in Osnabrock, and is a hardy survivor of that pioneer era at 92.

country. No churches were built in Dewey Township, but the pioneers who settled here were a God-fearing people and helped to organize and build and became affiliated with churches in adjoining townships. These churches were Vang in Shepherd Township, Gustavus Adolphus in Adams Township and St. Olaf and Aadalen Churches in Kinloss Township. Before these churches were built, worship services were held in the pioneer homes.

BIOGRAPHIES NILS PALMQUIST Some of the second generation who settled in Dewey Township have told me that the history of the township would not be complete without a few words about a man who for many, many years traveled the area between Petersburg and here on foot This man was Nils Palmquist and it seemed he had immigrant acquaintances all the way on his route. Nils was a sure sign of spring and as a matter of fact would often times make the trip several times during the year. He was a good natured fellow, always cheerful and happy. Every time he came he brought with him bits of news that he gathered as he went along and since there were no local newspapers, radios or T.V.'s at that time - the people knew that when Palmquist arrived he would have the very latest - what had happened since his last visit (and perhaps what was going to happen). And so he was a most welcome guest and I might add that he was very well-mannered and poute and never outstayed his welcome. He told so many interesting stories. The children, as well as the grown folks, would love to listen to him. Then he could play the harmonica and sometimes he would sing a few "folke viser." Often times he would sing of his homeland and the immigrants, both Norwegians and Swedes, would love to hear him sing. It brought back memories of their homes and families. He usually ended by singing a few hymns. Palmquist carried a little sack on his back and in it there were such things as pocket knives, scissors, pencils and etc. Then to sort of pay for his lodging he would sharpen all the scissors or knives the family owned and no housewife had dull knives and scissors while Palmquist made his visits. It was not until the very last years of his life that Nils Palmquist, who was born in Skane, Sweden, resorted to the use of a bicycle. He died at a Lakota Rest Home in the late 30's. Palmquist was a very good reader and his handwriting was most beautiful. When the Harry Bergquist family received word from the rest home that he had died in the late 1930's, they were told that they (at the rest home) found an unfinished letter he had written to them the evening he died. It was a beautifully written letter addressed to the Bergquist family. I am sure much more could be said about this man who was always so happy and content to make other happy. And it is for this very reason that the people in this area remember Nils Palmquist. Submitted by Mrs. Harry Bergquist.

Andrew and Thora Bakken ERIK BERGQUIST Erik Bergquist of Eksharad, Varmland, Sweden, immigrated to the United States in 1894, arriving in Duluth, Minn. He spent two years there before coming to Park River. In 1896 he filed on a homestead in Dewey Township, Section 14. He sold his homestead in 1908 and moved to Saskatoon, Sask. He filed on a homestead there and resided there permanently with his wife, Emma, and children, Edwin, Bennie, Annie and Ellen. 866

JOHN BERGQUIST John Bergquist accompanied by his brother, Erik, immigrated to the U. S. from Eksharad, Varmland, Sweden, in 1894. Arriving in Duluth, Minn., he spent two years there before coming to Park River. In 1896 he filed on a homestead in Dewey Township, Section 15. John married Anna Hagberg at Langdon in 1899. Anna immigrated to America from Brunsberg, Varmland, Sweden, in 1898. She arrived in Park River and spent one year there. Mr. and Mrs. Bergquist had two sons, Elmer and Harry. Their first home was a sod house. They endured many hardships on the prairie, but with ambition, courage and faith, they had many good and happy years in Dewey Township. Mr. and Mrs. Bergquist were charter members of the Gustavus Adolphus Church of West Adams.

HARRY BERGQUIST Harry Bergquist farmed the homestead, SEy of Section 15, until 1973 when his son, Donald, bought the farm. Harry married the former Alma Braaten of Kinloss Township in October, 1932. Three sons were born, Harold, Donald and Robert. Harold married the former Audrey Ereksmoen of Leeds. Four children were born, Kathryn, Beverly, John III and David. They reside in Burnsville, Minn., where Harold is administrator for the Burnsville School system and Audrey is director of the Prince of Peace Child Development Center in that city. Donald, who taught in North Dakota and Minnesota public schools for nine years, is engaged in farming. Robert married the former Dr. Karen Nyhus of Chippewa Falls, Wise. Robert is a corporation attorney with Thompson, Hine and Flooey in Cleveland. They have two sons, Erick Bjorn and Leif Kristian. Harry was "Walsh County Farmer of the Year" in 1968. Harry is interested in public affairs, he served 25 years on the Farmers Union Oil board in Fairdale. He served several years on county agricultural boards, was a member of Dewey Township school board and is a member of Our Redeemer's Church. 4

JOHN AND INGEBORG BERGSTROM John and Ingeborg Bergstrom were bom in Varmland, Sweden. They immigrated to America in the late 1800's and came to the Fairdale area where friends and relatives had already settled. The first winter was spent with the Lars Westbergs who lived on what is now the I. Midtlying place, about five miles northwest of Adams. Then they moved to their own homestead southwest of Fairdale, where a wooden house with two rooms was built. Furniture was scarce. One piece of furniture to be remembered was a high wooden bed where a small bed, or trundle bed, could be pushed under it in the daytime, space being scarce. The small bed was nothing more than a large box with a mattresstickingfilled with straw. Ah mattresses were filled with straw, and each fall gave them a new clean one. Anna, Emma and Ellen slept in this bed. Ellen, the youngest, still remembers this.

John and Anna Bergquist, Elmer and Harry. ELMER BERGQUIST Elmer Bergquist, son of the late John and Anna Bergquist, was bom in Dewey Township in 1901. He spent most of his life on a farm. He married Thora Nordlie, daughter of the late Ole and Sena Nordlie of Kinloss Township. They had one daughter, Hope, she married Palmer Dahlgren, son of the late Fred and Nellie Dahlgren of Dewey Township in 1948. Palmer died in 1966. They were members of the Vang Lutheran Church.

John was the first mail carrier to carry mail from the Geoff Post Office to Eric Grove's Post Office, and pick it up at Adams and bring it back to the Geoff Store. This store was located on their neighbor's farm, about two miles south. This store was operated by Jacob Tonning and Pete Peterson, who later sold it to Eric and Ella (Roterud) Westberg. When John had other work to do, Ellen and Emma often took the horse rig (the horses' names were Kate and Gypsy) and made the trip to Adams for him. When they arrived in Adams their first stop was the Thorvilson livery barn (where Netta Borgeson's house stands today) and here their horses received excellent care; water and feed and blankets when it was cold. They would often visit the Jacob Tonnings while in town. They hved where Stella Chally fives today. Mrs. Gust Johnson, their aunt, often accompanied them to town. In 1902 the family moved to their tree claim (the Alfred Lindell farm) and built a new larger house, that, remodeled, is in use today. Their children were John, Peter, Errol, Ida, Emma, Ellen and Anna.

The : Bergquists have two grandchildren, Joan, married to Bud Lockwood, Santa Rosa, Calif. Joan is a R. N. and took her nurses training at St. Luke's Hospital, Fargo. Bud, her husband, is an x-ray technician at the Community Hospital in Santa Rosa. Barbara is attending UND, is single. They have one great grandchild, Sarah Anne Lockwood, born May 29, 1974. For many years, Elmer served on school and township boards, also the Gustavus Adolphus Church board. The Bergquists moved to Adams in December 1963. Their daughter, Hope, also has two step daughters, Bonita, married to David Wick of Minnetonka, Minn., and Paulette, married to Gary Molstad, Grand Forks. 867

where Bjarne has been a manager of the Farmers' Elevator for many years. They have four children: Mdton, Stephen, Minn.; Betty Lou (Mrs. Kenneth Hillman), Rugby; Mar lyn and Mavis, Adams. Verna, Mrs,? Kasper Olson, has taught school many years, lives on a farm near Edinburg. They have three children: Mrs. David (Kaye) Johnson, Homewood, Dl.; Mrs. William (Mary Ellen) Mitchel, Thompson and Kenneth, Edinburg. Submitted by Mrs. Eden Hdde.

John Bergstrom died in 1933, Ingeborg in 1917. They are buried at the Gustavus Adolphus Church, west of Adams, that they helped organize. Submitted by Mrs. Ellen Hilde.

The John Bergstrom family. Top row, left to right: Emma, Peter, Johan, Ida. Bottom row: Errold, John Bergstrom, Mrs. John Bergstrom, Ellen.

The Peter Hilde family. Juel, Peter, Ellen, Verna, Inez. LARS AND CHRISTINA DAHLGREN Mrs. Lars (Christina) Olson Dahlgren was born March 7, 1855, in Varmland, Sweden. She had a happy childhood with her two brothers and two sisters, but at the age of 13 her mother died and with that event ended her happy home. Her father married again, a widow with five small chddren, so she had to go out on her own. She went to work for a neighbor and stayed there seven years. In the summer she was sent up into the mountains to a "saetter," or cabin where she lived and tended the farmer's cattle. She had 16 cows to milk morning and evening, besides watching the herd. Her day started at 4 o'clock in the morning. After mdking in the evening she put ad the day's milk on to boil in huge iron pots and they boded untd morning. She had to stir at intervals to prevent scorching, so her sleep was short naps. The curds were made into primost and sweet cheese. Later, it was sent down to the farmer to market. She went to work for another neighbor and here she met a young man who was on vacation from his work at Sunsval, a sea port. They fed in love and Lars Dahlgren, the young man, went back to his work as saw mill foreman, with eager anticipation of providing a place for them to live. Word soon came that he had obtained three nice rooms for them to live in, and that he would come for her in two weeks. Mrs. Anderson, the neighbor with whom Christina lived, went to town and purchased blue sdk and a fascinator to match for Christina's wedding. Her dress was ready and ad plans fulfilled. The day came, no Lars appeared. Weeks, months and a year went by, but Christina was still waiting. One day, a year later, a thin, gaunt young man arrived, and sure enough it was Lars! His account seemed like a tale out of a book. One day, as they were cutting timber, clearing the way for a mountain road, a dynamite blast had gone off and he had received serious head injuries. He was taken to a hospital where he remembered nothing for a long time. Weeks and months

THE BERGSTROM CHILDREN Emma married Andrew Skare. Peter Bergstrom, born May 16, 1885, homesteaded in the early 1900's at Stanley. He retired to Garrison and died there, Dec. 11, 1954. In his later years he became blind and his sister, Emma Skare, then a widow, cared for him for several years. She lives there alone at the age of 85. Peter was buried at the Gustavus Adolphus Cemetery. Ida married Christ Hilde. Errol died at 15; John died at 28. Anna married Bangt Norquist. Ellen married Peter Hilde Dec. 12, 1912. Ellen was born west of Adams Dec. 8, 1892, and Peter was born April 16, 1890, in Benson, Minn. They farmed the old homestead, the Bergstrom place. Three children were born, Juel, Inez and Verna. Life was a dttle easier for them than their pioneer parents. They had several cows and better machinery. In 1915, Peter and Ellen were proud owners of a Model T. Ford. It was used in the summer, but when fad came, the Ford rested on four blocks of wood to save the tires. For entertainment, there were house parties, at Christmas the festivities lasted 14 days. In threshing time the women were busy entertaining at "thresher coffee." Then a new world appeared with the arrival of the Atwater Kent radio with its large horn and long neck. Families gathered around and on Saturday nights listened to Chubbie Parker sing the Little Brown Jug. They belonged to the Gustavus Adolphus Church and the Young Peoples Society. Peter and Eden retired and moved to Adams. Peter died in 1957. He is buried at the Gustavus Adolphus Church. Ellen stdl active, resides in Adams. Juel Hilde married Inez Hjelvik. They had seven children: Juel, Jr., Grand Forks; Mrs. Phdlip (Eleanor) Henricks; Mrs. Darrel (Diane) Bratvold, Grand Forks; Mrs. Janice Bowles, Water Valley, Miss.; Wayne, Dale and Tammy, Grand Forks. Juel resides at Grafton. Inez married Bjarne Hjelmstad. They live in Adams 868

went by until he began to mend and the memory of a girl waiting for him returned. So he journeyed back to see if Christina was still waiting for him. They were married the next day and went to Sunsval to live. Here, he had a good job and with Christina's frugal ways and ambitious hands, they made out very well. She washed and baked for bachelor neighbors and also helped mothers when babies were born. Here, she learned what was to mean so much in the New World.

Mrs. Christina Dahlgren and children. Standing, left to right: Fred, Freda, William. Sitting: Christina, Elvira. A daughter, Elvira, was born to them in 1886. Christina was so happy in her little home after losing her own so young. Lars, however, was getting restless and quiet. He had a friend who was always talking about going to America where salaries were so big and opportunities so plentiful. Finally, Lars' adventurous dream had its way and Christina consented to go. They were expecting another baby, so plans were made to go soon after its birth. Their son, Frederick, was born July 3,1888, and when he was several weeks old, they set sail for America. She had prepared well, boiled dozens of hard cooked eggs, packed boxes of dried fish, meat and flat bread. She also packed her two trunks with lots of clothes. These lasted her eight years in the new country. She never forgot the trip over the ocean and vowed if she ever set foot on land again, she would never leave it. She tried to wash clothes and hung them on the railings to dry but they blew away. She tore up old clothes and petticoats to keep her little ones clean. The North Sea was so stormy, the boat rocked and pitched like a tiny speck on a large angry ocean. Lars took ropes off the trunks and tied her to the bunk with one arm free to hold the baby. Elvira, too, had to sometimes be tied as the boat pitched. The sacks and trunks seemed to fly to the ceiling, her feet would fly up and her head take a dive! (This was told with a sense of humor.) No, in her seasickness she vowed, "Never again." Water washed overboard and the boxes of food molded, the eggs turned green, and yet it had to be eaten to survive. To add to the horror a woman went mad. Christina never forgot the hysterical screaming. At 4 o'clock one morning, a box was silently slipped into the ocean and one soul, who started out so bravely, found her resting place. The happiest day of her life was Sept. 3, 1888, when

they sighted New York City and went ashore. People met them and gave them Bibles, asking them what good they had done to survive the awful storm. Another ship had gone the same route, at the same time, and all had perished. Finally they were on the train taking them to Park River. Here, a cousin, John Bergstrom, was to meet them. She stared out the window at the naked prairie and felt utter loneliness. John Bergstrom was there and loaded their two trunks and basket of feather pillows into his wagon and started off for a smaU sod house, 12 foot square, sitting on the prairie between what is now Fairdale and Adams. Christina cried herself to sleep that night. The first winter, 1888 and 1889, was a real hardship, living in one room, two families and several children. Food was scarce because trips were seldom made to town. The nearest town, Park River, was 25 miles away and they had only oxen. Oxen froze so easily and started to bleed from their horns and noses. However, they had bought a cow at a sale for $34, so they had milk and they borrowed flour from a neighbor. Christina soon learned she could earn produce by helping neighbors and soon became sought after for her knowledge asa midwife. She walked eight miles to dig a bachelor's potato patch and received half the crop. In the spring, Lars built a sod house on his homestead, a mile south of Bergstroms. He also had purchased lumber for one wall. Having saved his money in Sweden and sold their goods, they had $700 when they started out. He bought a plow, a team of oxen, a stove and other necessary items. Lars went to work for a farmer and Christina and the children were to stay at a bachelor's house until he came back. But this man refused to let her cow graze in his slough, so she decided it was time to move to her own home, which she did. She loaded her worldly goods on top of a stone boat (a wooden sleigh used to clean stables), set Elvira on top, tied Fred on her back, held a pail of feed in her hand, after which followed a pig, tied the cow to the sled, and set the oxen in motion. After many years, she still chuckled when she recalled this strange procession across the prairie to her new home. She had gotten a rooster from Mrs. Bergstrom for knitting stockings, and four other neighbors gave her four hens, so she felt they were rich, indeed. She was so happy in her new found privacy she set to work to make it cozy. She plastered the inside with whitish clay she found under the sod in the sloughs, it was so sticky that mixed with sand it served well. Their sod house was 24 feet long and 12 feet wide. She recalled she's never had as white floors since. A few years went by and WiUiam, Freda and Oscar were born. Then in 1899 a double tragedy struck, both Lars and three year old Oscar died. Two new graves were dug in the Gustavus Adolphus Cemetery. This tragic blow tested Christina's courage and faith, but hard work fiUed the days so she could wrest a hving for her remaining children. She worked in the fields like a man, helping her neighbors, so they in turn could help her. She prepared food and knit and sewed at nights for her children. And so with the help of her young sons, Fred and Willie, she made a living from the prairie. Life was not yet through testing Christina's faith. One fall she boarded a school teacher who was very

of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Board from the time of its organization. Fred and Nellie moved to Grand Forks in 1948 where he worked with the park board, he retired in 1958. Nellie died June, 1960. He became a resident of the Edmore Memorial Rest Home until his death May 16,1971. Their children are Lawrence, Myrtle (Mrs. Raymond Nygaard), Palmer (died in 1966), Albin Myron and John.

sickly. After a time, Freda became ill and died of tuberculosis at 16. It was learned the teacher also died of tuberculosis. This disease was very prevalent in those days and often took its toll of several in each family. So another grave was dug in the new cemetery. In 1908, Elvira, the eldest, was married to Julius Johnson from Minnesota. They moved on a farm two miles west of Dahlgrens. Before long, they moved to Alkabo and homesteaded there. Six children were born to them, Clara (Mrs. Larry Ohnslad), Washington, D. C ; Mrs. Florence Holly, Wahpeton; Arthur, Wahpeton; Robert Lange, Minneapolis; Delvin, deceased; and James, Adams. Another blow fell on Christina as this daughter, too, died in the flu epidemic of 1918, leaving six motherless children. Christina then took the five year old grandson, James, to live with her. She turned her farming interests over to her son, Willie, and his family. She and James moved into Adams in 1920, where she lived until her death. James had a home there until he reached adulthood. Her other son, Fred, also dved in the area. What was the secret of this pioneer woman's courageous lde? A worn Swedish Bible, faith in mankind and a firm belief in hard work as a solution to problems and a balm to heal broken hearts. She died of a stroke in 1943, and the wish to depart speeddy with no hardship to anyone was fuddled. And another grave was prepared close to a tad tree with her loved ones in the Gustavus Adolphus Cemetery. This is the story of my husband's grandmother, as it was told to me as she sat spinning the wool she had washed and carded into yam. The story of broken fingers she set herself, the babies delivered, including her own, mysed and many more. This story I submit as a tribute to a great pioneer who succeeded, despite tragedies, to reach an age of fulfidment. We are proud that she is a part of our children's heritage. Submitted by Mrs. James Johnson.

The Fred Dahlgren family. Top row: Albin, Palmer, Myron, Lawrence. Bottom: John, Nellie, Fred, Myrtle. WILLIE DAHLGREN

FRED DAHLGREN Fred Dahlgren was born July 3, 1888, at Varmland, Sweden. His parents were Christine and Lars Dahlgren. He came with them to the United States when he was an infant. His parents homesteaded in Dewey Township. At 13, he assumed the operation of the farm with his mother. Aprd 3,1914, he married Pernelle Louise Hdde. She was born Jan. 16, 1895, at Benson, Minn. At the age of three, she came with her father, Samuel Hilde, to a farm in Adams community. This farm is located near the Gustavus Adolphus Church west of Adams. Fred and Nellie bought their own farm in Dewey Township, Section 27, SWy-i, and hved there untd 1948 when they moved to Grand Forks. Myron Dahlgren lives there and owns the farm now.

The William Dahlgren family. Standing: Vernon and Helen. Bottom: Willie and Clara.

Fred and Nellie were members of Vang Lutheran Church. He served as church treasurer for many years and she was a member of the Ladies' Aid and served as president. Fred was one of the founders of the Fairdale Farmers' Elevator and served on the board untd he left the community. He was a director of the Farmers Union Od Co. and served as president of the Farmers Union local for some time. He was a supervisor of the Dewey Township Board and was a member of the school board for many years. He was one of the county committeemen

Wdde Dahlgren was bom Oct. 15, 1893, in Dewey Township. He married Clara Norquist Dec. 12, 1917. She was bom in Varmland, Sweden, June 15, 1898. They lived in Section 14, Dewey Township, on the farm homesteaded by his parents until they moved to Adams in 1945. They were the parents of two chddren: Mrs. Ernest (Helen) Gunhus, now living on the farm, and Vernon, Austin, Minn. The Dahlgren farm had the distinction of having the 870

Geoff Post Office located on a part of the farm which later was a pasture and which now has been broken up for a field. The foundation was left until Highway 17 was built and back-sloped. Mr. Dahlgren died Oct. 21, 1968, and Mrs. Dahlgren July 27, 1969. GILBERT GILBERTSON Gilbert Gilbertson was born in Viker, Aadalen, Norway, Sept. 22,1875. He came to America in the spring of 1899. He first went to Minnesota, then to Kinloss Township, Walsh County. He married Gunhild Monson March 23, 1903. She was also born in Norway March 13, 1885. She came to America at the age of seven with her parents to Kinloss Township. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson lived in Newland Township, Ramsey County, for three years, then bought land from Pete Thune in Dewey Township in the spring of 1906 and moved there where they both lived until their deaths. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Gilbertson were members of the St. Olaf congregation. They went to services in the Wollan School in the summer and to services in the homes in the winter until the church was built in the spring of 1912. They were both active in church work. The Ladies' Aid met at their home April 7,1914, to re-organize the St. Olaf Ladies' Aid. Mrs. Gilbertson served as vice president for some years. She was a charter member. Mr. Gilbertson served as supervisor of Dewey Township for nine years. In 1925, Mr. Gilbertson took a trip back to Norway. He was gone in May and June. He died June 16,1927. His widow stayed on the farm until her death, Aug. 24, 1950. They had six children: Regina and Mrs. Jerome (Gladys) Hjelmstad of Grafton, Frithjof of Pittsburg, Pa., Morris and Mrs. Clarence (Ida) Skytland of Fairdale, and George, deceased.

360 acre farm west of the Wollan farm, where four more children were born, Alma in 1911, Eddie in 1914, Borghild in 1917, and Ovedia in 1921. On Aug. 4,1921, Mr. Granum passed away at the age of 50, leaving his wife to rear a family of eight. In 1939, Mrs. Granum died on her 60th birthday. They are both buried at St. Olaf Cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Granum and Andrew NILS GILBERTSON Nils Gilbertson was bom in Viker, Norway, Oct. 10, 1872. He came to Walsh County in 1898 first stopping at Grafton where he was employed at the Gulbrand Lee farm. Later he moved to Kinloss Township. He married Annette Blagstvedt in 1901 and they bought a farm in Dewey Township, SW'A Section 8. He was active in township affairs and served as supervisor and also as a school board member. He and his family were members of St. Olaf Church. They were parents of four children, Ruth, Mrs. Ole Fossland (deceased); Alma Gilbertson (deceased); Nobert Gilbertson (deceased) and Mrs. Eddie Granum (Olga) of California. Grandchildren include Orville Fossland, Bismarck, with the R.E.A. and Kenneth Fossland, Shawnee Mission, Kan.

The Gilbert Gilbertson family. Gilbert, Regina, Ida, George, Gunhild Gilbertson. PEDER ANDERSON GRANUM Peder Anderson Granum, bom Sept. 29, 1871, in Valders, Norway, married Olava Persakerud, born Aug. 27, 1879, in Honefos, Norway. They had eight children; two sons, Andrew, bom Sept. 14,1900, and Gilbert, born Oct. 2,1903, were bom in Honefos, Norway. When Gilbert was six weeks old, they sailed for America, landing at New York in 1903; from there they traveled to Climax, Minn., where Peder worked as a shoemaker for awhile. From there, they moved to Fairdale to the E. B. Wollan farm where one daughter, Ragna, was born in 1906, and another son, Olaf, was born in 1909. They then bought a

Mr. and Mrs. Nels Gilbertson. Standing: Ruth, Norbert, Alma.

members. He was also a member of the Aadalen Mens' Chorus for many years. Mr. Gutterud was much interested in the preservation of one's heritage and was one of the most active parties in organizing the Sons of Norway Lodge, Vaarliv No. 303, at Fairdale in March, 1926. The Lodge became an active community center, the highlights of which were the annual 17th of May celebrations and the annual Christmas festival in the traditional Norwegian style. Mrs. Gutterud was often called upon to help the old, faithful, pioneer doctor, 0. C. Dixon, deliver babies in the neighborhood and sometimes it happened that she would help without the doctor. Thorvald Gutterud diedatPark River Jan. 1,1970, at 82. Mrs. Gutterud, now past 87, lives alone in their retirement home in Park River and keeps active with quilting for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

GEORGE GUNHUS George Gunhus was born Sept. 30, 1885, at Kenyon, Minn. He homesteaded in Adams County, N. D., near Lemon, S. D., in 1908. He left there in August, 1912, when his grain crop just sprouted because of the lack of rain in the earlier part of the year. He went to Edinburg to his brother Henning, taking his horses, machinery and his worldly goods. There, he met Hilda Rustan, daughter of Ole Rustan, Edinburg. She was born May 4, 1889, at Edinburg. June 24, 1913, George and Hilda were married. That year they bought a farm in Dewey Township near Fairdale from Henning Gunhus. They had four children: Ernest married Helen Dahlgren at Warren, Minn., Sept. 11, 1941. They have three children, Gene, James and Leanne. Wallace married Edna Thompson in 1948. They have six children, Sue Ann, Judy, Don, Joan, Bob and Janet. Arthur married Ruby Olson Dec. 26, 1947. They had four children. Lynda married Vernon Hammer and they have one daughter, Kimberly; Karen married Richard Axvig. They have one son, Nathan. Ruth Ann married Dan Schwartz. George Arthur was killed in a car-truck accident Oct. 23, 1957, at the age of three years, eleven months. Beatrice married Morris Olson in 1948. He died from cancer in 1948 after only a few short months of marriage. Beatrice married Warren Roberts. They have three sons: Donald who is married to Mary Bofferdick, Richard and John. George Gunhus was Farmers' Elevator director at Fairdale for 25 years. He was also Dewey Township treasurer for several years. George Gunhus died in October, 1959; Mrs. Gunhus died in 1975.

Thor void Gutterud family- Back row: Raymond, Myrtle, Ted, Rosanna, Melvin. OLAF M. HANSON Olaf M. Hanson was bom at Fergus Falls, Minn., March 7, 1868. Helena Justad was born Oct. 9, 1877, at Drammen, Norway. They were married Dec. 11, 1885, in Silvesta Township and homesteaded in Tiber Township. Eleven children were bom, Henry, deceased; Melvin, Grand Forks; Mrs. John (Caroline) Lofgren, Kalispell, Mont.; Mrs. Oscar (Ida) Isaacson, Everett, Wash.; Mrs. Archie (Dena) Peterson, Everett, Wash.; Burt Hanson, Everett, Wash.; Mrs Lloyd (Myrtle) Lien, CalviUe, Wash.; Mrs. Rudolph (Ruby) Jardine, Grand Forks; Albert Hanson, Ernest Hanson and Mrs. Howard (Lillian) Johnson, all of Fairdale. Olaf died May 22,1950, and Mrs. Hanson died April 1, 1954. Henry was bom in Tiber Township. Melvin, Caroline, Ida and Dena were bom when the couple resided near Adams. Burt, Ruby, Albert, Myrtle, Lillian and Ernest were bom at Fairdale. They lived near the Grove farm at Adams, later moving to the Wollan place near Fairdale. They lived there for a short time in 1904 when Mr. Hanson bought the two quarters where the Ernest Hansons now reside. He built a granary in the spring on the farm and lived in that while he built a house, one room upstairs and one downstairs and moved into that in the fall. A couple of years later he built a kitchen on to the house. He built a sod bam the first year and also dug a well.

George and Hilda Gunhus GUTTERUD FAMILY Thorvald Gutterud was bom in Aadalen, Norway, Dec. 17,1887, and immigrated to America at 18, coming to Union. While single, he worked on the railroad for a time and later did farm work near Fairdale. He married Minnie Thune at Thief River Falls, Minn., Feb. 11, 1911. He rented the Peter Thune farm, near Fairdale, where he engaged in farming until the late fall of 1913, when with their daughter, Rosanna, left for Norway, returning to the United States in November, 1914. Five children were born, Rosanna, 1912; Theodore, 1915; Melvin, 1918; Myrtle, 1922; and Raymond, 1927. In his younger years, Mr. Gutterud, who had a fine tenor voice, was often called upon to sing solos at the Aadalen Lutheran Free Church of which his family were 872

In 1913 they bought the Thune place and moved there. Olaf and his brother, Halvor, had a blacksmith shop when they lived in Adams.

One time Dad was going to take us to school on a cold winter day. He let the horses stand by the house awhile, went in for a minute. The horses took a notion they were going to start out, so ran away with the sleigh. We never got to school that day. JOHN HEDLUND John Hedlund came here from Gustava, Varmland, Sweden, and in 1889 filed homestead in Dewey Township. He resided there until his death in 1917. He married Albertina Lundeen in 1897. She came here from Exsharad, Varmland. Six children were born, four sons and two daughters, Iver, Emil, Albert, John, Hilda and Tina. Tina died in infancy. The four boys and Hilda grew up on the homestead. John Hedlund was active in township work and served on the school board as director and president.

The Olaf Hanson family. Left to right: Caroline, Henry, Dena, Melvin, Myrtle, Burt, Lillian, Albert, Ruby, Ernest, Ida. OLAF HANSON Dad threshed for as long as I can remember. Olaf and Halvor started long before he was married. He started about the age of 19 and then they started a blacksmith shop in old Adams for a few years and then he started fanning and threshing again. Dad used to leave about four in the morning and came home late at night after us kids were asleep, so in that case we didn't see him for a week or so at a time, unless there was a rainy spell. Mother was the flunky and had to have groceries for the threshers with horses and the buggy. One time she was just about in the yard and the horses, Nellie and Birdie, got afraid of something and Mother had a runaway. The two seat buggy tipped over and the groceries, including a two gallon pail of corn syrup, the cover came off and the syrup got mixed with the groceries. The most precious item of ah to us kids was the bag of coconut candy (little squares I recall) mixed with the syrup mixture. Us kids were digging in the mess for candy, mixed with syrup, dirt, and etc. Mother wasn't hurt, but had to make another trip to town for more groceries after getting things repaired, which Mother was pretty good at doing. When time came to cut the flax, she did that, and when Dad needed more men at the threshing rig, Mother would take the two seat buggy, go to Adams and come back with two or three men. In 1914 we had a real good crop. Dad went to town and bought a new binder. That evening after a real hot day, we had a big hail storm which flattened the crop. The nexf day Dad took the binder back. He just couldn't afford to keep it as he had a big family to support. In the 1930's, they had a milk route and delivered milk to the grocery store and also to private customers, with horses. Milk was eight cents a quart, cream, 25 cents a pint, and eggs, five cents a dozen, delivered at the houses. If Dad stayed a little longer than usual, the horses would walk to the next place and stop there. One day when we went to the Wollan School, we drove Birdie and the buggy, we watered her at noon and didn't tie her good enough. We didn't shut the barn door, so she got loose and ran home and we had to walk home. The next day we had to lead her along to school so we could get the buggy home again. Birdie was a tricky brat.

John Hedlund family. Emil, Iver, Albert, John, Jr. and Albertina. OLAF AND ELLA HJELVIK Olaf Hjelvik and Ella Skare were married June 8, 1915, and began farming that same year. They rented the Lewis Stensland farm in 1915 and 1916 (now the Merle Daley farm). Their first son, Bertel, was born there. In 1917 and 1918 they rented two quarters of land in Dewey Township, Section 20, W%, known as the Eric Skeide farm. Their twin daughters, Inez and Irene, were born there. Irene died in infancy. In 1919, they bought a quarter section of land in Dewey Township, the SW% of Section 27 (still the Hjelvik farm). They built a house, bam and other buildings there. Elmer and Edwin, their twin sons, were born there in 1920, and are farming it now. Olaf Hjelvik was born in Romsdalen, Norway, in 1891, and came to the Edmore community in 1910 where he worked for John Wold and Hans Woldseth in the farming season and in the winter time he worked for the lumber mills in Superior, Wise, and Duluth, Minn. During his farming years, he was active in community affairs. He was president of the Vang Lutheran Church several years and held various other jobs in the church. He was a director in the Fairdale Co-op Elevator, he also held several office jobs in the township. He helped organize the Fairdale Farmers Union Oil Company. He was active in the Nonpartisan League political party for many years. In the 1930's, he worked as a maintenance man for the State Highway Department. Mrs. Hjelvik was born in a sod house in 1897, the

daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lars Skare, Adams. She was also active in community affairs, was president of the Vang Church Ladies' Aid and held other church jobs. Mrs. Hjelvik died in August, 1965. Mr. Hjelvik died in August, 1973.

ANDRIAS IVERSON Andrias Iverson (Engebraaten) came from Viker, Aadalen, Norway. He came to his brother's, Ole Iverson, at Osakis, Minn. After a few years, he came to Walsh County where two of his sisters lived, Mrs. Lars Tostenrud and Mrs. Simon Myra. He filed on a homestead in Dewey Township at the land office at Grand Forks. He filed on the E % of the NW%, Section 24, Township 157, Range 59, on Nov. 16, 1901. Andrias and his bachelor neighbors, Andrew Klungness, Alfred Aronson and Knut Boe, got along quite well. Andrias loved animals like his cats, Frans and Mons. He had a notice above the door in the stable which read, "Talk to a cow like you would a lady."

The Olaf Hjelvik family. Left to right: Elmer, Bertel, Olaf and Ella, Edwin, Inez. SYVER HOGFOSS Syver Hogfoss and Elise Nordby were married July 20, 1907. They made their home on a farm three miles south and two miles west of Fairdale. They were the parents of eight children, Harold, Irene (Mrs. G. Fjalstad), Esther (Mrs. O. Monson), Alice (Mrs. M. Tronset), Selma (Mrs. E. Moe), Ida (Mrs. H Machart), Valborg (Mrs. L. Bangs) and Arthur. They were active in church and school affairs. Syver was county commisioner for several years, a post he was holding at the time of his death March 6,1926, after being injured at a railroad accident March 5 in Fairdale. A few years later, Elise remarried and moved to Minnesota. She died April 20, 1968, at 80. During the severe winter months, the rural mail carrier, George Dike, kept his extra team of horses at the farm which was about the half-way point of Rural Route 2. While his tired and cold horses were exchanged for the fresh team, Mr. Dike would come in the house for a brief warm-up and to exchange his "foot-warmer bricks," by now cold, for others hot from the oven to help keep him warm on the way back to Fairdale.

Andrias Iverson JORGEN JOHNSON Jorgen Johnson was born in Bergen, Norway, in 1849, and came to Madison, Wise, in 1868. In 1873, he married Annie Maria Hoghaug, who had also come from Norway at the age of 15. They came to Grafton where they hved for a few years, then moved and homesteaded west of Grafton about 45 miles. In about 1904, the Soo Line Railroad came through that part of the country and several towns were built close by. The nearest town was Fairdale, three miles. They resided there until their deaths at 82. They had 13 children: John, Julia, Martin, Oscar, Christ, Andrew, Jorgen, Jr., Annie, Amanda, Olaf, Selmer and Caroline.

Jorgen Johnson .family. Back, left to right: Jorgen, Christ, Oscar, Andrew. Second row: Manda, Annie, Julia. Seated: John, Selmer Jorgen (father), Caroline, Anne Marie (mother), Olaf and Martin. Matilda not in this picture.

Syver and Elise Hogfoss 874

MRS. JORGEN JOHNSON Mrs. Jorgen Johnson came to Dewey Township in 1890. When 15, in 1869, she left her home from Aadalen, Norway, the trip taking the party seven weeks and four days. The first home Mrs. Johnson had in the township was at the place where Nels Gilbertson now lives. The nearest neighbors were Pete Thune and John Mathiason. Mr. Mathiason was a resident of Kinloss Township. Other settlers were John Bergstrom and Helge Hogfoss. The nearest town was Park River and a trip to town was a rather big event. Mrs. Johnson related this incident: "Once I was alone with the smallest children. Jorgen and the older boys were at Blagstvedts. An awful snowstorm began and I found that I would have to go to the barn and the chicken coop to close the doors, since they had been left open because of the mild weather. I took a ball of twine which I found in the shanty and tied it to the door. Then I went and shut the doors. By the help of the twine, I made my way to the house. We waited for Jorgen and the children to come. At last they came. The boys were hanging around their father's legs, crying, because they were so afraid. We were glad that they came home safely." She told us that at times they would see Indians. They were friendly and would come up on the prairie to pick a kind of root. They probably used it for medicine. The Indians would sometimes come to our home and ask for bread and butter, which we gave them. Their camp was at about the place where Wollan School was built.

were bom. Julius' brothers came back from the west with news of free land, so Julius moved his family to the Alkabo area where he filed on a homestead. Here Florence, James, Robert and Delvin were born. It proved to be so dry there only an occasional crop could be raised, so when his wife Elvira died in 1918 in the influenza epidemic, he sold his farm and moved to International Falls. He remarried Ilene Hanson and they moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where Julius worked over thirty years at the foundry. Delvin, who had remained with his parents, died in a car accident in 1945, after having survived two years of bomber duty in World War H. Clara and Arthur hved with their grandparents, the Christian Johnsons, at Gatzke, Minn. Robert hved with a foster mother and retains the name of Lange. Florence hved with her Aunt Nora at Alkabo. James went to live with his maternal grandmother, Christina Dahlgren at Adams. Submitted by James Johnson.

CHRISTIAN AND OLINE JOHNSON Christian Johnson came to America from Hedemarken, Norway, in the middle 1870's with his five children, Johannes, Mattias, Bernt, Ludvig, and Agnetta. His wife died in Norway. The trip took 14 weeks in a sailing vessel. They arrived at Waukon, Ia., and went on to Crookston, but homesteaded at Halstad, Minn. Oline, a young girl from Land, Norway, came to work for them and "kept company," as it was called, with the oldest son, but ended up marrying the father. They claimed one 40, which was all they could homestead, but bought three other 40's. Into Christian and Oline's family were bom eight more children, Julius, Olaf, Charley, Helmer, Theodore, Edwin, Nora and Otto and Clara (twins). There are two still living, Julius, who is 89 years old, resides at the Edmore Memorial Rest Home and Nora, 84 years oid, lives in her own home at Alkabo, N. D.

Julius and Elvira Johnson ANDREW JOHN LOFGREN Andrew John Lofgren was bom at Linde, Elfob Lon Dalsland, Sweden, Dec. 28, 1863. He married Hilda Axehna Anderson at Edmore in 1900. Mr. Lofgren came to U. S. by boat in 1894 to get out on his own and explore the new country. He came to live with his brother, Alfred Aronson, who had homesteaded in Adams Township. He settled on Range 59, SE Section 12, Dewey Township and filed homestead Dec. 22,1904. He had had some extra education in Sweden, was a harness maker and cobbler. He helped build the Gustavus Adolphus Church of which he and his family were members. He served on the school board as clerk and was Dewey Township road supervisor. Mr. Lofgren liked to play the accordion, mouth organ and violin, so he was popular at social gatherings.

Julius Johnson was bom Oct. 10, 1885, to Christian and Oline Johnson at Halstad, Minn. In 1909, he was married to Elvira Dahlgren by Justice of the Peace McNish at Fairdale, who was also the hotel proprietor. The marriage took place January 18 and the weather was so mild, with very little snow, so a horse and buggy was used for the trip to town. Other buggy passengers were Ida Olson and Fred Dahlgren, who served as their witnesses. It was lucky that the day was so mild, because the Dahlgren house was too small to accommodate the guests, so many had to remain outside. They rented two quarters northwest of Dahlgrens for about three years. Here, two children, Clara and Arthur,

Four children were bom: John, now living in Kalispell, Mont.; Annie (Mrs. Cyril Vejtasa), FairdaleHilma (Mrs. Tallak Sholey), Park River; and Amanda (Mrs. I. Skare), Kalispell. Lofgren built their own house in 1896, a two room affair which the family occupied until 1917 when a new home was built. Christmas in pioneer days was a festive season and was celebrated from Christmas Eve until January 6. The tradition at home was "duppe i gryta" a tradition from Sweden. Choice beef was cooked the day before 875

Christmas and left in the kettle in the broth it was cooked in. The next day a loaf of bread was sliced and each person would take a slice of bread and dip it into the meat broth and the cold meat sliced as cold cuts. This was handy and easy to prepare as it was a busy time of the year. Fall work was quite different from our present day methods. Our grain was cut with a Deering binder and everything was horse drawn. No twine, no ties, just a carrier. Grain was dumped in piles and picked up that way. A group of farmers went together to buy a threshing machine. They called it a "company rig." They hired a man to fire and mn the engine and a man to mn the grain separator. Every farmer had to take care of his own grain situation, which was hauled in sacks to the granary where it was dumped into bins and a lot of shoveling was done by hand to level the grain in the bins. Mr. Lofgren decided in the fall of 1916 to build a new home and was hauling sand in the spring of 1917 for the basement when he was kicked in the forehead by a horse. He was rushed to a Grand Forks hospital and died three days later. Mrs. Lofgren and her children operated the farm until Easter Sunday, April 24,1933, when she died. Then it was farmed by sons-in-law, Tallak Sholey and Cyril Vejtasa for a number of years until 1962 when Vejtasa died. Vernon Vejtasa, a grandson, is now owner of the Lofgren farm.

arrived from the same area in Sweden. She was born in 1856. In 1887, they moved to a homestead in Silvesta Township, where their 11 children were born. In 1909, they moved to an adjoining farm in Dewey Township, now the Arthur Borgeson farm. At one time, the Lundbergs operated an 800-acre farm. He held school district and township offices in Silvesta and Dewey Townships. Mr. and Mrs. Lundberg were charter members of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, west Adams. Andrew died in 1937. His wife died in 1923. Their children were Anna, 1887-1935, married to George Berg; two sons, Gunder and Hugo; 0. Victor, 1889-1963, married Alma Wallgren, three children, Vivian, Vernon and Duane; Albert, 1894-1963, Walsh County District Court Judge at the time of his death; George, 1895-1966, noted sociologist, married Sylvia Kjelstad, one son, Andrew; Selmer, 1898-1948, married Ida Arneson, four children, Lowell, Lyndis, Stuart, Loren; Elmer, 1900-1941, married Cora Arneson, two sons, Fraine and Curtis.

The Andrew Lundberg family. Lft to right: Albert, Andrew [father], Victor, Annie, Selmer, Elmer [youngest], Britta [mother], George. Taken in 1905. ALBERT LUNDBERG A son of homesteaders in Walsh County, Albert Lundberg of Fairdale attained a district judgeship and appeared on his way to election as a North Dakota Supreme Court Justice when a stroke ended his career May 30, 1962. Judge Lundberg died in 1963. Bom in Silvesta Township, near Fairdale, Feb. 21,1894, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lundberg. He attended a district school, then through selfeducation prepared himself for a course in law at the University of North Dakota. Lundberg farmed for several years near Fairdale before deciding to study law. After receiving his law degree in 1932, graduating with honors and receiving the Order of the Coif, he established a practice in Grafton. Lundberg was elected Walsh County States Attorney in 1936, serving two terms.

Andrew and Hilda Lofgren. Child—son John. A brother of Andrew to the right. ANDREW AND BRITTA LUNDBERG Andrew J. Lundberg, born Anders Jonsson near Mellerud, Dalsland, Sweden, in 1859, immigrated at age 23, coming to Grafton May' 12; 1882. He received money from an older brother to make the trip. The brother had previously taken the name, Lundberg, because of the prevalence of Jonsson. The name Lundberg was derived from the terrain of Sweden. Lund meant meadow and Berg was a mountain. Lundberg spent his first winter in Walsh County with his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Nelson, Tiber Township. In February, 1883, he filed on a quarter section of woodland in the area and lived in a hole in the ground with a straw roof. The next summer he worked for Gemmills and rented some land from Soderberg, saving money to buy a yoke of oxen and some machinery. He married Britta Kaisa Erikson in 1886. She had

He was appointed a judge in the second judicial district by Gov. Norman Brunsdale in 1951, was elected in 1952 and re-elected in 1958. He filed for a Supreme Court seat in 1962, narrowly failing of nomination after his illness. Judge Lundberg was an originator of a Standard Code for high school students, adopted throughout North Dakota. He sponsored the "Lundberg Resolution" aimed at reforming appeal practices in courts. 876

He remained interested in agriculture throughout his career as an attorney and represented clients in many cases pertaining to farm drainage. During his judicial career, Judge Lundberg had several thoroughly researched decisions upheld by the State Supreme Court.

TROND AND INGEBORG MONSON Trond Monson accompanied by his wife, Ingeborg, and four children immigrated from Aadalen, Norway, to Walsh County in 1891. The voyage was made by ship and train. It took many weeks to reach their destination. After working on farms in the Park River area for some time, he moved to his farm in Dewey Township, which he purchased from Gust Vikstrom, who had homesteaded on it. It was Trond Monson's home for the rest of his life. The moving was in a lumber wagon drawn by a team of horses. His first farming equipment consisted of a plow, harrow and a drill. His livestock consisted of one cow and three horses. Horses were the motive power for everything - farm work, hauling grain to market and buggy trips to town. He was active in organizing the St. Olaf Congregation and the building of the church in 1912 and was a charter member. He died in January, 1944, at 85. His wife died in April, 1944, at 83. They raised a family of six girls and three boys. Deceased are: Inger, Gunhild (Mrs. Gilbert Gilbertson), Ida (Mrs. J. Mathiason), Olga (Mrs. Aaron Isakson), Theodore and Goodwin. Living are: Mary Melby, Alhambra, Calif.; Gena (Mrs. Gena Hultstrand), Fairdale and Fritz Monson, Grafton.

Albert Lundberg, District Judge 0. VICTOR AND ALMA LUNDBERG

Victor and Alma Lundberg 0. Victor Lundberg and Alma Wallgren were both born in Walsh County, Victor in Silvesta Township in 1889 and Alma in Dewey Township in 1892. They were married in 1914 and lived at Fairdale, Edmore and Penn, N. D., where Victor served as a grain buyer. About 1917, they came to Adams when Victor was a co-owner of the Adams Grain Co. Elevator which he operated until it burned in 1929. For a few years, he was manager of Robertson Lumber Yard in Adams. He was village clerk for many years. The family moved to Grand Forks and Hawley, Minn., where he was manager for Ireland Lumber Yards. There were three children: Vivian, 1915, married Melvin Swenson, three daughters, Barbara, Melanie and Sally; Vernon, 1917, presently employed as construction administrator for the architectural firm of Daniel, Mann, Johnson and Mendenhall in the Hawaiian office in Honolulu. Victor died in 1954, Mrs. Lundberg in 1948. A son Duane died in 1937 at 14.

Trond and Ingeborg Monson BANGT NORQUIST Bangt Norquist immigrated from Sweden. He homesteaded on the SW'/i, Section 15, in Dewey Township in 1893. He married Anna Bergstrom. Three children were bom, Selmer, Algot and Alma. They were affiliated with Augustana Lutheran Church, west of Adams. JOHN NORDLUND John Nordlund settled in the Fairdale area where Roger Severson now farms. Nordlund came from Sweden, lived here a few years, then returned to his home country, Sweden. He was a single man. 877

worked for Henning Gunhus. Erick and Astha were married in 1912 on the Edwin Gronhovd farm where Astha was working at the time. They had five children, Leo, died in 1931; Gudrun, San Francisco, Calif.; Evelyne, died Dec. 9, 1974, in Marysville, Wash.; Raymond, on the home farm, NWvi of Section 29; Milo, farms near Edmore, E ^ of Section 31. Astha died in 1922 and Erick died in January, 1969, in Everett, Wash., where he was visiting his daughter, Evelyne. Erick had a threshing machine and he threshed for neighbors from 1929 to 1940. He retired in 1945. Erick was clerk of the school board in Dewey for about 25 years. He served on the board of the Farmers Co-operative Elevator as a director in 1931. Erick's brother, Richard, also came from Norway and owned the SW V* of Section 29 and the NW Vt of Section 32 in 1910. When Richard's wife became id, they went back to Norway where she died. Richard returned here and went to New Mexico. Whde there, Richard died from gas that formed in a wed that they were digging. JENS NORQUIST Jens Norquist was born at Eksharad, Sweden, in 1878. He was married to Julia in Sweden about 1907. They came to America to Fairdale shortly thereafter. They had a daughter, Clara, who was married to Willie Dahlgren. They lived in Dewey Township for several years on a farm now owned by Vernon Vejtasa and later moved to Ryder. After a few years at Ryder, they returned to Dewey Township and built the house on what is now the Elmer Bergquist farm. Jens Norquist was a stone mason and horse breeder. The family went back to Sweden twice. They moved to Fairdale and later to Adams where they both died. They are buried in Gustavus Adolphus Cemetery.

Eric and Astha Nygaard, Gudrun, Leo. CARL AND HULDA OKESON Carl and Hulda Okeson and their six year old son, Lewis, and their older son, Gust, immigrated to the United States from Telemarken, Norway, in 1899. They were both of Swedish descent. They homesteaded six mdes west of Adams. Tragedy struck when Carl was accidentady shot in 1903, leaving his widow and young son to farm the homestead. Jens and Julia Norquist

Misfortune again struck when Hulda fell on the ice and broke her leg. Due to scarcity of medical help, the leg had to be amputated. Leaving her son with her neighbors, the Gust Johnsons, she traveled back to Muskegon, Wise., where surgery was performed. She refused an artificial dmb, but learned to live a normal life on her crutches. Neighbors remember seeing her springing across the fields with lunch to her son as he worked, faster on her flying crutches than people on two feet. She milked her cows and did her own housework. Being an avid reader, she conversed on politics and other

ERICK NYGAARD Erick Nygaard was bom in Posgrun, Norway, Sept. 22,1880. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Lars Nygaard. He came in 1900 to Union where he worked for Henning Gunhus for several years. Erick homesteaded near Ambrose, but gave that up because the ground was so rocky. Erick started to farm in 1906 on the Wv* of Section 6 in Dewey Township. He met Astha Strandgard when she 878

problems of the day. Enjoying her phonograph she entertained her visitors with singing Swedish songs and playing Swedish records such as "Nicolena," and playing the accordion. Her homestead shack was moved to her son's farm, one mile east, where she hved until her death in 1943. She is buried in the Gustavus Adolphus Cemetery beside Carl. Submitted by Mrs. Joe Wick.

Glen, Tolley; and Milo, on the home farm in Dewey Township. Lewis died in 1953 and is buried in the Gustavus Adolphus Church Cemetery. Selma Okeson remarried in 1955 to Joseph Wick, Adams. They reside in Adams. Submitted by Mrs. Joe Wick. cr-

Farm home of Louis and Selma Okeson. LETTER The following is a letter written by Lewis Okeson of Adams to his brother on Oct. 1, 1917: Dear Brother, Received your letter some time ago and was glad to hear from you. I should have replied before, but my time has been so taken up that I have not been able to get around to it before. We are through threshing some time ago. Threshing lasted only 12-15 days. The wheat went about 11 bushels, barley was poor, oats about 25 bushels. We and Dahlgren got quite a good crop. Our wheat went about 15 bushels, barley 15 bushels and oats 25 bushels, or about 1,500 bushels of wheat, 500 bushels of barley and 700 bushels of oats. There were many around here that were drafted, among them, N. Flaten, Fred Dahlgren, M. Westberg, A. Backstrom (son of Pete), but all of them have been exempted or disqualified. The only ones I know that have been called into service are Edwin Peterson (son of John), Carl Bjorlein and Walter Anderson (Mrs. Lofgren's brother).

Hulda Okeson and son, Louis. CARL (LEWIS) AND SELMA OKESON Lewis Okeson was bom May 21,1893, at Telemarken, Norway, and immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1899 at the age of six. After spending two years in the Ironwood, Mich., area they came to Walsh County and homesteaded in Dewey Township in 1901. Because of his father's accidental death in 1904, he worked in the fields at an early age. He married Selma Peterson of rural Hoople Dec. 19, 1928, at Park River. Selma Peterson was bom Aug. 2, 1907, at Park Center, Hoople, to Ole and Anna Peterson. She was one of nine children. Other children were Mrs. Charley (Millie) Kittleson, Mrs. Axel (Gladys) Teenquist, Mrs. Adolph (Ethel) Folson, Mrs. Joe (Alice) Geston and Arvid, Pete, Thilbert and Delia are deceased.

There are many neighbors that have died in less than a year's time. They are as follows: A. Lofgren was kicked by a horse in the head, so he died three days later, this was last November. In January, B. Stogberg died after a short illness. Algot Norquist died at Dunseith in April from pneumonia. Mrs. Eckdahl in July after a long illness of cancer. Mrs. Bergstrom, a week later, from stroke. Hedlund died in August after a short illness of Bright's Disease. He had not been well for a long time, but nobody thought he would go so soon.

Lewis operated a grain and dairy farm six miles west of Adams and was among the first to practice conservation using contour and strip farming. Taking pride in their farmstead, they planted a lot of trees and in 1920, added a large new barn to accommodate the Holstein dairy herd. He was among the first to believe dairying, as well as grain farming, could be successful in North Dakota. Completing his farmstead, a new house was built in 1944.

Everybody around here has an auto except Bergquist, Norlund, Lofgrens, Iverson and myself. Willie has a Ford, Stensland an Overland, Skytland and Teenquist, a Dodge. Fred Carlson is renting the Andrew Qually farm. Ole and Nels Flaten, the place Christ had. Christ bought the John Lofthus farm near Lawton. Arvid Samuelson is renting the Aronson farm and he married Edith Westberg this summer. Lola Skare was also married this summer to Enoch Wolseth. Will have to close for this time. Hope you can make out what I have written. I haven't got time to write more. Lewis Okeson

Lewis Okeson was active in community affairs, serving as secretary of the East Dewey and Kinloss Telephone Co. for 25 years, a director of the school board for many years, and a member of the Gustavus Adolphus Church, West Adams. Six children were born to Lewis and Selma Okeson: Leroy, San Diego, Calif.; Mrs. Leroy (Lila Mae) Hamre, Dickinson) Mrs. Clifford (Shirley Ann) Myrvick, Edmore; Mrs. Amos (Darlene) Flaten, Jr., Park River; 879

moved his original farm house to Adams and resided there until his death in 1963 at 96. Mathilda Olson died Feb. 26, 1973. They are both buried at the Hitterdal Cemetery. Children of Tom and Mathilda Olson are: Nora (Mrs. Emil Amundrud), Union; Mrs. Alma Bakken, Duluth, Minn.; Arthur Olson, North Highland, Calif.; Mrs. Alida Bjorg, Adams; Ted Olson, Minneapolis; Reynard Olson, Milton; Florence (Mrs. M. Wick), Linden, Wash.; Viola (Mrs. R. Skorheim), Minot; Wallace, Hoople; and Delores (Mrs. Willie Sandberg), Duluth, Minn.

THOMAS AND MATHILDA OLSON

FRANK AND ROSE PIC Frank Pic, Sr., was born Oct. 11, 1878, in Czechoslovakia. He came to the United States when he was three months old. His parents homesteaded in Shepherd Township in 1900. In 1901 he married Rose Herda. She was bom May 9,1876, in Minnesota. They later moved to Dewey Township where they purchased a farm that had been occupied by the Christ Klunk family. Other families having hved there were the Frank Niemens and Walter Perkins. This farm was about six miles southwest of Adams. Seven children were bom: Carolyn (Mrs. Lester Martin), Cloquet, Minn.; Frank, Jr., Adams; Charley, deceased; Emma, died in infancy; Georgia (Mrs. Gunder Gullikson), Cloquet, Minn.; Cyril, Adams; and Norbert, Belcourt. Cyril Pic married Anne Skare of Dewey Township. They resided in Fairdale before moving to California where they hved until 1973 when they moved back and now live in Adams. They have two sons, Chan and Richard of California, and three grandchildren. Frank, Jr., still farms the home place. He was married to Colesta Haugen of Osnabrock who taught one of the schools in Dewey Township. She died in 1944 and is buried at Olga. Frank is a carpenter and farmer. He married Mrs. Stacia Ferguson of Adams in 1963. She has three sons, Churchill, Grafton; WaUace, Jamestown, and Arne, Grafton. Frank, Sr., died Jan. 15,1968, and Rose, July 13,1954. They are buried at DevUs Lake.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Olson March 4,1857, at Aadalen, Norway, a son, Thomas, was bom to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Olson. At 4, Thomas, along with his mother, two brothers and a sister, came to America by sailing ship from Christiana (Oslo), Norway, to join their father and husband who had gone on before to settle in Vernon County, Wise. This trip took 77 days. Upon landing in Quebec, a chest of food that had been packed by his mother to provide for them until they reached Wisconsin was stolen, forcing the family to travel from Quebec to Chicago without food. Upon arrival in Chicago, the family was suffering from starvation and were immediately placed under a doctor's care. A brother, Ole, 11, died as a result of lack of food. In 1874, the Olson's moved to Richland County. The only schooling Thomas received was in this area, where it was equivalent to about fourth grade. Through patience and determination he learned to read English quite well, along with the Norwegian and Swedish languages. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at 15. In 1885 the Olson family moved to Grafton where Thomas resided until 1894. During this time, he was employed by the Monson brothers at Grafton. In 1894 Thomas homesteaded and purchased two quarters of land in Dewey Township in the Fairdale area where he remained until 1899. During this time, he purchased a steam threshing rig, which he operated in addition to farming. In 1900, Thomas helped organize Dewey Township and was a charter member of the St. Olaf Church. He later sold this land and in 1905 purchased a quarter of land in the Silvesta Township. In 1914, he purchased two additional quarters in this area. In 1904, he married Mathilda Berntson of Milton, N. D. Their wedding took place in the Hitterdal Church. They had 11 children, 10 of which are still living. He served as a member of the school board in District No. 81 for 35 years, a member of the township board for 18 years, and a director of the Fairdale Farmers Elevator for six years. He was the first farmer to sell a load of grain to this elevator. He continued threshing operations in this community, serving his neighbors for 30 years, wearing out two machines. In 1930, he retired from this occupation, but continued his farming operations until 1949, when he

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pic wedding picture. Witnesses Emma Pic, Albert Herda. 880

Harold Roa was born July 5, 1860, and died May, 1933; Inger Roa was bom Sept. 4, 1866, and died Sept. 4 1937. They raised six children. Olava (Grimsrud) died at 51; Hilda (Piltingsrud) lives at Kelowna, B. C : Oswald lives at Victoria, B. C : Inga (Ameson), Edmore; Henry died in 1972 and Arnold lives in Redwood City, Calif. LARS A. SKARE FAMILY

The Christ Klunk Family OLE AND ANNA PETERSON Ole and Anna Peterson were married in 1896. Ole Peterson was born Aug. 31, 1861, in Grue Finnskog, Norge, Europe. Mrs. Ole (Anna) Peterson was born in Solar, Norway, June 29, 1875. She was three when she came with her mother. Nine children were born, Peter Peterson, born July 31,1897, died April 29, 1953; Alice Gestson, bom Feb. 26, 1899; Millie Kittelson, born April 3,1901; Arvid Peterson, born April 28, 1903; Gladys Teenquist, bom April 26, 1905; Selma (Okeson) Wick, born Aug. 2, 1907; Delia Peterson, born Nov. 25, 1908, died Feb. 23, 1926; Ethel Folson, bom Sept. 11,1911; Thilbert Peterson, born Dec. 19, 1914, died June 5, 1974. Mrs. Ole Peterson died May 8,1966, and Ole Peterson died in 1950.

The Lars Skare family. Standing: Ella, Alvin, Lola. Sitting: Lettie, Lars and Dina, Garlen. Lars A. Skare was born in Mondalen in Romsdal, Norway, June 30, 1869. He came to America and to Grafton in 1886. After corning to Grafton, he worked as a farm laborer for a few years, later moving to Vesta Township. It was here he found his bride and Nov. 10, 1892, married Miss Dena Josephine Halverson, daughter of Paul and Amelia Halverson. She was bom at Jackson Junction, Ia., and came with her parents to Grafton. She was four at the time, but always remembered that the streets of Grafton were like a muddy swamp. Mr. and Mrs. Skare moved to Dewey Township where they homesteaded in 1894. Here, they hved the rest of their lives, except for two years in California and one year in Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Skare had five children of whom four are living. Also 18 grandchildren. The children include: Ella, Lola, Lettie, Alvin and Garlen. Jacob A. Skare, brother of Lars, was bom July 28, 1863, and came to America and Grafton in 1886. He homesteaded in Dewey Township in 1894. He never married and made his home with his brother, Lars, and family the rest of his life. When Lars and Jacob started to farm, the nearest market for grain was Park River, a distance of 25 miles. Later, they hauled grain to Milton and Osnabrock, Edmore, Adams and finally, Fairdale, only five miles away. Lars used to sell and haul hay to Park River and at times during the winter months, he would dress a beef to sell at the same time. Sometimes there would be several wolves following his load, as they could smell the fresh beef. Dena also made many trips to Park River via horse and buggy to get medicine or repairs while the men were busy haying or harvesting. An incident happened to Lars and Dena. The men went to the sod stable to do the evening chores and a blizzard developed so fast that they could not make their way back to the sod house. Dena went to the door and found the snow had piled up against it to the top, so she had to shovel the snow into the room. Then she hollered at the top of her voice. Both Lars and Jacob heard her and made it back to the house.

The Ole Peterson family. Left to right: Gladys, Arvid, Delia, Ole (father, and Ethel, Anna (mother), Alice, Millie, Selma. HAROLD AND INGER ROA Harold O. Roa and Inger Hogfoss Roa immigrated from Norway, Aadalens, Prestegjeld, May 28,1886. They stayed with an uncle, Gulbrand Lee, near Grafton, for a time. Dec. 16, 1886, they were married in South Trinity Church, near Grafton, by Rev. Nykreim. They filed on a homestead in Dewey Township, the SEVi, Section 9, Township 157, Range 59, 160 acres. (We have a tax receipt for this land dated 1892. The tax was $3.84, with a penalty of 36 cents. The total tax was $4.20.) Mr. Roa acquired more land and went from farming with oxen to horses and finally to tractors. The first home was a sod shanty and the next one was a one-room house of lumber and then the big house in which they lived until their deaths. 881

was no feed. Lewis hauled his entire wheat crop one year in sacks in the back of his car to town. It was a time of making do with last year's clothes, mortgages, foreclosures, and barn yard and seed loans.

Lars and Dena Skare and Jacob were charter members of Vang Lutheran Church, located nine and a half miles south of Fairdale. Jacob A. Skare died July 14,1939. Lars A. Skare died Jan. 22,1943. Dena J. Skare died Jan. 21,1971. Their children are: Mrs. Olaf (Ella) Hjelvik, deceased; Mrs. Enok (Lola) Wolseth, Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Christ (Lettie) Fett, Grafton, and Alvin and Garlen who live on the home place with Garten's family. Submitted by Alvin Skare. ANDREW SKARE Andrew immigrated to America at 14 with his uncle, Lars Skare. He worked at Knut Boes and Lars Skares at $28 a month, saved his money and in 1907 went back to his home in Norway. He came back to the United States in 1909. He married Emma Bergstrom in 1910. They had four children, Inga, Edith, John and Anna. They are all married. Emma had a close call when she went to the pasture to get the cows home for milking. The bull came running after Emma. She was smart enough to throw the coat, which she was wearing. He stopped, she escaped. The next day the minister came to see her and said, "The Lord was with Emma." Andrew Skare died in 1936. Emma makes her home at Garrison.

Lewis and Thea Stensland Lewis and Thea were active in the Vang Church of which they were members. He also was active in other community affairs, an officer of the Dewey School Board for many years, township board and the Farmers Elevator Board in Fairdale. In addition to farming, Lewis worked at various occupations. For many years he was employed by the State Highway Department as maintenance man. Instead of today's modern machines you see blading the roads, his was a horse drawn patrol, as it was caded. During these years, his son, Helmer, worked the home farm. In 1942, he went to Bremerton, Wash., and resided for one year with his daughter's famdy. He was employed at the Puget Sound Navy Yard helping out in the war effort. Lewis and Thea retired from farming in 1954, selling their farm to Merle Daley and moved to Coeur d Alene, Ida., where his son, Helmer, and famdy resided. He became the custodian of the Trinity Lutheran Church, serving for 16 years. He retired June 30,1969, and died July 3 at 83, with only a few days of retirement. He was laid to rest at Forest Cemetery in the beauttful city of Coeur d Alene, having hved a fud and active Ufe. Thea resides there at the Pinewood Manor Rest Home. They had two children, Helmer, bom Jan. 26, 1909, and Oteda, bom May 5, 1912. Helmer married Isabede Smearer, Sarles, and farmed for a time in Dewey Township before moving to Coeur d Alene where he was employed as a mechanic. They have six chddren, Sharon (Mrs. R. Bragga), Ronald, Laverne, Oteda (Mrs. Tom Reddl), Ruby (Mrs. Bruce Dawson) and Kathy, ad of Idaho, and 13 grandchildren. Helmer died from a heart attack whde at work Nov. 30, 1970. Oteda married James Johnson and dves with her husband at Adams where he was manager and owner of the Johnson Store for 28 years. She retired in 1973 after teaching for 26 years. They have three chddren, James of Des Moines, Ia.; Pamela (Mrs. Charles Fuhrmann),

Andrew and Emma Skare. Children standing: Inga, Edith. Anna and John (sitting). LEWIS AND THEA STENSLAND Lewis H. Stensland was born Oct. 24,1885, to Halvor and Sigrid Stensland, the oldest of their nine children. He grew to manhood on his parents' homestead five miles northwest of Adams. March 20,1908, he married Thea G. Rinnhagen of the same community. They were married in the Vejtasa Schoolhouse, which served as a meeting place for the early congregation, with Rev E. B. Wollan officiating at the wedding. Thea Rinnhagen was bom May 26,1888, to John and Olava Rinnhagen at Albert Lea, Minn., coming to Silvesta Township with her parents. They went to live on a farm seven miles west of Adams in Dewey Township that was purchased from C. Sylvester. There were years of good crops, poor crops, hail, dust and grasshoppers. The story of grasshoppers eating on the fence posts and even clothes on the line and a train derailing where a swarm of grasshoppers settled were no tall tales One year the cattle had to be sold because there B82

Minnetonka, Minn.; and Trudy (Mrs. Richard Anderson), Denver, Colo., and seven grandchildren. Submitted by Mrs. James Johnson. GILBERT SKYTLAND My mother was Anna Maria Blagstvedt, the daughter of Olia and Andreas Blagstvedt. She was born in Osega, Ia., and came to Grand Forks with her parents at the age of seven years. They came in a covered wagon drawn by a team of horses. There was also another family that came at the same time. Their name was Jorgen Johnson. They all stopped in Grand Forks to rest and then traveled on to Kinloss Township, where they homesteaded. My father came to America from Valdaes, Norway, at 18. He worked for my grandfather for a few years before marrying my mother and filing a homestead claim of his own in Kinloss Township. A few years later, the family bought a farm in Dewey Township. They had five children: Clara (Mrs. Ole Yndesdal), deceased; Nils, deceased; Alma (Mrs. Andrew Hegtveit), deceased; Gena (Mrs. Palmer Eide), Lakeville Minn, and Malla (Mrs. John Aabrekke), deceased. Submitted by Mrs. Palmer Eide.

have perished in a storm that lasted three days. Martin Skytland homesteaded in 1884 but couldn't raise the homestead fee, so he had to work in Grafton until he made enough money to prove the homestead. Certain times Indians would be around. One day Mrs. Skytland was alone, there was a knock at the door and a tall Indian was there. He wanted food What she had, she gave him. He ate it and left smiling. Strand-Satern, a cattie ranch with about 200 head, in between two hills on a farm, after a few years he moved west of Edmore about a mde. Mr. Skytland sent some cattie and he lost one animal on the deal. For Christmas the Skytland family had home cured lutefisk. It was cured in wood ashes and it took six days of soaking before it could be eaten. Also homemade ale or als made of hops and barley water with a little sugar added was fermented and drank. Magnus teds of a 4th of July celebration at the place where Millard Nelson now resides. This place was selected because of the beautiful grove. Everyone came for mdes around. It was a patriotic affair with the American flags flying. Everyone, both young and old had a flag. Martin Skytland was a singer of "folke viser." He sang without music. They had four sons, Andrew, Clarence, Nels and Magnus. Andrew and Nels are deceased. Nels died in the flu epidemic. Clarence lives in the Fairdale area. Magnus lives on the home farm.

Foreground: Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert (Gubrand) Skytland. Back row: Malla, Alma, Nels, Clara and Gena. MARTIN N. SKYTLAND Martin Skytland was born in Valdaes, Norway, Oct. 14,1863. He was married in Kinloss Township in 1891 to Olive Mathilde Blagstvedt. He left his homeland to escape the army draft and because of hard times in Norway. He settled in Dewey Township, Section 24, SEy , Range 59, and built a sod house. His son, Magnus, relates that four big wagons came up from the Grafton prairies on their way to the Turtle Mountains. When they got as far as Pete Thunes, he talked them into settling here. Martin Skytland got help from John Hedlund to build his first house. They used sod from a slough, which was considered the best sod. It was cut with an old hay knife. The shanty had two rooms with one window on the south side. Four boys, Nils, Andrew, Clarence and Magnus, were bom in the sod house. Magnus was three weeks old when the present house was built. Magnus still lives in the house. One day Mr. Skytland was on his way to Milton with a team of oxen. When he was halfway, the oxen wouldn't go any further. He tried to make them mind him with "haa-gee" but to no avail, so home they went. In a few hours a bad storm blew in and tf the oxen hadn't been wiser than Mr. Skytland, Magnus says his father would

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Skytland family. Standing: Andrew and Nels. Bottom: Magnus, Mrs. Martin Skytland, Martin, Clarence. JOHN E. SOBAK

4

John and Emma Sobak John E. Sobak was bom Feb. 12, 1882, at Osen, Osterdahlen, Norway. His parents, Evan Evenson Sobak and Jorgine Bue, came to America in 1886. They settled

the area; her special pride being the peonies. Ole died in 1951. Mrs. Ralph (Harriet) Byars; Mrs. Earl (Sylvia) Haugen, both of Grand Forks, and Clarence, assistant chief of police in Grand Forks, are their three surviving children. Henry, the oldest, died in 1955. Mrs. Sunderland married AUred Nelson, now deceased, and lives at FordvUle.

in the Edinburg territory where they lived until 1901 when they homesteaded near Edmore. In 1922 John E. Sobak married Emma D. Sukstorf of Adams. Three children were born: Elna Georgina (Mrs. Milo Nygaard), John E. Jr., Edmore, and Willard Sobak, Fairdale. John E. Sobak bought the farm that John, Jr., is now living on, SE V* of Section 19, about 1917 and farmed there until the time of his death Oct. 31,1953. His wife, Emma, hved on the farm with her sons, John and Willard, until her death in July, 1969. EMMA SUKSTORF SOBAK Emma Sukstorf Sobak came to America in 1908. She came to Park River with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Sukstorf, and two sisters and one brother, Hans. They farmed there until 1916 when they moved to Adams. William Sukstorf bought the farm that their son, Fred, is now living on. Emma worked for Mrs. Lars Skare in 1915 and 1916. She went to Fresno, Calif., with Mrs. Skare's mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. 0. B. Clark, and she worked for them. She married John Sobak in 1922 on June 27. Emma Sukstorf was bom July 14, 1891, in Kohn, Schleswig, Holstein, Germany.

The Ole Sunderland family. Left to right: Harriet, Ole, Henry, Clarence (sitting on table), Christina, Sylvia. JOHN TEENQUIST John Teenquist homesteaded in 1890, the SW»/i, Section 14, in Dewey Township. He married Berta Skare. They were the parents of eight children: Axel, Lars, Selma, Lennie, John, Bennie, Olga and Agnes.

HANS CHRISTOPHER (CHRIS) SYLVESTER Hans Christopher (Chris) Sylvester was born May 1, 1854, in Stoughton, Wise. He was married there in 1880 to Kari Sorenson, who was bom Nov. 12,1860. They came to (he Grafton area about 1885, then to Dewey Township and homesteaded on the farm now owned and operated by Merle Daley. Shortly before 1910, the family left for Saskatoon, Canada. They got a late start that fall and unpleasant weather set in before they were able to build a dwelling. They were forced to live in a tent that first winter. They settled near what is now Lancer, Sask. They farmed until 1921 when he retired and made his home with his son, Weaver, in Lancer until his death in 1934. Mrs. Sylvester died in 1916. Six children were bom, none of whom are living, Hattie, Tena, WiUiam, James, Cora and AUce.

John and Berta Teenquist and Lars, (couple on the right), Mr. and Mrs. John Hedlund and Iver, on left. MICHAEL TOLLEFSON Michael ToUefson was bom at Waseca, Minn., Feb. 26, 1864. He grew to manhood there and left at 22 for Fairdale where he Uved a few years. In 1899 he homesteaded seven mUes east of Edmore. In 1912 he left with his famUy for Big Beaver, Sask., where he lived until his death June 10,1941. He married Laura Nelson in 1894. They were the parents of 14 chUdren: Gina (Mrs. Louis Westberg), deceased; Alvin (deceased); Selmer, Arthur, Olaf, Leonard (deceased); Mabel (Mrs. Adolph Fiske), Clarence, EUa (Mrs. George Bolke), Gladys (Mrs. Theodore Beddou), Irene (Mrs. Herbert Giles) and Myrtle.

Hans Christ Sylvester OLE AND CHRISTINE SUNDERLAND Ole Sunderland, son of Halvor and GunhUd Sunderland, pioneers, was bom in 1879. He married (Marthea) Christine Aalen and they farmed southwest of Fairdale in Dewey Township. Ole was active in civic affairs, serving in various township and school offices for many years. His wife, Christine, with hard work and loving care, grew the most beautiful flower gardens in 884

But she had no peace of mind until her husband came home that evening. Children of the Thunes were Minnie, born Sept. 2, 1887, (now living in Park River); twin boys, Amos and Peter; and a boy stillborn. One of the twins, Peter, died shortly after birth and Amos died at six months. The Thunes continued farming until 1910, taking part in the early activities of the church and community. In 1910 they retired and moved to Thief River Falls, Minn., where they hved until Mrs. Thune died in 1930. A year later, Mr. Thune moved to Fairdale where he lived with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Thorvald Gutterud, at their farm until he died in 1935 at 76.

Michael and Laura Tollefson. Child—Gina. Brother of Mrs. Tollefson.

PETER P. THUNE FAMILY Peter P. Thune was bom Oct. 12, 1859, in Toten, Norway, and came with his parents to America in 1871, settling in Waseca County, Minn. In 1885, he married Kari Thompson, who was born in Hadeland, Norway, Oct. 9, 1856. She came to America with her parents in 1860, settling in Wisconsin. Peter and Kari were married at Northwood, Ia., and that same year they moved to Dewey Township in Walsh County. Mr. Thune had earlier taken homestead there. On their journey to Dewey Township they traveled by train as far as Park River, their belongings transported in an emigrant boxcar. They had a wagon, lumber, their household necessities, including a spinning wheel and sewing machine. Also three oxen, two cows, one heifer, one bull, a few chickens, a pig and a sheep. They stayed with John Mathiason, a homesteader, while their first house was built. Thune built two sides of the house with lumber and the north and west sides with sod. He also built a sod barn and a chicken and hog house of sod. In 1901 a new frame house was built. Thune broke up about three acres of land with oxen the first year he farmed. He planted wheat. The following year he planted a tree claim. Mrs. Thune worked in the fields with her husband as many pioneer women did in those days. The second year the crops froze and they did not thresh anything, but fed the bundles to the stock. Milton was the nearest shopping center and here they journeyed with oxen on their big bi-annual shopping trips. For smaller purchases, the men would walk. Thune told about a time when he had walked all the way to Grafton and back. Mrs. Thune was afraid when her husband left on these shopping trips because Indians would travel through and sometimes stop in. The oxen trips to Milton would take three days, starting out one morning and returning home the third day. Mrs. Thune told how she would hang quilts over the windows at night so the lamp light would not be seen. One day, when Thune was gone, a man on horseback rode up to the house. She noticed he had a couple of bags attached to the saddle. He said he had been riding a long time and asked for water to drink. She brought him the water and was not afraid until he said, "I found a white man's scalp on the way up here, do you want to see it?" "No" said Mrs. Thune and made ready to go into the house. The man thanked her for the water and rode on. 0010055

Top row: Hilma and Lena Thune. Bottom: Pete Thune, Kari and Nels.

OLE VENAAS

Ole and Elise

Venaas

Ole Venaas, pioneer of Walsh County, was born in 1870 at Void Romsdalen, Norway. He imigrated to the United States in 1886 and homesteaded in Dewey Township, SW% of Section 22 in 1884. He was united in marriage on Feb. 21, 1905, to Elise Lestum, daughter of Mott and Aletta Lestum. She was born at Namsas, Norway, April 14,1866. She came to the United States in 1893 and lived in Minneapolis until 1905 when she moved to Dewey Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Venaas had no family but adopted Charlie Gilbertson of Minneapolis when he was about seven or eight years old. Ole Venaas died July, 1930. Mrs. Venaas died July, 1948. Charlie Venaas went back to Minneapolis in 1937 or 1938. He married and had a family of five children, four girls and one boy. Charlie died in September, 1973. 885

casions, and also the visiting Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. He referred to thetorpedoboat destroyers and larger ships of the German navy which were stationed in the harbor. On one occasion, rather than remaining on an excursion boat, Mr. Wollan rowed up the Hardanger Fjord, sustaining blistered hands in the process. Whtie enjoying the grandeur of the Norwegian scenery he was fortunate to be surrounded by relatives and friends during his travels. He made the acquaintance of relatives who hved in Norway and spent pleasant times with an uncle, Caspar T. Wodan, and his daughter, Blanche, from Glenwood, who were in Norway that summer. One of his travel companions was Mr. Veblin, the other Rev. Glesne, was a former schoolmate from St. Olaf Codege and the United Church Seminary. By coincidence, the St. Olaf Codege Band sailed for Norway on the same boat. In 1904 he attended the St. Louis World's Fair, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. June 12, 1911, Edward Bernhard Wodan and Mary Elizabeth Olson, Adams, were married at Grafton by Rev. J. A. Ofstedahl. They made their home in western Walsh County, theNEy4 of Section 7, Twp. 157, Range 59. Mr. Wodan had retired as pastor and was farming. Untd his death Aug. 4, 1942, he resided there. An active community worker, he served many years as a school and township officer, promoted the Nonpartisan League and organized various groups in athletics, choir and band. He believed in the co-operative movement, was interested in the success of the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Co. of Fairdale and was a member of the Farmers Union organization. Mr. and Mrs. Wodan were members of the Sons of Norway Lodge, "Vaarliv Losje," Fairdale. They were proud of their Norwegian heritage, equaUy fluent in the Norwegian or English language and interested in the history, religion, literature and culture of Norway. Mr. Wollan liked people of ad walks of fife, was a man of great integrity. Truth and justice were basic tenents of his faith. To quote, "In his wide reading he was seeking an answer to thisphdosophy, 'We must earnestly seek the truth.' " Mrs. Wodan died June 13,1958, and they are buried at St. Olaf Cemetery, near Fairdale. The monument at the grave site is inscribed with the fodowing words from the Bible, "The truth of the Lord endureth forever," and "Solige ere de dode som do i Herren." The former St. Olaf Congregation was organized Jan. 29,1901, by Pastor Wodan at a meeting held at his home. On retiring from the ministry, he continued as a member of St. Olaf Congregation. Mrs. Wodan was a member from the time of her marriage until her death. Three children were bom, Erling residing on the home farm, Borghild in Washington, D. C , and Rolf, who with his wde, Lois, fives in Richardson, Tex. There are two grandchddren, Darby Jo and Eric. Mary Olson was bom Jan. 7, 1886, on a farm about five miles west of what is now Park River. Her father, Peter B. Olson, a blacksmith, and her mother, Ingeborg Sonstelie, were both born in Norway. They settied here when it was stdl a part of Dakota Territory. Shortly before she reached the age of two, her father died, leaving three small children, Martin, Mary and Petra. Her mother married G. A. Lundene and they moved to their new home about five mdes northeast of what is now

PETER 0. WALLGREN Peter 0. Wallgren was born Peter Olson in Gustafsfors, Varmland, Sweden, in 1856 and grew to manhood there. In 1881 he came to the United States, first settling in Minnesota. In Minnesota he married Anna Lundberg, born in Trinneborg, Varmland, Sweden, in 1867. She came to the United States a couple of years after he did. They were married in 1886 and came to Walsh County to homestead in Dewey Township. They were both charter members of Gustavus Adolphus Church. The Lloyd Hildes now live on this farm. They were parents of seven children, six reaching maturity: C. Edwin, 1886-1955; John, 1890-1970; Alma, 1892-1948, married 0. Victor Lundberg, three children, Vivian, Vernon and Duane; Victor, 1896, in a rest home in Seattle, Wash.; P. Arthur, 1899-1954, married to Clara Grove; Hilda, 1903, married to Samuel Redeen, two sons, Dennis and Rodger. Mrs. Wallgren died in 1928 and Peter in 1937.

The Peter Wallgren family. Standing, left to right: Arthur, John, Edwin, Alma, Victor. Bottom: Peter, Hilda, Anna. E. B. AND MARY WOLLAN Edward Bernhard Wollan was born in Pope County, Minn., near Starbuck, July 24, 1871. His parents, Ernest O. Wollan and Bergita Berg Wollan, were natives of Norway, the Trondheim and Stenkjaer (Steinkjer) areas. Five children were born, Annie, Barbara, Thomas, Mathias and Edward. His father was one of eight brothers and two sisters who immigrated to America and eventually settled in and around Starbuck and Glenwood, Minnesota. His grandparents, too, joined their sons and daughters in making their home in the new land. Mr. Wollan attended Willmar Academy, was a graduate of St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minn., and the United Church Seminary at Minneapolis. He first arrived in North Dakota during the summer of 1898 while he was a theological student to teach parochial school in the Adams area. In 1899 he was ordained into the Lutheran ministry and from 1899 to 1904 served the congregations of Mountain, Sarepta, St. Ansgar, St. Olaf and South Park in the vicinity of what is now Adams, Fairdale and Edmore. He served the Mountain Congregation continuously from 1899 to 1904. For a time he was an employee of the bank at Adams. He taught school for several years, the final year being the 1911-12 term in Dewey Township where he had established his home. A highlight of Mr. Wollan's early years was a trip to Norway in 1906. It was the year after King Haakon VH began his long reign and the summer of his coronation. In a diary kept during his travels, Mr. Wollan writes of seeing King Haakon and Queen Maud on several oc886

Adams. The family grew to include Mathilda, Albert, Ida, Olga and Henry Lundene. The eldest son was Elmer Chase. Oct. 28, 1900, Mary Olson was confirmed at the Mountain Lutheran Church by Rev. E. B. Wollan, who was later to become her husband.

Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Wollan and Erling During the summer of 1901, G. A. Lundene, with the family, moved to Thorsby, Ala. Mary Olson earned a teaching certificate and taught her first two terms at Lomax, Ala. She described conditions as primitive. School was conducted in a crude building which doubled as a "meetin' house." There were no desks or tables. Long benches made for grown people sufficed. The roster consisted of 65 pupils many of them as old or older than their teacher, who was not quite 18 when she began her teaching career. She cited as one of the worst evils to contend with the almost universal use of snuff by the students. Some parents permitted the use of snuff as early as the age of six or seven. Girls chewed the "snuff pin." One of her fond memories was the great hospitality of the southern people. They referred to her as "Miss Mary." In the spring of 1904 the family returned to their former home near Adams. Mary Olson continued teaching and was briefly employed by the postal service. Her opportunities for a formal education were limited and in Alabama she described herself as "ill prepared" for teaching. In 1908, she attended the University of North Dakota, completing her courses with excellent grades. During the years before their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Wollan taught in the rural elementary schools of North Dakota and exchanged letters during this time. Mrs. Wollan's teaching career ended with her marriage, except for a time during the 1919-20 school year when she completed the term of Miss Olive Grobel at the home school in Dewey Township. About 1920 a unique family reunion occurred. Two sisters, daughters of her father, Peter Olson, by a previous marriage, arrived from the state of Michigan to meet their new-found relatives. Thirty-four years had

elapsed without a trace of their whereabouts. Their stepmother, Mrs. Lundene, and brothers and sisters were delighted to be reunited at last. In 1929 Mrs. Wollan was one of five farm women designated as Master Farm Homemaker, the second year in which women of North Dakota were so honored. She was pleased that the unique and challengingroleof farm women in North Dakota and other states was recognized and appreciated. Her reaction to this tribute is probably best described by the following quotation,.. . "I realize that there are thousands of farm women in the state at least equally deserving." Recognition ceremonies were held at the North Dakota Agricultural College at Fargo and the following article appeared in the March, 1929, issue of the Farmer's Wife: "Three children, 320-acre farm. Taught a rural school and now boards the teacher; is teaching her children to love country life and the whole family prides itself on knowing practically every kind of bird in North Dakota; her chief ambition is to educate her children and fit them for a useful life. 'Home is a success if the family prefers to stay there.' " Mrs. Wollan was a charter member of the reorganized (April 7, 1914) St. Olaf Ladies' Aid, a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Parent Teacher's Association. She exhibited unusual versatility. She loved her flower gardens and cultivated extensive vegetable gardens for home use, never seeming to count the hard work entailed. She milked cows and raised chickens, turkeys and geese. Following the big transition from horses to tractor farming, she learned to operate a tractor. She produced a great deal of fine handwork crocheting, knitting, quilting, applique and embroidery and some of the most intricate designs in tatting. She was awarded many blue ribbons for work displayed at fairs. Despite the rigors of these early years, Mr. and Mrs. Wollan both considered farm life to be the best way of Ufe. They loved their North Dakota home and aU that "home" encompasses. For Mary WoUan there was nowhere to compare with the broad horizons and wide open spaces of North Dakota. Submitted by Borghild WoUan. Includes material prepared by Mrs. James Johnson.

SCHOOLS DEWEY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS

Dewey School No. 1, known as Hedlund School.

The earliest record I can find dates back to 1891, and it seems that the school was held at the Pete Wallgren home for three weeks in 1891 from Oct. 21 to Nov. 15. There is no record as to who the pupils were. Peter Thune, John Hedlund, Tostensrud and Lars Skare had a meeting at the Hedlund home and it is recorded by Lars A. Skare (clerk). DEWEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 A meeting was held by voters of Dewey Township at the Bergstrom home March 1, 1895, for the purpose of selecting a site. The site being the SEv* of Section 11, Township 157, Range 59, on John Bergstrom's land which he offered to give free one acre and road from the section line to the schoolhouse. Another meeting was held at the Michael Tollefson home April 1, 1895. It was decided that school should be held three months of the year. The school was to begin April 22. The clerk was ordered by the board to post notice for a meeting to bond the district to issue a warrant to pay the teacher $35 per month. Another meeting was held May 31,1895, to accept the bonds and an order was made to Pete Wallgren to pay Aslakson Brothers (in Edmore store) for one pail, 15 cents; dipper, 10 cents; a broom, 25 cents; dust pan, 50 cents; chalk, 25 cents; black board brush, 33 cents; and Pete Walgren, $1 for wood, which came to $2.68 all together. Then an election was held at John Hedlunds May 28, 1895, to bond the district. There were six votes for and 12 against, so the issuing of bond was declared lost. According to records, several meetings were held in 1895 with the bonding question voted upon, but it was not until May, 18%, that the bonding issue finally went through and $325 in bonds were issued to build the first schoolhouse in Dewey Township on Bergstrom land. These were the specifications for the schoolhouse: A stone foundation, average dimensions 18 x26 feet, plus an entrance 8 x 10 feet to be finished outside with ship-lap, paper bevel siding and painted. There are to be cornershings, six windows (three on each side), two doors, and good brick chimney, roof of common lumber, paper on top, then shingles, the inside to be furnished with double floor, teacher's stand and ceiling only. The contract to construct this building was let to S. H. (Sam) Koppang for the sum of $64.50. This was School No. 1. Pupils were: Mary Kittleson, Johanna Kittleson, Peter Kittleson, John Tostensrud, Christie Tostensrud, Erhold Bergstrom, Ida Bergstrom, Peter Bergstrom, Hattie Sylvester, Edwin Walgren, Elvera Dahlgren, Fred Dahlgren, Annie Bergstrom, Tilda Kittleson, Engvald Tostensrud, John Walgren and Carrie Sylvester. School No. 1 was recently moved and now is on the Alfred LindeU farmstead in the same Section 11. SCHOOL NO. 2 (WOLLAN) A special school election was held March 28,1903, for the purpose of bonding the school district for $400 and determine location of the new schoolhouse (No. 2). The vote lost on the bond issue, but the question of school site as being SE corner of SW'A of Section 8 was declared carried. The school to be constructed the same as School No. 1. In 1904 it was decided to have eight months school beginning Feb. 1, 1904, and continuing for six months,

then two months vacation then two more months of school. It seems the following year it was decided to have seven months of school, and that the teacher should wash and clean the schoolhouse without extra pay. Pupils in School No. 2 in 1906 were: Hilda Roa, Oswald Roa, Henry Roa, Henry Hanson, Melvin Hanson, Theodore Monson, Frithjof Monson, Alvin Tollefson, Selmer Tollefson, Gina Tollefson, Caroline Hanson, Peter Johnson, Hannah Thorvalson and Selma Iverson, teacher. SCHOOL NO. 3 (NYGAARD) Election was held June 22, 1915, to vote on the question of issuing bonds in the sum of $800 for erecting School No. 3. A favorable vote was cast and the school was to be erected in Section 29. Advertising for bids were to be made in the Fairdale Times. Books were ordered for the Nygaard School. There is no record of pupils attending this school when it opened. SCHOOL NO. 4 (DAHLGREN) The matter of bonding for a consolidated school in the district was brought up at a special meeting Jan. 13, 1919. The sum of $3,000 for a teacherage and $22,000 for building and equipment was to be considered (it was moved by John Teenquist). O. M. Hanson was engaged to canvas the legal qualified voters in the township. Ole Venaas and Henry Hanson to get signers on a petition for issuing bonds. This was voted down. Shortly afterwards it was decided by voters in the district to build School No. 4 on the SW'A of NE'A of Section 26. No records of pupils in 1919 are available. Mrs. Ellen P. Hilde says she attended school in 19031904 when the Aygams (Hubert and Edwin) were teachers. She says she remembers they began morning and afternoon sessions singing hymns. They ordered hymn books. She remembers singing songs such as "Bringing In The Sheaves" and "The Old Oaken Bucket." One day her mother, Mrs. John Bergstrom, had chanced to come by the school. She heard such beautiful singing, she decided to go in and listen. "It's something so nice to remember," Ellen says. Teachers in Dewey Township through 1930: W. J. Stuart, E. T. Hegeland, J. A. Rosvald, C. A. Sagen, Lizzie McKenzie, Tena McKenzie, Morten Mortenson, Martin O. Almquist, Heber Aygarn, Edwin Aygarn, Theo. Hoghaug, Hanna Iverson, Selma Iverson, Sophia Burke, and Hilda Haug. Clara Haugen, Tena Kravik, Gena Monson, Hilda Dahl, Edith Bergquam, Carl Stensland, Mathilde Lundene, Tilda Foss, Mary Dahl, George Lundberg, Mabel Levang, Ida Olson, Mabel Johnson and Beatrice Brudahl. Oswald Braaten, Emma Medalen, Antonia Vejtasa, Elda Overland, Ida Pauzar, Mae Fauskee, Runa Gilbertson, Olga Nelson, Gladys Cooper, Mabel Knudson, Hilda Hedlund, Thelma Strommen, Gunhild Gravem and Mabel Hilde. Emma Shaw, Lilly Grinter, Lauretta Foley, Mrs. E. B. Woilan, Anna Strand, Betty Torkelson, Fern Langton, Dinah Haug, Palma Grobel, Stella Halvorson, Sanna Overland, Nellie Hegland, Ida Arneson, Rose Wick, Ida Olson, Una Overbye, Alma Braaten and Calista Hogan. Submitted by Mrs. Harry Bergquist.

KINLOSS TOWNSHIP The first meeting and election of officers for Kinloss Township was held at the David Closs home June 4,1889. Supervisors elected were: chairman, B. J. Sarvis, Christ Bagley and A. J. Thompson; town clerk, John E. Rorvik; treasurer, Andrew Blagstvedt; justices, Tim Haulihan and Anton Johnson; pound master, Ole A. Haug. Twentyfour votes were cast and $150 was levied for general expenses. The officers were paid $2 for each meeting. The first order of business was to lay out road districts and elect an overseer for each of three districts. A two and a half mill levy on the dollar value of all real and personal property was to be used for roads and the tax could be worked out by the farmers. Roads were laid out and culverts put in where considered the most necessary and added on each year. The first overseers were W. Townsend, Thorvald Ohnstad and Anton Johnson. Later ones were Simon Myra, Andrew Blagstvedt, Ole Nordlie, Hans Holth, Ole Haug and Ole Lokken. Guide posts for posting legal notices were erected on the SE corner of Section 10 and on the SE comer of Section 27. They were built and put up bv Ed Sholey. The territory became a state Nov. 2, 1889. The new supervisors were W. J. Thompson, Anton Johnson and Thomas Ryan. The farmers were concerned with road building, putting in culverts, putting out gopher poison and killing noxious weeds along roadways. To make road work easier, a Fleming road machine was bought in 1901 for $300, to be paid in five notes of $60 each year at 6 per cent interest. The levy for general expenses was $600 at that time and remained about the same for many years. Before the Soo Line was built, trading was in Milton and Osnabrock. When Fairdale became a town, there are records of the township doing business with the Bovey Shute Lumber Company and later the Robertson Lumber Company, Hanson-Rorvik Hardware Store, Naegeli

Blacksmith Shop. The Fairdale Times did the necessary printing. In 1908 the Norton Telephone Company was granted the right to erect poles and bring phone service to the community. Thomas Ryan, Andrew Holth and Ole Nordlie were supervisors at that time.

SCHOOLS & CHURCHES There were three schools in the township before the Fairdale School was constructed and the township consolidated. The Braaten School was in the southwest part of the district and records show that the noted explorer, Vilhjalmur Stefansson taught in Kinloss District No. 107, a school of 12 pupils, at a salary of $33 a month. Another school was in the southeast and the third, two miles north of Fairdale on the north side of the lake. The Braaten School was moved and became the home of Lord and Peter Grande. One became a granary on the Louis Meier farm and the third remained by the lake. Since there were no churches, Lutheran pastors came from nearby towns, stayed with dtfferent farm famdies and conducted services in the homes. Ladies' Aids were organized and they earned money by selling garments they sewed, much like church bazaars now. Getting to church and any meeting meant going on foot or with horses and wagon or buggy. Other names appearing in old township records are: Gulbrand Heggerusta, Ole Arneson, Samuel Amoss, Johnson Thirsk, James Thompson, John Dynes, John McGregor, John E. Rorvik, Henry Chally, Halvor Grande, Thorvald Rundhaug, Pat Haulihan, Tim Haulihan, Thomas Ryan, Halvor Overbye and Gustav Olson.

STORY OF FAIRDALE

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I am trying to write a history of Fairdale, and how it became a town. In 1904, Fairdale was nothing but fields, coulees, little fulls and a country store. The store was started in about 1901 or 1902 by Jim Gordon. It was soon sold to a Mr. Blevins, who had two boys who walked to our country school. The school was located a half mile south of'the comer of present No. 9 and No. 22. The store was about five rods west from the comer of No. 9, on the north side of the road, on the property of the present school. At the store we could buy almost anything we needed, so we would not have to drive a team to Milton to get needed groceries. It saved the farmers here many trips to town, but they stdl had to haul their grain to Osnabrock, Milton or Edinburg. Then came the rumors that the Soo Line was coming through and the course was staked in the spring of 1904. Three different routes were staked out: One was a little way south of our bam, on our farm north of town, another was near where the schoolhouse is now, and the third was where the track actually came. 889

Many figured it would come south were the country store was, so they started budding smad shacks out there on both sides of No. 9. J. S. McNish came and built a large budding of one single wad, like a bam, just to be the first hotel operator here. John Rorvik, who owned the Selmer Amundrud farm, budt a dttie shack for a hardware store and Manley Livingston built a shack to serve as a barber shop. Livingston came from the country about five mdes north of here. Jack McGregor, who hved on the farm known as the Henry Johnson farm, sold his farm and put up a livery bam. In the spring of 1905, Ed Larson came from Milton and put up a smad shack for a grocery store, about where the Fairdale Supply is. By then they had discovered where the railroad would be, and they ad had to move closer to it. John Rorvik moved his little store and put it about where the new Farmers' Union Oil Company is. J. the S. McNish comer Lots were where moved measured the upFarmers' and built up Union and a realthen Oil nice Station things hotel ri$it is. started on

really booming. By the time the rails came, there was already a good sized town. Ed Larson built a nice big store right where the community hall is now. Ole Nordlie, a farmer, built the double building which is now the Fairdale Bar. The south part was a general store and the north part started out as a confectionery store or candy store, as it was usually called. A year or two later, it was used as a butcher shop by Ted Nordlie, Ole Nordlie's brother.

cook stoves and heaters. John Rorvik handled the Monarch range, Frank Olson had the Mealable and Sorenson had the Quik-Meal. Rorvik also sold John Deere and McCormick machinery (horse machinery), repairs, wagons, buggies and harnesses, oil, twine, feed mills, wind mills and one cylinder gas engines. In 1905 George Johnson, Edmore, built a small drug store on the lot where the cafe is now. He later moved it and built a larger one which is the cafe now. He also had an ice cream parlor and a soda fountain where we could buy soda water with any flavor we wanted. He had candy, a real line of valentines at that time, and doctors' prescriptions were made there. This small drug store was moved across the street and used as a cafe for a few years. One cafe was built by Char he Tappen from Wisconsin (he was a cousin of my wife's mother), but that was moved out soon. Olaf Hammer built a small store east of the Smith Hotel and sold confectionery, some groceries, ice cream and even some lunches. Then another bachelor farmer built a little place east of Hammer's and he also had confectioneries, and soft drinks and maybe even some hard drinks.

Inside O. V. Nordlie Store (1910), Post Office in rear. From left to right: John Nordlie, Mrs. John Nordlie (Mabe) and Ed Gorseth. Also in 1905, Ed and Louie Conlin, who had the country store at that time, moved closer to the tracks and built a good sized store. We were kind of sorry to see that country store close up, as we kids walked past there every day to the country school, a half mile further south. If we had a nickel to spare, we'd stop in on our way to school and get a big bag of candy, or cracker jack. If it happened we forgot our lunch pail, we went in there and got a nickel box of crackers. That store was also nice for the farmers to get their groceries. The post office was in the store, so the farmers spent many happy hours there on the long winter evenings, sitting on some boxes or nail kegs around the old pot belly stove, telling stories of olden times and discussing farming.

Fairdale Confectionery Store—Olaf Hammer, owner. Bill Robertson built a bank right on the comer south of the new hall and hved in the back part. Later on, he built the house where Fauskes live. A Mr. Larson built a nice brick building right north of the present cafe on the comer. It was a real nice bank. Ed Larson built a furniture store right east of Robertson's bank. That did not do well so it was sold and fixed up as a photo studio, mn by Barsness for some time. Fred Hultstrand also had it awhile before moving to Park River.

Now we had three good-sized stores where we could buy anything we needed: groceries, clothing of all kinds, kerosene, men's suits, overcoats, shoes and overshoes, rubbers, shirts, hats, women's clothing, coats, shoes, dresses, all kinds of cloth, anything we could use. There was even a millinery shop for a couple of years, mn by a girl named Annie Isackson, and located in the front part of the Conlin Store. It didn't pay off very well though, and she quit. John Rorvik built the hardware store that is still there, now the Fairdale Supply. Upstairs was a large hall, this was the only hall and everything was held there, shows, dances, lodge meetings and any other meetings. Sorenson Brothers built a good sized hardware in 1905. That building is currently Stoa's Store. Then Frank Olson and his brother-in-law, Art Lewis, built a hardware store, which is now the Fairdale Locker Plant. There were living quarters upstairs for two families. Frank Olson quit the hardware store after a few years and worked in Rorvik's Hardware Store. For a time, Fairdale had three complete hardware stores, stocking hardware of all descriptions, including

Mrs. Esther Smith, a widow with three girls, came and built a small hotel with about six rooms upstairs. She ran it for many years, but finally sold it to Simon Bolstad, who fixed it up for living quarters. This is the house where Duane Severson now lives. Manley Livingston moved up from the south comer and built a nice barber shop of brick or some kind of blocks, right north of Mary Reinholt's house. A printing office was built by Pete Johnson. I don't know where he came from, but for awhile we had a weekly newspaper called the Fairdale Times. The Times was run by Johnson for a few years, then by Van Dahl. But the business declined, the building was moved back and is now the house Mrs. Verke lives in. A pool hall and bowling alley were built a couple of rods north of the locker plant by Ole Strommen. I think 890

George Davidson had it next and it was later sold to Jack McGregor. (Some people thought he bought it because his horses got sick and had to be shot, plus his barn burned.)

Main Street in Fairdale looking south—1909.

Fairdale also had two very good lumber yards. The Bovey Chute was built on the lot where Andrew Aune's garage is now, a nice lumber yard but not very big. Then the Robertson Lumber Co. put up a big yard on the ground where the Fairdale Supply keeps all their machinery. The Bovey Chute put in a large scale outside of the sidewalk in front of their office. The farmers could drive right on and weigh loads of grain, hay, rocks, etc. Rocks were weighed because farmers were being paid so much a ton for rocks being used in building the old part of the present school. We have not had a lumber yard in Fairdale since about 1932. Things were really booming as carpenters, stone masons, and painters came to Fairdale in bunches looking for work. There were traveling salesmen, agents, and peddlers coming in their buggies and driving around. The livery barns, hotels and cafes were doing business. All lumber, building material and goods for the stores were hauled in with horses since there were no rails or trucks. I have to go back now to 1904 when the grading and leveling of the railroad base was made. It was all done with horses, large scrapers, plows, wagons and, of course, men. At our place, just north of town, we had four men and 16 horses boarding during much of the summer. Men were always looking around for a place to stay overnight or for meals. There were agents driving with horses and buggies and working men were around wanting milk, eggs, potatoes and my mother to bake bread for them. Mother baked lots of bread for customers. The radroad came through Fairdale on a Sunday in June, 1905. We knew it was coming, so we were watching for the smoke all Sunday morning. About noon we saw the smoke about two mdes southeast and watched as it came. When it was about half a mile east, people came from all directions, walking, driving and riding bikes to meet them. When they were going through town, people followed along looking on for about a mde west. For those of us who had hardly seen a train before, it was really something to see. It traveled quite steaddy at a slow pace. The ties came forward from the flat cars to the front of the engine, and a crew of men picked up the ties and spread them out. I believe rads came on both sides and were carried by a bunch of men and laid in front of

the engine and a crew came along with big hammers and put in just enough spikes to hold the rads in place so the train could pass over, as it moved just about steady. Another crew came behind and put the track in good shape. The finishing crew was made up mostiy of Italians. I don't know for sure, but there must have been close to 20 of them working on the Fairdale section (from Fairdale to Nekoma) all that summer and I think the next summer too. They leveled and straightened the rails to make the road fit to use. They all stayed in the section house and most of them came out to our place for milk and eggs. They carried water from our place, too, as there was no good water in town. These men baked their own bread, usuady on Sunday. There was a deep cut through a hid on our farm, a quarter mile from the dago house, where they dug into the side of the cut and made a cave about five feet long and three to four feet wide, a couple feet higher than the ground outside. They left a small opening which they covered with an iron cover. They burned wood in there for a day or two until the clay was very hot. Then they raked out the cinders and ashes, quickly laid the bread loaves in on the clean ground with a wide flat spade with a long handle, and closed up the opening. That way they baked very nice bread. Maybe 25 loaves at a time were baked, and when they were baked, they quickly took them out and had another batch ready to put in before the oven cooled off. Those loaves were a lot bigger than our loaves, about ten inches across and round hke a jule kake. The bread was made in the section house and carried to the railroad. There, they put it on a flatcar and pushed it over near the cave. When it was baked, they put it back on the flatcar and pushed it back and carried it into the house. There was always plenty of help as they all pitched in.

The Fairdale Elevators

in 1907

The elevators could not be built untd the railroad came through, so, as soon as the railroad was laid to the next division they received lumber to build the elevators. I think the next division was Egeland. When the elevator crews came, we had 11 men boarding at our home. Some had a cook car and cooks with them and some probably boarded uptown. Five elevators were budt and all had a coal shed with about four bins each. These elevators were, from the east to west: the Atlantic Co., the Woodworth Co., the Northland, the Spaulding and the Eaton Co. They all operated for years. Some farmers couldn't wait for the elevators, but wanted to sell some grain that summer, so they shoveled their wheat into railroad cars and shipped it. By threshing time, though, the elevators were ready for business.

Some houses were built, though not too many at first, as there were living quarters for two families upstairs on each of the five stores and two hotels. There were two dray lines with two men on each and they were busy filling up the two lumber yards, hauling all the freight from the depot, and hauling coal to all places of business and families. Fairdale had a number of doctors over the years. The first one was a Swedish man named Dr. Lindberg. He was killed when he fell under a train at Adams. Then Dr. Joistad came from Minneapolis about 1910 and stayed until 1919. He built the house Clarence Skytland has now. Dr. Oscar Dixon came next and served until he died in Minneapolis about 1938. He was the last doctor in Fairdale. Four dentists served Fairdale, all of them did their work above the hotel. The first dentist, Dr. Chively, stayed only a couple years (probably 1910-11). Then Dr. Hughes came, but went to Langdon and worked there until he died about four years ago. The last two, Dr. Baason and Dr. Tom Smith, came only a few days each week. We also had a jeweler come here from Minneapolis for a couple years. He was a Jewish man named Hosenpud and he did his work in the back of John Rorvik's Hardware. There was a section house built on the lot where Russel Johnson lives. That house was sold and moved out to Clarence Kveseth's farm. About 1907 some promoters came and organized a Farmer's Store, farmers buying shares for $100 each. They bought out the Conlon brothers and operated a Farmer's Store for a few years, but it did not work very well. Crooked management and other factors caused it to fold. The Farmer's Store was empty for some time, but finally rooms were divided up for living quarters. Of course, there were always people upstairs in all the stores. There were many large families in town. Now there was another machinery dealership in town. David Aitken and Mr. Grass built east of the hotel, by the blacksmith shop. They sold Deering machinery and also had a harness shop and shoe repair shop. David Aitken was a brother of Mrs. Andy Hultstrand's father. That shop was later used as a car repair shop until it burned down.

the school yard. These sidewalks were kind of tricky as the nails would rust out and if a heavy person stepped out on the end, the other end would flip up and someone would take a tumble. In some places they were so high that they had to put up railings so nobody would fall off.

Fairdale Consolidated School Some residences were built the first years. We had a good town now and did not think of goingtoother towns to trade, as we could get anything we wanted here and could trade in any place until nine or ten every evening and Saturdays until eleven o'clock. We could even get mail at night. Farmers from far and wide came in buggies and wagons, put their horses in the bam and spent hours trading. The business places had some large gas lights at first, which were pretty good. Then in 1912, after the Bovey Chute Lumber Yard went out, Andrew Aune put up his garage in that place. Aune also put in a light plant — kind of a dynamo that was run by a large stationary gas engine. Most of the places in town were wired up to this, so they had electric lights for a few years before Otter Tail Power came in. When Otter Tail came, they all received light and power and some more street lights. (They had some street lights with Aune's plant.)

There was a heavy plank platform built by the track west of the elevators for loading and unloading railroad cars. On the east side of the east elevator was built a good stockyard of heavy planks which had a chute right up to the cars. This was for cattle buyers to ship their cattle to St. Paul. One room had a roof over it where they could stay in cold weather. That was a good place for the hoboes to camp and cook theirmeals. They wouldmake a fire, cook food in tin cans and make their beds in the yard. Those days the hoboes were riding the freight trains back and forth all fall, looking for work or for a handout.

The first years of Fairdale were good years. There was always excitement and fun as well as work. There were lots of people in town and good business in the stores. The livery barn was always a lively place. Many people put their horses there and there was an office connected which had a stove that kept it nice and warm. Many men hked to get drunk and stay there and talk and drink until some of them got a little more than they could handle, so they often ended up in a fight. There was a jail, too. After the little confectionery store closed, that little building was fixed up for a jail. I think there were two cells, but not very many people were put in there. Some were put in and they broke out again. The John Rorvik Hall was a lively place. It served as a dance hall, show hall and center for lodge meetings. They had the Woodmen's Lodge and the Masons. There was also roller skating later on. In the winter of 1905-06 our congregation used it for church services, as our old church was not built and ready for use until late summer

There were sidewalks made of 2 x 6 planks, five or six feet long, laid across heavier planks lengthwise all the way from the depot to the corner, then east to the livery bam, then from the blacksmith shop up to the hotel, and south two blocks. Then from the Robertson Lumber Yard to the comer of Rorvik's Hardware and west two blocks and north one block, then from the brick bank south one block and west one block and in front of 892

of 1906. The 17th of May celebration was often held here too. We also had a blacksmith shop started by Ole Tappen and Mr. Ramberg. They had it for about a year. Ole Tappen was an uncle of my wife's mother and came from Cumberland, Wise. Henry and Herman Naegli bought the shop and operated it for many years. The first one burned down and they rebuilt and operated until 1925 or 26, when they sold to Mr. Fattier. It burned down again and had to be rebuilt. Then they built the one which is there now. Fattier sold out and left in the late 30's.

il * -mm

m•

Three stores and bank at Fairdale around 1910.

Robertson, at the Farmers' State Bank, was now the only banker, until about 1915 or thereabout when Charlie Hanson and possibly some others started what they caded the Security State Bank. It was built between the locker plant and the pool had, but that folded up in the late 20's. Todak Sholey rented it for a cafe for a whde, and then Andy Hultstrand ran a grocery store in it for a few years until he bought the Nordlie Store. Later, it burned down. John Rorvik budt his brick garage in 1913 and did only car repairing at first, as there were not many tractors, but later it was only tractor repairing. The bowling alley (and pool hall) was a lively place those days, as there were many young men bowling and playing pool every evening. We boys brought mdk to town each morning and evening and had to walk past the pool had. We heard the rumble of the bowling and the clicking of the pool balls every night, but we were not allowed to go in until we grew bigger. Then when we were asked to come in and set the pins for the bowlers, we were paid five cents per game, so it was fine. We could make 15 to 20 cents, or sometimes even a whole quarter. We had many fires in Fairdale, two or three elevators burned, and were budt up again, one hvery bam burned, one garage, two blacksmith shops, a nice house built by Ole Nordde burned, the big hotel burned, the pool had and the Security State Bank burned. The Conlin Store was used two different times as a beer parlor and card playing parlor by different men that came from far off. I. J. Iverson bought it and ran a store for many years untd he tore it down and budt the post office. The depot was always lived in upstairs. The first depot agent was Lee Pearson, a single man, and the second was Olaf Fjeld, also a bachelor. A Mr. and Mrs. Bederud came with a family, as did Andrew Glaholt, who was agent for several years and had about six chddren. Next, was Mr. Preston and his wife with nine children. Then we had Earl Weds and wife with about six, Roy Ingebretson with three children and another couple, name unknown. Mr. and Mrs. McManus came with two children before Gene Milius (bachelor) and finady the agents were taken out. Peder Johnsrud had a grocery and meat market for some time in the building that had been Olson's Hardware Store. Later, John Nordlie had a butcher shop in it until he sold it to Bill Meier. There were several different owners of this store. Ed Larson sold out and went to Buehl, Ida. There was Burt Lander and his wife's father, whose name was Larson, but, I am not sure who really owned it. Other owners included Pdtingsrud, Pete Rygg and Mr. Rakstad.

City of Fairdale—1910

The Sorenson Hardware was the first to close up as there were too many hardware stores. It was used as a meat market for awhile. In 1908 it was used as a schoolhouse as the new schoolhouse was not completed until the 1909 term started. The town children walked out to our country school in 1905-1907. That was just summer school. Then the schools consolidated and the town started work on the schoolhouse in the fall of 1908 and was completed in 1909. We had buses, horse drawn, of course. There were four buses at first and later maybe five. There were many children in town and still more in the country. I am sure there were 150 children in school and that was only the four rooms in the old part. It was crowded, but they got by and brought their own lunch. The Sorenson building was often empty, then something would start up again for awhile. Henry Lien had a cafe there, then Alvin Grove had a cafe for some time. Banker Larson sold the brick bank to Bill Robertson. Olaf Hammer bought the old bank and moved his confectionery store in there. Ed Sholy, a farmer, moved in and bought Hammer's other budding and ran a little cafe, or lunch business. He and his famdy (eight of them in all) also hved in that budding. (Marvin Hammer, son of Olaf Hammer, was the first chdd bom in Fairdale.) The' Farmer's Store was empty for some time but finally rooms were divided up for living quarters. Of course, there were always people upstairs in ad the stores. There were many large families in town. I must not forget we had a feed mill east of the livery bam, built by Ingval Myra and John Midboe. Ihgval Myra was an uncle of Leon and Gene Weberg, and Midboe was married to Myra's sister. John Midboe then had the little runabout car that was pictured in the paper last summer and demonstrated in Park River by Mr. Skjerven. It was then in ranning order after 69 years. Mr. Grass had the first car in Fairdale, a little red one-seater with a rod for steering. Bill Robertson had the first real car, a Kissel car in 1908,1 think. He paid $3,000 for it. 893

Farmers' State Bank after Robertson lost out, built the house that now belongs to Mrs. Emil Reinholt. One house was built on the lot where Bob Hamre's house is now, by old Andrew Blagstvedt, but his wde wouldn't hve in town, so it was rented out to different parties. Later, it was sold to Ed Torgerson and he moved it out to the Torgerson farm. One house was built south of the house owned by Ernest Watne, but was sold and moved out to the Torvald Rundhaug farm. Ole Strommen built the house Jesse Olson is living in, but it is so improved that it is almost a different house. I know this, because I brought milk to Oda Strommen the first year or two of Fairdale and she is still living in Adams (87 years old). Henry Lien had a house and a stable up where our trees are on the north, but later moved the buddings down to the field south of us and there had milk cows and supplied most of the town with milk. Jack Aitken operated first the far west elevator, but later had the one on the east side of the road. It had then been taken over by the Kedogg Company. Tom Cameron operated that one for some years first. I am just mentioning a few of the early ones, as there have been so many I could never tell about them ad. The first one on the very east elevator was one Iverson and then Lofthus was at one, and Strommen and Norby. Mr. Olstad was, I think, at the Northland. Martin Ameson operated the Northland from 1914 until 1918, when he became manager of the Farmers' Elevator Company, which had bought the Woodworth. After that, there were so many elevator men that I can not tell about them. Finally, one after the other, the elevators quit. The Northland was picked up and hauled to Egeland. Two others were torn down. The two remaining belong to Selmer Amundrud. In 1905 a livery barn was budt by one Koppang, but sold soon to Gust Olson, a farmer who hved on the farm half a mde southeast of town. That barn was about on the lot where the Farmers Elevator house is. Jack McGregor moved his barn over north of the house where Junis Dostertfives.He also bought the house Ed Conlon had by the country store and moved it up where tt is now, known as the Melland house.

The first post office was in the back of the Nordlie Store and I believe Pete Solberg was the first postmaster with Annie Graving as assistant. Next was Ole Nordlie. Dow Thompson got the post office in the drug store, which had belonged to Mr. Green and was our postmaster until he sold out around 1925. Pete Rygg came here quite early and worked in the Larson and Lander Store for several years. Afterwards, he worked at the Nordlie store and later became postmaster, so the post office went back to the Nordlie Store. Pete Rygg married Etta Okland from Merle Township in about 1914. Ed Solberg came here quite early and worked in the Farmers' State Bank and married Jenny Arneson from Kinloss Township in 1914. Later, he became a cashier in the new Security State Bank. Our first professor in school was Mr. Davis. He was professor for two years, married Emma Schuster from Soper Township and built the house now owned by Oscar Nygard. After Mr. Davis came Mr. Chase, who stayed for one year and was replaced by A. G. Strand. Mr. Strand also married a local girl, Minda Arneson, and he stayed here until 1932 (20 years). Since then we have had so many I can't count them all.

Fairdale School Dist. No. 129. School bus, Hans Simonson, driver. Pupils on bus: Hilda Heggerusta, Agnes Hog/oss, Anna Fossholm, Anna Gilbertson, Hilma Hog/oss, Runa Gilbertson, Olga Bolstad, Alma Braaten. The Bovey Chute Lumber manager was Charlie Richardson. The first manager for the Robertson Yard was Mr. Yotter, then Art Stull. Mr. Stull got married here and hved here until about 1917 when George Sholey took over the lumber yard. Tallock Voge was one of the first dray men here. He budt a house on the lot where Mrs. Bakke's house is now, went farming on some of Robertson's land in 1909, and afterwards came back and worked for many years for John Rorvik. Henry Naeghe bought Voge's house and hved there untd he sold the shop in 1925 or 1926. The house was moved out to Harry Bergquist's farm some years later. Henry Naeglie budt the house that now is Everett Latulippe's home. Art Stull budt the house which Einar Westby lives in, but he sold it to Mr. Lander right away. Peter Solberg built the house that now belongs to Omar Johnson. Mr. Olstad, an elevator manager, budt the house that now belongs to Clara Johnson. Peder Johnsrud built a house on the lot where Walter Aune is located, but moved it out to the farm known as the Gyda Monson farm, which he bought. Jack Aitken, one of the first elevator operators, built the house which is now Andy Hultstrand's. J. H. Lyford, who took over the

The livery bam was sold in about 1910 or 11 to Henry Lien. Then my brother, Ingolf, bought it and had it until 1916. He sold it to Charlie Halvorson, the father of Vernon Halvorson, who is the manager of the Triple A office in Park River. Vernon was bom in Fairdale. One of the first smad store buddings was moved up here on our hid on the very spot where our house is. Andrew Siebert hved here with a famdy. Then Fred Golden hved here with a famdy. Later Dr. Dixon lived here and had a stable for his team. When he bought the farm known as the Gutterud farm he moved the house out there. Then Truls Tollefson moved the house we are living in up here. Lloyd Bakken bought this place and added two bedrooms and bathroom. We bought it in 1964. The water problem in town was not good. There were a few weds and some people had to carry water quite far, but the water was not good, very poor for coffee. Some folks hauled water from the country and some had five gadon cans shipped up on the train from FordviUe for drinking and to make coffee. 894

The sewer system wasn't very good either, a little house in back in every alley. That was where some guys had their fun on Halloween night. They tipped most of those little houses over. There was a rumor that someone had moved the little house off the pit and covered it with dry twigs and king weeds, so in the dark when they came to tip it, some fell in - but we never found out who! Olaf Hammer traded his store to C. B. Moffett for the farm which Elmer Hammer is now living on. Mr. Moffet operated a confectionery and grocery store for many years. His son, Wilbert Moffet got married and worked in company with his dad. Wilbert, a good musician, organized a band in 1916, which many of us tried to play in for awhile. In the early 30's Moffets sold the store to Mr. Rorvick, not related to John Rorvik. Rorvick later sold it to I. J. Iverson, who later moved into the Conlon Store. The old store became a bar for many years, but was finally torn down and burned. Joe Thompson moved in from the north country and built the house which is now the teacherage. Joe was the Fairdale Marshal for several years. In 1920, he left for Silverton, Ore., where the Moffetts went also. John Rorvik was the regular undertaker for many years, and I am sure they continued there some time after Rorvik died. Fairdale had a baseball team and I mean team. I think they started about at the beginning of Fairdale and they really played ball. They beat any team that dared to play against them. Fairdale beat the Boston Bloomers, an all girls team that traveled all over. They had a railroad car of their own, a tent, and a full supply of posts and stakes. They set up the tent around the whole ball field so no one could see the game without a ticket. As closely as I can remember, the main players were: Fred Thompson from Soper Township, pitcher; Martin Tappen from Cumberland, Wise, catcher; Fred Robb, first base; Edmund Robb, Alfred Thompson, Hans Tappen, Oscar Tappen and the Naegelie boys played after they came here. I can not think of any other home boys, but Harry Sprague came from Grafton and played with them at times. There must have been one or two more that I can not think of. The ball ground was out north from the elevators. It was all grassland at that time and was fenced. There was a grandstand where many could sit. Those who couldn't get in, stood outside the fence. When there was a ball game, there was always a crowd, and when the game was over, there would be a string of people walking uptown that reached from the depot to the new hall. Many baseball games were played in the afternoon. Then most people would stay in town until pretty late. If the game was after supper, the stores and all places of business were open until 10 p.m., so the people would stay in town even longer.

and weighed. There was also the whole banana bunch hanging from the ceiling, where you would pull off whatever you wanted. There was a large round cheese, maybe 25 pounds, on a cheese cutting device. They would cut off as much as you wanted.

Peter Johnsrud's Meat Market in Fairdale, in business from July 1912 until March 1917. Picture was taken about 1915. People on the picture, from left to right: I believe the first man is Pat Houlihan (not sure though), then my dad Peter Johnsrud, the next man is unidentified, the fourth man is Peter Solberg (standing with arms folded) who worked for Mr. Johnsrud. A plug tobacco cutter was also in the store. Coffee came in bulk and there was a large coffee grinder where they poured in a pound or two, or more and ground it in seconds. I think the coffee started at about 10 cents per pound. I know my dad once bought three one-pound packages of whole Arbuckle Coffee for 25 cents in Milton. That was maybe two or three years before Fairdale was started. Meat was quite a bargain in Fairdale the first two or three years. I used to go to town to buy meat for dinner and we got all the hamburger we cared for for about 25 cents. There were nine or ten of us. It was usually 10 cents per pound, but I believe we got three pounds for a quarter sometimes. Soup meat was five cents per pound and the best steak was 20 cents. Sugar was seven pounds for 50 cents. Flour was $2 to $2.50 for 100 pounds. Most cookies were 10 cents per pound. At the Nordlie Store, they had bread that came in by express in a large box like a trunk and sold it for five cents a loaf, but they looked like only one pound loaves. I remember plainly, as we went to town with the morning milk, Mr. Yotter, the manager at the Robertson Lumber Yard, had ordered one quart of milk and I brought it to the yard. I was wondering what he wanted milk for as he was a single man and hved at the hotel. Wed, he had a big dog and he had been uptown and bought a loaf of bread. He broke the whole loaf up and put it in a big pan. Then he poured the whole quart of milk on it. I sure thought he was an extravagant man - after ad, it cost him a whole dime! A clerk in a store, even a family man, got from $50 to $60 per month. Those that got $60 were especially good clerks. We brought mdk to most of the places for five cents per quart. We had milk tickets printed and gave them 22ticketsfor $1. People had no cars to buy gas for.

The general stores in those days were different from the stores we have now. Most of the goods were in showcases. All dried fruit like prunes, raisins, dried apricots, peaches, pears and apples were in different drawers in a large cupboard with a glass front where you could see it all. There were beans, peas, rice, sugar, brown sugar, and loaf sugar in those drawers. Sometimes there were two, three or four clerks ready to serve you. You told the clerk what you wanted and he went and got it for you. There was the old cracker barrel, the pickle barrel, a keg of sardines, a pail of salt herring, wooden pails of jelly, etc. Cookies were mostly in big boxes and all these things were scooped into paper bags 895

no electricity bills, no phone bills, no water bills, no sewer costs and did not belong to a church. So they got by without too many expenses. As for house rent, they paid about $10-$12 per month. A good cigar was a nickel and most men used Bull Durum, five cents a package, paper and all. Pipe smokers got a bag of True Smoke for ten cents. All breakfast food was ten cents a package.

Norberg, Pastor George Larson, Homer Knauss, Ole Shostad, Mr. Wdliams, Peter Sethedahl, Martin Hanson, Olaf Johnson, Mrs. Halvor Overbye, Andrew Bjornson, Mr. Turner, Math Strand and Elmer Lundberg. These are all I can think of now. There may have been a few more men that worked at the elevators, but I can not remember their names. If someone wants to know about the men mentioned above, I can tell their occupations, etc. Fairdale had many big celebrations in the early years. In 1909 Fairdale had the biggest 4th of July celebration that ever was in a small town. That was really a big day. People came from all towns around. They all had horses, so every barn in town and many in the country had their barns fud of teams, and teams were tied out in the trees. There were stands put up ad over town. Main street and the street east towards the livery bam were cluttered with all kinds of games, covered wagons, tents and open stands. People were so thick you couldn't move. There were ball games, horse races and dancing in the had. It started early in the morning and didn't stop untd two or three in the morning. Many walked to town and walked back again.

Standard Oil Co. Bulk Station—Fairdale I'll try to write down the names of the families that started here in the early years and up into the 30's. Those who came after that most people will know. (Juel Christianson was section foreman from 1909-1929. He had four girls.) Tom Cameron, John Aitken, Peter Johnsrud, Mr. Olstad, George Thompson, George Carlson, Pete Solberg, Jack McGregor, Jack Dyer, Talok Vogie, Einar Myklebust, Mr. Yotter, Art Stull, George Sholey, George Johnson, Mr. Green, Daw Thomson, Bill Robertson, Ed Solberg, Pete Johnson, Fred Kiye, Mr. Lofthus, Ole Stromen, Emil Norby, Ray Hanson, Victor Lundberg, Andrew Glaholt, Mr. Preston, Charlie Richardson, George Davidson, John Nordlie, Ole Nordlie, Ted Nordlie, Ed Larson, Ed Gorseth, George Gorseth, Mr. Rakstad, Edward Lian, Helge Piltingsrud, Burt Lander, Pete Rygg, Olaf Hammer, Clarence Moffet, Wdbert Moffet, Henry Lien and Charlie Halvorson.

In 1912 they had two days during the summer with large crowds and all kinds of entertainment. In 1915 there was a big day. The town wanted a merry-go-round to come. To get one, however, the town had to guarantee them $400. They did that, and they took in $800 the first night at five cents a ride. So they kept the merry-goround here several days and had a big crowd every night. In 1916, they had a picnic with ad kinds of sports and then horse races. I had a horse of my own then, so I rode him and placed second. The horse should have taken first, but I was a "no good" rider. Submitted by Jacob Westby. FAIRDALE HISTORY In 1914 Mr. and Mrs. Al Van Dahl, a young couple, started the newspaper Fairdale Times. At this time the type was hand set. They soon moved on to Mid City, Ore., and in 1931 started a Western Stamp Codector Magazine. Business grew and Mrs. Arlene Dahl is publisher of this world wide publication with a circulation of 26,000 ad over the world. Ole J . Norlie was the first postmaster established Sept. 7,1905. Other postmasters were: Dow Thomson, P. T. Rugg, S. L. Amundrud, Jerome Hjelmstad, I. J. Iverson, with Edward Lien and Ldlian Johnson, substitute. Norman Skytland is the present postmaster.

Ole and Hans Huka, Edward Sholey, Ole Lykken (Ed Sholey and Ole Lykken were brothers), Mrs. Esther Smith, Mr. Barsness, Andrew Sievert, Fred Golden, Ole Tappen, Charlie Tappen, Mr. Ramberg, Herman Naegelie, Henry Naegelie, Axd Chdberg, Dave Chdberg, Oscar Waas, J. S. McNish, Manly Livingston, Henry Ebeling, Joe Colings, Mr. Jacobson, Dan Hanson, Rev. Lugvig Pederson, Rev. Ryberg, Rev. Ulring, Rev. Laurhammer, Art Boudrie, Oscar Isakson, Ole Haug, Ernie Wilcox, Mr. Towson, Andrew Aune, Herman Hjungren, Fred Thomson, Joe Thomson, Sam Tofjord, Hans Berg, Truls Todefson, Tallack Sholey, Hans Sholey, Selmer Stoa, Carl Teie, Meier Torgerson, Dr. Linberg, Dr. Joistad, Dr. Dixon and Martin Arneson.

Rural mail carriers at Fairdale were: Ingolf Westby, Chris Peterson, George Dike and Tallack Sholey, serving the south route and Henry Wiggins, John Thiebor, Andrew Sivert, John Fossholm, P. J . Johnsrud serving the north route. Jacob Westby and Maier Torgerson served whtie John Fossholm served in the army in World War I. However, in 1934 the routes were consolidated and auxiliary carriers worked only four months in the winter. They were: Fred Robb, Lloyd Lien, Alfred Robb, Duane Thrugstad, Clifford Gudvangen, Obert Christianson, Jacob Westby and Les Peterson. Maynard Stoa is the present mail carrier and carries ad mad. Submitted by Bernard Hultstrand.

J. H. Lyford, Ingolf Westby, Einar Westby, Peter Haug, Lewis Hanson, Jule Christianson, Prof. Davis, Prof. Chase, Prof. A. G. Strand, Simon Bolstad, Herman Overbye, Mr. Kopfer, Bdl Meier, Lewie Larson, Lewis Hegum, Mr. Belrud, Clarence Lien, Ed Conlon, Lewis Conlon, Wdlie Conlon, Mr. Dahl, Frank Olson, Art Lewis, Christ Fatterson, George Dike, Peder Holth, Mr. Grotbeck, Christ Torgerson, John Fossholm, Clarence Dammen, Rev. Oscar Rud, Gilbert Thompson, Olaf Sholey, Harry Drake, George Lundeby, Pastor Gustav 896

SILVESTA CONGREGATION

Silvesta Lutheran Church was built in Fairdale. In 1927 the basement was built. In 1931, the first Sunday School assembled; 1955, the parsonage was built; 1958, a Hammond organ was purchased and in 1965, Aadalen and St. Olaf merged into the Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church at Fairdale. In 1966 a new building was erected by Schoenrock & Sons, Inc., Hazen, at the cost of $105,000 Submitted by Bernard Hultstrand.

BIOGRAPHIES

Silvesta Church, replacedby a new structure called Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church. Silvesta Congregation was formed at a meeting held Oct. 31, 1892, at which time Edward Thrugstad acted as chairman. It was decided that the congregation should belong to the Hauges Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod. "No departure from this has ever been made!" The first set of officers was elected Nov. 5, that same year and consisted of the following: Andrew Holth, chairman; J. T. Hegeland, secretary; Moses Flugekvam, treasurer; Edward Thrugstad, Ole A. Haug and Frank Samuelson, trustees; Osmund Rostvedt, Julius Westby and Sakereas Aordal, deacons. Rev. L. T. Kringle of Edinburg became the first pastor. Horse transportation, poor roads, snowy winters and lack of church facilities added to the pastor's difficulties during this period. Services were conducted in small schoolhouses at two different places within the congregation until 1906 when the church was built in the village of Fairdale. The cemetery is located three miles northeast of Fairdale. Silvesta continued as a unit of the Edinburg charge through Rev. Kringle's, Rev. Krogstad's and Rev. Oderlund's terms. In 1909, Silvesta sold its interest in the Edinburg church property and engaged Rev. Ludwig Peterson of Aadalen Free Church to serve the congregation. He served-about two years. Then Rev. Byberg, who was serving and residing near St. Hans Church was called as pastor of Silvesta. He accepted and decided to reside at Fairdale, and he remained from 1911 to 1918. Rev. Urling next served this community and also Vang, St. Hans, and St. Olaf until 1926. The Silvesta Congregation again engaged a Free Church pastor, Rev. George Larson, who served until 1930. Rev. Oscar Rud was called in 1931 and remained until 1936, and during this time Highland became a unit of the Fairdale charge by calling Rev. Rud and joining in the purchase of a parsonage. Rev. Herbert Larson was the next pastor to serve. Silvesta Church was organized in 1890 as the Hauges Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod. In 1906 the

JOHN AITKEN FAMILY John Aitken was bom in Forfar, Scotland. In 1883, when he was 19 years old, he immigrated to this country with relatives including his brother, David, and his two married sisters and their families. His sisters were Mrs. John (Mary) Wyllie and Mrs. Stewart (Barbara) Doig. They hved in New Jersey about two years, then the John Wyllie family and John and David Aitken were among the relatives who came to North Dakota and settled at Park River. They were members of the Presbyterian Church there. John Wyllie was a blacksmith. He served for a time as mayor of Park River. David Aitken had a farm and a machinery business at Park River and a farm and machinery business for some time at Fairdale, too. John Aitken was a policeman, then a grain buyer. He married Mary Brown in 1895. She was a dressmaker. Her birthplace was in Pennsylvania. Her father was a Civil War veteran. They came to Dakota Territory in the 1880's. They hved on a farm near Minto for a short while, then settled on a farm near Michigan where some members of the family hved in the community until World War II days. The children of John and Mary Aitken are Beatrice, Florence, John, William, Dorothy and David. The family moved to Fairdale in 1906, where John was an elevator manager until shortly before his death in 1930. For a number of years he served in different offices on the town board. Mrs. Aitken died while the children were small. For most of their growing up years Mrs. John Wyllie, widowed by that time, hved with the family. During those years, she was an ardent and influential worker in what came to be a Union Sunday School. Beatrice died in 1916. Florence is the only one of the family living in Fairdale. One summer during high school years she worked at the Fairdale Times printing shop, which published a weekly paper. She was a teacher. She married Andrew Hultstrand. For more than 30 years they had a grocery store. They have two daughters, Lois and Grace. Both girls taught school and both live in California. Lois married Paul Rotsheck, a building contractor, and Grace married Ernest Mittemeyer, a civil engineer. The Mittemeyers live in San Diego and the Rotshecks in nearby Encinitas. John, Jr., became a depot agent. He worked at Fonda for a short while, at Nekoma a few years, then at Overly until his delayed retirement. He married Gerda Hill, a nurse. They have one son, Donald, who is a jet pilot. Donald married Barbara Hofflein. They live in Irvine, Calif. William is a retired factory worker. He married Agnes LundeU, a teacher. They live in Seattle.

David built houses. He married Rosella Kroth, a medical technician. Most of their working years they lived in Topeka, Kansas. They now live at Barnes. Dorothy is Mrs. Harvey Johnston. They live at Nekoma. Harvey is a farmer and for many years managed an elevator. Dorothy taught school before her marriage and for many years after their youngest child started school. Their children are Lloyd, Jean, Roger, Harold, and Barbara. Lloyd married Joyce Knutson, a teacher. He has spent his years since army service at computer work in San Diego, Seattle and Minneapolis. Recently he became a computer engineer at the ABM site at Nekoma. Jean is Mrs. Marvin Moen of Nekoma. Marvin is a farmer. Jean has served as acting postmaster and now works part time at the post office. Roger is a farmer at Nekoma. His wife is the former Carol Gronhovd. Harold is a banker. He married Janice Kopplein, a teacher. They live in Snohomish, Wash. Barbara is Mrs. Dennis Luhmann. They live in Langdon. Barbara taught music in the grades. Dennis is a contractor. John Aitken's great grandchildren number 25.

and hardships of the early pioneers. Some years later, he purchased land that is now a part of the townsite of Fairdale, where he built a better home. The family lived there for several years until 1905 when he built a larger home one-half mile west of Fairdale. Thirteen children were bom, two sons died in infancy, one son died at age three in 1901. The others are Albert (1887-1972), Martin (1888-1966), Malla (1889- ), Jennie (1892-), Minda (1894-), Ida (1900- ), Oline (1902- ), Alida (1904-1969), Cora (1906- ), and Bill (1908-1971). Ole was one of the founders of the Aadalen Lutheran Congregation in 1886. The church was built in 1903. He was interested in Republican party politics and took active part on township boards. For several years elections were held in the Arneson home. The farm now belongs to a grandson, Kenneth Arneson, son of Martin Arneson. SIGVART AND HANNA ARNESON Sigvart Arneson was born in Solar, Norway, Feb. 12, 1872. He attended church and was baptized in the Kongsirnger Church in Oslo. He came to this country when he was 11 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arne Olson. They settled in Decorah, Ia., living there for three years. Then they moved to Grafton which at that time was known as the Grafton prairies. In 1892 he moved with his brother, John Olson, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arne Olson, to Fairdale. Mr. Arneson became a naturalized citizen in 1901 and in the same year homesteaded in Kinloss Township. He lived in a sod house on his farm east of town and in 1902 he was married to Hanna Gunderson of Cumberland, Wise . They hved after marriage where the Chester Sandviks now live. (Mrs. Jacob Westby was bom there.) In 1909 he moved a building from town and erected a home which we moved into in August, and there he lived until he died July 19, 1949. There was a large family, so Dad had to work besides. He was always along threshing in the fall as long as he was able to. In the winter he always shoveled coal from the boxcars to the sheds by the elevators as everybody used coal. There were 13 children, three died in infancy. Mrs. H. C. Tollefson (Gina) died in 1945. Mrs. Elmer Anderson (Stella) died in 1969, and Oliver J . Arneson died in 1972. Mrs. HelenFassell dves in Kennedy, Minn.; Mrs. Glenn Fassed (Temple), Montevideo, Minn.; Melvin Arneson, Kennedy, Minn.; Raymond Arneson, Pomona, Cahf.; Palmer Arneson, Salt Lake City, Utah; Norman Arneson, Crookston; and Mrs. Jacob Westby (Amelia) resides at Fairdale. Mr. Arneson belonged to the Aadalen Church. There were three famdies of the Arnesons, Ole Arneson, Sigvart Arneson and John Olson. Many of them have married and moved away, some have died. The only two living here now are Jesse Olson and Mrs. Jacob Westby. There were 26 cousins at one time around here.

