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NORTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY BISMARCK 58505

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NORTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY

3 3105 000 7794 NORTH DAKOTA BOOK OR AUTHOR F

e It is a privilege to be asked to write the foreword for your seventy-fifth anniversary publication. As an immigrant, I chose North pcdication Dakota as my home state because I was married to it. My wife, the former Marion Unkerholz comes from one of the pioneering families of the western part of the state. As a citizen, I cherish with greater emotional feeling the heritage which is now also mine. This book is being dedicated to the pioneers of this area, our forefathers who had the courage to face odds, the determination to overcome them and the vision for a great future. We who take for granted our modern amenities should pause to reflect with gratitude upon those who had to endure the hazards of taming a virgin area. Elwyn B. Robinson in "History of North Dakota" writes of the pioneers, "Their victory lay in adapting themselves to the prairie—sod houses and dugouts for shelter, fish and game for food, mutual helpfulness and self-reliance, and a concentration of wheat, the crop suited to the northern grassland." The optimism of our forebearers has given us a heritage which is one reason we who are descendents continue to live here. Those who have migrated to other parts of this land still speak nostaligically of their Great Plains experiences. The past is always to be built upon, thus we of the Lunar area hope that our progeny will look upon us kindly as we do our ancestors. We also take this opportunity to express our gratitude to each who has contributed to the publication of this book. Our thanks also goes to all who have joined in celebrating the glories of our community. Rev. Lionel P. A. Muthiah Wesley Methodist Church 31 Djalan Kartini Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia

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THE BEGINNING Even before the railroad was completed Before beginning on the early history of through the county, several enterprizing Finley, it is only fair to mention the men and settlers had begun what was to become the their corporations that promoted this area, City of Finley. The purpose for some of these and in turn helped give birth to the present settlers of course was purely speculative. city of Finley. They could buy the property at a low enough The Red River Land Company was in­ price and after the railroad came through sell corporated April 18, 1880, in Minneapolis with their property realizing a fair profit. For a capital stock of $500,000.00. The original some, of course, these investments were to directors of this company were J. A. Steele, become their livelihood and their homes. President, S. S. Small, Vice-President, and E. The first town in what is now the city of H. Steele, Secretary-Treasurer, all of Min­ Finley was called "Gilbert". This enterprizing neapolis. village was located on the NW% of the SWV4 of October 15, 1880 the Red River Land the NWV4 of Section 32, Township 147, Range Company purchased all of the Northern 56. For those of you more familiar with Finley, Pacific Railroad Company's land in Town­ this would be approximately within a line ships 144 to 146, inclusive, Ranges 55 and 56, from Mason Linnell's house south to Ted now known as Easton, Sherbrooke, Melrose, Jacobsons; then east to Art Johnsons, then Hugo, Carpenter and Colgate Townships, this north to Willard Jacobsons, returning the line land holding consisting of every odd numbered then westward to Mason Linnells. section. At the time of the purchase there were The original plat for this town was filed on not more than a half dozen inhabitants within September 18, 1896 by Mary E. Patterson. It twenty miles of the present City of Hope. They had been surveyed sometime during that began an intense advertizing campaign to same month by Frank A. Smith. Some of the boom the sale of their lands to Easterners. In earliest settlers there were: Mary E. Pat­ the spring of 1882 they began the erection of a terson, William Patterson, Robert D. Pat­ forty room hotel, electrically lighted, in order terson, C. J. Long, B. F. Wade, C. K. Norcott, to accomodate the land seekers. The building A. B. Cochrane, Nels Arneson and Nels and its fixtures cost $40,000.00 and the "Hope Qualey. House" was famous far and near and proved At approximately the same time another to be a fine asset to the Town of Hope. town was begun just on the west side of the It was through their efforts that a hardy and railroad tracks on what is known as the determined class of people became the Original Townsite of Finley. This town, named pioneers of Steele County. It was also partially Walker, was an inspiration of The Dwight through their efforts that the railroad was Farm & Land Company. The town was named extended into the county in 1882 and completed in honor of a Bishop Walker, who used to through it in 1896. On Sunday, November 1st, travel the state and give his sermons from the 1896 an excursion train from Hope made its back of railroad cars. Sometime during the first stop at the twin cities of Gilbert and fall of 1896 the Dwight Farm & Land Company Finley on its way to Aneta. learned there was another town called "Walker" on the Great Northern Railway line Company to erect houses there. Finley had and they changed the name of their town to only a land office and a town pump. Then the "Finley" in honor of J. B. Finley, an official of roof seemed to fall in on Gilbert. There had the Great Northern Railroad Company. An been thirteen business lots and two residential early misconception was that the town had lots sold to the early settlers. The persons been named after L. O. Finn, of Hope, who had however, who had been selling the lots did not erected the first building in the town. This have clear title to the land and it reverted to building was the office of the Dwight Farm & the legal owner, W. H. M. Philip. Land Company, and is believed to be still Then in January of 1897 a deal was made standing. It is presently owned and occupied whereby the owners of the Townsite of Finley by Earl Spriggs, as the Spriggs Barber Shop purchased the entire Townsite of Gilbert. The on Main Street. two towns then combined under the name of Finley. Finley was incorporated as a village in In October of 1896 William Patterson's town November of 1903 with the following officers of Gilbert seemed to be leading Finley as C. K. elected: President, Frank E. Curry; Clerk, Norcott had a general store doing a thriving H. C. Bergum; Trustees, E. J. Pepper, Alf business; there were also a livery stable Windness, R. D. Patterson and B. J. Long. The owned by Horace Long, a restaurant, Marshall was W. H. Potter. blacksmith shop, and a coal and wood yard. A On July 12, 1926 Finley was incorporated as petition had also been circulated for a a city. The officers were: Mayor, B. J. Long; postoffice with Mrs. Norcott as postmistress. Clerk, Halfdan Petterson; Treasurer, E. H. There were also plans for the Cargill Bros. Gilbertson; Aldermen, Samuel Oxton, A. H. Elevator Co. and the St. Anthony Elevator Nelson, Knud Furos, and A. B. Mickelson.

S. J. Peterson was one of the very first well stocked store, in 1913. Left to right: S. J. businessmen in town. Here is a picture of this Peterson, Otto Hjelt and P. A. Jorgenson. Finley Early History

STREET SCENE This picture was taken looking east, and Picture Number 2 shows the same street shows the south side of Main Street about 1920. scene, but from the east looking west.

EARLY FINLEY Going east down Main Street in the early 1900's you'd find the first building on the north side of the street would be the Spornitz Har­ ness shop, later operated by Wm. (Rube) Richtman, the cattle king. H. N. Horner had a real estate office in the east half of this first building. Then you'd stop at Pete and Charley Lar­ son's livery barn, later owned by Bill Bateman. Iver Seim bought him out, and he sold to Oscar Howland. The building was torn down when the bank was built as it was on part 1Y N, DAK. .FOR PINt-EY ORU< of the bank lot. PHOTO BY SI If you were looking for a building lot, you might stop in at Frank Curry's office as he With picture Number 3 we take a walk east was agent for Dwight Farm & Land Company. from the drug store, Needhams, on the left, to The Farmers Store would be the next stop, it the Woodman Hall, and Browns Hotel. The was built by W. W. Archer. Just beyond it was house at the far right, in the center of the the first barber shop, then a drug store picture, is out on the R. P. Archer farm. operated by Iver Stordahl, with T. E. Helgeson Back to the intersection, going east on the the pharmacist. Frank Skinner later had an south side, we could stop at the First National ice cream parlor and lunch room. Bank, or just beyond that the barber shop, Then there was the vacant lot. probably ran by G. N. Grimson at this time. Fluto & Eastvold had an implement shop in The Methodist Church steeple shows over the the next building. It was later bought by Oscar tops of the two buildings. Cummings who sold it to W. W. Archer, who started Archer Supply Co. with Elmer Archer in charge. They put a roof over the vacant lot Birkland; the Anton Brekke family lived to the west and used it for storage of upstairs. The lower part was a furniture store, machinery. (The bowling lanes is on this site then a millinery shop owned by Nina Bogert now). and Cora McKenzie. This building burned in Then there was another vacant lot. East of 1911 or 12. that was a frame building constructed by John And another vacant lot. C. E. Gunderson had a grocery store in the frame building on the corner, and the Gun- dersons lived upstairs. He sold out to Bistline & Anthony, who sold out to 0. H. & J. A. Carlson. They disposed of the grocery business and opened an automatic pin set Ill bowling alley. This burned about 1914. Now going back to the west end of that block, and starting down the south side, the first stop would be at R. I. Simonsons hard­ ware store. The next stop would be Al Cochrane's store, and postoffice. The Cochranes lived upstairs. The State Bank of Finley building looked pretty much as it does in 1972, doesn't it? E. B. Knudson built the next building, which was later occupied by Hans Thorson, M. J. Grunseth, Geo. Lemke and Carl Void. He sold to A. L. Archer, who named it The White Inn. The building was destroyed by fire in 1928. Sampsons took over the poolhall started by Flynn & Flynn in the next building. You'd be greeted at the next stop by S. J. Peterson, with A. B. Mickelson and O. A. —iJlT-.Tn-i ••*ll! Engeness shaking hands too. I Alf Windness had a grocery store in the next V building. It is now vacant in 1972, last having been Tryg's. Meats of all kinds were offered by Brager & Galde in the next store. Tony Nelson and Jake Nelson (no relation) later bought them out. For many years the next building was a hotel, known both as Pioneer and National. In 1911 George Erickson was in a meat Later John Hanson converted the lower floor market here. The building was later the to a bowling alley. Hutson & Eide store, since razed. The man on the left is George Erickson. The second Long & Peterson had a hardware store in the picture shows Tony Nelson in his meat next building, followed by Tony's Market, then Erickson's meat market. market, about the same time. The corner building was built and occupied by Knut Thompson and son. It was first a frame building, later covered with brick. Groceries and dry goods were offered. BUSINESS DIRECTORY August 31, 1905—George O. Shinn, Painter; Galde & Knudson, Meats; Potter & Cone, Dray BUSINESS DIRECTORY line; Peter Ellison, contractor and builder; October 28, 1897—The Slope reports Finley Wm. Richtman, harness; E. B. Knutson, has three general stores, two hotels, two Lunch and groceries; H. N. Horner, In­ machinery depots, two blacksmith shops; two surance; St. Anthony & Dakota Elevator; Alf wagon shops; three elevators; two track Windness & Co.; R. I. Simonson, Hardware; buyers; one hardware store; one lumber yard, Beidler & Robinson Lumber; Larsen & Lar- two coal and wood yards; two livery barns; sen, Livery; H. Bacharach, M. D.; One Insurance agent; one school; two real A. J. Heimark, M. D.; W. L. Carpenter, estate and collection agencies; one meat- Attorney; A. K. Cochrane, general mer­ market; one church; one post office; one chandise; F. E. Curry, Life & Fire Insurance confectionery store; one feed mill; one & Loans; Long & Peterson, Hardware; G. A. laundress; one bicycle repair shop; one Monteith, land sales and editor; 0. Cum- barber shop; one notary public and one mings, farm machinery; J. A. Carlson, dressmaker. general merchandise; 1st National Bank; G. N. Grimson, barber; Robert Richardson, Leraas, dressmaker; Geo. Murray Attorney; plasterer; Nina L. Bogart, millinery; and Northwestern Elevator; N. D. Independent Strandness & Furos, groceries. Telephone Company; Anton Ness, contractor; Olai Nelson, cement contractor; Lizzie Nielson, Pianoforte; Oxton Auto Co.; T. S. Overby, expert penman and designer; Peoples Pharmacy, J. W. Needham; S. J. Peterson; Half dan Petterson. TOW MILL A flax mill was opened along the Railroad right of way in 1906. Workers came in the fall to work in the mill, and lived in shacks in the northwest corner of town. Some early residents remembered it as being called Chinatown. The Mill was leveled by the July 4, 1907 tornado, but rebuilt. However, on June 12, 1910 fire was discovered at the mill, and it was a complete loss. The mill was never rebuilt.

The first barber shop was on the north side of the street, but the identity of the barber, his customer, or the three boys is unknown.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY November 18, 1919 includes Mrs. Ida Amundson, dressmaker; Albin Albinson, livery and veterinarian; Archer Supply Co.; Geo. Benson, photographer; James Barta; Mrs. J. H. Buskirk; City Barber Shop; City Meat Market, A. H. Nelson, Prop.; City Dray Line, Halvor Peterson; 0. John Keith and Gust Mikkelson were the Cummings & Co., general merchandise; smithy's at the shop north of Main Street. County Justice of the Peace, G. 0. Monteith; John Keith came into town and started in at Cargill Elevator Co.; S. J. Dronen, dray; this stand about 1934, and built on the east half Peter Ellison, contractor and builder; Mrs. of the shop in 1936. Gust Mikkelson bought into Bertha Edman, millinery; Erickson Bros., the organization in 1941, and operated the shop stonemasons and plasterers; Finley Beacon; until April 1946. Later men in this shop include Finley Hall Company; Finley Power & Light Lowell Carlson, and Ted Jacobson, who was Co.; Finley Land & Loan Co.; Finley Farmers the last man in that shop before it was torn Grain & Elevator Co.; Finley Cafe and Con­ down. fectionery, E. B. Knudson; First National Bank; Farmers Store, Sam Porter; J. 0. STORMS Furuness, jeweler; Mrs. J. 0. Furuness, It is said that part of publicity received by dressmaker; Dr. T. J. Glasscock; Great North Dakota where weather is concerned is Northern Railway Company; James due to the tendency natives have to brag about Hetherington, cement and stone mason; the bad storms. There are a half dozen or so Geo. E. Horner, dray man; H. N. Horner, that seemed especially memorable, and this insurance; Ole J. Hove, shoe hospital; Hotel account is included for posterity. Finley; Dr. A. J. Heimark; Hammer Carlson July 27, 1900 a heavy destructive hail storm Co.; Hub Restaurant and confectionery, R. H. started just west of Finley, veered to the Skinner, prop.; W. L. Harris, insurance; John northeast, meeting up with another storm Hanson, bowling alley; Emil Iverson, car­ near Golden Lake, and from there completely penter; Mrs. E. Iverson, dressmaker; destroyed crops of all kinds, razing buildings, J. A. Keith, blacksmith; Linnell & Quamme, breaking window glass, and in some instances insurance; Dr. L. P. Larson, dentist; Mrs. Ole stripping the shingles and siding from buildings. It was about five miles wide, HUNTERS AND FISHERMEN traveling east over Portland. OF FINLEY SNOW: The Beacon of November 7,1905 told From 1913 and on Finley had some great of the Aneta train stalled south of Sharon for hunters and fishermen. The country around two days. 16 passengers and crew subsisted on Golden Lake and the Goose River was rich a pail of oysters found in the express car. They with game, prairie chickens, grouse, had fried oysters and raw oysters until one pheasants, and the water fowl. man says he will never again be able to look an The first hunters of that particular time, oyster in the face. The train was not equipped 1913 to 1923 were boys that were known as R. with cooking apparatus so it became J., Doc L. P., Doc A. J., P. 0.—these were necessary to fry the oysters on a coal shovel. almost inseparable when the fall season Early the second day a case of whiskey was arrived. found in the express car. Late the second day The mode of travel was a livery team and a the supply of coal in the coaches became double seated buggy, hired from the livery exhausted and the passengers were forced to barn. One man by the name of Albinson had take refuge in the baggage car where there these fine horses and rigs and was glad to hire was a stove and coal could be carried from the them out. engine. There were sandwiches, and the bottles that TORNADO: About 4 in the morning of July held the coffee were those old vinegar jars 4,1907 a tornado ripped through Finley and the that had been heated thoroughly before they surrounding farm lands, and most every were filled with coffee. building suffered damage. All the buildings Later there were different modes of travel— but the house were destroyed at the Absolom there were the little Red Maxwell, the black Mickelson farm. Everyone considered Model A, and the Model T, and then Doc L. P. themselves lucky to escape without a loss of had an almost miniature Hupmobile. life. A few years later there were other hunters and they drove far and wide for the pheasant. These hunters were affectionately called E. ••HHUnHJI T., N. A., Dee, T. J. C, J. A. C, O. D. D., Hank, f~"% Eddie, O. H. C, A. B., F. M., and many more. Then there was Charley, Fred, Harry, Art, ~ ' r TiBP- Alf, Merridith and Jens too. • • ia.~«iut»i o P 1 ; Life must go on and with fond memories ^— they found joy in their wonderful outings. In '»OM** • this notorious group we find farmers, mer­ chants, editors, county agents, superin­ tendents of school, hardware men, bankers, doctors, lawyers, dentists, postmasters and what have you.

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BLIZZARDS: The blizzard November 25, 1930 is worthy of note, as well as the March 15th storm in 1941. Of later years the storm on March 2, 3 and 4th, 1966 won't be forgotten by anyone who had to shovel out. This picture shows Postmaster Chas. Moores coming out of the Postoffice, which is at its present location Pictured are two, Dr. L. P. Larson and on the north side of the street, between the Harry Knutson with the Canadian geese they drifts left by this latest storm. had bagged in about 1948.

6. STEELE COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION Before 1914 the big event of the year was the Harvest Festival last held in October, 1913. March 5, 1914 a meeting was held to organize a Fair Association, with S. D. Linn, O. W. Williams, J. D. Parkman, C. W. Archer, G. W. Benton, G. 0. Johnson, J. B. Oxton, E. G. Quamme and S. O. Dronen appointed to draw up the articles of incorporation. The first fair was held October 9, 1914. The buildings were not complete, but it was a success anyway. There was a grand stand, pictured, as well as exhibit building. The last fair was held about 1930, after which the towns decided to have separate festivals, and Finley has theirs in June.

Early businessmen, while not identified by a store front, were still very much on the scene. He is pictured here with Torger Berge. The These were welcomed by all the early peddler Amid Hajor is also remembered as a families, and are certainly a part of the early favorite sight coming down the road. 0. M. scene. The first shows Emil Prytz with his sled Larson of Finley supplied the householder ready to deliver milk to Finley. Albert Elley with McConnon's remedies, flavoring, ex­ had all the necessities with him in his wagon. tracts, spices and toilet articles, etc. SONS OF NORWAY 2nd row—M. J. Mickelson, Alfred Mickelson The Sons of Norway Lodge was organized and Arnold, Olaus Strand, I. M. Sund, Eli here March 14, 1910, and was active until the Mickelson, E. E. Boe, Martin Wasness, Martin 1940's. It was the Norman Camp, with 28 Leraas, Gust Gilbertson and Andrew Leraas. members in 1910. The president was P. A. Back rows—Thelma Bilden, Mrs. John Jorgenson; Vice President E. B. Knudson; Hanson, Mrs. Gust Gilbertson, Mrs. Eli Corresponding Secretary E. H. Gilbertson. Mickelson, Mrs. Pete Jorgenson, Mrs. I. M. The Financial Secretary was A. Strandness; Sund, Mrs. E. H. Gilbertson, Mrs. John E. G. Quamme was Treasurer, and S. J. Furness, Emil Gilbertson, Hans Bilden, Peterson was the Judge. Leader was Sam Johannes Ransholm, Gilbert Mustad, Dr. L. Mosby, and trustees Albert Munson, Knud P. Larson, O. A. Engeness and Samuel L. Furos and Gunder Johnson. Linn. Pictured at this Sons of Norway picnic are: Mrs. Gilbert Mustad, Andrew Sandaker, Front row, from left, Mrs. 0. A. Engeness, Knut Furos, Pete Jorgenson, P. 0. Sathre, Mrs. A. B. Mickelson, Mrs. M. J. Mickelson, John Furness, Ole Hilstad, Hilmer Hanson Mrs. Hans Bilden, Mrs. P. 0. Sathre. and John Hanson.

The hardcoal heater in the parlor was a cozy spot during the winter. This parlor of the Christ Petersons in Westfield Township was properly equipped. When Mr. Everett Leslie was ready to take the picture, Mr. Peterson went into another room and brought out the little kerosene heater, and set it along side the hard coal heater. Blacksmith shops were a necessity, and The second picture was also at the same seem to be a thing of the past. The top picture location, but an earlier picture. The men are shows Hans Grunseth and Charlie Birkland in Louie Martinson and Shirley Horner. the shop south of the Hammer Carlson store. FINLEY CORNET BAND proudly as he did 50 years ago in the battles of The Finley Cornet band was one of the new the Civil War. Following was the Finley things in late 1901 in Finley. The players all Cornet band, garbed in their new uniforms, got their instruments and were practicing which consisted of blue denim overalls and under the direction of Wm. Palmer. cap. Albin Albinson drove a decorated car in Picnics, celebrations and other gatherings the parade, and furnished one of his fine in the early days found the famous Finley horses for the parade. Concert Band on hand to furnish the music. The members of the band were—Front row, This picture was taken near the Sheyenne from left, J. W. Needham, John Patterson, River in 1904 during a picnic. The band was Frank Monteith, Guy Long, Johnny Pease, transported to the river by Ralph Long in a Mr. Haselquist. 2nd row—B. J. Long, R. W. hay rack decorated with flags and bunting. Long, George Monteith, Frank Horner, Cap An account of a 4th of July celebration in Bistline, Charlie Gunderson and in the back 1915 tells the parade was led by the survivor row were Wm. Palmer, Swen Peterson, Frank Col. J. F. Bistline, carrying Old Glory as Curry and C. J. Long.

The J. W. Stansbury farm was another place where men were fed at a cook car. The picture was taken about 1910-1911. Howard Stansbury is the second from the left.

10. WIDEAWAKES

All papers of the period around 1908 con­ purpose to be to keep the members wide tained news of a group calling itself the awake, and to help the community. Meetings Wideawakes. Mrs. C. W. Archer (Minnie were held in the homes of members for many Runice) was one of the members, and she says years. the chief reason for being was to have fun. Pictured above are, front row, from left: The first president was Anna Nyer; 1st Vice Ella Archer, Maud Patterson, Edith Archer, President Edith Archer; 2nd Vice President, Anna Nyer, Florence Taisey and Ella Florence Taisey. The Secretary was Nina Cochrane. Back row: Anna Cummings, Isabel Bogert, and the Treasurer Ella Taisey. Maud Cummings, Marie Tollefson, Francis Cum­ Long was Sergeant at Arms. mings, Eunice Verwest, Gina Wangsness and A writeup in an early paper states the May Fladeland.

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12 THE PASSING SCENES

Before the days of the combines harvesting Aimer Dronen was taking a little time out, took almost the entire fall season. All the riding on one worker's shoulders. Ed neighbors helped each other, and men came in Simonson was the fireman, Carl Dronen the from Minnesota and other places looking for foreman, George Gylten the engineer, Martin work during harvest. Dronen hauled water, and Ole Herrid was the Threshing rigs were kept busy, as evidenced separator man. by this picture of S. A. Dronen's rig in 1915.

Another hardware store, Latimer & Long, 1901. Mr. Latimer also was a mortician, and had his business upstairs.

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Alf Windness, Henry C. Bergum, Axel J. Blom, Knudt Furos, Sven J. Peterson, Olai Strand, Peter Ellison, Andrew Leraas; V. E. FINLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Boe, pastor. The chartered membership in­ Norwegian Lutheran Church work in this cluding men, women and children numbered part of Steele County dates back to the early 11 voting members, 18 confirmed and 31 souls. eighties. Sheyenne Valley Congregation was (The pastor and his family of three were in­ organized in 1881 and Ostervold in 1883. cluded). The first to join after organization At the extension of the Great Northern were A. G. Nelson and family who joined in Railway from Hope to Aneta in 1896, Finley March. was founded in the winter of 1896-97. The First officers of the congregation were: territory was then a part of Ostervold Deacons, A. T. Strandness, Alf Windness, A. J. territory of the church. The pastor serving the Blom. Trustees, Ole Leraas, H. C. Bergum. church at that time was Rev. P. A. Thoreson, Secretary, A. T. Strandness. Rev. V. E. Boe that sturdy, and well beloved pioneer pastor of was called as pastor. Griggs county. From the fall of 1894 to the In the spring of 1904 the congregation was spring of 1903 he made regular visits, driving incorporated under laws of North Dakota and across from his home at Hannaford. The last that same spring received membership into four years of that period he also served the the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of l Beaver Creek congregation, lA /2 miles north­ America. west of Finley. Church records show that During the winter, services were held in the Rev. Thoreson conducted services in Finley school house, in the spring of 1904 in the prior to 1900. Rev. Thoreson resigned his Lutheran Free Church, and from the summer Steele County congregations in 1903 to devote of 1904 until the fall of 1908 in the Methodist his full time to his Griggs County Church. The present church was built in 1908 congregations, and Rev. Vigleik E. Boe was and first services were held for Christmas of called to succeed him as pastor of Ostervold that year. Builder of the church was August and Beaver Creek churches. Solberg and lots were furnished by the Dwight Scandinavians of Lutheran faith living at Farm Land Co. The cornerstone was laid on Finley, but holding membership in no church July 15, 1909 by Prof. C. M. Weswig of the decided to organize in Finley, with the first United Church Seminary of St. Paul, and the meeting held at the Finley Schoolhouse, built church dedication was held July 10, 1910 by July 28, 1903. V. E. Boe was elected chairman Rev. T. H. Dahl, president of the United at the meeting and H. C. Bergum secretary. Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. Motion to organize was made by H. C. Bergum Pastors serving the congregation are V. E. and seconded by Alf Windness. In meetings Boe from 1903-1909; E. C. Tollefson from 1909- August 12 and September 9 the organization 1916; J. Tanner (temporary) 1916-1917; V. E. was completed. Voting members organizing Boe 1917-1941; E. T. Fyrand 1941-1948; O. A. the congregation were Andrew T. Strandness, Jordahl 1948-1966; Ernest Stadum 1966—.

14. Since 1909 the charge has consisted of The first regular meeting was held at the Ostervold, Sheyenne Valley and Finley. The home of Mrs. Furos November 12, 1903. The parsonage was built in 1910. church was then known as the Norwegian Sunday School was begun in the fall of 1903 Lutheran church and all minutes were written and revived in 1906 with 25 pupils and four in the Norwegian language. teachers with Miss Marie Tollefson in charge. Purpose of the Aid was to assist the Vacation school started in 1905. congregation with the building of a church. The Ladies Aid Society was organized Dinners were served to the public once a Nov. 3, 1903. Charter members were Mrs. month to make money, and a sale was held K. Furos, Mrs. J. Leraas, Mrs. S. J. Peterson, each fall. Mrs. A. T. Strandness, Mrs. Alf Windness and In 1908 a young girls' society was organized Mrs. V. E. Boe. First object was to raise with the leadership of an Aid member. money to build the church. The aid helped to In 1917 the Ladies Aid became known as build the church, furnish it and buy the bell. Womens Missionary Federation (W.M.F.) and During the first 25 years, the Ladies Aid raised in 1919 a French boy was adopted. Money was $10,522.79 for church work. sent to his mother for his support. The Young Peoples Society was organized in By 1927 the membership had increased to 56. 1909, changing to the Luther League in 1918. A In 1940 the WMF took over the support of an Men's club was organized in 1910 reorganizing Indian girl on the home mission field. as the Lutheran Brotherhood in 1918. The Through the years the ladies WMF assisted church has had a choir since the first year of in building projects at Concordia and other its organization and at the present time has church colleges; with the remodeling of the four choirs. church the ladies planned and furnished the During the last few years the church has kitchen, and developed a very good church made many fine improvements, installing an library. electric organ and chimes, modern oil burning In January 1961, with the church furnace, modern kitchen appliances and has reorganization the constitution was rewritten landscaped the grounds with trees and shrubs. and the WMF became known as Lutheran In 1951 it was decided more room was needed, Church Women (L.C.W.) so an overflowroom, pastors office and two Women are now allowed to vote at meetings Sunday School rooms were added upstairs, of the congregation and L.C.W. assists in with a fireside room, restrooms and a scout every phase of church work. room in the downstairs. The old pews were In 1972 our membership is 130 women. There refinished and the entire church redecorated, are six circles meeting once a month for Bible this being done by the members of the study in the homes, and general LCW congregation. A new pulpit, baptismal fount meetings in the church parlor once a month. and altar rail were also installed. Present officers are Mrs. Gerald Engen, As years went by our Sunday School President; Vice President, Mrs. Warren facilities were found to be inadequate. In 1966 Christianson; Secretary, Mrs. Carl Gullicks; we added eight more Sunday School rooms, and Mrs. Elmer Miller, Treasurer. Mrs. H. L. with four of them on the ground floor and four Knutson is the Historian. in the downstairs. Most all the work has been accomplished through the work of the church EBENEZER LUTHERAN FREE CHURCH improvement fund. Mr . S. J. (Anna) Peterson is the only The Ebenezer Lutheran Free Church, the charter member still living. She resides at the second church in Finley, was built in 1903, and Luther Memorial Home in Mayville. has since been converted to the funeral home. Present membership of the congregation is Early families interested in the church were 350 confirmed and 460 baptized. the Stordahls, Vosseteigs, Jacobsons and John Andersons. FINLEY LUTHERAN WOMEN L.C.W. The first wedding was held March 7, 1904, Lutheran Church Women was first when Jacob Stordahl and Elise Bye were organized as Lutheran Ladies Aid. The united in marriage. following six ladies met November 3, 1903 at Services were continued until the early the parsonage of the Rev. V. E. Boe: Mrs. V. 1930's. The cemetery connected with this E. Boe, Mrs. S. J. Peterson, Mrs. Knute Furos, church is one and one-half miles north of Mrs. A. T. Strandness, Mrs. John Lerass and Finley. John Anderson donated the land for its Mrs. A. Windness. location.

15. grateful we have been for their help and in­ spiration. We hope that we may continue to serve for many years to come. The Finley United Methodist Church will observe its 75th anniversary September 10, 1972. Bishop James Armstrong will be present.

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The United Methodist Church was built in 1897, the first to be built in Finley. Originally called Methodist Episcopal, it was united in a nation-wide movement, with the Evangelical ST. OLAF CATHOLIC CHURCH United Brethren in 1968, and the name The erection of St. Olaf Catholic Church in changed to United Methodist. 1951 became possible through the zeal of The first church building was built mostly Father Joseph Hylden, former pastor, and the by J. F. (Col.) Bistline, and A. K. Cochrane. kindly interest of our Auxiliary Bishop, Most Col. Bistline was the grandfather of Mrs. Reverend Leo F. Dworschak. The Catholic Herman Martinson and Mrs. Charles Moores Church Extension Society has been a generous of our present congregation. The first pastor benefactor. was Rev. Collins. The church was dedicated June 9, 1952. After the first school burned, classes were Father James P. Hogan was the pastor. held in the church until the school was rebuilt. The church is constructed of autumn tan In the afternoon the Lutheran congregation brickcrete exterior, with slate gray asphalt used it for services from 1904 until 1908 when shingle roof, and copper plated tower. It their new church was ready for use. measures 63 feet long and 45 feet wide. The church was remodeled in 1909-10. A The interior has a low ceiling of knotty pine, basement, entry and side rooms were added. supported by laminated wooden arches. The In 1966 a larger carpeted entrance was added, walls are of a patterned waylite block with and in 1971 the church was completely rewired oak and gum woodwork. The concrete floor is and new light fixtures put in the basement. covered with asphalt tile in green and gray. Memorial gifts have been many. Among the The sacristy, with vestment cases is located larger ones are the electric organ and the directly off the sanctuary to the left. record player with amplifier which sends On the right is the Choir room. The Con­ hymns and Christmas carols from our steeple fessional is located in the rear on the gospel for the enjoyment of all. side. Seating capacity in the nave of the Many helpful and dedicated pastors have church totals 120. The church is well lighted. filled the pulpit. Rev. Clarence Palmer, who A full basement with kitchen and dining lives in Hope, came to this church in 1968 from room facilities, rest rooms, oil furnace, South Dakota, and is the present pastor. storerooms and cloak room, is used for parish Sunday School superintendent is Mrs. Glen meetings and social activities. Plaisted. President of the W.S.C.S. is Mrs. Father Christian Duchschere and Father Elmer Gilbertson. Leader of Methodist Youth Vincent Tuchscherer are former pastors. The Fellowship is Glen Plaisted. present pastor is Father James Schumacher. The Methodist church has continued to be Through the years families at the 785th active through the years. Many families in our radar base have played a large part in the congregation have come and gone. How church.

16. FINLEY BAPTIST CHURCH The Christian missionary venture began in 1962 under the auspices of the Faith Baptist Church, Grand Forks. Its first pastor was Thurman Jeffries. Mission was organized as a ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH church in May 1964, and construction was The Finley Assembly of God Church had its commenced on the church building in Sep­ beginning in such buildings as a portable tember, 1964. church and the Fire Hall. Rev. Roger Haas The majority of the building, with the ex­ was the pastor that laid the foundation for the ception of concrete work and structural present church location. Rev. Joel Robertson framing was accomplished by donated labor built the present basement facilities. Other of members and friends. pastors were Rev. Clyde Meyer, Rev. David Pastors have been Rev. Thurman Jeffries, Smith, and Rev. Henry Dahlberg. Rev. C. O. Robert W. Paquette, Harvey Y. Criminger Osland of Northwood also served Finley for and Claude B. Francis. James Hill was in­ six years before Rev. James Ballweber terim pastor some months before Rev. became resident pastor in 1962. During the Francis. pastorate of Rev. Ballweber the super­ Many wonderful people have come and gone structure of the church was constructed, the through this church, and our sincere thanks go dedication being held April 25,1965. Rev. D. E. to those who have given so much to the cause Wileman, present pastor, assumed the of Christ. pastorate in September 1971.

The Finley Lutheran Ladies Aid honored these Mrs. Frank Bugbee, Mrs. Anna Johnson, Mrs. honorary members of their group. Pastor and Lewis Sutton, Mrs. Bernt Wigen and Mrs. Mrs. Ernest Stadum, Mrs. Mary Norgard, Mary Paulson. The only charter member, Mrs. Oletta Erickson, Mrs. M. T. Simley, Mrs. Mrs. Anna Peterson, was unable to attend. She Addie Thompson, Mrs. Helga Boe, Mrs. Ar­ is in the Nursing Home at Mayville. (Photo nold Brekke, Mrs. P. H. Vareberg. Front row: courtesy of Ted Kreis Jr.)

17. School finley

1ST SCHOOL -1899

The Finley (Highland) School District was in 1956, and 1960 saw a grade room and shop organized in 1889. A two-room wood structure facilities a part of the school building. existed on the present site until it burned in The last addition was built in 1962, con­ 1906. In 1907 a four-room structure was built sisting of 23,800 square feet. It includes ad­ and an addition was added in 1918. ministration offices, four grade rooms, a The first graduating high school class took special education room, band room facilities, place in 1919, and has been a yearly event each girls and boys phy ed facilities, a large gym year since that time. For several years two- with stage, and a new heating system for the year certificates were issued, and the students entire school. A bell system and fire alarm had to go to other schools to complete their system were added to all parts of the building. four years of high school. Some also com­ With the new additions over the years, many pleted the work through correspondence. educational advantages have been obtained. In 1954 a Home Ec room was added to the At the present time we can use our entire old school. A four-room grade addition was added building for high school academic work. There

FIRST GRADUATING CLASS - 1919: Front Cochrane, Rachel Petterson, Walter row, left to right, Gertrude Linn, Miss Gina Needham, Laura Frojen. Wangsness, Bernice Long. Back row, Dorothy

18. GREENVIEW SCHOOL NO. 3 Florence Darch (Devlin) taught Greenview School No. 3 about 1914 when this picture was taken. Pictured seated in the front are Tom Provance, Russell Devlin and Clyde SCHOOL 1909 Provance. The smaller girls in the second row is adequate room available for Christmas are Selma Simonson, Ellen Simonson, Mary programs, assembly programs, concerts, Devlin, Rachel Simonson and Edna Horner. In class plays, and supervised grade activities the back row are Loretta Devlin, Laura where large spaces are needed. We have a Provance, Rose Snyder, Pearl Snyder, and regulation size playing floor for basketball, Miss Darch, with Miriam Horner at the far dressing rooms and storage faciltiies for right. physical education classes. The music program has expanded with the addition of the music room. In 1962 land was purchased and a new playing field for football was built, complete with lights permitting night games. The Finley school is fully accredited by the State Department of Public Instruction. All teachers are qualified and meet the requirements to teach. The school meets requirements as to subjects taught, textbooks, laboratory equipment, library, classroom space, music and physical education facilities. Teachers in high school teach in their major or minor fields. Our graduates are admitted to any college or university in North Dakota without taking an entrance examination. The Finley School has graduated 942 students through 1972. The present enrollment is 240 in the grades and 90 in high school. NEW BERGAN SCHOOL Students from the country number 111. From The Teacher was Miss May Skogum. Also in the town we have 142, and those connected the back row is Anne Storebo (Krefting). with the air base 77. At the present time 159 The children in the back row were Sylvia students are transported on five buses which Anderson, Alvin Nygaard, Nineva Nygaard, includes those living at the air base. John Halverson, Mabel Ensrud, and Alfred Superintendent at the time of the first Anderson. graduating class in 1919 was Miss Gina Hubert Halvorson is the first in the front Wangsness. John E. Laughlin is the present row, then Esther Brekke, Elmer Halvorson superintendent. and Agnes Brekke.

19. North Dakota State Libn Riem.rrL N n ^R^flK 7TH & 8TH GRADE—1915 FINLEY SCHOOL Front row, Rasmus Simonson, Denver Heskin, Bernice Long, Mildred Monteith, Hashbarger, Walter Needham, (unknown), Martha Baughman, Teacher Anna B. Larson; Claris Windness, Evelyn Knudson, Ralph Edna Oxton, Alma Carlson, Helen Furos, Curry, Floyd Porter, Walter Oxton. Back row: Mildred Darch, Rhuda Leraas, and the last Blanche Keith, Clara Tollefson, Bernice unknown.

FINLEY SCHOOL Miss Beth Rehberg was the teacher who lined these boys and girls up to get a picture the last day of school. In the front row are C. M. Needham, Agnes This building burned in 1914. It was situated Simon and Anne Nelson. where the Lerol-Mogck insurance office is In the back row we have Gladys Long, now, and housed a pool hall operated by Julius Gilbert Engen, Agnes Petterson, Louise Brekke's father. There was a millinery store Porter, Dewey Porter, Jennie Oxton, John in there also. Jack Needham also had his drug Engen, and Miss Beth Rehberg. store in there until his new building was ready.

20. Graduating Classes of the Finley High School from 1919 through 1972 Finley, North Dakota

1919 1925 Harold Eide Alice Havig Walter Needham Vane Caley Agnes Hanson Gladys Moe Bernice Long Edwin Carlson Kenneth Jacobson Artur Olson Gertrude Linn Myrtle Carlson Adeline Lewis Darwin Olson Dorothy Cochrane Ethel Dronen Inez Olson Olive Paulsen Laura Frojen Gina Jacobson Willard Peterson Helen Shogren Rachel Petterson Lenore Long Henry Rekstad Clayton Skeie Bergit Moe Alvin Strand Adeline Wedin 1920 Milton Olson Eveline Sund Evelyn Wennerstrom Ina Oxton Adeline Peterson Wallace Sund Edna Oxton Dorothy Thumm 1934 Agnes Petterson 1926 Feme Walters Geneva Berge Claris Windness Claire Bistline Edith Dronen Ralph Curry Lilah Bistline 1930 Lillian Halvorson Charlotte Martinson Orlando Carlson Lois Long Helen Hanson Melvin Dronen Beatrice Mickelson Tordis Iverson 1921 Florence Fosmarck Wilma Oxton Ruth Jacobson Verne Archer Ethel Grimson Agnes Peterson Raymond Johnson Charlotte Howland Mable Petterson Esther Petterson Leona Karras Joseph Knudson Lillie Peterson Arne Sletten Alice Mickelson Gordon Needham Olga Strand Inga Sund Melvin Mickelson Florence Nelson Wanda Thome Elsie Paulson Howard Oxton 1931 Harold Peterson Cecil Sampson Beatrice Birkeland Alton Sandaker Raymond Strand 1922 Lawrence Bjugstad Ethelyn Simley Alphild Windness Egbert Boe Anna Devlin Lucille Simpson ClaYence Christianson Borghild Foyen Arnold Vigesaa Doris Curry Wesley Gilbertson Dwight Curry 1927 Hilda Iverson Leon Ellison Thelma Bilden Minard Jacobson 1935 Harvey Knudson Victor Boe Philip Martinson Clara Aasen Conrad Knudson Ethel Carlson Agnes Mickelson Warren Archer Odean Nelson Melvin Grunseth Orville Olson Obert Berge Nimrod Orn Inga Iverson Janet Oxton Melvin Bjelde Jessie Oxton Mildra Lewis Lorene Sampson Leona Erickson Mildred Oxton Zella Martinson Virda Skeie Orvin Foss Chester Sund Myrtle Moe Evelyn Thumm Kenneth Furness Adelaide Sund Martha Mustad Melvin Vosseteig Ida Knudson Jennie Vosseteig Agnes Nelson Kenneth Walters Margaret Lundmark Elsie Williams Ernest Oxton Wallace Long Margaret Windness Ruth Peterson Mary Lund Walter Petterson 1932 Edna Mickelson 1923 George Skeie Jerome Erickson Florence Milligan Arthur Archer Oscar Furness Norris Olson Alphild Boe 1928 Inger Grunseth Leland Paulsen Agnes Bjugstad Richard Anderson Hans Halvorson Kenneth Peterson Esther Englund Esther Boe Ruth Hanson Drusilla Shogren Marvin Knudson Marcus Boe Einar Husby Thelma Sandaker Lloyd Nelson Mildred Bjugstad Mildred Johnson Truman Simley Inez Needham Maurice Dronen Oive Johnson Marjorie Vareberg Myrtle Oxton Ancil Eide Bertha Mustad Beulah Wigen Sanford Peterson Selmer Jacobson Bertha Moe Harold Skeie Lorraine Levins Bemice Nygaard 1936 Susanna Stangeland Mabel Mickelson Orville Sandaker Dolores Archer Randolph Thome Laura Mustad Donald Sathre Florence Bjelde Alice Nelson FJenore Sund Bemice Bjugstad 1924 Anne Rekstad Ernest Carlson Alice Carlson Baldwin Sampson 1933 Mary Cooper Alice Hanson Iver Seim Gerhard Aasen Alice Dronen Mildred Keith Thelma Ask Melvin Edwardson Francis Levins 1929 Myrtle Brager Eleanore Erickson Lawrence Long Edna Brekke Cora Brekke Ervin Grunseth Edith Petterson Verna Carlson La Verne Gilbertson Roy Grunseth

21. Fern Houston Florece Carlson Kenneth Bjugstad Jeannette Nelson Anne Iverson Oscar Carlson Beatrice Bugbee Marion Norgaard Jane Jacobson Jack Devlin Mildred Frojen Dorothy Orn La Vaughn Larson Judith Engen Ruth Lokken Alph Overby John Laughlin Marjorie Engen Doris Lundmark Eleanore Paulsen Phyllis Lovik Emma Iverson La Verne Moe Helen Simonson Gustav Lundmark Arnold Mickelson La Verne Mootz Elsie Still Harry Martinson Lawrence Shogren Murrell Odden Alice Moe Mildred Simley Audrey Simley 1946 Ruth Mustad Delores Simonson Genora Sondreal Doris Ask Douglas Nash Homer Sondreal Ralph Storebo Marlys Bakke Elmo Olson Wanda Still June Berg Sam Oxton 1943 Kathryn Johnson Edward Paulsen 1940 Dorothy Anderson Kermont Mickelson Frances Petersen Evelyn Bjugstad Harlan Bjugstad Constance Mustad James Petersen Ellsworth Brekke Dorothy Bugbee Doris Nygaard Cleo Peterson Leslie Brooks Maurice Carlson Constance Odden John Rockneberg Marcella Carlson Ruth Carlson Doris Olson Jeanette Rosendahl Velma Dyrstad Palma Coen Ardelle Schwartz Hans Grunseth Eleanor Engeness Lucille Seim 1937 Harold Gullickson Dorothy Mae Gilbertson Mildred Still Helen Aasen John Hinderager Jeanne Jacobson Howard Thorson Frederick Anderson Vemon Henrickson Evelyn Jerstad Jerome Vosseteig Pershing Boe Lincoln Jerstad Floyd Jerstad Viola Bjugstad Genevieve Johnson Phyllis Johnson 1947 Adeline Brekke Conrad Johnson Ann Long Donna Anderson Kermit Carlson Lillian Knudson James Odden Elizabeth Archer Neil Devlin Leonard Lundmark Lorna Olson Ralph Archer, Jr. Robert Devlin Donald McGregor Elaine Orn Bernice Ask Alphild Engen Alice Norgaard James Oxton Norma Basol Geraldine Halvorson Roy Olson Phyllis Rockney Anna Mae Bjerke Arnold Havig Betty Oxton James Rosendahl Phyllis Carlson Gustave Hofseth Neilan Oxton Eleanore Schwartz Douglas Coen Dwight Johnson Erick Schone Elroy Sondreal Lyle Coen Vem Karras Leonard Seim Ansoph Stordahl Dagmar Iverson Lloyd Mickelson Margaret Simonson Joan Hoover Johnson Earl Nygaard Margaret Soderman 1944 Joyce Mellum Stanley Overby Delora Sparrow Ardelle Brekke Arthur Odden Nina Paulsen Pearl Storebo Phyllis Berge William Oxton Enid Peterson Thelma Stordahl Frances Carlson Harold Rosendahl Lenore Rosendahl Phyllis Tranby Konrad Frojen Marshall Tomren Blanche Rustad Dorothy Wendlick Helen Gilbertson LeRoy Vosseteig Evelyn Sund Russell Henrickson Vema Wigen 1948 1941 Mildred Iverson Eldris Berg Adeline Anderson Joy Martinson Ardis Carlson 1938 Ardelle Ask Dennis Mickelson Norma Engen Geraldine Archer Kenneth Ask Terry Needham Conrad Engen Jeanette Archer Andrew Braaten Bemice Schwartz Luella Engeness Arabella Berg Adele Carlson Palmer Simonson Anna Faltinson Jeroy Bjerke Jean Carlson Alice Still Doris Henrickson Ward Devlin Leikney Iverson Marlowe Hilstad Gordon Dronen Melvin Jerstad 1945 Virginia Jacobson Hjordis Grunseth Sander Johnson Sidney Anderson Luella Jensen Albert Jacobson Gwendolynn Larson Joyce Archer Eunice Johnson Odean Jerstad Annsley Mickelson Twylla Bjugstad Jeanette Johnson John Johnson Milton Mootz Marvel Carlson Bruce Laughlin Joseph Johnson LaFern Moe Anna Edwardson Bonnie Meldahl Mary Martinson Clara Mustad Hazel Engen Gerald Meldahl Dorothy Milligen Claris Olson Lincoln Engen Ardell Moe Esther Lokken Victor Orn Carroll Engeness Betty Nygaard Alma Mustad Eleanore Overby Janet Frojen Margaret Overby Julie Mustad Orville Rosendahl Jeanne Henrickson Norton Pladsen Garfield Sampson Yvonne Simonson Nelvin Jackson Jean Sparks Palmer Vareberg Bette Stansbury Jule Jacobson Ingmar Strand Margaret Wedin Curtis Stordahl Alvin Jensen Thelma Wigen Donald Johnson 1939 1942 Julian Meldahl 1949 Gordon Anderson Lyle Archer Ruth Meldahl Delores Berg Paul Bjugstad Sybil Ask Florence Mustad Harold Bjerke

22. Joyce Coen Solveig Boe Truman Hanson Dorothy Hilstad James Devlin Phyllis Bugbee James Jacobson Dorene Holland Carroll Dronen Joyce Carlson Duane Johnson Dorothy Kreis Freda Engen David Coen Edward Johnson Robert Leslie Russell Gilbertson Rosemary Devlin Gary Olson Darnell Lundstrom Marvin Grotte Thomas Devlin William Paulsen Jr. Sybil McKenzie Eloise Halvorson Beverly Dronen Margaret Simonson Norris Pederson Hubert Johnson Vernal Dronen Barbara Strand Richard Seim David Jordahl Barbara Erickson Katherine Strand Arlene Storebo Herman Martinson, Jr. Mavis Evenson Joan Swingen Gertrude Mustad Gloria Gullickson Gerald Vosseteig 1961 Gilbert Mustad Jr. Donna Hagen Bruce Archer Lilah Norgaard Betty Johnson 1957 Judy Bergman Marguerite Olson Thomas Needham Judith Archer Harlan Brager Rhoda Paulsen Rodney Oxton Mavis Berge Benjamin Dekker Sue Pladson Alvin Paaverud Neil Brekke Stephen Egediusen Carol Rosendahl Robert Peterson Linda Erickson Gretchen Fritz Sallie Philipp Edna Fahey Fem Grotte 1950 Delmer Piggott Beverly Hagen Janice Hagen Bennie Ask Jr. Doris Schwartz Kathryn Halleen Gary Hanson Marlys Carlson Ardith Simonson Jacqueline Horner Diane Huso Arland Grunseth Faye Solberg Janice Jacobson Dorene Huso Katherine Jordahl Frederick Spriggs Merlyn Kleven Nancy Jacobson Barbara Odden Lucille Strand Nadine Meldahl Daniel Jordahl Floyd Overby Mildred Sund Allen Moe Duane Lundstrom Philip Overby Barbara Orvik Linda Nelson Marion Oxton 1954 Lois Seim Gary Paulsen Janice Stark Madeline Philipps Ruth Ask Karen Paulsen Kenneth Schwartz Eugene Baldwin Donna Poehls Anna Swenson Arlin Berg 1958 John Storebo Bernice Tomren Roger Bjugstad Carolyn Arneson Janice Sund Marilyn Widmark Doris Carlson Ilene Carlson Karen Vosseteig Joel Erickson Sheridan Dronen 1951 Odis Friend Gail Gilbertson 1962 Geraldine Berg Elizabeth Grinley Cheryl Knutson Joel Anderson Erling Boe Donald Horner Loretta Mickelson Cordell Bugbee Dale Boelz William Horner Hazel Philipp Thomas Devlin Charles Engen William Jacobson Irene Simonson Kay Dekker Robert Groseth Jean Johnson Martin Spriggs Margaret Dekker Eunice Hagen Paul Jordahl Benton Strand Joyce Flaten Gilman Johnson Mary Jane Meldahl Bonnie Ulness Linda Good Wallace Johnson Gaye Olson David Wigen Diane Hanson Muriel Knutson Marlys Olson Bonita Henrickson Delores Meldahl Rebecca Olson 1959 Mildred Holland Sylvia Mustad Elwood Dronen Mervin Johnson Howard Ostrom 1955 Ken Flaten Ronald Johnson Barbara Philipp Patricia Anderson Dennis Finell Janice Moores Laurel Pladsen William Archer Andrea Gilbertson Larry Pommier Joan Spriggs Warren Christianson Ernest Groth Sheryl Qualey Jeanne Erickson Carol Hagen Gary Rosendahl 1952 Deloris Hagen Gary Huso Janice Seim Richard Albrecht Neva Haroldson Edwin Jacobson Myron Vareberg Beverly Anderson Willard Jacobson Lillian Mustad Surges Vinje Vivian Arneson David Johnson Robert Paulsen Florence Berg Betty Lund Ardythe Olson 1963 Joan Boelz Dennis Nygord Gerald Storebo Carol Amundson Arlem Bryngelson Karen Peterson Donald Vareberg Bonnie Anderson Irene Carlson Eileen Seim Diane Brager Herbert Christianson Donald Storebo 1960 Lavonne Burchill Ruth Faltinson Evelyn Storebo Wesley Archer Jennifer Carlson Isabelle Haroldson Harris Torgerson Myma Bergman Clifford Dronen Norma Jordahl lone Vosseteig John Brekke Richard Henrickson Ellen Lund Lyle Burchill John Johnson Betty Rosendahl 1956 Brian Canestrari Donald Kleven Gerald Storebo Joan Anderson Richard Erickson Janet Mickelson Owen Strand Mary Arneson Donald Flafren Melvin Moe Roger Bugbee Jon Good Allen Mustad 1953 Joy Dexter Larry Groth Creta Newby Arnold Berg Jr. Harold Dronen Barbara Hanson Curtis Olson

23. Orella Pederson Lona Olson Teresa Bremer Deborah Engen Sheila Strand Starr Olson Arlan Carlson Allen Grotte Ethel Warren Marcia Paulsen Jonathan Condra Gregory Harvey Jerry Wendlick Penny Plaisted Esther Devlin John Hofseth Reed Qualey Delphine Gullicks Elin Jerstad 1964 Lester Saul Alanna Hauge Janice Juliuson Dennis Carlson Peggy Seim Paul Hillestad Karla Kvislen Larry Carlson Julia Sutton Rita Jerstad Sherry Lee Patricia Carpenter David Vareberg Lee Ann Johnson Virginia Lee Nicholas Dekker Jeanne Vosseteig Lynette Juliuson Jon Linnell Terry Dekker Paula Welder Carol Jungles John Lundberg Linda Groth Janice Laughlin Bernadine Ohler Beverly Hanson Larry Lee Vicki Ose Glen Holland 1967 Bruce Lundstrom Deborah Ostrom Donald Huso Larry Amundson Jacqueline Meldahl Marilyn Pederson Linda Johnson Barbara Anderson Shirley Paulsen Gary Peterson Scott Laughlin Cheryl Anderson Delores Price Roger Silverthom Steven Meldahl Albert Brag Janet Simonson Richard Strand Duane Moe Keary Brager Kenneth Swenson Arlene Sundquist Shirley Moe Ruth Brager Ramona Walcker Catherine Swenson Bruce Nygren Cheryle Carlson Carl Wasness Merlin Thykeson James Olson Ruth Devlin Scott Wigen Lori Wendlick Judith Pommier Neil Dronen Lori Wigen Audrey Price Dale Good Deanna Wilkens Neil Qualey Fay Hanson 1970 Diane Shogren Judy Kroeplin Lenore Basol 1972 Richard Solberg Lee Ann Laughlin Marlene Carlson Pamela Achey Marilyn Swenson Steven Olson James Condra Loren Basol Diane Wendlick Merlan Paaverud Jr. Gary Grotte David Brag Beverly Paulsen Ronald Gullicks David Bremer 1965 Richard Pederson Wayne Loyland Randi Christofferson Janice Archer Peggy Shogren Conrad Lundstrom Janice Condra Audrey Bakken Janice Vareberg Myma Mehus Rick Fugleberg John Brager Bradley Meldahl Nolan Glock Anita Bugbee 1968 Stephen Neva DeeAnn Grunseth Farrel Carlson Gayle Anderson Susan Olson Harvey Gullicks Joseph Dekker Timothy Bakke Pamela Ose Becky Hanson William Devlin Mylo Bakken Dwight Paaverud Gregory Hanson Jennifer Foss Cathy Baldwin Dale Peyer Kenneth Jerstad Richard Gullicks Julie Bugbee Leonard Seim Loren Kensrud Tyrone Hauge Dana Carlson Michael Simley Ted Kreis Gail Henrickson Patricia Dekker Helen Sutton JoDee Meldahl Mark Jacobson Ronald Dronen Alan Strand Nicholas Shogren Kay Kensrud Julie Engen Lennte Wendlick Jean Silverthom Katherine Kreis Donella Good Denise Wilkens Neal Simley Mark Linnell Karen Grotte Warren Sundquist Ona Vinje Diane Lundstrom Steven Hanson 1971 Charles Hofseth David Vosseteig Marjorie Mehus Wayne Amundson Russell Walcker Marjorie Moe Terry Kensrud Steven Berg Sherrie Larson Ray Wasness Deloris Paulsen Larry Bugbee Pamela Welder Darlene Ronholm Linda Loyland Warren Dennis David Shogren Maxine Mehus Edna Sund Ilene Moe Mark Vinje Peggy Moe Denise Wendlick Mona Paulsen Cheryl Peterson 1966 Delores Poehls Lois Amundson Annette Qualey Bradley Rosendahl Gregory Anderson Jeannie Shogren David Askegard Terry Sorlien Faye Brager Ronald Sundquist Claude Carbine Jon Veile John Dekker Rodney Walcker Seven Gregor Virginia Wallace Jay Henrickson Brian Welder Paul Linnell Kathleen Lyons JoAnn Midstokke 1969 Lyle Midstokke John Basol

24. Finley Teachers From 1896 through 1972 Finley, North Dakota

1896-97 Edna Dart Alvin Bronstad 1925-26 B. J. Long Anna Tollefson Esther Carlson H. J. Kantrud Mabel Pederson Isabelle Ramstad 1897-98 1911-12 Wilhelmina Hein John Olson A. L. Hamilton W. H. Fleming Minnie Grimson Ruth Tetzlaff Arnetta Olson Anna Halvorson Gladys Gardner 1898-99 Clara Lillethan Emma Newgard A. L. Hamilton Ottilia Westlund 1920-21 Gladys Hogan Ragna Lund A. J. Bergum Lillian Tanberg 1899-1900 Myrtle Meade T. J. Megorden Minnie Grimson 1926-27 W. J. Courtney 1912-13 Inez Jacobson H. J. Kantrud Myrtle Meade Mildred Johnson Isabelle Ramstad 1900-01 Ottilia Westland Louise Porter John Olson W. W. Williams Ragna Lund Ruth Olson Ruth Tetzlaff Ethel Walwork Mabel Potter Mae Hanson Gladys Gardner Esther Carlson Emma Newgard 1901-02 1913-14 Ethel Cochrane Olgot Fosmarck Gladys Hogan Roy W. Matchan Lillian Tanberg Elizabeth Rehberg 1921-22 A. P. Beleal 1902-03 Anna B. Larson A. J. Bergum Christine Nelson Oscar Hanson Ottilia Westland Olgot Fosmarck Olga Swenson Rachel Taylor Anna Croonquist Walter Reitan Myrtle Meade 1903-04 Mae Hanson 1927-28 Olga Skarperud H. J. Kantrud Verdie Decker 1914-15 Louise Porter G. Pfeifer Fannie Newberry Emma Rolfson Ruth Tetzlaff 1904-05 S. A. Williams Nettie Skurdahl P. O. Fossen W. S. Henry Anna M. Croonquist Edna Dart Gladys Rogers Alice Olson Myrtle Meade Gertrude Dahlby Ottilia Westland 1922-23 Melida Scott 1905-06 Anna B. Larson R. Levin A. J. Bergum Olga Swenson Edna Dart W. R. Reitan Christine Nelson 1915-16 Dorothy Booker Margaret Windness S. A. Williams Mabel Flom Margaret Irgins 1906-07 Hilda Wahl Edythe Eaton Prof. Henry Ida Madsen Erma Beatty 1928-29 Edna Dart Ottillia Westland Olga Skarperud H. J. Kantrud Marie Tollefson Marjorie D. Chryst G. O. Pfiefer Myrtle Meade Mildred Schulstad 1907-08 Hilma Skalbeck Ruth Archer Robert Thacker 1916-?7 P. O. Fossen Pearl Stansbury Ida Madsen 1923-24 Alice Olson Edna Dart A. T. Fredlund W. R. Reitan Gertrude Dalby Marie Tollefson Hilda Wahl Hilma Skalbeck Melida Scott Isabell Mcintosh Anna Glesne Sophya Ballingberg 1908-09 Ida B. Gilbertson Olga Skarperud George F. Newton Gudred Quamme Irma Beatty 1929-30 Anna Neyer Edythe Eaton E. A. Jerde Gina Wangsness 1917-18 Mabel Flom G. O. Pfeifer Marie Tollefson Gina Wangsness Dorothy Booker Irene Johnson Maud Long Marjorie Chryst Mildred Schulstad Sophia Ballingberg Ida Gilbertson Dorothy Henka Philip Fossen 1909-10 Olga Nordstrom Minnie Grimson Vivian Roof G. F. Newton Manda Harstad May Fladland 1918-19 1924-25 Selma Lillehaugen Anna Neyer Gena Wangsness W. R. Reitan Gina Wangsness Marjorie Chryst Hilma Skalbeck 1930-31 Marie Tollefson Anna Halvorson Mildred Brudvig E. A. Jerde Ida B. Gilbertson Elva Mcintosh Carl Eggmann 1910-11 Minnie Grimson Jessie Dayton Irene Johnson Anna Neyer Margaret Trueblood Bella Ballingberg May Fladland 1919-20 Gladys Hogan Vivian Roof Clara Lillethan Gina Wangsness Dorothy Booker Janice Hoffman

25. Manda Harstad Christine Colvin 1944-45 Dean Hall Selma Lillehaugen Vivian Roof J. T. Carlson Virginia Stromme Alice Carlson Beverly Aamold Mrs. Jerome Berg 1931-32 Louise Haugsjaa Mrs. Kenneth Overby E. A. Jerde Clarice Berg Hazel Christopherson 1951-52 Carl Eggmann 1938-39 Clara Van Middlesworth John E. Laughlin Bella Ballingberg E. A. Jerde Bernice Griggs Robert Sheppard Irene Johnson Alice Carlson Myrtle Challey Jerome Berg Vivian Roof Ben Rostberg Madeline Lund Carol Jean Johnson Janice Hoffman Harold Dordahl Dean Hall Manda Harstad Clara Ruud Virginia Stromme Thora Norman Elsye Spitzer 1945-46 Mrs. Jerome Berg Louise Lokken J. T. Carlson Mrs. Kenneth Overby 1932-33 Edith Johnson Marjorie Mickelson E. A. Jerde Bernice Griggs Irene Johnson Evelyn Larson 1952-53 Ruth Peterson 1939-40 Milda Hagglund John E. Laughlin Carl Eggmann E. A. Jerde Robert Sheppard Jerome Berg Vivian Roof Ben Rostberg Clarice Berg Donald Nudell Janice Hoffman Lloyd Ralstan Louise Haugsjaa Harold Oppegard Manda Harstad Virginia Smith Beverly A. Carlson Dean Hall Thora Norman Clara Ruud Mrs. Jerry Meldahl Elsye Spitzer 1946-47 Mrs. Jerome Berg Mrs. Kenneth Overby 1933-34 Louise Lokken J. T. Carlson E. A. Jerde Edith Johnson Earl Nygaard Irene Johnson Evelyn Larson 1953-54 Ruth Peterson 1940-41 John E. Laughlin John E. Laughlin Vivian Roof E. A. Jerde Robert Sheppard Don Nudell Janice Hoffman Ben Rostberg Orella Nysveen Dorothy Bjerke Thora Norman Lloyd Ralstan Marion Delaney LaDonna Severson Dennis Loge Harlean Bjerke Natalie Tjornham Marcia Snortland Palma Rustad Marjorie Metcalf Clara Ruud Bradford Lentz Elyse Spitzer 194748 Dean W. Hall 1934-35 Louise L. Rostberg John E. Laughlin Robert Sheppard Mrs. Lucile Aamold E. A. Jerde Edith Johnson Gladys Peterson Irene Johnson Myrtle Challey Helen Sayer Earl Nygaard Mrs. Kenneth Overby Vivian Roof Orella Nysveen Thora Norman 194142 Mrs. C. H. Rud 1954-55 Alice Carlson Jacob T. Carlson Donna Mae Siebert John E. Laughlin Christine Colvin La Vera Schaeffer Marcia Snortland Don Nudell Harlean Bjerke Wyner Rorvig Dennis Loge Marjorie Metcalf Myrtle Challey Clara Ruud 1948-49 Elroy Berg Mary Dickenson June Keller John E. Laughlin 1935-36 Elton Overby Ilene Thompson Robert Sheppard E. A. Jerde June Burner Pat Cowell Wilbert Schlaht Albert Auch Ellen Berg Alice Carlson Carol Jean Johnson Ruth Rud Nola Keyes Cleo Knapp 1942-43 Barbara Langdahl Vivian Roof J. T. Carlson Audrey Heder Christine Colvin Ardys Fixen Jeanette Stone Carrol Dohrmann Bernice Lilleoien Mrs. Truman Simley 1955-56 Thora Norman LaVera Schaeffer Alma Omdahl John E. Laughlin June Keller Wyman Holland 1936-37 Myrtle Challey 1949-50 Elroy Berg E. A. Jerde Nora Simonson John E. Laughlin Herbert Kjos Alice Carlson Flora-Davis Wright Robert Sheppard Mary Dickinson A. G. Auch Carol Jean Johnson Mrs. Donald Swenson Cleo Knapp 1943-44 Edward Otto Mrs. June Johnson Vivian Roof Nora Simonson Carl Wennberg Barbara Endruh Christine Colvin J. T. Carlson Cal Mogck Shirley Morstad Inga Samnoen Ardys Fixen Virginia Stromme Nola Keyes Sparkman Thora Norman June Keller Mrs. Truman Simley Barbara Langdahl Bernice Lilloien Alma Omdahl 1937-38 Jeanette Sorkness 1956-57 E. A. Jerde Madaline Lund 1950-51 John E. Laughlin Mildred Samnoen Mrs. E. T. Fyrand John E. Laughlin Wyman Holland Harold Dordahl Hanna Overbo Robert Sheppard Donald Swenson Ben Rostberg Jacquelin Rehor Jerome Berg Lyle Kallestad Inga Samnoen Ann Silness Carol Jean Johnson Erlys Fernow

26. Mrs. Donald Swenson JoAnne Isensee Donald K. Vellenga 1968-69 Mrs. June Johnson Mrs. Jerry Engen Richard K. Hofstrand John E. Laughlin Irene Langdahl Mrs. Russell Gilbertson Mrs. Betty Borgeson William A. Bengson Helen Holland Ann Bergman Mrs. Dorothy Vellenga Terry A. McLeod Shirley Johnson Gail Eileen Swant Allan J. Anderson Barbara Langdahl 1961-62 Mrs. Alpha Flaten Mrs. Elaine Aarestad Gail Swant 1957-58 John E. Laughlin Feryle Borgeson Cynthia Larson John E. Laughlin Jerome Vosseteig Bonnie Close Carol Skogen Wyman Holland Joseph Banister Virginia Olafson Jerome Ahlberg Lyle Kallestad Don Seeger Zona Austreng Mrs. Don Seeger Mrs. Barbara Ahlberg Donald Swenson Lois Marie Denault Wayne Fischer Mrs. Carol Evanson Erlys Fernow Carol Ann Walford Pat Meyers Virgil Babinski Mrs. Donald Swenson Mrs. Jean Engen Terry Hanson Mrs. Barbara Braunberger Don Raffenbuhl 1965-66 Gerald Tandberg Carol Walford Alpha Flaten John E. Laughlin Larry Tag Mrs. Jean Engen Irene Langdahl Donald K. Vellenga Mrs. Dorothy Norgaard, Helen Holland Mrs. Richard Goodyear Larry Schwahn Special Education Shirley Johnson Adeline Mattern Donovan Flaagen Mrs. Kenneth Flaten Mrs. Dorothy Vellenga Barbara Langdahl Mrs. Joseph Banister 1969-70 1958-59 Mrs. Betty Borgeson Judy Boman Roger Berglund John E. Laughlin John E. Laughlin JoAnne Isensee Gail Eileen Schwahn Rudy D. Hanson Wyman Holland Mrs. Jerry Engen Feryle Borgeson Leslie H. Nettum Lyle Kallestad Mrs. Russell Gilbertson Loretta Mickelson Sheryl Ann Hitchcock D. H. Kittelson Mrs. Bonnie Turner Virginia Olafson Mrs. Linda Schroeder Alice Summers Judith Siemers Douglas O. Peterson Gerald Tandberg 1962-63 Mrs. Zona Peterson John G. Hammer Carol Stegman John E. Laughlin Jean Patterson Carol J. Skogen Barbara Strand Joseph S. Banister Carol Walford Jerome K. Ahlberg Alpha Flaten Jerome Vosseteig Mrs. Jean Engen Sheridan M. Erickson Irene Langdahl Gail E. Swant Mrs. Barbara A. Ahlberg Helen Holland Terry Hanson Mary M. Rostad Shirley Johnson Wayne A. Fischer 1966-67 Mrs. Linda E. Flanagan Barbara Gilbertson Richard Westlake Mrs. Hope Seeger John E. Laughlin Mrs. Alice Simley 1959-60 Betty Clarice Westgard Donald K. Vellenga Mrs. Barbara Braunberger John E. Laughlin Gerald Tandberg Mrs. Joyce Voorhees Carol A. Walford Jerome Vosseteig Larry Tag Harvey G. Braaten Mrs. Barbara Gilbertson Lyie Kallestad Mrs. Alpha Flaten Gail E. Swant Mrs. Dorothy Norgaard, Wyman Holland Wayne Shustrom Roger Berglund Special Education Helen Holland Mrs. David Buchla Mrs. Dorothy Vellenga Mrs. Richard Tuttle Jerome Ahlberg Mrs. Linda Banister 1970-71 Wayne Fischer Nancy R. Mollins Barbara Ahlberg Terry Hanson Carol Evanson John E. Laughlin Carol Ann Walford Rudy D. Hanson Gerald Tandberg Mrs. Jean Engen Donna Miller Carol Stegman Mrs. Patricia Johnson Leslie H. Nettum Sheryl Ann Hitchcock Barbara Strand 1963-64 Mrs. Alice Simley Mrs. Kenneth Flate Mrs. Barbara Braunberger Mrs. Linda Schroeder John E. Laughlin Douglas 0. Peterson Mrs. Kenneth Flaten Joseph S. Banister Carol Walford Mrs. David Carmody Mrs. Barbara Gilbertson Thomas G. Aspelund Charles W. Folk Mrs. Carol Meyers Mrs. Wayne Fischer Richard Hofstrand Mrs. Jean Engen Doris Elke Sheridan M. Erickson Larry Schwahn Tnomas E. Ukestad Mrs. Oscar Eide, Jr. 1967-68 Don Vellenga Dennis Barker Mrs. Russell Gilbertson John E. Laughlin Mrs. Dorothy Vellenga Leon Opdahl Thelma Halstensgaard Foster R. Hager Betty Clarice Westgard Mrs. Alice Simley Allan J. Anderson 1960-61 Gary Allen Hareland Olive Berntson Terry A. McLeod John E. Laughlin Douglas W. Lutz Mrs. Donna Lerol Joseph S. Novak Jerome Vosseteig Mrs. Alpha Flaten Carol A. Walford Gail Swant Lyle Jarrett Wayne Shustrom Mrs. Barbara Gilbertson LeAnna Aljets Joseph Banister JoAnn Locken Mrs. Dorothy Norgaard, Mrs. Elaine Aarestad Don Seeger Barbara Kroke Special Education Wayne Fischer Zona J. Austreng Jerome Ahlberg Mrs. Richard Tuttle Vicky Nelson Mrs. Barbara Ahlberg Terry Hanson Carol Ann Walford Mrs. Carol Evanson 1971-72 Gerald Tandberg Mrs. Jean Engen Virgil Babinski John E. Laughlin Larry Tag Mrs. Alice Simley Robert Thompson Adeline Mattem 1964-65 Mrs. Barbara Braunberger Leslie H. Nettum Mrs. K. Flaten John E. Laughlin carol Walford Douglas Peterson Mrs. John Hillesland Joseph S. Banister Mrs. Barbara Gilbertson Del Ray Kessler Judy Boman Larry Schwahn Mrs. Jean Engen Mrs. Carlotta Kessler

27. Mrs. Karen Uglem Basic Skills Marc Peterka Mrs. Jean Engen, Thomas Aspelund Kindergarten Sheridan Erickson Steele County Special Thomas Ukestad Education : Leon Opdahl Mrs. Dorothy Norgaard, Virgil Babinski Special Education Mrs. Alice Simley Miss Rita Zimbleman, Mrs. Donna Lerol Speech Therapist Carol Walford Mrs. El vera Peck, Mrs. Barbara Gilbertson Consultant in Specific Mrs. Richard Solberg, Learning Disabilities

Mrs Norgaard has an EMR room located in the Finley School. The Speech Therapist and Consultant in Specific Learning Disabilities include Finley students in their county schedule.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP SCHOOL, 1904 Adolph Christopherson, Oscar Olson, Martin Pupils enrolled in Franklin Township school Hilstad, Paul Bjugstad, Paul Christopherson, in 1904 were taught by Ethel Oakley. The Lars (or Louis) Hilstad, Helmer Hilstad and children were Emma Christopherson, Bertha Edwin Olson. In the front row are Anna Hilstad, Laura Bjugstad, Oliva Bjugstad, Tina Christopherson, Mabel Christopherson, (unknown) Olson; Mabel Bjugstad and Hanna Olson. Christopherson, Erma Christopherson,

28. 1972 finley in

HILL 'N DALE Golfers from the area are to be found three miles north and two miles west of town at the Long had the distinction of being the first Hill 'N Dale Golf course. mayor if the city of Finley. He resigned in This 9-hole course was started about 1962 by 1929. Ernie Midstokke and Konrad Frojen. There Samuel Oxton served four terms, until were but three holes, and was set up for a April, 1938 when A. J. Karras took over. He practice course only. was followed by C. M. Needham in 1945, However, it was soon felt that a larger area Jerome Erickson in 1950 and J. E. Knudson in was needed, and the present course was 1951. M. A. Norgard was elected in July 1955, planned. It takes in 42 acres of rolling land on Lewis Sutton in 1956, and J. E. Knudson again the Frojen farm. in 1962. Glenn H. Berg was elected Mayor in There are 88 members in the club at present. 1970, but resigned when he sold the Press and The men have a feed every Wednesday about Howard Ostrom succeeded him in August of 6, and the ladies get together on Thursdays. 1971. Records of the marshalls was rather in­ DEVLIN ELECTRIC teresting, and contained names of Potter, E. Devlin Electric is owned and operated by W. Cone, R. J. Ball, W. A. Cochrane, Chas. Russell T. Devlin, Master Electrician. Mitchell, Martin Christopherson, Edward Devlin was born in Steele County, and ex­ Olson, Ben Leraas, O. E. Olson, Sandford cept for a hitch in the army during World War Anderson, Gilbert G. Engen, A. H. Nelson, R. II, has made Finley his home. W. Sluggett and R. W. Long. Upon his return from service, he purchased In 1930 the title was changed to Chief of the Standard Station on the corner where the Police, and C. J. Nash, Hans Grunseth, Farmers Union Ins. office is now, and Clarence Knutson, Arthur T. Thompson, operated it for three years, in connection with Julius Brekke, Lewis Jensen, Phil Huso, Axel his electrical service. Christianson, Gordon Poehls and Eugene F. In 1952 Russell built a shop south of his Lee held the office. Paul Linell is the town's home, and is operating it as a Plumbing, deputy now. Heating and Wiring shop. Present Mayor of Finley is Howard Ostrom. M. A. Anderson, Mason Linnell, Miles Mid­ CITY OFFICIALS stokke and Paul Norgard are on the council, The first year that Finley was an in­ with Warren Christianson Auditor and Mrs. corporated village is the earliest there are Russell Devlin, Treasurer. Nordeen Sorlien is records of the early trustees and other officers in charge of City Maintenance. for the town government. In November of 1903 F. E. Curry was elected president of the trustees, and Wm. H. Potter STEELE COUNTY FARMERS was the Marshall. Both of these gentlemen MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY served more than one term. The Steele County Farmers Mutual In­ Wm. Bateman was President in 1907, and A. surance Company was incorporated June 10, K. Cochrane in 1908. Samuel Long served in 1893. After a time of business in Enger 1909, and B. J. Long from 1909 to 1926. Finley Township, and Sherbrooke Town hall, it was was then incorporated as a village, and B. J. moved to Finley December 10, 1918.

29. Back row from left, George Sussex, Anton Jemtrud, Severt Jacobson and Paul Bjugstad. Front row, John B. Oxton, Chas. Chalmers, Pete Duncan, E. A. Erickson and Ed Sparrow.

Men instrumental in guiding the company in The company has coverage on 8 million its early years were T. O. Schjeldahl, P. T. dollars of property, with assets of two hundred Duncan, E. A. Erickson, and Charlie thousand. Chalmers. The present board is composed of Osten N. H. Holman, George Sussex, P. M. Pladson. President; George Sussex, Vice Bjugstad, J. B. Oxton, Severt Jacobson and President; and the Secretary-Treasurer is Anton Jemtrud joined the company more Ken Bjugstad. The directors are Elgin recently. Erickson, Ernest Erickson, Parnell Ostmo, Harold Good, A. T. Moe and Clifford Lund­ strom.

Joe Knudson is a present day trapper, and displayed his skins for the photographer.

30. The first office space was above the Citizens State Bank of Finley, Darrell Johnson was hired as the first general manager. On July 9, 1947 Clarence Bjugstad was the first member to receive electric energy from the Cooperative's distribution lines. At present the project area consists of most of Steele, Nelson and Griggs counties and portions of Eddy, Benson, Ramsey, Grand Forks and Traill counties serving 2,275 members with 2,071 miles of distribution line. Construction of the present headquarters building at Finley was begun in 1958 and completed and occupied in March of 1959. Wholesale power is purchased from the HOUSING CORPORATION Minnkota Power Cooperative of Grand Forks The Finley Housing Corporation was of which Sheyenne Valley Electric is a organized April 17,1967, with George Groseth, member. Kilowatt Hour sales have increased President, Tom Jacobson, Vice President, and from 14,000 per month by the close of 1947 to Howard Ostrom the Secretary-Treasurer. 4,284,426 per month in 1971. Herbert Christianson and R. O. Erickson The present board of directors includes completed the original board. Loren Richards, Ernest Grotte, Allan Ten units were built. Braunberger Bros, did Peterson, Allen Johnson, Allan E. Vig, Roy the general construction work, with Hanson Rasmussen, Sherman Rorvig, Arthur Beattie Plumbing, Devlin Electric, Heating, and and Eugene Jacobsen. Melvin L. Vosseteig is Wilkens Electric, the sub-contractors. the present general manager. Sheyenne The first tenants moved in December 1, Valley Electric employs a staff of fifteen 1968, Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Ask, Mr. and Mrs. people, of which two are located at the out post John Nygord, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Mar­ at Tolna, North Dakota. tinson, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hughes, Mr. and EARL'S BARBER SHOP Mrs. John Walters, Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Earl Spriggs came to Finley September 1, Simley, Mrs. Marion Lundstrom, Mrs. Addie 1934, and he and his wife Sal started a barber Thompson, Mrs. Anna Johnson and Mrs. shop and beauty shop in the basement of the Oletta Erickson. present bakery. Mrs. Spriggs moved her shop to their home, and Earl moved to his present location on the north side of Main Street in June of 1941.

HILLESTAD EXCAVATING Palmer Hillestad came to Finley June 1, 1948, coming from Esmond, N. D. He worked for Home Improvement for a year, and then began his own business, having machinery to do all types of excavating. Mrs. Hillestad, (Bernice) is a daughter of the Carl Nygaards. SHEYENNE VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. WILKENS ELECTRIC Sheyenne Valley Electric was incorporated Walt Wilkens came to Finley in 1949 with on September 16, 1944 to engage in rural Ulteig Engineering, who were working with electrification. The incorporators, John the electric transmission lines in the area. Oxton, Jr., Joseph Finell, L. B. Tweed, A. J. Aside from a short stay in the western part Pare, E. D. Beckman, Alfred Retzlaff, C. B. of the state, Walt has been in business in Herigstad, Oscar Idsvoog and Abel Vig served Finley for himself since. In 1966 he built a shop as directors and managed the business of the just north of the Lounge. Cooperative until successors were elected and Mrs. Wilkens is a Finley girl, Eldris Berg, qualified. daughter of Enoch Berg.