MARTIN AND KARI ANDERSON

Martin and Kari Anderson. Martin and Kari Anderson were bom in Aadalen, Norway, settled in Kinloss Township. They came to the United States in the late 1880's and were among the earliest settlers. Kari was a sister of Ole 0. Braaten who also was an early pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson sold their homestead in 1903 to Ole Stoa, it was later sold and is now owned by Harold Bergquist, a great nephew of Martin and Kari Anderson. OLE ARNESON FAMILY Ole Arneson (1857-1933), eldest son of Inger Syverson and Arne Olson of Branvold, Solor, Norge, immigrated to Winneshiek County, Ia., in 1879. After working ona farm there, he sent for his sister, Olia, in 1881. A brother, John Olson, joined them later. In 1883 his parents with a daughter, Minda, a son, Sigvart Arneson, and a foster son, Emil Olson, joined them. Shortly thereafter, they left Iowa for North Dakota and all filed homestead claims in Kinloss Township. Ole married Marthea Hoiden, also from Solor, who had come to Luverne, Minn., where she worked as a maid before coming to North Dakota. That was in 1886. Their first home was a sod house. They experienced all the trials

TORGER BOLSTAD FAMILY Torger Bolstad left Osterdahl, Norway, when he was a young man, first coming to Minneapolis, then to LaCrosse, Wise, and then to Walsh County. My mother and my grandparents came from Aadalen, Norway. My parents were married at Grafton and homesteaded in Kinloss Township about 1889. They 898

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raised nine children, Gina, Olive, Simon, Olianna, Alma, Alex, Olga Amanda, Olga Alida, and Albert. Olga Amanda died at an early age, Olianna at 13, and Alma at 14. Money was scarce and times were difficult for most of the settlers at that time. They had to borrow money for food and whatever else they needed, but were happy and made a good home for their family. My mother cooked mostly with milk, made cheese and primost, which tasted very good. She baked some bread from dark flour which was wheat ground at home on a feed mill. My dad first farmed with a one horse walking plow. Later with a gang plow and four horses. Horse drawn wagons were used to haul grain to Edinburg, to get groceries, to go to church and the neighbors. Church services were held in the homes. Later, my dad with others contributed to building the St. Olaf Church, where some of us were confirmed. The older children went to country schools and often walked to both church and school. We younger ones rode in a horse drawn school bus to school in Fairdale. Dad had two sisters and two brothers. One sister made her home in Minneapolis and one brother, Simon, on a farm at Edmore. The others remained in Norway. My mother had a brother and two sisters. Her brother, Ole Nygaard, lived in Grand Forks. One sister, Kristie (Mrs. Gulbrand Rundhaug), lived on a farm east of Fairdale and Karen Engen remained in Norway. My grandparents lived close to my mom and dad until they died. Six of the children are now living. Gina Vigen lives in Edmore, Olive Erickson in Adams, Simon Bolstad in Toledo, Wash., Alex Bolstad in Fargo, Albert Bolstad in Seattle, Wash., and Olga Hilde in Adams. Submitted by Mrs. Olga Hilde.

two sons were born to them there, Otto and Haaken. The prospect of better living conditions and greater opportunities in a new country were alluring, and a home in America became their ambition. In the spring of 1893, the husband left to make this dream possible.

The Ole Braaten family. From left to right, standing: Olia, Haaken, Betsy. Seated: Alma, Bergit, Esther, Ole and Oswald. Arriving in the midwest he secured employment as a lumber grader or inspector in Hinckley, Minn. As soon as finances permitted and facilities were available he sent for his family, who had remained with relatives in Norway, and so the young mother with her two small sons set forth on the long journey to America. The ship, of foreign registry and complement, was only a few days out of port when Otto, the oldest child, became critically ill and died July 8, 1893. Medical attention was negligible and the language barrier prevented effective communication between the grief stricken mother and crew. Burial was at sea. Arriving in Hinckley the famdy, now reunited, set up residence until the fad of 1893. In September, 1894, the town of Hinckley and 160,000 acres of wooded land were destroyed in a forest fire with a loss of hfe estimated at 418.

The Torger Bolstad Family OLE 0. BRAATEN FAMLLY Ole Olson Braaten was born March 20, 1863, at Nes, Aadalen, Norway. His paternal grandfather was Simon Velta, his father taking the name Braaten from the place on which they resided. He was one of five, four sisters and a brother. One of these sisters, Kari, married Martin Anderson. This couple came to Kinloss Township in 1888 and homesteaded in Section 27. They subsequently returned to Norway. Jan. 15, 1887, Ole Braaten and Birgit Haugen were married. She had been born in Aal, Hallingdal, Oct. 28, 1867. They continued to make their home in Norway and

The Braaten family had first gone to Wad Lake, near Fergus Fads, in Otter Tad County, Minn., where they spent the winter of 1893-94 with relatives. From there the trad led to Walsh County and to the home of Martin and Kari Anderson in Kinloss Township. June 8, 1894, at Grafton, Braaten made the Declaration of Intention to become a citizen of the United States and also made his homestead entry, filing on the NEV* of Section 32, Township 158, Range 59. Immediate neighbors were Eding Hogfoss and Anders Hogfoss. July 16, 1901, in District Court at Langdon Braaten was "admitted to become a citizen of the United States." Judge W. J. Kneeshaw was presiding. Appearing as witnesses for the applicant were Trond Monson and Gdbert Heggerusta, neighbors and friends. The first dwelling on the homestead was a sod house which served until a frame structure could be completed in 1903. More chddren were bom: Olia, Betsy, Otto (died in infancy), Oswald, Alma and Esther. Ole Braaten was active in church, community and civic affairs, serving on the local school board and in various township offices. At the time of his death, March 30,1934, he was a township supervisor.

Birgit Braaten continued to make her home on the farm until her death May 18, 1953. Their final resting place is the Aadalen Cemetery at the church that had been their place of worship for so many years of their Walsh County residence. Submitted by Oswald Braaten.

GEORGE E. DIKE My father, George E. Dike, often talked about the days he helped his father, George K. Dike, survey the Badlands of North Dakota. I think the true beauty of the Badlands escaped him for he remembered it mostly as a rough terrain which made for many hours of difficult hiking. It was a great experience and through the years he loved to share it with any good listener.

HENRY J. CHALLY Henry J. Chally was born June 16,1873, at Kankakee, HI., son of Hans and Caroline Chally, in the late 1800's. Hans Chally and the family left for North Dakota and settled north of Edinburg on the farm that is owned and operated by one of the sons of the late Lawrence Sonderson family. This was headquarters for the Hans Chally family for a number of years and also where Henry and some brothers spent their boyhood days. In 1896, Dec. 16, he married Anna Tharalson at Hoople. She was born June 18, 1873, at Orve, Tellemarken, Norway, and came to the U. S. with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Tharalson when she was four. Mr. and Mrs. Chally were the parents of four children, Paul, Grace, Cecil and Mae. Three children died in infancy. Henry and family farmed at Edinburg a number of years. In 1907 they moved to Idaho where they farmed at Moscow for a few years, spent some time in Spokane, Wash., then returned to North Dakota in the summer of 1911 where they continued to farm until they retired in 1925. They moved to Albany, Ore., where in 1932 Mr. Chally died. Interment was at Edinburg. Mrs. Chally moved to Silverton, Ore., and resided there until her death Jan. 17, 1949. She is also buried at Edinburg. The farm was taken over by son, Paul, and family and has been farmed by him. He has retired but still lives on the farm northwest of Fairdale. Submitted by Paul H. Chally.

Other summers were spent near Nash on the farm which his father homesteaded. Picking weeds was the order of the day. One Fourth of July, he and his brothers picked weeds all day so they could go to the county fair at Hamilton the next week. Attending the School of Agriculture at the University of Minnesota, from which he graduated in 1905, he was fond of the military drill. Years later a classmate told him he was surprised he hadn't made a career of it. In 1916 he went to Fairdale to serve as a rural mail carrier. The trial period was six months. My father was sure he wouldn't last that long on the job, but he did for a total of 28 years and eight months, retiring at 62. The winters were rough. He used a team of horses or mules, changing teams half way around the route. He battled many a blizzard and always found shelter, but usually it was at a home without a phone. I hate to hear anyone say, "I wish we'd have a blizzard." My father protected himself as well as he could against the elements with plenty of warm clothing, even sheepskin underwear, a heated soap stone (I think that is what it was called) and usually a little stove in the closed-in bus. I remember those buses made dandy playhouses in the summer. My mother, Jenny Barclay Dike, was born and reared in Minto. She often told about the fun they had in the early days. There were times when they went skating on the river all the way to Forest River. Roller skating parties were very popular. They had a lot of dances, mostly in the homes, sometimes in a different home each night for a week at a time.

DR. OSCAR C. DIXON Dr. Oscar C. Dixon was a native of Niles, Mich., born Feb. 22, 1867, he graduated from medical school at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1904, came to Fairdale in 1917-1918 and stayed for 10 years. He also had an office in Adams, later moving there and commuting back and forth.

Spring floods were common. Living right on the river bank, they experienced the worst. One time, for weeks, the only way to get in and out of their house was by boat. And the only one who did was her father. During that time the youngsters had the measles. Shortly after they recovered from that disease, they came down with the chicken pox. Or was it vice versa? A little hard to explain anyway, I'd say. Each summer the family moved out to the farm. Sometimes the boys were sent to the rural school which was in operation all summer so it could be closed during the winter months. One of the teachers didn't like the boys having hands in their pockets, so each morning she'd sew up their pockets. My mother loved to tell the story about the time she went to a magician's show. She had a little red silk hankie which the man changed into a little yellow chicken. Little Jenny didn't like that at all and shed a few tears before the hankie was returned to her as good as new. I treasure that bit of silk. My father always had a warm place in his heart for anything connected with farming. Nothing delighted him more than to be able to get around the route in a hurry and spend his free time during the harvest season shocking grain or hauling bundles.

Dr. Dixon was not only a very good doctor. He also was a very good friend, well liked and when he came, gave life and hope to many whether they were poor or rich, with his little black bag and his horse and buggy through all kinds of weather, roads and distance. It has been said he never lost a pneumonia case and in those days there were many. I remember my brother, age five, had pneumonia and mom had been up day and night for a long time and when Dr. Dixon came that night he said to her,' 'You go to bed, tonight I'll sit with him." Dr. Dixon was married to Julia Post in Michigan in 1902. He had one daughter, Martha, and one adopted son, Lester. Dr. Dixon died after a short illness at tne Grafton hospital. Over 1,000 friends and patients attended his funeral held at the Mountain Lutheran Church at Adams and he was buried at West Adams. He had served the United States as a medical corps physician in World War I, so veterans were at his funeral. 900

One thing which upset my father was to read obituaries about people his age who were mentioned as pioneers. He joked about it and said he certainly wasn't a pioneer. But I believe in the truest sense of the word, he was. Submitted by Ruth Dike Halvorson.

stopped at the farms for the children. These buses were on sleighs in winter and on wagons in the spring and fall. The Gilbertsons were active members of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Mr. Gilbertson was a trustee, and Mrs. Gilbertson was vice president, later president and still later, treasurer of the ladies' aid. They also served on various committees. Five children were born to them, Anna, Carrie, Runa, Gudmund and one daughter who died at the age of six years old. Rasmus Gilbertson died Oct. 11, 1944, and Thora Gilbertson, April 17,1973. They are buried at the St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fairdale. Submitted by Mrs. Fritz (Runa) Monson.

JOHN AND MARY ANN DYNES John Dynes and Mary Ann (Griffin) Dynes left Canada in the early 1880's with three small children. They came first to the Park River area where they lived for about six years. Four children were bom there, one died in infancy. In 1889 they moved to Kinloss Township where they homesteaded. They later moved to Silvesta Township where he had a tree claim. Their children received their education in the local rural school. On retiring from farming, they moved to Milton where he was a rural mail carrier for about 19 years. Both died the same year. Mr. Dynes died May 30, 1936, at 90; Mrs. Dynes died Nov. 3,1936, at 88. One son, John, became a college professor. He lives in a retirement home in Los Angeles, Calif. He was 94 in 1974. Submitted by Rachel Byars. RASMUS GILBERTSON Rasmus and Thora Gilbertson were born in Norway; Rasmus, May 3,1881, and Thora, Oct. 11,1886. Here, they grew to adulthood and received their education. They were married in the Sorum Church in Norway, Dec. 26, 1905. In 1907 they came by ship to the United States and by rail to Albert Lea, Minn., where Mrs. Gilbertson had relatives. They resided in this area four years. Mr. Gilbertson worked at a brick yard at this city and later both worked at a farm. Their next move was to Walsh County in the spring of 1911. The family and the household goods came by rail to Fairdale, then by sleigh pulled by horses to the farm. They farmed for three years in Dewey Township, the first year on a farm in Section 22, the second and third years on a farm in Section 23. A farm was purchased in Section 31, Kinloss Township, N158, Range 59W, and they moved there in 1914. This was their home for many years. Mr. Gilbertson farmed with horses for many years and hauled the agricultural products to market. The wagon or sleigh or buggy drawn by horses was the way of travel to church, to town, and to the neighbors. Grains raised were wheat, oats, barley and flax. Some grain was sold and some fed to the horses and cattle, hogs, chickens and the turkeys, which were raised on the farm. They had a garden of vegetables, potatoes, rhubarb, currants and gooseberries. Many of the foods served at meal time came directly from the farm. In the home were Norwegian newspapers, "Skandinavin" (daily) or "Normanden," or "Dacorah Posten," "Lutheraneren," and a ladies magazine, "Kvinden og Hjemmet." Later newspapers in the language of the new land appeared in the homes, such as "The Fairdale Times," "Walsh County Record" and "Grand Forks Herald." There was a telephone, so they could communicate with neighbors and get the switchboard at Fairdale. The children attended the Fairdale School, almost six miles from their home. School buses drawn by horses

Rasmus and Thora Gilbertson HALVOR L. GRANDE FAMILY Halvor L. Grande and his wife, Karen E. Slaamot, were both bom in Odalen, Norway. They came to America with their five month old daughter, Berthina Josephine. She died shortly after they landed in New York March 24,1882. They came to Grand Forks by rail, and homesteaded near Edinburg May 24, 1882. In 1885 they moved to Fairdale where they farmed. They had 12 children, six sons, Lord, Peter, Elling, Oscar, Henry and Adolph; and six daughters, Berthina Josephine, Emma, Betsey, Josie, Amanda and Bertihe. ANTON HAUG As most pioneers of Norwegian ancestry, Anton and Dorothea Kristianson, or Haugswangen, shortened their name to simphfy mad delivery or for other reasons. Anton Haugswangen took the name of Haug and his brother, Carl, took the name of Wangen. This practice was not uncommon during the rapid movement of people settling the west. Anton and Dorothea Haug first came to America in the early 1880's. Their first child, Carl, was bom later. Anton developed a bad cough and a doctor told him to return to Norway and the cough would disappear. Obeying the doctor's orders, he took Dorothea and their young son and headed back to Norway. During their stay in Norway, a daughter was born in 1886 and they named her Carrie. When the chdd was six weeks old and Anton's cough had improved, they set out for America again. During the crossing of the ocean, Carl became very ill. However, he recuperated and his parents kept their determination to settle land in the new country. In 1888, they came to what is now Edinburg and stayed near what is now Odalen Church for some time. 901

Mary, Peter and Andrew were born while they farmed in this area. In 1892, they heard that land was being opened up for homesteading further west. They decided to take their possessions and move to what is now Fairdale and homestead. Anton had purchased a frame house for the family to live in, but it was poorly constructed and inadequate during the cold winter months. So Anton built a sod house which proved to be quite comfortable and the Haug family lived in this primitive dwelling for about 10 years. Children born in the sod house were Dina, Olaf, Adolf, George, Agnes, Selmer and Ethel.

OLE AND MARIE HAUG Ole A. Haug and his wife, Marie, left Norway in 1881 and settled in Minnesota. A year later they moved to Tiber Township and stayed for six years. In 1888 they came to Kinloss Township and homesteaded two mUes north of what is now Fairdale. The farm buddings were budt on the east side of the "lake." There were four children, Lena (Mrs. Ernest Wdcox), Hdda (Mrs. Oscar Moore), Bendina and Alfred. He was one of the men who organized the Kinloss Township government in June of 1888 when it was stdl the Territory of Dakota. Grain was hauled to Edinburg and Milton and supplies were bought there before Fairdale was budt. They later moved into Fairdale where he owned and managed an elevator. Mrs. Haug died in 1914 and he in 1917. They are buried in the Sdvesta Cemetery. Submitted by Mrs. Leland Overbye, Fairdale.

Anton and Dorthea Haug Warmth in the sod house came from burning twisted flax straw. Clothing came from the hand of Dorothea who made most of the clothes for the family. She washed wool, carded it, and then spun it on her spinning wheel. She also knitted mittens and socks for the famdy. The famdy had a number of horses, and also raised sheep for wool and meat, cattie, and a goat or two that Dorothea milked for the mdk and cheese. In the year 1904, a Mr. Sigvaldson was caded upon to budd a frame house for the Haug family. It was considered quite modem and suited the large famdy. Later, other outbuildings were budt, such as bam and granary. More land was tided, but there was stdl great danger from prairie fires. One could see the red and yedow high in the sky and that was the ominous sign that a prairie fire was approaching. AU able-bodied people were caUed upon to fight the fires with buckets of water and wet grain sacks. The Haug famdy, as many others of that day, hauled their harvested grain to Mdton or Osnabrock where there were elevators. They got their mail at the present Grande house by the lake, where Ole Haug was the postmaster. Christmas time was a festive occasion for the pioneer families. A tree was up and on it were five candles. Preparations for Yule were made several weeks in advance, with Dorothea and the girls making such Norwegian delicacies as lefse, flat bread, fatigmand, julekage, and bloklub. A little schoolhouse was budt by the Grande Lake about 2% mdes north of the present Fairdale. Church services were held in the school. The pastor was Rev. Adolf Krogstad. Previously, church services had been held in homes in the area. Anton Haug was an active Lutheran layman and traveled to many churches and homes in a large area assisting the pastors. He also taught his own family the importance of dady Bible reading and prayer.

The Ole Haugs. Left to right, [back row]: Bendina, Lena, Hilda, [Front row]: Mrs. Haug, Alfred and Ole. THEODORE AND MAREN HAUG Theodore Haug was bom Dec. 24, 1859, in Nordre Aadalen, Norway. He came to the United States and Fergus Falls, Minn., at 19. A few years later he homesteaded in Tiber Township, seven mdes west of Edinburg. Maren Sethre Haug was bom July 28, 1864, in Eidsvold, Norway. At the age of two, she came to America with her parents and five other children. When they arrived after weeks on the ocean another son joined the famdy. They had to bring ad their own food along for the journey. Maren came with her parents first to Lanesboro, Minn. They later moved to Otter Tad County and settled on a farm near Fergus Fads. Maren Sathre and Theodore Haug were married in 1885 and settled on his homestead in Tiber Township. In 1890 they moved to Kinloss Township and settled on a farm two mdes east of Fairdale. After a few years they bought a farm one mde south of Fairdale. Their first home was a sod house but the next house was a two story, built from the rocks that had to be picked from the fields. This was budt on the order of a basement, but on top of the ground. There were two rooms downstairs. Since this was then the largest house in the neighborhood, the first school was held upstairs in the Haug home. Mamie and Thorstein attended school even though they were young, 902

since it was in their own home. Children came from a distance to attend this first school in Kinloss Township. Later on a building was erected at the north edge of their farm. This building was later used as a granary and still is on that farm now owned by Mrs. Mae Meier. The Haugs donated two acres of land for a building site for the Aadalen Church and cemetery. Theodore Haug was elected the first treasurer of this church and served from 1893 until his death in 1912. There were many hardships during those early years; in 1887 there was very little snow and no rain until June 17. In 1888 there was an early frost and a complete crop failure. 1889 was another dry year. 1890 produced a very poor yield, but in 1891 they had a good yield in spite of fall rains preventing threshing of the grain until spring. Ed Lian, a man who worked for the Haugs in the early years and married their daughter, Martha, recalls some early incidents there. In 1915 Thorstein became the owner of a Studebaker, five passenger car. They would go to the Jens Haug farm to visit and in so doing they had to cross a coulee. The going was fine down hill but, when they reached bottom - they all climbed out and helped push the car up the other side. No need for a speed limit in those days when the car traveled 15 miles an hour over crooked, rutted roads. Theodore Haug died in April, 1912. Maren remained on the farm until 1922 when she sold it to her oldest son, Thorstein, and moved to Grand Forks. She died Feb. 29, 1944. Both she and Theodore are buried at Aadalen Cemetery south of Fairdale. Children were: Thorstein, who married Louise Swenby and now resides in Grand Forks; Mamie (Larson), Seattle, Wash.; Martha (Lian), deceased; Dena (Blegan), deceased; Pauline (Espetveit), Renton, Wash.; Camilla (Haug), Renton, Wash.; and Walter, who married Mildred Hanson, Mapes, and now resides in Tacoma, Wash.

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Haug

GULBRAND HEGGERUSTA FAMILY Gulbrand Heggerusta was born in Aadalen, Norway, March 11, 1864. He emigrated to America with his parents, Hans and Maria, in 1881 at 17. They first stopped at Nora Springs, Ia., in 1886 moved to the Grafton vicinity. They hved there two years and then moved west to Kinloss Township near Fairdale, where they homesteaded the present Heggerusta farm. Here they built a sod house and lived in it until 1901. Karen Johnsrud was born in Mitchell County, Ia., to John and Karie Johnsrud. She came to the Grafton area and was married to Gulbrand Heggerusta on Dec. 11, 1889. Pastor Omland conducted the service. They had two daughters,Malla Karohne, and Hilda Josephine, who still resides on the original homestead. Mr. Heggerusta was very active in St. Olaf Lutheran Church. He served as assessor and as treasurer in Kinloss Township for many years. He also served as school district treasurer and director on the elevator board in Fairdale. Gulbrand Heggerusta died in the hospital at Grafton Nov. 11,1935, at 71. He was buried in the St. Olaf Cemetery. Karen Heggerusta was active in the church and Ladies' Aid. Many church picnics were held in the grove on the farm near Fairdale. These socials are outstanding in the memories of Malla and Hilda as they grew up in the community. Karen Heggerusta died in 1936 and rests beside her husband in the cemetery a few miles from the homestead where they had spent the greater part of their lives. ANDERS HOGFOSS Anders Hogfoss was bom in Ness, Aadalen, Norway, May 2, 1869. He immigrated with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Helge Hogfoss, three brothers, John, Elling and Syver, two sisters, Andine and Inger. They all settled in the same area in Walsh County. A few years after immigrating he homesteaded on Section 32 in Kinloss Township. He built his first home on this land. In 1903 Anders Hogfoss gave one and one-half acres of his property (SE comer of Section 32) Kinloss Township to the St. Olaf Congregation for a church and cemetery site. He was active in church affairs, directing the first choir. The church was built after his death in May, 1912. His parents donated the altar paintings and kerosene lamps. In 1904 Anders Hogfoss married Karohne Hagen, who had immigrated from Ness, Aadalen, Norway. She came to stay with friends, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Braaten. They had the homestead adjoining Anders Hogfoss. Karoline Hagen spoke of the trip from Norway — the long boat trip, the boat, dirty and crowded. She mentioned coming into Elds Island and New York and the long, dirty, train trip to North Dakota. The language barrier caused difficulty. Anders and Karoline Hogfoss had three daughters, Gudrun, Helen and Gladys. Gudrun and Helen fed victims to scarlet fever at the age of three and one and a half. Dr. Joistad, the country doctor at that time tried to save them by performing a tracheotomy to aid their breathing. Both girls died the same weekend in March, 1910. They are buried side by side in the same grave in the St. Olaf Cemetery. Karoline Hogfoss accompanied her husband, because of loneliness due to the deaths of her daughters,

to Fairdale many times to deliver wheat and pick up lumber for their home. May 10, 1910, a daughter, Gladys Helene, was bom. In the spring of 1912, Anders Hogfoss, while hauling grain to town and bringing back lumber for a new, larger house, became ill with pneumonia and died March 31, 1912. In 1913 the new home was finished by Mr. Flaten of Adams. Only a small lean-to is left of the original home on the prairie. Karoline Hogfoss married Carl Lian in November of 1914. She hved on the homestead until her death in 1943. Carl Lian and Karoline had two children, Erling and Gerda. Carl Lian sold the homestead to the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Braaten. She resides there (Mr. and Mrs. Karl Henderson). Submitted by Gladys H. Gould (Hogfoss).

Caroline and Anders Hogfoss ELLING AND ELISE HOGFOSS Our father, Elling Hogfoss, was born June 23,1874, in Ness, Aadalen, Norway, in their home. His parents were Helge Hogfoss (Amundsen, Wigereie) and Ingeborg Storkson (Juvbraaten), both bom in Wiger, Norderhov, Buskerud, Norway. In Norway it was the custom to take the name of the place as surname, thus known to us as Hogfoss, which meant a high waterfall near their home. The children in our grandparents family, all born in Norway, were Andrine, John, Inger, Anders, Elling and Syver. Father attended the Lindelien School in Norway. T. Stenseth was the teacher. At that time they all heard of the golden opportunities in America, so were anxious to emigrate there. Being faithful Lutherans and God fearing people, it was a custom to "read for the minister" - catechism, Bible history, hymn memorization, etc., for at least two years. There was no class ready for confirmation at the time father was to leave for America in their parish. They thought there was "no religion" where they were to establish themselves, so arrangements were made for dad to be confirmed in another parish by the name of Hval. John, Andrine and Inger immigrated to America first, followed by their parents, 84 year old grandfather and brothers, Anders, Elling and Syver. They left Norway by boat in May, 1889, and arrived at Grafton on June 15 of that year at the Gulbrand Lee home. Mrs. Thorine Lee was a sister to grandma Ingeborg Hogfoss. Elling Hogfoss stayed there while attending school, he was 15.

The rest homesteaded in Kinloss and Dewey Townships. Elling, when of age, also pioneered, married and farmed. Elling Hogfoss made three grades in three weeks at school here. He filed on his homestead April 13, 1896, in Kinloss Township, NW /* of Section 32 T, Range 59, 160 acres, NWSW Section 32, 40 acres NW% of Section 31, 160 acres. He later purchased NESE Section 31, 40 acres, SV2 and NWNE'A of Section 31, 120 acres - a total of 520 acres which is still in the family, farmed by the third generation, a grandson, Norman Hogfoss, Jr. Elling Hogfoss married Elise Nielson who had also immigrated from Norway, but they did not know each other there. Rev. E. B. Wollan, a neighbor, performed the ceremony June 9, 1900, at the groom's homestead. Attendants were Inger Monson, Gena Lee, Annette Blagstvedt, Olaus Blagstvedt, Syver Hogfoss and Henry Lee. They were all alive and in attendance at their silver wedding celebration at their farm home 25 years later. The towns of Milton and Edinburg, about 25 miles away, were the closest for provisions and to haul their grain. This required more than a day's journey and many an anxious night was spent alone by the young mothers in those days, with wolves howling and the long distances between neighbors. However, a railroad came through and Fairdale, Adams, and Edmore were established and more settlers moved in. Church services were held at homes or the country schools nearby until the churches were built. Bhzzards were common in those days and often a clothesline had to be put up between the house and barn so they would not become lost while doing the chores, as they had animals to care for in those days. Father worked hard at everything he did and was highly respected by all who knew him for his kindness and cheerfulness. He was instrumental in organizing the St. Olaf Church as a charter member, Farmers Elevator, Rural Electrification Association, and holding several offices as director of the same, and township offices and the local Fairdale Consolidated School. He was secretary of the St. Olaf Congregation for 29 consecutive years, census enumerator, Red Cross worker and sold Liberty Bonds during World War I. When his brother, Syver Hogfoss, was killed by the Soo Line train during his term in office as Walsh County Commissioner from the Fifth District, Father suceeded him. He sang in the church male chorus and always supported worthy causes. He died of a coronary thrombosis Feb. 7, 1946, while he and Mother were visiting a daughter, Hilma, in Princeton, Minn., shortly after their retirement from farming. His wife lived to be 88, died March 2,1970. She was very alert and active with her hands until the very last. She was bom Sept. 28,1881, in Aadalen, Norway, where she attended the Viker School. Her father was a shoemaker by trade. Her mother, Guri Rundhaug Nielson, died at 71 at her daughter Elise's home near Fairdale. She was born Sept. 18, 1851, and was married June 20, 1875. When Mother was 16, she and her mother started for America to join the other members of the family who had left earlier to pioneer. She was a charter member of St. Olaf Congregation and the Ladies' Aid. Children born were: Agnes Hogfoss, married Ole K. Engen, now widowed, retired and living in the M . E. Anderson Apartments, Helena, Mont.; Ethel Hogfoss, twin, married to Wesley Byberg, retired and living in East Helena, Mont.; Hilma Hogfoss, married to Walter 1

Larson in 1925 and to Clifford Vaardahl in 1960, living in Minneapolis, Minn.; Edwin Hogfoss, married Myrtle Melland, retired and living in Park River: Norman Hogfoss, married Myrtle Ramberg, retired and living in Grafton; Adolph Hogfoss, twin, married Adeline Dordal, has his own business in New Ulm, Minn.; Gilman Hogfoss, died at 18. Mr. and Mrs. Elling Hogfoss are both interred in the St. Olaf Cemetery, rural Fairdale. Submitted by Agnes Hogfoss Engen.

day trip. Later, to Milton 16 miles away, which made it possible to make the trip in one day. Some of the new settlers to arrive were Timothy Houlihan, Patrick Houlihan, and Thomas Ryan. Later came Ole Nordlie, who later became a farmer and a businessman in Fairdale. As his family grew, Mr. Holth hauled lumber from Milton and constructed a large two-story home and a large barn. In 1905 the Soo Line was extended to Adams, Fairdale and Nekoma. When Kinloss was organized, Mr. Holth served as supervisor for many years, and he also helped to organize the Silvesta Church and served as trustee for many years. In 1912 his two sons went to Alberta, Canada, to homestead land as did quite a few from the Fairdale community. Among them were Martin Ameson, Herman Overbye, Carl Haug and Peter Haug. Later his two daughters, now married, Mrs. Joe Odden (Alma) and Mrs. Herman Overbye (Lena), also went to Alberta. Of this family, only three remain alive, Mrs Fredrick Reinhold (Agnes), Halfdan Holth, Lankin, and Marvin Holth, Fairdale. Mr. and Mrs. Holth died in 1936, the oldest settlers in Kinloss Township.

Helge Hogfoss family. John, Andere, Elling, Sig, Andrine, Ingeborg, Helge and Inger. ANDREW AND GINA HOLTH Andrew Holth and wife, Gina Holth, and daughter Gubjor came from Nordre Odalen, Norway, to the United States in 1881. He came first to Cadillac, Mich., where he worked in a saw mill. In 1882 he came to friends in what is now Tiber Township. Here, his wife and daughter remained while he went further west to look for land. He chose land and filed but found that it had not been surveyed so had to file again on what is now Section 13158-59, Kinloss Township. They were the first white settlers there at the time. He built a sod house and sod bam and moved his family there. The first year there were no lights to be seen as they were alone on the prairie. He proceeded to break up his land, first with oxen and later with horses. During the summer, large bands of Indians roved the prairie, hunting and digging medicinal roots. They camped in teepees and on one occasion Mrs. Holth, hearing that they had a sick baby went to their lodge and found they had no milk for it but were giving it slough water. She at once went home and brought them milk and told them as long as they were camped there, they should come and get milk for their child. This they did and were very grateful to her. On many occasions Mother and Dad would find wild game on their doorstep. Once they left a bunch of ducks, but as they were somewhat over-ripe, they did not use them. The Indians were friendly to them and respected them a great deal as they were very kind to them. One of the early hazards were the prairie fires and on many occasions they had to fight them. They were greatly feared by the early settlers. As the years progressed, more settlers came and at last a new settlement took form. Their first railroad town to which they hauled their grain was Park River, a two

Andrew Holth Family OLAF HOLTH FAMILY Olaf Holth, born in the Odalen area of Norway, July 13, 1888, came with his parents, Peder and Maria Holth, and his brother, Thorstein, to the United States when he was six weeks old. They settled four miles north of Fairdale in Cavalier County and began farming there. Later, they moved a farm a mile farther southwest in the comer of Walsh County. Two daughters, Martha and Goodye, were bom to the family after they came to the United States. When his father died, Olaf bought the farm and lived there until his death Feb. 1, 1970. He married Bertha Swenneby of Tiber Township at Grafton Feb. 18, 1913. They were the parents of five sons, Palmer, Clifford, Orvie, Arthur and Richard, and one daughter, Gladys.' The family were members of Silvesta Lutheran Church in Fairdale, where Olaf was the church treasurer for 27 years. He was also active in township affairs and served as director of the Farmers Cooperative Elevator in Fairdale for many years.

They had a strong interest in community improvements, particularly in the church, serving as officers, choir members and Sunday School leaders for nearly 50 years. Otis promoted the schools, first in consolidation and later for the establishment of a fuU high school, serving as president of the board of directors during the crucial years and especially the years of "depression," the dirty 30's. Nellie, likewise, gave leadership to the Sunday School including many years as superintendent. Her interest in missions, Ladies' Aid, choral union, the WCTU (Women's Christian Temperance Union) was one of active leadership in creative enterprises. Their farm home became the setting for many a "meeting," choir practice, or church "auction." Most significant to the history of Walsh County was the motivation, the education and the establishment of high standards of achievement to their five children and the youth of the area throughout the 50 and more years of the 1900's, now in 1975 is clearly evident to mankind.

OLAF AND MARTHA HAMMER Olaf Hammer was bom in 1873 at Thronheim, Norway. He came from Norway in 1900 and settled in Kinloss Township where he did various jobs like hauling mail for the early settlers in the general area from the Soper Post Office located where Bryan Verke lives, to the Ole Haug home where it was sorted by Haug. The mail at this time consisted mostly of weekly papers. Almost every family received the Dakotaposten, the Normanden or the Skandinaven. Around 1902, one of the stores was built at the south end of what is now a ball diamond. Olaf Hammer brought food from the Osnabrock Great Northern and unloaded his supplies at this store. Martha Hammer was bom in Nordre Odalen, Norway, on Feb. 22, 1880. She emigrated to America and came to Walsh County with her mother, Mrs. Marie Lishaugen Westby in 1887. She was married to Olaf Hammer in 1906. They established a home in Fairdale where they operated a confectionery store. A few years later they traded the store for a quarter of land in the northwest section of Kinloss Township from C. B. Moffet. They farmed until his death in 1922. Martha Hammer died Jan. 17, 1950. She was laid to rest beside the grave of her husband in Silvesta Cemetery near her old home. Olaf and Martha Hammer were the parents of five sons, Marvin, the first baby bom at Fairdale (1907), he has now retired from farming; Alvin, died at 11 months; and WiUiam, died Nov. 16, 1969. Elmer farms the homestead and Oscar farms northwest of Fairdale. Submitted by the famdy of Olaf and Martha Hammer.

HANS AND CLARA JOHNSON Hans O. Johnson was bom in 1878 in FiUmore County, Minn. As a smad boy he moved with his parents to Conway where he Uved and grew up on a farm. In 1900, Hans went to Bottineau County to homestead along the shores of Lake Metigoshe. He remained there untd 1906, when he returned, via a short trip into Canada, to Walsh County, this time to settle in Tiber Township. Here he met and married Clara Nygard of Edinburg in 1914. That year he moved to Fairdale to farm and lived there until his death in 1942. His widow still resides at the Edmore Memorial Home. Hans O. Johnson was active in both civic and church affairs, having served on the township board and also as secretary and trustee of the Lutheran Church. Hans and Clara Johnson had a famdy of four. Howard dves on the farm at Fairdale; Elmo died in 1959; Helen lives in Crookston and Omar farms near Fairdale. Submitted by Howard Johnson. PETER JOHNSON FAMILY Emma Josephine Foxen and Peter Johnson were married June 5, 1902, at the Grafton Lutheran Church, with a wedding reception at the farm home of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Cornehus Foxen. Peter was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Johnson of the Conway area. The newly-married couple made their home at Bottineau for one year, at St. Thomas for two years, and then moved to Fairdale in Kinloss Township. The Johnsons bought a farm from Mr. StuU, a Robertson Lumber Company man at Fairdale. The land had originally been homesteaded by Mr. and Mrs. Jack McGregor. They had 10 children, Henry, now of Langdon; Eleanor (Mrs. Tom Strand), Minneapolis; Minerva (Mrs. Richard Westberg), MinneapoUs; Russ el, Fairdale; Edmund and Lucdle, deceased, Doris (Mrs. Carmen Duval), Madison, Wise.; Verna (Mrs. John W. Swanson, Edinburg; Gladys (Mrs. Gehart Re it an and Edwood, Seatfle, Wash. The family belonged to the Sdvesta Lutheran Church, and were active in community affairs. Emma was often caded upon to assist in her neighbors' homes as a midwde, often without the presence of a doctor. Some were premature births, one baby so small, it was

Olaf and Martha Hammer HENRY AND NELLIE JEGLUM Henry O. Jeglum, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ole T. Jeglum, was born in Floyd County, Ia., June 19, 1882. He was married to NeUie Flugekvam Aug. 24,1904, at Hitterdal Church near Edinburg. He purchased a farm near Fairdale in 1908 and farmed here. They retired to Grand Forks in 1953. Henry and his wife were bom in 1882 and both died in 1963. Children born to them were: Orvey, Indianapolis, Ind.; Howard, Three Forks, Mont.; Norman, Dayton, O.: Mrs. S. O. (Ina) Hilde, and Mrs. George (Florence) Hendrickson, Grand Forks. 906

wrapped in cotton and with the aid of the old fashioned kitchen range oven, acting as an incubator, the baby thrived, and today is a mother and grandmother herself. On another occasion when the baby had been born without the assistance of a doctor, Emma called to the nervous new father to bring her the baby od in a dish It was later discovered the baby had been cleaned with 3-in1 Oil, happily with no ill-effects. Peter Johnson died in 1923, and in 1928 Emma marned August Nygard. They lived in Fairdale until Emma died in 1967 and August died in 1969.

bought some land a mile west of Fairdale. He moved their new home out there and they farmed there until in December, 1911, when they sold and moved to Grand Forks for the winter. They returned to Fairdale in July 1912, where Johnsrud was engaged in the meat market business until the spring of 1917. He bought land two miles south of town where they farmed until the sprine of 1926. They moved to Alsen where Johnsrud worked for the Robertson Lumber Company for seven years, then at Adams for seven years, followed by three years at Edmore. He retired from the lumber company and moved to the west coast for defense work. Johnsruds moved to Grand Forks in 1945. He died there in 1955. Children were Velma, 1899; WaUace, 1902; Palmer 1903; Emore, 1904; Irene Vivian, 1909; Pearl 1907- and Willard, 1912. OLE AND JENNIE KRLNGSTAD

Cornelius Foxen home. Back porch: Bertha, Emma and Ella Foxen. Front porch: Helene, Oscar and Cornelius Foxen. PETER JOHNSRUD FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Kringstad

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Johnsrud Peter Johnsrud was born near Osage, Ia., Oct. 27, 1872. He grew up there and attended school there. He moved with his parents to Fertile, Minn., about 1895. He also spent some time in the Kinloss Township territory in 1895 working on farms and other jobs. He then returned to Fertile. He was married July 30, 1898, to Clara Broden, Fertile. They were married at a farm place where they continued to live for about two years, they then moved into Fertile where Johnsrud was engaged in the machinery business. He returned to Fairdale about 1905 where he worked at different jobs which included helping build the first grain elevator there. Mrs. Johnsrud and their four children remained at Fertile, staying with her parents. Mr. Johnsrud built a new home in Fairdale about 1906 and the family came from Fertile and moved in after the house was completed. About 1909 Johnsrud

Ole Kringstad was bom March 19, 1868, at Sigdal, Norway, coming to America in 1890. He came to Neche and to the Park River area where his sister's family, the Nels Lees, had settled earlier. He worked in this area for several years. In 1897 he married Jennie McDaniels at Grafton. They moved to Nelson County for a time before coming to the Adams-Fairdale area where they lived until their deaths. Ole died Jan. 14, 1934, and Jennie, May 1, 1941. They are buried in the Vang Cemetery in Shepherd Township. Ten chUdren were bom, AUce, Amy, Oscar, Lawrence, Ernest, Clarence, Jesse, Oliver, Oscar and Alvin. Alice married John Dumara and had one daughter, Mrs. Stanley Shaw, Park River. Alice died in 1943. Amy married Julius Melgaard. They had two daughters, Betty and Mrs. GUman (Jeanette) Clemens, Park River. Oscar married Hilda Heggerusta and they hved on a farm about two mdes south of Fairdale. He died from a heart attack in 1961. Ernest hved in Hoople and worked in the trucking business untd his death from a heart attack in 1970. They had seven chddren. Clarence Uves in Devils Lake where he is employed by the Otter Tad Power Company. They are the parents of three chUdren. Jesse Uves in Hoople where he is in the trucking business. They

have nine children. Alvin, Oliver and Oscar died in infancy. Lawrence farmed the Malla Heggerusta farm for many years and was also noted in the area for his fine clock collection and the repairing of clocks. Many homes, far and wide, are graced with some of his handiwork, whether it is stately candles made from tropical wood or a beautifully restored antique clock. He died March 4, 1975, and is buried in the St. Olaf Cemetery in Kinloss Township.

leaving her for dead. She regained consciousness long enough to identify the lad who had at one time worked for them as a delivery boy. He was charged with second degree murder. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Lander are both buried at Silvesta grave yard north of Fairdale. HENRY AND NINA LIEN Henry Lien was bom at Dwight July 16, 1885, and married Nina Rustan at Edinburg Feb. 22, 1905. They came to Fairdale in 1908 where he operated a Uvery barn which was a hub of activity in those days of horse and buggy travel. When automobiles came, he opened the first bulk oil station servicing a few neighboring towns. As the farmers acquired tractors he put in long days, with the help of his sons, making trips to fill the farmers' needs. In early days cars were put in storage for the winter months because of poor roads. Horses were then used to pud the big od truck to deUver od and it was an aU day job when going to Nekoma or Loma. "Hank," the oil man started in the od business for the Standard Od Company. He had Fairdale, Nekoma and Loma areas to take care of. The oil business started booming as more and more tractors came into use. Soon there were bulk stations at Nekoma and Loma so he had only the Fairdale area. He was manager of another bulk station at Fairdale, budt by a private concern, and then managed the Farmers Union Oil Company for many years before going into business with his own private station which he operated until he retired.

JULIUS AND AMY MELGAARD Julius Melgaard was bom July 11, 1883, at Bindalen, Norway, near Trondjhem. He came to America as a young man and worked for a time in Minnesota before coming to the Park River area. He married Amy Kringstad Nov. 1, 1933, and they hved in Adams for five years where their two daughters, Betty and Jeanette, were bom. Julius worked as a tractor operator for the Walsh County construction crew building county roads for 11 years. They then moved to the Andrew Iverson farm and farmed for five years before buying the Pete Levang farm, six miles southwest of Adams in Adams Township. They remained here until 1957 when they moved into Adams because of Julius' failing health. He died Jan. 5, 1958. Amy was born Oct. 8, 1905, the daughter of Ole and Jennie Kringstad from the Fairdale area. She was employed for eight years at the Grafton State School after her husband's and Betty's death. She Uves in Adams. Two daughters were bom. Betty contracted rheumatic fever at the age of 11 and had many complications, including rheumatoid arthritis, which crippled her to the extent she remained an invalid untd her death Jan. 2,1962, at 22. The second daughter, Jeanette, married Gdman Clemens and lives in Park River. They have two daughters, Julie and Jana (Mrs. Mark Fjeld) of Park River. The Fjelds have a son, Ryan. BERT LANDER Bert Lander was bom in Vang, Norway. As a young boy he came to the United States Uving in Wisconsin, then coming to Fairdale. He was first employed by 0. P. Larson, formerly of Whdehad, Wise, who operated the Fairdale Mercantile Store, later marrying Larson's daughter, Martha, and became a member of the firm, Larson and Lander. Two chddren were bom. One died and the other became a patient in Jamestown. His wife died in 1918. In 1924 Lander married Emma Grande, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Grande who was born and raised in the Fairdale community. They had no children. During his residence in Fairdale he was associated with 0. V. Lundberg, J. H. Lyford and C. E . Stenchfield in operation of the Adams Grain Company at Adams and Lander himself owned an elevator at Fairdale. After leaving Fairdale, he traveled for coal companies and maintained a smaU interest in a bank at Knox, N . D. The last eight years he and his wife, Emma, owned and operated a grocery store in Grand Forks where tragedy hit them both. In a robbery attempt by Leonard Clarence Dufault in 1939, he shot Lander twice, killing him instantly, then took after Emma and shot her in the stomach and also used an ax handle, beating her and

The Henry Lien boys: From left to right: Harris, Mylo, Ernest and Lloyd. Naegeli Brothers of Fairdale budt Henry his first od truck from a Model T. Ford. They extended the frame and put in a gear shift. It had soUd rubber tires in the rear and a chain drive. He was ready in business then! He would drive this truck to Loma, and Lloyd, his oldest son, would drive the team to Nekoma. "Hank" would unload his truck at Loma and come back to Nekoma and unload Lloyd's load. Henry was also wed known for his musical abidty. His violin, busy as he was, was his joy and relaxation. He usually had an orchestra, which at first included his sister, Myrtle, and her husband, Wdbert Moffet (who Uved in Fairdale many years operating the busy Moffet Confectionery Store). Other musicians filled in, including his brother .Clarence Lien.who directed the band at Adams for many years. As his chddren grew he started a family' orchestra who made their debut at the high school graduation exercises held in the old town had. The orchestra consisted of violin, piano, cornet, drums and xylophone. In those days of few outside 908

diversions, there are many warm memories of playing together many hours at a time. Henry also operated a movie theatre for a few years as a sideline. This was well attended although if the train couldn't get into town with the precious box of film because of snow blockage, there were many unhappy patrons, at times the family provided suitable music for portions of the show, as, of course, this was before the time of "talkies." The younger members of our orchestra didn't always appreciate missing these portions because of having to play, but everything was taken in stride. Sunday afternoons, baseball was the big diversion in our towns and at one time all four sons of Henry and Nina, Lloyd, Ernest, Mylo, and Harris, played. They all retained their keen interest in baseball. A reunion of the seven children of the Henry Liens was held at the home of Ernest in Richfield, Minn., in July, 1969. They came from Texas, California, Washington, South Dakota and Minnesota. Henry Lien died in 1958 and Nina Rustan Lien in 1953. They are buried at the North Cemetery of the Silvesta Lutheran Church of Fairdale. Submitted by Gladys Lien Sandum and Lloyd Lien.

Henry Lien and great granddaughter, Debby Nordby EDWARD LIAN Edward Lian was born Jan. 21, 1885, in Hen, Ringerike, Norway. His father was Elling Olson Lian who was born at Bergsundlia, Aadalen, Norway, April 10, 1847. He was a sawmaster at a local saw mill. He died at Hen, Ringerike, Norway, March 20,1929. Edward Lian's mother was bom at Johnsrud, Aadalen, Norway, April 13, 1854. She died at Hen, Ringerike, Norway, May 20, 1929. Her maiden name was Gunhild Johnsrud. Edward Lian immigrated to the United States with his brother, George, in 1906. They traveled by immigrant train to Edmore and walked across open prairie to the Tom Vigen farm, located 1% mdes south of Fairdale in Kinloss Township. His brother, Karl, had come from Norway earder and was working at the Vigen farm. Edward Lian had another brother, Gilbert (Lian) Edingson, who worked as a stone mason in Fairdale. Gdbert had immigrated to the United States in the 1890's. Following Edward Lians arrival in Fairdale in 1906, he worked as a hired man for several area farmers including: Tom Vigen, Andrew Blagstvet, Thomas Ryan and Nels Vigen. After working around Fairdale, Edward and his brother, George, left for Crosby in Divide County to

homestead. In May, 1907, Edward and his brother, George, left the homestead and started working as section hands for various radroads in western United States. Following several years of railroad work, they returned to Fairdale and Edward started working on farms and in general merchandise stores in Adams and Fairdale. Edward Lian married Martha Haug, daughter of Theodore Haug, July 25, 1917, in the Aadalen Lutheran Free Church. The church is located across the road from the Theodore Haug farm. Martha (Haug) Lian was bom at Fairdale Aug. 5, 1894, and died in Grand Forks July 28,1970. Her parents were Theodore Haug, bom Dec. 24,1860, at Haug, Odalen, Norway, and died in 1910 at Fairdale and Martha's mother, Moren (Sethre) Haug was born in Edvold, Norway, July 28,1864, and died in 1943. Edward and Martha Lian had five chddren, Elmer, Glenn, Arthur, Marion and Florence.

This picture of myself and Martha was taken in afield of wheat on my farm near Fairdale in 1965. In 1920 Edward Lian started into business for himsed in the Fairdale Mercantile Company, a general merchandise store in Fairdale. He had as partners in this business: Mr. Lander, Fairdale; Mr. Heen, Adams; Mr. Bergeson, St. Paul; and Mr. Carl Teie, Hatton. Mr. Lian was the general manager. In 1929 the business closed because of excess debts due to poor business and farming conditions associated with the Great Depression. In addition to his business interests in Fairdale, he purchased a 160 acre farm three mdes southwest of Fairdale in 1924. Most years this was rented out to neighbor farmers. He sold the farm in 1968 to Donald Bergquist, Fairdale. Edward Lian was mayor of Fairdale for years and associated with the vdlage board in various capacities. In addition, he was treasurer of the Kinloss Consolidated School in Fairdale, treasurer of the Aadalen Lutheran Free Church and president of the local Sons of Norway Lodge for many years. In 1932 during the Great Depression era, he was elected North Dakota State Senator on the Democratic ticket. He held this office until 1940 when he was appointed postmaster in Fairdale. He held this job until 1955 when he retired. Edward Lian at this time (1975) resides at Tufte Manor, a retirement home in Grand Forks.

SIMON S. MYRA Simon S. Myra came from Ness, Aadalen, Norway. Lisa Iverson came from Viker, Aadalen. They immigrated to America in 1879 and came to Grand Meadow in Mower County, Minn. They were married shortly after arriving in the Bear Creek Church, mral Grand Meadow, Minn. Both Bertha and Ingvald Myra were bom at Grand Meadow, where the family hved with relatives before coming to Grafton. While at Grafton they stayed with and worked for Iver Elsrud, an acquaintance from Norway. After a time they moved to a place one mile north of Lankin where work was available. In 1884, they came to Kinloss Township and homesteaded on Section 24-158-59. Chddren were Sam, Ida, Eric, Selma, George, Agnes and Esther. At the time of homesteading it was far to town and selhng the grain was one of the major concerns. When the Great Northern Railroad came to Edinburg, Milton and Osnabrock, it was about the same distance to the three towns and the coulee to cross. This was a problem because it was steep and slippery in winter and that was the time they hauled grain. The grain was hauled every other day (providing weather was fit) to give the horses a rest. When the Great Northern was budt north from Lakota, Edmore also was a possible market place and there was no need to cross a treacherous coulee, but it was a little further. In 1905 the Soo Line came through and shortened the distance to two mdes. Fairdale then became the trading place. Simon S. Myra was a charter member of the Aadalen Congregation which was named after the valley in Norway where his home had been. The congregation was organized in 1886 and he was a charter member, active in church and community developments. Lisa died in February, 1916, and Simon in November, 1926. They are both buried at Aadalen Cemetery. George and Ingvald continued to farm the Myra Farm untd 1953 when George rented the farm to his sonin-law, Leslie Peterson. The Petersons moved to Minnesota in 1959 and Leon Weberg, a son of Selma Myra Weberg, has continued to farm the land. The only remaining member of the Simon Myra family, George, resides in Fargo with his wife, Anna.

OLE AND MABEL LOKKEN Ole and Mabel Lc-kken came from Nordre Odalen, Norway, and homesteaded in Kinloss Township in 1899. Three children were bom, Alice, Andrew and Edwin.

Ole Lokken JOHAN MATHIASON FAMILY Johan Mathiason, together with a younger brother, emigrated from Toten, Norway, in 1883, spending some time in southern Minnesota before coming to North Dakota in 1884 where he took up his homestead in Section 33. With his brother and Peter Thune, he came by train to Cando and walked from there by the way of Devils Lake. Father told of walking across the lake, which was completely dry at that time. He married Matia Thompson. Her parents came from Hadeland, Norway, in 1859 and settled in southern Wisconsin. Six children were born. Alma, Emma, Julius, Oline, Rose and Rudolph, the youngest died in infancy. The early pioneers were interested in getting a congregation organized, so in 1886 the Aadalen Lutheran Congregation was formed. To begin with, services were conducted in the homes. Because of crop failures and difficult times, the Aadalen Church was not budt until 1902. It was a member of the Lutheran Free Church which had its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn. Indians were stdl roaming the country, also prairie fires to the west were not uncommon. A watch was closely kept and at the first sign of a fire, the men would get busy plowing a few furrows around their buildings to protect their precious belongings. In the earliest years, the crops were poor because of drought or early frosts, and prices of grain were poor. My father told of hauling grain to Edmore. This time it happened to be flax. At that time the elevators paid in cash instead of by check. Father hauled two loads and was paid for both loads at one time, so at that time it was considered a rather large sum. A couple of robbers must have seen him accept this money and before he got very far from the elevator, he was held up and robbed. When he finally got home, Mother noticed he wasn't his usual self so she asked him what had happened? He replied, "You can be glad that I came home alive," as they had evidently threatened his fife, too. Money and wadet were gone, but we were happy that his life was spared. Pioneer life had its ups and downs, too, and took much faith, patience and endurance.

Mr. and Mrs. Simon Myra 910

The Simon Myra family. Front row: Ida, Agnes, Esther, Sel ma, Bertha. Back row: George, Ingvald and Sam. GEORGE MYRA I, the son of pioneer Simon S. Myra, built a sod house in 1926, as I had a wife and a child to provide a place for. Lumber was rather scarce and high priced and money was not too plentiful. So I and my brother, Ingvald, resorted to building a sod house. The building was about 18' x 18', two rooms, kitchen-dining area and two bedrooms. I managed to get lumber for a floor and roof, with tar paper covering on the roof. We then built a stable, 24' x 40' with pole roof with hay on top, which was fine except when it rained. We hand dug a well 20 feet deep and got plenty of water for stock, but it was not good for washing as it was hard. Our second daughter, Geneve Ann, was bom in the sod house. In 1929 we moved to the Myra Farm where we hved and farmed until in 1953 when we retired. Submitted by George Myra.

George Myra's sod house, one of the last sod houses built, if not the last. It was built in 1926. GEORGE MCGREGOR George McGregor, son of James and Jessie McGregor Washborn, was bom Aug. 10,1862, at Bayfield, Ont. When he was 21, he came to North Dakota with his brothers Jack and Peter McGregor. They worked on a farm at Forest River. Then all three came to Walsh County when they heard there was land to get here. They homesteaded in Kinloss Township, five mdes north of

Fairdale. They built their homes one mtie apart. They sent for their mother to come from Ontario to keep house for them as their father had died before they came here. Nov. 18,1896, George married Ella Mae Thompson at her father's (Henry Thompson) home in Osnabrock Township. George hauled ad his grain with horses 40 miles to Forest River until the railroad came to Fairdale in 1904. Then in 1909, George, wtfe and famdy moved to Swanson, Sask. Ole Stromen, Adams, rented his farm. Peter McGregor and his mother went with George and family. They had to go part of the way on a ferry. They homesteaded there and hved in sod homes. In Canada, Alma and Jeanie were born. Jeanie died at five months. She occupies the first grave at Swanson Cemetery in Canada. In 1912 George had a good crop, so he and brother Peter sold out and came back to their farm at Fairdale. They liked it best here. Peter never married, he sold his farm to George and went to Osnabrock and bought a livery barn. George and his wtfe had ten chddren, four died. The six living were Angus, Nellie, James, Arnetta, Henry, Gordon, Jennie, Alma and Wanda. A daughter died at birth. Then George took in his sister's boy Charlie Walker, 9. He stayed with George untd he was 21. Then they took in Pearl Gordon as her mother died. She was 13 and stayed with them untd she was 24years old. Ad worked on the farm, rode binders, shocked grain and worked on threshing-machines. They had poor crops and some good years too. In 1918, George's wife was attacked with arthritis for 16 years, never to walk again. The familytookcare of her at the farm. She died July 8,1936. George stayed on the farm until he was 80. He died Dec. 11, 1942. His son, Gordon, took over the farm. When Gordon's health deteriorated, he sold the farm to his son, Earl, so the farm is stdl in the McGregor family. Submitted by Ametta McGregor Hamre. OSMEN MELLAND Mr. and Mrs. Osmen Medand arrived from Norway and settied at Norwegian Grove, Minn., in Otter Tad County. He was 45 and she was 34. They reared a family of four boys, Oscar, Wady, Sever and Bennie. The Medand famdy moved to North Dakota June 7, 1907, where they farmed for some years. March 21, 1911, Wally married Inga Iverson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benhard Iverson of Pinewood, Minn., who had come to the United States from Solar in Osterdalen, Norway, in 1866, later settiing in Minnesota where Inga was b o m / Wady and Inga moved to the Edmore community, Prospect Township, after their marriage, later moving to the Fairdale community where they farmed untd 1949. They then moved to Fairdale. They had seven chddren, Gyda, Walter, Bennie, Gilmer, Iver, Dene and Annie. They had 23 grandchddren. Mr. Medand was a member of the school board and was township clerk for several years. They were charter members of Vaarliv Lodge of the Sons of Norway. They were members of Silvesta Lutheran Church and Mrs. Medand was a dfe member of the Sd vesta Ladies' Aid. Mr. Medand was bom June 17, 1887, in Otter Tad County in Minnesota. He died Oct. 30,1970. Mrs. Medand was bom April 1,1889. She died May 31,1961. Submitted by the Wady Medand family.

Henrik Ohnstad, 55, left his beloved Norway for the last time. With him were his eight children, Thorvald (18571892), Lise (1858-1887), Gjertrud (1860-1885), Roggine (1862-1931), John (1864-1944), Edvart (1868-1928), Elling (1870-1958), and Karohne (1873-1928). Arriving in Albert Lea, Minn., they spent the winter with some immigrant friends, the Hoidal family, and then continued on to North Dakota in the spring of 1883. The famdy "proved" land in Kinloss and Silvesta Townships and some of this land has since that time continued to belong to no one other than Henrik, his son, Elling, and currently to Elling's daughters. It is said that in the spring of 1883 the Ohnstad's closest neighbors to the west were the Indians of the Turtle Mountains. To the east, however, settlers were within five mdes of the Ohnstad sod house.

Inga and Wally Melland OLE AND SENA NORDLIE In the 1880's Ole J. Lishaugen of Nordre Odalen, Norway, among other immigrants, came to America. Mr. Lishaugen spent some time in Tiber Township before filing on a homestead in Kinloss Township, about four miles northeast of Fairdale. He married Sena Nordlie, who immigrated from Kristiania (Oslo), Norway. Sena also came to Tiber Township and spent some time at the Hans Troftgruben homestead in 1887 before meeting Ole. He evidently liked Sena's name as well, because he took the name Nordlie when he married her.

Henrik Ohnstad has been described as being broadshouldered, robust, cozy, devoutly Christian, a great conversationadst, and weU known among settlers for mdes around. He had known many of the immigrants when they were back in Norway, as Henrik had traveled quite a bit in his native land. Bom in Underdal, Sogn (western Norway), in 1827, he had made more than one journey across the rugged country and then had settled in Aadalen, Ringerike, (eastern Norway) when he was married to Inger Elsrud from that area. Henrik Ohnstad had more than his share of tragedies that beset the pioneer. In 1885 his daughter, Gjertrud, 25, died and in 1887 another daughter Lise, 29, died. On March 9, 1892, his son Thorvald, 34, Thorvald's wde, Kari, 25, and their son, Kittel, 3, lost their lives in a blizzard. Since there were no churches and no cemeteries when the first member of the famdy died, they were buried in a plot in the field a few rods away from the family sod house. Later this plot was enclosed by a fence and tombstones were erected. This cemetery continues to be the Ohnstad Family Cemetery where Henrik, Thorvald and his wde and son, Gjertrud, Lise, Roggine, Karohne and EUing and his wde, Kjerstine, and daughter, Signe, are buried.

Ten children were born, seven boys and three girls, John, Martin, Adolph, Selmer, Henry, Olaf, Mabel (oldest girl), Thora, William and Mabel, the youngest. Seven of the children were bom in the sod house. As years went by and living became better on the prairie, horses took the place of oxen and moremachinery to work with and therefore more progress. Mr. Nordlie had a threshing machine and threshed grain in the Tiber community before the harvest was ready in Kinloss. By that time more immigrants arrived, therefore more help. In the early 1900's "Nordlie and Son" operated a general store in Fairdale. At one time the post office had its place in the store. In winter, horses and sleighs were used to transfer the mad from Adams when the "Soo" didn't come as far west as Fairdale due to blocked roads and track.

Further tragedy struck when Edvart's wife, the former Kristina Vangen, 32, died from burns suffered when the kerosene lamp tipped and caught fire in her clothing as she played the piano in her home at Lindsay, Minn. Henrik Ohnstad died in April, 1902, at 75. John and Elling continued to Uve in the Fairdale area the rest of their Uves. John was married to Kari Kjornes and Elling was married to Kjerstine Marie Underdal of Underdal, Sogn, Norway. John died in 1944 and Elling, the last survivor of the original Ohnstad pioneer famdy, died at his home (which was the original "tree claim" of his father) in July, 1958.

The first automobde Nordlie had was a red Buick, and the ride in it Sunday afternoons around the fields was something special. The Nordlies were charter members of the Sdvesta Church in Fairdale. He was a Republican. OHNSTAD FAMILY Being left with eight chddren when untimely death claimed the Ufe of his wife (Inger Elsrud Ohnstad) in the 1870's, Henrik Nitter J . Ohnstad continued to Uve in Aadalen, Norway, untd 1882 when he decided to migrate to America to seek for his famdy the "opportunities" of the New World. In years to come, he came to readze that the "opportunities" often turned into tragedies, and on at least one occasion he was heard to express the befief that perhaps he did wrong in bringing his beloved chddren to the merciless prairie. Setting sail on the Thingvalla Ship Line Sept. 20,1882,

The lives of Henrik Ohnstad and famdy were an integral part of the earliest history of Kinloss and Silvesta Townships. A man of strong faith, Henrik played an important part in the establishment of St. Stephanus, Hitterdal and Aadalen Churches and it was he who suggested that Aadalen Church be named for the district in Norway from which so many of the members of the church had come. Submitted by Helny Ohnstad. 912

JOHN OLSON John Olson and his parents, Arne and Inger Olson, left Haakenson, Noway, and moved to Decorah, Ia., and Wisconsin before coming to Walsh County. They lived in the Grafton area briefly before moving to Kinloss Township and homesteaded on Section 35 in 1892. In 1902 John Olson bought additional land in Section 35 from Hans Potter. He married Minda Hoyden in December of that year. They had four daughters and one son, Ida, Mabel, Alice, Evelyn and Jesse. John Olson died in 1914 at 50. Minda Olson married Martin Johnson in 1920. They had one daughter, Arlet. HALVOR AND LENA OVERBYE Halvor and Lena (Peterson) Overbye came from Blair, Wise, in 1908 and bought the farm which had been homesteaded by Carl Vangen in Kinloss Township, two miles west of Fairdale. Their family of 10 were Peter, Herman, Palmer, WiUiam, Alvin, Hannah, LUy, Ida, Marie and Alma. After Mr. Overbye died in 1918, Mrs. Overbye with Marie and Hannah Uved for a time in Fairdale before moving to Minneapolis where she lived until her death in 1939. Both are buried in the SUvesta Cemetery. Submitted by the Leland Overbyes. PALMER OVERBYE Palmer Overbye, his wife and two sons left Blair, Wise, and came to Cando in 1906. In 1908 the family moved to Kinloss Township and bought land homesteaded by Samuel Amoss in 1887. They were the parents of Harvey (deceased); Alviron, HUlsdale, N. J.; Leland, Fairdale; Una (Mrs. Albin Blomquist); Verna (Mrs. Clinton Torgerson); Elda (Mrs. Leo Butler) and Milan. Kent. Wash. Palmer was one of a group of farmers who met in February of 1918 to discuss the possibility of beginning a new elevator company. Through the efforts of those men we now have the Fairdale Farmers Co-op Elevator. Palmer Overbye was the vice president of the first elevator board. He served as clerk and supervisor of the township board and during World War I he sold War Bonds. They moved to Fairdale in 1937 when their son, Leland, took over the farm. Both died in 1965 and are buried in the SUvesta Cemetery. Submitted by the Leland Overbyes. THOMAS RYAN Thomas Ryan came from Maynorth, Ont., to North Dakota. He spent some time working on farms near Manvel. In 1892 he fUed for a homestead in Kinloss Township where he spent his life. In 1890 he married Mary Toach in Grafton. They had one daughter, Mabel, and a son, Dennis. One evening in the early fall after his days work was done, Tom heard a terrible squeaking noise, accompanied by hoUering and clamor. He became very frightened and picked up his ax for a weapon and slowly opened the door. He saw a long line of Indians driving in small wooden carts puUed by ponies. The noise was caused by the wooden axles of the carts which squeaked as they went round and round and the hoUering of the

Indians. This trail came from the northeast and went through Anton Haug's farm. The Indians stopped at the Ole Haug Lake and shot muskrat with bow and arrow, which they feasted on for supper, then returned to their home near Devils Lake. CHARLES AND ISABEL ROBB Charles Sarvis Robb was bom at Durham, Ont., Nov. 13, 1853. Isabel Davy Turner was bom in CornwaU, England, June 10, 1848. She came with her parents to Ontario in 1856. Charles Sarvis Robb and Isabel Davy Turner were married in Ontario June 13, 1878. They had three children. WUliam Edmund was born July 28, 1879; Charles AUred, Dec. 16,1880; Helen Elizabeth, March 20, 1884. Robb came to Rushford Township, southeast of Park River, in 1886. He was joined by his family in 1887. In November, 1896, they purchased and moved to the farm homesteaded by Mr. Sarvis, four mUes north of the present site of Fairdale. At this new location, Mrs. Robb was postmistress in their home for a short time, maU being delivered from Osnabrock by Pete Livingston. (This was one of two post offices in Kinloss Township.) Robb farmed untU retiring in MUton in 1907, his two sons taking over the farm. In MUton, he was a peace officer and active in work of the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. Mrs. Robb died Jan. 14,1913, at Milton. Charles Robb died in Kinloss Township Aug 23 1926. Charles Alfred Robb brought his bride, formerly Alma Campbell, to thus farm foUowing their marriage in 1910. They were the parents of Frank, Arnetta, Alfred, Helen, Ella, Edith and Irma.

Left to right, standing: Charles S. Robb, William E„ Charles H. Seated: Helen and Isabel. FINGAL AND GERTIE RUNDHAUG Fingal Rundhaug and his wife, Gertie, son Torwald and a daughter Karen, came from Aadalen, Norway, to Erskine, Minn., in 1883. After remaining there a year, the family came to Walsh County and homesteaded in Kinloss Township in 1884. He began farming by breaking the sod and sowing seed with oxen power. The first bam was made of sod.

After the threshing was over, the flax straw was braided tightly, piled up and used for kindling. Mother, like aU pioneer women, was along helping with the haying and threshing, until the boys were old enough to help. After a few years of farming, mother and Emma, the oldest daughter, were stricken with rheumatism, as it was called. Mother had rhuematoid arthritis and Emma had rhuematic fever, which caused heart complications and she later died. By this time we had moved to Fairdale, just being budt. Dad and Tadak Sholey had the dray line, which hauled freight from the depot. The Soo Line had just come through and machinery and men were busy with the task of laying ties and rads for the railroad. Mother operated the restaurant in the fall. She was able to use one crutch and sat by the stove and did all the cooking. Selma was the waitress and I helped along, carrying wood, washing dishes and other things which would help mother and going to school besides. The year of 1918 marked the terrible flu epidemic. Dad helped most everyone who was sick. There were many deaths, including Olaf. In 1918, Tadak returned home from the war. Several years later, he married Hilma Lofgren. They bought a house in Fairdale, later moved to a farm near Edmore. Dad made his home with Tadak and Hilma untd he died in July, 1931.

The house was made of sod on the outside and lumber on the inside. The lumber, as well as farm implements had to be hauled from Grafton with oxen. The family was active in church work and had a large share in organizing and promoting the first church group in western Walsh County. Children of Fingal and Gertie were: Iver, Ole, Palmer, Gulbrand, Torvald, Karen, Ingeborg and Gertrude. Iver died very young, Ole returned to Norway and Palmer moved to Canada. Karen, Mrs. Christian Fjeld lived in the Park River area. Their children were Melvin, Mrs. Christine Bylin, Mrs. Gena Everson, and Francis, died in infancy. Ingeborg married Trond Monson and they farmed near Fairdale. Gertrude married Mr. Nelson. Gulbrand married Kristi Nygard. They farmed in the Fairdale community. Gulbrand was born in Aadalen, Norway, in 1853. He married Kristi Nygard and they farmed in the Fairdale area. Kristi was bom in 1859 in Norway. They had seven children, Fred, Olaus, Gust, Minnie, Ida, Olga and Alma. Alma died in 1919, Olga married Gust Monson, Minnie married Nels Nelson, Ida married Ed Monson. Fred, Olaus and Gust never married, farmed in the Fairdale vicinity. Gulbrand died in 1935 and Kristi in 1913. They are buried in the Aadalen Cemetery south of Fairdale. Torvald was born in 1873. He married Henrikke Hanson, also from Aadalen, Norway. Henrikke was born in 1866. They had five children, Lena, Fritz, Hans, Henry and Theadore. Lena was married to Herman Ljunggren and they lived in Fairdale. She died in 1969. Hans died in infancy and Henry died in 1931 at 35. Fritz married Sofia Borstad. She died in 1959. They had two chddren, Mrs. Marvin (Helen) Sandvik, Grafton, and Tilford, Adams area. The youngest son was Theodore. EDWARD SHOLEY When Dad and Mother were married in 1880, they hved in a small house in Tiber Township where Dad was a carpenter. That house burned down and they saved nothing except their little boy and the clothes they were wearing. They decided, along with other pioneers, to go further west and buy some land, settling 50 mdes southwest of Grafton. The house was budt with large blocks of sod, the floors were planks of wood that were whitewashed. The sod house had three rooms. The Sholeys had a team of oxen that were used to travel to Tiber Coulee to cut and haul wood for the winter. The winters were usually harsh and made even worse because of the lack of roads and mechanized vehicles. Dad had a pair of snow shoes and walked to Grafton for staple items such as coffee, sugar and a few other items. He stayed overnight along the way with friends near Tiber Coulee. Mother always kept a light in the window for him. If the lamp was out of od, she would have a bowl fud of tallow with a lamp wick in it and this would serve as a lamp. Dad dug awell but the water was hard and salty, so in the winter we melted snow for washing, etc., and in the summer we codected rain water in barrels. Dad acquired six horses, five cows, four sheep, several pigs and chickens. The sheep were sheared, the wool washed and mother dyed some black and used the spinning wheel to card the wool and spin yarn. She knitted ad the stockings and mittens for the famdy.

Edward Sholey OLE AND THEA SORENSON Ole and Thea Sorenson settled in Kinloss Township. They had nine children, Beatta, Tina, Selmar, Olive, Oscar, Emma, Anna and Selma So many pioneers changed their last names when they came to this country, where they worked for a long time, others would take their dad's given name and add son. Example: Soren - Sorenson.

Ole Sorenson and family. 914

OLE AND ANNE STOA

the farm is owned and operated by Albert Vigen as requested in Gilbert's will to keep the farm in the Vigen name. Guri was born in 1834 and died in 1931 at 97. She was active with her home and household duties to the time of her death. Gubrand T. died in 1910. They were organizers and members of the Aadalen Church. Submitted by Mema Bjerke.

Ole T. Stoa came to America as a young man with his parents, the Torkel Stoas. They spent some time at Austin, Minn., before coming to North Dakota. He homesteaded half a mile south of Fairdale Jan. 14, 1899. He also had a quarter of land northwest from Fairdale. Ole Stoa married Anne Thompson. They had eight children. Five of them grew up; two sons died in infancy and Selma died at nine. Emma, the oldest, married Andrew Aune of Fairdale. Here they lived many years where he was in the garage business. She now resides at the Good Samaritan Home at Osnabrock. Her youngest sister, Stella, also resides there. She never married. Hilda Stoa married Andrew 0. Bjomson and they had one son, Allan. Andrew and Hilda are deceased. Selmer Stoa married Ella Aune. They had five children, Sterling and Donald, Fergus Falls, Minn.; Mrs. James (Delores) Rice, Edmore; Mrs. Marvin (Marlys) Beuning, St. Cloud, Minn.; and Douglas, St. Cloud, Minn. Selmer died in 1966. Orvin Stoa married Ann Holum and they made their home at Grand Forks. Ann is now deceased. Ole and Anne Stoa farmed until their deaths and are buried in the cemetery of the Aadalen Lutheran Ffee Church south of Fairdale of which they were members.

PEDER J. WESTBY Peder J. Westby was bom in Sand, Nordre Odalen, Norway, July 13, 1861. He came to Kinloss Township in 1889 and worked on a farm. In 1890 he bought the claim on Section 22 from Gulbrand Norby. He then sent for his family, the former Inga Westlie whom he married in Norway Jan. 6, 1885. They had three children, Mary, Martha and Ingolf. He farmed in Kinloss Township untd 1919 when he moved to Sdverton, Ore., with his wife and Selma and Mary. The famdy grew untd they had 11 children, four boys and seven girls. Mary, Martha, Agnes, Selma, Ingolf and Peter ad .are deceased. The remaining members of the famdy are Einar, Jacob, Hannah, Ida and Mary. Peder Westby and his wife were charter members of the Sdvesta Congregation in Fairdale and in Sdverton, Ore., they were members of the St. John's Lutheran Church. Peder Westby died Aug. 30, 1939. Inga Westby Dec. 31, 1945. Peder Westby was the son of Jacob and Martha Westby and they came to Kinloss Township a httle later. They had eighty acres close to Julius Westbys. Besides Peder Westby there were Julius, Jacob and Theodore who came to this country. One brother, Ole, remained in Norway. Three sisters, Matia, Karen, Mary and Oline remained in Norway and they never saw each other again. Inga Westby had four brothers, Peder and Andrew Erickson and Martin and Hans, ad homesteaders. They ad took the name Erickson, whde mother went by the name Westlie.

GULBRAND AND GURI VIGEN

JULIUS J . WESTBY FAMILY Julius J. Westby, son of Jacob Westby, and his wife, Martha, of Nord Odal, Norway, northeast of Oslo, emigrated to America in 1887 in a sailing vessel via Hodand and settled in Walsh County. He worked on farms and dug weds by hand for 50 cents a day to enable him to send for his wife, Marie Lishaugen, daughter of Jens Lishaugen, a girl he had married in Norway. She also came in a sailing vessel with their httle daughter Martha. They filed a homestead claim for free land in Kinloss Township. They built a sod house and burned buffalo chips to keep warm in the sub-zero weather. With walking plows and oxen they broke the sod to plant grain. With oxen and wagon they drove 30 mdes to Park River twice a year to lay in provisions. Once he had to walk 50 miles to Grafton over snow drifts. Julius and his brother, Peder, soon sent for their parents in Norway. Brothers and sisters also came, including Jacob Westby, who married Jennie and was drowned in Lake Superior under a log jam; Theodore Westby, a cripped shoemaker, who died in Sand Point, Idaho; Mat thea Westby, who married Hans Hanson, who lost both legs in a grain binder accident and became a lay

Mr. and Mrs. Gulbrand Vigen's wedding picture. The Gulbrand T. Vigens came from Norway and homesteaded in Kinloss Township on the land which is located one and one-half miles south of Fairdale. They were parents of three children, Gulbrand G., Karen and Torgeim (Tom). Gulbrand G. was bom in 1862 and in 1888 married Anna Marie Olson Nygard. One child was bom, Gina Matilda Vigen, April 24, 1888. Gulbrand G. died when Gina was six weeks old. Later Anna Marie married Torger Bolstad of the Fairdale area. Karen Vigen married Andres Opperud of Grafton. They had three children, Gena, Gilbert and Henry Opperud. Torgeim (Tom) married Kari Botten. They had one son, Gilbert. After Kari's death, Tom married Emma Nelson. They hved and farmed the Vigen homestead until they retired and moved to Grafton. Emma died in 1942, Tom in 1946 and Gilbert in 1963. At the present time 915

years. He is author of several theological works and currently is serving a church in Palm Desert, Calif. In 1976, he wdl have served the Lutheran church as pastor for 50 years. The only other survivor of this family is Selmer, farming at Fairdale.

evangelist in Bagley, Sask.; Marie Westby, who married Mr. Kittelson; and Karen Westby, who married Anton Fossholm. Ole Jacobsen Westby, a sheath-knife maker to the King of Norway and a sister Oline Jacobsen Westby, a dressmaker in Oslo, remained in Norway. Marie Westby's sisters and brothers also emigrated to North Dakota: Mathea, married August Swanson of Edmore; Ole Nordlie, a merchant and farmer of Fairdale, who married Sina Gruben; Theodore Nordlie, prominent businessman, who married Gudrun Haraldson; Marie Westby's twin sister, Thea Lishaugen; and a brother, Amund Lishaugen, remained in Nord Odal.

GUST WEBERG

The Gust Weberg Family Gust Weberg was bom in Helsingland, Sweden, Dec. 24,1888. Gust and his brother, Louis Fhrom, came to this country in 1907. They went from New York to Chicago where they stayed with their brother, Alfred, who had come to the United States two years earlier. From there they went to the Mizpah and International Fads area where they worked for the Crookston Lumber Company. In the fall they would come to North Dakota for the harvest season. Gust worked for Char he Hanson's mreshing outfit for a number of years. Gust married Selma Myra Sept. 25, 1919, at the Simon Myra farm. They farmed northwest of Fairdale on the place that Clarence Bredeson now owns, for about two years. They then moved to the present Gene Weberg farm, two mdes east of Fairdale, and they budt a sod house to live in. They had four chddren, George Sanford, Ldhan Arlene, Sydney Leon and Gene Elsworth. George died in infancy. Ldlian married Gerald Bolton of Inkster. They dve in Duluth, Minn. They have two chddren, Naydean Jean and Randall Dean. Naydean married Robert Ringdahl, they dve in Duluth. Randad married Carol Engel, they dve in Duluth. Leon married Corrine Latuhppe of Fairdale. They live on what used to be the George Myra farm. They have three children, Curtiss Wayne, Barbara Diane and Kenneth Lynn. Curtiss married Debra Nelson, fliey dve at Fairdale. Barbara and Kenneth are at home. Gene married Lorraine Hedlund of Fairdale and they now dve on the home place. They have three children, Larae Marie, David Gene and Darla Irene, who are stdl at home. Gust died March 18,1942, and Selma June 1,1956. One incident that I can remember that turned out rather amusing was when Gust bought a 1929 Model A

Julius and Martha Westby Julius and Marie Westby raised 10 children on their farms north of Fairdale: Martha, bom in Norway, married Olaf Hammer, a confectioner and farmer; Mathilde, died in her teens; Jacob, also died young; Ingolf, farmer and violinist; Hannah, married Theodore Melland, a fisherman from the Lofoten Islands and violinist; another Jacob, a mailcarrier, died at 19; Oscar, married Anna Bakken, whose parents also came from Odal; Elling, a machinist, married Agnes Haug, after her death he married Selma Gunderson; Selmer, farmer, woodcarver, violinist; and W. Henry Westby, married Inez Klopstad of Sioux City, Ia., and after her death married Helen E. Pureed. Julius and Marie Westby and their famdy were members of Silvesta Lutheran (now Our Redeemer's) Church of Fairdale. They were also busy with community and political affairs. Oscar was a soldier in Europe and drove tractors along the Rhone River into Spain during World War I. He also held several reponsible county and state offices, dealing with agricultural and credit problems. Henry graduated from Park River High School, St. Olaf Codege, Luther Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary and University, Th. M., Southern Baptist Seminary, Ph. D , and also studied at Yale University Graduate School and Westminster Seminary. He was an army chaplain during WWII for five years, a hospital chaplain at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fargo for five years and for 14 years was Western Area Director for the Lutheran Service Commission, a national commission for servicemen. His first parish was First Lutheran Church of Fargo and he served in Redwood Falls, Minn., for nine 916

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Ford on a Saturday. The next day the folks decided to go to Portland, N. D., to visit the Olaf Ringerud family. We were driving along on highway 2 by Niagara and just as we were meeting a car the front tire blew out and we went into the ditch and rolled over with the wheels in the air. A car stopped and helped us get the car on the wheels again and we drove to Niagara and put water on the radiator and off we went again. While we were driving along we noticed holes started to appear in the upholstery of the car, which of course was from the battery acid. Later in the afternoon while we were visiting with the Ringeruds we noticed Ingvald's sock started to fall apart and Gust had on a pin striped suit and the white stripes started to disappear. The rest of the journey went fine.

niversary was in 1953, the fence completed in 1955. The parsonage was built in 1965 and the cemetery association organized. Pastors who served were: E. B. Wollan; Rev. M. 0. Silseth, four years; Rev. Gudmund Kluxdal, seven years; Rev. 0. T. Lavaas, one year; Rev. E. 0. Ulring, five years; Rev. George Larson, five years; Rev. Oscar Rud, five years; and R*»v. H. S Larson. In 1965 St. Olaf merged with Aadalen and Silvesta to form Our Redeemer's Lutheran at Fairdale. Pastors after Larson were: 1944-1947, Rev. 0. J . Bilstad; 19491953, Rev. Lester Carlson; 1954-1955, Rev. Edward Nordley (Interim); 1955-1958, Rev. Stephen Engelstad; 1959-1966, Rev. Donald F. Peterson; 1966-1967, David Gabrielson (Interim); 1967-1970, Rev. Emil Greiner; 1970-1974, Rev. Duane Hetland; and 1974- , Rev. Craig Carlson.

KINLOSS CHURCHES ST. OLAF NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN EVANGELICAL CONGREGATION St. Olaf Norwegian Lutheran Evangelical Congregation was organized Jan. 29,1901, at the home of Rev. E. B. Wollan. St. Olaf was first affiliated with the Sarepta, St. Ansgar, South Park and Mountain Lutheran Congregations, Adams and Edmore, and later with Mountain, Hoff and Trinity Congregations of the Adams parish. In 1921 it was decided to join the Fairdale parish served by a Hauge synod pastor, Rev. E. 0. Ulring, whose parish was made up of Silvesta, St. Hans, and Vang Congregations. At the time of Rev. Ulring's resignation, the churches voted at a special meeting to be served by the Free Church pastor here at the time, Rev. George Larson. He served the Aadalen and Hitterdahl Congregations near Fairdale. Beginning 1931, the parishes of St. Olaf, Silvesta and Vang were served by Rev. Oscar Rud. During his administration, Highland Congregation, north of Fairdale, served by the veteran pastor, Rev. J. T. Langemo, retired, and they joined Silvesta. Charter members of St. Olaf Congregation were: Carl Ramberg, Anton Ramberg, Elling Hogfoss, Emil Olson, Thomas A. Olson, A. C. Hanson, H. E. Hanson and Lewis Hanson. First services were in private homes and in the north and south schoolhouses. The north located on the Irvin Hammer farm near Fairdale and the south is one of the Dewey schools near the Wollan home. Dedication of the cemetery by Rev. J. T. Langemo of Edinburg, assisted by the acting pastor, Rev. M . 0. Silseth took place July 17, 1907. The St. Olaf cornerstone was laid by Dr. M. 0. Bockman, Minneapolis, assisted by Rev. Silseth June 27,1910. Dedication of the St. Olaf Church by Bishop T. H Dahl, Minneapolis, assisted by G. Kluxdal, was Nov. 12, 1916. First officers of the church were: temporary secretary, Elling Hogfoss, who served 29 consecutive years; secretary, Anton Ramberg; treasurer, Emil Olson; trustees, Lewis Hanson and H. E. Hanson; and "Kirkeverge," Elling Hogfoss. A Luther League was organized in 1916, St. Olaf Ladies Aid Society formed in 1901. St. Olaf Dorcas Society dates from 1927 and St. Olaf Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation was organized in 1937. Fiftieth an-

Pastor and Mrs. O. Ulring family, Fairdale area in the 1920's.

who served

the

A A D A L E N CHURCH

The history of Aadalen Congregation begins in the early 80's when the first immigrants settled in the area. Henrik Ohnstad, one of these settlers, was instrumental in organizing a congregation and in 1886 the Aadalen Congregation was established. However, as early as 1881-1883 Rev. J . Lonne from Grafton came to the area to baptize the children. Meetings were held in the homes. In 1884 or 1886 Rev. P. A. Nykreim came from Grafton. The first congregation was known as Adams Congregation, but because most of the settlers were from Aadalen in Norway, the name was changed to Aadalen. There were also some Swedish immigrants who formed a congregation of their own in 1894 when they secured Rev. Alfengren as pastor and the church was named Gustavus Adolphus. In the same year Silvesta Church was organized. Due to some disagreements in policies of the church, still another congregation known as St. Olaf was organized in 1901, with Rev. E. B. Wollan as pastor. 917

Rev. Omland was elected as pastor of Aadalen in 1887, coming from Park River. Moses Flugekvam, Henrik Ohnstad and John Lund were successful in acquiring a square acre of land which became the first cemetery, located on G. Rundhaug's land. The first baptism in Aadalen was Marie Flugekvam and Fred Rundhaug in 1887. The first confirmation was Elling Ohnstad and Thorvald Rundhaug in 1887. The first marriage was 1888 when John Mathiason and Mathea Thompson were married. The second marriage was that of Ole Nordlie and Sena Anderson. A cemetery fence was erected in 1888 with a committee consisting of S. Myra, Anders Holth and Lars Westberg as directors. The Ladies' Aid was organized in 1889. In 1894 Rev.

Omland resigned and Rev. Martin Iverson came. Rev. Arevik became pastor in 1900 and served until 1905. In 1889 efforts were made to unite Aadalen with Silvesta, but failed. January 12, 1902, a commission of seven men was appointed to arrange funds for the building of Aadalen Church. These men were Theodore Haug, Ole Arneson, Ole Braaten, Ole Stoa, Simon Myra, Helge Hogfoss and Thorvold Rundhaug. T. Haug donated two acres for the church site. January, 1905, Rev. Arevik submitted his resignation and Rev. Ludvig Pederson was called and served until 1911. Rev. Gustav Nordberg came and served until 1914. Rev. Laurhammer came in 1915. When Rev. Laurhammer resigned in 1925 he was succeeded by Rev. George Larson. He resigned in 1930.

LATONA TOWNSHIP Latona Township was named for a town in Ontario and first given a post office in the northern part of the township Feb. 18,1884, with John Lennon in charge. The post office was located on the John Nelson farm, Section 9, SW%; until 1905 and then moved to the George Mclntyre farm, Section 17, SEy , now owned by Laddie Bata. Both operated stores in connection with the post office. Nils Hove of Shepherd Township was mail carrier for several years for Latona, Linstad and Norton Townships. Latona Township was organized in 1884, but there is no record of the first officers. The first meeting recorded was held Aug. 12,1899. The board of supervisors met 80 rods north of quarter section comer of east side of Section 1, Township 156, Range 58. J. M. Nelson was clerk, James Bell, chairman and Alex Ferguson, supervisor. In 1900, officers listed were J. M. Nelson, clerk; Fred Lundin, Frank Brodina and John Johnson, supervisors. The first schoolhouse built in the township was built by Gilbert Steen on SWy of Section 2 (Hendrickson land) in 1885. The first teacher was Thomas Reinartson. It was later moved to SWy of Section 5. In 1909, this schoolhouse was moved to SWy of Section 16. It was then used as a town had. This is the town had we use today. There were four schoolhouses in this district. In 1898, one schoolhouse was budt on SEy of Section 20. In 1909, it was moved to Section 5, SW%. This is the one west of Oscar Heffta, Jr., farm home. Mary Bolger was the teacher at this time. E. B. Wodan was also one of the early teachers. There were 36 chddren and 12 seats, so the children sat three in each desk. 4

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About 1905 another school was built in Section 11. This is the school south of the Arthur C. (Doris) Bylin farm. One of the first teachers was Hilda Boe and Mary Bolger, and the last teacher was Mrs. Clarence (Antonia) Hendrickson, who taught there for the last seven years that it was open and until its closing in 1952, with seven children in attendance. The school is on the original site.

Mrs. Todef (Viola) Ldlehaugen was the last teacher. Two schools were in operation in 1961-1962. In 1962 the district was reorganized and some children went to Adams and some to Lankin. Rev. Nykreim and Rev. Omland were the first ministers to conduct services in the township. County records show the petition for organization of Latona Township was presented Feb. 4, 1884, by D. Lennon, B. Jones and John Lennon.

BIOGRAPHIES CARL JOHAN ANDERSON Carl Johan Anderson was bom June 14, 1865, in Malingsboro, Sweden. He came to the United States in 1893. He worked three winters in a lumber camp in Minnesota. In 1896 he married Elin Ndson who was born in Sweden Jan. 4, 1874. She came to the United States in 1893. She was sea sick all the way over to the United States. She stayed with her uncle, Rasmus Lingvest, in Norton Township and worked on neighboring farms. They hved in Latona Township on a farm that Rasmus Lingvest had homesteaded. Sig Bakke has this farm now. They hved here about five years. A daughter, Emma (Mrs. Clarence Gaarder of Park River), was bom here in 1898. She is now deceased. About 1900 they moved to Norton Township and lived on her uncle's farm after he died. Three sons were born here. They are Ragnar of St. Paul, Emil of Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Albin, San Diego, Calif. Their first house in Norton Township was a wood structure with insulation made of at least 10 layers of Swedish newspapers and a rnixture of flour and water. Mrs. Anderson's sister came to visit in 1908 but returned to Sweden. Carl was supervisor of roads plus other various jobs.

In 1918, there was need for another school and this was built on the SEy of Section 20. This is the schoolhouse Sig Bakke bought and moved to his farm.

In 1927 they moved to Park River. Carl died in 1954 and Elin in 1959.

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JOHN ANTOS My father, John Antos, was born in Czechoslovakia in 1878. He came to America when two years old with his parents and settled in Omaha, Nebr., for a few years. Later they moved to Minnesota and farmed. When drought came they decided to move to Hatfield, Wise., where my father grew up. When 14 years of age he had to go and work to help his father so they could get along through the winters. He was getting $17 a month and he thought he was getting good money. After a few years my father saved some money and bought 80 acres of timber land and cleared all the timber off and built a little house, barn and some sheds of logs on the 80 acres. Then he bought a team of horses, a cow, a pig and a few chickens. He had a garden and could pick all kinds of fruit there so it was a little easier to make a living there. In 1904 he married Julia Rusek. She was born in 1882 in Braidwood, 111. She also came with her parents and settied at Hatfield, Wise. There they farmed for a few years when they decided to sed their Uttle farm and moved to Lankin in 1908. There they farmed up to 1934, when the drought and hard times came. Grain was cheap. Times got so hard that he could not keep on farming. They decided to sell out in Latona Township where they farmed for 26 years and in 1934 moved back to Black River Fads, Wise, where they made their home with their son, Frank Antos. They were the parents of four chddren. Two < daughters died in infancy. The son, Frank Antos, hves at Black River Fads, Wise. He has one daughter, Mrs. Elmer (Sylvia) Nemec, who also hves on a farm near Black River Fads. They Uve on a dairy farm. They have three children. Mrs. Frank (Stacie) Peach is retired and dves at Adams. She also has three sons. John Antos died March 10, 1969, and Julia, my mother, died Sept. 16. 1964.

JOSEPH BATA There's an average-sized house on a small hdl about two miles west and six mdes south of Adams. It's not an overly large house, nothing of architectural interest, to all outward appearances there's nothing pretentious about it. Be that as it may, this house has held much love and laughter since its origin in 1904. Its occupants have been many; in fact, it has held a family of eleven at two different times. Possibly the only irregularity about this particular home would be that from 1905 to 1907 its present Uving room was a post office and store for the surrounding community. You can almost see the coal stove burning and area farmers walking or riding horseback to fetch the mad and pick up a few staples. One of the men who was to Uve in this house was Joseph Frank Bata. Joe, the son of Frank and Barbara Bata, was born April 11, 1885, in the vUlage of Ceska Ribna, Czechoslovakia. Time passed and it was early spring, March. Joe was eight years old and he and his four sisters and two brothers were busy in the vdlage. I wonder if he had any inkling or premonition, for it was at this time, March 27, 1893, to be exact, that his future bride, Frances Barta, entered the world. She was born to John and Marie Barta in the viUage of Havhckon Brod, Czechoslovakia. As Joe grew toward manhood he was taught the trade of his famdy - shoemaking. But Joe wasn't happy. As he was learning to make shoes with his hands his mind and his dreams were "stirring the sod." He'd heard so much about America, the fabled "Land of Opportunity" and he decided that that must be the answer. Joseph probably wasn't known as a particularly brave man, but that's just what it took - courage! He had no money, he couldn't speak a word of English, and he had no family in America. He left his home, his friends, his famdy in Czechoslovakia; most of whom he was never to see again. In 1904 we find Joe as a lumberjack in the woods near Cadet, Wise He worked for $10 a month for two years to pay for his passage to America. As Joe was starting his new Ufe in Wisconsin, a lady named Johanna Mclntyre homesteaded a quarter of land in Latona Township near Adams and her son, George, was buUding a small white frame house there, one of Joe's future homes. In 1906 Joe moved to North Dakota. Here he was getting closer to his dream of farming and was employed on farms in the Lankin, Whitman area during the summer. In the winter, it was back to the woods as a lumberjack, this time to Warroad, Minn. Joe worked hard and he knew what he wanted. He rented the SE%, Section 17, Latona Township from Johanna Mclntyre in 1908 and he started farming. It wasn't easy working from sun-up to sundown; doing everything manually with a horse or two for power and a hired man for help - if you could afford it. Joe was now 23 years old. Many of his friends were married and starting families. He began to think it would be nice to have a young lady by his side. The neighbors would get together after a hard day's work, or on a chdly winter evening, to play cards and visit, or enjoy an oldtime dance. Joe enjoyed the companionship of other young men and women and he possibly even courted a young lass or two, but he couldn't seem to find the woman that he wanted to share his dream and future with.

Mr. and Mrs. John Antos GRAIN PRICES Here are some of the prices that farmers got in the thirties. Grafton markets furnished by the Farmers Coop Grain Company: No. lDk. Northern, .23 a bushel; No. 1 Red Durum, .27 a bushel; Oats, .07 a bushel; Rye, .18 a bushel; Flax. .91 a bushel and Barley, .16 abushel. Produce furnished by the DeSoto Creamery: Sour Cream, .18 a pound; Heavy hens, .07 a pound; Ducks, .04 apound; Geese, .03 apound; No. 1 dressed turkeys (10-16 lbs.), .13 a pound; No. 1 young hens over 7 lbs., .14 a pound; and No. 2 turkeys, .07 a pound. These prices were in November of 1932. 919

Meanwhile, Frances was blossoming into womanhood. Frances was a pretty, energetic girl. Even though she enjoyed her family and school friends, her sister, who had married, wrote of her new home in America and that land across the ocean held glamour for Frances. In 1910, Frances, at the age of 17, master of only her native language, sailed across to the United States and joined her sister in Omaha, Nebr. Frances, always a busy girl, soon gained employment in a hotel restaurant and set about learning and improving her knowledge of the English language. One of Frances' good friends had married and moved to Lawton. It was through this friends efforts at matchmaking that Joe Bata and Frances began a correspondence by mail. WeU, it wasn't long and Joe went down to Omaha to make Frances his wife. AprU 12,1912, Frances Barta and Joe Bata were united in marriage. Joe and Frances journeyed back home in a train and were met at the depot by Ed Mclntyre in, wonder of wonders, one of those new-fangled Model T's! It was their first ride in an automobile. What a homecoming!

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bata wedding picture—1912. Joe was a married man now and had to look to the future. A year after their marriage opportunity knocked and Joe and Frances were there to answer! Joe realized his greatest ambition and homesteaded his own quarter of land right across the road from the "httle, white house" he'd been Uving in the past six years. George Mclntyre and his famUy moved back into that house to Uve there for the next three years. Joe and Frances had obtained their land, the SWv., Section 16, Latona Township, from the State of North Dakota. They broke the sod, began farming and buUt a little home. Joe became school treasurer and township director; positions he held for most of the 35 years that they were to live in that area. In 1913, a year after they became man and wife, Joe and Frances had a brown-eyed baby girl who they named Bessie. Two years later Sylvia was born, and in 1918 their first son. He was named Joe after his papa and was a lovable, chubby, httle feUow. For Joe things were going great. He had his home and his land, a wonderful wife and three beautiful chUdren. Yes, Joe felt they were truly blest. But in 1921, when Sylvia was six andhis "little Joe" only 3, tragedy struck the Bata home. Sylvia and "Little Joe" died within a month of each other; Sylvia after a Ungering illness due to scarlet fever and Little Joe after a swift, brief attack of pneumonia. Little Joe who had awakened that morning almost like his old, playful self:

their hearts had Ufted thinking - he's going to make it, he'U be aU right! Only to have him die suddenly a few hours later! Joe and Frances were beside themselves with grief and sorrow. But life on a farm can't and doesn't stand stiU. Joe and Frances and their daughter, Bessie, turned to each other and their farm with its duties to ease their grief. Months passed and Frances found hersed with chdd. A Uttle over a year after the death of their two chddren, Frances delivered a bouncing, healthy boy they named Myron. And two years later another son, Laddie, was added to the famdy. The next few years were busy and happy ones. It wasn't all work and Joe and Frances Uked to socialize. They and their three chUdren would meet with the neighbors for visiting, cards or feather-stripping. During the latter, the men would visit, whUe the women and chddren would remove the quids from duck and goose feathers. These feathers were used to make warm winter blankets caded "feather ticks" and for fdhng pUlows. There was other entertainment such as St. Peter and Paul Day at the old Bechyne Church. They'd attend church in the morning, have dinner there and spend the afternoon and evening dancing to stately waltzes, Uvely polkas and an occasional schottische or butterfly thrown in. Memorial Day was a big celebration at Kosobud HaU. All the neighborhood would attend the memorial services at the ZCBJ Cemetery and attend the dance in the evening. Yes, it was nice to Uve in a smaU community. In 1928 Joe bought his first brand new car. It was an Overland Whippet. What a day! Joe was so proud of it. The early 30's, the depression years, were hard on everyone. The white house across the road had been rented to Carl Strand from 1913-1918 and then sold to Walter Ferguson who lost it to the Federal Land Bank in 1934. Joe, once again, saw opportunity knocking and his determination and hard work paid off. He bought that quarter on the west side of the road and although the white house was to stand empty for 13 years, it was weU cared for. It stdl wasn't ad a bed of roses for Joe. In 1935 he burned all of his wheat crop except 10 acres because of rust. Anothertimehe took a whole load of wheat to town and it didn't bring enough cash to buy a load of coal. However, better times were ahead; the rain finally came, they had somehow managed to survive the bad years and in 1941 Joe bought his first combine. Myron was helping his dad farm. He loved the sod as much as his dad did. In 1946 Myron married a pretty, young, neighbor girl, Blanche Zahradka, and began farming on the home place in earnest. The next year Joe and Frances moved across the road and occupied the white house again. They were alone now. Bessie was married and Uving by Lawton and Laddie had just returned home from fighting overseas in the Second World War. Although Laddie had been badly hurt in the war and for a time his legs were paralyzed; he had his dad's determination and overcame his affliction, hi July, 1947, he married a sweet, httle, Scandinavian, Viola Lomen. In 1948 Joe rented his western quarter and the httle white house to Laddie and his bride and he and Frances moved to Lankin. There he remained, carpentering and selling some lumber until 1966 when he and Frances again moved; this time to a mobde home on Laddie's farm.

920

(Hannah) Elton, Mrs. Ole (Caroline) Garnaas, Mrs. Frank (Minnie) Drevecky, Mrs. Gilman (Alma) Elton and Henry. Halvor died June 6, 1903, and Helen died March 3 1925. Surviving are Mrs. Hannah Elton, Borg Memorial Home, Mountain, N. D., and Mrs. Gdman (Alma) Elton, Adams, N. D. Mrs. Hannah Elton owns the homestead, where the house still stands.

May 27, 1967, Joseph Frank Bata died. His sons still farm Joe's original two quarters of land and although Bessie preceded him in death, his wife, Frances, still lives in a new mobile home on the farm. Submitted by Judy A. McLaughlin. JAMES AND MARY BELL Jim Bell, my dad, came to the North Dakota prairies from Durham, Ont. He arrived at Grafton, traveling by oxen, and then to Latona Township where he lived until he died January, 1907. He proved up his land and reared a large family. He married Jane Lamb and they had nine children. They were all bom in Canada. They were: Will, James, George, John, Jane, Joe, Ben, Dave and Bert. His first wife died. He went back to Durham, Canada, and there married Mary Beaton. They had four girls, Mrs. Oscar (Jesse) Lundquist (deceased); Mrs. Ann Nelson (deceased); and Mrs. Fanny Thompson (deceased). Mrs. Walter (Lily) Palm, the only one left, was the youngest. I have one son, James, who hves in Murdock, Minn., with his wife and daughter, Julie Ann. Walter was a Soo Line operator at Adams in the early years and a depot agent at Lankin for 18 years, as well as in several other towns. Walter died in 1967 and is buried in Alexandria. Submitted by Mrs. Lily Palm.

VACLAV BOSH Vaclav Bosh, a single man, at the age of 23, came to America, staying in Minnesota a few years (around 1894). He worked in the forests. From there he came to Latona Township and farmed alone with oxen. He slowly started building up a house of sod, also a barn and granary. He walked to the Conway area where he worked. He hauled water for the threshing rig. Winters were hard, with a lot of snow and bad storms. Many times, he didn't go to feed the cattle in the bams for three days. You couldn't even see the sod house, which was low. They were snowed in. His wtfe, Marie Varilek, came to Geddes, S. D. She first went to her uncle and from there she went to Latona Township and married Vaclav Bosh. They raised two sons, Tony and James. They went to Park River to sed grain and buy groceries. In those days, there were no roads, only prairie roads with deep tracks. He started with three head of cattle and bought a three horse binder, six-foot McCormick. He also had a three inch cut, walking plow. A few years later, he bought a flying Dutchman plow, two bottoms and no seat. They used kerosene lamps to fight the house. When they were short of kerosene, Mrs. Bosh melted lard and put it in a saucer with a piece of rolled up rag for a wick. When they came here, they couldn't speak any Engdsh, only Czech. The only way to communicate was to point or by motion. Marie Bosh died March 15, 1950, and Vaclav Bosh died March 30, 1955. Their son, Tony, died Dec. 9, 1963. Jim Bosh stid resides on the homestead farm.

The James Bell farm house. HALVOR BERG Halvor Berg was born April 28, 1859, in Telemarken, Norway. He came by boat to the United States (which took three or four weeks) and on to Vesta Township, where he homesteaded Helen Marie Anderson was bom in Hadeland, Norway, Feb. 20,1860, and with her brother, Eric, came to the United States. Upon arriving in New York, Erick dropped dead and left Helen alone. She was not able to speak English. Money had been sent to them by a brother, Anders Askim (who had changed his name to Askim from Anderson, as there were so many Andersons in Norway). From New York, she went by train to Wisconsin and stayed with two sisters, Hilda and Anna. She then came to Vesta Township to work for Halvor Berg and married him in December, 1888, at Park River. In 1902, an eight room, wood house was budt by Ed Herwick for about $800. Four girls and one son were born, Mrs. Melvin 921

FRANK BRODINA Frank Brodina and his wife, Barbara Jedlicka, came to the United States from Czechoslovakia in 1883 by ship and stayed at Veseli, Minn., three years. In 1886, they came to Latona Township and homesteaded. Mr. and Mrs. Brodina reared a family of three sons and one daughter, Frank, John, Joe and Josephine (Mrs. Mike Bina).

HALSTEN K. DOVRE

They lived in a house made of sod. Kerosene lamps were used for light. Barns were also made of sod. They worked in the fields with oxen. Times were very hard, there was no rain for three years. No crops were taken in. Brodina worked for a threshing crew for $1 a day; at times for 50 cents a day. He walked 30 miles to Veseleyville and stayed there three weeks without coming home. There was a lot of tall grass and many prairie fires. The only entertainment they had was playing cards and visiting. The times changed a little and they were able to buy some cattle. One cow was bought for $10. Also bought was a plow and harrow. Then later on, they bought a drill and binder. All these years were mostly dry.

Mr. and Mrs. Halsten Dovre

Halsten K. Dovre came to the United States from Norway Nov. 3, 1892, and homesteaded in Latona Township. He went back to Norway to marry Sire Breiseth, who was bom July 28, 1866, in Nordre Aurdal, Valders, Norway. After their marriage Feb. 2, 1895, in Valders, they came to the United States, arriving in Park River April 29, 1895. Four daughters and two sons were bom, Bessie, Sena, Mary, Olga, Knute and Henry. Still living are Mrs. Earl (Bessie) Wear, in California; Mrs. Melvin (Sena) Dahl, Edmore; Mrs. Ted (Mary) Dale, Mrs. Iver (Olga) Dahl and Henry Dovre, ad of Park River. They hved in Latona Township untd Halsten's death July 28,1939 and Sire Dovre July 28,1943. The farm is rented out and owned by Henry Dovre.

Brodina was active on the township board and a member of the Catholic Workman Lodge. They attended church in the homes. They voted in their township. Frank Brodina, Sr., died Feb. 5, 1920, at 63. and Barbara Brodina died Jan. 7,1951, at 92. Their two sons, John and Joe, continued the farming. In 1937, the farm was rented to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kadlec and in 1960 they bought the homestead. Two sons, Maynard and Roman, were bom to Louis and Lddan. Maynard, his wtfe, Phyllis, and chddren, David, Douglas, Lori, Lisa and Kim, farm near Lankin. This past winter, the homestead was sold to Roman, his wife, Louella, and sons, Wayne and Brian, where they now dve. Mrs. Louis (Lillian) Kadlec, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. (Josephine) Mike Bina, has resided on the farm since the death of her husband, Louis, March 18, 1970. This coming fall, she wdl move to Park River. Mike and Josephine also had two sons, Rudolph Bina, Park River, and Ernest Bina, Lankin. Surviving members of the Brodina famdy are John, Grand Forks, and Joe Brodina, Lankin. JEMIMA CHING Jemima Ching, widow of Walter Ching, had the United States patent on the fodowing land in Latona Township: S% of SW/* of Section 4 and N% of NW% of Section 9. There is an indication that their sod house was in Section 4.

The Halsten Dovre Family

She was a teacher in Norton Township. Two of her pupils were Mrs. Ida Rosvold and Ernest Bylin. She was Ernest's first teacher. Whde teaching in Norton, she Uved in a small house close to the Hoff School. If anyone cared to go to school she would teach them in the winter time, too. It was unusual to have school in winter at that time. Mrs. Ida Rosvold and her sister, Mathie Mathison would go three weeks each. Mrs. Ching had a famdy of three boys and one girl. She was later married to a Stewart.

Carl Erick Erickson was born Dec. 14, 1864, in Darlana, Sweden. Carl came to America in 1893 at the age of 29. He came to Park River and worked on farms in that area. His first two years he worked to pay for his ticket to this country. He then homesteaded in Latona Township. Carl married Ida Peterson from Smaaland, Sweden, whom he met after coming to America some six years later. She had left Sweden at the age of 16 and had come to America working in Grand Forks and Minnesota.

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CARL ERICK ERICKSON

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Carl and Ida lived in a one-room house which is still standing on the homestead. Four children were born, Carl, Fred, Esther and Emma. In 1905, an eight room house was built and also a barn. Three more children were born, Ida, Lennart and Einer. Only three children survive and live in Grand Forks. During the early days in harvest time they would stack their grain and wait for the threshing rig which usually was a long wait. Erickson later bought his own threshing rig and this helped matters much as he also threshed some for others. Their closest town being Park River, meant a long 17 miles to haul grain and do other necessary duties. The family remembers many dry years and especially the year 1910 as it held both drought and death for them and the birth of a son, Lennart. Their son was born in August of that year and Oct. 7 of that same year their three year old daughter was taken ill and died. Erickson often spoke of that year 1910 and mourned her passing. The pastor used to come each Sunday and have his services in the school across the road from the Erickson home. Mr. Erickson was well prepared for doing her part in helping on Sunday with meals for the pastor. She was often called on to help with sick and dying people and she helped often in times like these. Carl Erickson hved to be 79, died in 1943. Mrs. Erickson died in January, 1959, at 86. The farm is at present rented out and this past year the home that had been such an active place burned to the ground, leaving only the one room homestead and the bam. KARL AND MARIA ERICKSON Karl Erickson and his wife Maria grew up and married in Sweden. After a few years of marriage, about 1902, they like so many of their friends, joined the stream of immigrants that came to the United States to seek a new life. They landed in Boston and from there they went to Park River where they were met by his sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Hans Hendrickson. After a few weeks stay there, they moved to a farm a mile or so south of the Norton Post Office. This post office was located in a small country store owned and operated by Anders G. Bylin who had come here from the same place in Sweden as the Ericksons and several other friends. For some time, Erickson worked as a blacksmith in a shop also owned by Bylin. There were other Carl (Karl) Ericksons in the community, so to distinquish one from the other he was referred to as "Smen," the Swedish name ipr blacksmith. Later they moved to Latona Township and farmed for several years. My father served for a time as "road boss." At that time farmers could work on the roads to pay off a tax called the poll tax. There was no heavy equipment at that time like we have now; work was done with horses and a scraper, a scoop shaped piece of machinery with two wooden handles to hold it down while scooping up the dirt and an ironhitch on the other end to which a team of horses was hitched. With this horse drawn machinery men budt grades across sloughs and also fdled in hodows in the road. There was always one man elected to oversee the workers and he was known as the "road boss." It was a far cry from the modern road work, but at that time it served its purpose very wed. I

can still see my father with the single buggy drawn by our old white horse named "Nedie," set out for a day as roadboss. That was before the Model T Ford became the mode of transportation. I also remember how we youngsters would spend a Sunday afternoon picking wdd strawberries in season. They were found along the edges of sloughs. Any slough that grew grass known as "red top" was sure to have strawberries growing around it. Never was there a sweeter tasting fruit, but with the draining of the wetlands, the wdd strawberry must have gone the way of the buffalo, because I never hear them mentioned any more. But those long ago suppers were topped off with a big bowl of wild strawberries and cream for the whole family. There were four chddren in the famUy: Hugo, who spent most of his life in the Adams community except for a time serving in the U. S. Army during World War I, he never married. Aimer, who married Elsie Payer; they had four children, Ada, Stanford, Eloise and Ronan, and 11 grandchddren. They hved most of their married life in San Francisco, Calif. Wddner, married Bertha Sander from the Edmore community, they had no chddren. Ebba, married Ben Severson; they farmed in the Adams area, had two sons: Barton, who married Ihese Jekabson, Elkhart, Ind., is stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, as a Captain in the Army Inf. Bennet, married Ann Monsebroten and they dve in San Jose, Cald. They have one daughter, Xan. Hugo, Aimer and Wildner have ad died. Mr. and Mrs. Karl Erickson and Hugo are buried in the Sarepta Cemetery south of Adams. Aimer is buried near San Francisco and Wddner at Petersburg, N. D. Ebba is a widow and resides at Adams. HEFFTA FAMILY February 29, 1836, a boy was born in Sigdal, Budskrud Arnt, Norway. His name was Ole Heffta. January 29,1851, a girl named Randi Kringstad was also born in the vdlage of Sigdal. Ole and Randi were married Aug. 31, 1874, in the Holmens Church, Sigdal. Five chddren were born, Ole, Oct. 26, 1874; Gunhdd, Dec. 3, 1878; Johan, March 22, 1884, (died at the age of five); Anna, March 2,1891; and Helga, March 21, 1893. Ole died on the Tostenrud place in Norway in December, 1917, at 81. His wife, Randi, died there Nov. 24, 1894, at 43. Ole, the eldest son, later immigrated to America. As Ole grew up he and other boys would take the cattle up the mountains where they could graze ad summer. The girls would stay there ad summer in smad houses and take care of the cows and make cheese out of the mdk. The boys would go up the mountains in the evenings and court the girls. Ole came to America when he was 19 because Ufe was hard there and they could barely make aliving. Here he met a girl named Ida Jorstad. She was born in 1883 in Walsh County. June 23, 1898, Ida Jorstad and Ole Heffta were married at Grafton. They homesteaded in 1899, the same year that Ole became a citizen of the United States. At first they were going to homestead near the junction of Highway 17 and Highway 32, but were afraid the water would move in on the lowland, so they decided to settle iouthwest of Adams in Latona Township, Section 8,

where it was more hilly. They built a house, barn and dug a well for $100. Four children were bom, Ragna, March 6, 1899; Clarence, Sept. 17, 1903, Oscar, Sept. 19, 1905; and Alvin, Nov. 13, 1908. The children attended Latona School No. 1 in District No. 74. There were four schools in this district. Minnie Hammerstad was one of the early teachers. The enrollment was large in these early schools, usually over twenty pupils. Prairie fires were a great hazard and they protected their farmsteads with firebreaks, plowing around them so the fire would have no grass to bum. A tragic experience did take place in their neighborhood when a neighbor, Andrew Borgeson, was trying to save his horses from a burning barn, and the last time he went in for them, the bam collapsed and he died inthe fire. Ole dug up big rocks and set them around the house and along the road. In Norway he was used to rocks and rugged terrain and doing this made him feel more at home. He had put fences around the rocks because cattle and pigs would come and tip the rocks over. The children were ashamed of these rocks because no one else in the neighborhood had done this. Clotmng was homemade and during the long hard winters there was plenty of time to sew. No patterns were used except the old clothing which was ripped apart and used as a pattern. During harvest time neighbors would get together and go from farm to farm and thresh. The meals were made in a cook car with two girls, usually, to do the cooking. If there was a rainy season the unmarried threshers liked to take the young cooks dancing, usually to a bam dance. There were many peddlers at that time, and if they got a night's lodging, they would sing for the farmers and entertain their chddren.

Mrs. Ole Heffta

ole Heffta and his "Hardanger" violin.

Ole Heffta was musicady talented and played the violin well. One of his violins had eight strings and was trimmed with mother-of-pearl. It was a "Hardanger" violin, a wed known viodn of Norway. Another hobby of Ole's was carving animals and other items out of wood. Many mornings whde making pancakes for breakfast he would carve designs on the stairway railing. He also drew artistic designs, which accounts for his beautiful embellished handwriting. In the winter only one trip totownwas made and that was usually before Christmas. When people bought their

staple groceries, they were stored in bins, and the grocer would scoop them up and put them in sacks; if a store didn't have hitching posts in front of his store, he would get very little business. Ole died in October, 1937. Ida died in July, 1919. They are both buried at Sarepta Cemetery, south of Adams. Clarence Heffta now lives in Adams; Ragna (Mrs. Roger Olson) hves in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Alvin makes his home in Grand Forks; Oscar married Selma Knutson at Whitman on Aprd 4, 1929, they have two chddren, Oscar, Jr., who married Kaye Midtlyng and Yvonne (Mrs. Jan Bjorg), Both families reside on farms in the Adams area. Oscar and Selma still reside on the Ole Heffta homestead — the farm with the terrain of Norway! CARL HENDRICKSON FAMILY Carl Hendrickson came here at the age of four from Grand Meadow, Minn., with his father, Tideman Hendrickson, and other members of his family to settle in Norton Township in 1882. He grew up there and for a time went to Aaker's Business Codege in Grand Forks. In 1902 he married Ingeborg Monson who as a young girl came from Bergen, Norway, with her mother and uncle, Halvor Moe. They lived in Park River for a short time. They settled in Latona Township where they resided until moving to Adams in 1941. Mr. and Mrs. Hendrickson were the parents of seven children, Clarence, Emd, Emily, Ida, Clara, Theodore and Irene. Emil and Clara died at an early age. He served as assessor of Latona Township for 27 years for which he used a bicycle for transportation. He was clerk of his community school district for 20 years and was very interested in politics, especially the Republican party. He belonged to the Lutheran church. JOHN JOHNSON John Johnson was born July 16, 1860. He homesteaded in Latona Township about 1895. He was active in township affairs, holding office as supervisor as early as 1900. He never married. He had no known relatives but was called foster father by Anna Heffta, aunt of Oscar Heffta, Sr. Whde involved in a dispute in Park River he accidently got his scalp split and it must have been bad as this made him take fife more seriously. He turned to the Baptist religion and from then on he was known by everyone as "Baptist John." He sold this land in Latona Township to Charlie Knutson and bought land in Golden Township. He died in the winter of 1930. The farm in Latona is the place where Oscar Heffta, Jr., now lives and owns. JOHN M. KOSOBUD John M. Kosobud was bom in a southern Minnesota settlement caded Vesed Dec. 23,1883. He came to North Dakota as a smad boy with his parents in a covered wagon. His parents homesteaded in Latona Township, across the road, west of where the Kosobud Had now stands. In 1905 they purchased a quarter section (SWy*, Section 15) in Latona Township, where John M. Kosobud started farming on his own. June 15, 1909, he married

Mary Shirek in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Bechyne after which they moved to this farm which was only prairie. They built a home and other buildings those first years. This farm now is where their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kosobud, Uve. John M. Kosobud was a precinct committeeman from Latona Township for many years and also served as road boss when farmers upgraded township roads with scrapers and horses, working off part of their taxes. He was also a co-owner of a steam threshing outfit for a number of years. Six children were bom, from the oldest to the youngest: Mrs. Jerry (Caroline) Shireck, Adams; Ted Kosobud, Adams; WiUiam Kosobud, Lawton; Laddie Kosobud, Rochelle, HI.; JohnT. Kosobud, Adams; Mrs. Bennie (Sylvia) Shereck, Grafton. John M. Kosobud died in 1935. Mrs. John Kosobud in 1972. JOSEF J . KOVARIK Josef J. Kovarik, at 18, immigrated from Bohemia to Minnesota in 1882, where he worked as a laborer and learned to speak English. He and Marie Kriha, his bride, whom he married in VeseU, Minn., in 1886, came in the spring of the same year to settle on a homestead claim on the NE /* of Section 11 in Sauter Township. Mr. and Mrs. Kovarik had a famUy of seven sons and three daughters: Mary, John, Annie, WUliam, Joseph, Frank, Albert, James, NelUe and Rudolph. The oldest daughter, Mary, married Frank Volse in 1904. They settled in Sauter Township, the NEV4 of Section 24. John, the oldest son, married Josephine Shereck in 1914 and they settled on the NW'A of Section 31 in Latona Township on a farm that Mr. Kovarik purchased in 1910. Kovarik was active in townships and church affairs. He was a member of the Z. C. B. J. Lodge and of St. Peter and Paul CathoUc Church of Bechyne, that he helped to build and to which he donated a beU. The Kovariks had only $18 when they came to North Dakota and it would have been almost impossible for them to start farming without the help of the friendly neighbors. Mrs. Kovarik stayed on a farm with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Infeld, whUe Mr. Kovarik buUt a sod house for them to Uve in. Joseph Waith and Edward Waith broke up some of the land and put the crop in for them. He worked on the railroad that was being budt from Michigan west and also worked with the threshing crew near Conway. They walked to these jobs. With the money earned, he bought a cow and oxen and later a team of horses from Bert Stary of Conway. During the first few years, Kovarik walked behind a walking plow, seeded grain with a seeder that spread the seed on top, cut the crop with a reaper and with Mrs. Kovarik's help, tied bundles by hand and stacked the grain. He did most of his trading in Pisek, where he hauled grain over 25 mdes from home and had wheat ground into flour. Sometimes it took over two days to travel up and back. Later, he did most of his trading in Michigan. Before the mail route was estabdshed from Lankin, they had 13 mdes to Praha and later, four mdes to Lambert to go for mail. Mr. and Mrs. Kovarik suffered many hardships for the first several years. They gathered cattie chips and twisted hay into a tight knot to burn as fuel. They fought prairie fires, drought, grasshoppers that ruined crops, killed poultry and livestock. One night when one of the

settlers, Frank Bazal was corning home from Michigan, the wolves attacked the horses when he was about seven miles north of town and he feared for his Ufe and stayed in a vacant barn by the roadside. Some of the settlers became discouraged and quit. One of these settlers was Mr. Zelenka who deeded his homestead in Section 8, Perth Township, to Kovarik in 1897. They moved the same year to Perth Township where they lived in a three room house budt entirely of lumber. In 1903 they moved into a two story, seven room house that they built. In 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Kovarik visited her mother in Chicago and brought back a Victor phonograph with a box of records. As this was the first phonograph in the neighborhood, there were many evenings spent by the neighbors, listening and dancing to the music. Marie Kovarik died July 22, 1941, and May 12, 1935, Josef J. Kovarik died. Rudy Kovarik, the youngest son, owns the homestead land.

1

Mr. and Mrs. Josef Kovarik—1906 OLE OLSEN LINSTAD Ole Olsen Linstad was the eighth of 10 chddren born to widower Ole Bergersen and Anne Christophersdatter Linstad in North Odal, Norway. He was born Sept. 11, 1860. He was eight years old at the time of his father's death. The year he was 21 he got the urge to see America, the country with free land for those who wanted it. With his determination, he left his homeland with his mother and two brothers, Berger and Edward. They arrived in Phdadelphia in September, 1882. From there, they went to Newago, Mich. Ole and Karoline Christofferson were married on Sept. 12,1882, by Rev. John P. Linded in Newago, Mich. Karohne was born in South Odal, Norway, May 20, 1861. The couple hved in Michigan for seven years before moving to North Dakota. Whde in Michigan, they lived in a house which had been known as a haunted house. But being brave, self-redant people, they would not let an old haunted house scare them away. Several nights they heard noise in the house, but they would not leave. Instead, Karoline was determined to find out what caused the noise. Here, she found in the entry to the house a dog trying to get at the meat that they had hanging there.

Three children were born to them in Michigan, Ole, Oct. 30, 1884; Anna Mathilda, May 26, 1886; and Inga Otelia, July 12, 1888. They moved to North Dakota and homesteaded on the SW'A of Section 8, Township 156, N of Range 58, 160 acres. This land is now owned by Irvin Mathiason. This patent was signed on Oct. 24, 1891. He later moved to Section 6 in the southeast quarter of the same township, the present site of the Gerald Linstad home. They moved in 1894. It was Aug. 15 of that year while they were moving that Ole Linstad was injured by lightning. He was in this storm with his wife and five children. The lightning struck and killed both oxen. Linstad himself was struck on the right ear, the current passing down his right side and making exit at his heel, paralyzing the man, tearing his clothing off and badly burning him. The other members of the family were not hurt. Ole recovered after several weeks in bed.

school was also held in their home. Also, the Ladies' Aid meetings were held in their homes. Mrs. Ole Linstad was an active member in the Sarepta Ladies' Aid.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Linstad

The Ole Linstad family and Edward Linstad children. Lejlt to right: Peter, Henry, Annie, Einar, Inga, Magnus, Karoline. Seated: Hans, Ole Linstad, Elmer, Emma, Mrs. Ole Linstad.

Besides the three children born in Michigan, they had: Henry, Jan. 9, 1891; Karoline Olava, Jan. 4, 1893; a son, 1894, not named (deceased); Peder Emd, June 25, 1896; Elmer Bertinus, March 29, 1899; Emma Wilhelmine, March 24,1901; Emma Oline, Jan. 16,1904; and baby girl, bom and died six hours later in 1908. They had three foster chddren, Minnie, Einar, and Hans Linstad, sons and daughter of the late Edward and Eli Linstad, brother of Ole Linstad. Emma Wdhelmine died on May 20,1903, at three. Ole died Feb. 5,1904, at 20. Emma Oline died May 19,1910, at six. Henry died on New Year's Eve in 1918 during the flu epidemic. Their foster son, Einar, died in 1911. Mrs. Ole Linstad died April 17,1921, at 60. That year, Mr. Linstad and his daughter, Inga, moved to Adams where he lived until his death on Sept. 29,1924.

The Ole Linstad famdy lived in the sod house untd in the early 1900's when they budt the wood frame house. Sod was readdy available so hence the homesteaders in that area selected that type of housing untd they were financially able to budd a frame house. Frame houses were budt differently in those days. It has been told that several homesteaders in that area budt four houses in one day from one load of lumber. Each house was six by eight feet and had sod floors. November 16, 1896, a rural post office was estabdshed on the NWy* of Section 11 in Shepherd Township. This was caded the Linstad Post Office. This post office was discontinued June 19,1908, and mail was then sent to Adams. Park River was the nearest town untd in 1905 when the Soo Line Radroad came through this community and the vdlage of Adams was started. Many times Linstad walked to Park River for groceries. To make extra money, Linstad also walked to a few mdes from Grafton and helped with the threshing. His wage for the day was 75 cents. He would walk home again with groceries for his famdy on weekends. The Linstad home was used for worship services as they did not have a church. After each service, Mrs. Linstad would serve a delicious meal to ad. She would also send a box fud of food, such as cream, milk, butter, sauce and baking, home with the pastor. Parochial

Anna Mathdda Linstad Grove, oldest daughter of Ole and Karoline Linstad, was bom in Muskegon, Mich., May 26,1886. She came to North Dakota with her parents at three. Anna married Elmer Grove, son of Erik and Kristi Grove, Dec. 5, 1908. They made their home on the Erik Grove homestead. Their seven chddren are: Mrs. Lloyd (Ethel) Slatten, Clifford O. Grove, Ellsworth A. Grove, Mrs. Orville (Inga) Olson, Mrs. Clayton (Alma) Bjorg, Palmer T. Grove and Mrs. Marvin (Edith) Drevecky. Inga Oteda Linstad Ness was the third child of Ole and Karohne Linstad, bom in Michigan July 12,1888. In 1921 she moved to Adams with her father and was employed at the Adams Post Office. In November, 1926, she married Tom Ness. They had one daughter, Mrs. Clif ford (Gwendolyn) Askim. Mrs. Ness died Nov. 1, 1955. Her husband, Tom, died in October, 1955. Karoline Olava Linstad Loken was born Jan. 4, 1893. She was married to Mandt Loken Nov. 19,1913. Their five children were Mrs. WaUace (Cora) Warner, Clifford Loken, Melvin Loken (deceased), Duane Loken and Mrs. OUver (Loma) Johnson. Mandt Loken died Feb. 1, 1958. Mrs. Loken has made her home in Fordvdle since 1952. Peder Emd Linstad was bom June 25, 1896. He was married to Gyda Anderson Dec. 15,1921. Peder took over his father's farming interests when he moved to Adams. The three children of Peder and Gyda Linstad were: Orville (deceased), Gerald, who farms the Linstad homestead and Mrs. Norman (Pearl Ann) Peterson.

Peder Linstad died March 31, 1954. Mrs. Peder Linstad resides in Adams. Elmer Bertinius Linstad was born March 29,1899. He married Agnes Loken Dec. 29, 1928, and farmed in Cleveland Township. Their eight children were: Clayton, Mrs. (Corrine) Kouba, Mrs. Howard (Eleanor) Close, twins, Marvin and Merlin, Vivian (deceased), Raymond and Wayne. Elmer Linstad died Aug. 29, 1964, and his wife, July 12, 1966.

1918. On April 5, 1920, Anna Syverson married Syver Moen at Assiniboia, Sask., Canada. Their three children are Selmer, Melvin and Velma. Moen is deceased. Mrs. Anna Moen has her home at Hazenmore. Sask. Magnus linstad was bom June 11, 1885, and grew to manhood in Latona Township. He married Caroline Johnson of Adams. Their eight chddren were Sherlock, Mrs. Frank (Mabel) Borovicka, Edwin (deceased), Leonard, Mrs. Archie (Mddred) Perkey, Lloyd, Harry and Mrs. Arnold (Alma) Bakken. Einar Linstad, the eighth child of Edward and Eh Linstad was bom in 1891. Einar died from tuberculosis in 1911 at 20. Minnie Linstad was bom Jan. 23, 1893. Minnie left Latona Township in 1910, and there she married John Sabo June 23, 1911. Their nine chddren were Irene, Mabel, Florence, Marvin, Orvdle, Lueda, Ruby, Elaine and Joyce. Hans Linstad, the youngest in the famdy was born Aug. 30,1895. He was seven years old at the time of his parents' deaths and in a few months came to live at the home of his uncle and aunt, the Ole Linstads, along with his brother Einar and sister Minnie. He grew to manhood here, being gone only during the time he served in World War I. Hans continued to dve on the Ole Linstad homestead with Peder and Gyda Linstad after bis uncle moved to Adams. After Peder's death March 31,1954, his son, Gerald, took over the farming interests and Hans has continued living with Gerald and his wtfe, Florence. Hans is Uving on the same homestead with the tliird generation of Linstads. Hans never married.

EDWARD OLSEN IJNSTAD Edward Olsen was the seventh child born to the family of widower Ole Bergersen and Anne Christophersdatter Linstad at Odalen, Norway, Nov. 16, 1858. He was 10 years old at the time of his father's death. Like his brothers and sisters, he spent his early childhood in the beautiful valleys of Norway. Edward married Eli Knutson in North Odalen, Norway. She was bom Sept. 27,1860. They immigrated to America in 1882 along with his mother, Anne Christophersdatter Linstad, and two brothers, Ole and Berger. They arrived at Philadelphia, Pa., in September, 1882. They went directly to Michigan to a sister who had left Norway earlier. Edward and his wife remained in Michigan for a short while. Twin boys were born to them in 1882, Ole and Charlie. From Michigan, they moved to North Dakota. Here land was available at little cost through the Homestead Act. October 24,1891, he acquired 160 acres of land, NW /* of Section 17 in Township 156 N of Range 58 W. This land is now owned by Laddie Bata. Later he moved with his family to Section 1 in Shepherd Township. Several of their children died at an early age. Probably the dwellings of the early settlers had something to do with this. Their sod houses with dirt floors were not the most ideal homes, possibly cold and damp at times. Consumption or tuberculosis, as we know it today, was a main cause of much dlness at that time. This seemed to be the main cause of several deaths in the Edward Linstad family. Besides the twins, Ole and Charlie, they had Magnus Barford, born June 11,1885; Harrold, bom July 12,1886; Anna, born Aug. 23, 1887; Petter, bom Aprd 11, 1888; Edward, bom May 30,1889; Einar, born in 1891; Minnie, born Jan. 23,1893; and Hans, bom Aug. 30,1895. The twins, Ole and Charde, died in 1901. Charlie died in a Grand Forks hospital when compdcations set in a broken leg. Ole died in Park River from a back injury. Harrold died on the farm after being bedridden with a hip or leg injury. He died Jan. 21,1901, at 14. Edward died at two months, Aug. 15, 1889. 1

CHRISTIAN H. LOTOF ChristianH. Lotof was bom in Stavanger, Norway, in 1868 and immigrated to the United States in 1891. He married Christine Ranai in Park River in 1895. She was born in HaUingdal, Norway, and came to the U. S. in 1892. They first lived in Norton Township, later moved to Latona Township and bought a farm of 240 acres now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Mathiason, Edinburg. They had eight children, Henry, August, Melford, Clarence, Ingvald, Hans, Geneva, Hazel and Gladys. The chddren Uving today are Clarence, Los Angeles, Catif.; Ingvald, St. Louis, Mo.; Hans, Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Geneva Anderson, St. Paul; Hazel (Mrs. Ervin Broderson), Grand Forks. Christian Lotof died in 1959 at 91, Mrs. Lotof in 1939. FRED LUNDIN Fred Lundin was bom in MeUrud, Sweden, March 6, 1867. He immigrated to Boston, Mass., in 1885 and came to Norton Township in 1888. Louise Prestrud was born in Hedemarken, Norway, Jan. 6, 1861. She worked as a housekeeper for a wage of $20 a year. She came to Norton Township in 1887 and married Jens Froiland. They had one daughter, Thea (Mrs. Oscar Helle), before his death. In 1893, Fred Lundin and Louis Frodand were married in Norton Township. Their chddren were Alma (Mrs. Schang Halberg), Elmer, Ludvig and Oscar.

Edward died May 17, 1902, and Eh Sept. 29, 1902, leaving five children in age from seven to 17. The parents died from consumption. The chddren continued to live at the home for a few months. However, they found this very difficult. It was then decided that the two oldest chddren, Magnus and Anna, would go to work for a neighbor, Julius Foster. The three youngest chddren, Einar, Minnie and Hans, went to live with their uncle and aunt, Ole and Karohne Linstad. Anna Linstad was married to Ole Syverson Sept. 10, 1907. In 1910 they moved to Sask., Canada, where they homesteaded at Pinto Creek. Their chddren were Russed, Lawrence, Ohver and Ahce. Severson died in

They came to Latona Township in 1899 and settled on the farm that is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Sig Bakke. Mr. Lundin was active hi township affairs being on the board of supervisors as early as 1900. 927

They hved in Adams before moving to Ryley, Alta., in the fall of 1919. They hved on a farm north of Ryley until 1925 when they moved into town where he was in the machine business until he retired. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on April 20, 1943. Mr. Lundin died Feb. 8, 1945, and she died June 17, 1949. Their children now living are Mrs. Thea Helle, Elmer and Oscar. Elmer has been back here for visits.

Elkhorn, Ia.; Mrs. Gustav (Ellen) Ringsrud, Cashmere, Wash.; and Mrs. Gus (Ameha) Jesswein, Kenmare. A new set of buildings was built in 1897. Lumber was used. The first land, 167 acres, was bought from Dr. C. S. Blakesle for $209 and in 1884 an adjoining 120 acres were bought from George Waterman for $700. He had homesteaded it. Later in 1899, 160 acres were bought in Section 2, Latona Township from McEwen and Dougherty for $900. The 447 acres were bought for a total of $1.800. a lot of monev at that Hme. About 1915, he rented the land to two neighbors, J. T. Gustafson and John Rosvold, his son-in-law. In 1918, he sold his personal property and moved to Adams. The land was then rented to Ed Udby for six years, hi 1924 it was rented to the Rosvold family again. They later bought the farm. Mathison hved in Adams for 18 years with his daughter Mathea. He died in 1935 at 84. Mrs. Ida Rosvold, 93, hves on the farm with her children, Henry and Thelma, who now own the farm. They have lived there 51 years. JOHN NELSON John Nelson was born in Sweden and immigrated to Glenwood, Minn. When he came to North Dakota, about 1885, he settled first where Lankin is now, but later decided to come to Latona Township on account of hay and grass for the cattle. He had met Martha, who later became his wife, at Glenwood, Minn. He wrote her and they were married. She was bom in Sweden, also, and was seven years old when she came to Glenwood. They had nine children, Harry, Ben, Selma, Albert, Oscar, Agnes, Arthur, Lillian and Emma.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lundin on their golden anniversary. HENRY MATHISON

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mathison Henry Mathison was bom at Fyn, Denmark, Oct. 26, 1850. He immigrated to the United States when he was 19 years old. He came to Axtell, Neb., where an older sister hved. He learned the shoemaking trade in Denmark and worked at that and other jobs. He married Caroline Jorgensen, who came from Copenhagen. They later lived in Iowa and from there cametoNorth Dakota. They settled in Vesta Township in 1882. They then had a family of four girls, Annie, Louisa, Mathea and Ida. Brush had to be cleared out before any buildings could be built. Their first house was of logs. Four more girls, Emma, Essie, Ellen and Ameha were born here. Of the eight daughters, four are living: Mrs. John (Ida) Rosvold, Adams; Mrs. Hans (Emma) Eskov,

Albert, Ben, Harry Nelson, sons of John Nelson. In the late eighties people moved out on account of drought and one year the crops froze. In 1891 rain came and they got so much of it that people were threatening to leave on that account, but decided they'd stay. Horseshoe Lake in Sauter Township got full overnight. The post office was located at the John Nelson farm until 1905 when it was moved to the George Mclntyre place. This is where Laddie Bata now lives. They operated stores in connection with the post office. Nils Hove hauled the mail from Park River to Latona, Linstad and Norton post offices. He had two teams of ponies 928

- one black and one white. He used one team and then changed in Park River for the homeward stretch. They hved in a sod house and also had a sod barn. The barn that stands on the place now was built by Ole Skavhaug, Aneujs Skavhaug's brother, in 1916. Nelson was active on the township board. The first meeting of the board of supervisors recorded was held Aug. 12,1899, and J. M. Nelson was clerk at that time. He also served as county commissioner for one term. Mrs. Nelson died in Canada July, 1918, while visiting their son, Ben. Mr. Nelson died March, 1921. Children now Uving are Harry Nelson 85 years old, and Mrs. Lilhan Lindsey, both of Alexandria, Minn. The farm is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Laddie Bata.

baritone, which he brought along from the old country. Soon he formed a band. His sons, Joe, Charley and Frank, along with a few neighbors, Frank, John and Joe Brodina and Martin Shereck, played for social gatherings at Bechyne. At Bechyne, the Pich family were members of the St. Peter and Paul CathoUc Church. In the meantime, his family grew larger, adding Jim, Elizabeth, William, Albert, Margaret and the twins, Alice and Lillian. About 1910 he heard there was land to be homesteaded in Sask., Canada. He moved the famdy, horses and some machinery by train to a place near Rosetown. He, his father, and son, Joe, Frank and Charley, acquired land by homesteading. John, Jr., Louis and Annie stayed on the farm in Latona Township. By then, they had several quarters of land and two more rooms were added to the house in North Dakota. John Pich died in 1914. His widow and the younger chddren moved back to North Dakota, whde Joe, Frank, Annie, Louis and Jim stayed and farmed in Saskatchewan. In 1931, Wildam Pich and Rose Kotaska were married and raised two sons. They stiU Uve on the farm in Latona Township. The first years were very trying times, with dust storms, drought and grasshoppers, but there was always enough to eat on the farm.

ADOLPH AND CHARLEY PACHL Adolph and Charley Pachl who settled in Latona Township in 1910 were sons of Joseph and Anna Pachl. They were bom in Czechoslovakia and immigrated to Owatonna, Minn. There were 12 chUdren in the famUy: Joseph Pachl, Jr., (father of Mrs. Jim Kosobud), Adolph, Charley, Henry, WUliam, James, Frank, Kate, Helen,' Mary, Anna and Agnes. None of them are Uving. Annie and CUnton Lord (banker of Park River) acquired the land about 1919. Joseph Vitek came from a vdlage caUed Ceska in Rybna, Czechoslovakia, to Cadet, Wise., with Joseph Bata. He worked as a lumberjack for two years and came to North Dakota in 1906. He worked in the Lankin and whitman area. About 1928 he bought both Section 17, SW /., and Section 18, SWv*, in Latona Township. He married Clara Zelina and they had one son, Frank, who was kdled in the war. Mrs. Vitek was kdled by lightning. They were haying and a thunderstorm came up. They took refuge in a barn. Mrs. Vitek was wondering how the storm was coming so she opened the bam door and the lightning struck and kdled her. They had left their boy, Frank, with Mrs. Jim Kosobud when they were working Vitek married again and they had two girls, Mary and Rosy. His third wife was Emma Vcndra. They had a boy and a girl, Joseph and Mddred. She had a boy and two girls by a previous marriage, Frank, Agnes and Francis. Ad these children are Uving except Frank, who was killed in the army. Joseph Vitek was a concertina player. He played fadances and other community gatherings. He was a mason and worked on the Lomice Church. They moved to Lawton in 1949 and he died about a year later. Mrs. Vitek died a few years ago. Mr. and Mrs. George Mider now own this land. 1

Mr. and Mrs. John Pic and family PER PETERSON Per Peterson was bom in MaUngebo, Dalama, Sweden, May 21,1854, and came to the United States as a young man. He was a brother of Mrs. Per Sjoberg of Latona Township and Mrs. Ben Borgeson of Park River. He worked on the railroad for some time before coming to Dakota Territory. He first bought land from the government in Norton Township in 1883 for $1.25 an acre. He had the post office in his home caded Gait. He had a tree claim in Latona Township in 1883 and homesteaded in Latona Township in 1904. He had a general store and post office in Shepherd Township called Linstad named after an early settler, Edward Linstad. This was discontinued in 1914. He died Dec. 15, 1916. Sjobergs now own this land in Latona Township.

JOHN PICH John Pich and his wife, Mary JedUcka, and their children, Joe, Mary, Annie, Frank, Charley, Louis and John, accompanied by his parents, ad bom in Czechoslovakia, came to the United States by ship in 1900. They stopped in Chicago where his brother, Frank, Uved. After a short visit, the travelers came to Lankin and stayed with the John Swartz family for some time. By now there was no land avadable under the Homestead Act, so they bought a quarter of land in Latona Township and budt a smaU two story house and the famdy of 11 people moved into it. John was a carpenter by trade and also a good musician, playing the

CHARLIE KNUTSON Charlie Knutson was bom in Sauk Centre, Minn., in 1872. He married Sophie Johnson in 1896. Sophie was born in Medrud, Sweden, and came to the U. S. as a young woman. She cooked at a hotel in Grand Forks for a time 929

before her marriage. In 1897 Charlie and Sophie homesteaded in Roseau County, Minn., and in 1902 they came to Walsh County and operated a cafe in Adams until they bought a farm from "Baptist" John Johnson in Latona Township in 1903 where they lived until 1918 when they moved to Norton Township. The Knutsons had six children. Robert married a girl from Loma; Carl married Mabie Myren; Rudolf married Lila Gilbertson; Archie married Olga Lundene; Edna married Marifjeren and Daisy married Edwin Helle. It is said Charlie was one of the best singing square dance callers at that time. The home he bought in 1903 is presently owned and Uved in by the Oscar Heffta, Jr., famdy. The farm he bought in 1918 is presently owned arid occupied by Rodger Gustafson. They moved to Auburn, Wash., in 1936.

came to this country. She got jobs and learned to speak some English, but decided she would go to school. She went for one day, but then her sister's husband died in a snowstorm which left her sister, Anna, with several children and pregnant, so Kari left school to stay with Anna. Anna came for a visit after Kari and Sam moved to Adams. She came to see her daughter, Andrina, who came earlier and was a dressmaker in Park River. Andrina had met and married a widower, Jim Martin, who had a small boy. They lived in Park River for some time. They had three children and came to visit Kari often. Clara worked for them for a while. Later, they moved to Washington. Kari died in 1926 and was buried in Quale Cemetery near FordviUe. FRANK A. SIREK, SR.

SAMUEL AND KARI SEVERSON Samuel Severson was bom Feb. 25, 1884, and died January, 1911. He married Kari Bendicksdatter Vangsness, bom Jan. 12, 1845, and died March 12, 1926. Their chddren were: Bertha, bom Aug. 16,1870,died July 28,1897; Sena Andrina, bom Jan. 12, 1872, died Aug. 30, 1872; Syver Johannes, born March 20,1873, died Nov. 22, 1955; Sena, born Aug. 28, 1874; Andrina, born May 10, 1876, died March 27,1957; Bennett Hallock, born May 27, 1878, died June 11, 1951; Karl Ragnelius, bom Feb. 20, 1880; Klara Sofia, born Sept. 30,1881; Henry, born Dec. 9, 1883, died Oct. 9, 1956; Johannes, born June 5,1885, died 1935; Dena, born Jan. 1,1888; Alma Sophia, bora Jan. 30, 1891. Samuel and Kari first farmed in the area of Lyle, Adams, and Taopi, Minn. Their first chdd, Bertha, was born here. In 1882 Samuel and Kari settled with their famdy in Latona Township. They budt a sod house and hved there 12 years. Klara was a baby when they came there. Henry, Johnny, Dena and Alma were born here. There were no doctors or hospitals. Kari delivered many babies. A young nurse from Norway came into the neighborhood and married a widower with a large family. She got the job as midwife and delivered hundreds of babies. Her name was Mrs. Anna Halberg. She attended Alma when Arlene was born. In 1894 they left the homestead and moved down to a beautiful site by the river near Adams.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sirek Frank A. Sirek, Sr., was bom to Albert and Kathrine Sirek at New Prague, Minn., June 29, 1884. He was baptized at Lonsdale, Minn., in the Cathode faith. In 1886, he moved with his parents and four brothers, Mike, John, Albert and Joseph, to Perth Township, Lankin. The same year they budt a sod house with the assistance of the Bosh and Kovarik brothers. In 1901, Albert Sirek, Frank's dad, homesteaded in Perth Township, SEy* of Section 8, Township 155, Range 58. This is where Widiam Zahradka now hves. Here, James, twin sons, BUI and Adolph, Tom, Mary, Elizabeth, Ludvig and Lena were bora. James E. Dougherty (banker in Park River) got the patent on SE Vi -156-58 in Latona Township. In 1914 Frank A. Sirek, Sr., acquired this land and this was their home until their deaths. The barn and shed were built at this time. Frank boarded with his sister, Mary Kosobud, when he farmed this land. Albert Sirek and his sons had a Minneapolis steam rig in 1917-18 and they threshed in the community. After Albert died, the rig was sold to Adolph Sirek. Frank A. was a fireman for this rig and BiU Kovar of Owatonna, Minn., was the engineer. Albert Sirek died in 1918 and Kathrine, Frank's mother, in 1921. In 1922 Frank A. Sirek, Sr., married PauUne Zahradka, daughter of Joseph and Maria Zahradka of Shepherd Township. At this time they built their house

Sam Severson served in the Civil War. He died in 1911 and was buried in Quale Cemetery near Fordvdle. Six brothers and two sisters came to America. Sam came to North Dakota in 1882. He hved on a pre-emption and later on a claim. Five successive crop failures and then grasshopper pests were experienced. Out of a group of pioneers who came to this section, only Bylin and Sam remained and saw the hard times through. There were had, drought and cutworms untd 1891, the first good year, and a gradual rise to prosperity. 1891 was a winter of heavy snow. They walked through a tunnel from the house to the barn. In that summer they hauled wheat with oxen to Michigan City, 25 mdes distant, to get 35 cents per bushel. Kari had two sisters and one brother. Her two sisters were both named Anna. One died of leprosy. The other Anna was Mrs. Barlow. Her brother's name was Gutorm, later changed to George. Kari was 17 years old when she 930

and home. They were the parents of four children, Bill, Camellia (Mrs. Ed Skalicky), Henrietta (Mrs. Duane Strand) and Frank A., Jr. He was a member of the school board in 1935 and was also police of the Z.C. B. J. Lodge for five years. In 1955 when Adams celebrated their 50th anniversary he joined the parade with four horses on a McCormick Deering binder. He acquired the NWVi of Section 16 from Gust and Sylvia Swartz in 1947 which he deeded to his son, William, Jan. 14,1957. Frank A. bought state school land, NE'A of Section 16, at public auction in the Grafton Courthouse Nov. 27, 1945. In 1954, Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Sirek, Sr., and family joined the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lankin. March 8, 1972, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. Sirek, Sr., died June 6,1973, and Mrs. Sirek Nov. 2, 1972. They are buried at the W. F. L. A. Lodge Cemetery, south of Kosobud Hall. FRANK SHERECK

PER SJOBERG Per Sjoberg was bom in Armsby, Narke, Sweden, Feb. 3,1865, and Emma Peterson was bom in Malingsbo, Dalarna, Sweden, on Oct. 28,1866. They were married in Malingsbo, Dalarna, Sweden, Dec. 31, 1893. In August, 1906, they immigrated to the United States in company with Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Bylin and Mr. and Mrs. Ben Borgeson. Both Bylins and Borgesons had been back to Sweden for a visit. A. G. Byhn and Mrs. Per Sjoberg attended the same school in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Sjoberg and five of their chddren, Wdlie, Alfred, Ingeborg, Jennie and Arvid, arrived at the Ben Borgeson farm, near Lankin. They stayed a short time and then came to Latona Township and stayed with Mrs. Sjoberg's brother, Per E. Peterson, who had come here and homesteaded in Latona Township in the eighties. He also had land in Norton Township. Ruth Sjoberg was bom after they came to the United States. Per Sjoberg held office on the township board and with Aneus Skavhaug, Ole Linstad and Ole Elton had a company threshing machine and threshed in the community. Mrs. Sjoberg died Sept. 30, 1939, and Mr. Sjoberg March 9,1960. They are buried at the Sarepta Cemetery. Children living are Willie, Arvid and Ruth on the famdy farm and Mrs. Arthur (Ingeborg) Erickson, Sr., in Adams. The Peterson homestead land in Latona Township is now owned by the Sjoberg famdy. SAM HOLLAND The homestead claim of Sam Hodand, also known as Sam Hydand, which consists of 160 acres in Shepherd Township was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt on Feb. 13,1905. Per Sjoberg purchased this tract of land from Anna S. Hodand on May 9, 1909. This land is now owned by Mrs. Arthur (Ingeborg) Erickson, Sr., and Arvid Sjoberg. HELEN MELLSTROM Helen Medstrom bought 40 acres of land in Latona Township for $1.25 in 1902. She sold it to Per E. Peterson March, 1903, for $475. This land is now owned by Willie Sjoberg of Adams. ANEUS SKAVHAUG

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shereck Frank Shereck was bom in New Prague, Minn., Jan. 26,1885, and came to Latona Township with his parents when he was a small boy. He farmed with his parents in Section 25 where his parents homesteaded. In 1908 he married Mary Rose at the St. John's Church in Pisek. They homesteaded Section 33, Latona Township, untd they retired in 1953. They were active in community and church affairs. In 1953, they moved to Lankin. He died in January, 1954. His wde, Mary, died July, 1971. They had four chddren, Leonard and Jerry of Adams; Steve, Crookston, Minn. One son, Herman, died in infancy.

Aneus Skavhaug, son of Andor and Anne Skavhaug, was born in Verdalen, Norway, in 1856. Aneus had one brother, Ole, and one sister, Greta. His father died when Aneus was eight years old. He served in the mditary in Trondhjem, Norway, for three years as a private and then entered mditary academy for four years. He graduated with the rank of sergeant. In 1883, he immigrated from Norway to Evansvide, Minn. In 1885 he came to Latona Township. When Aneus came here, he, Berger Linstad and John Hagen walked from Mapes. Linstad became id. They heated slough water and mixed it with alcohol and gave it to him. In the morning he had recovered and they started on their way. They came to the John Nilson farm — these were the first people they saw. Aneus Skavhaug helped Rev. Holseth, an early minister, chase cattle to Devils Lake as cattle prices

Their son, Carl, is hving in Adams Township. He married Mabel Elton, who died in 1959. They had four chddren, Arlow, Alden, Mrs. Ted Hendrickson (Muriel) and Mrs. Carol Cavalier. Arlow died in 1959. Alden lives with his father. Mrs. Hendrickson lives in Minot and Mrs. Cavader lives in St. Paul, Minn. Carl has a wonderful memory and it seems his interests and knowledge touch most any subject. The Skavhaug homestead is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Heffta, Jr.

were supposed to be better there. When they got there, Holseth wasn't satisfied with the prices so they had to chase them back. Holseth had to get back because he had services on Sunday. He went back with horse and buggy and Aneus was left to get the cattie back. In 1889 he married Aagot Monson Nordaas. She was born in Sovde, Norway, and she came to Storey County, Ia. Children were Andrew, Bertha and Carl. In 1890 Aneus was a census taker. For this he got a sdver star, this made him a U. S. Officer so tf someone wouldn't give him information he could report them. Carl's daughter, Muriel (Mrs. Ted Hendrickson), has this star. In 1890, Aneus was assessor for four townships, Dewey, Kinloss, Sauter and Shepherd. In the yard at their farm just southeast of their house there seems to have been an Indian camp site. There appears to have been a camp fire ring where they did their cooking. The trad leads from southeast of the house northwest towards the granary and on northwesterly.

Mr. and Mrs. Aneus Skavhaug, Carl and Andrew on the step).

PETER T. WISTE Peter T. Wiste, son of Torger Wiste Heimdalen and wife Gertrude, was born Feb. 11, 1862, in Vestre Slidre, Valdres, Norway, on a place owned by Neste. He grew up on a place caded Heimdalen which belonged to one of the Wiste places. Olina Endreson, daughter of Endre and Ragnhild Endreson, was bom in Gol, Hallingdal, Norway, on Feb. 9,1859. Peter and Odna were married May 15, 1883, and immigrated to America in the spring of 1888 and stayed with Gunder Wiste, a third cousin. They moved to the Pleasant Vadey area where they hved until moving to a farm in Latona Township in the spring of 1896 where they continued to make their home for 31 years. Neighbors and friends in Latona Township helped Peter and Olina build their sod house and barn in 1897. The one large room sod house was plastered with a certain kind of clay, then mixed with water and later white washed. This was their home for many, many years. With several chddren of their own, they also found room to board the school teacher who occupied one smad area in a corner of the sod house, which was partitioned off by hanging white sheets. Years later, a wooden structure was budt on the south side of the sod house which was their bedroom and parlor. In 1910 a large barn was erected and a two-story frame house budt in 1916. The barn blew down in 1954 but the house stdl stands. Wiste was a cobbler from the old country; he bought leather and made ad the chddren's shoes. He also made their skates from files, on which they learned to ice skate. He was handy and clever with a knife, as he made many wooden articles, such as spoons, hand whittled and carved lefsa rohers and sticks, fancy fattigmands dough cutter, wooden shoes for his twin sons and his beautiful Hardanger violin with eight strings. He cut up pearl buttons to use for the inlaid fingerboard. In 1927 they retired from the farm and moved to Adams which was their home for 12 years. The same year they took a boat trip to Norway to visit relatives and friends. They observed their golden wedding June 7,1933. Peter and Olina were parents of six sons and four daughters. Their eldest son, Torger, was three years old and Julia, the eldest daughter, was one and a half when they came to America. Other chddren were the twins, Emil and Edwin (Edwin served in WWI), Inga, Peter, Jr., Clara, Olga, Clarence and Selmer. Mrs. Wiste was instrumental in the community buying the Congregational Church in Adams and moving it south of Adams to its present location. John Gilbertson was hired to move the church out to its present site. It is known as the Sarepta Lutheran Church of which both Mr. and Mrs. Wiste were life-long members. Mrs. Wiste was president of the Sarepta Ladies' Aid for many years. Fodo wing Mr. Wiste's death Sept. 15,1939, Mrs. Wiste made her home

(sitting

Sven Halbergs were neighbors of Skavhaugs. Two of the Halberg boys, Schang and John, were herding cattle near Skavhaugs, so Mrs. Skavhaug, Andrew and Carl went to ask them to come over and have dinner with them. Andrew was to watch the cattle whde the boys ate. When they got there, the boys had their lunch along and John milked a cow so they would have something to drink with their meal. This was in 1899 or 1900, so Carl was only two or three years old at the time, but he remembered this. Aneus served on the township board for years and was also assessor. He taught Norwegian school. He was sexton at church. He had a good singing voice so he led the singing. He held various offices in the church. He was one of the group that wrote the first constitution for Sarepta Congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Skavhaug were lifelong members of Sarepta Congregation. Mrs. Skavhaug was one of the early workers of the Sarepta Ladies' Aid and held offices for years. Mrs. Skavhaug died in August, 1930, and Mr. Skavhaug in March, 1940. They are both buried at Sarepta Cemetery. Their son, Andrew, was a great worker in the community. He held offices on the township board and also on the church board. He also held other offices in the county and was regarded with great esteem by his feflow workers. Andrew's first school term was in a building that now is a storage budding on the Sjoberg farm. His teacher was Christ Lofthus. 932

with her daughter, Clara, who lived near Fordville. She was blind for seven years and died Feb. 18,1941. Both are buried in Sarepta Cemetery. Children now living are Clarence and Selmer Wiste, both of Fordville, Mrs. Albert Jallo (Olga) of Lankin and Mrs. Pete Hagness (Clara), Huntington Park, Calif. The farm is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Drevecky of Adams.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wiste. Front row: Selmer, Mr. and Mrs. Wiste, Clarence. 2nd row: Olga, Clara. 3rd row: Emil, Julia, Torger, Inga and Edwin.

CHURCHES & SCHOOLS SAREPTA CONGREGATION The organization of the Sarepta Lutheran Church of Latona Township dates back to the early eighties. At first it was organized under the name, the Latona NorwegianSwedish Lutheran Congregation, but it was affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran Conference of America. This organization was perfected in 1884. The first pastor serving the congregation was Rev. P. A. Nykreim and later Rev. G. J . Omland. About the last years of the past century a new constitution was adopted and reorganized under the name: Sarepta Scandinavian Evangehcal Lutheran Congregation of Latona Township. The congregation sent a cad to Rev. E. B. WoUan and he accepted the call and served the congregation for a number of years. Sarepta Church got its name from the Bible. Sarepta is a city on the Great Sea on the boundary of North Palestine. The trustees of the new congregation were Ole 0. Linstad, Ole Ronald and S. H. Koppang. P. T. Wiste was treasurer and Anders (Aneus) Skavhaug was secretary. They had services at the homes and sometimes at the schoolhouses. Rev. E. B. Wodan was one of their first ministers. Then they had Rev. M. 0. Sdseth, who came from Lankin. in 1929, they bought the small Congregational Church in Adams and moved it out to the Sarepta Cemetery where it now stands. The front part of the church was added on and also the kitchen. On Sept. 11, 1931, the church was dedicated by the Right Reverend Dr. David Stoeve. Rev. B. J. Hatlem was their first minister after they got a church. He served from 1930 to 1943. Carl and Ted Hendrickson made the kitchen cupboards and painted the interior of the church in 1938.

Selmer Wiste made the pews the same year. In 1941 Rev. Hatlem made the pulpit and the lower part of the altar. Andrew Skavhaug and Sig Bakke made the upper part of the altar and the altar ring. Torger Wiste made the minister's chair. He did the carving on the rungs and so forth by hand. Mrs. Inga Ness donated the crocheted cloth for the altar. Rev. 0. T. Haugen served the congregation from 1943-1957. At this time we had afternoon services. Parochial school was held through 1947. In 1949 we had the church wired for electricity. Rev. E. R. Leivestad was our pastor from 1957-1963. hi 1958, Mr. and Mrs. Chfford AsMm donated the Communion Set in memory of Mrs. Askim's mother, Mrs. Inga Ness. In 1961 we instaded the furnace. Mrs. Christine Bylin donated a Bible in memory of Vernon Bylin. In 1962 Jerome Bylin and Gerald Linstad made book holders for pews. Christine Bylin donated the material. Rev. Gary Olson served our congregation from 1963-1965. In 1965 we remodeled the kitchen. Jerome Bytin buUt additional cupboards with help of other church members. A rug was laid in the kitchen and we also put in a kitchen stove. The north waU in both the church and kitchen were closed up and a mural was put on the north wad of the church. Doris Skavhaug painted the interior of the church. The organ was sold to Mrs. Clarence Nygard at this time. This organ was in the church at the time they bought it. Dr. Landgrebe served as relief pastor for nine months in 1966. Rev. A. G. Elders served as pastor from June, 1966, to December, 1966. We got a candelabra, candle lighters and snuffer at this time. A cross for the altar was given in memory of Arthur Curtis ByUn by Doris Bylin and family. A stand for the Bible was given by Mrs. Doris Bylin and family in memory of Danny Bylin. Rev. David Christenson served as pastor here from March, 1967, to December, 1971. hi 1967 we got the carpet for the church. In 1968 we carpeted the entrance, also put in a refrigerator. Our present pastor, Rev. Robert Nelson, came here July, 1972. In 1973, Mrs. Kim Bylin made directional signs to put east and west of the church. SAREPTA LADIES' AID Sarepta Ladies' Aid was organized in 1899. Part of Vang and Sarepta were together as one Aid at that time. They met once a month, every third Wednesday of the month. Some of the members who organized this Aid were: Mrs. Magnus BjorUen, Mrs. Ole L. Elton, Mrs. Ole Hagen, Mrs. Sven Halberg, Mrs. Halvor Koppang, Mrs. Edward Linstad, Mrs. Ole Linstad, Mrs. Martinus Nordbye, Mrs. Aneus Skavhaug and Mrs. N. Steen. Mrs. P. T. Wiste joined in 1905. The ones who remained of these were Mrs. Ole Linstad, Mrs. Aneus Skavhaug and Mrs. Pete Wiste, Sr., with others moving in. The other members joined in with Vang. They used to charge 10 cents for lunch for the adults and five cents for school chddren. They bought material and made garments and sold. They would charge 25 cents for a child's apron and 25 cents for home knitted mittens. They usually had two months of rehgious school. They paid the teacher $40 for the two months plus free board and room.

The Ladies' Aid worked for a church building and in 1929 they had accumulated enough funds for this purpose. The active members at this time were: Mrs. Carl Erickson, Mrs. Charlie Erickson, Inga Linstad, Mrs. Peder Linstad, Mrs. Aneus Skavhaug, Mrs. Pete Wiste, Sr., and Mrs. Torger Wiste. Other members who joined are Mrs. Christ Lotof, Mrs. C. A. Bylin, Sr., Mrs. B. Nelson and Mrs. Carl Hendrickson. As people moved in, they had more members, namely, Mrs. John Drevecky, Sr., Mrs. Arvid Odegaard, Mrs. Sig Bakke, Mrs. Adolph Wick, Mrs. Hans Sukstorf, Mrs. Emil Drevecky, Mrs. Oscar Heffta, Sr., Mrs. John Sellheim and Mrs. Arthur Bylin, Jr. In 1930 through 1934 they served lutefisk suppers in the fad. At one of the suppers they bought 200 pounds of lutefisk for $16.64. The charge for supper was from 35 cents to 75 cents. At this time Rev. Hatlem conducted the Ladies Aid meetings. Ladies Aid membership dues were 15 cents. They also had fancy work and wearing apparel sales. These articles were auctioned off by men of the congregation. An example of what one of these sales would bring is - article sale, $21.35, lunch $9.25 and fishing pond $6.40. In 1937 we started sewing circles in the winter months. The time was spent making articles for our annual sale. In 1938, Carl and Ted Hendrickson made the kitchen cupboards and painted the interior of the church. The Ladies' Aid paid $60 for lumber and paint. The same year Selmer Wiste made the church pews. The Aid paid him $32 for this and $38 for the lumber. In 1941, Rev. Hatlem made the pulpit and the lower part of the altar. Andrew Skavhaug and Sig Bakke made the altar ring. The Ladies Aid paid $26.74 for lumber, cloth, fringes and padding. Torger Wiste made the minister's chair. He did the carving on rungs and so forth by hand. Andrew Skavhaug and Sig Bakke also made the upper part of the altar and Ladies'Aid paid August Klagstad $63 for the altar picture in 1944. Inga Ness donated the crocheted cloth for the altar. In 1946, the Ladies' Aid paid Clarence Wiste $47 for painting interior of church and $26.83 for paint. Lunches now were 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for chddren. Parochial school was held through 1947. In 1949 the Ladies' Aid paid Jack Dorkey $190 for wiring the church and we paid Malde and Sharpe $102.47 for light fixtures. In 1955 the Ladies' Aid bought a piano from Mrs. Colwed for $175. This year we also bought an od burner from Malde and Sharpe for $62.17.

In 1963, Pastor Gary Olson asked us to come in for instruction for Bible Study so we could give the lesson. In 1965, the Ladies' Aid paid for the lumber and paint for remodeling the kitchen. A mg was also laid in the kitchen. We paid Doris Skavhaug for painting the interior of the church. We bought an electric stove for the kitchen from Emma Sukstorf. We also bought a mural for the north wall in the church. Since our Luther League was no longer active, the money they had was given to the Ladies Aid. With this money they bought a folding table and folding chairs. In 1966 we bought the candelabra, candle lighters and snuffers. In 1967 we bought carpet for altar and the aisle. In 1968 we bought a refrigerator from Laddie Bata. We also bought a carpet for the entrance. Christine Bydn donated a coffee pot to the Ladies' Aid in memory of Danny Bydn. In 1974, gold A. L. C. W. pins were given to Mrs. Gyda Linstad, Mrs. Christine Bylin, Mrs. Emma Sukstorf, Mrs. John Sellheim and Mrs. Sig Bakke. Donations throughout the years have been given to Bible Camp, Dakota Boys Ranch, Ephphatha, U. S. O., Ad Faiths Chapel, Sunset Home, Minority Mission, sponsoring retarded children to Bible Camp and others. SAREPTA CEMETERY Mrs. Hans Kjese was the first person buried in the Sarepta Cemetery in 40 below zero weather in January, 1886. They lived on the N% of NEv of Section 10. This now belongs to the State Game and Fish Department. Her grave is on the south side inside the gate. She had a daughter two years old. Aneus Skavhaug bundled her up and took her to one of the neighbors after her mother died. Rev. Holseth adopted this girl and she was never told that she was adopted untd she found out later in fife. She married a minister. She has been here to see her mother's grave. Land was given by A. G. Bylin for Sarepta Cemetery Aug. 17, 1907. A leper named John Oslund was buried in the southwest comer of the cemetery Nov. 5,1907. In 1955 a fence was put around the cemetery. O. H. Lundquist donated a sizable amount for this. In October, 1970, gate posts were put up. Ingebrit Midtlyng did the work. 4

KOSOBUD LODGE 106 A group of friends, relatives and neighbors met on the Joseph Matejeck farm, later known as the James Lala farm, in Perth Township April 8, 1901. Purpose of this meeting was to organize a Fraternal and Insurance Lodge. The group organized and 24 members joined under the name of "Zapadni Vlastenci" No. 106, with the home office at Cedar Rapids, Ia.; namely Z. C. B. J. Monthly meetings were held at the Matejcek farm, but as members increased, there was a necessity for more room and a hall was budt on the John Kosobud farm a short distance away. This land site was donated and is the site of our had to this date. This took place in 1903.

In 1957 sewing clubs were discontinued. They were now called Ladies' Aid as that would give us more credit, according to Rev. Leivestad. hi 1958 the Ladies' Aid bought codection plates for $15.43. Ltfe membership pins were given to Mrs. Ida Erickson, Mrs. Gyda Linstad and Mrs. C. Arthur Bylin. In 1960 our oldest member, Mrs. Carl Erickson, died. In 1961, the Ladies' Aid paid $5 on the furnace which was instaded at that time. In 1962, the name of Ladies' Aid was discontinued and now is American Lutheran Church Women (A. L . C. W.) Now all members of the church are automaticady members of the Ladies' Aid. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Heffta, Jr., gave the picture "Grace" in memory of her mother, Mrs. Ingebrit MidUyng.

The first officers of the lodge were: Thomas Machart, president; Math Hodek, Sr., vice-president; Joseph Matejcek, secretary; Anton Matejcek, financial secretary. The members that were the founders of the lodge were: H. J . Becvar, Frank Capek, John Cecka, Joseph Cervenka, Math Hodek, Frank J. Hosna, Joseph Kasal, Vaclav Kasal, Frank F. Kosobud, Matt Kouba, 934

Adolph Lust, E. W. Machart, Thomas Machart, Frank M. Masek, Anton Matejcek, Joseph Matejcek, Frank Novak, Adolph Pachl, Eli J. Pravda, Vaclav D. Swartz, Joseph Waith, Marie Faul, Marie Kratochvil and Jan Faul. As the membership grew, the lodge progressed, plans for a larger hall were begun and in 1913 our present hall was built. In 1951 a celebration honoring the original members was held. Only survivors present were: James D. Swartz, Frank F. Kasal and Joseph Waith. Another surviving member was Frank F. Kosobud, but he was not present. President M . L. Hromadka and Roman Hruska from the home office of Z. C. B. J., Cedar Rapids, Ia., honored us with their presence. The Grafton Parade Band performed.

Dora and Christina were sisters of Carrie. They never married. It is said they were so very careful about getting sunburned. They were at the home of Aneus Skavhaug one time and Mrs. Skavhaug had to get milk for them to wash their faces. They wore sunbonnets with the wide brim that we can remember pictured from the old days. They would drink hot water instead of coffee thinking this would help. Herman Kosobud has the land that Dora Foss had in Section 20 in Latona Township. Christina Foss owned the land that belongs to Clarence Hendrickson in Section 2 now. This is where the first schoolhouse was built in Latona Township in 1885 by Gilbert Steen. The first teacher was Thomas Reinertson. Gunder Hagen was the father of John and Ole Hagen. They hved on what is now some of the Linstad land. Julius Foster was married to Hannah Benjaminson, a sister of Mrs. Nels Steen and they lived south of Albert Gehrke's madbox, Section 6 in Latona Township. They left for Canada in 1906. The kitchen in Ole Linstad's house was their front room.

Meetings were conducted in the Czech language for many years, but was changed to English in the later 50's, due to intermarriage of our joining members. Another change that was made was the changing of the lodge name from "Zapadni Vlastenci" meaning "western patriots," to Kosobud Lodge in honor of Grandpa Kosobud, who was one of the early founders and who donated the site for the hall.

Lynn Frazier fded on land in Latona Township but someone contested it so he lost out. This is the land now owned by Clifford Johnson of Park River. Frazier was governor of North Dakota. Basebad was a great sport at this time. One Sunday they were having a game and it was Frazier's turn to bat. He struck the bad and it landed right in Harry Nelson's face. It took Harry quite some time before he recovered from this blow.

The lodge also absorbed members from two other lodges with few members, George Washington Lodge of Pisek and Thomas Jefferson Lodge of Lankin. From the original 24 members, our membership, adults and juveniles, is 450 in 1975. At the national convention, the name Z. C. B. J., translated meaning, Western Bohemian Fraternal Association, was changed to Western Fraternal Life Association, thus including all English speaking persons of all nationalities wishing to join for insurance. This convention was held at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1971.

Ole Tenold hved where Fred Levangs now Uve. He was going to put out poison for gophers. He mixed the gopher poison with wheat and put it on the stove to bod, thinking this would make it more effective. When through with this, he poured it out but didn't clean the kettle. That evening he made oatmeal porridge for supper and he used this same kettle. He got so terribly sick he didn't think he'd pud through, but he did.

The lodge maintains its own cemetery, which is located three-fourths of a mde south of the lodge had. The Lodge is proud of this cemetery, as it is one of the nicest and well kept country cemeteries in the surrounding area.

Tosten Quale Uved in Latona Township on land now owned by Sig Bakkes. He never married. He was a big, lanky fellow. He later moved to Plummer, Minn There was a knothole in the floor and a cat was under the floor and looking up through this hole. Tosten spit and hit the cat right in the eye. There was a badger hole on the place and Samuel Syverson, anotherold time settler, put coal around this hole. When Tosten discovered this, he became very proud as he thought he had coal on his land. Matthia Bakken had a son, Mdo, and a daughter, AUce. She married Per Peterson and they had a daughter, Clara. Clara lives in Seattle, Wash., and AUce in Edmonton, Canada. Mdo passed away. Clara wrote to Alfred Qually to find out where she was baptized. Matthia Bakken or later Peterson moved to Montana years ago. She was kdled in a cyclone near Wolf Point, Mont. Harold Johnson now owns the land she had in Latona Township. Herman and Tina Hoff came from Valdres, Norway. Herman fded a tree claim on three forties in Section 5 in Latona Township. Both church and school in Norton Township are named for him. He died Sept. 3, 1911. The land then went to his wtfe, Tina. When she died in 1951 she gave the land to the EvangeUcal Lutheran Church. Dennis and Henry Skorheim bought the land in Latona Township in 1952 or 1953.

OLD SETTLERS Rasmus Linquist was one of the early settiers. He had land in both Latona and Norton townships. He was an uncle of Mrs. Carl Johan Anderson, who inherited the land after him. It is said he had a good singing voice. John Lundstrom had 320 acres in Section 4 in Latona Township. The buddings were north of the Sarepta Church on land that Laddie Bata now owns. He moved to Plummer, Minn., in the late 1880's during the drought. He had two sons, Carl and Nels. Carl was around here threshing in 1903. Pete Vikhagen, a single man, hved a mile west of the Lloyd C. Erickson farm. There's a stone pde on the north side of the road on a hid and that's where the house stood. Lloyd C. Erickson owns this land now. Carrie, Dora and Christina Foss were early settlers. Carrie Foss was a teacher in Latona Township in 1900 and 1901 .'She married Ostmo and he was the head of the Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks for years. Oscar Heffta, Sr., owns the land now that she had in Section 18 in Latona Township. 935

The James Bell

Farm

Ole Heffta placed these stones in his yard to remind him of Norway.

This is the Latona Town Hall now. This picture was taken in 1904. Left to right: Agnes Halberg, Olga Wiste, Clara Wiste, Daisy Knutson, Elmer Lundin, Minnie Linstad, Peder Linstad, Lena Linstad, Thea Lundin, Anna Flugequam (teacher), Inga Koppang, Carl Skavhaug, Bessie Murray, Carl Knutson, John Halberg, Oscar Nelson, Hans Linstad.

Gulbrand and Gurie Vigen

Frank Shirek's steam rig. Straw fireman—Frank engineer—Bill Kovar.

Henry Mathison and Halvor Berg were mistakenly listed as Latona pioneers. They were pioneers of Vesta Township. Hans Skyrud was listed as a Silvesta pioneer. He was a pioneer of Vesta Township.

Shirek, 936

SHEPHERD TOWNSHIP Shepherd Township was organized in September, 1910, and named in honor of the late George Shepherd, County Judge. It is bordered by Dewey Township on the north, Latona on the east, Sauter on the south and Lawton Township, Ramsey County, on the west. At this meeting the following officers were elected: supervisors, Iver Kluxdal as chairman, Erick Johnson and Joe Kazal. The clerk was to be A. F. Becvar and Magnus Bjorlien as treasurer. It was also decided that the township should be divided into four road districts. At the meeting held in March of 1901, the election was held with 71 votes cast. Sam Hylland was selected as chairman and the other two supervisors were John Kaufenberg and Loraine S. Leighton. Peter Hjelmstad was clerk, Magnus Bjorlien was treasurer, a position he held for years, and I. J. Kluxdal the assessor. William Sherman and Joe Kasal were justices of the peace. There were to be four "Commissioners of Conciliation" chosen, Hans Roterud, Fred Sackenreuter, Thomas Hood and Robert McMorran. Ed Torgerson and F. Harazim were elected constables, the four "overseers of highways" one for each district, were Charley Weom, District 1 in the northeast area; Ole Lake, District 2 in the northwest region; Eugene Gravelle for District 3 in the southwest and Frank Pecka, District 4 in the southeast corner. One motion made effective was that all cattle, horses, mules, sheep and pigs must be prohibited from running at large at any time. Peter Absey was elected pound master. He would be allowed to use his pasture as the pound yard and was to be reimbursed for his work. Any person or persons violating this ordinance should be subject to a fine as prescribed: any horses, mules or cattle 20 cents each; every sheep or lamb, 10 cents each; and every hog, large or small, 10 cents each, for every 24 hours. Other settlers who were involved as some officer or other through the year 1905 were: Ingval Skogstad, Joe Poole, John Wooldridge, Anandus Johnson, John Moran, Moses and Nassef Freije, Frank Kvasnicka, J. T. Gustafson, David Bannerman, Joseph Zahradka, Joe Pachl, James Pecka, Nels Hove, Andrew Evenson, Fred Wooldridge, Axel Hagberg, Thorval Christiansen, Abraham Johnson, Hubert Hug, John Lundquist, John A. Johnson and John Lofthus.

In 1944, Ed Absey purchased a home for his folks and they resided in Grand Forks where most of the family now live. They both died in 1951. GEORGE BERG

Mr. and Mrs. George Berg

Born in Dalsland, Sweden, Aug. 30, 1879, George Berg was the son of a tailor and learned that trade as a boy. With his father, he worked in a tailor shop in their home until enlisting in the Swedish army in 1899. After serving three years in Stockholm and Gothenburg with the army as a corporal, he returned to the tailoring trade before leaving for the United States in the summer of 1903. He arrived in Boston harbor and came by train to Edinburg. He worked during summer and fall seasons on farms in the Edinburg and Fairdale communities, continuing to sew costumes and coats in homes in that section of the county during the winters. George Berg married Anna Lundberg, Fairdale, June 8,1908, in Warren, Minn. She was born Dec. 4, 1887, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lundberg, Fairdale. They operated the Alfred Aronson farm, three miles west of Adams, in 1908 and 1909, then purchased the Tapper Gustafson farm in Shepherd Township, moving there late in 1909. He lived there the remainder of his life. George Berg died in 1969. Anna Berg died in 1925. The Bergs had two sons. Hugo lived on the home farm until his death in 1969. He never married. Gunder farmed in Shepherd Township until entering military service in WWII in 1942. Returning in 1945, he joined the news department of The Walsh County Record, now The Grafton Record, remaining there until 1956 when he became editor and publisher of The Chronicle at Cavalier. He retired in 1971 and later that year joined the news staff of the Valley City Times-Record and continues to contribute news articles. Gunder was bom in 1909, Hugo in 1911.

BIOGRAPHIES MR. AND MRS. PETER ABSEY Peter Absey came to the United States from Lebanon, landing in New York in 1895. He stayed there for a short time. Then went to St. Paul. In 1897 he filed for a homestead in Walsh County, Shepherd Township 156, Range 59, the NW'A. He married Rose Faiad in 1898. They had a tamily of two boys and five girls. They attended school in Linstad No. 1 in District No. 127. In 1937 they left the farm and moved to Grafton where they resided about four years.

Gunder Berg married Ruth Petri, Minneapolis, June 15, 1946. They have three children, Boyd, Valley City; Brian, Chicago; Belinda of Grand Forks. 937

George Berg served as a director of School District No. 132 and as treasurer of Shepherd Township. He was a director of the Lawton Farmers Union Oil Company. One of the items George Berg brought from Sweden was a 16-pound iron used to press heavy clothing. This item was given to Henry Lundene in 1969 and I presume it is in the museum at Minto. He brought the iron in a wooden chest with his clothing and other possessions. He had made the chest himself and stenciled his name on the cover. It is now in the possession of Gunder Berg. Submitted by Gunder Berg.

Their daughter, Agnes, married John Jore and lived on the home farm. John, his mother and family were also homesteaders here, occupying the SW'/i of Section 5 for some time. Mrs. Christiansen died in 1949. She was laid to rest in their family plot. OLE O. ELTON Ole O. Elton was bom in Volarch, Norway, Oct. 15, 1850, and came to the United States in 1870 to Minnesota. Ingrid Qually was born Oct. 20,1859, and married Ole in Minnesota on Jan. 17, 1874. They first homesteaded in Vesta Township and moved to Shepherd Township around 1900 and homesteaded there. To this union were born six daughters and seven sons. They are John, Henry, Oscar, Alfred, Gilman, Melvin, Ohe, Mrs. Henry (Mina) Berg, Mrs. Albin (Inga) Erickson, Mrs. Hans (Dina) Skyrud, Mrs. Charley (Julia) Olson, Mrs. John (Lizzie) Jorey and a daughter who died in infancy. They were active in the church and every Sunday the whole congregation was asked to dinner at the Elton home. Ole O. Elton died April 9,1917, and Ingrid Elton died July 5, 1926. The two surviving members of this family are Gilman Elton and Olie Elton of Adams. Gilman Elton was inducted into the service May 27, 1918, and left for France Aug. 26, 1918. In the battle of Meuse Argonne he was shell shocked and gassed. For one month he was reported missing. He returned May 27, 1919.

MR. AND MRS. MAGNUS BJORLIEN Magnus Bjorlien was bom in Sweden Sept. 28, 1852, and his wife, the former Christina Hagstrom, was born there July 17, 1851. They came to Walsh County and homesteaded in Shepherd Township in 1885 in Section 1. They were the first settlers here. They were charter members of the Vang Congregation, helping organize it, served on various committees, helped build the church. He was the first president and then was treasurer from 1900 to 1908 when Shepherd School District No. 127 was organized in the township. He was the first treasurer of Shepherd Township in 1900-1912. They were interested in social activities. Their family was three daughters and two sons. Clara was born at Alexandria, Minn., and came here with her parents in 1885. She was married to Gust Helle in June, 1909. This was the first wedding in Vang Church. They farmed for a time before moving to Adams where he was employed at an elevator there, later hauled mail on the Adams route for some time before moving to Grand Forks. Clara died Nov. 9,1960, one month after the death of her husband. Ferdinand was bom June 24, 1885. He lived at home until his death Oct. 24,1914. Hulda, the second daughter, born Nov. 7, 1891, died May 26, 1910. Carl was bom Sept. 21, 1887. He was in the army during World War H. He farmed for a number of years. In 1934 he helped organize the Adams Farmers Union Oil Company and served as manager until 1940. He died Oct. 15, 1947. Esther, the youngest dau^iter, was born Oct. 5,1894. She married Amund Gaarder and moved to the Lankin area. She died Dec. 14, 1935. MR. AND MRS. THORVALD CHRISTIANSEN

The Ole Elton family. Top row: Dina, Alfred, John, Julia, Lizzie, Second: Inga, Minnie, Ole, Ingrid, Henry. Front: Melvin, Olie, Gilman.

Thorvald Christiansen, born in 1874, came from the Lankin area and filed on his homestead in Shepherd Township, on the SWvi in Section 4. He married Bertha Hamre, whose parental home was west of Park River. Their children were Agnes, Mabel, Thelmer, Clarence, Myrtle, Annette and Henry. They were active members of the community and charter members of the Vang Congregation. He was an organizer of the building of the church. He was elected to overseer of roads and development of District two in the township. He was elected as director of School District No. 132 when that was begun in 1915. In 1924, the family moved to the Lankin area, his former home. He resided here until the time of his death in the fall of 1945. His funeral and burial were at the Vang Church.

MR. AND MRS. CHARLET FAYETTE FAMILY In 1925, our family of nine children with our parents moved to Lawton from Rugby. The two older brothers had been in Shepherd Township where Fred helped with the harvest at the Ben Peterson home and Mike had been at the home of Joe Deraney. They came home and said they heard that C. G. Kops, Lawton, had a farm for rent. They told of a farm on the hill and just below the barn was a big body of water. We were looking forward to this as a good swimming place and a place to fish. As it was, it turned out to be a large slough. We had been so anxious to move and this was our 938

opportunity. The late Schabel Freijie had been hauling machinery to his brother-in-law's place in Rugby. He offered to bring back with him a few pigs and our Jersey cow "Minnie." Joe Deraney, a neighbor-to-be in our new home, came to Rugby and brought us back here in his 1924 Chevrolet. It seemed a long, endless trip because we had never ridden such a long distance before. It was well worth it. There were cattle and sheep to care for. We got half of everything we raised and the milk and cream were all ours. There wasn't much time for leisure. There were no fences, so we had to herd the animals. We had to keep our eyes open at all times. Mother busied herself immediately getting ready for winter. There weren't too many days left for winter preparation. She cooked about 200 pounds of hard wheat. This had to be washed two or three times before she put it into a clothes boiler and boiled all of it for a while. After that, she poured it onto white sheets that she had spread out on the ground. This had to be stirred different times during the day. We'd have to bring it in before the damp evening air set. Every day after the dew was dried, it was carried out again. The sun eventually dried it so it cracked when bitten into. Then it was ground by the feed grinder, set just so, some fine and some coarse, for different Syrian dishes. In preparing for a meal it was mixed with ground meat and enjoyed by all of us. We didn't own anything like a bicycle, roller skates or ice skates. We had fun rolling tires around or guiding a wheel around with a hoop and also horseshoe throwing. The nine children, Eva, Fred, Mike, John, Helen, Thelma, Joe, Doloris and Elaine, were joined by four more, Leatrice, Lois, Floyd and Charles. The four youngest were born at the farm home here. Doctor Nicholson was the family doctor. We were thankful to God for our good health so we didn't need a doctor very many times. I remember distinctly my older sister, Helen, and I went hunting for a job. We hitched Old Nellie to the buggy and took off. We went to a place 15 miles away whom we had heard were looking for help. We got there in the middle of the afternoon, only to find they had already hired one. We were tired, thirsty and disappointed. We envied the one who was in the kitchen rattling the dishes, pots and pans. We never got out of the buggy. We made it home in time to milk the 13 cows by hand. They were standing outside untied. They had their own places to stand and that was any place in the barn yard. Submitted by Mrs. Ogel (Thelma) Neegard, Lawton.

Schabel started his career in operating a pool hall at Lawton. Jan. 23,1921, he married Martha, a daughter of the Munyers at Rugby. They then moved to Lawton. Moses, Nels and Eh lived with them. Schabel went into the machinery business with the International Harvester Company at Lawton in about the year 1923. In 1944 he moved this business to Edmore and he moved his family there, where they still reside. Nels died in 1934, Moses in 1942. Eh now lives at Wenatchee, Wash. The Freijes raised a family of six girls, Evelyn, Gloria, Dolores and Devonna. All are married and moved to other states. Yvonne and Sadie are deceased. There were also nine boys bom to this family, George, Raymond, Schable, Jr., John, Dean, Ame are all married, but are not living in this area. Robert is married and is farming a few miles west of Edmore. Alfred and Burvette (Bud) live in Edmore as they took over their dad's business in the machinery business when he died April 17, 1964. MRS. HANNAH SWANSON GULLIKSON Hannah Halberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sven Halberg, pioneers of Walsh County, was born in 1878. She married Peter Swanson who was a homesteader in Shepherd Township on Section 17. They were the parents of a daughter, Myrtle, born May 19, 1900, and a son, Albin, born March 1, 1902. He was six weeks old at the time of his dad's death. In 1904, Mrs. Swanson married Christ Gulhkson and they continued living on the same farm. They raised a family of eight, Gunder, Harold, Cecil, Alice, Laura, Victor, Ludwig and Edgar. Cecil, Laura and Ludvig are deceased. She died in 1927. Christ, born Dec. 4, 1889, died March 20, 1962, at Grand Forks where he was residing. SAMUEL HILDE FAMH.Y Samuel Anderson Hilde, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Hilde, came from Indigen, Norway, to the Nodrfjord area and settled on a homestead near Benson, Minn. There was a large settlement of others from this area of Norway who also had made their homes at the time here. They could not speak the American language but through struggles and trials they built their small Uving quarters and erected St. Pauli Lutheran Church. They also built a schoolhouse in this community. They accumulated some machinery and other things to work with and enjoyed their new homes. Samuel arrived in this area in 1879.

FREIJE FAMILY

Martha Swingseth was a young maiden from this same place in Norway. January 2,1881, she and Samuel were married and set up their household. They raised a family of six, Anna, Caroline, Christ, Olena, Peter and Nellie.

Moses Freije came from Syria and homesteaded in Shepherd Township, Section23. Mr. and Mrs. Nels Freije came to Fargo and spent some time living in the same apartment building as Mr. and Mrs. Asif Munyer did. Munyers moved to the vicinity of Rugby where they homesteaded. They all came from Syria Schabel was born at Fargo on Sept. 6, 1897, to Mr. and Mrs. Nels Freije. The following year they came to Shepherd Township. Being all the homestead land had been taken, they made their home with his brother, Moses. Two other boys were bom. One died in infancy and the youngest one was Eh. Within a year and a half, Mrs. Freije died. Moses and Nels continued to farm, keep house and bring up the boys.

Mrs. Hilde died Feb. 5,1899. In the spring of 1901 the family loaded their belongings, machinery, cattle and all into a railroad car and came to Edinburg. They were met there by the David Monson family. Mrs. Monson was Samuel's sister. After spending several days visiting, the Monsons assisted them with their moving to the David Benas farm, where they were to make their home. This was in Adams Township, Section 8. Samuel was to assist Benas with his work as he himself was a crippled person. 939

24. Gladys, a new born daughter, lived 10 days after the mother's death. Caroline then stayed with the family and took full charge of the household duties. In 1915, Christ bought the John Lofthus farm located in Section 7 in Shepherd Township and lived there until 1922, when he was forced to quit working due to illness. The family then moved to Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Lee took over the farming for several years until the family moved back. Christ died Jan. 25, 1924, and Sanford June 26,1932. George Berg and sons then rented the farm until 1937. Edwin and Mabel Peterson took over the farm in 1937 and are still there in 1975.

July 8, 1910, Samuel died. He was buried at West Adams Cemetery where his mother was previously buried. Anna, Caroline and Christ accompanied a group of young people who moved to Belden in Mountrail County in 1906. They each filed a homestead claim. They each hved in their own little sod shanties. In the early winter of 1908 the three of them and Peter Bergstrom came back for a visit. At this time a wedding was held at the Bergstrom home when their daughter, Ida, was married to Christ. They all returned to their sod houses. In 1909, after they had finished filing their homesteads, they moved back to the Adams-Dewey areas. Anna made Adams her home between the various jobs she had. She worked for a long time at Edmore doing cooking and work at eating places. In the falls she would cook in the cook cars during the threshing seasons. She spent a lot of time taking care of sick people in their own homes and helped care for many mothers during childbirths. On retiring she had her home in Adams until 1960 when she moved to Northwood and hved in a retirement home until her death Aug. 14, 1970. She was buried at the West Adams Cemetery. Caroline returned from the Stanley area in 1909. She spent most of her time assisting her brother, Christ, raise his family. She lived with them on their farm near Lawton and at other times at Adams. She did housework for others when not with them. In 1937 she lived in her house in Adams until she moved to the retirement home at Northwood in the fall of 1962. She celebrated her 92nd birthday May 29, 1975. Her sister-in-law, Mrs. Peter Hilde of Adams, her two nieces, Mrs. Kasper Olson of Edinburg and Mrs. Edwin Peterson of Lawton, were her special guests besides those from the home. Christ and Ida Hilde and their daughter came back from their homestead in Mountrail County in 1909. They rented the Gust Johnson homestead in Section 12 in Dewey Township. Christ did some threshing with regular old time steam engine power.

Mr. and Mrs. Christ Hilde wedding picture. Left to right: Peter Bergstrom, Carl Hilde, Mr. and Mrs. Christ Hilde, Emma Bergstrom, Anna Hilde. PEDER L. AND BERET SILRUM HJELMSTAD Peder L. and Beret (Bertha) Silrum Hjelmstad were both bom in Minnesota, Peder L. in Goodhue County Aug. 15,1875; and Beret in Fairbault County Oct. 11,1877. Peder L. and his family moved to Grand Forks County in 1882. Beret Silrum went to Grand Forks County to work for an aunt in 1898. There she met Peder L. They went back toBriclyn, Minn., and were married in March, 1900. Before Peder L. was married, he went to Walsh County and settled on a homestead in 1898. He and Beret moved there in June, 1900, and hved on the same farm until their deaths. Ten children were bom, three died in infancy. The oldest child, Inga, was married to Jonas E. Johnson and they live inHettinger, N. D.: Thor died in Lawton in July, 1975. Louie P. Uves in Renton, Wash.; Alma died in 1928, while attending High School in Lawton; Jerome died in Grafton in 1968; Bjarne Uves in Adams; and Valborg married Harvey Rice and Uves at Edmore. Peder L. was in the House two terms, four years from 1913 to 1917 and was a senator from 1925 to 1929. After serving four years, one term as senator, he took an active part in township, county and state politics. He served many years on the Shepherd Township board and on the school board. He and his wife took an active part in the Vang Lutheran Church and he served in various positions in the church. Here are incidents that show how hazardous life was on the prairies: There was a terrible bhzzard and they had to go to the barn to do chores. They put stakes in the snow every few feet so they would have a guideline to get back to the house as Inga was a baby and they had to leave her in the house. This is just one of the many snowstorms they

The Samuel Hilde family. Left to right: Mrs. Hilde holding Peter, Caroline, Anna, Samuel Hilde holding Oline, Christ [Shepherd]. A son, Sanford, was bom in July, 1910. In 1912 another son, Clarence, was bom but he died when he was half a year old. In September, 1913, tragedy struck the family when Ida became ill and died at the age of almost 940

braved and lived through as one well knows if one has hved in North Dakota. Another time Peder L. went to his neighbor, Halvor Halvorson, to get a pup. It was a nice evening when he started home. Soon he heard the wolves howling and following him. He wasn't too sure he was going to make it home before they attacked him. If they had, he would have had to sacrifice the pup and run as fast as he could to get home before they came again.

Peter and Berit Hjelmstad NELS O. HOVE Nels 0. Hove came to the U. S. when he was 18 years old. He arrived May 2,1893, coming from his birthplace at Fious, Sogn, Norway. He worked in the Fordville and Inkster area for three years, then homesteaded in Shepherd Township in 1896, where he resided untd his death Nov. 11, 1962. In 1896 the Linstad post office was established one mde south of his homestead in the northeastern part of the township. Hove was a mad carrier from 1899 to 1905. He and his team of white Arabian bronchos and whatever vehicle was suitable to the season hauled mad from the Linstad post office, Nelson post office in Latona Township and Bylin post office in Norton Township, then to Park River, making the trip in one day. He made three trips a week to Park River. He was a custom steam rig thresher for many years. He was active in township and school affairs, holding offices for many years and also served as a committeeman for the Republican party. He married Emma Johnson, who as a young girl had come from Varmland, Sweden, with her mother, Mrs. Kajsa Johnson, in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Hove raised a family of one daughter and three sons. One son died in infancy. Gladys, Chester and Hjalmer stdl reside in the area. The Hoves were members of the Vang Lutheran Church. He donated the groundtoerect the Vang Church. Children of Gladys (Mrs. Henry Olson) are: Rita (Mrs. Jerome Westby), Donna (Mrs. Donald Haraseth), and Joan (Mrs. Steven Schmod). Chester's chddren are:

Ned Hove, Charlene (Mrs. Randy Flaten), Erma, Joann and Ronald. Hjalmer has a daughter, Gayle (Mrs. Guy King). ANDREW AND CHRISTINE JOHNSON Andrew Pearson was bom in 1861 in Gunneskog, Varmland, Sweden. He came to the United States by boat. The voyage took approximately 21 days. After arriving in America when he was 29 years of age, he changed his name from Pearson to Johnson. Andrew was granted his U. S. citizenship in 1897. Andrew arrived in North Dakota, then moved to Minnesota to work and homesteaded in Red Lake County. It was there that he met his future wife, Christine Evenson. Christine Evenson was born Dec. 18, 1873, in Hillsboro, Wise. Her mother died when she was two years old, and she and her father moved to Minnesota. Andrew Johnson and Christine Evenson were married Jan. 1, 1892, at Red Lake Fads, Minn., where they farmed until 1907, living in a log cabin. Their farm in Minnesota consisted primarily of brush and timberland, and it was for this reason that Andrew decided to return to North Dakota. They moved in a hayrack and wagon to the present farmstead in Shepherd Township, located approximately 10 mdes southwest of Adams. They took with them ad of their possessions, which consisted of their livestock, their personal clothing and very httle else. Nine chddren were born, six boys and three girls. Five of their chddren were born in the log cabin in Minnesota and four after they had returned to North Dakota. The chddren, eldest to the youngest, are: Arthur Johnson, who died of flu in 1910; Hjalmer Johnson, who was kdled in an automobde accident; Amy Johnson Tonning; Alice Johnson Anderson; George and Myrtle Johnson, both of whom died of the flu in 1910; Elmer, Arnold and Harold Johnson. When Harold was five, the whole famdy moved to Grand Forks, where they remained for three years. Everything was loaded into a narrow tire lumber wagon which was puded by a 1921 Model T Touring Ford for the trip.It must have made quite a procession! Harold spoke only Swedish and sometimes had a difficult time communicating with the neighborhood chddren and school friends. He could understand every word spoken to him in English, but could not sneak it. They returned to the farm in Walsh County where Andrew died Oct. 12, 1927, at 66. Christine continued farming and it was an unusual sight to see her working with the chddren in the fields from sunup to sundown. She was an excellent horsewoman and had her own buggy and horse with which to go shopping, berrypicking, and wherever else she needed transportation. Her horse was used for this purpose only, and was never used as a draft animal in the fields. The famdy attended Vang Church where Christine was a charter member of the Ladies' Aid. It is here that Andrew is buried. In 1946 Christine sold the farm to her son, Harold, who is still farming the land. She later moved to Adams, Christine Johnson died at 97 on Aug. 15, 1971, and is buried in the cemetery at Vang. Hj aimer's children were: Harley, Moah, Utah, and Arlan, Denver, Colo. Amy Tonning's daughter, Alvira Chumaher, hves in Sidney, Mont. AUce Anderson of

Minneapolis, Minn., has a daughter, Donna Voiss, Chicago, and two sons, Donald, Minneapolis, and Roger, Cambridge, Minn. Elmer of Devils Lake has the following children: Dolores Springstad and Carmen, Devils Lake; Colleen LaBerge, Grafton; Janis, Casper, Wyo.; Rhonda, Africa; and Allen, Grand Forks. Arnold's sons, Richard, Dennis and Charles, all Uve in MinneapoUs. Harold's chUdren are: Jack, Eau Claire Wise., and Shurley (Mrs. Chapin Gustafson), CavaUer

Andrew and Christine Johnson CHRISTIAN JOHNSON Christian Johnson was born Dec. 25, 1853, in Nordland, Norway, and came to Blue River, Wise., where he Uved for several years. He married Josephine Bergom and came to Grafton in 1885. He Uved there untU 1897 when he moved to a farm southeast of Edmore where he homesteaded with his famdy, Maggie, OUve, Clara and Henry and his wife. The trip to their homestead was made via wagon and horses. He hved in this area until his death in 1928. Besides farming, he was a commissioner of Ramsey County for 16 years. Christian Johnson was bom Dec. 25,1853, in Norway and died March 1,1928. Josephine Bergom Johnson was born July 8, 1863, in Blue River Wisconsin and died March 20, 1943, in Lawton. They are both buried in Edmore Cemetery. Submitted by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson. ERICK M. JOHNSON Erick M. Johnson came to the United States at the age of 19 from Varmland, Sweden. He came to the Alexandria, Minn., area May 28, 1882, Uving there four years before coming to Park River in 1886, working in that area on farms. He came to Shepherd Township in 1889 and squatted on the land untd in 1892, when he filed on his homestead. Never married, he resided on his homestead until his death on Aug. 18, 1943. His mother, Kajsa Johnson, and his younger sister, Emma, came from Varmland, Sweden, in 1888 to Alexandria, Minn., first and in 1889 came to Uve with Johnson, who by then had budt a two-room house. In the 1892 March 8th storm, Mr. Johnson, his mother and sister, Emma, went to the barn to do the evening

chores. It was a nice evening when they went, but while they were in the barn the storm came, so they spent the night in the barn. In the morning when they came to the house, they found the kitchen door had blown open and they found snow in the kitchen. Johnson was one of the volunteers to help budd the first schoolhouse in Shepherd Township, located one mile from his homestead known at first as Linstad School and later as Shepherd School No. 1, District No. 127. He served as one of the first school directors. GULLIK AND ANNA JOHNSON By Albert Johnson (son). Gulhk and Anna Johnson homesteaded a 160 acre farm in the northwestern corner of Shepherd Township in 1910. Gullik had served in the Spanish American War as a non-commissioned officer from 1899 to 1902. Upon discharge he worked as a mail clerk on the Great Northern Railroad. He married Anna Olson at Epping in 1909. They moved to the farm in Shepherd Township where he took over from his father, John Johnson. The farm at that time consisted only of a few productive acres, 12 head of cattle purchased from Gudik's father, six horses and bare essential farm implements. Gulhk and Anna were names synonymous with honesty, goodness and hard work. Wherever there was a need for help, comfort or charity, it seemed, there they would be. They were members of that passing generation that America wid miss. That "pioneer generation." GulUk held a number of positions in the community; such as, on the school board, township board and also mayor of Edmore. He also was elected commander of the United Spanish War Veterans of North Dakota for the years of 1955 and 1956. He was appointed by Governor Fred Aandahl to the Governors Advisory Committee to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Because of his background, GuUik was a blend of the country living and cosmopolitan. On the other hand, his father, John Johnson, was completely dedicated to farm Uving. He did not accept cars or any form of motorization. John Johnson was better known as Grandpa Johnson. Grandpa Johnson loved the farm and although his home was in Park River, he spent most of his time on the farm. He felt that cars were the curse of America. This feeUng, no doubt, came about because he was a veterinarian and his great love for horses. He was sure that cars in no way could ever take the place of horses. One experience, that hehad was a severe blow to his confidence in cars. Grandpa was a proud man and it rankled him that other gentlemen of his age drove cars and he couldn't. He determined that in spite of his feeUng towards cars that some day he would try his hand at driving. One nice spring day seemed the right setting for Grandpa Johnson's adventure at driving. My folks had gone to town and I could remember it being a warm sunny day, for my mother had hung out on the line in the yard a big feather tick and other bed clothing, before she left that afternoon. I remember Grandpa standing stroking his big white mustache as he eyed the old Model T. Ford that had been converted into a smaU truck. I was a lad of nine and watched the episode from a distance for I knew better

than to interfere with Grandpa at such times. He had noticed the best way to start those old Fords was to jack up the hind wheel. This he did. There was no starter. Cranking was the only way. Grandpa set the gas and spark lever where he thought they should be. (I was sure he had set the gas lever too far!) He went to the front of the car and gave the crank a mighty spin. The ford started with a roar. As Grandpa hopped to the running board he gave the car a shove forward from the jack, swung his leg over the side, aiming his foot at the brake, but instead connected with the clutch pedal which was the starting gear in the Model T. As soon as Grandpa landed on the seat and saw he was moving at a fast clip, his horse-driving instinct took over, and he began pulling on the steering wheel and yelled, "Whoa! Whoa! I held my breath because I could see Grandpa was in trouble as the car lurched toward the clothes line and directly in line with the feather tick. The next instant there was that sickening sound of ripping cloth and the Ford and Grandpa disappeared in a huge mushroom of feathers. When he appeared on the other side of the white cloud of feather, the upper part of the car and Grandpa were draped in the then empty tick. The whole spectacle, leaving a trail of feathers in the air, roared across the yard and headed for a pond of water northwest of the house. With a huge spray of water flying in all directions, the car, Grandpa and the feather tick came to a sudden stop right in the middle of the pond. Grandpa came charging out of the water with feathers sticking from his hair, ears and his great white mustache. He was shouting something that sounded like, "Any lunatic that would drive a (censored) contraption like that needed to be in the insane asylum." Grandpa Johnson never tried to drive again.

He served as one of the school directors for the new District No. 132 after that was created from District No. 127, School No. 2. He was holding this position at the time of his death March 30,1919, at the age of 46. They had six children: Amy Melvina (Mrs. Henry Wischer) now living at Argusvide. They have four sons: John Lloyd married Mathilda Gehrke of Adams Nov. 2, 1927. They farmed the homestead until his death in 1942. They had two children, Lyle and Delores. Esther died in infancy. Carl Arthur married Marian Burreson of Pekin. They have three daughters: Lillian Geneva (Mrs. Percy Christian), Lawton, has three daughters; and Edith Lorrains (Mrs. Widiam McMorran) of rural Lawton. They have one son and two daughters. Edith was bom a month after her father's death. Mrs. Johnson and her famdykept operating the farm after her husband's death. She built a new house in 1926. The fodowing year she, together with Arthur, Lillian and Edith, moved to Lawton. Art began his career by working at the Lunde Hardware Store there and the girls attended school. Mrs. Johnson died Dec. 14, 1958. Her burial was the Vang Cemetery in their famdy plot.

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Johnson JOHN G. AND EMMA JOHNSON John G. Johnson was a veterinarian at Park River. He homesteaded on a farm in Shepherd Township in the early 1900's. He was the first veterinarian in western Walsh County. His chddren were Gullick Johnson, George Johnson, Mabel Olson, AUce Schledorn, Herby Johnson, Ruth Bulen, LuUa Sorkness and Harold Johnson. John G. died in 1929 and Emma in 1943.

Gullik Johnson MR. AND MRS. JOHN A. JOHNSON

GEORGE A. AND MAGGIE JOHNSON George A. Johnson operated a drug store in Fairdale from 1904 to 1910. He started farming in Dewey Township, Section 32, from 1910 to 1917. Then he moved to Edmore where he had a garage. George died Sept 3, 1943. Maggie Johnson died May 22, 1975. Maggie was the first school teacher at Edmore. They had four children, Elda Bostrom. Marion Teigen, Clarence Johnson and George Johnson. Cliff and Eldah Bostrom moved on the farm in 1931 and were there until 1942. Elda said when they had problems with sick livestock they would read from grandfather's veterinarian book for help Tins book, written in the late 1800's, is still in the possession of their famdy.

John August Johnson was born Oct. 6,1875, in Boda, Sweden. His name was Johanson in his native land. He homesteaded in Shepherd Township in 1901, building his home shack in the southwest comer of Section 8. He married Anna Louise Iverson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lars Iverson of rural Lankin. They had been residents of Decorah, Ia., at the time of her birth. This couple were married at the Lutheran parsonage of Park River by Pastor Olaf Gulseth. Her brother, Engel Olaus Iverson, and Lina Winshod were their attendants. The Johnsons were charter members of the Vang Lutheran Congregation. They were included in all the activities involved in building the church and whatever other help was needed. 943

of the material for the buildings on the homestead in Section 7, Shepherd Township. His receiver receipt was issued Dec. 24, 1900, and he fded on the homestead June 24, 1902. Petra Ringsted came from Sundreland, Norway, in 1900. She had a sister, Mrs. Nels Lunde, who lived near Edmore. She and John were married June 10, 1903. She had fded a homestead, believed to be near Fairdale, which she later sold so they could buy the quarter next to the one where they were living. They were active in church activities. The Vang Lutheran Congregation was being started at this time and he served on many committees and held offices during this time. They held offices, helped establish summer Bible Schools. She was active in Ladies' Aid work. They were gone from this area from 1909 through 1911. At this time, Mr. and Mrs. Gdbert Strand occupied the farm. Mr. Lofthus evidently loved the outdoors, because in stories relating to his conversations as being repeated, he commented to the fact as long as there was an abundance of wdd fruit, such as Juneberries, chokecherries and pin cherries; wild fowl, such as prairie chickens, ducks and wdd geese; and rabbits to hunt; there would always be food to eat. There were seven children in the famdy - Edwin hves at Clacksmas, Ore.; Agness is deceased; Ambrose, Oscar, Ludwig and Ruth dve in southern California; Thelma lives at Coulee Dam, Wash. They sold their farm in 1915 to Christ Hilde.

I. J. KLUXDAL I. J. Kluxdal, prominent resident of Shepherd Township, was bom in Nordre Trondhjem, Norway, April 14, 1870. In 1879 he emigrated to America and settled in Todd County, Minn, where he grew to manhood. In 1898 he came to Walsh County and located on his homestead, He married Miss Caroline Larson in the year 1895. She died in 1897. May 14, 1907, he married the former Dena Hamre. She was bom Aug. 1, 1888, in Vemon Township, southwest of Park River. Kluxdal was entrusted with many local duties. He was one of the many members who joined the group of Norwegian settlers to organize the Vang Lutheran Congregation in 1900. In September of that same year he was elected to serve as chairman for a meeting that was held when Shepherd Township was organized. He served as a director for Shepherd School District No. 127 from October 1900-1904. He was county commissioner for 12 years. He was appointed clerk for the new School District No. 132 that was created in 1916 in the township. After a lingering illness, he diea at 52. He was laid to rest in the Vang Church Cemetery. A cousin. Rev. Gudmund Kluxdal, Ulen, Minn., assisted Pastor E. Ulring at funeral services. In 1927 Mrs. Kluxdal and the family moved to Park River where she resided until her death,'Dec. 30, 1970. The family consisted of five sons - Theodore, Odessa, Minn.; Albert, Mound, Minn.; Dennis, died in Sept., 1973, at Albert Lea, Minn.; Norman of South Gate, Calif.; and Kenneth of Englewood, Calif. Two daughters, Mrs. Ruth (Adolph) Nygard, Williston, and Mrs. Doris (Lloyd) Mandt, Park River, and 25 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

ROBERT SCOTT McMORRAN

Anton Larson was born in Stavanger, Norway, Feb. 2,1871. He came to North Dakota about 1889. He worked as a laborer on the Mayville College campus before coming to Shepherd Township. He homesteaded in south Shepherd, Section 35. His wife was the former Mary Pesek, a daughter bom July 21,1896, to Mr. and Mrs. Pesek. They were married Nov. 7,1923. The Larsons farmed their homestead until they moved into Lawton in 1962 when they purchased a house there. He died Aug. 5, 1964. Mrs. Larson still resides there. They have one daughter, Clara, Mrs. Victor Studney, rural Park River. His brother, Peter, came to Dakota Territory several years before he did. He also homesteaded here in Section 25. He was a member of the Vang Church where both he and his wife were laid to rest. Karoline Larson, their sister, came to this country later. She married Iver Kluxdal in 1895. She passed away in 1897 and was buried at the Vang Church.

_ Mr. McMorran was bom at Hespler, Ont., March 25, 1874. His mother died when he was 13, so her sister, Mrs. Andrew Hood, took care of him at her farm near Cltf ford, Ont. He went to Manitoba and worked untd Aprd 1, 1899, when he came to Inkster. He filed on his homestead four mdes east of Lawton. The land was in Shepherd Township, Section 3. This was July 3,1899. He started farming in the spring of 1900. He married Margaret Ann Horrocks Feb. 22,1905. In the fall of 1909 they had a farm sale and moved to Lawton. He then worked at the Farmers Grain Company Elevator. In July of 1915 he helped organize the Lawton Farmers Elevator Company which he managed until 1920. He purchased a farm southwest of town, which now is the home of his son, Bdly. In 1937 the Fanners Union Od Tanks burned and the manager, George Wischer, was seriously burned. Bob then became manager until his retirement. Mr. and Mrs. McMorran were members of the United Methodist Church of Edmore. They are deceased, leaving their daughters, Hazel and Betty, son, Bdly, and their famdies.

JOHN LOFTHUS

MR. AND MRS. HALVOR MOE

John E. Lofthus was bom Jan. 11, 1860, in Telemark, Norway. He came to the United States in the late 1880's with his sister and five brothers. They lived for a short time at Sandy Creek, Wise, and then settled east of Adams. John and his brother, Ellef, started a general store during the last part of the 1880's northwest of Adams. When they tore this place down, John used most

Halvor Moe was born Oct. 10, 1871, in Telemarken, Norway. He came here to North Dakota to the home of his brother, Elef Moe, who lived in Norton Township near Lankin in June 1897. He worked for him until he bought the rights to one quarter of land in Shepherd Township, Section 17. Ingeborg Annundson was bom Sept. 20,1875, also in

ANTON LARSON

944

Telemarken, Norway. She came to Lankin in the summer of 1899. She worked at the A. G. Bylin home until she married Halvor Moe at Lakota in July, 1903. They farmed all their years at the same place. They later purchased a neighboring quarter. They did all their work with horses. Three daughters were born: Christine (Mrs Clarence Lee) died December, 1962; Carrie (Mrs Leonard Daugherty) died February, 1936; Inga (Mrs Oliver Elton) lives on the family farm. A foster son Clarence Moe, married Bernice Jore and lives in Grand Forks. Halvor Moe was treasurer for School District No. 132 from the time of its beginning in 1915 until his death in 1940. The Moe family were all active members of the Vang Lutheran Church. Halvor served as a trustee for a number of years. Mrs. Moe was a member of the Ladies' Aid and the girls all participated in their organizations They were all confirmed at Vang. Mrs. Ingeborg Moe died Feb. 13, 1925, and Halvor April 14, 1940.

Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Moe MR. AND MRS. JOHN OVERLAND John Overland, born Sept. 11, 1866, was one of the earlier homesteaders in this vicinity. He settled in Section 1 in Lawton Township with his shack built in the southeast comer, just across the line from Shepherd Township. In 1900 he married Alida Alstad. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johannes Alstad. She began her homestead in 1898 in the northeast section of Lawton Township. This bordered both Shepherd and Dewey Townships in Walsh County. After they married, they moved to the northwest quarter in the same section. They hved here until the fall of 1937, when they moved into Lawton. They were both active members of the Vang Congregation from the time that the church was built. They had a family of six, Sanna Bredeson, Park River; Elda of Adams Township; Ernest, Clifford and Arnold, all deceased; and Jon Kenneth, died in infancy. John died Oct. 30,1942. Mrs. Overland then made her home with her daughters until her death June 13 1949 Their burial place is at the Vang Cemetery.

MY PIONEER PARENTS-THE JOHN OVERLANDS As far back as I can remember, my mother used to tell me about her early childhood and her later life as a pioneer woman. When she was five years old, her parents, who had immigrated from Norway via sailing vessel in the middle of the 19th century, came to North Dakota in an ox-drawn covered wagon. As I remember the story, they and three other neighbor families got discouraged because the grasshoppers were so bad in Minnesota (near Mankato) where they had settled when they came to America. Their crops were ruined and prospects for the next year weren't good; so my grandfather and his neighbors decided to move to North Dakota. My mother's half brother, John Alstad, had taken a homestead that summer between what is now Adams and Edinburg. He had a "dug-out" which was an excavation in the ground with a lumber and thatch roof. This habitation was warm though small and dark. Knowing they had a place to come to, my grandparents were headed for his homestead. They left Minnesota in the early fall. Each family had a couple of cows which had to be driven behind the wagons. This job fell to my Aunt Gjertrue, who was about 14, then, and a neighbor boy who rode a horse and could hold out. longer than Aunt Gjertrue, because she had to walk. The animals were useful though a great deal of bother. When the travelers stopped for the night the cows were milked and the milk served as part of the evening meal. Certain days the men rested their horses or oxen as the case might be. The cows were staked out and any repairs that needed to be done to harness or wagons, etc were done that day. Meanwhile the women baked bread and washed clothes. To be sure, they had baked a lot of food which kept well, such as flat bread (a Norwegian snack food which was made of coarse flour without leavemng). It was rolled very thin and baked crisp something like a very thin cracker. Butter had been churned and packed in stone jars with a layer of salt in wet cloth placed on top to preserve it. My mother's youngest sister, Lise, was six weeks old when they set out on this journey. Her eyes have always been poor, and it was thought that the white canvas plus the jolting of the wagon may have been the cause of this. She later had surgery for this, however, she has always had to wear heavy glasses. Once in a while, Indians would stop them and beg for tobacco. This, of course, was only a small request and the men were only too glad to share what they had with them. Sometime in November, my grandparents and one of the other families came to their new location. The third family located near what is Dahlen, named after that family. The town was about 30 miles south of my grandparent's destination. When they arrived at my uncle's homestead, they moved into the "dug-out" and were warm and comfortable the rest of the winter. Grandma had sheepskin covers which she had brought from Norway with her. They were life savers on cold winter nights. Wood was plentiful and Uncle John had laid in a good supply for the winter. When spring came, my grandfather began to build a house about two miles from where they had wintered Besides the building, he had to break up as much of the

land as he could and seed flax as part of their livelihood for the coming year. In this loghouse my mother grew to womanhood. She was raised in the strict Lutheran faith which my grandparents held so high in esteem. The schools of those days were log houses with benches and tables as furniture. Slates were used instead of our pencils and tablets. A schoolmaster presided with unquestionable authority. The school term was usually split into two sessions - three months in the summer for the younger children and three months in the winter for the older ones. By older ones, I mean quite grown people too. In most cases newcomers to this country, a great many of them from Norway, who came to school in the winter to learn the English language. Submitted by Mrs. Sanna Bredeson.

MR. AND MRS. JOHN PESEK, SR.

MR. AND MRS. JOSEF PACHL Josef Pachl was bom Oct. 25, 1867, in Czechoslovakia, son of Josef and Anna (Hybl) Pachl, Sr. He came to America in 1884 at the age of 17, traveling by ship. He lived in Owatonna, Minn., and then in Fargo until he came to Walsh County in 1894 by train. He settled in Conway where he operated a meat market. He was married to Mary Stach at Grafton Aug. 15, 1896. She had come from Czechoslovakia and stayed at Cleveland, 0. She then came to Pisek to be with her sister, Mrs. Kate Jams, who had been seriously injured. The Pachl family moved to Shepherd Township June 8, 1898. Their daughter, Francis, was a year old at this time. They filed and lived on their homestead in Section 24. They farmed all their days with horse drawn machinery. In the fall during the threshing season, he accompanied the rig and hauled bundles with his team and rack. Mrs. Pachl died June 12,1942. She was buried at the W. F. L. A. Cemetery at Conway. Mr. Pachl died four days before his 88th birthday. Frances, their daughter, is married to James Kosobud and they operate the farm. Their son, Herman, hves with them. Their two daughters are married and live at Brocket.

My father, John Pesek, Sr., was bom at Zablaty, Czechoslovakia, July 2, 1871. He attended elementary school through third grade which is equivalent to our seventh grade. There were four boys and one girl in the family, namely; Vet, Tomas (Thomas), Vaclav (Jim), my father (John), and his twin sister, Mary, who died shortly after birth. My grandparents' names were Frantisek (Frank) and Marie Pesek. At the age of 13, my father left Czechoslovakia with his mother and brother, Jim. Another brother, Thomas, preceded the family to America in 1882 and worked in Minneapolis. He was 18 at the time. My grandmother, Uncle Jim, and my father arrived in New York City, June 21, 1884. June 28, 1884, they went to New Prague, Minn. I have no record of the time they spent there. My mother, Rozalie Brezinova, was born at Suchdol, Czechoslovakia, March 11,1875. Her education consisted of fourth grade, which was the same as eighth grade here. My mother's parents were Matt and Anna Brezina and they had one son and five daughters. My mother's only brother, Martin, served in the armed forces in WWI and died from injuries suffered at that time. A sister, Veronica, contracted diphtheria and died at the age of one. Another sister, Anna, remained in Czechoslovakia and became a nun. Her name was Sister Eduarda. She became ill and died whde working in a hospital. My mother, Rozalie, left Czechoslovakia at the age of 20 and arrived on the "Columbia," in New York City on June 5,1895. Grandfather Brezina died at the age of 67. My grandmother emigrated to America some time after his death with my aunts, Marie and Katie. Grandmother and my Aunt Marie lived with us for some time on our farm in Shepherd Township before settling at Havre, Mont. My grandmother died when she was 75. Mother's sister, Katie Trhlin, is the lone survivor. She is making her home in the Lake Region Nursing Home in Devils Lake. On April 8,1975, she celebrated her 96th birthday. My parents were married Sept. 11, 1896, in East Grand Forks. They homesteaded in Shepherd Township and received their homestead certificate signed by President McKinley Jan. 14, 1899. They farmed in Shepherd Township untd 1936 at which time they moved to Lankin where they lived untd their deaths. There were ten chddren in our family, two boys and eight girls, Mary (Mrs. Anton Larson), who resides at Lawton; John, who is presentiy making his home at Park River with my husband Jim and me; Rose (Mrs. George Mercier), deceased; Caroline (Witham) living in Missoula, Mont.; Emma, deceased; Agnes (Mrs. Nels

Mr. and Mrs. John Pesek, Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Josef Pachl 946

Benson), who resides in Seattle, Wash.; Lillian (Mrs. Leo Bauer), deceased; Henry, deceased; Albina, deceased; and myself, Estelle (Mrs. James Heggen), Park River. My parents died in 1954 and 1956. My father lived to be 82 years old and my mother was 81 at the time of her death. They were wonderful parents as well as good citizens and left me a truly great heritage. Submitted by Mrs. James 0. Heggen (Estelle Pesek). MR. AND MRS. JOE PETERSON Joe Peterson was born Jan. 18, 1885, to Peter and Annie Peterson. He was born in a sod house on a farm south of Edinburg on the east side of the highway in Lampton Township. His father had come from Norway and his mother from Sweden. They had met in Minnesota and were married in about 1880. They had two sons, Joseph and Alfred. Joseph also had three half-brothers, Ole, Hawkin and Tom. He went to a one-room schoolhouse in the township and was confirmed in the Garfield Church when he was 15 years old. In 1905, when he was 20, his folks and younger brother decided to move to Canada. Joseph started farming in Dewey Township at the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Albert Vigen now reside. Mrs. John Loberg worked for him until 1906. He married Emma, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ingval Skogstad. They had filed on their homestead in Section 2. The couple were married at Lakota Nov. 23, 1906.

He began his threshing career in the early years of his life. His first job was to cut the twine of the bundles as they were fed into the machine. Later, he had the job of bucking the straw away from the separator as there was no blower. He owned and operated his own machines for 40 years. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson retired in 1960 and moved to Adams. Mrs. Peterson died in 1970 and Mr. Peterson in 1974. Their survivors are Peter, Clarence, Ernest, Edwin, Albert, Elda, Lidian, Violet, Ethel and the twins, Allan and Alvin. There are 39 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH ROUBAL Joe Roubal, born in 1870, came from Nebraska in 1901. He was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He came to Shepherd Township and filed on a homestead in Section 22. His wife, the former Annie Herda, was born in Minnesota. They were married at Lankin. Albert Herda and Mrs. Seykora were their attendants. The Roubals Uved in a sod house on their farm. They moved to Lawton in 1912. He worked at the hardware store for Dvorak. Later he worked on a farm for Olaf Hagen. He was the dray man in Lawton for many years. When grain haudng became popular, he used his truck to haul for the farmers of the Lawton vicinity untd his death in August, 1949. Mrs. Roubal died May 15, 1960, at 83. They had a famdy of five. All uve in Lawton. Annie, the oldest, was born in 1902. She hved at home helping her mother untd she married Andrew Shimshuck in 1943 and farmed west of town. In 1945 they bought a house that had been budt by Bengt Norquist in Dewey Township which they moved into Lawton for their home. Rosie, born in 1903, worked for Mrs. Whitely at the Lawton Hotel for five years. She worked for 19 falls in cook cars, cooking for the threshing crews of either Frank Peach or Charles Zahradka's rig. She was married to Ben Thorson, a carpenter at Lawton. He died in 1960. They have two sons, Paul in Grand Forks and James at home. Emd, bom in 1898, worked for 13 seasons at the Joe Peterson farm in Shepherd, served in WWII, helped his dad with the dray dne and works as a carpenter. Joseph, Jr., born in 1913, also served in the army. On his return home, he was employed at the post office. He was postmaster from 1940-1970 when he retired; but continues to live at his home there. Margie married Frank Kvasnicka in 1950. They farmed in Sauter Township on his dad's farm untd 1967 when they moved to Lawton.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Peterson wedding picture. In the fall of 1909, they moved to the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Hjalmer Hove now live. In 1918 they bought their first car, an Oldsmobile. In 1919 they purchased the land in Shepherd Township that is known as the Jore farm and moved there. In 1920 the family suffered a terrible tragedy. Their three year old son, Joel, was accidentally run over by a team of horses and a water tank. Chester, another son born in 1921, died at the age of a year and a half. He bought what is known as the Nicholson farm in the fall of 1924. This has been the Peterson home since. He purchased it from Doctor Nicholson at Lawton. He farmed until 1960, which made it his 55th year of farming. He also owned a farm in Clearwater, Manitoba, that he farmed from 1920 through 1935. Some of the sons stayed home and farmed whde the rest went along to Canada. They drove their horses and machinery back and forth each year.

MR. AND MRS. FRED SACKENREUTER Mr. and Mrs. Sackenreuter were both born in Germany. He was born in 1858; she was bom in 1859. They came to Chicago where they Uved for two years. They then moved to St. Peter, Minn. They made their home there until they came to the Lawton area in 1898. They homesteaded in Shepherd Township in Section 7. In coming here, they loaded ad their belongings into a covered wagon and onto a large hayrack. They had a team of horses hooked to each wagon. They had five cows and a dozen chickens with them. When they camped for the evenings they milked the cows, strained the milk into crocks and pans. In the mornings, Mrs. Sackenreuter would skim the cream off the mdk and put it into an 947

earthen churn, put the dasher into the churn. As they were driving the jolting of the wagon would make butter for their use. They built a place for their chickens be tween the stringers underneath the hayrack floor. They kept the family in eggs along the way. They traveled all day or until the horses became tired. Then they pitched their tent and camped perhaps for several days. It took them six weeks to get here. There weren't any roads, nothingbut tall grass and large sloughs. As all pioneers, they worked hard with bare necessities. The children walked to school, which was several miles from their home. School terms at that time started in the spring and kept on for usually six or seven months, with a vacation in July. The people would walk to visit their neighbors. Often the mother would knit stockings as she walked. Sackenreuter was interested intownshipaffairs. He served as overseer of roads in his area for several years. He was elected as one of four members to hold the office as "Commissioner of Conciliation" for many terms. After 1916 the family moved to Lawton to make their home. He operated a cream station there for many years. They had a family of five children: Rose, who was 14 years old when they came to Dakota; Mary was nine; Louie was six; William was three; and Myrtle was born at the farm with a neighbor lady, Mrs. Gravelle, as midwife. The Sackenreuters celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with neighbors and friends as their guests at the home of their son-in-law and daughter, George and Mary Nash. Mrs. Sackenreuter died in 1940 and Mr. Sackenreuter in 1944. MR. AND MRS. ANTON SHORE Anton Shore, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shoutz, was born June 13, 1876, at Bloomington, Minn. After leaving there, he spent some time at Conway. He began working for others when he was 14 years old. He plowed with oxen, he hauled hay for a distance of six miles, working for his clothes, room and board. He often walked barefooted so as to save his shoes. He homesteaded in 1900, building his sod house in Section 29 in Shepherd Township. He lived as a bachelor until January, 1904, when he married Mary Roubal at Lakota. They made the trip to Lakota with a team of horses and buggy. They were accompanied by their attendants who were his brother, Wdliam, and Annie Klug. Mrs. Shore had also come to this continent when she was 17. She arrived here the same time as her brother, Joseph Roubal. She worked for some time at the Joe Kasal home for $2 a week, the wages paid for a girl at that time. The Shores hved in their sod house for two and a half years. Their daughter was bom and named Mary in 1905. They later purchased the land where his parents had homesteaded. Four other chddren were born, Lovetta, Widie, Leshe and Annie. Wilde and Lovetta still operate the farm. The Shores were sturdy pioneers. They used to twist flax straw into smad bundles and bum that instead of coal. Often times the chimney would be on fire from the oil in the flax. They also burned dried chips and corn cobs. Milking cows was a daily routine. The custom thei

was to chase the cows up to the barn into a small fenced area and sit outdoors and milk them, rain or shine. Mrs. Shore in those days would help shock the grain in the fad harvest. When Mary was small, she'd carry her on her back or set her in a box nearby where she worked. Mr. Shore hauled his grain to Lakota with a team of horses and a sleigh. This was before the Lawton Elevator was budt in about 1903. In the early 1920's Anton purchased a large two-story house, a fairly new structure located on the Ben Peterson farm in Section 18. Ernest (Shub) Ordway, a professional man in moving houses, brought his wagons and equipment to help them. When the budding was on the truck's wheels ready to go, the neighbors of the community brought their horses, 24, which they hitched onto the wagons and manuevered the house, driving straight across country to the southeast, directly to its location in the yard. Mrs. Shore, whose birth date was March 2,1885, died Sept. 30, 1960. Mr. Shore had farmed here for 64 continuous years up to thetimeof his death, Oct. 28,1964.

Mr. and Mrs. Anton Shore MR. AND MRS. FRANK SHOUTZ Frank Shoutz, often known as Shore or Sor, was born March 13,1846, and Josephine Pic, born Jan. 1,1842, were born in Prague, Czechoslovakia. They lived there and grew up there. They were married and emigrated from Europe. They settled at Bloomington, Minn., then moved to Conway. They later came to Shepherd Township and homesteaded in Section 20 in 1900. They Uved in their sod house, raising a famdy of eight children. Their son, John, was bom Jan. 4,1879. He spent his time as a laboring man in the Lawton-Lakota area until his death on May 27, 1917. Joseph, another son, was bom Dec. 12,1878, fded on a homestead of 80 acres in Section 21. He lost one hand while working around a threshing rig. He had this loss mastered by having it replaced with a metal hook. He was 28 when he died June 2, 1906. Wdliam and Frank moved to the west coast to make their homes as young men. Anton stayed in Shepherd Township. Annie married George Humes. They homesteaded in Ramsey County, three miles directly west of her parental home. After his death she Uved in the Lankin

area. She was married to Joe Odmar at the time of her death Feb. 27, 1960. Mary married John Elgie and they lived on their homestead, also in Ramsey County, a mile west of the Humes home. The third sister, Jessie, married Frank Dvorak and lived at Adams. Shoutz died Jan. 15,1908. His wife continued to live in their home. She kept herself occupied by her usual farm routine. She made her trips to Lawton, buying her groceries in exchange for eggs and cream. One time the ox she was driving saw a herd of cattle and took off to where they were grazing, tipping the buggy and breaking all the eggs. She escaped unhurt. Her adventures were many in her days that ended Nov. 28,1922. MR. AND MRS. INGVAL SKOGSTAD Ingval Skogstad was born in Vang, Valdres, Norway, July 4,1866. Mrs. Skogstad (nee Kari Hermundstad) was born in Norway July 27,1858. They came to Minnesota in 1887. They came to North Dakota in 1900 and homesteaded in Shepherd Township, Section 2. They were among the members who helped organize the Vang Congregation and with the planning of the church structure. He was elected one of the trustees at the first meeting. Shepherd Township was organized at about the same time. Here, he was elected as one of the four members of the "Commissioner of Conciliation." Their family was two sons, Bert and Peter, and five daughters, Emma, Dena, Ida, Hilda, and Ella, the youngest who was bom here. The family farmed in this area until they moved to Canada in 1907. They took a homestead seven miles north of Dunblane, Sask. They traveled there by train, taking their horses, cattle, chickens and all their belongings with them. Their daughter, Emma, was married to Joseph Peterson. They stayed and made their home here.

The Ingval Skogstad Family MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH STEJSKAL Joseph Stejskal and Kathrine Kozisek were born in Czechoslovakia. They immigrated to the United States, settling near Pisek for a few years. Then they moved to Shepherd Township and lived on the same farm until their deaths. They were the parents of: Joseph, Jr., John, Anna (Mrs. Gust Ryba), Christine (Mrs. John Urban, Sr.), Jessie, Kathryn and Caroline.

TRULS TOLLEFSON Truls Todefson was bom May 13, 1880, in Solar, Norway, son of Martin and Thea (Sather) Todefson. He came from a family of nine. Christine, Alice, John, Thomas and himself were born in Norway. Oline, Martina, Marius and Ole were born here in the states. Martin was bom in Norway April 22, 1848. The mother was born June 7,1854. Truls was seven years old when they ad came to the United States in 1887. They settled near Bamsvdle, Minn. Martin died Jan. 28, 1897. This left the mother to care for the famdy. Being a woman of strength and courage, she and her famdy drove an oxen team and their covered wagon to the Barton area. They settled and homesteaded. She lived there until her death May 30, 1901. Truls worked at various places during his youth. Four years was spent working at a place where he received a team as payment. He married Clara Kveseth Aug. 12, 1901. They lived in the Turtle Mountain area. In 1902 they moved to Walsh County. They lived for a whde cm what is known as the Robertson farm in Latona Township, then came to Shepherd Township and hved on the farm for five years. To some this is known as the Tom Johnson farm and some cad it the John Hanson farm. A few years were spent on the Ole Fett place west of Adams. During these years the crops were not always so bounttful or profitable, so during the winter months of 1914-1917, Truls would drive his four horses to Bemidji and work as a lumberjack. Emma was bom March 17, 1902. She married Charles Hrabik. She and her five year old daughter died as a result of severe bums. Her husband and son Lloyd survived. Oscar was bom March 3, 1904. He married Minnie Dammen. They had two chddren, Howard and Irene. Kelma and Thoman Sholey lived with them. They were Minnie's famdy from a former marriage. Alice was bom May 29, 1906. She married Charles Hrabik. They had a daughter named Irene. Later Alice married Wildam Meier. They named their daughter Evelynn. Myrtle, born June 28, 1908, married Iver Hedlund. Lorraine and Adda were their daughters Gladys, bom July 29, 1911, was married to Henry Dose. They had a son named Albert. Mabel, bom Oct. 17, 1913 married Christ Charon of Lawton. Verlaine and Carol were their family. Thelmer, the youngest, was born June 16, 1920. He married Marie Borgan. Their daughters were Carolyn and Janice. In 1923, Mr. and Mrs. Todefson moved to Fairdale. He served as constable for the vtilage. He was the janitor of the public school there for many years. Fairdale was an active littletownand Truls took part in the Sons of Norway programs and plays that were held there. Once when he had to wear a dress for one of these occasions, he scouted around town for one, but since he was a big man, something like six feet, two inches, and 230 pounds, this wasn't easy. But a trip to Mrs. Clarence Lee of Shepherd Township provided him with a somewhat tight fitting, but nevertheless a dress that served the purpose. The Todefsons were members of the Aadalen Church, south of town. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary there in 1950.

F R E D WOOLDRDDGE F A M I L Y

Truls died Nov. 3,1957. Clara died in June, 1958. Both are buried there in the church cemetery.

The Wooldridge family, father, mother and nine children, immigrated from England to Little Brittan, Ont., in 1863. Fred Wooldridge was born there and they moved to the United States in 1885 when he was 10. They settied southwest of Adams near the then Linstad Post Office and store. In 1898 Fred homesteaded on the quarter section of land described as the NEv S 18 156 R59. Later he bought the NW Vi in the same section and range near the Ramsey County dne. He was a great player of country fiddler music and helped out at many country dances in the area. There were three boys and one girl in the family with the mother dying in 1911. He later married Anna Wralstad who immigrated from Norway with her parents and settied in Preston, Minn. From there they helped their four daughters and one son move to the south Grafton area by wagons and then returned to Minnesota where they Uved with another son and daughter farming. When Fred Wooldridge proved up his claim he had a sod house on it in which the writer was bom in the year of 1905. In proving up his claim he walked from Linstad five mdes morning and evening while working the land until the sod house was built and moved. Grain was hauled by wagon the first two years to the nearest market at Park River. The trip took two days as it was 30 miles. Flax straw was twisted and made into sort of a rope which was curled into big wooden barrels and used for fuel in the winter along with buffalo droppings that were dried. Many buffalo and antelope roamed the prairies. The grass was long and when dry in the fad proved a fire hazard. AU buUdings and hay stacks were kept ringed with freshly plowed soil to stop fires. The writer remembers a July day in 1914 when a hayrack wagon of a famdy of Indians on their way from the Walhalla lulls to Fort Totten Indian Reservation near Devils Lake. They stopped at our place for water as it was very hot. They also wanted someflourand salt. It really took somedoing to understand what they wanted There were two Sioux chiefs with them dressed in full regaha. There were two youngsters out in the wagon when the men were making progress with their shopping in the house. I watched the young boys get out along the roadside and with a single stone they would kid a prairie dog (gopher) and bring it to the mother who was already dressing some for the next meal, I guess. The homestead certificate No. 7945 issued in the year of 1905 is still in my possession as issued under President Theodore Roosevelt. Submitted by Gdman J . Wooldridge, son. 4

Truls Tollefson

logging.

E D TORGERSON

Ed Torgerson was bom at Valders in Manitowac County, Wise, Feb. 22, 1875, son of Torger and Marit Lommen. Orphaned early in childhood, he left Wisconsin at 16 and came to North Dakota, first to McCanna where he was employed at the Kjllo farm. In 1896, he and another early settler, Nels Hove, homesteaded in Shepherd Township, building the claim shanty on land belonging to each of them and occupying the cabin jointly. I remember hearing him tell of a hurried trip he made in the spring of the year, at night, to the recording office to get the claims registered before the arrival of some claim jumpers. About this time he hauled mail between Linstad Post Office and Park River. He was married to Hattie Sylvester (daughter of Chris and Carrie Sorenson Sylvester, who at that time farmed the land now owned and operated by Merle Daley, and who moved to Canada about 1909. She was born May 12, 1884, at Moorhead, Minn. Four children were bom, Oliver, who died at eight; Qinton, Forest River; Edna Wiste, FordviUe; Florence Blomquist of Edmore. Mr. Torgerson died Jan. 22, 1957, and his wife Nov. 8,1956. Both are buried in Vang Lutheran Cemetery of rural Fairdale. Submitted by CUnton Torgerson.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Torgerson wedding

MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH ZAHRADKA, SR Joseph Zahradka was born in Breznice, Czechoslovakia March 19, 1872. In 1892 he came to the United States and directly to Conway. He had saded across the ocean in a ship loaded with horses. He was hired to take care of these horses. He was accompanied by his cousin who was also coming to this area. Zahradka worked at the John V. Stary farm at Conway. Then he worked a whde on the railroad before he came to homestead in Shepherd Township, Section 28. Marie Harazim was bom in Trebon, Budejovice, Czechoslovakia, Jan. 19,1876. She came to Conway when she was 16 years old. Three of her brothers had also been

picture. 950

here for a year or so. She worked for Warners on a farm near Pisek and later at the cafe in Park River. Joseph and Marie were married Jan. 6, 1896, at the Catholic Church in Conway. They lived in that village until 1899 when they moved to the homestead where he had built a wooden shack. In 1902, Zahradka became violently ill. A neighbor's son Joe Shore rode his quarter horse to Conway, making the trip in two hours to get the doctor. He came with his team and a driver, followed Joe, got to the Zahradka home, a distance of 32 miles. The doctor then used the kitchen table as his operating bench. As he made the incision it burst. It was an inflamed appendectomy. He survived, although he was never a strong man. The Zahradka's had many encounters with homestead living. Blizzards that raged for days, perhaps some member of the family being caught away from home and had to stay for the while at someone else's home. There were wolves howling around, molesting livestock, skunks burying their way into chicken coops killing poultry. Mrs. Zahradka could handle a gun as well as any man. She shot many of the wild animals. Mrs. Zahradka drove a team of horses hooked to the buggy and did her grocery shopping. One time a couple of bums stood up in her path and they weren't going to let her get by. She pulled off the road and went around them and kept on going.

at 92 on Dec. 10,1968. She was buried beside her husband, just one mile from where they had labored and made this part of the country a better place to live for generations to come. Submitted by Otidie Zahradka Shirek.

CHURCHES VANG LUTHERAN CHURCH A group of the homesteaders, who had settled in the northeastern part of Shepherd and the neighboring areas of Dewey and Adams Townships, decided they needed a cemetery and a church, so they caded a meeting for March 31,1900, at the home of Ole A. Haugen. They chose a committee of three, Ole O. Elton, Lars O. Elton and Knute Boe to draw up the constitution. They also selected their officers for this new organization: president, Ole O. Elton; vice president, Peder Hjelmstad; secretary, Knute Boe, held this office until 1930; elder, Magnus Bjorlein; three trustees - one year term, Andrew Quady; two years, Ingval Skogstad; three years, Peter Quady. It was decided that the secretary was to write to Pastor J. B. Byberg and ask him to serve as pastor. He hved on a farm northeast of Edmore, near St. Hans Church, Highland Township. The group also decided to cad this newly planned project the Vang Congregation. The next meeting was Dec. 9 at the Magnus ajorlein home. Pastor Byberg was present as he accepted the position for $60 a year. It was decided that the pastor, the vice president and the secretary were to meet with Nels Hove and Ole O. Elton to buy a plot land of one and a half acres for the cemetery. Mr. Hove in return gave them the requested grant as a gift. By 1904-1906 the roster contained names of other members and families as I. J. Kluxdal, Hans Roterud, Andrew Klungness, Hans Skyrud, Lars and Jacob Skare, Andrew Hanson, John Lofthus, Peter Larson, Ole L. Elton, Sven Halberg, Thorvald Christiansen, Alfred Koppang, John Alstad, H. O. Moe and John A. Johnson. Each member belonged to some kind of committee such as the budding committee or the parochial school committee. The latter was to hire a teacher, a professional person who could assist with services and the Ladies' Aid besides teaching school for a month. Two members were selected each year to gather feed and hay for the pastor's team as this was to be his means of transportation. It was customary at firsttohave services at the homes of the members before the church was built. Special meetings were held during 1906-1907 when budding of the church began. Olaf Thorson, a carpenter at Lawton, was hired and the lumber was bought from Lamb and Kops Company. The big question was the financial conditions. At one meeting, the 14 members present signed notes, promising to pay $14 each. At another time each member was to pay one cent a bushel for each bushel of flax raised. Services were held before the interior was fully completed. Each famdy was to bring chairs enough for themselves. Then benches were made. There was a coal heater at the front of the room and one at the rear. A barn was built in 1919-1920 that contained 14 stalls. Each family paid $10 a stall for the use for his team. In later years Oscar Lee purchased that budding and moved it to his farm home.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Zahradka The Zahradkas raised a large family: Valerian, born in 1897 at Conway, hved in Shepherd and farmed. Later hved in California, is now deceased. Otillie, bom 1899, died at one year, four months. Another daughter born March, 1901, was caded Ottilia, who is the writer of this story. Pauline was born Jan. 25, 1903, is deceased. Lillian, born Aug. 4, 1905; Charlie, bom April 30, 1907; Wdliam J., born June 29,1908; and Joseph A., born Dec. 11, 1909, completed the famdy. Zahradka was director of Shepherd School District No. 127 for 33 years. He was the treasurer for the township for as many years. He was director of the Lawton Farmers Elevator and also held that office for the Security State Bank of Lawton. They handed over their farming operations to the sons and moved to Monterey, Calif., in the early 1920's. There, they purchased a house next door to the Bobaydas in 1929 where they hved for 12 years. Joseph died October, 1942, at 72. He was buried at the Pecka Cemetery in Shepherd Township. Mrs. Zahradka then moved to San Gabriel until in 1962 when she moved to North Dakota to live with her oldest daughter. She died 951

SHEPHERD SCHOOLS NOS. 3 AND 4 SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 127 Shepherd School No. 3 was located in the southeast comer of Section 29 and School No. 4 in the southwest comer of Section 26. They were all operated by the same officers as School No. 1. Some of the first teachers in these schools were Gertrude Young, Annie and Pearl Scott. Some of the earlier members holding offices from this area were Joseph Zahradka, later his sons Valerian and Charles, Frank Pesek, Frank and Adolph Pecka. In 1947 these two schools consolidated and the building from the southeast was moved to the junction of Walsh County Roads 15 and 22 or to the northeast comer of Section 28. The moving was supervised by Chub Ordway, assisted by Adolph Rysavy and Charles Zahradka. Archie Pickle purchased the west budding and moved that to his farmstead now owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lee and family. The district dissolved in 1965. Property was sold at an auction sale. The township retained the budding as their town had and voting place.

During winter months they met one Sunday a month for services. The Ladies' Aid had been organized so they served dinner. In the afternoon each group held their own meetings. The young peoples group was called the Luther League. By 1928 the altar was completed with all its furniture that is in use today. New pews were purchased. The church has had many phases of remodeling. Several years after it was started, a wind storm twisted it off its foundation. Then a basement was dug and a furnace installed. The steeple blew off and did damage to that part of the structure. It was repaired, but the steeple was not replaced. It now has a box effect style. The two large doors were moved and placed on the north wall of the hallway instead of on the east hall. The interior was refaced with blocks. The basement was enlarged and covered with paneling and the floor tiled. The kitchen was fixed up with new cupboards, stove and electricity was installed throughout the whole building. A new piano was purchased with money given from the Henry Christianson fund. All furnishings on the altar and the sidewalks are donations from memorials. Indoor rest rooms were budt in the west entry room. The Adams Township School donated their bed to the church when they discontinued and it is erected near the door to the west. Pastors who served Vang Church include: Rev. Byberg, 1911-1918; Rev. E . 0. Ulring, 1918-1926; Rev. G. Larson, 1926-1930; Rev. Oscar Rud, 1931-1936; Rev. Herbert Larson, 1936-1943; Rev. Orvin Bilstad, 1944-1947; Rev. Lester Carlson, 1949-1953; Rev. Edward Norby (Int.), 1954-1955; Rev. StevenEngelstad, 1955-1958; Rev. Donald Peterson, 1959-1966; David Gabrielson (Int.), 1966-1967; Rev. Emil Greiner, 1967-1970; Rev. Duane Hetland, 1971-1974; and Rev. Craig Carlson, 1974- .

SHEPHERD SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 132 This school district was organized in Shepherd Township July 6, 1915. It formerly was School No. 2 of District No. 127. The original school budding was moved from the northeast comer of Section 8 to the northeast comer of Section 7. The area included Sections 4,5,6,7, 8, 9,16,17 and 18. A smad barn was built on this school yard area of two acres purchased from John Lofthus. Peter Hjelmstad was elected president with John A. Johnson and Thorval Christianson as other directors. I. J. Kluxdal was appointed clerk. Halvor Moe was selected as the treasurer. He filed his oath of office and bond with Fred Wooldridge and Andrew Hanson as sureties. Directors salaries were $2 for the year. Mrs. Widiam Cameron was hired to wash and clean the interior of the budding due to the shortage of funds to paint as was at first decided. The building was equipped with a smad teacher's desk and some double seats which at times seated three youngsters. There were several years there was an enrollment of 42 pupds. One of wed remembered improvements was in 1918 when 30 new single seated desks were purchased for $201.50.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHEPHERD SCHOOL NO. 1 SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 127 Shepherd School No. 1, District No. 127, known first as the Linstad School, in the northeastern part of Shepherd Township was budt by the homesteaders with volunteer labor. In 1897, the first year, school was held from August to Oct. 8, and the second year from Aprd to June. This one-room schoolhouse had an eight month summer term for many years. Some years it had as many as 35 pupds in attendance with ad grades and one teacher. In 1927 it was changed to an eight month fad and winter term. As years went by the attendance grew smaller. The last few years of operation there were only four pupils. In 1952 the school was closed. It stid stands on the same location. The first school board members were directors, Erick M . Johnson, Magnus Bjorlien and Charley Erickson; treasurer, Charley Sherman, first two year replaced by Hans Roterud; clerk, Louie Swenson; first year teacher was Gilbert Lee and the county superintendent was Widiam Wells. The last teacher was Mrs. Albert Gehrke with four pupils, Rita and Donna Overland and Shirley and Jackie Johnson.

Clara Rye was the instructor for the 1915-16 term with 37 enroded. Edward Erickson was County Superintendent. Clarence Bateman was the only man teacher here and that was in 1916-17. This was also the first year that W. J. Hoover was superintendent. In 1918 Gullik Johnson was appointed clerk due to the illness of Mr. Kluxdal. Gullik served untfl 1960 when Mrs. Mdo Nygaard was selected and held the office until the district terminated in 1965. George Berg was appointed to fdl the vacancy caused by the death of John A. Johnson in 1919. Halvor Moe was treasurer until his death in 1940. His daughter, Mrs. Clarence Lee, was appointed to complete the term. In the spring election when Edwin Peterson was elected and held this position until 1965 when the district closed. Some of the area consolidated with the Adams District and some with Edmore. 952

Some of the other men who served as directors through the years were Joe Peterson, Oliver Elton, and Jerome Hjelmstad. Z. C. B. J. HALL AND CEMETERY The Z. C. B. J . Hall was built in the NE Vi of Section 34 in Shepherd Township in 1909. Edward Paukert and John Herda, local carpenters, did the work. This building was about 38 feet wide and 68 or 70 feet long. About 1950 the building was razed by Adolph Rysavy. The Z. C. B. J. Cemetery is located on the Laddie Zahradka farm in the SEvi of Section 27. Mrs. Frank Novak was the first person buried here in 1908. LOMICE POST OFFICE The Lomice Post Office was established in south Shepherd June 12, 1900. Frank Kvasnicka, Sr., was the postmaster. The office was discontinued Oct. 14, 1905. PIONEERS WITHOUT BIOGRAPHIES Isak J. Antilla, Section 31 John Lundquist, homesteaded in the NW Vi of Section 4 in 1903 Adam Karaniemi, Section 29 Henry and Ila Ehrola, Section 32, NE Abraham Johnson, SW Section 32 Eugene Gravelle, SW Section 32

RECOLLECTIONS BY EMIL MATTSON The following is a recollection of early days on the farm in western Walsh County as told to Gunder B. Berg by Emil Mattson as it appeared in the May 24,1971, issue of The Walsh County Record. " T told you to bring me a young man, but you've brought a boy,' said the Shepherd township farmer as he looked me up and down in the freshly cut wheat field on a September morning nearly 60 years ago. "About an hour out of the stockyards at Lawton, North Dakota, where I had slept under the stars overnight with about 100 other 'hoboes,' I must have presented a pretty dismal picture. I had rode the rods on a Great Northern Railway train from Floodwood, Minn. Just 19 years old, I was determined to earn some money by working during harvesting and threshing in North Dakota. "Christian Gullikson of Shepherd Township had approached me in the early morning at the stockyard 'hotel,' 'My neighbor, George Berg, needs a young man to shock grain,' Gullikson said. 'Want to work?' Shivering in the morning chill, more than a little hungry, I nodded with what I hoped was eagerness although I knew nothing about the kind of work that was to be expected of me. "Although disappointed in my appearance, I was a scrawny six foot, three inches, my "boss' stopped glaring and set about to see what I could do. 'Grab the bundles like this,' he said, placing one sheaf, heads up, under each arm. 'Set the bundles down, leaving room between them so that a rabbit can run through,' he instructed. Then he placed another four bundles, two on each side of the first pair, finishing the shock with two bundles on each side.

"As I grew familiar with the shocking operation, I gathered that the openings were not for rabbits to mn through, but to provide ventilation, thus permitting the grain to dry for threshing. Also, the peaked top of the 'long shock' would shed rain. "There wasn't much time for additional instructions. What would count would be performance. The farmer began cutting more wheat. It was up to me to raise the shocks, eventually to reach the goal of all good harvest hands: 'keeping up to the binder.' "These were parts of the harvest season on Dakota farms in the 1911-1915 era that I came to appreciate. These were the forenoon and afternoon lunches. I don't think my frame could have hung together between regular meals if thick sandwiches and hot coffee hadn't been provided. It wasn't that I lacked appetite at breakfast, dinner and supper, just that I plain didn't have room to store away ah the calories that seemed to be necessary. " 'Emil, time to get up. They're here with a cow. Fifty cents and a tap of hay," shouted the farmer each morning. He spoke in Swedish, while I only understood a few English words aside from the Finnish I had been taught at home. But there was authority inthe call and no matter how tired, it brought me to attention One morning, Mrs. Berg was told to awaken me. When I wasn't in the kitchen at breakfast time, I got the more familiar call, this time more stridently. 'You better wake me,' I said sheepishly. 'Your wife just doesn't frighten me enough.' "As my muscles, hardened from boyhood by work in logging camps and on traplines, and my ingenuity, which you needed in those days, combined, I began to 'catch up to the binder.' Pretty soon I was keeping up, setting up shocks shortly after bundles had been carried into windrows by the carrier on the horse-drawn binder. "I was to earn the regular wage of $2.25 per day for shocking. At the end of my harvest season, George Berg, pleased with the way I had responded, gave me a 25 cents per day bonus. 'Help me break the bay colt, Bill, to harness and you can drive him and the grey mare, Minnie, on the bundle rack when threshing begins,' he said. "When I had finished the threshing season, frequently delayed by long rains, I had earned nearly $150. It was the most money I'd ever made, far more than it was possible to earn in the logging camps of Minnesota. "During the rainy periods, I returned to the farm with the team. We stacked some of the shocked grain, thus permitting Berg to plow fields for the next season. "During the months before the next harvest, I bought cameras and equipment for developing pictures. When I came to North Dakota the next year, I used all spare time in taking pictures, developing and printing the photos in a 'dark room,' a granary at the Berg farm. The last year I worked in Walsh County, 1915, I photographed the guests at a dinner party at the Halvor Moe farm home. "I worked for George Berg two years and for Gullikson one harvest season. Then my father and I began a logging operation in Minnesota. One winter, I think it was 1916, we shipped a carload of cordwood to Lawton. It was purchased by a Farmers Club in Shepherd Township of Walsh County, and distributed to members of the club for fuel in kitchen stoves. "The first season I worked in Walsh County, I believe

GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMEfx CHURCH O f JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Gunder Berg was practically a baby. When his mother brought lunches to the field, he was being pushed in a carriage of wicker The last season I shocked there, he was able to get around by himself. One day his mother sent him out to the field with a message. A grain elevator was burning at Adams, about 15 miles away, and the smoke could be seen in a giant spiral. It's hard to recall how the boy managed to tell me about the fire, but I was able to understand his mixture of Swedish and English. "In addition to my hobby of photography, I was handy at whittling and carving, a trick I had learned during long evenings in logging camps. One rainy afternoon at the Berg farm, I whittled a wooden horse for Hugo Berg. Gunder was taken by this toy, too, and begged me to make him one like it. By that time, the sun was shining and I didn't have much time. When I gave him a wooden horse, he scornfully called it an 'Ugly Plug.' "Evenings on the farm, I remember delighting the children by setting up shadow pictures on the wall with my hands. I had practiced these stunts a good deal and was able to show animals, such as rabbits and foxes, by moving my hands in shadows from the kerosene lamp.

This Shepherd township, Walsh county, community group, were guests at a dinner party at the Halvor O. Moe home, Lawton, July 11, 1915, was photographed by Emil Mattson, now of Chester Depot, Vt. Left to right, back row: Halvor Moe, Ben Pederson, Christian Gullikson, Oscar Johnson, William Johnson, Ellef Moe, Olaf Pederson, George Berg, John Anderson, John A. Johnson, Martin Lindgren, Axel Johnson. Front row: Inga Moe, Mrs. Halvor Moe, Carrie Moe, Lloyd Johnson, Laura Gullikson, Mrs. Christian Gullikson, Alice Gullikson, Mrs. Ellef Moe, Hugo Berg, Mrs. George Berg, Gunder V. Berg, C. Arthur Johnson, Mrs. John A. Johnson, Lillian Johnson, Mrs. Ben Pederson, Amy Johnson, Christina Moe, Mabel Moe.

"Fifty years later, after I had made my trip to North Dakota from Vermont and had found George Berg still at the farm in Shepherd Township, I carved a stately horse for Gunder. He tells me it has a place of prominence in his home at Cavalier. You see, by 1966, having been retired for eight years, I had planty of time.''

SILVESTA TOWNSHIP For not being better educated I can offer no good excuse. My education includes the one-room country school and Union Commercial Codege, Grand Forks. Because I fooled around, none too serious in the school years, I have had to work considerably harder since then. Another mistake I made early in Ufe was in failing to develop a competent memory. Somewhere I got the idea that it was more importanttoknow where to find the information than to store it up in my head. A broad knowledge helps to make the complete person who can better Uve with himself as wed as with others. Anything that one leams, whether from books or experience, wdl Ukely prove useful at some time in ltfe. The student who ready works wid acquire not only a good background but also the priceless habit of learning. School kids and their parents may beheve that going through school results in an education It does not. Education can not be conferred. In school or out, learning is a do-it-yourself proposition. The same rules apply to the gathering of useful knowledge. Our memories act as sieves and unless we keep busy replenishing our knowledge, we shaU come to the undesirable goal of premature old age. Also, the human body functions best when the body and mind are thoroughly exercised. That is why I plan to keep busy in my old age. I hope that I can continue to be active to the end of my days and free from senile dementia.

THOSE FOURSCORE YEARS 1891-1971 AU I did was to grow older. I don't know why we should make a fuss over it. Anybody can do it if he or she has the time. On the 30th of March, 1971, a thing happened that was new to my experience. A few friends tefl me it has happened to them, but only once, so I do not expect it to happen again. It was my 80th birthday anniversary. Of course, I knew that if I lived long enough, the occasion would show itsetf, but I had expected to be much older by the time it arrived. When I was bom, back on March 30, 1891, my chances of survival were considered slim, for I was so very smaU, and especially since I was born at home in a sod house, mdes from a doctor. Mother and nature took good care of me, this is how I made it. I was baptized May 3, 1891, by the Lutheran Pastor Harold Wang of Milton. I must have been very young, for even now I do not feel particularly mature or grown up. Since time wid not go back, I wid make no attempt to be younger. On the contrary, I shall try aU I can to keep growing older. Possibly in time I can, with intense effort and care, feel that I can afford to loaf a tittle and be content with my humble station in hfe. Please think of me, tf you do at all, as a young feUow fuU of wonder at the wide world, stdl hoping to learn and looking to new pleasures and accompdshments. I wtil try hard to keep busy, yet I do not expect to shake the world with my new accompdshments.

After all, I grew up in a plain prairie sod house that had straw mattresses, kerosene lamps and stiff wooden 954

chairs. I was also brought up very close to nature in pioneer days of North Dakota that has given me a rugged constitution, taught me to accept the hardships of life and I learned from it the satisfaction, even the joy, of accomplishment through hard work. Submitted by B. Hultstrand. SILVESTA TOWNSHIP HISTORY Silvesta Township was organized Nov. 12, 1884. The name means "view of the timber.'' It was originally spelled Silvista. Silvesta Post Office was established April 6, 1883, with James F. Berry in charge. It was discontinued June 15, 1904. The supervisors in 1885 were: Ole Severson, J . 0. Hyde and John O'Laughlin. Ole Dahlby was the clerk. Records were burned in 1910 when the clerk's home burned. In an old treasurers book it is recorded that persons receiving payments in 1886 were: George Stensland, R. W. Kerr, Nils Berntson, H. 0. Sunderland, H. S. Stensland, George Folkner, Ole Axvig and J . S. Sunderland.

BIOGRAPHIES JOHN AUNE FAMILY John Olesen Aune was bom Dec. 23, 1854, in Rindalen, Norway. He was a son of Ole Olsen and Britt Aune and had one brother Amt. His three sisters never came over. They were Molly, Beret and Britt. John trained in the military in Norway before coming to America. He was a tailor by trade in Norway. John departed from Tronhjem, Norway, for America in 1882 and got to Grafton. His first job was working on the railroad to and out of Grafton laying ties and rails, etc. He also worked for a Hegerness. John filed and proved up the NEy of Section 9 in Silvesta Township. His sister, Ingeberg, filed and proved the SEvi of Section 9. In June, 1894, John bought this quarter of land from his sister for $700. So he then had two quarters of land. John built a sod house on his claim about 14 x 20, bedroom in the north end, kitchen and Uving room in the south end. He heated the whole house with the kitchen range stove. John Aune and Antonette Thompson were married May 26,1889, in the sod house John built. Antonette was a daughter of Andreas and Bertha Thompson and was born in Ringasaker, Norway, July, 1863. They immigrated to America in 1879 and filed on the NWV4 of Section 10 in Silvesta Township. Antonette had three brothers and two sisters "who came together to America. They were Hans who filed on land at Union; Anders stayed with his parents and farmed; Taale took land one-half mile north from his parents; Maria (Mrs. Albert Tessum); Kristina (Mrs. Knut Axvig); another sister, Agnette, was married to Nils Evenson and stayed in Norway for a number of years before coming to America. First means of transportation was by wagon in the summer and in the winter he would put the wagon on a bob sleigh. When it was stormy and they were going visiting he would put a binder canvas across the top of the box and the family would sit in the bottom of the box. They had to haul their wheat and butter to Grafton and bring home supplies. The trip took two days. Later 4

on, Park River came into being which was much closer and the trip took only one day. In 1905 a large farm home was built, hauUng the lumber and material from Milton, 11 miles away. This home was enjoyed by the family after living in such crowded quarters. There was so little room that during the day their one and only rocker had to be up on the bed. In 1905 the Soo Line Railroad was built to Fairdale. This was seven and a half miles from the farm. There were many hardships, frost, drought, damaged crops most every year and prairie fires were always a hazard. There were several furrows plowed for orotection. The first threshing rig Bennie remembers his Dad had was in partnership with his uncles, Knut Axvig, Albert Tessum and Taale Thompson. It had a return flues on the steam engine, the smoke stack on the rear end of the engine. It was a Nicols-Shepard outfit. Twenty men or more made the crew, eight bundle teams, four men in the field to help load, three teams and mentohaul the grain, two men at the machine to help unload, they were called spike pitchers, one man to tend the separator, one engineer, one fireman, one man to haul water. They threshed one day at each farm until they made the rounds on the return they finished up. The cook car was on wheels, They moved each evening and made a lot of work for the two cooks. The field work was done with four horses in each outfit. One time when John and his brother, Arnt, were hauling hay and the load was drawn by oxen. Arnt's oxen decided they were thirsty so took off for the water slough and tipped the load, most of it was salvaged. A load of hay was worth a lot in those days. John's sons, Edward and Albert, hauled a cow to Mdton to Mr. Pratten. Their pay for doing this was a free dinner in the hotel which ready was a treat in those days. John and Antonette were married for 39 years and the couple had ten children. Andrew married Emma Stoa; Ole married Ida Flugekvam, she died in 1926 and he then married Malvina Carlson in 1927, two adopted children, Paul and Clarice, and two of their own, Oliver and Martha; Albert, married Annie Axvig; Bennie. married Tdda Bakken, four children, Beatrice, Mortimor, Donald and Mae; Theodore, died at four from diptheria in 1879 (the only help was Antonette's brother, Anders, who smoked a pipe ad the while he was there and believed to ward against the disease. He never got i t ) ; Edward, married Wdma Berntson, ten children, Walter. Jesse (died at four), Orvdle (died one and a half months), Melvin, twins, LaVerne and Lorraine, Elda, Pearl, Floyd and Orvdle; Bertha (Mrs. George Berntson), eight children, Bergine, Ldlian, Gordon, Rudolph. Malvina, Luther, Carol and Bernard; Tdda (Mrs. Simon Bolstad), two chddren, Alice and Sherman; Eda (Mrs. Selmer Stoa), six chddren, Sterling, Delores, Donald, Maynard, Marlys and Douglas, later married Andrew Bjornson; and Elmer, died at age five. Antonette and John were active in the Hitterdal Congregation. She was in the Ladies' Aid and John was a deacon for many years, also, a director of School District No. 81 for many years. John and Antonette Uved on their farm home until their deaths. Antonette died Oct. 26,1928, and John died Feb. 22, 1936. One of the sons, Edward, bought the farm in 1936 and Uved there untd they retired and moved into Adams in 1971. A son of Edward, Orvide, and his wife, Judy, and

of Section 8 where they farmed until movingtoEdinburg. A son, Mortimor, now owns this land. Bennie and Tdda have been married for 55 years and have four children, Beatrice (Mrs. Palmer Grove), Mortimer (married Maxine Nelson), Donald (married Lenore Hultstrand) and Mae (Mrs. Aden Sondreson).

three children, Melanie, Mark and Dale, own the farm now and thus a third generation is on this farm.

JOHN AXVIG FAMILY John (Johannes) Axvig was bom in Dakota County south of Minneapods, Dec. 19, 1874. His immigrant parents were Thosten and Taaron (Olson) Axvig. When they left the old country, the famdy adopted their surname, Axvig, which was taken from their "gard" (farmstead) in Telemarken, Norway. When John was seven years old in 1882, the family of 13 chddren and their parents set out for what was then Dakota Territory. They trekked by wagon and yoke of oxen with ad their possession which included some livestock. Fording streams and small rivers, chipping away brash with an axe, they sweated to make a path to journey on as they braved and conquered many hardships. After several weeks of travel, the famdy arrived in Osford Township, Cavader County. There the father homesteaded on land that is presently the Albert Aune farm, nine miles north of Adams. John had six sisters: Sigri (Mrs. Edward Olson), Sophia (Mrs. Johann Myrvik), Gunhdd (Mrs. Fladland), Marget (Mrs. John Bakken), and twins, Anna (Mrs. Emil Earhardt) and Kari (Mrs. Hans Lykken). His six brothers were: Knut, Ole, Levor, Thosten, Jr., Tollef (or Thorn), and Edwin or Evan (Olson) Axvig. John had little pubhc school education during his boyhood. He had farm chores to do and the urge to hunt and fish beckoned to a young boy's heart. Here are some of John's personal experiences of his youth. "The railroad came through to Park River during 1887. Grain was hauled to Park River in wagons with iron rimmed wheels puded by oxen. Wheat was worth 48 cents a bushel that year. When I was 13, my older brother, Ole, and I were the grain haulers. Roads were poor and the oxen were slow. Sometimes it would get dark before we got home and we would have to stop and sleep overnight in a straw pile. As we lifted the cover of straw one morning, snow fed into our faces. "Once a neighbor lady became very sick and brother Knut and I were sent to Edinburg to get Doctor (A. A.) Flaten. Doc told me to hop in his buggy because he didn't know the road. We had a fast ride back to the neighbor and Knut said later that he had a hard time keeping the Doctor's buggy in sight as he tried with his tired horse and buggy. '' One fall a circus came to Park River and some of us boys walked to town to see it and buy some Copenhagen. "I remember when the Hitterdal "Kirke" (church) was being built shortly before the turn of the century. The men of the neighborhood all turned out to shingle the roof. As I looked out on the countryside from the high rooftop, I felt that ad the hard work and the fertde sod of North Dakota were bearing fruit and progress was being made that was pleasing to God." In later years the Norwegian worship services were replaced with English. This change frustrated and saddened John as he missed hearing his familiar tongue. At 24, John was marned to Oline Samaahl March 21,

The John Aune family. Left to right, top row: Bertha, Andrew, Ole, Albert, Bennie. Bottom row: Ella, Mrs. John Aune (Antonette), Tilda, John, Edward, Elmer. A son of John's, Bennie, shares his memories of World War I. June 5, 1917, Albert and Bennie drove to School District No. 103 and registered for the draft with Frank Vejtasa, registrar. The first draft contingent left Grafton Sept. 22,1917. Andrew and Albert were called but were on the extra list so they came home again. They called more than the county quota. A neighbor, Eddie Bakken, left with this first group. The second draft left Grafton the 30th of March, 1918. Andrew and Bennie left with this contingent. They trained at Camp Dodge, Ia., for three weeks. He was then sent to Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, and here joined the ambulance company. May 16,1918, he left the United States on a British ship Adriatic, after 11 days on the ocean they landed at Liverpool, England. They crossed the English Channel on a horse transport for France. October 17, 1918, they left in a convoy of twelve ambulances and three trucks and arrived at Verdun, France, October 20. The next day they went up to the front lines and were at the front lines when the armistice was signed Nov. 11, 1918. They wintered in Luxemburg where Bennie was an orderly on the ambulance with Tony Vlestnick. They made sick calls to several towns where the infantry was stationed if anyone was sick they took them to the hospital. General John J . Pershing reviewed the 33rd Division April 22,1919. Shortly after that, they got ready to go back to the good old U. S. A. The water wasn't deep enough for the big shipstodock at the harbor, so they had to go in boats and reload on the ship out in the harbor. They sailed on the U. S. S. America and landed at Hoboken, N. J., May 24, 1919. Bennie received his discharge at Camp Dodge, Ia., on June 1, 1919. Bennie says, "It was grand to be back home again" November 19, 1919, Bennie was married to Tdda Bakken, daughter of John and Marget (Axvig) Bakken in the front parlor of her parents' home. Their first year of marriage they farmed the W% of Section 9 known as the Albert Tessum farm. This is the farm where their son, Donald, and wife, Lenore, and famdy dve. The buddings were in the north end then. They tore down the house and budt a new home in the south end and moved the bam there. August 31,1920, their first child, Beatrice, was born. That fad Bennie, Tdda and Beatrice moved to the SWy 4

956

1898. Oline was the daughter of Ole and Annie (Trondset) Samdahl and was born in Trondjhem, Norway, May 10, 1880. When she was five, her family immigrated to Goodhue County, Minn. In 1888 the family loaded their household goods and some livestock on freight cars and came either to Park River or Milton by railway. They settled in Cavalier County south of Union, but later moved to Osford Township where Oline lived until her marriage to John. She was the eldest in a family of two girls and eight boys. Her brother, Oscar Samdahl, Edinburg, was the youngest and is the sole survivor of the immediate family. John and Lena (Oline) moved as newly weds to Silvesta Township, Section 11, where the groom had bought land from his brother, Levor. John and Lena began to build a farmstead that was to be their home for the next 55 years. Eight children were bom. All were delivered at home attended either by a neighbor lady or grandmother as midwife. Two children, Tilda and Carl, died during infancy. The six children that grew to adulthood have lived in the Adams-Edinburg-Milton area. They are, with their children: Annie married Albert Aune; Elmer married Hilma Flom, one adopted son, Harold; Joseph married Irene Troftgruben, five children, Jerome, Irma, Addie, Earl and Jolene; Reuben, married Emma Lundgren, four children, Eunice, Arlene, Richard and Daniel; Minnie, married Olaus Rostvet, nine children, Marilyn, Shirley, Amy, Bert, James, twins, Marvin and Orlin, Roger and Conrad; and Ole, married Emma Thompson, one son Truman. The living descendants of John and Lena include five children, 20 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren. John and Lena experienced much happiness as well as some trying times common to the pioneer way of life. Actively engaged in farming for 50 years, John became a prominent livestock and small grains farmer and was one of the first in the area to convert from horsepower to mechanical power. He bought his first tractor, a Happy Farmer, in 1918, a Twin City tractor in 1920, and an Altman-Taylor threshing machine the same year. He did the threshing for neighbors in the area for many years. The Ufe of a pioneer wife was difficult but fulfilling. She had many busy days as she cared for her children, stitched patchwork quilts, baked all the bread and other simple goodies, churned butter, made soap, knitted socks and mittens, sewed clothing for her family, tended a large garden and raised chickens. In 1915 a larger frame house was built and still stands. In 1960 it was brought up to date with modern conveniences. The farm is presently owned by a grandson, Jerome Axvig. John and Lena celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1948. In advanced age as his eyesight was failing, John made the remark, "In the sweat of thy brow thou shalt eat thy bread - it is good for man to work and be able to work." December 24, 1953, Mrs. John Axvig died at their farm home. She was stricken with blindness two years before her death. John was the youngest and last surviving member of his immediate family. He died Nov. 1, 1964, shortly before his 90th birthday at the home of his son, Reuben. A daughter, Annie, died in 1966. Truman Axvig, a grandson, died in 1950 during infancy.

John and Lena were lifetime members of the Hitterdal Lutheran Church, rural Milton. Their graves are located in the Hitterdal Cemetery in Silvesta Township.