31. Not so long ago, Cap Bistline and Gus Hofseth in Cap's store, now part of the U-Save. It was a general merchandise store, and was operated at the back of the U-Save until he moved up to the front part of the store. JACOBSON'S U-SAVE Christianson purchased the North Dakota Willard and Donna Jacobson moved to Wind and Tornado Insurance and Minnesota Finley from Fargo in the spring of 1961 and Farmers Mutual Insurance from P. M. opened their U-Save store in the corner Bjugstad in 1964 and combined this with his building on Main Street. Willard is the son of other insurance. Jacob Jacobson, and Donna's parents are Mr. The Agency was moved in 1965 to the former and Mrs. George Groseth. Finley Improvement Association building GAMBLE STORE which is its present location. Art and Edith Brainerd bought the Gamble Herb Christianson continued as owner until Store from the Herman Martinsons in May, 1970, when it was purchased by his January, 1969, and are in the west half of the brother Warren Christianson. big store on the south side of Main Street, next BRAUNBERGER BROS. CONSTRUCTION to the U-Save. Braunberger Bros. Construction came into Art and Edith aren't new to Finley, both being in 1961 when a partnership was formed grew up in the area, Edith being Edith Horner. consisting of three brothers, Harley, Donald They were in Fargo for many years, before and Leslie. returning to Finley and the Gamble Store In 1964 an office was opened on Main street business. on the first floor of the Masonic Lodge CHRISTIANSON INSURANCE AGENCY building. In the fall of 1969 the former Pladsen Christianson Insurance Agency began in Implement building was purchased and July 1958. Herbert Christianson was the Agent remodeled for offices, and warehouse space,, and operated the agency out of his home. where the firm remains today. In August, 1962, Herb purchased the Overby The business consists primarily of general Insurance Agency located in the building building construction, with paint, floor space next to Elmers Barber Shop, from Alph covering and snowsled sales as a side line. In H. Overby. the spring of 1968 the business expanded and a

32. ready-mix plant was set up in Cooperstown, DON'S DAIRY known as the Cooperstown Ready Mix. Don Askegard started working in the The number of employees has ranged from 3 Creamery for Harry Knutson on September 1, to 12 men who have worked for the firm at one 1946. The creamery building about a block time. south of the Court House was used until 1965. Don bought out Knutson January 1,1965, and ASCS moved the dairy enterprise to a building north The ASCS Office started in 1933 under the of his home, where he continues to sell Cass name of Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA). Clay products, and operates a dairy route. The headquarters were in the Court House in Finley. The first County Committeemen were: OTTER TAIL POWER Thomas Devlin, Finley; Thorval Stavens, Otter Tail Power Company has served the Hatton and Nick Holman, Clifford. The first community since 1926. The Company built an Secretary for the County Committee was area warehouse and located a three-man crew Edgar Olson. at Finley in 1964. The crew consists of Les In 1945, the name was changed to Produc­ Silverthom, lead lineman, Robert Thompson tion Marketing Administration (PMA). In and Steve Homes, linemen. 1953, the name was changed to Agricultural The Finley Beacon of May 6, 1909 reported Stabilization and Conservation (ASC). Then in that Finley was to have lights. The gas lamps 1961, service was added to the name making which had been on trial for about a month ASCS. have proven to be of so much value that the Council ordered two more just like the one In 1957 our new office was built and we they had on trial. That would make four lights moved to the Main street of Finley. to light the principal part of the city. The current staff of the ASCS Office is as The Finley Light & Power Company follows: organized about 1911, and built a building to COUNTY COMMITTEE: Everett Schmidt, house their property north of the fire hall, Chairman; Sherman Thykeson, Vice Chair­ across the alley. By Sept. 18th, 1913 they man; James Ohlin, Member. had found it necessary to make an addition to OFFICE STAFF: Truman Hanson, County their plant to take care of business. This plant Executive Director; Mildred Paulsen, P. A. served the town until Otter Tail bought out the and Compliance Clerk; Ruth Satrom, Price city owned system. Support Clerk; Ethelyn Vareberg, Administrative Clerk; Carol Amundson, Wheat & Feed Grain Clerk; PLADSEN IMPLEMENT and Ila Mae Wigen, Wheat & Feed Grain In December 1936 Nels Pladsen purchased Clerk. one-half interest in the Finley Motors garage, located in the present Johnson Store building NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE CO. from Ernest Oxton. He and David Coen were Northwestern Bell Telephone is located a partners in the garage and Standard Oil half block north from the Citizens State Bank Station. in the building they erected in 1951. Present They also had the Terraplane and Willis car plans call for the erection of another building contracts. Mr. Coen had the Standard Oil Bulk this summer on the site of the old Opera Station. House. In 1938 Pladsen purchased two lots and Early papers tell of the need for a telephone constructed a steel building where he had the line to be extended from Sherbrooke to Finley Allis Chalmers franchise. The Case dealership in 1898. The Union Telephone lines between was added to this business and later moved area towns was a reality in early 1900. into the Johnson Store building where it was The North Dakota Independent Telephone sold. Company built the former telephone building Pladsen and Milton Norgaard bought a south of the Abstract office in 1909. quarter of land east of Finley where the "old The first telephone in Finley was in the red granary" was a landmark, and con­ Needham Drug store, and connected with one structed runways and built hangers and in the Sharon Drug store to the north. Later it started the Finley Airport. was moved to the building just east of the store Nels bought Milton's share of this project "for greater privacy." and carried on a flight and commercial L. A. Shogren is the present manager here. spraying business for several years. This

33. Airport has always been used free of charge manager. Employees were Mrs. Ben Johnson, by the surrounding community. Verna Ostenson (Mrs. Kermit Nygaard); In 1967 the Pladsen Implement Company Marilyn Dronen (Mrs. James Grunseth); moved their Oliver machine business into Gaye Olson (Mrs. Paul Kloster) and JoAnne their new building at the Airport location. Boelz, (Mrs. Howard Ostrom). W. J. Bremer joined the company in March HANSON PLUMBING of 1952, as manager of the hardware depart­ Verne Hanson came to Finley in April of ment. 1948, to work for Home Improvement service, Hauge and Bremer purchased the store and stayed on after that organization quit, from the Johnson Stores Company May 27, going into business for himself in 1954. Hanson 1959 and continue to operate it. is a licensed plumber, and operates both in The staff at present is Sidney Hauge and W. town and the area. J. Bremer, co-owners; Grocery manager, Mrs. Hanson (Ardelle) is the daughter of Russell Gilbertson, who joined the staff in Mr. and Mrs. Jack Schwartz. 1960. Employees are Mrs. Arvid Hanson, Mrs. Gene Lee and Viola Wigen. JOHNSON CLEANERS Sid remembers that the first customer the Mr. and Mrs. Art Johnson started the store had back in 1951 was the late Bernt drycleaning business April 12, 1947, in the Wigen, who brought his son David in for a pair house which had been the Bakke home, just of shoes. south of the Court House. In the fall of 1947 they built a new building and moved in December 10, being located STEELE COUNTY across the street to the southwest from the SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT Johnson Store. More than two decades have past since the April 12th marked their 25th year of dry Steele County Soil Conservation District began cleaning. operations. After a local referendum the election of Supervisors June 1, 1946, the SCD began operations. In 1947 Clayton Quinnild, a trained SCS technician was assigned to the SCD. The SCD, with offices in the Courthouse, gets technical assistance from the Soil Con­ servation Service. When the SCD was organized there were about 990 operating units of 464 acres per unit in the county. Today the number of farms has decreased to approximately 580 operating units with an average size of 720 acres. The county is divided into two distinct topographic regions. The western two-thirds being glacial uplands, and eastern third being the west edge of the Red River Valley. The county is covered by four major drainage The site of the present Johnson Store was a areas. The Sheyenne River drains to the west, garage for many years. This picture shows it the south central drains into the Maple River, when it was operated by Ferdie and Bitsie the southeast into the Elm River, and the Thumm. north half and east central drain into the Goose River and its tributaries. JOHNSON STORE The Soil Conservation District supervisors The Finley Johnson Store opened for consist of a chairman and two members. The business Friday, April 13, 1951, the 13th store County Agent is secretary. The original Board in the Johnson Store chain—offering dry goods of Supervisors consisted of Dave Palmer, to the area. Groceries and hardware were Chairman, Sharon; Joe H. McCullough, Hope; added and the complete store opened October and Louis A. Johnson, Luverne. Gladren Olson 19, 1951. replaced Mr. McCullough and Vernon Plaine Sidney Hauge was manager of this new replaced Mr. Johnson in 1950. Dave Palmer enterprise, with Roy Nelson the Grocery was on the board for 24 years.

34. Present board members are Don Berge, STEELE COUNTY OFFICIALS Nolan Verwest and Vernon Plaine. Personnel in the district has changed from COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: time to time, with Dorothy Thompson, Sharon, 1st District—Vivien Visby, Hope the District Clerk now. Myron Senechal 2nd District—Frank E. Kloster, Sharon became District Conservationist for Steele 3rd District—Norman E. Erickson, Port­ County SCD in June of 1970 and is presently land serving. 4th District—Floyd Lyste, Sharon County Agent at the organization of the 5th District—Alvin Nygaard, Sharon district was H. C. Solberg. Gerald LeClerc is AUDITOR: the present SCD secretary and County Agent. R. O. Erickson In the 25 years the district has been Ethel Snortland, Deputy operating 1792 acres of farmstead windbreak Ina Rae Jacobson, Deputy plantings have been made. Other ac­ TREASURER: complishments are 2154 miles of field wind­ Agnes J. Bugbee break plantings, 204 acres of grassed Ruth Gullicks, Deputy waterways, 15,000 feet of diversion ditches, SHERIFF: and 165 wildlife and stockwater dugouts and Gilman H. Johnson water ponds. Richard Gullicks, Deputy To recognize the magnitude of these ac­ REGISTER OF DEEDS & EX-OFFICIO complishments, we could put the field wind­ CLERK OF DIST. COURT & JUDGE: break plantings end to end and they would Arnold H. Johnson wrap around the Steele County boundary line Jean Ulland and Ardell Lundberg, Deputies 20 times. This length on a straight line would SUPT. OF SCHOOLS: reach from Washington, D. C, to Helena, Martha Lou Bugbee Mont., or from Los Angeles to Milwaukee. Luella Reisenburg, Deputy The SCD has served the county for 25 years. STATES ATTORNEY: The continued support of urban and rural Raymond R. Rund residents will insure even greater con­ CORONER: servation success in the future. Glen R. Plaisted OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER: Steele County Press

SWIMMING POOL About three years ago the community got together, and made plans to provide a modern new swimming pool for the area. The northwest corner of the park was chosen as the location, and now Finley has a fine big pool, with a smaller wading pool, swimming lessons are provided, and the former area at Lynch lake is not extensively used for swimming. The pool is under the direction of the Park COURTHOUSE Board, opens about the first of June each year, The Court House of Steele County was closing about the time school opens. dedicated at ceremonies held June 13, 1928 in Finley. Quoting from the anniversary edition of the R. R. RUND, ATTORNEY Steele County Press of June 7th, 1928, "The Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Rund moved to Steele County Court House is one of the most Finley in the fall of 1968. Ray was elected magnificent buildings of its kind in the state. It States Attorney some time before, and is absolutely modern and fire proof, built from decided to relocate his law office in the County brick and tile, faced with pressed brick and Seat. Indiana limestone, with which it is also Mr. Rund came to Hope in 1953. trimmed. It is 89 feet long, 64 feet wide, and 48 The law office occupies the north half of the feet high." building north of Andersons, originally built The 1972 county officials are as follows: by Dr. L. P. Larson, dentist.

35. The Top Taste Bakery is at the location of this early restaurant operated by E. B. Knudson. The building burned when it was known as the White Inn, in 1928. Pictured are Olai Strand, Carl Monson and Helmer Knudson. ANDERSON STORE name Anderson Electric. He operated under Merritt and Elsie Anderson came to Finley that title for twenty years at Lakota. in August of 1947, and opened up a jewelry and watch repair business on Main Street. The Hi M. B.CASSELL&CO. Score Lanes building occupies that and ad­ E. T. Meldahl, attorney, bought out the joining property now. interest of Mrs. Barclay in the abstract office January 1st, 1955 Anderson bought the and traded buildings with her in 1939. building known as Needham Drug from M. A. Mr. Meldahl, while practicing law, Haslerud, and moved in there. Since then a remained in the abstract business until his block building has been added to the north, death in 1968. and a full line of gift items, as well as Since then Mrs. Adeline Meldahl has been cosmetics, etc. has been added. its President, E. G. Meldahl, Vice President, Steven B. Meldahl, Secretary, and Ruth DR. BEN DEKKER, OPTOMETRIST Buckley, Treasurer. Mrs. Adeline Meldahl Dr. Ben Dekker with his wife Jean, and does the abstracting. three children, came from Michigan in 1959, to open his optometrist service in Finley. FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE CORP. He has had his office in conjunction with the Carl Rud was in charge of the first Federal Dekker Clinic, and he also has office hours in crop program in 1938, when it was run under Mayville three days a week. several titles. The Federal Crop Insurance ANDERSON ELECTRIC Corporation was formulated in 1962. Mr. Rud Lincoln Anderson moved to Finley from operated the office in his home. Lakota on July 15,1968. He accepted a job with In 1963 Elroy Sondreal was appointed to take the Sheyenne Valley Rural Electric charge of this program, and the office was Cooperative. moved to the old State Bank building on the Mr. Anderson is a Master Electrician, and south side of Main Street, where it remains continues to operate a business under the today.

36. HI SCORE LANES The Company bought the Larson building in Finley's bowling lanes opened in July of May of 1965, and maintain their office there. 1958, on the north side of Main Street, at the Roger Monson is the manager, and Mrs. Verl location formerly known as the Archer Sup­ Loyland is the clerk. ply. A new tile building was erected, with six lanes, and a lunch counter in operation. FINLEY LOUNGE The operation of the lanes is under the The Finley Lounge bought the property direction of a board of local businessmen. Ted formerly owned by the Furos family north of Kreis is in charge of the lanes operation. the Johnson Store, and built a new building. The Lounge is owned by the Finley Im­ OMAR D. DEKKER M.D. provement Association, and profits are Dr. Omar D. Dekker came to Finley in 1941. channeled into many improvements for the He says he was just passing through and city of Finley. stopped in at Needhams Drug to see what was QUAM-PLAISTED FUNERAL HOMES going on, and the next thing he knew he was Glen Plaisted and family moved to Finley in locating in Finley. Doc and Dorothy were July of 1959, and have conducted a funeral married in 1942. service since, in cooperation with Selmer Doc has continued in the practice of Quam of Cooperstown. Medicine in Finley for about 30 years. Dorothy The Quam-Plaisted duo bought out E. E. is the County Nurse of Steele County. Boe Funeral Home at that time. The office is located in the old farm home at the west edge of Finley and used as a clinic by HAROLD'S REPAIR Omar and Ben Dekker. Dr. Dekker and his Harold Rosendahl is another Finley man wife have a newer home there on the farm­ who chose to stay in the area. He started out in stead. the Conoco station here in 1955, worked with Finley Motors for a year, and then in 1961 went PINE TREE MOTEL into business for himself. He has a new The Pine Tree Motel is located at the south building north of the bank, and maintains a edge of Finley along Highway 200. The site complete garage service. was originally part of the Steele County BETTY'S BEAUTY SHOP Fairgrounds. Betty Lund opened her present shop in 1964, The Motel is owned by the Robertson and is located on the west side of the train Lumber Company of Grand Forks. Twenty- tracks. four hour service is offered to the public at this conveniently located motel. MARGARET'S BEAUTY SHOP Margaret Haugen is one of Finley's three STRAND TRUCKING & REDI-MIX beauty operators, doing business in a shop Sanford Strand started his trucking business connected with her home. She opened the shop in Finley in 1950 and added a Ready-mix plant in 1960, when she and her husband Leonard about 1963, with a new building northwest of Seim moved into town. Leonard has since the Court House. passed away, and Margaret remarried in 1971. TRYG'S TAVERN MABEL'S BEAUTY SHOP Tryg Hanson and his wife Frances moved to Mabel Anderson (Mrs. Earl Anderson) has Finley in 1962, and for about 9 years operated a shop in the basement of her farm home two a tavern in the building on the south side of miles and a half north of Finley. The shop has Main Street. In 1971 they moved to their new been there since 1958. building just east of the Steele County Press. ELMER'S BARBER SHOP BOB'S MARKET Elmer Gilbertson first opened up a barber Bob Schmaltz bought out the Red Owl Store shop business here about 1922, and except for a owned and operated by Ted Kreis in 1971, and year or two, has been providing this service in is operating a grocery store in the same Finley since. Mrs. Gilbertson, Mildred, gives building. music lessons on the piano. PRODUCTION CREDIT ASSN. NORGAARD FARM SERVICE The Production Credit Association has been Paul D. Norgaard came to Finley from Hope making loans available to area farmers since in October of 1958 to operate a Standard Oil the mid 1930's. service station, together with a used car dealership. This he sold in 1960 and began the

37. Norgaard Real Estate and Auction service Oliver Shogren, Neil Devlin. The first Board of from his home. Directors consisted of J. A. Cyrus, G. A. Good, Paul was assistant cashier at the Citizens Gust Erickson, Oscar Hefta and Conrad State Bank from December 1963 to September, Lundstrom. 1970, when he resigned to devote full time to Present Board members are Elmer his farm service business. Jacobson, Roy Gullicks, George Groseth, In 1971 he moved his business to the building Julian Johnson and Donald Evenstad. just north of the Lounge, where he provides The Managers during this time were Simon farm bookkeeping, income tax service, real Simonson, Justin Stenhjem, Arnold Flaten, D. estate broker service, and is an auctioneer. D. Johnson, Lyle Bryngelson, Enas Peterson, Jake Maier, Vern Olson, Curtis Mogck, and the present manager Dean Roesler. FINLEY MOTORS In March of 1960 Gust SwertSon moved into his new building that had been built the winter before, and started Finley Motors. The garage is located at the south end of Finley, on the site of the former fairgrounds. Finley Motors advertises Chevrolet cars and trucks, Buick cars, and Kirschmann drills and Kirschmann Spray Coupes. Finley Motors has 13 employees, 5 in the shop, 1 parts man, two in the bookkeeeping office, and sales and part-time sales accounts for five. This spring a new addition is going up to the Another early store, simply identified as east, and when completed there will be a much "Long and Gilbertson," Hardware and Im­ larger shop facility, and there will be more men employed there. plement.

FARMERS UNION OIL CO. The Farmers Union Oil Co. of Steele County was organized in the spring of 1931, although some organizational work was done in the fall of 1930. The Company was started on the slim resources of $1,750 in cash, with an additional $5,270 in signed notes. The total investment and net savings for this company through January 31, 1971 is $1,046,015.46, with a total cash paid out of $656,267.29, leaving a net worth and capital reserve of $389,748.17. Standard Oil started out with a team from The company started by renting the old their bulk plant in Finley. Henry Anderson is Blabon State Bank Building in Blabon, with a the driver. 450 gal. tank with a Ford truck. In April, 1939 the company purchased the building, real CHET'S STANDARD estate and gas pumps from A. P. Boe at The proprietor of Chefs Standard station on Finley. They now operate from a very good the corner here in Finley, is Chet Orvik. building and well equipped station. The Chet and Gladys came to Finley in 1933, and Company purchased from the Best Oil Co. the bought out the Finley Bakery in 1937. Chet bulk plant facilities in 1942. followed the baker's trade until 1960, when The charter members that incorporated this Harold Fetting bought the bakery from him. Company were Elias Gylten, Jens Paulsen, Finley Motors gained a salesman sometime Oscar Moren, Harry O. Olson, Edwin Son­ later, and Chet stayed in that line of work until dreal, P. F. Orn, Jens Jerstad, Thos. Devlin, 1968, when he took over the Standard station. Bennie Henrickson, A. M. Henrickson, Herb It is operated under his name, Chefs Stan­ Halvorson, John Rosendahl, Jens Egediusen, dard.

38. GREAT PLAINS SUPPLY where it turned around, were enjoyed. Chas. The lumber yard at Finley is doing Van Schoonover was the first depot agent. The business under the name of Great Plains present agent here is Jack Cannon. Supply, which it started in the late 1940's. In 1906 the Great Northern built a large A complete line of building supplies is water tank at Finley and piped the water from carried, and houses and small buildings are the Reservoir south of town. constructed on the right-of-way and sold, The Fargo to Devils Lake line was the main ready to move to the location. line until in 1912. There was a train wreck Sam Nesvig is the present manager of Great north of town December 29, 1911, involving the Plains Supply. coast train, the Oregonian, which was FARMERS UNION derailed. Five people were killed and many Joseph Finell started writing insurance for injured. Drs. Heimark and Smith of Finley, Farmers Union in 1948, as a part-time agent. and Savre of Sharon, assisted by Mrs. Harry In 1953 he started full time, and has his office Leiberg of Sharon, took charge. The main line in his home until 1959 when he purchased the was subsequently transferred. building they presently occupy from the While the train through Finley no longer has Standard Oil Co. The building was remodeled passenger service freight is hauled, and grain and the office moved into it in May, 1959. Mrs. moved from the elevators. The freight is Finell was Secretary. In June of 1959 the hauled under the Burlington Northern name Laundromat, which is also a part of the since the recent railroad reorganization. building, was opened. In 1961 Mr. James POSTOFFICE Reyerson came into the agency as Mr. Finell's The National Archives and Records Service, partner. He left in 1970 to become a district General Services Administration, of manager for Farmers Union Insurance, and Washington, D. C. provides the following Mr. Ronald Lerso came in as Mr. Finell's information on the postoffice and postmasters partner. Mr. Finell retired at the end of 1971 at of Finley. which time Mr. Curtis Mogck came into the The postoffice was established as Grain in agency as Mr. Lerol's partner. The present Griggs County on August 18, 1882. At this time secretary is Mrs. Curtis Mogck. Steele County as such was not in existance, the east half of this county being part of Traill County, and the west half part of Griggs. The name was changed to Pickert June 22, 1883. The name was changed to Easton on March 18, 1896, and to Finley on January 29, 1897. Postmasters listed, with their appointment dates are James H. McLean, August 18, 1882; James A. Pickert, June 22, 1883; Rozel F. Pickert, June 7, 1886; Elsie J. Pease, February 28, 1897. Alfred K. Cochrane was appointed January 29, 1897, and is credited with being the first postmaster of Finley. The postoffice at that time was the second building from the west on the south side of main street, now occupied by Mayme RAILROADING Jacobson. The origin of the Great Northern Railway The postoffice was moved to the State Bank was in the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Building on the corner where Adeline Meldahl Railway Co. It reached Breckenridge in 1871, has the abstract office, in October, 1913. It and a former junction from which the Hope later moved to the building now occupied by branch started was reached in 1881. The Hope Warren Christianson and Paul Norgaard, then to Devils Lake line reached Hope in July 1882. to the bank building on the south side of Main This was the end of the line until it was ex­ Street. Its present location is a new building tended to Aneta in 1896. on the north side of the street. The building of the "big bridge" i?bout two Later postmasters were Theodore S. Overby and one-half miles south of town, held up the who was appointed March 1, 1920, Nels A. line for about two years. Anderson February 15, 1934; Maurice C. The first train came through Finley Dronen was acting postmaster from July 31, November 3, 1896, and free rides to Aneta, 1954 to August 26, 1954.

39. The present postmaster, Charles S. Moores At a meeting of the Club at the Nels An­ took charge October 19, 1955, was acting derson home March 2nd, Mrs. Clarence Nash postmaster November 30, 1955, and confirmed suggested the club join the Literary Guild to August 29, 1957. He received his presidential obtain new books. A rental charge was to be 10 appointment September 6, 1957, and assumed cents for two weeks, and 5 cents a day after charge October 4, 1957. two weeks. Present rural mail carriers are Elmo Olson Members of the Club when the Library was and Sam Oxton. started were Mrs. N. A. Anderson, Mrs. A. L. Archer, Mrs. G. Brudvik, Mrs. C. Challey, Mrs. R. O. Cooper, Mrs. O. A. Erickson, Mrs. COMMERCIAL CLUB E. C. Gilbertson, Mrs. J. H. Gilbertson, Mrs. The Finley Commercial Club was originally Ole Lovik, Mrs. T. A. Martinton, Mrs. A. B. the Lions Club in the 1920's, but was changed Mickelson, Mrs. C. C. Nash, Mrs. S. A. to the Commercial Club in 1955. Peterson, Mrs. N. J. Rose and Mrs Irvin The Club has been extremely active in the Shelstad. community affairs throughout the years. One Books were first placed on a shelf in Hutson of its biggest projects was the active part they Eide store, later in the Johnson Store. The played in getting the swimming pool built. books were moved upstairs in the old Fire Hall The club president is Paul Norgaard, and September 31, 1935, and later moved to the the club has about 60 members. new Fire Hall about April 1, 1963. The library is now in a front room of the FINLEYJAYCEES Auditorium, having been moved there The Jaycee chapter is one of the newer December 16, 1968. organizations in the town of Finley. The The PTA, Eastern Star and American chapter was originally chartered on January Legion Auxiliary voted to help with the library 21, 1969 with Dennis Beggs the first President. work in 1959. The chapter has been very active in com­ Funds from the City and from the Finley munity affairs in its short term of existence. Improvement Assn., Lloyd Orser estate and They were instrumental in helping the lately from the Helga Boe Estate, have kept Livewires (the senior citizens club) get the Library open. Hours are from 3 to 5 every organized, and payed many of the club's Saturday, and it is open to any residents of the expenses until the Livewires were able to pay area. their own way. The chapter has also been active in com­ AUDITORIUM munity beautification through their Yard of Steps were taken toward the goal of an the Week project, and have been involved in auditorium for Finley in July, 1929. The Lions many other projects. Club sponsored the meeting, and it was agreed The chapter president for 1971-72 is Richard that petitions would be circulated asking for Solberg, and the Chapter currently has about bonding of $20,000. It was approved August 2, 35 members. 1929. Work progressed smoothly, and it was ready for the opening dance held November 11, 1930, FINLEY MRS. JAYCEES sponsored by the Finley American Legion. The Finley Mrs. Jaycees was chartered A manager, Chas. LaZarre of Jamestown May 6, 1972. Charter officers are Janice was hired to plan the activities to take place. Fetting, President, Donna Lerol, vice Home talent plays were presented often and president, Ruth Babinski, secretary, and the money used to pay for furnishings. Valarie Johnson, Treasurer. Directors are A play by the Royal Neighbors was held JoEllen Solberg and Cheryl Senechal. There November 13, 1930, titled 'Peg O' My Heart.' are five charter members. The auditorium no longer is used for basketball games since the new school ad­ FINLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY dition was completed, but is in demand for The Progressive Homemakers Club, which dances, meetings, etc. The south front room was organized February 6, 1935, started the houses the Finley Library. Library at Finley March 2, 1940. Officers were Mrs. N. J. Rose, President; Mrs. Orville STEELE COUNTY PRESS Erickson, Vice President, and Mrs. Ole Lovik, The Steele County Press is celebrating its Secretary. 75th anniversary in 1972 also. Its first issue,

40. OBSERVER" OFFICE the name "Golden Slope" and announced he was changing it to the Finley Beacon. Mon­ teith continued to edit the paper for about 20 years. About this time an opposition newspaper was started by Dick Dickinson who came to Finley with the traditional "shirttail full of type" in 1918 or thereabouts, and started the Observer. Ralph Curry was the printer's devil, and his dad Frank Curry agreed to buy out Dickenson and let Ralph run the sheet. He ran it until 1922 when he sold out to Nels Simonson, who combined the Press and the Observer. According to Ralph Curry the Observer was published in the old barn in the alley between published under the name of The Golden Slope the Bent Long house and that of the butcher, came off the presses September 10, 1897, with Tony Nelson. It got mighty cold in the winter. Knud Thompson and J. Walter Davis the publishers. The Beacon changed its name to Steele The Slope office was located on the second County Farmers Press, successor to the floor of the Woodman Hall. Finley Beacon and Steele County Tribune. The paper seems to have been the brainchild The Press was published in a building north of one A. DeLacy Wood, an itinerant printer of Needham Drug until June 20, 1929 when it who sold o,ut to Messrs. Thompson and Davis. moved to the Opera House across the street. Mr. Thompson sold his interest to Davis. About this time it changed its name to the George Monteith arrived from Northwood present title, Steele County Press. and bought out Davis. He could see no sense to Glenn H. Berg moved the business to its

41. present location in the old Theater building on Main Street. November 1, 1970 Berg sold out, and the Press is now owned by the Steele County Press, Inc. William Devlin is editor, Bill Jacobson the shop foreman, and Mrs. Bill (Margie) Devlin, bookkeeper. Typesetters and proof readers are Mrs. Don (Linda) Bergenheier, Mrs. Larry (Pat) Berreth, and Mrs. Russell (Marie) Devlin.

BANKING IN FINLEY The first Bank in Finley was the State Bank of Finley organized in 1898. It opened for business on September 27th of that year and occupied the building which is now known as the Meldahl Office Building. The Bank was par value of $100.00 per share. In 1915 the converted to the First National Bank of Finley Stockholders elected to become a Cooperative. in June of 1904 and was a strong factor in the A new 36,000 bushel elevator was built in growth of this part of the County. 1918 by the L. Burge Company of Minneapolis Another State Bank was organized and built for the sum of $13,000.00. A feed mill was in­ the brick building on the south side of main stalled in 1934. street which is now known as the old Post The two Cargill Elevators were purchased Office Building. This Bank closed during the in 1941. The bulk oil plant was installed in 1947 late twenties. with M. A. Norgard chosen as manager. The Finley Beacon of April 10, 1913 revealed The Hogenson Construction Co. erected a the plans for the First National Bank to build a 70,000 bushel concrete elevator in 1956 at a cost new 29' x 56' brick building two stories high. of $170,000.00. The adjoining concrete silos This Bank continued in operation until the with a capacity of 13,600 bushels were con­ depression of the'early thirties, leaving Finley structed in 1958 by the same company for the without a Bank for a short time until in 1935 sum of $93,000.00. the Citizens State Bank was chartered. In 1960 a steam roller plant, testing room, The first Officers of the Citizens State Bank warehouse and back-in sheds were added to were E. L. Hubbard, President and G. the old main elevator now known as Elevator Brudvik, Cashier. The Bank operated under No. 2. this management until June 26, 1944 when it In January of 1964 the Farmers Union Grain was purchased by L. A. Sayer. On November Terminal Association sold its local facilities to 15, 1948, H. C. Solberg became part owner and the Finley Elevator for the sum of $160,000.00, Cashier, and the Citizens State Bank has been bringing total storage capacity to 560,000 under the same ownership and management bushels. In April of that same year a fire of since that time. undetermined origin destroyed the elevator In 1944 the footings of the Bank were less and annex known as Elevator No. 3. Elevator than $100,000 and today the footings are near No. 4 was dismantled two years later, thereby $4,000,000. reducing the local elevator capacity to 495,000 bushels which it still maintains today. FINLEY FARMERS GRAIN The following persons have served as board & ELEVATOR CO. presidents, managers and assistant managers The Finley Farmers Grain & Elevator was of this Company since its organization in 1911: organized October 21, 1911. The Incorporators PRESIDENT: E. G. Quamme, 1911 to 1915; were E. G. Quamme, A. T. Strandness, and E. P. O. Sathre, 1915 to 1916; A. G. Nelson, 1916 to H. Gilbertson. These three men were sub­ 1917; J. B. Hanson 1917 to 1918; sequently elected as directors and became A. G. Nelson, 1918 to 1924; Severt Jacobson, part of a nine member board along with F. E. 1924 to 1931; C. W. Archer, 1931 to 1950; A. M. Curry, Ed Moe, G. O. Johnson, S. O. Dronen, Henrickson, 1950 to 1970; Tom Jacobson, 1970 O. H. Carlson and William Oxton. to date. The Company was organized as a straight VICE PRESIDENT: A. T. Strandness, J. B. stock company, capitalized at $25,000.00 with a Hanson, A. G. Nelson, Severt Jacobson, A. T.

42. Moe, Iver Seim, Tom Jacobson, Floyd Jer­ stad. ( SECRETARY: E. H. Gilbertson J. A. Carlson, Ed Moe, 0. C. Bjugstad, Albin Ar­ neson, Edward Paulsen. MANAGERS: J. W. Comer, 1911 to 1914; R. N. Stangeland, 1914 to 1916; C. A. Skeie, 1916 to 1933; Melvin Peterson, 1933 to 1938; S. B. Dyrstad, 1938 to 1953; Verl Loyland, 1953 to date. ASSISTANT MANAGER: Sye Sampson, Lawrence Bjugstad, Christ Jacobson, C. B. Solberg, Vernon Henrickson, Gail Larson, Hans Haugen, Robert Kringlen, Thomas Glock, Duane Huus. DIRECTORS since its organization include: G. O. Johnson; F. E. Curry; A. T. Strandness; Wm. Oxton; S. O. Dronen; 0. H. Carlson; E. G. Quamme; Severt Jacboson; E. H. Gilbertson; P. M. Bjugstad; A. G. Nelson; Oscar J. Olson; John B. Hanson; K. B. Ask; Albert Bjerke; Paul Seim; Ed Moe; E. H. Carlson; C. W. Archer; H. A. Lokken; Hans B. Thorson; I. M. Sund; Alvin T. Moe; Nels J. Opheim; J. A. Carlson; Paul Simonson; M. J. Mickelson; John Anderson; Ole Jerstad; P. O. Sathre; Albert Mustad; Albin Arneson; John Rosendahl; Oliver Bjugstad; M. O. Tom Jacobson; Alvin P. Nygaard; Floyd Mickelson; Emil Prytz; Jerstad; A. 0. Carlson; Julius Edwardson; Bennie Richard Qualey; Edward Paulsen; T. Henrickson; A. M. Henrickson; T. J. Meldahl, Julian Meldahl; K. A. Monson; Elvin Dronen; Sr.; Jens Jenson; Iver Seim; R. P. Archer; Donald Good.

Road work was another chore for the far­ mer. The township furnished the grader for work on the township roads, and the farmers furnished the horses. These were J. W. Stansbury's teams. The picture was taken June 25, 1917.

43. The Corner Cafe got its start as the R. I. when it was operated by E. B. Knudson; from Simonson Co., hardware dealer. The inside left, E. B. Knudson, Josephine Knudson; Doris view shows, left to right, A. Simonson, A. A. Knudson, Evelyn Knudson, and Bill Sund at Brekke, J. Arneson and R. I. Simonson. The the counter. inside of the Cafe shows the building in 1918

44. CORNER CAFE The Irving Haalands have operated the by H. A. Samuelson, who had a clothing and Corner Cafe since buying it in 1970 from trailor shop. Harvey Haraldson. E. B. Knudson bought it in 1918 and operated This building was built in the 1890's by R. I. it as a restaurant until 1946 when he passed Simonson who ran a hardware store. When he away. The Knudson family operated it until moved to Alaska the building was taken over 1965 when it was sold to Haraldson.

This birds eye view of Finley was taken further down the hotel, and across from that from the top of the school. Plaisted's house in the Methodist church before the basement was the foreground, next to the Ebenezer Free added, church. Across the street is the livery barn,

45. HOTEL FINLEY of 1900 by Charles Peterson, carpenter. Miss Marvin and June Grotte became the Kate Olson was the proprietress, and was proprietors of the Hotel in October, 1968, and followed by Chas. H. Brown. The Richard are the current owners. Sluggetts bought him out in October, 1909, and The Hotel was originally built in the spring operated for about twenty years.

Hammer-Carlson store, around 1920. From left, A. P. Boe, Albin Albinson, J. K. Sund, W. J. Sund, Oscar Carlson, and Mrs. J. K. Sund.

And then there was the job of feeding all these workers. Many farmers had cook cars. This picture of Willie Dronen's cook car and crew in 1916 was a busy place.

46. This Coal and Wood Office was operated by Clarence J. (Car) Long. It was on Main Street, at the time this picture was taken, and later moved down on the side street next to Ham­ mer-Carlson. The other picture is of the inside of the office when it was operated by Art Olson.

47. Bob's Market was a hotel when Finley got its start. Pictured, from left, baby Orville Mosby; man holding him unknown; Tom Erickson, Hans Mosby, Julius Mustad, (unknown) Gilbo, Tom Mosby. In the back row, the three on the left are unknown, then Mrs. Hans (Gunda) Mosby, Julia Christopherson, Miss Mustad, Ed Erickson, and the last four are not named.

48. The first drug store was built and operated by J. W. Needham. The picture was taken in 1898. And the second picture is of the inside of that drug store about 1915.

49. 's fxnle y i*ati«nS Or^

Firemen went to conventions in the 1920's. Here are delegates on the way to Wahpeton. Driving is Tony Nelson, with Half dan Pet­ terson. In the back seat, from left, B. J. Long, Harry Martinson and Dick Sluggett.

FINLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT foremen with G. J. Lemke as secretary, as The earliest written record of the Finley several monthly bills are recorded from Fire Department begins in 1919, although, Porter & Void, dealers in General Mer­ through the memory of several old timers, chandise, and a bill from The Steele County Finley had a Fire Department as early as Observer as well as a thank you letter from 1901. Ella Taisey Archer for a memorial wreath The Finley Beacon of December 26, 1901 sent in memory of her fireman husband, carried a report of the first annual Firemans Elmer Archer. Ball of the Finley Fire Department given the Friday previous, and reported it an The firemen of 1919 also had an annual unqualified success, both socially and dance to raise funds for the department, as a financially. July 2, 1919 bill attests to the fact that S. J. The first station was located where the Peterson sold bunting, flags and streamers to present city auditorium now stands. The decorate the hall. R. J. Ball, A. J. Quirk, building burned to the ground in 1914 along Halfdan Petterson, R. J. Sluggett, A. M. with all the equipment. The earliest Sandaker, Ed Barnaby, D. F. Porter, A. P. recollection of equipment was a hook and Boe, Clarice Windness, N. P. Simonson, O. A. ladder unit, and a pumper, powered by four Engeness, M. H. Eide and Si Simonson were men on each side of the pump. There is no some of those listed on these early roll calls. recollection of any major fire this early in our The history now is missing so we have to history. jump up to the late 1920's with C. J. Nash, C. J. The year of 1915 was the beginning of con­ Long, Knute Furos, S. J. Peterson, B. J. Long, struction of the so called "old fire hall" R. J. Sluggett and A. H. Nelson being listed as located on Main Street, with the purchase of a Honorary members. big four cylinder engine and pump mounted on The roster from this date on includes most a wooden wheeled cart. This pumper is still in men in the city belonging to the department at use today with the engine taken off the cart one time or another, but space prohibits the and mounted over the cistern in the old hall. listing of these civic minded men who were Many individual men must have served as willing to rush out at any hour for their fellow firemen in this early period of the city's man. history, but there is no way of reporting on any Several fires of those early years lists an single individual. overheated kitchen range at the Halfdan The records beginning in 1919 show we had Peterson residence February 11, 1927. The an active group of men serving the city as White Inn caught fire at 2:45 a.m. 1928 and was

50. a total loss, the adjoining buildings were saved. The year 1928 saw the first self-propelled fire truck in town when a 1928 Model A Ford was purchased. Floyd Long, Tom Simonson, Phil Solberg and Herman Martinson installed the fire fighting equipment on this chassis. A rubber tired chemical trailer type unit was also built at this time. These two units plus the stationary pump over the cistern were in constant use until 1948 when a modern pumper was bought and which is still in use. We have pictures of four and would like to The days of the Model A were eventful ones make this a salute to all the Civil War as this was before we had city water. When an Veterans whether they are listed or not. alarm sounded, cisterns spaced throughout Grandpa Strand was the father of Mrs. J. W. the city were the prime source of water. When Needham and spent many years with the the time came to fill these cisterns a tank was Needhams. placed beneath the spout of the water tank Major George Bowe joined Col. J. F. used by the railroad to supply their train Bistline and Major Andrew Long about 1910. steam engines and then pumped to these areas Col. Bistline was a member of Company M, in town where the cisterns were. 7th Penn. Cavalry, while Major Long fought In the late 1940's a Chevrolet pumper and with Company C of the 9th Penn. Cavalry. tanker were purchased by contributions from the city's businessmen and farmers in the WILDLIFE surrounding area. Various other items were The Finley Wildlife club was re-activated in purchased such as a rural tanker unit, rescue the early '40's, and Arvid Hanson was unit and other pieces. President, with Joe Knudson the Secretary. The year 1960 saw the biggest and most Presently Harold Rosendahl is the President, daring venture for the fire department with an and the Secretary-Treasurer is Helmer all-out effort by the department to secure Amundson. financing of 5.28 mills by the city taxpayers to The Wildlife Club and the Finley Jaycees build a new modern fire hall. This drive was renovated the upstairs of the old Fire Hall in successful, with the present hall being com­ 1971 to use as club rooms. The Club has been pleted in 1961. Since then the department has very active in all types of wildlife con­ progressed so that today we are proud of being servation and promotion over the years. one of the best equipped and trained depart­ Presently the Club, and the Jaycees are ments for a city of our size in the State of sponsoring a shooting education program North Dakota. The present department which is part of an effort to teach good gun- consists of 36 men, two pumpers, rural tanker manship to youngsters in the Finley area. It is and rescue unit. co-sponsored by Daisy Manufacturing Company. To date they have received over 100 The list of life members as of this date applications to join. consists of Arvid Hanson, Lawrence Shogren, The club is particularly interested in having Eugene Lee, Elmo Olson and Russell junior members take part in their activities, Gilbertson. and all young people in the area are invited to The Finley Fire Department had the honor join. of having one of their members, Elmo Olson, elected as State President of the North Dakota EASTERN STAR State Firemens Association in the year 1963. PAST MATRONS CLUB Present officers for 1972 are Sydney Hauge, March 31,1930 eight Past Matrons of Finley Chief; Nordeen Sorlien, Assistant Chief; and Chapter No. 82 of Finley met at the home of Elmo R. Olson, Secretary. Mrs. E. Long with the purpose of organizing a Past Matrons Club. Present were Esther CIVIL WAR VETERANS Vadnie, Jessie Oxton, Edith Long, Leona At the head of parades during the early Hutson, Anna Peterson, Mayme Eide, Selma 1900's were the men who were veterans of the Porter, Jennie Oxton, Estelle Hornecker, and Civil War. Minnie Long.