John and Lena

Axvig

KNUT AXVIG FAMILY Knut Axvig came from Telemarken, Norway, with his parents, Thosten and Taaron (Olson) Axvig. He was born April 20,1860. He was from a family of 13 children, some of whom were born in Norway. He had six sisters, Sigri (Mrs. Edward Olson); Sophia (Mrs. Johann Myrvik); Marget (Mrs. John Bakken); and twins, Anna (Mrs. Emil Earhardt); and Kari (Mrs. Hans Lykken); Gunhild (Mrs. Fladeland). He had six brothers, Ole, Edwin, Levor, Thosten, Jr., Tollef and John. Knut came to America when he was 18 and settled in southern Minnesota. In 1882 the family came to North Dakota. Knut proved up a tree claim in Silvesta Township. Later he sold his claim and moved to Cavaher County south of Milton. There he built a log house in which school was conducted until the schoolhouse was built. Knut married Kristine Thompson in 1890. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anders Thompson and came to America with them and her three brothers and two sisters: Anders, Hans, Taale, Antonette (Mrs. John Aune); Maria (Mrs. Albert Tessum) in 1879 from Ringsaker, Norway. Kristina was bom March 7, 1875. Her parents filed a claim in Silvesta Township. Knut and Kristine were charter members of Hitterdal Lutheran Church. Knut was one of the first trustees in Hitterdal and served on committees in the church. Knut and Kristine were married for 28 years and nine children were bom: Edwin, married Ragnhild Herseth, 3 children, Ruby, Kenneth, Willard; Alfred, married Aletta Mortenson, five children, Muriel, James, Kermit, Marcello, Gene; Aletta died Nov. 4, 1933. Later married Lavina Clemens Hughes who had a son, Owen, six children, Maynard, Alva, Marion, twins, Erna and Ernest, Loma; Oscar, single; Clarence, single; Tilda, married Matt Mortenson, one son, Maynard; Matt died and she later married Joe Nelson, six children, Joseph, Jr., Leo, Doyle, twins, Verna and Vernon, Lorraine. Annetta, married Walter Mecham, six children, Adeline, Shirley, Willis, Gerald, Dorothy, Roy; Henry, married Freda Tresler, four children, Robert, Marjory, Allyn, Elaine; Cora, married Leonard Mecham, six children, Curtis, Elwood, WiUiam, Richard, MerUn, Gloria; Mabel, married Clarence Bakken, two girls, Joann, Teverly.

20 feet long and six feet high. He later divided it into two rooms. John made most of his furniture, benches to sit on and wooden beds fiUed with straw. Many a time the sod house would be covered with snow. Every night he would take a tub outside and cover the top half of the window so there would be an opening for Ught the next morning. Many a morning he had to shovel the tub out. Since the snow covered the house, John had to shovel snow steps out of the house. There were 13 steps leading to the top. One day a kind neighbor, Swen Rostvedt, had just finished butchering and was bringing a pig head for them when he sUpped on the top step and came sUding down, the door burst open and he landed on the floor, pig head and aU!

Knut died March 13, 1918, Kristine March 13, 1930. They are buried at Hitterdal Lutheran Cemetery. JOHN BAKKEN FAMILY John Bakken was born in Benson, Minn., in Swift County near a place called Six Miles Grove Oct. 1, 1871. He was a son of Erick and Mary (Dahl) Bakken. His parents' names were originally Erick Dahl and Mary Bakken but switched their names when they came to America. John had 12 brothers and sisters, Ameha, Sophie, Gilbert, Martin, Edward, Kristina, Simon, who have died, along with two girls who died as children; George, Hilda and Dina are still living. In the spring of 1881 John's father, Erick, and a brother loaded supplies into the covered wagon and left for North Dakota where they settled near Milton. The mother and the other nine children remained in Minnesota until in October when they joined Erick and his other son. In their first home in North Dakota a dugout built in the side of a hill, the roof was made of poplar poles with hay and sod on top. There was a lot of snow that winter and their hillside home was completely covered with snow, except for a part of the stovepipe. One day a powerful noise brought them running from the house and discovered a neighbor, Ole Axvig, was on the roof with a team of oxen and a wagon. He hadn't noticed the house. John's education was over when he came to North Dakota because he was needed to help at home. He had only three years of school and when he was 18 he started school again but again was needed at home. John's father's first threshing machine was one that generated its own power through the use of horses. Twelve horses were made to walk around and around in a circle and the power was transmitted to the machine through a large rod as it was generated. While two men pitched bundles into the machine, a third man had to cut the twine from the bundles. When John was 11, he had to herd cattle all day. To pass the time he made a bow and arrows from young oak trees, putting a nail at the end of each arrow, he used that for shooting gophers. Later he decided to put hobbles on the cows feet so they could not move so far or so fast. At 12, John started working out. He plowed and harrowed with oxen and worked many years with threshing crews. They were given board but as there was no other sleeping quarters, they would use an armful of hay for a pillow and slept on the kitchen floor. They would have to be up and out before breakfast could be started. In February, 1893, John married Marget Axvig, daughter of Thosten and Taaron (Olson) Axvig, at the home of her brother, Knut. Marget was bom July 21, 1867, in Telemarken, Norway, and came to America when she was a year and a half. She had seven brothers and five sisters, Levor, Edwin, Ole, Knut, Thosten, ToUef (Tom), John, Sigri (Mrs. Edward Olson), Sophia (Mrs. Johann Myrvik), twins, Kari (Mrs. Hans Lykken) and Anna (Mrs. Emil Earhardt), Gunhdd (Mrs. Fladland). The rest of that winter John and Marget Uved with Knut and Kristina and John worked for Knut. The next summer John rented a farm from him which was in Section 4 and they hved there about three years.

John Bakken family. 3 boys in front: Marvin, Jesse, Vanhardt. In back: Tilda, Eddie. Times were hard for John and Marget these years. The second winter they were married, they didn't have money for groceries. John went to town and charged a winter's supply of flour and when he got home he butchered a Ccdf. AU their meals that winter consisted mostly of bread, syrup and lard, except for rare treats of meat and milk from their cows. Five years passed and John proved up the eighty he was homesteading. He then bought a quarter of land on cross payments, this meant giving half the crop every year until the land was paid for, a second quarter was secured in the same manner. Four more quarters were bought later, but times were better and cash was paid for them. John and Marget had always mdked about 12 cows and kept them in makeshift sheds of straw, but in 1904 they budt a bam. As farms developed, the improved bams were often budt before the new houses. In 1906 they budt a spacious new home nearby. In 1898 John McCarthy, a Mdton photographer, took a picture of Mr. and Mrs. John Bakken and their two children, Tilda and Eddie, in front of their sod house. This picture brought them great recognition in 1962 when an artist, Chickering, used this picture as the basis of a drawing which was used on the four cent stamp commemorating the Homestead Act. In 1862 Congress passed what was known as the Homestead Act. This law gave 160 acres of land to anyone who would build a house and Uve on the land for five years. Later, it was arranged so that the land could be secured by paying a small price per acre and Uving on the place for fourteen months. As Uving persons were not pictured on stamps, the two small children were omitted in the stamp design and in their place was written "The Homestead Act 1862-1962." John, who was 92, recognized his sod house on the stamp.

In 1896 they homesteaded on an eighty in Section 14 and here John budt a sod house which was one big room 958

John and Marget lived almost 50 years on this farm before they retired and moved to Edinburg in 1942. John and Marget shared over 55 years of wedded life together and had eight children, Tilda (Mrs. Bennie Aune), had four children, Beatrice, Mortimer, Donald and Mae; Eddie, married Josie Mortenson, four children, Wendell, Wanda, Wallace and Warren; Millard, died at nearly two years; Jesse I, died at age one and a half; Jesse II, died at nearly 19 years; Marvin, married Belida Brunsvold; Vanhart, married Alma Olson, two children, Vernon and Lola; and Mabel, died in infancy. Marget died Nov. 29, 1948. John's daughter, Tilda, and her husband, Bennie Aune, moved in with him then. John died July 10, 1965. They are laid to rest at the Hitterdal Lutheran Cemetery. A son, Marvin, and Belida, his wife, now own the farm and have lived in the house John built since they were married June 15, 1927.

Ufe. Nels worked in the lumber yard and Anne had charge of the chores at home. In the spring of 1882 Nels got the urge to go to Dakota Territory to take up land which was free. TraveUng to Grafton by train he headed west on foot coming to the Park river. Nels put his lumberyard skills to use and he cut down a tree and with the aid of his spiked lumberyard boots navigated the log across the river. Once across, he again headed west when a man by the name of Ole Lykken, who was driving a horse drawn wagon, interrupted him. Lykken was happy to see that he was a white man for he feared Indians. Ole then offered Nels a ride and together they headed west in search of land. They became Ufe-long friends as Ole settled in the NW% of Section 2 and Nels on the SW% of Section 2 in SUvesta Township. Nels also had a 80 acre tree claim and later bought rights to 151 acres in Section 10 to complete his original homestead.

BAKKEN SOD HOUSE STORY An interesting news story regarding the sod house occupied by the John Bakken family in Silvesta Township appeared in 1962. This was in connection with the issue of the Homestead Stamp. It was noted that the design of the stamp had been copied from a picture of the Bakken sod house. In 1957 the "Edinburg Story" written for the 75th anniversary of the Edinburg area included the picture which had been loaned by the Bakken family. This was the original taken by the photographer McCarthy from Milton. Records show that at that time Judge Grimson had placed a copy of that story in the library at Bismarck. In checking it was learned that the artist Chickering who designed the stamp had seen the picture in Bismarck. As living persons were not pictured on stamps, the two small children were omitted in the stamp design. John Bakken, then 92, was very much alive and readily recognized his shack. The story was featured in stamp magazines and local papers. Fred Hultstrand, photographer in Park River, had purchased the old plate together with others of sod and early homes from McCarthy years before and had made copies for his collection which he often displayed. The picture was again used for copy when the Agassiz Garden Club had a sdver North Dakota souvenir spoon designed for sale as a benefit for the Walsh County Pioneer Memorial Garden. Submitted by Mrs. M. C. Flaten.

Mr. and Mrs. Nels Berntson Nels returned to Wisconsin to gather his possessions and bring his wife Anne and their three children, Benjamin, Louis and Matilda (who was a month old) to a dugout in the Dakota Territory caded home. Once again the trip was made by train to Grafton and from there in a wagon drawn by a team of oxen. On the way between Grafton and their home they stopped overnight at some farm house that was already over-crowded. They furnished ad their own food, but when ready to leave, asked the lady what they owed her for lodging. WeU, she said, tf she could get the bacon grease it would be sufficient. Anne gave her some baking powder biscuits, too, so that made her happy. Their first home was a dugout and they lived in it until fall that same year when a sod house was built. There was always a fear of Indians coming and so one day when there was a loud racket Anne dared hersed to look out of the dugout to find it was a harmless neighbor lady and thus a friendship began. This lady was Mrs. Tosten (Taaren) Axvig.

NELS BERNTSON FAMILY Nels Berntson was bom Nov. 14, 1846, in Arndal, Norway. He immigrated to America with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bemt Nelson, in 1853 and settled in Wausau, Wise. He had a brother Andrew and a sister Lena. It was in this area that Nels got his education and learned to be a lumberjack. Nels married Anne Larson, daughter of Lars and Maren Larson, and she was bom in Tvedestrand, Norway, July 23,1855. Anne had one sister who died when she was four years old; a twin brother Andrew and another brother Peter. They came to America in 1871 and settled at the Waupaca, Wise., area. They were married April 12, 1875, in Scandinavia, Wise. They hved in Wisconsin their first years of married

Nels used oxen to draw his wagons and equipment and his booming voice would be heard for long distances as he commanded the oxen with gee and haw. He also used mules before switching to horses. Nels bought a tree for 50 cents from a Mr. Flom which he cut into post lengths and fenced the pasture. The homestead was located near a body of water which Nels is credited for naming Waterloo Lake. The farm used to be known as the Lake Shore Farm. 959

The first wheat grown was carried on his back to Grafton to be ground into flour. There were many hardships. Frost and drought were prevalent which made for small crops. One or two cows produced milk for the table and then of course cream for churning butter which was brought to Grafton in exchange for food and supplies. It took two days to make the trip to Grafton. There were no landmarks to go by, but they always made it home safely in spite of being caught in blizzards. As the years went by, the towns of Edinburg, Park River, Milton, Adams and Fairdale came into being, making it easier for the pioneers to get their supplies. Anne was a good seamstress and so she had brought her sewing machine, the only one in the area. She did a lot of sewing for the neighbor women, mostly as a neighborly gesture. She was also a midwife and was over 70 before she quit. During the real pioneer days the ladies helped each other out and even brought their youngest child along and stayed overnight. Nels was an ardent reader, thus was self-educated and best of all had an unusual memory. He had a rather large library with a variety of information. He had the only subscription in the area to a newspaper, "The New York World." His home became a place to get information. He was interested in public affairs; he served as county commissioner for three years; justice of the peace in the township; he presided over disputes and problems and would render decisions. He also performed marriages, one was the son of his good friend, Ole Lykken, Hans, to Kari Axvig, another neighbor. Another was Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hanson. Anne had the supper and had made a cake, supposedly the wedding cake. Once Nels was called upon to marry a couple, the prospective bridegroom was in such a hurry he wouldn't wait for Nels to change his clothes, so he had to take his clothes along and change in a comer of the granary. Nels was also on the jury that convicted Bill Barry of lulling his hired man southeast of Milton. He served as director of Dundee Mutual Insurance for many years. Nels also assisted Karl Farup of Park River with surveying the prairie. Anne was a very pious person, a charter member of Hitterdal Lutheran Church and a life-long member of the Ladies' Aid. Her piety carried over into her home life where she forbade the cutting of paper on Sundays and of playing checkers any time. In 1913 the old farm home was remodeled and a good sized addition built. Nels and Anne spent 43 years of wedded hfe together and had 10 children. Martin died in Wisconsin; Benjamin married Maggie Bennet, had nine children, Mabie, Amanda, WaUace, Elwood, Harriet, Ella, Glen, Delores, Jean, Uved in Sanish, N. D.; Louis married Julia Johnson, had three children, Mddred, Norris and Leonard; Matdda married Tom Olson, first couple to be married in the Hitterdal Church, had 11 children, Nora, Alma, Arthur, Alida, Ted, Reynard, Florence, OUve (deceased), Viola, Wadace and Delores; Mary, married Ben Ingulsrud, two chddren, Laura and Marget, Mary is deceased; Amanda, married Ben Ingulsrud, four children, Dorothy, Bethel, Olger, Eleanor; Wilma, married Edward Aune, ten chddren, Walter, Jesse (deceased), Orvdle (deceased), Melvin, twins, LaVerne and Lorraine, Elda, Pearl, Floyd and Orville; Alfred, married Norma Grendahl, three daughters, Audrey, Naomi, and Thelma; Wdhe (died at eight of a heart condition); George, married Bertha 960

Aune, had eight chUdren, Bergine, Iillian, Gordon, Rudolph, Malvina, Luther, Carol, Bernard. Nels died in 1918 and Anne in 1936 and are laid to rest at the Hitterdal Cemetery located right beside the farm on the shore of Waterloo Lake. George took over the famdy farm after his father's death. He married Bertha Aune in 1920, daughter of another pioneer famUy, John and Antonette Aune. George attended Augsburg College in Minneapods. He had many interests other than his farming. He was an active layman in Hitterdal Church where he was Sunday School Superintendent for 25 years. He received the town and country award from the Division of Home Mission National CouncU of the Church of Christ in the United States of America Oct. 28,1953. This award was given in recognition of one who exalts Christ through Christian famUy Uving, through Christian relations, through business and politics, whose service and support keep town and country churches effective. George was active in the cooperative movement. He helped organize the Adams Farmers Union OU Company and served as board chairman for 25 years. He also participated in the Farmers Union organization. Politics was another area of interest and he served in the North Dakota House of Representatives for three terms. He was elected on the Democratic-NPL ticket. George served as a director of Dundee Mutual Insurance Company, succeeding his father in that position. He also served on the local school board, was a township supervisor, County Ag School and Oak Grove Lutheran High School. George greatly expanded the original homestead and it grew from 400 to 2,000 acres. He retired from farming in 1960 and moved to Adams. He died in January, 1962. His wife, Bertha, continues to reside in Adams and is active in church activities and women's auxdiaries. George and Bertha shared 42 years together and had eight chddren. His son, Luther took over the farming operation in 1960 and is residing on the original homestead, thus, the third generation continues to farm the Berntson farm. The house is a part of the first frame house budt on the farm and another extensive remodeling has taken place. Luther married Helen Gryth of Pembina in 1960. Two daughters were born, Margo and Kristen. Luther has many of the interests of his grandfather and father. He is active in many community activities, farm organizations, pohtics, church and Bible Camp. He now is the third generation of Bemtsons on the Dundee Mutual Insurance Company board of directors. Luther received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award for the state of North Dakota in 1963. MR. AND MRS. OLAF BJERKE Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Bjerke set out for America April 27, 1906, on the ship, Luneien, arriving in Quebec, Canada, May 13, 1906. They had with them their three children, Otto, three and a half years old, Anna (Mrs. Christ Sundvor), two years old, and Carl, six weeks old. From Quebec they traveled by train to Grafton arriving there May 16, They first Uved in the area northwest of Grafton, fliere a daughter, Amanda, was born. She died in infancy and is buried at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery near Hoople.

The family moved to Silvesta Township, north of Adams. Otto and Anna attended school in Silvesta School District No. 100. While living there two sons were born, Herman (now deceased) and Joseph. From there the family moved to the Knute Ovnand farm southwest of Edinburg. Here Magnus, Knute and Stella (Mrs. Vemon Rustan) and Alice (Mrs. Raymond Setnes) were born. In 1926 they purchased the Carl Monson farm in Silvesta Township where they resided until their deaths. Olaf died Nov. 8, 1932, and Olivia April 10, 1952. They were members of the Odalen Church, west of Edinburg. Submitted by Merna Bjerke.

at Grand Forks to the age of 96. She died in October, 1915. The Botsfords had six children: Charley, married Molly Olson had three children, Emory, Alice and Molly; Clay, married Stella McLean, had two children, Vemon and Russell (who gave his life in 1942 while serving as an officer in the U. S. Navy Air Force); Millard, married Minnie Nelson, had a daughter, Luella; Mae (Mrs. Pete Holmes, son Percy, died as a young man at Sarles); Worth, married Lena Hammerstad, son, Floyd; Walter, married Clara Hammerstad, had two children, Sandra and Walter. The only survivor is Mae Holmes who resides at the Good Samaritan Rest Home in East Grand Forks. The surviving daughters-in-law are Stella at Adams, Clara at Moorhead and Minnie at Chinook, Mont. Millard, Mae, Worth and Walter were born in Silvesta Township. WILLIAM AND CAROLINE BYARS William Byars and Caroline (Bowles) Byars came to the United States from Canada in early 1880. They homesteaded in the York, Leeds area before coming to Silvesta Township. One son, Louis, was born in 1892. They lived in Silvesta Township a short time, moving to Montrose Township in Cavalier County. Mrs. Byars died in January, 1902. Mr. Byars and son, Louis, returned to Silvesta that year.

The Olaf Bjerke family. Left to right, top row: Carl, Anna, Otto, Herman. Sitting: Knute, Joseph, Olaf, Stella, Olivia, Magnus. ARESTUS BOTSFORD FAMILY Arestus Botsford was born in Pen-Yan County in New York State. He moved to Missouri as a young man. That is where he met and married Annie Riding of LaCleade County. Annie's parents had come from Winchester, Va. March 15, 1882, Botsford, with seven other men and several carloads of livestock, headed for Dakota Territory by rail and arrived here on April 1. May 14,1882, Annie and sons, Charles and Clay, plus two of the original seven men left Missouri by rail and arrived at Minto May 17 in a three-day blizzard. Annie and the boys stayed with friends at Minto and Park River for a week through the blizzard. When the weather had cleared, the family started their 50 mile trip to the "mountains." The trip was through virgin country by wagon to the rolling upland prairies to the pre-emption homestead in Tiber Township. There were no roads, except»animal trails and they had some thrilling river crossings where the horses had to swim and the wagon box nearly floated away. They were forced to load and reload many times because of bad roads. The first summer was spent in a three-sided shed with no roof or floor. In the fall the family moved into a new log cabin which offered comfort for several years. In 1884 Botsford filed on a homestead in the NW y of Section 13 in Silvesta Township and the family lived there many years. Arestus Botsford died very suddenly at his home June 28,1916. He was buried at Hitterdal Cemetery near Waterloo Lake. After 1920, Annie Botsford made her home at Park River, then with Worth, her son, and later 4

William Byars and Jane (Dynes) Byars were married in Langdon in December, 1904. Ten children were born, eight are living. They lived in Silvesta Township after selling their farm to their son, Rhynard, in the fall of 1946. They moved to Edinburg in 1947 where they Uved until he died in June, 1952, at the age of 87. Mrs. Byars moved to a rest home in Grafton and Uved there until her death in September, 1966, at 84. Four of their sons were in the service during World War H. Submitted by Rachel Byars. FLOM FAMILY Torjus Hermanson Flom was born June 3, 1838, on the Flom farm in Aurland Parish, Sogn, Norway. He was married in Norway and had one child, where both his wife and child died and he was left alone. In 1861 he came to America and settled in Dane County, Wise, in 1861, which was during the Civd War. In 1866 he married Gunhdd Sjerpe and together they struggled through many hardships in four different states. They resided two years in Dane County, Wise, four years in Dadas County, Ia., and ten years in Lyon County, Minn. In 1882 Flom and his famdy traveled by covered wagon to Dakota Territory and settled in what is now Tiber Township. The Floms had 12 children, six boys and six girls. Herman, born in Wisconsin; Peter and Anna, born in Iowa; Kristen, Martha, Andrew, Emma and Albert, bom in Minnesota; and Ida, Tdda, Johanna and Johnnie, in North Dakota. Torjus and Gunhild settled on a quarter of land along a branch of the Park River, Uving in a sod house on the western banks of the river, where they often were visited by the Indians traveling through along the river. When the Indians were given a bit of food, they went on their way very satisfied. Here, they raised their children. They were instrumental in helping each of their children

in any way possible, played a big part in Grandpa and Grandma Flugekvam's life. This was the heritage they passed on to their children, and I'm sure to all of us of the next generation. Moses and his family often housed and fed Pastor Ludvig Pederson and his family for many months at a time, living right in with them as members of the family. It was difficult at times in those days to pay the pastor an adequate salary. The Moses Flugekvams had 11 children, three were born in Norway, Annie (Mrs. Christ Bjordahl), Talina (Mrs. Jacob Hegeland), he died while their daughter, Mabel was quite young. Later she married Gilbert Thompson. Nicholas never married. Nelhe (Mrs. Otis Jeglum); Louis, married Julia Johnson; Ida (Mrs. Ole Aune); Marie (Mrs. Hans Sholey); Andrea (Mrs. Ray Holzknecht); Andrew, died at the age of 18; and Mary and Andrew, who died very young, were born in the U. S. It was an old custom to name later children the same as those that had died. The Moses Flugekvam family was a close knit, happy family. One common interest they enjoyed was music. They all had natural, good quality, singing voices. Many happy hours were spent around the piano singing. No doubt this was their main diversion from work. They sang parts and organized a family singing group which took part in many church functions in the area. Johanna died in 1917. After her death Moses, Annie and Nickolas moved to Kahspel, Mont., where they lived until Moses' death in 1922. Annie and Nickolas then moved to Grand Forks and after a few years Annie married there. The only one left to carry on the Flugekvam name is Paul, who is about 20 years old and hves in Bellingham, Wash. Paul is a son of Harvey, who was a son of Louis, who was a son of Moses. Submitted by Mrs. Leonard Gryte (Lois Flugekvam) and Mrs. Oscar Flovik (Mabel Hegeland) granddaughters.

procure a quarter of land in the surrounding area. The Flom family was active in (Stefanus) St. Stephen Lutheran Church, which they helped organize in 1883. They donated two acres of land to the congregation for a church yard and cemetery. They also donated the church bell and the entrance gate to the church yard. Torjus Flom died at 90, in 1928. Only surviving children are Mrs. Emma Tronset, 96, Edinburg, and the youngest son, Johnnie, 86, at the Sunset Home in Grafton. Submitted by Mrs. Oscar (Josie) Sunderland.

The T. H. Flom home. Left to right: Tilda, Ida, Emma, Martha, Anna, Herman, Peder, Christ, Andrew and Albert. Johanna, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Flom, Johnnie.

MOSES AND JOHANNA FLUGEKVAM Moses Flugekvam came with his wife, the former Johanna Stoaringsdahl, from Syndfjord, Norway, in the late 1880's to Roy, Wise. Later, they came to the Fairdale area and settled on a homestead five miles east of Fairdale, in Section 22 in Silvesta Township, in approximately 1894. Their first home was a sod house. Later, a house was built out of lumber with two rooms and a small lean-to kitchen and one room upstairs with no double walls. In the winter the frost sealed up the cracks. Later, when they could afford it, a large two-story comfortable house was built. Moses made his business farming. The children attended a rural school. Nicholas, who was deaf from birth, attended the School for the Deaf in Devils Lake for some time, making it possible for him to communicate with members of his family and others. He also learned to read. The Flugekvam family were all members of Hitterdal Lutheran Free Church, located about six miles north of where they hved. They were active in church affairs even though they had to drive to church with horses both summer and winter. He provided leadership in helping organize the Hitterdal Lutheran Church; he is remembered as being in charge of the Sunday School in the early 1900's. He was a student of scripture, doing much writing for the Scandinavian papers of that period. Their faith in their Lord and Saviour and doing his work

LOUIS AND JULIA FLUGEKVAM Lois Flugekvam, son of Moses and Johanna Flugekvam, was married to Julia Johnson, daughter of Ole and Helene (Swensrud) Johnson, who lived in Tiber Township. They hved on the Flugekvam farm. Their children, Lois (Mrs. Leonard Gryte), 1916, and Harvey, 1919, were born here. A few years later, Louis was asked to be manager of the Farmers Elevator in Adams. He decided to try this type of work so they moved into Adams. He was manager of the elevator there for about 14 years. Their daughter, Lois, says, "Dad and Mother's spiritual heritage was such that it could not be taken away from them. So, after joining the Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams, they were happy to take an active part in the congregation - using their time and talents, along with other faithful members, with great dedication. Mother taught Sunday School, whereas Dad was superintendent of the Sunday School for many years, perhaps 12 to 14 years. The younger chddren called him the Sunday School "minister." Being a part of the church choir was an enjoyable experience, as they both had musical talent. Often the two of them were heard singing duets. We as a famdy were in church every Sunday. The service was in the Norwegian language every other 962

Sunday, but we were all there, even though Harvey and I didn't understand much Norwegian. I was confirmed by Rev. B. J. Hatlem." Lois also states that she has great memories of her school days in Adams and she spent her first eight years of school there. Harvey had five years. In 1929 Louis resigned from his managerial position at the elevator. They moved and lived in Park River for a year where he managed a grocery store. They moved back to the Flugekvam farm and then to Fairdale. Louis managed a grain elevator there besides his farming operations. Lois graduated from the Fairdale High School in 1932. Then in September began her college career at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., graduating from there in June, 1937. Lois felt fortunate in being able to finish college, in spite of the severe economic depression affecting almost everyone at that time. Her dad's grain elevator job terminated as a result. During these years the Louis Flugekvams moved to Grand Forks and it wasn't too long before Louis was a full time carpenter and later a contractor. Harvey continued high school in Grand Forks for a while. Then he went to Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, Minn., graduating from high school there. He felt it wise to work for a year or so before going on to school. So he worked as a carpenter's apprentice with his dad and learned to like the trade. After a time, Harvey and three friends went on a vacation to Seattle, Wash. With Harvey this interim was extended to his living in Washington. He studied the carpenter trade again. It wasn't long before he was in the contracting business. He spent a few years in the service during this time, too.

RAGNALD FLUGEKVAM Ragnald A. Flugekvam and his wtfe came from Norway with his cousin, Moses Flugekvam. They resided in Section 28 in Sd vesta Township. They had four children, Sophie, Caroline, another girl who taught school, and Elmer. After Elmer's death Ragnald, Sophie and Carohne sold the farm and moved to Grand Forks. His work in Grand Forks was filing saws. Sophie worked as a seamstress for the Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks for a number of years, retiring not too many years ago.

The sod house of R. A. Flugekvam. OLE HAROLDSON FAMILY Ole Haroldson was born in Skien, Norway, April 1, 1856, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Rodmyre. He had two brothers, Kittel and Svenung, and one sister, Annie, (Mrs. Thorstenson). His brothers and sister kept the name Rodmyre but Ole took the name Haroldson. Ole married Bergit Bolager, daughter of Lars Sweningson Bolager and Tone (Gudmundson). Bergit was bom Jan. 13, 1855. She had two sisters, Gunhild (Mrs. Ole Lykken) and Mrs. Swen Larson and one brother, Ole, who remained in Norway.

After coming home, he went back to his former business again and kept with it until he began teaching carpentry at the Bellingham, Washington, Technical School. He was teaching there at the time of his death in 1971. He married Lilly Aasheim of Bellingham in 1943. Their family consisted of five children. For about seven and a half years during World War n Louis and Julia made their home in Tacoma, Wash. When his health failed, they returned to Grand Forks. He died from a heart ailment in April, 1951. Julia, at 87, resides at the Valley Memorial Home in Grand Forks and is doing wed for her age. Julia had six brothers and three sisters: John, Peter, Anton, Hans, Oscar, Henry, Anna (Mrs. Christ Anderson), Nettie (Mrs. Anfin Quam), and Bertha (died as a teen-ager). Louis had seven sisters and three brothers: Annie (Mrs. Christ Bjordahl), Talina (Mrs. Jacob Hegeland), after his death she later married Gilbert Thompson; Nicholas; Nedie (Mrs. Otis Jeglum); Ida (Mrs. Ole Aune); Marie (Mrs. Hans Sholey); Andrea (Mrs. Ray Holzknecht); two brothers named Andrias died, one age 14 and the other at 18; a sister, Maria, died at six years.

Ole came to America from Telemarken, Norway, in 1888, with his wife, Bergit, and two of their chddren, Gunhild, age five, and Lawrence, age three. They traveled by boat to New York and then by train to Milton. The depot at Milton had no platform, so they stepped off the train onto beautiful, black North Dakota sod. They were met at the train by Ole Lykken. They stayed with the Lykkens, then moved to the Tone Axvig Welo place by Waterloo Lake in Sdvesta Township. They hved there two years, during this time another son, Theodore Gilman, was born. Ole purchased homestead rights in Silvesta Township and built a two room sod house where he moved his famdy in 1890. The sod house was made from broken sod pieces, which were pded flat side down on top of each other. The frame work was made of poles and common roofing boards. The inside walls of the house were lined with newspapers. Ole prepared the fields by breaking the sod with three or four oxen and a single walking plow. Some years it was so dry that they couldn't break the sod. Most of the seeding was done with a seeder, that had shovels that resembled a cultivator. Ole had a binder to cut the grain but many of the pioneers had reapers that cut the grain and two men had to stand on the side and tie the bundles of grain together with straw. These bundles were then shocked by hand. There were several threshing

Lois' vocation was teaching English and music at the high school level, three years at Northwood and two and a half years at Hoople. She married Leonard Gryte in January, 1942, and they farm at Hoople. They have two children, Karen (Mrs. Bruce Howard), a registered nurse, and John, junior at wheaton College in Illinois. The only one left to carry on the Flugekvam name is grandson, Paul, who was a son of Harvey. Paul is about 20 years old and fives in Bellingham, Wash. Submitted by Mrs. Leonard (Lois) Gryte, daughter. 963

farm. Ole and Bergit were married nearly 60 years and three children were born, Gunhild (Mrs. Theodore Nordlie), four children, Maybelle, Oscar, Rudolph and Evelyn; Lawrence, married Sarah Anderson, four children, Donald, Hartney, Loren and Stanley; Gilman, married Anna Thrugstad, three children, Garvie, Doris and Effie Ann. Gilman is living in Adams. Bergit died April 1, 1942, and Ole died Nov. 14, 1943. Their final resting place is the Hitterdal Lutheran Cemetery.

machines in the neighborhood. Many of these had to be pulled with horses. Many people lost their lives in the many terrible snowstorms. The banks of snow would pile up six or eight feet high around the sod houses and many times they would have to shovel to get out. In the summer there were dust storms that got so bad they could not see. Most of the clothes they wore were homemade. Bergit would work long hard hours at the spinning wheel, knitting socks, mitts, shirts and all the things they needed. Another useful item they brought with them from Norway was a hand-powered Singer sewing machine. These two items are still in the family's possession.

GILMAN HAROLDSON FAMILY Theodore Gilman Haroldson was born in Silvesta Township March 6,1890, son of Ole and Bergit (Bolager) Haroldson, and thus begins the second generation of Haroldsons in Walsh County. He had one brother, Lawrence, and one sister, Gunhild (Mrs. Theodore Nordlie). Gilman attended grade school in District No. 82. He remembers his teacher, Miss McNeil, an Irish woman whom he considered strict. Almost ad of the children spoke and wrote Norwegian. The chddren could only speak Enghsh whde they were in school and were supposed to speak it at home, too, but very few of them did. A school year was kind of off and on, but they usually went eight months out of every year later on. Miss McNed stayed with a famdy in the neighborhood named O'Laughhn. When Gilman was young there were stdl a few Indians in the area. There was an Indian trail that crossed their land east of the buildings. Once in a while he would see them go by. They had narrow-wheeled wagons and the tracks from the wheels can stdl be seen in the eastern part of their pasture. He helped his father farm their land in Sdvesta Township and he and his brother, Lawrence, also worked the land their father owned at Loma. Gilman worked with his brother on his threshing rig. They threshed for many of the area farmers. Gilman and Lawrence also owned and operated a butcher shop in Adams in 1916 and 1917. They then sold the butcher shop and bought a general merchandise store from L. J . Olson. Gdman is a World War I veteran, having served in the U. S. Army. He entered the service July 20, 1918, he received a 30 day leave that fall to help with harvest. He received his discharge from the service Feb. 19,1919. December 10, 1919, he married Anna Thrugstad, daughter of Edward and Johanna (Halverson) Thrugstad. She was bom Aprd 2, 1896. She had five brothers, Henry, John, Herman, Edwin and Elmer; and three sisters, Hdda (Mrs. Lars Salte), Emma (Mrs. Olai Anderson) and Myrtle Thrugstad. After their marriage they operated the famdy farm and Gilman's parents moved into Adams. Gdman is a member of the Hitterdal Lutheran Church. He has served as a trustee of the congregation. He was a member of the Silvesta Township board, was township treasurer and also township assessor. He served on the school board and was treasurer for the local telephone company. Gdman and Anna celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 1944 at the Hitterdal Lutheran Church. They moved to Adams in 1947 when their son Garvie married and took over the farm which his Grandfather Ole Haroldson homesteaded in 1890. Three chddren were born, Garvie (married Elaine

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Haroldson They went to town for flour, sugar and other important supplies. They also got supplies and small things from Syrian peddlers, who would travel all over and sell their merchandise. They often would ask to stay overnight and have a good meal and in return they would give them something. Ole also had a Sears Roebuck catalog and the family sent for many of the things they needed. A grandson still has his 1903 Sears Roebuck catalog. There was no church building in the area, but the people would get together at a neighbor's house and a traveling minister would conduct a service. When the pastor came traveling through the area, if there were any newborn babies he would baptize them. When someone died they would usually get a minister from a neighboring community to conduct a funeral service. Ole was a charter member of the Hitterdal Lutheran Church when it was organized in 1898. He was the congregation's first secretary, a position he held for many years, one of the first trustees and later a deacon. He also served on the school board several years. There wasn't much hunting done because there were no deer in the area, but they would shoot at a coyote. Ole once went out to shoot some geese swimming in the slough. He filled his old muzzle gun with powder and went out and got five geese in one shot. Another keepsake is what is left of the old gun. Ole had a stable where he kept horses, cows and a few pigs. The horses were usually given names, Prince, Frank, Napoleon, Concord and King. The winters were long, but the men were kept busy caring for the horses and cattle. The women were also busy sewing and cooking. The meals consisted mostly of salt pork, potatoes and bread. In 1896 Ole built the frame house and he built the bam in 1901. In 1919 Ole and Bergit moved to Adams when their son Gilman married and took over the family 964

Lofthus and they had four children, Dean, Gayle - Mrs. Dale Davidson, Richard and Garlen); Doris (married Robert Crawford, they have two children, Timmy and David, live in California); and Effie Ann (died in infancy). Anna died Sept. 4,1953, Gilman has continued to live in Adams. He has fairly good health and is able to live alone. Gilman celebrated his 80th birthday with an open house at his home in Adams on March 6, 1970, with many relatives and friends attending. He is a member of the Qually-Dvorak Post No. 237 of the American Legion at Adams. He received a pin in March 1975 for being a Legion member for 50 years.

Lawrence Haroldson's threshing rig—Steamer and Case. Left to right: Lawrence Haroldson, Hans Kragero, Albert Welin, Robert Anderson, ?, Ed Anderson. HANS HASLEKAAS Hans Haslekaas was bom in Telemark, Norway, in 1869. He was a son of Christian and Helga Haslekaas and came to America in 1885 with his two brothers, Ole and Andrew, and four sisters, Anna, Aslaug, Helga and Margit. The family packed what they could take by a small boat to Oslo. There they met other families that were also looking for a new life in that far away land, America. They had to bring all the food for their trip, like flat bread and dried fish that kept well, because it took several weeks before they would land in America. They settled in Wisconsin and stayed there for two years doing ranch work, before coming to North Dakota. In 1887 they went to North Dakota and his father homesteaded in Section 3 of Silvesta Township. Their first home here was a sod house and his sister, Alida, was born here. Hans lost a sister Helga and a brother Ole in the flu epidemic in 1889. Hans went to McKenzie County where he farmed and ranched for 10 years and had a lot of cattle. They had to haul two wagon loads of hay a day for them. Hans was also a good swimmer and one day he swam across the Missouri River. Hans made a lot of trips to visit his father here in Silvesta Township, a good 250 miles with a buggy named Studebaker. Then he gave up ranching because the farmers would cut the fences and cattle would go into grain fields of other people and he would have to pay for damages. His father died June 28,1910, and his mother at Christmas time in 1923. Hans went back to Telemark, Norway, for a visit in 1914. There, he met Annie J. Kigen, She was born in 1888. She came to North Dakota and they were married on the farm on Nov. 24,1915. By this time a new house was built

on the farm. Hans also bought his first car in 1916, a Model T. Ford. Hans used to haul grain into Milton, about 10 miles away, and with horses he could make only one trip a day. When it was time for harvest they worked together with other farmers. They used a steam engine for threshing and he used to thresh with a man named Rorvik. At first, they had to cut the grain by hand with a scythe and then tied the grain into bundles. If they didn't have time to thresh it right away, they hauled it home and piled it up or stacked it and threshed it later. They had to haul away the straw with wagons when they threshed or it would pile up tike a mountain. The grain had to be hauled and unloaded by hand. The farms were smaller then because it was a lot of hard hand work. Hans also had some land close to BiUings, Mont., in 1920 where he irrigated. He raised barley and sugar beets there. That land was sold in 1940. On their land in Silvesta and not far from the homestead is an Indian mound. Hans Hanson now has his house right on top of it. If you are lucky you can still find old hatchets and arrowheads there. The Norwegian language was spoken in the home all the time and the children learned Norwegian. Mrs. Hans (Annie) Haslekaas died May 3, 1930. So Hans was both mother and father to their four children, Ragna (Mrs. Curtis Ellingson), Harlan, Agnes, and LaJune (Mrs. Jimmy de Pourtales). Hans died on the farm April 14, 1946. Harlan Haslekaas, the third generation, is now Uving on the farm. Harlan married Britt Ekman, Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1959. There are three chUdren in the famtiy, Michael, De Lane, and David. They buUt a new house on the farm in 1966. CHRISTIAN OLSON HASLEKAAS Christian and Helga Olson Haslekaas came from Telemark, Norway, in 1885. In Norway they lived on a small farm next to a river called Heddalsvatnet, in eastern Telemark. The famtiy decided to emigrate to the new world. So in 1885 the famtiy with their seven children boarded a ship in Oslo for the long journey to America. Christian and Helga settled in Wisconsin with their three boys and four girls. There they stayed for two years doing ranch work. The Haslekaas family came to North Dakota in 1887. Their first home here was a sod house located in Section 3 in Silvesta Township. Their eighth child, Alida, was born here. November 15,1898, a group of neighbors gathered at the home of Christian Haslekaas to make plans for a church to be built. That same day a constitution was drawn up for the new congregation. It was named Hitterdal Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. Christian and Helga gave the deed for the church ground. They used oxen on the farm and also had some cows. Most of the time walking was the only was of transportation. All the ladies wore long dresses and most of the time they were dark colors. Their hair was pulled back so it made them look old. The boys wore knee pants. The boys Uked to play basebaU and went hunting and trapping. In 1889 there was a bad flu epidemic and a lot of people died, including one daughter and one son. They

Amber Durum, 32 cents; Flax, 89 cents; Oats, 6 cents; Barley, 16 cents. Rye, 16 cents, Butterfat, 17 cents; Eggs, 19 cents. They farmed the Belford farm until 1934 when they rented the T. H. Stensland farm north of Adams. They bought this farm in 1945. In 1963 they sold the farm to Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Kerr. While living on that farm, Ole served as an officer in the Silvesta Township and school district for many years. In 1961, they bought a house in Adams. During the years, the couple has been active members in the West Mountain and St. Stephen Churches near Milton and the Trinity and Mountain Churches of Adams. Two daughters were born to the couple: RoseLea (Mrs. Clyde Ellingson), Grand Forks, and DeLane (Mrs. Dennis Disrud), Minot, and one granddaughter, Stephanie Disrud.

were one of the first ones to be buried in Hitterdal Cemetery. The children of Christian and Helga were: Ole, born in 1866; Hans, 1869; Anna, 1872; Aslaug, 1874; Helga, 1877; Margit, 1879; Anders (Andrew), 1882; and Alida in 1887. Hans was the boy that stayed on the farm and continued farming. Christian died June 28,1910, and Helga in December, 1923, and are laid to rest at the Hitterdal Lutheran Cemetery besides Lake Waterloo. MR. AND MRS. OLE HERSETH

ANDERS AND JOHANNA HULTSTRAND Anders Hultstrand was bom July 24, 1854, at Ohenstad Hegsatad area at Arvika, Sweden. He married Johanna Magnusson Nov. 1, 1880. She was bom at Hanacka Glava, Sweden, March 20, 1853. Anders and Johanna, as so many others, spent their money for the fare to America and when they arrived had only a few cents left. Luckily Johanna had a sister Uving in Grafton so they stayed there. After two years they settled on a homestead in Cavaher County, west of Milton. Later (1883) land was acquired in Osnabrock Township, Cavaher County. Anders, after getting Johanna and Annie settled, traveled to Winnipeg to work for the C. P. R. Railroad doing lathe work. The neighbors helped Johanna with her supplies until Anders returned. He had saved enough money so he was able to buy a pair of oxen and a plow. He also built a shanty for the oxen and a sod house for the family. Six children were bom to the Hultstrands: Annie, Mandus, Fred, Bernard, Andy, and Alfred M. They attended the Soper country school and the Highland Lutheran Church. The first immigrants that came to this part of Cavaher County in 1883 were Mr. and Mrs. Anders Hultstrand and daughter, Annie. The first settlers built their houses of sod. Oxen furnished the power to pull the breaking plow because they were strong and hardy animals that could strive without any special kinds of feed and with a minimum of care. The prairie to the west was a vast wdderness. Most of the immigrants had come here from Norway and Sweden. Some of the settlers were bachelors whose primary interest was to secure a piece of land, prove it up with the intention that they would then return to the old country. But many of the homesteaders had families and their intentions were to establish a permanent home on this great prairie. Almost every homesteader in the Mdton community was his own architect and budder and there were homes of many designs. Sod was taken from the virgin prairie land. It had to have a good percentage of moisture to adhere and to facilitate handling at the budding site. To budd a sod house you did not need a fancy foundation, and high ground where you wanted to make your permanent home was ad right. A plow with a regular breaking plow such as the pioneers used was satisfactory. The plow was set to go into the ground three or four inches or as deep as the roots are matted. It required two horses or two oxen to pull the breaking plow. The plow

Ole Her seth family Mr. and Mrs. Ole Herseth celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Dec. 5,1973. They have spent most of their hves in the Milton, Edinburg and Adams area. Ole was bom Nov. 27, 1900, in Hammer, Norway, to Hans and Julie Herseth. He was one of 13 children. In the fall of 1904 he came with his parents and five brothers and sisters to East Alma Township, Cavalier County, to join four brothers and sisters already there. One sister remained in Norway. He was raised by his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Lars Walstad. He attended school in a one room school house in East Alma Township, walking each day with neighbors, Melvin Skrogstad and John Stabo. His first teachers were Margret McKay and S. Steinolfson. He attended parochial school at Hitterdal Church with Selma Myra as instructor and at the West Mountain Church with Mr. Carlson as instructor. He was confirmed Aug. 15, 1915, at the North Dovre Church by Pastor Aarthun. During 1918 and 1919 some men operating threshing rigs with Ole were Mathias Skrogstad, Norman and Morris Olson and A. S. Hawbaker. The crews consisted of about 15 men, usually six teams with drivers, field pitchers, men to haul water, a separator man and straw box. Crews worked from 12 to 15 hours a day at $2 per day. Starting in 1922 he rented the farm from the Lars Walstads for five years. December 5,1923, he and Marie Nygard were married by Rev. J. T. Langemo. Marie was bom Jan. 1, 1900, to Mr. and Mrs. Jens Nygard in Tiber Township. She was one of 10 children. She was baptized Jan. 29, 1900, and confirmed May 25, 1915, and attended school in Tiber Township and the Lutheran Bible School in Wahpeton. In 1928 they moved to the Belford farm south of Milton. The following were prices they received for their farm products in November, 1932: Wheat, 37 cents; 966

simply rolled up the sod strips for transporting to the building site. Then they would unroll them on the raising walls but when the wall got up to three or four feet they had to be cut up into 20 inches or so in length. It was important to place the layer of sod upside down on the walls and right side on the roof. The roof always gave us lots of trouble. When we received a heavy rain shower the roof leaked in many places. The sod house I was bom in had a wooden floor and the roof had wooden rafters covered with rough boards and tar paper, shingled with sod worked from the eves to the peak. The door and frames were made of rough boards and the windows were also made of the same material, about 24 x 36 inches in size.

work and tenderness, their love, sacrifices and suffering, than we would have been in the pioneer days, even if we had thought of it. 1 know that as I grew up, aU my mother's work, desires, and hope were taken for granted thoughtlessly and carelessly. There are many things I could have done around home, helped with the dishes, housework and chores that would have made mother's load a little hghter and brighter. Like the other boys and girls in the neighborhood, I never gave her a word of appreciation or praise. Mother has been gone many years now, I hope where she is she can read this and accept my belated message. How much better it would have been if I could have told her when it might have done some good. Johanna Magnusson Hultstrand was born at Glava, Sweden, March 20,1853, and remained there untU grown. November 1, 1880, she married Anders Hultstrand at Fjelsja, Westernorland, Sweden, and a short time later immigrated to the United States, to finally stop at Grafton. Mother came from a famUy of 12, she is survived by one member of the famUy, a twin sister, Mrs. Carl Jardin, Munich, N. D. One brother, Ole, died recently in Sweden. Mother had a family of one daughter and five sons. They are Annie, Mandus, Fred, Bernard, Andrew J. and Alfred M. Hultstrand. Father and mother established their own home on the North Dakota prairie of the virgin state and put down roots that were to endure for 50 years. Life was not easy in the early days and the young couple had many hardships that tried their patience to the utmost. Being endowed with a friendly, out-going personaUty, it was not long until mother had made the acquaintance of the settlers in the community. Mother complained many times to me that the loneliness of Ufe was frightening and depressing in the first ten years of homesteading. No mail, no church and not much to work with. Just the vast prairie. She worked hard all her life, had Uttle time for warring. Mother raised six chUdren, always had a large crew of men and us kids to cook for with httle help. It was no need that mother worked so hard as she did. Making money is not the most rewarding thing that one can reach in ufe. The majority of the people in America think that wealth and money are the mark of success and the gain of material goods is the only ambition worth working for. It would be much better, more fun and happiness in doing and sharing with others, more than accumulation of money and wealth for oneself. Father and Mother and aU the pioneers who came to this country in the early years made an immeasurable contribution to the state. They have earned the right to rest in peace and to have the perpetual Ught shine upon them. I have seen the evolution of farming in Walsh County from the little old steam engine threshing machine which my father operated in the early days to the present modern combines. In 1894 father purchased his first traction steam engine and separator, the first threshing outfit in Osnabrock Township. Father, with lots of ambition and courage, took a big chance. He bought his first threshing machine on time. The steam engine and separator cost about $1,500 to $2,000, a lot of money in those days. You had to have a water tank with a water pump, a 20 foot hose, bundle wagons and supplies; go from farm to farm to thresh the wheat, barley, oats, and flax at eight to 10 cents per bushel.

The inside walls were covered with heavy paper and newspaper. My folks furnished their sod house with homemade furniture, table, chairs, bunk, kitchen cabinet and other genuine pioneer homestead articles. The cast iron stove was used for cooking and heating. The fuel my folks used was wood and coal, which was bought and hauled from Milton, 11 miles northeast from home. When I was a boy the newspapers were not just read but also used for many things. After the floors were washed mother covered them almost wall to wall with newspaper. Kitchen shelves were covered with newspaper with beautifully scalloped edges. Corks for many different kinds of bottles were made by hand rolling short strips of newspaper, school books were covered with newspaper. Girls and boys gifted with scissors could work it out so that a picture would appear right on the front of the book. Women cut newspaper into dress patterns for gingham and calico dresses for Sunday best. If any part of the newspaper was left it was used for fire wood. Looking back to the thirties, times were hard. A depression, many years of dry weather and falling farm prices, all combined to make living on the farm a struggle and a grim battle for most of us. Farm families needed something to gladden them up and help over the hard going. So, Saturday night in our home town helped to make Ufe a Uttle bit better for many of us. People would start to park along the most convenient part of town to deUver their cream and eggs. They were sold and groceries were bought. A five gaUon can of cream would bring $5 to $6, eggs brought about 20 cents a dozen. One's financial condition was quickly made known to the eager for information by the number of paper bags carried out of the grocery store containing the week's supply of food. You could enter any store at eight o'clock and be promptly waited on by a tired but smiling and courteous clerk. Stores stayed open untU the last of the slow-pokes went home for the night. I doubt that my mother had many days of rest in her Ufe. If she had, I think she would have been at a loss what to do with herself. When I was a boy Mother's Day was not even thought of then. It is nice that we are more thankful today of our mothers on the second Sunday in May. Each year we celebrate our Mother's Day, we bring a box of candy or something to brighten her day. Since Mother's Day we really have come to be more appreciative and thoughtful of our mothers, a lot more than when I was a boy. We are less embarrassed to tell them our appreciation of their 967

churned butter, apple and raisin pie, pancakes for breakfast sometimes and coffee. Breakfast was as generous as the preceding meals, eaten in the early morning by lamp Ught. Sausage, eggs, pancakes and coffee vanish at a fast rate. As the first Ught of morning broke, teamsters were hitching their horses to the bundle wagons and the long file of wagons began to move out to the shocked fields nearby. The fireman had been up long before breakfast getting steam up and making ready for the day's work. Now ready and Uned up, men began pitching grain bundles into the self feeder of the threshing machine. It began to consume bundles at a fast pace, straw from the blower began a new straw pile and threshed grain going into the wagon. Although the steam engine had been available to the farmer since 1875, it was never used for anything but belt power to operate the threshing machine to thresh smaU grain. The Ughtweight general purpose gas tractor emerged only after the development of the internal combustion engine. Submitted by Bernard Hultstrand.

Father continued to use his first threshing rig until about 1899 when he traded and got the second outfit, an Avery steam engine and Advance separator. The third complete outfit was a new 50 horsepower double cylinder Minneapolis steam engine and a 40 x 70 inch separator which marked the end of steam threshing in 1920. He continued to thresh with the Pioneer gas tractor for another few years. This gas tractor was also used for farm work, mostly for plowing. It pulled an eight bottom plow. The threshing crew consisted of an engineer, a separator man, fire man, water truck man, spike pitchers, bundle haulers and grain haulers. It required about 30 men to keep the powerful big steam threshing rig in operation at full capacity. It took a lot of man power to get things done in the old days, but in recent years with tractors and multi-bottom plows, we have been able to do things in a hurry. I am sure two men can now do much more than seven men could accomplish 50 years ago on the farm. The flunky job is mostly to keep things running to show the separator man where he wants the straw pile, to show the grain haulers which bins to scoop the grain into and to make sure there's hay, oats and water for all the horses. He takes his turn pitching bundles, just to prove he was not trying to get out of work, then scurries about other errands relative to supplying drinking water and to bring out forenoon and afternoon lunches. Father, who lived through the period of 1885 to 1937, was impressed by the improvement in the pioneer life and observed that 1890 did not compare to the hardship in 1885. To him the pain of the farm depression of the 30's when so much of what they had worked for was lost, was just about as unpleasant as the first 15 years of pioneering. Another problem that the early settlers hved with was prairie fires. Toward fall after the green grass had dried and turned brown, the prairie was covered with a rough sea of tinder grass, one careless fire and hundreds of acres would rapidly burn over. The grass with its deep root system, however, was seldom hurt for long. Before the roads, ditches, and cultivated land hmited the spread of the grass fires, many early shanties and crops were destroyed. In 1914 a teacher and six students at a rural school near Belfield lost their hves in a prairie fire. To succeed 80 years ago, a man began by acquiring land. The homesteaders were not all true farmers. The great majority of them were old maids, girls, school teachers, businessmen, ministers, gamblers and every other person to whom a beneficent government gave a right to file on a homestead. They were the usual pioneers, only a small portion of them could make a Uving in the Garden of Eden. A large percentage of those who filed on a homestead did it for speculation to make a fast buck, because they were pioneers and restless. They wished to move closer to the rim of civilization and their mortgaged land was taken by the mortgager or some speculator would pay a small amount for the equity. This land had little value until the rural farmer obtained it. At that time there were no roads, bridges, schools, churches or post offices and a long distance to market except for a few who resided near town. Feeding the threshers was taken care of by a cook car and two girls to do the cooking. The threshing crew meals had plenty of good food but the variety was almost always the same, roast beef, roast pork, done brown to the bone, mashed potatoes, home baked bread, home

Anders Hultstrand and Johanna Hultstrand ANDRES AND GUNHILD JOHNSON Andres and Gunhdd (Daghg) Johnson homesteaded in Silvesta Township on the land now owned by the Nordbys. They had five chddren, Anton, Gtibert, Gina, Olga and Gustav, ad born in Norway. In 1914 they and Anton returned to Norway to live. Gtibert moved to Duluth, Minn., where he married and raised his famdy. Gina and Olga (Mrs. Andrew Thompson) moved to Canada. Gustav married Alma Johnson at Holt, Minn. They had four chddren. They Uved in Adams as Gustav worked for the Soo Line Radroad, then was transferred to Duluth where Alma and their son, Vincent, died. Gustav returned to the Adams community to live. He was living at Thief River Fads, Minn., at the time of his death. The other brothers and sisters are also deceased. KERR FAMILY Robert Whitson Kerr was born in 1849 in Peeples, Scotland, coming to Maidstone, Ont., in 1854. He was married to Drusida Ann Totten, Woodsley, Ont., in 1874. Mr. Kerr owned a wagon shop in Woodsley untd 1882 when he came to Crystal and fded a pre-emption on 40 acres, six mdes west on what was caUed the "Stake Road." The family, including three children, Reginald, Grace and Ernest, hved the first year in a shack on the 968

pre-empted land. This land was later sold to a man named McQuarry. The following March, Kerr and James Buris followed the Fort Totten-Pembina Indian trail, going through what is now Silvesta Township and on into Kinloss township looking over the land. As soon as the land was surveyed, Robert Kerr filed a tree claim and homesteaded in Section 5 of what is now Silvesta Township. The family moved to the homestead in 1884, living in a sod house, building a frame structure in 1888, and adding an addition to it in 1901 and 1902. The barn was erected in 1901. New family members now added were Pearl, Fanny, Robert G., John, George and Ruby. Kerr became an American citizen after "proving up" the land by living on it five years. In the fall of 1902, they purchased a home in Park River so the children could further their education. They returned to the farm in 1906. Robert G. and John (Jack) attended the North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo with Robert completing a farm husbandry course in 1911. In 1897, Ernest, then about 15, was killed in a threshing accident while working as a tender. This was in the spring of the year as some of the crops were left unharvested the fall before. Ruby died at the age of ten months and Fanny died in 1907. They are all buried in the Soper Cemetery north of Fairdale. Robert G. and John took over the farming operations in 1913. The elder Robert Kerr and his wife, Drusilla, moved to Seattle in 1918. Reginald and George had already migrated to Seattle and Grace had married Whitson Woodard, then of Park River. Pearl moved to Seattle with her parents. Robert W. Kerr died in 1928; Drusilla in 1936. They are buried in Acacia Memorial Park, Seattle. John Kerr married Gladys Livingstone in 1918. They resided on the home farm until 1927 when they moved to Seattle where he still resides. Robert G. Kerr married Martha Holmes, a teacher in the Fairdale (Kinloss) School in 1919. She was born in Fergus Falls, Minn., but spent summers on her father's homestead at Lostwood (between Kenmare and Palermo). They hved on a nearby farm until 1927 when they moved to the home farm with their three children, Marion (Mrs. Milton Olson), Lansford; Donald, Mankato, Minn.; and Reginald, who died in November, 1969. Reginald had farmed with his father from 1948 until his father's retirement. Due to poor health, Robert G. and Martha Kerr are now residing at the Fargo Nursing Home. Robert W., John, Robert G., and Reginald Kerr served on various boards for long terms, Silvesta Township board, Fairdale elevator and oil companies and school boards. Mark Kerr, a son of the Reginald Kerrs, now hves on the farm and plans to take over the farming operation.

OLE LOITE FAMILY The farms of Loite and Stensland were in the parish of Drangedal, Telemarken, Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Loite (Ole and Berget) hved on this farm. They were parents of two children, Sigrid and Peder. When their daughter, Sigrid, went to America, married Halvor Stensland, and settled in Walsh County, she began hoping and planning her parents trip to America. Through the influence and help of Sigrid and her husband, Halvor Stensland of Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Ole K. Loite and son, Peder, left Telemarken about 1900 and came to the Stensland home near Adams. Ole Loite fded on a homestead about five mdes northwest of Adams on June 2,1900. January 18,1908, this same real estate was transferred by Ole K Loite, then a widower, to his son, Peder O. Loite. Mrs. Loite died in 1905 and Mr. Loite in 1913. Peder spent his four years of retirement at the Oscar Stensland home, and died in June, 1943. Submitted by Oscar and Helen Stensland. JOHN LUNDGREN FAMILY John^ (Johan Jonasson) Lundgren was bom in Varmland, Sweden, April 8,1870. He was the son of Jonas and Kajsa (Nelson) Jonasson. The order of birth of the five boys in the family was: Wiktor, Johan, Gustaf, Anders and Karl, who died at the age of five. As a boy, John attended a country school. As a young man, he served in the military reserve for one year and was a student at a school of forestry. At 23, John immigrated to "Amerika" with his two younger brothers, Gust and Andrew. When they arrived the three changed their surname to Lundgren which was the name of the "bondgard" farmstead where they were born. John came to Alexandria in Douglas County, Minn., where he worked for several years as a lumberjack. While in Douglas County, he fded a petition to become a citizen of the United States on Oct. 31,1893. John came to the Grafton prairie area in 1896 and worked for newly settled farmers for about two years. He told of an experience when a river overflowed during a spring runoff. John herded a farmer's livestock up to "higher ground" — some huge straw pdes made by threshing machines. Here, the animals stayed untd the waters receded. During his stay in the Grafton area, John met Miss Elsie Olson, an immigrant girl who had come with her famdy from Norway. They were married in 1898. John and his bride settled in what is now Adams Township, Section 31. They built a smad frame house and started a farmstead. Their water supply was a wed dug by hand, spade and dynamite. They had two chddren, Wdliam and Clarence. During the early spring of 1900, basic suppdes and provisions were low as money was scarce, the snow was deep and the distance to town great. As his first son was being born the night of February 11, John assisted the midwde and twisted flax straw to bum in the stove which kept the little house warm. July 5, 1902, in the county court at Grafton, John received a certificate of naturalization. As final hearings were held in public session, his petition was approved. As

OLE L. LANDER Ole L. Lander was bom Feb. 11, 1840, in Easherad Werneland, Sweden. He arrived in the United States in 1882, corning to Minnesota and June 14, 1884, he came to Adams Township where he filed for a homestead in Section 5. His patent was signed Sept. 28, 1893, by President Grover Cleveland. Ole never married. He died Jan. 20, 1918. 969

service as the farm machinery was horse powered at that time. He was under the care of Ole Simonson. John said he was a thresher at heart. From 1908 to 1919 he owned and operated two steam threshing rigs. His first was a Reeves separator powered by a GorsCutt steam engine. The second was a 25 horsepower Case steam engine and a Money-Maker separator. The threshing crew caused much excitement and activity on the farmsteads. The crew of about 30 men included 12 to 14 bundle teams, spike pitchers, field pitchers, grain haulers, water tank haulers, engineer, separator man, flunky (who ran errands and kept time) and straw monkeys. The straw monkeys' day began at 3:30 a. m. as they slept by the rig to replenish the firebox under the boiler with straw as needed. Some of the years William and Clarence were "stuck" with the job, but William later advanced to become the engineer. John was the separator man and did that job well. The crew was supplied with food by a cook car that moved with the rig to each farmstead. The cooks over the years were Inga Linstad, Mabel Elton and Hilma Elton. Each fall the threshing "run" included many farms in the AdamsEdmore area. Around 1920, John purchased a Huber gaspowered threshing rig that he used until 1924.

an alien, John had to show that he could read, write, and speak simple Enghsh. He also had to show that he knew some of the history and the form of government of the United States. He had to take an oath renouncing allegiance to any other country. Two citizen witnesses were needed to vouch for him. Before the year 1922, women automatically became citizens through marriage to their citizen husbands. John was always proud to be a U. S. citizen, but during the eight or nine years that his citizenship was pending, there may have been times when he longed to return to his homeland.

John had a pair of small, black horses, Bill and Dick. They were very intelligent and when given free rein would take their driver home through blizzards and dark of night without fail. Josie was capable of handling horses and often used the horse and buggy and the cutter in the winter months. She would take the older children on countryside trips and to school in the Fairview Schoolhouse, District No. 102. Two of her closest friends were Suzie Bjorg and Mrs. Robert Strelow. Josie and Mrs. Strelow got together and sewed their wedding dresses. The years were full for Mother whose main joy in life was caring for us children. She taught us to know and respect God, seeing to it that we were baptized, instructed and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. As a young mother, she used her mother's spinning wheel to make yarn from wool that had been carded to fluffy whiteness. From the yam she knitted stockings and mittens for her family.

John and Josephine Lundgren John filed for homestead rights to the SE of Section 31, Township 157, "on the 20th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand nineteen hundred and three," as the original document reads. The General Land Office in Grand Forks sent him the title of ownership signed by President Theodore Roosevelt. December 24,1904, his wife, Elsie, died of pneumonia at 29, leaving John as a widower with two small sons. John married Josephine Johnson in June, 1907, at Lakota. She was the only child of John Johnson and Karohne Skjerdalen. Her early childhood was spent in going to school and learning to ski on the snow covered slopes near Gjovik, Norway. At 13, Josephine and her mother immigrated to the United States and went to some relatives in Wisconsin who had paid for their fare. In return, Josephine and her mother worked for them one year. In 1904 they came to North Dakota where Josephine worked for a Pastor Haugen in Park River and for a family in Edinburg. She also stayed at the Charlie Samuelson home northwest of Adams and attended a small rural school to better learn the Enghsh language. Her mother, Karoline, had gone to a homemaking school in Oslo, Norway, and was an excellent cook. She prepared the food for several weddings, including her daughter's, in the Adams area.

Weary travelers were never turned from the door of my parents' home. My father often said, "Var dar ar hjartrum ar husrum," meaning: Where there is heart room there is house room. In 1906-07, John assisted in the building of the Vang Lutheran Church. In 1910, the family dwelling was enlarged and remodeled. Luxuries such as cistern and pump, telephone, parlor heater, livingroomwool mg and large pantry were installed. There was much fun and few dull moments in the household of this large family. Each newborn colt, calf, lamb, piglet and puppy was cause for excitement and each were given a name. Toys and games were made out of Uttle or nothing, but though simple were responsible for many a good time. The large famUy was spared serious illness and tragedy through its early years. John did not see a doctor throughout his lifetime, retaining his sharpness of mind and good

In the years of their early wedded life, John and Josie could be seen riding in a new surrey with a fringe on top, kerosene burning front lamps and pulled by a team of sleek black horses. John traded his surrey in for an early type of automobile, a Reo, in 1913. Around 1907, he bought a German coach stallion named Frank from David Eiken of Park River. This horse was run for stud 970

physical condition until he died. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, bagging his last deer at the age of 76. William, the oldest son by John's first marriage, married Olga Strand and they had two sons, Willard and Elden. John and Josie reared a family of nine. They are fisted below with their children: Alma, married Theo. Rike, Jerome, Vemon, Elaine and Eleanor (twins), Evelyn, Larry, Robert, Thelma and Ardis; Mabel, married Nels Samuelson, Mercedes; Carl, unmarried; Emma, married Reuben Axvig, Eunice, Arlene, Richard, and Daniel; Selmer, married Joyce Anderson, Lynn, Mark, Steve; Ebba, married Gilman Eide, Gerald and Linda; Ila, married James Corcoran, Connie, Gayle, David, Barbara and Dona; Lloyd, married Joyce Holmes, John and Delaree; and Donna, married Ray Jeffers, Pamela and Gregory. The children were delivered at home with Mrs. Anna Halberg as midwife for five of the births, their father, John, attended two births, and the two youngest children were delivered by Dr. Dixon of Adams. Two sons served in the rnilitary. Selmer was drafted into the air force in 1942 during World War H. He was a tail gunner in a B-25 Bomber. Lloyd enlisted in the army and served for two years in the Korean conflict, stationed in Japan for one year. One son, Clarence, died July 23, 1944. One granddaughter, Eleanor Wolsky, died in 1960. One grandson, David Corcoran, was a casualty of the Viet Nam struggle and died there June 25, 1969. A great granddaughter, Renee Lundgren, died during infancy. The hving descendants in the John Lundgren famdy are ten children, 28 grandchddren, and 35 great grandchddren. The family moved from the homestead place to north of Adams in 1926. In 1939 John and Josie and the three youngest chddren moved to Edinburg. John once said, "When the time comes for me to go, I would like to be one of those who die with their boots on." He died from a heart attack Nov. 15,1948, whde helping a neighbor, Sig Gire, haul hay. Mrs. Josephine Lundgren died Jan. 6, 1969. Their graves are located in the Vang Lutheran Cemetery in Shepherd Township.

Milwaukee, Wise. The famdy continued to Farmington, Minn., where they resided eight years and three children, Louis, Julia and Annie, were bom.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Lykken In 1881 they ventured into the new country by wagon to St. Paul, travefing slowly because they had acquired several head of cattle and horses to take with them. They continued the journey by train to Grand Forks. It took them two more days to reach Grafton, traveling in deep mud most of the way. Finding the best of the lands in the Grafton vicinity occupied, the family continued onward about 40 mdes northwest and on June 5,1883, settled on a homestead in Section 2 in Silvesta Township, about eight mdes south of Mdton. Three of their chddren, Lena, Laura, and Hattie, were bom here. They resided here until their deaths. Their house can be remembered by the great grandchddren as a farm home with many fine rooms. There was a parlor, with big leather covered furniture, a wool mg, used only on special occasions. A front room that was also used sparingly and also a parlor on the second story with velvet covered furniture. A beautiful large phonograph that Lena played for the children when they came over is also remembered. Ole H. Lykken was a charter member of the St. Stephen's Lutheran Congregation when it was organized in June, 1883. His children, Hans and Tone, were in the first confirmation class. Ole was also a charter member when Hitterdal Lutheran Congregation was formed on Nov. 15,1898. This church was budt about one-fourth mile from their home. They were active and faithful workers in their community and in their church. In 1964, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Lykken bought a Conn electric organ for the Hitterdal Church in memory of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Lykken. Mr. and Mrs. Lykken celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and their 65th anniversary. In June, 1933, a family reunion was held in commemoration of their 65th anniversary. There were 103 Lykkens present at the gathering of relatives and friends. Nine chddren were bom to the Lykkens. Hans married Kari Axvig and had six children, Joseph, Teddy, Eli, Gertie, Hulda and Handy. Tone (Mrs. A. E. Welo) had one daughter, Minnie. Lars died as a child. Louis married Millie Johnson. Julia (Mrs. Oscar Aas) has three chddren, Gladys, Esther and Orval. Annie (Mrs. Johnny Wang) has two children, Harry and Emmanuel.

OLE H. L Y K K E N FAMILY Ole H. Lykken was bom in Saude, Telemarken, Norway, Sept. 25,1843, and spent his early ltfe there with his parents, Hans G. and Kari Kaase Lykken. He had one sister, Ingrid (Mrs. Marcus Johnson) and four brothers, Goodman (Gilman), Hans, Lars (Louis) and Ole Gilman. OTe was married to Gunhdd Bolager Jan. 24,1867, in Saude Church, Telemarken. Gunhdd was born Aug. 19, 1844, to Lars Swenningson and Tone (Gudmundson) Bolager. She had a brother, Ole, who remained in Norway, a sister, Bergette (Mrs. Ole Haroldson) and a sister, Mrs. Swen Larson. In 1873, Ole with his wife, Gunhdd, and three children, Hans, Tone and Lars, embarked for America in a sailing vessel named the Nordhavet. They landed Aprd 5,1873, in Quebec after a tedious voyage of seven weeks. From Quebec to Montreal they traveled by steamboat, a marvel of transportation at that time. There, they were affronted by the difficult travel method, a freighter to 971

born. Joe married Rose Thompson and had seven chddren, Beulah, Corina, Harvey, Treumann, Vivian, Gordon and Leo. Teddy married Clara Anderson and had four chddren, Thtifer, Earl, Cecefia and Verna. EU Handy died at one year old. Gertie (Mrs. Charles Ketior) had one son, Conrad. Hulda (Mrs. Wdfred Gognan) died at age 23. Handy Eli married Esther Nelson and had five daughters, LaVonne, Betty, Gertrude, Helene and Lucille. Many years of hard work was the key to their success. One incident is how Kari pulled her two chddren in a wagon tied to her waist and carried two pails of milk from the pasture a distance away where the cows were milked. Hans and Kari were lovers of flowers, trees and gardens. Hans suffered a broken hip in his late years, but when released from the hospital, he climbed up on a ladder to the top of the porch to fix some shingles that had loosened. The chddren remained in Walsh County untd Gertie and her husband moved to Washington in 1953. Gertie, Teddy and Handy are still living. Hans died Oct. 21,1953. Kari died Sept. 3, 1954. They are buried in the httle country cemetery not far from the Hitterdal Church and beside Waterloo Lake.

Other children were Lena, Laura, who died at the age of 12, and Hattie (Mrs. Bert Laing and later Mrs. Guy Hutchins), who had one son, Bruce Laing. They had enjoyed 67 years of wedded life when Ole passed away on Sept. 3, 1934, after a brief illness with pneumonia. Gunhild passed away April 19, 1934. She had spent about the last three years of her life in a wheel chair because of a hip fracture she sustained in a fall. They are buried in the Hitterdal Cemetery, a peaceful spot not far from their home. HANS 0. LYKKEN FAMILY Hans 0. Lykken was bom in Telemarken, Norway, Dec. 27,1867. He came to Quebec with his parents, Ole H. and Gunhild (Bolager) Lykken, one sister, Tone, and a brother, Lars, in 1873. They settled at Farmington, Minn., and Uved there eight years. In 1881 they came to the Grafton area. They went to Silvesta Township where they homesteaded in Section 2. They were one of the first families in the area. There were nine children in his father's family: Hans, Tone (Mrs. A. E. Welo), Lars, Lewis, JuUa (Mrs. Oscar Aas), Annie (Mrs. Johnny Wang), Lena, Laura and Hattie (Mrs. Bert Laing - Mrs. Guy Hutchins). When the time came for Hans to be married, he had to walk to Grafton for his marriage license. On his way home he got caught in a storm as he was walking along and he thought he had seen a glimpse of a light, so he turned around and stayed overnight there. Hans was married to Kari Axvig Feb. 5, 1886. They were married by Nels Berntson, justice of the peace, at the Berntson home. Kari was born June 5,1864, in Telemarken, Norway, to Thosten and Taaren Axvig. They came to Farmington, Minn., and in 1882 they came to CavaUer County. Kari had seven brothers and five sisters: Levor, Edwin, Ole, Knut, Thosten, ToUef (Tom), John, Sigri (Mrs. Edward Olson), Sophia (Mrs. John Myrvik), Marget (Mrs. John Bakken), Annie (Mrs. Emil Earhardt), and Gunhild (Mrs. Fladelandh Hans and Kari's first home was located about onehalf mile south of his parents in Section 2 and had a kitchen made out of lumber that was added onto a sod house. Later they built a large home. Hans had a gas-operated threshing machine and later his sons, Joe and Teddy, operated it until combines came into existence. His first new car was a 1916 Model T. Ford, but he had a second hand car before that. He took pride in his car and gave it special care. If it had to stand outside in the sun, the tires were covered with sacks to protect them. Hans and Kari lived on the farm until 1928 when they moved to Adams. Their son, Handy, started farming in 1928 and lived there until 1959 when his wife died. Since that time Handy has rented out the farm and makes his home in Edinburg. The house has been vacant since 1959. Hans and Kari observed their 50th wedding anniversary at their home in Adams. Like his mother and dad they were married for 67 years. Six children were

Hans O. Lykken family. Back row, left to right: Handy, Hulda (insert), Joseph, Teddy. Front: Gertie, Mrs. Lykken, Hans Lykken. JOSEPH 0. LYKKEN FAMILY Joseph Olai Lykken was bom in Silvesta Township April 9, 1887. His parents were Hans and Kari (Axvig) Lykken. He had three brothers, Teddy, Eh Handy (died at age one) and Handy Eli; two sisters, Gertie (Mrs. Charles Keilor) and Hulda (Mrs. Wilfred Gognan). He attended grade school in District No. 82 located about one-half mde from his home. He attended high school in Milton. He clerked in a mercantile store in Mdton and also was a salesman for the Chicago Portrait Company before he was married. Joe was married to Ragna (Rose) Thompson Dec. 8, 1909, at Hitterdal Church. Rose was a daughter of Taale and Kari Thompson and was born near Union Jan. 24, 1887. She had six brothers and sisters, three of whom died as small children. Bertha, Andrew and Gilbert grew up in the area and Gilbert is stdl Uving. Joe and Rose spent their first six years with her parents and moved to Section 12 in about 1915. They budt 972

a new house and barn on this farm which is located about seven and a half miles north of Adams. Joe and Rose were both active in the Hitterdal Church and community. Rose held various offices in the Ladies' Aid. She was a 4-H leader and received an award pin in Fargo. Joe was treasurer of Hitterdal Church for 12 years and had also served as a trustee. He was clerk of School District No. 82 more than 40 years. He was a charter member of the Walsh County Farmers Union and a board member of the Farmers Elevator in Milton. Joe also sang in the Hitterdal Male Chorus. They had two sons in the armed forces. Treumann enlisted in Company C of the 164th Infantry in the National Guard. He was in for six years and saw duty in four islands in the Pacific Ocean. He served 31 months overseas. Harvey enlisted in the army air force and spent 18 months in England as a ground mechanic. A sonin-law, Vernon Westberg, was killed in action Feb. 10, 1945, in Germany.

the top of the door. The horses didn't care to go in the bam and so Joe forgot himself and got doubled up and knocked off the load. This accident gave him a lot of trouble with his back throughout his years. Joe farmed until retirement in 1958. Joe and Lucille moved to their new home in Edinburg in 1960 where Lucille taught school for several years. His son, Gordon, and wife, Alice, moved on the farm in 1960 and Joe sold the farm to them in 1965 and they continue to farm it today. Joe died April 22, 1971, at the hospital in Park River and his final resting place is at the Hitterdal Cemetery. TEDDY LYKKEN FAMILY Teddy Lykken was bom in Silvesta Township June 13, 1889. His parents were Hans and Kari (Axvig) Lykken, both bom in Norway. He had three brothers, Joseph, Eli and Handy, and two sisters, Gertie and Hulda. Teddy was married to Clara Ovalda Anderson Aug. 13, 1911. Clara was a daughter of Ole and Margrette (Strand) Anderson who also came from Norway. She was born in Cavalier County June 8, 1890. She had two brothers, Morton and Olai, and three sisters, Emma, Annie and Laura. Teddy and Clara grew up together, attended Hitterdal Church and were in the same confirmation class. They attended school through the 5th or 6th grade, spent their early years working at home with their parents. Teddy worked in Rockford, Dl., a short while. Teddy and Clara first rented a farm in Section 12. He then rented his Grandpa Ole Lykken's farm for two years and lived in a small house on this farm. They bought the O'Laughlin farm in Section 1 and built the house and barn in 1918. Teddy still resides in this home today. Their activities in the community consisted of church and visiting neighbors. Teddy was treasurer of Silvesta School District No. 82 for many years and a charter Farmes Union member. Clara was a homemaker, being a good cook and seamstress she had a girls' 4-H Club for many years teaching them to sew. She also kept the school teachers for many years and was the coffee maker for many church activities. Their first car was a big black touring car with yellow wooden spoke wheels. They called it a Briscoe. The Lykken's son, Earl, and his wife, Amy, were killed in 1940 in a head-on collision nine miles west of Grafton on Highway 17. They were on their way to Grafton to consult a doctor as Mrs. Lykken was an expectant mother. Teddy and Clara celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at the Hitterdal Church. They were j ust six months away from celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary when Clara died Feb. 21, 1961. They had four children: Thilfer (whomarried Doris Strommen and had three children, Terrance, Sheila and Cynthia), Earl (married Amy Monson), Cecelia (Mrs. Maurice Keller, had four children, Janice, Joan, Charles and Cheryl), and Verna (Mrs. Archie Sillers, had four children, John, Kris, Pamila and Patricia).

Joseph Lykken family. Back row, left to right: Beulah, Harvey, Corina, Treumann. Front row: Vivian, Joseph, Leo, Rose, Gordon. Joe and Rose celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 1934 at Hitterdal Church. They spent 34 years together and seven children were born: Beulah (Mrs. Alfred Midgarden), had four children, Russell, Paul, Alice Mae and Joseph; Corina (Mrs. Norme Asgrimson), one son, Richard; Harvey, married Florence Gehrke Fuhrmann, one step son, Charles; Treumann, married Margaret Lothspeich, five children, Diane, Gary, Warren, Debbie and Greg; Vivian (Mrs. Vemon Westberg), daughter, Kathryn (Mrs. Clayton Setness - three sons, Wayne, Kenneth and Randall); Gordon married Alice Setness Clemens; and Leo married Dorothy Jonason, five children, Loran, Jerome, Susan, Ernest and Pamilla. Rose died Feb. 14, 1944. Joe married Lucille Hanson Braund at Warren, Minn., Dec. 31,1945. She had a daughter, Carol Ann. Joe celebrated his 80th birthday at the Legion Hall in Adams with 53 relatives present. He received a charter member plaque from the Walsh County Historical Society at a fish fry and program at Homme Dam near Park River in 1969 for being one of the oldest settlers. Some years ago Joe seriously hurt his back while taking a load of grain into the bam. He had planned to lay down on top of the grain as he went through the barn door as there wasn't much room between the grain box and 973

JOHN AND MARY MEIER John and Mary Meier were both bom in Germany and came to America and hved in the Park River area. In 1890 they moved to Silvesta Township and farmed a few miles east of Fairdale. John died Dec. 3, 1910, but Mary Meier and her sons operated the farm and 13 children grew up here. In spite of pioneer hardships and rearing a large family, this courageous woman lived to be 92. She died Aug. 30, 1959. The children were Mary, Rose, Annie, Agnes, Alice, John, George, Frank, Cecil, James, Jack, William and Louis. Mary and John live in Park River; George in Devils Lake; James, Sheboygan, Wise; and Alice and Rose in Adams. Agnes (now deceased) and Alice, Mrs. Joe Valse, operated a beauty shop in Adams for many years. James and Jack hved in Sheboygan. Jack died in 1942. James still hves there. William operated a meat market in Fairdale for many years before moving to Fargo. He married Alice Tollefson Hrabik and they had one daughter, Evalyne, Mrs. Lloyd Heil of Bloomington, 111. His sister, Annie Nelson (who died in 1974), lived in the apartment above the meat market and worked in her brother's store for many years. She had three daughters, Florence, and Luella of Los Angeles and Laura (deceased). Louis married Mae Hall of Edinburg. They farmed two miles south of Fairdale on the Thorstein Haug farm. They had a family of five children. Lois (deceased), Dolores, Mrs. Keith Boe; Marvin, Milwaukee, Wise; Marilyn, Mrs. Donald Hegres, Minot; and Gladys, Mrs. Irvin Hammer, Fairdale. Louis died Oct. 14,1973. Mrs. Mae Meier still resides on the family farm.

DUNCAN McLEAN Duncan McLean was born in Ontario in 1867. He came to Dakota Territory when he was 19 and began teaching in rural schools of Vesta, Silvesta and Rushford Townships. Two older brothers, James and Allen, had filed on land near Adams. Another brother, Charles, came to this country later and also filed on land in the Adams vicinity. His sister, Katie, married Will Mecham and they all settled north of Adams. Duncan planned on farming and bought land in Tiber and Silvesta Townships. He remained in teaching, however. His three brothers continued to farm, as do many of their descendants. His first school was called the Botsford School. He taught in Dakota before it became a state and continued to teach here until he went to work as an accountant for Meagher and Shepard in Park River. His daughter, Myrtle, was a teacher, as well as a grandson, Scott McLean, and a great granddaughter, Janet Wood. Although Duncan McLean taught for 30 years and went into bookkeeping, he kept a keen interest in education as he was clerk of the Park River school board for many years. When he joined the Masonic Order, all his installing officers were former students. Although a Canadian by birth (born before confederation of the provinces) he was an ardent student of United States history. American history was the subject of some of his writings and poetry. He traveled through western Canada by bicycle and toured the Canadian Rockies and Banff before coming to Dakota Territory. He married the former Margaret Gillespie in Winnipeg in 1899 and settled in Park River until his death in 1938. He was one of four brothers who came to Dakota and whose descendants still live, for the most part, in Walsh County. Adams is just south of McLean's farms. The city of Edinburg was their original address. The original spelling of the town of Edinburgh reflects the Scots influence and the selecting of the namesake as that of Scotland's capital city. The descendants of these four McLean brothers hold annual reunions and have for the last 30 years.

HANS THORSEN MIDBO In 1878, Hans Thorsen Midbo and his wife, Kari Stensland Midbo, moved from Lake Mills, la., to Walsh County. They traveled with wagon and horses and settled on a quarter of land seven miles west and two miles north of Grafton, across the road, south from the Joe Thompson farm. This land was later owned by Mrs. Midbo's sister and husband, the Hans Wick family. Their sod house was built in the northeast comer of the quarter. Hans and his wife, Kari had three small boys when they moved to this area; Thor Albert, also known as Tom, was about four and a half years, John was three and a half and Oscar was a baby. They lived here for seven years. A daughter, Louise, was bom during the time they lived here. They moved further west where more land was available, later known as Silvesta Township. Another daughter, Alma, was bom here. They obtained their land by tree claim. They lived in two different sod houses and later a small house was erected that had one room upstairs and one downstairs. This budding became the farm shop on the home place later. There was only a one wall thickness and during the winter snowstorms, the snow sifted in through the cracks. Hans Midbo died in February, 1886, leaving his wife

Seated: Mr. and Mrs. Duncan McLean. Back row: Clark and Pearl McLean. 974

and five children. His wife, Kari, continued farming with the help of a hired man. This lasted for only one month. After that she managed with the help of her two older sons, Tom, 13 years old, and John who was eleven and a half years old. Kari and her children had many hardships. One year, about 1893, the grain froze and only a few sacks of frozen wheat was their crop for the year. To keep their home warm, it was necessary for the boys to take either wagon or sleigh with horses and go many miles east to the coulee to chop down green willow trees to haul home for fire wood. At times they would haul sacks of wheat to the feed mill in Milton to be ground into flour. This got to be a long day. They started out before daylight and would not be home until way after dark. Once, without his mother's knowledge, John had taken a revolver along for protection. There were prairie fires to contend with. In later years, drought and grasshoppers took the crops. One year beautiful fields of grain were overcome by rust and had to be burned. Kari and her family built a new frame house in 1904. During the school terms, the country school teacher would stay at one of the farm homes. The school term lasted but a few months and usually during the spring and summer. The Midbo children obtained some of their education by walking seven and a half miles east to a school near the coulee which was called the Sonstelie School. That building was moved and is now the township hall for Vesta Township and is located about four miles east of Adams. As the children grew older, Oscar took over the home farm, Uving with his mother and sisters. Tom became a grain buyer in Adams for a few years. He died at 55. John's interest was running steam threshing engines. He was along threshing in the Pisek and VeseleyviUe area and also with David Monson and others in the Edinburg community. Both John and Oscar took pride in their horses on the farm. They would spend hours currying the horses. John attended some short courses at the AC in Fargo, where he acquired knowledge in mechanics and blacksmith work. For three years he was employed by Sam HoUand in Park River, working in his shop. It was here that he helped HoUand manufacture a little car which was caUed the HoUand Special. Later, John owned one. After several years of use the car broke down. Repairs were not to be gotten so the car was pulled to the back Of the farm machine shed where it lay for several years. About 1950, John contacted WiUiam Skjerven of Park River to restore it to its original status. This he did and is now the present owner. This car has been in several parades. The Midbo family belonged to the Trinity Lutheran Church. When this church was being organized, Oscar donated land in the northeast corner of his farm in Section 34 for the church buUding and cemetery. Before this time, services were held in the two schoolhouses, District No. 100, the east school, or District No. 103, the west school. AU the members of the Midbo family who have

passed on are buried in the Trinity Cemetery. Mrs. Hans Midbo died April 1, 1916, at the age of 69. At that time Oscar, Louise and Alma were stUl at home.

Mr. and Mrs. John Midbo CHILDREN OF HANS AND KARI MIDBO John, the second boy of Hans and Kari, was married to Bertha Myra in June of 1910. She was the oldest daughter of Simon and Lisa Iverson Myra, who had come to the Fairdale Community in Kinloss Township from Grand Meadow, Minn. John and Bertha had one daughter, Thelma, who resides on their home place, a mUe south of the Midbo home. During the winter of 1910, a new house was built on John and Bertha's farm in Section 2 of Adams Township. This land was formerly owned by his brother, Tom. One hobby that John enjoyed was that of planting evergreens and fruit trees. The home today is weU covered with large evergreens which reflects his many hours of handiwork. In August, 1925, John had a serious car accident whUe driving his Model T. car which jack-knifed whUe he was crossing a bridge and grade just north of his home. He had had several breakdowns that day with the binder which necessitated him to make several trips for repairs. This accident cost him five weeks in the Grafton hospital, the loss of his right eye, and several breaks in his jaw bones and nose. John and Bertha farmed until 1948. Then they retired on the farm, renting the land to Arvid Samuelson and Ted Olson. Later the land was rented to WUlard Samuelson and Kenneth Stensland who are farming it at the present time. Bertha died July, 1952, at her home. John died in January, 1955.

John and Bertha Midbo and Thelma 975

winter and 12 cents in the summer. Their main work was logging. Syver J. Nordby worked under this contract for Strande, as a shoemaker and carpenter, so he received better wages than the ordinary laborers. Besides ordinary carpenter work, he also built boats. This contract stated, that when the boys grew up so they could perform a "man's job" they would work in place of their father. Other families who worked for Strande under these same conditions were Johnsrud, Stoa and Jemtrud, who also came to America.

LOUISE MIDBO GRILLE Y Louise Midbo became the bride of Clarence Grilley in February, 1919, in Deering, N. D., where they lived and farmed until the fall of 1934. Because of the drought in this part of the state, they moved to Silvesta Township with their cattle and machinery and settled on Louise's farm, located a mile and a half north of the Midbo home place. They farmed here for several years and continued living there during their retirement years until the death of Clarence in 1967. Louise and daughter, Lillian, moved into Adams. They purchased a house formerly owned by Olaf and Christine Wasing. Louise died in April, 1975. Lillian, whose married name is Mrs. Albert Robbins, formerly of Deering, hved with her folks following the death of her husband and youngest daughter in 1967. She has three other children, Charles, Williston; Carole, Cleo Spring, Okla.; and David, Henefer, Utah. ALMA MIDBO INGEBRETSON In June, 1917, Alma Midbo married Obert Ingebretson, Lake Mills, Ia. He was employed at the Midbo farm. Alma and Obert made their home on the Midbo homestead and took the farm over upon the death of her brother, Oscar, in 1927. Three children were bom, Clifford, who died in infancy, Cora and Arlene. Cora married Clarence Lykken, Larimore. They had four children, two sons, Clifford and Carmyn, and two daughters, Karen and Nancy. The boys served in the U. S. Navy. A short time after Clifford was discharged from the service, he was killed in a car accident, May, 1969. There are five grandchildren. Clarence Lykken died in December, 1969.

Syver J. and Inger Nordby The oldest boys, Gudbrand and John, worked for Strande for a few years, but decided to go to America. John settled on a farm near Austin, Minn., and married a daughter of B. J. Stoa. Gudbrand settled at Mdton where he entered into a 50-50 partnership in a general merchandise store. In his inventory from June 1, 1901, to Feb. 1,1902, he reported gross sales of $23,000. Their net earnings were about $1,000 each. They had two employees, one for $35 per month and one for $40 per month. When Gudbrand had been in America a few years he went back to Norway for a visit, on his return to America his sister Sigrid came along. Later that year (1902) Gudbrand died from a heart attack at Seattle, Wash.; and Sigrid went back to Norway. When John and Gudbrand left for America, Jens was next in tine to work for Strande, where he worked for many years. He married Giinhild Hansen Oct. 24, 1896. In 1897 a daughter, Inger, was born. She died in 1898 at the age of eight months. On Dec. 17, 1899, Syver was born and Gudbrand (Gilbert) on Sept. 11, 1902. In the spring of 1903, the whole famdy immigrated to America. There were nine in all: Syver J. Nordby (wtfe, Inger Vikermoen, and their chddren, Gunhild, Sigrid and Elise, who was adopted) and Mr. and Mrs. Jens Nordby and their two sons, Syver, three and a half years old and Gtibert, six months.

Arlene married Melvin Moen, Devils Lake. She has worked for the highway department for 20 years. They have one daughter, Shari, who hves with her husband and two daughters in New Orleans, La. The Ingebretsons remained on the Midbo farm until 1942 when illness forced Obert to rent the farm. They moved to Grand Forks. Later they made their home with their daughter, Cora. He died in 1949. After his death, Alma lived at the home of one of her daughters or with her sister until her death in 1965. JENS S. NORDBY FAMILY Jens S. Nordby was bom in Aadalen, Rinerike, Norway, June 29,1867. His parents were Syver Johnson Nordby and Inger Vikermoen. His brothers and sisters were Gudbrand, John, Kristian, Berthe, Gunhild and Sigrid. Kristian, age 21, and Berthe, age 38, both died in Norway.

The three girls ad became farmers wives: Gunhild (Mrs. Ed Lunde), Sigrid (Mrs. Thorleif Moe), both of Lankin, and Elise (Mrs. Syver Hogfoss), Fairdale. They left Oslo, Norway, May 29, 1903, for Hul, England, where they boarded the white Star Line ship "Cedric," and arrived at New York, June 14, 1903. From there they went to John Nordby, Austin, Minn., where they stayed about a year. In the spring of 1904, Mr. and Mrs. Jens Nordby and

"Nordby" was a small parcel of land on an "estate" owned by Strande. On this estate there were living houses and out buddings for the laborers, and they were adotted a smad parcel of land, so they could have a garden, also a few cows, pigs and chickens. They were bound by a contract to work for Strande any time he so requested. The wages were six cents per day in the 976

family came to Walsh County where he homesteaded on 40 acres, two and a half miles east of Fairdale. They stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Simon Myra the first year. His parents joined them the same year, and lived with them until they passed away. Syver J. Nordby, born Oct. 14, 1827, died Nov. 24, 1912, at 85. His wife, Inger, born May 11, 1835, died Feb. 8, 1924, at 88. They are buried two miles east and one-half mile south of Fairdale, in what is known as the (Gudbrand) Rundhaug Cemetery.

known as the Ragnald Flugekvam farm, and in 1941 they bought the farm and were active in farming until Gilbert passed away Oct. 29, 1973, at 71. He is buried in Trinity Cemetery. They had two sons, Jerome, born Sept. 30, 1932, and Byron, born Feb. 6,1942. Jerome married Janet Lien of Fairdale in 1952. They have three daughters, Debbie, Diane and Karen. Jerome is employed as an investigator with the police department at Burbank Calif. Byron married Jean Clausen of Roseau, Minn., in 1962, and they have two girls, Natalie and Nikki, one son Nathan. Byron is employed by Northwestern Bell in Fargo. JOHANNES AND EL INE PEDERSON

The Jens Nordby family. Back row: Syver, Henry, Gilbert. Bottom row: Jens and Gunhild. December 1, 1906, Jens N. bought 160 acres of land from Sivert and Julia Aardahl, located three miles north, two miles west of Adams, where the family moved a few years later. The house on this place had formerly been a country store operated by George P. Levang in the late 90's and early 1900. The closest towns were Park River, Edinburg and Milton and the only transportation was oxen or horses. It was convenient for the early settlers to have a store in this area. March 11, 1907, Henry was bom in the sod house on the homestead forty, Mrs. Gudbrand (Kristi) Rundhaug was midwife. In 1921 Jens bought an adjoining farm, known as the George Stensland farm, consisting of 200 acres. He was active in farming until 1941 when Henry took over the farming. Jens was active in township and church affairs and held various offices there. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Jens (Gunhild) Nordby, bom Aug. 10, 1869, passed away Feb. 5, 1938, at 68. She is buried in Trinity Cemetery, three miles north and one mile west of Adams." In 1947 Jens went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Nordby, where he stayed until he died May 22,1959, at 91. He is buried in Trinity Cemetery. In 1955 Henry married Frances (Halvorson) Brasted of Grand Forks and is active in farming northwest of Adams. Syver married Anne (Sunderland) Johnson in 1946 and is farming at Hingham, Mont. They have one daughter, Arlette Johnson (Mrs. Lloyd Mohn), Salt Lake City, Utah. Gilbert married Helga Fjalstad of Edmore in 1932. In 1936 they rented a farm four miles east of Fairdale,

Johannes Pederson was bom in Lorn, Gulbrandsdalen, Norway, Sept. 15, 1869. His wife, Eline Tonning, was bom in Stryn, Nordfjord, Norway, Nov. 10,1862. He immigrated to America in 1889. He came to Grafton, from there to Edinburg. He filed on a homestead in Silvesta Township. He married Eline Tonning in 1891. The family consisted of four children, Edwin, Alfred, Peder and Emma. He lived on this farm until he died in 1954. His wife proceeded him in death Oct. 12, 1934. Johannes was active in community development. He was one of the organizers of the Trinity Lutheran Church, also a charter member of the Sons of Norway Lodge at Fairdale. He devoted time and effort to projects that he considered good for the community. His pattern of Ufe resembled the majority of the pioneers. They came with two empty hands. Everything new to them, they were in a foreign land, they did not know the language nor the American way of life. Let us salute the pioneers as they stood there. They sold their working power, their ambition at open markets - their bid was very small. WilUng to work and with these qualities they succeeded. The results were gratifying for themselves and the new land. They can truly say with the great philosopher, "They came, they saw and conquered." Submitted by Alfred Saterdahl. JOHN AND OLAVA RINNHAGEN John T. Rinnhagen was bom in Brubraaten, Aadalen, Norway, Jan. 20, 1860, to Torkel Johnsen Strandstoa and Anne Oldsdatter, Brubraaten. John's grandparents, parents of Torkel Johnsen Strandstoa, were: Torkel Johnsen, FosevigUe, Aadalen, and Berthe Marie, Brubraaten. John sailed for America in 1878 and arrived in Fillmore County, Minn., where several of his relatives and friends had settled. After three years, he moved to the Albert Lea area where he remained until 1898. Here he married Olava Gulbrandson Nov. 6, 1884, and four of their six daughters were born, Inga, Thea, Oline (Lena) and Emelia. In 1898 the family traveled by train to Walsh County

Titus) lives at Minot and Clarine (Mrs. Pete Olson) at Strathcona, Minn. Juel married Florence Borchelt. They have two children, Michael and Marlys. Norman married Annie Melland. They have three children, Angela (Mrs. Gene Wigger), Nashville, Tenn.; Nancy (Mrs. Richard Robb), Grand Forks; and Wayne, stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station. Submitted by Mrs. James Johnson.

and settied in Silvesta Township, about four and a half mile east of Fairdale. They remained on this farm until their deaths. Olave (Gulbrandsdatter) Gulbrandson was born Dec. 28, 1860, at Midhaug, Aadalen, to Gulbrand Palmesen and Inger Aasterud. Her brother, Ole Bjornsen, was a well known tailor in Honefoss. Her father, Gulbrand Palmesen, was an accomplished violin player as well as a brother, Elling, who lived near Bagley, Minn. Another brother, Ole Gulbrandson, lived there also. A sister, Ingeborg Olson, lived with her family in Austin, Minn. John and Olava were active in community affairs. He was present at the organization of the Trinity Church which was held at the Thor Stensland home in 1908 and was elected one of the first trustees. He served as secretary for many years. Services, at first, were held in the schoolhouses. Their school was known as the Vejtasa School with E. B. Wollan as an early pastor. Two more daughter were bom here, Ragna and Olga.

JOHN RORVIK

John E. N. Rorvik

Mrs. John (Oline) Rorvik

John Rorvik (Johann Ehas Nelson Rorvik) was born in 1860 in the district of Sundfjord, Norway, north of Bergen. Coming from a family of 12 children, as he once remarked to Selmer Amundrud (his son-in-law), "there were too many, so I left." He went first to Bergen and on to the United States where the first record of his filing a tree claim exemption, according to the Department of Interior, was Oct. 15, 1883, on the NW'/. of Section 17, Silvesta Township. John told of the Axvig girls planting the trees for him in 1883, some cottonwoods are still there today. Department of Interior records show that the SW% of Section 17 was homesteaded on June 8,1891, by John. That is the land upon which he built his first house in 1891, a one room structure. Tom Olson (Torgrim Dammen was his name in Norway) and John were fast friends and good neighbors all their hves. They bought a threshing rig together in the 1890's - an Advance traction engine fired by straw (John ran another rig at the same time).

The John Rinnhagen family. Left to right, standing: Oline, Thea, Emelia, Inga. Bottom row: Olga, Olava, John, Ragna. John's parents and brothers were known as Stoa in America, taking the last of their father's surname. John felt there were so many in that area with the Stoa name, so he changed his to Rinnhagen, a process that was simple and often done in the early days. Olava died in 1943 and John in 1944 at their pioneer home and are both buried in the Trinity Cemetery, which they helped organize and build. Inga, the oldest daughter, married John Vejtasa. She died in 1965. Thea married Lewis Stensland and resides at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Oline (Lena) married Ole Roa, died in 1973. Ragna married Andrew Skytland, they farmed many years.in Dewey Township and after Andrew's death, she married Kimton Torgerson She died in 1971. Emelia never married. She and Olga cared for their parents until their deaths. Olga married Iver Isakson. Iver died some years ago. Both Emelia and Olga reside in the Fairdale area. Andrew and Ragna Skytland had three sons: Andy (deceased), Juel, Bismarck; and Norman, postmaster at Fairdale. Mrs. Nadine (Andy) Skytland hves at Karlstad, Minn. A son Adrian is at home. Judy (Mrs. Ray Houle) lives at Grand Forks. Eileen (Mrs. Carmen

John told the story of his hiring a locomotive engineer from the railroad to run an engine once. The engineer spent hours washing and shining it up, then lined it up ready to begin threshing. The engineer got excited and forgot to release the clutch on the Advance and so the engine began to move pulling the thresher with it until the belt (brand new) got into the gears and was cut up. The fireman had to stop the engine. The engineer turned to John Rorvik and said, "Guess I better quit." To which John said, "I think so." And as John related later, "I ran the engine myself." His first engine was bought in the late 1880's, an Ames 16 horsepower pulled by horses. While John was not particularly mechanically adept, he seemed to be able to make things run, according to Selmer, who 978

threshed with him in the later years (1920's). They ran separate rigs for awhile. Around the community the pioneers began calling a full harvest moon, "the Rorvik sun," because John was known for threshing all night non-stop as long as things went well. Esther Lund (Mrs. Tom Kjelaas) and Helga Roa (Mrs. Albert Arneson's sister) cooked in the cook car for John Rorvik in 1914 and 1915. Esther tells of John coming into the cook car at 10 o'clock in the evening while they were still feeding the men supper and announcing to all to get ready because they were moving in a few minutes. Esther and Helga had bread baking in the oven, but John told them to keep baking it and so they put the dishes in the benches so they wouldn't fall out, made sure they had enough wood along to keep the cook stove hot while they journeyed through the whole night. A caravan of locomotive, thresher (separator) with the cook car right behind the thresher along with bundle haulers (hay rack and a team of horses) and lighted by lanterns wended their way across the prairie until they got stuck in a slough. Their journey ended at six o'clock in the morning with the crew ready for breakfast. The cooks, after hanging on to kettles and bread pans, and firing the stove all night were ready for them! Then the threshing began again on the McLean farm. The journey was repeated many times at night. As Esther says, "Never a dull moment with John Rorvik around." John was good as gold as long as his crews did their work and everything went well. (It was recalled by some that he tended to overpay his men rather than short change anyone on their wages.) But! When the threshing wasn't proceeding according to plan, John could be seen standing on top of the separator waving a pitchfork and yelling at the top of his lungs. He dropped the fork into the thresher once and busted things up so then the rig stood for hours. An angry man was John then! Esther Kjelaas recalls waking up one morning in November when they were finishing up on the home farm at Rorviks with snow on the cooks' blankets (they slept on the table in the cook car). The girls had to dig up potatoes and carrots in the snow to cook for dinner, so for Esther, the threshing season was over. She quit! John Rorvik was a man of many facets, interests and capabilities. He was an intelligent, sometimes stern man of dignity and very erect bearing. Although he had a fiery temper, he would help anyone who needed it. Not a religious man in the organized sense of the word (he didn't believe in involving himself in church squabbles and never became a member of any of the many Lutheran churches around). John was always the auctioneer at the big social event of the year - The Ladies' Aid bazaar and ice cream socials. A familiar figure at every one of these from Hitterdal, Trinity, Flom, Aadalen, St. Olaf to Silvesta Churches, John was always dressed in the black suit with the white stiff front and high collar and was never at a loss for words. He was the auctioneer for the Per Westby farm in 1919 and at many farm auctions. John Rorvik was the first undertaker in Fairdale. As one who was present at Halvor Overbye's funeral recalls,

"Undertaker John was dressed in a new black suit with the high stiff collar, conducting himself and the funeral in the most somber dignified manner." The recaller of this event commented on the handsome, erect bearing of the man - John Rorvik. He also recalls Mrs. Ole Stoa arranging the flowers. In the winter, the caskets were carried on a sleigh box (with the top half of the sides removed) drawn by a black team of horses. Burials were always immediately after the funeral, no matter how high the snow banks nor how frozen the ground. In the fall of 1893, Ingeborg (Rundhaug) Monson and her husband, Trond (Helgestua) Monson, along with several of their children, came to the Rorvik homestad and spent the winter of 1893-94 with John. Their daughter, Mary Melby, related that her twin brothers, Fritz and Theodore, were born Dec. 18,1893, in John's house. Mary recalls John getting out his Enghsh text book and teaching her to read that winter as well as giving her her first doll. Mary was six years old. In the spring, the Monsons left when Trond (who had come originally with the plan of farming a relative's farm) found a place by Grafton. This brings us to another facet of John Rorvik - the teacher. Like other pioneers, John's education in Norway was limited to the eighth grade level. He mentioned of rowing a boat daily across a fjord to attend school. In the U. S., John attended school at Northfield, Minn., St. Olaf College, for the purpose of improving his Enghsh and he taught school on the prairie near Mayville-Portland. He often mentioned the name of Fingar Engen, a big farmer near Mayville, and another name in his stories from Mayville was Jacob Kern. John loved to teach, to explain and he did it well. Hilda Rustan (Mrs. George Gunhus), Fairdale, recalls John Rorvik teaching school in her parental home on the Ole Rustan farm north of Edinburg. She remembers being too young to attend in approximately 1894-95. John, himself, told of how Mrs. Rustan would move the chairs and tables out of the way so that teacher and the boys could wrestle in the evenings. Confronted with a difficult discipline problem once in his teaching career, in the form of grown men "students" there to learn Enghsh whose chief sport during recess was tormenting and terrorizing the young girls attending, John resorted to his resourcefulness. He commanded the offender to stand with his hand clasped together around a red hot stovepipe and to not get burned! Discipline returned without physical effort upon the part of John, the teacher. Medium of stature with thick chest and shoulders, John was not a big man but those brown eyes in a staring glare oft times were used as a weapon to wither an opponent. His teaching continued after he had formally quit as he taught many of the new homesteaders, who spoke only Norse, the English language. His sense of good neighborfiness and justice was evident in his voluntarily defending a neighbor whose homestead rights to a quarter of land was being challenged by someone who accused this neighbor of not Uving up to the homestead lawrequirementsof sleeping there every night. John knew the man had lived up to the law and defended him, winning the case. Again, John's eloquence, his knowledge of the English language and his love of speaking were to the benefit of a friend.

oldest business establishment in Fairdale, though it has seen three other owners. Selmer Amundrud owned it for 23 years. (None seems to recall John repairing any machinery himself, he hired the men and expected the job to be well done or out they would go.) Seventy years later, John Rorvik's granddaughter is sitting in the office of the very store he began in 1905, typing out the story of his life. John's enterprising nature extended to Nekoma where he bought another hardware and implement store in 1912. He hired Ed Davis as manager and Clayton Fauske's dad was his service man setting up McCormick binders, he operated the two stores simultaneously until 1919 when he sold the building in Nekoma for $2,000. His manager, Einar Myklebust, at Fairdale, would take the train to Nekoma to do the book work. Small wonder John is remembered driving a racing horse through the countryside. He had to in order to catch himself! His contribution to the business community ot Fairdale increased when he built the brick garage in 1919 to service the farm implements and the cars that he sold. Yes, John was a car salesman, too. He began selling Model T. Fords in 1913 or 1914. This experience did not make him a car mechanic either. Selmer remembers that he never believed in changing oil on his car as steam engines just used it up, so why not wait until the car did? He backed his car as he backed up his teams of horses, held on to the steering wheel with stiff arms and never looked back. One expected him to shout "Whoa" when he stepped on the brake. Horses were too vital a part of his lifestyle to ever let go of the man. They numbered in the thirties in the herd on his farm. An added note on his threshing career- Jacob Westby remembers him owning three threshing rigs at one time.

John loved to play cards and was called a master on roller skates. Determination was a part of John's character. He once won an endurance race at a celebration near Mayville-Portland for a purse of $25, which everyone needed in those days. He began training early by running around in a pasture and he had said: "Everyone thought I was crazy." During the race, runners would try to harass and rile him by running in front and behind him but he quickly spotted the strategy and countered by ignoring them. One former resident of Silvesta Township recalls to this day of seeing John driving beautiful horses while assessing. Oh, yes, he was the assessor for many years. He raised a Hamiltonian colt called "Blaine" who was a pacer that loved to mn! Selmer Amundrud recalls riding with him once when a Model T passed them and John let the horse run, keeping up with the Model T with his nose right up to the car, going about 25 miles an hour, the horse was laid almost flat, sparks were flying from the buggy wheels and John was enjoying every bit of it. Selmer was wondering how long before the buggy wheels would fly off. John had that horse trained so that when he would board the train for somewhere, he'd tie the reins and tell the horse to go home. Once, the Grande men, seeing a driverless buggy, caught the horse and brought it back to town. John retorted, "Can't you let my horse go home?" On another occasion, someone tried to catch the riderless buggy but Blaine circled out in the slough and continued on home. One night John and Blaine were riding home when John bent down to pick up something and lost the reins. The horse again lay flat with speed and John grabbed its tail and hung on until they turned a corner. John went flying, the buggy turned over, but the horse continued home. The folks at home went in search of the missing driver and found John a half mile down the road. But John didn't always drive horses. In March of 1892 he was returning home from Milton with a team of oxen and hauling a 300 pound barrel of salt when Thorvald Ohnstad, driving a fast team of horses, passed him and called out, "Aren't you afraid you're going to get lost in this storm?" As the storm worsened with the wind picking up, John moved the salt barrel as the hay rack was threatening to tip over (John had hauled a load of hay to Osnabrock first). No longer being able to see much under the conditions, John turned into a farm and stayed. This storm of March, 1892, was later referred to as the "Ohnstad Storm" because the Thorvald Ohnstad family, with the exception of the baby, Henry, perished while trying to reach their home.

John had a long plug of JT chewingtobaccosticking out of his back pocket at all times. A very good friend of his, "Talle" Thompson was visiting John one day and a heated discussion ensued with John pacing back and forth in the kitchen chewing his tobacco and stopping only to spit into the range. After many spits, John in his frustration at failing to convince his friend of his point of view, furiously spat into the stove, putting out the fire and shouted, "Talle! Du er en tosk! En stor tosk!" (Talle! You are a fool! A big fool!) As good friends do, the anger was overlooked and the conversation continued. Today, there are those that recall John driving around in his Model T. sedan in the later years with the windows smeared with tobacco stains as he didn't bother to roll down the windows. After ad, he had no problem spitting out of a buggy for years and years, why make it a problem now? (Another added note to his teaching career - Jacob Westby tells of his father, Per Westby, and Sigvart Arneson as among those pioneers going to John's farm in 1889 for Enghsh lessons and paying John 10 cents a day.)

And now for the story of John Rorvik, the storekeeper. Yes, he was that, too. Enterprising was another trait of John's. When rumors were flying about the train coming to Fairdale soon, he hastily put up a slanted roof shanty for a hardware store down by County Road 9 and 22 intersection, just in case the tracks should mn by there. Along with the scramble of others for lots when they found out where the train would run, John moved his httle slant roof shack closer, but he built the present hardware store building in 1905. Except for a year or so in 1929, the hardware and implement store has remained in existence for 70 years since its founding, the

Another incident related by John to Selmer was one of the many occurring with his threshing crew members. His threshing crew slept in the granaries and in the barn, those who were not from the neighboring farms. One of his men came to him one day and reported that the $300 to $400 dotiars he had under his pdlow were gone. John instructed him to say nothing of this matter to anyone. 980

Edwin, the smaUer and weaker of the twins, developed tuberculosis and as little was known then about the treatment nor cure of the disease, he gradually weakened and died on the farm in 1917. A picture of him hanging on the wall in the farm house today shows a small-framed boy with large serene brown eyes, almost timid in appearance. Agnes Josephine Rorvik was of the same build and stature of her father - very erect of bearing, medium height, brown-eyed with a very high prominent forehead and extremely intelligent. She believed strongly in education and attended school at the Red Wing Seminary in 1916, pursuing a completion of her high school education. The Seminary was once a part of St. Olaf College at Northfield. Agnes was called home upon the death of her brother in 1917 and returned in the fall to her education. She met one of John's employees, a mechanic working at his hardware and implement shop, in 1920. He had come from a farm near Union. Selmer Amundrud and Agnes were married Oct. 20, 1920. From this union came five daughters, aU bom in less than a five year span: Oranda Georgia, Edwina Sandora, Junis LaMae, Maxine Audrey and Benunie Theona. John Rorvik died in his farm home at 74 in 1934.

He then told the crew to pack up as he was moving the rig to another farm. When they were ready John asked them to line up and then he announced, "One of you men has this man's money. I have reported this to the authorities and each one of you will be searched." (A bluff made convincing with his brown-eyed glare and stem voice.) He then proceeded down the row asking each one,"Doyou have it?" until one man reached in his pocket and handed it to John with, "Here's the damn money." John Rorvik's early knowledge of the English language was a valuable asset to the community is evidenced today in the Kinloss Township records of the minutes of their first meeting in June, 1889, before Dakota Territory became states. He was the clerk at that meeting though he resided in Silvesta. On the other hand, it is just recalled that John filed a pre-emption claim in 1887 on a quarter of land in Kinloss east of Fairdale on the south side of County 9 and so perhaps that is why he attended the meeting. John was nailing up a shack on that land and borrowed a hammer from Mrs. Ole Arneson, who years later, recalled to her family the first time she met John Rorvik. The Arnesons arrived in 1887. The legacy of a man's life is most truly passed on through his children. Thus, the personal Ufe of John Rorvik becomes the last chapter. John was 39 years old when he and Oline Stoa, who was 24, were married. Oline was the only sister of Anton, Thorvald, Ole, Martin (of Austin, Minn.) Stoa and John Rinnhagen (Stoa) of Fairdale, and daughter of Torkel and Anne Stoa who farmed what is the second farm of Selmer Amundrud's today. It is called the "Stoa Farm" by Oline's grandchildren and great grandchildren now in 1975. Oline gave birth to a set of twins, Edwin and Agnes Josephine, on Nov. 21, 1899. She was never well after their birth, suffering from a kidney disease which paralyzed her. In spite of every effort by John to get her the best medical attention (Dr. Eggars came up from Grand Forks to treat her), Oline died June 30,1901, at 26. Forced by circumstances to leave the four year old twins in the care of two hired girls, John went back to Norway and returned in the spring of 1904 with his 36 year old unmarried sister, Oleanna (Anna) Rorvik, along with his 16 year old niece, Lena (Mrs. Einar Myklebust). Forty-one year old John Rorvik was cast in the dual role of mother and father to these motherless "babies on the prairie." Inadequately prepared for such a role as the "portrait" of John has heretofore unveiled, he left the task of rearing the children to Anna. "Aunty" as she came to be affectionately called by all who knew and loved her, was to Uve out the rest of her life on that farm doing the housework, gardening and milking. Although she knew and understood Enghsh, Aunty spoke only Norwegian for 50 years. It was quite amusing to over hear conversations between Aunty and her great nieces as they were growing up. Aunty would talk Norse and they would answer in Enghsh which worked out very well. Aunty was slim and wiry with sparkling brown eyes and very strong hands. She often told of cutting hay with a scythe in Norway and being faster at it than the men. Aunty grew up knowing hard physical labor. She challenged the men on the farm in finger tugging contests. Aunty was deeply reUgious and read the Bible often. Kindness was her strongest of many virtues. She had a good sense of humor and loved joking with people. A dear sweet soul, Aunty died at 87 in 1955.

"Motherless Children of the Prairie"—Edwin Rorvik (twins).

and Agnes

GUSTAV SAMUELSON F A M I L Y

Gustav Samuelson was bom May 18, 1861, in Ostergjorland, Sweden. He came to America in 1880 and after spending five years in IlUnois went to North Dakota. He worked on farms near Forest River and Park River for several years. December 19,1886, he married Anna Olson of Tiber Township. Anna was bom in Dalsland, Sweden, April 27, 1868. She came to America May 9,1885, directlytoWalsh County. They were married by their Pastor M. C. Holseth, the first pastor of the Odalen Congregation in Tiber. After their marriage, they moved to a farm in Silvesta Township. They lived in a sod house until 1906 when a new five-room house was built. The first years they had oxen to break up their land for cultivation. They had worship service in their homes and community schoolhouses. In 1916 the Trinity Lutheran Church was built. They reared a family of five daughters and six sons: 981

where his credit was good, charged the tobacco and got his plow shares sharpened. After the crops were harvested, the grain and produce had to be hauled to Park River until Edinburg was established. Often the load had to be hauled with difficulty over steep coulees by horse and wagon. Silvesta Township was organized Nov. 12, 1884, and Ole was elected township supervisor in 1885, a position he held for 28 years. He also served for many years as election board supervisor and would deliver the badots to Grafton by horse and buggy. In 1887 at 34, Ole married Oline Nelson Sveen, who was bom Aug. 1, 1868, in Osterdahlen, Norway. She had immigrated with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nels Sveen, at the age of 17, in a ship voyage that lasted 21 days, and settled with the famdy in Vesta Township. Ole and Oline Uved with his family for one year when Anders, Ole's father, died. In 1894 they built a frame house on the farm. Eleven children were bom to the Seversons, four of them died in childhood. Andrew, the oldest boy was a premature infant at birth, weighing only two pounds. Odne would tell how she kept him in the warming oven of the stove and fed him with a medicine dropper. In 1907, when Andrew was 18, he was shot in the abdomen by a companion whde hunting. Dr. Bratrud of Warren, Minn., and Dr. Gronvold of Adams performed major surgery on the kitchen table of the farm home with the oldest daughter, Cecelia, as their assistant. Andrew survived and lived a normal Ufe. Another daughter, Nellie, age four, was gathering wild flowers along a stubble field which had recentiy been burned. Her dress caught fire and she was burned over most of her body. She lived one day. Daughter Nettie died in her early 20's giving birth to her second chdd. The seven chddren who grew to adulthood were: Andrew Severson, who married Mary Samuelson of Sdvesta. They had nine chddren: Goodwin, Atiard, Etisworth, Orvdle, Nels, Clifford, Sadie (Mrs. Gordon McGregor), Mae (Mrs. Lloyd Larson), and Doris (Mrs. George Rosinski). Thomas Severson married Hazel Nelson of Sdvesta. They had one son, Helmer. Nora (Mrs. Adolph Skarin, Cooperstown) had one son, Sven Skarin. Nettie (Mrs. Vernon Stuart, Calvin) had a daughter, Christine (Mrs. Tom Irwin). The three Severson chddren living today and their famiUes are: Cecelia (Mrs. Nels Nelson of Parshad). The Nelsons had five sons, Hiram, Ingvald, Lynn, Lloyd and Kenneth. Oscar Severson married Ada Sampson of Garder and resides at Cornelius, Ore. They have two sons, Glen and Dennis, and a daughter, Marlene (Mrs. Joel Johnson). Martin Severson lives at Park River with his wife, the former Gladys Clemens. They have one daughter, Yvonne (Mrs. James Hurt).

Mrs. Andrew (Mary) Severson; Mrs. Edward (Ida) Zumwinkle; Mrs. Fritz (Emma) Eckdahl; Mrs. August (Annie) Backstrom; Mrs. Arvid (Mabel) Almen; Harry, Ben, Carl, Nels, Victor and Arthur. Gustav farmed until his death in 1917. His was the first funeral service in the Trinity Church. In 1918 Mrs. Samuelson moved to Adams, where she lived until her health failed and then she went to make her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Arvid Odegard, who later married Arvid Almen. Mrs. Samuelson died April 1, 1934. Mr. and Mrs. Samuelson were active in church and community affairs and were members of the Trinity Lutheran Church, north of Adams.

The Gustav Samuelson family. Back row: Harry, Mary, Ida. Front:Emma, Anna (mother), Mabel (baby), Annie, Nels, Gustav (father), Nelson, Ben. OLE SEVERSON FAMLLY Ole Severson was bom in Sogn, Norway, June 15, 1853. He immigrated to America with his parents at the age of six, a journey by sail ship that lasted 3 months. The family settled in New Hampton, Ia., where Ole grew to manhood. He was about 28 years old when his brother's family contracted smallpox and were placed in a pest house as quarantine. The food at the pest house was very poor, so Ole, who was working and single, would dedver food to the famdy at night. The authorities found out about the meetings and decided Ole should be confined to the pest house, too. Instead, he gave his brother most of his money and boarded a train for North Dakota where he found employment. In 1885, Ole settled in SUvesta Township in Sections 23 and 24. His father, Anders Sjurson Breum, moved from Iowa and homesteaded one quarter section and Ole filed a tree claim on the adjoining quarter section. The two of them decided to build a sod house together and chose a site that enabled each of them to have half a house on their own property. Later Ole had $300 in gold and purchased another quarter section of adjoining land from Eric Berg. He also bought 40 acres of timber land in Vesta Township which suppfied the family with wood for fuel and fence posts.

There were good times the famdy enjoyed. A smad lake on the farm provided skating, hunting and trapping, hi the summer the boys budt rafts and had picnics. Worship services were conducted in the homes whenever a minister could visit and the new babies were baptized. Later on services were held in the school untd they budt a church in Adams. The Seversons were charter members of Mountain Lutheran Church. Silvesta Post Office was established Aprd 6, 1883, and discontinued June 15, 1904. It was located two miles east of Ole's farm and was a popular spot since the family enjoyed the letters, magazines, newspapers and periodicals that arrived by mad, an important part of their home life. About twice a

Breaking sod was one of the first procedures of the homesteader and this was done with a plow arid oxen. Ole often recaded how dud the blades of the plow would get. He told the story of taking the shares to town to get them sharpened, but he did not have money to pay the man for sharpening, so he was told he could not get the job done. Ole asked the fedow if he would take tobacco in payment and the man promptly agreed. Ole then went to the store 982

year, the family would get a team of horses and a surrey and visit their relatives, the Landsems of Edmore. They would stay three days and the Landsems would return the visit later. The family looked forward to these trips, usually the oldest boy would be left at home with the cattle. Ole Severson continued farming the Silvesta land. Then his son, Andrew, married Mary Samuelson in the fall of 1911. Three years later, they bought the south quarter from Ole which they farmed until 1934 when they moved with their nine cnildren to a farm in Dewey Township. Another son, Thomas, bought Andrew's quarter and farmed until his death in 1969. The quarter is now owned by his son, Helmer Severson of Edinburg. Ole died in 1939 and his land was farmed by his sons until his wife, Ohne, moved to Park River to reside with her son, Martin. The farm was rented out until Oline's death in April, 1952. In 1953 it was sold to Glen Haug who farms there today. The legacy which Ole and Oline Severson have left to their children and grandchildren of today is their strong pioneer spirit. They had the courage to cope with the hardships of their day, the ability to enjoy life and an unbelievable freedom from fear.

Staten Island where he remembers being herded as cattle to the place where their entry was to be processed. An interesting sidelight on the sail ship that brought them to the U. S. A. is that for its return trip it was loaded with cattle. The ship sank before reaching its destination. From New York they came by the St. Lawrence Seaway to Caddlac, Mich. While there, Jorgen Skyrud worked in a logging camp. In July of 1883, the family came to Walsh County to the home of Ludvig and Kristina (Sannerud) Troftgruben, a sister of Hans' mother, Anne. This was in Section 35 of Tiber Township, southwest of Edinburg. July 7, 1892, Jorgen Skyrud received his patent on his homestead of Section 34 of Tiber Township. They budt a one-room log cabin. Their first kitchen stove was carried on foot from Grafton. Hans related that together with his father, they, at one time, carried a 100 pound sack of flour on foot from Grafton out to the homestead, a distance of 28 and three-fourths miles. Two more children were bom to Jorgen and Annie Skyrud. They were Clara and Frank. Hans attended school in District No. 92, Tiber Township, and was confirmed in the Odalen Lutheran Church, Section 22, Tiber Township, by Pastor M. C. Holseth on Aug. 7, 1887. He was a member of the first confirmation class of that congregation. As a young man he helped with the carpenter work on the construction of the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Vesta Township. He did farm field work and drove livery for the Hagen Livery Barn, Adams. Hans recaded that while he worked as a livery driver his boss, Gilbert Hagen, was concerned about whether the horses were driven too slow or too fast. Jewelry and watch salesmen traveled by train from town to town, carrying their wares in trunks and suitcases. It came to him that he should buy a watch, but was sure the salesman would have left Adams by the time he got back from his livery trip. Upon returning to town he hurried to the hotel only to find that the salesman had gone to the depot but the train was not in. When he got to the depot, the salesman gladly opened up his suitcases and Hans purchased a 17 jewel Hamilton watch for $20 which was two months salary as livery driver. The watch stdl runs and is a prized possession of a member of his famdy. January 2,1896, he was married to Dena Marie Elton at the home of the bride's parents, Ole 0. and Ingrid Elton, who then lived three-fourths mile northwest of St. Peter's Church of Vesta Township. They recalled it was a snowy day with blizzard conditions and very cold. They hved with the Skyrud in-laws for a time and Hans worked for Gtibert Hagen. August 16, 1897, their first child, a daughter, Olive, was born at the Jorgen Skyrud homestead in Tiber Township. In 1898 he homesteaded on the NWy , Section 26, Township 157N, Range 59W in Dewey Township, and received patent on this homestead Nov. 13, 1902. While farming there, two children were bom, not on the homestead but at the homestead home of his parents in Tiber Township. They were sons, Edwin, Sept. 10, 1899, and James O., Dec. 1, 1904. The buildings Hans erected on the homestead were a

mwrd Mr. and Mrs. Ole Severson, Cecilia and Andrew. HANS J. SKYRUD Hans J. Skyrud was born May 12,1873, in a log cabin in Bruvel, Norway, a town about 40 miles north of Oslo, the capitol of Norway. He was the firstborn of Jorgen Hansen Skyrud, a shoemaker by trade, bom in Norway Aug. 24,1834, and Anne Avara (Sanderud) Skyrud. While in Norway, two more children were bom to this union. They were Knut and Carrie. The three children were baptized in the same church which still stands in Sand, Norway. When Hans was nine years old (1882) the Skyrud family emigrated to the United States of America. They set sail in a cattle boat and first docked in Holland for four days before it set sail for what they then called the "New World." They encountered the usual hardships of crowded conditions but no severe storms. After a period of six weeks from embarkation the boat arrived in New York and they were allowed to disembark on

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three room house with two laxge rooms downstairs and one room upstairs, a low bam and a tall granary. The only building remaining to this day is the granary. He did carpenter work for others. One such job was the building of a large machine shed on the Jens Bjorg farm. December 7, 1904, the Dewey Township homestead was sold to Gilbert Hagen. Having been able to homestead in Canada, nine miles west of Duval, Sask., the family moved there in 1905. They boarded the Soo Line train at Adams which took them to Ardoch. After an overnight stay they went by train to Winnipeg, Man., and on to Duval. He hved there four years, farming and doing carpenter work. One house he constructed was of concrete mix poured into forms which were removed. While there, two daughters were born - Melve E., Feb. 17, 1907, and Irene H., Jan. 29, 1909. However, Melve was born in Vesta Township. There was no school for the children while in Canada, so it was an inducement to sell and return to the U. S. A. The homestead was sold and Hans moved back to Adams. When they returned in Feb., 1909, the snow was so deep in the area that even by horses they were unable to travel to the Skyrud grandparents' homestead. So rooms were rented in the hotel untd a house could be rented. Then the chddren could go to school. That summer the family was moved out to the John Thompson farm, two mdes east of Adams. In the spring of 1910 Hans moved his famdy to Rushford Township, southeast of Park River, and rented the SVz of Section 1 from Mr. Brown. Whde there, he purchased a new Emerson gang plow, a used sulky plow and new Acme binder and other farm machinery from David Aitken Implement of Park River. He farmed there in 1910 and 1911. When the farm was sold to Albert Cross, he then moved one mde further south and rented two quarters of land from Duncan R. Gdlespie. The buddings were on the NWv* of Section 13. He farmed there through 1922. Whde on the Giflespie farm, a daughter, Eleanor, was born April 15,1913. She is the baby of the famdy. In the spring of 1923, he rented the Qutil farm, six mdes southwest of Park River, the SEy*, Section 34, Golden Township. In the spring of 1928 he moved to the Avon Hassle farm. The buddings were down in the coulee on the east side of the Soo Line Railway bridge fid between Adams and Lankin. They farmed there until the year he retired, had a sale and bought a house in Adams. They hved there the rest of their lives. During his retirement years he worked as gravel checker for the Walsh County Highway Department and in the State School at Grafton for a time. Hans became a citizen of the United States on Nov. 15,1919, and took steps before he passed away to see that his daughter, Irene, was registered as a U. S. citizen. Dena Marie Skyrud died Nov. 11, 1952. Hans died July 2,1959. He was buried beside his wife on July 7,1959, at the St. Peter's Church Cemetery in Vesta Township. When asked why they had chosen that site to purchase a burial plot, Hans repded, "It was here your mother and I met, here we went to school together, here we courted, were married and most of the chddren were born. Here is

where we want to be buried." It is a serene spot quietly overlooking a beautiful valley. Both passed on with a firm faith in the Lord Jesus as their saviour and Lord.

Left to right, standing: Melve, Irene, James, Eleanore. Bottom: Edwin, Mrs. Hans Skyrud, Hans, Olive. TORKEL AND ANNE STOA Torkel and Anne Stoa immigrated to America in 1881 with their sons and daughter. They settled in the Fairdale area, where their son, John Rinnhagen, also settled. He arrived in America three years earlier. Torkel changed his name from Johnsen Strandstoa to a shortened form - Stoa. He purchased the farm of Iver Elsrud near Fairdale. This farm was quite unusual because there were so many evergreens planted there. Elsrud packed many evergreens in moss and brought them over with him from Norway. He planted 12 acres of trees to remind him of his homeland. Their chddren were Ole, who settled on a farm one mile south of Fairdale; Martin, who remained in the Albert Lea, Minn., area; Anton and Thorvald, on the parents' farm; and Oline, who married John Rorvik, Fairdale. They are both buried in the Rundhaug Cemetery, two miles east of Fairdale. ANTON AND SUSIE STOA Anton Stoa homesteaded the southeast quarter of Section 19. Susie and Anton lived in a shack there, first in 1897 in Silvesta Township. The quarter where Anton budt the house that stands there now in 1975 was originally tree claimed by Iver Elsrud. Anton and his father, Torkel, bought that land from Iver Elsrud. Anton kept a year book written in a beautiful hand in Norwegian that is easdy translatable today. The opening statement of his book translates as such: "On April 10, 1897, we came here to the Elsrud farm. We paid $1,000 to Iver Elsrud on Aprd 14,1897, for the farm; began to plow on April 19, 1897, and sowed on April 26. Completed threshing on Sept. 30and received 1,440 bushels of wheat; 1,278 bushels of oats, 734 bushels of barley and flax and another 190 bushels of barley. Sold grain for a total of $1,426.10. Threshing bid in 1897 was $116.32, twine $32.80, paid Elsrud for 10 acres of woodland (down in the Monson Coulee) $100, barley and oats for seed $78, and one "skind" or sheepskin coat $5. Paid on the note on the

land $250. Bought 12 bushels of flax from Ole T. Stoa $12.50." The page just translated indicates the character of the man Anton - orderly, conservative, honest, calm and self-sufficient. In the front part of the book, there is a page for every year from 1897 through 1942 recording the dates of the farm operation for each year and the total bushels harvested. Anton's last entry was Oct. 12, 1944, when he wrote: "Finished threshing today." Thorvald, his brother, made this final entry for Anton, "Anton Stoa had a stroke on November 26, died on the 30th and was buried Dec. 5, 1944." In the back of the book, Anton kept a log of the weather - he titled it, "Veir Og Vind I Aaret" and he began for the year 1901 and faithfully reported the amount of snow, when it rained, hailed and the direction of the wind and blizzards. From the year 1901, the weather log gradually included personal items such as who came to visit, where Susie would go to visit and when they attended church at Aadalen. Anton and Susie had no children. Anton's mother, Anne, and his father, Torkel, and his brother, Thorvald, lived on the Stoa farm until they died. Oline, their only sister, who came with her folks when she was 22, married John Rorvik when she was 24 and died of kidney disease a year and a half after giving birth to twins, Edwin and Agnes Rorvik, at the age of 26. The motherless children were often at their grandmother and grandfather Stoa's farm until John could bring his sister, Anna, from Norway to care for them in 1904. Anton and Susie were kind to them and good neighbors to all. Anton was not without a rather dry sense of humor as is shown in a daily entry in his book, which translates, June 16, 1901, "Susie went over to Rorvik's today and I got orders to change the water on the milk (in those days they cooled the milk in cold water so that the cream would rise to the top faster) and cook coffee - but I don't believe that I will do it." Another entry Dec. 31, 1906, "It has been storming just about every day. We have received the mail only two times since Dec. 11, and so one can well see that it isn't too good for anyone to live in North Dakota in the winter time. Yes, it is New Year's Eve and it looks like there will be a real snowstorm. Thorvald went to Nordby's today and borrowed a plug of tobacco. So it could be that I too will begin the new year without tobacco. Farewell to you, year 1907!" On another occasion, he tells of Susie leaving to visit some relatives and comments: "You understand that she went without my permission." Another entry, Dec. 4, 1911, "An important event occurred in Fairdale today in that Simon Myra, John Hogfoss and Ole Arneson left for Norway. Yes, they said that there were just as many people at the depot as there had ever been in Chicago." Another example of dry wit July 4, 1922, "A little rain today and "kjaeringa" the wife says that there will be the same complaining all day and she is right because 'she doesn't get anyplace' but if I am living on July 4, 1923, then I better plan on going with her and leave early in the morning!" Anton's mother died on the farm in 1920 at 86; his father died there in 1926 at 89. Anton died in 1944 at age

m

76; Thorvald died in 1953 at 77 and Susie died in 1958 at 83. They are all buried in the "Rundhaug hill" Cemetery, along with the four Rorviks, Oline and John, their son, Edwin, and Oleanna Rorvik. Anton always ended his yearly entry, "Farvel da Aarene!"

Anton and Susie Stoa THORE L. STENSLAND This is the story of a pioneer who settled in Silvesta Township, near Adams. Thore L. (Thomas) Stensland, the youngest of eight children, was born Nov. 14,1863, in Telemark, Norway. At the age of 14 he immigrated to America with his widowed mother, brothers, and sisters, settling in Winnebago County, Ia. He attended public school in Iowa until the age of 18 when he moved to Silvesta Township. He filed on a homestead while living in a dugout and later a sod house. After years of working the land and clearing it of many rocks, he built a seven room, two story house, bam, granary and storage building for his machinery. At 31, he married Caroline Torgerson who was 19. Caroline was born in Sigdal, Norway, and at eight came with her parents, brothers and sisters to America and settled in Roseau, Minn. Her mother died when Caroline was very young and Caroline was raised by her sister, Mrs. Dorthea Omdalen in Adams. Six children were born to Thore and Caroline Stensland: Agnes Helene, Clara (Claire) Nelette, Laura Josephine, Leonard (Len) Theodore, AUce Beatrice and Cora Dorthea. Thore was a thrifty and energetic farmer, public spirited and a leader in his community in educational and religious work. He helped organize the Farmers Telephone Company, was clerk of the school board of Silvesta Township and helped organize the Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams. He died of cancer in 1912 at 49. His wife, CaroUne, died five years later at 43, leaving six children, Agnes, Clara, Laura, Leonard, AUce and Cora. Agnes, at 21, completed three years nurses training and graduated with the class of 1917 from St. Luke's Hospital, Fargo. She went to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., as a registered nurse and worked from 1924 to 1928. She then moved to Rapid City, S. D., where she worked as a surgical nurse and supervisor from 1928 to 1955. In 1955 she moved to Palo Alto, Catif., where she worked at the Palo Alto Hospital and the Stanford

second daughter, Gayle was born. They moved to San Mateo, Calif., in 1947. Lawrence died in 1958. Alice is living in Palo Alto. Jacqueline attended the University of California at Berkley. She is married to Edward Heiselman and has two daughters and one son and two grandchildren. Jacqueline is secretary to a junior high school principal and lives in Carmichael, Calif. Gayle is married to Leo Bloom and has three daughters and one son. They live at LakeTahoe, Calif. Cora attended rural School District No. 100, Silvesta Township. In 1918 at 11 she was killed in a bus accident at Fargo. Thore, Caroline and Cora Stensland are buried in a country cemetery in Silvesta Township. Submitted by Laura Henning.

Medical Center until 1973 when she retired. She now lives in Los Altos. Clara and Laura, after completing eighth grade at rural School District No. 100, Silvesta Township, attended high school at Grafton for two years and then moved to Fargo where they continued their high school education and attended business college. Clara worked at Northern States Power Company in Fargo as a stenographer for several years. She later went to Washington, D. C , where she was an employee in the Navy Department. She moved to California in 1929. She married Charlie Marra and lived in Occidental, Calif. They had no children. Charlie died in 1963 and Clara in 1969. Laura taught rural school for three years and later was an employee for five years with the Marine Corps in San Francisco. In 1928 Laura married Fritz Henning at Fargo. They moved to San Francisco and lived there 11 years where a daughter, Fritzi Lee, was bom. They moved to San Mateo, Calif., where Fritz Henning died in 1968. Fritzi Lee graduated from the University of Colorado and is teaching physical education in a public school in San Mateo. Laura and Fritzi Lee now live in San Mateo, Calif.