51. Jessie Oxton was elected President, Selma speakers for the services but songs were sung Porter Vice President and Estelle Hornecker and a prayer was given. Armistice Day was Secretary-Treasurer. Edith Long and Mayme observed by the members. There may have Eide drew up by-laws for the club. been only a few present but they paid their last Object of the Past Matrons Club was to act respects to the departed and honored those in as an advisory board for the officers of the hospitals throughout the nation. Eastern Star and assist in any Eastern Star Raising of funds for the Post to carry on project when asked to do so. various programs was a task. Everything was It is a social organization, and in these 40 tried, Corn Games, Turkey Shoots (which years members have enjoyed getting together were quite the deal), and Car Raffles. The in the homes of members once a month. first real money earned was the profit from a We have assisted in many community raffle of a Ford car on the last day of the projects, such as Santa Claus bags, Red Cross County Fair in 1923. Through the 30's and 1940- projects for soldiers during war years. We 41 dances were sponsored by the Post. Some have sent memorials to the Crippled Childrens were a financial success, others were a School at Jamestown, and our Eastern Star failure. A home of our own went through our home in Fessenden. minds, but it was years before this became a We now have an active membership of 22. reality. Present officers are Judy Sorlien, President; The 1930's was the beginning of acquiring Elsie Wendlick, Vice President; and June land for a dam south of Finley and for a game Hofseth, Secretary-Treasurer. refuge. The Lynch Land Company donated 30 acres for the lake site and the Post bought 10 AMERICAN LEGION acres from John Keith to take care of over­ PETERSON-OLSON POST NO. 13. flow and spoil piles. Completion of this dam William G. Peterson Post No. 13 applied for was done by the Steele County Road crew in a charter on July 28, 1919. The following were the late 30's. Graveling the beaches, planting charter members: trees, and building the bath house was com­ John J. Halvorson; A. I. Drengson; Oscar P. pleted around 1935-36. M. A. Long donated a Void; C. M. Needham; Swen T. Olson; light plant for the dam area so lights were Alfred B. Mickelson; Joseph R. Cummings; installed in the bath house and on the beach O. A. Engeness; Thomas Simonson; Edward area. E. Taylor; Edward E. Lieske; Alvin M. Peterson; L. E. There was not a very complete record of Long; Conrad H. Knudson; A. J. Heimark. activities for the 1940-45 period. Much was a Activities of the Posture somewhat hazy, repetition of previous activities. Junior but from the records we have and recollec­ Baseball was revived and it was noticed that tions of some the entire program was based on a World War II Vet had been placed on the community benefits. committee. The body of Wm. G. Peterson, for whom the Just as well at this time to mention our Post was named, was returned from France meeting places to date—private homes, in August of 1921. Military rites were held at Woodman Hall at a cost of $60.00 per month, Ostervold Church on August 26, 1921 with Rev. Court House, Fire Hall, and Garage. We were V. E. Boe, parish minister, officiating. There still trying to acquire our own home. were legionaires and veterans from near and Memorial Services were held for President far for this committal. Roosevelt April 14, 1945 and for Lt. Jenner A Drum and Bugle Corp, consisting of six Nelson, killed in combat, on April 29, 1945. bugles and six drums, was organized in 1927. Some years later the bugles and drums were In the spring of 1946 the name of the Post donated to the school. Only one bugle remains. was changed from Wm. G. Peterson No. 13 to Functions of the Post in the early days were Peterson-Olson Post No. 13, in honor of Orville baseball for the youth and older men. Senior R. Olson, Finley. Orville R. Olson was the first men's basketball was the program in the man from this community to make the winter. In the school we sponsored oratorical supreme sacrifice for his country in World contests and music, both instrumental and War II. Memorial services were held for Olson vocal. The Barber Shop quartet was very by members of the Post. popular. The first mention of sending a boy to Boy's Memorial Day programs were well attended State was May 1948. The young man sent was by the public. Many times there were no Arlin Grunseth.

52. Clarence Needham was elected 1st District Military rites for PFC Dale Amundson, 1st Deputy in May 1947. Viet Nam War casualty from Finley, were Military rites were held at the Finley held November 11, 1968. Representatives from cemetery for Orvin Haugtvedt on July 8, 1951. the 5th Army, 785th Radar Sqdn., Finley, and His body was returned from Korea. the Navy Recruiting Service, Grand Forks Bought a building from Bang Church and took part. moved it to the Northwest corner of the County Life memberships were presented March Fairgrounds. 15, 1969 to World War I members Carl Samp­ Thomas Simonson was elected 1st District son, Elmer Wendlick, Donald Still, Gilbert Deputy in the spring of 1951. The following Engen, Emil Odden, Jack Schwartz, Julius year, September 1, 1952, he was made a life Brekke, Henry Vareberg, Conrad Sund, Enoch member. Berg, Arthur Nelson, Albert Henrickson, Life membership cards were presented at Frank Bugbee, Lars Dahlin, Leo Oleson, Olaf the April, 1958 meeting to A. M. Mickelson, H. Stokka, and Hadley Verwest. Thomas W. Stansbury, E. T. Meldahl, O. A. Engeness, Simonson, Life Member, was presented a fifty Alfred Mickelson was presented a picnic kit year membership certificate. for his many years as Finance Officer. The Peterson-Olson Post No. 13, Finley In 1960 the Post subsidized the cost of Polio wishes to thank the Mayflower Lodge No. 94 shots and 160 shots were administered in AF&AM, Finley and the Commercial Club, Finley. Finley for their assistance in the promotion of Ervin Grunseth was elected 1st District the Boys State program. Deputy at the spring meeting of 1961. Elmo To all those individuals that donated to the Olson was elected eastern Region Vice- organization their time, money, and flags we Commander at the State Convention in June. also extend our heartfelt thanks. A hospital bed was donated to Sheyenne Valley Manor in Valley City. The Post has on POST COMMANDERS hand, at this time, for loan two sets wooden THE AMERICAN LEGION crutches, two aluminum crutches, one walker, PETERSON-OLSON POST NO. 13 and two wheel chairs. FINLEY, NORTH DAKOTA The Post sponsored the State Legion POST COMMANDERS YEAR Bowling Tournament in March of 1964. The A.J.Heimark 1919-19201920-1921 club was open on Saturday and Sunday for the J.F.Vadnie 1921-1922 convenience of the bowlers. O. P. Void 1922-1923 1923-1924 Life membership was presented to Conrad Elmer T. Meldahl 1924-1925 1940-1941 H. Knudson by Ervin Grunseth in April, 1963. M. A. Long 1925-1926 1943-1944 Elmo R. Olson was elected Department T.A.Martinson 1926-1927 Commander of the American Legion, June 23, C. M. Needham 1927-1928 1938-1939 1964. Appreciation Day was held November 28, R.E. Still 1928-1929 1964. Elmo R. Olson and members of the Olson L.E.Long 1929-1930 family presented the Post with an enlarged H. A. Stucke 1930-1931 picture of Orville R. Olson. Past State Com­ Alfred B. Mickelson 1931-1932 mander, John Preboske, presented the Post O. A. Engeness 1932-1933 1944-1945 with a picture of Elmo R. Olson, as Depart­ John H. Drewelow 1933-1934 1939-1940 ment State Commander. E.E.Boe 1934-1935 Donations for the swimming pool were E. A. Jerde 1935-1936 initiated by the Post. As of September, 1967 George H. Kling 1936-1937 they had donated $2810.90 to this project. On Conrad H. Knudson 1937-1938 1953-1954 September 8, 1958 the Post donated $2500.00 to A.M.Hendrickson 1941-1942 the Medical Center at Finley. Melvin Mootz 1942-1943 Nordean Sorlien was elected 1st District J. Arthur Engen 1945-1946 Deputy in 1968. Charles Moores 1946-1947 Dedication of the Legion Square was made Elmo Olson 1947-1948 July 27, 1968 by State Commander, Al Olen- Ralph Brovold 1948-1949 berger. The Square consists of a fighter plane Merritt Anderson 1949-1950 placed on a lighted pedestal, a flag pole, Leon Sayer Jr. 1950-1951 flower gardens, and a plaque to welcome Marvin Brager 1951-1952 people to Finley. Clayton Quinnild 1952-1953

53. Richard Dronen 1954-1955 From the ten members starting the Miles Midstokke 1955-1956 organization in 1921, it now has a membership Ervin Grunseth 1956-1957 of 102. Orlando Wigen 1957-1958 Verne Hanson 1958-1959 Orville Rosendahl 1959-1960 Sidney Hauge 1960-1961 Nordean Sorlien 1961-1962 Harold Rosendahl 1962-1963 Verl Loyland 1963-1964 Maynard Zentz 1964-1965 Ben Paulsen 1965-1966 Arnold Vigesaa 1966-1967 Webb Voorhees 1967-1968 Gilman Johnson 1968-1969 Lester Silverthom 1969-1970 Russell Gilbertson 1970-1971 Gaylen Pommier 1971-1972 Hunting was a popular sport, and the game was plentiful. Gilbert and Emil Johnson AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY display their birds about 1912. The American Legion Auxiliary was organized during 1921 under the name of William G. Peterson Unit No. 13. The Charter FINLEY LIVEWIRES was applied for May 13, 1921 and received The Senior Citizens of Finley organized a June 13, 1921. club in 1969 and selected the name of the There were ten charter members, Mrs. Livewires. They started out with 19 members, Caroline Vadnie; Mrs. Esther Vadnie; Mrs. and now number about 60. Gertrude Still; Mrs. Ingeborg Gilbertson; The Livewires meet in the former Clinic Mrs. Clare Linn Larson; Mrs. Vera Wold, Building the first and third Tuesday of each Mrs. Clara Mickelson, Mrs. Lucy Bjorke, Mrs. month. The first meeting is a general meeting Hilda Quirk and Mrs. Ida Simon. Mrs. Esther at 7:30, and the meeting the third Tuesday is a Vadnie was the unit's first president. supper meeting at 6:30. Any area people interested in joining the The Auxiliary held their meetings in the group would certainly be welcome. members' homes or in the old Woodman Hall. Mrs. Ben Ask is the President, Art Brainerd They started holding meetings in the new the Vice President, and Harry Knutson is the legion home during 1952. Meetings have Secretary-Treasurer. always been held the first Wednesday of every month. During the year 1948 the name of the Legion Post was changed to Peterson-Olson, therefore also changing the name of the Auxiliary to Peterson-Olson Unit No. 13. The Gold Star members of our unit are Mrs. Lewis Peterson, Mrs. Ed Olson, Mrs. Mabel Gullickson, Mrs. Inez Brown, Mrs. Lorna Barnett, Mrs. Francis Johnson, Mrs. Lorene Carlson, Mrs. Pearl Ohnsager, Mrs. G. An­ derson and Miss Carol Amundson. Life memberships have been presented to In the winter ice cutting or harvesting was a Mrs. Adeline Meldahl, Mrs. Edna Bergstrom, cold job but mighty important. There were ice Mrs. Lorene Carlson, Mrs. Clara Mickelson, houses behind the meat markets and Mrs. Minnie Long, Mrs. Inga Gilbertson, and Needham's drug store which were filled, with Mrs. Clare Linn Larson was presented one by layers of sawdust put between the chunks to the State Department. Mrs. Larson also help keep it from thawing out before the served as State Department president and summer was over. Ice was also delivered for was National Committeewoman. the old "ice boxes", now a prized antique.

54. MAYFLOWER LODGE NO. 94 Frank Curry, Mrs. Wm. Oxton, Mrs. E. H. A. F.&A.M. Gilbertson, Mrs. Martin Eide, and Mrs. Ella Mayflower Lodge No. 94 was organized June Archer. 26, 1909 under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, with the following In the 64 years of continuous existence, the charter members: George E. Homer? John A. Finley PTA has ever worked for the good of Carlson, Logan J. Newell, Benton J. Long, the children of the community, has helped George A. Newton, Peder A. Jorgenson, with every community effort, and is proud to Clarence G. Linnell, William Oxton, Gilbert N. be a part of Finley's past and present, and will Grimson, Robert J. Ball, Elmer J. Archer, be here in its future. William Bateman, Jonathan F. Bistline, The Finley PTA has about 118 members the Edward W. Cone, Samuel J. Cummings, Silas 1971-72 school year. President was Elmo L. Hart, Carl M. Helgeson, Charles J. Nash, Olson, and Mrs. Warren Peterson was the John B. Oxton, Joseph M. Patterson, Robert Secretary. D. Patterson and Elmer E. Taisey. The first officers were Worshipful Master, ORDER OF EASTERN STAR George E. Horner; Senior Warden John A. Finley Chapter No. 82, Order of the Eastern Carlson; Junior Warden Logan J. Newell; Star, was organized January 29, 1916, and" Treasurer Benton J. Long; Secretary George officially constituted, and officers installed A. Newton; Senior Deacon Peder A. October 26, 1916. Jorgenson; Junior Deacon Clarence G. Lin­ Charter members and officers were La Vina nell; Senior Steward William Oxton; Junior Horner, Worthy Matron; George Horner, Steward Gilbert N. Grimson and Tyler Robert Worthy Patron; Sadie Quamme, Associate J. Ball. Matron; Edythe Long, Secretary; Stella The charter was granted June 22, 1910. Linnell, Treasurer; Ella Archer, Con­ Mayflower Lodge observed its fiftieth an­ ductress; Selma Porter, Associate Con­ niversary November 2, 1960. ductress; Cora Cochrane, Chaplain; Minnie Sathre, Adah; Hazel Gilbertson, Ruth; Mabel Grimson, Esther; Jessie Oxton, Martha; Mary R. Archer, Elicta; Annie Peterson, Warder; Elmer Taisey, Sentinel; Valdine Carlson, Jennie Oxton, Nellie Monteith, Effie Horner, Estelle Archer; Mabel Archer, A. K. Cochrane, P. O. Sathre, Bessie Taisey. Meetings were set for the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays and this has never changed. We donate to the usual drives and charities, and in 1952 we sent a girl to Girls State at Grand Forks, which we have continued doing since. We have supported our Eastern Star Past Masters residing in Finley, taken projects of Overlook Shelter and Chapel at the February 2, 1972, from left, H. C. Solberg, Peace Gardens; ESTARL, which is a Robert Erickson, Warren W. Archer, Julian scholarship fund for young people going into Meldahl Jr., Willis McKay, Gustave Hofseth, religious training; and our own Home for the Sam Oxton, F. E. Spriggs, Edward Paulsen, Elderly at Fessenden. O. A. Engeness, Alvin Nygaard, Howard Ostrom and Glen Plaisted. We have received 263 members through initiation or affiliation since the chapter FINLEY PTA began, and have a present membership of 74. The March 7th, 1918 issue of the Finley Present elected officers are Beverly Beacon reported that Finley had organized a Plaisted, Worthy Matron; H. C. Solberg, PTA. Worthy Patron; Francis Frojen, Associate Mrs. F. E. Curry was deleted President; Matron; Earl Spriggs, Associate Patron; the Vice President was Mrs. M. Norswing, and Ruea Meldahl, Secretary; Dorothy Solberg, the Secretary-Treasurer Miss Olga Nord­ Treasurer; Margaret Haugen, Conductress; strom. Succeeding presidents were Mrs. Norma Nygaard, Associate Conductress.

55. HISTORY in all directions. Total height of the antenna is 785TH RADAR SQUADRON equivalent to a twelve or thirteen story FINLEY AIR FORCE STATION building. The height finder radar is the AN-FPS-90. Finley Air Force Station, located one mile The antenna is covered by a rigid radome and west of Finley, is part of the aerospace cannot be seen as it nods up and down Defense Command (ADC). ADC has the determining heights of objects detected by the primary responsibility of guarding the United search radar. States against an Aerospace attack. In joint The radio equipment located at the ground- cooperation with the Canadian and North to-air transmit and receiver (GATR) site is American Defense Command, ADC's mission situated about two miles northwest of the is to detect, identify, intercept and destroy, if main station. It can be easily spotted by the necessary, any aerospace threat to the North various antennas located around the GATR American continent. building. Finley AFS is a part of a system known as Finley AFS is a small community in itself. Semi Automatic Ground Environment Including military dependents, about 150 (SAGE) to deal with the air-breathing or people live on the station, and another 100 in aircraft threat to this continent. Data from Finley. There are dormitories for single and Finley AFS along with that from similar sites unaccompanied airmen and homes and trailer is transmitted to a combat center where it is homes on station for married personnel. evaluated by a computer programmed to Supporting facilities include medical, dental, recognize hostile aircraft. Battle staff per­ dining, morale, religious, recreational, sonnel at the combat center receive a visual tranportation, heating, water supply, power display of this computerized "Air Picture." generating, and repair services. Should the aircraft be unfriendly, the com­ Station personnel live, work, and play puter generates a data signal which remotely closely with the people of Finley, and attend controls either manned interceptors aircraft school, churches, clubs and many of the or unmanned missiles, whichever is deployed. community functions, striving to be good As the "Air Battle" progresses, battle staff neighbors and valuable additions to the area. personnel oversee the action and com­ municate with the manned aircraft pilot via radio channels established over ground-air radio circuits going to and from radio sites (GATR or ground air transmitter receiver). Finley AFS is also one of these radio sites. Finley AFS has the distinction of being the first United States Air Force installation in the state of North Dakota. A couple of decades ago, the site now occupied by the 785th Radar Squadron was part of the Albert Henrickson farm. Construction began in late 1948 and the site was officially opened in May 1950 as an Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. It was part of the Pine Tree Line of Radars along the U. S.-Canadian border—at that time our northern-most early warning system. When the semi-automatic ground environment (SAGE) system became operational, Finley AFS became an input to that system and continues to provide reliable search and height radar data, ground-air radio trans­ mitters, receivers, and data link for use in The inside of the cook car was pretty hot in controlling aircraft in this area. the summer, but no one minded, the food was The search radar is the AN-FPS-35. This too good, and very plentiful. This picture is the high-powered frequency diversified radar is inside of the William Lieske cook car about housed in a structure 85 feet high and 60 feet 1904 or 5. The cooks at the end of the table were square. The huge antenna which measures 126 Emma Lieske (Mrs. Frank long) and Tracy feet wide and 38 feet high can be seen for miles Lieske (Mrs. Webb Keilor).

56. Top row (No. 5) from left, George Horner, Ball, E. J. Quamme, (unknown), George R. I. Simonson, Carl Wangsness, George Monteith. Row 2, Ole Leraas, Tom Chant- Benton, C. J. Long, B. J. Long and S. G. land, Bob Cochrane, Ben Wade, (unknown), Bistline. Row 4, E. B. Knudson, (unknown), (unknown), Iver Seim, Cornelius Wang. Row 1 Ed Barnaby, Oscar Carlson, Ed Cone, Wm. (front row), Halfdan Petterson, Frank Bateman, Patterson, (unknown), (unknown) Lossing, Leonard Verwest, Wm. Paterson, and over the piano Knut Furos. Row 3, Dr. A. Paul Seim, W. W. Archer, (unknown) William J. Heimark, Dr. Bacharach, (unknown), Bob Oxton, Guy Mitchell and baby.

MODERN WOODSMEN OF AMERICA town. The paper in 1897 listed H. S. Brown as The Modern Woodman camp has been in Venerable Council; S. G. Bistline, Worthy existance in Finley as long as there has been a Advisor; R. D. Patterson, Clerk; W. A. Cochrane, Banker; T. Thompson, Escort; Sentry P. D. Cole, and P. R. Sampson was listed as the Watchman. The Camp number was 4445. The Camp continued active until the early 1930's. There are still about 80 carrying in­ surance, and Elmer Gilbertson is the Secretary now.

PASSING SCENE Trapping kept the fellows busy in the winter. These two men are displaying their prizes, their traps and all equipment. The men aren't identified.

57. DR. HARVEY BACHARACH of Fairbault, Minnesota, arrived October 5,1899 to serve the area as a doctor. He had his office up town for a while, and then in 1905 he moved it to his home, and his telephone number was 3. Later Dr. Bacharach was disbarred as he had no certificate to practice medicine. He moved to Minneapolis where he DR. L. P. LARSON was bom October operated a drug store. 20, 1879 at Dalton, Minnesota, in a log cabin. He taught school for seven years, MR. and MRS. R. J. SLUGETT JOHN I. KEITH and Mae Emma continuing his studies in the summer. bought the Brown Hotel from Chas. H. Keeling were married September 20, He graduated in 1910 as Doctor of Brown on October 31,1909, and changed 1898 at Terrill, Iowa. They continued to Dental Surgery. In October of 1910 he its name to the Hotel Finley. They were live at Terrill until 1900 when they came opened an office in Finley, continuing very active in the community, and the to Steele County. Keiths resided on a his profession unitl his death in Sep­ Hotel was the center of social activities. farm in Easton Township some thirty tember, 1958. In 1913 he married Clare In February of 1927 the Slugetts sold the years, when they moved into town, and Linn, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs Hotel to Mrs. Gertrude J. Thompson. In Mr. Keith followed the blacksmith Samuel L. Linn, pioneers of Steele the deal they acquired an apartment County. Mr. Linn farmed as well as house in Moorhead, Minn. Both Mr. and trade. He retired and sold his interest to Mrs. Slugett are deceased. Gust Mikkelson in the early 1940's. serving as a county official for many There were three daughters, Blanche years. Two daughters were bom to Provance, Ella Phillips and Mildred Doctor and Mrs. Larson, LaVaughn, Jahde. Mrs. Keith died in 1940 and Mr. Mrs. B. K. Kunny, and Gwendolinn, Keith in 1966. Mrs. James H. Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. Larson were active in city, county and state affairs. Their biographies are included in Who's Who in North Dakota, Who's Who in America and in 1953 Mrs. Larson's biography was in­ cluded in Who's Who of American Women. Their interest continued in ALFRED KENNING COCHRANE was promoting North Dakota. Dr. Larson bom in Westfield, Wis. September 11, was a director of the Greater North 1855, and passed away March 2, 1949. Dakota Association 23 years; a member Mr. Cochrane's parents, Hugh and of the State Historical Society; member Eliza Robison Cochrane were natives of of the North Dakota Conference on Ireland and were of Scotch and English Social Welfare, and director of Steele extraction. Al came to Dakota WILLIAM RICHTMAN was bom at County Red Cross. Mrs. Larson was a Territory in the spring of 1879, and took Fountain City, Wis., March 9, 1857, member of the International Board of a homestead in the Fargo vicinity. The which was his home the early years of Governors of the American Red Cross; following year he returned to Wisconsin his life. In 1882 he married Lizzie Hill of secretary for the North Dakota Pocket where he married Cora Lester. Like so Pine Island, Minnesota and to this Testament League of the District of many other pioneers, Mr. Cochrane had union three children were born. The North Dakota. Both Dr. and Mrs. the urge to go further west, and in 1881 only daughter died in childhood, and Larson were members of the Finley he filed on a tree claim in what is now Mrs. Richtman passed away in March Lutheran Church, Sunday school known as Westfield Township. In 18%, of 1894, and Mr. Richtman in 1927. Two superintendents and teachers. They at Walker, near the present site of years later Mr. Richtman, with his two both served as members of the local Finley, Mr. Cochrane established a boys, moved to Finley and settled on a Board of Education. Dr. Larson built a grocery business and became the first farm in Finley Township which he medical building in Finley in 1939. The businessman in Finley proper. He was operated for about 10 years. In 1907 the PCA has an office there, as well as appointed first postmaster of Finley. family moved into Finley and set up a Raymond R. Rund, attorney now. The During this time he operated the shop and went back to his old trade of Larsons lived their entire married life Cochrane House, a hotel in Finley. For harness maker. In the September 3, in Finley. Since the death of Doctor approximately two years the mail was 1908 Finley Beacon Mr. Richtman Larson Mrs. Larson has lived at Beloit, brought to Finley by horse and buggy advertises that he is a dealer in stable Wis., where she is a Resident Head of from Portland. Postmaster Cochrane supplies, axel grease, harness oil, Beloit College, Beloit, Wis. retired March 1, 1919. Mrs. Cochrane whips, curry combs, halters, brushes, was affectionately known as "aunt sweat collars, and also Bickmores Gall ROBERT (BOB) PATTERSON came Cora" to one and all. She was a very Cure, which warrant a satisfactory to Finley from Piper City, Illinois, in willing worker in the Methodist Church cure for Galls, Wounds and Scores upon 1882. He passed away in Finley in the of Finley. Aunt Cora was always in animals. Mr. Richtman was optimistic 1930's, after which his wife, the former demand as a midwife in the area, and and jovial all his stay here and had a Ellen Warner, moved to California, assisted at many early births. There host of friends in and around Finley. He where she passed away in the 1950's. were four children, three dying in early was affectionately known as "Uncle Bob farmed near Finley for a time, and adulthood. Hazel, Mrs. Albert Rube." The young man in the picture then moved into Finley where he Gilbertson, survived, and lives in above is Ervin Grunseth. His sons were operated the Monarch Elevator before Fargo. Mrs. Cochrane passed away in Mark Richtman of Devils Lake and Sac retiring. They had three daughters, 1921. Richtman of Fargo. May, Fem and Pearl.

58. an elevator from Long Prairie, Min­ present custodian of the Steele County nesota, to Munster, North Dakota Court House in Finley. Martin Grunseth located on the Fargo-Surrey Cut-off passed away November 28,1953; Emily railroad line. He enjoyed the last Grunseth passed away December 24, several winters in Cuba where he 1947. Their son Melvin passed away owned a plantation on which he grew November 19, 1950 at the age of 41. oranges and sugar cane. He was suc­ Martin's sister, Caroline Wojohn, is still cessful in all lines of business en­ living at Velva, North Dakota terprises. He took an active part in the building of Finley. He died in 1913. Mrs. Archer was an active member in FREDINAND THUMM was bom in the Methodist Church and Aid Society, the Finley Womens Club, the Womans April 1889 south of Finley. He attended Missionary Society and Order of the school in Greenview Township, the A. Eastern Star, Finley Chapter No. 82. C. at Fargo, and Dakota Business She died in 1923, and both are buried in College in Fargo. In August, 1910 Mr. the Finley Cemetery. At this time, in Thumm purchased the lot where the February, 1972, eight members of the GEORGE HORNER was bom near Johnson Store is now, and started Archer family have passed away. The building a garage. They handled the Montreal, Canada, September 25, 1884. three who still live are Estelle (Mrs. He came to the Finley area in 1906 after EMF 30, the Flaners 20, and the Everett Hornecker) of Fargo, Verne of Finley, having spent a period at Tomah, Wis., cars. Fredie Thumm and Minnie Fey and Arthur (better known as Babe) of where he was instructor in the U. S. were married in May, 1910. Her home Minneapolis. Indian School. Upon his arrival in was at Leonard, North Dakota. She had Steele County he purchased some 300 taught Greenview School No. 3 in 1908- acres joining the townsite on the west, 09. Three daughters were born to this and built up a fine set of buildings. In couple, Dorothy, Evelyn and 1920 he disposed of the "Bonnie View Genevieve. Mr. Thumm died in March Farm" and moved to Fargo. He 1916 as the result of a farm accident. returned in 1930, and passed away here Mrs. Thumm is now Mrs. O. A. November 4, 1930. Mrs. Horner Engeness of Finley. (Lavilla) died in 1924. Mr. and Mrs. Homer were the parents of two sons, Edward and Orrin, and one daughter, Lula. Mr. Horner married Mary MARTIN J. GRUNSETH was bom in Thumm in May, 1926, who survived. Norway, January 31, 1870. He came to Minnesota as a young man and on WILLIAM A. COCHRANE was an November 26, 1902, he married Anna early resident of Steele County, far­ Emily Carlson. Mrs. Grunseth was born ming for a time, and then moving to at Sacred Heart, Minnesota, on August Finley. His wife was Mary Ann Simp­ 19, 1875. She came to Greenview son, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James WARREN W. ARCHER was bom in Township with her parents, Mr. and Simpson Sr. of Sharon, and was born in Allen Co., Indiana on November 13, Mrs. Andrew Carlson, where they Morayshire, Scotland November 17, 1858. He was the oldest of four children homesteaded. After their marriage, 1862. She came across the Atlantic with bom to James and Catherine (King) they moved to Velva, North Dakota her parents in 1881 and to North Dakota Archer. He came to Fargo when he was where Mr. Grunseth homesteaded and in 1884. She married William Cochrane 23, living and working there for one started farming. Their first home was a April 3, 1888. There was one daugher, year. He secured his homestead in sod house built by Mr. Grunseth. Two Ella, Mrs. R. J. Ball. Greenview Township, and moved to this children, Cora and Melvin were born homestead in 1883 and lived there alone while the couple lived at Velva. In 1908 R. J. BALL was originally from West three years. Mr. Archer was married in Mr. Grunseth's parents, his sister Virginia. He was in Finley in the early Caroline, and brother Hans came to 1886 to Mary Rebecca Beyerie. Eleven 190O'sL was agent for Beidler & children were bom to this union, Elmer, Velva from Norway. Mr. Grunseth's Robinson Lumber Company, operated Edith, Clarence, Warren, Mabel, father Johan Grunseth passed away in the Star Theater, which he sold to the Estelle, Ralph, Harold, George, Vem 1917, and his mother, Kristi Grunseth Legion in 1925 when he returned to and Arthur. He purchased the wood and died in September 1927. The Martin Huntington, W. Va. Mrs. Ball was the coal business in Finley in the spring of Grunseth family moved from Velva to former Ella Cochrane, daughter of the 1899 and also erect an elevator with a Finley in 1909. They lived on the William Cochranes. They had two capacity for 40,000 bu. He and his oldest Carlson Brothers farm until January 1, children. son Elmer formed a partnership in a 1916. Mr. Grunseth had purchased a farm implement store, called "W. W. cafe from E. B. Knudson and the HANS E. BILDEN, musician, came to Archer & Son." They finally enlarged Grunseths operated the cafe for several Minnesota in 1889, where he was a band this business to include hardware and years. Their youngest son, Ervin, was master for many years. After coming to supplies and incorporated under the bom in this cafe. Top-Taste Bakery this area he had bands at Pekin, Tolna name of "The Archer Supply Co." of is on this lot now. After selling the cafe, McVille, Blabon, Sherbrooke and which he was president. He bought out Martin worked on the Finley Dray Line Finley. The Bildens left Finley in 1928. the Farmers Cooperative Mercantile with his brother John (now deceased). Mrs. Bilden is 90 and lives in California. Co. of Finley, which he owned and Later on, Mr. Grunseth was custodian There were two daughters, Thelma and operated for years, as the Farmers of the Court House for over 20 years, Eleanor. Thelma teaches music in Store. In 1912 he bought and transferred retiring in 1946. Ervin Grunseth is the Lander, Wyo.

59. ANDREW THUMM was born at Fort ALFRIDA JOSEFINE NILSSON and Wayne, Ind. He came to Fargo as a VICTOR A. DAHLGREN were both bom young man in 1880 and was a police in Sweden in the year 1875. They were officer there. Then came to the farm married in July of 1901. Mrs. Dahlgren southwest of Finley, in Section 14 of was educated in the art of clothes PETER ELLISON was bora in Loiten, Greenview Township, where he designing, also hats, and had her own near Hamar, Norway in 1864, and came homesteaded on one quarter, and filed shop. Mr. Dahlgren was a Masseur to America in 1888. Met Petrina Strand a tree claim on another. Returned to graduate, and completed his military in Fargo, and were married in 1897. Fort Wayne and married Mary M. training in that country. Their son Mrs. Ellison was bom in Dale, Sunnf- Renfrew October 4,1887. They lived on Samuel G. was born in March of 1904, jord, Norway in 1875. They came to the farm, and acquired three more and experienced his first birthday while Finley about 1902. Their oldest son quarters. They were the parents of two the family was crossing the Atlantic on Ernest was born at Galesburg, North sons, Fredinand, and Renfrew. They their way to America. They came to Dakota. Leon and Alvin were born in went to school in what was called the Finley, and later moved to Wisconsin Finley. The family moved to Los Archer School. B. R. went to Montana in where they lived for a number of years. Angeles in 1923. Mr. Ellison was a 1911 or 12, came back in 1915. He died in Mr. Dahlgren also worked for the building contractor all the years he was March of 1919. Mr. Andrew Thumm railroad here. Their eldest daughter in Finley. He built a great many of the bought a home in Finley in early 1900, Esther Victoria was born in December homes, including the home now oc­ now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Clarence of 1908. Two years later they returned cupied by Mr. and Mrs. Glen Plaisted, Boelz. to Finley where they bought land and the home occupied now by Mr. and Mrs. established their home. Ruth Anne was Silverthome, the Swen Petersons (now bom here in 1912. In 1921 the family the E. Meldahl home); Taiseys, moved to Fargo, where Mr. Dahlgren (Spriggs home), Dr. Heimark (Julian resumed the practice of massage. Mrs. Meldahl), Dr. Larson, the Archer home Dahlgren passed away in February, and many others. He built the original 1951. Several years later Mr. Dahlgren grade school, a brick structure still in moved to Minneapolis, where he use, and one or two churches. He built married Ruth Norgren. He passed away one of the largest barns in the state for in 1970. Samuel, who was also a Mr. Steenson southwest of Finley. Mr. JOHN W. NEEDHAM was bom at massage therapist passed away in and Mrs. Ellison were active in the Sons Bervie, Ontario, Canada August 4,1872 April, 1971. Esther (Johnson) has of Norway, and was with this and came to North Dakota, then a worked as a secretary and resides in organization when the play "Til territory April 1,1879, where during his Fargo. Ruth (Clemens), a registered Saeters" was staged in a number of the early years he helped his family eke out nurse, married to Rev. E. T. Clemens, surrounding communities. Paul a living by gathering buffalo bones on resides in Detroit, Mich. Bjugstad about 1917 built a complete the prairies and selling them to be used new modem home, bam and other in refining sugar. A pioneer country- buildings west of Finley. This was Mr. no roads, no railways, no telephones, Ellison's favorite project. He in­ "no anything but prairies" as Mr. troduced the "bungalow" to Finley at a Needham recalled it. Mr. Needham time when this type of house was opened his drug store in Finley March becoming popular in California. Mr. 23, 1898, and was there until his Ellison passed away in 1942, and Mrs. retirement. His son Clarence was Ellison in 1940. associated with him in the store. He married Alma Strand of Arkdale, Wis. May 4, 1889. He had met Miss Strand DR. A. J. HEIMARK graduated when she visited a sister in Finley. Mr. from St. Olaf college and Illinois and Mrs. Needham had always made SEVERT KNUTSON was bom in Medical college. His father Jacob and Finley their home, and their four Wisconsin in 1876. He married Julia mother were bom in Norway. He children were born there. Clarence, at Christianson at Rugby in 1903. She was practiced medicine in Finley from 1904 one time Mayor of Finley, is deceased, born in 1884. They came to Finley in to 1925 when he sold his practice to Dr. as is Walter, a druggist in California, 1905. To this union nine children were J. M. Gibbons. He came here directly as and their daughter Inez, Mrs. H. J. born, Ann, Mrs. Ed Lucier; Alice, Mrs. a young man from medical school. Mr. Spiller, who died in 1949. The third son Harold Mohr, both of Fargo; and Hazel, and Mrs. Heimark lived in the home is Dr. Gordon Needham, dentist at Mrs. Henry Collins of Monmouth, 111. now occupied by T. J. Meldahl. There Steele, North Dakota, now retired. Mr. Melvin, Clifford, Cecil, Hilmer, Harry were two children, Phyllis, (Mrs. Needham had been president of the and Julius, all of whom are deceased. Vemon Peterson), and one son, C. Finley Lions Club, both the Needhams Mr. Knutson worked for a coal and gas Harding Heimark. Dr. Heimark moved were members of the Methodist company in Finley before moving to to Fargo in 1925 and established his Church, and the Masonic and Eastern Fargo. Mr. Knutson passed away in practice there. He passed away Sep­ Star lodges. 1939 and his wife in 1964. tember 23, 1937. HANS LUND came to the United JAMES C. ANDERSON was born in States in 1912 from Copenhagen, Denmark in 1851, coming to America, Denmark. Mr. Lund held various jobs, and settling in Blue Earth, Minnesota. farm work, tiling, concrete work, ran a Here he married Breta Siem. In 1899 street car, delivered milk in Chicago, they moved to Forman, North Dakota all the while learning the English by covered wagon and there they saw language. At Belmont, la. he laid all many trying years. In 1906 they came to the tile for 44 blocks of sewer system, Finley with their eight children, living all done by hand. On Feb. 21, 1917 he on the farm a quarter mile west of JAMES HETHERINGTON was born married Susanna B. Tuntland at her Finley, known as the Pepper farm, now in England in the 1840's, grew to parental home near Belmont. They the Dr. O. D. Dekker farm. The only manhood there, and was married to came to Blabon in 1917. In the spring of living children are two daughters, Mrs. Mary Ann Hancock. Six children were 1919 he started working for Tony Nelson Amelea Moore of Fargo, and Mrs. Sven who had a butcher shop in Finley. Hans (Elvina) Ask of Finley. In later years bom to them, Robert, Alice, Thomas, Anderson worked for the Great Annie, Hannah and Elizabeth. They had learned the trade in Denmark where he had butchered for a period of Northern Railroad where an accident came to America in 1880 and settled in took his life Nov. 21,1911. The death of Dakota City, Iowa. They came to Finley four years to learn the trade, receiving no pay. He worked for Tony until 1923. his wife followed five months later, in 1905 where he resided until 1930, April 1, 1912. returning to Iowa where he lived with He worked at Duluth for several his daughter. His wife passed away in months, returning to Finley to work for 1928. He was better known in the Tony again. He was offered a raise of MR. and MRS. CHARLES H. BROWN community as "Big Jim." He passed $125 in free meat. In 1927 he bought a were early businessmen in Finley. away in 1950 in Iowa. well machine and dug wells for 7 years. They came to Finley in the spring of He estimates he has dug over 100 wells 1904. They purchased the Hotel from in the area. He contracted the job of HALVOR ENGEN was born in Miss Kate Olson. They built on to the hauling all the material for the City existing structure, installed a gas Hallingdal, Norway on November 16, Auditorium. He had the contract to haul 1879. He came to Brooten, Minnesota, lighting system, and named it Browns all the water pipes when they put in Hotel. The hotel was known as the with his parents when seven years old, Finley waterworks. He hauled ice from and lived there until 1902 when he came Skyscraper of Finley. The Browns had Lynch Dam and delivered it in Finley, homesteaded three miles east of Finley to Finley. For several years he was delivering about 800 ton a year for four engaged in the oil service business, and before opening the hotel. Their children years. For many years he ran a dray were Cryst, Hazel, Elsie, Harriet, also operated a bulk station. He was line in Finley. Hans was a fireman from married to Ida Olson. Both Mr. and Blanche, and Clarence, who now lives 1919 to 1954. Mr. and Mrs. Lund are still at Poison, Montana. Mrs. Brown was Mrs. Engen are deceased. living in Finley. He is still farming at 80 Magdalene Thoen of Sauk Center, years of age, and will still be running Minnesota. The Brown Hotel was sold to the tractor this summer. Richard Sluggett October 31, 1909, and the Browns retired.

OLE LOVIK emigrated to the United States in 1903 from Norway. He was employed for a time in Minneapolis and came west to Finley about 1906. He was employed here as bookkeeper by R. I. Simonson in his hardware store. After leaving Finley, Mr. Lovik lived at Larson and Drayton, North Dakota where he engaged in the banking business. He married Dina Peterson JAMES ALBERT HORNER was born LEWELLYN GRAND BAUGHMAN while living at Larson. Mr. Lovik was in Farham, Canada May 5, 1847. He was born at Bethlehem, Pa., February subsequently employed by First came to Buffalo, Wis. where he married 8, 1864. He came to the Finley area in Minneapolis Company, with his Mary Boothroyd in 1868. They settled in 1908. Mrs. Baughman, Sarah Alma Yost territory being Steele, Griggs and Traill Iowa in 1872 where three children were was born September 17, 1918 near counties. The Loviks, with their born, Bert, William and Alberta. They Worthington, Minnesota. She and Mr. daughters Hjordis and Phyllis, then came to Finley in 1902 where they Baughman were married at Fairmont, moved to Finley in 1932. Mr. Lovik later farmed the Lynch farm, known as the Minnesota April 19, 1897. Three worked in the bank until his retirement Pickert farm. In 1922 they moved to children, Martha, Joseph and Steve in the mid-fifties. Mr. Lovik passed Finley where Mary passed away in were born, the two boys dying as small away in February 1959, and Mrs. Lovik 1926. His daughter Alberta lived with children. Martha also passed away in June 1968. The Loviks had three him until his death June 5, 1936, where several years ago. Mr. Baughman daughters, Mrs. Hjordis Nordstrom, just a month prior he had been honored worked on the railroad section crew, Mrs. Don (Phyllis) Anderson; and on his 89th birthday by friends as being and also worked as a stone mason in the Ardith, deceased. the oldest resident at Finley at the time. Finley area.