HALVOR STENSLAND My dad, Halvor L. Stensland, was bom April 20,1853, in Telemarken, Norway. He was one of eight children of Lars and Anne Olsdatter Stensland. His father, Lars, died Jan. 5,1867, while the family still resided in Norway. Dad, at the age of 16, with his mother and the other children, with the exception of "Old John," came to America in 1869 and settled near Lake Mills, Ia. John, the oldest son, took over the Stensland farm in Norway, which was customary there at that time. However, he came to America later and settled near Edmore. The Stensland family lived in Iowa until 1884 and then made their journey by horses and wagon to Walsh County. My father filed on a homestead about five miles northwest of Adams. Before establishing a permanent home in Silvesta Township, he returned to Norway for a visit. Shortly after that trip, Sigrid Olson Loite came to America. Dad and Mother (Halvor Stensland and Sigrid Loite) were married Dec. 26, 1881, at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Hans Wicks, near Grafton. They settled and expanded their farming interests by adding to the homestead quarter, one and a half quarters in Silvesta Township, one and a half quarters in Adams Township and two in Dewey Township. Grandmother Stensland made her home with my parents until her death Dec. 30, 1899. In the summer of 1909 Dad met with a serious accident. The following article is a direct quote from the Adams Standard: "Halvor Stensland, who lives near Adams, met with an accident that will disfigure him for Ufe. He was standing near the barn door watching the men fill the hay loft. The rope broke hurhng the puUey against his head with terrific force, tearing his cheek open, injuring his eye so it was removed. He was unconscious for several days, but chances of recovery are now good." My father never really recovered from the accident but Uved about 13 years. He took active part in community and church affairs, and was one of the founders of the Trinity Lutheran Church. He now had to retire from most of these activities and also his farming interests, but did considerable traveling. In about 1911, he bought a summer resort five miles east of Crookston, Minn., and farmed some of it with Carl's help. We were there about one and a half years, sold it and then returned to our home near Adams. In the meantime, Ole had been farming it. The next year we spent in Fargo - Carl and Oscar attending Dakota Business College, Anne taking sewing instruction, Henry and I continuing our elementary education. In the faU of 1913 the folks went to Seattle,

Thore and Caroline Stensland—1894 Leonard completed eighth grade at rural School District No. 100, Silvesta Township. He later moved to Fargo where he was in business many years. He started the bus line from Fargo to Minot, later selling to the Greyhound Bus Line. He now owns and operates a gas station on Highway 10, near Detroit Lakes, Minn. Len and his wife, Celeste, live on Big Detroit Lake, Detroit Lakes, Minn. Len has two daughters. Beverly is Mrs. Harry Dumble of Portland, Ore. They have one daughter, Allison, who graduated from the University of Portland and is teaching in the public schools in Portland, Ore. Bonnie, Len's second daughter, lives with her mother in Portland. Alice attended elementary, high school, and college in Fargo. In 1927 she married Lawrence LaFleur, who had been an all state football player at Fargo High School. They moved to Rapid City, S. D., where their first daughter, Jacqueline, was bom. In 1929 they moved to Hollywood, later moving to San Francisco where their 986

Wash. After a short while there the trip was cut short by the serious illness and death of Dad's youngest brother, Tom Stensland. In about 1915 my parents and I spent five months in Great Falls, Mont. The trip was primarily made to visit Carl who had homesteaded on a quarter of land near Dutton, Mont. My parents had a family of 10 children, of which nine reached adulthood. Lewis, the oldest, settled on the former Silvester farm near Adams. Olava was born Dec. 12, 1886. After her elementary education, she attended Oak Grove Seminary in Fargo and Lutheran Bible College in Grand Forks. Much of her early life was devoted to teaching Vacation Bible School, being official pianist in Trinity Lutheran Church for many years and being active in the Trinity Luther League as one of its organizers and the second president of the society. December 30, 1925, she married John Fossaa and settled on his farm near Powers Lake. In 1950 they retired and moved to Grand Forks. John died Oct. 29, 1953, and Olive March 11, 1956. Hellen Oline was born Feb. 26, 1888, and lived one year. Ole was bom Nov. 12, 1889. He attended the Agricultural College in Fargo several years. He then took over Dad's farming interests for some time and later his own farm. He married Helga Roa of Fairdale, Dec. 28,1915. They went to Dutton, Mont., where he filed on a homestead. After several years there, they returned to Adams and bought a farm south of town. He later bought the Loite farm and lived there until retirement. They were the parents of five children: the three youngest, Palmer, Morris and Orville, are deceased, Sheldon hves near Chicago and Harriet, Mrs. John Olson, moved to Devils Lake upon the death of her husband. They have four children: Odean and Orville, who are both graduates of Mayville College, and Douglas and Mary Ellen. Ole and Helga spent their retirement years with their daughter. Helga died in 1951 and Ole in 1961. Selma, after completing her elementary education in Silvesta Township, attended Mayville State College. She taught several years in rural schools in the Adams and Williston area. She married Chris Olson and settled on a farm near Alamo. They were parents of two children: Adolph, who attended Alamo High School and Lutheran Bible College in Grand Forks, has since been in the oil business in Fargo and takes care of his farming interests near Alamo. The last few years he has been a maintenance man in the North Dakota Metabolism Laboratory at N. D. S. U. He married Ida Domeier in 1937 and they are the parents of three children. Jerry, a North Dakota State University graduate, and wife, Paula, live in Miami, Fla., where he is manager of industrial engineers of the U. S. Post Office. Kathleen, Mrs. Richard Lorch, and husband live in Rochester, Minn., where he is a programmer for I. B. M. They have four sons: Michael, David, Steven and Robert. Ronald, an N. D. S. U. graduate, and his wife, Eileen (Cerminello), live in Moundsview, Minn. They are the parents of two boys, Brian and Brent. Ronald is assistant superintendent of State Farm Insurance Company, St. Paul. Hattie, the second of Selma and Chris' children, after completing her academic work at the Lutheran Bible Academy, attended Augsburg College, Minneapolis and Mayville State College. She taught a number of years in rural schools near Alamo, Zahl and Stanley. She married Thomas A. Brekke and settled on a farm north of Ray.

They are the parents of two children: Harlan, a graduate of Lutheran Bible Academy and Wahpeton State School of Science, now an installer for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Fargo; he and his wife, Linda, have two children, Michael Jon and Karin Jo. Shelene, graduate of Lutheran Bible Academy, had the unique experience of being selected while a sophomore student in Ray to travel to Norway with the Williams County Band. She is a student at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. Chris passed away in 1930 and Selma in 1947. Oscar completed his elementary education in Silvesta Township and then attended Mayville State College and U. N. D., Grand Forks. He taught several years in rural schools north of Adams and in the Williston area. He then attended Dakota Business College in Fargo. After completing his course he took a job as bookkeeper and salesman at the Elbow Lake Cooperative Store, Elbow Lake, Minn. Due to my father's accident, which left him incapacitated, Oscar came home to take over my dad's farming interests and also his own. He was very active in community and church affairs. He was treasurer of Silvesta Township, clerk of the school board, director of the Adams Farmers Elevator, one of the organizers of the Adams Credit Union and became a member of the Triple A. Board in 1930 and remained on the board for quite a few years. He was treasurer of the Trinity Lutheran Church for many years and the first president of the Trinity Luther League and was active in making this organization a great success. Anne Thomine, after completing her elementary education, attended a seamstress school in Fargo and the Lutheran Bible College in Grand Forks. After Olive's marriage, Anne became the official pianist in Trinity Lutheran Church and took an active interest in the Trinity Luther League with her musical talent. She also devoted much of her time to teaching Vacation Bible School, assisting on the farm, and as a nurses' aid in Minneapolis, and later in Grand Forks. After a short illness, Anne died March 3, 1975. Henry completed his academic work at the Lutheran Bible College, Grand Forks. He received his B. A. degree from Augsburg College, Minneapolis, and his M. A. degree from the University of Minnesota. He married Alida Olson from Colvax, Wise, Dec. 22, 1928. Three children were bom. Donald completed his high school work as valedictorian of his class in Portland. He received his B. A. degree from Augsburg Codege and his M. A. degree from the University of Oregon. He is at present teaching oceanography at Coos Bay, Ore. Donald and his wtfe, Judy, are the parents of four children: Jane, Greg, Bruce and Katrina. Arlen completed his academic work at Porland, N. D., his B. A. degree at Augsburg Codege, and studied at the Lutheran Seminary, St. Paul. He has been a missionary preacher and teacher in Madagascar for about 15 years. He married Lois Anderson and they have four children: David, Elizabeth, John and Mary Lee. Joan, the third of Henry and Adda's chddren, after completing her high school education as valedictorian of her class in Portland, attended Augsburg College and is a graduate nurse from the University of Minnesota. She is married to Dr. David Thompson and they are now studying in France preparatory to leaving for the Camerouns in Africa to initiate a new medical program. Tney are

parents of three children: David Erik, Kristen and Nathan. Henry devoted most of his time as superintendent of public schools in Corona, S. D., Dunn Center, Hamlet, Caqdo, Ray and Portland, and the last nine years taught in West St. Paul High School. In the last years he and his wife have devoted much time to traveling. They visited Arlen and Lois while they were studying language in France. They later spent four months with Arlen and family in Madagascar and with Joan and David in Liberia. Christmas vacation was often spent with Don and family in Oregon. I am Helen, the youngest member of the family, who after completing my elementary education in Silvesta Township, received my academic training at the Lutheran Bible College, Grand Forks, and my B. A. degree from the University of North Dakota. I later attended Dakota Business College in Fargo and did graduate work at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. The greater part of my life has been devoted to teaching in North Dakota high schools — Kintyre, Christine and about 30 years in Jamestown with American history as my teaching field. My summers were largely devoted to giving readings, meditations at Luther League programs and taking a few trips. My most impressive trip was to the east coast, visiting Rockefeller Center, Washington, D. C , etc. in 1960 Anne and I bought our present home, 1106 Letnes Drive, Grand Forks, where we settled upon retirement. We were later joined by Oscar upon his retirement. In about 1916 my parents bought a home in Adams and expected to live their last remaining years at that place. With the death of my father Dec. 6, 1922, and my mother, March 11,1939, two very successful, fruitful and Christian lives were ended. Submitted by Helen J. Stensland.

Lawrence, Oliver, George, Ted, Marie and Thelma. Louis and Thelma died in infancy. His wife, Thea, died April 13, 1908, shortly after the birth of the last child, Thelma. Alma, then 14, began the task of taking her mother's place in helping her father care for the brothers and sisters. The new born baby, Thelma, was cared for by Jorgen's brother, the Halvor Stenslands. The baby lived only nine days.

Jorgen and Thea Stensland family. Left to right: Lawrence, Jorgen, Thea, Oliver (baby), Alma, and Amanda (sitting). The older girls, Alma and Amanda, were willing workers and were fortunate in having been taught how to do the necessary household tasks by their mother, including baking bread for the large family. They were blessed with willing neighbors that helped the family. Two aunts helped out so Alma could go to school. Alma stayed by until the family grew to adulthood before starting a household of her own. She married Alfred Myrvik and they farmed nine miles northeast of Edmore. They retired in 1965 and moved into Edmore. Their son, Clifford, and family are operating the home farm. He married Shirley Okeson and they have three children. Their son, Allan, and their family of three children live at Edmore where he is the Farmers Union manager. He married Opal Veum of Hoople. Lawrence married Annie Myrvik and they farm five miles west of Fairdale. They have four children. Leroy, married Betty Elton, Adams, resides on the home farm and they have three children. Joanne married Fred Switzer. They live at Morris, Minn. They have four children; Marlene is married to Adin Kleven, manager of P. C. A. at Grafton. They have four children. Roger married Kathleen Mikkelson and hves at Redmond, Wash., with their three children.

The Halvor Stensland family. Standing, left to right: Selma, Olive, Lewis, Ole, Carl, Oscar. Sitting: Thomine, Mrs. Halvor Stensland, Helen, Halvor and Henry.

JORGEN AND THEA STENSLAND Jorgen L. Stensland came to America from Telemarken, Norway, with his mother, Anne, and his brothers and sisters in a sailing vessel when he was eight years old. They settled for a time at Lake Mills, Ia. In 1878 they came to Silvesta Township where Jorgen homesteaded northwest of Adams in the area where his brothers also homesteaded. He married Thea Karine Sunderland, daughter of Ole Sunderland, in 1878. She was born July 23, 1870. They had nine children, Louis, Alma, Amanda,

Oliver married Marie Landsem. They live and farm six miles west of Fairdale. Their children are: Odin, married and living in Alaska; Lynda is married to Orlin Pankratz. They live in Minot and have three children, Karen married James Norman, Glyndon, Minn. Gary is farming the home farm. Ted resides at the Edmore Memorial Rest Home. He never married. 988

George married Mrs. Gyda Monson and they live in Fairdale, having retired from farming. Amanda married Edwin Anderson. She died in 1944. They had nine children, Thelma, Eleanore, Gladys, Arlene, Marie, Ardell, Doris, Edroy and Eugene. The last three died in infancy and Thelma perished in an Edmore fire in the early 1930's while she was babysitting for Pastor Peterson's children. The only one left in this area is Ardell, Mrs. Arnold Ivesdal, employed at the Edmore Rest Home. Marie married Kermit Myrvik and they live in Minnetonka, Minn. Jorgen Stensland with his family, after the death of his wife in 1908, moved to Highland Township where he resided until his death Nov. 3, 1931. He, with his wife Thea and daughter Thelma, are all buried in the St. Hans Cemetery.

and made their way from New York to Iowa by train. They stopped near Lade Mills, in Winnebago County. After a few years, land became available in the Dakotas for homesteading. The children were grown by this time. John was in his twenties. The trip was made by covered wagon pulled by horses named Fred and Frank. On the way one of these horses bit off the bottom half of John's left ear. Arrangements were made for homestead claims in western Walsh County. The four brothers all established themselves in the same neighborhood, as did their sister, Kari, and her husband, Hans Midbo. The couple had been married in Iowa. The other sisters also married and lived elsewhere. This country was one big prairie. The nearest trading post was Grand Forks. Flour was bought, many 100 pound sacks at a time, as well as other things needed. As the railroads were built, other towns sprang up. They were Grafton, Park River, Edinburg and Adams.

JOHN STENSLAND

Each of the boys had a sod house and lived on his claim. The title to my great grandfather's claim states that it contains 161 acres, and 19 hundredths of an acre. The location was given as the NEvi of Section 4 in Township 157, north of Range 58, west of the fifth principal meridian in Dakota Territory. It is dated Jan. 13, 1887. During the time while John, Thor, Halvor and Jorgen were still bachelors, their mother Anne went from one son to the other helping. She baked bread, did washing and mending, or whatever needed her attention. It was to his sod house that John brought his bride, Julia Sethre. They were married Dec. 19, 1894, at the Oscar Midbo home. Julia had come from Eidsvold, Norway, at nine. Her family had settled in Minnesota. It is believed that she and John somehow met when she came to visit her sister and family, who Uved six miles from John.

John Stensland, my great grandfather, was one of the pioneers who helped settle the prairie country northwest of Adams. He was born in Telemark, Norway, Dec. 16, 1860. His widowed mother, Anne, decided she would bring seven of her eight children to this country. They were John, Thor (known as Tom), Halvor, Kari, Andrea, Torbjorg and Jorgen. The oldest son, also named John, remained in Norway. It was the tradition at that time that the oldest son became heir to the estate. Farms were small and there usually wasn't enough income to support a large family. Many Norwegians were immigrating to the United States. John, who was heir, and had stayed behind, later came to this country with his family and settled near Edmore. My great-grandfather was eight years old when his mother brought him and his brothers and sisters to this land. The trip was made across the Atlantic Ocean in a large sailing vessel. This vessel was considered a fast one because it passed other vessels on the way to the United States. It landed at the port of New York. It had taken five to six long weeks. Anne had prepared large amounts of food to last this amount of time. Dried meat, flat bread, and other foods that would keep well were packed in a large wooden chest. Other families aboard also prepared food this way for their families. By this time, most of the Norwegians had heard about the fertile land in the midwest. Settlers were going to Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. So they took their things

In 1897, the homestead site was changed to a half mile north. This additional land was purchased Dec. 1, 1897, the price being $600 for one quarter, $3.75 per acre. In 1900 the east and west quarters were bought, $1,100 for two quarters. On the homestead a new house was built in 1902. During the winter of 1902 John hauled aU the lumber for the large house with horses and sleigh from Edinburg. It was made more difficult because of severe snowstorms and cold. John told his children about earlier times when he had gathered buffalo bones by the wagon box fuU and hauled them to Park River for 50 cents a load. His daughter, Annie, now living in Seattle, recaUs times it was so stormy he could hardly see. He would tie binder twine to the house and unwind it aU the way to the stable which was then across the road and below the hiU. When he was done with the chores, he would follow the twine back to the house. Other hardships to endure were the death of Peter in infancy and James in adolescence, leaving Annie and Lewis. There were many happy times, however. With John's three brothers, who now had married and had families, Uving close by and sister Kari with hers, they would often get together. A special time was Christmas when as many as 40 people would gather in a home for Christmas dinner. 989

As time went on, the farm had grown and prospered. In 1904 a large barn was built, as well as other buildings being added. There was a large wooden, shaft-driven windmill that was used for grinding feed as well as pumping water. It was considered very modern for those days. Also the trees started and tended by Julia grew well, such as the boxelders which she started from seed, cottonwood trees and lilacs too. Large vegetables and flower gardens were raised. Their horses, cattle, chickens, turkeys, geese and sheep, also an unusual addition of peacocks and guinea hens, besides the usual cats and dogs. This pioneer couple always worked for the good of their community. It was in their home that a meeting was held to get a telephone system into this area. The house came to be furnished with the finest furniture that was available in the territory, and the family took much pride in their home, as other pioneers. A water system, bath and new water heating facilities were added. A water system was also installed in the bam, a different type than we have today. Transportation in the very early days had been ox and carts and wagons pulled by horses. When the weather was nice, people would sit in the springslatof the wagon; but if the weather was bad, they would sit down in the wagon box. In winter there were fur robes and foot warmers, about eight inches by 14 inches, made of metal and covered with carpeting. Beneath was a drawer that pulled out and was filled with a charcoal slab that you would heat on coals in the stove first to get it going, then place in the drawer. In the summer the family liked to go for rides in a surrey pulled by a pair of black Hamiltonian horses. They would travel in this manner when attending a neighborhood gathering at church or at home. Later John purchased a Model T. Ford. Long dresses were common for both women and girls in the late 1890's and early 1900's. Darker colors were stylish for women's dress up dothing, with usually one or more rows of pleats at the bottom. Lighter colors, mostly white, were used as cuffs on the long sleeves and around the necks of dresses. There were long rows of very tiny buttons down the front. AU white dresses were used on special occasions by young girls. Both girls and women seemed to part their hair in the center and pull it back. Men wore shapeless dark colored wool suits for dress up with vests. Beards and moustaches were common. School was usually in session for only three to four months at a time and sessions were staggered according to planting and harvesting seasons. John owned land in three different school districts and at that time his children could attend any of those three schools. In District No. 100, in the school year 1905-1906, there were 35 pupils. Eighteen of those were chUdren belonging to various Stensland famiUes. Christopher Heen was the teacher that year. Another year in District No. 103 there were 52 pupUs in grades 1-8 in one room. When it was time for one grade to have a lesson, they would be called to come forward and sit in the front seats. Each grade took their turns being called for the different lessons throughout the day. Comers of the room were used for disciphning naughty children. Other methods were also used. Schools were heated with tall round stoves burning wood or coal. Older boys were often appointed by the teachers to keep the fires burning while she held class. Lunch was carried in

paper bags, pails or lunch kits. Potatoes were often baked on the stoves if they were put on early enough they would be done by noon. Rest rooms were Uttle houses behind the school - one for the boys and another for the girls. They didn't have playground equipment, but often played games such as, "Run Sheep Run," "Drop the Handkerchief," "Pom Pom PuUaway," etc. The neighborhood grew in number. Children grew up and married. Annie married George Gunderson on Oct. 9,1919. They made their home in Seattle. Lewis married Katherine Ward Feb. 11,1925. Lewis operated this farm until his death in 1953. During the time Lewis farmed, John and Julia moved to Grand Forks where they purchased a home. They felt far from home ties, so John moved a house and remodeled it on his east farm. Jutia became too iU to care for herself and John, so they moved back to the home farm. Julia died Oct. 14,1929. John died Feb. 26,1931. Now Uving on the famUy farm are the third and fourth generations of Stenslands. May we keep in mind the hardship and toil of those generations before us and appreciate our heritage. Submitted by Lori Stensland. SUNDERLAND FAMILY Ole H. Sunderland was born on the Sunderland (Gaard) farm in Telemarken, Norway, Dec. 7, 1820. While in Norway, he married Anne Oppedahl, who was born May 8, 1825, in Oppedahl, Telemarken, Norway. Nine chddren were bom and two girls were later adopted. They owned this Sunderland farm in Telemarken, Norway, and also owned large logging operations in the area. The Sunderland famdy were active in church and community activities. In 1862, the family immigrated to America, crossing the Atlantic in a sad ship. They encountered many hardships at sea like storms, dlness, water shortage, etc., taking them several weeks to cross. In mid-Atlantic a son was bom to them. They named him Kjettti Rinehardt, the second name being named for the sad ship "Rea" on which they were crossing. The family first settied near Madison, Wise., and later pioneered in Iowa and North Dakota. The famdy endured the many hardships of early settlers who braved droughts, prairie fires, and severe winter storms, conquering the wddemess we now enjoy. In the early 1880's, the family moved to North Dakota and homesteaded in western Walsh County, six mdes northwest of the present town of Adams, where they lived the rest of their lives. Ole H. Sunderland died March 14, 1903, at 83. Anne Sunderland died April 25,1909, at 84. Salve or S. O. Sunderland was born May 23,1852, in Telemarken, Norway, and came with his parents to America in 1862 when he was 10 years old. The family Uved near Madison, Wise, and later moved to Winne bago County, Ia., settling near Lake MiUs. WhUe Uving in Iowa, Salve attended Decorah CoUege, at Decorah, Ia. He directed his studies toward the ministry, but a long siege of dlness prevented him from continuing his education. For many years, however, he taught English and parochial school. In the early 1880's the famdy, with the exception of two sisters and two foster sisters who had married and settled in Iowa and Minnesota, moved to Dakota Territory, which later became the state of North Dakota. Salve lived with his parents in western 99Q

hved for 10 years in Adams with their youngest son, Henry, who never married. Salve Sunderland died Feb. 18,1937, at 85. Andrine hved in Adams 14 years after the death of her husband with her son, Henry. She hved alone for four years when Henry was in World War II, where he was wounded and was sent to Madigan Hospital in Washington where he had to spend over two years recovering from his injuries. He is now a disabled veteran and hves in his parents' former home in Adams. Andrine died at her home in Adams Feb. 7, 1951, at the age of 89. Oscar Sunderland was bom on the Sunderland farm March 6, 1897, in Silvesta Township. Oscar spent his boyhood years going to school during the winter months and helped with the farm work during the summer. During his spare time in the summer, he trapped and shot gophers for which he was paid one penny per gopher tail, which was the way he earned his spending money. He also enjoyed breaking colts and bronchos for riding and driving. During the winter months, young folks enjoyed skiing and sledding and in the spring after an early thaw, when the coulees and sloughsfrozeover, they enjoyed skating. It was not unusual for 30 or 40 young folks to gather together in the evening to enjoy this sport during these early years. When Oscar was a young lad he got his first bicycle and he really got out to see the world. He thought nothing of cycling 50 miles on a nice Sunday. When he got olaer, he rented his aunt's larm, using his dad's farm machinery and horses. Later, he bought his dad's machinery and horses and rented his dad's farm for some years. In 1926 he purchased his parents' farm. He married Josie Flom Oct. 20,1926, at her home. Josie Flom was bom on the Flom farm July 12, 1904, in Cavaher County. Josie's parents were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Flom. Oscar had a 1925 Chevrolet touring car which they took their honeymoon trip in to Lake Mills, Ia., where they visited Oscar's sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Haugland, and family plus other friends and relatives. They drove over 1400 miles on their wedding trip without a mile of paving except through Minneapolis where some streets were paved. In those days few roads were even graveled and from Adams to Grand Forks, there wasn't any gravel at all. After heavy rains, cars would sink down to their axles in the mud and had to be pulled out with a good team of horses. After their wedding trip, Oscar and Josie settled down to farming which was diversified, grain and livestock. Oscar bought a threshing rig and threshed grain for himself and neighbors for 28 years, until combines came and put an end to this pioneer way of harvesting.

Walsh County until 1888 when he homesteaded on a quarter section of land in Silvesta Township. In 1896, he married Andrine Hogfoss Roa, a widow whose parents were Helge and Ingeborg Hogfoss from Aadalen, Norway. Andrine was born there May 7, 1862, and received her education and religious training there. In 1885, she married Johann Roa and came to this country in 1886, homesteading in western Walsh County. Four children were bom: Olia, Ingeborg, Helga and Ole Roa. Olia married Ole Strommen from Fergus Falls, Minn. They lived at Crosby where Strommen was a rural mail carrier. Five children were born, Thelma, Louella, Stella, Doris and Orville Strommen. In 1927, Mr. Strommen died and Mrs. Strommen and children moved to Adams where she raised her family. Olia, 89, is still living at her home at Adams. Ingeborg married Helmer Haugland from Lake Mills, Ia., where they farmed for several years. Later, they moved to Black River Falls, Wise, where Haugland entered business. Five children were born: Raymond, Adolph, Eleanor, Kenneth and Hazel Haugland. Mrs. Haugland died in 1959 and Haugland in 1962. Ole married Lena Rinnhagen. They farmed in Latona Township for six years, later moving to Silvesta Township, locating on his father's original homestead. Roa died in 1966 and Mrs. Roa in 1973. There were no children. Helga married Ole Stensland, Adams. They farmed in the Adams area their entire lives with the exception of a few years farming at Dutton, Mont. They had five children: Harriet, Sheldon, Orval, Morris and Palmer Stensland. Helga Stensland died in 1951 and Ole Stensland in 1960. Salve and Andrine had five children: Oscar, Anne, Henry and two boys who died in infancy. The Sunderland family was active in community affairs and helped in organizing schools and churches. Salve Sunderland served as Silvesta Township clerk for 40 years, and also was clerk of School District No. 103 for 35 years. He was a deacon of Silvesta Lutheran Church and led the hymn singing for 30 years. In pioneer days there were no organs so the deacons were expected to lead the congregation in hymn singing. Church services were held in homes and schools as churches were not built until years later. They had to haul their grain over prairie trails, 15 miles to the nearest town and also had to go many miles for firewood to keep their small homes warm. The winter blizzards were so severe that many times they covered the low stable that sheltered the horses and cattle. By 1905, conditions had improved and the Sunderlands built a new house and a few years later a large bam'was erected. In later years, the children married and established homes in Iowa, Montana, and North Dakota. Anne Sunderland was bom May 9, 1899, on the Sunderland farm and received her education in the Silvesta Rural School and attended the Park River Agricultural and Training School, graduating in 1922. She taught in the rural schools in the Adams area. Anne married Syver Nordby in 1946 and is living in Montana where they farm. Anne has one daughter, Arlett Ann Johnson, by a previous marriage. Arlett is now Mrs. Lloyd Mohn and lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1926, their oldest son, Oscar, bought the farm and they moved to their home in Adams. Salve and Andrine

Josie and Oscar had six girls and two boys, Phyllis, Adeline, Opal, Virginia, Gloria, Donna, Stanley and David, who died in infancy. Their children received the education they desired and are now married and Uving in CaUfornia, Montana, Minnesota, Alaska and North Dakota. They have 18 grandchildren and one great grandchild. In 1962, they sold their farm to their oldest daughter, Phyllis and her husband, Victor Koppang and retired to their new home in Adams. Throughout the years, they have coUected quite a sizeable number of antiques. When their new home was built in Adams, they had a large room built and set aside for displaying antiques and their collections. Since then, they have added much to their museum, and still enjoy 991

going to antique sales, always looking for articles which may be added to their collection. They belong to the Mountain Lutheran Church and find great enjoyment taking part in the different activities and functions. Submitted by Oscar Sunderland.

In the spring of 1910 this house burned to the ground. Halvor andi his wife had ht a kerosene stove and gone outside when the house caught fire. Syvert was at a church picnic in a grove of trees four miles west of their home and saw the smoke. He drove his horse in a gallop to get home. His father, mother and sister, Clara, had managed to save the piano by carrying it down to the driveway even if it was extremely heavy. The Silvesta Township records were destroyed in this fire. The Sunderlands rebuilt a house the same year (1910). The family moved into the first httle shack during the building. Jens Flaten was the carpenter and budt a hdl two-story house, 28 feet by 28 feet. The crop was very poor that year because of drought and very hot weather, but unusual in that snow flurries were seen on July 4. A hip roofed barn was budt on this place also. It measured 28 feet wide, 48 feet long and 36 feet high.

Salve Sunderland family. Left to right, standing: Olia Roa, Ingeborg Roa, Ole Roa, Oscar Sunderland, Helga Roa, Andrine, Henry, Annie, Salve Sunderland. HALVOR (H. 0.) SUNDERLAND Halvor Sunderland was bom to Mr. and Mrs. Ole Sunderland Dec. 9, 1847, in Telemark, Norway. The family came to America and settled in Winnebago County, Ia. Halvor's brothers and sisters were Salve, Torger, Charlie (Chittle), Knute, Gomdbjor, Kare (Mrs. Lars Thompson), Segrid (Mrs. Haugland) and Thea (Mrs. George Stensland). Halvor married Gunhild Sunderland (his cousin) Dec. 26, 1872. They came to Silvesta Township to homestead in 1882. He went back to Iowa to settle bills while his wife and four children came to stay on the homestead: Annie (Mrs. Davis), Lena (Mrs. Erick Ljunggren), Ole and Syvert. Annie was nine years old; Syvert was nine months at this time. They first lived in a dugout along the coulee northeast of the present farmstead. They then moved further south and buflt a sod house west of county road 16, E% of SEVi of Section 26. Their first smad frame house was budt on the present farmstead, NE'A of Section 35. Several years later they budt a good sized two-story house. A straw burner was used to heat this house. Straw was gathered in big cloth sacks in the fall of the year. Two more children were born to this family, Herman and Clara. Clara was born Dec. 31, 1888.

Standing: Oscar Sunderland, Thomine Stensland, Ole Stensland. Sitting: Mrs. Ole Stensland. Halvor served in the state legislature in 1905-1906. He was a township supervisor and school district clerk. He was a member of Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams. Before the church was budt, families alternated in having the services in their homes during the winter months and in the school in the summer. Halvor was a census taker in the area and as far away as Devils Lake. One day he was south of Devils Lake and needed to get home. He asked for a short cut and a man showed him where a sand bar was, so he crossed on that, although the water threatened to float the wagon box. The shopping center was Edinburg. Grain was hauled across Tiber coulee following a wagon trail. The young people in the area were invited to the Halvor Sunderland home at Christmas and it was there some witnessed their first Christmas tree, all decorated with lighted candles.

Halvor Sunderland

Clara Sunderland's confirmation picture (1903)

Syvert became owner of the home place and Halvor had the quarter to the east. Gunhdd's parents lived on the east place for a time, too. Halvor and Gunhild moved into Adams and rented out their farm. After Syvert had farmed for some years, he rented his farm to his sister Lena and her husband Erick Ljunggren. During this time he hved in Adams with his folks. It wasn't long before he moved out to the farm again. Clara kept house for him for awhtie. In 1925, Mrs. John Clemens (Amanda) came

to work for Syvert. Three of her eight children came with her. Syvert bought his father's quarter in 1929. Mrs. Halvor Sunderland died Christmas Eve, 1934, two days before their 63rd wedding anniversary. Halvor died in 1935 at 88. Syvert married Amanda Clemens in October, 1941. They retired in 1949 and moved to Park River. He died Feb. 25, 1965. The farm was rented to Clarence Gorde, Gilman Clemens and Arnold Clemens until 1972 when Amanda Sunderland sold the farm to her son, Arnold Clemens. In 1974 Arnold sold the NE /. of Section 35, the NWvi of Section 36 and the NE% of SW /. of Section 36 to his son, David Clemens. David and his wife, Jody, and daughter, Rebecca Ann, live on this homestead at the present time. Submitted by Mrs. Arnold R. Clemens. 1

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Chri3tian and Selma (Stensland) Olson SIGURD SUNDERLAND FAMILY The original Sunderlands came from Denmark. From there they went to Telemark, Norway, where they acquired a farm by the name of Sunderland, which their descendants still own and occupy. Sigurd Sunderland and Mari immigrated to America in 1851. They had decided to go to a new world and start a new life, as well as embarking on married life. Favorable winds developed suddenly for their ship to sail so they didn't have time to be married before they left. They, spent six weeks crossing the ocean. They were married when they arrived in Stoughton, Wise. Here, some of their children were bom, including Jorgen in 1861. From there, they moved to Goodhue County, Minn., and stayed until 1881 before moving to Grafton. They traveled by covered wagon and Jorgen walked barefoot and helped drive cows most of the 600 miles. The journey took one month. Jorgen Sunderland, son of Sigurd Sunderland and Mari, was married Dec. 16, 1886, to Karen Lokken, who had recently immigrated from Acalalin, Norway. This was an occasion for celebration because it was a double wedding in which Karen's brother Anders married Jorgen's sister Bergit. Four of their 12 children, George (1890), Henry

(1891), Mary (1887), and Gena (1888) were bom near Adams. In 1892 the family moved to Roseau County, Minn., where he filed on a 160 acre homestead near Badger. Here they underwent all the hardships of pioneering and Myrtle, Clara, Tilda, Selma, Annie, Emil, Nora and Selmer were born. They farmed 38 years and in 1931 traded his farm for a home near Dent, Minn., where they Uved until Karen's health faded and they Uved with their children. Jorgen died in 1943 and Karen in 1945, both at the age of 82. They are buried near Edinburg. Anders Lokken, at the age of twenty, immigrated to America from Norway to Mitchell County, Ia., where he spent a few years going to school and working. Later he went to North Dakota where he married Bergit Sunderland in 1886. The next three years were so dry, no crops matured. Anders, Bergit and their baby son, Gustav, who was bom Oct. 27, 1888, and Grandma Lokken moved to Minnesota. Grandpa Lokken had died in an accident. Other chddren bom were: Gustav (who died in infancy), Manda, Albert, Oscar, Carl, Selmer, Walter, Cora, Edwin, Alma, Esther, Joseph and Harold. Submitted by Manda Lidegard. ANDREAS THOMPSON Andreas Thompson was bom Aprd 8, 1833, and his wife, Bertha, was born Jan. 6, 1831. They immigrated to America from Ringsaker, Norway, in 1879. They came with three sons and three daughters, Anders, Hans, Taale and his wde, Kari, and their smad daughter, Bertha, Antonette, Maria and Christina; another daughter, Agnette, stayed with her husband, Nils Evenson, in Norway but they came over to America some years later. Andreas and Bertha homesteaded on the NVJU of Section 10 in Silvesta Township. Their son, Anders, farmed with them. Hans filed on land by Union. Taale also homesteaded by Union, later filed on land north of his parents' place. Maria married Albert Tessum and Christina married Knute Axvig; Antonette married John Aune. Andreas died June 14,1910, Bertha Jan. 19, 1915, and their son, Anders, Aprd 28,1923. They are ad laid to rest at the Hitterdal Lutheran Cemetery. TAALE THOMPSON Taale Thompson was born in 1858 in Ringsaker, Norway. He was a son of Andreas and Bertha Thompson. He was married to Kari Skogen in 1875. Kari was born March 11, 1845, in Ostre Slidae, Valders, Norway, and came from a family of seven sisters and brothers. Tosten Gilbertson was a brother. Taale and his wife, Kari, and baby daughter, Bertha, immigrated to America in 1879 along with his parents, two brothers, Hans and Anders, and three sisters, Antonette, Maria and Kristina; another sister, Agnette, who was married to Nils Evenson, stayed in Norway for a number of years, but came to America later and also Uved in Silvesta Township. Taale and Kari settied in Fillmore County, Minn. Then came to North Dakota and homesteaded at Union in Cavaher County. Later he filed on land north of his parents in Section 4, which is now owned by Lloyd Lundgren. In 1920 they moved back to Cavalier County. Taale and Kari were married for 47 years and seven

Hans, and two sisters, Helene (Mrs. Chas. Johnson) and Bertha (Mrs. Theodore Lunde). Edward and Johanna were married in 1884. They built a log house in Union. The first post office in this area was in their home and Edward was depot agent. Edward had to hang the mail bag on an extended arm because in those days the train didn't stop at the depot. The mail bag was picked up by a hook on the train as the train lumbered by. Another bag of mail for the area was then dropped off.

children were born, three died in infancy. Their oldest, Bertha, was born in Norway in 1878. She married Jesse Hanson and had two daughters, Cora and Lillian. Jesse died in 1903. In 1912 Bertha was married to Peter Flom who had four children, Josie, Joel, Alfred and Christ. 1920 was a sorrowful year when Peter, his son, Alfred and Christ, and Lillian Hanson all died of the flu. Bertha died in 1957. Andrew was bom in 1881 and married Olga Johnson in 1913. They moved to Elrose, Sask., in 1913 and three sons, Jesse, Roy and Earl, and a daughter, who died in infancy, were bom. Andrew died in 1960. Gilbert was bom in 1883 and married Annie Anderson in 1912. They had two children, Amy and Mauritz. They resided in Silvesta Township. Annie died in 1915. Gilbert later married Talina Flugekvam Hegeland who had a daughter, Mabel. Gilbert and Talina had a son, Chester, bom in 1919. Gilbert is the only surviving member of this family and lives at the Valley Memorial Home, Grand Forks. Ragna (Rose) was born in 1887 and she was married to Joseph Lykken and lived in Silvesta Township. They had seven children, Beulah, Corina, Harvey, Trumann, Vivian, Gordon and Leo. Rose died in 1944. Twin girls, Clara and Tilda, were born Jan. 5,1889, Clara died April 1 and Tilda, Aug. 25 of the same year. Taale died in 1922 and Kari in 1936. She had been suffering from an automobile accident injury received in 1922. They are both buried at Hitterdal Lutheran Cemetery.

Edward and Johanna moved to Silvesta Township in 1891, where Edward filed on a tree claim. They were required to plant 10 acres of trees for the title to a quarter section of land. There, they built both a sod house and bam. In 1899 the wood framed house was built. Edward planted the trees and evergreen trees that are on this homestead. He took great pride in his trees. The Hitterdal Church picnics have been held in their grove of trees years ago. Edward and Johanna were married for 66 years and to this couple nine children were born: Henry (single), John (married Louise Nygard, four children, Joyce, Everett, Louada and Merton); Hilda (married Lars Salte, five children, Edward, Lynden, Joel, Georgine and Norman); Herman (single); Emma (married Olai Anderson, three children, Edroy, Evelyn and Maida); Anna (married Gilman Haroldson, three children, Garvie, Doris and Effie); Edwin (married Nora Nygard, five children, Mildred, Naomi, Verona, Duane and Edwina); Elmer (single) and Myrtle (single). Both Elmer and Edwin had the home farm at one time. Elmer sold the farm to Merton Thrugstad in 1963. Elmer and Myrtle then moved into Adams. Merton is a son of John Thrugstad and with his wife, Elaine, and three children, Ordean, Renae and Evelyn, are now living on this farm. Thus another third generation are keeping up the Thrugstad farmstead. Edward died Nov. 13, 1950, and his wife, Johanna, died the next day and both are laid to rest at the Hitterdal Cemetery.

The Taale Thompson home EDWARD THRUGSTAD FAMILY Edward Thrugstad was bom in Fillmore County, Minn., in 1858. His parents were Hendrik and Maria Thomson who immigrated from Norway in 1858. Thomson served in the Union (northern) army during the Civil War. He was taken prisoner and kept in the southern prison camp until after the war, returning home in ill health. He died in 1866 at 52. In 1879 Edward came to North Dakota and homesteaded at Crystal. Edward filed in 1882 on a preemption, the land where the town of Union stands. He grubbed the land and farmed with oxen. Edward had three brothers, Thorwald, Martin and Julius; and two sisters, Christine, died at age 11, and Laura (Mrs. Christian Sathre). Johanna Halverson was bom in Norway in 1864 and immigrated to Fillmore County, Minn., with her parents, Johannes and Anne Halverson, in 1867. In 1881 Johanna and her mother came to Union. Johanna had one brother.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thrugstad 994

JOHN THRUGSTAD John Thrugstad was born Feb. 21, 1887, son of Edward and Johanna (Halverson) Thrugstad, and lived near Union. John had eight brothers and sisters. His parents were both born in Norway. July 5, 1919, John married Louise Nygard. Louise was born on May 8,1889, in Tiber Township. Her parents were Jorgen and Maria (Olson) Nygard. Jorgen came from Norway and Maria was bom in Sweden. Louise had nine brothers and sisters. John and Louise left Grafton on the train to Grand Forks when they took off on their honeymoon. They went to Alberta, Canada, and visited relatives before coming back to Walsh County. They lived in a sod house, later moved to a house near Fairdale. In 1927 John, Louise and their children, Joyce, Everett and Louada, moved to Saskatchewan, hoping for more rain and better crops. But the crops weren't too good there either. They lived there eight years and for three years John didn't get any crops at all, but kept trying. The grasshoppers were also bad. They had eggs, cream and milk that helped them to get along. Their last child, Merton, was born while in Canada. One day a neighbor lady came over and asked Louise to help her kill her chicken, because she couldn't do it. The neighbor lady held onto the legs while Louise would swing the axe, but the neighbor lady would pull the chicken away each time she would swing. Finally Louise took the chicken herself and held onto the legs and cut the head off. The rest of the family was watching through the window and had a big laugh. John and Louise and their family decided to move back to the Fairdale country in 1935 and lived in Sdvesta Township. John was elected to be the telephone lineman because he was so tall that he could reach the line without climbing way up the pole as the poles were short then. John and Louise shared 55 years of inarriea life ana four children were bom: Joyce married Leshe Pederson who had two children, Cindy and Vicky, and they have two children, Lee and Heidi; Everett has one son, Ronald; Louada (Mrs. Jim Markuson), has two chddren, Dennis and Lee Ann; Merton has three chddren, Ordean, Renae and Evelyn. John passed away July 5, 1974 and Louise is making her home with her daughter, Joyce, and husband, Leshe Pederson, in Denver, Colo. JACOB ANDREAS TONNING Jacob Andreas Tonning was born April 9, 1880, at Stryn, Nordfjord, Norway, son of Jacob Pederson Tonning and Helga Jakobsdatter of Stryn, Guldbrandsdalen, Norway. His father's sisters and brothers called themselves by the name of Saeterdal, which probably was the name of an area or (gard) farm as was often a custom in Norway. Two of his brothers, John and Ole, took the name Peterson in America, but some of their chddren kept the name Saeterdal. Johannes settled at Edinburg and Ole (John) at Adams where he was mad carrier for a time. Jacob Tonning came over on the Cunard Line, arrived at New York April 30, 1898, and reached Edinburg May 4, 1898. He became assistant postmaster at the Geoff Post Office on the Lars Dahlgren farm in Dewey Township.

He spent three winters at Concordia College and one at Aakers in Grand Forks. June 28,1906, he married Hulda Lund at Grafton. She was born Aug. 14,1886, at the Lund farm. Four children were born to them: Hjalmer, Jean, Irene and Amy. Hjalmer married Amy Ostenson. He is deceased. Jean married Adolph Samuelson. Adolph died June 17, 1944. They had five children, Neil, Denver, Colo.; Reif, Adams; Mrs. Adeline Erickson; Mrs. Floyd (Audrey) Manthei, Grafton; Mrs. Richard (Lynda) Boswell, Bethany Fellowship, Minneapolis. Jean married Rudy Blomquist of rural Edinburg. Irene married Arthur Johnson. They reside at Wahpeton. They have one daughter. Amy married Joseph Fossholm. They make their home in rural Edinburg. They have two daughters, Mrs. Tom (Bonnie) Dahlen and Mrs. William (Judy) Harder, both of Brazil, South America. Hulda died June 4,1968. Jacob preceded her in death. They are buried at the Gustavus "Adolphus Cemetery.

Jacob and Hulda Tonning

CHRISTIAN TORGERSON FAMILY Christian Torgerson was bom in Norway and came to the United States in 1878. He married Anna Handeland in 1884. For a time they resided in Shedy, Minn., before settiing near Fairdale in 1901 in Sdvesta Township in Section 20. They moved to Fairdale in 1925, hved there until Mrs. Torgerson's death in 1925. Kimpton, Tilda and Maier were the children born to this famdy. Kimpton hved east of Fairdale on the home place. Maier lived in Fargo. Tilda lived in Bellingham, Wash., untd her death in December, 1974. Tdda Torgerson was married to John Fossholm Nov. 1, 1917, at the Torgerson home. John spent time in the service when firstmarried. He was a mail carrier in Fairdale and Edmore. John died in 1954. Children born to this family were Joseph, now living at Park River; Clarence, living in Bedingham; and Ardys, who lost his life whde in Alaska when on a floating fish trap.

Indians could not read. The Indians were having trouble about that time with the government about a white man they had killed a short time before. Frank having a letter in his pocket that he had received in town, went back to camp and started showing them this letter. They all gathered in one tent and for a whole hour all was quiet. Then the chief himself came out and gave Frank back his letter and ordered everything back into the wagon and hitched his horses and sent him on his way. Frank always figured that maybe, because of that letter, that they were afraid that he was some government agent and could get them into trouble. The settlers got the land free but as they had to have equipment to farm, they had to borrow money from the banks and to do so had to mortgage their land. So many of their crops used to freeze in those days and when the farmers couldn't pay up, they would lose their land. Nearly all the homesteaders were using oxen for power but Frank had a team of horses that he brought from Nebraska. But after two straight years of frozen crops in order to save his land, he had to sell the horses and go back to oxen for a couple years. Horses were worth lots of money in those years. The Indians had spotted ponies, too smad for farm work. Pretty soon there were sod houses springing up in the prairies and new neighbors were coming in and settling about two mdes apart. Slowly but surely, the Indians and buffalo started moving out. Cowboys used to come and pick up cattle from the homesteaders, mn them about 20 mdes west, graze them ad summer, and bring them back in the fad nice and fat for $5 a head. The settlers had to plow fire breaks around their homes. If not, they took a chance of some day when not at home or during the night, they could lose all that they had. Among the setflers there would always be some good musicians and singers. They would gather at farmsteads for weekend parties and would really have a good time. There were many peddlars, gypsies and beggars around. Vlast remembers when he was still a very little boy he gave a beggar ad the money he had in the world one dime. The country doctors were so very faithful. They would travel in blizzards and all sorts of bad weather to take care of the sick. By 1918 the Vejtasa farm was considered one of the outstanding farms in Walsh County. Vlast being in 4-H remembers the many 4-H shows being held there. The showing consisted of beautiful Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle, Chester White hogs and Hampshire sheep. Already in those years, Frank had an orchard, so when the famdy picked ad the apples, plums and cherries that the family could use up through the winter, then the people from surrounding towns would come and get ad they wanted. Son Frank had a museum on the place and also there were many large pens of fur bearing animals. He was also a taxidermist and stuffed a lot of animals and birds in the community. Much of his art work is displayed at the state capitol in Bismarck and has arranged many of the specimens in their natural environment. The whole family were trained to work very hard and as the first World War broke out, two of the boys left for the army. This placed a labor shortage on the farms and Vlast, being only 12, had to take a full man's place ad

FRANK VEJTASA FAMILY

Frank and Francis Vejtasa (1885) Frank Vejtasa and his wife, Frances, were both born in Moravia which is now included in Czechoslovakia. Frank was born Oct. 18,1855. He came to Omaha, Nebr., in 1880. He drove a one-horse street car there for two years. During this time, his greatest ambition was to get to North Dakota and to homestead. After two years in Omaha, he saved enough money to build himself a covered wagon, buy a team of horses, and he and a friend Henry Schneckloth, started for North Dakota. In the summer of 1882, they arrived in Grafton and found settlements and the land all taken up, but were told that if they kept going west they would find free land. Upon arriving about 3M> miles east of where Fairdale now stands, he started a homestead and a tree claim there. Frank's closest neighbors were an Indian camp about a half a mile west of his homestead. There was lots of buffalo and good prairie grass, so Frank built a sod house, dug a well and settled down. In 1884, Frank married a young nurse, Frances Svoboda. She was born Nov. 11,1870, and was 10 years old when she came to America Her parents settled by Fairdale. Two of her sister's were Mrs. Frank Hosna of Adams and a Mrs. Zeman from Lankin, who is still living. Both Frank and Frances spoke the Bohemian and German language well. No one knows how many years the buffalo had roamed the prairies as one of the first jobs was to clear the fields and hay sloughs by picking up their bones. One summer Frank and Frances picked 11toadsof buffalo bones and hauled them 50 miles round trip to Park River and got one dollar a load, the wagon box full. Most of them were picked up in one slough. It remains a mystery why so many buffalo had died in this one stough. In the picture of Frank and Frances, he is wearing a coat that was made out of the first buffalo that Frank killed on the North Dakota prairie, the mittens were also made from the same buffalo hide. There were many hardships those early years. Frances had told that when she was home atone, plowing with a walking plow and a baby strapped to her back, a group of Indians came and begged her for some treats. So she tied up the horses, went into the house and made them each a sandwich and they left in a happy mood. Frank would always try to have some treats on hand, too, when they would hold him up. Only one time it didn't work, they led his team and wagon with lots of groceries to their camp. They unharnessed the horses, took his other belongings and motioned him out of their camp. As Frank was walking away, he happened to think that the 996

around the farm and with the threshing crew. Then the war was over and the boys came home and decided to work and manage the farm. About that time everything was booming, land was selling for $75 an acre and everyone was trying to expand. People were mortgaging their property to buy more. Then came the most talked of thirties, this $75 an acre land dropped to $10 and $15 an acre. With it came seven years of drought, the market dropped out of everything. The cattle could not be wintered because there was no feed. The government took them off our hands for $20 for top cows and down to $5 a head. Hogs were $3.50 each. In 1934 the grasshoppers took the whole crop. One year we got three bushels per acre, wheat sold for 23 cents a bushel, barley for 13 cents and oats for eight cents. Top wages for harvesting and threshing were 20 cents an hour.

FRANK AND ETHEL VEJTASA Frank Vejtasa was bom in a dugout on the plains of North Dakota Sept. 9, 1890, to Frank and Frances Vejtasa, who homesteaded about four miles southeast of Fairdale. He had seven brothers and four sisters. Frank began his hobby of mounting birds and animals when he was 14 years old - not due to a teacher's influence but because he, a great outdoorsman, wanted to preserve nature. The first specimen he ever mounted for the public was a whooping crane in the year 1906. Later, being a true artist, he took up painting so he could paint backgrounds so as to depict his animals in their true habitat. He mounted many specimens, making his home almost a museum. In his own words he said, "I attended the school of nature where God himself is my teacher, in our wonderful outdoors." Frank was renowned throughout the state and midwest for his artistry of wildlife in addition to his taxidermy displays at the state capitol at Bismarck. He furnished most of the displays and painted backgrounds for the Cloverleaf Wildlife Museum of Jamestown and also at the Minto Historical Museum. He also prepared displays of habitat groups for the Game and Fish Department, as well as for individual hunters. There are trophies in many homes to show the handiwork of Frank Vejtasa. He married Ethel Haug, daughter of Anton Haug, Fairdale, June 11, 1930, at Grafton. Frank and Ethel remained on the Vejtasa farm and farmed the land until his death. Five children were bom to them: Armand, Adams; Dorothy (Mrs. Miles Ellison); Lois (Mrs. Severson, Grafton) Don, Adams; and a son who died in infancy. Frank also taught his wife and children to paint and appreciate the outdoors as he did. His son, Don, shares his father's interest in taxidermy, which he practices as a hobby. Ethel Vejtasa is an artist in her own right and many homes are decorated with her pictures. Mrs. Vejtasa and Mrs. Yvonne Combs of Adams painted the background for the Walsh County Historical Museum at Minto. Mrs. Vejtasa taught school for several years before her marriage. She now resides in Adams. Frank died March 5, 1961, at the age of 71 and is buried in the Silvesta Cemetery. His memory lives in all the beautiful things he created.

Our beautiful farm of five quarters of land and many nice buildings was mortgaged for all it was worth. Dad's 54 years of hard labor was gone. Mother was gone by then, but this was very difficult for dad to take after accomplishing so much and all at once he had nothing, through no fault of his own. Mr. and Mrs. Vejtasa spent 37 years together on this homestead. Eleven children were raised on this homestead, seven boys and four girls: John (married Inga Rinnhagen, had seven children); Frank (married Ethel Haug, had four children); Cyril (married Annie Lofgren, had five children); Frances (single); Anton (single); Marie (married Hans Gronley, had 10 children); Antonia (married Clarence Hendrickson, had five children); Vlast (married Rose Landsem, has two girls); Ameha (single); Bohomil (single); Stanley (married Alice Anderson, had three children). Their first born of 12 children, Frank, died at the age of three months. In spite of all the hardships, they raised a healthy family. Vlast credits this to the good healthy soil as most of the food products had to be raised on the farm in those days. Frank Vejtasa and his wife resided on this homestead until the time of their deaths. Frances died March 7, 1921, and Frank April 5, 1937. This farm site is still in the Vejtasa family, being owned by his grandsons, Don and Armand, sons of the late Frank Vejtasa, Jr. The Vejtasa farm was noted for being a red fox farm as well as a grain farm. Quite a harvest was reaped from the pelts of the animals they raised.

Frank and Francis Vejtasa and daughters, Antonia, Francis, Mary and Amelia.

Frank and Ethel Vejtasa, Jr. 997

vision impaired as the eye muscles could not function properly. Nils married Gina Matilda Vigen Bolstad, daughter of Gulbrand G. Vigen and Anna Marie Olsen Nygard and stepdaughter of Torger Bolstad June 11, 1913. The wedding took place on the Gustav Vigen farm home with Pastor Kluxdahl performing the ceremony. Their attendants were the bride's sister, Olave Bolstad, her brother, Simon Bolstad, the bride's cousin, Gena Opperud and Gilbert Johnson, the groom's cousin. The couple left on their honeymoon in a new 1913 Buick car. Gina and Nils lived and farmed with his parents. They were active in school and church work. Nils served as a director and president of the Adams Farmers Elevator. The Vigens had seven chddren: Mema (Mrs. Herman Bjerke); Gilma (Mrs. Roy McLean); Glenn; Vemon; Albert; Lloyd; and Eunice (Mrs. Arthur Borgeson). They hved on their farm until 1946 when they retired and moved into Adams. They were members of the Mountain Lutheran Church at Adams. Before her marriage, Gina Vigen Bolstad lived on a farm in Dewey Township with her mother and stepfather, Torger Bolstad, and her brothers and sisters, Olave (Mrs. John Erickson), Simon, Alec, Albert and Olga (Mrs. Melvin Hilde). Three other sisters died at an early age. Gina attended a rural school in Kinloss Township and grew up in the Fairdale community. Gina loved to sew so she went to Grafton and stayed with her aunt, Karen Opperud, so she could attend dressmaking school. After completing her classes, she came back home to Fairdale where she wdl always be remembered as a very good dressmaker, helping to do the sewing for her friends and neighbors as wed as for the Bolstad family. Gina kept active with her sewing and quilting until she was 80. Nils N. Vigen died in Aprd, 1959. Gina is living at the Edmore Memorial Rest Home.

GUSTAV AND MAREN VIGEN Gustav Nilsen Vigen was born in Sweden May 9,1852. He was married to Maren G. Sunde Loken, who was born Dec. 18,1862, in Norway. They were married Jan. 1, 1885, at the Ness Lutheran Church at Aadalen, Norway. One child was bom, Nils N. Vigen, July 17, 1885, at Aadalen, Norway. When Nils was three years old, they left their home in Norway and migrated to the United States, making their voyage by boat. They arrived in New York, then traveled to the Dakota Territory where they lived between Edinburg and Fairdale before homesteading in Silvesta Township where they hved and farmed. Gustav was a prominent pioneer active in school, church and township activities. He was one of the founders of the Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams. Maren died in 1926 and Gustav in 1930. Their home, which still remains, was built in 1908. Nils Nilsen Vigen, known as Nils N. Vigen, took this name as at this time there were so many Nilsen families in this community that the mail and business transactions would get confused, so he dropped the Nilsen name but kept the initial N. as part of his name. Nds grew up and attended school in Sdvesta Township. In this school, in 1901, these pupils were enrolled: Johnny Gunderson, Engebar Roa, Harry Samuelson, Olava Stensland, Carl Stensland, John Stensland, Andrew Severson, Alma Midboe, Thtida Rostvet, Mary Samuelson, Lewis Stensland, Oscar Stensland, Lars Stensland, Herman Sunderland, Nils Ndsen Vigen, Olaus Rostvet, Bernth Samuelson, Ole Stensland, Alma Stensland, Stetia Severson and Clara Sunderland. The teacher was Barbara Wodan and the school board consisted of: G. N. Vigen, president; H . O. Sunderland, director; H. L. Stensland, director; T. L. Stensland, treasurer, and K. 0. Sunderland, clerk. This school closed in 1938. Nils would recaU one time when he was walking to school one cold, windy, wintry day, he turned to mn backwards to protect his face from the biting cold when he tripped over a "would be" snow drift, which turned out to be a snow-covered coyote, to both their surprise. The coyote went howling in one direction and Nds in the opposite direction. One day, when Nils was about 15 years of age, he was doing the chores in the bam when a horse kicked him, hitting him in the right eye. Being home alone at the time, he laid unconscious in the bam with his eye bleeding severely, after regaining consciousness, he realized he needed medical assistance, so he started to walk to his nearest neighbor, a bachelor, Joe Simmons, who hved about half a mtie east of the Vigen farm. Nds, weak from the loss of blood, fell before he arrived at the Simmons farm, but luck was that Mr. Simmons had seen him come walking, then fading, and knowing something was wrong went to his assistance.

Gustav and Maren Vigen and Nils and Gina Vigen in a 1913 Buick. ANDREW E. WELO

He was taken to the home of Dr. Flaten at Edinburg where he remained and received medical attention until he could be taken to the hospital at Grand Forks. There he underwent surgery where his eye was removed and replaced, this requiring over one hundred stitches. During his recuperation, Nds stayed at a hotel in Grand Forks where he worked as a bell boy as wed as other duties to help pay his medical expenses. He also continued his education at Grand Forks. Surgery left his

Tone Lykken, daughter of Ole and Guntid (Bolager) Lykken, was born Feb. 16,1870, in Saude, Telemarken, Norway. She came with her parents to America in 1873 and hved at Farmington, Minn., eight years. In 1881 they came to Silvesta Township. She was married to Edwin Olson Axvig, son of Thosten and Taaron (Olson) Axvig and a brother of her 998

Loite. Pastor Pederson accepted the call to serve with a salary of at least $100 a year. Services were to be held in two schoolhouses, District No. 100, the east school, and District No. 103, the west school. March 7, 1909, a meeting was held at the Halvor Stensland home. Ten families had joined the congregation, a membership of 77 souls. In 1910 plans were made to build a church and a committee, John Pederson, John Stensland and Oscar Midbo, were elected to ask for donations, but because of the drought, plans were post-poned. It was decided to have five weeks of religious school with Mr. Carl Bran and Olava Stensland as the first teachers. In 1911, John Rinnehagen, John Pederson and Halvor L. Stensland were elected to select a place for the cemetery, a motion was made and carried that John Midboe give an acre of land, the northeast corner of Section 34, for the church site and cemetery with the right to purchase an extra acre if needed. Plans again began in 1914 to build their church and Oct. 3, 1916, finances were discussed. The cost of the church would be $2,717. It was agreed to borrow $700 at eight per cent interest from the Adams ScandiaAmerican Bank at Adams for this project. Herman Koppang was contractor for building the church and it was finished in 1916. The first one baptized was Harriet Jenette Stensland Dec. 3, 1916. The first wedding was that of Amanda Stensland and Edwin Anderson on March 17, 1917. The first funeral Feb. 7,1917, was for Gustan Samuelson. The first confirmation class was May 17, 1917. Confirmed were Gilbert Nordby, Olga Rinnehagen, George Stensland, Nels Samuelson, Leonard Stensland, Mabel Samuelson and Stella Samuelson.

sister-in-law, Mrs. Hans (Kari) Lykken. They hved in Section 11. Edwin died Nov. 7,1887, at 31. In 1888 Tone Olson, widow of Edwin Olson Axvig provided the deed to the cemetery which originated with St. Stephen's Church and later came to be the Hitterdal Cemetery. This land was bordering her homestead and on the shore of Waterloo Lake. February 14, 1891, Tone was married to Andrew E. Welo. Andrew was bom in Norway in 1860 and came to America in 1881. He came to Milton in 1887. He operated the Brooks Elevator for a number of years and also was manager of the Robertson Lumber Company in Milton. Andrew showed his artistic ability by decorating the houses and cupolas on sheds and bams with fancy wood trims. They owned a farm in Silvesta Township. Their only child, Minnie, was bom Aug. 18, 1894. She was one of the graduates at the first commencement exercises of the Milton High School June 2, 1911. Minnie was married to Marvin Green May 2,1928. He was a son of George and Josephine (Johnson) Green and was associated with his father in the hardware store in Milton. In 1928 they added furniture to the store. They had two sons, Robert and George. A. E. Welo died in July, 1945, and Tone died Oct. 29, 1955. Minnie Green died March 24, 1947, and Marvin Green June 18, 1972.

CHURCHES TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

An early organist was Olava Stensland who received as wages the offering at three holidays. Thomine Stensland also served and later Mrs. C. Jeglum received one dodar each time she played. Mrs. Henry Nordby and Clara Sunderland were among others that served as organists in Trinity. Obert Ingrebretson served 20 years as secretary and Henry Nordby 21 years. Other secretaries were John Rinnehagen and John Pederson. A barn was budt, a furnace instaded, basement remodeled and in 1945 an altar ring and fixtures were added. This was paid for by a $500 gift given in the will of Oscar Midboe. A Young People's Society was organized in 1917, and a Ladies Aid in 1936, disbanded in 1942. By Nov. 9, 1917, there were 18 Norwegian services, six English services and the confirmands met six times. Salve Sunderland was named "klokker," (parish clerk), one who led the singing, met with the confirmands or helped the pastor with other duties. Salaries varied from $100 in the beginning to $4,500 a year, two weeks vacation, plus $300 in expenses in 1958. The last baby to be baptized was James Kenneth Stensland May 24, 1964. The last funeral was for Mrs. Alma Ingrebretson July 31, 1965. The last wedding was that of Annie Stensland and George Gunderson Oct. 9, 1919. The last confirmands were Delane Marie Herseth and Byron Glenn Nordby. Trinity Church ceased to exist in January, 1965, with the majority of members joining Mountain Lutheran Church at Adams.

Trinity Lutheran Church (1916)

March 9,1908, a group of Norwegian Lutherans met at the John L. Stensland home to organize a congregation. Pastor Ludvig Pederson was chosen chairman and Thor Stensland, secretary. The name chosen was "Trefoldigheds Norsk Evangelisk Menighed" (Trinity Norwegian Evangelical Congregation). Trustees elected were John Rinnehagen, Halvor L. Stensland, and Jergen L. Stensland; treasurer, Peder 0. 999

Pastors that served were: Ludvig Pederson; Kluxdahl, 1919-1921; A. Brevik, 1921-1926; Joseph Eastvold, 1927-1929; B. J. Hatlem, 1929-1943; 0. T. Haugen, 1943-1957; E. Leivestad, 1957-1963; and Gary Olson, 1963. Trinity agreed to attend services in Adams in 1963 and 1964. HITTERDAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION

Hitterdal Lutheran Church (1902)

The early settlers, who Uved around the Hitterdal Lutheran Church, were members in congregations in the surrounding area. Some were charter members at St. Stephen's and Aadalen. On Nov. 15,1898, a group of neighbors gathered at the church with Christian Olson Haslekaas in charge to make plans for a new congregation. It was on this day that the church was organized and a constitution was drawn up. It was decided to name the new congregation Hitterdal Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Rev. Martin Iverson was elected president of the congregation and was to serve as the pastor until other arrangements could be made. Ole Haroldson was elected secretary. Three trustees were elected, Ole Ingulsrud for one year; Ole Haroldson for two years, and Knut Axvig for three years. Charter members were Mrs. Nels Berntson, Henrik Ohnstad, Ole H. Lykken, Ole Ingulsrud, Ole Haroldson, Knut Axvig, Ole Christianson, Todef Axvig, Christian Olson Haslekaas, Ole Anderson, Even Olson, Lars Ingulsrud and Charley Torkelson. The first baptism after the church was organized was Edward Aune, bom Oct. 23,1898, and baptized Dec. 25, 1898. Parents were John and Antonnette Aune. Sponsors were Knut and Kristine Axvig and Ole and Margrette Anderson. March 11, 1899, another meeting was held at the Christian Olson Haslekaas home. It was decided to give the minister $50 for his salary plus the offerings taken

three times a year. Ole Lykken was chairman of the budding committee. Deacons elected were: Henrik Ohnstad, one year; Ole Anderson, two years; John Aune, accepted as a member at this meeting, three years. Christian Olson Haslekaas and his wde, Helga, gave the deed for the church ground. Helga Olson Haslekaas was orginady from Hitterdal, Norway. The Hitterdal Cemetery is located one mile south of the church. It was obtained from Mrs. Tone Lykken Olson, widow of Edwin Olson (Axvig). Ole Lykken, Christian Haslekaas and Knut Axvig were put in charge of the cemetery. In 1902 they held redgious school for one month, from the middle of March to the middle of April. The teacher was to receive $20. The Sunday School was organized in 1903 with Anders Halvorson as superintendent. Ole Christianson was the first janitor and was to receive $20. In 1905 Rev. Ludvig Pederson was caded. He was to receive $200 and the three offerings at Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. He was to teach Norwegian parochial school and would receive extra pay for this. The first wedding in the church was Matdda Berntson and Thomas Olson on June 21, 1904. Witnesses were Mary Berntson and Ben Ingulsrud. In 1918 they had a big remodeling job when they built a basement of the church and instaded a furnace. The church was wired in 1923; a 32 volt Ught plant at the Haslekaas farm furnished the current. The last class to be corifirmed in the Norwegian language was the class of 1920, Minnie Axvig, Corina Lykken and Muriel Axvig. In 1908 it was decided that Hitterdal and Aadalen would budd a parsonage in Fairdale. In 1932 it was decided to sed the parsonage in Fairdale as the pastor would reside in Edinburg. At a meeting held in November, 1930, it was decided that Hitterdal and Aadalen would join with two other Lutheran Free Church congregations of St. Peter and Garfield and would call the former Pastor P. O. Laurhammer of Rockford, Dl. He arrived in May, 1931. Hitterdal's share of his salary was to be $350. In 1934 it was decided to have both Norwegian and Enghsh services. The Enghsh language was gradually replacing the Norwegian language. Since about 1945, the Enghsh language has been used. 1935 was the first year the secretary's annual meeting minutes were recorded in English. In 1945 a Ught plant was installed in the barn. In 1947 the pastor's salary was raised to $700. In 1948 Hitterdal celebrated their 50th anniversary Nov. 19, 20 and 21. Dr. T. O. Burntvedt of Minneapolis, president of the Lutheran Free Church, was present. The golden anniversary of Rev. P. O. Laurhammer, observing 50 years of service in the Lord's work in the Lutheran Free Church, was held Sunday, July 29,1951, at the Park River Bible Camp. Hitterdal nearly saw its end when a fire started on the furnace wall and ceiling in the basement at the close of morning services Jan. 27, 1952. But with the quick action of the men, they got to the source of the fire and carried shovels full of snow in. Fire departments were caded, but the men had the fire pretty wed under control when they arrived. There was some smoke damage. In 1956 Hitterdal had another remodeling. The cetiwas lowered, nuwood was put on the walls, the floor was

tiled, and new glass block windows were put in at a cost of $5,092. In 1960 the sewer was dug for our kitchen sink. In 1961 a cloak room to the narthex of the church was added. In 1965 a new fence was set up at the cemetery. In 1967 there was more remodeling. The basement walls were paneled; ceiling was lowered; new lights installed; and red indoor-outdoor carpet was installed. New drapes for dividing the Sunday School classes were made. A new sidewalk across the church yard was laid. In 1969 the men of the congregation got the painting spirit and painted both the inside and the outside of the church. Some of the ladies antiqued the wood trim inside the church. Wall to wall carpeting was installed. In 1973 a well was dug and water and a half bath were installed. After several years of voting and discussion in regard to merger negotiations, the vote Nov. 18, 1961, was in favor of merging with the American Lutheran Church. * In 1961 the by-laws were changed to lowering the voting age fiom 21 years to age 18. This motion was adopted at the 1962 annual meeting. In 1963 a new Wurlitzer piano was purchased from the memorial fund and in 1964 Mr. and Mrs. Louis Lykken bought a Conn electric organ for the church in memory of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Lykken. Dedication service for the organ and new piano was held Nov. 17, 1965. In 1964 discussions began on parish realignments. In September the Edinburg parish dissolved and Hitterdal joined the Milton parish. Hitterdal's share for the pastor's salary was $2,070. Wine was used in place of grape juice for the communion service and the pastor began wearing clerical clothes again. Services were held every Sunday beginning in October. In 1968 we began using the red hymnals. In 1965 we began having communion services the first Sunday of every month. In 1972 an invitation was extended to the young children to come with their parents to the communion service to receive a blessing. In 1973 communion was offered to anyone in fifth grade and over who had been instructed in the meaning of the Lord's Supper by the pastor.

league in an effort to meet the personal needs of the youth. Their purpose was to bring the young people to a closer fellowship with Christ. Parish education continues to be a big part in the minds of the young people. Since 1970 they have had nine months of Sunday School during the regular school season, before that it had been held during the summer months. Vacation Bible School is taught each summer for a week. Confirmands receive two years of instruction held once a week during the school year. Pastors that served Hitterdal Congregation are: Rev. Martin Iverson (1898-1900); Rev. J. O. Arevik (19011904); Rev. Ludvig Pederson (1905-1911); Rev. Gustav Nordberg (1911-1914); Rev. P. O. Lauhammer (19151925); and (1931-1951); Rev. George Larson (1925-1930); Rev. Arthur L. Bervig (1952-1955); Rev. Leland B. Underbakke (1955-1961); Rev. Thomas A. Steenberg, Jr. (1961-1964); Rev. Robert J. Nilsen (1964-1970); Rev. WiUiam J. Duty (1970-1974); and Rev. Lee Woolery (1975- ). SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 81 June 6,1885, a group of farmers met at the residence of J. L. Burrows for the purpose of organizing School District No. 81 in SUvesta Township. John Falconer was elected chairman, George Falconer, director. Moved by George Falconer, seconded by J. J. Johnston that J. L. Burrows be elected clerk, carried. Moved by J. J. Johnston that George Falconer be elected for treasurer. By J. C. Hyde, an amendment, moved by George Falconer that A. B. Rusten be treasurer. The amendment carried. Moved by J. J. Johnston, seconded by George Falconer that the schoolhouse be located on the northeast corner of Section 7-158-58, motion carried. J. L. Burrows, clerk. Moved by George Falconer that the school district be bonded for $800 to pay for the school building. J. L. Burrows, clerk. Farmers present at the original organizers meeting included J. L. Burrows, John Falconer, George Falconer, J. J. Johnston, J . C. Hyde, A. R Rusten, J. B. Tessum, R. W. Kerr. A. B. Tessum was aUowed to use $200 of school money July 11,1899, at seven per cent interest. The first teacher to teach in School District No. 81 was Eva M . Ford. She was hired for three months at $35 per month. There was no compulsory school day then, chUdren came and left or were absent according to the parents need of them at home. It was nothing unusual to have people 18 or 20 years old stiU going to school during the winter months. We had two mUes to school, I can remember it quite weU. The cold north wind seemed to be always blowing, the air filled with blowing snow. We were dressed for it with heavy long underwear, homemade woolen socks, two pairs of pants and some kind of heavy coat. We wore caps that could be puUed way down over the face and with earflaps to protect the ears. We had to walk backwards if the wind was dirty cold. To protect our hands in below zero weather, we wore leather mittens with homemade woolen Uners.

Since 1964, Hitterdal has provided "The Lutheran Standard," the official publication of the American Lutheran Church, to every family in the congregation. Going into the Lord's service from Hitterdal Lutheran as pastors are Gordon and Rudolph Berntson; as missionary to the Indians at Dunseith for many years was Mrs. Wallace (Naomi Thrugstad) Danielson. As an arm of the church, the ladies organization has been active throughout the years. In 1906 they began having meetings every month and have continued to this day. One of the main interests of the Ladies' Aid has been to give to missions, schools and to do their share in the upkeep of the Hitterdal Church. The A. L. C. W. is an arm of the church to help women grow in their Christian life, in their knowledge and understanding of the church, and to become intelligent, dedicated servants of Christ wherever they may serve in the world. The organization for the young people started way back in 1905. In 1918 they began holding meetings once a month and this continued until about 1967 when the Luther League was changed with more emphasis on high

One of the things chUdren of today will never know about is walking to school in the winter time in deep snow and the cold north wind blowing and the snow drifting. Our civilization has come a long way when chUdren no longer need to walk to school. They can step into a bus 1001

right in front of their house and ride to school and return home the same way, in a heated bus. "There is no end to the ingenuity that results from the determination that 'school must go on' in surrounding rural areas, despite blizzards and heavy snows. This was the situation at Montrose School No. 3 near Milton. A cold winter day not so long ago - from the east, children of one family arrived in a Model A. Ford equipped with tractor tires; from the south, came another group in a sleigh, complete with an oil stove. A second grader came out of the west on skis. And from the north, a fifth grader arrived on a bicycle pedaling a mile and a half in a path just opened by a snow plow. The teacher walked." Most schools in the early 1896's greatly needed improvements. Most schoolhouses, in town and country, had but one room, where children of all ages were put under one teacher. Nothing was taught except reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. There were few textbooks and these were poor. Worst of all, the teachers had little training. The teachers salaries were quite low. Most of them received about $35 to $50 per month. The teacher, male or female, was the janitor and fireman. They got there early enough in the morning to build the fire and get the room warm before the children arrived. There were no educational requirements whatsoever to be a teacher at that time, but they were supposed to be able to read and write. In the early 1900's anybody could take the teacher's examinations and if they passed in the branches required, they would receive a North Dakota second grade certificate, good for two years. I was school clerk for Silvesta School District No. 81 for 23 years and township clerk for six years. In 1928, Silvesta School District No. 81 constructed a new schoolhouse, 30 x 30 with all new furniture and books. The new schoolhouse is all modem with indoor toilets, electric lights and oil furnace. It replaced the old school house constructed in 1887 that was typical of the time, the shoebox kind of construction, roughly 26 x 20, with three windows on each side. I don't know if a new schoolhouse with up-to-date books, modern convenience and individual desks encourages boys and girls to study harder to learn more, but it should help. In 1960 our school was closed when Sdvesta School District No. 81 was annexed to neighboring school districts so that their chddren could go to better town schools. Some were bused to Adams and some to Fairdale. Submitted by Bernard Hultstrand.

In June 1895, the WV4 of Section 10 was transferred to School District No. 81. The first known salary was in 1898 when Katie McNeil of Edinburg taught on a second grade certdicate for $40 a month and had 19 pupils. A third grade certificate teacher got $35 a month. Length of school terms varied, sometimes two and a half months and sometimes six and a half months. In 1899 there were 33 pupils in school with Mdlie Johnson, Mdton, as teacher. In about 1935, the P. W. A. budt a larger new school in the center of Section 11. The old school went to Clarence Grilley. The last school term for Distrct No. 82 was 1959-60. It was a nine month term with 13 pupds. Mrs. Antonia Hendrickson was the teacher and her salary was $2,870. Last officers were Joseph O. Axvig, Garvie Haroldson and Alfred Axvig, directors; Joseph O. Lykken, clerk; Teddy Lykken, treasurer. The reorganization became effective on July 1, 1960, and the district joined Adams School District No. 128. The newer school is now converted into a home in Adams and belongs to one of the former pupils of the school, Marion Axvig, and her husband, Duane Troftgruben, and children, Darla, Troy, Tony and Darin. The house was moved into Adams Nov. 22, 1963, and with the help of her father, Alfred Axvig, was remodeled into a home for them to move into in 1964. The barn was also moved into Adams and became the garage of Harvey Lykken.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 82 Sdvesta School District No. 82 was possibly organized in July, 1885, but the records for the school district were destroyed. The following is information from the Superintendent of School's office in the courthouse in Grafton. First records there began in 1892. The nine sections in the northeast comer of Silvesta Township made up the area for this school district. The first school was smad and was located in the northeast corner of Section 11. The district was bonded for $500. Directors were elected for three year terms. Nels Berntson was elected the president in 1892, John Grommersch and Arestus Botsford, directors. Annie C. Botsford was clerk and John O'Laughlin, treasurer. Duncan McLean was the teacher and taught from Jan. 1, to March 18, 1892.

SILVESTA DISTRICT NO. 81

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 100 School District No. 100 was organized on Nov. 25, 1886, composed of nine sections in the southwest comer of Silvesta Township. The first school term appears to have been held from Oct. 4,1886, to Nov. 23, or 40 days. Theo Strand was the teacher and received $27.50 a month. Classes taught were reading, writing, speding, arithmetic and geography. There were 17 pupds ranging in ages six to 14. In 1889 records show Ole Severson as treasurer; T. S. Sunderland, clerk and Hans J. Onsrud, director. The last officers in the school were Ted Olson, president; Ole Herseth and Glenn Vigen, directors; Mrs. Joseph Bjerke, clerk; and Ben Samuelson, treasurer. The reorganization became effective July 1, 1960, and this district became part of Adams School District No. 128.

Silvesta Township Hall 1002

On April 18,1888, the people from the nine sections of the southeast corner of Silvesta Township met at the home of Henry Schneckloth at 3:00 p. m. to make plans for a new school district. No. 103. Lewis Barsness was appointed chairman and Geo. P. Levang, secretary. Lewis Barsness was elected a director, Geo. P. Levang, secretary. Lewis Barsness was elected a director, Geo. P. Levang, clerk for two years and Iver Elsrud, treasurer for three years.

of reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, language, grammar, geography, history and physiology. In 1905 they were paying teachers $45 and were to have second grade certificate. Around this time the school term was seven months. Perhaps the largest enrollment in this school was in 1908 when 51 pupils were enrolled ranging in ages from six to 18 years of age. The grades were in first, third fourth, sixth and eighth. Christopher Heen was the teacher and received $50 a month. The last officers of District No. 103 were John M. Thrugstad, president; Ray Wilson and Kenneth Stens„ ' ^ l Nordby, clerk; and Henry Nordby, treasurer. The reorganization became effective on July 1, 1960, and some became part of the Adams School District No. 128 and others went to Fairdale School District No. 129.

On June 26,1888, the annual meeting was held, it was decided to have a four month school term, two months in the fall and two months in spring or summer. Moses Flugekvam was elected director in place of Lewis Barsness. It was decided to build the schoolhouse near the center of the school district. John Anderson was the first teacher with a salary of $40.

i

At the annual meeting on June 25, 1889, Sam Omdalen was elected director. Five mills on the dollar on all taxable property was set for the current expenses. Decided on a two month school term in May and June. Decided to have a fire break on each side of the schoolhouse lot. Iver E. Elsrud was to build the schoolhouse. He was to furnish all materials, put on two coats of paint on the walls, for the sum of $100 and be completed by Sept. 1,1889. It was a 12' x 14' building, but in 1894 it was enlarged and had an additional entry. One day a strong wind took and carried the entry into a coulee some 30 feet to the south and also moved the main part of the building off its foundation.

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NUMBER O N E HUNDRED SILVISTA

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THREE DAKOTA

1904

Synuve Birkelo Aimer Flugekvam Andre.! Flugekvam Andrew Flugekvam Carolina Flugekvam Ida Flugekvam Marie Flugekvam Sophie Flugekvam Albert Lundberg George Lundberg Selmer Lundberj; Wictor O . Lundberg Erick Myra George Myra Ida Myra Selma Myra Anna Meier George Meier Jack Meier John Meier Rosy Meier

In April, 1900, a special meeting was held to build a new schoolhouse, 24' x 24' and 10' high, with an addition of 16' x 8' to be put on a stone foundation. It is believed to have been built in 1903. The old building was sold to John Rinnhagen who used it as a horse stable. A 20' flag pole was erected in 1898. In 1891 and 1892 there was no school held. In 1893, five students went to District No. 11 and they paid them a tuition of $8 each. In 1894 a school term of 64 days was held from May to August. M. T. Hegeland was the teacher and received $30 a month. There were 20 pupils and the classes consisted

Emelia Rinnehagen Lena Rinnehagen Tliea Rinnehagen Helga Roa O l e Roa Gustave Rundhaug Mina Rundhaug Olavus Rundhaug John Schneckloth Alfred Setherdahl

D1RLCTORS D a v Schneckloth O . R. Haugland Andrew Lundberg John Pederson

President Clerk Treasurer Frank Vejtasa

Edwin Setherdahl Peter Setherdahl Oscar Sunderland Kimton Thompson Tilde Thompson Anton Vejtasa C y r i l Vejtasa Frances Vejtasa Frank Vejtasa John Vejtasa

A souvenir given to each pupil at the end of a school term. School No. 103, The Vejtasa School.

The John Rorvik homestead (1895). Tom Olson feeding horses.

Ole Lykken Home 1003

VESTA TOWNSHIP shack for a shoe shop. He made and repaired shoes during the winter. During the summer, he and other fishermen took long trips fishing along the coastline. In Berlevag, money was scarce and it was hard to make a decent living, so August left for America to start a new life, leaving his family to follow him to the new country about a year later. Upon reaching America, he traveled onto Vesta Township, where he worked for several years for Gilbert Hagen as a farm hand and clerk in the Hagen store, then moved to a farm of his own when his family arrived in this country to join him. August and Josephine had six chddren: Gustave and Olga, born in Berlevag, Norway; Emil, Oscar, Olaf and Alda, born in America. With the exception of Olaf, all the children received their education at the State School at Devils Lake. Olga stayed on at the State School as a faculty member for 46 years. When she died in 1970, she left a large amount of her savings to the Mountain Lutheran Church at Adams and to the East Adams Cemetery, where she and her parents are buried. A large bronze plaque has been placed in the church in her memory.

VESTA POST OFFICE The second location for Vesta Post Office was started about 1888, about five miles east of Adams on what is now County Road No. 11. It was discontinued in 1906 when the building of the Soo Line Railroad reached Adams in 1905, making the need for this country post office unnecessary. This was one of the most active country stores and post offices in the Adams area. Gilbert Hagen was the postmaster and with the help of his wife, Jenny, they ran the post office, a well stocked country store that sold groceries, clothing and hardware and a variety of farm implements. The Vesta Store also carried a complete line of patent medicines. One of the best sellers was a highly advertised product caded "Bitters." It had a high ale ohol content, high enough to make it interesting and other ingredients such as mustard, so there were plenty of faces made when swadowing this medicine, which was taken in unusually large doses. Vesta Store became a gathering place for a great many of the early settlers in this area, and as they came for their mad and supplies, it became quite a recreation center. When the unusual "dark day" covered this area — it became so dark the people were unable to see the horses that were tied to the hitching rad in front of the store, and it rained as though the heavens were open. Knute Dahl, who lived across the river, north of the Hagen Store, walked home and when he reached the log across the river, where he always walked to reach the other side, he didn't trust himself to walk the log, so he waded through the deep water, holding on to the log for guidance. A man by the name of Weberg was the first carrier of the mad, which came from Park River. Louie Larson was the second mail driver and the last driver was Tom Grove. Section 2 of Vesta Township had the distinction of being the most densely populated part of Vesta Township. Gdbert and Jenny Hagen were the parents of 14 children and Peter Frovarp, who lived just across the road from Vesta Store, was the father of 17 children.

Emd learned the printing trade whde he attended the State School in Devils Lake and was employed by the Conrad Publishing Company in Bismarck for 43 years until his retirement. He stid makes his home in that city. August continued with his shoemaker trade, plus his farming, after settling in Vesta Township. He was often referred to as "the shoemaker" or the "Finlander," as they were the only famdy in this area of Finnish extraction. August died in Vesta Township in 1929 and Josephine in 1936.

BIOGRAPHIES AUGUST ANDERSON FAMILY August Anderson, born in 1849, and his wtfe, Josephine, bom in 1860, both natives of Finland, were among early settlers of Vesta Township. From Finland to Norway, the famdy traveled to a smad fishing vtilage caded Berlevag located on a fjord on the Arctic Circle, not far from the North Pole, land of the midnight sun two months without darkness in the summers and two months without sun in the winters. The town was smad, population less than 50, and very isolated. The country side was barren and covered with deep snow. Chief occupation was fishing. That was what the family ate fish - all the time, and black bread, blood pancakes, black coffee and mush without mdk, milk was too expensive to use. August used the upstairs room of their two-room

The August Anderson family. Top row, left to right: Gustav, Olga, Olaf. Bottom: Oscar, August (father), Emil, Josephine (mother), Alda. 1004

ASLAK ASLAKSON Another family of Vesta Township, coming from Norway in the late 1890's, were the Aslak Aslakson family. Aslak married Gunild Olson (sister of Gunder Olson and aunt of Thorn Swenson). The Aslak Aslaksons had six sons. The oldest, Ole, came to America when he was a young lad. Thmking that they would never see their firstborn son again, they named another son, Ole. Other boys in the family were ToUef, Gunder, Andrew and Gustav. A few years later the entire family immigrated to America and were reunited with their oldest son, Ole. He became known as "Big Ole" and his younger brother was called "Little Ole." They hved in Vesta Township for a number of years before moving to a farmstead in the Garske area. They Uved there until their deaths and are buried near Garske. Submitted by Mrs. Henry Lundene.

Consumption or T. B. continued to take its tod and Ida died at 27. WtiUam Purr died at 22 and Gustave Alstad's wde also had T. B. Submitted by Henry Lundene.

Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Alstad

Standing: Tollef, Ole Aslakson. Seated: Torger Torgerson.

Ella and Ida Alstad

HALVOR BOE FAMILY Halvor and Andrienne Boe came to the U. S. from Molden, Norway, and Romsdarl, Norway, respectively, in 1882. Homesteaded in Vesta Township a mde east of St. Peter Church, also farmed near Edmore. They Uved in a sod house, later budt a home in the coulee west of St. Peter Church. They had six chddren, Gunhilde, Rudolph, Christ, Petra, Hilda and Alma. Ad are deceased except Htida and Alma. Gunhdde married Martin Hanson and Petra married John Johnson. Rudolph, Christ, Gunhdde and Petra ad moved to Alberta, where they resided until their deaths. Htida Boe married Sivert Orstad in October, 1922. They hved in Vesta Township and Park River untd 1943 when the famdy moved to Everett, Wash. Sivert died in 1949. Hdda resides in Everett with daughter, Avis. Htida's famdy: Avis (Mrs. Frank) Knaus, Everett, Wash., her children are Chuck, Randi and Heidi; Elaine (Mrs. Joe) Zadro, St. John, HI., one son, deceased, and daughter, Stephanie; Donna (Mrs. AUan) Patchett, Everett, her chddren are Lorry, Karen Ann and Susan; Lyle Orstad, Durham, N. C , his chddren, Lisa, Roger and Rickki. Alma Boe married Ed Crandall Oct. 8, 1919, in Edinburg. They lived in Bottineau untd 1934 when they moved back to Vesta Township. Ed Crandall died in 1963. Alma is residing in a nursing home in East Grand Forks, Minn. Alma's famdy: Arlene (Mrs. Owen) Hennum, Grand Forks, her chddren, Sandra Zack and Roger Hennum; Marion (Mrs. Clarion) Hennum, Minneapolis, Minn., her children, CoUeen Endersbe and Melanie Banasiuk; and Phyllis (Mrs. Harvey) Momerak, her chddren, Gayle and Michael. Submitted by Phydis Momerak.

Mrs. Gunhild Aslakson

JOHN ALSTAD With a group of Norwegian homestead seekers from Chippewa County, Minn., in 1882 that came and settled on the south branch of the Park River, was John Alstad, who married Caroline Heggy, bom in Decorah, Ia., in 1864. They settled on the mile quarter next to the G. Lundenes. The homes were 40 rods apart. They had five children, Jasper, EUa, Gustave, Cora and Ida. John Alstad contracted what was then known as consumption and incurable. He died at 35. The widow carried on with the farm and the raising of five young children. She employed George Purr to help with the farm work and later married him. He was of French extraction, but spoke the Norwegian language fluently, as well as Enghsh. An orphan, he had Uved in a Norwegian household during the early years of his Ufe. He was bom in St. Paul, Minn., in 1872. Five more children were born, May in 1900, Wildam and Gilmon (twins) in 1901, Geneva in 1904 and Inez in 1907.

SAMUEL CHALLY Samuel C. Chally was bom Sept. 3, 1865, at Kankakee, HI. He came with his parents, Hans and Caroline Chady, in 1882 from Chicago by train to Park River, which was as far as the radroad track was finished at that time. Hans Chally worked on the railroad track to Edinburg during the summer. They settled on a farm north of Edinburg. Sam married Ingeborg (Bede) Bolstad Aprd 3,1893. They farmed at Edinburg before moving to

Ella Alstad married Louis Peterson, Gustave Alstad married Louis' sister, Anne. They were residents of Vesta Township. Cora Alstad married Gilman Stenerson; all marriages took place about 1909. Attracted by the free land available in Sask., Canada, the whole famdy (the Purrs and the Alstads) incluciing the young couples as wed as the entire Peterson famdy, emigrated and homesteaded on land in the Swift Current area. 1005

Fredricksburg, Va., for a short time. In 1904 they moved to a farm east of Adams, trading places with Elmer Agan, formerly of Virginia, who wanted to move back there. They hved the remainder of their hves on this farm in Vesta Township. Sam died Dec. 26, 1938, and Mrs. Chally died on April 24, 1938. They were buried at the Edinburg Trinity Cemetery. Their children were Mrs. Viola Kjos, Mrs. Ruth Egar and Louis, who married Stella Qually in 1921. He died in 1964. Sam was clerk of the Gryde School District No. 125 for several years. His brothers were Louis, Henry and Lawrence; sisters were Mathilda and Grace. Mrs. Sam Chady was born at Esthervtile, Ia., on Sept. 29,1868. She came to Dakota in 1890 at the age of 12 in a covered wagon with her parents, Ole and Anna Bolstad, brother, John, and sister, Lena (Mrs. Tom Stenerson), to farm about two miles north of Edinburg. She attended school in the Arne Johanson School which was also used as a church with Rev. Langemo as pastor. An invasion of grasshoppers in Iowa, that devoured ad vegetation and darkened the sun, was the reason for the famdy moving on to North Dakota. They brought with them a couple of cows, leading them behind the wagon and staking them out at night for grazing. Submitted by Mrs. Stetia Chady.

her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Spoonland. She died in 1944. Mr. and Mrs. Dahl were active members of St. Peter Lutheran Church and are both buried in the St. Peter Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Knute Dahl had seven children. Ad attended grade school at Vesta District No. 63. Robert I. died in 1901 when he was a chdd; Edward and Oscar, never married, died in 1969, buried at St. Peter; Clara (Mrs. Arnie Knutson), Canada; Thea (Mrs. Oscar Spoonland), Carl and Robert, Park River.

Mr. and Mrs. Carl K. Dahl, Levern, Carol, Anna Jane.

The house of Samuel Chally. Viola, Louis, Elmer

Egan.

K N U T E E . DAHL F A M I L Y

Mr. and Mrs. Knute E. Dahl

Knute E. Dahl was bom Sept. 23, 1849, at Telemarken, Norway. He spent his early Ufe in Norway atten(Iing schools. At 28, he was one of a large family that immigrated to America. He fded on land in the Milton area under the pre-emption right and farmed there untd 1892 when he sold, then purchased 320 acres in Vesta Township, where he then made his home. Later he bought another 360 acres of land in the same area. In 1894 he married Aase (Olsdatter) Ovnan at Edinburg. Aase was also born in Norway (Eggedal), Nov. 18,1870. She came to America in 1890, coming first to Portiand, N. D., and later to her brother's place, Knute Ovnan, in the Edinburg vicinity. Knute and Aase made their home in Vesta Township, Uving in a log and frame house. In 1900 they buflt a new home where they Uved untd 1926 when Mr. Dahl died. A few years later his wtfe moved to Adams, from there moved to Park River and spent her last years with

The home farm was purchased by the sons, Robert, Carl and Oscar. Robert and his family Uved on the home place for 40 years. They had four children, Robert, Jr., Helen, Allen and Jeanne. In 1950, REA came along, that was something very special. Electric Ughts took the place of gas, kerosene and Atiadin lamps; it also furnished power for pumping water, refrigeration and many other things. The dirty Thirties, as they were known, brought hot dry weather, wind and the clrifring of sod. Crops were scant and the prices were down; eggs sold for six cents per dozen; No. I dressed hogs at six and seven cents per pound; wheat at 31 cents per bushel; barley at 11 cents and oats at six cents per bushel. Then came the hordes of grasshoppers, eating away crops and grass as they moved along. They werefinatiybrought under control by the spreading of treated bran and sawdust on the fields. Carl K. Dahl also purchased 240 acres from his dad

and he and his wife are Uving on this place. They have three children, Levern, Carol and Anna Jane. Oscar hved with his mother and farmed for many years - taking time out to serve his country for three years. After returning home from service, he continued to farm until his death in 1969. ERICK EGGE Erick Egge was born Erick Vatum in Hailing, Norway, Feb. 2, 1862. He was the son of Andrew and Annie Vatum. He came to North Dakota as a young man to work for his cousin, Per Egge, near Park River, therefore he took the name of Egge. Erick Egge married Ragnild Rinde after coming to North Dakota. Ragnild Rinde was bom in Songen, Norway, Oct. 10, 1868, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Knute Rinde. Erick and Ragnild Egge hved east of Adams in Vesta Township. The house they hved in still exists six miles east of Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Egge had four children, Clara (Mrs. Ohe Ellingson), Alma (Mrs. Charles Robinson), Albin Egge, Minnie (Mrs. George Childs). Alvin and Minnie are deceased. Mrs. Erick Egge died Dec. 3, 1889. Their youngest child, Minnie, was six months old and Alvin, the oldest, was eight years old. Many people came to Erick Egge and wanted the children, but he kept the family together. Mr. Egge would help out at church services when the minister was unable to come. He would walk to Fairdale from his home in Vesta to conduct church services. Erick was a member of St. Peter's Church in Vesta Township. Erick Egge died July 5,1918, at his home. Erick and Ragnild Egge are buried in St. Peter Cemetery east of Adams. There are thirteen grandchildren to carry on his ancestry. CLARA EGGE Clara Egge was bom May 4,1893, in Vesta Township to Mr. and Mrs. Erick Egge. She was one of four children, one brother Alvin (deceased), two sisters, Alma (Mrs. Charles Robinson) and Minnie (Mrs. George Childs, deceased). When Clara was six years old her mother died. At 11, Clara took over responsibihties of the household. Until then there were hired girls during summer months. Clara had many chores about the house at 11, baking bread, washing, ironing, cooking meals. She had to quit school as a seventh grader to help keep the family together. Clara attended school in Vesta Township, also St. Peter Church where she was confirmed and went to Sunday School. Nov. 11, 1915, Clara married Ohe EUingson, Adams, at Warren, Minn. She and Ohe lived on a farm two and a half miles squthwest of Adams. There were 11 children born to Ohe and Clara, seven sons and four daughters. September 29, 1937, Clara was left a widow in a railroad accident that claimed her husband's life. The oldest child was 21 and the youngest 10 months old. Clara hved on the farm for eight years after the death of her husband. During this time she saw three of her sons go into the armed forces in World War II. Ray in the army, Maurice in the air force and James in the navy. Her son, Tilfred, had to stay home to farm. In the Korean War, three more sons were called to serve their country. Ohe, Jr., in the Marines, Donald and Ronald in the army.

Ten of the children married and Ronald is hving with his mother. Clara has had a number of tragedies since her marriage. The first, of course, was the railroad accident of her husband Sept. 29, 1937. In 1969, her son, Tilfred, slipped off a tractor which went over his body, crushing his chest. He hved for one hour following the accident. September 26, 1971, her grandson, Keith Ellingson of Park River, was instantly killed when struck by a pick-up truck as he was helping a stalled motorist on Highway 18. July 16, 1972, her great grandson, Shawn Troftgruben. died at his home in Adams. In spite of all the hardships and tragedies, Clara has a happy outlook. Now at the age of 82 she has 10 Uving chddren, Raymond, Olga, James, Maurice, Donald, Ohe, Ann, Ronald, Maye and Dorothy. Tilfred is deceased. She has 40 grandchildren, one deceased; 28 great grandchddren, one deceased. Clara moved into Adams in 1945 and is Uving in the house that Ohe's parents, Elling Elingson's, Uved in. She and Ohe, Jr., operated a cafe in Adams for a few years and Clara also was cook at the Adams School for a number of years. OLE P. FROVARP Ole Petter Frovarp, son of Carl Magnus Frovarp and Christine Berget Bruen, was born Jan. 24, 1858, in Namsos, near Oslo, Norway. His father was a captain of seven fishing schooners at sea and when some of his brothers died at sea, he decided his sons were not going to suffer the same fate. They immigrated to the United States by steamship liner in 1864, arriving in New York. They first settled in Windom, Minn., in Fitimore County. When Carl M. Frovarp moved up to Dakota Territory in 1886, it was at the time Jesse James and Frank were running rampant in the area. It was so wet in Fidmore County that Carl decided to move to a dryer area and since they could take squatters rights in Vesta Township, he brought his wife and five sons with him, traveling by railroad. They settled in Vesta Township. Carl hved there untd his wtfe died and later stayed with a son, Oscar, who was in the mercantile business in Edmore. Carl Magnus Frovarp had six sons and one stepson. Godfred Bruen Weberg, a stepson, and Christian Frovarp settled in Grand Forks, set up a photo gaUery. When Christian died, Weberg moved to Canada Ole P. Frovarp worked in a machine shop in Grand Forks for a year when he was informed that his brother Calmer had died and left a team of horses to him. Ole then decided to come up to Walsh County and settled in the same area as his father and three other brothers in Vesta Township. He was a farmer and inventor with an eighth grade education. He was a member of the Nonpartisan League and of St. Peter's Church, served on the school board in District No. 63 as a director for many years. He and his brothers, Pete and Oscar, were exceUent musicians and played the violin in the manner of Ole Bud, considered the best violinist at that time. The three brothers provided music at parties locally and in the surrounding towns and areas. The mode of travel was by horse drawn wagon and later buggies or surreys. They Uved in a sod dugout. Cultivation was with a walking plow and one horse. He helped his neighbors get started by loaning them his nquipment. Later he acquired the two-bottom plow, one

Uved in Eston, Sask.; Petra Georgine (deceased), married Wilbur Gudacher, Uved in Govan, Sask.; Carl Melvin (deceased), married Clara Johnson, lived near Adams; CoraBendine married Earl Gullacher who died, later married Earl Wade who also died, resides in Washington, D. C : Hattie Emelia married Thomas Charon, Uved in Park River, he died and she now resides at Elim Nursing Home in Fargo; Ida Evelyn (deceased), married WilUs EUingson, lived near Edinburg; Stella Josephine, married Gus Fem, later married Arthur Anderson, now resides in Park River; Clarence Oliver married Margaret Cannon (deceased), then married Sadie Nobel, lives in Silver Springs, Md.; Inez Almine married Vivian Wooldridge who died, lives in Wheatridge, Colo.; and Bennie Wilbur married Grace Kilen, living at Lake Metigoshe near Bottineau. Submitted by Mrs. Art Anderson.

unit harrows and narrow drills. Reaping was with a John Deere binder. Shocking was by hand. They raised grain, wheat, oats, barley and flax. They also raised pigs, fowl and cattle. (Holstein cattle and Plymouth Rock chickens.) He married Christine Knutson. They Uved in the oneroom sod dugout when their first two babies were born. Alma Mathelda, born July, 1889, died in September, 1889. Almine Maria was bom April 8, 1891. Ole built a tworoom frame house and while there Petra, Carl and Cora were bom. (Petra, May 7, 1893, Carl, Feb. 14, 1897, and Cora, Feb. 17, 1899.) The three bedroom house was built in 1901. They dehvered their own babies and were assisted by midwives. They were able veterinarians in the case of animal iUness. Ole was caUed upon many times by neighbors to treat their cattle.

CARL AND SOFIA GUSTAFSON Carl G. Gustafson, son of Gustav and Maria Ryd, was bom March 4, 1859, in Sweden. He came to the United States in June, 1887, at 28. As was the custom at that time, he changed his name from Ryd to Gustafson after moving to the United States. He came to Grafton, where he lived one year. He later moved to Vesta Township where he bought land and started farming. Carl married Sofia Tokle, daughter of Jacob and Marie Tokle of Romsdalen, Norway. Sofia was 20 when she came to America in June, 1887. Her luggage consisted of two trunks, one of which was homemade. She arrived in Park River and was met by Halvor Boe and Lars Larson, friends from Norway. She spent some time at the Boe home and also homesteaded 40 acres of land in Vesta Township. Having proved up the land, she went to Park River where she worked in a hotel. Carl Gustafson and Sofia Tokle were married Dec. 19,1890, by Pastor Omland. Sofia had previously worked for Pastor Omland. Their marriage was at the Bjerke home in Golden Township. Another couple, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Fletcher, were also married at the same time. Carl and Sofia settied on a farm in Vesta Township where they lived the rest of their lives. Their first home was a log house and they later built the present home. Ten chddren were bom. They attended church in Golden Vadey untd the St. Peter congregation was organized. They met for a time in the Vesta District No. 63 schoolhouse until the church was budt in 1892. They were both active in church work and Sofia helped organize the Ladies' Aid and also served as its president. A tragedy happened to Sofia and Mrs. Atired Linded whde they were on their way home from an Aid meeting which had been held at the Ole Lein home. They were driving a one-horse buggy when they met a car with three intoxicated men in it. The car was swerving and weaving ad over the road, and it frightened Sofia's horse so badly that she got out of the buggy in order to better control the horse. The car hit Sofia and dragged her for a long ways. She injured her head and was taken to the Peter Lein home nearby where she stayed for some time before returning home. After the accident, her head always felt cold and she would often wear a head covering. When she first came tp America, Sofia thought the prairies were flat and dusty and she longed for the hills and valleys of her homeland. She had almost decided to

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Frovarp Children born to Ole and Christine were: Hattie EmeUe, Jan. 30, 1901; Ida Evelyn, April 17, 1903; Stella Josephine, April 15,1905; Clarence Oliver, Nov. 14,1907, Inez Almine, June 24,1910; and Bennie Wilbur, May 31, 1912. September 20,1918, Ole filed an application in the U. S. patent office for a patent on the helicopter flying machine. The patent was granted in March, 1921. Ole worked on this patent at a neighbor's place, John Iverson, a bachelor, and had Gustav Barsness, a photographer from Adams, take pictures of his helicopter plans. His was the first invention of its kind. He did advertise it in the "Pathfinder" with no results. At that time it was so new to airplane builders that they were skeptical about budding his model for fear it wouldn't work. About 27 years later the patent was picked up and improved upon. Ole had intended that it be used for the many purposes we see it being used for today. Patented March 22,1921, by Lancaster and Altiwine, on record in the Archives of the Congressional Library at Washington, D. C. Ole Frovarp died in April, 1934, and is buried at St. Peter's Church in Vesta Township. He married Christine Knutson at Grafton on Feb. 10, 1887. Almine Marie (deceased), married Peter Pederson 1008

return to Norway when she received the news that her brother and some cousins were coming. When her brother, Morris, arrived, he brought a spinning wheel for Sofia. Sofia would spend hours carding and spinning the wool and then knitting socks, mittens and scarves. She was always busy in her spare time with knitting and crocheting, but would put her work away when Sunday came - this was the Lord's day. Carl died in August, 1927, at 68. Sofia died in July, 1952, at 84. They were laid to rest in the St. Peter Cemetery. They had eight children, George, Mattie (Mrs. Gilmour Tharoldson), Melvin, Johnny, Kate (Mrs. Colmen Larkin), Stella, Clifford and Gaylord. Melvin and his wife, Lily, are the parents of four children, all raised in Walsh County, Curtis on the home farm; Emmy (Mrs. Wayne Hinderacker), Minneapolis, Minn.; Neil, Newton, Kans., and Duane, Valley City. Clifford and his wife, Nora, are the parents of three children, all raised in Walsh County, Merle of Souix falls, S. D.; Deanna (Mrs. Duane Knudson), Beulah, and Chapin, Cavalier. Submitted by Clifford Gustafson.

Carl and Sofia Gustafson, George, Mattie, Melvin. JOHN T. GUSTAFSON John T. Gustafson was bom in Guteborg, Sweden, in 1872. Son of a general in the Swedish army, he spent his early years in that country. He came to America in March, 1890, arriving in Boston, Mass., at 18. Having two sisters and a brother in New York state, it is believed that he spent a few years there before coming to Park River* In 1900 he married Mary Johnson of Metirud, Sweden. She grew to womanhood in that country and spent the early part of her ltfe there. She came to North Dakota in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. John T. Gustafson homesteaded in Shepherd Township, near Lawton. They had a famdy of three: Oliver, Ernest and Alice. They moved to Vesta Township in 1909 where they made their home. Mr. Gustafson died in 1925 and Mrs. Gustafson died in 1942. The farm in Shepherd Township was sold to George Berg. Submitted by Nora Fedje Gustafson.

GILBERT HAGEN FAMILY Gilbert Hagen came from Norway when he was eight. He married Jennie Stenerson, who was born in Iowa. They farmed in Vesta Township untd moving to Adams in 1907 or 1908. Paul Halvorson, Gdbert's brother, had a post office east of Adams on land once owned by Henry Olson. This was the half-way point between Edmore and Park River. Later, the post office was moved to the farm of Gilbert Hagen as the mad came that far west from Park River. The house was budt on to so it would accommodate a store plus a post office. There was also a mid where feed was ground. The power for this was furnished by a steam engine. There were two large stones used for grinding wheat for flour. Both of these two mills could be mn at the same time. This mid was open two days a week. In 1905 the railroad came to Adams. Most of the lumber and freight came to Park River or Edinburg and was hauled to Adams by horses. The town consisted of two grocery stores and shacks that men lived in while budding on the railroad and a hotel. In 1906 the Hagens budt a livery stable in Adams. It was 100 feet long, 30 feet wide, with a 20 foot lean-to. The lumber was hauled by horses from Edinburg. The livery stable was built on the site now occupied by Vivian Levang. Vivian's house could possibly have been the office. The livery stable had about five driving teams which were used to carry salesmen and doctors to various places. Many times these trips were made over littietraveled roads and in extremely cold, stormy weather. Sometimes the drivers and horses had to stay outside whde waiting for the doctor to come outside again. In the winter, the horses were brought in from the farm to be housed untd spring. The cost was 25 cents for hay and water per day and 50 cents for feed and lodgings overnight. The Hagens continued this livery stable untd his death. It was then taken apart and moved to the farm on which Art Gunhus now hves. Gtibert Hagen was also a deputy sheriff for awhile and made arrests traveling again by horses. In 1907 or 1908, half of the house on the farm was moved into Adams. It was moved by four wagons and puded by two steam engines. The other half of the house was occupied by Goodwin Hagen and hired men who farmed during the summer. Fifteen children were bom to Gtibert and Jennie Hagen. Three died in infancy. Ronald, Victor and Loma Lindberg have since died. Remaining are: Goodwin, Etta Norquist, Dorothy Chrest, Helmer, Lilliam Bruely, Viola Phidips, Gelora Ribb, lone Schroeder and Doris Ketilor. The children were ad raised and attended school in Adams. Goodwin was the only one who remained in Adams his entire ltfe. OLE HAGEN FAMILY Ole Larson Hagen was born in 1858 at Romsdalen, Norway. He immigrated to America with two brothers. He worked on farms in the Adams area. In October, 1887, he married Randi Anderson Morstad, who also had come to America from Norway. She was born March 7,1855, at Haveland, Norway, and came to America in 1886. The young couple settled on a homestead two and a had miles north of Adams where they lived for more than

a quarter of a century. They were life-long members of St. Peter Lutheran Church. Hagen died in 1916. Mrs. Hagen continued to live on the farm with her sons until 1920, when she and two sons, Alfred and Odvin, moved to Grand Forks. She died in 1934. Five children were bom to the Hagens; Louis, the oldest son, was born in 1888, died in 1907; their only daughter, Alma, was born in 1890. She married John Absolonson and lived in the Turtle Mountains. She died there in 1918, leaving a daughter, Ruda. In 1893, Bernhard was bom. He was in the army during World War I. While at camp, he contracted influenza and died in 1918. A son, Alfred, born in 1895, died in 1934. The youngest son, Odvin, was born in 1898. He attended Lutheran Bible School at Wahpeton, Moody Bible Institute and St. Olaf College where he earned his B. M. Degree. He taught at the Lutheran Bible School at Grand Forks and Pleasant View College in Ottawa, 111. In 1928 he joined the faculty of Waldorf College, Forest City, Ia. In 1935 he received his masters at Chicago. He married Margaret Lyng in 1935. While he was on his 39th Annual Capella Choir Tour he suffered a heart attack and died at St. Frances, Kans., in 1967. Mr. and Mrs. Hagen and their family, with the exception of Odvin, are buried in the St. Peter Cemetery. Odvin was buried at Forest City, Ia.

Minn.; Blanche, married Walter Duff, Hoople, three children, Arthur, Bonnie and Kathy; Irene, married to dert Birk, one son, Elroy, five grandchildren, Ronnie, Rodney, Richard, Cheryl and Randy; Roy, married Irene Hendrickson, seven children, Royce (deceased), Randy, Ina, Irving, Cecd (deceased), Kevin and Stuart; John Houser married Rosie Zikmund in 1908, five children, Frank (has two children, Ronnie and Darlene), Henry, Augustine, Jerome and Agnes. JEREMIAH JOHNSON Jeremiah (Jerry) Johnson was bom at Madison, Wise. He traveled from Kasson, Minn., with his team of horses and wagon to Walsh County and homesteaded one and a half mdes east of Adams in 1881. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fritz. After his father's death, his mother married Christian Beaver at Kasson, Minn., Jerry changed his name from Fritz to Johnson when he moved to the Adams area. He married Carrie Pederson in 1882. Thirteen children were bom, eight sons and five daughters: Charley, Albert, Emma, Theodore, Laurence, Alvin, Clarence, Minnie, Clara, George, Selma and Martin. Ad are deceased except Betsy, Minnie, Clara and Selma. In 1904 Jerry bought 90 acres of land east of Adams near the Vesta School District No. 72. One special event every year was the 4th of July when Jerry would tie two sacks of hay on the back of a two seat buggy; bring a pad of feed along for the horses; pack a picnic lunch and the whole famdy would take off for Park River to spent the day. The chddren remember their dad going to the store and buying a big bologna and a watermelon as a special treat on those picnics. Mr. and Mrs. J. Johnson were members of Mountain Lutheran Church at Adams and Jerry was a school board member of District No. 72 for years. Jerry Johnson died in 1920 and Mrs. Johnson died in 1926.

FRANK HOUSER FAMILY Frank Houser and Mary Gracier came to the PisekVeseleyville area about 1800 from Spidville, Ia., their ancestors came from Bohemia. The famdy, along with friends and relatives, traveled by covered wagon from Iowa to North Dakota. Frank and Mary had six children: Anton, Frank, Rose, Mary, Frances and John, ad now deceased. Anton married Ameha Svoboda, they had two children, Frances and Joseph. Frances married Alex Brezina. They had seven chddren, Joseph, Emery, Quimton, Mary Ann, Alice, Jerry and Kenneth, Frank married Stetia Svoboda, seven children were born, Ludmdla, Francis, Adolph (married Kate Setness, later married Mrs. Kotaska of Forest River), James (married Blanche Staven of Park River, had three chddren, Joan, Vemon and Larry), Ehzabeth (married Anton Kozel of Forest River, chddren were George Richard, Ehzabeth who married Elphage Denault, and Mrs. Duane Durkin), Anna (Mrs. Green of Audubon, Minn.) and John. There is no additional information on Rose. Mary Houser married Pete Levang, they had three chddren: Agnes (married Evan Christianson, one son, Alden), Mabel (married Olaf Hanson, four daughters, Margret, Ila Mae, Elinor and Arlene), Anton (married Ethel Ekdahl, two sons, Morris and Ned). Francis Houser married Christ Levang in 1896, they had nine children. Clarence, married Irene Ryan, one son, Cleo; Abner, married Sophia Smith, later married Grace Fuder, two daughters, Phyllis (Mrs. Leonard Holm) and Joy (Mrs. Dennis Hagen). Abner was married the third time to Mrs. Rebecca Levang, now hving in Grafton. Fred, married Olga Nelson, one son, David; Aden, married Greta Alpha, hving on the famdy farm; Vivian, married Charlotte Erickson, have five children, Curtis, Linda, Wayne, Terrie and Ann. Florence, married Bdl Magnussen, two chddren, Joan (Mrs. Paul Hankey, Park River), Bill, Jr., St. Paul,

JOHN R. KNUDSON FAMILY Clara Marie Knudson was bom Sept. 9, 1883, in the rural Grafton area. Her parents were John R. Knudson and Mathea Viger, both born in Norway in the late 1850's. Her parents came to America and settled in the rural Grafton area where her mother had a brother and sister hving. When Clara was four years old and her sister Josie was two (bom Sept. 19, 1885), their mother died during chddbirth. The baby boy, Martin, also died and both mother and son were laid in the same casket, the baby resting on his mother's arm. John R. was very id at the time with pneumonia, so he was unable to stand, and had to be seated in a chair for his wife's funeral service which was held in their smad home. The burial was at South Trinity, rural Grafton. Shortly after losing his wife and son, Mr. Knudson and his daughters moved to the Adams area, budding a small house in Vesta Township near his sister, Mrs. Eric Egge - so that he would have help to care for his two small girls, as he was gone most of the day, working for nearby farmers and also doing a great deal of wood cutting. John's sister, Mrs. Egge, also had three smad children and when Clara was ten years old, her aunt, Mrs. Egge, also died during childbirth. So four more 1010

children were left without a mother, the oldest being six years of age. Clara, being 10 years old, and the oldest, was left with the responsibility of acting as the mother in the family, caring for the younger children. Money was not plentiful, so both she and her sister, Josie, had to go out working as hired girls whenever they could. They would even help shock grain, a day's hard work would bring them wages enough to buy themselves a $2 pair of shoes. Their education, which was very limited, was obtained at the Tallack School in Vesta Township. During her youth, Clara often returned to the Grafton area to stay with and help her aunt, Mrs. Iver Brende, who had a family of six girls and one boy. Submitted by Mrs. Henry Lundene (Selma Swenson).

Ole had one brother, Jens, who homesteaded the land next to him and they hved as neighbors. Hanna died Jan. 6,1916. Ole died Oct. 31,1939. No churches were built until later. Ministers would come from other localities and hold services in homes, and later in schoolhouses. JOHN P. LIEN FAMILY

OLE P. LIEN Ole P. Lien was born July 29, 1854, in Ringebu, Gulbransdalen, Norway. He married Hanna Volden, born Feb. 17, 1856, also of Gulbransdalen. VVhile in Norway one son was bom, John. Ole and Hanna Spangrudlien immigrated to the United States and settled in Fillmore County, Minn., in 1880, where another son, Peter, was bom. While in Minnesota Ole decided to make a change in his name which was customary for immigrants in those days. He felt his name was too long so decided to drop "Spangrud" and added his father's initial, P.. to make Ole P. Lien. They moved west to Renville County and while there, a daughter, Anna, was born. In the spring of 1883 they settled in Vesta Township and filed on a homestead. The land was not yet surveyed. They constructed their first home on high ground. The house was dug three feet into the ground with walls of sod, one window, one room, and a pole roof covered with sod. It was heated with a cook stove. Beds were grass mattresses on the dirt floor, lights from homemade candles, window curtains made from paper. As the family grew, one more large room was added to the home. Milk and butter from their two cows was their first income. These cows would be staked out to keep from wandering. If they wandered, they came home with their bags empty. Sheep were kept for their wool which Hanna would card and spin into yarn, then knit into garments for the whole family. Soap was made from waste fat and lye. Fourteen children were born to Ole and Hanna, John, Peter, Anna, Lena, Mollie, Henry, Hilda, Oluf, Harold, Alvin, Arthur, Selmer and Ida. One other son, Oluf, died in infancy. Ole used oxen to plow and work his land at first and stated they were better than horses because they could fare on the abundant prairie grass. Ole also remarked he considered the greatest asset to the pioneers was the grass and sod - food for all the livestock and also building material for the home. Besides being a great asset, the prairie grass was also a fearful hazard. Sometimes it would catch fire and bum over many miles in length and destroy homes and livestock. Ole hauled his first grain to Grafton with oxen, 28 miles, this took two days. After the railroad came to Park River the trip was much shorter. As time became better Ole built a new home from lumber in 1906. This was also the year the railroad came to Adams. Now the distance to town was four miles.

John P. Lien log home. Left to right: Ingvald, Martin, John M., Peter, cousins—Lena, Annie, John 0. Lien (children of Ole Lien. Standing in front: Otto and Millie, children of John P. Lien. July 25,1852, Johannes (Jens) was born at Ringeboe, Guldbradsdalen, Norway, to Peter Pederson Spangrudlien and the former Mary Klaven. Jens was the sixth child. They had eight boys and three girls, all bom in Norway. Peter and Mary never came to the United States, but the last eight children came and none returned to Norway. They were Lars, Ostern, Johnannes, Ole, Mathea, Torger, Martinus and Otto. The three older children were Anne, Barbara and Peter. Jens came in 1873 and made his home in Fillmore County, Minn. His name was changed to John P. Lien. Marie Docken was bom July 17, 1855, at Ringeboe, Guldbradsdalen, Norway, . daughter of Hans and Ingeborg Docken. She came to the United States in 1875 to LaCrosse, Wise. Her brother was working at Winona, Minn., so she stayed there until her marriage on Feb. 7, 1877, to John P. Lien, hving there for a year and in Renvide County for four years. Two sons, Peter and Herman, were bom. In 1882, the family moved to Vesta Township and homesteaded. Their first home, built into the side of a hill, was constructed oftogswith a sod roof. The rest of the members of the family, except the last one, were bom in this tiny home. In the early 1900's, John moved a two-story, two room, log house by taking it ad apart and hauling it by wagon a few miles, to rebuild it on the location near their log home. He added a two room, east wing, and finished it off by putting siding over the entire house. Tdda, the youngest chdd, was born in this home in 1902. John budt the other buddings on the farm. He farmed 160 acres, including pasture. His fields were worked by a walking plow and other equipment. Cooking was done on an old wood stove, waffles being the main food for company. Marie served many waffles to many guests in her day! She did ad her baking, spun wool into yarn on the spinning wheel and knit mittens and stockings for her family. She also had a large garden and chickens to care for. During the Christmas holidays, the famdy, relatives and friends would celebrate, taking turns untd Jan. 6 each year. There were ad kinds of Norwegian foods ion

prepared for this special season. Transportation in the winter was by horse and sleigh or walking. Children walked miles to school every day in deep snow. The Lien family was musical, each member ptoying a different instrument. There was always time to get together with the Norwegian neighbors to have a good time. Norwegian was the only language used in those days. John died Dec. 20,1930, and Marie June 25,1933. Both were 78. They are buried at St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery. They had 10 children: Peter Edwin, born Nov. 30, 1877, died Feb. 8, 1960; Herman J., born Nov. 24, 1881, died Feb. 1,1966; John Mathias, born April 21,1883, died July 25,1959; Martin Lauris, bom June 5,1885, died Jan. 26, 1887; Martin Lauris, born Oct. 5, 1887, died July 21, 1931; Ingvald, bom June 26, 1890, now hving in Park River; Millie Betsy, bornMay6,1893, died June 27,1975; Otto J., born May 30, 1895, hving in Tacoma, Wash.; Helmer, born Feb. 26,1899, died Dec. 2, 1934; and Tilda Amanda, bom May 26,1902, hving in Park River. Those who have passed away are all buried in Vesta Township.

and building materials. The Lofthus family was fortunate compared to many Dakota pioneers. Ole Lofthus was, at one time, county commissioner and state hail adjuster. My father, Johannes Lofthus, homesteaded a quarter of land east of Adams which is now owned by Ordean Lofthus. Johannes married Amelia Wolldridge in 1897. They moved to Adams in 1905, started an implement business with Ed Tolle. Later, Ed sold his share and it was then operated by Johannes and Christ Lofthus and Enock Hehland. They added hardware to their implement business. In 1887, Ellef Lofthus' appendix ruptured. His operation took place on the kitchen table, and later, the incision became infected causing his death. In 1921 my father, Johannes Lofthus, died of a ruptured appendix. Johannes and Amelia had nine children, Ernest, Albert, Elsie (Mrs. Pete Pederson), Jessie (Mrs. Leonard Wood), Melvin, Nora (Mrs. Clifford Gustafson), Lucille (Mrs. Roland Montieth), Juel and Aldus. Ernest and his wife, Florence, have four children, all raised in Walsh County: James, Billings, Mont.; Elaine (Mrs. Garvie Haroldson), rural Adams; Ordean, on the home farm, and William, Seattle, Wash. Nora and her husband, Clifford, have three children, born and raised in Walsh County, Merle of Sioux Falls, S. D ; Deanna (Mrs. Duane Knudson), Beulah; and Chapin, Cavalier. Submitted by Mrs. Clifford Gustafson.

JOHANNES LOFTHUS FAMILY

GABRIEL A. LUNDENE FAMILY

Johanna and Amelia Lofthus

The Lundene (Lundo) family originated in Valdres, Norway. They were known as the "Kulbrenner Slekta," (charcoal burners relationship). They operated a ferry boat on Lake Mjosa. Andres K. Lundene was born in 1817, married Olia Thon, who was born in 1821. In 1850 the family crossed the ocean by sail ship and settled in Dane County, Wise. In 1867 her husband was seriously injured in a runaway. He died from the effects. Eleven children were bom, two dying in infancy. Gabriel Lundene was born in Mt. Horeb, Wise. From there the family moved to Floyd County, Ia. In 1881, three brothers, Christopher, Ole and Gabriel, came to what is now Walsh County where Gabriel took up a pre-emption along the south branch of the Park River. The first night he spent on the land which later became his home was by the small stream where water and wood were available. The last of his provisions were eaten here, some salt pork which he fried on a shovel, one tool that every land-seeker carried. Even the frying grease was consumed. The homesteaders agreed among themselves to file on mile quarters so that as many as possible might have their land holdings extend into the coulee - where wood and water were available. Most of them believed that they would never be able to put a whole 160 acres under the plow, anyway. A yoke of oxen pitted against the tough sod, liberally inlaid with rock, was a real challenge. The Sonstelie families and John Alstad, with Gabriel and other neighbors, often met in social functions dancing to music furnished by the Qually brothers and their violins and Mr. Kubal with his clarinet. Whist was also a popular passtime. The first home on the Lundene farm was a sod shack made from materials near at hand. Later, after

Mrs. Ellef Lofthus

In 1880, Ellef Jonsen Lofthus and his wife, Thone, and their seven children, John, 20, Thone, 18, Ole, 15, Johannes, 14, Ambros, 10, Kristi, 6, and Ellef, 3, came from Sand Creek, Wise. It seems that they had a little more to do with in Norway as they brought better things with them, such as a set of silverware and a silver coffee pot. A great granddaughter in Minneapolis restored this coffee pot and has it now. My father, Johannes Lofthus, was 14 at the time they came to America. The style for young men at that time was to wear plug hats. He bought one to wear to this new land. On the way over, he was up on the deck and the wind blew his hat into the ocean. After the Lofthus family stayed with relatives in Sand Creek for a short time, the older boys became restless and in 1881, they settled on a homestead near Park River. This is where Fred Nottestad hves today. The following year they returned to Wisconsin for their mother, Thone, and the rest of the family. When Thone arrived at the homestead she cried when she saw the dirt floor, but the boys consoled her and promised her a wooden floor as soon as they could afford it. The homestead site was beautiful since it was near a small stream. There was always an abundance of wild fruit such as Juneberries, pin cherries, chokecherries, wild plums and gooseberries. They also had an abundance of game, prairie chickens, partridge, ducks and rabbits and fish in the stream. The original homestead was about half wooded, so there was always plenty of fuel 1012

marrying my mother, Ingeborg Sonstelie, a frame building, approximately 12' x 14', was added to the log shack. In this house seven children were bom, Mathilda, Albert, Ida, and Olga and three sons who died in infancy. Early in the 1900's land agents from the deep south came through this part of the country painting rosy pictures of the "Utopia" to be found in southern Alabama, where two crops a year could be harvested, where no blizzards were ever felt, where practically everyone was a Scandinavian. Our father, Gabriel, who was subject to bad colds and had suffered from pnuemonia several times, decided to rent the farm and move to this wonderful place that he had heard so much about. He traveled to the small town of Thorsby, Ala., in 1901. A few years later the family had another son, Henry Lundene, present owner of the North Dakota homestead. The eldest of the children, Elmer Chase, born in 1879, married Kate Ward, a daughter of another Vpsta Township pioneer. He taught school for a short while, then moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, homesteading there. Their later years were spent in California. Martin Olson, the second son, was bom in 1884, married Clara Skyrud, daughter of another pioneer family. They homesteaded at Long Lake, Sask. Both have died and are buried near Duval, Sask. Mary Olson, the oldest daughter, was born in 1886. She married Rev. Edward Wollan. Mary and E. B. were teachers in Walsh County. They hved in Dewey Township, had three children, Erling, Borghild and Rolf. They are buried in the St. Olaf Cemetery near Fairdale. Petra Olson was born in 1887 and married John Reid. They lived in Walsh County for about five years; then moved to Granite Falls, Minn. Petra lived to 87 and the two are buried in a Granite Falls cemetery. Mathilda Lundene, born in 1891, taught school for many years in North Dakota. She also taught in Canada for several years, then married Peter Ungstad and raised a large family, all hving in Canada. She and Peter are buried in Alberta, Canada.

three children, Janet, Helen and Rodney (Bobby). Olga is now hving in Omaha, Nebr. Henry, present owner of the original homestead site, was born in Alabama in 1904. He came to North Dakota with his parents when he was one year old. Through his Ufe, he has been employed by the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Mich. When 19, he worked for three years with highway construction in Michigan. In 1927 he moved back to the farm in Walsh County. In 1937 he married Selma Swenson, R. N., a Vesta Township girl. They are stiU living on the homestead, although Henry has rented his farm. He is active in many enterprises state-wide, and has served several terms in the North Dakota State Legislature. Submitted by Henry Lundene and Ida Lundene Potter.

Gabriel and Ingeborg Lundene. Left to right: Albert, Mathilda, Ida, Olga. (1901)

Albert Lundene was bom in 1892. He farmed, did carpenter work and was a mechanic. He spent his later years worldng on numerous civic projects. He was married to Edith Jeglum. They had two children, Joyce and Gordon, both now Uving in CaUfornia. During the later years of his life he migrated to Texas every winter and in 1972, while on his way to Texas, he was struck by a car and killed. He is buried in the Mountain Lutheran East Cemetery at Adams, a place where he had spent many hours working to beautify and improve it during his summers in North Dakota.

ELMER MORRISON Elmer Morrison Agan, one of the pioneers of Walsh County, was the oldest of nine children bom to Hiriam (1833-1900) and Celia Morrison Agan (1841-1915). Elmer married Blanche Thurston (1865-1916). Elmer (1863-1931) was buried at Rome, N. Y. Elmer and Blanche had the following chUdren: stUlbom twins, boy and girl, 1886, buried at West Adams Cemetery; Etna May, born 1887, died at five years of age; Hazel CeUa (1889-1969), married Albert Rasmussen (1890-1964), had three girls and five boys, all Uving; Melon; L. H. Agan (1891-1927) married Mattie Huntley, one son, John H.; Elmer M . Agan, bom 1899, married Minnie Poates, have two boys and a girl, Uve in Fredricksburg, Va. During the years Elmer Morrison Agan Uved in Walsh County, he butit the house on what is now known as the ChaUy place. WhUe Uving there he was clerk of Gryde School District No. 125 from 1896 when the school district was organized until 1900. Elmer Agan traded land with Sam Chally, Fredricksburg, Va., and moved to Virginia in 1904. Sam ChaUy moved to the Agan farm in Walsh County at the same time. Submitted by Lincoln Rasmussen.

Ida was bom in 1898. She taught school for many years, most of them in the state of Montana. After retiring from the teaching profession, she spent two years as a Vista Volunteer in a Conservation Job Corps in Oregon. In 1922 she married Earl Potter; they had three chUdren, Edith, Enid and Dean. Edith was kiUed in a grain elevator accident in 1932. The famtiy moved to Flathead County and later to Spokane, Wash., where Earl died in 1959. Ida continued to live in Spokane. Olga was bom in 1901. She taught school for many years in North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana. She married Archie Knudson. They lived many years in Norton Township and in Adams, then moved to Minneapolis and later to CaUfornia. Archie died in January, 1975. While they were Uving in North Dakota, they had 1013

GUNDER OLSON

their farm and moved to Hayti, S. D. In 1908 they moved back to the Adams area, moving to the farm they bought from Mrs. Olson's parents in Vesta Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Olson had a family of eight boys and four girls: Albert, Nels, GUbert, Henry, Oscar, Edward, Selmer, Andrew, Martha, Ida, Inez and Olga. He was active in school and township affairs and they were both members of the Mountain Lutheran Church at Adams.

Gunder Olson was born in Seljor, Telemarken, Norway, Sept. 29,1844. He came to America, moving to the Adams area where he hved the remainder of his life. He made his home with the Thom Swensons, a nephew. He never married. He was a carpenter, and he and his brother built several houses on farmsteads in the Adams area. He also built the first city hall in Adams. This was a two-story buUding on Main Street. It had a drug store on the first floor. The second floor was used for dances and other social gatherings. It was known as the Gunder Olson Dahle HaU. He died in Adams July 30, 1914, and is buried in the Lutheran East Adams Cemetery. Submitted by Mrs. Henry Lundene.

EDWARD ORSTAD Edward and Marit Orstad were born, grew up and were married at Opdal, Norway. They came to Sioux City, Ia., in 1890 and Uved there for two years before moving to Walsh County. Their first winter here was spent at the Ole Torve farm. They moved to Golden Township, from there to Vesta Township where they bought a quarter of land, where the St. Peter Church now stands. Edward was a farmer, also an experienced stone mason and carpenter. There are many buUdings in the Edinburg area that he helped to construct. He was instrumental in the construction of St. Peter Church in 1896. Edward Orstad was bom June 27, 1882, died May 20, 1950; his wife, Marit, was born Nov. 27,1853, died on July 12,1926. They are both buried at the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Vesta Township. Five children were born, Sivert (1882-1950), married Lettie Stenerson (1901-1921), one son, Leonard, died at three in 1924. Sivert later married Hilda Boe, had four chUdren: Avis Kraus, Everett, Wash.; Elaine Zadro, St. John, Ind.; Lyle, Durham, N. C ; and Donna Patchett, Everett, Wash. HUda Uves at Everett, Wash. Anna Orstad was born in Norway Nov. 11, 1884, rnarried A. C. Myers at San Francisco. He died in 1945, Anna died in 1961.

Gunder Olson and a friend. OLE OLSON FAMILY

Ole Olson Ole A. Olson was bom in New Hampton, Ia. He came to the Adams area in 1889, working on farms. WhUe he was here he met NicoUne Sveen, who had come with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nels Sveen from Osen, Norway. They filed on a homestead in Vesta Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ole A. Olson were married in New Hampton, Ia., in 1892. They Uved there the first year of their marriage. In 1893 Mr. and Mrs. Olson and their baby came to the Adams area, traveUng with a team of horses and a covered wagon, taking with them a cow, calf and some belongings. It took them three weeks to make the trip.

The Edward Orstad family. Back row: Ole, Sivert, Anna. Front row: Edward, Melvin, Marit. Ole Orstad was, born in 1887. He married Gena Qually (bom in 1887). They had four daughters: Olive (Mrs. John Madland), Edinburg; Ethel (Mrs. Clarence EspeUen), FordvUle; Gladys (Mrs. Hardis Bakken), Pinole, CaUf.; and Irene (Mrs. Joe Vettleson), Warren, Minn. Ole died in 1945 and Gena in 1936. Both are buried at St. Peter Cemetery in Vesta Township. Melvin Orstad was bom in 1892, married Hattie Thompson (born in 1896). They had two chddren, Myles and Marvel. Myles died in Seattle and is buried there. His

They farmed in SUvesta Township until 1900, then moved to Adams Township and filed on a homestead. They lived on this homestead until 1907, when they sold 1014

cloth came flying out. In the confusion, she wandered with a bunch of women and children to a grove of trees outside of town. Her famdy thought she had perished in the fire when they couldn't find her. John Qually's father, Peder Qually, died at 77 and was buried at St. Peter's Cemetery also. His mother spent the later years of her life with her daughter and famdy, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Oveson (Boda) moving from Edinburg to Adams about 1905 when the town started; then leaving for Grassy Lake, Alb., in 1910. She died about 1915 and was buried on the Oveson farm at Florann, Alb. John Quady's sisters and brothers were: Peter, Ragnhild Qually Lockrem, Thomas, Andrew, Endre, Ingrid Qually Elton and Boda Quady Oveson.

family lives in Seattle. Marvel married Vernon Lindberg, Park River. They moved to Washington. Vernon died. Marvel lives at Lyn wood, Wash. Elmer Orstad was bom in Vesta Township in 1899, married Lucille Thompson also of Vesta. They lived most of their life in Vesta Township on a farm, later moving to Park River where they are now residing. They have four children: Lois King, Albuquerque, N. M.; Phyllis Maier, Park River; Elroy Orstad, Grand Forks; Marian Carter, Fairfax, Va.; and Donald Orstad, Minneapolis.

Elmer Orstad JOHN P. QUALLY John P. Qually was bom Feb. 22, 1854, in Vang, Valdres, Norway. He came with his parents, Peder and Gurine Kattevold Qually, to Goodhue County, Minn., in 1861. In 1884, he came to North Dakota, walking most of the way. He homesteaded on a farm eight mdes southwest of Edinburg. He walked to Grafton for suppdes. He made a dugout and had to carry a door for it on his back from Grafton. Later, he made a log house which is stdl standing and a log granary. In 1886 he married Oline Lokken in the Pleasant Vadey Congregation with Rev. M. C. Holseth performing the ceremony. She was born in Odalen, Norway, Dec. 3, 1866. She came to North Dakota in 1882. She had a brother, Peter, in Norway, but the folks were so poor they could not afford overseas stamps, so they never corresponded. She died Sept. 12,1910. John Quady died Feb. 16,1921, on his farm in Vesta Township. They are both buried at St. Peter's Cemetery in Vesta Township. The last four years of his life he was confined to his bed and a wheelchair, having had his leg amputated at home by Dr. Hanson from Park River after suffering from a blood clot which developed into gangrene.