61. the southwest part of town where the family grew up. Through the 37 years of carrying mail east of Finley a lasting friendship with the families was for­ med. In those early years horse and buggy was the customary means of travel, but as late as the winter of 1935- 36 horses were the mainstay during the hard winters. The route at that time was over 40 miles so through the years various farmers were hired to take 12- BERTHA NELSON was bora January MR. WILL OXTON was born in 15 miles of the route during the worst 20, 1872 at Atwater, Minnesota and Westfield, Wis. July 29, 1863, and died part of the winter. To this marriage moved to Finley about 1897. She worked June 22, 1946. He moved to North were bom eight children: Ruby—died in various homes in town, and was a Dakota in 1883 and homesteaded in of sleeping sickness in 1924, Earl Milton cook for many threshing crews. Many a Sherbrooke Township. He married of Philadelphia, Leona, died of liver child was delighted with a handful of Effie Drakeley March 1, 1893, who disease in 1924, Inez (Mrs. Cliff Brown) "doughnut holes" when Bertha was the passed away December 26, 1894. One of Valley City, Orville, killed in World cook. About 1924 she opened up a child was born. Effie Isabel (Mrs. War II in the Philippines, Darwin of restaurant, which she operated for Harry Martinson) December 4,1894. He Washington, D. C, Etano. rural mail many years. It was in the building married Jessie Drakeley March 10, carrier of Finley, and Lorna, nurse in across from the Auditorium, lately 1896. Jessie was born February 4, 1877 Fargo, North Dakota. Elmo, the occupied by the Pete Jungles, just north and died August 10,1935. Nine children youngest son, is at the present carrying of the new Fire Hall. Bertha never were born to this union. They lived on a mail out of Finley, thus having an Olson married. She passed away in 1960. farm in Sherbrooke Township until serving as rural mail carrier without 1908, when they moved to Sherbrooke, interruption for over 65 years. Elmo is where they lived one year, moving to also the only one continuing to live in Finley in April, 1909. Finley.

HALFDAN PETTERSON and family came to Finley in June. 1906. They bought a house and started in the fuel business. Mr. and Mrs. Petterson were active in church and city events. Halfdan was City Clerk, was a member SAMUEL OXTON, one of Steele of the church council and helped in debt County early pioneers, was born in 1865 retirement of the church. He was a at Pierce, 111., the son of Mr. and Mrs. member of the school board; an active John Oxton Sr. The family moved to Mason and member of the OES, chief of Wisconsin where he attended school. In the fire department for many years. 1883 they came to Dakota Territory For a while with his fuel business he where they homesteaded in Easton owned the City Drayline, and was bulk Township. In 1899 he married Mildred agent for the Standard Oil Co. He A. Anderson, who passed away the sold the business and purchased the following year. Mr. Oxton owned and Archer Hardware Store after World operated 1600 acres of land in the War I. By 1930 he left the store and with Sherbrooke area. In 1903 he and his the help of his daughter Edythe Long, mother moved to Finley. In 1906 he bought back the fuel business. HERBERT N. HORNER was bom married Jennie Windness; she was However, he became ill and died in April l, 1861 ai t arnam, Canada, Mr. bom near Bergen, Norway in 1882. She October 1934. Seven Petterson children Homer moved with his parents to came to Hatton in 1897 and moved to all graduated from Finley High School. Wisconsin in 1864. In 1883 he married Finley a few years later. Five children Mary M. Oxton there. In 1884 they came were born to this union, Howard of EDWARD OLSON was bom in Cass to North Dakota and settled on a Dickinson, Ernest, Mesa, Ariz.; Janet, County, North Dakota in 1885 and Clara nomesteaa 6 miles southeast of Finley. Mrs G. T. Harstad, Portland. North Ryland, his wife, was bom in 1888 in In 1902 they moved to Finley where he Dakota, and Samuel Jr. of Finley. One King Township, Polk Co., Minnesota. was in the real estate and insurance son Philip passed away in infancy. They were married on May 26, 1906. business. He was a member of the Samuel Oxton was an officer in the The first months in the Finley area Gideons, Masonic Lodge, Shrine, and First National Bank and the Finley were spent farming east of Finley. The the Methodist Church. There are two Land and Loan Company. He and his fall of 1908 was disastrous as a fire children, Herbert Frank, an attorney, brother William owned the Ford garage burned their bam and all their now residing at Madison, Wis., and from 1912 to 1915, the building which livestock. After this setback they Effie, Mrs. Harry Martinson who lived now is the Johnson Store. Mr. Oxton moved into town. In Finley their first at Finley many years where her was active in civic affairs of Finley, home was above a pool hall located husband was in the Hardware, serving over 30 years on the city where the Farmers Union building now Plumbing and Heating business. She council, first as councilman and then as stands. Ed became a regular mail now lives at Mill Valley, California. Mr. Mayor. He was a member of the carrier in 1907 when Harry Brown Martinson passed away several years Methodist Church and the Masonic moved to the state of Washington. In ago. Mr. Horner passed away in 1916, Lodge. Mrs. Oxton passed away in 1946, 1908 they bought the house located in and his wife in 1946. and her husband in 1951.

bZ. / 1927, and opened a real estate and farm management service in Jamestown until his retirement in 1954. Both Mr. and Mrs. Curry served on the school board in Finley, as well as serving in several capacities in the town. Mr. Curry was Clerk of the town board for many terms. In 1901 when the Finley Cornet Band was organized, Mr. Curry JLWK- played an E flat contre bass. The Curry ••inHMlimi MR. and MRS. TONY NELSON family consisted of two daughters, WILLIAM R. HORNER was bom in moved to Finley from Davenport, N. D. Doris and Ruth, and two sons, Ralph Iowa in 1878, and came with his in 1907 where Mr. Nelson ran a meat and Dwight. Dwight E. Curry was chief parents, the J. A. Homers, to Finley in market. Mr. Nelson had the meat medical officer of the U. S. Public 1902. On April 19, 1911 he married market in the old Hutson-Eide store, Health Service outpatient clinic in Port Minnie Christianson. He was engaged and in 1911 decided to sell out to George Arthur, Texas. Ralph Curry retired as in farming with his father until 1920. Erickson. However, retirement was not editor of The Flint Journal, Flint, After moving into Finley he did paint­ for Tony, and a few months later he Mich., in 1966. He had taught Jour­ ing and interior decorating. He passed started another meat market next to nalism in Flint, working for the Journal away here August 9, 1954. Mrs. Homer the big corner store. He again sold out first as night reporter, working up to was bom October 1, 1889 at Bayfield, to George Erickson, and moved to Editor in Chief. He is now at Lehigh Wisconsin. She came to Finley in 1905 Valley City, in 1928. Mrs. Nelson is Acres, Florida. Ruth is now Mrs. F. T. with her parents, the Hans Christian- living in California, and Tony is DeYot of Richland, Michigan and Doris, sons. She had lived at Finley 65 years. deceased. The children are Odiean, Mrs. A. C. Orr, Bismarck. Mr. Curry She passed away August 24, 1970. Born deceased, June, 1971; Lloyd in passed away in 1959 at Jamestown, and to this union were two children, a son Minneapolis; Agnes, Canton, 111.; Alice Mrs. Curry died in 1960, at Bismarck. Ralph, who resides at Rugby, and a at Long Beach; Florence at Canoga daughter, Jean, Mrs. Samuel Oxton, of Park, California; and Harry at Finley. Olympia, Washington.

•?*~J

MR. and MRS. FRANK E. CURRY were early residents of the community. Mr. Curry was born May 2, 1871 at Boscobel, Wisconsin, and came with his HANS CHRISTIANSON was bom in E. E. TAISEY was bom July 17, 1861 parents, Mr. and Mrs. Seth D. Curry to Norway in 1861; came to America in at Lake City, Minnesota, and passed North Dakota. He attended school at 1881 to Wisconsin, where in 1882 he away Oct. 8, 1922. He married Bessie Hope, and NDAC, and the Curtiss married Bertha Olson, also bom in Jane Wilson on February 10, 1887. Business College in St. Paul. In 1897 he Norway, in 1852. Born to this union were There were two children, Ella, Mrs. started a farm implement business at six children, two girls died in infancy. Elmer Archer; and Florence, Mrs. Finley. He sold his business in 1898 and They homesteaded near Rugby in 1893 Thomas Chantland, both now deceased. began employment with Dwight Farm where Mr. Christianson built a sod In March 1887 he went to Portland as & Land Co., dealing in real estate, farm house for his family; later he built a Agent for the Great Northern Railway loans, collections and insurance. large frame house; church services Company, leaving there the following Adelaide Long was born July 11,1872 in were held there. Mr. and Mrs. autumn for Mayville where he entered Piper City, Illinois, the daughter of Mr. Christianson moved back to Finley in the Beidler and Robinson Lumber and Mrs. Andrew J. Long. She came 1905. There were four children, Julia, Company. In the spring of 1888 Mr. with her parents to N. Dak. and settled Mrs. Severt Knutson, Caroline, Mrs. Taisey returned to the employ of the in Steele County. She attended schools Oscar Peterson, Minnie, Mrs. William Great Northern as Agent at Mayville. in that area, and Mayville State Horner, and Clarence. Clarence This position he held until August, 1898 Teachers College. Frank E. Curry and (Christy as he was known here) was on when he came to Finley as Cashier and Adelaide Long were married November the first basketball team. He was with one of the organizers of the Finley State 28, 1900 at Finley, and both were the Steele County Press for many Bank, which in 1904 converted to the diligent workers in the Methodist years. He passed away in 1966. All First National Bank, of which in­ Church there. In 1922 Mr. Curry, with members of the Christianson family stitution he was head being its his son Ralph, purchased a weekly are now deceased. Mr. Hans president at the time of his death. He newspaper, the Steele County Observer Christianson had a shoe repair shop in was one of the pioneers of Finley, which they published. The Curry family Finley. He was also a very talented working for the good of the community, moved to Jamestown in 1922, and Mr. man in the art of wood carving. Mrs. taking an active part in everything that Curry was connected with the Land Christianson died March 12, 1929, and made this a better place in which to Bank. He left the employ of the bank in Mr. Christianson August 4, 1930. live.

63. MR. and MRS. CARL E. ENGLUND and son Holger arrived in Finley from REV. and MRS. E. C. TOLLEFSON Stockholm, Sweden in the fall of 1904. A MR. and MRS. CARL KNUTSON, who and family came to Finley in 1909, Rev. daughter, Esther, was bom in Finley. are residents of Fargo, were married at Tollefson to be the Pastor of the Finley Mrs. Englund's two brothers, John and Sherbrooke in 1910. They farmed in Evangeliske Luterske Kirke. Their Peter Wedin, and a sister Mrs. Matt Sherbrooke and Golden Lake Town­ family consisted of Arthur, Elvin, Johnson had arrived a few years ships beofre moving into Finley about Eberg, Clara and Bertha. All three of before, which inspired the Englunds to 1917. Mr. Knutson worked with the the sons became ordained Ministers of come to America. In May 1910 Holger, railroad section crew for many years the Evangelical Lutheran Church. age 10 years, passed away from and later farmed west of Finley. Their Clara married Elmer Isvik who has Typhoid Fever, and in August of 1910 children are Selmer and Ole of Fargo; been in the teaching profession until his Carl Englund passed away. Mrs. Ida, Mrs. Richard Jensen of Wisconsin; retirement a few years ago. They have Englund and daughter Esther con­ Cora, Mrs. Allen Loberg of West Fargo, made their home at Port Orchard, tinued to make Finley their home. Mrs. and Lillian, Mrs. Herman Blessum, Wash., for many years. Bertha married Englund worked at various jobs, now deceased. Rev. Chris Michelson, and is now especially at restaurant work for E. B. deceased. Arthur is also deceased. Knudson and the Mosby Hotel. In 1918 Eberg and Elvin are both retired from she married John W. Stansbury. Both the ministry, Elvin and his wife she and Mr. Stansbury are deceased. residing at Moses Lake. Wash., and Esther is Mrs. Ted Martinson, living in Eberg and his wife at Portland, Ore. Glencoe, Minnesota. The Tollefsons lived in Finley until 1917 when they moved to Chicago. They later lived at Aneta where Pastor Tollefson served.

THEO S. OVERBY was bora at Taylor, Wis., October 20, 1876. He at­ tended Art course at Dixon Art College, Dixon, 111., and was in the mercantile GEORGE BENSON came from business with his father in Taylor. Mr. Norway to Sharon in 1900, and four Overby came to Finley in 1908, and years later moved to Finley. He was a worked for S. J. Peterson as a clerk, photographer, and had shop set up in a and did the art work for ads, and J, M. COOPER was bom in Indiana in rig that could be hauled from town to dressed up windows. When traveling 1857, coming to North Dakota (Dakota town as business demanded. When in shows came through, his work was in Territory) in March, 1881. Mary A. Finley it was parked about where the demand, and carried away with the Donahue was bom October 13, 1862 at Auditorium now stands. Mr. Benson show. In 1920 he was appointed Finley Mason, Ohio. She came to Dakota delighted in making up trick pictures, Postmaster. Mr. Overby and Matilda Territory in 1883. The Coopers were and ones with street cars on the streets Jerstad were married in 1914. Two married April 24,1887 in Moorhead. Mr. of Finley and Sharon are still around. children were born to this union, Cooper started railroading and worked Stanley and Eleanore. Mr. Overby his way up to passenger conductor passed away in 1943. Mrs. Overby is HANS MOSBY and his brother Sam living at Carrington, North Dakota. when he retired in 1909. He came to were early businessmen in Finley. Sam Sherbrooke Twp., bought a farm, was an attorney, and adept at playing and farmed 18 years. He the violin. He left Finley and went to MATT LARKIN was born November relinquished his farming interests in Indiana about 1909. Hans Mosby 20, 1871 in Illinois. He married Julia favor of a mercantile business in the married Gunda Bjorstad, a half-sister Cresto July 4,1899. The Larkins farmed town of Sherbrooke in 1927. He was a of E. B. Knudson. They ran the Pioneer in Illinois until 1910 when they moved to member of the Board of County Hotel for a time; after selling it he went Sherbrooke. They farmed in the area Commissioners, and was active during to work for the County at the County until 1936, when they moved to Downer, the building of the Court House. Both Seat at Sherbrooke, passing away there Minnesota, and later to Fargo. There Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are deceased. in 1916. Mrs. Mosby and her family were six children, Mike (deceased); There were five children, George, Art, moved to Canada. Three boys are still James; Mary; Elizabeth; Matthew and Edith, Edna and Dick. living, Orville, Edgar and Harvey. Francis.

64. California; Mrs. Verna Baldwin, Sherbrooke Township; Ernest O. Carlson, Los Angeles, California; and Mrs. Ruth M. Summerside, LeMars, Iowa.

OSCAR CUMMINGS and SARAH OXTON were married at Westfield, Wis., November 27,1884. They came to MR. and MRS. J. A. CARLSON came North Dakota soon afterwards and lived to live in Finley in the early 1900's and on a farm in Sherbrooke Township until continued to call Finley their home the early 1900's. Mr. Cummings was until time of death. John A. Carlson was born in 1857 and died in 1940. Sarah was bom April 8, 1878 in Minnesota of bom in 1859 and died in 1934. There Swedish immigrant parents. He came MILLER HAUGLAND, who lives in were eight children, Sam, Isabel, with his parents and brothers and Cabri, Saskatchewan, Canada, claims Frances, Anna, Herbert, Austin, Joseph sister, Emil, Carl, Oscar and Emily to to be the first white child born in Finley. and Richard. Oscar Cummings built a Greenview Township in 1882. J. Valdine According to Mr. Haugland, his home in Finley, now occupied by Sophie Williams was bom July 4, 1882 at parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Haugland Seim, and lived there until the 1920's, Mavyille, to Mr. and Mrs. 0. W. lived in a shack here the winter of 1896 when they moved to California. Mr. Williams, pioneer Golden Lake and 97, and since that was one of North Cummings operated a grocery and residents. Before their marriage both Dakota's "big snow" winters, his father department store in the building now Mr. and Mrs. Carlson held county of­ worked for the railroad, shovelling occupied by the Gamble Store and fices (about the turn of the century) snow. Miller was born here December Jacobsons U-Save. when the county seat was in Sher­ 5, 1896. His uncle, Rasmus Haugland brooke. Mr. Carlson was deputy auditor lived here in the early nineteen hun­ and Valdine served as deputy to her dreds. Miller Haugland is now retired father, then county treasurer. The at Cabri, Saskatchewan. couple was married February 10, 1904 at the home of her parents. Mr. Carlson was in business with his brother Oscar at this time in a general merchandise store on the site of the present Laun­ dromat in Finley. A few years later they built a home several blocks south of Main Street which was to be their home the remainder of their lives. Some years later John and his brother Oscar H. Carlson established the SAMUEL STUART PORTER was Hammer-Carlson Company, a hard­ born at Ossian, New York, and came to JOHN W. STANSBURY was bom May ware store. When this store was sold, 7,1859 in Henry County, Ohio. He came John and his family lived on his parents Dakota Territory in 1881, settling near home farm for several years, hoping to Ellendale. Selma S. Nelson moved there to Dakota Terriotry in 1882 and filed on save it from foreclosure. They were not with her family about the same time, a homestead in Steele County, SEV4-24- able to do this in the dry '30s. They and she and Sam were married in 1895. 146-57, Greenview Township, five miles returned to their home in Finley. A Three children were born there, Louise, south and one mile west of where Finley story of disappointment—one fall they Floyd and Dewey. In 1910 the family is now located. The next four years he had harvested many pounds of certified moved to Verona where Mr. Porter spent working at various jobs, besides sweet clover seed and had it sacked engaged in a general store business looking after his homestead, living ready to sell. Sunday afternoon they with his brother. In 1913 they moved to some of the time in Fargo and Valley went to visit Grandpa and Grandma Washington where they tried to start an City, and returning to the east some Williams. Returning to the farm they apple orchard. Not being too pleased winters. In 1883 he owned a business in found the seed had been stolen. Mr. with it, they returned to North Dakota Valley City. It was this winter while in Carlson and brother Oscar were also and bought the Farmers Store at Finley Valley City he became engaged to a engaged in the banking business in from the Archer estate. He operated girl, Florence Caroline Graul. She was Karnak, North Dakota from 1917-19 this store until he sold out to O. P. Void born in Sandusky, Ohio July 13,1858. In where John worked for a time. Both Mr. in the early 1920's. Mr. Porter was a the winter of 1886 he went back to Ohio and Mrs. Carlson were active in constant promoter of agricultural and married Florence at Cleveland, church, school and civic affairs in products of Steele County, and for a Ohio, February 17, 1886. Both came to Finley. Mr. Carlson was traveling in number of years he was in charge of the their homestead in Dakota Territory North Dakota selling insurance at the agricultural exhibits at the Steele that spring. Four children were born, time of his death October 12,1935. Mrs. County Fair. This exhibit was largely Ethel, Pearl, Howard and Mamie. Carlson passed away March 21, 1969. designed and built up by him, and he Howard and his wife Anna live in Five children were born to the was one of the men in charge of the Mayville. Incidentally, this homestead Carlsons—Alice A. Carlson, Williston; same at the time it was shown at a quarter now belongs to a grand­ Mrs. Myrtle Eckstrand, Moorhead; number of county fairs in eastern daughter, Mrs. William Hawkins, living John 0. (Orlando), San Jose, states. Mr. Porter died July 14, 1932, in Lafayette, California. Howard and Mrs. Porter in October, 1952. supervises the farm.

65. CITY OF FINLEY Oct. 18, 1926 and Mr. Furos January 23, 1941. There were five children, Rena, Helen, Charlotte, Olive and Atley. They made their home in the house that was dismantled when the present Lounge was built. The four generation picture includes Mr. Jens K. Furos, father of Knut. Mr. Furos Sr., lived with his son for many years after his retirement. The woman was daughter Rena, (Mrs. Tillie Engeness), S. G. (CAP) BISTLINE was bom in and the baby Eleanor Engeness. D. W. VADNIE was bom April 19,1866 Blaine, Pennsylvania February 20, at Ottawa, Canada. He came to 1872, and came with his family first to Wisconsin with his parents when he was Illinois and then in 1882 to Hope, Dakota four years old. The Vadnie family Territory. Four years later the family moved to North Dakota in 1882, moved to Finley, where his father plied homesteading in Hugo Township. his trade as carpenter and Cap farmed Caroline Williams came to North the homestead farm in Franklin Dakota with her parents, the William S. Township. Several years later he Williams' from Wisconsin, also, in 1881. moved to Finley, where he worked for The Vadnies were married at Hope, J. W. Needham in his drug store, and North Dakota and to this union two sons then operated a general merchandise were born, Harry R. Vadnie, deceased, store known as Bistline and Anthony. BILL HARDER was born in Germany and John F. Vadnie of Bismarck. D. W. He was married to Jennie Taplin of November 22, 1882, and came to the (Dolph) Vadnie was Clerk of Court, in Blabon January 27th, 1907. The original United States with his parents when one the Court House when it was at Sher­ marriage plans were set for January year old. The family settled near Elgin, brooke, and moved to Finley when the 23rd, but because of a four day blizzard county seat was moved here. They also 111. Bill and a brother Al came to Finley moved their home, the house now oc­ during which the train was not able to about 1915, and worked as farm run from Blabon to Finley, the cupied by the Miles Midstokke family. laborers. Al returned to Illinois after In later years Dolph operated a cream marriage was postponed until several years, but Bill was a familiar passenger service was resumed. They station in Finley. Both Mr. and Mrs. figure in Finley until his death April 6, Vadnie are deceased. farmed in Franklin, and then in Easton 1949. Township, until Mrs. Bistline's death in 1923. He then returned to Finley where he worked for A. L. Archer in the White Inn, for 0. A. Engeness in his grocery store, and then operated his own store until he retired in 1957. They had two daughters: Mrs. Herman Martinson and Mrs. Charles Morres, both of Finley.

MELVIN T. SIMLEY was born in ED BARNABY came to Finley in the Roseville Township, rural Portland early 1900's. He worked for E. B. May 28, 1882. He moved with his Knudson in the restaurant in 1903 or widowed mother to Sherbrooke 04. He was a horse wrangler for Township in 1896. He became a barber Pickert Farms, in Easton Township. in 1905, and purchased a shop at Sharon Mr. Barnaby was born at Barb River, in 1913. Mr. Simley and Josephine Mich., and enlisted in World War I at Hogan were married at Hatton Feb. 3, Fargo on March 19, 1918. His military 1915. Mrs. Simley was born and raised record states that his horsemanship in Newburgh Township. They moved to was good. He took part in a skirmish KNUT FUROS was a native of Finley in April, 1923, where Mr. Simley with the Mexicans at Juarez. He was in Viroqua, Wis., where on Julv 7.1892 he was engaged as a barber. In 1942 he was the Cavalry. Mr. Barnaby was a horse­ married Carrie Torger. Mrs. Furos elected County Judge and Clerk of man of the first water, and used was bom in Wisconsin December 1, Court, of Steele County, retiring in 1962 horses on tne mail route. He fixed up 1862. They moved to Hannaford, North at 80 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Simley the "bam", now the Grotte apartments, Dakota and lived on a farm until April still reside in Finley. They are the having his horses on the first floor of 1902 when they moved to Finley. Knut parents of four children, Ethelyn, (Mrs. and living upstairs. Mr. Barnaby was a Furos operated a general merchandise Ordean Vareberg); Truman; Audry rural mail carrier west and south of store in the brick building now the U- (Mrs. Arvid Gilbertson), all of Finley, Finley, retiring December 31, 1942. In Save and Gamble stores. His partner and Mildred (Mrs. Alfred Roske) San 1945 he passed away at the Veterans was A. T. Strandness. Mrs. Furos died Diego. Hospital in St. Paul. wife Sara preceded him in death bam to the rear of that house. He December 6,1946 at Finley. There were worked at several trades in addition to three children bom to this family, farming the land in the north edge of Lawrence, Lois (Mrs. Orville Finley. They had three sons, Roy, Erickson), Long Beach; and Wallace, Ernest and Kenneth. In about 1905 they North Las Vegas, Nev. Lawrence was moved and went to the Spokane area killed in action in World War II. where they operated a cement com­ pany. Later he bought and settled on a ranch at Cardston, Alberta, Canada. CLARENCE J. LONG (CAR) was The elder Longs are both deceased, but bom in Pennsylvania in 1868, and the sons farm near Cardston. Kenneth migrated to Illinois. In 1883 he came to at one time played with the Guy North Dakota with his father where Lombardo Orchestra. ANDREW JACKSON LONG was bora they started building on a farm five August 27,1832 at Blaine, Perry County, miles northwest of where Finley is now. Pa., and died November 2, 1925 in Car struck out on his own and settled on BENTON (BENT) J. LONG came to Finley at the age of 93. January 26,1854 a farm two miles south and 1 mile east Steele County in 1884 from Piper City, he married Sussannah Heffelfinger in of Finley. He was known by the name of 111., where he was born. He married Pennsylvania. He volunteered his Car to the Long family, but many Edythe Anderson of Mayville about services to his country during the Civil others thought his name was Carl. He 1906. They had one son Floyd who was War where he served until the end of operated a coal and wood yard in 18% killed in an auto accident in Oregon. B. that conflict. Going home on a furlough when the Great Northern Railway came J. Long was the first teacher Finley he found no one home. He went to the through, and at first drove back and ever had. During the years 1896-97 he home of his wife's parents and found forth to the farm. In the summer of 1897 taught ten pupils, and acted in the that his wife had died and her parents he took over the management of the positions of superintendent, principal, were caring for his children. Andrew Cargill Elevator. He moved his family instructor and janitor. He "batched it" married Nancy Jane Snyder February to town. The family consisted of his with William Hart, owner of Biedler & 22, 1866. Car and Hort were bom in wife, the former Leah Vadnie, and sons Robinson Lumber Yard. He went into Pennsylvania. Later the family Maurice and Lloyd. The first year they the Hardware business about the time migrated to Piper City, Illinois. It lived in the old National Hotel operated Andrew Long moved to town. He was seems that at that time he was a by Hans Mosby. He built the second first in partnership with a Mr. Latimer, member of the Amish Cult that had a house west of the school in 1898. Gladys, and later with Swen Peterson. Bent settlement in that area, but decided Bernice and Lenore were born in took over the Cargill Elevator when Car there was no incentive in belonging to Finley. He lived in that house until his became sheriff, and operated that until that cult where ambition plays no part death in 1956. He resigned from the 1916 when he bought into the State in your success as all property belonged elevator in 1910 when he was elected Bank. Part of the deal included the first to the community. He raised his family Sheriff of Steele County, which he held house north of the E. T. Meldahl to be independent; to never look back; for two terms. Then he became residence. In 1931 B. J. Long went to to keep a stiff upper lip when things manager of the Finley Power & Light Fargo as business manager of St. Lukes went wrong, and neither cry nor whine, Company. The final venture was in the Hospital and Clinic. He retired in 1948 and never to brag or boast when things Hammer-Carlson store. Morris and passed away in 1958. went right. Addie, Bent and Ralph were married Lizzie Ambuehl in 1925; he is bom in Illinois. In 1883 he travelled to deceased. Lloyd was prominent in North Dakota and with some veterans banking circles here before moving to preference started building on a farm Minneapolis in 1932 where he worked five miles northwest of where Finley for the government in Civil Service. He was to be. Maude and Guy were born on had married Minnie Grimson. Gladys that farm. Car was with him and in 1884 (Mrs. Charles Burkart) lives at Prairie he returned to Piper City and brought du Chien, Wis., as does Bernice Satre. his family to North Dakota. Mrs. Long Lenore is living in the Twin Cities area. died September 25, 1920; Major Long November 2, 1925. Picture above: Seated, from left, HORACE AUSTIN (HORT) LONG Clarence J. Long; Andrew J. Long, was born at Blain, Penn., and moved to (father); Guy Andrew Long; Nancy Steele County with his parents, the Jane Long, (mother); Standing, left to Andrew J. Longs. He moved to Steele right, John Benton (Bent) Long; Addie County with his father, coming by way MR. and MRS. CHRIST STORDAHL Susan Long (Mrs. Frank Curry); of Piper City, 111. In the early 1900's were married in Bergan, Norway, Horace (Hort) Austin Long; Maude Hort went on his own, and with the immigrating to America and settling at Leslie Long (Mrs. J. C. Webb) and assurance that Finley would become a Finley May 2,1904. To this union seven Ralph Waldo Long. city, moved onto the spot he had picked. children were born, Ann, Anfin, Nels, He married Effie Patterson, a daughter Clara, Helmer, Harold and Melford. RALPH LONG came to Steele County of William Patterson, in the late 1890's. They lived in Finley nine years when he with his parents Andrew and Nancy He moved a house that had been built worked on a farm owned by his brother, Long at the age of five from Illinois. He west of town from the proposed site of Mons. He also had a brother Iver who at married Sara Patterson in 1902, and Gilbert. He located that house in the that time owned the Drug Store at was engaged in farming for a number platted portion, built a bam on the rear Finley. The Christ Stordahls moved to of years. Later he was a grain buyer for of the land and farmed all the land Kloten until 1924 when they moved back Cargill Elevator Company at Finley. He north of the Courthouse street. About to Finley. He worked on the section continued in that position until he 1900 Hort built a house where the until he retired. They both passed away retired and moved to California. His Courthouse now stands, and moved his in 1955 in Minneapolis.

67. marriage to Anna Windness. Anna Windness was bom at Windness, near Bergan, Norway Nov. 12, 1878. At the age of seventeen, in 18%, with her younger sister, Jennie (Mrs. Sam Oxton) she came to the United States with their brother Alf Windness, who was already in the mercantile business at Finley. The girls took up millinery WILLIAM BATEMAN was bora in ALF WINDNESS was one of the first merchants in Finley. He came to Finley and sewing at Mayville and then came Glen Haven, Wisconsin, December 30, to Finley, making their home with their 1873, He came to Finley in his early 20's from Bergan, Norway in 1891. With a Mr. Draxton from Hatton he started his brother Alf, until Anna's marriage to and married Pearl Patterson here. He Swen Peterson. The Petersons had worked in an elevator for a short time, business in Finley in 1897. In 1900 he married Clara Qualey, a daughter of seven children: Adeline, who in 1925 and then ran the Finley Livery Stable. married Elmer T. Meldahl of Sharon, It was where the Steele County Press is pioneer parents who homesteaded on the farm now owned and operated by North Dakota, an attorney who was now. The family moved to Calgary, States Attorney of Steele County for Canada where Mr. Bateman operated Richard Qualey. The Windnesses then made their home above the store. Prior about 40 years, and who passed away two farms and a real estate business. April 13,1968, Mrs. Meldahl still living He passed away October 11, 1960. The to their marriage, the Albert Monsons lived upstairs over the store. Albert in Finley and carrying on the abstract Batemans had two sons, Clyde and Monson and Andrew Gilderhus had a business; Lilly Janet, married to Ar­ Merlan, both residing in Canada. Billy meat market next to the store. About thur L. Melgard of Warren, Minnesota, was considered quite a character, as this time the Monsons bought their and now deceased, Mrs. Melgard now was evidenced by the story he told a farm along the Sheyenne River and residing at Leisure World, Laguna newspaper reporter for the Calgary moved there. In 1907 the Windnesses Hills, California; Sanford, married to Herald in 1956 concerning his early were building a new home (now the Gladys Gardner of Rolla, North Dakota, days in North Dakota. "My horse broke Emil Odden residence) when Mr. now deceased, Bismarck, and Hemet, his leg," he said, "and I thought I'd skin Windness became the victim of cancer California; Ruth, Mrs. Paul Olson, (Mr. him and use the hide to keep warm but and passed away that year at the early Olson, deceased), Fountain Valley, it froze solid. So there was only one age of 33. Mrs. Windness and the California; Willard, married Alice thing to do. I cut out his innards and children continued to make their home Bjelde of Finley, Whittier, California; crawled in for the night." The reporter in Finley until all the children were Luther, married Maxine Pickles of said he also had an answer for anyone through high school. The three children Bismarck, North Dakota, Salem, who might ask how he got out in the were Claris, now of San Diego; Oregon; and Kenneth, married Beulah morning. Bill went on to explain, "I was Margaret, (Mrs. Wm. Leach) now of Jensen of Sharon, Denver, Colorado. wedged in there and looking out I saw Reseda, California; and Alphild, (Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were charter two buffalo. I grabbed their tails and Karl Collmen) of Denver, Colorado. members of the Finley Evangelical they started across the snow-covered Lutheran Church, Mr. Peterson having prairies. Before a mile I could steer served as trustee for many years, and them and I let go when we passed the in other capacities, and Mrs. Peterson, ranch house, horse and all." a charter member of the Lutheran Ladies Aid, and a faithful and active member of that organization until in­ E. G. QUAMME was president of the capacitated by illness. Mr. Peterson Finley State Bank from 1907 to 1917. He served on the City Council and was was instrumental in its organization. interested in anything that served to The Quamme family resided in Finley promote the welfare and growth of until 1917 when they left Finley and Finley. He helped to organize the Steele went to St. Paul. He organized the County Fair Association, which was a Federal Land Bank of that city, and SWEN J. PETERSON was a thriving event for several years. became its first president. While in prominent Finley merchant and a Petersons were loyal supporters of the Finley Mr. Quamme served as leader in church and civic affairs for Finley School system. Mr. Peterson president of the Commercial Club, and more than 30 years. Mr. Peterson was was a successrul merchant until the of the Finley Farmers Grain and bom November 2, 1873 of Swedish Depression of the late 20's and 30's, Elevator Company. There were four immigrant parents, on a farm near when his business like most every children, Mrs. Allan Meinicke, Mrs. Benson, Minnesota, in which vicinity he business in the community, suffered a Agnes Higgins, Mrs. Dorothy Lemme, grew to manhood. He farmed near severe set back. The Petersons made and Victoria Quamme. Mr. Quamme Benson for about three years, then their first home over the Post Office, was 62 years old at the time of his death moved to N. Dak. where he farm­ the building now occupied by Mrs. November 20, 1941. ed near Cooperstown for one year. In Mayme Jacobson. In 1904 they built and 1898 he came to Finley where he worked moved into their new home, which is for Thompson and Sons, General now the residence of their daughter, MR. and MRS. N. S. BOGART lived on Adeline Meldahl. The Meldahls have the Pickert Place in Easton Township Merchandise. In 1902 he entered into the hardware business with B. J. Long. made their home there since 1936. Mr. in about 1910 or 11. The Pickert Place Peterson passed away at the age of 60 was the center of activity about that In 1908 he sold his interest in that business to Mr. Long and set up in years, January 4,1934. Mrs. Peterson is time, and the Bogarts were in the heart still living, is 93 years old, and is a of it all. Their children were Charles, business alone, this time going into general merchandising in which he was resident of Luther Memorial Home at Clarence and Nina. They moved to Mayville, North Dakota. Plentywood, Montana, when they left engaged up to the time of his death. On here about 1913. March 22, 1902 he was united in

68. the new town. They had the following Ostervold and Sheyenne Valley until his children: Emaline, passed away at age retirement in 1942. Rev. Boe died at 18; Esther, Mrs. Hort Long, moved to Northfield, Minnesota in June, 1953, at Cardston, Alberta, Canada where she the age of 81; Mrs. Boe died in April passed away in May 1966. Sara, Mrs. R. 1959 at the age of 88. There were six W. Long, who lived in Finley all her life, children, Gertrude Overby, Egbert; passing away there in December 1946; Alfhild Everson; Marcus; Victor and John Patterson, moved to Green Acres, Esther. Washington, now retired. Earl Pat­ terson, Green Acres; Ray Patterson, also Green Acres, now deceased. GILBERT MUSTAD was bom Oc­ tober 17,1885. Bertine Hilstad was bom April 10, 1888, and they were married May 10, 1908. Mustad first elected auditor of Steele County in 1910 at which time the County Seat was at Sher­ brooke. He ran on the Republican ballot with a Finley man, Frank Curry, and T. G. Anderson, the one-time Register of Deeds. The vote was somewhat lighter at that time as women were not per­ mitted to vote. He assumed office in VIGLEIK E. BOE emigrated from April 1911. In 1918 the electorate of the Norway to Goodhue County, Minnesota county voted Finley as the county seat in 1892. He made his home with an aunt, and in the fall of that year the offices Mrs. Veljer Olson. He continued his were moved to Finley. Some of the education at St. Olaf College at THOMAS V. DEVLIN was bom at offices were located on the second floor Northfield, Minn. He then enrolled in Dairy, Ayrshire, Scotland, January 15, of the Citizens State Bank, and the the United Lutheran Church Seminary 1880 and came to this country the remainder were housed in what is now in St. Paul, graduating in May, 1902, following year, settling in Illinois. He the fire hall. They continued operating married Elizabeth Keirs June 29, 1904. in this fashion until the present court­ and was ordained as Lutheran Minister house was completed in the fall of 1927. in July of the same year. In December Mrs. Devlin died in 1959, and Mr. Devlin There were 12 children, Gertrude 1899 he married Maria Haugen who was in 1970, at the age of % years. The T. V. Margaret dying at 4; Martha, Laura, from the same community as his aunt. Devlin family came from Illinois to Alma, Bertha, Sylvia, Gertrude, Gilbert In July 1%3 Rev. Boe came to Finley to Steele County with two other Devlin Jr., Robert, Alma, Julie, and Con­ become the pastor of two country families in 1907, settling eventually on stance. Mr. and Mrs. Mustad are both congregations, Ostervold, north of the Bill Oxton farm, where they lived deceased. Finley, and Beaver Creek, near Hatton. for several years. Later they went to With him was his wife and two and one- the Archer farm, and then bought the half year old daughter, Gertrude. They farm in Section 1 in Greenview JOHN PATTERSON was bom of lived for a short time with the Absalom Township. This was their home until Scotish parents in County Down, Mickelson family in their farm home 1942 when they moved to a farm in Hugo Ireland February 1,1821. Mr. Patterson until a house could be found in town. Township, and then to Valley City died Dec. 13, 1906. His wife Mary Later in the same month, July 28,1903 a where they passed away. Mr. Devlin was also born at the same place in congregation was organized in Finley. was active in the early days of the Ireland in 1826. The Pattersons were A Ladies Aid was begun November 3 Steele County Fair Association, the married July 12, 1844 at Rathefriland, the same year. The first services were Farmers Union, and local school County Down, Ireland. The Pattersons held in the Methodist Church. There boards. He was active in the Holiday came to America in 1852, residing in were few houses in the little new town, Moritorium the spring of 1933 when New York until 1862 when they moved to and the young congregations were not farmers were losing their land by Piper City, 111. In 1882 they came to yet in a position to build a parsonage, so foreclosure. He also served several Steele County by immigrant car. They in 1904 Rev. Boe built a house himself. It years in the North Dakota House of settled on Section 6 in Easton Township, also served as the place for choir Representatives. There were six three quarters of a mile south of where practice, confirmation class meetings children, Loretta Olson, Mary Ask, Finley now stands. They were the first and other organizations. Among early Russell T.; Lawrence (deceased); family to locate in Easton Township, programs we find on May 17, 1907 in Anna Anderson; and Robert H. Devlin. and for many years their house was the commemoration of Norway's Con­ best in the township. There were eleven stitution Day, a "Supper and en­ OSCAR H. CARLSON was engaged in children; two, William and Robert tertainment" was given by the Ladies business in a general store in Finley in settled in Finley. The family moved Aid and Choir at the Opera House. The the early days of Finley. In 1912 he into Finley in 1901. menu included flodegrod, lutefisk, bought an interest in Hammer-Carlson lefse, rullepolse, skinke, poteter, Company, and was its manager until WILLIAM PATTERSON came with rugbrod, hvedeboller, flatbrod, his death in 1930. Mr. Carlson was born his parents to Steele County, from primost, gammelost, fa't- in Renville County, Minnesota, in 1870, Piper City, 111. He married Mary Eliza tigmandsbakkelse, rosetter, kaffe. The and moved to Steele County with his Bartram in 1887. Both Mary and Boe family remained in Finley until the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Carlson. William passed away at Green Acres, end of July, 1909 when they moved to In 1919 Mr. Carlson was united in Washington, William in 1932 and Mary Staten Island, New York City. In 1917 marriage to Florence Domier of Por­ in 1920. They homesteaded near Finley they returned and Rev. Boe served as tland. Three children survive, Oscar and were some of the first residents of pastor of three congregation, Finley, Jr., Marcella and Frances.

69. Jim and family moved to Steele County "Yankees" to pronounce so father in 1907, with his brother Tom and Hilbrand took the name of Olson. family. Their father Harry Devlin had Theoline was a very capable gal, come the year before and located land baking 24 loaves of bread a day, besides for the families to settle on. Jim and countless other things, and served 22-26 family moved to Sherbrooke, living men three times a day, all alone, and first in one of the two "pink houses" still looked pretty. Here was a match located between Ed Still's store, and the for Gust and when the work was done residence of Judge Adam S. Moote. Jim that fall they drove to Sabin and were H. A. STEENSON was the proprietor and Nora had six children. After his married at brother Otto's home. Mr. of "The Cash Store", having bought out wife died, Jim married Elizabeth and Nelson was an active workman in the J. A. Carlson in 1907. We have been they had eight children. Jim never left community, finding success in every unable to find out when the Steensv. is Sherbrooke, he spent his entire life line of work which he undertook. In came to Finley, and from where, but there. The children are Ida Kanne, the early days of his residence here he they moved to Hannaford from here. Laura Mendenhall; Mae Johnson, (now engaged in the balcksmith trade and The Cash Store advertisement stated deceased); Elizabeth Huston; later became well known for an ex­ that they were selling tailor made suits, Frances Stevens; Rosemary, James tensive threshing operation. With only hats and caps, and shoes, all for cash Maurice, William, Harry, James three weeks of school in Sweden, and no only. Mr. Steenson and Knud Furos Michael, Thomas, Patrick, Joseph and other education received in this bought out S. G. Bistline in 1910. Mr. Dennis. country, Mr. Nelson was truly a self- and Mrs. Steenson were the parents of made man who read and studied ex­ three children, Kimbel, Hattie and tensively, fitting himself for such of­ Theron. fices as that of County Commissioner, school board member and church worker. Between 1918 and 1931 Mr. Nelson was County Commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were the first to join the newly organized Norwegian Lutheran Church, and they, with their daughter GUSTAVE H. GILBERTSON was Annie found themselves an integral bom in Primrose Township in 1885. Mr. part of Finley, even though they were Gilbertson was elected to the office of farming four miles east of town, on the Register of Deeds of Steele County in farm now occupied by Loretta Olson. 1912, and served at Sherbrooke until They built the house Lawrence Shogren ALVIN P. BOE was bom on a farm 1918. When the County Seat was moved lives in, in 1921. Gust Nelson was out of near Hatton Jan. 6, 1888. He was to Finley the Court House wasn't ready, work for the first time in his life, so took married to Nettie Mae Stewart in and he found his office in the City Hall. over the building of county roads, a job Minneapolis July 8, 1914. One son, Mr. Gilbertson was on the Selective now dignified by the title County Pershing, was born to this couple. Mrs. Service Board during World War I. He Engineer. Ben Johnson was his Boe died in 1944. In 1945 Mr. Boe served as Steele County Deputy foreman for eight years and once married Mabel Simonson and in 1946 Register of Deeds from 1953 to 1959. Mr. jokingly remarked that when Gust they moved to Fargo. Mr. Boe passed and Mrs. Gilbertson (Inga) adopted two wanted something done he wanted it away in August, 1957. Mr. Boe served as children, Harding of Minneapolis, and done yesterday. Anne Nelson was Treasurer of Steele County for a Joyce (Mrs. Myron Paulsen) also of County Superintendent of Schools for number of years, and then went into the Minneapolis. many years. Now a widow, Mrs. Gust banking business. At the time of his Sandblad, she lives in Moorhead. Mr. retirement in 1941 he was engaged in Nelson died in October, 1932; Thea on the implement business at Finley. Good Friday 1931.

A. G. (GUST) NELSON was bom in Sweden in 1866, and came to Wisconsin MR. and MRS. OLAI STRAND came when 12 years of age. He moved to this from Dale, Sondf jord, Norway to North area in 1897. Gro Theoline Olson came Dakota in 1900. They moved to Finley in JAMES M. DEVLIN was born to work in the cookcar for Mr. Nelson, 1902. Mr. Strand was an Interior February 2, 1878 at Dairy, Ayrshire, and romance flourished. The young Decorator. There were six children, Scotland, coming to the United States couple was married January 14,1902 at Olga (Mrs. Christian Williamson of with his family in October 1881. They the home of her brothers near Brooten, Grafton); Lilly, deceased; Raymond, settled at Braidwood, 111., where he Minnesota, where she had been born. Santa Barbara; Alvin, Glendale, married Nora Cotton. She died in Her family name was Blekfet, recorded California; Lawrence, North December 1925. Mr. Devlin married in the Gol church in the seventeenth Hollywood, California; and Solveig Elizabeth Larkin in 1927, in Sherbrooke. century; it proved too difficult for (Mrs. D. G. Thompson), California.

70. Miss Olson was a teacher here in 1911. practiced law for a time. He then came She passed away in 1949. In 1949 Mr. to Steele County, and was associated Gilbertson married Martha Matheson with M. B. and Chase Cassell in the who died in 1958. Mr. Gilbertson died Abstract Office at Sherbrooke. He March 15, 1965. Emil Gilbertson had moved to Finley from Sherbrooke when been in the insurance and real estate the county seat was moved. Jeannie business in Finley the past few years. Shaw Gibson and Elizabeth Gibson He came to Finley in 1907 as assistant came from Scotland in 1916, and Mr. cashier of the First National Bank. He Barclay and Jeannie were married in HENRY DEVLIN was bom April 17, later became its president. He was a New York City May 6, 1916. The ladies 1853 at West Kilbrid, Ayrshire, Scotland member of the school board many were accomplished seamstresses, of Irish parents. Anna Murray was born years; president of the Commercial having learned the trade as apprentices Club, Steele County Light & Power, in Scotland. Miss Elizabeth sewed for May 25, 1851 at Newton, Ireland. He the ladies in Sherbrooke and Hope, and was married September 18, 1873 to and the Steele County chairman of the World War II bond sales. Mr. Gilbert- later moved to Rugby. She returned to Anna Murray at Dairy, Ayrshire, son was one of the organizers of the Finley after Mr. Barclay's death, in Scotland. The Devlins came to the Finley Elevator; was city treasurer 15 1933, and she and Mrs. Barclay con­ United States in 1881, to Godley, 111., years; was secretary of the Sons of tinued to turn out beautifully con­ where Mr. Devlin worked in the coal Norway 15 years. There were four structed garments. They have both mines. When Henry and Hannah children, one Mary is deceased. Wesley passed away. Mr. Barclay was active in decided to leave Scotland, with the idea is at Chevy Chase, Md., LaVerne, Mrs. the Steele County Chapter of the Red of immigrating to Australia, where H. E. Spitzer, Cleveland, Ohio; and Cross during World War I, was some members of the Murray family Dorothy Mae, Mrs. P. E. Morstad, chairman of the Democratic central were already living, fate stepped in. Minneapolis. committee for Steele County. He was When arranging passage to Australia, Public Administrator for Steele County Mr. Devlin-or so the story goes-was at the time of his death. Both Mr. and persuaded by an agent in the booking Mrs. Barclay were avid gardeners, and office to change his plans and go, in­ their sunken garden at Sherbrooke was stead, to America. Mr. Devlin and his a delight. son Henry came first with livestock and furniture, by railway, in three emigrant cars, to Hope. The family had lived in a three-story house in Clarke City, 111., and Mr. Devlin stipulated that the farm they chose must have a house equally large. He decided on the Cummings farm northeast of Sherbrooke. The MR. WILLIAM J. SUND, and his wife families came in 1907-8. The snowfall Inga Serina were both born at Koper- was excessive that first winter. Santa vik, Norway. His birthday was Sep­ Claus never made it out to the farm tember 5, 1879, and she was bom until after New Years when the men January 9, 1883. Inga came from took off on foot to Sherbrooke, bringing Norway at the age of four years, and goodies from Ed Still's store and settled on a farm near Pickert. "Bill" Mr. Stiner's General Merchandise. came from Norway at the age of 18, There were 12 children, Frances, coming to Pickert. Margaret, Mary, James, Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Sund were married at Blabon October 17, 1903. They were PETER O. SATHRE was born Henry, William, Neil, Laura, Lizzie and February 7,1878 at Adams, Minnesota, Esther. A son David died in infancy. parents of 10 children, Adelaide, Chester, Eleanor, Marion, Thelma, and came to Dakota Territory with his Mr. Devlin died October 21, 1925, Mrs. parents when they homesteaded in Devlin in 1929. Wallace, Inga, Gordon, Carmen, and Gladys (deceased). Mrs. Sund passed Steele County in 1883. Mr. Sathre away January 25, 1939, and Mr. Sund passed away January 23, 1968, just a died October 23, 1943. couple weeks short his 92nd birthday. Minnie Hilstad was bom January 28, 1882 in Finley. She and Mr. Sathre were married April 14,1%2 at Finley, where they made thier home. P. O. Sathre taught school for several years, graduated from the University of North Dakota Law School in 1910, and after two years of law practice at Finley was elected States Attorney of Steele County, holding that post until 1920. He was a state senator, assistant U. S. EMIL H. GILBERTSON was bom at District Attorney, first assistant State Northland, North Dakota, to Henry and Attorney General, Attorney General, Oline Gilbertson. The Henry Gilbert- WILLIAM BARCLAY was bom in and lately a member of the North sons, his parents, settled in Primrose Scotland, July 1, 1861. He received his Dakota Supreme Court. There were two Township in 1878 where they farmed. education there and came to the United children, Charlotte, Mrs. Wachter, Emil Gilbertson married Arnette R. States in 1881. He located first at Fergus Bismarck, and Donald, Santa Barbara, Olson of Valley City August 6, 1912. Falls, and then at Hillsboro, where he California.

71. Decorah, Iowa, he was married to Mabel Nelson of Hatton, North Dakota September 4, 1907. To their union one daughter was born: Ethel (Mrs. Marcus Boe). Mr. and Mrs. Grimson moved to Finlev. North Dakota where he had his own barber shop for a good many years. He had a man called "Jess" who was his right hand man, shined shoes, cared for the bath room, etc. Everyone knew Jess and liked him. He was the only Negro in Finley at that GEORGE O. and OLETTA BJERKE time. Mr. Grimson served two terms as were married in Enger Twp. June 30, Steele Co. Sheriff from 1915 to 1919. 1910. Mr. Erickson learned the but­ Mrs. Grimson was a very capable chering and meat cutting trade from pianist and vocalist. She passed away his brother-in-law in Aneta where December 27, 1921. Mr. Grimson con­ the Ericksons lived until Jan. 1911. At tinued in his business here for a few that time Mr. Erickson purchased a years after Mrs. Grimson's death. He JONATHON (COL.) FAUST meat market in Finley from Anton moved to Minnesota where he was a BISTLINE was born in Blaine, Penn­ (Tony) Nelson. The market was located salesman for International Harvester sylvania, August 20, 1843. His parents in the old Hutson-Eide store building Co. and Woodman Accident Insurance were of German extraction. He was the (since demolished). A few months later Co. He passed away December 31, 1943. youngest of seven children, their father Mr. Nelson started another market two Their daughter is residing in Eagle dying when Mr. Bistline was one year of doors to the east, the building now used Grove, Iowa. age, and his mother when he was eight. for storage by the Gamble Store. The He was then bound out to a farmer and Ericksons moved to Pekin, where they remained there, according to law, until resided until Mr. Erickson again bought he attained the age of eighteen years. out Tony in March 1928, and the family He then apprenticed to a carpenter. returned to Finley. Mr. Erickson was Soon after the breaking out of the civil active in business, civic and church war, he enlisted, and participated in the affairs until his death October 24, 1942. battles of Fredericksburg, Antietam Mrs. Erickson continues to live in and Chancellorville. He saw active Finley. Orville Erickson managed the service in the Cavalry, and joined in the business many years, followed by his Atlanta Campaign and up through the brother Jerome, and subsequently Theo Carolina's. After his return from the Kreis, a son-in-law. The*meat business war he plied his trade in Blaine, Penn. was expanded to include groceries and and in 1872 located on a farm in Illinois. a locker plant. It was moved one door west to its present location, in 1945. The ALBIN ALBINSON was bom in He went with his family to Dakota in the business remained in the family for 43 Vester Batten, Sweden, March 18, 1873, spring of 1882 and entered claim to a years until its sale by Mr. Kreis to where he gained the degree of homestead in Bergen (now Franklin), Robert Schmaltz in June, 1971. The veterinarian surgeon. He came to Steele County. He resided in Hope four Erickson children are Orville, Long Pelican Rapids, Minnesota February years and many of the buildings there Beach, California; Jerome, Sioux 25, 1908. The following year he joined a were a result of his handiwork. In 1886 Falls, South Dakota; Mrs. Theodore group of people who were coming to he moved to Finley where he lived and Kreis (Leona), Finley; and Mrs. David Steele County and arrived here that retired, passing away in 1928. He Bach (Eleanor), Rochester, Minnesota. fall. His first job was pitching bundles married Margaret Kistler in Penn­ during threshing on the Gus Nelson sylvania in 1861. They had six children: farm east of Finley. Since he was not McClellan, Harry, Catherine, Samuel, accustomed to that kind of work, he James and William, all deceased. returned to Finley in two days. After having spent his last ten cents for crackers and bologna, he met Ole GEORGE W. KING was bom January Christopherson, a veterinarian, with 15,1958 in Vernon County, Wis. Harriet whom he worked for a period of time, Wallace was born in Morgan County, and for which he received ten dollars. Ohio April 24, 1861. The Kings were He remarked that was the biggest ten married at Rockton, Wis. July 3, 1879, dollar bill he had seen in his entire life. moving to Dakota Territory in 1881 He followed the vocation of where they homesteaded in Colgate veterinarian for the rest of his life. Township. The family farmed in Steele GILBERT GRIMSON was bom at During these years he acquired a large County until 1915 when they moved to Highlandville near Decorah, Iowa amount of land and at one time his net Sherbrooke, and later in 1918 to Finley, February 12, 1878, and came with his worth was estimated at $%,000. During where Mr. King went into the dray line parents Mr. and Mrs. Nels Grimson, the early teens he also owned the Finley business. There were four children, sister Anna (Mrs. Carl Nygaard), his Livery Stable (now the Farmers Union Clyde, Howard, Mary and Geneva. Mr. uncle and grandmother to what is now Oil Company) and he dealt in the King passed away February 28, 1936. Hatton, N. Dak. in a covered buying and selling of livestock. In those Mrs. King died December 6,1928 as the wagon in 1879. After attending Bruflat days he was known as a horse trader. result of burns when lard she was Academy and Luther College of He died March 10th, 1926. rendering caught fire.

72. GEORGE A. MONTEITH was bom into the newspaper business at Sey­ mour, Ind. Feb. 25, 1862, his father be­ ELMER J. ARCHER was born ing a printer and newspaper man. He MR. and MRS. RASMUS SIMONSON November 3, 1886 in Greenview married Nellie James in Toulon, HI. in were early Finley people. Mr. Township, a son of W. W. Archer. In 1883. Mr. Monteith was a delegate from Simonson built the building now 1907 the family moved to town, and that state to the Republican National housing the Comer Cafe and operated a Elmer and his father engaged in Convention in Minneapolis in 1892. He hardware store there from 1%1 until business under the name W. W. Archer liked the Mill City so well that he moved about 1912. The Simonsons left Finley & Son. It was a machinery business. there with his family and was employed about that time, and the majority of the Elmer Archer and Ella May Taisey, the family settled in the Seattle area. Mr. daughter of the E. E. Taiseys, also a as a typesetter on the old Times until and Mrs. Simonson moved to Alaska. 1894. That year he moved to Willow City pioneer Finley family, were married Names of the children are Ingebrit, who December 28, 1910. Two children, to file on a homestead, but the smell of married Frances Hunter, Jennie, Anna, printers ink was too strong for him to Kenneth and Marjory were born to this Inga, Agnes, Margaret, Rasmus, Selma union. Elmer passed away in 1921, and resist and he went to Grand Forks, and Solly. taking a job on the Grand Forks Herald Mrs. Archer and the two children moved to Fargo. Mrs. Archer passed for a couple years. On to Grafton in away there in 1967. 18%, spending a couple years there as a printer on the Grafton Times. Learning that the paper at Finley was for sale, and transportation not being what it is today, he rode from Grafton to Finley on a bicycle to close the deal, which called for a down payment of $60. with the balance to be paid at the rate of $25 per month. Mr. Monteith made the Finley Beacon a success, and in the quarter of a century of residence there he rose to a prominent place in ADAM S. MOOTE was bora in newspaper circles. He was elected Dunnville, Canada May 24,1842, and at President of the North Dakota Press the time of death December 21,1933 was IVER STORDAHL was a brother of Association in 1917, and again in 1918, 91 years of age. Mr. Moote was the son Christ and Mons Stordahl, early Finley one of the very few elected for 2 years. of Isiah Moote and Mary Ann Stringer. area settlers. Iver married Olivia Bye, In 1920 he sold the Finley paper and His early trade was that of a blacksmith and they lived in the house now oc­ moved to Long Beach, California. Mrs. and wagon maker. He spent four years cupied by the Russell Devlins. Mr. Monteith passed away August 3,1947 at in a grist mill. The colony where Mr. Simonson started a drug store in Finley age 83. Mr. Monteith died in December, Moote grew up was known as the Moote on the north side of main street, next to 1966. Had he lived until February 25th the Farmers Store, which he operated Settlement, and consisted in the early for several years. he would have been 105 years old. Of the days of men and women only with that three daughters and two sons, only one name. They sensed the need for a daughter is living, Mrs. Martin church, and organized the Methodist MR. JOHN FURNESS was born at (Mildred) Muckenthale at Oceanside, Episcopal Society, and met in a log Odalen, Norway June 20, 1871, and California. cabin. Later they built a log church. His came to the United States and located early school was also built of logs, as at Fergus Falls. He met and married well as the house in which he was bom. Bessie Myhra of nearby Dalton, Min­ Mr. Moote married Cynthia E. Stewart nesota, September 18, 1912, and they on February 10,1869, and together they moved to Finley. Mr. Furness was a journed to Steele County in May 1886. watch maker and jeweler in Finley for There were six children, four of whom the 13 years he lived here. He was reached adulthood. Pictured are Art mowing his lawn and collapsed and Moote, Ethel Wilson, Alberta Rugg and died. Mrs. Furness and her sons Frank Moote. Mrs. Moote preceded him Kenneth and Oscar continued to make in death. The Mootes raised a grand­ Finley their home until about 1940, the daughter, Mrs. A. M. (Edna) boys having graduated from Finley MR. and MRS. ALLAN DARCH were Henrickson after her father, Art, High. Mrs. Furness ran a boarding early Finley settlers. Mr. Darch passed away. Adam S. Moote was house, living in the home owned by Ted operated a pool hall and confectionery County Judge of Steele County for Jacobson now, and served the teachers store in Finley for several years. Mr. eighteen years, first at Sherbrooke and and courthouse workers almost en­ Darch passed away in 1930 at Vineland, then at Finley. Mr. Moote wrote his tirely. Mrs. Furness later moved to New Jersey. Mrs. Henry (Florence) autobiography on his birthday in 1928, Dalton, Minnesota, where she died in Devlin was a daughter of this couple. which gives an account of his past. 1965.

73. E. B. KNUDSON came to the new ED ERICKSON was bom in Norway, January 13, 1877, and came to the town of Finley in 1899 to establish a Bom at Harstad, Norway July 25, delicatessen and restaurant in the United States in 1904. He and his brother Tom were in the Finley area in 1909. 1874, MR. PEDER REKSTAD came building now occupied by Elmer's direct to the Finley area in 1900. Mrs. barber shop. He had come to Hillsboro Tom passed away several years ago. Ed died March 10, 1969, being 93 years Aagot Rekstad, bora July 23, 1890 in in 1893 from Norway, where he had Norway, came to the Sharon-Finley learned the baking trade and became a of age. In the Steele County Press of October 7,1954 Bernard Vanyo wrote up area. They were married at Sharon master baker. While in Hillsboro he December 31, 1908. The Rekstads cooked in restaurants and on the Mr. Erickson and his Buick, and we will quote parts of that article: "Modern homesteaded at Broadview, Montana, Dalrymple Bonanza farm at Blanchard and lived there several years. They before moving to Finley. It was at American automobiles have made history with their unsurpassed farmed near Sharon before movoing to Hillsboro he met and married a farm \Vz miles west of Finley in 1915. Josephine Hanson, who had come from speed, power and endurance, but Ed Erickson's 1920 Buick has not only Mr. Rekstad died October 25, 1949, and Norway as a young girl in 1881. The Mrs. Rekstad died July 30,1962. Besides town grew and business prospered, made history because it is the oldest vehicle in this area if not in the entire grain farming Mr. Rekstad for a requiring larger facilities. They built a northwest, but because it has become a number of years sold milk to many of new restaurant building on the lot on familiar sight for so long it has become the residents of Finley. At times Mr. Main Street now occupied by Fetting's a landmark of Finley. He converted a Rekstad used a horse-drawn rig, which Bakery. They continued here until 1914 sedan into a pickup which he uses in his was a great attraction for the when they sold out to Martin Grunseth business of builder, plasterer and youngsters. They would walk to meet to move to the farm west of Finley, now laying cement sidewalks. The car is him, to get a chance to drive. In the owned by 0. D. Dekker. In 1917 the farm equipped with 6 cylinders, 40 horse­ winter months a sleigh was used, and was sold to Martin Moe, and in 1918 power motor, has a top speed of 50 the children rode on the runners of the resumed the restaurant business in the mph., but rarely has the buggy ex­ sled, and would tie their sleds behind corner building formerly occupied by ceeded its cruising speed of 20. The and ride. Mr. and Mrs. Rekstad were the R. I. Simonson Hardware, now windows do not go up nor down, but the parents of one son and one known as the Corner Cafe. They con­ slide sideways along a channel. Leather daughter. Henry farmed the home tinued in business there until his death upholstery makes up the interior. Other place until his death October 14, 1963. in 1946 and her death in 1948. During features are a wooden steering wheel, The daughter, Anne, Mrs. Arthur their years in business they were manually operated windshield wipers, Smogard, lives at Binford. assisted by their sons, Joseph in par­ and speed control levers on the steering ticular. Conrad, the eldest, with his wheel. A modem feature of the pickup wife Jessie assumed management of are its sealed-beam headlights. And so the business until 1952. Five sons were like Old Man River that just keeps born to Mr. and Mrs. Knudson. Conrad rolling along, Ed Erickson with his married Jessie Oxton and lives in fabulous Buick just keeps chugging Finley. Evelyn operated his own along." lumber yard at Ray and married Dorothy Henka, a teacher here in 1923- 24. Harvey was admitted to practice law in 1931; and was elected to the MR. JOHN ANDERSON North Dakota Supreme Court in 1964. was born in Ojotland, Sweden March 8, He was also a State Representative and 1865, and came to America in 1878. He State Senator. He married Pearl spent his first two years in Wisconsin, Pederson of Sharon. Marvin taught coming to Steele County in 1880. He school for many years; was also with married Cjena T. Olson in 1903, who an advertising firm. He served after preceeded him in death. Mr. Anderson World War II in Japan assisting in was one of the large farm operators in setting up a new educational system in the Finley area, had the driving spirit that country. His wife was from OLE LERAAS came from Norway with his parents in 1886, settling near that had much to do with the speedy Wyoming. Joseph, after retiring from development of this state and county. A the restaurant business has continued Hillsboro, North Dakota. In 1889 he and his family came to Easton Township, son, Merritt Anderson, now owns An­ to live in Finley where he is kept busy derson's, a variety store in Finley. A by his hobbies of fishing, hunting and living on a farm in the north east part of that township. In the early 1900's he daughter Anne died at three years of trapping. Trapper Joe is known to all. age. Mr. Anderson was a charter He served several terms as Mayor, and married Randvy Erickson. They lived in Finley, where Ole was a painter. member of the local Lutheran Free also assessor, and Police Magistrate. Church. He built up the farm now Joe was on the Garrison Diversion They had four children: Melvin, Fort Collins, Colorado; Clarence, Fargo; owned ;nd occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Conservancy Board; and was Deputy Oscar Olson two miles north of Finley. Game Warden 15 years. and Rudha and Sanford, both deceased.

74. BEAVER CREEK LUTHERAN CHURCH NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES

BEAVER CREEK TOWNSHIP The Beaver Creek Lutheran Church was Beaver Creek Township was organized organized in the fall of 1886, with about 35 April 5, 1886 and given the name of Norway— members, counting large and small. after the country that the early settlers came The people were largely first generation from. Four schools were built and school immigrants from Norway, so Norwegian was began in 1885. Terms included two months in indeed their mother tongue. In worshiping God the fall and three in the spring. In 1885 August they used the language closest to their heart. Coltom was a director, and E. J. Roste was Worship was first held in homes and school clerk. houses. A Township election was held in School No. The Ladies Aid was organized January 26, 4 May 6,1886, for the purpose of organizing the 1887, with Mrs. Ole Coltom, President, Mrs. M. township and to elect officers. Elected were Ullensaker, Secretary, and Mrs. Johanne Alexander Falconer, Chairman; Daniel Heskin the Treasurer. Bjerke, Supervisor; Peter J. Ostmo, Super­ Mr. Knut Brunsdale gave two acres of land visor; K. H. Brunsdale, Clerk; E. A. Johnson, for the church and cemetery and on this place Treasurer; Knut Johnson, Assessor; Ole the Beaver Creek church was built in 1898 at Brunsvold, Justice of the Peace; Nels the cost of $3,625. In 1909 Beaver Creek united Maystad, Justice; Lars Martinson and Jens with West Union and Bethania as a parish. Tenold, Constables; Ole Dahl, Overseer of the The church has been served by eleven Poor; Jens Berge, Pondmaster. Road over­ pastors. From 1903 to 1909 Rev. V. E. Boe was seers were Jens Berge, C. C. Christianson, there, coming out from Finley. Jacob A. Nelson and Ed A. Johnson. On October 5,1904 the name of the township TOBIASONLAKE was changed from Norway to Beaver Creek. The early settlers got their mail at various places, some went to Golden Lake where mail was delivered, and others to Cable, which was a postoffice some 11 or 12 miles west of North- wood; later most went to Northwood, or to Nebo in Westfield Township. Beaver Creek Township is located about equally distant from five towns, and is divided in three school districts, Northwood, Hatton and Sharon.

The crew that dug the ditch to make Tobiason Lake.

75. On January 28, 1931, a meeting was held in the Beaver Creek Center Schoolhouse to discuss the possibility of digging a channel or ditch from the creek so as to divert the overflow of water into what was known as the Tobias Slough. This quarter was homesteaded by Tobias Johnson in 1881. On February 2, 1931, 74 persons with pick and shovel met up, and on the 3rd the ditch was finished—a ditch 4 to 6 feet wide, 11 feet in places, and 171 feet long. A metal culvert 60 feet long by 48 inches in diameter was in­ stalled. It was added to in length later. This was the start of Tobiason Lake. The first directors, elected April 6,1932 were Carl Klabo, Arthur Gronhovd, H. J. Ness, Andrew Lerol, Nels Berge, Edgar Bjerke and Gilbert Erickson. They bought 55 acres of land from the Klabos at $20 an acre, and 21.2 acres from the Federal Land Bank at $15. A bath house was built. Also a lunch room, where hamburgers, etc. were sold; a pop and ice cream stand, a roller skating floor, a Lakeside Garage was also operated by Gilman bandstand, and an ice house. Thompson as Mr. Bjerke's successor. In June 1946 the lake property was sold to In 1947 Mr. and Mrs. Tilford Thompson the North Dakota Farmers Union and they joined the operation, which was a partnership built it up to be a beautiful camp, with a large for many years. Now Tilford operates his own auditorium, two dormitories, office, home for store in Hatton. the caretakers, and a recreation area. The Garage is closed but the store was in Lakeside Store was started in 1934 in a room need of more room—a larger building was of the garage that started in 1933 by John A. moved in. The store was welcomed by Bjerke and Paul Thompson the store. everyone out there as it is far from town. It is Mr. Thompson operated a cream truck still in operation by Mr. and Mrs. Paul route for the Hatton Creamery for a time. Thompson. Some of the early settlers and homesteaders, and present owners and operators are: ANDREW TOSTERUD homesteaded OLE DAHL came to America in 1877. ORVILLE NESS—the NWy4-7 was on this land in 1884. It is known as the Homesteaded on the present Gilmore homesteaded by Lars Hoyeba in 1883. It Elmer Tosterud farm. Now operated by Berge farm, who is a grandson of Ole was also owned by Bertin Johnson and Elmer Erickson, who is married to Dahl. Donald Berge, who is Gilmore Julia Johnson of Northwood and their Elmer Tosterud's daughter. Berge's son operates the farm. Gilmore daughter Lillian. Berge's mother, Guri Dahl Berge, was MARTIN RASMUSSEN homesteaded the first baby bom in Beaver Creek PETER OSTMO homesteaded in 1882. in 1889. Has been owned by a son Harry, Township. Marius Ostmo, a son, now lives on the and now owned and operated by a farm. His son Morris operates it. grandson Howard Rasmussen. EVEN E. SONDREAAL came to America in 1878. Homesteaded on the GUNDER K. SANDA came to Beaver JOHN O. BUAN came to Beaver farm his family lived on until a few Creek in 1883, settling on the farm now Creek in 1887. This farm is owned and years ago. The farm was sold to owned by his son Sam Sanda. Jerry farmed by a grandson, Allan Pederson. Berges. Sanda operates the farm with him. ANTON K. HUNDEBY homesteaded E. G. ERICKSON came to Minnesota KNUTE BENSON homesteaded this and tree claim—1889. This land was in 1862—came from Norway by sailboat quarter in 1882. Subsequent owners purchased by Gilbert Gronhovd about which took 11 weeks to cross the ocean were Martin Ramussen, Andrew 1895, later owned by his son Arthur. The to Quebec, Canada. Mr. Erickson came Tosterud and Andrew Lerol. Walter land is now owned and operated by to Beaver Creek in 1883, homesteaded Hannestad owns and operates it now. James Gronhovd, a son of Arthur. the farm that Kenneth Gronhovd lives Another quarter of land acquired about on. He is a grandson. KNUDT JOHNSON was one of the the same time from Ole Brunsvold, the earliest settlers in the area, coming SEV4-7—he had homesteaded here. On OLINE BYE FARM homesteaded by about 1881. He lived and raised his this farm there was a store, and An­ Amund E. Bye in 1880. It is now owned family on this farm, and today his drew Holmen operated a blacksmith by Andrew Jacobson, operated by his grandson Arden Johnson owns the shop. son Alvin. farm.

76 NELS BERGE FARM. Ole and Esther THILFORD WALSVIK. Knut Walsvik DARWIN WINDLOSS—SWy4-32— Berge, a son and a daughter of Nels and came to America in 1870 and to Beaver Erick Johnson homesteaded in 1884. Guri Berge live on this farm. Creek June 1882—homesteaded, and Osmund Windloss who was Darwin's this farm has passed, from son father, came to North Dakota in 1889. OSCAR NESS FARM was formerly Theodore to grandson Thilford, who Homesteaded in Norway Township on owned by Milson Brum well. It is now owns and operates it. land now owned by C. B. Norgaard. In operated by Oscar Ness' son James. 1891 he bought this farm and lived there JOHN L. BJERKE. Owned by Lauris until his death in 1933. Darwin Windloss ALVIN JACOBSON—first owned by E. Bjerke and now owned by John L. Sr. owns the farm and Darwin Jr. Ole 0. Moen. Before Alvin Jacobson Bjerke, Lauris Bjerke's son. operates it. owned the farm it was owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Harold Ness. CARL NESS. Andrew Peterson MERRILL & GILMA BACHMAN. settled here Feb. 16,1885. It was owned This farm was formerly the Ingvald GILMAN WALSVIK. This was N. P. by M. O. Ness, and now by Carl Ness. Walsvik farm. The Bachmans pur­ Railroad land. K. A. Walsvik bought it chased it, living in the State of in 1901. Albert Walsvik lived here many KNUT BRUNSDALE FARM. Washington, but spending part of each years. At present Albert's son Gilman Acquired this farm around 18% and summer on the farm. Mrs. Bachman is Walsvik operates it and lives there. It is lived there until his death on Jan. 16, the former Gilma Klabo, daughter of owned by Clarence Joe Aasen of Hat­ 1899. Farm later owned by Norman Gilbert Klabo. ton. Brunsdale (a former governor) and now by his daughter Margaret Brun­ PAUL BOE. This was formerly the NORRIS JOHNSON. This land was N. sdale Larson. Allan Holt is present Erick O. Erickson farm. The SVfe-36 was P. Railroad land and bought by Tosten operator. state land, and bought by Ole Erickson Klabo in 1902. This farm was owned by in 1913. Paul Boe is now owner- Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Thompson. Mrs. EDGAR BJERKE. Formerly Edward operator. Thompson was a Klabo daughter. The Bjerke farm, who was Edgar's father. farm is now owned by Norris Johnson. The land was first settled by a Jacob GUSTAV BJERKE, one of the first Nelson in 1884. Now owned by Edgar settlers in Beaver Creek Township, CLARENCE LYSTE—The SEy4-19 Bjerke and operated by son Earl. came in 1882. He married Christine was railroad land. Ole Nelson bought it Tolem Feb. 27, 1900. She is one of the in 1902. Lyste is owner and operator ELMER BJERKE—Mads Coltom oldest living pioneers that used to live now. homesteaded on this farm. Ole E. in Beaver Creek Township. At this time Bjerke came from Norway in 1872, and she is living with her daughter, Mrs. BJORN OLSON BERGJUE came to homesteaded in Beaver Creek but not Petter Bakken of Hatton. The Bjerke Beaver Creek in 1887 and farmed with on this farm. Later moved to Newburgh farm is owned and operated by August his brother Jorgen. In 1889 he bought Township. In 1897 he moved back to Pederson. his brother's homestead. Mrs. Olson Beaver Creek on the farm now lived on the farm with her son Ole until belonging to his son Elmer Bjerke. WILLIAM BJERKE, formerly from she died in 1952. The farm is now owned Beaver Creek, owned and operated a and operated by Frank Kloster of FLOYD LYSTE—this quarter was farm now owned by August Pederson. Sharon. railroad land, and acquired by Swen A. William Bjerke was married to Emma Huus in 1902. Mr. Lyste is now operator Norgaard who was born in Beaver EDWIN OLSON. This farm first and owner. Creek. Mr. Bjerke served two terms in settled by Anders Berg in 1885; present the State Legislature in 1919 and 1921. owners Clarence and Tena Aason of CARL MELDAHL JR. SEV4-30. Hatton. Olson operates it now. Gunerius Berg—1899, who acquired this TOLLEF TOBIASON FARM west of farm. It was owned and farmed by Carl Tobiason Lake is now owned by Hans ORVILLE HOLMEN farm. Jens Meldahl Sr. for many years, and now Hanson of Sharon, This farm was Holmen, Orville's grandfather, came to owned and operated by Carl Jr. homesteaded by H. E. Fletcher in 1885. Beaver Creek about 1889. He was a blacksmith and had a shop where he did ROBERT ANDERSON—SWy4-31, work for the community. Orville railroad land, acquired in 1903 by Holmen died in July, 1970. The family Gustaf and Mary Anderson. Now owned lives on the farm. and operated by Robert Anderson and sons. THELMER KLABO—Tosten Klabo came to Beaver Creek in 1883. The farm RUTH LYSTE—the widow of the late is now the Carl Klabo farm and Orlo Lyste—owns this quarter, the operated by his son Thelmer. NWy4-19—known as Hjalmer Holmen quarter, and the NWy4-20 known as EDWIN STAVENS. This was railraod Edward Bjerke quarter. land. 1%1 Gunerius Berg purchased this land. Edwin and Barbara Stavens OLE HESKIN FARM—Homesteaded are now owners and operators. by Peter Coltom, who farmed it many years. Recently Oscar and Geosley C. B. NORGAARD. Edwin Olson first Heskin, sons of Ole Heskin operated the settled here in 1881. Later the home of farm. Ole Heskin is in the Northwood Thomas Thompson. Norgaard is Rest Home. The farm has recently been present owner-operator. sold.

77. This picture taken about 1910 showing part of In the middle is A. B. Holt. On his left the one Main Street in Blabon spent 60 years in with paper in his hand is his son Arthur. On his Sweden. Carl Lundmark sent it there in 1911 right with paper in hand I believe was his and his son, Gust was there last year and he clerk at the time. Sitting down fourth from brought it back with him. end is J. K. Sund.

BLABON The original townsite of Blabon was platted depot was built. Gilbert also raised wild May 14, 1903, the South Addition in 1906. An­ turkeys that he sold all over the United States. drew H. Stavens was land owner. He still lives in Blabon. One of the first businesses was a lumber Ed Tranby was manager of the hardware yard built and operated by a Mr. Spurrios. store when it burned, and lives in Blabon. Andrew B. Holt built the General Store, filled George Brager was Town Constable. The jail the shelves, including one of patent medicines had only two known "guests." such as Kureco, Dr. Miles Nervine, Sloans An inventor by the name of Gust Westlin Liniment, yes, even a few bottles of Lydia worked for years on a perpetual motion Pinkhams too. machine. Mr. Holt was the first postmaster, and Conrad A. Sund operated a general store Adam Berringer the first carrier on the Rural from 1917 to 1941. He was appointed post­ Route out of Blabon. John Berringer had the master in 1922. At one time Mr. Sund bought a livery stable; the Borstads the blacksmith motorcycle and a 5x7 camera and toured the shop; Alec Stevens the feed mill, and Martha countryside, taking pictures. While not very Sund built the hotel. Monsons started a pool profitable it did keep the wolves at a hall and lunch counter; W. J. Sund and E. O. respectable distance. Eastvold brought in an implement business, Blabon had a bandstand, and the band as did A. L. Stewart, right across the street. directed by Hans Bilden. Their baseball team Mr. L. E. Sell was Cashier of the Blabon was made up of Grover Holt, Joe and Alec State Bank when it closed in 1927. Kraabel & Cyrus, Lee Miller, Joe Hanson and the Stark Kraabel, which was the first chainstore Brothers. operation in Steele County, having stores in After some years of building and growth Hope, Colgate, Clifford and Blabon, were in Blabon could boast 4 elevators, 2 general the two story building erected by George stores, 2 implement dealers, a hotel and Brager. Frank Johnson started a con­ dining room, bank, restaurant, pool hall, meat fectionery store, Emma Johnson a restaurant. market, lumber yard, blacksmith shop, a A. J. Hornecker was the first Railway livery stable and dray line, confectionery Agent. Gilbert F. Johnson took over in 1910 store, jail, feed mill, a four-rcom brick school, and held this position for some 50 years. A new and a church.

78. EASTON TOWNSHIP Easton Township was first organized as cars with grain, but was used extensively by Pickert Township on Saturday, Apirl 24, 1886 all farmers of the immediate area for this when the county commissioners met with the same purpose. free holders of the township at the home of The first business established in Pickert, Nate Carpenter located on the NW14 of 22. The about the turn of the century, was a feed and following were voted in as the first township wood business owned and operated by officers. Supervisors were James H. Leonard Verwest. Power was supplied by a 60 MacLean, chairman, Leonard Verwest, and foot windmill tower with a 16 foot wind wheel. John Oxton; Town clerk F. E. Pease, Town After a few years he moved the windmill to his treasurer Herbert N. Horner, Town assessor farm property. G. W. Winchell, two justices of the peace, John In 1908, the Amenia Grain Company built the Duncan and J. P. Pease, two town constables, first grain elevator here and later built a small Robert Patterson and George A. St. John, road lumber yard, the first local manager being commissioner, Wellington Van Dusen, John Walters, who in 1911 quit his job here to overseer of poor, Hamilton Ward. become manager of the Blabon Farmers The name was changed from Pickert Elevator. C. O. Peterson then took over as Township to Easton Township between the manager of the Amenia elevator here—a job dates March 26, 1895 and June 24, 1895. he held until about 1926. Present officers of Easton Township are as About 1908 Mr. A. J. Hornecker quit his job follows: Supervisors, Nolan Verwest, as station agent for the G.N.R. at Blabon and Chairman, H. L. Vinje, and Archie Gilbertson, started a mercantile store here. He became Clerk, John M. Sund, Treasurer, Alfred the first and only official postmaster of Simonson, Assessor, Bennie Simonson, Pickert, the post office being located in his Constable, Delmer Paulson. store building. He also took care of the Great Northern Railway business here. Mr. Hor­ necker retired in the latter part of the 1940's. The Pickert Farmers elevator was built in about 1910 of which C. J. Nash became the first manager. At about this same time the North­ western Grain Company built a grain elevator toward the north end of the side track. Manager? Not sure; but it could have been Vincent Anderson from the Sherbrooke area.