Mrs. John (Oline) Qually

John Qually

KNUDTE OLSON SALLE FAMILY

He was a talented violinist. His violin is now being used by his great grandson, Joel Htihus, West Fargo. He had an orchestra with his brother, Mr. Machart and Kubad, a clarinet player, who hved on the Morstad or Egge place. He served on the St. Peter Church board and as clerk of Vesta School District No. 63 for a number of years. The Quady chddren were: Mathilde, Gena, Justine, Palma, Palmer, Edwin, Elvina, Steda and Lloyd. At Christmas, the young folks would go masked as Jule Bokker (Christmas fools) to neighbors and friends, who would try to identify them and also gave them treats. When Palma was seven years old she was vteiting her aunt, Mrs. Oveson, when the big Edinburg fire broke out. She saw the big store windows blown out and bolts of

The Knudte Salle log house. Very littie information is available on the Knudte Olson Sade famdy, early homesteaders in Vesta Township. He and his wife, Rangdi, sister of Gtibert Hagen, another early settler of Vesta Township, homesteaded on what is now the Marvin Drevecky farm. They had four children, Henry T., Tilda, (both died in 1890, Henry at seven and Tilda at four), Raymond, died during World War I, one of the many Americans that joined the Canadian Army, and one girl (no record available). Knudte Salle built a substantial log cabin with a low second story for his home. When L. C. Thompson acquired the land some years later, he covered the 1015

outside walls with siding. The house was used for years by owners of the land, including the present owners, the Marvin Drereckys, until the early 1970's when Marvin built a modern home on the premises and donated the log cabin to the Adams Park. The Adams Civic Club and the Walsh County Historical Society have done a lot toward restoration of the building. Plans are to restore it to original condition and to furnish it as a pioneer home of the 1880's. Hopefully, enough volunteer labor will be available to complete this project in the near future.

4, 1857, in Romsdalen, Norway, made her home with Edward and later at the John Setness home. She died Sept. 13, 1929. Petrine died April 30,1925, and Edward July 30, 1936. They are laid to rest at the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Section 11 of Vesta Township. GUSTAV SETNES FAMILY

EDWARD J. SETNES FAMILY Edward Johnson Setnes was born Dec. 24, 1848, in Romsdalen, Norway. He was also known as Edvart. He had two sisters, Marit, who married Pastor Narum and resided in Norway, and Ellen (Ella) who came to America and resided with them. Edward married Petrine Melbe Pederson at Trondenes Church in Norway on Sept. 26, 1878. Petrine was bom March 21, 1853. She had six sisters, Andrina (Mrs. Halvor Boe), Marit (Mrs. Jacob Tokle), Margrete (Mrs. Andrew Setnes), Beret (Mrs. Hegerholm), and two other sisters, names unknown.

Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Setnes, Katie and Geneva. Gustav Setnes was born in Vesta Township April 26, 1886. His parents were Edward and Petrine Setnes. He had two brothers, John and Peter, and a sister, Esther. He had two brothers, Johan and Olaf, that died as small children. Gustav was married to Betsey Johnson March 26, 1910. Betsey was a daughter of Knut and Gunhild (Void) Johnson, bom April 4,1887. She had five sisters and six brothers: John Ole, Elizabeth (Mrs. Christ Odne), Clara (Mrs. Alfred Kjelland), Helma, Mabie (Mrs. William Odell), Johanna (Mrs. Elmer O'Sell), Melvin and Martin; Knut, Jr., and Carl died when small boys. When married they lived south of Adams and later different places in Walsh County. They had four children, Katie, Geneva, Palmer and Bernhard. Betsey died Jan. 3,1921. This was a hardship on the famtiy as the children were all small. The boys went to live with Grandma Johnson. Gustav and the girls managed by themselves for a couple of years, then they moved in with Grandma and Grandpa Setnes. Palmer joined them when he was old enough to start school. Grandma Petrine Setnes died in April, 1925. Their home was broken and the children were separated again. During World War II Gustav worked at the Willamette Shipyard at Portland, Ore., making his home with his daughter, Geneva, the late Mrs. Alton Simmons of Gladstone, Ore. Gustav spent some of his retirement years in his home in Park River, but his later years he spent with his daughter Katie, Mrs. Alex Strong, at Alvarado, Minn. His last year he hved at the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton. He died Dec. 21, 1972.

Their first son, Johan Marcus, died at one month in 1879 in Norway. Edward and Petrine and their son, John, born in Trondenes, came to the United States in 1882 to Rothsay, Minn. Their son, Peter, was bom there. In 1884 they moved to Walsh County, settling on 40 acres in Section 2 of Vesta Township. Edward was a blacksmith and had a shop on his farm. He had seven years of apprentice school to learn the blacksmith trade from his uncle in Norway. There was a disadvantage in having the blacksmith shop on the farm as so many people thought the work was gratis. An example of his work that still exists is the iron weathervane with the year 1896 that is on top of the steeple of St. Peter Church. Edward was also a locksmith, people could bring a lock to rum and he would make a key for it. He was also handy as a carpenter. They were charter members of the St. Peter Lutheran Congregation and served as its janitor for over 20 years. Petrine was a good singer. She would go to church early sometimes and sing by herself before services. Others came early to hear her sing. Around 1913 they moved to a forty in Section 11, just down the hill from the St. Peter Church. In 1924 they had a fire in the bam and Edward burned his hands badly. Edward and Petrine were married for 47 years. They had five sons and one daughter. Johan Marcus (died at one month in Norway); John (married Carrie Skyrud, had eight children, Gaynell, Carl, Ernest, Clayton, Elmo, Ruth, Raymond and Alice); Peter (married Alice Lindell, had two sons, Alford and Willard); Gustav (married Betsey Johnson, had four children, Katie, Geneva, Palmer and Bernhard); Esther (married Pete Frovarp, three children, Oscar, Ruth and Verna), Esther later married Henry Sunderland and after being widowed again, she married Douglas Larson. She is the only surviving member of this family and is hving in The Dalles, Ore., where her three children are. A son, Olaf Edward, died in 1891 while they were living outside of Osnabrock. Edward worked in an elevator there while they lived there for a few years. Edward Setnes' sister, Ellen (Ella), was born March

JOHN SETNES FAMILY Jonas (John) Setness was bom Oct. 3, 1880, at Throndenes, Romsdalen, Norway. He came with his parents, Edward and Petrine Melbe Pederson Setnes, to America in 1882. He had four brothers: Johan (died in 1879 in Norway), Peter, Gustav. Olaf (died at age two), and one sister, Esther, ad bom in the United States. John and his parents first settled at Rothsay, Minn., and came to Vesta Township in 1884 and settled in Section 2. John had a bicycle with one big wheel and one smad 1016

wheel and went riding a lot with his friend, Bert Ovnand. As a young man he rode horseback and hauled mail from Vesta Post Office to west of Adams and also hauled freight to the Hagen Store in Vesta. He started farming in 1898 when he rented land from Knut Dahl. John was married to Carrie Skyrud, daughter of Jorgen and Anne (Sandrud) Skyrud, of Tiber Township, Sept. 17, 1904, at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Carrie was born May 8, 1879, at Sand Sogn, Nordre Odalen, Norway, and came with her parents to America in 1882. They stayed at Cadillac, Mich., until July, 1883, when they came to Tiber Township. As a young girl, she learned the art of dressmaking in Park River, which came in handy in her married life. She also worked as a waitress in the Edinburg Hotel and was there at the time of the fire in 1900 that destroyed many of the business places. She cooked for many years in cook cars in threshing time. Carrie had three brothers, Hans, Knut and Frank, and one sister, Clara.

John and Carrie Setness When John and Carrie left on their honeymoon, they traveled by horse and buggy to western North Dakota where they homesteaded about 40 miles southwest of Minot near Ryder. They lived in a 12' x 16' house on the prairie for a year to earn their claim. John returned to Walsh County several times during the year to do the seeding and harvesting on the farm in Vesta Township. Carrie would then have to walk to the neighbors to get her milk and mail. The neighbors would also bring her these items along with groceries from town when needed. She spent a lot of her time crocheting a bedspread which was completed during her year spent out at this homestead. After a year they sold their homestead and returned to Vesta Township to the farm where Theo Swenson now lives in Section 20. When they returned in July, 1905, Adams was just beginning to be built and lumber piles were around. On this farm their first child, Gaynell, was born. They continued to live here until in March, 1906, when they rented the Johannes Lofthus farm in Section 28. The rest of the children were born on this farm, Carl, Ernest, Clayton, Elmo, Ruth, Raymond and Alice. Boys being boys, they found much excitement playing in the haymow in the bam. Swmging on the ropes and running across the floor and jumping out the door, grabbing unto the rope hanging from the roof top and sliding to the

ground. Gaynell joined her brothers playing in the haymow and climbing up on the roof of the barn and looking over the top to the house and all around. Lots of fun for the kids, but much anxiety for mother. In 1918 the family experienced many anxious moments when John became seriously ill with influenza which developed into pleurisy and pneumonia. He was sick in bed for a month. Ella Setnes and Ingolf Sandrud, who made their home there, and the five children were also sick in bed at one time or another, but Carrie never got the flu. The relatives and neighbors helped with the chores and grocery shopping. In December of 1924 they moved to the Birder farm, most of the land was located in Section 17 but their home was in Section 8. This farm had a small lake known as the Lowry Lake where Carrie had attended many Fourth of July celebrations before she was married. John owned an Avery steam threshing rig with Alfred Lindell and later a gas outfit with Johannes Lofthus. John's daughter, Gaynell, and his sister, Esther, cooked in the cook car one year. Another year Gaynell and Nora Gustafson cooked together. In 1933 John bought his first tractor for field work - a John Deere Model D. The Second World War found the four oldest Setnes boys serving in the service. Clayton was among the first to be drafted from Walsh County. He left with three others Nov. 1, 1941. He received his basic training in artillery but when war was declared he was transferred to the Signal Corps as a radar operator. He received his training in CaUfornia, Washington, New Jersey, Florida, returning to California. He traveled by train and went through 39 states before he left San Francisco for Australia in 1942 which took 23 days. He spent 18 months in New Guinea and was also in Middleburg Island and the East Indies. He worked with radar all this time and was located mainly in the jungles. He got back to the States Dec. 2, 1945. Elmo enlisted in the Marines, receiving his training at San Diego, Calif. He spent 28 months overseas and was a gunner on the U. S. S. Enterprise aircraft carrier. Ernest enlisted in the Merchant Marines and was a cook on a ship that hauled supplies back and forth across the Pacific Ocean. Carl was drafted and spent a year overseas in the jungles. He was with the 96th Infantry. Carl was the only one wounded receiving some shrapnel in his leg. They did lose a son-in-law, Ernest Clemens, killed in action in France Jan. 6, 1945. He was married to the youngest daughter, Alice. The youngest son, Raymond, helped his dad with the farming. In 1944 they moved into Adams where they bought the Lars Lundeen home. John and Carrie were active members of the St. Peter Lutheran Church. The children were confirmed in this church. John held several offices at the St. Peter Church, Vesta Township and Vesta School District No. 72. John was a quiet man and spent much time in reading his Norwegian Bible and singing his favorite Norwegian hymns. John and Carrie celebrated their golden wed(Iing anniversary at an open house at their home in September, 1954. Eight children were bom, Gaynell (Mrs. Clarence Johnson, married in 1928, had three children, Clinton, Vernon and Merlin); Ernest (married Marthebess Smith in 1940, he died in 1954). 1946 was an exciting year when five of the children were married: Carl

(married Maxine Halverson, adopted stepson Frank); Clayton (married Vivian Lykken Westberg, stepdaughter Kathryn, sons, Wayne, Kenneth and Randall); Elma (married Marie Frovarp, three children, Wanda, Gary and Audrey); Raymond (married Alice Bjerke, six children, Rodney, Betty, Dale, Lorraine, Keith and Donald); Alice (Mrs. Gordon Lykken). Daughter Ruth died when one month old. They have 11 grandchildren. John died May 14,1955, and was laid to rest at the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery. Carrie celebrated her 96th birthday May 8, 1975. She has made her home most of the time with her daughter Gaynell since she became a widow in 1967, and with her other daughter Alice. She is in fairly good health, takes no medication and still spends her time embroidering and crocheting, mostly on pillowcases which she continues to give to her family and friends. Sundays she spends a lot of time reading, especially enjoys a large print New Testament, a gift she received from the Mountain Lutheran A. L. C. W. in Adams.

desks and it was so crowded when Alice went that three students had to share the double desk. There were many newcomers from Norway and they were eager to learn the American language. For worship services they went to the Tallackson Schoolhouse. In 1892 St. Peter Church was built and remained in operation until 1967. This church is still standing and is located east of St. Peter Coulee in Vesta Township. There was much donated work in the building of the church by the congregation members. AUce remembers when she used to sit on the spring seat on a lumber wagon. She went with her dad when he hauled grain with horses to Edinburg. They didn't get to town often in those days. Heater and cookstoves burned wood. A team of horses and a wagon went to the woods and her dad chopped trees, sawed them in cubes and split them again for the stove. Reading was by lampUght. People would play instruments and sing for entertainment. Home talent was developed this way. Butter was churned for the family use and excess butter was sold to the famUy grocery store. First the stone chum was used and later the barrel churn was used. There were no cream separators so cream was skimmed off from mUk stored in huge stone crocks in the basement. The meat was butchered at home and put in brine in crocks. Later canning of meat came into use. Harvesting of crops was by threshing machines. Straw was used for fueling of the threshing machines, later coal was used and finaUy gasoUne was used as the fuel. Two firemen worked to keep the engine fired with straw. They started working one hour before the tlixeshing of grain began in the early morning. Bundles were cut with a sharp knife. When Alice Lindell and Annie Monson were 16 years old, they cut bundles for the threshing separator for AUred LindeU.

PETER AND ALICE SETNESS FAMILY

In summer, people would pick Juneberries and high back cranberries which grew near the river. Cranberries made good jeUy and Juneberries were good with sugar and cream and as sauce. People went to a grocery store known as the Hagen Place, near where John Syverson later Uved, west of the St. Peter Coulee. This store handled piece goods, groceries and was also the post office. When Alice grew up, she went to the University of North Dakota and Gustavus Adolphus CoUege at St. Peter, Minn., and became a teacher. She taught school in Walsh County. In 1913 she married Peter Setness who farmed in Vesta Township. They were married in St. Peter Church and 50 years later had their anniversary celebrated at St. Peter Church in June, 1963. They had two sons, Alford and WUlard. AUord attended Vesta grade school, Lutheran Brethren High School, Grand Forks; Concordia CoUege, Moorhead, Minn.; Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.; and is a pastor at Austin, Minn. He has a son, Stephen, Chicago, HI., a son, Peter, Forest Lake, Minn., a daughter, Sandra, Anoka, Minn, and a son, Danny, New York City.

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Setness Peter Setness was born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Setness at Rothsay, Minn. When Peter was two, his family moved to Vesta Township. Edward Setness was a blacksmith. He had seven years apprentice training in Norway under his uncle. He was very skilled in this line, but many people did not pay him for his services. Edward was janitor at the St. Peter Lutheran Church and he went early in the morning. Later, Mrs. Setness and children walked one mile to church for Sunday services. Peter had two brothers, John and Gustav, and one sister, Esther. Peter was ambitious when young and operated a threshing separator for Alfred Lindell. Peter purchased his dad's homestead and bought additional land of his own in Vesta Township. He farmed in Ryder a short time, but returned to Vesta to make his permanent farmstead. He drove back and forth from Ryder to Vesta Township with a team of horses. Mrs. Peter Setness, (Alice Lindell, daughter of Alfred Lindell) was bom in Golden Township. Alice went to grade school in Vesta Township. In the summer she went to school in Dundee Township and stayed with her uncle John Lindell. At Vesta School they had double

WUlard has one son, Ronald, Park River, daughters, Charlotte, Emporia, Kansas; and Lauan, Valley City. WUlard attended grade school in Vesta, high school at Lutheran Brethren Schools, Fergus Falls, Minn.; Augsburg CoUege, Minneapolis and Concordia CoUege, Moorhead, and is farming in Vesta Township. 1018

PETER PEDERSON SPANGRUDLIEN FAMILY Peter Pederson Spangrudlien married Mary Klaven. They lived in Norway all their lives. They had eleven children, Anne, born Nov. 23, 1841, she married Mork. Barbara, bom Aug. 19, 1843, married Gjelsvik. Peter, born Aug. 10,1845, married but no children. He had the home place in Norway and sold it to Ludvid Berg's parents at Ringeboe, Guldbradsdalen. Lars, bom March 11, 1848, was the first one to come to the United States Ostern, born March 20, 1850, married Molly Romsaas. Johnannes (Jens), born July 25, 1852, married Marie Docken, born July 17, 1855, daughter of Hans and Ingeborg Docken, at Ringeboe, Guldbradsdalen, Norway. Jens and Marie were married in Fillmore County, Minn. They had ten children. Ole, born July 29, 1854, and married twice. Mathea, bom March 18,1857, married B. Hole and later Charles Johnson. Torger, bom June 3, 1859, Uved at Garvin, Minn. Martinus, bom Aug. 27,1861,' married Ingeborg Spangrud, a daughter, Marie! was hving in Norway in 1966. Otto, born Nov. 24, 1863, died young while digging a well. The last eight children came to the United States and never returned to Norway.

they resided at the time of their death. They are buried at Park River. They had ten chUdren, Gilman, John, Henry, Ida, Alfred, Nora, Anna, Ella, Mabel and Jensene (Jenny, Mrs. GUbert Hagen). JOHN STENERSON FAMILY

John Stenerson family. Left to right, standing: Adie (mother). 2nd row: John (father), Lettie, Olaf. 1st row: Annetta, Everett, Rena.

Peter Sprangrudlien family ASLAK STENERSON FAMILY

The Aslak Stenerson family. Top row, left to right: Gilman, John, Henry, Anna, Ida, Alfred. Bottom: Nora, Aslak, Mabel, Ella, Christina. Not pictured, Jensene. ' Aslak Stenerson and his wife, Kristina Overson Stenerson, were both born in Iowa, where they were married. They homesteaded in Golden Township, lived in Park River for a short period, moved to Adams, where

John Stenerson was bom in Iowa in 1875. He married Adie Van Dyke, who was also bom in Iowa. Eleven chddren were born, Alof, 1895, he never married, was in the army in World War I; Evert 1897 married Dora Erickson; Anetta, 1899, married Arthur Linded; Lettie, 1901, married Severt Orstad; Rena 1901 marned Amos Gudacher (Lettie and Rena were twins)' WiUiam, died in childhood; Amy, died in chddhood; Joy' 1906, married Marie Gorder; Edna, 1910, died in childhood; Lloyd, 1912, was kdled in action during World War H in the Phdlipines; Cecil, 1914, married Ann Waltrout. Joy also served in the United States Armed Forces during World War H. John Stenerson moved with his famfly to Vesta Township on March 24,1916. There was a tragic accident in the family at this time. Alof and Evert were not living at home at this time, but Annetta and Lettie were. Annetta, working in a cafe in Adams, was there to help her folks move into their new home. After unloading their possessions, her sister, Lettie, took Annetta back to Adams and then returned the borrowed sleigh to tne Ole Frovarp farm. It was quite late in the evening, so the Frovarp family persuaded Lettie to stay overnight at their house. Returning home the next morning, Lettie was confronted with a tragic sight. Her father lay on the floor, a short distance from the door, stiU alive. Her mother and sister, Amy, were dead and three more of the chUdren were iU. Before the day was over, her father, John, and another sister, Edna, were dead. The cause was found to be coal gas escaping from the stove that was used to heat the house. Former tenants had stuffed rags into the chimney and the Stenerson family was unaware of this. The only one that escaped was the baby, Cecti, sleeping in the bed between his parents. It was though

that he was probably lying far enough under the bed covers, so as not to be affected by the gas fumes.

ELLING SONSTELIE FAMILY

CHRISTIAN SONSTELIE FAMILY

Elling and Marit Higgdim Sonstelie. This picture was taken shortly before they left Norway in 1865. Christian Sonstelie family, top row: Oscar, Mina, Ingvald. Bottom row: Edward, Clara, C. E. S., Christine. Christian Sonstelie was born in 1856, married Ingrid Stenseth, who was born in 1858. He was the first permanent white settler in Vesta Township, a squatter on unsurveyed land in 1881. With his nearest town Grand Forks, he used to drive his team of oxen, Buck and Bright, about 75 miles to Grand Forks for all provisions. He and his brother purchased their first threshing machine in Chippewa County, Minn., in 1874 when he was 18. It was a J . I. Case powered with 10 horses on a Woodbury Horse Power. From that time on he kept pace with the times in threshing - a portable steam engine with no traction and vertical boiler, to the return flue traction engine, to the more modern steam traction engine, to the gas tractor and finally, in 1926, to the combine. In every instance he invested in the J . I. Case equipment. In 1927 the Case Eagle, which was the house organ for the company at that time carried a long story on the 52 years of the tlireshing experiences of Christian Sonstelie in southern Minnesota, Walsh County and in Sask., Canada. He was born in Norway, coming to Wisconsin at the age of nine. When he was 12, he moved with his parents to southern Minnesota. In 1881 he came to Walsh County, and in 1905 again moved on to Sask., Canada, and settled on the banks of Last Mountain Lake with his six children, Mina, Edward, Cliristine, Ingvald, Clara and Oscar. His wife died in 1898 when Oscar was a baby and is buried in the East Adams Cemetery. In the early 1880's, Christian and Ellef Edwards, another pioneer of this area, cut out two large mill stones from native rock and constructed a feed and flour mill, powered by the early steam threshing engine. They ground feed and a lot of the coarse flour used by the settlers. Although the family left Walsh County 70 years ago, they have retained ownership to their old Vesta Township farm. The only survivor is Oscar, who now owns the farm. Christian was a self-taught violin player and several members of the famdy were quite musical. AU those who have passed on in Canada are buried near Duval, Sask., near the farm home where they had Uved for so many years. Submitted by Henry Lundene.

It must have been a period of great activity in the Uttle settlement of Tretten in Gudbransdalen, Norway, early in 1865. The EUing Sonstelie famUy was disposing of their farm, animals and aU possessions not being packed for their long journey to America. Barrels of flat bread had to be baked, large suppUes of "spikekjot" (salted and dried mutton and beef) had to be prepared, tubs of butter packed down and many kinds of cheese, mclucting gammelost and gjatost made. Ad clothes and food for the entire trip had to be provided before setting out on the trip. Twelve people, EUing, his wde, Marit, their eight children: Ole, Kristian, Jorgen (George), Johannes (John), Ingrid, Elena, Maria and Ingeborg, plus two young people, Mr. and Mrs. Sveen (relatives of Etiing), were making ready to depart. Their tickets were obtained at Lidehammer for the journey. The first part of their trip was by sailing ship across the stormy North Sea to Hud, England. They continued by train to Liverpool, where they had to wait for the arrival of another satiing ship - the Emerald. The captain of this ship was a kindly man and a jack of aU trades - as he was not only the captain, but doctor and pastor of the ship. One baby was bom aboard ship. One passenger died and was buried at sea. The captain, in each case, officiated. At the start of the journey some of their more sophisticated feUow travelers looked with disdain upon their plain fare, but before the 13 weeks were ended were very glad to get some hand outs of this same food. After 13 weeks of satiing, the famdy arrived at Quebec, Canada, where they were transferred to a smaller boat. Horses walked along the tow path pulling the boat upstream on the St. Lawrence River. Although Mother (Ingeborg Lundene) was only four and a half years old, she recads the excitement aboard the craft when the news of the assassination of President Lincoln, April 14, 1865, reached the travelers on ship. By boat and train they proceeded to La Crosse, Wise. They continued to travel on to Viroqua and Coon Prairie where they rented a farm. In 1869 they moved on to settle on a farm between Montevideo and Granite Falls, Minn. Here, their children married and estabdshed homes of their own. In 1881 the Sonstelie famdies moved to homesteads by the coulee along the south branch of the Park River in Vesta Township before the land was surveyed, thus

earning for themselves the title of "squatters." Many were the people with whom this pioneer couple shared their worldly goods, providing a home for waits, for the hungry and the homeless. They were a religious couple who conducted home and community services. They are buried in a cemetery near Edmore.

Ingeborg, born in 1860, lived untd 1951, and is buried in Adams East Cemetery. During her younger days, she helped herd cattle on the Minnesota prairies. The mosquitoes were so bad that smudge piles were prepared while the catUe were grazing, all ready for them when they returned to the farm in the evenings. If there was not a good smudge going by the time the cattle arrived, the oxen would rush in and throw the smudge material helter-skelter with their big horns. Another scourge was the locust infestation of the prairies in the 1870's. They came in such numbers that they darkened the sky. Every pad of water and pad of milk had at least four inches of grasshoppers on the top of it. There were grasshoppers everywhere, indoors and outdoors. This plague lasted two years, at least six weeks every summer. Snow blizzards were another tiling that caused these new settlers a great deal of suffering and danger. One happy memory Ingborg had was discovery of a bee-tree, which supplied their big family with honey for the whole winter. During her adult ltfe, Ingeborg often acted as a midwde, helped to care for the id, helped to prepare the dead for burial. Submitted by Henry Lundene and Ida Lundene Potter.

Ole Sonstelie family. Standing: Emil, Gerhard, Maria, Julia. Seated: Ole Sonstelie and wife, Gjertrud. Ole E. Sonstelie was born in 1845. Ole and his wife, Gjertrud, homesteaded on the south branch of the Park River near his brothers and sisters who had preceded him to North Dakota. Gjertrud longed to get back to her Minnesota country, so they soon moved to Polk County where Ole had met her. He evidently relinquished his rights and improvements to a younger brother. Jorgen Sonstelie was bom in 1848, married Caroline Korstad and homesteaded with the rest of the Sonstelie clan in Vesta Township. They farmed until about the turn of the century when he moved his family to Kalisrjell Mont. ^ ' Ingrid Sonstelie, born in 1852, and her husband, Ole Monson Haug, also homesteaded near where Adams is now located. They relocated in Ramsey County, south of Edmore. After the father's death in 1911, the family moved to Mossbank, Sask., where they acquired a Canadian homestead.

Mrs. Elling Sonstelie and Jonathan and Nathaniel Nelson (twins). CRAWFORD SWENSON FAMILY Crawford Swenson's grandparents: Signe Asmundson Sandvig was born to Osmund Olson and Berget Jorgens Olson Sept. 22, 1836, in Nedre, Telemarken, Norway. She came to North America in April, 1859. Sven Aslakson Gromdalen was born at Pore, Telemarken, Norway, in 1826; he saded for America at 33 in April, 1859. Signe and Sven later met at Houston, Minn., where they were married and made their home. Nine chddren were born, six died in infancy. Four sons and one daughter grew to adulthood: Alex, Andrew, John, Carl Henry and Betsy (all deceased).

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Monson Haug John (Johannes) was bom in 1854. He acquired the homestead of his older brother, Ole, where he resided with his wife, Anne Volden, later moving to Ramsey County to dve until 1913 when he moved to Mossbank, Sask., where the famdy acquired Candian land via the homestead route. Marie, born in 1859, homesteaded in Latona Township. She and her sister, Elena, helped care for their elderly parents untd their death. She never married.

In 1881 the famdy moved to a homestead in the Park River area. Sven was a shoemaker. AU the shoes that the famdy needed were made by their father. Sven died in 1884 and his wtfe, Signe, died in 1893. Henry Swenson was bom in Houston, Minn., Aprd 27, 1875, and died at 71 in 1948 at Watford City He rnarried Johanna Levang (bom at Park River in May, 1888, daughter of Knute Levang and Gunhdd Mastre Levang). They were married at Adams June 9, 1906. 1021

They made their home on a farm in Vesta Township, five miles from his parents. Here, two children were born: a daughter, Selma, in 1904, and a son, Theodore, in 1906. In 1907 they moved into the town called Sarles, which in a few months was renamed Adams. They lived in a house buUt and owned by Gunder Olson, an uncle of Mr. Swenson's, later moved to a home of their own. Mr. Swenson was engaged in many enterprises, among them being a partner with Ed Oveson in a hardware store; in partnership with Johnny ThorvUson in the livery barn business. He was also a grain dealer and a farmer. He served many years as a trustee of the Mountain Lutheran Church and was active as a member of the vUlage board.

They had five children, four sons and a daughter. Crawford married Mabel Fergusson. They have one son, Bill. They live at Watford City. Avis married and has one son, Oscar, lives at Watford City; Herbert, married, had two sons, Ronald and Richard; Elsworth, married Ahce Holm, one daughter, Judy; and Beatrice, was married twice, had three sons, Michael, David and Dennis, and two adopted sons. Henry and Johanna farmed on her father's homestead in Golden Township for many years before they moved to the Andrew Swenson farm where Crawford was born. From there they moved to Mrs. Swenson's father's farm in Vesta Township, buying the farm from her father. They farmed here for 20 years before selling and moving to McKenzie County where Henry bought land which is now a part of Roosevelt National Memorial Park. After selling this farm, he took over a mail rpute in that area which he operated for eight years. He and his family moved to Watford City where he operated a pool hah for a short time. He suffered a stroke in 1942 and died six years later in April, 1948. THOM SWENSON FAMILY

Selma and Ted Swenson (1909) Mrs. Swenson was also an active member of the church, serving as president of the Ladies' Aid and teaching in the Sunday School. During World War I she was one of the faithful and ambitious workers in the Red Cross - knitting many pairs of stockings, sweaters, preparing bandages, and other items for the soldiers from home. In politics Mr. Swenson was a strong supporter of the Non-Partisan League, which in those days was Republican. His first car was a Buick Model 1912. It was a dark red color. Cars were few in those days, so they often made trips with the car full, taking neighbors along to the activities in the country, such as the Ladies' Aid meetings which were held in the homes and was considered a real event to attend by the women from town. In 1920, they purchased the Jacob Monson farm in Vesta Township and moved to it, fanning until 1940, when they retired and moved back into Adams. They were farming during the depression years of the 1930's, years of the severe drought, dust storms and infestation of grasshoppers. During that period they were forced to deplete their herd of cattle because of lack of feed, selling to the U. S. Government for $20 per head for a full grown animal and $3 and $4 for a calf. Mr. Swenson died June 27,1942, at 67. Mrs. Swenson died Aug. 21, 1967, at 83. They are both buried in the Lutheran East Adams Cemetery. In 1937, their daughter, Selma, was married to Henry Lundene, a Vesta farmer. They have no children. Theodore, their oldest son, married Shirley Wade in 1938. They live on the home place in Vesta Township. They have two sons, Wade and Bruce. Their youngest son, Melvin, married Vivian Lundberg in 1933. He worked for Haaken Bellerud as a clerk in the general merchandise store in Adams, later owning

Mr. and Mrs. Thorn Swenson (1903) Thorn (Tov) Swenson was born in Brokebury, Ovre, Telemarken, Norway, Dec. 20, 1874. His parents were Sven Tovson and Thorbjur Olson, both bom in Norway in the 1830's. After the death of his father, when Tov was seven, he came to America with his mother and three sisters, Ingre, Thorbjur and Liv. The trip was made possible by their uncle, Gunder Olson, brother of their mother, already in America, who paid their expenses to come here. Their first home was a smaU log cabin in Vesta Township close to the river. His mother later married Ellef Hellem. They settled on the south branch of the Park River in Vesta Township. Their house was built by her brother, Gunder Olson. A son, Ole, was born. Tov grew up helping his stepfather start a homestead, driving oxen to break the sod for planting. Many homesteaders settled near some valley where there was a ready supply of water and plenty of timber for their wood supply. On Jan. 2, 1903, Thom Swenson and Clara Knudson were married at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ellef Hellem, in Vesta Township by Rev. E. B. WoUan. Witnesses were John Thorvilson and Clara's sister, Josie Knudson. 1022

the store. They have three children: Barbara, Melanie and Sally. Submitted by Mrs. Henry Lundene (Selma Swenson). JOHN AND EVALENA SYVERSON Mr. and Mrs. John Syverson were married in Vesta Township March 25, 1901. They built their home three miles east of Adams and lived there until they retired. Then they moved to his father's home on the west edge of St. Peter Coulee. John was born in Lillehammer, Norway, Sept. 15, 1870; son of Christian and Johanna Syverson. He came to this country when he was 18. Mrs. Syverson, the former Evalena Wooldridge, was bom Dec. 19, 1875, in Canada, daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann Wooldridge. She moved with her parents to Vesta Township at the age of three. John and Evalena Syverson farmed their entire life in Vesta Township on the farm east of Adams. They had three boys, Lloyd, the oldest, married Gertie Iverson of Wild Rose, N. D. Lloyd died in 1970; Gertie hves in Seattle, Wash. They had two sons and three daughters, John, Gordon, Dorothy, Eunice and Ginger. Tilford married Luella Johnson, Tioga. They have one son, Marlin. Tilford and Luella live in Larimore. Everett never married, died at his parents home in 1952. John Syversons had six grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. They belonged to the Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams until they retired and moved, then they attended services at St. Peter Church, on the hdl just across the coulee from their home. They are both buried at the St. Peter Cemetery. John was clerk of the Vesta Township board for many years. After retirement he was janitor at St. Peter Church. Mrs. Syverson belonged to the Ladies' Aid of Mountain Lutheran Church for many years. She was a great homemaker and cook. There was nothing she liked better than a houseful of company and she'd be busy cooking coffee and serving many of her baked goodies. People were always welcome to share their home with them, and there was a number of folks that made their home for several years at a time with the Syversons. During the early years of their life on the farm, the neighbors would gather at homes in the community Saturday nights for a big feast on oyster stew, then dance to music provided by John Lien and his violin. Tdford is the only member of the immediate family Uving.

THOMAS AND LOUISE THOMPSON In the early days of our area there were many staunch and determined folks who left the comforts and security of an already estabhshed community to brave the elements and the wrath of nature to carve out a new Ufe and build a future here on the prairie. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Thompson were among those who moved to this area and homesteaded here. Thomas and Louise came from Norway with their parents in the 1870's. Thomas found his way to Mason City, Ia., where he spent some time, then moved to Northfield, Minn., and to Zumbrota, Minn. Louise (Okelberg) Thompson and her parents settled in Goodhue County, Minn., where she hved prior to moving to North Dakota. She married Thomas Thompson in 1878. In 1879 Thomas came to Walsh County and fded on his homestead in Vesta Township. He began immediately to make preparations to bring his famdy to their new home. He had neither time nor money to build a house, so the first shelter they had was a dugout. In 1881 he brought his wtfe and son to their new prairie home. They Uved in their dugout untd they could gather money and materials to butid a one-room sod shanty, budt almost entirely of sod chunks and a small amount of lumber to frame windows, doors and roof supports. They had no glass for windows so they used heavy paper painted with lard, to make them opaque enough to let Ught through and help keep the elements out. Their farming was mostly by hand, with the aid of a team of faithful oxen. Their first crop had to be hauled in wagons puUed by oxen to Grand Forks, a three week round trip, to trade their grain for flour, sugar and other staple goods they needed to bring them through the following year. They had a famdy of nine chddren, four boys and five girls. Ad of them spent part or most of their lives in this area. Thomas spent considerable time, especiaUy in the latter years, as a lay preacher. He died in November, 1929. Louise died in January, 1947. They are buried at St. Peter Cemetery. Their children are: John, Vesta Township (deceased); Louie (Louis), Vesta (deceased); Emma (Westiund), McKenzie County; JuUa (Ludvig Thompson), Vesta; Hattie (MelvinOrstad), Vesta, (deceased); Alvin, Canada; Lucdle (Elmer Orstad), Vesta, moved to Park River; Si, Thief River Fads; Clifford, farmed on the homestead until Grandpa died, and Alma (Skyrud), Vesta. Submitted by Eddie and Leonard Thompson.

Mr. and Mrs. John Syverson. Tilford, Lloyd, Everett.

OLE 0. THORVILSON Ole 0. Thorvilson was born in Cresco, Ia., Jan. 17, 1877, to Ole Thompson and his wife, Aaste Kleiv. He moved to Vesta Township in the fall of 1882 with his parents. Their name was changed to Thorvdson after they came to North Dakota. Ole's mother, Aaste Kleiv Thorvilson's home in Margadahl, Norway, is now a museum. Ole Thorvdson Uved on a farm, homesteaded in 1882. He married Tilda Torgerson Feb. 8,1912. She was bom in Lardahl, Norway. She came to Stoughton, Wise, from Norway as a young girl to seek work and soon came to North Dakota. They had four daughters, Alta, AUce, Pearl and 1023

Dyck (1801-1885). His sons began spelling the name Van Dyke. Stephan Van Dyck lived and died in New York

Thelma, and three sons, Oliver, Howard and Robert. Their farm was one of the few in the community with electric lights, having a Delco Power Plant in their basement. He was a trustee and member of the Mountain Lutheran Church of Adams. His father gave the altar painting, "Christ in Gethsemane" by Gaustad, to the church. It was damaged in a fire but was restored by Mrs. Goodwin Hagen. In 1926, he became the owner of a blue sedan Oldsmobile. The winter travel was done with a cutter drawn by a sprightly team of horses. Land was given to the Mountain Church for the East Cemetery. It was the northwest corner of the farm. The township hall is on the southwest comer of the farm. He was on township and school board as well as a director of the Adams Farmers Union Oil Company. Submitted by Thelma Thorvilson.

Stcltc

This history touches on life stories of Stephan's third son, Aaron Van Dyke and Aaron's descendants. Aaron Van Dyke (1830-1920) left the Honeyhollow area in New York state sometime between 1856 and 1863. Aaron, his wife, Anneliza (Brown) and probably the three eldest children: William Brown (Billie), Cattie Ellen (Kate), and Henry, boarded the ferry or barge at Albany, N. Y., on the Erie Canal that took them to Buffalo, N Y. Next they went the length of Lake Erie to Toledo. From there on the Wabash Canal and other water-ways to southern Indiana and across to Bloomfield, 111., where they settled for a short time. A fourth child, George Aaron, was bom in Illinois. Soon the family, probably still by water, moved to the northeast point of Iowa, the New Albin area, Allamakee County. By 1872 they had moved a few miles farther southwest to Decorah, Ia. By 1877 the family was Uving in the western part of Iowa in Hartley. Children born in Iowa were Carri, Orin, Warren, Delia and Charles. From Iowa, Aaron and his family spread to North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas and Colorado. While the family hved in northern Iowa, Billie was married to Ella Halvorson (or Hagen) and settled between Decorah and Hartley. In 1882, with four children, Nora, 7, Adie, 5, Alfred, 2, and William Edward, 5 weeks, Billie and Ella left the rest of the family and traveled by train to Walsh County. They homesteaded. Later Billie set up a wagon building shop in nearby Park River. He was a carpenter and built many of the buildings in Park River and Adams. Three more children were born after they moved to Walsh County, Mena, Earl and Ella. Three younger children, Lester, Lettie and Roy, died in infancy. In 1907 and 1908, William, Alfred and Earl filed on homesteads in McKenzie County. They were living there with their families when their parents, Biltie and EUa, came in 1910 and filed a claim to land in that same area. Mena, Ella, Alfred, Wilham and Earl moved to western North Dakota. Nora moved to Alberta, Canada. Adie (Mrs. John Stenerson) continued to make her home near Adams in Vesta Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Thorvilson VAN DYKE FAMILY

The William Van Dyke family. Left to right, top row: Mena, Adie, Lisa, Ella. Bottom: William and Ella Van Dyke. Three Van Dyke brothers came to America in the 1600's. The father was Jancy Van Dyke. The three brothers were Hendrick, came to America in 1640; Franz Classen, came in 1640, and Jan Thomasse, in 1652. Hendrick is the head of the following family branch. Van Dyck, the Dutch way of spelling the family name, was used through the life time of Stephan Van

Alfred and William Van Dyke 1024

the word of God. Pastor Gjerstad was followed by Rev. T. L. Kringle, who organized the St. Peter Congregation in February, 1890. The congregation then secured a piece of land for a church and cemetery, seven miles east of Adams along side of what is now County Road No. 11. The church building was erected in 1896. The weather vane on the top of the church steeple was made by one of the members of the church at that time, Edward Setnes, a blacksmith. The ministerial records of the first two years are incomplete. The church did not have a settied pastor until the fall of 1891 when Rev. Kringle was called and accepted. St. Peter Church has been served by the followings pastors: T. L. Kringle, 1891-1896; A. J. Krogstad, 1896-1904; N. Okerland, 1904-1909; S. Westby, 1909-1915; A. Krogstad, 1915-1921; G. Bretheim, 19211926; G. Sather, 1926-1930; P. O. Laurhammer, 1931-1952; A. Bervig, 1952-1955; L. Underbakke, 1955-1961; and T. Steenberg, 1961-1964. Charter members of St. Peter Church were: Johannes Alstad, Ole Nelson Dyrud, Knute Bolstad, Iver Rudd, Anton Boe, Halvor Boe, Thomas Thompson, Andreas Lovaason, John P. Qually, Nels Monson, Erik Egg, Thalak Thalakson, Gunder Olson Dahle and Alfred Lindell. The congregation was affiliated with the Hauge Synod until 1917. Since 1921 it has been served by pastors from the Lutheran Free Church. In 1892 it united with St. Paul Church of Edinburg and Hvideso Church to form one charge, served by the same pastors until 1921. In 1930 it joined a new charge consisting of four congregations: Garfield, St. Peter, Aadalen and Hitterdal. St. Peter organized a Luther League Society in 1922 during the ministry of Pastor G. Bretheim. It met once a month and worked for the support of the church and the missions. The most active and helpful society of the church was the Ladies' Aid. It began its work two or three years before the congregation was organized. The women gathered large amounts of money which helped with local church work and the aid of missions. St. Peter Church had many devoted and gifted laymen, who took an active part in the local work and were dedicated to the irmer-mission activity outside their own community. St. Peter has also had two baptized members become pastors. They are: Alford E. Setness, now a pastor in Austin, Minn., and Lowell Almen, at the present time a staff member of the Lutheran Standard (the national magazine of the American Lutheran Church), residing in Minneapolis, Minn. St. Peter Lutheran Church held its 50th anniversary Oct. 18-20,1940, in the church where the pioneers of the area had held their first services in 1896.

Earl Van Dyke

CHURCHES ST. PETER CHURCH Overlooking Vesta Valley and Park River stands the St. Peter Hauge Lutheran Church, built in 1896. In 1884 when the railroad reached Park River, many settlers came from neighboring states and from the old country to establish their homes on these fertile prairies. The Norwegians were especially numerous. They did not possess much cash capital, but they possessed physical strength, ambition and a will to work. They built their shanties or log cabins, they cleared the land in the woods and broke up the prairie with oxen or mules, looking not to the government for help, but to their neighbors and to their God.

At the 75th annual meeting of St. Peter Congregation, Dec. 13, 1965, it was resolved that the congregation disband, freeing its members to join and participate in other Lutheran congregations of their choice. At that time the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery Association was organized to manage the affairs relating to church facilities, cemetery grounds, etc. Permanent members of this board are: Robert Dahl, Sr., Willard Setness, Raymond Setnes, George Lindell and Lennart Almen. St. Peter Lutheran Church still stands where it was

St. Peter Lutheran Church in Vesta Township. These sturdy pioneers were God-fearing men and women who brought from the home country their Bible, catechism and hymn book. They could not live in the new country without the worship that they were used to in the old country; therefore they organized a congregation which met in the homes and in the Tallackson schoolhouse with Pastor G. C. Gjerstad visiting the community occasionally and gathering the people about 1025

stantial sum of money. An Albert Lundene trust fund was set up in such a way that the principal can never be depleted and only the earned interest can be expended for improvements and the maintenance of the cemetery. In 1974 custom made wrought iron gates were instatied to complete the fencing project. Submitted by Henry Lundene.

erected in 1896 and can be seen for miles away as a gentle reminder of what once was. Submitted by Mrs. Ted Swenson. EAST ADAMS LUTHERAN CEMETERY

SCHOOL DISTRICTS GRYDE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 125

Gate to the East Adams Cemetery Vesta Township, by 1882, he had its share of first and second generation Norwegian settlers. South Park Evangelical Lutheran Congregation was organized in 1883 and a burial plot was donated by Jorgen Sonstelie. This cemetery was known by the same name. The records indicate that the first death in this new congregation was Thorbjoin and Ingeborg Olson's son, born Jan. 25,1886, baptized by his father, died the same day. Because the plot of ground was found to be too wet for suitable burial ground, a new location was donated by Olav Thorvilson. This changed the location from the extreme southwest comer of Section 8 in Vesta Township to the extreme northwest corner of Section 16. It was moved south across what is now Walsh County Road No. 11. The plot contained approximately two acres. Intention was to build a church at this site. With the building of the Soo Line Railway in 1905 and the creation of the village of Adams, a new cement block church built there in 1908, and with the advent of the automobile, the plans of building a church on this location were soon forgotten. A fence was erected around the cemetery by the Johnson brothers (sons of Jerry and Karen Johnson) in 1912. It was a net wire fence with steel posts. In 1971 it was replaced with a new heavy cham-link fence with heavy posts imbedded in concrete. This work was done by Albert and Henry Lundene. The benevolence of Olga Anderson, long time teacher at the School for the Deaf at Devils Lake who requested to be buried beside her parents in this cemetery, made the fencing project financiady possible. The large brick gate posts were erected in 1964 and were dedicated to the pioneers of this area. The 1931 session of the North Dakota Legislature passed a law requiring that all cemeteries be platted, records kept and officers elected. This cemetery was plotted by volunteer labor, headed by Haaken Bellerud. A plat was drawn by a local engineer, Mr. Zumwinkle, and permanent markers placed. In September, 1972, Albert Lundene was accidently killed by an automobde when crossing a small town street in Texas. His papers revealed that he had made the East Adams Cemetery the beneficiary of a sub-

The Gryde School District No. 125 in Vesta Township was organized in 1896. The school grounds were donated by Knute Gryde. The district consisted of 27 quarters of land and was made up of portions from four districts organized earlier. The district was bonded for $600 to mature in 10 years at seven per cent interest. When the first building was constructed the school board agreed to haul lumber and stone upon the school grounds free of charge.

The Tallackson School, also known as the Vesta School. The first school board included G. A. Lundene, president; Thomas Swenson, D. Monson, Elef O. Hellem, treasurer; and Elmer Agan, clerk. The school opened with Myra Thurston as teacher with 25 students enroded. Some of the other teachers were C. A. Jeglum, S. Steenberg and C. Sagen. They were paid a salary of $40 per month for a term of four months beginning in the spring. The school closed in 1946 after 50 years. Mrs. Anne 1026

Johnson taught the last term with four pupils attending. In 1970 a historical site marker was erected on the school grounds by Henry and Albert Lundene. This marker has a bronze plaque with the surnames of all the families whose children attended school there from 1896 to 1940, donated by students and their descendants. Donors include: Mrs. Gilman Stenerson, Abbey, Sask., Can.; Mrs. Ella Alstad Pederson, Abbey, Sask.; Mrs. May Purr Berg, Cabri, Sask.; Mrs. L. C. Rooney, Regina, Sask.; Ivan Olson, Chfford Olson, Marie Olson, Merlin Olson, all of Porcupine Plains, Sask., (Martin Olson's children); Mrs. AlvinLandstrom, Govan, Sask.; Mrs. Lloyd Hamilton, Govan, Sask.; Mrs. Leonard Jensen, Weyburn, Sask.; Miss Magdalene Ungstad, Edmonton, Sask.; Mrs. John Morton, New Norway, Alberta, Canada; Chester Gryde, Climax, Sask.; Gordon Gryde, Ckmax, Sask.; Mrs. Ted Larson, Weyburn, Sask.; Mrs. Josie Void, Medicine Hat, Alberta; Mrs. W. Williams, Victorville, Calif.

Whitney, Tacoma, Wash.; Mrs. Ida Potter, Spokane, Wash.; Orval Monson, Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Viola Kjos, Silverton, Ore.; Mrs. Ruth Egar, Portland, Ore.; Mrs. Paul Pedersen, Portland, Ore.; Miss Carol Gryde, New York, N. Y.; Walter Rasmussen, Rome, N. Y . ; Lincoln Rasmussen, Syracuse, N. Y.; Mrs. Harold Smith, Marathon, N. Y.; Elmer M. Agan, Jr., Fredericksburg, Va.; Erwin Rasmussen, Chamblee, Ga.; John A. Rasmussen, Stuart, Fla.; Mrs. Clarence Christopherson, Wheaton, HI.; Mrs. Leshe Howey, Pontiac, Mich.; Mrs. W. H. Randall, Jr., Arvada, Colo.; Chfford Hellem, Colorado; Eleanore Jasmer, Milwaukee. Wise. R. W. Wollan, Richardson, Tex.; Albert Lundene; Mrs. Johanna Swenson, Watford City; Crawford Swenson, Williston; W. E. Van Dyke, Watford City; Mrs. Orlin Lyng, Linton; Mrs. Reynard Oson, Milton; Vemon ChaUy, Grand Forks; Leshe ChaUy, Adams; Mrs. Orvtile Iverson, Grand Forks; Mrs. John Dahlgren, Grand Forks; Mrs. Elmer Iverson, Grand Forks; Mrs. Carrie Setness, Grand Forks; Mrs. Bjorn Johnson, Larimore; Mrs. Roland Freda, Max; Denis Monson, Edinburg; Henry Lundene, Adams. Mrs. Elmer Orstad, Park River; Orlando Gryde, Edinburg; James Gryde, Edinburg; Cora Gryde, Edinburg; Mrs. HUda Gryde, Edinburg; Mrs. Knute Bjerke, Edinburg; SteUa ChaUy, Adams; Mrs. Marvin Groven, PhUip, S. D.; BorghUd WoUan, R.N., Washington, D. C ; Mrs. Robert Bolduc, Stephen, Minn.; EUsworth Reid, Granite Falls, Minn.; Mrs. Bennie Benson, Granite Falls, Minn.; James Reid, Sacred Heart, Minn.; Mrs. Ethel Budrow, Mrs. K. E. Westerlund, Mrs. T. A. Zumwinkle, Chester Westerlund, aU of Baudette, Minn.; and Otis Gryde, Hflo, Hawaii. Submitted by SteUa ChaUy.

- -- >

Mrs. Archie Knudson, San Leandro, Calif.; Mrs. C. G. Noel, San Diego, Calif.; Mrs. R. A. King, Paradise, Calif.; Mrs. Alvin Loe, Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Grant

NAMES WITHOUT BIOGRAPHIES Carl Bjornstad Peter Bratt J. A. FroUand Pete Kenney Frank Oaks John Zelko

The Sonstelie school house, now a town hall east of Adams on No. 17. The teacher is Odvin Hagen.

Ole Hagen's house. He was an early Vesta postmaster and storekeeper.

A historical marker on the grounds of the Gryde School.

.027

1028

DISTRICT NINE

Lankin Cleveland Norton Perth

HISTORY OF LANKIN V I L L A G E OF L A N K I N

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Lankin Main Street—1911. A Presbyterian Church near the school was built in 1910. The organization no longer exists.

Witasek Bros, first store was built in 1906. Standing in front are Rudolph Witasek, Albert Herda and Jim Lemach.

The Soo Line was surveyed through Lankin in 1904. The Minnesota Loan and Trust Company purchased the land for the townsite from John Pravda, laid out lots and blocks and sold lots early in 1905. The "railroad bed" was completed early in 1905 and the tracks were laid, ready for the first train through Lankin early in August of that year. The road bed was constructed with horses drawing two-wheeled scrapers. Steam shovels were used through lulls; large crews of men and horses were in camps, one-half mile south and north of Lankin.

Inside of Witasek Bros, original store built in 1906. Edward Witasek, Adolph Witasek, John Machart, Rudolph Witasek, John Lala and Julius Witasek.

There were three drug stores operated by J . H. Vorachek, M. D. Bufler and Alfred Overby. There were several blacksmith shops, one owned by Ed Lust, another by J. B. Shereck and a third by John Nygard. Anton and Charley Swartz had the first dvery barn. There were two pool halls, John Matejcek had a pool had and bowling adey and Jack Butter owned the other. There were two butcher shops operated by T. F. Welch and Thomas Machart. Mrs. Joe Kluzak had the first hotel, the "Soo Hotel." This place of business was sold to Frank Ryba of Conway. Frank 0'Brian had a rooming house and restaurant. Ida Espelien budt a restaurant and operated it for many years. There were two doctors practicing, Dr. Ware and Dr. McCassey. There were two banks, the Citizens State Bank with C. R. Verry as cashier and J. H. Vorachek, assistant cashier, and the First State Bank with J. D. Robertson as the cashier and Jerry Masek as the assistant cashier. Vemon L. Ross was the barber. Albert Gerstner, Lars Hylden and Albert Dvorak were draymen. A. N. Foss and Ole Lofthus each operated a machine shop, sold farm

This was a daily passenger and mail train going north in the forenoon, coming back in the afternoon.

Buildings were erected early in 1905 before the train came. Budding materials were hauled by teams from Pisek and Park River. Many small buildings and cook cars were moved into town for temporary eating and sleeping places, many tents were set up. The first general stores were operated by the Witasek brothers, Nappen brothers and Kirkhom and Langeland. A short time later Nemetz and Erickson started a general store. J. V. Machart and Anton Matejcek operated a hardware store as did Iver Olson and Ole Hasle. Lamb brothers of Michigan and Harry O'Neti started a lumber yard. Robertson brothers operated another lumber yard. 1030

machinery. There were four grain elevators, one burned in June, 1907, along with the depot and jail. Many business places were destroyed by fires. Lankin had a newspaper published by F. C. Nye of Inkster. Ed Donna van was the first depot agent. Lankin was named for James Lankin, a pioneer farmer of the community.

Lankin Main Street—1911 LIFE AT LANKIN HAS MANY PHASES The following is taken from an article written when the village of Lankin was 35 years old. "Lankin is a well balanced town. It not only boasts of a large trade and export volume, a highly productive farming area and active civic leaders, but also is noted for its standing in sports. In baseball the town has given a good account of itself but it is in basketball that it has gained fame. Lankin held the state basketball championship five years and expects to capture first honors again soon. "Lankin is strategically situated in the heart of a rich farming section and ships large quantities of small grain, mostly wheat, barley and flax annually. There is also a large export of livestock by truck.

Witasek Bros, new store bought in 1914, hardware side. People in picture: John Machart, Rudolph Witasek, Adolph Witasek and Julius Witasek.

"Although only 35 years old, Lankin has become one of the leading trade and export centers of this area and its productivity is increasing steadily. "Various organizations work togetherto advance the interests of the city and community and the results of their efforts are much in evidence in civic progress and in other activities." A. W. HERDA Albert Herda was a harness maker and a shoe repairman in Lankin. He was married Oct. 11, 1910, and they had eleven children. He was a resident of Lankin for 45 years. He died in 1952.

Nappen Bros. Store, Lankin—J906 Lankin village was incorporated June 2, 1908. Prior to that time it was under jurisdiction of the Norton Township board. The members of that board were, Ellef 0. Moe, E. K. Hassell and Jim Murray, supervisors; J. V. Machart, clerk; and Albert Machart, assessor. An election was held June 16, 1908. Elected were Thomas Machart, chairman, J . A. Witasek and K. P. Nappen, trustees; F. J. Pozar, clerk; E. J. Pravda, assessor, and Joe Kluzak, village marshal. Population of Lankin at that time was 266. The St. Joseph's Catholic Church was established in 1906. Lankin had a community band. One of its members became the best cornet player in North Dakota, later played in the John Phillip Sousa Band, a band that was world famous. Lankin had a baseball team, the pride of the community. Jack MacDonald was the man who played with John Phillip Sousa. Kenneth Lankin Nappen was the first child born in Lankin. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Knute Nappen. Compiled from official county courthouse records by Joseph C. Machart.

A. W. Herda standing in his harness and shoe shop. 1031

Julius was active in politics, held town offices. He served as mayor of Lankin for many years untd the time of his death. Mrs. Rudolph Witasek is 91 and lives in Santa Barbara, Cahf.

NAPPEN BROTHERS Olaves P. and Knut P. Nappen, brothers who opened a store in Lankin when the town was founded, came from Fillmore County, Minn. The former was born June 17,1872, and K. P. April 1,1875. Their parents, Peter and Bergit Nappen, were of Norwegian stock. The brothers spent their early life in Minnesota and South Dakota. Knut located at Lankin in July, 1905, and Olaves arrived in the fall of that year. Olaves married Ida Espelien, daughter of John and Ragnheld Espelien, at Lankin in 1910. She died in 1918. Their children are: Oliver M . Nappen, Los Angeles, Calif., and Palma G., Thief River Fads, Minn. Mr. Nappen married Emehe J. Johnson in 1921. They have no chddren. Olaves was treasurer of Lankin vitiage. The present Mrs. Olaves Nappen (Emelie Josephine) was bom in Walsh County in March, 1890. Her parents, Ole and Marie Johnson, were Norwegians. They settied in Cleveland Township, where Mrs. Nappen spent her early life. Mr. Nappen's brothers and sisters are Mrs. Emma Johnson, Clinton, Minn.; Mrs. Mollie Englund, LaBolt, S. D ; Martin P. Nappen, Berthold.

CITIZENS STATE BANK The history of the Citizens State Bank of Lankin is virtuatiy the story of the progress of a capable young bank employee. The bank was incorporated April 20, 1905, with a capital stock of $10,000 and in 1906 a bank budding was erected. The first officers were: J . H. Holton, president; F. C. Riebe, and C. M . Case, vice presidents; C. R. Verry, cashier, and J. H. Vorachek, assistant cashier. Holton, Riebe and Case were the directors. Then in May 18, 1909, the name of J. H. Vorachek appears as cashier with W. A. Ldyquist as assistant cashier and the other officers unchanged. The report for Jan. 7,1926, shows J. H. Vorachek as vice president. In the meantime, Fred L. Goodman had become president, being listed as the bank head Dec. 31, 1914, with Samuel Torgerson as vice president (there was only one vice president at this time) and O. A. Bygland as assistant cashier. The 1926 report fists Goodman as president and Joseph C. Machart as assistant cashier in addition to Bygland. Then under the date of Feb! 3,1932, we find the name of J . H. Vorachek as president with J. A. Witasek as vice president and Bygland as cashier. The Citizens State Bank consolidated with the First State Bank, established some time before. The consolidation took place Jan. 26, 1926. A few years later the depression came and it is a significant fact that Mr. Vorachek managed to guide his bank through the shoals of the depression while many banks over the country were closing. Today the Citizens State Bank of Lankin is a solid institution, performing a valuable service toresidentsover a wide area. Evidence of its increased service is seen in the establishment of receiving stations, one at Edmore in October, 1937, and another at Edinburg in April, 1938.

Knut P. Nappen married Ellen Josephine Nelson, daughter of Hans and Teoline Nelson of Cottonwood County, Minn. Mrs. Nappen was born in that county July 1,1882. They were married there Oct. 19,1904. Knut served as mayor of I^ardrin in 1910 and as clerk and president of the school board many years. He was a Mason and a member of Golden Vadey Lodge, No. 26, Park River. The children of the couple are: Kenneth, Lankin, the first child bom in the vdlage; Elven L., Leslie P., Maurice M., Harriet Beatrice, Holds M. and Arthur F. Nappen. Mrs. Nappen is a member of the Eastern Star Lodge of Park River and the Royal Neighbors. The Nappen famdies were members of the Lutheran church. WITASEK FAMILY Julius Witasek came to North Dakota in 1904 from Faith, Minn. He worked in the Voss area. In 1906, Julius and his brothers, Edward, Adolph, and Rudolph, came to Lankin. Their mother, Mrs. Mary Witasek, came later. They budt and started the first general store, containing groceries and dry goods.

SCHOOLS LANKIN SCHOOL

In 1907 Julius Witasek married Emma Chloupek at White Earth, Minn. They had four chddren: a son, Julian, died in infancy and three daughters, Evelyn, Irene and Mary. Adolph Witasek married Minnie Vorachek at Lankin. They had one son, Herman. Rudolph Witasek married Emma Vorachek, they had a son, Ralph. In 1914 the Witasek brothers bought a larger budding from the Wambum brothers. They added a fud line of hardware, machinery, twine, od and clothing. This was known as the Witasek Brothers Store. During the 1930's, during the depression when money was scarce, the farmers would have charge accounts for a year or so, and would pay their bids when their crops were harvested. They quit handling machinery and twine, continued in the store until their retirements in 1944.

First Lankin school built after town was founded.

The first school was a mile west of Lankin in the 1880's. B. B. Wells was an early teacher. After the town 1032

At an election held at East Gait School District No. 39 June, 1905, candidates for director were Henry Machart, John Cray son, Edward Brink and Frank Swartz. Henry Machart was elected with 13 votes. There were 23 votes cast. Voters were: John Matejcek, Frank Swartz. Joe Corah, Joseph Waith, Richard Cray son. John Crayson, Albert Dvorak, Jacob Kratocnvu, George Woods, Mrs. George Woods, Mrs. Jacob Kratochvil, C. C. Drake, James Henessy, Mrs. Albert Machart, J. D. Swartz, Edward Brink, Henry Machart, J. V. Machart, Mrs. John Matejcek, Wdliam Crayson, Harry Axted, Eh/in Davis and Albert Machart. Mrs. John Matejcek was clerk for the board. She was the mother of J. W. Matejcek of Lankin and R. F. Matejcek, rural Lankin. Jacob Kratochvil was judge of that election. Mrs. John (Josephine) Matejcek served as postmistress for the Young Post Office located on their farm about one mile west and one mile south of Lankin. Young Post Office was estabdshed in the early 1900's before there was a post office in Lankin. In 1930, the Lankin High School basketball team captured the North Dakota Class " C " State Championship. The team was coached by C. T. Storiie with Jack Zeman as captain. Other team members were: Herman Witasek, deceased; Robert Machart, Leslie Nappen, deceased; Stanley Zeman, Harold Vorachek, deceased; Ralph Witasek, Stan Machart, Emmet Vorachek, Wdfred Machart, Albert Zeman, and Roger Vorachek. Some of these same boys went to the national tournament held in Chicago in 1930. Herman Witasek was one of the outstanding members of the UND Sioux basketball team. He later played professional basketbad.

was founded, a cement block school was built. The blocks were hauled from Greenbush, Minn. It had fourrooms.A consolidated school was erected in 1923. It had four rooms and four teachers, including the superintendent. District No. 39 is called the Gait District for an early post office in the neighborhood.

Just ready to leave for a school trip to Walhalla, N. D. by car in Sept. 1919. Main street of Lankin. LANKIN

Poll Book, Tally List and Official Returns. [SCHOOL DISTRICT

ANNUAL ELECTION, j

S T A T E OF N O R T H D A K O T A , County of School District or

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\rm) that I will perform my duties as Judge according to tlie law and

OFFICIAL RETURNS.

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Witasek, who led Lankin to a position as the top high scnool basketball team in the state, was caded the "greatest basketbati player produced in North Dakota until the emergence of Phil Jackson" by former Grand Forks Herald sports editor C. D. Locklin. Witasek was UND's first pro basketball player, playing at Mdwaukee and Oshkosh, Wise., on teams that were in a league that was the forerunner of the present National Basketball Association. Witasek, at 6-3, was named ad conference in basketball three times and was noted for his uncanny shooting ability.

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HERMAN WITASEK Herm Witasek, a native of Lankin, was named as one of eight nominees selected for induction into the charter class of the University of North Dakota Athletic Had of Fame.

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School election poll book and tally list of Gait School Dist. 39—1905. 1033

church returned to the parish. In 1913, Bishop James O'Redly approved the intention of Father Mikolasek to move the church next to the parish house. The moving started Aug. 11, 1913. The church was not yet finished. Joe Matejcek, Sr., codected for a new steeple. In 1915 John Matejcek, Sr., got donors for church windows. In 1920 a bronze cemetery cross, which cost $700, was raised in the cemetery. The family of Joseph Kuchar furnished a woven wire fence around the cemetery. In 1943 a grotto was built between the church and parish house. It was built by Joseph Vitek of Lomice with the help of parishioners. Father Mikolasek remained pastor of St. Joseph's Church until his death in 1950. He is buried at Bechyne. He was also pastor of St. Peter and Paul's Church at Bechyne, a mission church southwest of Lankin.

FIRST COMMENCEMENT The first regular school commencement of the Lankin School was held in May, 1914, at the City Hall. Father V. F. Mikolasek gave the invocation. Supt. W. H FJznic announced the numbers and had charge of the program. Helen Machart, the first Lankin High School graduate gave the student address.": K. P. Nappen, president of the school board, presented diplomas. Members of the class were Helen Machart, high school, Stasia Matejcek, John Horejsi, Joe Machart and John Matejcek eighth grade. Edward Erickson, Superintendent of Walsh County Schools gave the address. Submitted by W. H. Elznic.

CHURCHES ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

Grotto between church and parish house at Lankin, built in 1943 out of native rock. Father Jaroslav Tomanek fodowed Msgr. V. F. Mikolasek, serving the parish from July, 1950, until July, 1962. Father L. F. Svetinsky was sent to Lankin as pastor of St. Joseph's Church and St. Peter and Paul's of Bechyne. In 1967 a new church was budt. The present pastor is Father John Graven. First Catholic Church in Lankin—1906. REV. VACLAV F. MIKOLASEK

In 1905 the Soo Line Railway went through the Lankin territory and the vtilage was founded. The company offered two lots in that place to the religious community which would butid the first church. The Cathodes were the first to take advantage of this opportunity and founded a parish in 1906. Clement Zeman and John Courtney were the first trustees. A church was budt in the north part of Lankin. Father Frank Just from Pisek visited the parish and said Mass. In 1909, the parish bought five acres of land for a cemetery. A young priest, Father Alois Gajdusek,was appointed resident pastor. The congregation started to build a parish house. Lots were bought from Clement Zeman in the eastern part of LarJdn. The Zeman family donated four lots which made the property 13 acres. In April, 1911, Father Thomas Rabsteinek came to Lankin, caded a parish meeting so that the congregation could decide if it wanted to remain independent. The congregation decided to better organize. Father Venceslaus F. Mikolasek arrived in Lankin May 26, 1911. With the help of some parishioners and the Ladies' Altar Society he codected money to pay for finishing the parish house and the cemetery. The church was sold for taxes. With the help of the county commissioners, taxes were canceded and the

Msgr. Vaclav F. Mikolasek, pastor at Lankin for 39 years. Father Mikolasek was bom in Tenesvar County, Pisek, now Czechoslovakia, Sept. 14,1878. He entered the priest seminary in Budejovice (Budweis) and was ordained priest July 21, 1901. He came to the United States Sept. 8,1904, and on to Vodnany, S. D., remained there untd July, 1909, when he 1034

took over the parish for two years at Dante, S. D. He was then invited to come to North Dakota where some Czech parishes needed a Czech priest. Bishop O'Reilly of Fargo sent him to the parish at Lankin. Father Mikolasek arrived in Lankin May 26,1911, then served the parish for 39 years. He had the mission church at Bechyne, and later the mission church at Lomice. His holiness, Pope Pius the XII, rewarded him by elevating him to Monsignor, the investiture took place in St. Joseph Church at Lankin July 21, 1948. It might be well to mention that Msgr. Mikolasek was a journalist for seven years. He was editor of a monthly paper, Hospodarske Listy (Farmers Paper), printed in Chicago. He also had many articles published in Hlas and Narod, Czech papers. Father Mikolasek was interested Apolitical affairs of Czech Catholics in his old country as well as America. Msgr. Mikolasek died July 15, 1950, and is buried in the Bechyne Cemetery.

The Lankin Church Board hired Chfford Glenn of Neche to move the church to Lankin and this was done in December of 1953. Rev. Arneson spear-headed the drive to establish a Lutheran church in Lankin and was responsible in negotiating with Park River for the purchase of their church and seeing that it was moved to Lankin. He served as the church's first pastor. Rev. Marvin E. Arneson held church services in the Lankin Fire Had social room from 1949 until the church was ready in 1953. Rev. Marvin E. Arneson served the Lankin Trinity Lutheran Church until the spring of 1955 when he left and was replaced by Rev. Aden Skinlov. Rev. Skinlov served the congregation untd 1965 when he was replaced by Rev. Orris Haroldson. Rev. Haroldson served the congregation untd 1968. Rev. Haroldson was replaced by Rev. Ervin Overlund who is serving as pastor at the present time.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

ORGANIZATIONS RED CROSS

Red Cross Chapter—1918. Front row: Mrs. John Matejcek, Sr., Mrs. Sam Rinde, Mrs. K. P. Nappen, Mrs. Rudolph Witasek. Second row: K. P. Nappen, Mrs. James Vorachek, Mrs. Joseph Kluzak, Mrs. Frank Trenda^ Third row: James Vorachek, Mrs. (Doc.) Grady, Jerome Ruzicka, Mrs. Rose Zeman [partly hidden], Mrs. George Rudolf.

Lankin Lutheran Church A meeting was held on May 13,1952, for the purpose of organizing and naming a Lutheran church in Lankin. The members of the newly organized congregation consisted of fifty charter members. The name "Trinity Lutheran" was voted on and passed at this meeting. A constitution and by-laws were adopted. The board of trustees were authorized o incorporate the organization and to look for a churjh site. "The fodowing were elected at an election that was held: Arthur Flaaten, president; Albert Strand, vice president; Mrs. Ludwig Swartz, secretary; Louis Machart, treasurer; Clarence Trenda, Wilmer Vorachek and Charles Trenda, board of deacons; Clifford Hagen, Ludwig Swartz and Duance Strand, trustees; and Mrs. Donald Dvorak, Mrs. Albert Strand and Mrs. Wdmer Vorachek, board of education.

LANKIN COMMUNITY BAND Lankin has always been a musical community. The first band was organized about the time when Lankin was incorporated. The band had a complete set of uniforms, a bass horn and a bass drum, played engagement at home and outside of the community. The band was inactive a number of years. Three orchestras were organized in the community, Dvorak Orchestra, Rose Brothers Orchestra and Brodina Orchestra. The Lankin Commercial Club donated money to purchase music for the band. W. H. Elznic had charge of the band.

At a meeting held March 31, 1953, in our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Park River, Rev. Rockne of Park River had recommended, along with the Park River Church Board, that Lankin be given a chance to purchase the church in Park River. The church board of Lankin agreed to purchase the church.

Officers elected were: James Rose, president; Widiam Brodina, vice president; Widiam Elznic, Jr., secretary; Edward Rose, treasurer; and W. H. Elznic, director. One or more of the orchestras had dance engagements Friday evenings, so it was decided that rehearsals were to be held Sunday afternoons.

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The band played for picnics, celebrations and conventions. Some of the events the band played for were the Annual Walsh County Farmers Union Picnic and Program, the Annual Farmers Day celebration at Lawton, annual businessmen's community gathering at Edmore, Fourth of July celebration at Park River, and a church picnic and banquet at Pisek. The band played a three day engagement for the North Dakota State Firemen's Convention at Grafton, a one day engagement at the State Fair at Grand Forks. They furnished music every year for the annual programs and community gatherings at the Bechyne Hall and the Kosobud Hall. The band played at the funeral of Joseph Hodny at Bechyne. Although smaller than the original Lankin Community Band, they still play and furnish music for gatherings. Membership of the original Lankin Community Band organized in May, 1936, was as follows: Comets - J. W. Matejcek, Charles Rose, Adolph Rose, Adolph Brodina, Edward Brodina, Edward Sobolik and Herman Dvorak, aarinets - Wm. Elznic, Jr., Joe Karas, Steve Rose, James Rose, John Brodina and Wm. Brodina. Trombones - Earl Elznic, Wm. Rose and Jerry Brodina. Baritones - Wm. Kratochvil, Joe Brodina and Frank Kouba. Saxophones - Harold Matejcek, Frank Kuchar and R. F. Matejcek. Altoes - Wm. Dvorak, John Karas and Albert Kubat. Basses - James Kratochvil, Frank Brodina and Edward Rose. Drums - Frank Dvorak, Steve Sherek and George Dvorak. Director - W. H. Elznic.

Legion Post was again organized and called the BosbRyba Post No. 157. This special meeting was caded Jan. 12, 1945. The sixteen charter members who signed up at this meeting were as follows: Fred Kluzak, Charles L. Erickson, W. L. Machart, Emil Kratochvil, J. W. Matejcek, Ole Greferud, Harry Richards, Frank Kuchar, Harold Matejcek, Cyril Sherek, Rudolph Ondracek, George Kluzak, Jacob Sherek, Aldus Lansing, Harold Hagen, Frank Wippler. Frank Wippler was elected to the post of commander and W. L. Machart was elected adjutant. A motion was made by Emil Kratochvil that the post be known as the Bosh-Ryba post in memory of Emd J. Bosh, who was the first soldier in this area to lose his life in WWI, and in memory of Randolph Ryba, who lost his live in WWH. The motion was seconded by Frank Kuchar. At the October meeting a motion was made to sponsor an armistice dance. Some of the proceeds from the dance were used to buy candy and nuts for the children at the Christmas program. Treats have been given at the Christmas programs annually ever since. A motion was made at the April, 1946, meeting to set the first Monday of each month as the regular meeting date. The City Had was purchased from the city in March, 1947. The first of the Memorial Day services were held in the newly purchased hall on May 30. The guest speaker at the service in 1948 was Elton Ringsak. The Bosh-Ryba Post sponsored their first boy to Boys State in 1949. Ltfe memberships were given by the post to Joe Kovarik, J. W. Matejcek, Charles Erickson, Harry Richards, Emil Kratochvil, Frank Wippler, Frank Kuchar and Rudolph Ondracek. These were given in 1954. Through the years many different events were held. A basketball game was held with the proceeds given to the crippled chddren. Mulligan stew suppers were held. Baseball teams were sponsored. Annual birthday parties in observance of the Legion's birthday were held. Benefit dances for local members who had lost property due to fires were held. Many of these events are held annuady. In the fad of 1972 plans were made to build a new American Legion Club. In July, 1973, a 40 x 100 foot steel budding was budt. All inside finishing work was done by Legion members and friends in the community. A grand opening of the new club was held March 9,1974. Membership in the local post has grown from the sixteen charter members to the present membership of 82.

Lankin Community Band. 1st row, kneeling: Ed Soukup, Frank Dvorak and George Dvorak. 2nd row: James Rose, Steve Rose, Bill Elznic, Jr., Bill Brodina, Joe Karas, John Brodina, Adolph Brodina, Joe Matejcek and Adolph Rose. 3rd row: Frank Kuchar, Jerry Brodina, R. F. Matejcek, William Elznic, Sr., director, John Karas, Albert Kubat and William Dvorak. Back row: James Kratochvil, Ed Rose, Earl Elznic, Joe Brodina, Bill Rose, Wm. Kratochvil, Frank Brodina and Frank Kouba.

HAPPY HOLLOW PAVILION The Happy Hodow Pavilion was the scene of considerable activity back in the early 1920's when public dances on Sunday were legal in North Dakota. The original pavilion was built in 1919 by Mike Nickolay, a Lankin businessman. Tt was a six-cornered frame budding located about two mdes north of Lankin, in the northwest comer of the Jim Hodny farm, now owned by Udby brothers. . In the slimmer of 1920 the structure burned and was replaced by a new building. The new budding had a cubicle in the peak at the center as a night watchman's stand to detect further fires. There was also a hamburger

LANKIN AMERICAN LEGION POST The post was started in 1920 and was named the Emd Bosh Post No. 157. The commander was Robert Myers with charter members being Halgar Anderson, Henry Borgeson, Victor Bydn, Widiam Bures, Charles Erickson, Monroe Krodman, John Lala, Robert Myers, J. W. Matejcek, M. P. Nickolay, Tom Ondracek, Rudolph Ondracek, John Polak, Wm. Swartz, L. A. Sherek, Jacob Shirek and Ed Wambem. The post was active only in 1920 and the members transferred to other posts until 1945 when the Lankin 1036

stand in a smaller building. Prohibition being in force in those days, the pavilion did not have the traditional beer garden that became part of the later day pavilion. This pavilion was operated four or five years and then torn down. Bands that played regularly at the pavilion were the Fletcher Band of Shelby, Mont., Stebor Band of Grand Forks, the Bacon Band of Cando, the 3TK Band of Park River and Pinky Matejcek Band of Lankin. Bill Dvorak played with the Pinky Matejcek Band before starting his own Bill Dvorak Band in 1930. Bill Dvorak recalls that seven seems to be his number. He came to Lankin in 1907 at the age of seven and started school in 1907 when he was seven. He began playing in bands in 1917 at the age of 17 and in 1927 he was married at the age of 27. He managed the Bill Dvorak Band for 37 years, retiring Oct. 7, 1967. Weekly Sunday dances were held at Happy Hollow and a charge of 10 cents per dance number was charged. Many well known dance bands of that era were employed. The dances were well policed and very little or no trouble was tolerated at that time.

During 1904 the older boys of this famdy moved to Canada to homestead. In 1907 the rest of the family joined them and farmed. John Chizek died in 1933 in Canada. ALBERT AND ANNA DVORAK Albert and Anna (Trenda) Dvorak came to New Prague, Minn., with their parents from Czechoslovakia. Albert was 18 and Anna was 10. They were married in Minnesota, came to North Dakota in 1904, resided in Norton Township. In 1906 they moved to Lankin. They had 11 children. Three of these 11 children stdl are hving, Joseph Dvorak, 91; Agnes (Mrs. Houdek), 83; and William (Bill), Lankin 75. Wdliam (Bill) fived in Lankin for 69 years. In 1927, marned Evelyn Jechort. Her father came from Czechoslovakia at 11 and her mother was born in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. John Jechort farmed in Latona Township. Bill the son of Albert and Anna (Trenda) Dvorak was a drayman for many years in Lankin, took over his father Albert's business. Bdl organized the popular "Bill Dvorak's Band" which played dances in a wide area. He was manager for 37 years untd he retired in 1967. Bdl had three children, Donald, LaVem (Mrs. Leo Bosh), and Gene. There have been four generations of children attending the Lankin Public School. Mr. and Mrs. Bid Dvorak attended, their children, grandchddren and now great grandchddren are in school. All chddren are living in Lankin. Bdl and his wife were married 48 years May 25, 1975. W. H. ELZNIC I was bom in a sod house April 21, 1888, at the Ida Post Office, 20 miles north of Highmore, Dakota Territory. The mad carrier brought the mad from Highmore Tuesday and Saturday. Our family moved to Lidgerwood in 1899 where I have lived since. My father, Anton Elznic was born in 1861 at Krivoklat Czechoslovakia and my mother, Mary Sykora, was born in 1866 at Milisek, Czechoslovakia. My father came to the U. S. with his parents when 12, my mother came with her parents when three. They settled at Braidwood, Id., in 1883 came to Highmore. My parents, Anton Elznic and Mary Sykora, were married in 1883 at Highmore. They had seven sons. I am the oldest, then Tony, Joseph, Victory, Ernest, Ben and Charles. I attended rural school in South Dakota and North Dakota, graduated from the Lidgerwood High School in June, 1908, attended UND and received my B. A. Degree in 1912. Members of our famdy were always active in music. My father had charge of a two-famdy band, the Elznic and Pavek Band. We were popular, played for entertainments at home and in surrounding territory. After graduating from UND, I entered the teaching profession as superintendent of consolidated schools. Besides the administrative work, I taught high school subjects. I supervised the physical education program and directed school bands, school plays and programs. My wife, Vlasta, and I always took part in the community activities where we lived, played baseball, took part in community bands and helped direct the band.

Happy Hollow—Lankin

Mike Nickolay

BIOGRAPHIES JOHN AND ANNA CHIZEK John Chizek was bom in Czechoslovakia. He went to school in Germany. John came to the United States at 18. After arriving in the U. S., he settled in Iowa where he met his wife, Anna Houdek, who was bom in Iowa. John and Anna were married in 1877 and moved to North Dakota. Eleven chddren were born, John, Jr., Mary, Frank (still dving), Anton, Anna, Eleanor (married Frank M. Machart), Rose, Ehzabeth, Caroline and James. Anna Houdek Chizek died in 1898 at Pisek and is buried in St. John's Nep. Cemetery. 1037

We took part in home talent plays and programs. She took an active part in the Homemakers, the Ladies' Aid, the Royal Neighbors and the Eastern Star. At different times we presented community plays and programs in neighboring towns. I was secretary and treasurer of the Walsh County Farmers Union for 10 years, secretary and treasurer of the Lankin Mutual Telephone Company for 10 years. Schools where I taught: Conway, one year; Pisek, six years; Bowesmont, two years; Sauter School, four years; Niagara, four years; Pekin, two years; Bordulac, two years; Butte, three years; Brinsmade, four years; Orr, three years; and Lankin, seven years. About 1940 I took out eight years and stayed on our 480 acre farm. Our son, William J., took over the farm and I went back to teaching. At the end of my 42nd year in the teaching profession I decided that it was time to retire. We now reside in Grand Forks. Submitted by W. H. Elznic. MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH HELT Mr. Joseph Helt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Helt, was bom March 19,1868, in Spillville, Ia. In November, 1883, his family came to the Minto community. They later moved to Cleveland Township where they homesteaded. Anna Swartz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Swartz, was born May 3, 1875, in Coal City, HI. The Swartz family came to the Walsh County area in 1881, « where the family homesteaded in Norton Township. Anna and Joseph were married in Grafton June 27, 1891. They had eight children, Alice, Bill, Charlie, Frank, Eleanore, Elizabeth, Margaret and Minnie. They lived in Brocket, Pisek, Park River and retired in Lankin, where they spent 35 years. In 1955 the couple celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. On Aug. 31, 1955, Joseph passed away. Mrs. Helt then made her home with her children, visiting with each from time to time. She passed away March 1,1958. Mr. and Mrs. Helt were both pioneers of the Lankin community.

moved into Lankin, were in business from 1926 to 1948. They left Lankin in 1949 to live with a son in Flint, Mich. There were six children. John Jechort, the father of Frank, was born in 1841 in Czechoslovakia and died Sept. 11, 1920, at Conway. Anna (Novak) Jechort was bom in 1852 in Czechoslovakia and died Aprd 4,1918, at Conway. There were 15 children. Eight boys, two died in Europe; and seven girls, two died. In 1886, after a long ocean voyage, they landed in Baltimore. They were in Cleveland on the 4th of July visiting relatives and friends. On July 9, 1886, they arrived and settled on a farm near Conway. Son, Frank, the oldest, was due for training in the Austrian Army so his parents sent him ahead to Germany where they met later and continued on to America. Vaclav Sobolik was born in Czechoslovakia Sept. 8, 1824, died May 3, 1902, at Pisek. Katerina (Bousi) Sobolik, the second wtfe of Vaclav, was born in Czechoslovakia in 1838, died in 1897 at Pisek. They were Caroline's parents. They farmed near Spillville, Ia., until 1880 when they left by covered wagon for North Dakota. Their horses got poisoned and died, so they finished the trip by rail and settled on a farm. They had six boys and six girls. A son, Albert, went to Washington and was robbed and murdered.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank

Jechort

ALBERT HARAZIM FAMILY Albert Harazim was born Aprd 21,1893, in Lomnice, Czechoslovakia. He came to the United States in July, 1905, at the age of 12. Three brothers and one sister preceded him to this country years before he was born. They came one by one, within three or four years apart. Albert came with his parents after his brothers and sister wrote many times urging them to sell their home and come to America. Albert's parents hesitated, but when his sister died at 16 years of age, the famdy decided to go to America. Albert never knew his brothers and sister in the U. S. When he and his parents arrived in the U. S. in 1905, Albert had a big surprise. His brothers were married and all had famdies. AU were farmers. Some of their children were almost as old as Albert. Albert and his parents arrived at Conway and his oldest brother, James, came to meet them with horses and buggy, took them to his farm about 16 mdes west of where the town of Lankin was to be started that faU. The Soo Line was completed to Conway when they arrived. Albert's parents were too old to start farming. His dad, about 65, and his mother, about 60, so they stayed with one brother or sister about two years. Albert attended a country school. Albert could not speak a word of English so the teacher had to put him in the first grade. He was already in the first grade of high school in Bohemia. Albert could not tell the teacher that, so he told

Joseph Helt family. Back row: Alice, Bill, Charlie. Front row: Frank, Father Joe, Eleanore, Elizabeth, Margret, Minnie and Mother Anna. FRANK JECHORT Frank Jechort was born Oct. 29,1870, about 30 mdes south of Prague, Czechoslovakia He died June 15, 1961, at Flint, Mich. Caroline (Sobolik) Jechort was born May 11,1875, at Sptilville, Ia., died Dec. 18,1964, at Madison, Wise., while visiting. They were married at Grafton in 1897. They farmed near Conway until 1904, moved that fad to a farm four miles south of Lankin and farmed until 1921. They 1038

the other kids to tell her. They were all Bohemians and could not talk English well, so finally someone told the teacher and she put him in the 8th grade in Arithmetic and geography as Albert was well acquainted with those subjects in the old country. Albert had a hard time with reading, grammar and spelling. In 1907 Albert's parents decided to build a home in Lankin. His father was a tailor in Bohemia, so he thought he could make a few dollars at Lankin. He did not sew any new garments or men's suits, only did pressing and mending of all kinds of clothing and made a fair living. Albert attended school there five months every winter. During the summer months, he workedfor seven months on the farm. In 1914 he got through high school at 21. Albert was asked by Adolph Sobolik to be second man at his elevator. He worked there two years. In 1916 he was taken to a siding named Dewar by the superintendent of the Northland Elevator Company who checked him in as manager of a grain elevator. This siding was halfway between Lankin and Fordville. Albert bought grain there for 19 years and during those years the company changed its name to Osborne McMillan Elevator Company. In 1917 Albert married Rosie Urban of Lankin on Nov. 20. In 1935 he was offered an elevator job at Lankin at Ruzicka Elevator Company, was there two years. Albert bought a beer tavern at Lankin from Mr. Valenta and owned that about a year and a half. In 1940 he was offered an elevator job in Whitman to buy grain for Peavey Elevators. He stayed there three years, in 1943 he was offered a better position by Peavey as an assistant traveling auditor, which position he held until he retired in 1965. At Whitman, he was caught in the blizzard of March 15, 1941, in which 79 people in eastern North Dakota died. The wind velocity reached 85 mdes per hour in Grand Forks. He could not see, so stayed in his car and came through it without any id effects. He lost his cap as he opened the car door to see what side of the road he was on. The next morning a farmer a half mtie away found it in the grove of his farm yard where Albert landed after the storm subsided. Albert and Rose hved in Lankin untd 1973, when they moved to Grafton to live with daughter, Mae, and son-inlaw, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Vavrosky. Mae was their only child. They lost a son a few hours after birth. At Grafton, Albert joined the Senior Citizens Club and plays pool or cards.

John Lapic and Mary Trenda moved from Lonsdale, Minn., and came to North Dakota in 1910. They lived in Pisek for a short time, then moved to Lankin, where they Uved the rest of their lives. They had four children: Mary, WdUam, Anna and Lloyd. The fifth child, Josie, was born at Lankin. The first few years John worked in a butcher or meat market. Later, he was in partnership with Mr. Larson in a jewelry and watch repair shop, Lapic and Larson. This was located in the building now the J. W. Matejcek Super Value Store. He was appointed rural mad carrier, a position he held untd his retirement in 1935. He was a veteran of the Spanish American War. John Lapic died March 21, 1959, Mrs. Lapic died May 15, 1949. JOSEPH AND MARY (Bina) KUBART Joseph Kubart was born in 1868 in Czechoslovakia to Joseph and Annie Kubart. Joseph came to America in 1889 and settled in North Dakota. Mary Bina was born in 1876 in Minnesota to John S. and Mary Bina. They later moved to Sauter Township. In 1898, Joseph Kubart and Mary Bina were married. Children were Mary, married Joseph Kratochvil; Annie, died at 11; Joseph, Jr., died at seven; and Emma, married Lawrence Smuda. A boy died one hour after birth. Thomas, married Helen Miclose and James married LucillftCaldwell. In 1913, at 37, Mary died at her home in Latona Township and was buried at Bechyne Cemetery. In 1915 Joseph married Mary Peterman, Chicago, III. In the fad of 1917, Joseph and Mary, Emma, Tom and James moved to southern fllinois where he farmed for a year. He traveled from state to state for two years and setUed in Chicago where he worked until his retirement at the Superior Mirror Company. In 1935, Joseph died in Chicago and was buried there. THOMAS M. AND ELIZABETH MACHART Thomas M. Machart was born in 1857 in Frebanice, Czechoslovakia, to Joseph and Kateren Machart. He came to America in 1869 to Iowa. Elizabeth Ployhar was born at Spdlvdle in December, 1865. Thomas and Elizabeth were married in 1880 in Iowa. Ehzabeth was young. Her gdt from her mother was a $20 gold piece. Nine chddren were bom. John, bom in Iowa, married Ehzabeth Matejcek. The rest of the children were born in North Dakota, Emma, married Anton Kratochvd; Frank, married Eleanor Chizek; Ehzabeth I, died in infancy; Thomas never married; James, never married; Elizabeth II, married Wallace Hovart; Helen, married Bertram Stary and later, Cameron Holbrook; and George married Eleanor Reynolds. Thomas and Elizabeth moved west. In February, 1881, they arrived in Minto, snow was everywhere. Thomas' father, Joseph, and brother, Henry Machart, and his wife were already in North Dakota. Thomas and Elizabeth filed on a quarter section of land 30 miles west of Grafton, built a sod house with no floor, part of which remains today. A well was dug. The land was not hard to till, it was covered with range grass. A garden was planted and some wheat. They bought four horses and a cow. Then fodowed 20 years of gains, losses, crops destroyed by had, sickness, deaths and births. A six room house was built and a substantial granary. They

JOHN LAPIC

John Lapic in service—Spanish

American

War. 1039

owned three-fourths section of land. During this time Elizabeth bought an organ and a red plush couch with her "butter money" and each of the children took lessons. When the last of the five children were nearing school age, Elizabeth was determined her children would have a chance to go to school. They bought a house in Park River, the farm was rented to son, John, and his wife. In 1905 the Soo Line came to Lankin. Back to Lankin the Machart family came. They were in the meat market business until 1010. In 1909 their son James was accidentally shot in a hunting accident. During the time the Macharts lived in Lankin, Thomas served on the city council, was mayor. In 1916 Thomas and Elizabeth moved to Grand Forks where they resided until their deaths, Thomas in 1922 and Ehzabeth in 1961 at 95. Surviving Elizabeth were two sons, Frank and George, two daughters, Ehzabeth LT and Helen, 21 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Elizabeth was the last of her family of five sisters and three brothers. James served with the Union Army during the Civil War.

Four generation picture. (Left to right): Kate Valek, Emma Machart, Josephine (Valek) Machart. In front is a young girl, Evelyn Richards.

ALBERT AND JOSEPHINE MACHART

CHARLES MACHOVSKY FAMILY

WL-

'*

Charles Machovsky was bom in 1888 in Latona Township. As a young man he worked with a harvest crew. He always ran the separator. In 1910 he moved to Lankin and owned a share in a meat market. In 1911 he married Bessie Zizka. In 1916 they moved to a farm one and one half miles south of Lankin where they farmed until 1924. In 1924, they had an auction sale, sold their farm machinery and horses and cattle, bought a share in a store in Whitman. In 1928 he sold his share, moved to Lankin, worked in a meat market as a butcher and meat cutter. Mr. and Mrs. Machovsky had four children, Blanche, Marge, Julius and Ernest. Mrs. Machovsky resides in Lankin. Her husband died in 1971.

Joseph C. Machart, youngest son of Albert and Josephine (Valek)

JOSEPH MATEJCEK Joseph Matejcek, a pioneer resident of Lankin, born in 1872 in New Prague, Minn., was the son of the late Joseph Matejcek, Sr., a pioneer of Perth County. As a young man, he wanted business experience so he went to work for the Lamb Brothers of Michigan, N. D. Part of his salary paid the young man who took his place on the farm home. In 1902 he married Anna Ondracek of Pisek. He farmed his land for a short time in Perth County. In 1904, he bought and operated a general store in Brocket which was later sold due to illness in the family. He and his family moved to Lankin in 1905 and had a home built across the street where St. Joseph's parish now stands. This house burned in the early winter of 1918, however. He worked for th Aiken Implement Company which made farm machinery available to farmers surrounding the Lankin territory. At this time, all machinery came disassembled so a great deal of time was spent getting the equipment in working order. He was also on call at any time, especially at harvest time. Many times, a call came for some repair or replacements, so even at meal time, he would put down his fork, hitch up the horse and drive to the farmer's field to get the machinery, back in operation. This business took in many trade-ins. At one time a Brush car, which had one cylinder, one seat, was

Albert Machart was bom June 24, 1857, in Sudetenland, Germany. He came to the United States, settled in Chicago, HI., later moved to Spillville, Ia. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Mike Machart. Josephine Valek was bom March 19, 1860, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Her parents were Jim and Kate Valek. They came to the United States, settled in Chicago, later moved to Spillville, Ia. Albert Machart and Josephine Valek were married in 1876 in Spillville, Ia. Here their first child .Albert I, was born. In 1877 they moved to Pisek, hved there one year and then moved to Norton Township where they farmed. Albert I died as a young boy. Other children were: Anna, Teresa, Rose, Emma, Albert II, Frank, Jack, Edward, Louis T. and Joseph C. Machart. Albert Machart died Aug. 17, 1906, and Josephine died Oct. 26, 1923. Their youngest child, Joseph C. Machart, was the only one that graduated from high school. He graduated from the Lankin School in 1919. He was cashier for K. P. Nappen in the First State Bank of Lankin in 1917, quit in 1926 when that bank was consolidated with the Citizens State Bank. He worked for J. H. Vorachek in the Citizens State Bank from 1926 to 1928. He farmed, served on the school board, on the village board and was mayor of lankin. He was a charter member of the A A A. He died Feb. 27, 1970. 1040

Ore.; Martha Panek, Salem, Ore.; Florence Bell, Albany, Ore.; Lucie Campbell, Wash.; and Caroline Matejcek, Lebanon, Ore. As a member of the Lankin community in early days, he took active part in the forming of the growing town, serving in numerous civic activities involving school problems, affairs of the town management, volunteering as a fireman, and pioneering in the establishment of the old St. Joseph's Catholic Church. His favorite sport was horseshoes. He loved to challenge his relatives and friends to a game. One of the favorite meeting grounds was at the John Matejcek, Sr., farm. The losers' penalty was to furnish a keg of beer for the next meeting.

doorless, windshieldless, had hard-rubbered tires and steered by a stick instead of a wheel, was taken in. It became the family pleasure car. It would have put all air polluters of today to shame. To provide seating for the two young daughters, a buggy seat was fastened to the back platform. An occasional trip to Pisek and the return to Lankin always caused anxiety at the foot of Pengelly Hill. Would the Brush make it? This ascent required family cooperation. Often the back seat passengers got off and walked up the hill. Sometimes Joe pushed while his wife was at the steering control and all prayed that no back slide would occur before the top was reached. Downhill was a cinch!

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Matejcek

J. W. MATEJCEK FAMILY J. W. (Joseph WiUiam) Matejcek, currently of Lankin, was bom to John and Josephine (Kadlec) Matejcek on Feb. 22, 1896. He and his parents resided at Pisek until 1897 when his farntiy moved to Norton Township where they purchased land and engaged in farming. As a young boy, Joe received his education in Norton Township and Lankin, whUe also helping on his parents' farm and working as a carpenter's helper on many of the early buUdings in Lankin built during 1914 and 1915. Joe also held jobs at Meyer's Hardware Store and the Lankin MercantUe. In 1916 Joe left the Lankin community and went to Montana where he served a job with the Buttery Company and was employed in the grocery department of that store located at Havre. The year 1917 found Joe being called to service in the U. S. Army (WWI). He was stationed at Camp Dodge, Ia., in the 352nd Infantry Division before serving in France, where he gained the rank of sergeant and was in Officer's Candidate School in France at the closing of the war. During his mUitary service, Joe was also a member of the 352nd Infantry Band, where he played first trumpet. In 1919, Joe returned to the Lankin community after being discharged from the army. Joe bought hah share in the M. P. Nickolay Pool HaU and Produce Company in 1920 and their partnership operation became known as Mike and Joe's. The pool hall consisted of an ice cream department, bowling alley and pool tables; while the produce department purchased and offered for sale Uve and dressed poultry, cream, eggs and hides. Joe and Mike purchased another buUding on main street of Lankin in 1921 and there they began a grocery and general merchandise store under the name of Nickolay and Matejcek. On Aug. 16, 1921, Joe Matejcek married Anna Ryba, daughter of Frank and Anna (Zelenka) Ryba of Lankin, in the St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Lankin. Prior to their marriage, Anna worked in the Lankin MercantUe, the Soo Hotel, owned by her parents, and at the Norton Telephone Office where she was a telephone operator for five years. In 1923 Joe and Mike, still business partners, once again expanded their business operations with the purchase of the Anton Matejcek Furniture and Funeral Home, which they maintained along with their grocery and general merchandise store. It was at this time, however, that they sold their pool haU to Frank Valenta. The purchase of the Olson building on main street of Lankin in 1925 gave the Nickolay and Matejcek business a 75 foot frontage. In 1929 they changed the business

wedding picture, 1902.

Several years later, Joe went into partnership with Mr. Wambum in the hardware business which was later dissolved by sale. For a short time he owned, but did not operate the Lankin Hotel. It was sold and later became the Ryba Hotel. He also clerked in the Witasek Brothers' Store. In 1917, he sold his 160 acres in Perth County and moved his family, now consisting of five daughters, to a dairy farm near Springville, N. Y. They were accompanied by his wife's brother and father, John and Anton Ondracek. Shortly after the armistice was signed in 1918, he traded the dairy farm in New York, sight unseen, for 240 acres near Maxbass, North Dakota. This move was prompted by his asthmatic condition aggravated by the cold, damp, piercing weather of the eastern area of the United States. They lived near Maxbass until 1942. Many years of crop failures and the plague of asthma resulted in a move to Salem, Ore., and also because the majority of the daughters moved west — to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. During his years in the 70's and into the early 80's, he worked at odd jobs in Salem as a night watchman, papermill hand and cannery worker. He also took pride in his garden, mowed lawns and kept the fruit trees in productive condition. Even in his late 80's, he still climbed the ladder to pick cherries from the tree in their yard. A stroke stopped all his activities. In 1952 the Matej ceks celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. He died in 1965 at 93. His wife, Anna, at 82, followed a year later. They had been married 63 years. Both are buried at Salem, Ore. Five daughters survive: Marie Ham el, Portland, 1041

name to Nickolay and Matejcek I. G. A. The new store was as modem as any of the other stores in the area and they handled such merchandise as work and dress clothes, shoes, furniture, emergency drugs, paints, groceries and general merchandise. In addition, Joe and Mike also served the area as funeral directors. Nickoley and Matejcek dissolved their partnership business in 1935 and J. W. Matejcek became the sole owner. The store was called Matejcek's L G. A. and carried the same lines of merchandise as under the partnership business. In 1941 the store name was changed from L G. A. to Matejcek's Super Valu. The additions of an appliance department in 1945 and a full meat department with customized meat cutting in 1953 made Matejcek's Super Valu a truly one-stop shopping place. Joe operated the store until August of 1975, when his son, Harold, purchased the business and operates it today as Matejcek's Super Valu. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Matejcek are the parents of two children: Harold Matejcek, bom Oct. 9, 1922, and Dorothy Matejcek, born Oct. 22, 1929. Harold married Mary Ellen Leier of St. Paul on Aug. 27, 1955, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in St. Paul, Minn., and they are the parents of one daughter, Mary Therese, born Jan. 3, 1959. They currently live in Lankin. Dorothy married Robert Uloth of Valley City on June 12, 1950, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lankin. They currently live in Evansville, Ind., and they are the parents of two children, Scott, bom Nov. 9,1964, and Joann, born Aug. 12, 1968. Joe and Anna celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1971. Joe is now retired and he and Anna live in Lankin. During his active years, Joe served on many boards, committees and held many offices in various organizations. Some of these positions which he held were: justice of the peace (two years), Lankin School Board (six years), assessor for Lankin (two years), Walsh County 4th District Commissioner (40 years), N. D. State Public Welfare Board (30 years, 12 years as president and eight years as secretary), Walsh County Welfare Board (32 years, 20 years as chairman), State President of N. D. Conference of Social Welfare in 1942, director, vice president and president of N. D. County Commissioner Association, secretary of St. Joseph's Catholic Church (27 years), member of the Selective Service Advisory Board (20 years), 2nd District Deputy Commander for the American Legion, and Joe was privileged to be the 1st national president of the board members section of the American Public Welfare Association. Currently, Joe is a member of Barrack WWI Veterans, VFW Club of Grand Forks, Lankin Civic Club and he holds lifetime memberships in the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and the N. D. County Commissioner Association. Likewise, Joe's wife, Anna, was also active in various organizations. She is a charter and lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, charter member of Royal Neighbors of America and a member and past officer of St. Joseph's Altar Society. In recognition of J. W. Matejcek's many years of public service, the name Matejcek Dam was given to a newdam which was built on the middle branch of the Forest River. The Matejcek Dam serves as an area recreation center and also holds back water to prevent flooding downstream. The dam is located six miles south of Lankin.

Lankin depot and elevator. CREAM AND EGG PURCHASES The following is an item taken from the Aug. 7, 1925, issue of The Adams Standard entitled "NickolayMatejcek Make Record With Cream." "Probably the largest amount of money paid in Walsh County for cream and eggs by one individual firm is that of the Nickolay-Matejcek (firm) of Lankin. The amount paid by the firm for the month of July was $3,169.07. From that amount $2,433.82 was paid for cream alone and $735.25 for eggs. The eggs were bought on an average of 23 k cents per dozen. "Mr. Nickolay says that this was their largest amount ever paid for one month and that they think that it is a record for the whole state. He also stated that he did not have any figures as to how much was paid by other firms in the state but he would like to hear from anyone having one larger. "It seems to be that most of the money in circulation at the present time comes from this source of revenue. The wheat crop is a good thing to book on when there is a good crop but the cows and the chickens are a much better revenue for every month in the year." l

FRANK RYBA Frank Ryba and Anna Zelenka (daughter of John and Veronica Zelenka) were married in Veseleyville in 1894. They operated a small restaurant in Conway. Although Conway was a very small town, it was a very good business community. After the disastrous fire in Conway which destroyed many buildings, Mr. Ryba purchased a pool room to which he added a bowling alley. Frank and Anna Ryba had three children, Frank, Anna and Mary. The Rybas Uved in Conway, moved to Lankin in 1908. In Lankin, the Ryba family purchased the hotel and operated it until a fire destroyed the hotel and its contents. Following this fire, Mr. Ryba purchased a building nearby, moved it over near where the hotel had been. It presently stands there and is the post office at Lankin. The Rybas lived in this budding until July 27, 1936, when Mr. Ryba died. Mrs. Ryba made her home with her daughters, Mrs. Joe W. Matejcek, Lankin, and Mrs. Thomas Ondracek, Grafton. Son Frank died May 13,1916, and is buried at Conway. He was a depot agent at Osnabrock and later operator of two elevators at Ina, near Rolette. Daughter Anna married Joe W. Matejcek in Lankin Aug. 16, 1921. Mr. Matejcek was operating a general store at that time with his son, Harold, stid operating the store under the Super Valu name. Joe and Anna have two children: Harold, married Mary Ellen Leier Aug. 27, 1042

1955, and Dorothy, married Robert Uloth June 12, 1950. Joe and Anna have three grandchildren, Mary Therese, daughter of Harold and Mary Ellen, bom Jan. 3, 1959; and Scott, born Nov. 9, 1965, and Joann, bom Aug. 12, 1969, children of Robert and Dorothy. Harold is residing in Lankin with his family and Dorothy resides in Evansville, Ind. Mary married Thomas Ondracek in Lankin Nov. 22, 1921. Mr. Ondracek was manager of the Ford Garage in Lankin for the Mills-Farup Auto Company of Park River. Later the firm moved to Grafton. The Ondraceks moved to Grafton June 30, 1930, there he continued his job. Mr. Ondracek died Feb. 28, 1966, at 75. He is buried at the Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church Cemetery in Grafton. Mrs. Ondracek died Aug. 7,1975, at 78. She was active in organizations and since January of 1969, she had been a foster grandmother at the Grafton State School. Mary was laid to rest in St. John's Cemetery in Grafton. Frank Ryba's father, Jan Ryba, was bom in 1824, died Jan. 31, 1892, is buried at Bechyne Cemetery. Mrs. Jan Ryba was bom in 1840 in Bohemia, the daughter of John Hora. She remarried Frank Kouba. She died Jan. 28, 1914, and was buried in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Cemetery, Grafton.

He has good health, views Twins baseball games, is a resident of the Sunset Home at 97. Submitted by Marcella (Valenta) Hrabik. MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH F. VORACHEK Joseph F. Vorachek and Barbara Infeld were children when they immigrated from Czechoslovakia to Spillville, Ia., with their parents. They were married in 1874 and moved to Eden Township in 1881, homesteaded near the Forest River as did his father, Joseph Vorachek, Sr., and two of his brothers, Frank and James, and his sister, Anna Blasky, and her husband. Another brother, John, and a sister, Josie Swehla, and her husband homesteaded nearby. Their first home was a log cabin built from available timber. Their food was fish from the river, game in the woods, berries, vegetables from their garden and flour that was purchased. They did not use any credit and bought only what was essential in clothing, furnishings, etc., with income from produce they took to market. They brought two horses and four cows from Iowa. Their closest town was Grand Forks and once a week or so they walked 30 miles to the vicinity of Inkster where there was a mail box to pick up their mail. A few years after settling in North Dakota Mr. Vorachek purchased 160 acres of land for $300. Another man had loaned against it and lost it. Mr. Vorachek held township offices. Mr. and Mrs. Vorachek had two sons and eight daughters: Willie, James, Mabie, Rose, Mrs. Frank (Mary) Skala, Mrs. Jerome (Barbara) Ruzicka, Mrs. Frank (Stella) Bina, Mrs. Rudolph (Emma) Witasek, Mrs. Adolph (Minnie) Witasek and Mrs. Gilbert (Alice) Bjorlie. Mr. and Mrs. Vorachek retired to Lankin in 1906. Both died in 1931.

MR. AND MRS. ADOLPH SOBOLIK

Adolph Sobolik was a grain buyer at Lankin, sometime around the year 1915.

MR. AND MRS. JAMES H. VORACHEK James H. Vorachek and Mayme E. Swartz were married at Lankin in 1911. Mr. Vorachek's parents came from Czechoslovakia to Iowa as children and moved to Eden Township when Mr. Vorachek was two years old. Mrs. Vorachek's parents came from Iowa to Cleveland and Norton Townships in the early 1880's. They married in 1888 and settled in Norton Township where Mrs. Vorachek was bom. Mr. and Mrs. James H. Vorachek had six sons and four daughters: Harold, Roger, Emmett. Wilmer, Joseph, Charles, Georgetta, Marjorie, LaVeme and Lynette. Mr. Vorachek was treasurer of Gait School District for more than 60 years, and treasurer of Lankin from 1907 to 1936. Upon graduation in 1904 from the Minnesota School of Business, Mr. Vorachek established a drug store in Lankin and was employed part time in the Citizens State Bank. He was promoted to cashier three years later and was president of the bank when he died in 1971. Mrs. Vorachek died in 1966.

Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Sobolik. FRANK VALENTA Frank Valenta came to Lankin in 1905 from Spillville, Ia., to Park River. John Lawson took him to Lankin by horse and sleigh. He roomed with Ida Espellien, later Mrs. Olaus Nappen. The Soo Line Railroad was being built. There was no church In 1907 he married Anna Hruska of Spillville, Ia., at Pisek. They had one daughter, Marcella (Mrs. Arthur Hrabik), Grafton. His employment was putting together new machines, binders, gang plows, harrows, manure spreaders and harness. He worked for Andrew Foss and David Aikins. Foss then sold to Iver Andrew and Eddie Wambem. He bought the meat market from Pitlek Brothers which he operated nine years, then sold it to John Bures, Park River. Later he operated a pool room which Mike Nickolay and Joe Matejcek owned.

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CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP Cleveland Township, organized in November, 1882, was named for President Grover Cleveland, following a custom of earlier settlements in eastern states of choosing the names of prominent persons.

CHURCHES QUALE CHURCH Rev. P. A. Nykreim, serving a parish in and around Grafton, made several visits to Cleveland Township during the early years and conducted services in the various homes. On New Year's Day in 1884, he met with the settlers at the home of Nels Thompson to assist the settlers in organizing a congregation. Mr. Thompson suggested the name Kvale, the name of his home farm in Sogn, Norway. This was accepted by the group. The spelhng has since been changed to Quale. Rev. Nykreim continued to serve as the congregation's pastor until the spring of 1886.

Thomas Healy, Dan McKeith and Sam Dickson were the first supervisors. Healy was an early teacher in the township, having charge of a school in District 48 in the early 80's. Tomey Post Office, just over the line in Medford Township, was named for him. He was the first postmaster there. The office was opened June 25, 1886, and discontinued May 31, 1907. Praha Post Office is named for the Bohemian city spelled Prague in Enghsh. It was established in the central part of the township on May 7, 1883, with WiUiam Ruzicka as the first postmaster. It was discontinued May 31, 1907. Mrs. Katherine Zeman, a sister of WiUiam Ruzicka, Uves in Lankin. Her husband, the late Clement Zeman, operated the post office and a store a number of years. Ruzicka also kept a store. The Ruzickas came from Ft. Atkinson, Ia., and settled six miles west of Lankin in the spring of 1882. Mrs. Zeman's father was Fehx Ruzicka. Among neighbors recaUed by Mrs. Zeman were Nels Thompson, Peter Midthurn, Christ Stensland, Halvor Hanson, Andrew Severson (now living in FordviUe), John Basel, Gilbert Haugen and Christ Reinertson. Medford Post Office, which became FordviUe, was another early post office in the township. Maps show an inland center caUed Nord and the U. S. Post Office records show a post office of that name was established there AprU 12, 1900. Lewis L. Anderson was postmaster. It was discontinued Dec. 15, 1905. A branch of Forest River courses through a rugged, somewhat broken area in this township. Setflers south of this were mainly Norwegians, whUe Bohemians located in the northern part.

Quale church erected 1898. Destroyed July 27, 1931, by a tornado.

•

SCHOOL DISTRICTS CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS District No. 48 formed in the 1880's in Section 26 was caUed the Runnestrand School. First directors were Knute Severson, Joseph Helt and Halvor Hanson. First treasurer was Chris Reinertson and Clement Zeman was clerk. Thomas Healy was the first teacher. District No. 54 was formed in 1892 in Section 29. It was called the JaUo School. First officers of this school included: H. C. Cole, president, George Percival and MiUs K. JaUo, directors; Mrs. Carolina Foss, treasurer; A. N. Foss, clerk; and George Mclntyre, first teacher.

Quale church after a tornado struck on July 27, 1931. Rev. G. J. Omland, who Uved near Garfield, became the next pastor. Plans for the building of a church were made. In 1886 a committee was named to select and buy a place for a cemetery and a future church buUding. Chosen on this committee were Ole GulUckson, Andrew Foss and Andrew Severson. Mr. and Mrs. Knute Sorteberg gave an acre of land as a cemetery and church site and Ebbie Stevenson made a gift of one-half acre adjoining the first to the north.

District No. 61 had two schools, one in Section 9 caUed Erickson School and the other was caUed the Urban School in Section 11. First officers of this school were: A. Hunt, president, R. H Davis and Felix Ruzicka, directors; Mrs. MeUssa Hunt, treasurer; E . Woodworth, clerk; and C. S. Easton, first teacher. \

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In 1897, the congregation voted to build a church. A committee was chosen and Gilbert Haugen, Nils Runnestrand, Sr., Andrew Severson, Carl Carlson, Olaf Loken and Knute Loken started a subscription campaign which brought in $800. The church was built by Olaf Thorson of Park River in 1898 and dedicated in June, 1899. For twelve years services had been held in the Runnestrand schoolhouse. Rev. Omland, although serving seven other congregations in this territory, continued to serve Quale for almost 22 years. Pastor M. 0. Silseth, Lankin, held his first service in Quale Dec. 8, 1907. He served for 14 years before he resigned in 1920. A new parish was formed of the Fordville, Quale and Sarnia congregations and Rev. Norris Olson was called to serve this parish. Pastor Ole Nilson of Grand Forks served as interim pastor until Pastor Olson arrived in July, 1921. At this time the parish bought a parsonage at Fordville and this has since remained as the parish center. In 1924 the congregation observed its 40th anniversary with a three day festival with many visiting pastors and speakers taking part. In October, 1926, Pastor Olson resigned. Rev. Thomas Anderson, Petersburg, served as interim pastor the rest of the year. At Christmas, 1926, Rev. S. K. Knutson of Kankakee, 111., conducted his first service in Quale. In 1929 it was decided to build a basement under the church. The basement was used for the first time when circuit meeting was held in Quale in June, 1930. The tornado that struck July 27, 1931, destroyed the church and basement. The loss was partly covered by insurance and the congregation decided to rebuild as far as the insurance money permitted. The church was built by Peter Bye of Park River and the basement fully completed so that the Christmas service was held there. By 1935 the church proper could be used for worship services and July 21,1935, the church was dedicated. The circuit meeting was held and a delayed 50th anniversary was observed. Almost all services in Quale had been conducted in the Norwegian language up until the winter of 1935. At the annual meeting held February 8, the congregation voted that every other service be conducted in the American language. By 1940 all services were held in the American language. Rev. S. K. Knutson resigned in June, 1944. Rev. Haatvedt, Petersburg, served as interim pastor until Rev. Carl W. Holm of Nekoma began his work here in January, 1945. In 1948, Sarnia was released from this parish to join Michigan and a new congregation organized at Lankin joined with Fordville and Quale. In June, 1948, Pastor Holm resigned. Rev. M. E. Arneson was installed June 5, 1949. During the pastorate of Pastor Arneson the building project begun in 1931 was completed. Caroline Jallo (Mrs. Nels Huseby) was the first organist. Others who have served as organists are Mrs. Nels Runnestrand, Martha Silseth, Blanche and Nettie Starkson, Bernice Huseby and Viola Jallo. Mrs. Henry Helegson served as organist for 20 years. Mrs. Oliver Ruzicka is the present organist. Pastor Arneson resigned in January, 1955. Allen W. Skindlov, Portland, Ore., was installed June 7, 1955. Vemon Severson, a seminary student, held several services. Pastor Skindlov served the congregation until June, 1965. The next pastor was Rev. Orris Haroldson

who served from July, 1965, to July, 1968. Pastor Ervin Overlund came in January, 1969, to serve as pastor. On April 17, 1970, the parsonage in Fordville was struck by lightmng, causing heavy damage to the inside. Temporary housing was arranged for the pastor and his family until repairs were made. The Quale Church celebrated its 90th anniversary June 30, 1974. jap «

Quale Lutheran Church, front entrance dedicated 30, 1974.

June

BIOGRAPHIES ERICK ACKERLAND Mr. and Mrs. Erick Ackerland came from Renville County, Minn., in 1881 and settled in Cleveland Township on what is now part of the Floyd Adamson farm. They continued to live there until they died after their children were grown and married. They came to Dakota Territory by covered wagon. Mr. Erick Ackerland was bom about 1833 in Sweden and died about 1920. Mrs. Catterina Ackerland was born in Sweden Oct. 9, 1833, and died Feb. 3, 1907. Sarah Ackerland was born in Sweden March 31,1866, and died in 1953. Ole Ackerland was born in Sweden in 1871 and died in 1950. Erick Ackerland was born in Minnesota in 1873, died in 1948. Inga Ackerland was bom in Minnesota March 9, 1876, and died Nov. 13, 1951. John Ackerland was bom in Minnesota in 1878, died in 1955. Submitted by WiUiam Foss, grandson. MRS. OLE HALL Following is a newspaper article based on recollections of Mrs. Ole Hall, one of the Dahlen community's first settlers. "Coming to the district with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Erick Ackerland, before she was five years old and soon after the EUing Dahlens settled, Mrs. HaU, the former Inga Ackerland, told of the excitement as the famUy prepared to move from southern Minnesota to their new home. "They moved because grasshoppers and chinch bugs had ruined two successive grain crops on their Minnesota farm. Dakota Territory had room for aU, they were told. A covered wagon was loaded with the scanty family possessions and, puUed by oxen, it started on its way. "Two new dresses Inga's mother and a friend made were part of the possessions but only one reached the new home. The other was destroyed when flames caught it as 1045

east of where Dennis Beneda lives and later, on the farm where Dennis Beneda Uves. They bought theC. B. Martin farm in October, 1923. When Frank was married in 1948, they moved to Lankin where Kenneth Beneda now lives. Mr. and Mrs. John Beneda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary July 3,1950. John Beneda died Dec. 3, 1950, in Lankin. Their son, John F. Beneda, was ktiled in a car-truck accident Aug. 5,1963. Mrs. Beneda lived in Lankin and with the children. She died June 16, 1967. Their daughter, Mary Ann Novak, died Dec. 12, 1974, and their daughter-in-law, Mrs. Frank (Rose) Beneda, died March 7, 1975.

Inga and her brother poked a camp fire with a stick. Inga was not seriously burned. "At Fargo Mr. Ackerland had many offers for Rosa, the family cow, but he knew the animal was too useful to sell. Not so "useful" were cases of measles the entire family contracted when they spent the night at a home where the disease was present. The family stopped journeying at Forest River where Ackerland built a log shack. Other settlers in the area told him there was a town to the southwest but no one had found it yet. With reluctance, Mrs. Ackerland and Inga watched him leave to seek the settlement. "Driving stakes to mark his path, Mr. Ackerland eventually found the town of Michigan where he made his first contact with the Lambs who promised credit to his settlement for needed supplies. Payment was made after harvest and debts were carried over during poor crop years. "Besides Michigan there was a store at Bellville on the Dahlen coulee where the Elling Dahlen family settled. The community's first school was a tarpaper shanty while aid and church meetings were held at various homes. "Conditions were hard at first, Mrs. Hall recalls. Ackerland was forced to take his oxen and wagon to Larimore to work in the harvest fields to earn enough wages for butter, syrup and two hundred pound sacks of flour which were shared with another family. "Selling wood to a Bohemian settlement to the west brought some income. Flour sacks dyed with leaves, bark or nuts were used for dresses, quilt tops and other household items. "At the age of 19 years, Inga married Ole HaU who had come to the settlement from the state of Michigan. After renting, then homesteading, they built up their holdings to three and a half quarter sections of land. Now they Uve in Dahlen."

CHARLES N. A. CARLSON FAMILY Charles N. A. Carlson, bom March 10,1862, in Lister, Norway, and Lenora Berntson, bom April 11, 1862, in Farsund, Norway, were married in Lister, Norway, and migrated to North Dakota in 1893. Their first stop was in Minnesota where they got some trees to plant on their land. They lived in a sod house until 1902, they ftied a homestead claim and built a house where they farmed. They had six daughters and three sons: Christ, Berent, Lina, Lillie, Mathilda, Helmer, Clara, Azms and Annie. The oldest son, Christ, was bom in Norway and was one year old when they left there. The other children were all bom in Walsh County. They were active in township and church affairs at Quale Lutheran. Carlson donated a plot of land north of the Quale Church for a small bam and a place to tie horses and park buggies and sleds when members came to church. In later years the barn was moved. He died Nov. 20,1927, and his wife, Lenora, died July 17, 1942. CHARLES AND ROSE CHYLE Charles A. Chyle was born to Charles Chyle and Barbara Capouch Cyle in Protivin, Ia., June 14, 1887. His mother was born in 1863 in Czechoslovakia. At six, with her parents, she immigrated to America. His father was born in 1858 in Decorah Ia. When Charles A. Chyle, Jr., arrived by train in North Dakota Feb. 8,1908, for eight months he worked for John Rumreich for $50 a month. His next job was with Joseph Novak on the farm where he worked up to the time of his marriage to Rose Novak, his employer's sister. Rose Novak Chyle was bom to Joseph Novak and Anna Silhacek Novak Aug. 29,1890, in Spillvide, Ia. Her mother was born in SptilviUe in 1861 Her father, Joseph, was born in Czechoslovakia in 1853 and at 18 migrated to America. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Novak, famtiy and Uvestock, came to Walsh County April 17,1898, by train. Rose Novak and Charles A Chyle, Jr., were married April 12, 1910. Charles purchased a quarter of land in Walsh County for $6,000. The quarter had a house with two bedrooms, a kitchen and living area. The couple built another bedroom, a cedar and a porch to meet the needs of their growing famtiy. Rose brought with her as a wedding present from her parents, furniture and some stock. The couple had two pigs, four horses, two cows and 35 chickens. Charles and Rose Chyle had four chddren, Barbara, Stanley, Valerian and Agnes. Charles Chyle worked as a member of the township board for 18 years, was also clerk of the school board for a short time. For five years he served as road observer for the area. He farmed three quarters which be owned and three quarter which he rented. This land was used

JOHN BENEDA FAMILY Albert Beneda was born at Vlcentince, Czechoslovakia, March 4, 1835. He married Marie Smrcek. They moved to New Etting, Czechoslovakia. A girl was bom Oct. 16,1859, named Katherine. A son born Dec. 3, 1863, was named John. They Uved in Czechoslovakia untU 1880. John decided he would like to see the new country, so he came to Chicago. He worked, then went to Thompson where he was a farm laborer for two years. That same fall his father, mother and sister all came to the United States and homesteaded on a farm that Harold Jallo owns. There are no buildings on this homestead. Katherine Beneda married John Urban, Sr., January, 1884, in the VeseleyviUe Church. She and her husband lived on the farm where Duane Strand lives. The other three Uved there until Albert Beneda died in March, 1896. They sold the farm to Albert Jallo and bought 160 acres, now owned by Dennis Beneda. John Beneda married Marie Novak at Pisek July 3, 1900. His mother stayed with them until she married Albert Machart in April, 1901, at Pisek. John F. Beneda was bom May 7, 1901; Frank J., Sept. 29, 1903; Mary Ann (Novak), April 17, 1905; Anna Rosalie (Capp), Jan. 19, 1909; and Jennie Ehzabeth (Greicar), Aug. 26, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Beneda Uved aU their married life in Cleveland Township, first about three-fourths of a mile 1046

for production of wheat, flax, barley and oats. The harvesting of all the crops was done with a steam engine, a threshing machine and other machinery; and hand labor of friends and family. There were many times when Mrs. Chyle and her daughters, Barbara and Agnes, fed as many as 23 men in their 12' x 16' living room. Keeping food fresh was a problem until they acquired a refrigerator. All perishables were kept in the cellar. Rose and her oldest daughter, Barbara, at one time milked, by hand, 14 cows and helped tend the rest of the livestock. Mrs. Chyle also helped in the field at mreshing time. Charles Chyle and family farmed in Cleveland Township for 45 years and continued to live on the farm until the fall of 1959 when they retired and moved to Pisek. He and his wife, Rose, and their eldest daughter, Barbara, still live in Pisek and the farm has been taken over by their youngest son, Valerian and his family.

assessor in his township. Later he was elected constable and a member of the board of supervisors of the township. In 1894 he was elected county commissioner, serving five years. In 1920 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives of the state of North Dakota Legislature to represent the third legislative district. While a resident of Cleveland Township he also served as president of the district school board. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge at Park River for more than 34 years. Mary VoUmer was born July 6, 1865, at Fort Wayne, Ind. When just a small chtid she came to Winstad, Minn., in a covered wagon with her parents, brother and sisters. Later she came to Dakota Territory and filed on land in Bottineau County near Omemee. She died Jan. 18, 1958. Gilbert Erickson and Mary VoUmer were married at Park River Dec. 3, 1889. Eight chUdren were born to them, Grace, GUbert, Jr., Arthur, Charles, Lola, Irene, Martha and Wesley. Only two of whom are stUl Uving Mrs. Martha Cady, Sacramento, CaUf., and Mrs. Lola Zabel, Binford. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson and six of their children are buried in the cemetery at Park River. A. N. FOSS I have selected some parts of my father's autobiography that relate to early North Dakota history, especiaUy Cleveland Township. Father began writing this in 1933 at which time he was employed in county government (Deputy Auditor) at Havre, Mont. He tells about his mother taking him and leaving Norway when he was five years old in 1867. They and some relatives embarked on a sailing vessel for the U. S. A., arrived here, in Iowa in June, 1867. Father's last entry in his autobiography was in June, 1945. He was then 84. He died about 30 days later.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Chyle, Sr., seated. Standing, left to right: John, Charles, Mary, James and Alouis. HELLICK DOKKEN FAMILY

Hellick Dokken was bom in Norway March 15, 1866. He came to Hatton in 1888. He married Guri Hures July 20, 1892. She was bom in Norway April 12, 1875. They Uved there on a farm for several years. They raised a family of two sons and four daughters, Selmer, Alvin, Margaret, Laura, CaroUne and Tina. They moved to a farm near FordviUe. The family attended services at Quale Lutheran Church. The mother died June 21, 1908. HeUick Dokken died in 1930.

Mother came with her parents from Sweden a couple of years later, about 1868. After some time in Minnesota they came by covered wagon to North Dakota and also homesteaded in Cleveland Township. Mother had two sisters and three brothers, their famUy name was Ackerland. Due to a fire which burned their house, there are no written records. Mother Uved about eight years after father died. She died at 87. I recaU mother teUing about her family coming by covered wagon from Minnesota and her baby sister died enroute. Her father made a coffin from trees. Mother picked wild flowers and placed them between the baby's fingers. They had their own funeral service. I have no idea where the location of this took place except along the immigrants traU from Minnesota. Mother said her first Christmas present in North Dakota was a sugar lump wrapped in paper from her parents. Mother said, "I was thankful to get it." Mother told me the first time she saw my father, he was walking barefooted in the furrow behind a walking plow being puUed by horses.

GILBERT ERICKSON GUbert Himle Erickson was born in Dane County, near Madison, Wise, Nov. 9,1856. At the age of eight he became an orphan and was apprenticed to a farmer by the name of Erickson, whose name he was given and with whom he Uved until he was confirmed in the Lutheran church. When his apprenticeship was completed he sought work and most of his early life was spent in Iowa and Wisconsin. He was employed in the State Hospital at Madison, Wise., for seven years. He arrived in Dakota Territory July 3, 1882. He first stopped at Minto, but went west to what is now Cleveland Township where he staked out a homestead on which he filed July 6,1882, and owned until the time of his death. In 1927 he retired from active farming and moved to Grafton where he died Sept. 8, 1932. Gilbert Erickson always took an active interest in civic and pubUc affairs. From 1884 to 1886 he served as

I bought my parents' farm and operated it for several years, but due to a health condition I sold the farm to Mr. and Mrs. Orvin JaUo in 1955. Then I moved to Michigan, N. D., where I have remained since as an independent insurance agent. My chUdren are grown and gone. My wife and I remain in the insurance business. Submitted by WiUiam J. Foss. 1047

and served in 1895-96.1 was again elected during the Free Silver Campaign of 1896 and served in 1897-98. During these four years, my farm was partially rented and partiaUy operated under my supervision and my family was with me at Grafton about two-thirds of the time. There a daughter, one and a hah years old, was laid to rest in the Grafton Cemetery. Back to the farm in January, 1899, as I had refused to mn for office in 1898. Farmed from 1899 to 1901. Then rented my farm for a term of years and moved to Park River. Bought a home there and Uved in it for three years where my two youngest sons were bom. Associated myself with David Aitken and the Towle Brothers in a machine business under the corporate name of "The Farmers Supply Company." In 1904 sold my interest in this company, moved my family back to the farm and started up the machine business in Lankin in 1905. Operated this business until 1909 when I sold.

ANDREW NELSON FOSS Andrew Nelson Foss was born July 14, 1871, in Sogn, "Sogendals Pretegjeld, Bergens Stift," Norway. I was raised by mother's parents until five years old, when mother, a poor workingwoman.had accumulated enough money, we and some relatives emigrated in the spring of 1867 on a sailing vessel to the United States. Landed at the port of Quebec, then across by the Sault Ste. Marie into the United States, landed at Calmer, Ia. Arrived in June, 1867. From Calmar, Ia., with the assistance of friends, mother settled at Little Turkey, Ia., 12 miles south of the town of Cresco, where she remained four years. Later, moved to Adams, Minn. Mother, through her thrift and frugality, acquired a simple home for us and I took advantage, as long as possible, of the simple, common school of those days, although I never got farther than the 8th grade. I had started to earn my Uving and help support my mother when 1 was 14. During the years from 10 to 14, I also attended parochial school in the Norwegian language and graduated with honors as a confirmant in the Lutheran church of Little Cedar Congregation at Adams, Minn., in 1875. During the years 1876 through 1880 I worked and accumulated the value of a team of horses and harness. These I attached to a covered wagon in the spring of 1881 and started for the Red River VaUey in Dakota Territory. I spent the summer and fall of 1881 at various occupations, sold my outfit at BarnesviUe, Minn., and subsequently landed on the unsurveyed government land in which is now located Cleveland Township. In December, 1881, I established myself as a squatter. In the winter of 1881-1882 I went back to Adams and arranged to have my mother and stepfather, Mr. Benson, come out in the spring of 1882 and take up land along side of mine.

In January, 1909, went to Galata, Mont., and homesteaded and started a private banking business. Operated for one and a half years but was forced to quit by legislative act and took up a real estate business. Quit this in 1914 when I was elected Clerk of Toole County, Mont., and I served until the end of 1916 when I bought an interest in the First State Bank of Shelby, Mont., in March, 1917. Operated this establishment as cashier and sold in December of the same year. Returned to North Dakota where I had already established my family on the old farm. During 1910 through 1914 I was guardian for the Dokken children in North Dakota. That matter brought me back there on several occasions and I decided in 1913 to bring my family with me to Kalispell, Mont., where we remained until the summer of 1914 when we moved to Shelby. Returned to the old farm in 1917 and remained there until the spring of 1919 when I again went to Montana, where I have remained. For about a year, I did some travehng and spent some time in southern California and other points in the west, but finding nothing that looked very promising, decided to return to Havre. On April 1,1920, was offered a position with an old friend, John Devine, the County Clerk of Hid County, Mont. His defeat in the election of 1920 left me with his successor, Earl Bronson, with whom I have remained as a deputy for nearly 14 years.

We grew crops to sustain ourselves and gradually through thrift, energy and conservation we became more independent. In the summer of 1882 this land was surveyed and opened for entry in the spring of 1883. In April of that year, I went to Grand Forks and filed my entry in the land office there under the pre-emption law. During 1882 through 1885,1 did my farming with two or three oxen that I had been able to purchase from my earnings with the team of horses and covered wagon in which I came from Minnesota. I sold my oxen in the faU of 1886, bought a pair of horses. In the fall of 1886 I married Caroline Ackerland. We had 10 children, seven of whom are living. 1889 brought me into poUtics. Park River is the birth place of my political life. There, I was nominated to the first State Legislature of North Dakota. I served in the House of Representatives in 1889-90 when "The Louisiana Lottery Company" failed to obtain a charter to operate for 99 years. Again elected to the second Legislature in 1890 and served until 1891. Also served in the special session in 1892 when arrangements were made and money was appropriated for the World's Fair of 1893. I attended this event for a few days that summer. In 18931 erected my new house that to this day is on the old farm. The old log shanty that had been occupied for 12 years had become too cramped and congested and larger quarters were necessary. The election of 1894 brought me again into politics and I was elected Register of Deeds for Walsh County,

Going back into history to 1889 when elected to the Legislature, I found it necessary, owing to foreign birth, to secure citizenship. I acquired citizenship at Grand Forks in 1889. In April, 1900, my mother died at 67. In 1903 my stepfather, Ben Benson, died at Park River. They are both buried in the cemetery of the Quale Church in Cleveland Township. My son, Eddie, was buried there in 1918. The chddren of Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Foss were: Carl Elmer Foss (b. June 10, 1887, d. Feb. 25, 1954), Alvin Mark Foss (b. Sept. 25, 1888), Minnie Francis Foss (b. Jan. 25, 1891), Eddie Foss (b. Oct. 9, 1892, d. Oct. 29, 1918), Clara Rachel Foss (b. June 10,1894), Ltily Foss (b. June 30,1896, d. Oct. 30,1897, age Vk), Ldlian Cora Foss (b. Sept. 26,1898), Ann Jeanette Foss (b. March 13,1900), William James Foss (b. May 31,1903), Donald Dean Foss (b. June 18,1905) and Pearl Foss (b. July 11,1907, d. July 11, 1907). 1048

three older children were very concerned about the newly hatched chicks in a small coop which was buried under six feet of snow. When Father shoveled them out, the mother hen and chicks were safe and warm — much to our joy.It seems that the family was destined to have important events occur in some kind of a storm. The family was never involved in any prairie fires. I do remember the hail storm which completely destroyed their crop in 1905. There was a terrible drought in 1910 when farmers barely harvested enough seed for the next year's seeding. There were many happy events to be remembered. The purchase of a Columbia phonograph in 1905 - on a still evening when the records were played outdoors, using the "loud" needle, the music was heard for mdes around. In 1907 Father helped organize and butid a 10 party telephone line. Telephones at that time were powered by two dry ced batteries. To call anyone it was necessary to turn a crank and ring your cads. In 1910, Father bought his first automobile, a high wheeled (buggy type wheels) chain driven and very noisy one. But we were very proud of it for there weren't very many automobdes in the vicinity at that time. That same year they became the owners of a power washing machine. It was powered by a gasoline engine which also pumped water (the first power washer that was on the market at the time). This is just a short history of progress to which my parents contributed much time and labor. From this time on, their history was not unusual. They retired from the farm in 1921 and moved to Mahnomen, Minn., where they lived untd 1945 when they decided to move to Seattle to be nearer some of their chddren. They lived in Seattle until their deaths. Mother died Oct. 2,1947, and Father died Aug. 31,1961, at 93. The birth date of their chddren are: Leo, bom Aug. 21, 1897, married Mae Vine, died Aug. 10, 1950; SteUa, born Sept. 27, 1898, married George Hatfield; Wtifiam, bom Feb. 21, 1900, married Adeline Schaefer, died October, 1975; Agnes, born March 13,1902, married Gordon Mclaughlin, died Aug. 10,1940; Laura, born Nov. 3,1906, married R. J. Elms; Lloyd, born Jan. 22,1908, died Feb. 16,1973; and Olive, bom March 25, 1909, married Cyrus Botchelder. The three older chddren went to a Uttle country school in Cleveland Township known as District 61, also known as the Urban School, untd 1908, at which time we were transferred to the District No. 39 at Lankin. Submitted by SteUa Harazim Hatfield, daughter.

OLE HALL Ole Hall was born in Norway in 1870. He came to the U. S. in 1889. Ole came to Walsh County and settled in Cleveland Township on what is now known as the Thorben Moen farm shortly after he was married to Inga Ackerland in 1895. He continued to live and farm there until 1919 when he sold and moved to Dahlen where he remained until his death in November, 1951. There were 11 children bom, 10 at the farm and one after moving to Dahlen. Birth and death record of family members includes: Mrs. Ole Hall, March 9,1876-Nov. 13,1951; Ole Hall, April 20, 1870-Nov. 13, 1951; Edwin, May 15, 1897; Cora Heier, March 17, 1899; Emma Hamilton, Nov. 14, 1901; Grant Hall, Feb. 14, 1904-1941; William Hall, Feb. 14, 1906; Charles Hall, March 30, 1908; Clifford Hall, April 25, 1910; Pearl Nash, July 12,1912; Olga Branchand, Dec. 10, 1914; Verna Nelson, June 28,1917; and Vivian Kelly, Nov. 3, 1920. Submitted by William Foss. MR. AND MRS. JAMES HARAZIM On Sept. 4, 1882, Father came to the U. S. as an immigrant from Bohemia where he was bom Sept. 27,1868. He remained for a short time in New York City and Chicago and was naturalized as a citizen in November, 1889. Later, he homesteaded on 160 acres in Cleveland Township, three miles south of Lankin. At that time the nearest post office was at Young, about five miles from the homestead. On Nov. 23,1896, he married Stella Blasky, who was born at Spillville, Ia., on July 28, 1878. With her parents and older children, she came north by a covered wagon and a team or yoke of oxen. Eventually they settled near Conway. That is where my parents met and married. Immediately after their marriage they settled on the homestead in a small frame house.