Pickert at one time boasted having a blacksmith shop. The first smithy was a man by the name of Jim Hutchinson who started HISTORY OF PICKERT work about 1912. The shop was later taken When the railroad was extended from Hope over by Frank Mackinroth who stayed with it to Aneta they laid a side-track at what was for several years. then known as the Pickert Siding. This was Pickert also had an auto mechanic shop built really the beginning of what is now known as and operated by Conrad Sund. Pickert, named after a man of that name who Another business adventure started in 1915 was considered a bonanza farmer in what is by Carl Monson who built a small place with a now Easton Township with the ranch buildings lunch counter, pool table, and sold pop, candy, located on section 7. cigars, and tobacco. The venture came to an Here they also maintained a post office until abrupt end when Carl was drafted into the U. after the railroad was built, after which Mr. S. Army of World War I. His building was Pickert built a house near the side-track, to be bought by the local school board and used as a known as the Pickert House. This was believed teacherage for a number of years. to be a halfway or stop over place for travelers Today the entire grain elevator business of between the Cooperstown area and the Pickert is owned by the Frank McKay family, Mayville-Portland area. The siding is believed managed by Willis McKay, Frank's son. They to have been built for the special interest of have built, modernized, rebuilt, until they Mr. Pickert for the purpose of loading box have established a real grain center known as

79. the Pickert Grain Company and it is hoped places, did contribute much community here to stay. Pickert, like so many other small history.

THE PICKERT FARM HISTORY The first four postmasters named served in A rural postoffice was established on what is now known as the old Pickert Farm, August 18, 1882, on Section 7, six miles west of pictured above, which also served as a hotel, Sherbrooke. It was called "Grain" because of the huge fields of grain surrounding it. and was located two miles south of the present James H. McLean was appointed the first site of Finley. During the early days, a stage postmaster. On June 22, 1883, the name was coach ran from Carrington, N. D. to changed to Pickert, with James A. Pickert, Caledonia, N. D. and the Pickert farm was postmaster. The township was also named where the teams of horses used from Pickert, after the Pickert brothers, who Carrington to Pickert were exchanged for the owned 5,760 acres of land in the area at that fresh teams to continue the run to Caledonia. time. On June 7, 1886, Rozel Pickert became There was a flour mill at Caledonia at that postmaster, and on February 28, 1894, Elsie J. time, and River Steamers plied the Red River, Pease received the appointment. She served bringing in some of the needed commodities of until January 29, 1897, when Alfred S. the early settlers, one of the reasons which Cochrane was appointed and the post office made Caledonia the logical place for the end of was moved to Finley. the stage coach run.

SAINT PETRI CHURCH HISTORY As the pioneers of our present community moved into our fair land, they were mindful that "man does not live by bread alone." They knew they must have a place to hear the Word of God and receive the Sacraments, so they set out to organize the St. Petri Evangelical Lutheran Church on April 5,1893. The articles of the church constitution were drawn up and accepted in the congregation. The Charter members were George Gilbertson, M. Amundson, K. E. Sund, M. K. Sund, Anton Gilbertson, and Peter Rye. Reverend B. Reitan of Mayville was the first pastor to be called and he served for one year at which time he resigned from both Mayville and St. Petri congregation. Reverend N. Nyust from Cooperstown was called and he served for three years. In 1897 Reverend 0. J. Ed­ wards was called and he served St. Petri for 2 years. He organized a choir and directed it. Also during his service the Ladies Aid was organized. Reverend A. Haugeland of

80 Langford, South Dakota, was the next pastor congregation did the work. Bernard Gilbert- and served from 1899 to 1903. He started sons donated an organ to the church. On parochial school which was held six to eight January 1,1945 New Years services were held. weeks each summer for many years. Dedication of the flags and a candle light Plans were made for a church to be built service was held for the men in the service. 24'x30' with chancellary 14'xl4' and an entry In 1949 the congregation went in with 8'x8'. Before this, services were held in the Blabon, Ness, and Lund to share a pastor. At school house and in the homes. In 1904 Oliver this time women were given voting power in Hanson was hired as carpenter to build the the church. The constitution was translated church and he was assisted by the members. into English. It was finished in 1905. The Frank Mayher family donated the lots for the church. They Our officers at present are: President, also donated a large Norwegian Bible. The Ernest Grotte; vice president, Robert Moore; Cemetery was donated by Wamberg and secretary, Nolan Verwest; treasurer, John Jacobson of Hope, North Dakota. On June 20, Sund; trustees, Bruce Laughlin, Robert 1906 the cornerstone of the church was laid. Verwest, Chester Amundson, deacons: Merlin The first Sunday School was started in 1909. Paverud, Herbert Veile, Cemetery In 1929 a Young Peoples Society was formed association: Merlin Paverud, Archie and was a great contribution to the church. A Gilbertson, and Delmar Paulsen. piano was purchased and Miss Florence The first recorded baptism was Mable Verwest was the first pianist. The Sunday Alma, April 3, 1898. Her parents were Mr. and School donated the English Bible in 1933. In Mrs. Albert Barmen. First confirmation 1939 various improvements were made in the class: John Severin Sund, son of Mr. and Mrs. church. Knute Sund; Benjamin Rye, Clara Rye, In 1943, Reverend I. M. Rotto of Portland, children of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rye and Hans North Dakota, was called and under his Adreas Dyrland. The first wedding, William guidance various organizations grew. In 1944 Sund and Inga Serine Sund from Norway, the vestry and back entrance were built and April 17, 1903. First funeral Elmer Oliver various other improvements were made. The Valine, three months of age, March 13, 1905. Easton Township. Leonard Verwest, one of the first settlers in Easton Township, homesteaded in 1881 on the SEy4 of section 22. He at one time had a wood, coal, and feed grinding establish­ ment at what used to be called the Pickert Siding. He served many years on local school and township boards. He also served 12 years as a Steele County Commissioner. The place is being farmed now by Hadley's two oldest boys, Nolan and Robert who with their families also reside on the old homestead.

GEORGE GILBERTSON came to California; Anna (Mrs. Henry Easton Township in 1888. He was born Langager) Los Angeles, California; ANDREW AND MARIE GILBERT- in Norway in 1860 and he died in 1930. Elmer, Finley; Sidney, Modesto, SON came to the United States from His wife Elizabeth was born in Norway California; and Martha, (Mrs. A. G. Norway in 1882. They settled on a in 1865, and she died in 1955. There were LaGrange), Glen and Valborg, homestead in Easton Township on the seven children, George, Oakland, deceased. SWy4 of section 14, the present Bruce Laughlin farm. They were the parents LEONARD VERWEST, born in the of Anton and George Gilbertson who State of Michigan and Mary Agnes also homesteaded in Easton Township Williams, born in Wisconsin, were where they made their homes. Two married in 1884. She was the daughter more sons. Martin and Olaf and three of Anson Williams, one of the men who daughters, Kari, Lina, and Fanny lived helped build Hope. To this union seven with their parents. After the death of children were born. Adrian, Eunice, Andrew's wife and daughter Fanny, he Hazel, Howard, Florence, Hadley and left for Canada with daughters Kari and Paul. Of the seven children two are Lina and son Martin, where they made living. Florence lives in California and their home. Kari and Lina married and Hadley resides on the homestead in made their home in Canada.

81 married Caroline Christianson of Finley and they moved to Easton Township in approximately 1909. He retired to Finley in his latter years. They had eight children: Cora, Oliver, Clifford, and Merle, deceased; Alma (Mrs. Selmer Knutson) and Esther (Mrs. Joe Odden) Fargo; Lillian (Mrs. A. J. (JACK) HORNECKERwas bom Howard Richey) and Raymond, both of February 7, 1883 in Camp Point, California. Illinois. After completing a course in Telegraphy at Quincy, 111., in 1905, he operated in several railway offices MARY and KNUTE LERAAS and before coming to Blabon as the Great their eight children left Norway and Northern Agent in the spring of 1907. In came to the United States in 18%, December, 1908 he moved to Pickert settling near Hillsboro, North Dakota. where he formed a partnership with J. In 1889 Mr. and Mrs. Leraas and their C. Walters in purchasing a general three sons, Ole, Andrew and Martin merchandise store. After three years moved to Easton Township, Steele he became the sole owner of the Pickert PETER R. SAMPSON, born in County, and settled near the farm of Store which he opereated for more than Minnesota in 1874, came from there their son John, who had homesteaded 43 years. During this time he was af­ with his family to Finley Township in here the prior year. Mr. and Mrs. filiated with the Great Northern the early 1880's. About 18% or 1897 he Leraas's children were Carrie, Nels, Railway. He was commissioned built the building in which he operated a John, Johan, Ole, Mary, Martin and Postmaster by William H. Taft in June, lunch counter and recreation parlor. Andrew. Martin and Andrew Leraas 1911, and continued until his retirement This building is now Elmer Gilbertson's never married, and after farming their from both the post office and the Barber Shop. In 19% he married Alma parents farm for several years, moved railway on June 15, 1951. Besides his Peterson and they moved to a farm in to Finley and made their home. They other duties he found time to act on the Easton Township where they resided did custom threshing in this area for Easton School Board for many years. until his death in 1923. They had eight many years and also had an auto repair children: Roy, Atley, Cecil, Esther business. Andrew and Martin were also (Mrs. Lawrence Bjugstad), and Lester, the well known "Leraas Brothers" who, all of Los Angeles, California; Lorene, with thier violins, provided the music (Mrs. Harold Eide), Everett, for many of the old time dances in the Washington; Syell, Northwood, North Finley area. Dakota, and Baldwin, deceased.

He married Estelle Archer on June 18, 1923, a daughter of W. W. Archer, early Finley pioneer. Mrs. Hornecker is a talented musician, and was active in the Finley Methodist Church music. In about 1910 the Sunday School had an orchestra—Mrs. Hornecker played the JOHN B. OXTON homesteaded in old pump organ, Ralph Curry played Westfield Township in 1881. He came the Cornet (trumpet) and Austin from Westfield, Wisconsin and Cummings played the Trombone. To suggested that name for the township JOHANNES GROTTE was bom in quote Mrs. Hornecker "We really when it was named. He was born in 1860 Leir, Norway, March 25,1%7. His wife, belted out those good old hymns." Mr. and died in 1948. His wife Belle was bom Edle Oddevald was bom in Spikkestad, Hornecker passed away in 1952. Mrs. in 1867 and she died in 1957. Mr. Oxton Norway on October 29, l%2. They were Hornecker is living in Fargo. was president of the Steele County married in 1889 in Roken, Norway. They Mutual Insurance Company many immigrated to the Blabon area with years and was a charter member of their six children in the spring of 1904. Mayflower Lodge No. 94 of Finley. He Their children were Martin served as a county commissioner, on (deceased); Swen. Marion (Nelson, the school board and as a township Lundstrom), both Finley; Hans and officer. There were nine children: John, both in Canada; and Helene Pearl (Mrs. John Walters) Mayville; (Lunstrom, deceased). Johannes Grace (Mrs. John Norris) Bantry; John Grotte purchased the Grotte farm from and Ruth (Mrs. J. L. Monson) Fargo; Hammers and that remained their Mildred (Mrs. E. C. Gilbertson) Finley; home until their passing. Johannes died Myrtle (Mrs. Andrews) Fresno, September 30,1930 and Mrs. Grotte died OSCAR PETERSON was bom in California and Adelaide (Mrs. Ed November 29, 1929. The home is now Wiconsin and came with his parents to Lowen), Frank, Ina (Mrs. Albert owned by Norman Lundstrom. Steele county in the early 1900's. He Martin) all deceased.

82. GEORGE HUNTER took the advice of Horace Greeley, started for the west as a young man, leaving his old home and birthplace when but a mere youth, and bought the farm home 3 miles south of Finley as early as 1889. Only those settlers who endured the hardships of those pioneer days can realize what Mr. Hunter had to go thorugh. When it is considered as a young man of scarcely 20 years, leaving the comfortable surroundings and lucrative profession in the city the size of New York to en­ ANDREW SIMONSON came to this dure the hardship of those pioneer days, country from Norway as a young man. it need not be stated here that he He homesteaded in Easton Township possessed more than ordinary courage and married Andrine Monson in 1894. to pull through at all. Mr. Hunter IVER WALDON was bora in Norway Andrew was at one time in partnership married Elizabeth Morris in December, November 5, 1865, came to Zumbrota, with his brother, R. I. Simonson in the 1889, and they were the parents of two Minn, in 1881, and then to North- R. I. Simonson Hardware establish­ children, Isabel, who died at age 9, and wood in 18%. He married Anna Marie ment in Finley. Andrew was always Francis, who married Ingibrit Holter of Hatton, October 18, 18%. He very active in local township and Simonson, son of R. I. Simonson, also a and his family came to Pickert in 1903 church affairs. He was a very sturdy Finley pioneer. Miss Francis at one and he farmed in the Pickert and Finley pioneer. time worked as an assistant at the communities before retiring into Finley Press office. where he was the city policeman for a PICTURE: Simon, who served as one number of years. Anna Marie Waldon of our State Legislators, Alfred, who was born in Norway, October 3, 1866 now resides with his family on his and came to Iowa with her family in father's farm, Elmer, deceased, who 1868 and from there to Hatton, North made his home in California. Front Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Waldon row: Andrew, youngest son Arthur, and celebrated 58 years of married life in Andrine Monson Simonson, wife. 1948. Mrs. Waldon died in Apirl 1949 and Mr. Waldon died in November 1%9. To this union seven children were born: Mollie (Mrs. Arnold Brekke) Finley; and Edward, Oliver, Louise, Myrtle, Norma and Iver, all deceased.

ANTON GILBERTSON came to U.S.A. from Norway in the year of 1887 OTTO H. OLSON was bom Sep­ and in the same year filed a homestead tember 20,1872 at Brooten, Minnesota. in Easton Township on the NWy4 of He married Anna Heieie of Brooten, Section 22. In the year of 1892 he went Minnesota at Moorhead, Minnesota on back to Norway and married Karoline May 3, 1903. They lived at Mahnomen, Mathilde Olson. He brought his bride Minnesota until 1905 when they moved back to Easton Township where they to Finley, N. Dak. and lived at the Hort made their home. To this union seven Long place, where the Court House of children were born whose names are Finley now stands. From 1907 to 1914 Carl, deceased, Emil, deceased, Oscar, they lived three miles south of Finley. Arthur, Winford, Mildred and Archie. NELS LOOMIS lived on a farm north­ In 1914 they moved to a farm north of Anton Gilbertson served on the local west of Sherbrooke in Easton Township Temple, North Dakota. They spent their school and township boards for many in the early 1900's. His wife became retiring years in Tioga, North Dakota years. He was a charter member of St. very ill and the good women of the town until their deaths. Otto Olson passed Petri Lutheran Church of Pickert in took care of her until she died. He put on away in the year 1962 at the age of 89. which he maintained an active mem­ demonstrations of hypnotism and also Mrs. Olson passed away in the year 1970 bership. He was also active in all played the violin at dances, with his at the age of 87. The names of their community and social affairs. Residing daughter at the piano. They had three children are: Ernest of Tioga, North on the homestead at present are three children, Bessie (Mrs. Loring Bugbee), Dakota (who lived with his parents at sons, Oscar, Arthur, Archie and a Gina (Mrs. Christ Kuffenkam,) and Finley and the Pickert area); Mildred daughter, Mildred Orn. Anton later Mrs. Joe Facto, and a boy who (Mrs. Iver Lalim) and Arthur, both also Gilbertson was born in 1864 and died in died while a young man. Bessie and of Tioga and Clarence H. of 326 Mason 1942. Mrs. Gilbertson was born in 1866 Gina have also passed away. Ave., Bismarck, North Dakota. and died in 1943.

83 HANS PETERSON and his wife Anna HENNING OLSON was born at ALBERT STEPHEN HORNER, settled in Easton Township in the year Brooten, Minnesota in 1870 and Olava known to the community as Bert, was 1903 or 1904 shortly after their Engen was bom in Iowa in 1879. They bom in Buffalo, Wisconsin, December marriage. They settled first on the were married at Brooten and lived 23, 1870. He moved with his folks to present Clifford Lundstrom farm where there for a time after which they moved Dakota City, Iowa in 1872 where he they farmed until about 1915 when they to Mahnomen, Minnesota. They farmed grew to manhood. On March 7, 1897 he bought 160 acres joining the Lundstrom there until 1907. They then came to married Alice Hetherington at Hum­ farm. Here they built and made their North Dakota and lived on a farm in boldt, Iowa. She was bora in England, home for 10 years or more. Then they Franklin Township, near Finley. In 1909 December 16, 1875, migrating with her moved to Sharon, North Dakota, where they moved to a farm three and one half family to Mongonia, Iowa at the age of they spent their remaining years. No miles east of Pickert, then moved to a five years. In 1902 they came to the children were born to this union. farm in Sherbrooke Township from Finley area where they lived and where they retired into Finley in 1946. farmed until his wife's death on June To this couple eleven children were 25,1935. From then on he lived with his bom: Ellard and Norris, California; sister, Alberta Horner, Finley, and with Elvina (Mrs. Archie Scott), Eber and his children until his death on Sep­ Roy, Grand Forks; Vera and Lloyd, tember 24, 1939. Mr. and Mrs. Horner Finley; Harry, Gladren, and two in­ had seven children: Four bora in Iowa, fants, deceased. Mr. Olson died in 1947, Shirley, Lois (Mrs. Aimer Stark); and Mrs. Olson now makes her home at Melford (deceased) and Miriam (Mrs. Luther Memorial Home in Mayville. Hugh Sharp); three were born in North Dakota, Dorothy (Mrs. Joe Quails); Edna (Mrs. Bennie Simonson); and Edith (Mrs. Arthur Brainerd).

JOHN OXTON was bom at Oxton Hill, Berkenhead, Cheshire, England, November 12, 1832. He came to this country in 1853, locating in Chicago for a short time and then going to West- field, Wisconsin, where he married Isabelle Bennett. She was born at Saint Field, County Downs, Ireland in 1830. She passed away in 1921 and Mr. Oxton JOHN LERAAS was born in Norway, in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Oxton came to February 18, 1863 and came with his PAUL E. SEIM was bom January 5, Dakota Territory in 1883 with their family to near Hillsboro in 18%. In 18% at Decorah, Iowa, and moved to family and homesteaded in Easton about 1888 he homesteaded on a quarter Steele County with his parents when a Township where he spent the balance of of land south east of Finley, now known baby. Olien Sjolie was born September his life. Six children were born to them: as the Seim farm. In 18%, Martha Orvik 14, 1%7 at Fergus Falls, Minn., and John, William, Samuel, Sarah (Mrs. left Norway for Dakota and she and married Mr. Seim November 28, 19%. Oscar Cummings), and Mary (Mrs. John were married January 10,18%. In They farmed in Franklin and Easton Herbert N. Horner). One son Frank the next several years more land was Townships. Mr. Seim was a member of passed away in 18%. Mr. Oxton was a purchased one and one half miles east the Easton Township school board, and man who took much interest in public of Finley and in the year 1910 John built held several offices in Franklin affairs, being continually in the official an eight room house and a barn here, Township. He was a director of the services of his township. From 18% now the Morris Shogren farm. They Farmers Elevator at Finley. Their until 18% he was a member of the moved to Homeland, California where children were Iver, Obert, George, Board of County Commissioners of Mrs. Leraas died in 1940 and Mr. Elmer, Alfred, Leonard and Lucille. Steele County. He was the first com­ Leraas in 1947. They had six children: Paul Seim died January 13, 1945. missioner from the fifth district. In Levi, Albert, Arthur, Elmer and Ellert Living are his wife, Oline, in Finley; March 1%1 he joined the Methodist all deceased. Also Clara, (Mrs. Ben and two children, Lucille (Mrs. Gilmore Church in Sherbrooke. He was a Howe) of Hemet, California, the only Ness) of Tolna; and Alfred at Van­ member of the Masonic Lodge. survivor of this family. couver, Washington.

S4. Conrad, Jessie, John, a baby girl who TOM Y. THOMPSON married Malene died in infancy, Annie, Elmer, Sophie, Sund and came to the United States Myrtle, Florence and Evelyn. His from Norway in 1887. They lived at father, Knud Endresen Sund also filed Page, North Dakota for about five years on a homestead in Easton township on and later moved to a farm in Easton section 28. M. K. Sund's son, John M. Township section 18 near Finley. Sund and wife Beatrice reside on the old Children bom to them were Thea -T homestead. M. K. Sund served many (Johnson), Knute, Thomas, John, K: • -* years on local school and township Sigurd, Anna (Parker), Thora (Leite), M. K. SUND came from Norway to the boards. He was very active in local Marie and Arthur. The family moved to United States about 1887 as a young church and social functions. M. K. Sund Ray, North Dakota in 1913. Tom was man of 17. He worked on farms until old lived from 1864 to 1937 and Mrs. Sund bom in 18% and died in 1907; Malene enough to file on his homestead in lived from 1872 to 1927. Knud Endresen was bom in 1863 and died in 1939. Easton Township on section 20. He Sund lived form 1839 to 1909. His wife Thomas, Sigurd, Thora and Arthur are married Ellen Gundelesa Sund in 1892. was Anna Martha Stokke, first wife. also deceased. To this union 10 children were bom: FINLEY TOWNSHIP

SHARON RURAL TELEPHONE COMPANY From a home-prepared hot lunch, we The Sharon Rural Telephone Company was progressed to making either soup or cocoa in started in the late 1800's and served Sharon the makeshift kitchen on a kerosene stove. City, Sharon, Westfield and a good part of Two pupils were selected to serve as cooks for Finley Townships. Martin C. Kloster was a week at a time. I'll never forget when Nellie manager and some of the directors were: Carl Paulsen and I put soda in the tomatoes and let Nygaard, Dave Savage, and Abel Vig, who it boil and boil and boil! The result was also served as secretary. Name of the disaster for our soup—and the cooks wept! treasurer is unknown. In order to get funds for our soup and cocoa The telephone office was located in Sharon the school would have a Basket Social every with a telephone operator there giving 24- year. The girls would bring prettily-decorated hour service. Some of the telephone lunch baskets to be auctioned off. It was operators were Myrtle Combs, Emma Kilen, sometimes a poorly-kept secret which basket Mrs. Rachel Harmon, Lydia Strand, Lena was yours and the bidding was a way to reveal Erickson, Mayme Anderson. your popularity or lack of it. The evening Adolph Anderson, Adolph Johnson and would be spent in playing such games as "Skip Morris Johnson were official Linemen. Other Come A-Loo", "Grand March" and so on. Who workers on the line installing telephones, remembers? repairing when necessary were Marvin Most of the students walked to school. Kloster, Miles Savage, Oscar Barrett, Harold During the rough part of winter a sleigh ride Nygaard, Kermit Nygaard and many others, was the order of the day. When it stormed too including the farmers along the line. much for dad to see where he was going, he They had good service to both Sharon and just gave the horses the rein and they in­ Finley, but later they had to pay a ten-cent toll stinctively found their way home. Since the for every call to Finley. Northwestern Bell teacher usually stayed at our home, it was Telephone Company wanted to buy them out. necessary to go to school if you could see your They tried several times, so finally it was hand in front of your face. If no one else came, decided to sell providing they could call both we would return home with dad. Very few of towns without paying toll. Carl Nygaard was the neighbors had phones and a radio was a instrumental in getting this done. Since then it rare and undependable thing. has been the Northwestern Bell Company that Looking back, I enjoyed it but would not serves these patrons. have the strength for a re-run.

MEMORIES OF NEW OSTERVOLD AMERICAN BERGEN SCHOOL DISTRICT LUTHERAN CHURCH No one ever complained about the "hot The first settlers who came to Ostervold lunch" program in New Bergen No. 4. Each community in the early eighties were of family brought something prepared from Norwegian descent. Peder J. Hanson, one of home and set it on the furnace register on the the leaders organizing the congregation floor. If you happened to forget your lunch pail probably expressed the views of most of them in the outer hall, your sandwiches would in the story of his life when he wrote, "When surely be frozen!

85 we came here it did not look so bright as to work free. The land was donated by Knute church services—but we had God and His Halvorson for church yard and cemetery. In word with us". 1910 the church was enlarged by adding to the They met in homes for services and after north end of the nave and in 1918 was dug. services Mr. Hanson taught the children. This church and its contents was destroyed When a school house was built, it was used for by fire on January 24, 1943. Again services worship. were held in the school house near by until a On May 14, 1883 a meeting was held at the new brick church was built and dedicated Hans Gilbertson home to organize "The September 7, 1952 with Dr. Tallakson as the Ostervold Lutheran Congregation". Charter main speaker. At this service two crosses members were Anders A. Brakke, Peder J. were placed on the Christian service flag Hanson, John F. Gylten, Peder H. Leslie, Hans commemorating the full time service Gilbertson, John Birkland, Christian in the church of Pastor E. N. Torgerson and T. Birkland, Torkel Jacob Halvorson, Anton P. Nordmark. These two men looked to Leslie, Ole O. Olson, Ole C. Kleiven, Harold Ostervold as their church home as they came Johnson, Hans Erickson, Peder L. O. Coltom, from Norway years before. Jens O. Berge, Ole 0. Coltom, Rasmus Sampson and Ole Anderson. The name "Ostervold" was chosen for the new congregation from the name of the home church on Storebo Island in Norway, the church of some of the charter members.

The church observed its 50th anniversary June 25, 1933 with Pastor E. C. Tollefson as guest speaker. On November 2, 1958 the 75th was observed with Dr. Jacob Tanner as guest speaker and the 85th on June 29th and 30th, 1968, with confirmands' reunion, and with O. A. Jordahl, Pastor E. T. Fyrand and Pastor V. Hans Gilbertson donated a piece of land on a C. Boe as guest speakers. corner of his farm for a cemetery. A con­ Pastor C. J. Gronlid from-Hatton, North stitution also had to be drawn up and on Dakota served occasionally in 1884. Pastor O. February 12, 1884 the constitution was C. Gronvold was the first pastor called and adopted. A song leader (klokker) was elected. served from 1884-1894, P. A. Thoreson His pay was to come from a special collection 1894-1903, V. E. Boe 1904-1909, E. C. Tollefson on the three Festival Sundays. In 1884 it was 1909-1916, Dr. Jacob Tanner 1916-1917, V. E. decided to hire Erick 0. Wasness to teach Boe returned 1917-1940, E. T. Fyrand 1941-1948, "Norwegian Parochial" school at a salary of O. A. Jordahl, 1948-1966 and the present Pastor $6.00 a month. Ernest Stadum came in October 1966. In 1891-92 they rented a quarter of land from The Ladies Aid was organized in 1883 Mrs. Anna Monson, summer fallowed it one through the efforts of a few women and Rev. year, raised a crop the next year. Proceeds Gronvold. Since the people were settled far went to the building fund. Each farmer apart they had two Aids, Eastern and donated one bushel of wheat for every 100 Western. Both aids met twice a month in bushels he harvested, which also went to the homes with members walking many miles to building fund. attend, knitting as they walked. In 1918 the two The first church was built in 1895 for a total aids joined and met once a month in their new of $848.89 when each man donated 12 days of church basement. Before the congregation

86. was organized they met for services in homes During the depression the Ostervold Choir and the children were taught their Sunday was to go to Cooperstown for a joint choir School lessons by their parents after services. rehearsal for the Circuit Luther League Sunday School was officially organized in 1892 with P. J. Hanson as the first Sunday School Choral Union. They couldn't afford to take Superintendent. Other active organizations cars so they put some hay in the bottom of a were their Young People's League and a good truck which they sat on and off to Cooper­ choir. stown! of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rasmus Sampson. Anna Nelson was born in Bergen, Norway, on January 15, 1871 and came to the United States around 18%. They had fourteen children: Robert, Lena, Clara, Stella, Nels, Ole, Anna, Josephine, Melvin, Peter, Betty, Arthur, Phillip and Garfield. Mr. Sampson farmed until his death on September 11,1921. Upon his death, his oldest son, Robert, took over the farm. Mrs. Sampson died August 2, 19%. MR. and MRS. MATT JOHNSON Their son Peter died at the age of five arrived in America from Sweden in the MRS. ANNA BERGE became months. Their daughter, Josie (Mrs. 18%'s. Christine, his wife, was a sister widowed in Vinze, Telemarken, Nor­ Enoch Berg), died in 1943. Robert of Peter Wedin. For a few years he way in 18% and came to the United passed away on August 6, 1%7. Ole worked on the railroad. He farmed the States to Dakota Territory with her passed away on June 19, 1969. Strandness place about 5% miles east of children, Torger, Halvor, Sigurd, Ole Finley, more recently known as the and Gro. Her son, Ole Berge, married Oliver Shogren farm, and also south of Anna Oakland, daughter of Mr. and town, and later on the present Ida Mrs. Peder Oakland on October %, Archer farm. One child died in infancy. 1909. Torger, Halvor and Ole farmed Hjalmer was their only child their mother's farm until Torger and (deceased). Halvor moved to Finley upon retiring. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Berge continued farming on the home farm. To this union four daughters were born: Clara (Mrs. Mons Stordahl), Hannah (Mrs. JOHN EVEN TORKELSON was bom Alvin Anderson) Thelma (Mrs. John February 10,18% at Stewartville, Minn. Kleven), and Esther (Mrs. Nels His parents were Even and Anna Soderbloom). The Berge brothers were Torkelson. They were born at Nes, the first in their community to plow Norway. They homesteaded near what with a gas tractor—a Rumely is now Hatton, North Dakota in 1882. Universal. They were members of John Torkelson married Sophia Beaver Creek Lutheran Church. Mr. Wilhelmina Guttormson in October and Mrs. Berge are both deceased. 1895. Sophia was bom June 18, 1870 at OLE T. THOMPSON was bom in Brevik, Norway. Her parents were Carl Hedalen, Valdres, Norway July 10,1%7. and Maren Christensen. Carl was born In 18% in Hedalen he married Kjersti in Kobenhavn, Denmark, and Maren Ellingson who was born in Fla, was bom in Brevik, Norway. John and Hallingdal, Norway on October 17,1872. Sophia Torkelson had six children, Here were born Kari, Ole, and Thorvald namely, Agnes )Mrs. Clyde Taylor of Thompson. In 1897 Ole came to Quebec, Portland, Ore.); Irene (Mrs. Earl Canada along with his father Thomas Kline of Portland, Ore.); Selma (Mrs. Anderson. In the fall of 1897 Ole rented Ivan Hayes, of Portland, Ore.); Elmer a farm in Finley Township (Irving of Wilmington, N. C; Otto of Fargo, Anderson farm) and settled his family. North Dakota and Adolph of Los Their children of the Finley area were Angeles, California. Torkelson's far­ Thorvall, Olivia, Elisa, Ole, Clara and med his father's farm at Hatton until Artha. In 1919 Ole and his family moved 1907 when they moved to the city of to Moor head, Minnesota. Ole died there Hatton. In 1909 they moved to Grand February 2, 1952 and Kjersti died Forks and then moved back to the farm March 16, 1933. Their name was LEWIS SAMPSON was born in in 1912. They were active in the com­ Perlesteinbakken (Pearl-stone-ground) Allamakee Co., Iowa on September munity and in Ostervold Church. but as nobody could spell it, Ole had it 22, 1%9. In 1889, he homesteaded in Torkelson served on township and changed at Finley to Thompson which Finley Township, on the farm now school boards for years. In 1932 they is a Scotch name. The picture was known as the Sampson Farm. On moved to Portland, Oregon, where John taken in Honefoss, Norway in 1897 of Ole Sept. 15, 1894, Lewis Sampson passed away January 27, 1945 and and Kjersti with their son Thorvald, two married Anna Nelson at the farm home Sophia passed away December 17,1951. years old.

87. neighbors at the site of the present city mother in 1883. Her father died when of Finley. Mrs. Brager, the former she was a small child. After their Oline Kamphaugh, was the daughter of marriage the Kamphaughs farmed Julius and Martha Kamphaugh. She near Hatton. It is said that at that time was born near Hatton, North Dakota on the village of Hatton had eight saloons June 17, 1884. As a young girl she and while living there Mrs. Kamphaugh worked at the Ole Eielson home and was one of the women who marched on took care of Carl Ben Eielson when he Hatton and demolished the saloons with was a baby. She married Albert Brager axes and other weapons. Later they at Finley, January 3, 1905. Mr. Brager moved to a farm in Finley Township was in the meat market business in where they farmed until 1915, when Finley and in Blabon. Then they began they moved into Finley. The Kam­ farming in Finley Township on the phaughs had three children, Oline present Julian Meldahl farm. The (Mrs. Albert Brager), Alma (Mrs. Ole Bragers were the parents of 12 Brager) and John, all deceased. The children. Two died in infancy. The ten Kamphaughs moved to the Northwood JOHN B. HANSON came to Finley living children are Mable (Mrs. J. B. Rest Home where Mrs. Kamphaugh from Wisconsin in 1907 He Ramsholm of Moorhead), Thea (Mrs. died March 2, 1945. Mr. Kamphaugh homesteaded one mile east and one Gust Mikkelson) of Sharon, Harry of later moved to the Aneta Retirement mile north of Finley and became s Finley, Alvin of Washington, Home where he died January 23, 1948. prosperous farmer. During the Alice (Mrs. Joe Kjorven) of Northwood, depression the farm was lost to land Esther (Mrs. Harry Torgerson of corporations. Mr. Hanson married Hillsboro), Florence (Mrs. Leon BURT (BAARD) JACOBSON Anne Gilbertson (Flatbraaten was the Delamater of Kindred), Joyce (Mrs. married Anna Olson of Yellow Medicine name used in Norway). She had come Orly Sorrel of Seattle), Marvin of Blabon, and Reuben of Finley. The County in Minnesota February 14,1894. from Valders when she was 18 years After their marriage in Minnesota, they old. A sister and all her brothers except Bragers moved into Finley in 1942 where they lived until 19% when they moved to the Stewart farm north of one had immigrated to America many Sherbrooke and lived there unitl 19% years before. They had eight children: moved to the Northwood Rest Home. There they celebrated their 64th when they bought a small farm a Arthur, Clarence, Ernest, Alice (Mrs. quarter of a mile west of Severt Hans Haughtvedt), Florence (Mrs. wedding anniversary January 3, 1969. Mrs. Brager passed away August 8, Jacobson's farm east of Finley. There David Bjerke), Agnes (Mrs. Dan was no city at that time. They had Bugbee), Ruth (Mrs. Nels Holman), 1969 and Mr. Brager passed away February 16, 1970. seven daughters: Josephine, An­ and Helen (Mrs. R. 0. Erickson). na, Martha, Eveline, Betsey, Melissa Clarence and Alice have passed away. and Madeline. Mrs. Jacobson passed Mr. Hanson died in November 19% and away May 11, 19%. Mr. Jacobson his wife died in January 1949. John JULIUS KAMPHAUGH was bom in stayed on the farm for six more years Hanson was highly respected in the Norway, December 16, 1855. He came and then moved with his family to community and served on township, to the United States with his parents at Fargo and lived there until his death school, and church boards for many the age of 15. They lived at Decorah, August 3, 1941. They are both buried in years. He also was president of the Iowa unitl 1883 when they moved to the the Ostervold cemetery. They were Farmers Elevator Board. Hatton, North Dakota, area. He active in church work. Burt built and carved the altar for the first Ostervold Church.

TORKEL JACOB HALVORSON came from Ryfylke, Bussesund, Norway together with his parents, brothers and sisters and settled near Clarkfield, Minn. In 1882 he came to what is now Finley Township with his brother Knud. They homesteaded on adjoirning quarters of land. He filed for deed October 14, 18%. This is the present Iverson farm. He was a charter member of the Ostervold Congregation. ALBERT BRAGER was bom in Iowa He married Marianne Lukkason who on November 10, 1877.. He came with had come from northern Norway. He his parents in a covered wagon, first to farmed in Finley Township until his Wisconsin and then at the age of 6 death in 1910. Mrs. Halverson moved to months to Dakota Territory. To cross a farm they purchased near Sharon, rivers, they chopped logs and tied them North Dakota and lived there with her to the wagon so it would float while the family until her death. To their union oxen swam across the river. They married Martha Furuseth the following six sons were born: John, Hubert, settled in Enger Township and lived in year. Martha Furuseth was bom in Elmer, Lukas, Henry, and Trygve. a dirt cellar. Here he grew to manhood. Holland, Norway, March 2, 1864, Torkel died of cancer and Trygve also When a child he herded cattle for coming to the United States with her has passed away.

88. JOHN O. STOREBO came to America INGVALD IVERSON came from from Storebo near Bergen, Norway in Harstad, Norway to Finley Township to 18%. He worked on farms as a laborer the Torkel Halverson home in March of SEVERT OLAI JACOBSON, bom in for a few years. A few years later 19%. Mrs. Halverson (Marianne) was Bergen, Norway October l, 1871, came Ragnhilde Brekke, his future wife, also Mrs. Iverson's aunt. Mr. and Mrs. to the United States and the county of came to America. They were married Iverson were married in Norway, and Steele in 1884 with his mother, two at the Andrew Brakke home in 1889. in April of 1910, Mrs. Iverson and their brothers, and a sister to join his two Their witnesses were Andrew and daughter Inga (Mrs. Norman Rood) older brothers and sister who had come Thomas Brakke. They started farming came from Norway to join her husband earlier, after the death of their father. in Finley Township with three oxen and here. They rented the Halvorson land Severt lived for a time with the a "walking plow". They continued until 1920 when Mr. and Mrs. Iverson Grimson and Benedict Pladson families farming until 1915 when they rented bought the farm. Ingvald Iverson of Hatton before going to work on the the land to their son-in-law Hans passed away in 1929 and Mrs. Iverson big Grandin bonanza farm there. He Thorson. Mr. Storebo served on the and their son Marvin continued to farm. married Ellen Margaret Olson of local school board and township board Mrs. Ellen Iverson passed away in 1940. Montevideo, Minnesota in 19%. Two and also secretary for the Ostervold The children of Ingvald and Ellen years later he bought the land which Church for several terms. John was one Iverson are Inga (Mrs. A. Norman became the "home quarter" and broke of the workers to secure the organ for Rood), Marvin, Hilda (Mrs. Aimer up the sod with oxen. It was here that Finley Church. Later they sold their Dronen), Tordis (Mrs. Howard fourteen of his sixteen children were farm to Hans Thorson and moved to Breiland), Anna (Mrs. Chryst bom. This was the place to come for Finley. They spent several winters in Vosseteig), Emma (Mrs. Elvin Sunday afternoon baseball games and Minneapolis. To their union seven Dronen), Mrs. Mildred Berry, Leikny in the wintertime indoor games and children were born: Johanna (Mrs. (Mrs. Neilan Oxton), and Dagmar tricks. Mr. Jacobson always joined in Halvor Hanson), Amelia, Lena (Mrs. (Mrs. LeRoy K. Olson). Their son the fun with the children. Mr. and Mrs. Hans Thorson), Anna (Mrs. Alfred Marvin and wife (Esther Kastet) now Jacobson were members of the Krefting), Ole, Peter and Charlie. Only own the farm. Ostervold Lutheran Church. Mr. two of these children survive—Mrs. Jacobson also took an active interest in Lena Thorson and Charlie. the Steele County and Finley Township affairs. He served as a member of the township board, the school board and as a county commissioner. He was also a director of the Finley Farmers Grain and Elevator Co., the Steele County Farmers Mutual Insurance Co., and the Steele County Farm Loan Assn., and a charter member of the telephone line serving farmers in his area. Their children are: Christie (Mrs. Glen Cram of Monona, Iowa), Mary (Mrs. Geist of Seattle), Andrew (deceased), Burt of Finley, Ingeborg (Mrs. David Osland, Mayville), Esther (Mrs. Johnson of Rockford, 111.), Nettie (Mrs. Axel MONS STORDAHL came to Hatton in Christianson, Finley), Agnes (Mrs. Art 18% from Bergen, Norway. He married HALVOR HEFTA was born in Ostlie of Perham, Minn.), Mildred Carrie Jacobson, sister of Severt Northwood, Iowa Jan. 27, 1%2. He (Mrs. Art Johnson, Finley), Tom, Jacobson. They homesteaded in Finley came with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Ole Finley, Knute, Hope, Ruth (Mrs. Township on the present Harold Hefta to Westfield Township in 19%, Maurice Vigen, St. Olaf, Iowa), Jane Paulson farm. They lived in a sod house where he lived until he bought his own (Mrs. Hanson, Fargo), Albert, Rock- until the new home was built. He helped farm in Finley Township in 1914. He ford, 111., Florence (Mrs. Harley many newcomers get settled here. He married Bertha Aasen December 17, Ludwig, Portland, North Dakota), and was chairman of the town board for 15 1921. She was bom in Hatton, N. Ellen (Mrs. August Meyers, Fargo). years. Their children were Christie Dakota in 1894. To their union one son Their son Tom lives on the home farm. (Mrs. Christ Dronen), Jacob and was born, Harris. Mr. Hefta passed Mrs. Jacobson passed away in 1923 and Christ, who died when he was about 1% away December 23, 19%. Mrs. Hefta Mr. .fcicobson in 1942. years old. Christie and Jacob were born and son Harris are still farming and in Norway. living on the home farm.