GILBERT HAUGEN Gtibert Haugen was bom Sept. 2, 1863, in Norfjord, Norway. His family tine is directly descended from Viking kings. Two Viking kings are buried on the Haugen farm. There are two hitis, and as was the custom, the entire ship is buried with the body. Hence the name Haugen. Gtibert graduated from school and received a certificate in engineering. When he was 19, he came to America with three brothers. Gilbert located first in Ada, Minn. In 1885 he came to North Dakota and lived on a homestead 14 mdes west of what is now FordviUe. In 1888 he married Miss Bertha Severson (bom Aug. 16, 1870). Four chddren were

Mr. James Harazim holding Laura. Mrs. James Harazim holding Lloyd. Standing: Stella, Leo, William, Agnes. As time went on seven children were bom to them. The eldest child, a son Leo, was born on Aug. 21,1897.1, Stella, their second child, was born Sept. 27, 1898, a day after the terrible cyclone which completely demolished their little home. William was bom Feb. 21,1900, the turn of the century. Agnes, the fourth child, was bom March 13,1902, in the midst of one of the worst snowstorms in history. I remember very distinctly the birth of the new baby. We 1049

born: George Sigvart (born April 2, 1890, died April 29, 1939), Carrie Christine, born Aug. 30, 1892), Bertha Luella (born July 29,1895, died Nov., 1923), and Gertrude Evelyn (born July, 1897, lived three months). In 1891 fire destroyed their home and they moved to Inkster where he was employed by the Reitan Company Implement. In 1894 they returned to farming in Cleveland Township one mile east of the Zeman farm, the Praha Post Office. Gilbert was clerk of Cleveland Township for many years. His wife and infant daughter died in 1897. Gilbert never remarried. None of his children were married. He continued farming until 1905 when he moved to Bismarck where for 17 years he was State Deputy Land Commissioner. He died in 1936 at 73 and is buried in Quale Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Haugen were charter members of Quale Lutheran Church. Carrie Haugen is the sole survivor, lives in San Francisco, Calif.

which 11 grew to adulthood. She died in 1909 at age 46 when the youngest child was three months old. There are now only two Uving, Mrs. Roy Telander (AUce), Michigan, N. D., and Mrs. Inga Neste, Los Angeles, CaUf. Hedalen helped organize Middle Forest Congregation, was an auctioneer and much in demand as an advisor. He served as sexton in the church and as justice of the peace. About 1910, the Hedalen famdy lived in Cleveland Township on the farm east of the Huseby farm. OLE HELGESON FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Helgeson, Inga and Alma.

Mrs. Ole Helgeson (Bertha) was born Birgit Jallo in HaUingdal, Norway, Oct. 29,1859. She came to America in October, 1882, and spent that first winter with her brother, Ole JaUo, at Appleton, Minn. Her brothers, Knut and ToUef, had already homesteaded in Walsh County and they urged her to come and file on a quarter of land adjoining theirs. She came to Niagara Station, the end of the Great Northern line at that time, in the spring of 1883, and was met by her brothers, Knut and ToUef, who drove a team of oxen hitched to a spring wagon. She filed homestead rights on the NEy4 of Section 32 in Cleveland Township. In order to appear at the courthouse in Grand Forks to file her claim, she walked the 20 mdes to Niagara, disdaining the ride offered by her brother, Knut. Brother ToUef built her a sod shanty, 10 x 12 feet, and furnished it with articles made from small trees found on the homestead and from packing boxes. Provisions were purchased from a store at Conway. She recaUed that flour cost $2 a hundred pounds, sugar, seven cents a pound, and coffee, eight pounds for $1. Mad was received through a post office caded Praha operated by Mr. and Mrs. Clement Zeman in Section 22, Cleveland Township. In 1883 a wed was dug and 12 acres of land were broken at a "Breaking Bee" of 14 neighbors. These 12 acres were seeded to wheat in the spring of 1884 and yielded 16 bushels to the acre. It was whde working for her brother Knut that she met Ole Helgeson who had come from Valdres, Norway, to Mower County, Minn., in 1881 and to Dakota in 1882. They were married by Rev. Holseth near Dahlen in December, 1891. After their marriage they continued to

George, Carrie and Bertha Haugen, children of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Haugen. NELS T. H E D A L E N F A M I L Y

Nels T. Hedalen came to North Dakota with Knut Morstad, Gilbert Lien and Ole Jarstad. They filed for land in Medford Township in 1881. Later he homesteaded in Elkmount Township in the hills on the border line between Walsh and Grand Forks Counties. He was active in township, school and church affairs. He married Carrie Svenson, daughter of a pioneer woman, Mary Gulbrandson, later Mary Everson. They were the first couple to be married by the justice of the peace. Nels had immigrated from Valders, Norway, to Decorah, Ia., at the age of 16. He availed himself of the opportunity for a time to attend school and gain the mdiments of the American language. Having the rare ability given to but a few to make use of his knowledge, kmited though it was at first, but constantly improving, he became a leader among the homesteading pioneers in various positions. He taught school in Elkmount Township, District No. 45, and also in Dahlen Township. He was later elected county commissioner of the fourth district. He was in Bismarck for many years in the Legislature. He had the post office at his home before FordviUe was established or Medford as it was then caUed. FordviUe was started a few years later. Mr. and Mrs. Hedalen were parents of 15 chUdren of 1050

make their home on Birgit's homestead and here their five children were born: Inga, Alma, Henry, Clara and Oscar. Inga died during the influenza epidemic of 1918 at 22. Alma and her husband, Julius Johnson, farm in Cleveland Township. Henry and wife, Carolyn, farmed the original homestead until they retired and moved to Fordville in 1965. Clara and her husband, Joe Fredrickson, farmed near Dahlen. Oscar and wife, Louise, make their home in Grand Forks. May 16, 1928, Ole died and was laid to rest in the Quale Church Cemetery. Birgit continued to make her home on the homestead with her son, Henry, and his wife, Carolyn, until November, 1938, when she died at 79. She was laid to rest beside her husband and daughter in the Quale Church Cemetery. The original homestead is now owned and operated by Birgit's grandson, Gerald Johnson, wife Edna and sons David, Lynn and Kevin. Submitted by Clara Fredrickson and Mrs. Henry Helgeson.

JACOB HODNY FAMILY Jacob Hodny was born at New Prague, Minn., July 17, 1880. He came to Dakota Territory in 1882 with a younger sister and his parents, Frank and Katherine (Verzal) Hodny, who homesteaded in Perth Township. Frank Hodny and his brother, Joseph Hodny, were instrumental in establishing St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Bechyne on land donated. Their post office was at Lambert in Perth Township and they did most of their trading at Conway. Jacob Hodny married Mary Urban, the daughter of John Urban and Katherine (Beneda) Urban, Aug. 1,1905. Mary was bom on Aug. 19,1884, in a sod house about four mUes south and one-half mile west of Lankin. The schoolhouse she attended has been moved to the Fred W. Hodny farm. The post office for the Urban family was at Praha in Cleveland Township. After marriage, Jacob and Mary Hodny moved to Cleveland Township and farmed. Much of the land was thick sage brush and had to be cut and cleared before new fields were made with a walking plow. Eleven children were bom, Albert, Mayme, Anna, Frank, Liltian, Lewis, Henry, Daniel, Anton, Fred and Jake. Jacob Hodny died March 7, 1961.

HALVOR HANSON FAMILY Halvor Hanson was born in Balestrand, Norway, on Nov. 25, 1847. Before 1880, he left Norway for America and settled in Minnesota. February 2, 1881, he married Marie Nelson at Bricelyn, Minn. Marie was born at Adams, Minn., March 20, 1862, and grew to womanhood there. November 12,1881, Henry, their first son was born in Bricelyn. The following year the family immigrated to Dakota Territory. In 1883 Halvor Hanson filed and homesteaded on land in Cleveland Township, about eight miles west of Fordville. Their place was always known thereafter as the Hanson Coulee and Hanson Hill.

OLE S. HUSEBY FAMILY Ole S. Huseby immigrated from Sogen, Norway to Blue Earth, Minn., in 1884. He was a widower, having three chUdren who came with their father. They were Ole, Nels and Annie. At Blue Earth he married Bertha Erickson who had two daughters, Bertha and Carrie. They decided to move to North Dakota in 1887. They decided on land 12 miles west of Conway and butit a tar paper log shack. Edward and Sina were born in 1889-1890. As their famtiy grew, they soon butit a large house and other farm buildings to meet their needs. Bertha and Carrie were the first to leave home. Bertha married Mr. Griffen. They moved to Tacoma, Wash. Carrie married Patrick Bennan and moved to Canada. Nels married Caroline JaUo. They settled on a farm in Nelson County near Whitman. Annie married Emanual Ruzicka and Uved in Conway the first years of their married life. Ole never married. Edward married Anna Jado and they purchased some land from Gtibert Lein across the road from the original farm and built their home there. Sina is the only survivor of the Ole Huseby famdy. She Uves with her nephew Casper on the original Huseby farm, six mties west of Fordvtile.

Six more sons and five daughters were born. Children are: Henry (1881-1908), Ole (1883-1883), Bertina (1884-1958), Sever (1886-1886), Nora (1887-1954), Oscar (1890-1932), Sadie (1892-1941), Hannah (1894-1958), Clarence (1896), Gertrude (1898-1967), Herman (19001962), and Gordon (1903). Henry was not married. Bertina married Theodore Dahlen and six children were born to them. Nora married Albert Johnson and had eight children. Oscar married Mabel Qually and had three children. Sadie married Oluf Kleven and had six children. Hannah married Albert Lein and had one child. Clarence married Tilhe Carlson and had five children. Gertrude married Glenn Simmons and had two children. Herman married Elsie Bjorkman and had no children. Gordon married Hazel Hartley and had one child; he married Beverly McAdams and had two children. Sons, Clarence and Gordon,fivein Minneapolis. Also surviving are 30 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren and 56 great great grandchildren.

OLE JOHNSON FAMILY Mrs. Ole Johnson was bom at Nordfjordeid, Norway, Aug. 14, 1868, and grew up there. She was 16 when her parents died. She then went to live with her brother, Erik, where she went to school for two years. From there she went to Wang Valdres where she worked for two years and then went to VestresUdre Valders where she met Ole Johnson. They were married Aprd 19, 1881, and came to America.

Halvor and Marie Hanson were pioneers of the community and suffered their share of pioneer hardships but were active in the upbuilding and interested in the improving of the territory. Marie was one of the organizers of the Quale Lutheran Church congregation, and the Quale Ladies' Aid, and for many years was president of the Ladies' Aid. Halvor died in 1908 and Marie died in 1925. They are both buried in the Quale Church Cemetery, rural FordviUe. Submitted by Ruth Dahlen Gustafson.

Ole Johnson was born Jan. 16,1856, at Vestre Valders where he Uved with his parents and helped his father with farm work until 1881. They came to Cleveland Township in 1882 where they settled as pioneers. They were one of the first couples to settle in that community. They raised eight chddren, 1051

John, Iver, Gina, Joseph, Emilie, Henry, Elisa, and Erikka. A daughter, Marie, died at six weeks. They were active in community affairs and church work and always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. Mr. Johnson threshed in the community for 25 years. Emilie and Erikka worked in the cook car during threshing. They lived in Cleveland Township until they retired. They bought a house in Fordville and lived there three and a half years. Ole Johnson died at Fordville Sept. 12, 1922. Mrs. Ole Johnson died May 14, 1935, at Thief River Falls, Minn., where she had made her home for several years with her daughter and son-in-law, Erikka and Nels Flom.

KNUT JALLO

IYER AND INGEBORG JOHNSON

Mr. and Mrs. Knut Jallo and family. Annie, Oscar and Theodore.

Albert,

Carolyn,

Knut JaUo was born and grew up in HaUingdal, Norway. He remained there untU he was in his early twenties. The attitude among the younger generation was then and always had been to plan and provide themselves for the future, "but where." It was Knut's decision to leave his homeland and come to America by saiUng ship which took seven weeks. Knut's destination was NicoUet County, Minn., in 1875. In 1880 he was married to Randi Huus, who came from HaUingdal, Norway, to NicoUet County in 1877. Knut and Randi moved to a farm two mUes east of FordvUle, Uving in a dugout where Albert was born in 1884. In 1887 they moved to Cleveland Township where they fUed homestead and hved until their deaths. Their home was buUt at the bottom of a lull and a root ceUar made of stone was built in the foot of the hiU where milk and cream were stored during the summer. Mr. and Mrs. Knut JaUo had a family, Caroline, Albert, Annie, Oscar and Theodore (Ted). He was active in church and community affairs and served on boards and committees. AU five children continued to live on in North Dakota. Albert went to WiUiams County in 1906, filed on a quarter of land near Tioga. He built a shanty and Uved there one year. He had possession of that land until about 1907. In 1907 he returned to Cleveland Township. On May 30,1908, he married Julia Wiste, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Per Wiste. Juha was born in Norway and came to this country when a little girl with her parents and brother, Torger. They settled in Latona Township. Juha grew up there and Uved in a sod house untU her marriage when she and Albert moved into a two-story log house on the farm he had purchased near his home place. This farm had been the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Benson, mother and stepfather of A. N. Foss. Julia died May 11,1918, leaving four smaU chUdren. Albert married Olga Wiste and 11 chUdren were born. Albert's six oldest chUdren were born in the log house. Albert held offices on the church, school and town boards. He also was a member of Quale Lutheran Church. His farm was located less than a mile from the church. At this writing he is weU and quite active considering his advanced age. He is up and about and his memory is good. He had his 91st birthday July 4, 1975, is the oldest Uving member of the Quale congregation. His son, Harold, resides on the farm and Albert and Olga Uve in Lankin. His chUdren are RueUa Ruzicka, Gladys Zittie,

Left to right, seated : Iver Johnson, Mary, Mrs. Johnson. Standing: John I., Geoline and Iver, Jr.

Iver Johnson, son of Gro and John Bakken, came here from Norway in 1883. He had two sisters, Sigrid Knutson, who lived in the Hatton area, and AnneKorstad, from the Lakota area. His brothers were Ole Johnson, John Bakken and Haakum or Henry Hill. He changed his name to Hill because it meant the same. He was born Aug. 5, 1858, in Norway. He came to Manvel in 1883 and later to Sarnia where he took up a claim. He sold this claim and moved to Cleveland Township, where he lived until his death April 2, 1940. Ingeborg Semeling was bom in Ron Vestre Share, Valdris, Norway, June 21, 1857, and died April 24, 1938. Her parents were Ole and Marit Semeling, she had one brother, Ole, and six sisters, Marit Bakke, Barbara Semeling, Cecilia Ellefson, Kari Loken, Anne Hanson and Marit Knutson. Iver Johnson married Ingeborg Semeling in 1886. They were married by Rev. Holseth. They had five children. The first child died at birth. Iver died Oct. 30, 1918, during the flu epidemic. Geoline Johnson Velleu died in 1970. John I. Johnson died in 1969, Mary Johnson Moen in March of 1975. John I. Johnson remained on the farm after his parents died and at the present time two grandsons of Mr. and Mrs. Iver Johnson own the farm. The two boys are Ingdolph and John Henry Johnson. Iver Johnson bought and gave the altar to the Quale Church after a storm destroyed the old church. The altar is still being used at the present time. Submitted by Mrs. Louis Machart. 1052

Lyla Bryan, Edith Mullenhour, Clarence, Arnold, Harold, Alden, Gene, Orvin, Albert, Jr., and Marvin. A son, Arnold, by the first marriage, died at nine. A boy died at birth and Geraldine died when nine days old. There are 33 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Albert and a brother, Theodore, are the only survivors ot^ the Knut JaUo family.

TED LANSING FAMILY Ted Lansing was born at Ossian, Ia., Feb. 19, 1887. The son of WUliam and Mary Lansing, he came to North Dakota in 1906, worked as a farm laborer until he started farming. He farmed in the Adams area, on Feb. 16, 1914, he married Annie Skorgen. They moved to the Lankin area. They had four children: Mrs. John (Gladys) Novak, Aldus Lansing, Mrs. Norman (AdeUne) Colsen, and Mrs. Leona Sevigny. They had 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. In 1955 they retired and moved to Grafton. He died Dec. 16, 1961, and his wife died July 4, 1974. They are buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery at Lankin. ELMER LINSTAD Elmer Linstad was bom in Latona Township March 29, 1899, to Ole and CaroUne Linstad. He married Agnes (Loken) Linstad March 29,1928, at Adams, N. D. She was born April 20, 1908, in Dahlen Township, Nelson County. They farmed their entire Ufe in Cleveland Township, being active in community affairs. They were members of the Quale Lutheran Church, rural FordviUe. They had eight children - Clayton, Eleanor, Corrine, Marvin, MerUn, Vivian, Raymond and Wayne. Elmer died Aug. 29,1964, and Agnes July 12,1966.

O p& Albert Jallo JOHN I. JOHNSON FAMILY John I. Johnson was born Dec. 2,1889, in a sod house in Sarnia Township, northeast of Whitman. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Iver Johnson. At the age of eight he moved to Cleveland Township where he lived untU his death in 1969. Mrs. John I. Johnson, the former Gina Jarstad, was born Oct. 4,1894, in Medford Township where her father had fUed a claim near FordviUe. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Jarstad. Hermother died when she was two years old. Mrs. John I. Johnson died Oct. 29,1974. They were married at the home of Mrs. Johnson by Rev. H. C. Olson of Dahlen. Mrs. Johnson's sister, Lena Jarstad Offerdahl, was maid of honor, whUe Mrs. Johnson's brother, Iver, was the best man. After a short trip to Fargo, they Uved with Iver Johnsons in Cleveland Township. Mr. and Mrs. John I. Johnson remained on that farm until their deaths. They had seven children, four sons and three daughters. AU of the chUdren, except one, Uve in this area. Ingdolph Johnson and John Henry Johnson Uve on the home farm. Mrs. (Opal) Myron Halstenson lives in Niagara; Iverna (Mrs. Louis Machart), Lankin; Gloria (Mrs. Linnel Grinter), Pisek; OUver Johnson, Michigan; and Lloyd Johnson, Shakopee, Minn. There are 13 grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Linstad THOR T. LOKEN FAMILY Thor T. Loken was bom in November, 1847, in Aal HaUingdal, Norway. He remained there until he was 23 years old. In 1870 he left his homeland and was on a saiUng ship for seven weeks. Thor's destination was Kasson, Dodge County, Minn. After seven years there, there came rumors of free land in North Dakota. In 1880 Thor came to Grand Forks where the land office was located. He was one of the early settlers to obtain a homestead pre-emption and tree claim in Cleveland Township in 1881 where he lived a short while and was married to EU Loken in 1888. He sold this land to Charley Carlson who worked for Thor until the land was paid for. Charley's grandson, Dennis, now occupies the place. KNUT LOKEN FAMILY Knut Loken, son of Fosten Huset Loken and Margit Tvito, was born June 6, 1853, and Aagot Trintrud was bom Sept. 8, 1853. They were married Nov. 12, 1880, in HaUingdal, Norway. They came in 1881 to Kesson, Minn.,

Mr. and Mrs. John I. Johnson 1053

and then to North Dakota and homestead on Section 36, Range 58, now known as the Grant quarter in Perth Township. They farmed with oxen and Uved in a sod house. The few cattle they owned were chased from Kesson, Minn. Knut helped organize Sarnia Lutheran Church in 1885. Rev. Ringstad had held services at the Loken home until the schoolhouse was buUt. He was the first treasurer of Sarnia and Aagot was a charter member of the Ladies' Aid which was organized in 1886. They moved to Cleveland Township just south of Quale Church, now owned by Chester Frost. In 1897 he was named on a committee to help raise money to build Quale Church. Mrs. Loken brought from Norway many belongings such as a spinning wheel, handmade bowls, spoons and coffee grinders which are stUl in the famUy. They had six chUdren. Tom was born in Norway and married Ragnil Hamre who also came from Norway. They had three sons, Arthur, Roy and Kenneth. Carl was born in Kesson, Minn., and married Carrie Hamre, also from Norway. They had three chUdren, Agnes (Mrs. Elmer Linstad), Clarence and Clarine (Mrs. Maddock). Mandt died at two. Mandt K. married CaroUne Linstad, daughter of Ole Linstad, Adams. Their chUdren are Cora (Mrs. WaUace Warner), Clifford, Melvin, Duane and Loma (Mrs. Oliver Johnson). Clara Loken married Martin Haugen. Their chUdren were Aletha, Arnold, Carl, Clarice, Ruth and Evangline. Her second marriage was to Harry Baker. Anna Loken married Reuben Focky. Knut's sisters and brothers were Thor, Helga Loken Beaver, Sigre (Mrs. Harold Paulson) Evan, Grudie Loken.

KNUT K. AND TRINA SOPHIA LYKKEN

Knut K. Lykken, seated incenter. Left to right, standing: Ole Jarstad and Mr. Knutson, all were friends from Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Knut K. Lykken and famUy were among the early settlers who came by wagon and horses to Cleveland Township in May, 1893, staying first with his sister and famdy, the Christ Reinertsons. They Uved for a short time on the Starkson farm, later moving to a log house which was their home for two years. Lykken budt a two-room frame house on the land he had purchased when he arrived here. The house stdl remains on its original site on the Lykken farm. In 1908 they budt a large two-story frame house which is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arndt Dahlen. They budt and improved their farm by being industrious and thrtf ty. In later years they bought a home in Fordvdle where they Uved for a number of years. Knut Lykken was bom Dec. 18,1858, and grew up on a farm in Liberty Township, Manitowoc County, Valders, Wise. He died Dec. 10,1928, at his farm home. Trina Sophia Erickson was bom Dec. 14, 1867, in Manitowoc County, Valders, Wise, and died Oct. 10,1960. Knut and Sophia were married Oct. 7,1886. They had three children, Clarence, Juha and Marie. Knut Lykken served as an assessor of Cleveland Township for many years. Most of the time he walked from place to place and only once in awhtie would he get a ride. He would walk to FordviUe and back, a distance of 16 miles. The roads were not as good then, so he walked across country, the shortest distance, always bringing with him a treat of peppermint candy for his children and in later years, for his grandchddren. He served as president of the Cleveland Township school board in District No. 48, was a trustee of Middle Forest River Lutheran Church (of which he was a lifelong member), and also participated in tbe Liberty Loan Drives during World War I. He was an avid reader and had a remarkable memory and was weU versed in Norwegian and American history. He studied a lot and was very interesting to visit with because of his knowledge about so many things. Religion, education and politics were also topics he enjoyed talking about. Only a few articles are known about that were brought from their home in Wisconsin. Mrs. Lykken brought her spinning wheel, wood cards and steel knit-

CARL LOKEN Carl Loken was bom Feb. 13, 1884, in Cleveland Township, where he spent most of his Ufe. July 20, 1907, he married Carrie Hamre in rural FordviUe by Pastor Omdahl. Carrie was born March 26,1880 in the vUlage of Honefuss, Valdres, Norway, to Sigrie and Knut Hamre. She spent her formative years in Norway and as a young woman came to America with her sister, Ragntid (Mrs. Tom Loken), to reside with her uncle, Torger Hamre, near Park River. They farmed in Cleveland Township where they were active members in local and church affairs. They retired in 1943 and resided in FordviUe until their deaths. Carl died March 18,1968, and Carrie Nov. 22, 1970. They had three chddren, Agnes, Clarence and Clarine.

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lofeen 1054

ting needles, all of which she used many, many times. Also, their mantel clock was another of their prized possessions. His parents, Knud and Gertrude Lykken, came from Ostre Slidre, Valders, Norway, in 1854. When their boat arrived in port, they were not permitted to leave the ship because of the severe cholera epidemic in the town. In 1852 they settled on Knud's father's homestead in Valders, Wise., a veteran of the Civil War and a well known man in Manitowoc County. Knud and Gertrude had two children, Ingred and Knut, Jr. Ingred married Christ Reinertson of Park River who immigrated to Cleveland Township and homesteaded in 1881. They did their shopping in Conway - the trips were made by lumber wagon and horses. Enough supplies were bought to last a long time because not too many trips wre made in one year. Once in a great while the children would get permission to ride along — a nickle bag of candy was a treat! Mrs. Sophia Lykken worked hard and helped her husband during the busy harvest season when she would drive the horses on the binder and her husband and son would shock the grain. Sometimes she would do the shocking and help with haying too, as well as milking. Her hobby was making quilts, of which she made many. She was one of 14 children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Thorsten E. Erickson. Thorsten was born in 1822 in Valders, Norway, and was 36 years old when he immigrated to America. He died Dec. 23,1916, at the age of 94. His wife, Ragne Nelson Erickson, was born in 1844 in Valders, Norway, and died Aug. 2,1928, at84. Ragne Nelson's parents, Nels and Marit Nelson, were both bom in Valders, Norway, both coming to Valders, Wise. Nels was bom in 1805 and died in 1891. Marit was born in 1809 and died in 1892. Submitted by Mrs. Willard Bell.

warehouses and other commercial buildings. Their first son, Howard Lee, was bom June 18, 1891, in Duluth. When Howard was two years old his parents decided to try their hand at farming and hearing of available land, they moved to North Dakota in 1893. They homesteaded on the SE /. of Section 4-55-57 in Cleveland Township. They built a home and all other buildings needed to start farming. They hauled their lumber from Minto by oxen. After eight years of hard labor and many long hours, a cyclone struck their farm in 1898 and destroyed aU their buildings. This cyclone destroyed many more farm buildings in the area and killed the McLaughlin's neighbor, Francis Butler. They rebuilt the farm buildings. Other children were Irvin, Charlotte, WiUiam, Jr., and Blanche. Needing a larger home, they moved to a farm two rnties east in 1911. McLaughlin purchased the Lamb and Sprauge Lumber Yard in Lankin and operated it until he died May 1, 1919. Another tragedy came to Mrs. McLaughUn and her famUy when son, Irvin, was kUled by hghtning while raking hay. One horse hitched to the rake was also kiUed July 1, 1921. Four chUdren are Uving. Charlotte and Blanche in Minneapolis, Minn.; WUliam, Jr., whose wife, Clara, died AprU 16,1952, in Lankin; Howard, the oldest son, married Rose Lansing July 28, 1914 They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. They farmed on the old homestead until 1943 and now Uve in Lankin. Howard's oldest son, Harold, and family reside on the famUy farm that was homesteaded by his grandfather 85 years ago. 1

Left to right: Howard, Bill, Irvin. Charlotte and Blanche McLaughlin.

Mrs. Knut Lykken with great grandchildren, Mavis (Bell) Ness and Arden Bell. WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN, SR., FAMILY William McLaughlin, Sr., was born in West Virginia Dec. 22, 1866. A carpenter, he came to North Dakota in 1887 looking for work. He worked in the Lankin community and met Anna Savory who was teaching west of Lankin. She also taught school in Vernon Township. They were married in 1890 in Minneapolis, her home city. They moved to Duluth, Minn., where William built elevators. 1055

for a short time where John Emanuel was bom Dec. 22, 1893. The family moved back to the farm in the Warsaw area. Adolph was bom Feb. 12, 1896; Wdliam Feb. 26, 1897. Helen Mary joined the growing family March 26, 1899, and Stephen came as a Christmas present on Dec. 25, 1900.

PEDER J. MIDTHUN FAMILY An early settler in Cleveland Township was Peder J. Midthun who was born in Norum Sogn, Norway, in 1840. In 1867, he joined a large number of young and middle aged men and women from the native land to come to the United States. He first located at Adams, Minn. February 22, 1872, he married Olina Berge in Austin, Minn. She was born May 29,1855, in Gal, HaUingdal, Norway. She came to the United States at the age of six in 1861. The opportunities offered in Dakota induced him to come here and in 1879 they moved to Gilby, traveling by covered wagon, picking and selling buffalo bones along the way. They remained in Gilby for two years, coming to Walsh County in 1881 to homestead in Cleveland Township on the W% SW'/4 of Section 22, erecting a log cabin in which they hved for a period of years. Later they acquired more land in the E% of Section 21 where they built their home. They remained there until their deaths. Olina died in 1925 and Peder Midthun died Feb. 24,1928. Ten children were born, Louisa (Mrs. Gust Adamson), Lena (Mrs. Knute Knutson), Sena (Mrs. Pete Hanson), Minnie (Mrs. Tom Loken), Bessie (Mrs. Chris Carlson), John, Theodore, Peder and twin boys who died shortly after birth. Bessie hves on the old homestead with her son, Conrad. The rest are all deceased.

Back row: Adolph, John, Joseph, Frank, Mathilda, Barbara and Mary. Front row: Stephen, mother Rose, Edward, William, standing. Behind Edward, father Thomas, holding Charles, Helen and Rosie. The family then moved with horses and wagons to the farm presenfly owned by Ohver Ruzicka. From there, Thomas had to make long trips to Pisek for groceries and every fad took a load of wheat there to be ground into flour for the winter bread supply for the famdy. Rose was bom on the farm Feb. 7,1903. In the fad of 1904, the family moved again, this time to the farm four miles south of Lankin in Cleveland Township into a three-room house. In the spring it was enlarged by two more rooms. The farm is presently unoccupied, owned by Aden Ruzicka. Edward was bom Dec. 2, 1905; Charles, Dec. 22, 1908; and their last son, James, was born Jan. 26, 1912. During this time Thomas had been serving on township and school boards for many years. The whole family inherited their father's love for music. He taught his children the notes, and at some time or other, most of them played in orchestras for area dances. The six Rose Brothers, the youngest boys, played as a popular dance orchestra and band for about 25 years, having started in November, 1926, when they played for their sister Rose's wedding. They played ail over North Dakota and in Minnesota. They ad doubled on more than one instrument, being very versatde, even though having no formal music instruction and being mostly self-taught.

The home of Peder Midthun in the 1880's. JACOB POLAK FAMILY The parents of Jacob Polak came from Czechoslovakia in about 1875. They were bom in 1855 and 1866 respectively. They were married in or near St. Paul. They homesteaded on a farm west of Fordville where 13 children were born. The nine boys were Frank, Joseph, John, Jim, Albert, Tom, George, Phillip and Charlie. The four girls were Mary, Anna, Pauline and Rose. The farm is in Cleveland Township.

Mathilda left the famdy to marry Joseph Dvorak, July 9,1906, and raised four sons and a daughter. Mary became the bride of Frank Sherek July 1, 1908, and had three sons. Barbara married Frank Vobejda Nov. 13, 1913, and had two daughters. On Nov. 12,1919, Helen and James Polak were wed, and became the parents of a son and a daughter. Rose married Joseph Pecka on Nov. 3, 1926, and raised two sons. Steve married Eva Swartz Jan. 23,1930, and have one son. On Dec. 16, 1930, Thomas Rose died. On Oct. 1, 1935, Charles married Vlasta Harazim, they have one daughter. Edward took lone Ruzek as his bride on Oct. 10,1938; June 19,1946, James married Donna Sherek. World War I found John, Joseph and Adolph serving in the armed forces. Wdliam and James both saw action in the army in World War H.

THOMAS ROSE FAMILY Thomas Ruzicka was bom in Ontario in 1858. When a young boy, he moved with his family to Iowa. He and several brothers changed their name legally to Rose to avoid mail confusion, because there was such a large relationship of Ruzickas and duplication of first names. Thomas met Rosa Maresh, who having been bom in Czechoslovakia Sept. 8, 1865, came to Iowa as a young girl. In her teens she worked in a cafe, riding a bicycle to work. Thomas and Rosa were married in 1883 and moved to Warsaw. Mary Ann was bom Nov. 17,1884; Mathilda, April 15,1886; Frank, Nov. 27,1887; Joseph, Oct. 27,1889; and Barbara July 27,1891. The famdy went back to Iowa 1056

Rosa Rose died Jan. 12,1952, survived by 14 children, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren at the age of 86. Frank and Barbara died in 1954, John in 1961, Mathilda and Rose in 1967, Mary in 1971 and Adolph and Joseph in 1974. Submitted by Mrs. Charles A. Rose. EMANUEL RUZICKA Emanuel Ruzicka, son of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Ruzicka, married Annie Huseby on July 4,1901, at Devils Lake. They first made their home in Conway where Emanuel operated a general store. Two sons, Oliver and Edward, were born there. In 1910 they moved west to his father's farm where he farmed and they continued to make their home. Two children, Lloyd and Florence, were born there. Emanuel was active in community affairs and held various offices. He passed away in 1930 and a son, Edward, passed away in 1927. His son, Oliver, later bought the farm and continues to Uve there. They have two children, Allen and Elaine (Mrs. Carl Kelley, Jr.); Oliver is retired now and Allen operates the farm. He married Betty Kelley, they have a daughter, Penny Jo, and a son, Lee, which makes for the 5th generation of Ruzickas on that farm. Elaine and Carl, Jr., live on the Clem Zeman farm. They have three children, Kurt, Kim and Jane.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Severson and family. Left to right: Stepson Ed Erickson, Carl and Sigrid Severson. They lived in Cleveland Twp. KNUT SORTEBERG FAMILY Very little is to be written about Knut Sorteberg and his wtfe, Kristi, as there are no immediate survivors in this area. Their home was just south of the Quale Church and Mrs. Sorteberg was very active in the work of the Ladies' Aid. Knut donated the plot of land on which the Quale Church now stands and also for part of the cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Sorteberg did not have chUdren. SEVER STARKSON FAMILY Sever Starkson, who was bom in 1873, came as a young man with his parents from Little Cedar, Mower County, Minn., to Cleveland Township where he resided until his death in 1921. His father died shortly after they settled here, so Sever had to take over the work of the farm. In 1898 he was married to Andrina Severson, Adams. Sever and Andrina hved on a farm near the Cleveland School. In 1906 they purchased a farm from Christian Reinertson which is about a mile east of the original homestead. They moved to that farm the same year and this farm is still owned and operated by his sons. Mr. and Mrs. Starkson had four sons and six daughters: Nettie Christina, Blanche, Nettie, Seymour, Clara, Stanley, Esther, Edith, Vemon and NorviUe, Nettie Christina and Edith died in infancy. Sever was a member of the Quale Lutheran Church and was active in church, school and township affairs.

Mr. and Mrs. Felix Ruzicka, Emanuel at right, Jerome at left [sons], Anastasia [daughter]. ANDREW E. SEVERSON FAMILY Andrew E. Severson came with his parents, Elef and Anna Severson to a farm in Cleveland Township from Minnesota. There were five brothers and two sisters. Tonettie married Ole Ackerland, lived in Park River; Gertrude married Lewis Johnson, they hved in Dahlen where Lewis was a blacksmith. Erick hved on a quarter of land across the road from his home place. He never married. Albert JaUo bought his land and it is said that Erick spent his later years in a home near Arvtila. He died there. Other brothers were Nels, Otto and Thorvald, who lived in Minnesota. Andrew continued to live on the farm until his death. The Severson farm had a timber lot with a large flat area. Here many Fourth of July celebrations were held and also Lutheran church meetings and picnics. Entry way to this park was east of the schoolhouse of District No. 54 down a hiUside road.

ALBERT STRAND Albert Strand's father, Kjetel Strand, was born Oct. 22,1859. He immigrated from Norway to Wisconsin and then from Wisconsin to a homestead in Grand Forks County. In 1881, at 21, he moved to Grafton and filed a homestead in Walsh County. Kjetel married Kjersti Mohagen in 1883, the daughter of Hans H. Mohagen who had a homestead in Walsh Centre Township. He sold his farm in 1890 to Martin Torkelson and moved to Little FaUs, Minn. After a short time he again moved to Brooten, Minn., and then to Elbow Lake where Albert was bom April 10, 1895. They moved back to North Dakota to a farm by Grafton, purchased a farm in Rushford Township in 1901. 1057

Kjetel Strand died in June, 1908. Kjersti Strand moved to Grafton in 1918 where she died January, 1927. Albert had eight sisters and three brothers ; one sister died at birth.

She died March 17, 1940. Mrs. Albert Offerdahl and Mrs. John I. Johnson were her nieces.

FRANCES SVOBODA STRAND Frances' father, Frank Svoboda, was born January, 1872, in Prairie Du Chien, Wise. His father and mother were Lawrence Svoboda and Katherine Chopek. They farmed by the Missouri River, later moved to a farm by Veseleyville. On April 21,1895, Frank married Anastasia Jechort who was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, September, 1875. Anastasia's father was John Jechort, a tailor in Prague, and mother was Anna Novak. In 1886 they moved to a farm by Pisek. Anastasia was one of 15 children; four died in Prague and the rest Uved on the farm. Frances was bom in March, 1900. In 1902 they moved to Michigan, N. D., where Frances' father worked in a store. In September, 1904, they moved to Brocket where Frank was connected with another grocery store. Frank Svoboda died in June, 1922, and Anastasia Svoboda in November, 1958. Frances had six sisters and two brothers. Frances Svoboda and Albert Strand were married in AprU, 1926, at Grafton and moved to a farm in Perth Township that same year. In November, 1927, a son, Duane, was bom. In December, 1941, Albert purchased a farm in Cleveland Township where they Uved until Albert died in May, 1956. Frances then worked at the BUnd School in Bathgate for two years, attended MayvUle Teachers College for one year and taught school in Norton Township and Park River. She retired to FordvUle in June, 1964. Frances died in January, 1972. DUANE AND HENRIETTA STRAND Duane Strand was bom to Albert and Frances Strand in November, 1927, on a farm in Perth Township. The famUy later moved to Cleveland Township. Henrietta Shirek Strand was born on a farm in Latona Township in February, 1929, to Frank and Pauline Zahradka Shirek. Henrietta has one sister and two brothers. In October, 1951, Duane and Henrietta were married in FordviUe and Uve on a farm in Cleveland Township. A son, Allan, was bom in October, 1952, and a daughter, Connie, was born in November, 1955. AUan and Connie attended public school at Cleveland Township and Fordvdle where they graduated from high school in 1970 and 1974 respectively. AUan graduated from the CoUege of Pharmacy at N. D. S. U. in Fargo in 1975. He is employed by Osco Drug at Jacksonvide, IU. Connie is attending the Codege of Pharmacy at N. D. S. U. in Fargo. She will graduate in 1979.

Mr. and Mrs. Knut Swenson JOHN AND M A R Y T O M E K

John Tomek was bom in Czechoslovakia in 1863 and came to the United States as a young man. Mrs. Mary Tomek was bom in Braidwood, Id., in 1872. They were married at Braidwood, Id., in 1892 and were in the grocery business. In 1897 they moved to Clay, Wise., where they farmed. About 1903 they moved to Pisek where they ran a general store. In 1906 they moved to a farm in Cleveland Township. They farmed untd 1925 when they retired, and moved to St. Paul. They had seven children, Lidian (Mrs. Adolph Soukup), Laud, Edward, James and Ernest and Vlasta (Mrs. George Ward). Joseph died in infancy. John Tomek died in November, 1938, in St. Paul. Mary Tomek died in February, 1959, at Hudson, Wise. There are two surviving chddren. Vlasta Ward Uves at Hudson, Wise, and Ernest Tomek at West Covina, CaUf. Ltitian Soukup died in 1940, Edward Tomek in 1951, Laud in 1956, and James in 1970. JOHN URBAN, SR., FAMILY

MRS. EMMA SWENSON Mrs. Emma Swenson was born in Ovre Audal, Sogn, Norway, Feb. 17,1857, to Tore and Kari Vettie. She came to the United States in 1880, coming to her sister at Boscobel, Wise. Later, she came to Grafton and then to Cleveland Township. January 4,1887, she married Knut Swenson and they operated a farm in Cleveland Township untd 1912. Mr. Swenson died in 1914. Mrs. Swenson went to Wisconsin until 1926 when she came back and made her home with her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Telander.

Mr. and Mrs. John Urban, Sr.

John Urban was bom in Vlcetin, Czechoslovakia, in 1857. He came to the United States when he was 18. He came to Spdlvide, Ia., to his sister Mrs. Houser, who had come to the U. S. a few years before. He worked for a farmer in Iowa for about a year, learning the EngUsh language at the same time. Then he went to work on the railroad in South Dakota. He first cametoDakota in 1880. He filed a homestead claim about two mdes west of Veseleyvdle. Then he went back to South Dakota to work on the railroad. In the

fall of the same year, he came back and was going to stay on his homestead over winter to put in the necessary amount of time. When he got off at Grand Forks (as far as the railroad went) he was met by a neighbor to his homestead. He said they had had a very dry summer and everything was dried up. He had dug several wells and couldn't get any water. When John heard this, he thought he had plenty of time for a homestead like that. So once again, he went back to the railroad work in South Dakota. He returned in 1881. By this time all the land around Veseleyville was taken up, so he filed on a homestead about two miles west of Pisek. Another man claimed he had filed on the same land. They went to court and John lost the case. Later he was glad as the land turned out to be sort of a swamp with sour grass on it. So back to the railroad work in South Dakota. In 1882 he came back, still hungry for land. He had to go further west. He took up land four miles south of Lankin. In 1883 he married Kathryn Beneda. She was born in Difcikipi, Czechoslovakia, and came to Dakota with her parents the year before. They were married in the Catholic church in Veseleyville. The first year they Uved in a sod house. John broke up the land a little at a time with oxen. His wife saw the neighbors picking up buffalo bones. She thought someone was buying them. She told John about it and he didn't believe anyone would buy them. Kathryn kept on gathering up the bones and when John went to Park River, she asked him to take them along. He wasn't much in favor of it, but took them anyway. As he approached Park River, he saw pUes of bones like straw piles, so he knew his wife was right. He sold the ones she had gathered for $17 and used the money to buy groceries. They built a house with lumber and later, a large farm home. They had four children, Mary, Annie, John, Jr., and Rosie. Mary married Jacob Hodny. They lived in the Lankin community and raised 11 children. Annie married Albert Mracek and moved to Druid, Sask. John married Christina Stejskal and took over the farm. Rosie married Albert Harazim, a grain dealer in Dewar. As told to me (Rose Potulny) by my father, John Urban, Jr. MR. AND MRS. JOHN URBAN, JR.

John Urban was born in 1889 in Cleveland Township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Urban, Sr. Christina Stejskal was bom in 1898 near Pisek, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stejskal. They were married in St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in Bechyne in 1916. They farmed in Cleveland Township until 1940 when they moved to Grafton. They were the parents of three daughters, Margaret (Mrs. Daniels), Rose (Mrs. Victor Potulny) and Albina. After moving to Grafton, John worked in the Grafton creamery until he retired. Mrs. Urban died in 1954 and Mr. Urban in 1974. Submitted by Mrs. Victor (Rose) Potulny. CLEMENT ZEMAN FAMILY

Clement Zeman family. Standing: Mattie, Agnes, Mary, Lucy and Adolph. Seated: Clement [father], Augustus and Catherine [mother]. My grandparents, paternal-Zemans, and maternalRuzickas, were born in Czechoslovakia in the vUlage of Pacov. The Zemans immigrated to America and settled in St. Louis, Mo., where their four children, John, Jake, Frances and Clement, were born Felix Ruzicka, when a young man, also immigrated, but landed in Oshawa, Ont., where he soon got work. After a few years he accumulated enough money to send for his sweetheart, Catherine Adams, whom he had left behind. When she arrived, they got married and established a home. Three daughters were born, Frances, Marian and Catherine. With war threatening, Felix decided to go to America. They located in North McGregor, Ia., where he got a job in an iron foundry. Catherine was four years old when they left Canada. The Zemans then moved to Prairie Du Chien, Wise. The two families as neighbors and friends from Pacov visited. Clement and Catherine Ruzicka were married Nov. 27,1877. Grandfather, Jacob Zeman, was a baker. About two years later the Ruzickas and Clement Zeman moved to Fort Atkinson, Ia. Clement got a job with the railroad company as section foreman earning $1 a day. The hand car had to be pumped by hand every inch of distance.

Mr. and Mrs. John Urban, Jr.

They had two chUdren, Mary, bom Nov. 14,1878, and WiUiam, Sept. 20, 1880. News spread that North Dakota and Minnesota had good land prospects, especiaBy for beginners, so Clement, Fehx and WiUiam Ruzicka left to investigate in 1881. It seemed favorable, so in the spring of 1882, they loaded a railroad car with what little furniture and stock they had and left for North Dakota. FamiUes were to foUow when Uving quarters were ready. Three days after the men left, baby WUUan (1%) took

sick with measles and died. Mrs. Zeman was staying with her sister, Marian (Mrs. John Gerstner), until she could leave for Dakota. She had to make arrangements to bury the child. During the mild weather they had in Iowa, Mrs. Zeman and Mary left and on arriving in Minto April 1, found four feet of snow onthe ground. They made their home with Mrs. Zeman's cousin, John Ruzicka, at Veseleyville for a short time before moving to a farm a mile and a half north of Pisek. That same year her parents, the Felix Ruzickas, settled six and a half miles southwest of Lankin. They were parents of six children, WiUiam, Marian, Emanuel, Catherine, Anastasia and Jerome. The Zemans decided to make their home in that area also, so they took up the land which was their home until their deaths. The land was in Cleveland Township, the N % of the NE Vi and the SE Vi of the NW'A of Section 22 and also the NVfVi of the NWy of Section 23 in Township 155, north of Range 57 west of the 5th principal meridian, on Oct. 22, 1889. With a colt, an old horse and a walking plow, they started farming. They broke ten acres and planted oats. It grew a beauttful crop which helped keep up their spirits and courage. Late on Sunday afternoon, black clouds rolled around and a hail storm plowed the field black. It destroyed the crop but not their hopes and faith. Frost took their crop in 1888 and drought was responsible for crop fatiure in 1889 and 1890. The Zemans struggled on. Mrs. Zeman aided her husband with ad outside work, plowed, stacked hay and ran the binder all through harvest, besides caring for her famdy of six chddren, Mary, Agnes, Gus, Matilda, Lucy and Adolph. From the early nineties. Clement held the office of clerk of School District No. 48 until his death. He also held various township offices and was church trustee. They were members of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Bechyne, 10 mdes southwest of Lankin. Praha was a country post office in Cleveland Township estabdshed May 7,1883. Wdliam Ruzicka was the first postmaster. Owing to til health, he had to move to a warmer climate so in the early nineties the famtiy moved to Yukon, Okla. His father, Fehx Ruzicka, lived one-half rrdle east so the post office was moved there and he became postmaster. In the early 1900's Fehx retired due to advanced age and with Mrs. Ruzicka, moved to Conway. The farms are now owned by Oliver and Aden Ruzicka. The post office was transferred to the Zeman home when Clement Zeman became postmaster.

Mad was delivered from Conway, a star route. Tim Curtain was mail carrier and Fred Hutchins was a substitute. Monday, Wednesday and Friday they delivered the mad to Medford (now Fordvdle), next to Tomy where Knute Morstad was postmaster, then to Praha. From there to Lambert where Joseph Bosh was postmaster and back to Praha where he stayed ad night, the next morning started back to Conway. There was another post office four miles north from Praha by the name of Young. John Matejcek was postmaster and John Pravda was mail carrier. May 31, 1907, Rural Free DeUvery went into effect so aU the country post offices were discontinued. In connection with the post office, Clement Zeman operated a smaU general store, seUing everything from soup to nuts (overalls, gloves, caps, candy, tobacco, spearhead plug chewing tobacco, cherry and orange cider in 15 gallon kegs, also molasses in 52 gaUon barrels, bulk vinegar, canned goods, stove pipes, brooms, patent medicine, kerosene, etc.) One day a customer (Mrs. Jarstad) came to buy a gallon of kerosene and a gaUon of molasses. The old time jugs, both alike, got mixed up and Zeman filled the kerosene jug with black strap molasses. When he saw his mistake, he wanted to right it by giving her a new jug, but she dipped her finger in the molasses and said, "Oh no, I guess dasbeorite." Some of the neighbors were Andrew Severson, Gtibert Haugen, George Basel, Nelse Thompson, Nelse Runnestrand, Christ Rienertson, Halvox Hanson, Ferdenand Helt, Peter Midthum, Gilbert Erickson, Knute Jatio, Ben Benson, Andrew Foss, Jack Breen, Will King, Butlers, Dan McKeith, Severe Starkson, Knute Morstad, Knute Lykken, Nelse Hedalen, Clark and Wtil McLaughlins, John Urban, John Pike and John Beneda. The Zemans had a couple cows and from these Mrs. Zeman would chum butter and haul it to Grafton, Minto and Michigan in exchange for groceries, which was a distance of 40 mdes one way with a horse and buggy. UsuaUy, rhubarb leaves were picked to wrap and protect the butter from melting to liquid, the price was seven cents a pound. Clement Zeman died Jan. 30,1933. Mrs. Zeman died April 21, 1942. Adolph Zeman (son) died July 12, 1932. Mary (Zeman) Klug died Oct. 23, Matilda (Zeman) Seidl, Aug. 30,1971. Agnes Landis Uves in Inglewood, Calif. A. J. Gus Zeman lives in Grand Forks and Lucy Zeman Uves in Lankin. Submitted by Lucy Zeman.

Clement Zeman family and John Urban family at the Zeman home.

Left to right: Mrs. Felix Ruzicka, Mrs. Joe Lacine, Mrs. Clement Zeman. Clement Zeman in background.

4

1060

NORTON TOWNSHIP Norton Township was organized by the board of county commissioners at a meeting held June, 1883. The Walsh County board ordered that the township be called Gait and that a special election be held July 2,1883. The election resulted in the election of Henry Machart, Louis Benson and A. G. Bylin, supervisors; A. W. Gutridge, clerk; T. F. Brown, assessor; H. B. Hoff, treasurer; Louis Benson and Christian Enksure, justice of the peace; Joseph Barr and P. 0. Wiese, constables; John Larson, poundmaster, and H. B. Hoof, overseer of highways. Originally named Gait after Gait, Ontario, the name was changed to Norton July 30, 1883. Because the Norwegians who had settled in the northern half of the township wanted it named Nordford or Nordland after a town in Norway, and because the Canadians wanted it named Gait, the residents agreed to simplify the name Nordford and call the township Norton. Gait Post Office, named for Gait, Ontario, was established in the northwestern part of Norton Township on Feb. 5, 1883. Thomas H. Woods was the postmaster and the name of the post office was changed to Norton May 21,1892. It was discontinued July 30,1932.

in 1945. The building is 27 feet long, 19 feet wide, and the height of the ceiling is 13% feet. Since redishicting it became property of the Hoff Church. It has been used for services, vacation Bible School and A. L. C. W. meetings. The last teacher was Miss Amy Rostvet in 1959. Last board members were John L. Johnson, clerk, Rodger Gustafson, treasurer, and Alvin Iverson, Leonard Borchgrevink, H B. Skorheim, directors.

SOUVENIR

Public School No. 1, Dis. No. 70 Norton Township W A L S H COUNTY, NORTH DAKOTA 190J-1904

EFFIE DEITZ, Teacher SCHOOL OFFICERS Henry Mathison, President A. C. Bylin, Clerk Jacob Sonderall, County Superintendent

SCHOOL DISTRICTS NORTON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 39 Norton School District No. 39 was formed about one mile west of Lankin in the 80's and was called the Gait School. First directors were Thomas Machart, Elson Axtell and Andrew Borgeson. Henry Machart was first treasurer; Isaac Smith, first clerk, and Lida Costello, first teacher. Later a new school was built in Lankin.

NAMES OF PUPILS CLARA

BYLIN

GENA

GARNAAS

MABEL

BYLIN

TILDA

HOFF

ARTHUR VICTOR

NORTON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 69 Norton School District No. 69, Section 11, was formed in 1892. First directors were Robert McKeown, G. A. Wiste and A. Askim, president. Other officers were Ole Halverson, treasurer, Andrew Wiste, clerk and the first teacher was Mary RehiU.

BYLIN

INGA JOHNSON OLGA JOHNSON

ELLA

ERICKSON

ELLEN

HUGO

ERICKSON

AMELIA

ELLA

FLETCHER

DENA

SEVERSON

ALMA

SEVERSON

CARRIE MABEL

HOFF SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 70

BYLIN

FLETCHER FLETCHER

MABEL

MATHISON MATHISON

SKORGEN

CHURCHES

The first school in Norton Township was Hoff School District No. 70, formed March 11, 1884. The first board consisted of Eristen Erickson, director, A. G. Bylin, clerk, and Henry Mathiason, treasurer. The first school was at the farm residence of S. Tresing who was paid $3 per month rent and the first school term began June 23, 1884. First teacher was Miss Minnie Gutridge. There were 21 pupils in the district. School warrant number 1 was issued to Henry Mathiason. The first elected school board serving from July 1, 1884, were A. G. Bylin, director and clerk; Herman B. Hoff, director; and Henry Mathiason, treasurer. The district was bonded for $600 to build a schoolhouse, completed July 1, 1885. It is still in good condition and stands on land which was a part of the G. H. Garnaas farm. The cost of lumber was $276 and the contractor was paid $110 for building it. It was insulated

HOFF LUTHERAN CHURCH A group of 22 Scandinavian families living just south of Adams met early in 1893 for the purpose of organizing a Lutheran church. The name chosen was Hoff Lutheran Church. Meetings were first held in local schoolhouses and homes. Rev. M. C. Holseth was the first pastor and conducted ad services in the Norwegian language. The cemetery was organized in 1893 and the site chosen was on land donated by Herman Hoff. On Nov. 20, 1899, members met and decided to budd the church on this site. Intent on getting this project going, these pioneers started to raise and sodcit money. Not wanting to go into debt, they had raised $1,200, the estimated cost of the building, by 1899. Work on the church started in 1900 and was completed in 1906 at the cost of $1,281. This left only $81 to be 1061

Educating the young people in Christian growth has been a main objective since early times. Bible School has been sponsored from as early as 1897 to the present time. Many Bible school terms were as long as two months, but at that time there was no Sunday School. The Hoff Ladies' Aid, changed to the Hoff A. L. C. W. with the merger in 1961, is still active. We not only work to keep up our church, but also donate to home and foreign missions, support our church school and Bible camps, and in general try to do the will of the Lord in a way in which our forefathers would have been proud.

raised. Dedication of the church was July 8,1906. It was in 1906 that Hoff joined the Adams Lutheran parish. As there was no organ or piano in the church at first, music was furnished by the "klokker prestin," Per Vikhagen. He played a string instrument, led and furnished accompaniment for all singing. His pay was 50 cents a year from each member of the congregation. There were burials in the cemetery from the beginning, but surveying of lots was not until 1911. A basement and other improvements on the church were made in 1925. Much of the work in this construction was volunteer. Excavation of dirt was by horses and scrapers and all gravel was hauled by team and wagon from a pit north of Highway 17. Other changes and improvements have since been made as necessary. The 51st anniversary of the church was celebrated in 1944, and the 75th anniversary in 1968. In 1961, Hoff merged with the American Lutheran Church. Hoff is still an active congregation with a membership of 73, many of whom are descendants of the pioneers who had the dream and desire to keep God's word alive for generations to come.

Hoff Lutheran

BIOGRAPHIES ANDERS ASKIM Anders Askim came from Hadeland, Norway, about 1880, landed in Canada, went to Sioux Fads by train. He left behind in Hadeland his wife, the former Kari Larsdatter, and their baby daughter, Carrie. In order to earn money for their ocean passage to America, he worked in Sioux Falls before coming to Norton Township in 1881 to homestead. Mrs. Askim and Carrie arrived in New York in 1881. Mrs. Askim became id on the voyage and she and Carrie were cared for by a Negro lady, also on the way to America. This was the first Negro she had ever seen and she was frightened of her, but she proved to be a good friend and nurse. When they arrived in New York, she hved with them in a small room until Mrs. Askim regained her health and was able to continue her trip by train. She came to friends at Ada, Minn. Mr. Askim came to take them to his homestead. Crossing the Red River was quite an experience. The water was so high the wheels were taken off the wagon and the oxen swam the water and ferried the wagon, its contents and passengers to the other side. Their first home was a log cabin. Karl Farup from Park River, who was surveying land in the area, was their first cader. When he entered the cabin, the door fell in, as there were no hinges. Several of the first winters, Mr. Askim worked in Walhalla to earn extra money while Mrs. Askim and the family stayed alone on the homestead. They had seven children, Carrie, Maria, Lisa, Emma, Adolph, Iver and Clara. Mr. Askim was a charter member of Hoff Lutheran Church and Mrs. Askim a charter member of the Hoff Ladies' Aid. Anders Askim was bom in 1858 and died in 1924. Kari Askim was born in 1856 and died in 1923. They are buried in Hoff Lutheran Cemetery.

Church—1906

HOFF LADIES' AID A group of 12 ladies met on Aug. 9, 1893, and organized the Hoff Ladies' Aid. Each member paid 15 cents at the time of joining and 10 cents a meeting dues each month, whether present or not, as a means of raising money to carry on the necessary work. Meetings were held at the homes and local schoolhouses. Members either walked to meetings or came by team and lumber wagons. Very few had buggies - they were considered quite a luxury. Money was raised by holding auction sales of handmade articles members donated, by suppers, church picnics, bucket socials and cash donations. The aim was to get money to budd and furnish the church. The Ladies had $400, the price of putting the tin on the wads and ceding of the church. The Ladies' Aid also raised money to build a bam on the church grounds to house the horses during church activities.

Mr. and Mrs. Anders 1062

Askim

Askim, Jerome, Vemon and Mrs. WaUace (Carol Ann) Ondracek. Arthur Curtis died Aug. 11, 1966, and his son, Daniel, Feb. 24, 1967. Carl died Nov. 21, 1961. His wtfe, Christine, resides at Adams. Gait Post Office was changed to the Norton Post Office July 9, 1882. Anders Byhn was appointed postmaster at Norton in 1889 and moved it into a nook in the kitchen until an addition to the house was made. He remained postmaster from 1889 to 1932. A general merchandise store was added. The store was clerked by the famtiy and continued a good project until 1906-1907 when the Soo Line Railroad came to Adams and Lankin. Business dwindled, the post office continued, was curtailed by rural mad routed from Adams. Along with Magnus Johnson, a branch store was established at Linstead, 12 miles west. Magnus was the manager. According to his grandson, Jerome, bins and various articles from the Norton Store are still on his grandfather's farm, where he, his wife Dorothy and children, Keith, LoweU, Don and Karen, live.

ANDERS G. BYLIN Anders G. Bylin was born in Dalarna, Sweden, Dec. 11, 1854, only child of Anders Anderson and Maria (Sjoberg) Anderson. He immigrated to the United States in 1880 and worked at railroad construction beginning at Rockford, HI., and worked westward, arriving in August, 1881, at Minto where he worked building the railroad to Grafton, arriving there Oct. 9,1881. He filed a homestead near the Gait Post Office, later the Norton Post Office, on July 9, 1882. The first home built on the homestead was a 10 x 12 board shanty, later enlarged by adding a room made of native logs and also a sod addition, making three rooms in 1885. He married Tilda Johanson and to this union were born Henry and Ernest. Tilda died about 1885. She was a native of Dalsland, Sweden, and came to Walsh County with three brothers and two sisters: Carl L., John D., Magnus, Maria, and Sophie Johanson (changed to Johnson). Maria married J. T. Gustafson and Sophie married Charley Knutson. About 1886 or 1887 he and Mary Skorgen, a native of Romsdalen, Norway, were married. She came to the United States with her brother, Stephen, and a sister, Karrie, who became Mrs. Lars Erickson, next door neighbor to the Bylins. One son and three daughters were born. The brother, Stephen Skorgen, married Annie Nordby. They had two daughters. Anders and Mary had five children: Mrs. Allen (Clara) Stoltz, Moorhead, Minn.; Mrs. Harold (Mabie) Meyers, Harlington, Tex.; Carl Arthur, Adams; Victor, Auburn, Wash.; and Mrs. Albert (Florence) Bennington, Park River. His wtfe, Mary (Skorgen) Bydn, died Feb. 16, 1916. Anders died April 1,1932. He, his wife Mary, son Arthur, grandson Vemon and Martha (Ernest's wife) are buried in Latona Cemetery. He donated the land for the cemetery and subscribed for its maintenance. The original famdy name was Anderson, but he changed it, as was the custom. It was simple, as ad it required was a consultation with a clergyman. "By" meant town and being his local nickname was By-Anders he used part of his nickname and the last sydable of town to determine his name to be Bylin. Anders served as clerk, assessor, supervisor of the township, and county justice of the peace. He was one of the organizers and trustees of the Walsh County Agricultural and Training School at Park River. He was a thresher in the early days, the only one in the area. In 1889, whde operating the separator, he suffered a severe accident. In stopping the machine he stepped from the roof to the feed table, before the cylinder stopped, slipped, and the cylinder tore ligaments and muscles from the knee to the heel. He became lame, unable to do farm work. He turned to blacksmithing and converted the old house into a shop and served the neighborhood. His sons, Victor and Arthur, continued the farming. He was instrumental in budding and operating a Farmers Elevator at Vesta, a Soo Line siding two and a had miles northeast of his farm. His son, Victor, operated this for a time. Carl Arthur, born Aprd 7, 1894, was married to Christine Fjeld. She was bom Feb. 22, 1899. Their children were Arthur Curtis, Mrs. Harvey (Irene)

Anders G. Bylin family. Back row, left to right: Ernest, Henry, Clara. Front row: C. Arthur, Mr. Bylin, Florence, Victor, Mrs. Bylin, Mabel. LARS ERICKSON

In 1876 Lars Erickson came to the United States from Nesbyen, Norway. His first stop was Grand Forks where he was employed until 1882 when he homesteaded in Norton Township. His residence was a sod hut in 1886 when he married Kari Skorgen, an emigrant from Veblungsnes, Norway, who had been employed in Grand Forks. The first section of the existing Erickson farm house, rural Adams, was erected by the time Annie Erickson, the first chdd born in Norton Township, arrived on March 24,1887. Eda was bom Dec. 17, 1888. A son, Lloyd C, was born Dec. 8,1899, and a daughter, Esther, April 10, 1902. Lars Erickson was one of the founders of Hoff Church, and later of Sarepta Church. He was an original director of the Security State Bank of Adams. In 1919 the Ericksons moved to Portland, Ore., returning to North Dakota for visits. Kari Skorgen Erickson died in Oregon March 27, 1930. Lars Erickson died there Jan. 13, 1931. The eldest daughter, Annie, was married to Amund Nelson who came to America from Norway in 1910. They made their home in Vesta Township. There four chddren were born: Mrs. Mtilard (Lyla) Nelson, Adams; Mrs. Sam (Neota) Olson, Klamath Falls, Ore.; Mrs. Edward (Mercedes) Olson, Grafton; and Mrs. WiUiam (Ardiss) 1063

Erickson. Margaret Erickson died July 19,1967. Lloyd C. Erickson died in 1975. Lars and Kari's youngest daughter, Esther, married Clifford Windsor. They live in Woodburn, Ore.

Rendell, Roseau, Minn. Annie Erickson Nelson had these 13 grandchildren: Roger Nelson, Park River; Debra Nelson, Crookston, Minn.; the children of Lyla and Millard Nelson; Sandra Olson Flinn, Klamath Falls, Ore., Armand Olson, Grants Pass, Ore., and Leatrice Olson Simmons, Klamath Falls, Ore., the children of Neota and Sam Olson; Janet Olson Kvamme, Minot, Sharon Olson Troftgruben, Rawlins, Wyo., Daniel Olson, Grafton, Roland Olson, died in 1967 while with the armed forces in Germany, Wallace Olson, Red Lake Falls, Minn., and Joyce Olson, Grafton, the children of Mercedes and Edward Olson; Cynthia Rendell, Roseau, Minn., and William H. Rendell, who died in infancy November, 1960, children of Ardiss and William Rendell. Annie Erickson Nelson died May 20, 1963. Amund Nelson resides in Edmore.

FROILAND FAMILY The Frodand brothers, Jacob, Jens and Johan, and their sister, Johanna, came to Norton Township from Norway. Johan came in 1884 after being a sador for six years. Jacob was born Dec. 18, 1851. Johanna Froiland died after their arrival in North Dakota. Jens married, had one daughter, Jensina. She married Oscar Helle, they moved to Canada. Jens died young. Jacob and his wife had four daughters. Mrs. Froiland and two of the girls died of tuberculosis in the 1890's. Jacob and the two older girls, Hannah (bom Jan. 29, 1889) and Olive moved to Plummer, Minn. Hannah returned to the Adams area and worked as a housekeeper until her retirement. She died Aprd 8, 1975. Johanna, Jens, Mrs. Jacob Frodand and the two little girls and Hannah are ad buried in the Pleasant Vadey Cemetery. Johan Frodand married Ida Erickson in 1888. Ida was the daughter of Per and Kaysa Erickson. Ida was born Aug. 28, 1869. After their marriage, they hved in Latona Township. About 1895 they bought a quarter of land in Vesta Township. Ida's parents had moved to Minnesota, were getting old, persuaded the Frodands to move to Red Lake County and take over the land homesteaded. June 15, 1898, they left with their six chddren for Plummer, Minn. They hved there the remainder of their hves. In 1919 Albert Froiland came back to live on the same farm Johan had bought in Vesta Township. Albert had married Laura Vanderwaal. They made their home on that farm until retirement in 1956. Albert made thirty seven trips around Vesta as the township assessor. Many were made with his Model T which was often in less than desirable working condition. Both Mr. and Mrs. Froiland were members of the school board in District 63 for many years. They were members of the Golden Vadey Church. Laura died in 1960, Albert in 1970.

Mr. and Mrs. Lars Erickson Lars and Kari's second daughter, Ella, taught schools in the area before she married Rudolph J. Odne. They lived in Vancouver, Wash., and had two children: Randolph Odne, San Clemente, Calif., and Elmo Odne, Portland, Ore. Eda had two grandchddren, Randolph Odne, Jr., and Kari Odne, San Clemente, Calif.; both chddren of Randolph and Lorraine Odne. Eda Erickson Odne died Aug. 12, 1935. Rudolph Odne resides in Portland, Ore.

FRANK HARAZIM FAMILY

The third of the Erickson chddren, Lloyd C , moved to Oregon with the family and was employed in banking and real estate in Portland and Vancouver, Wash., when he married Margaret Louise Kroeger in 1928. In 1931 when Lars Erickson died, Lloyd and Margaret moved to North Dakota to the Erickson farm. They had two chddren: Mrs. Berle (Carole) Bridges, who died July 8, 1962, and Lloyd Stephen Erickson, Huntington Beach, Calif. Lloyd Erickson has nine grandchddren: Carole Ehzabeth Bridges, Michael and Jonathan Bridges (twins) and Rebecca Bridges, ad of Encino, Calif., the children of Carole and Berle Bridges; and Stephen Lars Erickson, Shelby Lloyd Erickson, Sean David Erickson, and Hans Kristian and Gretchen Louise Erickson (twins), the chddren of Lloyd Stephen and Rose Ann

They lived in this tent until Frank Harazim built his sod house proving his homestead. Frank Harazim and James Harazim. Frank Harazim was bom in Czechoslovakia Feb. 16, 1874, to Vaclav and Marie Harazim. At 18 he left his 1064

home, worked in Germany and then made his way to the United States to join his brothers, James and John, in Iowa. They all came to North Dakota where Frank homesteaded, living in a tent in winter until he built his sod hut in Shepherd Township, presently the Milton Zahradka farm. Anna Vavra was born July 13, 1875, in Czechoslovakia to Vaclac and Marie Ann Vavra. At 19 she joined her brothers Joseph and Charles, in Cresco, Ia. There she worked hard for a farm family in the fields and as a mother's helper for $5 a month. At night, by kerosene lantern, she hand sewed her clothes in her unheated attic room. She was scolded by her boss when he saw her light on late at night, thinking she was using too much kerosene. She managed to save $24 and bought a sewing machine. She and her brothers later came to Park River. She first worked for the C D . Lord family and later at the Hughes Hotel. Frank Harazim and Anna Vavra were married in Park River June 18, 1900, going to his sod house, a distance of 38 miles. It was 40 miles to Conway where Frank usually made a two day trip for supplies, with horses and wagon, after selling his grain. Agnes was born April 19,1901, Henry, May 9,1902. Fire breaks were plowed around the buildings, by now they had a wooden house.

surgery on the farm on a lump on her side. On Jan. 29, 1906, Stephanie was delivered by a midwife. She died February 28. After Lankin was established in 1904, Frank bought a farm one-half mile south of Lankin in 1908 and moved his family. He served on township boards and was Lodge Z. C. B. J. president and secretary for many years. On July 2, 1915, they had another daughter, Vlasta. The family hved on the farm until Frank was forced to retire due to rheumatism. Their oldest daughter, Agnes, married Frank Sticha Oct. 11, 1922. They farmed the land, later purchased it. Agnes still Uves there. Frank, Anna and Vlasta moved to Kohn, La., where Frank's health improved but the heat was unbearable to Anna and they all returned to Lankin. Alice became the bride of Henry Sticha on Oct. 2, 1923, and lived on the John Sticha farm, now Uves in Lankin. Henry left the farm and became a dental technician in Detroit, Mich., where he married Zae WUson April 6, 1926. He lives in CaUfornia. On Oct. 1,1935, Vlasta married Charles Rose. Frank and Anna moved to San Gabriel, Calif. Frank died May 29,1939. Anna returned to Lankin to spend 14 years with Charles and Vlasta in Lankin. She died June 2,1953, survived by four children, four grandchUdren and nine great grandchildren. Submitted by Mrs. Charles A. Rose. FRANK HELT, SR. Frank Helt, Sr., was bom in 1880, the son of Fred and Anna Helt, SpiUvUle, Ia. They came to North Dakota and settled on a farm southwest of Lankin. Fred Helt died soon after they came to North Dakota. Frank Helt worked for his older brother, Joe Helt, until he bought his own farm four mdes west of Lankin and one rrtile south in Norton Township. He Uved in a sod house on his farm for about four years while he was single. In 1902 Frank Helt married Josephine Studney of Pisek. They had eight chddren: Madeline (Mrs. Jake Shereck), OteUia (Mrs. Charles Kozel), Frank, Charhe, Rose (Mrs. Mart Hippi), Dorothy (Mrs. Jack Ross), Helen (Mrs. Lloyd Skibicki) and Lydia (Mrs. Wayne Brusacker). The land is now owned by Charhe Helt.

FrankHarazimmarriedAnna Vavra Best man, Charles Vavra. Bridesmaid, Mary Brombora.

HERMAN AND TINA HOFF

When Anna Vavra worked on the farm in Iowa, she pitched bundles into a thresher that was powered by horses driven in a circle guided by teamsters. Once in the winter when Frank was on his way back from Conway, he was caught in a blizzard, sought shelter on a farm, was welcomed by the Joe Bosh, Sr., family. Anna, home alone with the children, spent the three days making steps down to the bam door to take water to the cow. She ran back often to check on her two small children in the house.Snow covered the barn. A neighbor driving home with team and sleigh drove over the barn. Frank put up stakes to mark the location of his small bam. He had to tie a rope from the house to the barn so as not to get lost in the blizzards. On Aug. 24, 1904, Frank and Anna's family was increased by twin girls, AUce and Hermina. Hermina was fragile, died six days later. Frank served as constable for the township, once was called to the scene of a murder. Anna became ill, and it took the doctor aU day to come from Lakota, about 35 miles away. He performed

Mrs. Tina Hoff was born June 13, 1856, in Valders, Norway. She came to Grand Meadow, Minn., at the age of 16 with her parents and met and married Herman Hoff there in 1878. Herman and Tina were first cousins, their fathers being brothers. Corning to Adams in 1882, they first hved in a sod hut in the area. Herman Hoff constructed the first frame budding on the site where Adams is now located. They were active in organizing the first church in the territory in the early 1880's. The parish is known as Hoff Congregation as Mr. Hoff donated the land where the church stands in Norton Township. Mrs. Hoff had served as president of the Ladies' Aid for 30 years. They adopted two girls, Mrs. Clara Thompson, Grafton, deceased, and Tdda (Mrs. H. O. Skorheim), Adams, who died in 1950. Herman Hoff died in 1911. Tina Hoff Uved to be 95 and died in 1951. Both are buried in Grand Meadow, Minn. Tina Hoff was an extremely independent and thrifty woman. Her Ufe savings were wUled toward the original construction of the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton. Submitted by Mrs. Henry B. Skorheim. 1065

OLAUS IVERSON Olaus or Ingel Olaus Iverson was born on a farm near Decorah, Ia., in Winneshiek County in 1875. He moved with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lars Iverson to Grafton in 1882. In 1903 he homesteaded in Norton Township. In 1905 he married Anna Larson of HaUingdal, Norway, in Park River. They were the parents of one son, Lawrence, and one foster daughter, Clara. They made the homestead their home. Anna Iverson died March 19, 1930, and Ingel Olaus Iverson died Nov. 8,1959.

Mr. and Mrs. Lars Iverson homesteaded in Norton Twp. in 1882. Parents of Mrs. Henry Slatten. JACOB & MARY (KOSABUD) KRATOCHVIL

Mr. and Mrs. Ingel Olaus Iverson—1905. LARS IVERSON FAMILY Lars Iverson was bom in Hadeland, Norway, June 9, 1847, came to the United States in 1869. He farmed in Iowa for 13 years, married Anna Olson Melrude, who was bom Sept. 13,1848, in Hadeland, Norway. She came to the United States in 1872. They were married Feb. 13, 1872. They came to Norton Township in 1882 where they homesteaded and Uved untU their deaths. They were charter members of the Hoff Congregation and the Hoff Ladies' Aid. Three sons were born, Olaus, Jan. 11, 1875, married Annie Larson, they had one son, Lawrence and an adopted daughter, Clara. Ludvig was bom Nov. 13, 1881. He never married and died in 1965. John was born Nov. 27,1884. He married Lisa Askim. They had three sons, Alvin, Elmer, and Orvdle, and one foster daughter, Avis. John died from injuries in a horse runaway with a plow in 1947 at 62. They had three daughters, EUne, born March 11, 1877, married Henry Slatten and their chUdren were Melvin, who was stricken with polio when a child and left him handicapped, Lloyd and Lda. Anna was born May 3, 1879, married John A. Johnson. They had five chddren, Lloyd, Arthur, Amy, Lillian and Edith. Josephine was born June 22,1888. She married Esten Udby, had two sons, Ellsworth and Glenn. She died in 1974, the last member of the Iverson famdy. Lars Iverson died in 1925, at 78. Mrs. Iverson died in 1944 at 91.

Jacob Kratochvil family—1904. Seated, left to right: Jacob Kratochvil [father], William, James [held], and Marie Kratochvil [mother]. Middle [standing]; Emil. Standing back, left to right: Frank, Joseph, and Mary. Jacob Kratochvd was bom in 1866 in Repec Tolor, Czechoslovakia, came in 1882 to Veseli, Minn. In 1884 he came to Dakota Territory, later returning to Minnesota. Mary Kosabud was bom in 1869 in Repec Tolor, Czechoslovakia to Joseph and Mary Kosabud. In 1882 at the age of 13 Mary came with her parents and settied in VeseU, Minn. In February, 1888, Jacob Kratochvil and Mary Kosabud were married, returned to Dakota Territory, and settied on a homestead in Latona Township in a sod shanty. In this sod shanty their first son, Joseph, was born. He married Mary Kubart. Other chddren are Emd, who married Nettie Bosh; William married Adatine Swartz; James married Carotine Bina; Mary married Joseph Bosh; Frank died at 18 after being kicked by a horse. In 1896 Jacob bought a farm in Norton Township three mdes west of Lankin where he moved his famdy. In 1910 Jacob purchased another farm two mdes north of Lankin, and worked the two farms. They farmed untd 1066

1927, at which time Jacob and Mary turned the farms over to their son, William, and moved to Lankin. In the fall of 1942 at 74, Mary died. Jacob lived with his son, Joseph. In 1947, Jacob, at the age of 81, died. The Kratochvils were two of the 24 charter members of the Z.C.B.J. (Kosobud Lodge) organized in 1901. Jacob Kratochvil had served on the Norton School and township boards for several years.

childbirth. Joseph and Mary took this child to Uve with them until 1941, when she returned to her father. In 1941 Joseph and Mary bought a house in Lankin, ran the Farmers Union garage from 1940 to 1958. Joseph remained active in farming until retirement in 1962. After moving into town, Mary became an active member of the American Legion Auxdiary and the Royal Neighbors of America, both of which she served as president, and the Lankin Lutheran Church. In 1955 their granddaughter, Louise Machart, came to Uve with them whde completing high school. Mary died in June, 1965. Joseph lived with his two daughters and sons-in-law until his death in Oct., 1968. Joseph and Mary were survived by three children, six grandchddren and five great-grand chddren at their passing.

JOSEPH & MARY (KUBART) KRATOCHVIL

THE LAMACH FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kratochvil and children, Ernest, Sylvia, Mildred and Alice, on bridge south of Lankin— 1927. Joseph Kratochvil was bom Dec, 1888, in a sod shanty in Latona Township to Jacob and Mary (Kosabud) Kratochvil. Jacob owned two farms and Joseph and his brothers worked both. Mary Kubart was born Nov. 7, 1899, in Latona Township to Joseph and Mary (Bina) Kubart. In June 1913, Mary's mother died, leaving Mary to take care of two younger brothers and a sister. On July 17,1917, Joseph Kratochvil andMary Kubart were married. Four children were bom, Ernest, who married Mildred Kovarik; Sylvia, married George Dvorak; Mildred, married Wtifred Machart, and Alice, who died in 1928 after being severely burned. The first 11 months of marriage were spent hving with Joseph's parents, west of Lankin. Crops were so poor they were plowed under. In June, 1918, Joseph and Mary moved to the farm north of Lankin where their son, Ernest, and famdy live now. In 1919 Mary joined the Z. C. B. J. Lodge at Kosobud. In 1924 she joined the Royal Neighbors of America Lodge at Lankin, later served as president.

Joseph and Barbora Lamach in Czechoslovakia. Joseph and Barbora Lamach, with three chddren, came to the United States in 1872 from Czechoslovakia near Budejovice (Budweis). This region is noted for its beer, the site of the original Budweiser Brewery. The baptismal certificate places Barbora's age at 38. Other sources give Joseph's age as 57. The Lamach chddren were Mary, 13, James, 10, and Anna, 4. Their destination was Iowa. James recaded coming through Chicago which some months earher had a great fire.

In 1929 Joseph was elected Norton Township supervisor, served for eight years and two months, acted as chairman for nine years. In 1930 he was elected to the Lankin High School board for nine years. In 1939 he was elected to the Walsh County Soil Conservation board where he served as member for 25 years, and an inactive member untd his death. In 1939 he was elected to the Farmers Union Elevator board at Lankin, was chairman for 20 years and a board member until his death. He was chairman of the Lankin Telephone Board for three years, Farmers Union County Board chairman for three years, elected P. C. A. member for many years, attended many Triple A conventions, was insurance agent for Farmers Union for 20 years. He was a life member of Z. C. B. J. and Modem Workmen of America. In 1934 Mrs. Joseph Bosh (Joseph's sister) died in

Mary Lamach Kupka and Frank Kupka Mary and Frank Kupka were married in Decorah, Iowa, Oct. 14, 1878. Anna acquired enough equity in a 1067

quarter section of land in North Dakota to borrow $350.00 Aug. 24,1883. The money was for lumber to build a better shelter. The Lamach arrival was about 1879. Those first years were hard years and many of those other pioneers in the community left for farther west. They stayed. Joseph longed for the clear spring water of the old country when good water was so difficult to find on his new homestead. The shelter was moved many times in hopes that a new well would prove better than the one they had. Fire destroyed their shelter at least once. Grain they produced was hauled to the Grafton market with a team of horses, over 30 miles. Another son, John, was born. Joseph's health was not good, but on April 28,1891, he obtained a U. S. Patent on his land. He died Nov. 29, 1891. He was 76. Barbora stayed on her land after Joseph's death with the help of James and Nov. 16, 1901, got her U. S. Patent on land. James got title to his land in 1894. Mary's children from Iowa came to visit. Frances, married to John Ondracek, took over farming her land for a while. James took his mother to hve in Pisek. On April 6, 1896, Anna married Joseph Vavra and they settled on her land. Five children were born, Agnes, Oct. 31,1899, Delia, Oct. 21,1902, Stasia, May 19,1904, and twins, Emma and Stephen, Sept. 3, 1906. A big new house was built. The "Soo" Railroad came, and the new town, Lankin, a mile north. The railroad made marketing easier. Anna and Joseph were divorced July 22,1907. Anna continued to live on the farm for another six years, with the help of her brother, James. They moved to Lankin to be with Barbora and James. She died April 28, 1922, at 88. She was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Lankin. James died in a Grafton hospital in 1934. He was 72. Anna hved out her hfe with two of her daughters, Emma and Stasia, in Portland, Ore. She died March 22, 1946 at 79. She was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Lankin beside her mother, Barbora and her brother, James.

Emma, John, Jennie, Hilda, Gustav, four died when babies, the others were born at Lankin. A severe hatistorm struck suddenly, the parents were on the way to Park River in horse and buggy to seU butter, they were in a hurry to get under shelter and in the rush the butter jars were broken. The chddren at home had to take the mattress off the bed and hold it up in front of the window to keep the had out. The cattie and horses were driven onto a wire fence by the hail and many were badly cut. The crop was hailed out. The mother died in January, 1899, at 26, when the last child was bom. The midwife was there, a doctor had to be summoned, he got lost in a snowstorm and by the time he got there the mother and baby died. The father vowed not to remarry, to keep his seven children together. In 1903 he butit a new house and remained there untd all the children were married. He lived with his children until his death in 1928. The farm is about one-fourth mile east and one-fourth mde south of Lankin.

Mr. and Mrs. Axel W. Larson, seated. Standing: Minnie and Julia.

Alton,

EDWARD LUNDE FAMILY Ed Lunde came to Walsh County in June, 1910, from Toronto. He and his wife, Gunhdd Nordby Lunde, their son, Henry, and daughter, Alma Sylvia, came by train to Park River, settled on a farm near Lankin. They had a son, Edwin, born in 1911. They were members of the Hoff Lutheran Church in Norton Township. FRANK M. AND LENA (CHIZEK) MACHART Frank M. Machart was born Nov. 30,1885, at Lankin to Thomas M. and Elizabeth Ployhar Machart. He lived with his famtiy on the farm west of Lankin, later in Park River and Lankin.

Left to right: Joseph Sherek, James Lamach and John Matejcek, Sr.

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Eleanor (Lena) Chizek was bom Feb. 1,1888, to John and Anna Hodek Chizek, at Pisek. Frank and Lena were married in 1907. Nine children were born, Raymond married Elenor Skyrud and later Mabie Peterson; Cecd never married; Lillian married Ellsworth Erickson; Wtifred married Mddred Kratochvd; Robert married Mddred Hanson; Harold married Ida Hogfoss; Wallace never married; Earl married Betty LeQuire and Vernice married Ted Sveen. Frank and Lena farmed west of Lankin for some time, on the farm his father homesteaded. Lena moved to Grafton in the 50's. She died in September, 1968. Frank resided at Vadey Memorial Home in Grand Forks, died in November, 1972.

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ANDREW G. LARSON Andrew and Frida Larson immigrated to America from Sweden in 1880, settied in Sauk Centre, Minn., farmed two years. They came to Lankin in 1882 and took a homestead. They lived in a sod house, after a few years, added a room which was wood inside and sod outside. He farmed with oxen until he got horses in 1888. They had 11 children: Axel, bom in Sauk Centre, Annie, 1068

Gust (Carrie) Anderson lived in California with their son, Kenneth. There were three sons, Oswald, deceased, married Esther Hogfoss, Hjalmer, deceased, married Ann Austad, who lives in Minneapolis, Minn., Norman died when a baby. Osmund died in a hunting accident in Montana in 1921. After their father's death, Oswald and Hjalmer farmed untd Hjalmer moved to Minneapolis and worked for the Ford Motor Co. until his death in 1963. Oswald and Esther continued farming untd his death in 1952. They had six chddren, Ronald married Malvina Kittelson and hves in Edinburg, Alice married Norman Carlson. They bought the Monson farm in 1957. Eden married Leslie Carlson, farmed at Wadena, Minn., Jeanne, married Duane Walker and farms at Hoople, Mary Ann married Bruce Quinn and lives in New Braunfels, Tex., David married Karen Klefstad and teaches at Menahga, Minn. The sod house budt in 1899 was hved in until the summer of 1943. All of Osmund Monson's children were born in it and four of the Oswald's children, including Ronald, Alice, Eden and Jeanne. Mary Ann lived in it until she was about one and one half years old when they moved to the Archie Knutson farm in the summer of 1943. The sod made perfect insulation, always cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The walls were three feet thick with plaster covering on the inside and wood siding on the outside. There were two windows, one on the south and one on the east. A wooden two story house was bought and moved to the farm in 1944. After remodeling we moved back in 1945. When Oswald and Esther were married he sold ten hogs and got a total of $30. With the $30 he bought a new suit, marriage license, wedding ring, hired transportation to Grafton and back and stdl had money left when they got home. He bought his first tractor in 1937. It was a W-12 McCormick Deering on steel wheels. It now has rubber tires.

JOHN MATEJCEK John Matejcek, son of Joseph and Anna (Shimota) Matejcek, was born April 18,1868, at New Prague, Minn. He spent his early days farming in the Lankin-Bechyne area. He married Josephine Kadlec, Nov. 5, 1894, daughter of Vaclav and Anna (Vocelka) Kadlec, Pisek. She was bom in Europe, Aug. 4, 1877, and came to the United States with her parents at the age of eight. They hved first at Ashland, Wis., migrated to a farm near Pisek, where she hved until her marriage. They farmed in Norton Township, one mile west and one mile south of Lankin. On April 27, 1898, the Matejcek farm was named Young, when a post office was established there with Mrs. John Matejcek as post mistress. The farm was known as Young until July 27, 1905, when Lankin was established and the post office moved there. John Matejcek was one of the organizers of the St. Joseph's Catholic church at Lankin, member of the church board, a member of the Catholic Workmen Lodge and a member of Modem Woodmen of America. They had seven children: Joseph (J. W.), John M., Anastasia, Josephine, Frank, Marie, and Rudolph, more commonly known as R. F. "Pete." Pete and his wife, Mayme (Schanilec), are still operating the original Matejcek farm. A severe storm struck the community in the summer of 1891 and demolished a barn, lifted a granary, turned it completely around without disturbing a buggy pole which was hanging on the outside wall. Another pole was driven through the floor without breaking. Hail smashed a window in the house. Mrs. Matejcek and her sister-inlaw, Katie Matejcek, used a feather quilt to hold out the wind, hail and rain.

HENRY SLATTEN FAMILY Henry Slatten was bom May 11, 1865, in Forde, Sadfjord, Norway. He came to the United States in 1890, at 25. He worked in Iron Mountain, Mich., Ashland, Wis., and Cloquet, Minn., in the lumber business, came to Norton Township in 1898, to the Carl Johnson farm where he helped with harvest. Eline Marie Iverson was bom March 9, 1877, in Decorah, Iowa. She came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lars Iverson, to Norton Township where they homesteaded in 1882. She married Henry Slatten on Nov. 22, 1901. The first year after their marriage they lived on the Carl Johnson farm while the Johnsons were in Sweden visiting. They bought land, built _a. house, granary, sod bam, planted trees. Mrs. Slatten brought the dinners to the carpenters with horse and buggy. The sod bam was used until 1913, when a large bam was butit. Mr. Slatten served as supervisor of Norton Township for several terms. The farming was done with horses until 1934 when an International F-12 was bought. Their first car was a Dodge Touring bought in 1915. They were members of Hoff Lutheran Church. Three chddren were born, Melvin Arthur, bom June 4, 1905, had polio when he was 12 and it left him handicapped for the rest of his life. In spite of his handicap he raised large gardens, grain experiment plots, and took part in 4-H club work as a leader.

Family of Mr. and Mrs. John Matejcek, Sr. Front row: Josephine (Kouba), Mrs. Josephine (Kadlec), Marie (Kubesh), Rudolph F. (Pete), John Sr. (Jano). Second row:" Frank B. (Pinkie), Anastasia (Kuchar), Joseph W. (Joe), John M., Jr. (Jack). MONSON FAMILY The Monson farm in Norton Township was homesteaded in 1899 by Hadlie Monson. He came from Norway. He built a sod house in 1899. When his wife died in 1903, he sold the farm to his brother, Osmund Monson, and went back to Norway. Osmund came to Park River from Norway, worked there prior to buying the farm. He and his wife, Ragnhild, had two daughters, Inger, deceased, who married JohnRue, deceased. They had no children. Mrs. 1069

threshing outfit. He employed about 25 men and did custom threshing for many years. In this business he had to have a cook car, employing two cooks, usually two of his oldest daughters to cook for this threshing crew which went along. John and Rosalie Sticha raised a family of 10 daughters and four sons. One chdd, Johnny, was born Sept. 15,1888, and died when he was 12, Jan. 15,1900. Charley Sticha was bom July 16, 1885, married Florence Novak. He died July 13, 1953. Mary was bom April 20, 1887, married Joe Trenda; Rose, born Aug. 3, 1890, married Adolph Trenda; Ida, born March 25,1892, married Adolph Lala; Henry, born Oct. 27, 1893, married Alice Harazim, he died Aug. 18, 1972; Christina, born Feb. 1,1895, married John Dvorak, she died Jan. 24, 1973; Emma, bom Nov. 30, 1896, married Elmer Blasky; Albina, born March 30, 1898, married Laurence Gessner, she died May 16, 1947; Frank, bom Nov. 6, 1899, married Agnes Harazim, he died May 10, 1974; Pauline, bom Jan. 9, 1902, married Tom Polak; Helen, bom Sept. 11, 1903, married Lee Newman; Minnie, bom March 26,1906, married Wdliam Janous; Mddred, born Jan. 21, 1909, married Stanley Kotaska. John Sticha died at the age of 57, Dec. 19, 1922. His wtfe, Rosalie, died at 91, March 12, 1956.

Lloyd and Melvin took over the farm in 1935. Melvin was able to do work in the fields, with the aid of a hand clutch on the tractor for many years until his retirement. He was clerk of Norton Township for 36 years. His hobby was woodworking and he made many lawn ornaments and little red barns for children. Melvin died Jan. 31, 1974, at 68. Lloyd John was born Feb. 5,1910. He married Ethel Grove, school teacher in Walsh and Ramsey Counties. She was bom in Adams Township to Elmer ahd Anna (Linstad) Grove July 18, 1909. Lloyd and Ethel were married Nov. 3, 1950. Lloyd served as supervisor of Norton Township for nine years and has been treasurer of Hoff Congregation since 1957. They reside on the original Slatten farm and are farming. Lila Alida was bom Jan. 2, 1916. She resided in Adams for 12 years (1950-62) and Melvin lived with her in the wintertime until her marriage on Oct. 12, 1962, to Melvin Myhre, Edmore. They reside on a farm in Dewey Township. Henry Slatten died July 31, 1948, and Mrs. Henry Slatten died Dec. 2, 1948.

Threshing on the John Sticha farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Slatten

MR. AND MRS. FRANK SWARTZ Frank Swartz and Anna Helt were married in 1888 in Michigan. Mr. Swartz immigrated from Prague, Czechoslavakiatolowa, later moved to Norton Township with his parents, James and Veronica (Zemma) Swartz. Mrs. Swartz, whose parents also immigrated from Czechoslovakia, was bom in Spdlvide, Ia., came to Cleveland in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz had four chddren: Frank, George, Mrs. James (Mayme) Vorachek, and Mrs. Joseph (Vernie) Sherek. They retired to Lankin in 1937, died in the 1940's. Mr. Swartz served on the boards of Norton Township and Norton School District and the Walsh County Liberty Loan Committee.

THE JOHN STICHA FAMILY John Sticha was born Jan. 30, 1865, in Prague, Minn. His wife, Rosalie Machovsky, was bom in Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, April 12,1865, and came to the United States with her parents in 1877, when she was 12. Her parents settied near Prague, Minn., where she met John Sticha. They were married in Prague Oct. 10,1884, moved to North Dakota in the spring of 1885, settled on a farm two mdes west of Park River where most of their 14 chddren were born. They hved in a sod house which they built themselves and roded up hay which they twisted for fuel. John Sticha would buy whole bolts of materials which was made into the clothes needed by the famdy, as nearly ad clothing was made in the home. Nearly all the food had to be raised, processed, and preserved in the home - only essentials were purchased. All their clothes had to be washed by hand on a washboard in a tub. They moved to a farm one mde west of Conway where they farmed until the spring of 1912. Whde hving near Conway, John Sticha served as supervisor of Eden Township for many years. In Aprd, 1912, they bought a farm two mdes south and three fourths mde west of Lankin. John Sticha owned and operated a steam-

J. D. SWARTZ FAMILY James D. Swartz came to North Dakota with his parents from Cole City, HI., in 1881. On Nov. 18,1895, he married Anna Kosobud who came from Czechoslovakia. They farmed in Norton Township, five and one-half mdes west of Lankin'. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz had two sons, Joseph and Emd, four daughters, Pauline, Evelyn, Ann and Libby. He was active in township affairs and the Democratic party. 1070

Bata, Gordon married Kathleen Stark, three sons, Scott, Michael and Charles, Gary married to Kaye Novak, three sons, Todd, Troy, and Tyler, Emil Swartz, deceased. James D. Swartz, better known as J. D. or Jim to his friends, was a whiz in both track and baseball. On the baseball team, he was a catcher. He played his position without using a catchers' mitt. He had every finger broken at least once on his left or catching hand. He told me that his fingers didn't get broken from the speed of the hard ball, but rather from the fact that he used to snitch the ball before the batter could hit it, once in awhile the batter clobbered my grandfather across the knuckles with the bat. Left to right, seated: Father (James D. Swartz), son Joseph, daughter Libby, son Emil, mother (Anna). Standing: Daughters Ann, Evelyn and Pauline.

Children and grandchildren of James D. Swartz include: Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Brunsberg (Pauline Swartz) both now deceased; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Scholz (Evelyn Swartz), Harold deceased, had two daughters, Gloria, married to Pete Swederski, Kathleen, married to Mark Campbell; Mr. and Mrs. Aldie Bray (Ann Swartz) husband deceased, one daughter, Polly Ann, married to Jean Strem; Mr. and Mrs. Louie Maimer (Libby Swartz), three daughters, Shirley married to Gene Bearlieu, Ramona married to Rutherford Scott and Constance married to John Moe; Joe Swartz married Blanche Machovsky, four sons, Duane married Sylvia Kovarik, four children, Keith, Diane, Timothy and Brian, Dale married Alexa Votava, two daughters, Gayle and Cheryl married to Micheal

PERTH TOWNSHIP In 1883, a group of Czech setflers in southern Minnesota decided to visit Dakota Territory, where the government was offering tracts of land free as homesteads, tree claims and additional tracts for $1.25 an acre pre-emption claims. They sent three men ahead to look over the ground and find a suitable place for the colony to settle. Joseph Bosh, Joseph Hodny and Joseph Matejcek were elected to do the "scouting." They found this place in the southwest portion of what is now Walsh County. The settlers fodowed from the Minnesota towns of New Prague, Montgomery, Veseli, Owatonna and others. Their hardships and struggles have become legendary and many families in Perth Township have their own famdy sagas to relate. In those toil ridden days, working from dawn to dusk, they had little time for keeping records or writing history. In most families, only births, deaths, and government papers pertaining to the acquisition and ownership of land were put in writing. The important events and catastrophes were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. A number of Scots located in Perth Township in the first years of settlement and the township was christened

Grandpa's greatest feat occurred in 1890 as a trackster when the Swartz family lived near Pisek. Grandpa Jim trotted to Conway, where he entered every race July 4th, he won every race. That afternoon he trotted from Conway to Park River, entered the races at Park River and won them all. That evening he hoofed it back to Conway for the big dance and after the dance trotted to his home northwest of Pisek. James D. Swartz died the summer of 1953, at 80. He was small in size, 5' 6'' weighing about 140 pounds. Submitted by Dale J. Swartz. ESTEN UDBY Esten Udby was bom June 26, 1885, in Norway and came to the United States at 17. He worked in lumber camps in Minnesota, homesteaded in McKenzie County. He moved to Walsh County and worked on farms. In 1915 he married Josephine Iverson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lars Iverson of Norton Township. They had two sons, Eds worth and Glenn, Lankin. Esten Udby died April 18,1931, Josephine died Feb. 21, 1974.

for the city of that name in Scotland. The township was organized April 6,1885. At the first annual meeting of the board, of which there is a record, March 8, 1888, Frank Hodney, Vit Kalas and Joseph Matejcek were judges. John Reynolds was moderator and Joseph Bosh, clerk. Hodney, Kalas and Matejcek were elected supervisors and Bosh as clerk. Lambert Post Office was established in the northeastern part of the township Feb. 13, 1886, with Robert Vemon as postmaster. It was discontinued May 31,1907. Joseph Bosh later had charge of the post office in the SEy4 of Section 2 and operated a blacksmith shop on his farm. He came from New Prague, Minn. SARNIA POST OFFICE In the late seventies and early eighties, land was rapidly homesteaded in eastern Walsh County, so the home seekers who arrived later had to go west and further west to find vacant land. By 1885, they had penetrated pretty wed to the western border of the county. Among the many things these pioneers were missing was any means of communication with the outside world. Ad of them had moved in from neigh-

1914, the Samia Post Office was discontinued after 16 years. These country post offices played an important part in the lives of these early pioneers in the many isolated areas in those early years of the 1880's and the 1890's. They proved a sort of "community center" where the patrons would meet whde getting their mail. This writer can wed recall how in the slack season of winter they would start drifting in at 11:30, and shortly after, to mail their letters and to receive the long anticipated letters from their dear ones left back in civilization, as wed as the newspapers from these places. Although the log house was of fair size, it would be plenty crowded by the time the madman arrived. If the wind had blown on newly fallen snow, it might be a long time to wait, maybe even until the fodowing day. This being after Ordway was no longer the carrier. Whde waiting, there would be many hvely discussions under way - current topic of the day and severe criticism of the mailman if he happened to be behind schedule. A unique thing about this particular post office was that it was the "melting pot" of three distinct nationalities and cultures. This was the edge of the Bohemian settlement on the north, the Finnish people on the west, and the Scandinavians to the south and east. Most of these settlers could not speak English, so they would sit in their huddles each speaking their native languages whde awaiting their mail. There was quite a conglomeration of sounds at times. As a rather common practice, you would find that the postmaster would stock a limited supply of groceries to sell, thus saving the patrons a long trip to town for a few groceries. Very likely you would discover a display of "Arbuckels" or " X X X X " coffee for sale, six pounds for one dodar in those days. Perhaps Ole was in the market for a 10 cent plug of "Spearhead" chewing tobacco, and then there comes Jens,out of "Tree Smoke" which was 10 cents a package, or three for 25 cents. Our dad always bought three at a time, thus saving a nickel, which was quite a sum in those days.

boring states or foreign countries. They craved hearing from friends and relatives and a weekly newspaper. The only means of communication was of course the mail. Some of these new settlers would be located as far as twenty-five miles from a town with mail service, with no roads - and only a trail by which to travel there. To help relieve this situation, Uncle Sam cooperated by establishing country post offices throughout the area. A few in the southwestern comer of Walsh County were: Praha and Nord in Cleveland Township, Lambert and Samia in Perth Township. Right across the line in northem Nelson County were Pelto, Moen, Bellville and Baconville. April 1, 1898, E . 0. Nestegard received his appointment as postmaster for a new post office to be located on the NW Vt of Section 5, Township 154, Range 58, in a newly built sod house in Nelson County. Samia was the name of the new post office. Nestegard, a single and rather unstable man, soon lost his desire of being an employee of the federal government and after a few weeks, announced that he was about to resign from his position, tt was now up to the patrons to recommend someone to take his place. K. 0. Loken rather reluctantly agreed to assume the responsibihty, but after a few days, he too announced that he was withdrawing his name as a candidate for the position. Again, it was up to the elders of the community to select someone to fill the vacancy. After due dehberation, a resolution was sent recommending T. M. Ldlehaugen to fid this vacancy. About July 1, Ltilehaugen received his appointment as postmaster, and his son, M. T. Ldlehaugen, as assistant. The new location of this post office was to be the SEY4 of Section 31, Township 155, Range 58, in a log house on the farm. This same log house is now moved back into the trees and is maintained as a museum in which are stored antiques from the pioneer days. This is also where the Ldlehaugen famdy gathers for the annual famdy reunion. Cash income from the fourth class country post office was not much in those days, with no salary or commission on stamps sold. The only income was canceded stamps. It required a two cent stamp on a letter, so 50 letters had to be maded in order to earn one dodar. Registration of letters helped save the day, as it required an eight cent stamp to register a letter, so plus the required two cent stamp, it took only 10 letters to earn a dodar. At this time there were no money orders in such remote areas. The patrons had to send currency and they felt this should be insured, so it was then up to the postmaster to have plenty of change on hand - especiady one dodar bids, scarce in those days.

PRAIRIE FIRES Pioneer life was hard for the early settlers. In 1883, the first year of the Czech settlement in Perth Township they were assaded by one of the most terrible enemies of the pioneer, the prairie fire. This not only destroyed property, but also a life. Mrs. Mat Vobejda perished in an attempt to save her property whde her husband was in Grand Forks filing the claim to the famdy's first piece of ground. On his return with the joyous news that they now had land of their own, he found his wtfe burned to death, her two httle chddren crying at her side. This catastrophe shattered his hope. He later moved from the site. He died in 1934.

The mail came out from Lakota via Pelto, it being delivered three times a week. The first mad carrier was Elmer Ordway. He had good horses and even though there were no roads to speak of, neither mud nor snow stopped him. He always arrived on time. He would arrive promptly at noon- he would depart at 1 p. m. If the mad bag wasn't locked and ad ready at this time, he would start back without the mad bag. He was a real "oldtimer." September 12 the route was changed so mad came from Brocket via Pelto dady. November 1, 1906, the star route was changed to free delivery. March 14,

SCHOOL DISTRICTS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 73 Perth School District No. 73 was formed in 1892. There were two schools in District No. 73. First officers were: Frank Horejsi, John Kulas, president, and Frank Hodny, directors; Anton Sherack, treasurer; Joseph Bosh, clerk; af Mary E. Butier, teacher. 1072

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 99

construction was begun and a new church now is on the original site. The church became the social center as well as a place of worship. Early settlers, members of the Katolicky Delnik (Catholic Workman) Lodge, pooled their resources and built a parish hall in the NEV4 of Section 13, across the road from the church. It, too, was remodeled and enlarged through the years. The annual Sts. Peter and Paul's Day celebration June 29 became a tradition that still endures. Countless wedding dances have been held there. Another "annual" for many years was the Fall Bazaar, with all the ladies of the parish preparing a feast. In recent years this tradition has given way to a spring dinner. In 1962, with the Rev. Ludvig Svetinsky as advisor, the ladies of the parish organized their first formal altar society, with Mrs. Ernest Hodny as their first president. This society is called "The Christian Mothers of Bechyne." The creation of the church cemetery was Bechyne's first project under Father Mikolasek in 1911. The new cemetery was divided into lots priced at $20 each. An artistic wire fence was purchased and installed around the boundaries of the cemetery.

Perth School District No. 99 was formed in 1892. District No. 99 also had two schools. First officers were: Albert Sirek (president), Alois Mott and Mike Kobb, directors; John Karas, treasurer; Mary Karas, clerk,; and F. C. Overstall, teacher.

CHURCHES STS. PETER AND PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Bechyne

The Minnesotans who found homes in Perth Township in 1883 named their settlement Bechyne in memory of a place of pilgrimage in Bohemia of the same name. These staunch and sturdy Catholic pioneers brought with them a great moral strength and loyalty to God. The first Czech priest who said Mass on the present site of Bechyne was the Rev. Francis Pribil. The parishioners wanted to build a chapel, but there was dissension until the present site was chosen by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Martin Marty. (The church and cemetery are located in the S% of Section 12 in Perth Township.) These were hard times, money was scarce, and the project seemed almost impossible until the Reverend Thomas Bily came. He encouraged the plan. Then, when the whole affair was about to abandoned, Frank Moravec made a contribution of money he borrowed at 20 per cent interest. His courageous action decided the matter and construction began. They built a chapel 16 by 20 feet and 10 feet high in 1886. It was dedicated to St. Peter and Paul for firmness in faith and defense of faith. Their hopes were not in vain. Though a different building now is on the site, the parish still stands 90 years after its founding. Names of priests through the years are the Revs. V. Dvorak, Thomas Rabstinek, Jos. Bartek, C. Augustinsky, J. Votypka, F. Just and A. Gaydusek. The Rev. Wenceslas F. Mikolasek was the first permanent priest. He cared for the parish from 1911 until his death in 1950. He was buried in the Bechyne Cemetery. He was succeeded by the Revs. Jaraslov Tomanek and Ludvig Svetinsky. The present pastor is the Rev. John Graven. An addition to the church was built in 1897. Matej Hodek built the foundation wall without charge. Joseph Hodny was the architect. A choir and tower were built in 1912, with additional minor changes through the years. In December, 1956, the church burned. Within a year,

Sts. Peter and Paul Church of Bechyne,

Lankin.

Z. C. K. J. LODGE

Left to right, standing: Albert Herda, Joseph Bosh, Anton Shirek and Frank Vobejda. Sitting: Frank Hodny and Lorenz Bina.

Branch No. 28 of the Z. C. K. J. Lodge (Western Bohemian Catholic Union) inBechyne was organized Jan. 1,1888, under patron saints Peter and Paul. 1073

In 1929 Z. C. K. J. merged with he Catholic Workman. The first joint convention after the merger was in 1930. In 1930, after the merger, this branch became No. 92, Catholic Workman of Bechyne. A celebration is held every year on St. Peter and Paul Day, June 29. The Catholic Workman have a hall near the Catholic Church of Bechyne. Bechyne is four miles south and six miles west of Lankin.

slept. They established a tree claim in Perth Township. Their nearest town was Grafton. They began to break land and their first home was a sod house. FinaUy when they got some lumber they budt a two-room house. Their farming was with oxen. Joseph did blacksmith work. The first post office was in their home and Mr. Bosh was the first postmaster assisted by his wtfe. People walked for miles and mdes to get their mad. Mrs. Bosh always had the coffee pot on and the people were fed before walking back home with their mail. They also sold a few dry goods. More setflers arrived and established tree claims and soon they all realized they needed a church. A few neighbors got together and budt a 8 x 8 foot wooden budding. They hired a priest to come from a long distance for special occasions only, otherwise Mr. Bosh led the smad congregation in prayer and religious training. They named this httle so-caded church Bechyne, after Mrs. Bosh's homeland. A few years later the people started the Cathode Workman Lodge (KD). Mr. Bosh served as officer. He served over 30 years as Bechyne trustee in the church and 30 years as school clerk. He was a justice of the peace, witnessed two marriages. Mr. and Mrs. Bosh had 13 children - four boys and nine girls, five of whom are hving. One son, Emd J. Bosh, died in action during World War I, Walsh County's first casualty. The Lankin Legion Bosh Ryba Post No. 157 is named for him. Joseph Bosh died in 1930 and his wife, Mary, in 1958. Both are buried in Bechyne Cemetery.

Lutheran church gathering held at the Nels Severson home in Perth township about 1917.

BIOGRAPHIES JOSEPH AND MARY BOSH

mm § I 1 Emit Bosh Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Bosh

JOSEPH HODNY FAMILY Joseph Hodny was bom Jan. 13, 1849, in Budejovic, Czechoslovakia and Jan. 30, 1872, he was married to Katherine Soukup, who was born in Treboni, Czechoslovakia April 1, 1849, to Mr. and Mrs. Vaclav Soukup. Two years later they left for America and settled at Cleveland, Ohio, where Hodny made barrels. He made three barrels the first day and they were rejected because he didn't set them together right. Later on he was sktiled at the work and made many barrels a day. In 1876 they decided to move on and settled in the Lonsdale, Minn., area. Here six of their chddren died during an epidemic. Living here six years they decided to move on once more and came to Dakota Territory. The Joseph and Frank Hodnys traveled together and after reaching the Veseleyvdle area they left their wives and famdy with the Joseph Karnik and Vaclav Sedivy homes whde the mfen continued west over creeks and lulls decided to settle in Perth Township, Section 12, southeast comer, Frank about one-half mde west. Joseph and Frank built houses helping each other and hauled lumber

Joseph Bosh was bom July 12, 1858, at Bechyne, Czechoslovakia. At 12, he, his parents, two sisters, and one brother came to the U. S. and settled in Fort Dodge, Ia., where he fanned with his father and went to school. He learned to be a blacksmith. Joseph's father, Frank, died accidentafly by falling off a haystack and this tragedy left young Joseph with the full responsibility of his mother and the famdy's support. When the family was wed established, Joseph ventured out on his own. He went to New Prague, Minn., where he met his wife to be, Mary Matejcek. She was born Dec. 23,1866. At seven years of age she had to help clerk in a store for $7 a month to help support her parents, brothers and sisters. Joseph Bosh and Mary Matejcek were married in New Prague, Minn. Shortly afterwards they traveled by horse and wagon to North Dakota to claim land. They traveled during the day, during the night the horses would graze tied to the wagon and wheels and the wagon box would be tipped over for night shelter where they 1074

and supplies from Minto, a 35 mile trip, with horses and wagon. After a few weeks they returned for their families. Later Conway was closer for supplies. They would leave home early to be in Conway before Sunrise.

The Hodek family erected a two-room house, a barn and a granary which is stdl in sound repair on the present farmstead. Later, Matej and Anna erected an eight room house to replace the original. 1974 saw another home erected by their grandson on the original farm site.

More families moved in and they decided to establish a church. Joseph Hodny donated the land for the church and cemetery. Money was collected for the lumber and as Hodny was a carpenter, he built a church 16 feet by 20 feet and 10 feet high. The name of the parish was St. Peter and Paul Bechyne, as some of the parishioners came from Bechyne, Czechoslovakia. It has always been a mission church. People came from a distance of 10 miles or more to attend services. Most of the people would stop at Hodnys for a meal after the services which was prepared by Mrs. Hodny and often times their own family had very meager meals. Later on people would bring some food for their own family and stopped at the Hodnys.

They raised a famdy of nine: Math, John, Mary (Tikalsky), Joseph, Frank, James, Annie (Schwartz), Emma (Gardner) and Charles. Matej did mason work of split native stone utilized in basements, foundations and walls. Their homestead was later farmed by their sons Charles, Math and Frank, and now farmed by their grandson, Charles Hodek, Jr. Early history passed down unrecorded reveals a setfler living in a hidside cave adjacent to a homestead in Section 27. A sod house is located on a hid along the Middle Branch of the Forest River in Section 21, also adjacent to the homestead. Abundant wild game existed when tbe area was settied. Math recalled numerous herds of elk. Large packs of wolves along rivers would often fodow horses and wagons, and were often fought off with an axe. Matej Hodek once shot a wdd turkey near a straw pile with a 10 gauge shot-gun, which is still in the famdy's possession. An abundance of ducks, geese, sandhill cranes and large fish were found in the Middle Branch Forest River which flowed all summer.

In the fall Hodny would go for supplies to Conway and haul back 30 sacks of flour (lv-> tons) for their neighbors, friends and families. On other trips he'd haul a barrel of kerosene, a barrel of vinegar plus other supplies which was to last through the winter. The mail was delivered since 1883 to Praha, about four and a half miles east of Bechyne where Clement Zeman hved. More families started moving in so there was need for a larger church. Hodny with the help of a young boy, Bartos Bina, built the addition. Mr. and Mrs. Hodny had 13 children, seven hved to adulthood: Matt, Joseph M., John, Anna, Mary, Katherine and Barbara. The Hodnys moved to Pisek in 1905. Mrs. Hodny died Oct. 7,1927, and he died Jan. 27, 1931. Submitted by Mrs. Alex Maresh, granddaughter.

In early years, survey crews attempted to establish a railroad along the west side of the Middle Branch Forest River, but later disbanded and surveyed through what is today Whitman. The early trading area was Conway where gram was marketed and supplies obtained. Later Michigan became the prime trade area. Even today evidence of the past is revealed. Indian arrowheads, stones and the like are found on the property. A piece of petrified wood was found on the homestead recently. The evidence of buffalo in the area was uprooted four years ago when a meadow was plowed. It was the front skull and horns of a huge buffalo in near perfect condition. Other known farms on land operated included a farm on the SW% of Section 23 occupied by Albert Shirek and earlier owned by someone in Red Lake Fads, Minn., in the mid 1800's. An old farmstead on the SEv* of Section 23 has evidence of a basement buried until recently. It had been occupied by a family named Butrek or Butcek. Recently their daughter from Pennsylvania was in the area inquiring about the whereabouts of the farmstead and early gravesites of their relatives. Problems of early settlements included a shortage of water as evidenced by the many abandoned wells on the farm. Hard winters with heavy snow and blizzards often covered their low bam completely and they had to dig their way into the bam.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hodny HODEK FAMILY Matej Hodek and Anna Tersova were married in 1880 at Klatova, Czechoslovakia. They immigrated to the U. S., first settling in the Ironwood, Michigan-Ashland, Wise., area. Later they moved west to Minnesota and North Dakota, but found much of the good land already setded. They homesteaded in Perth Township on the SWV4 of Section 22, land previously under tree claim by Mr. Simon who left the tree claim when his crops froze several years in succession in the late 1800's. The property contained a sod house in the NWvi of the SWv* of Section 22.

Since settled by Matej Hodek, this farm has never had a complete crop fatiure, although one year they had a very small pde of grain in their granary. They would haul ad the hay home in the hay rack and then unload it into a single large haystack. The reason is unknown, but it was probably because of the severe winters in those early years. Submitted by Charles Hodek, Jr.

. 1075

terprise for 40 years without one serious disagreement. Michael was largely a sed-educated man, although he did have a litde formal education beyond his early years in the smad rural school which often was in session only in May and June. In 1898-1899 he attended part of the school terms in Michigan, N. D., and worked for his room and board. Due to his great interest in reading, a community library was estabhshed in 1895 in the Ldlehaugen home. At one time this library contained over 200 Norwegian volumes. In later years, when this project was abandoned, the books were donated to Norwegian old people's homes. Michael Ltilehaugen married Helen Sando in 1907. Helen died in 1914 leaving three small children: Tollef, 6; Hilma, 4% ; and Sylvia, 3. In 1917 he married Marie Moe. They had six children: Manvel, Edith (Mrs. Earle Lovestrom), Arnold, Clara Marie (Mrs. Leroy Knoff), Michael and MeRoy. Marie died at their home in Michigan in 1959. Ltilehaugen was active in church, civic and community affairs. He was a staunch member of Samia Lutheran Church, served as church secretary for 36 years, was "klokker" (song leader) for many years and sang bass in the church choir. In the early 1900's M . T. was instrumental in organizing the Michigan Telephone Co. and was a member of that board of directors. This operated as a corporation setting membership shares at $100. After a period of 12-15 years, this company sold out to a private company for further expansion. In 1916 he helped organize the Livestock Shipping Association in Whitman and served as its secretary. This association joined the Farmers Union Shipping Association in 1928. M. T. was chairman of the Walsh County Farmers Union Board for 25 years. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Whitman Elevator for several years. His interest in politics began with the primaries of 1908 when A. J. Gronna (R) of Lakota was elected to the U. S. Congress. M. T. became a member of the Nonpartisan League when that was organized. Mr. Ldlehaugen (R) was elected to the North Dakota Legislature from the 3rd District first in 1927. He was elected to his second official term in 1933 and then served continuously for seven terms starting in 1941 through 1953. Some of the committees that he served on as a legislator in the House were the Education, Temperance, a committee to investigate the capitol budding (1933), and later the powerful Appropriations Committee. In 1952 Ldlehaugen was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Chicago. This was the convention that nominated Dwight D. Eisenhower (Ike) as candidate for the presidency with Richard M. Nixon as his running mate. In spite of their busy farm Ufe, Michael and Marie did take time to travel. In 1937 they went on a tour to Florida and other points of interest in the south. They attended the World's Fair in San Francisco in 1939, took a trip to Washington, D. C , one fall, and spent some time in Hot Springs, Ark., several winters. In 1961 M . T., accompanied by his son Michael, visited several European countries including his birthplace in Norway. In 1965 he and Art Erickson, Grafton, took atour to Hawaii. In reference to his European tour, Ldlehaugen wrote in his autobiography: "Although I know we saw only the best of what these countries have to offer, we now realize

MATT KOUBA FAMILY Matt Kouba was born in Czechoslovakia in 1850. He and Mary Shirek were married there and two of their seven children, Albert and Mary (Mrs. Tom Bina) were born there. Matt immigrated to Chicago in 1880. In 1882 his wife and children joined him and they resided in Minnesota five years. In 1887, he filed a homestead claim on the SW'A of Section 7 in Perth Township. Five children were born to Matt and Mary after their emigration from Czechoslovakia: Elizabeth (Mrs. Frank Maixner), Annie (Mrs. Joseph Kalas), Lenora (Mrs. Frank Kosobud), Frank and Emma (Mrs. Iver Anderson) . They resided on the family homestead site until their deaths, Matt in 1925 and Mary in 1929. Matt was a diligent farmer and he saw his two sons established in farming. His son, Frank, operated the homestead place for many years before he moved to Grafton in 1937, serving Walsh County as sheriff and later as county treasurer. Matt's son, Albert, operated land which his father had purchased until a tragic traffic accident in Park River July 4,1930, claimed his life, that of his wife, the former Nellie Kalas, his daughter, Frances, and a niece, Lucy Kalas. Albert was active in township affairs. For 21 years he served as Perth Township assessor and at the time of his death he was chairman of the township board of supervisors. He was clerk of the School District No. 99 for many years. He also served as director for the Equity Elevator and Trading Company. He was an agent for the Walsh County Farmer's Mutual Insurance Company and the Minnesota Mutual Insurance Company. At his death, his brother, Frank, who married Josephine Matejcek, took over the agency. Ed Kouba, who married Geneva Bina, took over the insurance agency from his uncle, Frank, and the operation of the Albert Kouba farm after his father's tragic death. Ed Kouba died in 1959. His son, Daniel, now farms all the Kouba land, including the original homestead site. Daniel is a great-grandson of Matt Kouba. With his wtfe, the former Marjorie Elton, and his three children, Daniel lives on the property formerly owned by Albert Kouba. MICHAEL T. LILLEHAUGEN Michael T. Ltilehaugen (M. T.), son of Tosten and Sigrid Lidehaugen, was bom in HaUingdal, Norway, June 4,1881. Almost five years later he came to America with his mother, a sister and a brother to join his father who had come to Minnesota the previous year. The famdy moved to Walsh County in 1888. In 1903 Michael filed claim to a homestead in the White Earth region, but two years later relinquished his rights. He purchased at auction a quarter section of land near his father's farm in Perth Township bidding $15 per acre before getting it. His total payment amounted to $2,400. It was on this quarter that he made his permanent residence until he moved to Michigan, N . D., in 1957. More land was added. M. T. was better able to get ahead financiaUy after buying a threshing rig in 1902 in partnership with his brother-in-law, Iver Sonsteng, and going into the tiireshing business. The two partners made a good team: M. T. operated the team engine, hired the men, and secured the threshing jobs, whde Iver took care of the seoarator. These two men worked together in this en1076

more fully what blessings we enjoy here in our U. S. A. with its stars and stripes, with its abundance of everything, in reality a land that flows with "milk and honey," and with its freedoms and opportunities for all who want to make use of them. It is our responsibility to keep it this way for the coming generations." He was a patriotic American and had the habit of flying the United States flag in his front yard every day - if weather permitted. M. T. remained active until in his later 80's when it became more difficult to get around because of a hip problem. He worked for the State Land Department while in his 70's and 80's, traveling extensively throughout the state and conducting State Land sales in the fall. He was well informed and interested in state, national and world affairs all his life. Mr. Lillehaugen died Oct. 24, 1972, at 91. He was survived by his nine children, two sisters and a brother. He is buried at West Forest Cemetery. His farm home is now occupied by his son, Arnold Lillehaugen, who moved in with his wife and family in 1957 when Michael moved to Michigan. TOSTEN M. LILLEHAUGEN In 1885 Tosten M. Lillehaugen (1847-1934) came to Minnesota leaving his wife (Sigrid Gjeldaker) and three small children in a quaint Norwegian settlement called HaUingdal, Norway. He had one doUar when he started in America. Tosten's first "jobs" in the new world consisted of doing farm work, working in a lumber camp and repairing railroad tracks. Within a year he had earned enough money to buy tickets for his wife and famtiy to come to America. The spring of 1888 found the LUlehaugens loading their possessions, including 10 head of cattle and a yoke of oxen, into a regular railroad box car provided by the railroad to individuals moving west to settle. Their first purchase of land was in Perth Township, the NWV4 in Section 31, Township 155, Range 58. The improvements on this quarter at the time of purchase included a log house 24' x 16', a well, a sod stable and 25 acres that had been broken. In 1893, following a general crop failure, Mr. Ltilehaugen lost this quarter of land. He homesteaded on the SE»/4 of this same section, dismantled the log cabin and reconstructed it on the new location. This quarter section of land now became the permanent Lillehaugen homestead, and today this crude log cabin has been moved into the shelter of a grove of trees on the farmstead and serves as a museum and the focal point of an annual family re-union picnic. By 1910 the LUlehaugens owned one section of land plus a forty. Tosten's livestock consisted of his team of oxen, Dick and Dime, and several milk cows. Eric Himle sold him a wagon that was located at Park River. To get the wagon, Tosten had to lead his oxen the fuU distance of 35 miles, hitch them to the wagon when he got to Park River, and ride home again. In 1893 he bought a team of horses, Kate and Lady, for the exorbitant price of $200. Like so many pioneers, the LUlehaugens experienced hardships and disappointments on the prairies. There were droughts and crop faUures the first six years, dishonest weighing and testing of grain at the elevators, difficulties in marketing dairy products and livestock, the blizzards and chUdbirth which was always a time of

crisis and too often a time of tragedy. Then there were prairie fires. A serious one in 1896 brought horrible results to the Ltilehaugen family. When Tosten and Michael were out fighting the blaze, Uttle Nels, then three, decided to foUow his father and brother without their knowledge. But he became tired of walking, lay down in the taU grass, feU asleep, and the fire swept over him. Michael was the first to see the pittful sight. He carried Nels into the house and a doctor was summoned. His face and hands were badly burned and swollen. Nels hved, but he bore the marks of his tragedy for the rest of his Ufe, as his face became disfigured and his hands were maimed. In February, 1915, without telUng his famUy, Nels went to Fargo to undergo plastic surgery on his face, but he died on the operating table from an overdose of chloroform. Because of a general drought from 1889-1891, the sloughs and the farm weUs went dry. This made it necessary for the youngsters to chase the cattle four miles to the river daily and herd them in that area. In the evening, after the cattle had drunk their fill, the youngsters would chase them back to the farm in time for milking. April 1,1898, the Ltilehaugen home became the site for the Samia Post Office with Tosten as postmaster. The LUlehaugens joined the West Forest River Lutheran Congregation which had been organized before they came to Walsh County. Services were held in the community school until a church was butit. Pastor John Ringstad was minister for 28 years. In 1893 Tosten was elected "klokker" (song leader) and treasurer, a job he held for seven years. At first the only instrument used to lead the singing was the violin. Some members felt that a viotin had no place in a church - after all, people danced to it! Finally in 1912 the congregation purchased its first organ. In 1898 the original West Forest Congregation was split. From then on there were the West Forest and the Samia Congregations. Many of the older members joined the new branch (the Synod), but not Tosten Ldlehaugen. He remained loyal to his original church untd many years later. However, this spht caused him to cease church attendance for many years. The LUlehaugens had 11 chddren: Anna (Mrs. Iver Sonsteng); Michael) Cecda (Mrs. C. T. Nelson); Lars; Nels; Clara (Mrs. Rev. Wutisburg); Theodore; Sigvald; Selma (Mrs. M. A. Moe); Amanda; and Lars. Only five survived their parents: Anna, Michael, Celia, Sigvald and Selma. Tosten and Sigrid Lillehaugen Uved on the home place until Tosten's death in 1934. Shortly after that, Mrs. Lillehaugen made her home with her oldest daughter and husband, Anna and Iver Sonsteng. She died in 1943. Both she and her husband are buried in West Forest Cemetery, near Whitman. Their home place is now operated by Tosten's grandson, Tollef Ltilehaugen, and a great grandson, Maynard Ldlehaugen, both have homes on the farmstead. MIKKEL S. LILLEHAUGEN Mikkel S. LiUehaugen came from Leveld Al HaUingdal, Norway, in 1887 at the age of 21. He homesteaded in the SWy of Section 34 in Perth Township in the 1890's. Mikkel never married. He farmed untd 1914, using oxen to till his soil, and to provide transportation. In 1914, 4

he sold his land to Erik Haakenson, and moved to Whitman. He died in May, 1929, when his home in Whitman burned with him inside. He was 63. Clinton 0. Moen, a grandson of Knute Lillehaugen and grandnephew of Mikkel Ldlehaugen, bought this homestead site from Eric Haakenson in 1952, bringing it back into family hands. Clinton and his wtfe, the former Gladys Zahradka, reside on Mikkel Iillehaugen's homestead with their two chddren, Debra and Jeffrey. They own and operate the land.

Mikkel S.

the house was completed. Knute became dl that fad and died at the Northwood hospital Jan. 22,1907. He is buried at West Forest Cemetery in Nelson County. The Walsh County land was rented until 1921 when his son, Sigval K. Ldlehaugen, took over the farm. Sig married Olga Thorson in 1929. They have two daughters, Marlys (Mrs. Mdes Carlson), and Arlys (Mrs. Manly Lokken). Sig and Olga have retired and dve in Michigan, N. D. Their land is farmed by a nephew, Clinton O. Moen. KNUTE L. NELSON Knute L. Nelson was bom in Aal, HaUingdal, Norway, Feb. 13,1874,toLarsandBirgitGjeldokk. In 1892, when Knute was 18, he had the urge to see America. He would go and come back to Norway in five years. As the day grew nearer to the time that Knute was to leave, tears would come to his eyes. He wanted to go, yet he dreaded the parting with his famdy and friends. The morning he left, March 10,1892, Knute sat with his head on the table and cried. Suddenly, he sprang from the table toward a shelf for a glass of milk which he drank and ran out the door. He just could not take his mother and father in his hand to bid them good-bye. It was hard for them to see him leave for a country so far away from home. His father handed him a letter which could express his thoughts far better than he could say them. Knute treasured this letter and kept it safe as long as he lived. Now it is in the hands of his oldest daughter. Many of Knute's friends went along to see him off. They drove horses and took his friends four or five days before they returned to their homes again.

Lillehaugen

KNUTE S. LILLEHAUGEN FAMILY

Knute satied on a ship named "Norge." He was on the water for about two weeks. After arriving in New York, Knute went directly to Laverne, Minn., where his uncle, Ole Nelson, Uved. Knute remained in this area about three years, working on the radroad and on farms. In December, 1895, Knute went to North Dakota to visit his half-sister, Sigri (Mrs. Tosten Ldlehaugen), north of Michigan. Upon arriving, he hired a livery man, Mr. Wright, to take him to the Ldlehaugen farm. There was no snow so they rode in a horse-drawn buggy. The ride of 13 mdes cost $3. He arrived there Christmas Day. It was Knute's intention to visit Sigri and her famdy before returning to Norway. The Homestead Act was in force. It provided that persons who hved on public lands five years and made certain improvements might acquire title to 160 acres through payment of small fees. Knute's sister and her husband, Tosten Ltilehaugen, were anxious that Knute acquire land in the community by this means. There was land just northeast of their farm. Someone had planted trees there years earlier. Knute advertised two different times at the Bosh Post Office, but never found out who had taken the tree claim some years before, so he didn't have any difficulty homesteading this land. In 1896, he built a little shack and dug a wed. Michael, Sigri's oldest boy, broke the first six acres with two oxen and a walking plow. Lewis Thompson, another farmer in the community, broke about 12 acres for him. That fad, Knute bought his first team of horses, plow and other necessary equipment to take care of his first home in America. The next spring, he bought another team of horses. He built a bam to house them during the winters. Knute's homestead was a hangout for many of the young men who came to visit, sometimes for a short

Mr. and Mrs. Knute S. Lillehaugen, Sigval and Gina. Knute S. Ldlehaugen, brother of Mikkel S. Ldlehaugen, was bom in Leveld Al HaUingdal, Norway, in 1872. At 23, he immigrated to North Dakota, coming to the home of his uncle, Tosten M. Ldlehaugen in Perth Township. He homesteaded the NEvi of Section 33. In 1900, he married Gunhdd Skjervem, daughter of Lars L. Skjervem. Gunhild was born in Olmstead County, Minn., in 1881. Knute and Gunhdd settled on the homestead site hving in a sod shanty where their three children were born: Sigval, Gina and Selma. They were members of Samia Lutheran Church. Knute had also filed a homestead claim in Samia Township, Nelson County, and built a new home there in the summer of 1906. The famdy hved in a cook car until 1078

while and sometimes for several weeks, especially during the winter. Many were the times that Knute would call the tips for square dancing. He was a great tease and would sometimes call the wrong changes - just to foul them up. January 29, 1897, Knute made declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States. Knut S. Lillehaugen and Sander K. Lofthus were his witnesses. His papers and records were signed in 1901. To be a part of America and vote for his favorite party or politician made him happy as he was interested in politics.

Five chddren were born, Lionel, Beatha, AUce and the twins, Clara and CUfford. Amanda died Feb. 14,1920, in the epidemic of influenza and pneumonia. The twins were a httle over two years old. Knute had to be father and mother. He kept the home intact until all the children were married. He sold the farm to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Lundby in 1945. Knute made his home with his daughter, Clara, for 10 years. The last eight years of his life he lived with his daughter, Beatha, and famdy. Knute died June 8, 1961. He is buried in the West Samia Cemetery near Whitman. CHILDREN OF KNUTE L. NELSON Lionel Norman Nelson was born June 18, 1909. He attended Perth School District No. 99 and also attended a short course at the Walsh County Agricultural School. He married Hilda Larson Nov. 16, 1935. Four children were born to this union, Gordon Lionel, Clayton Harris, Laurence Harland and Hddegard Amanda. The chddren are ad married and there are 16 grandchildren. Lionel died March 15, 1969. Beatha Ellen Nelson was bom July 31, 1910. She attended School District No. 99, graduated from Michigan High School and attended the Mayvdle State Teachers Codege. She taught in rural schools for eleven years. On June 14, 1941, she was united in marriage to CUfford OUe Grove. After his tour of duty in the Air Corps during World War II, they farmed, having purchased the former Widiam Krause farm. They have one daughter, Carmen Eden, born Aug. 12, 1946. She married Robert Suminski and they reside in Greeley, Colo.

Wedding picture of Knute Nelson and Amanda Schenstad.

Alice Sophie was bom Oct. 12,1912. She attended the rural school of Perth Township District No. 99, graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School and attended Mayvide State Teachers College. She taught in rural schools for several years. She married Walter Sommerfeld on June 8, 1938. Two children were born to this union, Dianne Constance and Gene Walter. Deanne was bom Aug. 12, 1943. She married Rev. Don Kirsch on Aug. 29, 1965. They have two boys, Jason Walter and Joel Timothy. Gene was bom Aug. 22, 1949. He married Linda Tesch Dec. 27, 1970. They are both teaching. The twins, Clara Amanda and CUfford Arnold, were born Sept. 28,1917. They both attended the rural school of Perth Township District No. 99. Clara graduated from the Whitman High School and attended Mayvide State Teachers CoUege. She taught rural schools for several years. She married Ellsworth Grove Oct. 30, 1942. Four children were born to this union: Carole Elaine born Oct. 11,1943, married Steve HaUin on Feb. 26, 1966; Dennis Elwood, born Dec. 27,1946; Donald Eugene, born July 7, 1948; and Mar shad Aden, bom March 30, 1962. CUfford married Martha Rebecca Nelson March 22, 1944. Six chddren were born to this union: Clifton Kenneth, born Jan. 30,1945, married Brenda Parent July 15, 1972, have four chddren - Karen Marie, bom Aprd 7, 1946, married Boyd Busse June 25, 1966, one son, Shawn AUyn. Alan Harris was born July 28, 1948; Keith Leon was born Nov. 18, 1953, married Maryetta Jean Ganesberry Aug. 10,1972, one daughter, Rebecca Lynn. Randy Lee was bom Sept. 22,1955 and Kathleen Lorraine was bom June 23, 1958. Chfford was kided in a tractortruck accident Nov. 2, 1968.

Knute Nelson and family taken in fall of 1920 after their mother's death. Left to right: Alice, Clara and Clifford (twins), Beatha and Lionel. Knute did not live in his homestead shanty long. He built a house and other buildings. He built two more rooms in 1908, the year he married Amanda Schenstad, a young school teacher from Sauk Centre, Minn. Knute and Amanda were married Aug. 28, 1908, by Rev. John Rinstad, pastor of the Samia Lutheran Church. Witnesses were C. Theo. Nelson and Nellie Schenstad. After Knute and Amanda were married, the old homestead house became a cozy home. She had many hobbies and women wondered how she found time for aU that with her dady duties in her home and caring for growing children. 1079

mail in 100 pound sacks and raisins were purchased in 25 pound boxes. Coffee beans were ground in small amounts as needed in home coffee grinders. The chief entertainment was getting together with the neighbors and playing cards. Transportation was provided by horse pulling the traditional bus and sleigh. In the early 1900's, the mad was hauled by horse and buggy in the summer and horse and sleigh in the winter. Kerosene and gasoline lamps were used for home lighting. Kerosene lanterns were used for outdoor lighting for chores, etc. John Ryba, Sr., and his wde are both buried at the Z. C. B. J. cemetery near Lankin, as are Mr. and Mrs. John Ryba, Jr., Joe, Charles and James Ryba.

JOHN RYBA FAMILY

JOSEPH SHIREK

Left to right: Charles, James, John, Jr., Frank, John, Sr., Joseph. Standing: Mrs. John Ryba, Sr., holding Ernest, and Mrs. John Ryba, Jr.

John Ryba, born May 15, 1862, and Marie Zelenka, born Aug. 27,1864, were married Nov. 18,1884, in Veseli, Minn. They had a son, John, there. In 1886 they moved to Perth Township to homestead in the NEv* of Section 9. Their first North Dakota home was a sod house. Four more sons were bom and reared in this home, James, Joe, Frank and Charles. John, Jr., married Anna Zahradka and hved in Perth Township for many years. Upon their retirement, they moved to Hopkins, Minn., where their son, Ernest, and his family still reside. James moved to a farm near the coulee north of Whitman in the NWvt of Section 27 where he hved alone for seven years until his marriage to Mary Polak in December, 1923. They have four children, Alice, Agnes, James, Jr., and Charles. James, Jr., now owns and operates the family farm with his wife the former JoAnn Kotaska and five children. Frank married Rose Kalash and moved to Hopkins, Minn. Their two sons, Arnold and Raymond and famdies reside there also. In the early twenties a prairie fire caused by a threshing machine swept its damaging path south across the coulee until firebreaks finady stopped it. Game and rabbits were important sources of food. Foxes were hunted for the money - each brought $30 to $40. Mink and weasels were hunted for valuable pelts. Water was carried from the coulee by pad or drawn from a hand dug well. The wed also served as a refrigerator. Milk and butter were kept in a wooden bucket suspended on a rope over the water. A load of wheat was hauled by horses and wagon 25 miles to the Pisek null to be ground into flour. A load of grain was traded for a load of coal for the winter supply. Most of the oats raised were used for feed for horses and cattle.

Joseph and Anna

Shirek

Joseph Shirek and Anna Turek immigrated to Minnesota from Czechoslovakia in childhood. They met and were married in Veseli, Minn., where they farmed 40 acres. Nine children were bom in Minnesota: Tom, Anna (Mrs. Jim Drtina), Mike, Mary (Mrs. John Soukup), Joseph, Agnes (Mrs. Frank Soukup), Frank, Jerry and James. Their oldest son, Tom, went to the Conway area in 1896 to seek employment. He returned to VeseU fuU of enthusiasm about the great roding prairies and rich farm land in Walsh County - land that could be acquired by homesteading. He persuaded his parents to pack up their famdy and belongings and move to this land of opportunity. With their nine children, four cows, three horses, a wagon and a homemade sled, they came by box car to Perth Township. Until they were able to build a home of their own, they lived in a granary at the Matt Kouba homestead site. In 1898, Bart Bina budt them a two-room house on their tree claim in the SW Vi of Section 10 where they lived the remainder of their hves. A part of that dwelling is stdl there. In payment for the construction of the house, their son, Tom, plowed for Bart Bina with a team consisting of a horse jind an ox. A sod bam housed the hvestock on Joseph Shirek's newly acquired land. There were no fences; two or three children were assigned the task of herding cattle on the open range from dawn to dusk during the summer months. Wdd animals and fowl were abundant, with wild

No money was avadable, so home-churned butter and eggs were traded for the most essential grocery items. Eggs were hauled to town in boxes of oats to prevent breakage. One such bartering trip to town has become legendary in the Ryba family. A horse got loose and ate the box containing the eggs, oats and ad! Coffee, beans, prunes and tobacco were sent for by 1080

duck a common item on the bill of fare. Their water came from a hand dug well which was operated with a rope and bucket mechanism. A tenth child, Ludvig, was born after they were settled in North Dakota. As their children grew up and married, each daughter received enough furniture to set up housekeeping, and each son received a quarter of land from their parents. Six of their seven sons farmed. Tom started his fanning operation in the SWy4 of Section 15, later acquired more land. His son, Frank, and his grandson, Robert Shirek, live there and farm the land at the present time. James Shirek, another son, also farmed. He started with the NE>/4 of Section 34, where he hved until 1950 when he moved to Whitman. His son, James T. Shirek, and wife and family Uve on the farmstead. During the depression, to ease the financial struggle, the six farming Shirek brothers, Tom, Mike, Frank, Jerry, James and Ludvig, bought a threshing machine in partnership. The original "tree claim" site of Joseph and Anna Shirek is now owned by WiUiam Zahradka. Joseph and Anna Shirek were members of Sts. Peter and Paul CathoUc Church. They are both buried in the cemetery at Bechyne.

room dweUing. They butit onto their sod house, an upper story, used for the boys' bedroom. Materials were scarce and the prevalent, sub-zero winter weather would form frost around the open crevices. There was another son, Frank, born two years later in 1884. Albert and Katherine, with their four sons, decided to move westward, foUowing the Red River. At Lankin, they made their home and raised the rest of the family, which included Joseph and James. Their seventh child was a daughter, Mary, fotiowed by twin sons, Adolph and Widiam. After Elizabeth was bom, Ludwig, Thomas and Eleanor completed the famdy. Thomas, the youngest son, was drafted into the First World War, and though he survived the Battle of the Argonne Forest, he died shortly afterwards in Bordeaux, France. Ludwig, enlisted into the army, went overseas. After the armistice was signed, he returned home, later moved to Chicago, HI. WiUiam, the twin brother of Adolph, became a grain elevator agent in Canada. James went to coUege and became a bank executive in Fargo, where he made his home with his wife, Anna, and raised two sons. While attending codege, the Sirek name, which had a Czech accent, designated by a srhati mark over the letter "s" was often mispronounced, So James added the letter "h" after the "s" and thus the name was changed to Shirek, that was used by the rest of the famdy, except Albert, who maintained the use of the original family name of Sirek. After his retirement in Fargo, James and Anna moved to West Covina, CaKf., where they lived untd his death in 1966. The youngest daughter, Eleanor, known as Lena, married Lawrence Anderson and lived in Minneapolis, Minn. The rest of the famdy was married and hved close to their parents' home in Lankin. In 1921, Albert with his wife Anna and three chddren moved to St. Paul, Minn., where they resided untd his retirement. They moved to Riverside, Calif. Both died in 1973. Another famdy that migrated from Czechoslovakia was Joseph F. Zahradka, who with his wife, often stayed at the Sireks untd they settled nearby. With their six children, Vemon, Ottetiie, Pauline, WiUiam, Joseph and Lillian, they prospered. OtteUie married Adolph Shirek, his brother, Frank, married Pauline. Submitted by Irene Ann Taylor, daughter of Albert and Anna Sirek.

Leftto right: Ludvig, James, Jerry, Frank, Joseph, Mike and Tom Shirek, sons of Joseph and Anna Shirek. ALBERT AND KATHERINE SIREK Albert and Katherine Sirek with their sons, Michael and John, came from Czechoslovakia in 1880. They settled in New Prague, Minn., where their third son, Albert, was their first bom in America in 1882. They made their dwelling from sod and soil, along with some timber they had cut from surrounding forests. The one room home had the necessary space to house the family of five. The beds for each of these boys were made like three large drawers that would be pulled out from the waU when used, and in the morning they would be pushed back into place. Their fuel, besides dry cattle chips, was made from hay that was tied a certain way to form a tight bundle, and would bum as efficiently as wooden logs. Each of the three boys had an allotted amount of bundles to tie datiy, which were used for their heating commodities. This included cooking and baking, as weU as heat for the one

JAMES VASICHEK James Vasichekimmigrated from Owatonna, Minn., to North Dakota in 1898. He was the last settler to acquire land by homesteading in Perth Township. He homesteaded in the W% of the SEy and E% of SWVi in Section 19. He married Anna Karas in 1899. Eight children were born: James, died at six months; Mary (Mrs. Frank Pesek), Minnie (Mrs. Anton Kubat), Francis (Mrs. Albert Bina), Albina (Mrs. Louis Pic), Josephine (Mrs. Jerry Pohanka), James A. and John. They hved on the original homestead site untd their children were grown. After James died, his son, James A., farmed the original quarter, plus the other land acquired by the famdy. At the present time, two grandsons, Richard and Robert, are farming the land, Uving with their wives and famities on the homestead site. Anna Karas Vasichek is stdl living. She is a resident in a Park River rest home. 4

1081

SAUTER TOWNSHIP Rev. L. Svetinsky served after Rev. Mitier and now the church is served by Rev. John Gravin of Lankin.

Sauter Township was named for 0. E . Sauter, who was district judge in the first judicial district, which included Walsh County and served also when the county was placed in the seventh district. He became district judge in 1892 and was defeated by Judge Kneeshaw in 1900. He came here in the early 80's and was a member of the law firm of Cleland and Sauter. He went to Seattle after leaving the bench and practiced law there. His death occurred at Red Wood City, California. Sauter Township was organized in November, 1895. Names of the first officers are not available. Samia Post Office was established in the southwest comer of Sauter Township January, 1898, with Engelbret L. Nestegard as postmaster. It was discontinued March 15, 1914.

BIOGRAPHIES VAVRINA BINA

SCHOOL AND CHURCH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. I l l Sauter School District No. I l l was formed in 1893. First officers were: directors, Joseph Kovarik, Vincent Hug and John Dahlin; treasurer, Erick Nurmi and clerk, John Laine. The first teacher was Jennie Gemmti.

Vavrina and Katerina

Bina

Vavrina (1839-1926) and Katerina Bina (1839-1925) of Czechoslovakian descent homesteaded the farmstead in Sauter Township which is owned by the fourth generation. The original homestead house has been remodeled, but is hved in by the fourth generation There were six sons, Joseph L., Martin, Frank L., Thomas J., Matt and John, and one daughter, Mary (Mrs. Frank Maresh). Their son, Joseph L. Bina, born 1885, and Kristina Pavek Bina, born 1883, (daughter of Frank and Anna Zicka Pavek) Uved on the farm after their marriage in 1904 (second generation). Joseph died in 1925. Mrs. Bina resides in Grand Forks. There were four chddren. AUce (1905-1940) became Mrs. Charles Maixner and has one son, AUen. Lawrence F. (1909- ) married Agnes Matejcek (third generation). They have three children — Dennis J., married Barbara Senson (present owner and fourth generation), Mayvis (Mrs. Leroy Troftgruben) and Larry married to Linda Nelson. Geneva (1911-) married Edward Kouba and had two sons: Daniel, married to Marjorie Elton, and Edward, married to Janice Verwey. George (1914- ) married Marcy Shirek and had three children, Sandra (Mrs. Raul Aquire), Joseph and Michael.

ST. CATHERINE'S LOMICE CHURCH

Lomice St. Catherine's Church at Lomice is northeast of Lawton in Sauter Township in Walsh County. On July 17, 1934, the foundation of the new mission was laid. The church was built with rock gathered by the congregation from their own farmland. It was laid by the parishioners under the supervision of the late Joseph Vitek, a member of the congregation who came here from Czechoslovakia and learned masonry here. It took three years to construct the church but as a result the congregation has a "httle extra" affection for their church. Much credit for the architecture and motivation for construction goes to the Rev. V. F. Mikolasek, the congregation pastor who drew the blue prints and pushed for the all stone church. We would expect it was bringing a touch of the "Old Country" to the plains of North Dakota. The church was served later by Rev. F. X. Mitier and a parish had was budt. Which through its great usage indicates that this church is stid the heart of the community.

Joseph L. and Kristina (Pavek) Bina, (second generation—1909. 1082

EMIL MATEJCEK

Emil and Mary Jonas Matejcek—March

Frank and Frances at this place: Mary (Mrs. James Ryba), Annie (Mrs. Louis Pic), Minnie (Mrs. Frank Pic), Alice (deceased), Emma (deceased), and Frances (Mrs. Charles Bina). A boy was born dead. There was no son to carry on the famdy name. Frank Polak died Feb. 11, 1919. Frances later married John Petrla. She died June 19, 1963. They are buried at the Z. C. B. J. Cemetery near Lankin.

18, 1909.

Emil Matejcek, son of Frank (1849-1929) and Mary Skalicky Matejcek (1864-1933) was bom in 1888 in western Walsh County. Mary Jonas was bom in 1888, the daughter of John Jonas (1856-1940; and Francis Novotney Jonas (1859-1928). She came from Czechoslovakia at the age of three. Emil and Mary Jonas Matejcek were married in 1909 and resided in Lawton where he operated a pool hall before moving to the farmstead in Sauter Township. Emil died in 1964 and Mrs. Matejcek resides in Devils Lake. There were four children. Agnes (1909-) became Mrs. Lawrence Bina and had three chddren: Dennis J., married Barbara Swenson; Mayvis (Mrs. LeRoy Troftgruben) and Larry, married to Linda Nelson. Raymond was born in 1911 and died in 1928. Roland (1920-) is hving on the homestead. He married Georgia Kratochvil and they have two chddren, Darlene (Mrs. John Vasicek) and David. Marvina (1924-) became Mrs. Ludvig Trenda and had one son, Richard, who married Arlyce Swendseid.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Polak and Annie, Minnie and Mary.

FRANK POLAK FAMILY Frank Polak was born in Lukov, Czechoslovakia Aug. 20, 1865. He immigrated to the United States as a young man, making the voyage by ship. He worked ddigently in this new land and when he accumulated enough money, he sent back to the homeland for the girl he .left behind, Frances Bohatec (born in Luck, Czechoslovakia, in 1881). She saded to the United States in 1900. Misfortune befed her on the voyage when most of her personal possessions were stolen aboard ship, so she arrived in this country at the age of 19 with not much more than the clothes she was wearing. They were married and settled down to farming, dweding for several years in a sod house. Frank was naturalized as an American citizen in 1909. In 1910 he homesteaded the SW% of Section 8 in Sauter Township. The homestead certificate, stid a treasured family document, was signed by President Wdliam H. Taft. Eventuady, the Polak farm buildings were budt on the original homestead site. Six daughters were born to

,% %}

'^:.->'a*8aBpfe mf&fcsm&e. &SfW£zm'.v-$. : ~ •

*;

Wedding picture of John Petrla and Frances Polak, 1923, and her daughters, left to right: Emma, Annie, Minnie, Mary, Alice and Frances. 1083

i KINLOSS

4 LAMPTON

TIBER

SILVESTA

i<

&

%

t

I

DUNDEE

1

2

i

ct DEWEY

ADAMS

VESTA

&

GOLDEN

KENSINGTON

i

J

SHEPHERD

LATONA

NORTON

VERNON

tt 3 SAUTER

TOWNSHIP

LOCATION

PERTH

Golden

Garfield Lutheran Golden Lutheran

St. John's Catholic Methodist Presbyterian

Section 21 Section 29

Grafton

Section 13 (city)

Harriston

Section 31 (Minto)

Kensington

Section 28

Section 27

Quale

Section 21 Section 8

P a r k Center Hvideso Lutheran

Dewey

Section 23 (Conway)

•

Gustavus Adolphus Congregational Mountain Lutheran

North Trinity Lutheran Lutheran Methodist Presbyterian

Section 8 Section 13

Ederi

CHURCH

Section 35 Section 5 (Hoople)

Adams

Dundee

EDEN

LOCATION

Acton

Cleveland

MEDFORD

Glenwood

Zion Lutheran Methodist

Section 33 (Ardoch)

RUSHFORD

TOWNSHIP

CHURCH

Section 10 Section 30

Ardoch

CLEVELAND

*

3

St. M a r k ' s Catholic Presbyterian

Farmington

Section 14 (Auburn)

Landstad Lutheran St. Anne's Catholic

Fertile

Section 4 Section 16 Section 25

Zion Lutheran Mennonite So. Trinity Lutheran

Forest River

Section 28 (Forest River)

St. BartholemewEpisc. Methodist Presbyterian

1084

Grafton Lutheran Zion English Lutheran Icelandic Lutheran Our Saviour's Lutheran St. John's Catholic Episcopal Methodist Presbyterian Baptist

St. P a t r i c k ' s Catholic Sacred Heart Catholic Knox Presbyterian Methodist Baptist

Presbyterian-Federated Methodist Episcopal Baptist St. M a r y ' s Catholic Our Saviour's Lutheran

IT GLENWOOD

FARMINGTON j £

MARTIN

ST. ANDREWS

t FERTILE

GRAFTON

t

t

OAKWOOD

ACTON

t PRAIRIE CENTRE

WALSH CENTRE

HARRISTON

4

PULASKI

X ARDOCH

OPS

WALSHVILLE

FOREST RIVER

as TOWNSHIP

LOCATION

Kinloss

Section 26 Section 32 Section 22 (Fairdale)

Lampton

Latona

Section 21 (Edinburg) Section 33'

Section 4

CHURCH Aadalen St. Olaf Trinity Lutheran Emmanuel Lutheran Haugen Lutheran Methodist Presbyterian Garfield

Section 25

Presbyterian Lutheran

Norton

Section 4 Section 24 (Lankin)

Norwegian Lutheran St. Joseph's Catholic Lutheran

Oakwood

Section 12

St. Aloysius Catholic

Perth

Section 12

Catholic

Prairie Center

Section 23 (Veseleyville)

Pulaski

Section 31 (Warsaw) Section 23

LOCATION

Rushford

Section 23 (Pisek)

Sauter

Section 3

Shepherd

Section 2

Silvesta

Section 2 Section 34

Hitterdal Lutheran Trinity Church (Lutheran)

Tiber

Section 22

Odalen Lutheran

Vernon

Section 5

Vesta

Section 11

St. Peter Lutheran

Section 35

St. Luke's Episcopal

CHURCH St. John Nepo. St. Catherine V a n g Lutheran

St. Andrews

Sarepta

Martin Medford

TOWNSHIP

Pleasant Valley

Walsh Centre Walshville

Ops

St. Luke's Catholic

WALSH COUNTY

St. Stanislaus Chapel

1085

CHURCHES

35 77 •

82

KINLOSS

50

• 52

SILVESTA

TIBER

129

,35

DUNDEE

LAMPTON

• 35

106

91

90

• 92

103

85

100

i no-;

120-1

122

• 130

a 131

DEWEY

• 98

72

ADAMS

120 fon.

• 34

KENSINGTON

GOLDEN »'3

VESTA

• 46

l?0-3

96

120-4

>78

• 102 • 97

~r

74-1

I 132

70 »69

127

LATONA

SHEPHERD

127

VERNON

53

39 •

74-'2 127

56

NORTON

RUSHFORD

39

39

-1119

73-1 .99-1

SAUTER

61 •

CLEVELAND

PERTH

MEDFORD 1

,99-2

84

*61

SEC. NO.

NAME OF SCHOOL

DIST. NO.

Acton

8 & 12 24 & 25 29

30 15 57

Adams

7 11 13 26 29

131 130 128 96 102

48

Cleveland

9 11 26 29

61 61 48 54

Dewey

11 & 8 26 8. 29 16

120 — 1 8. 2 120 — 3 8. 4 120 Consol.

Dundee

17 5 8. 8 12 & 15 22 29

35 (1st school) 35's 34 90 85

Dundee Dundee Mt.View Walker

9 12 33 23

49 94 41 64

Foerster Burris Huseby Conway

Farmington

18 14 28 & 32 36

5 29 51 110

Fertile

4 12 16 24 27 19

25 24 62 114 28 118

SEC. NO. 6 2 19 22

Dewey Dewey Dewey

28

42 17 76 13

Hoople Hoople Gryde Kohler

Golden

34 14 21

97 93 46

Golden Golden Golden (Garfield)

Grafton

15 16 13 27 32

22 23 3 2 58

Grafton Grafton Grafton (City)

31 3 17 14 34 36

20 121 60

2 8 14 30 28

117 98 26

22

129

Kensington

Farmington (Bell) Farmington (Auburn) Farmington Kinioss Lampton

1086

Costello Bruce Willson Kidder Morrison Hart Forest River

5 11 20 26

Harriston

Common Sinclair Mandt Common Fertile Bruce

NAME OF SCHOOL

Glenwood

24 & 25

Cleveland Cleveland Cleveland Cleveland

DIST. NO. 38 108 116 18 88 (1) 88 (2) 68

P r a i r i e Center Slominski (Ardoch) Ardoch (town)

123 11 10

Eden

Forest River

Byrnstad Omdalen Adams Stone Valley Fairview

11 24 33

•41

TOWNSHIP

Acton Acton Acton

Ardoch

EDEN

73-2 I 54

TOWNSHIP

49

8 11 30 34 21

75 44

109

45

78

7 50 37

122 106

Sander Minto Ebert Cleveland Kiedrowski McCann Warsaw Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington Park River Fairdale Lampton Lampton Lampton Union Edinburg

42 • 34

17

FARMINGTON* 29

GLENWOOD 76'<

55

MARTIN

67

ST. ANDREWS

• 59

104

1 10 l

• 25

117

FERTILE

• 4

.24

22 •

• 62

3

• ne

2

OAKWOOD

• 23

» '

GRAFTON

1'4

• 2 105

• 58

12! • 12

PRAIRIE CENTRE

WALSH CENTRE

• 36 ••11

60

• 80

HARRISTON 75

•6 16 ,44

• 20 38

• 33

109

108

94

ARDOCH • 123

FOREST RIVER

OPS 116

18 •

88 • 11

68

88

<

I 89

TOWNSHIP Latona

S E C . NO.

• 10 DIST. N O .

N A M E O F SCHOOL

5 11 20 26

74-1 74-4 74-2 74-3

11 17 21 26

55 67 59 104

Martin Martin Martin Cash el

Medford

1 9 25 29

119 84 79 9

Hillside Medford Fordville Medford

Norton

5 11 29 8. 20 24

70 69 39 39

9 27 31 13

4 27 105 21

2 27 31

33 8 89

2 26 8 29

73-1 73-2 99-1 99-2

Prairie Center

9 23 29

12 36 6

P r a i r i e Center Veseleyville Nova

Pulaski

8 10 20 23

47 83 47 43 86

Pulaski Pulaski Pulaski Pulaski Pulaski

Martin

Oakwood

Ops

Perth

35

Latona (Linstad) Latona Latona Latona

Norton Norton L a n k i n (Gait) Lankin Oakwood Oakwood Oakwood St. A l o y s i u s A c a d e m y Fee Ops Ops

TOWNSHIP

SEC. NO.

DIST. N O .

Rushford

7 11 27

56 1 71

Sauter

22

111

Sauter

Shepherd

8 H i 26, 8, 29

132 127

Shepherd Shepherd

Silvesta

7 11 29 35

81 82 103 100

Silvesta Silvesta Silvesta Silvesta

St. A n d r e w s

8 11 27 28

31 113 14 87

Herrick Riverside St. A n d r e w s Hazzard

Tiber

8 11 20 23

77 52 91 92

Vernon Vesta

Lambert

S3 11 26

Walshville

Willow Grove Rushford Pisek

Tiber Tiber Tiber Tiber Ramsey Grove

63 63 72 125

St. P e t e r

10 16 28

101 80 16

Leslie Walsh Centre Voss

4 18 22 29 26

32 115 19 66 112

Osowski Walski Walshville Latrail Red River

Perth Perm Walsh Centre

N A M E O F SCHOOL

Vesta Gryde

WALSH COUNTY SCHOOLS 1087

Pictorial History Of District One

Grafton Acton Farmington Oakwood St. Andrews Martin

Grafton's first fire truck, Ford - 1920.

Grafton's second fire truck. Ford V-8, 1934.

The photograph showing the old power house complex in its foreground clearly identifies the old schoolhouse that stored our fire fighting equipment on the ground floor and served as our meeting place in the upstairs room. The old bell and tower were still in place when this photo was taken. The equipment entrance doors faced on Hill Avenue while the stair entrance to the meeting hall faced on ThirdStreet. The Corliss steam engine with generator were housed directly under the fire hall and the added extension — just to the right of the main building. Just beyond this added section with smoke stack through its roof, was the boiler room which housed the boilers and the steam driven water pump that was used to pressurize the water mains for fire fighting purposes. The residence with its dormer window was the home of the late Mr. and Mrs. Herman Dahl. Herman will be remembered as one of Grafton's oldest rural mail carriers. By Hugo Kutz.

Grafton's third fire truck, Chevrolet, 1938.

Old courthouse with 1089

monument

Early picture of Grafton taken from old courthouse tower, looking west. In the far background is seen the first Grafton Lutheran Church that was located where the present Lutheran burial grounds are. Lower left hand corner is Dr. Frank Deason's home.

The Walsh County Teachers Institute, a one week session held at the Courthouse in 1889. Dr. R. M. Evans, Co. Supt.

Last of the snowmobiles used on the Grafton mail routes. Rudolph Dahl pictured here. Interior of Zion English Lutheran obtained.

Crew repairing Doby

A threshing scene about six miles west of Grafton. 1090

Bridge

before pews

were

Co. C leaving for WWI. No. 1, Erie Department Store, No. 2, Opera House. No. 3, Grafton armory. No. 4, present site of Eagles building. National Guard Co. C. Non-commissioned officers about 1905. First row: Gus Knutson, Wilbur LaMarre, Stuart McKenzie, not identified. Second row: John Brien, Chester Omlie, Jim Prentice, Ed Wynne.

Company C leaving for training camp Sept. 29,1917. Showing horses. Left to right: George Thomas, Thomas and other unknown.

Henry

and Mrs. Knut O. First station of Walsh County Bank B. J. Johnson, Mayor of Grafton 1907-1909. at St. Thomas.

•

1091

George K. Dike, pioneer surveyor, third behind flag, tall man with beard. Others? GAR Memorial Day parade, probably 1912.

George K. Dike — survey crew probably 1880's. Mr. Dike is the bearded man in the middle background.

George K. Dike survey crew on the move around 1900, probably before.

Standing: Gunder Olson, first tractor, W. F. Ware; second tractor, Martin Ringsak; third tractor, Andrew Johnson.

Shown here is part of the first purebred shorthorn herd in the state of North Dakota (John Donnelly, Sr., farm). From left to right: Harry Walker, John Donnelly, Sr., unknown, Tom Donnelly (Farmington).

L. O. Torblaa, July 5, 1901

Metz—First car used on rural routes out of Herman Dahl in the car.

Grafton. 1092

Walsh County old settlers picnic held at the Elmer Holt farm. Elmer Holt is holding his oldest son, Clifford.

J. Troftgruben

This is a ladies group meeting at the home of Ole Christianson, Grafton. The pastor is Rev. Glenn. [This house is now occupied by Henry Thompson.]

home with

visitors.

An early day mother and four daughters. Standing left to right: Anna Braget [Mrs. Spaberg] and Hannah Braget [Mrs. Iver Flaten]. Sitting, left to right: Maria Braget [Mrs. John A. Domstad], Mrs. Syneve Braget [the mother], and Kari Braget [Mrs. Theodore Berg]. Harvest time near Grafton 1093

Leftto right: Annie, Minnie, Ole T. Gorder, Mrs. Gorder, Hans, Henry, a neighbor, Palmer Sandvig. Aftermath

of tornado on Percy Donnelly

farm.

Neighbors of the Gourdes hauling hay in the 1880's. Interior of Ringsak Hardware Store. W. F. Ware, behind the showcase. Haugen, leaning on showcase. Andrew Johnson, behindMaytag washer. Martin Ringsakon left. Gena Opperud in rear of picture.

Jacob Nelson home now occupied by Vernon Sander.

Henry Maresch's Hans T. Gorder, early 1880. 1094

settler,

car, 1920.

Co. C National Guard about four years after return from the Philippines, with new recruits. First one in front row is Wilbur LaMarre; far right and at end of back row is Chester Omlie; John Brien is the second one in first row to right.

Pictured is Alfred Domstad with his sets of plowing. The hired man took the picture.

Sander Thompson, as foreman of stone masons, helped build this church in St. Ansgar, Iowa. It was dedicated in 1868.

horses

Picturedhere is the 1909 baseball team. Back row, left to right: Alien Newgard, unknown, Joe Rinde, unknown. Middle row: unknown, Luther Lykken, Harold McKay, unknown. Front: Otis Nelson, Amon Flaten. 1095

Collette, Oswald Campbell, Louis Lykken, Mohagen, Herman Knudson, Glenn Steen, Williams.

National Youth Administration [N. Y. A.] Class, 1941. Sponsors [in foreground] and students of the first N. Y. A. Class conducted in Grafton during the fall term of 1941. Front row, left to right: R. Lorenz, electrical instructor; W. Hendrickson, board member; E. Wallager, supervisor; H. J. Kutz, N. Y. A. Instructor; H. B. Ensrud, Grafton Supt. of Schools; Floyd Henderson, Mayor of Grafton; C. Russum, board member. Row II, left to right: Harold Markholt, Jr., Norman Russum, Gilman Lykken, Lawrence Matcha, Daniel

Alfred Billy

Row III, left to right: Douglas Roney, Frank Letzring, Henry Bolek, Bruno Collette, Vernon Tweeten, Raymond Sevigny, Leonard Rozelle, Eugene Rheaume, Harold Kalka. Row IV, left to right: T. J. Conlon, Frank Holt, Fred Goldstone, Jr., Wayne Sieg, Edward LaBlanc, Vernon Roterud, Wesley Schrank, Edmond Demers, Ray Dolan, Rene Collette.

This is an early home of Mr. and Mrs. Oluf Dahl. It is still in use. Early home of the Onlies at 1113 Western. About 1898 or 1899. 1096

22

G H A F T O X COOK HOOK.

—if)

MISS G. M- TAYLOR

GRAFTON ROLLER MILLS MANUFACTURERS OF . .

%

HIGHEST GRADES OF FLOUR.

*

Hair got ids, stamped linens .

*

and laney goods.

Special at_

lent ion paid to orders.

GRAFTON, NORTH DAKOTA.

Children's Work A Specialty, I have also for sale the cele-

Directions For

Baiting B r e a d

W i t h

brated Gloria Water for

the

complexion.

Ladies Are Invited To C a l l .

Manufactured Exclusively From Dakota Hard Wheat. FirBt—Sift the flour so it will become loose and light. A l lflourpacked by machinery is Rolid ami lumpy. Second —Roller Four will work very much better by thoroughly drying it out. Let it set on back of stove, or someother warm place twenty four hours before using. Some good cooks keep a lot of dried tlour ou hand nnd consider it a great secret. Third—to one quart of milk or water add two thirds teacupful of yeast: add flour to the t hickness of batter, and let it rise over night. Fourth—When ready to knead, add as little flour as possible, only enough to prevent j-ticking to the board. Fifth—Let it rise in the pan, then knead in small loaves and let it rise again. Sixth—Bake in a moderately heated oveu, and be sure not to let it stand iu the oveu after it is done.

\:. CLOUT'S Barber Shop* LADIES

SHAMPOOING. CLEAN BATHS. ®9V9®9&@> F0.1 MEN ONLY, ....

REMEMBER FOUR RULES. First—Sift the flour. Second—Dry the flour. Third—Use plenty of water—Fourth—Do not knead the dough stiff. Use Leistikow's Roller Patent flour. Every sack warranted to give satisfaction. Try it aud you will use no other.

THE CRAFTON ROLLER

than any other shop in town.

MILLS,

WM. C. LEIS1KOW. FOR SALE EVERYWHERE.

Also Shaving and Hair-Cutting better

Prop,

Best

GRAFTON, N. DAK.

Xjiii© o f

C i g a r s

SPANISH H A N D M A D E . Page from an 1895 cook book.

Blakely — Jeweler & Optician, tall man in back. McFarland [middle] and George Donelly.

Golden wedding picture Sondeland.

of Mr. and Mrs. Lauritz

J.

Charles Sieben, 1097

secretary

This is the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Ball built around 1900. Still stands today, corner of W. 6th and Kittson. Jennie Ball is sitting in the front yard.

Nels Haug (1861-1946) and Mrs. Nels Haug (Margrethe Mathilda Jenson-1866-1953).

Peter and Gertrude day June 10, 1909. 1098

(Johnson) Brims on their wedding

Walsh County, January, 1915 [left to right]: James McDonald, Chm., Commissioner, lstDist; FA Schuster, Commissioner, 2nd Dist.; H. C. Depuy, State's Attorney; O. E. Lofthus, Commissioner, 4th Dist; O. M. Fraser, County Auditor; J. J. Kluxdal, Commissioner, 5th Dist.; Hugh Loughead, Commissioner, 3rd Dist.; and Dr. R. J. Church, Supt. County Board of Health.

Photo taken by Horace Salter shows 13.9 cents gas price posted on first automatic metering gas pump which was new to the Grafton public. Immediately following, other stations reduced their prices to meet the competition. Buildings shown in picture from left to right: part of Ted Mattson's Bar, Thomas L. Heltne harness shop with upper portion occupied by Frank Davis, Hans Torkelson's barber shop, Grafton Auto and Machine Co., part ofKozy Lunch building occupied by Torkelsen and Helgenseth.

This photo shows the stripped down Model T. Ford owned by Hugo J. Kutz of Grafton after it had been used on one of many emergency calls with Dr. G. W. Glaspel. All unnecessary trim such as fenders, windshield and top were removed. This veicle was able to travel when other cars couldn't because of mud plugging wheels between fenders. This is a 1917 photo with Arnold Kutz at the wheel. 1099

1100

Grafton street

scene.

rs (Sophia Thoreson) Lykken

(1864-1936)

Mrs. Ingeborg Thoreson (1892-1911)

1101

Gunhild Angaard and Gulmond Sletta Lykken. About 90 years old when this was taken. They are William [ Willie] Lykken's great grandparents.

Two presidents of Fire Department, H. Bailey.

Carnegie Bookmobile

1102

F. T. Kieley and F.

Library as it looks now.

Pictorial History Of

District Two

Birdseye view of Minto, N. D., November,

1908.

Jean and Earl McKay, chddren of Mr. and Mrs. Allen McKay. 1103

Ardoch Harriston Pulaski Walshville

Jean McKay [only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. McKay, later Mrs. Robert Fair] and her dolls.

Wedding picture of Mr. and Mrs. Allen McKay, June 9, 1909.

View of McKay background. 1104

house and Sacred

Heart

Allen

Church in

Baby Faces

Pictorial History Of District Three

Glenwood Fertile East Dundee

Swimming pool, Hoople.

Winter sport at Hoople. Tobogganing down a North Dakota mountain. "From Hoople's barn sliding down into the park."

HITCHING UP THE CALVES My brothers were quite inventive you see; And in those days children just had to be; For we didn't have very many toys, But we had a small wagon that brought us many joys. So they decided to fashion some harness one day, For two young calves and hitch them up some way. They gathered up buckles and lugs and straps And made hitches and reins from some old harness scraps. Then, even used some short bits of rope To get the job done, they at all things did grope. I stood by and only watched with great pride For I was to have the very first ride. Hitched to the wagon those calves looked just great; The boys were so proud they could hardly wait. So Lawrence lifted me in so I'd sit just right, While Herman hung on to the reins real tight. But before he could set me down with such care, The calves just took off in a frightful scare! Their tails high in air, they in circles did run And kicked and bawled and the wagon just spun. We stood there bewildered and scared as could be. Our big plans had been shattered in moments, you see. A very good lesson was taught us that day We'd better be careful in how we should play. Submitted by Mrs. V. 0. (Verna) Johnson.

THE SLEIGH Deep the snow and bitter cold was the day, When Grandpa much needed to make a sleigh. So into their tiny one room shack, He brought the timbers and tools on his back. While he sawed and planed and fashioned the sled, Grandma and children had no room but the bed. He labored and strived and worked all the day long, And Grandma kept them all happy with many a song. Then came the time that the sleigh was all made, And he was most proud when there on the floor it laid. Until then he'd carried most things on his back, From timbers of wood to flour and such in a sack. Now he could drive and haul it, of course, Hitch up the oxen or perhaps buy a horse. But me! Oh, my! The cottage door was too small; To get the sleigh out there was no way at all! Grandma began to laugh at their plight, For she could see humor in even that sorry sight. Grandpa of course took a much dimmer view. For he had to take it apart again too. And carry it out in parts once more. In order to get it through the small cottage door. Submitted by Mrs. V. 0. (Verna) Johnson. 1106

Andrew Walker's farm home, built 1903. Back row: Bertha, Gertrude, Mr. Walker with Thomas on his lap. Front row: Mrs. Walker, Rose [white dress], Elmer [seated], Clarence and Herbert.

Venberg & Fedje Store dry goods department, left to right: Emil Lowe, Olaf Fedje and Andrew Fedje.

Lynn J. Frazier, United States Senator and former Governor of the State of North Dakota.

Frank Naegeli residence, Hoople. Left to right: Henry Naegeli, Fairdale; Herman Naegeli, Fairdale; Mrs. Herman Naegeli (Aggie), Fairdale; Frank Naegeli, Hoople; Floyd Naegeli, son of Frank Naegeli; Harold Naegeli, son of Frank Naegeli; Mrs. Frank Naegeli (Hannah). Probably taken around 1905-1906.

Family of Frank Naegeli: Frank and Hannah Naegeli. Boys, top to bottom: Floyd, Warren, Harold. Taken about 1909 or 1910.

Brothers and sisters, left to right: Mrs. Russun, Anton, Tom Haug, Nels, Alfred Lynne and Grandma Fagerholt. 1108

Henry and Gustie Clemenson Wedding Nov. 3, 1906.

R. J. Woods, 80 years of age when taken. Choral Union—Sangfest. Norwegian Sangfest, July 1918, which lasted three days. A large tent was put up in the pasture on the Nels Clemetson farm in Dundee Twp. People came from all around and many stayed right there. This event was held annually in some part of Park River circuit by the Luther League and Choral Union.

Great Northern Depot, Hoople

The Theo. Loftsgaard family: standing left to right: Harvey, Laurel, Eugene, Seated, Ruth, Dora, Theo., Eleanor. 1109

Buggy and team of horses—1940. Eleanor, Ruth, Harvey.

Laurel,

Family home of Gjermund Gunderson Momerak, Dundee Twp. Small white house back of barn was first log house. Gunder, Lars, Petter Momerak. At house: Elsie, Ingeborg (Mrs. Ole Twedt).

Theodore Oliver Thompson and Olava (Olga) married Oct. 14, 1893, Grafton.

Henry Clemetson, seated at left, with violin. John Spetz and Carl Clemetson, standing. Fourth man unknown. 1110

Berg,

TEACHER'S CONTRACT: Slatt ol Bortb gakola,

J

«w» ot . X & ^ - K J .

__['*

.:.:...:.:SrJw6l District This Agreement ltoa.

betuxen

School District...

;.!..''

' ' • ' * '' '

Made and entered Into thU

» duiy qualified teacher of_..^.„u-..I... ^ ^ i . j S S ^ K z i / ^ t .^County, State!«ojof North Dappta, arul tlie School Board of " \-

rJ7. ...

mthefseth^ithsita^

,

intoidSchocM^

the'.:^^^-^1

day t ^ ^ S ^ ^ I ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ D, 189/1, for wliUhservuxs truly renderedthe School Board of taid •School District agrees tt pay to'the ^ a W : . ^ ^ . - . ( ^ ^ ^ ^ * ^ ? ^ 3 ^ t ^ ^ - . ^ ; . . i ! i U the' expiration of each month of service the mm of x..}f^y^uhc^.i-.^^<U^^..DollartT

'.

,:

:

- ' - • ii, . -.i- •; .-

Provided, that the salary of the l u t i r t c & h inihe term shall not bo paid m i d the term- report shall be filed with and be ripprovedbij the-District (^erh; , -'• >•> • i ' > , , - Provided, fnrtner, that the school may be discontinued at any time as provided by See. 84, Chapter 62, Laws 1800, and'lhdt na_oomfinsatlo&shall be received by saui teacher from the date of mchdHtctint

iJeacher. By order of the District School Board.

.

tA n *op»c»Bbefo™ B i tcboo] btfini, u

Ellen Walker

Andrew Walker 1890 Teacher's Contract for Ella Parkins to teach at School District No. 51. Teacher's

/./ r

+2 *i s r '

<w> 9a B

'it /i

b US' 99 70 fts" yt n* f l 0 <?0f>£ t ft i 6»"3S

V

NT

' '/ ! / /.!^; .!,•

',/\A < • /''!/' ; I' ><<.>•

1/

t / , / j./; /;

i'

AM

/ / A/' f t r /

<mr<

homestead.

7 Jibuti •^••^u 2-L

yL

» a

Ii3t3_^

Xi fr-

TPf

;

I I ' / ;

r Sod house on Andrew Walker

:

mmMi hi. I'i / .«<

IIJ

j . Oe^L. /De^JJh^ _

>

Report.

^iScirJt/)/

cr

/:/,/!

/; ;/; ,/, y,

/

'•! ' y y

/ V ' i' i

This teacher's report of School District No. 5 known as the Bell School was in theyear 1893. Ella Parkins was the teacher.

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Midboe, he is age 87.

Iver Veum's Threshing Machine—1918

nn

J

Henry Clemetson's threshing rig and he is sitting on the barrel on the engine and his young son, Alden, is standing beside him.

Hauling potatoes on Hurtt

farm.

Stack threshing, Ole GuUickson. Ford tractor, Case 22 in.

Andrew Berdahl, Andrew Fedje. Shoveling snow—1916. Hoople—Second

Street—1916 11

Johnson Store—1940 REFLECTION

Wonder how women shopped in days gone by - no coupons or specials to help them save. They never knew what the bargains were until they went into the store - and that was an event in itself! How would you like to shop for underwear, material for clothing, bedding and groceries enough to last six months or a year! And what? No trading stamps? When making butter in a churn, Each one had to take his turn. It took hours and hours many a time And it seemed like punishment for a crime. And when we'd dip fingers into the cream — Boy! That would always bring a scream From Mother who was always near To see that we did stay in gear And when at last the butter came, Then let us go back to play our game. Submitted by Mrs. V. 0. (Verna) Johnson.

Stanley Crocker—1916. East of Hoople.

1113

Hoople Lumber

Yard

R. J. Woods home, Hoople, N. D.

^Miyj.U^j.

I l*

Boating in Hoople Park, Hoople.

for value received i n attotfatftrttnl.

f f

* f c -KELLER,

ftraaniimfrimt

cent, ftr annum.

fatt

In adHititn

until fail/, HOL.mll

lit NI I 1.1 : •

i jliv

Hj .Pitt 0 ^ ^ . ^ . . f e . ^ . Z \ . # / < ^ ? r ^ A ^ ^ L - - . .

W

£

III! s

Note for $14.

1114

-<5\A/

fatf

r2«

day of. Jfrrrut KELLER,

or order,

188C-

.1881 4JOt the

sum

of

Dollars,

J 1%.

Pioneer women's work was quite different than now. They carded wool, spun the yarn, knitted socks, then milked the cow. Picked the eggs and chopped some wood, then went back to the house in a rush To tend the baby and stir the fire and then for supper, cook some mush.

^0>.

On or before the promise to pay to HEJTRY

T FANNING MILL, inbest

order,

with

interest

•J f aid at maturity, Ihltt the i:\lerei! ihalite ct/y

ALd

UrrMtft /tt

tutt.

if im't it t$mmtiutdU

ccUtcl tUi

Teftct-teR's REPORT

Summay r from Teachers' Retjister. a

1

N.. of Male

pupils

enrolled

i

No. of Female

t

Total No of pupil* enrolled.

SYLLABUS OF CLASSES.

...$./.

Condition of school house, repaint needed, clean

Sckunl In-met

b. STATK OF NDHTH

?.

. :k,U s. , ,

~lu

A.-.f.rui.-. MttgJkj*.

r n n f o r m i i y lo

:

the •TO ptiremi-ws of

law, I

herein stilimil my report of School N o

J,M<:£ fount? of beginning

....,.*!„. \k,\H*\A.'.

rnt itii< lerm

J « . 1 I M ^ . . J

nadmAili../j t9u4/.., l

"

A U

0

.

\ U 189./.

KMptctfttny.

„ ,

... faiti'M^M* ^ in!

JI

this

day

Nn of days school was laughi including holidays!.

Aggregate days of teaching,

il

AgRreKHie attendance, Aggregate Aggregate

It

Average

h

Average membership.

A U

-

E I

(Datamini by

„ .

fit*. . #94... .6.99/..

uu-ndnnce,

.2.3.

i

Per rem of nllendance,

j

Total lardine** (in minute*!.

. .S.&.

Condition nf furniture

H

%

/

. . .

.

k

Average tardiness | H T pupil.

I.

.Average dally tardiness per pupil, Condiiion of

f

No. nf viftiiti of County No. ol visits

of School

No. of visits

of [larents

Superintendent,

No. of Unabridged

. . . Jo

of pupils.

nf vinfill of other visitor*.

..

Ilkltnnaries

......

...

t

in School.

Amouni

.../..

this

year,

ing all legal holidays >

... O

A..'.A

Salary

of teacher

£

pay OVtO.

per month.

5

No of irees growing

It

No. of trees planted

7. k

repnlr,

Coniliiion

on yards this year.

of outhouses

me

..$

JdSl.'..

.

.\At^^(./.*<.

as to cle.lhtioess,

an

^A/stT.tFOt-

J.*W*%*\\\\

MP.....

A. I>. 189 Examined and found correci

of

for which

waa received.

F i l e d in m> office i h i *

.C&/j^jLft.i.-\..

....<?.

i«n.*^

No of mrmlhs school was InUgbt. includ

„|

nf blackboard..

No. of lnwiks in l i b r n r j f n n t including

No. purchased

IttMria

apparntn

... f.

nllxrers.

STATK OF KtJkTII DAKOTA

..School

ac/.

Used

J Q Q VT . .

dictionary. tj/ft.QMMJf.

5

„

tnoi

non*memht-n<hip, dailj

- ? Tupils in Bach! 'cr ! Class _

. . . .4*)

absence.

f

No

Teacher

h-^!t-£ju

enrolled,

1 e

, l ¥ . ..

hi/J. I ~J

DAKOTA.

pupils

ilii A IV

day 1B0....

District Clerk.

N O T K - T h i s report mum l>e made out a l the end of the school year, if a school lerm consists of a portion of two school years, and also a l Ihe end of the term, so thai no report will cover any portion of lime no! contained within a single school year. Make the report complete in every detail. See Sw. iall, GENERAL SCHOOL LAWK (1891).

B

Have you inspected Ihe outhouses regularly

u.

r

1894 Teacher's Report

A little sod shanty on a claim, That was each one's special aim. Children learned to walk on floors of dirt, While hanging on to Mother's long skirt. Later they began to slip on polished floors And cling to walls and open doors. They couldn't even reach for Mother's hem 'Cause that was much too high for them!

'!*«_•» l U I IteM**M

True there were no floors to wax, Nor did they figure income tax. But making candles was a must, Like saving every crumb and crust. Just who did bring the very first cat? Can anyone answer questions like that? Did you ever try to walk on stilts? Or help to make some patchwork quilts? If not, then you have missed some joys, That the old days brought to girls and boys. Making soap was a most common art, But to kill the bed bugs, you had to be smart. Submitted by Mrs. V. 0. Johnson.

1115

K u ] »i >l*t.

1

Peoples Supply Co., dry goods section.

Zion Sunday School and Parochial School were held in the trustee districts in this period, 1914. Back row: Cora Evanson, teacher; Olga Paulson, Sophia Gryde, Hannah Erlanson, Melvin Johnson, Herbert Gryde, Hugo Oberg. Front row : Dalmer Oberg Clifford Gryde, Elvin Gryde, Lydia Johnson, Nora Gryde, Elvina Johnson.

Inside Andy Patterson's Livery Barn. Andy Patterson, Happy Jack and Carl Rollefstad, 1908 or 1909.

Wedding of Gena Larson and Hans Walby, Glenwood Township.

Mandt 1116

Store

Confirmation picture of Ida Erlanson Bjerke, Hoople.

Your Vote Respectfully

Solicited

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Manderud and family, Fertile Township.

Hoople, married May 8, 1881.

James Travers came to Glenwood Township in 1900 from Ontario, Canada.

Joseph Novak family, 1894

Wedding picture of Marie Larson and Knut Aaland, October 29, 1892. Back row, left to right: Ole Larson, Gena Larson, unknown and Peter Larson.

Wedding William Ginder and Catherine Brown Ginder. The Ginders came to Walsh and Pembina Counties in 1909 from Springfield, III.

Parsonage of Zion Congregation, rural Hoople. 1118

hns is to Gertifvj, dPLaX

y

4C-^

Of good moral character, is authorized by this County, for the term of. Dated this

J...^z.

If'^

,

..Grade Certificate, to teach those branches in any Common School in this

months. 18&

day of.

Supt. of Schools,.

aufji. ui ounvum,...^_^

..Writihg_..J}!lj)^ Orthography

RESULT OF EXAMINATION :__Heading^ Arithmetic:

(L^.^-l^t^np^A

"•

..History.

mi

.County, Dakota. i>vumy, uaKoia.

.English Granimart..£j... .jfe ' -\

Phy«hl^f.'ia^yqhn9j3^tQL—^l.

Ella Parkins' teaching certificate dated April 5, 1890. Examinations were often very difficult and included subjects totally unfamiliar, such as pedagogy, the art of teaching.

Family of Karoline and Andreas Larson, 1843-1910. Top row: Mary Aaland, Louise Larson, Peter Larson, Gena Walby. Front row: Henry, Mother, Lena, Father, John. Both Karoline and Andreas were born in Estberg, Norway. They settled in Rochester, Minn., in 1878.

Mr. Wilcox pioneered in Glenwood Township. James Trovers made his home with Mr. Wilcox in the early days. 1119

Pictorial History Of District Four

Forest River Ops Walsh Centre

Joseph Bina family. Front row: Clifford, Joseph Bina, Benedict, Polly Ann, Mrs. Bina, Mary Jo. Back row: Gerald, Marcella, Agnes, Edward, Henrietta, Beatrice and Alice.

Wedding picture of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bina, October 12, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. William J. Woods, Forest

River.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bina on their 50th wedding anniversary.

M r . and Mrs. Donald McCannell. 1120

W. J. Hewitt, implement dealer in Minto and Forest River, 1908 [in buggy], just sold four manure spreaders, buyers not known. Family on the balcony is that of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Sell. Among the men in front of the store is Dr. A. B. Field, Charles Gillham, William Ralph and Ike Steen.

Inside of District No. 18 School, Forest Sleigh at the Stephen Lester

farm. 1121

River.

John Foerster family taken in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Foerster and children: Charles, Joe, William, Peter, John, Jr., Fred, and Stephen.

"Doc Jakes," a pacer, shown by W. R. Johnston raised racing horses as a hobby.

who Hauling grain on the Frank J. Schamlec 1122

farm—1921.

Class of 1926, Forest River. Front row: Mary Bruski, Harry Checkley and Irene Reese. Back row: Gordon Johnston, John Gillham, Harry Yon, and Eldon Wagar.

Richard Newell's Buick car, April, 1911. 1123

4-H members from WalshCounty who were winners at the N. D. A. C. Achievement Institute held in 1921. Front row: Ralph Welsh, Inez Graving, two not known, Sylvia Narloch, Ted Flanders. Back row: Charles Abercrombie, Agnes Patocka, two not known, and Ted Gillham. 1124

Frank J. Schanilec — ready for the day's planting of grain [1916].

AMENIA ELEVATOR CD.

|

Frank Kouba, Joseph J. Schanilec, Anton Schanilec and Herman C. Schanilec shocking wheat on the Schanilec homestead [1920]. Repairing the Amenia Elevator at Forest

River. 1125

I

Flour City tractor and eight bottom plow onthe Gillhamfarm in 1911. Boy in the picture is Ted Gillham. Men include Charles Gillham, Bill Poole, Herb Lowe, and Jack Burton, others not known.

John Foerster threshing crew. Left to right, row 1: Pappy [other name unknown], Hennessy, Frank Foerster, Frank Reed, Frank Chromy, Tom Fagan, Willie Foerster, Foerster. Row 2: EddieNelson, Bill Herring, Leo Hennessy, Brose Kelly, LeoBritener, Solberg, Leo Kelly, FrankKelly, Joe Chromy, and George Heising. 1126

Mike Peter Carl

Threshing oats on the Lawrence Koehmstedt farm in 1909. Lawrence Koehmstedt is on the engine step and John Koehmstedt is on top of the separator.

William Scott, Forest River, taken on his 98th birthday, August, 1931.

Snow around the Valentine Koehmstedt farm home, 1923.

Mr. and Mrs. Valentine

1127

Koehnstedt

A winter traveling rig on the Joseph J. farm [1924]. District No. 68, located in Forest River. Built 1903.

Methodist Church—Forest

River

Fourth of July, 1907, at Forest River. Horses in the foreground owned by W. R. Johnston. 1128

Schanilec

Mr. and Mrs. P. i f . Yon and family: Merlyn, Arthur, Walter, Edson, Lucille and Orlin.

Harry, 1129

SOME FORMER WALSH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Board of County Commissioners of Walsh County, 1899. Seated, left to right, G. Erickson, Chairman Geo. Shepherd, States Attorney Jeff M. Myers, and County Auditor 0. M. Fraser. Standing, left to right, A. H. McGilvery, Edgar Spencer, and E. Southard.

Board of County Commissioners of Walsh County, 1896. Seated, left to right, G. Erickson, Chairman Geo. Shepherd, County Auditor O. M. Fraser, and J. M. Szarkowski. Standing, left to right, E. Southard, States Attorney C. A. M. Spencer, and John A. Smith.

Board of County Commissioners of Walsh County, 18951896. Seated, left to right, County Auditor O. M. Fraser, Chairman Geo. Shepherd, and States Attorney T. W. Gaffney. Standing, left to right, J. M. Szarkowski, Chas. Moore, Nels Berntson, and Nels T. Hedalen.

Board of County Commissioners of Walsh County, 1901. Seated, left to right, States Attorney Jeff M. Myers, Chairman E. Southard, and County Auditor O. M. Fraser. Standing, left to right, Donald McLeod, Edgar Spencer, C. I. Christenson. and Thos. Harris.

1130

Board of County Commissioners of Walsh County, 1902. Seated, left to right, States Attorney E. R. Sinkler, Chairman C. I. Christenson, and County Auditor O. M. Fraser. Standing, left to right, Aron Levin, Hugh Loughead, Theodore Wysocki, and O. D. Nelson.

Seated, left to right, O. E. Lofthus, Hugh Loughead, James McDonald, and Theo. Wysocki. Standing, left: to right, I. J. Kluxdal, W. C. Treumann, Dr. F. E. Weed, and H. C. DePuy.

Walsh County Commissioners,

date unknown.

Walsh County Commissioners, 1131

date

unknown.

Walsh County Officers, 1920. Seated, left to right, Hugh Loughead, Chairman I. J. Kluxdal, and Frank C. Riske. Standing, left to right, O. D. Nelson, Syver Hogfoss, County Auditor W. J. Lamarre, and States Attorney H. C. Depuy.

Front row, left to right, Auditor Clarence Moe, Ludwig Kulas, C. J. Stensland, and States Attorney Wallace Warner. Top row, left to right, J. W. Matejcek, Oscar Lykken, and Alex Meagher.

Front row, left to right, J. W. Matejcek, Alex Meagher, Ludwig Kulas, and Carl Stensland. Top row, left to right, BenGudjates, F. A. Schrank, and Wallace Warner.

1132

% 0

% ^

% 0

p

Board of County Commissioners, 1938. Top row, left to right, Co. Auditor B. A. Gudajtes, Chm. Co. Commissioners G. F. Wosick, States Attorney Albert Lundberg. Front row, left to right, Commissioners J. W. Matejcek, Chester Thompson, F. A. Schrank, and O. E. Orstad. Chm. G. E. Wosick and Comm. Orstad retired December 31, 1938.

Bottom row, le/t to right, C. J. Stensland, Chester Thompson, Ludwig Kulas, and J. W. Matejcek. Top row, left to right, States Attorney Albert Lundberg, F. A. Schrank, and Auditor Ben Gudjates.

Walsh County Commissioners, front row, left to right, Auditor W. J. LaMarre, F. A. Schrank, Ole Orstad, and Chester Thompson. Back row, left to right, States Attorney; T. I. Dahl, Emil Borgeson, and G. F. Wosick Date unknown.

F i r s t

1133

etin

™ S

of assessors in new courthouse, 1941.

Pictorial History Of District Five

Dundee Golden Tiber

Mrs. Ole Windingland [Louisa Odegard] 1902.

Edinburg Band about 1912. Front row: Albin Swensrud, Loki Johnson, Joseph Flaten, Alfred Johnson. Middle row: Bill Miller, Thorof (Barb) Berg, Anton Johnson, Noel Gilbertson, Harold Johnson, Sampson ?. Back row: Mike Moen, ? Myrdal, Sander Kittleson, C. E. Lien, John Flaten, John Sundvor, Andrew Knutson.

Market Day—1909. Edinburg Main Street looking

Edinburg

Ole Windingland—1902 or 03

East. 1134"

The 1884 Home of Gregor and Bergit

Halvorson

Edinburg Main Street before the 1900 fire.

Edinburg Post No. 156, group of WWI Veterans, left to right, Dori Thorleifson, M. B. Alvestad, Ole Johnson, M. C. Flaten, Andy Olson.

1927-1928—Edinburg Band

Skjold Stephanson Store, early 1900's. 1135

Pictured here is a 1900 interior home scene. This is the Ole Rinde family. Left to right: Emily, Ambrosia, mother Kari, Carl, Russell, Anna, Mr. Rinde, down front, Walter. Sunday School at Garfield Church—1913. Back row, left to right: teachers carrie Bjorndahl, Katy Madland, Lars Madland and Ole Windingland. Center : Johan Odegard, Ole Rustan, Martin Rustan, Carl Odegard, Geo. Madland, John Madland, Geo. Berg, Bert Madland. Front row: Theo. Torgerson, Alice Berg,OlgaBerg,Obert Torgerson, Thelma Sundvor, Edith Odne, Jenny Johnson, Lise Windingland, Edith Windingland, Bertha Sundvor and Margaret Windingland.

Home of Dr. and Mrs. A. A. Flaten built in 1894. Now modern home of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Sigwdson.

Mr. and Mrs. Helge Amundson, 1909.

Charles and Elizabeth 1894

McLean1136

M

r

Q n d

M

r

g

s

t

e

m

g

r

i

m

G i r e

1923—New members of Edinburg Degree of Honor Lodge, left to right, top row: Pearl Larson [McLean], Evelyn Field [Johnson], Gladys Jore [Swanson], Hilda Wick [Rinde], Mrs. Ludvig Troftgruben, Mrs. Sig Engh, Mrs. Alvin Gullingsrud. Front row: Gilma Brandvold, Mrs. Roy Falke, Bertha Sundvor [Jensen], Emma Kruse [Thomasson], Ida Skyrud [King], Laura Aos [Herman], Ida Reese [Sonderson].

Pioneer log home of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Johnson built in 1893.

Ole A. Myrvik with his wife and daughter in front of the sod^shack to which he took his bride in 1894.

Mr. and Mrs. Gregor

Halvorson

Gilbert C. Jensen and wife, Susie 1137

Mr. and Mrs. Oluf Rustan—1905

Andrew and Carrie Jensen

Qualifications: Attended common schools of Walsh County. Attended Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., one Year. Graduated from the State Normal School Mayville. N . D., I!>02. Graduated with the degree P h . B. from the University of Wisconsin i n 1905. Taught i n the rural schools of Walsh County one year. Principal of the Caledonia Consolidated School, a high school of the second class, three years.

Your Vote and Influent, e Solicited

EDWARD ERICKSON Edinburg, N. D. Repulican Candidate for County Superintendent of Schools, Walsh

County

Einar Melsted—Partner

Edward Erickson, County Superintendent of Schools 1138

in Melsted Store

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Orstad. Mr. Orstad was

Alfred and Anna Lindell—1886 1139

ln the Gay Nineties. Left to right: Mrs. G. I. Anderson, Mrs. A. A. Flaten, Mrs. J. E. Peterson.

Early day Coffee Party—Edinburg. Left to right: Mrs. S. Domstad, Mrs. J. E. Peterson, Mrs. Ed Gilbertson, Mrs. A. C. Jensen.

Flour Mill—Built by Peter Lee in 1899.

11

ii

Laithwaite Left to right: George Jergenson, Daniel Halvorson, who established the Bethel Norwegian Baptist Church in Lampton Township, 1884-86, Annie Jergenson and Thora Halvorson.

M

r

s

J

o

h

n

s

k

cabbage. 1T40

o

g

e

a

n

d

h e r

3 Q

w

R

Bw

» -i

nr

Cil

Home—Edinburg

July 4th, 1913, Edinburg

celebration.

Degree of Honor Valentine Party—1925—Edinburg. Left to right: Lillian and Fingar Fingarson, Clarence and Estine Lien, Ida Skyrud, Louie Johnson, Evelyn and Oscar Florence [top of head], Emily Johnson, ?, Emma Thomasson, John Roholt, Arni Thomasson, Mildred Rustan, Leonard Gudmundson [in back], Evelyn Field, Ragnar Johnson, Bertha Sundvor, Leonard Jensen, Neil and Hilda Wick Rinde, M. C. and Winnifred Flaten, Elsie and Tody Flaten, Grace Fuller, ?, Ruby Mandt, Edwin Swensrud [in back], Selmer Marifjeren, Thomas Thorliefson.

1141

Music Class of 1909, Edinburg, Ambrosia Rinde,

teacher.

Edinburg celebrates in 1912. Standing: Esther Thorgrimson, Kristin Erlendson, ?, Mrs. Kirkconnel, Mrs. Ben Hanson, Mrs. Gilbert Jensen. Seated: Miss Craig and Mabel Field.

1927—Clarence Lien's "Kid"

Band

Edinburg High School Football Team—1908 or 09. Left to right: John Flaten, Barney Goodman, Cod Thomasson, M. C. "Molly" Flaten, Johnny Goodman, Elias Stevenson, Prof. Green, Johnny Skjold, Phillip Wick, Barney Skjold, Elmer Peterson. On ground, Joseph "Tody" Flaten and Robertson.

Celebration in Edinburg—1909. Present Superette Store in foreground. Building to the rear was reported to have been one building moved in from old Edinburgh. Next to the south—Elmer Agen shop. 1142

wmmmkwmmmkwm\\Wkmtmsm Edinburg Post Office informer Rohrer Bldg. Postmaster

J. E. Peterson standing at

entrance.

An Edinburg group. Standing: Mrs. L. Johnson, Mrs. Ben Hanson, Mrs. A. Flaten, Mrs. J. G. Erlendson, Mrs. Ed. Gilbertson, Mrs. J. E. Peterson, Norma Anderson, teacher, Kristin Erlendson, Esther Thorgrimson, Mrs. Joe Mandt. Seated: Mrs. Kirkconnel, Mrs. Geo. Laithwaite, Mrs. A. C. Thompson and child, Annie Peterson.

Birthday Party. Lower row: ?, Alda Jensen, Myrtle Tresler, Alice Field, Ruby Mandt, Lucille Howard. Second row: Irene Field, Effie Keeler, Esther Swensrud, Ingaborg Sundvor, Kristin Hanson, Freda Tresler. Top row: Blenda Shuley, Olive Erlendson, Mrs. Erlendson, Mrs. Ben Hanson.

Alfred Aos—center left. Skjold Store, Edinburg, early 1900.

Stephanson

General 1143

Jens Torgerson home. Leftto right, Lars Madland, Osten Ulberg, Hellek Nereson, Christine Smeland, and Jens Torgerson. Front row, left to right, Mrs. Nils Isaacson, Mrs. L. Madland, Mrs. Jens Torgerson, and sons Merlin, Theodore, Kent, and Obert.

John Lindell and Anna Kjelland—1910 1144

Top row Manager Orvil Heder, Mike Omlie, Coach, Bill Tollacfe. Center row, left to right, unknown, Oliver Rinde, unknown, Treumann, Luther Lykken. Bottom row, left to right, unknown, Joe Rinde, Alfred Johnson, C. Opstedehl, Stewart Campbell, Cy Glaspel, Tom Bannon. Football team in Grafton about 1908 or 1909. Submitted

by Mrs. Flaten — too late for Grafton

area.

1146

Mr. and Mrs. Jens Nygard, Township

pioneers.

Tiber

Peter Lee home, showingMr. and Mrs. P. Lee.

Back row: Samantha Berg, Miss Fortier, Mattie Johnson, Freida Klosterman, Selina Berg, Christine Johnson, and Frances Kavanaugh. Seated: Lena Larson, Jeanette [Johnson] Torgeson, Ann Callahan, Dalma Hanson, Serina Berg, and Kate Johnson. Grafton City.

Submitted by Mrs. Flaten — too late for Grafton area. 1147

Pictorial History Of District Six

Kensington Rushford Vernon

Robert Johnston house. This house replacedthe original sod house on Section 22. It stood first close to the east center edge of Park River Cemetery. When the picture was taken it had been moved to Park River just across the street northwest of the present Dairy Queen. Note pioneer soft water collection method with wooden barrel andboards. Mrs. Robert Johnston infrontof house.

Residence of Dr. Haldorsson

Bertha Powell Farup home in Park River.

The John Bennington home in Parfe River 1148

The Finneseth home in Park River

First log cabin in county, John Bennington.

1150

GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT

July 4, 1905, a picnic at C. L. Finneseth's with the John Aamoth, Marifjerin, Hasle and Overbye families.

Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Robertson and Erma Robertson Harris, April, 1945.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

George Peck home built by C. H. Honey in 1900. 1151

The Ole GuUickson family. Christian and Anna Finneseth, married July 7, 1882.

Park River High School girls' basketball champs, 1915.

Mr. and Mrs. John Lahd and

1153

family.

Dinner honoring H. D. Long in I960. Left to right: A. E. Mercker, Executive Director of the National Potato Council, Washington, D. C.: John P. Bushee, President of the National Potato Council, East Grand Forks, Minn.; Mrs. P. J. Flaten, Hoople; P. J. Flaten, Chairman, H. D. Long; Mrs. H. D. Long; Mrs. Thomas Feely, daughter of the editor of "The Chicago Packer."

Members of the Federated Church coffee party, October, 1959 [left to right]: Mrs. George [Vera Warner] Fisher, Mrs. rtlex [Violet] Parke, Mrs. Duncan [Maggie] McLean, Mrs. Knute [Mary] Stevens, Mrs. Archie [Agnes] Gillespie, Mrs. Robert [Edna] Par fee, Mrs. John [Isabelle] Show and Mrs. Thomas [Sarah] Meagher. 1154

Marifjern

and Overbye Hardware

Store, Park River, 1900.

Park River High School football team. Elmer holding the ball.

1155

Finneseth

Main Street, Park River, N . D.

Gustav Brandt Store. Pictured:

Interior of C. L. Finneseth's

Ole, Jack and

Gustav.

General Store, 1898-1942.

1157

1158

1159

Pictorial History of District Seven

• mm

0.

Lankin Band

Lankin Conway Medford Prairie Centre

•• mi •

1162

Ole Thoe's top mounted Avery threshing rig. Straw was used for fuel. Owen and George on engine. About 1904.

Sunday School—East Forest River Church, taken in 1910. Back: Mrs. Larson, Hilda Hoye, Inga Seilstad, .Alma Norbo, Mabie Neste, Lila Thoe, Mr. Tom Larson. Middle: Julia Thoe, Ella Thoe, Gladys Huseby. Front: Elmer Thoe and Oscar Seilstad. 1163

Conway Band

Ole Thoe's first car driven by George Thoe 1164

Arthur Wood, rural mail carrier out of Fordville, from 1918-1948.

Ole Thoe's under mounted Avery Threshing rig. Henry and George on engine. Taken in 1911. 1165

Mrs. Engebret Seilstad holding skeins of yarn she has spun from their sheep wool.

The old farm home o/Rose and William Maxwell. The small part on the right is the original homestead

1166

190

Conway, N. D., Received ot.. $..

g From

i

t

CONWAY

in payment of subscription to the

CITIZEN

MO. ro'(/jU^~^

g m

~~

Subscription for newspaper published in Conway.

Ole and Caroline Seilstad. Agnes Thoe, first telephone operator at Medford. She is the late Mrs. Oscar Johnson of Edinburg. 1170

Taken in 1882.

Buggies provided transportation

1172

in the early

days.

Cutting ice to be stored in the ice house.

Adams Dewey Kinloss Latona Sheperd Silvesta Vesta

Pictorial History Of District Eight

The family of Lars and Anna Stensland [SUvesta Township). Standing, left to right: Torbjor Stensland Wick, Thor, Andrea Stensland Kilen. Sitting: Jorgen [George], Halvor, Kari Stensland Midbo, John[Lille], John [store].

Thorvold and Minnie

Gutterud

The John Stensland family. Mrs. John [Julia] Stensland, Louis Stensland, Annie [Stensland] Gunderson, John Stensland and standing, James, Silvesta Township. <• Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Hjelvik [Dewey 1174

Township]

The Carl K. Dahl farm, Vesta Township.

The Frank Vejtasa, Sr. Home

Ed Lian

The Knute E. Dahl home.

An old peoples' party given by Pastor and Mrs. B. J Hatlem.

The 25th wedding anniversary of Robert and Hulda Dahl [Vesta Township]. Standing, left to right: Jeanne [Dahl] Lach, Robert H., Allen, Helen Dahl Hodgson. Sitting: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dahl.

Frank Wade [right] and his brother Mr. and Mrs. Peder J. Westby [1916 - Kinloss

Township 1177

The Sigvart Arneson family, standing, left to right: Helen, Oliver, Melvin, Amelia, Gina. Seated: Palmer, Mrs. Arneson, Temple, Norman, Mr. Arneson and Raymond. [Kinloss Township]

The family of Peder Westby, standing: Jacob, Hannah Peter. Seated: Einar, Mary, Ingolf, Ida and Martha. In front: Selma. [Kinloss Township]

0 l

Jens and Gunhild Nordby 1179

S

a

M

arie

Anderson

Dewey school teacher, Ida Arneson [Mrs. Selmer Lundberg]. Left to right: Inga Skare, Olga Teenquist, Edith Skare, Otella Stensland, Gladys Tollefson, Amanda Lofgren [in front]. Confirmation Class of about 1904 of the Gustavus Adolphus Church. Standing, left to right: Harry Samuelson, Fred Dahlgren, O. V. Lundberg, Errol Bergstrom, Walter Samuelson. Sitting: Lena Lindgren, Pastor A. E. Kalin, Caroline [Johnson] Linstad.

Jon and Olive (Stensland)

John and Olava

Rinnehagen

Fosaa

Mr. and Mrs. Nils N. Vigen i

First frame house of Hokan and Anne Backstrom. boy is August. Pete Backstrom (wagon).

Helmer and Otella Dewey Township

Small

The Syvert Sunderland farm. Left to right: Norman Clemens, Mrs. Strand, Mrs. Syvert Sunderland, Syvert Sunderland, Martin Sunderland, Arnold and Ernest Clemens on porch.

The Edward Thrugstad house built in 1899. First frame

house of Halvor Sunderland,

built in 1884. 1181

Stensland,

1182

Adams old timers

The Lars Skare Homestead—1901.

The Golden Wedding—Mr.

Left to right: Mrs.Dena Skare holding Lola, Lars and Ella, and Jacob.

and Mrs. Joe Bata

L

ars

1183

jjilde, Mrs. Hans Lykken, Mrs. Knute

Lerhol.

Left to right: Ingre Vraa, Thorn Swenson, Ole Hellem and Mrs. Ellef Hellem.

Adams old timers, front, left to right: Theodore Ellingson, Thorn Midboe. Back: Nels Olson, Ole Bjorg, Erick Bjorg.

The Martin School, where Duncan McLean went to school.

mm* Ole Thorvilson,

Sr., and granddaughter,

Alta.

Lundene-Purr children in 1910. Front row: Henry Lundene, Ida Lundene Potter, Olga Lundene Knutson, May Purr Berg, William Purr. Back row: Inez Purr held by Ella Halstad Peterson, Geneva Purr. Chris

Sonstelie 1184

Old people's party at Pastor

The Olaf Bjerke

Hatlem's.

Adams Township birthday party guests of Mrs. Christina Dahlgren. Left to right: Mrs. Andrew Skare, Mrs. Hulda Okeson, Mrs. John Hedlund, Mrs. John Bergquist, Mrs. Fred Dahlgren, Caroline Hilde, AlmaNorquist, Christina Dahlgren, Mrs. Peter Hilde, Mrs. Martin Jenson, Mrs. Gunder Strom.

Family

August and Annie

Jensenna Hagen Stenerson granddaughter, Kaye.

Backstrom

and

Frank and Cyril Vejtasa and their red fox furs. 1185

Mr. and Mrs. Jorgen Sonstelie family. Left to right, top row: Alma, Carl, Maria. Bottom row: Alvin, Jorgen and Caroline, Elmer. Elmer and Maria are twins and Alvin and Alma are twins.

Ruth King and Margaret

Early Adams settlers, back row, left to right: Koppang, Andrew Larson, Haako Backstrom, Hilde, Erick Quamand William Krause, Sr. Second David Benas, Elling Ellingson, Erick Grove, Joe son, Lars Lundene. Front row: Sam Omdahlen, Egan, Frank Dvorak, Sr.

Wade.

Sam Lars row: IverElmer

mmmWi Dorothy, Bill, Walter and Freddie Felt

'Nels Olson and "Punk" 1186

Hagen.

H. M. Heen, early Adams businessman.

Mr. and Mrs. Hans Skyrud,

Mrs. Lars Lundeen

Mr. and Mrs. George

Olive and Edwin.

Lewis and Olena 1187

Levang

Larson

Pictorial History Of District Nine

Lankin Main Street, 1911. A Presbyterian church near the school was built in 1910, this organization no longer exists.

1188

Lankin Cleveland Norton Perth Sauter

John I. Johnson and Mandt Loken hauling coal from Medford.

1189

Twp. officers of Norton Twp. Left to right: Ellef Moe and Joe Waith. Front seat: A. G. Bylin and Henry Slatten.

Threshing at the John I. Johnson farm. 30 h.p. engine, 40x62 Case machine.

steam

1190

Four horses belonging to J. H. Novak ready for seeding.

1191

1193

Sept. 1898 cyclone completely destroyed this little home. In picture: James and Frank Harazim.

Mrs. James Harazim. Sitting, Stella Hatfield. 1196

Horsepower on the farm of John I. Johnson.

Bergit Jallo 1197

Helgeson

(•I- lor,.)

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, iPPI IPATinw

<fo nil Jo whoru these presents shall come, (Sveetinyj:

JLM± )

Homestead Certificate No. y ?/ / O

'

W O l C t C H S Tliere has been deposited in Ihe GENERAL LAND OFFICE of tlie United Stales a CERTIFICATE or THE REGISTER

of Ihe U S D flmct at ^ / b O c K - C L * A . C ! T M A ^ & s G f i L - . < W / Z - A j ~ £ a , .

I whereby it appeals that, pursuant to the Art of Congress

r

nppnrwd 20th May, i a a " To secure Homesteads to Actual Settlers on the Public Domain," and the acts supplemental tticreto, the claim of

]J.l7^1J^/lJ<b

CC-'iSZ-^r./r/ <c£ <*/

'•— been established and duly consummated, in conformity to law, for the

(-jgLe&Ze&L.

.sty

,

,

CLrt^U^?. accoidh.g to the Omuu JXoilI

httOUJ

PLAT of the Survey of the said Land, returned to the GENERAL LAND OFFICE by the SURVEYOR GENERAL: Ije, That there is, therefore, granted by the United „

thereof, unto the said

J j

fcrlU./i.'Hs

States

unto the said

Shy*-*'--/1

•

ft-(Z-^^.-JZ-sC^:.

the tract of Land above described: T o hfeive a r i d t o h o l d the said tract of Land, with the appurtenances

? C a . ^ C y

••

,

i l n c l

*

t o

heirs and assigns foreve^subject 'to any vested and accrued water rights for mining, agricultural, manufacturing, or other purposes, and rights to ditches and reservoirs used in connection with such water rights, as may be recognized and acknowledged by the local customs, laws, and decisions of courts, and also subject to the right of the proprietor of a vein or lode to extract and remove his ore therefrom, should the same be found to penetrate or intersect^ the premises hereby granted, as provided by law. - k ^ M l i ^ , I*" testimony voheveof i, h

j j ^ ^

a

,

c

l-tf£>ls3!fcT?4Ls3s3~....Z..

'i/l^i-<i>.(^h.

r...., President of the United States of America,

caused these letters to be madg/Patent, and the seal of the GENERAL LAND QEFICJ, to be hereunto, affixed. /

W

( S i u e i t under my hand, at the CITY OF WASHINGTON, t h e ? ^ ^ ? ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ d a y of /

5

>

\

e

^ ^ ^ C / . .

, in the year of our Lord one thousand

igl,t hundred and ..i3r?fl^rife<«iJ^....'??^HUrt;.., and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and,

t

^

tft* g i ^ W t :

Secretary.

RECORDED, Vol,

i.....

H» Ll.S-

—

—~•'

<4'*>~i

Recorder of the General Land Office.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, go all to whom these presents shall come, (greeting:

Homestead Certificate No,

}

APPLICATION I f y . / / y^j-

( ( J j S H j t j W H S There has been deputed In the GENERAL LAND OFFICE of the United Slates a CERTIFICATE or THE REGISTER wiicreby it appears lhat, pursuant to the Act of Congress

of tlit? IJAKD OFFICE at .... .rrT"..

approv^O^JIIh May, 1802, " T o s e c u r e

Homesteads

to Actual

Settlers

On t h e Public

D o m a i n , " and the acts Mipplemental thereto, the claim

.has been established and duly consumma^l, in conformity

CM/CM

..^^^/f\.a^A'x\i. .QL^cA^..y£^^....CUlAJ^L:.

cAj.

^

law^/or the

CTlAy

K^d-./..i...^L.Q^.

according to the OFFICIAL PLAT of Ihe Survey of the said Land, returned to the GENERAL LAND OFFICEJu^JTie SURVEYOR, GENERAL:

Cl^-L Li.\.d.r.

H O U I ImOtV) 1JC, That there is, therefore, granted by Ihe U n i t e d S t a t e s unto the said . /: 7

'--^ ^

1

•

~

aid .. LrD..GL:±sitrrfo..Vs~.. thereof, unto the s.

C\,'Ci^J^V

ih„ tract of L/ud above described: T o h a v e a n d t o h o l d the said tract of Land, with^flie appurtenances <X.(ViA,

.

and to . .

^Lt/L^—rrrrr...

heirs and assigns forever; subject to any vested and' accrued water rights for mining, agricultural, manufacturing, or other purposes, and rights to ditches and reservoirs used in connection with such water rights, as may be recognized aud acknowledged by the local customs, laws, and decisions of courts, and also subject lo the right of the proprietor of a vein or lode lo extract and remove his ore therefrom, should the same be found lo penetrate or intersect the premises hereby granted, as provided by law.

lira t e s t i m o n y w h e r e o f ^ J ^ A A J ? ^ ^ <* THB UNITED STATES OF AMEKKU, have caused these letters to be innde Patent, and the seal of tlie H K N E U I . LANII OKKICE to be hereunto affixed. G I V E N under my hand, at the CITY OK WASHINOTON, the/^Ltj<X^fcC^C..day o f _ ^ ^ K r ^ t » _ ^ « < 2 t f i n the voax of our Lord onp thousand nino hundred. Ca^tA-fyti- CKVsiLi , and of the Independence of the United States tho one huudred aad B Y THE PRESIDENT:

j(3?T.i^ZcZ«;.,£t--£^f?>. By.

Vol.1 BO '. Paii.frAS.

1198

HerortUr of the General. Land Ofib t.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph

Wedding picture of Mr. and Mrs. Iver Johnson, parents of the late John I. Johnson of Cleveland Twp. Taken in 1886.

Kratochvil—1917

John Ryba and Marie Zelenka married in 1884.

dress—1909. 1199

Witasek Bros, new store. Grocery, dry goods and clothing. Julius Witasek, Edward Witasek and Rudolph Witasek.

1200

Cleveland School N o . I District No. 61 Lankin, Cleveland Twp., Walsh County, North Dakota June 4, 1920

PUPILS Mary Beneda Anna Beneda Jennie Beneda Dorothy Booher William Booher Mildred Jechort Alice Jechort Daniel Jechort Barbara Chyle Edward Rose Charles Rose James Rose Rose Novak John Novak

Sophia Hegland, Teacher

School Board Peter Nagel Clerk Wm. K i n g President Howard McLaughlin Treasurer Thomas Rose Gilbert Erickson

t&ruts 3&ack 3Zt? School Da?s

to ytta

When beautiful school clay's are over A n d groWn men and Women are We, Tho' gone, We Will think of them ever— O , bring back my* school dajJs to me!

Give love, and lov"e to y"our life •Will floW, A strength in y"our utmost need; Have faith and a score of hearts Will shoW Their faith in your Word and deed. For life is the mirror of king and slave, 'Tis just v?hat We are and do; Then give to the World the best y'ou have, A n d the best Will come back to y'ou.

W e long for our playmates of childhood * W h o placed With us day" after day", A n d little We dreamt hoW We loved them Until thej) had gone far aWa}>.

—Madeline

O , beautiful, beautiful school day's— O , could y"our sWeet mem'r" remain, Thro' all of our pleasures and sorrows, A n d bring back our school day's again!

Bridges.

' A (V.'.IN CO D A N S V I L L E . N. T

1201

• 1202

INDEX NAME

P A G E NO.

A Aadalen Church 917 Aafedt, Peder 717 Aaland Noted in Potato Industry 353 Aaneson, Kittel & Signe 407 Aasand, L a r s 407 Aas, Andrew 148 Abbott, Alex 258 Abel, Archie 758 A Bit of Humor 641 Absey, M r . & M r s . Peter 937 Ackerland, E r i c k 1045 Acton Town 30-31 Acton Township 28-29 Acton Township School Officers 32 Adams' Banks 790 Adams' Barber Shops 795 Adams' Businesses 791, 792 Adams' Creamery 8. M i l l 796 Adams' Drays 8< Oil Companies 797 Adams' Drug Stores 794 Adams' Elevators 798 Adams' Hardware Stores 8, Implement Shops 794 Adams' Harness and Shoe Shop 796 Adams' History 788 Adams' Hotels 793 Adams' Livery Barns 796 Adams' Lumber Y a r d s 796 Adams' Newspapers 791 Adams Organizations 799 Adams' P a r k 22 Adams' Pioneers 802, 803, 804 Adams' Pool Halls 795 Adams' Postoffice 789 Adams' Restaurants 793 Adams Soo Depot 798 Adams' Telephone 796 Adams' Theatre 795 Aitken, David 676 An Incident '76 Aitken, John 897 Alex Henry's Rest Area 14 Allin, Roger 408 Almen, August 466 Almen, C F 408 Almen, Isaac 585 Almen, John 355 Almen, M r . 8. M r s . John M 354 Almen, John Otto 355 Almen, L a r s G . & Hulda 598 Almen, Per 598 Alpha, Hans and M a r i e 822 Alpha, Hans Jensen 821 Alstad, John 1005 Altendorf, John -33 Altendorf, L. N 148 American Legion Auxiliary 142 American Legion Post No. 41 141 Amundson, Helge & Ingeborg 585 Anderson, August 1004 Anderson, Carl Johan 918 Anderson, Duncan 355 Anderson, M r . 8. M r s . Even 355 Anderson, F r a n k 357 Anderson, Hannah (Hylden) 718 Anderson, Hans 804 Anderson, Henry S 718 Anderson, Israel 409 Anderson, Johannes & Tonetta 70 Anderson, P . M . (Martin) 804 Anderson, Martin & Kari 898 Anderson, Nils 540 Anderson, Ole & Sophia 71 Anderson, Tosten 466 Anderson, William 357 Antos, John Aos, Alfred 563 A. O. U. W. Lodge 138 A. O. U. W. Workmen Lodge 534 A Pioneer Story 716 A Prayer 641 Araas, Ole 466 Arason, Fred E ]50 Archdeacon, M r s . Estelle Garvey 164 Archer, Matt & Anna Maloney 49 Ardoch History 256 Ardoch Township 256 A r m a n , John 150 Arneson, Ole 898

P A G E NO.

NAME Arneson, Sigvart 8< Hanna Arnot, M r s . Robert Aronson, Alfred Aslakson, Aslak Askelson, Ben C A s k i m , Anders Aslakson, Ben C. F a m i l y Auburn History Augustson, Andrew Augustson, Nels Aune, John Axtell, H a r r y Axvig, John Axvig, Knut

898 49 822 1005 71 1062 72 45 586 563 955 758 956 957

B Babinski, Albert Babinski, Andrew Babinski, Dominick Babinski, John Baby Faces Backstrom, Hokan Baer, Gus M Bakke, Christian Bakke, M r s . Johanna Bakken, Andrew Bakken, John Bakken Sod House Story Bakken, Tollef Olson Ball, Henry A Barclay, James Barclay, William James Barstad, Even 0 Baseball Team of 1900 Bassette, Charles Bata, Joseph Bathgate, Simon Baxendale, Peter Baxendale, M r s . Peter Bayne, James Bazal, Frank Peter Beito, Andrew Bell, Angus Bell, James 8. M a r y Bellerud, Haaken Bena, John Benas, David Benas Memorial School Beneda, John Bennington F a m i l y Bennington, John Berdahl, Andrew F a m i l y Berg, George Berg, Halvor Berg, Jacob J Berg, Rev. John B Berg, Knute Co Berg, M . 0 Berg, Ole Berg, Ole C Berg, Ole K. & Eline Berg, Oscar & Clara Berg, Theodore Bergom F a m i l y Bergsland, Carl Bergsman, Dan & Hilma Bergquist, E l m e r Bergquist, E r i k Bergquist, Harry Bergquist, John Bergstrom Children Bergstrom, John & Ingeborg Bernard, Henry Berntson, Nels Bethel Baptist Church Bina, Joseph & M a r y Bina, Vavrina Birk, Ingebret Bishop, Martin Bjerke, Olaf Bjorg, Jens Olson Bjorlien, M r . & M r s . Magnus Bjorndahl, Nels & Roni Bjorneby, Christian Bjorneby, Gunnerius Bjorneby, Nels Gerhard Bjornstad, Aslak F a m i l y Blades, Levi F a m i l y Blasky, Michael Boe, Halvor Boe, Knute R

1203

299 301 301 301 1105 823 151 599 719 866 958 959 466 152 288 289 409 535 246 919 466 247 247 493 772 .409 759 921 805 677 823 863 1046 678 678 357 937 921 540 541 358 152 824 358 466 467 72 49 806 805 867 866 867 867 868 867 153 959 675 510 1082 410 300 »60 824 938 543 411 412 358 359 72 747 1005 825

NAME Bogstie, Ole Bolstad, John 0 Bolstad, Ole 8, Anna Bolstad, Torger Boman, John Boman, Children of John & Kristina Bomrod, Mohammed Allay Bookwalter, O. F Borge, Halvor Bosh, Joseph 8. M a r y Bosh, Vaclav Botsford, Arestus Braaten, Ole 0 Braget, M r . & M r s . Knute 0 Brandt, Gustav Brandt. Lymon Brandt, Willie Brandson, Dr. Brandur J Brandvold, Ben Brandvold, Knute T Brandvold, Ole Knute Brandvold, T. O. K Brandvold, Torkel N Brekke, Hans J Brekke, John 8. Tilda Brekke, Josie Brenna, Ole Olson Brennan, Henry Brevig, M r . 8, M r s . Halvor 0 Brevik, Magnus H Brevik, Ole H Brodina, Frank Brosnahan, J . S Brosnahan 8, Olson Brown, John Brubakken, Ole Bruce, Alexander Mitchell Bruce, John Brunsvold, Alof Brzykcy, Thomas Byrne, Michael Lorius Brynstad, Simon R Buck, Christian Burbidge, William Burianek, John Burris, Henry Burris, Robert Bushaw, Tousant Byars, William 8. Caroline Bygland, Oscar Bylin, Anders G Byzewski F a m i l y

c

P A G E NO. 359 541 542 898 826 826 564 805 467 1074 921 961 899 72 679 759 600 564 544 543 543 543 544 73 413 153 153 493 542 542 542 922 147 148 496 359 413 494 618 269 289 826 563 413 772 747 747 323 961 680 1063 300

Caimcross, Stewart 154 Campbell, Neil M 415 Campbell, Peter W 414 Cameron, Stephen Alexander 649 Campbell F a m i l y 226 Carlson, A . E. & Ernestine 154 Carlson, Charles 759 Carlson, Charles N. A 1046 Carlson, Gustavus & Wilhelmina 155 Carpenter, James 509 Carpenter—Jamieson Wedding 508 Cashel At the Turn of the Century 216 Cashel, John L., J r 157 Cashel, John L., Sr 156 Cashel, M o r r i s J 157 Cass, George Henry 759 Catherwood F a m i l y 680 Catherwood, Thomas 680 Catholic Workman Lodge, Branch No. 28 ..648 Catholic Workmen 746 Cawley, Leonard 8. Clara 748 Cayley, Alyce 159 Cayley, Catherine Fee 512 Chale, Hermas 217 Chally, Hans 565 Chally, Henry J 900 Chally, Samuel 10^5 Chandler, W. M 146 Chandler, William M 158 Charon, Edward 600 Charon, Joseph 600 Charpentier, Joseph 228 Checkley, Alexander (Sandy) 494 Chizek, John 8, Anna 1037 Christiansen, M r . & Mrs. Thorvald 938 Christopherson F a m i l y 544 Chromy, Jacob 772

NAME

P A G E NO.

Chromy, Jakob 512 Church, Dr. R. J 480 Church, Richard J 748 Churches 345, 401, 490, 535 , 536, 582, 596, 615, 671, 740 , 801, 862 , 917, 922, 933, 889, 951, 999, 1025, 1034, 1044, 1061, 1073, 1082, 1084, 1085 Chyle, Charles & Rose 1046 Cicha, Frank 773 Citizens State Bank 1032 Civic Club 138 Civic League 534 Clark, George 494 Clemenson, Henry 416 Clemetson, Nels 468 Clemetson, Ole 586 Clerk of District Court 175 Cleveland Township 1044 Cleveland Township Schools 1044 Cliffgard, Arne 417 Close, Andrew 748 Clover Club 534 Coats, Robert J 247 Cochran, George 33 Conklin, Anna Justad Bjorg 843 Colsen, John 159 Colsen, Justin 159 Colter, William 8, E v a 51 Concordia Church 401 Conlon, Thomas 34 Considine, John W i l l i a m 289 Coriveau, Alcidas 34 Costello, James 518 Conway After 1905 736 Conway History 736 Conway Presbyterian Church 741 Conway School 739 Cook, Robert Coulter, Joseph 719 Coulter, William 760 Countryman, Dr. George 161 Countryman, Dr. John Edgar 160 Cream 8, Egg Purchases 1042 Crops in Fertile, Dundee, Glenwood 338 Cudmore F a m i l y 480 Cultural & Intellectual Pursuits 124 Curran, M r s . Margaret 270 Curran, Michael 271 Curran, Timothy 270 Czapiewski, Andrew 324 Czapiewski, Jacob 325

D D o f H Juniors Dahl, Annanias Cornielius Dahl, Anton Christian Dahl, Hans F a m i l y Dahl, Iver Dahl, Knute E Dahl, M a r t i n F a m i l y Dahl, Olaus Dahl, Oluf Dahl, Theodore Dahlgren, Fred Dahlgren, Lars & Christina Dahlgren, Willie Daily, Tom Danielski, Ignac Danielski, John Danielski, Stanley Dauksavage, Alexander Daley, John T Daley, Torger Andreas Dangerfield Families Dauksavage, Frank & Anna Davids, Ole T Davidson Post No. 156 Davis, Joseph 8. Nancy Dean, George Albert Deason, Dr. Chester 0 Deason, Dr. Frank W Dedication Degree of Honor Lodge Delphian Society Demers, Daniel Dencker, Henrich Fredrich Johon Den een, Daniel Depression Days • Desautels Desautel, David Dike F a m i l y Desautel, Frances & Euphemie Desautel, Joseph & Sarah Desautel, Thomas & Matilda Dewey School District No. 1 Dewey Township Dickerson, Frank & Dyann Cramton

534 -75 3S9 •>*' a g '00* *•> *1 ;7* °BI 870 868 870 749 sou 272 3

2 7 2

•»» 418 W lu 326 419 534 682 3 2 6

161 161 534 Jj" 229 601 290 64) 51 5 2

54 52 53 53 888 865 760

P A G E NO.

NAME

Diemer, Lillian (Marifjeren) 469 Diemert F a m i l y 512 Diggnes, M a r t i n 162 Dike, George E 900 District Eight 785 District F i v e 613 District Four 487 District Nine 1029 District I, fly-leaf 25 District Seven 735 District Six 643 Dixon, Dr. Oscar C 806 & 900 Dokken, Hellick 1047 Domstad, Alfred & Helga '.77 Domstad, John 78 Don elly, John 56 Donnelly, Bernard & Mathilda 56 Donnelly, Henry & Catherine 56 Donnelly, Stephen Dose Family 826 Dougherty, W. L $84 Dovre, Halsten K 922 Dowling, M a r y Falconer 290 Downs, John 260 Drevecky, Frank 827 Drevecky John—Eleanora Blasky 827 Drevecky, Children of John 8. Eleanora . . . .827 Drew, Charles 494 Driscoll, Thomas A 162 Dryburgh, Thomas 760 Dryburgh, M . L 760 Duff, Arthur E . F a m i l y 62 Dundee F a r m e r s Mutual Insurance Co 465 Dundee Township 582 Duray, John P Duray, Peter & M a r y 495 Dusek, F r a n k 773 Dusek, Joseph 774 Dvorak, Albert 650 Dvorak, Albert & Anna 1037 Dvorak, F r a n k & Jessie Shore 828 Dvorak, John 744 Dvorak, John H ...774 Dynes, John & M a r y Ann 901 3

3 0 2

E Early Country Store East Adams Lutheran Cemetery E. Dundee Township East Forest River Church East Forest River Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church Eaton, Clark Ebert, Jan Ebertowski, Joseph Eckdahl, John Eden School District No. 41 Eden Township Edinburg A r e a Bands Edinburg Civic League Memorial Park Edinburg History Edinburg Townsite Edinburg Women's Christian T e m perance Union Edwards, Amelia Edwards, Herbert James Egeland, Carl Egeland, Ludvig Egge, Clara Egge, E r i c k Egleston, J . L Ellingson, Elling A Ellingson F a m i l y Ellingson, Olie Elton, Children of Ole L Elton, Ole L Elton, Ole O Elznic, W. H Emergency Beds Enge, Sarah Grove Erickson, Carl E r i c k Erickson, Carl Leonard Erickson F a m i l y Erickson, Gilbert Erickson, Halvor Erickson, Hugo V Erickson, Karl and M a r i a Erickson, L a r s Erikstad, Gunder Erlanson, Amund F a m i l y Espelien, John E Espetvedt F a m i l y Evans, Evan Evans, Robert M e r c e r , M . D Evenson, John Edwin Evenson, M a r g i t & Thomas Evenson, Ole

1204

714 1026 465 742 742 685 58 27 829 740 746 535 18 527 640

3

533 618 618 79 79 1007 1007 147 829 601 830 830 830 »38 1037 452 831 922 806 586 1047 419 806 923 1063 80 362 .720 545 518 290 545 419 544

NAME

P A G E NO.

F Forest River Cemetery Forest River History Forest River Methodist Church Forest River Presbyterian Church Forest River Township History Foreword Former Edinburg Residents Foseide F a m i l y Foss, A. N Foss, Andrew Nelson Foxen, Cornelius Foyen, Baard Fraine, John H Frazier, L. J Fredrickson, Dr. A. R Fredrickson, Fred J Fredrickson, John Fredrickson, M r . & M r s . C a r l F Freeman, Albert Freeman, Andrew J Freije F a m i l y French, Louisa French, Victor Froiland F a m i l y Frovarp, Ole P Fuller, Dewitt Clinton Fagerholt F a m i l y Fairview School District No. 102 Falconer, Elizabeth Trotter Falconer, Matthew Falter, Carl Falter, Frank Farmington School Districts Farmington Township Farmington Township School Officers Farup, K. J Fayette, M r . 8. M r s . Charlet Ferguson, George Fedje, Andrew F a m i l y Fedje, M r . & M r s . Ole A. Fedje, Nels Fee F a m i l y Fee, Thomas Feldmann, Henrick Feltman, Joseph Fennell, Thomas & Ann Fertile Township Fett, Olaf Fett, Ole Field, Dr. Alexander B Fine Arts Club Fink F a m i l y Finley, Edmund Burke Finneseth, Christen J Finneseth, Gladys M a e Finneseth, Ida Blanche Finneseth, Ivah M y r t l e Finneseth, Joe Lawrence Ftrmeseth, Oscar E l m e r Finstad, Hans Fire of 1900 First Commencement First Doctor in Vernon Township First Elevator First Lutheran Church First National Bank First Presbyterian Church First Site of Edinburg Fischer, Carl & F r e d Fisher, George & M a r y Fisher, Herman 81 Wilhelmina F i e l d , Christian J Flaten, Amund & Johanna Flaten, Anders Flaten, Dr. Amos Amund Flaten, Dr. & M r s . Amos A . & F a m i l y Flaten, Dr. M . C Flaten, Iver A Flaten, Jens Flaten, Nels Flaten, Paul A Flaten, Rev. C. A Flaten, Winnifred Donnelly Fletcher, H a r r y Flom F a m i l y Flom, Herman T Flood Of 1897 Flugekvan, Louis & Julia Flugekvam, Moses & Johanna Flugekvam, Ragnald Foerster F a m i l y Foley, James A Foley, Thomas Foley, Thomas, Sr Folson, Charles Folson, Martin Folson, Nels F a m i l y Foot Racing

492 488 491 491 488 ^ 581 619 1047 1048 774 689 162 366 569 569 761 568 218 219 939 230 35 1064 1007 545 3 6 3

863 291 291 761 686 42 42 43 686 938 328 64 364 470 512 513 .34

3

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NAME Ford, David Fordville Established in 1905 Fordville Presbyterian Church

P A G E NO. 688 738 743

G Gaarder, Christian G 721 Gaarder, Ole 68 Gaetz, Gertrude Katherine Koehmstedt 501 Gagnon, T, A 163 Gallagher, Farigal 219 Garant, Emile 230 Garfield 528 Garfield Lutheran Free Church 539 Garfield Lutheran Free Church 8. Cemetery 596 Garfield Lutheran Ladies' Aid 540 Garnaas, Guttorm ...807 Garvey Frank, Sr., F a m i l y 164 Gates, Cassimier 689 Geary, William 8, E l l a 807 Geddes, Robert 261 Geddes, Robert 495 Gehrke, Carl 833 Gehrke, Ernest William 833 Gehrke, John L 834 G e m m i l l , Herbert William 621 G e m m i l l , James C 619 G e m m i l l , M r . 8, M r s . Robert C 621 German Lutheran Cemetery 596 Gerszewski, Antoni 261 Gerszewski F a m i l y 302 Gerszewski, Frank 328 Gerszewski, John 261 Gerszewski, John 328 Gerszewski, John F ..304 Gerszewski, Vincent 261 Gerszewski, Walenty 262 Gibbons, George 495 Gilbert, Charles 546 Gilbertson, Gilbert 871 Gilbertson, John T 808 Gilbertson, Ni.ls 871 Gilbertson, Rasmus 901 Gillespie, Angus 291 Gillespie, Angus 496 Gillespie, Duncan 650 Gillespie, John & Sarah 690 G i l l h a m , Charles 496 Gilmore, John C. F a m i l y 164 G i r a r d , Antoine 35 Gire, Stengrim & Andrina 546 Givens, Henry F a m i l y 165 Givens, John, Sr., F a m i l y 165 Giein, Daniel 80 Gjevre F a m i l y 547 Glaspel, Dr. Cyril J 166 Glaspel F a m i l y 166 Glenwood School District No. 17 347 Glenwood Township History 338 , 339 Golden School District No. 97 597 Golden Township 596 Golden Valley Church 596 Goodman, Alex 252 Gorder, Gustav 0 231 Gorder, Hans T 231 Gorder, Ole Toresen 231 Gorecke, Anton 761 Gornowicz, Frank 304 Gourdes 232 Gowan, Frank 329 Gowan, William 329 Grabanski, Joe 305 Grabanski, John 305 Grabanski, Valentine 305 Grafton City History 105 Grafton F a r m e r s ' Club 406 Grafton Fire Department 144 Grafton Lodge No. 99 Degree of Honor 139 Grafton Lutheran Church 130 Grafton News & Times 136 Grafton Record 137 Grafton Roller M i l l s 147 Grafton Schools 128 Grafton School Districts 69 Grafton State School History 121 Grafton Township 69 Grain Prices 919 Grande, Halvor L 901 Granum, Peder Anderson 871 Graving, C. J 168 Gray, James & Laura 168 Greevers, John 273 Greicar, Albert 650 & 774 Grendahl, Hans 587 Greer, James Alexander 169 Grilley, Louise Midbo 976 Grimstad, M r . & M r s . Carl M 423 Grinter, Walter 749

P A G E NO.

NAME Grommursh, John P Gronvold, Paul—Olson, Olga Grove, Caroline Justad Grove, E l m e r Grove, E r i c k T

Grove, Olie

620 808 843 835 836

835

Grove, Thomas E Groven, M r . & M r s . Halvor 0 Groven, Ole O & Ambjor Grover, B. C Grovom, Halvor N Grovom, Nels G Grovom, Olena Johansen Grovum, Ole T Gryde, Edwin Gryde, Joseph 0 Gryde, Kittle & Ingeborg Gryde, Knut K Gryde, Olaf K Gryde, Ole K Gryde School District No. 125 Gryde School District No. 125 Gryte, Halvor & Minnie Gryte, Ole Tollefson Grzadzielewski, Joseph Grzadzielewski, Tomasz Grzeskowiak, Stanislaw, Sr Grzeskowiak, Michael Gudajtes, Anton L Gudajtes, Benjamin A GuUickson, Gullik Gunderson, Gisle Gullikson, M r s . Hannah Swanson Gunhus, George Gunderson, Torge Gunhus, Henning Gustafson, Carl & Sofia Gustafson, John T Gustavus Adolphus Church Gutterud F a m i l y

834 424 424 147 602 602 552 587 620 620 366 367 620 367 23 1026 368 471 305 306 273 273 319 320 369 470 939 872 470 547 1008 1009 862 872

H Haas, George V Hagen, Gilbert Hagen, Goodwin & Edith Hagen Ole Hagen, M r s . Ole Hagen, Peder Hager, Grant S Halberg, Svend Petter Hall, Ole Hall, James E d w a r d Halland, Ole Halldorsson, Moritz Hallen, John Halliday, George Walter Halverson, Gregor Halvorson, Hellek Hammer, Olaf & M a r t h a Hammerstad, M r . & M r s . M a r t i n Hanawalt, John Handy F a m i l y Hankey, Conrad C Hanson, Ben Hanson, Charles F Hanson, Christian Hanson, Cipron Hanson, Eddie E Hanson, Gullick Hanson, Halvor Hanson, Helena Justad Hanson, Henry Hanson, James Hanson, John & Hannah Hanson, Lars Hanson, Olaf Hanson, Olaf M Hanson, Oliver Hanson, Pete Happy Hollow Pavilion Harazim, Albert Harazim, F r a n k Harazim, James Haroldson, Gilman Haroldson, Ole Harris, Moses & Elizabeth Harrison, Hamlet Peters Harriston Township Hart, Robert Hart, Michael J Harvey, George P Haslekaas, Christian Olson Haslekaas, Hans Haug, Anton Haug, Christina Grove Haug, M r . & M r s . Jens Haug, Nels & Margrethe Haug, Ole 8, M a r i e

1205

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NAME Haug, Theodore & Maren Haugen, Gilbert Hauges Lutheran Church Haugland, Even Haussamen, H. L Hedalen, Nels T Heder, Hjalmer Hedlund, John Hedman, Peter Heffern, John James Heffernan, Owen & Mary Heffta F a m i l y Hegeland, Jacob & Talina Heggerusta, Gulbrand Hein, August Helgenset, John Helgenset, Ole Helgeson, Ole Helgeson, Ole & Gunhild Hellerud Helland, Andres Helle, Ole P Hellerud, Anders 8. Stever Helt, Frank Helt, Joseph Heltne, Melker L Heltne, M r . & M r s . Tom Hendrickson, Carl Hendrickson, Henry F a m i l y Hendricksen & Olson Hennessey, John Henry, James Henry, William F a m i l y Herbison, Albert Herbison, Joseph Herbison-Wright F a m i l y Herda, A . W Hermann, H Herriott Elevator Herseth, Ole Herwick, E d Herwick, Sivert Hewitt, H a r r y H Hewitt, L o m e Hewitt, William J Hjelvik, Olaf & E l l a Hjelmstad, Peder L. & Beret Sibrum Hilde, Lars K Hilde, Samuel Hill, E m m a Mathilda Erickson Hillier, William F a m i l y Hills, John Edward Historical Book Committee Hitterdal Lutheran Congregation Hodek F a m i l y Hodny, Jacob Hodny, Joseph Hoenke, E m i l Hoff, Herman & Tina Hoff L a d i e s ' A i d Hoff Lutheran Church Hoff School District No. 70 Hogfoss, Anders Hogfoss, Elling & Elise Hogfoss, Syver Hoghaug, Anders Monson Hogi, Andreas E Hoisveen, Louis C Hoisveen, M r s . Louis Holland, Sam Holland, Samuel Holmes, James Holmigren (Holm) Ole Holt, M r . & M r s . Henry Holt, M a r t i n 0 Holt, Ole Olson Holt, Olia C Holt, Sam 0 Holt, Theodore Helmer Holth, Andrew & Gina Holth, Olaf Holzinger, Fred & Bertha Home Remedies Homemakers of Glenwood & Fertile Homestead Titles Homme F a m i l y Honey, Charles P Honsvald, Albert Hoople, Allan Hoople Area Hoople F a r m e r s G r a i n Company Hoople History Hoople Organizations Hoople Public School No. 42 Horning, Charles Hosna, F r a n k & Amelia Hosna, Children of Frank & A m e l i a Hostettor, L a u r a Dell Houdek, Anton Houser, Frank Houska, Matt Hove, Nels 0

P A G E NO. 902 762, 1049 535 471 147 1050 370 873 248 258 258 923 839 903 60 775 426 1050 370 220 692 80 1065 1038 220 172 924 370 147 514 762 371 371 371 173 1031 569 237 966 692 427 292 497 497 873 940 839 939 174 371 292 9 1000 1075 1051 1074 35 1065 1062 1061 1061 903 904 874 429 840 81 81 931 693 623 588 81 82 373 175 82 372 905 905 602 485 339 485 373 693 172 373 337 350 342 350 346 36 840 840 175 775 1010 775 941

NAME Hove, Andrew J Hove, Albert Hove, Sjur Hove, Daniel Halvorson Hovey, Knute Olson Howard, E . R Howe, Severt Olson Howe, George Hultin, K a r l 8. Petronella Hultin, Magnus Hultin, Nels Hughes, Frank Hughes, John Hurt, Frank Hurtt, F a m i l y of William & M a r i a n Hurtt, Roy Hultstrand, Anders Huseby, Helge 8c Sarah Huseby, Ole S Hvideso Lutheran Church Hylden, David Hylden, M i k k e l

60 4 2 9 4 7 2

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I Icelandic Lutheran Church Immanuel Lutheran Church Immanuel Lutheran Ladies' Aid Incorporation of Village of Edinburg Ingebretson, A l m a Midbo Ingle, Horace Irvine, Vincent S Irwin, James Isakson, Nels Iverson, Alert Iverson, Andrias Iverson, Christ Iverson, L a r s Iverson, Julius Iverson, Olaus Ivesdal, Tonnes & Christine

135 536 536 529 976 176 693 98 549 430 874 431 1066 431 1066 430 4

J Jackson, Abraham Jackson, Christopher Jackson, John P Jackson, Lydia Jallo, Knut Jamieson, John Jamieson, John Bain Janousek, John Jarstad, Ole H. & Olina Jaster, Edward & E v a Jaster, Henry & Annie Jechort, Frank Jeglum, C. A. 8. Josephine Jeglum, Clarence 8. Winifred Jeglum, Henry & Nellie Jeglum, Ole T. & Isabelle Jelinek, Charles A Jelinek, Frank Jelinek, John T Jelinek, Karel Jensen, Andrew C Jensen, Gilbert C Jensen, Iver Jenson, K a r i Jensen, M a r t h a Jensen, Ole Jestrab, Frank Job, John Johansen, M r . 8. M r s . Arne Johanson, Markus Johnstad, Julius Johnson, Andrew 8. Christine Johnson, Andres 8. Gunhild Johnson, Anton Johnson, Benjamin J Johnson, Bernard M Johnson, Charles O. S Johnson, Christ Johnson, Christian Johnson, Christian 8, Oline Johnson, Ellis Johnson, Erick Johnson, Erick M Johnson, George A. & Maggie Johnson, Gerd Johnson, Guile J Johnson, Gullik 8, Anna Johnson, Gustav A Johnson, Gustav F a m i l y Johnson, Hans & Clara .' Johnson, Iver 8. Ingeborg Johnson, Jermiah Johnson, Jermun

P A G E NO.

NAME

P A G E NO.

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Johnson, John Johnson, John Johnson, M r . & M r s . John A Johnson, John G. & E m m a Johnson, John I Johnson, John Sigmar Johnson, John T Johnson, Jorgen Johnson, M r s . Jorgen Johnson, M a r t i n Johnson, M r . & M r s . Olaus Johnson, Ole Johnson, Ole Johnson, Ole Johnson, Ole E Johnson, Ole M Johnson, Oscar & Louise Johnson, Nels & Otto Johnson, Peter Johnson, Robert 8. Karen Johnson, Tollef Johnson, Thomas Johnson, William Johnston, Andrew Johnston, James & Annie Johnston, John Johnston, Milton & Hazel Johnston, Robert Johnston, William F a m i l y Johnston, William Robert Johnstone, George Johnsrud, Peter Jones, Robert H Jorandby, Andrew & Christine Jore, Eivend G Jorgenson F a m i l y Junkin F a m i l y Justad, Carl Justad, Ramus C

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NAME

P A G E NO.

Koehmstedt, Clara Frances 500 Koehmstedt, Francis Valentine 522 Koehmstedt, John Lawrence 501 Koehmstedt, Joseph Patrick 522 Koehmstedt, Lawrence & Susanna 501 Koehmstedt, Lawrence Valentine 502 Koehmstedt, Leo Edward 502 Koehmstedt, Loretta Susanna 502 Koehmstedt, M a r y Susanna 503 Koehmstedt, Michael J 503 Koehmstedt, Valentine 522 Koehmstedt, Victor 503 Kohnen, John J 695 Koppang, Halvor 844 Koppang, Karen Sagstuen 696 Kopperud, John Anderson Kosecki, Lawrence 8, Rosala 306 Kosmatka, Joseph 306 Kosobud, John M 924 Kosobud Lodge 106 934 Kostohris, John 653 Kotaska, Alois 653, 778 Kouba F a m i l y 522 Kouba, Josef 779 Kovarik, Josef J 925 Kratochvil, Jacob & M a r y 1066 Kratochvil, Joseph 8. M a r y 1067 Krause, Children of William 8, Mathilda ...844 Krause, William 844 Krier, John -307 Krile, Thomas 653 Kringstad, Ole 8. Jennie 907 Kronebusch, Barbara 503 Kronebusch, Grace Angeline 276 Kubart, Joseph 8, M a r y 1039 Kulas, Jan (John) 307 Kulas, Theodore 30B Kutz, Hugo J 178 8 8

'

L

K Kadlec, Frank Kadlec, V a c l a r Kadlovec, M r . & M r s . Anton Kamper F a m i l y Karnik, Anton Kasal, Joseph Kearns F a m i l y Keeley, Coleman Keillor, Charles Kelleher, Michial Kellogg, Augustus H Kelly, Claude A Kelly, Patrick Kensington Township Kerr F a m i l y Kennedy, E l m e r Joseph Kennedy, Hugh A Kennedy, M r . & M r s . Matthew Kennedy, Thomas Kenney, Peter J K e n a n , Franx Kerian, James Kerian, Thomas Kertz, Felix Kiedrowski, Peter Kieley, F a r i g a l Thomas Kingsbury, Albert & Wilhelmina Kingsbury, Charles & Gertrude Kinloss Township Kinsala, David Kivle, Nora Kivle, Ole Kittleson F a m i l y Kittleson, Gjermond & K a r r i e Kittleson, Gregor Kjelaas, John Kjelaas, Tom Sigurd Swenson Kjelland, E m i l Kjelland, Sivert Kjos, Gustav N Kjos, Nils Klinecki, Anna 8, Paulina Klungness F a m i l y Kluxdal, I. J Knoff, Peter Knox Presbyterian Church Knudson, John R Knudson, Thomas Knutson, Charlie Knutson, Nathan Knutson, Tori Koehmstedt, Adolf Joseph Koehmstedt, Alphonse Laurance Koehmstedt, Angeline Susanna Koehmstedt, Anna Elizabeth Koehmstedt, Charles Peter Koehmstedt, Clara

1206

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LaBerge F a m i l y LaBoheme Club Lahd, Christian Lahd, John M a r i f j e r n Lahd, John 8, Martha Laithwaite, G . C Lamach F a m i l y Lamberg, John Lambie, W i l l i a m A Lampton Township Lander, Bert Lander, Ole L Landsborough, E l m e r 8. Mabel Landsborough F a m i l y Landsborough, Samuel & Evelyn Landsborough, Samuel & Jane Landsborough, William & Fanny Lanstad Lutheran Church Langemo, Rev. 8« M r s . J . T Lankin American Legion Post Lankin Community Band Lankin History Lankin School Lansing, Ted Lapic, John LaRoche, Stanislaus Larson, Andreas Larson, Andrew Larson, Andrew G Larson, Anton Larson, Axel W Larson, Ben O _. Larson, Edward Larson, George & Elline Larson, Gulick Larson, Hans P Larson, M r . & M r s . John M Larson, F a m i l y of M a r t i n Hauge Larson, Nels & Marie Larson, Ole Larson, Ole & Antoinette Larson, Paul & Ingeborg Larson, Peter F a m i l y Larson, Samuel Latona Township Latrail School District No. 66 Lawson, James & Etta Laurhammer, Rev. & M r s . P. 0 Ledwich, Hugh 8. M a r y Lee, Anders 0 Lee, M r . 8. M r s . E r i k Lee, E r i c k N. & Amelia Lee, Gulbrand H Lee, Henry 8. Anne Lee, Peter Leff, Alois Legge, Aaron Leistikow, W. C

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Lerohl, Knute " Lerud, Ole 8, Anna •» Lessard F a m i l y Lester, Stephen JJ"? Letter I'Z Levang, Agnes °j~ Levang, Anton Levang, Christ °^ Levang, Children of Christ 8. Frances 850 Levang, K. E 848 Levang, Knut •••• 846 Levang, Children of Louie 8, Olena 848 Levang, Nels A »47 Levang, Children of Nels & Judina 847 Levang, Peter G • °50 Levang, Other Children of Peter G 851 Levin, Aaran °£! Lewis, John '™ Lewis, Susie Lewis, Thomas F Lione, Iver Iverson ° Lian, Edward ™ Lian, Ole Halvorson Jg Libby, H. A 2S Liddle, David John 'ff Liddle, Hugh 'ff Liddle, John ' " Liddle, M a r y Ramsey 'ff Liddle, William Andrew f-j Lien, Clarence rj' Lien, Gilbert 'fi Lien, Henry 8, Nina Lien, John P {"'' Lien, Ole P •• °! Life at Lankin Has Many Phases 1031 Lillehaugen, Knute S •»« Lillehaugen, Michael T 1076 Lillehaugen, M i k k e l S 1077 Lillehaugen, Tosten M Lindell, Alfred 8, Anna °u& Lindell, John ?™ Lindgren, John Wilhelm 'JJ Lindgren, Bertha Larson ™ Linehart, Joseph ''» Linstad, Berger Olsen • • • ••• «' Linstad, Children of Berger 8. Martha B5i Linstad, Edward Olsen Linstad, E l m e r Linstad, Ole Olsen »f? Lipinski, Caroline Sprafka ....4W Livestock Industry in Fertile, Glenwood 8, Dundee Townships ?* Lizakowski, Frank John {" Lizakowski, Frank, Sr •>•*> Locken, O. J JX Lockrem, Andrew ?*" Loe, M r . 8, M r s . Andrew J |» Loe, John P tVi Lofgren, Andrew John »" Lofthus, Annie Grove •»« Lofthus, Johannes Lofthus, John rrt Loftsgard, Ole T 2AO Loite, Ole S S Loken, Carl °|4 Loken, Knut Of Loken, Thor T f Lokken, Ole 8, Mabel W» Lomice Post Office Long, H. D W Longsen, John JS Lord, C. D J Lotof, Christian H *tt Loughead F a m i l y Lowe, Isaac r£ Lovaasen, Andreas ™ Lovcik, James Mf Lovestrom, Frank Lund, John 8. E m m a »*» Lundberg, Albert °'* Lundberg, Andrew 8. Britta 876 Lundberg, O. Victor 8. A l m a 877 Lundby, Ole •?* Lunde, E d w a r d ™g Lunde, Theodore T j'» Lundene, Gabriel A Wg Lundgren, John Lundgren, L a r s ?« Lundin, Fred ;fl Lust, Joe Lutheran Church of Fordville 744 Lykken, Gulman 8, E l l a S Lykken, Hans H •» Lykken, Hans O »« Lykken, Hella " J Lykken, Joseph O Lykken, Knut K. 8, Trina Sophia 1054 Lykken, L a r s 8. Sophia •» Lykken, Ole H J Lykken, Oscar 8, Mabel »' 4 4

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Mach, Frank A Machart, Albert 8. Josephine Machart, Frank M . 8, Lena Machart, Thomas M . 8. Elizabeth Machovsky, Charles Mackenzie F a m i l y Madland, Andrew Madland, E l i a s Madland, Lars Madland, Ole Magnusson, Carl Magnusson, Claus Mahoney, Thomas J Mail Carriers " L a m e n t " Malone, James Manderud, Ole G Inland Town of Mandt Mandt, Joe •• Mandt School District No. 62 Maresch, Charles Henry Marifjeren, Johannes Marifjeren, John J Marifjeren, Malvin Marifjeren, Nels J Marifjeren, Selmer Marifjeren, Severt Markusen, Jens E Marndahl, Karoline — Hans Olsen Martin, Peter Martin School District No. 59 Martin Township Martin Township Schools Martin, Wilfred J Martinson, Olaf Marynik, Gregory Marynik, Michael Marsh, Sidney Stearns Masonic Bodies Mastre, Isaac Mastre, Simon Maszk, Andrzej Matejcek, E m i l Matejcek, J . W Matejcek, John Matejcek, Joseph Mathiason, Johan Mathison, Henry Maxwell, J i m F a m i l y Maxwell, Thomas William Meagher, Cornelius Mecham, Adelbert Medford 8, Eden Schools Medford Township Meduna, Charles A Meier, John 8. M a r y Melgaard, Julius 8, A m y Mel land, Osmen Mellstrom, Helen Melsted Brothers Store Melville, Andrew Memories Memories of North Dakota Memories of the Old Log House Merchlewicz, Michael Methodist Episcopal Church Methodist & Presbyterian Churches M c G u i r e , F r a n k James Michalski, Joseph Midbo, Children of Hans & K a n Midbo, Hans Thorsen Midboe, Even T Midboe, Gjermund 8. Thonetta Midboe, Herman Midgarden, Albert Midgarden, Alfred Midgarden, Amund N Midgarden, Gunder N Midgarden, Ida Midgarden, Ingval E Midgarden, Nels N Midthun, Peder J Mikolasek, Rev. Vadar F Milland, William Miller, Archibald J Miller, William Mills, David Milne, William Minneapolis Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ^ Minto American Legion Post No. 201 Minto History • • • ••• Minto School District No. 20 Misialek, Matt Mitchell, Sadie Justad Sebelius

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PAGE NO.

Nelson, Anton Nelson, Children of E r i c k and Mina Nelson, Children of Knute L Nelson, E m i l Nelson, E r i c k J Nelson, Hans Nelson, Jacob J Nelson, John Nelson, Knut L Nelson, Lars Nelson, Ole Nelson, Osmond D Nelson, Ted Nelson, Theodore Nelson, Willie A Ness, Thomas Alfred Neste, Ole Newgard, I. L Nice, Frank Szykowny Nicholson, John Nilson, Bernard Noel, Clara Levang Nollman, Charles W Norby, Even Erickson Norbye, Elina Grove Norby, Jens S. Nordlie, Ole & Sena Nordlund, John Norquist, Bangt Norquist, Jens North Dakota Churchman North Dakota Railway Company North Trinity Church Norton School District No. 39 Norton School District No. 69 Norton Township Nostalgic Memories of Hoople Novak, Anton J Novak, Charles J Novak, Frank J Novak, John J Novak, Joseph Novak, Joseph Novak, Joseph W. & Anna Novak, Thomas J Novak, Thomas W. & Rose H Nygard, Andrew Nygaard, E r i c k Nygard, Jens Nygard, Jorgen Nygard, Lauritz Nykreim, Peter A

Omlie, Oliver M 199 Omlie, Phoebe F a i r g r a v e 200 Omlie, Vernon C 199 Ondracek F a m i l y 656 Opperud, Anders 200 Ops Township 510 Ordahl, M r . & M r s . Nicolai 577 Ordahl, Ole 97 Ordahl, Children of M r . 8, M r s . Ole 97 O'Reilly, Stephen 780 Organizations 533 Orstad, Edward 1014 Orstad, Ole 607 Osowski, Anthony 310 Osowski, Joseph 332 Osowski—School District No. 32 322 Oster, Louise Justad 843 Our Saviour's Lutheran Church 134, 673 Overbye, Halvor & Lena 913 Overbye, Iver P 705 Overbye, Palmer 913 Overland, John 945 Ovnand, Ingebrit (Bert) 816

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0 Oakwood Notes Oakwood Township Oakwood Township School District No. 105 Oberg, Carl 8. Anna Oberg, John O'Brien, Pat Odalen Ladies' A i d Odalen Lutheran Congregation Odegard, M r s . Olina Odegard, Ole O'Dougherty's Oen F a m i l y Ohnstad F a m i l y Oihus, Arne O'Keefe F a m i l y O'Keefe, Thomas & Mary Okeson, Carl 8. Hulda Okeson, Carl (Lewis) & Selma Olafson, Andrew Old Settlers Olson, Ben & A l m a Olson, Gunder Olson, Henry Olson, John Olson, John Olson, Lars & John Olson, Nels S. 8. Amelia Olson, Nels S. & Amelia Caroline Children Olson, Ole Olson, Oluf P Olson, O. P Olson, Peter Olson, Sven Olson, Thomas 8. Mathilda Omdalen, Samuel Omdalen School District No. 130 Omlie, Caroline Wicker Omlie, Chester Omlie Forefathers Omlie, M y r o n W Omlie, M r s . Myron W Omlie, Ole Michael

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Pachl, Adolph & Charley Pachl, Josef Page of an 1895 Cook Book Palmquist, Nils Park Center Lutheran Church Parke F a m i l y Parkins, M r s . Wright Park River High School History Park River History Park River News Park River Post Paschke, Elizabeth Gerszewski Paschke, Isadore Paschke, John Paschke, Joseph Passa, John F Paterson, A d a m Paterson, John & E m m a M Paulson, Hans Paulson, John H Paur, Wenzl & M a r y Payer, J . J Pearce, Norman J Peck, M r . & M r s . George E Pederson, Johannes & Eline Pederson, John Pederson, Thorwald Pennies in the Box P. E. O Peoples, John Peoples, Samuel J Perkerewicz, Anthony Perry, Patrick & M a r y Perth Township Peske, John Peterka, Frank Peterson, Joe Peterson, John E Peterson, John & M a r i e Peterson, Ole & Anna Peterson, Per Pfannsmith, John Phalen, John Phelps, Henry & Alice Phelps, Jesse Daniel Pich, John Pictorial History of District Eight Pictorial History of District Five Pictorial History of District Four Pictorial History of District Nine Pictorial History of District One Pictorial History of District Seven Pictorial History of District Six Pictorial History of District Three Pictorial History of District Two Pierce, Edward Horace Pilon F a m i l y Pic, Frank 8. Rose Pioneer Journey Pioneer Life—Vernon Township Pisek History Pisek, N. Dak Poetry by Agnes Qually

1208

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P A G E NO.

Polak, Frank Polak, Jacob Poland History Political Parties Poole, Michael Postal Service in the Edinburg Area Potulny, Martin Prairie Centre Township Prairie Fires Praska, Wencel Presbyterian 8< Methodist Episcopal Church Przepiora, George 8. Frances Gawlowicz Pulaski Township Pulczinski, Nicholas Plutowski, Nikodem

1083 1056 323 350 707 —531 767 746 1072 657 133 276 299 265 310

Q Quale Church Qually, John P Qually, Peter Quam, Iver Quill, Ole C

1044 1015 857 858 729

R Ramsey, Aaron 730 Ramsey, Elizabeth 730 Ramsey, Evangeline (Lena) 730 Ramsey, George 730 Ramsey Grove Literary Society 716 Ramsey Grove Presbyterian Church 715 Ramsey Grove School 714 Ramsey, Harriett 730 Ramsey, John 7X Ramsey, John 8. J a m i m a 729 Ramsey, John Henry 730 Ramsey, Lydia Ann 731 Ramsey, L y d i a Jane 731 Ramsey, M a r y 730 Ramsey, Sarah 730 Ramsey, William 730 Ramsey, William James 732 Rainbow for G i r l s 139 Rapsiewicz, Julius 295 Rasmussen, Sigvald & A l m a 817 Rath F a m i l y 251 Ratliff, George 707 Raumin, Hans Christian 99 Rea, David 755 Recollections 953 Recollections of E a r l y Days 533 Recollection of Incidents by Pioneers 318 Red River Cart -28 Red Cross 1035 Red River School District No. 112 323 Reese, Herbrand 595 Reminiscing 85 Reminiscing Reminiscing 648 Reminiscences from North Trinity's 75th Anniversary Book 443 Reski, Frank 333 Retelling Old Tales 453 Reyleck F a m i l y 202 Reyleck, W. W 203 Rice, Ole 80 Ridgway, E l d i n R 768 Rike, Dreng 556 Rinde, Ole --593 Rinde, Nels 594 Ringsak Hardware Co 148 Rinnhagen, John 8. Olava 977 Riske, John 265 Riverside Women's Club 138 Roa, Harold & Inger 881 Robb, Charles 8. Isabel 913 Robbie, James Robertson, Dave --204 Robertson, David & Anna Louise (Nina).... .768 Robertson, James D 707 Robertson Lumber Co 147 Rockefeller, William Avery 707 Rod, Ole A 221 Rodger, James Whittier 221 Rogalla, Paul 8. Josephine 311 Roholt, Jorgen 480 Rollefstad, Kittel B 594 Rollefstad, Kittel K 480 Ronnold, M r . and M r s . Jacob 445 Rorvik, John 978 Rose, Alfred 505 Rose, Peter -295 Rose, Thomas l°56 4

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NAME Rosendahl, Andreas 8, Anne Ross, Annie Ross, John Roubal, Joseph R. N. A. Lodge Rud, Gilbert Rudd, Iver Rudnik, Albert Rudnik History Rumreich, Frank P Rundhaug, Fingal 8, Gertie Rundhaug, Theodore 8, Edith Rushford Township Russum, Hendrick Rustan F a m i l y Rustan, Helge Rustan, Ole Rustan, M r . 8, M r s . Oluf Rustagaard, Nels Rutherford, John Rutherford, Joseph Rutter, William Ruzicka, Emanuel Ruzicka, John J Ryan, Thomas Ryba, Frank Ryba, John Rydsaag, John Pederson Rye, Knute C

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s Sabourin, James 221 Sackenreuter, Fred 947 Sacred Heart Church -286 Salle, Knudte Olson 1015 Salt Lake Rural Telephone Company — 2 1 6 Salter, Horace 204 Sampel, Thomas ">« Samson F a m i l y Samson, Sven 8, Aletta 595 Samuelson, Charlie °'* Samuelson, Gustar 981 Sander, Henry Sander, Arne E •** Sandland, Knut Evanson 481 Sando, Nels 205 Sandstrom, John i° Sandvig, Gulbrand •*» Sarepta Cemetery Sarepta Congregation 9*| Sarepta Ladies' Aid »*> Sarles Sarnia Post Office 1071 Sateren's Cash Store 148 Sather, Frederick 8, Nellie -240 Sauter Township '"« Sauvie, Asa Schanilec, Frank J •»'? Schanilec, Herman C »» Schanilec, Joseph V Schanilec, Matt *» Schell, Rev. J . P 709 Schneider, Angeline ?J5 Schneider, Anthony 5ua Schneider, Elizabeth M a r y 506 Schneider, F r a n k 5U6 Schneider, John Schneider, Michael g» Schneider, M a r y Agnes School Districts ..217, 225 , 246, 260, 268, 299, 322, 346, 399, 465 , 489, 510, 518, 537, 595, 597, 614, 662,739, 800, 863, 887, 889, 952, 1026, 1032, 1044, 1061, 1072, 1082, 1086, 1087 School No. 2 (Wollan) 888 School District No. 3 128 School No. 3 (Nygaard) 888 School No. 4 (Dahlgren) 888 School* District No. 10 260 School District No. 11 260 School District No. 12 260 School District No. 13 347 School District No. 18 489 School District No. 24 400 School District No. 25 01 School District No. 28 399 School District No. 35 583 School Districts 583 School District No. 38 School District No. 43 299 School District No. 44 (McCann) 268 School District No. 47 299 School District No. 58 70 School District No. 60 (Harriston Township) School District No. 68 -489 School District No. 73 1072 School District No. 75 (Kiedrowski) 269 School District No. 76 348 9 9

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1209

Sowka, Samuel T -296 Spangrudlien, Peter Pederson 1019 Spanish-American War Memorial .19 Speten, Peter 390 Sprague, Frank H 207 Sprague, Horace Greeley 207 Sprague, William 507 Sprafka, John J 296 Springan, Andrew « Springan F a m i l y St. Aloysius Academy of Oakwood 224 St. Andrews Riverport 245 St. Andrews Township 244, 250 St. Anthony's Academy -317 St. Catherine's Lomice Church 1082 St. Hilaire Lumber Co J St. James Episcopal Church 132 St. John's Catholic Church 132 St. John's Lodge—A.F. & A . M « St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church ..647 St. Joseph's Catholic Church 1034 St. Joseph's on the Banks of the Red River 316 St. M a r y ' s Catholic Church 676 St. M a r y ' s Church of Conway 740 St. M a r y ' s Parish 5 St. Olaf Norwegian Lutheran Evangelical Congregation 917 St. Patrick's Church M a r k e r -24 St. Patrick's Church , ;287 Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church 1073 St. Peter Church 1025 St. Peter's Episcopal Church 674 St. Stephen's Lutheran Church Congregation °]7 Stanislawski, Joseph j™ Stanislowski, Thomas 267 Stark, Andrew •*§ Starkson, Sever 1057 Stary, John V 755 Staven, Carl 446 Staven, M r s . Carl 445 Staven F a m i l y 446 Staven, Paul T JS Staven, Thor & Barbo 7W Steen, Amund 579 Steen, Nils 8, Henrietta :.s 818 Stejskal, Joseph • Stenerson, Aslak ™g Stenerson, Charles j!* Stenerson, Hellek -558 Stenerson, John Stenerson, M r . 8. M r s . S. H 557 Stensland, Carl 8. Ida 859 Stensland, Halvor ° Stensland, John Stensland, Jorgen 8. Thea »*» Stensland, Lewis 8. Thea B82 Stensland, Thore L »» Stevens, Knute T 447 Stewart, J . C " i Stewart, John Bell Sticha, John '070 Stoa, Anton & Susie 9B4 Stoa, Ole 8. Atme 915 Stoa, Torkel & Anne 984 Stokke, John H 208 Stoltman, Joseph ' Stoltman, John Stoltman, Peter if Stone, George 8. Phyllis • • • • • • • ••• 507 Stone Valley School District No. 96 864 Storud, Knut ••••483 Story of Fairdale • SS Stoughton, Pete 334 Stranahan, C. S • "? Strand, Albert 57 Strand, Anton 8. Lena • « Strand, Duane 8. Henrietta 1058 Strand, Frances Svoboda tow Strand, Kittel •2 Strandsberg, Bernt »2 Strelow F a m i l y Strommen, Ole «" Studeny, Karel "° Stygar, John Suda, John ?~ Sukstorf, William «J Sunderland, Halvor (H. O.) 992 Sunderland F a m i l y " Sunderland, Ole 8. Christine .•^•••55J Sunderland, Sigurd 447, 9W Sundvor, Christian B -"J Sundvor, Hans Johnson Sundvor, John H 559 Sunnyside Homemakers Club 5M Svarte, Karl Olaf J» Sveen, John ;fS Svoboda, Lawrence J" Swanson, Tion :j2 Swartz, Frank ' 4 8 2

^69 1082

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P A G E NO. 1070 17, 340 259 208 1021 1058 578 848 1022 579 449 1023 579 884 320 296

T Taintor, E. J 709 Tallackson, Arthur James 450 Tallackson, George 448 Tallackson, Henry 449 Tallackson, Tellef (Bill) 451 Tallackson, Tollack 208 Teachers in Edinburg Area 537 Teenquist, John 884 Teslow F a m i l y 709 Tharalson, Paul 391 Tharalson, Thomas H 392 The Little White Schoolhouse 584 Thoe, Ole K 755 Thomas, Henry 8i Annie 100 Thomasson, Johan & Palina 580 Thompson, Albert 8, Sena 454 Thompson, Andreas 993 Thompson, Charles L 242 Thompson, Chester 453 Thompson, Elias 457 Thompson, Gavn 393 Thompson, George 456 Thompson, Helga Claudine 452 Thompson, Joe 454 Thompson, John M a r t i n 710 Thompson, Knut 770 Thompson, Lloyd J 452 Thompson, M r . 8, M r s . Thomas 454 Thompson, M r . 8. M r s . Thor T 710 Thompson, Ole A 636 Thompson, Sam 457 Thompson, Sander Torgerson 100 Thompson, Selma 411 Thompson, Taale 993 Thompson, T. G 453 Thompson, Theodore 0 483 Thompson, Thomas 451 Thompson, Thomas 8, Louise 1023 Thorlaksson, Rev. N. S 710 Thorson, Anun 8. Kirsten 637 Thorson, Ole J 710 Thorsen, Osbjorn 457 Threshing Rigs 529, 797 Thrugstad, Edward 994 Thrugstad, John 995 Thune, Peter P 885 Tiber School District No. 77 614 Tiber Township 614 Titus, Moses Starr 296 Tallack, Sever 67 Tollack, William Gerhart 209 Tollefson, Michael 884 Tollefson, Truls 949 Tombs, Joseph 210 Tomek, John 8, M a r y 1058 Tonning, Jacob 995 Topping, Timothy 8. Augusta 67 Torblaa, Arne 101 Torblaa, L. 0 101 Torgerson, Christian 995 Torgerson, E d '50 Torgerson, Jens 560 Torgerson, O. 0 580 Torgerson, Torger 860 Torkelson, Berget 452 Torkelson, Carl 457 Torkelson, Jorgen 458 Torkelson, M a r t i n 102 Torson, Olaf 732 Tranquilizer 464 Traveling Representative of the Press Gives Interesting Description of E a r l y Pioneer History 727 Tresler, Emmanuel E 581 Treumann, W. C 211 Tribute to Our Forefathers 787 Trinity Lutheran Church 999, 1035 Troftgruben F a m i l y '37 Troftgruben, M r . 8, Mrs. Hans 638

P A G E NO.

NAME Tufft, George 8. Letitia Tupa, Matt Tveit, Christ K Tverberg, Albert G Tverberg, Austin K Tverberg F a m i l y Tverberg, Lillian Omlie Tveten, Nels J Twedt, G . 0 Tviedt, Halvor Nauroke Torkelson Tweten, Andrew

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492 346 1058

Valenta, Frank Valinski, Anton Van Arsdale, Charles & Maud Van Dyke, Celia Levang Van Dyke F a m i l y Vang Lutheran Church Vasichek, James V a v r i k , Anton Vavrosky, Frank Vejtasa, Frank 8, Ethel Vejtasa, John & Inga Venaas, Ole Venberg, M r . & M r s . Nels M Vernon Township Veseleyville Parish Vernon Township Schools Vesta Post Office Vesta Township Veum F a m i l y Vigen, Gulbrand & Guri Vigen, Gustar 8. M a r e n Viger, Albert Viger, Gunerius Viger, Karelius Viger, Mattias Viger, Mathias Viking Spirit Vision Vorachek, Frank E Vorachek, James H Vorachek, John Vorachek, Joseph Voss History Votava, Frank & Celia Votava, Frank 1 Votava, Frank J Votava, Ignar

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1210

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P A G E NO.

Wangen, Carl 396 Warczak, M a x 297 Warner, William 660 Warsaw Bands 317 Warsaw Baseball 317 Warsaw Businesses 318 Warsaw History 314 Wasseng, Olaf 820 Wayside Shrines 316 Weberg, Gust '16 Westberg, John 862 Weed F a m i l y 711 Weinlaeder, Alfred 41 Weinlaeder, Christ 41 Welo, Andrew 998 Wendelbo, Hans 103 Westberg, Lars 8. M a r y 862 Westby, Julius J 915 Westby, Peder J '15 Western Union 746 Weston, Winnifred Perry 57 White, Duncan 463 White, Edgar 463 Wick, Hans 581 Wick, Hans N 463 Wick, Knut Nicolai 711 Williams, Gus 335 Williams, Wiliam H & Henry V 214 Willson, George B 508 Wilson, John 267 Wilson, Samuel 516 Wilson, Thomas 268 Wilson, William 268 Winch, Hannah 396 Windingland, Lars 561 Windingland, Ole 561 Wirkus, Julius 297 Wiste, Peter T '32 Witasek F a m i l y 1° Witasek, Herman 1033 Wisnieski, Michael 297 Wisniewski, Winslow 298 Wollan, E. B. & M a r y 886 Women's Christian Temperance Union — 1 3 9 Women's Civic Club 350 Wood, Albert 758 Wood, Arthur 770 Wood, John 397 Wood, M y r t i c e Taylor 771 Woods, George 733 Woods, John M 508 Woods, R i c h a r d 733 Woods, Robert 733 Woods, Robert J 397 Woods, Tom 734 Woods, William 8, Sarah 734 Woods, William J 508 Woodmen Lodge 138 Woodward, E. B 711 Wood, William 396 Wooldridge, Fred 950 World War I 8, World War II Memorial 20 Woodmen Lodge 350 Workman Lodge 350 Worthing, Fred 215 Wosick, George 313 Wosick, John J 335 Wosick, Stanley E 313 Wralstad, Peter 0 103 Wylie, Abraham (Midboe) 661 Wylie, Henry J 661 Wyllie, John 464 Wysocki, Joseph 298 Wysocki, Theodore 313 3 2

Y Young, Dave P Young Peoples' Organizations Young, William Albert

396 802 711

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