89. There were three children of Mrs. Roal July 4, 1%7. Her parents were Holsten by a former marriage, Martin and John and Guro Saterbo. She arrived in the Johnson and Jennie (Mrs. L. A. United States June 1904, lived in South Meyers). The Roals had one daughter, Dakota for four years before coming to Mabel, (Mrs. Gunder Gullickson). The North Dakota. They were married ladies in the picture are Jennie and March 19, 1917 at the Severt Jacobson Mabel, with their mother. home. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Ostervold Church March 19,1%7. They farmed for % years when they retired and moved JACOB JACOBSON, SR. was bom at to Finley in 1955. They are the parents Holmen, Bergen, Norway on August 6, of six children: Haldor, Alph, Gerhard, 1%9. At the age of 16 he came to Dak­ Ida (Mrs. Milton Norgard), Mrs. Helen ota Territory near Hatton, N. Dak. Olson, Gudrun (Mrs. Joel Pladsen). staying with Grimson and Pladson Peder Ronholm passed away December families and working on farms. He 9, 1971. Mrs. Ronholm resides in her worked for some time on what was home in Finley City. called the "Grandin Farm". His wife, Eline Brekke, of Fitjar, Bergen, Nor­ way was bom May 2, 1865. They were NELS VOSSETEIG came to America married on March 17, 1895 at the from Norway in 1884. For a short period Brekke schoolhouse, rural Finley, of time he resided with his cousin where church services were held. At Andrew Berge in Pigeon Falls, Wis. first they farmed the one now operated Later in that same year he came to the by Harold Paulsen. In 1902 he bought a Finley area and made his home with half section of land near McHenry, the Mons Stordahl family. He worked in Eddy County, North Dakota and farmed this area during the summer months there until 1909 when they came back to and returned to Wisconsin in the winter RASMUS SAMPSON was bom at Finley and bought the farm east of to work in the logging industry. In 18% Finley which is now owned by his son, Storebo, near Bergen, Norway, Sep­ he returned to Norway and married tember 6,1829. In 1864 he with his wife Jorgen (Jiggs) Jacobson and operated Laura Jerstad. They came back in 1899 by Jorgen's son, James. Mr. Jacobson Synneva and infant daughter sailed to was active in church work and served and started farming in Franklin America in a sailboat, spending seven as "Klokker" of Ostervold Lutheran Township. Their children were Clara, weeks on the ocean. They settled for a Church for many years. He was (Mrs. Ludvig Thorsen of St. Paul, time at Allamakee County, la., and treasurer of Finley Township for Minn.); Henry of Finley; John (passed Clarkfield, Minn. In 1882 he moved his several years. Mrs. Jacobson passed away May 15, 1971); Jeanne, (Mrs. family by covered wagon to Steele away on June 22,1918 and was buried at Hugh Russell of Portland); Chryst of County, and homesteaded just south of the Ostervold Cemetery. There were Minot; Marie, (Mrs. Homer Eberhard the present Sampson farm. The six children: Jacob, Mrs. Julius Brekke of Fargo), and Melvin of Finley. In 1909 Sampson family lived in a covered (Anna), Andrew B., Christ (deceased), they purchased a quarter section in wagon until a house was built. Mrs. Jorgen and Theodore. In 1919 Mr. Finley Township 3% miles northeast of Sampson died in 1892, and Mr. Sampson Jacobson sold his farm interest and Finley. In 1927 they retired and moved continued to live on the homestead until moved to Fargo. He married Sophie to Finley. A grandson, Leroy, now about 1909 when he moved to Finley to Hofstad of Pelican Rapids, Minn, in farms the land. Due to age and in­ live with his son Albert. He died here 1921. They later moved to Gary, Minn, firmity they moved to the Northwood November 24, 1917. Mr. Sampson was where they lived until he passed away Retirement Home in the year 1950. Nels one of the founders of the Ostervold on January 22, 19%. They had eight Vosseteig passed away in 1951. Mrs. Lutheran Church, and he and his family children: Carl, Bertha (Mrs. Ray Vosseteig passed away in 1%9. remained faithful members. His Klabunder), Judith (Mrs. Leonard daughter Agatha Christine and Knute Nelson), Amanda (Mrs. Lawrence Halvorson were the first couple Nelson), Lorraine (Mrs. Selmer Aune), married in the Ostervold Congregation Sanford, Norman, and Arnold. Mrs. in 1884. She died in 1889. The Sampson Sophie Jacobson passed away March 8, family cosnisted of Agatha Christine, 1965. Both Jacob and Sophie Jacobson Samson, Lewis, Peder and Albert. were buried at St. Petri Cemetery at Gary, Minnesota.

PEDER RONHOLM was bom at Fitjar, Norway, November 9, 1884. His parents were Asbjorn and Inger ELLING ELLINGSON was bom in Ronholm. He arrived in the United Fla, Hallingdal, Norway October 11, States in 1905, coming first to Colton, 1874, son of Ole and Marit EUingson. LOUIS ROAL came from Norway to South Dakota, later homesteaded in Came to America in 1891 and to Finley Madison, Wis., in 18%, and to Finley in Williams Co., N. D. He came to in 18%. He was engaged to be married 1912. His wife, Martha, also came from Severt Jacobsons in 1912, and pur­ when he drowned June 19, 18%. He was Norway. He homesteaded in Marshall chased a farm near there. Haldri the first man buried in Ostervold County, S. D., before coming here. Saterbo was born at Fitjar, Norway Church cemetery.

90. Later they built the present house. carpenter most of his life. In 1940 they Gjert Birkland, Sr. died here and is left for Anaheim, California. Mrs. buried at the cemetery near Albert Halvorson died October 13, 1943, and Gilbertson's farm. John and Martha soon after Henry and FJoise moved lived at the old home. There were six back to Finley to make their home with children bora of this marriage: Charlie, Stella, his sister, who had also been Jettie, Oscar, George, Clara and widowed. Stella married Malius Brekke Amelia. John died in 1916 and his wife and they had 2 daughters: Edna (Mrs. Martha in 1924. Amelia (Johnson) is Wallace Sund) of San Diego, and Cora still living at Wesley, Iowa. She had (Mrs. Ivan Morey). Eloise married three children. Jettie (Brekke) had six David Jordahl, son of Rev. Oscar children. All the others have died. Jordahl, who served Finley parish for many years. Henry died in 1952 and Stella resides in a nursing home near ABSOLON and BRTTA MICKELSON her daughter Cora. Before that she set out from Troland, Norway with lived with her (laugher Edna. three small children for America. In 1897 Absolon "homesteaded" on the farm which is now the Orvid Mickelson home. Absolon was an able mason so splitting rocks and laying foundations was his field. He was in charge of the mason work for the Ostervold Church. Neither Absolon nor his wife made any attempt to leam the English language. Grandma spoke Norwegian to someone who answered in English. They seemed ALBERT GILBERTSON was born in OLAI HANSON FROJEN was bom in to understand each other but to listen Highland Township, Iowa County, Bremanger, Norway July 28, 1839. He was amusing. In about 1917 the farm Wisconsin on March 13, 1879. He came was married to Marianne Lovisa Holm was sold to the Combs family and the with his family to Dakota territory, in Bergen, Norway November 2,1884. In Mickelsons moved to Finley. Every Finley Township in April 1882 when he i%9 he with his wife and two children spring and fall, Brita would give Ab­ was three years old. His parents moved emigrated to Oakes, North Dakota solon his haircut—this operation took to Sharon in 19%. On June 7, 1915 he where they settled on a farm one mile place out on the "board walk" on the married Clara Haugtvedt at Green- southwest of Oakes. In 1910 he bought a east side of the house. Actually it was a bush, Minnesota and lived on the old farm northeast of Finley (now the Alvin "bob" but he seemed satisfied. After a homestead until they moved into Jensen farm) and farmed there until series of crop failures the Combs family Sharon in 1946. Mrs. Gilbertson died in his death Aug. 25, 1926. Mrs. Frojen gave up the farm and in 1925 Mr. and January 1965. Albert, a member of passed away February 5, 1940. They Mrs. Mons (Eli) Mickelson and family Ostervold Church, was elected church had nine children: Harold and Arthur, moved to the home farm. Helga organist December 14, 1909 and held who died in infancy; Hans, Minnie Howland had been widowed and came that position most of the time until 1939. (Mrs. Henry Halvorson), Laura (Mrs. back in about 1925 to take care of her He was township clerk for 16 years. Walter Swift) are deceased; Berger, of parents who were failing in health. They have four children living: Mabel Oakes, North Dakota, Alfred, Finley, Absolon passed away in 1927. Brita (Mrs. Earl R. Anderson) of Finley; Bennie, Caledonia, North Dakota and passed away in 1931. Helen (Mrs. John Oby) of St. Thomas; Ovidia (Mrs. John Nygord) of Finley Arvid, Finley, and Delia (Mrs. James survive. McKenzie, Jr.) of Sacramento, California. A daughter Alpha died April 1935 at the age of 17 years.

ALBERT R. SAMPSON was born in GJERT BIRKLAND, SR. and his family Minnesota of Norwegian parents. His John, Gjert Jr. and Christ immigrated father's name was Rasmus. Albert in the early 1870's from Bergen, Nor­ came to Finley in 1883 when he was 7. way to America. They settled at He married Martha Olson who came Cresco, Iowa for a short while where from Norway in 18%. They had eight John met and married Martha Monson children. The two oldest Olaf and Alfred who also had recenlty come from the farmed the homestead for several old country. In 1882 they moved again HENRY HALVORSON was bom in a years. Alfred died in 1951. The children by covered wagon to Steele County in sod house on his parents' homestead in were Alfred, Mabel, Nora, Olaf, Syell, Dakota Territory. They homesteaded Finley Township May 26, 1885. He Lawrence, Olga and Anna. Mrs. section 26 now known as the Halvor married Minnie Frojen, a neighbor, Sampson (Martha) is 97 years old, and Nordbo farm. The nearest town was November 26,1926. A daughter, FJoise, lives on the home place at the north Hope. Their first home was a sod house. was bom in 1931. Henry worked as a edge of Finley.

91. MR. and MRS. JAMES FRANK LOSSING came to North Dakota in 1%1 from Illinois. Their eight children were JENS LINDERUD married Beatta Jennie, Georgia, Fred, Allen, Russell, Ellingsrud. Their children were Jens, Olive, Bernice, and Donald. They have Jr.; Ole, Lars, Minnie (Mrs. August all passed away except the youngest Olson), Julia, Olga, and Marie (Mrs. Ed boy Donald. They moved to Montana in Jerstad). Granddaughters now living 1910, but returned in 1917. Mrs. Lossing are Olga Jerstad (Mrs. Art Knudson) died in 1926 at Finley, and Mr. Lossing and Agnes Olson Miller of Seattle. died in Montana in 1935. The buildings on the farm were built from 1%1 to 1903. Originally they settled one mile north, one half mile east and one half mile OSTEN HANSON lived with his wife north. Those buildings are no longer Ragnhild (Johnson) in Finley Township there. Mr. Lossing is John Gleason's at the old Fortney farm. His wife died maternal grandfather. when the children were still young. Anna and Rachel went with their father to Sherbrooke to live with their uncle, Ole Hanson. The Peter Wedin family The sons and daughters of OLIVER took Sena into their home. Mrs. Wedin RYLAND first came to the Finley area was her aunt. Anna married Ralph at the turn of the century. Several of the Smith of Hope; Rachel became Mrs. children of Oliver and Rannie Ryland George Ness, and her father remarried came to Finley, some staying for only a and moved to Minnesota. Sena lived few years and one, Clara Ryland, wife with her father and stepmother. They of longtime rural mail carrier, Edward have all passed away except Sena who Olson, staying on until her death in 1961. continues to live with her stepmother at Oscar lived in various places while Carl Becker, Minn. and Albin moved to Van Hook, North Dakota where they homesteaded and farmed that land. Elma married Thomas Thompson and lived in Min­ nesota while Anne married Guy Mit­ chell who moved to Florida where Anne M. 0. MICKELSON (Eli) was bom in died in the 1920's. This family of Norse Norway October 4,1%5. He came to this background came from Ardal, county area with his parents, brother and of Sogne or Fjordane, Norway. One son, sister about 1897. He grew to manhood Albin, married a girl born in Steele on his parents farm in Finley Town­ County by the name of Anna Erickson. ship. In 1909 he married Hannah This family, too, moved west to the Van Hanson of Mooreton, North Dakota. He Hook area where most of the Ryland's lived near Finley a short time and then moved to Minot where he worked as a MR. and MRS. PEDER OKLAND reared their families and still own land came from Sund near Bergen, Norway. today. drayman and warehouseman. About 1919 he moved back to the Finley area They migrated to the United States in to operate the farm now occupied by the 1882 with their three oldest children and Morris Shogrens. About 1925 he moved settled at Montevideo, Minn, where back to the home farm in Finley town­ they resided for four years. They PETER F. ORN was born May 4,1874 ship as his parents retired. Hannah moved to their homestead in what is at Lujsne, Norland, Sweden. He came to Mickelson passed away in 1939. In 1944 now Finley Township in 18%. The the United States in 18% and worked in Eli married Orpha Mustad of Finley. Oklands lived in a "Sod House" and parts of Iowa and Minnesota before They farmed until 1952 when Mr. used oxen for all their farming and coming to Steele County. He married Mickelson retired and moved into conveyance. They would bring their Delia Shellman in 1898 and they had two Finley. He passed away in 1964. produce to market in a wagon drawn by children, Ruth (Mrs. S. E. Bonoman) Throughout his life he was an active a team of oxen. Their eggs were packed and Nimrod. Mr. Orn started farming member of Ostervold Lutheran Church, in oats in large tubs to prevent them in Hugo Township in 1901. Delia Orn was clerk for many years of the New from cracking. Mrs. Okland would sit in died in 1904 at Hope. Mr. Orn was Bergen School District, and director of a rocker in the wagon knitting on the remarried in 19% to Lilly Stendahl of the Finley Farmers Elevator. His way, completing a stocking on the trip. Ala, Sweden. In 1911 the family moved family consisted of five children: Thirteen children were bom to their to Luveme, where Pete went into a Beatrice, now deceased; Agnes (Mrs. union, four preceding their father in partnership with W. E. Shellman Melvin Olson) of Sharon; Loretta (Mrs. death. Peder Okland was born March operating a general store and post Kenard Knudson of Portland, North 11, 1854 and passed away November office. In 1915 the Orns moved back to Dakota) Mrs. Vern Wegge of Cum­ 1925. Mrs. Okland was bom July 10,1853 the farm and purchased a farm in mings, N. Dak. (Janet), and Orvid who and passed away October 19%. Their Finley Tonwship. While living here Mr. now lives with his family on the children were: Alfred, Carl, Peter, Ole, Orn served as sheriff for two terms, "Mickelson" farm near Finley. His Theodore, Martha (Mrs. Joe Ostrom), January 1923 to January 1927. In 1933 widow, Mrs. Orpha Mickelson, lives at Anna (Mrs. Ole Berge), Mrs. Catherine Lilly Orn died. He passed away in Portland, North Dakota at the present Rasmussen, and Mrs. Christy Arnold. Florida November 25, 19%. time. All are deceased except Peter of West Fargo and Theodore of Massachusetts.

92. During the year 1882, OLE C. OLSON HANS B. THORSON came to migrated from Wisconsin to the Sharon America from Austreim near Bergen, area in search of a new home for his Norway in 1904. He worked a few years wife and children. His children Ole, at Merrill, Wis. and St. Paul, Minn, Gina (Anderson), Martha (Leslie) coming to the Finley area in 1912. He CARL J. NYGAARD was bom in Bertha (Johnson) and Gulick spent married Lena Storebo in 1915. They Vaksvik, Aalesund, Norway April 28, their entire lives in this neighborhood. rented the John Storebo farm until they 1874. He left Norway for the United Records show that Ole C. Olson pur­ later bought it. He was a member of the States when he was 19 years old and chased the NWV4 of section 6 in town­ school board, Grain Elevator board, came to Grand Forks where his broth­ ship 147, range % for $192.31. The early and served on different offices and er Christian lived. They worked as days were rugged for both Mr. and Mrs. committees of the Ostervold Church laborers until 1897 when he came to Olson. In the absence of doctors, Mrs. until his health failed. He operated a Hatton. He met Anna Karine Grimson Olson served as midwife for many of restaurant one year before he started there, and they were married July 13, the early settlers. Since there was no farming. They retired from farming 18% in Washington Prairie Chruch near bridge over the Sheyenne River, grain and moved to Finley. He died August 31, Hatton. Mrs. Nygaard was bom in had to be hauled during the winter when 19%. To their union two children were Highlandville, Iowa February 21, 1876. the river was frozen. In 1901 Gulick took bom: Ruth (Mrs. Roy Galbrecht) and She came to Hatton with her parents, over the responsibilities of the farm Howard. Mrs. Thorson lives in her Mr. and Mrs. Nels Grimson, her brother since his father had passed on. In 1903 home at Finley. Gilbert, her uncle and grandmother in a he and Clara Hefta were married and covered wagon when she was three continued to live on the home farm. years old. She remembered they Their family Annie, Oscar, Everett, herded the cattle over the Mississippi Melvin and Claris attended school in River. Mrs. Nygaard was a fine Sharon. Annie married Hans Haugtvedt seamstress and spent her evenings and and lived on the farm known as the way into the night sewing for her neigh­ John Anderson farm, where Oscar and bors and friends. She made the entire Ruth now reside. She passed away in wardrobe for a neighbor lady for her 1933 leaving a family of six children. trip to Norway. They purchased their Everett is a dentist in Cross Plains, farm in Finley Township in 18%. Mr. Wisconsin, Claris is a pharmacist in the Nygaard traveled by bicycle from Veterans Hospital in Saginaw, Mich, Hatton to locate a place to settle. They and Melvin lives on the home farm. moved here in 19% when a cyclone and hial storm came, taking their entire crop, and also the barn with Mr. Nygaard and his horses were carried a half mile. Mr. and Mrs. Nygaard were CHRIST ANDERSON was born near active members of Ostervold Congregation. He served as secretary Oslo, Norway Jan. 17, 18%. He came for over 30 years, and held other offices from Norway to Eden, South Dakota in the church, was director of the Steele when he was 19 years old and worked as County Fair Assn. He was director of a laborer there for a few years. Mrs. the local school board, Finley Township Anderson, the former Julia Duea, was board, and Sharon Rural Telephone bom near Roland, Iowa November 8, Company. Mrs. Nygaard served as 1%9. She moved with her family to treasurer of the Ladies Aid. To their Ihlen, Minnesota in 1%7. In 1897 Christ union eight children were born: Alvin, JACOB STORDAHL arrived with his and Julia were united in marriage. In serving as County Commissioner, parents in Finley when he was about 1% 1903 they moved to Sharon community Nineva, Harold, a farmer, Bernice years old. He helped build the streets in and in 19% they moved to their farm (Mrs. Palmer Hillestad), Kermit, a Finley. All supplies were brought from home in Finley Township. He was farmer, and Earl, teaching in Fargo Hope. He farmed four miles east of assessor for some years. They were schools. Hjalmar (deceased) served as Finley, and was a carpenter when he parents of three children: Alfred, U. S. Congressman and passed away retired. Jacob died in 1969. His children Sylvia (Mrs. Clifford Paulson of while in session. Lenore (Mrs. Ralph were Myrtle (Mrs. Emil Carlson), Jamestown, North Dakota) and Henry. Kline) deceased. Mrs. Nygaard passed Mons, Joe, Ben, Mable (Mrs. Kenneth Mr. Anderson passed away in 1941, away in 1947, and Mr. Nygaard in 1965. Norgaard), and Alphild (Mrs. David Mrs. Anderson in 1949, and Henry in Hanson). 1919.

93. and to memorize hymns. All this was in following April that he moved his the Norwegian language. On Mr. family here. They made the trip in a Halvorson's 75th birthday he was cattle car on the train and came to honored by the Ostervold congregation Mayville and from there journeyed by at a community party in recognition of team and wagon which they brought his many years of service. Mrs. Knud with them. There was only one settler Halvorson passed away January 30, within 6 miles. Hans borrowed $4% at 10 1933 and on October 11, 1937 Mr. percent interest to build a house. There Halvorson followed her in death. Both were six children who lived and came were laid to rest in the Ostervold along up here: Annie (Mrs. Hans cemetery, a stone's throw from the Erickson), Peter, Gina, Hannah, Gulick home where they had experienced all and the youngest, Albert, survives at the joys and sorrows of pioneer life. the age of 93 years. Hans and Martha Gilbertson moved into Sharon in the spring of 19% when Albert took over the farm and now a grandson, Arvid and his family, reside on the farm. The KNUD HALVORSON was bora April Ostervold congregation held their first 2,1855 in Ryfylke, Bussesund, Norway. meeting at the home of Hans Gilbertson At the age of 17 he came to America, on May 14,18% and he donated a piece and together with his parents and of land on the corner of his farm for the brothers and sister settled near Clark- first cemetery. Martha passed away field, Minnesota. In 1882 he came to March %, 1926 and Hans passed away North Dakota where he homesteaded on January 11, 1931. near what is now Finley. In 1884 he was united in marriage to Agate Christine Sampson, the first wedding in Oster­ HANS CHRISTIAN PETTERSON was vold Congregation. She passed away in born 1864 in Luning, Norway, and 1889 following a brief illness. To this settled in Finley Township. He married union two children were born—Henry Sigrid Berge December 2, 18%. Mrs. Robert and Stella Elizabeth. In 1891 Peterson was born in Telemarken, Knud married Martha Wangsness. She Norway March 22, 1873 and came to was bora July 14, 18% in Nordeide, Dakota Territory when she was 13 Oestervold Congregation, Norway. At years old with her widowed mother, the age of 8 years she came to America INGBRIDT M. SUND was a farmer three brothers and a sister. They pur­ bom at Sund, Nordhordlan, Norway with her parents, and settled near chased land in Finley Township, Decorah, Iowa. Later the family moved March 29,1872. He came to America in Steele County and settled there in 18%. 1892 to Hatton, North Dakota and to to Clarkfield, Minnesota making the Mr. Petterson passed away in 1942 and trip by covered wagon. In 1875 she was Finley in 1%3. He had a farm four miles Mrs. Petterson moved to Grand Forks from Finley. His wife, Mina Aspelund married to Ole Wangsness, who passed where she passed away in 1955. They away in 18%. To this union three was from Nordfjord, Norway and was had one son and eight daughters: Selma bom March 3, 18%. She came to children were bora: Jorgen, who (Mrs. Clarence Erickson), Alma (Mrs. passed away in early childhood, Carl America in l%3. They adopted one girl Norman Evenson), Hilda (Mrs. Albert Eveline (Mrs. Edward Cyr) of Rich­ Martin and Gina Oline. (Gina taught at Benson), Anna (Mrs. Martin Ostby), mond, Calif. Concordia College.) In 1%1 Martha Hilma (Mrs. Glenn Olson), Denna, came to Steele County, North Dakota Sylvia (Mrs. Ola Ostad), Nora (Mrs. and was married to Knud Halvorson. Milton Olson) and one son Arthur who is Their marriage took place on living on the home farm. November 22, and was performed by Pastor 0. K. Quamme at the Brekke School House, with John Dronen and John Gylten as witnesses. Their three children were Anna )Mrs. Alfred Frojen) deceased, Jacob John, and Mabel Caroline (Mrs. Julian Ensrud) of OSCAR BIRKLAND came to Steele Pekin, North Dakota. Knud and Martha County with his parents, the John Halvorson were active in the Ostervold Birklands, in 1%2. He grew to manhood Church, the Ladies Aid and the country around Finley. He married Cecelia school of that time, acting as officers in Solomonson of Clarkfield, Minnesota various capacities. The Ostervold February 13,19% and farmed northeast Church and cemetery and the early of Finley unitl 1937 (on section 27, school house were built on opposite Finley Township). Then he moved to comers of their home quarter of land. Easton Township, section 19 (now the He donated a piece of land for a church HANS and MARTHA GHfiERTSON Elmer Sund farm). On March l, 1939 building and cemetery. Mr. Halvorson were born in Norway and settled in Mrs. Birkland died. Oscar made his served for many years as Sunday Highland Township, Iowa County, Wis. home with his daughter and son-in-law, School teacher for the children of the in 1863. In the spring of 1881, Hans came Mr. and Mrs. John Sund. They had two community. They met on Sunday af­ to North Dakota and took up a children: Beatrice (Mrs. John Sund) ternoons at the homes of the children to homestead in Finley Township, 8 miles and Clarence. Oscar died October 11, study the Catechism, the "Forklaring" east of Sharon, but it was not until the 1970.

94. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP Waziya was the name of the school town­ ship, which was later called Bergen School District. In 1904 it was called Franklin. The Bergen district was organized April 12, 1889. Records show that Iver I. Seim was treasurer of the Waziya school township on July 25,1884. Early township officers were Andrew Brakke, John R. Olson, Ole Bjugstad and Albert Brekke. The Civil Township of Bergan was organized April 12, 1889, and the first meeting was held April 23,1889 in the school on Section 22. An early type of shelter was the sod house. The sod was cut into blocks and stacked like bricks. It was a very fine home for several years until it all dried out. This was the sod home of the William Lieske family, which is reported to be the last in the county.

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ANTON NESS was born in 1%1 and G. ISRALSON was a familiar PETER MELLUM was born in came to Steele County where his ser­ sight to people living west of Aamot, Norway December 13, 18%. vices were much in demand as he was Finley, but items for a biography are Came to Finley in 1915 and made his an expert carpenter. He helped with very scarce. Mr. Isralson lived in a home at the Carl Christopherson farm. building the first brick school in Finley, "cave" on the Qualey land, and Worked at various farms in the area. as well as many other buildings here. sometimes in the winter he would stay Died during the 1918 flu epidemic. He was married June 23,1907 to Gunda with the Ben HUstads in Finley. When Buried at the Sheyenne Valley Christofferson. Five children, Orville, out by the Sheyenne he would walk to Cemetery. George, Selmer and Mrs. Alma Olson Finley for supplies, using the two survived. The Ness family moved from sticks. He planned to camp along the Finley to Haver, Montana, and then way, and left his bedroll at the end of to California whre he died October 2, the first day. A search has been made 1944. for more material for a biography, but it was felt that his picture should be included in a history of Franklin Township.

GUSTAV OLSEN MELLUM was bora in Aamot, Norway January 2, 1894. Came to Finley in 1913 and made his JENS JERSTAD was bom November home at the Carl Christopherson farm. 29,1%3 at Dale Sundfjord, Norway. He Worked at various farms in the area. JOHN SYLVESTER and Olava came to the U. S. in 1%2. He made his Served in World War I. Married Selma Christopherson were married in 1909 in home with his brother Ole in Franklin Grafsgaard in 19%. Children: Gordon, Franklin Township. They worked Township. He later made his home at Joyce, and Duane. Moved to a farm around in this area for a while, and the Carl Christopherson farm. Jens near McHenry in 1930. Died at Fargo in later moved to Paswegin, Sask. died at Mayville in 1970. 1934.

95. ALBERT MUSTAD was bom in Wisconsin February 22, 1877. He came to this area with his family when he was 10 years old. Albert married Anne M. WILLIE DRONEN came from (Mary) Olson of Cooperstown in May Minnesota with his parents in 18% 1903. He purchased his brother Anton's where they settled in Franklin Town­ share of their late father's farm in 1904. ship. He married Bertine Rekstad. He NELS OLSON was born May 30, 18% Mr. and Mrs. Mustad lived on the farm farmed and also served the community at Stolmen, Norway, near Bergen. in Franklin Township until he passed many years as an able veterinarian. When he was 21 he immigrated to the away in 1940. Mrs. Mustad lived in Their children were Agnes (Mrs. United States, coming to Steele County Finley and in the Finley area until Bernard Dronen), Selma (Mrs. Art where he homesteaded 2% miles north­ about 1951 when she moved to North- Walters), Bertram, Martha, Anna, west of Finley in Franklin Township. wood to make her home at the Rest Bernice, and Violet. He later bought the Brown farm a mile Home. She passed away there in 1953. northwest of Finley. Five years later he Mr. and Mrs. Mustad were members of returned to Norway and married Anna Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church and Olina Swenson of Stolmen. They were buried in that cemetery. Mr. returned the same year to his Mustad served on the Franklin School homestead. To this marriage ten Board and he was a director of the children were born: Ole, Martha: Mrs. Finley Farmers Elevator at the time of Edwin (Mary) Drange; Swen T.; Mrs. his death. Their family consisted of John (Bessie) Schwartz; Ole S.; Nora; nine children: Arnold and Norris, both Mrs. John (Mabel) Oxton; Nels and deceased, John of Alberta, Canada; CHARLES and INGEBORG Obert. Martha and Ole died during the Mrs. Myrtle Halvorson of Hope; Elmer GULLICKS came from Norway to diptheria epidemic in 1897. Three of the of Mayville; Mrs. Orpha Mickelson of ten children still survive. Mr. Olson Portland; Clara (Mrs. Wm. Schaller) of Menomonie, Wise, in 1882, and to helped build the first Ostervold church, Mayville, North Dakota in 1891. In 18% St. Paul, Minn, and Florence (Mrs. hauling the lumber from Michigan, Orvid Mickelson) of Finley. they moved to Franklin Township North Dakota. He operated a livery where he was engaged in farming until bam in Finley where the Farmers he retired and moved to Sharon, North Union Oil Station is now. In 1922 he Dakota in 1944. From 19% to 1910 he moved to Minneapolis because of poor farmed at Palermo, North Dakota. He health and operated an apartment married Ingeborg Hallen in 18% at building until his death in the 40's. He Grand Forks, North Dakota. Ingeborg has 3 grandchildren living in the Finley came to Hatton from Norway in 1%2. area, Mrs. Morris Shogren, Mrs. Veme Mr. Gullicks passed away in 1946, and Hanson and Kenneth Schwartz. Mrs. Gullicks in 1965. There were ten WILLIAM GRIEVE was bom in children: Anna (Mrs. Tollef Tollefson), Rothiemay, Bonffshire, Scotland Ingolf, Evelyn (Mrs. Rue), all of January 10,1%2. He came to the Sharon Sharon, Gullick of Palermo, North area in 19%. He homesteaded in Dakota, Cora (Mrs. George Delameter) Williams County, North Dakota proving of Vancouver, Ruth (Mrs. Henry up his homestead in 1910; then returned Vosseteig), Helga (Mrs. Harold to Sharon where he started farming in Reyerson), Nora (Mrs. John Franklin Township in 1912. On March 9, Vosseteig—died in 1949), Carl, and Roy. 1915, he married Mable Hughes and two daughters were born to them: Marjory -. ' - (Mrs. Henry Fosse) of Sharon and Dorothy (Mrs. A. O. Wohl) of Visolia, California. Mrs. Grieve passed away JOHN R. OLSON was bom October 3, December 11, 1918. On October 2, 1933 1860 at Veraland, Sweden, and came to he married Ethel M. Wright. He served America in 18%. He and Iaisa Anderson on the Franklin Township board in were married in 1%1, and came to various offices. In 1943 he was elected EILEF GYLTEN died in January Steele County in 1882. They Steele County Commissioner and 1923. He and his wife came in 18% from homesteaded in Franklin Township in served 20 years. He was a member of Norway and settled in Franklin 1887. Mr. Olson died March 5, 19%. Mayflower Lodge No. 94 in Finley. He Township. He was a deacon of Oster­ There were five children, Anna (Mrs. held various offices in his church vold Church. Their children were Hjalmer Johnson), Ida, (Mrs. Halvor (Presbyterian) and was treasurer of George, Thea (Mrs. Oscar Moren), Engen, now deceased), Eddie, Sharon Village. He retired from active Magnus and Elias. John Gylten was a deceased, Ruth (Mrs. George farming in 1942. Mr. and Mrs. Henry brother who helped organize Ostervold Danielson) and Oscar, also deceased. Fosse now reside there. He passed Church. Mrs. Johnson lives in Finley. away December 18, 1%7.

96. MARY LONG married Arb Reed and lived in Piper City, 111. They had five children.

JEFFERSON SOURS LONG married Marian Keillor. Their children were an infant who died very young, Mildred, ALBERT J. BRAKKE was bom in Madeline, Bertram, Faye and Byron. Iowa and came with his parents, the MR. and MRS. GEORGE LONG came Andrew Brakkes, to Franklin Town­ in an emigrant car by rail from Piper ship. He married Anna Hanson. They City, 111. in 1884 to Hope, North Dakota bought land in 19% and started farm­ and homesteaded in what is now ing. They had eight children: Esther Franklin Township. The farm house is (Mrs. M. Pockes), Agnes (Mrs. Trygve still on the farm. They later bought a Eide), Evelyn (Mrs. Arvid Soderberg), tree claim joining the farm. Two sons Ida (Mrs. Orfey Hovde), Andrew Joe (Alva), Frank, and a foster son, (deceased), Hjalmer, Melvin and Paul Samubc, came with them from Margaret (Mrs. Paul Long). He was Piper City. There were three other JOHN LONG married Jessie Jane active in public affairs and was children born to their union in Franklin Simpson. There were six children in township clerk for many years. Township: Eva, Fred and Mae. They this family: Harry, Marcus, Cornelius, later moved to Sharon, North Dakota Grace, Leo John, and Nellie Jeannette. and resided there until their death.

OLE DRONEN was bom in Norway, DAVID LONG was bom in 1%1 in 1857. He came to South Dakota and Oakville, Cumberland Co., Penn­ WILLIAM LIESKE was bora in married Mary Moren. They came to sylvania and married Christina Philadelphia, Penn. in 1862. In 1878 he North Dakota in 19%, where he bought Cramer. They had 8 children: George, married Mary Bender, who was born in land in Franklin Township. They had 11 John, William, Edgar, Atha, Mary, Germany in 1861, and came to the children: Selmer (deceased), Ida (Mrs. Alberta, and Jefferson. They im­ United States when seventeen years of S. Storebo), deceased, Alma (Mrs. J. V. migrated to Dakota Territory and age. After living for a short time in Carlson), Olai, Clara (Mrs. L. Rindy), homesteaded in what is now Franklin Illinois they moved to a farm in Hem- Esther (Mrs. F. Cornelius), Mabel Township in 1884 on land about four don, Kansas, and later to a farm near (Mrs. Byron Long), Ingvald miles south of Sharon. Hope. In approximately 1%5 or 18% (deceased), Arthur, Gladys (Mrs. J. DAVID LONG'S second marriage was they purchased a farm in Franklin Cariveau) and Ingvald. to Agnes Tinkenbinder. They had no Township where they built a sod house children. in which they lived until building a good sized frame home, some time after WILLIAM (BILL) LONG married 19%. The Lieskes lived here until their Isabelle Simpson. Their children were deaths, with the exception of a couple of Violet and Bruce. This family later years in the late teens when Mr. Lieske moved to Sheridan, Wyoming. owned and operated a restaurant and recreation parlor in Finley. One of the EDGAR LONG married Belle Jensen sad experiences of their early marriage and to this couple were bom two was the death of their daughter children, Atha and Delmer. Katherine, two and one half years old, who drowned in a water tank on the ATHA LONG married George Arthur farm. They had ten children: Gertrude Warner. Laura and Mable were the (Mrs. Edwin Martell) Fargo; children. Mable was Mrs. Fred Martin Katherine, (Mrs. Bob Gustafson). BERNT and JULIE HILSTAD were who lived in the city of Hope. Bemidji, Minn.; and Mollie, (Mrs. married in Norway, and immigrated to John Keilar); Trade (Mrs. Webb America in 1879. After spending about a ALBERTA LONG was married to Keilar); Emma (Mrs. Frank Long); year in Wisconsin they came and Robert Cochran. They had two Annie (Mrs. James Barta); Harry, homesteaded in Franklin Township in daughters, Bertha and Laura. Later Lawrence, Edward and Katherine, all 18%. They lived there until 1922 when Alberta married Charles Poke and they deceased. Mr. Lieske passed away in they moved to Finley. Bemt passed had two sons. 1932 and Mrs. Lieske in 1918. away in 1923 and Julie in 19%.

97. JOHAN and GUNHILD MUSTAD Long married Mrs. Clara Neimann. She came from Norway and lived for a time had one daughter, Myrtle (Mrs. Bill in Trampleau County, Wisconsin. Some Austin). To their union three boys were of their older children were born there. bora: Paul, Hartley and Sherman. Mrs. The family settled on the farm in Long paased away in 19%. Mr. Long Section 32 of Franklin Township in 1887. continued on the farm for some time Their family of seven children were: until he retired, but sold out in 1943. He four sons, Anton, Albert, Julius and then spent the winters in California Gilbert; three daughters, Emma (Mrs. with his children there and his sum­ Ole Hilstad), Ingeborg or Belle, as she mers in North Dakota, mostly with his was known (Mrs. Wilhelm Erickson) daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Tena (Mrs. M. A. Berg). Gunhild Alvin Nygaard until his death in 1952. passed away a short time after coming to this area and Johan passed away about 18%. Both were buried in the in 19%. William Tucker died of T.B. in "Opheim Cemetery" which was the 1911. Edna Tucker and daughter Pearl original cemetery of the Sheyenne came to Finley in 1913. Edna Tucker Valley Lutheran Church. Johan and and Ole Jerstaa were married in 1919. Gunhild were active in establishing this They had five children: Odean, now congregation. In 19%, after Johan's living in Norwalk, California; Lincoln, death, his sons Anton and Albert pur­ Grand Forks, North Dakota; Melvin, chased the family farm. Anton sold his Devils Lake, North Dakota; Eveline share of the farm to Albert and Anton (Mrs. Ralph Brovold), New England, left this area for several years. He North Dakota and Floyd living on the worked as a transient farm laborer. He parental home in Franklin Township. returned to the Finley area about 19% Ole Jerstad was active in community and passed away about a year later. affairs serving on the township board, Anton had never married. He was OLE CHRISTOPHERSON. Ole and Director of the Finley Farmers buried in the Finley Cemetery. Julius Julene Christopherson, Karen and Elevator and the State Bank of Finley. 'farmed in Franklin Township for some Karenus came to South Dakota from He died from injuries received in a years and later made his home in Aamondt, Norway in 1%3. Two years tractor accident in 1937. Mrs. Jerstad Finley where he worked as a laborer. later they homesteaded in Franklin died in 1%5. Mrs. Selmer Omang (Pearl He never married. He passed away Township. Eight children were born Tucker) died in 19%. about 19% and was buried in the Finley after coming to America: Gunda, cemetery. None of the children of Johan Robert, Julia, Olive, Emma (died in and Gunhild Mustad are now living. infancy) Emma, Paul and Tena. Early day memories of Ole were the trips to Valley City, their nearest town. This was a two-day trip one way. Oxen were used and at night the wagon was turned over to provide shelter. They were very happy when Portland started to have a town so close. During the harvest season he would walk to Portland to find work. They would walk to Mardell, a distance of six miles, to attend Church services. Ole was a charter member of the Sheyenne Valley Church.

MATTHIAS HILSTAD, bom in 1%2 and his wife Marie, bom in 18%, were married in Norway. Here an infant son, JOE LONG was bom March 7,18% in Ole, was born and was buried in Nor­ Piper City, 111 and came with his way. They immigrated to America in parents and brothers Frank Long and 1878 and came to Wisconsin. They also Paul Sambuc to Hope, North Dakota in worked around Fargo for awhile before 1884. He married Olava Quamme of coming to Franklin Township to Northwood, North Dakota February 3, homestead in 18%. They built their new 1904. She was born September 1, 18%. OLE JERSTAD was bom May 16,18% home in 19%. Children born to them They farmed his parent's farm (The at Dale Sundfjord, Norway. He came to were: Mina (Mrs. P. O. Sathre) 1882- George Longs) until he bought his own the U. S. in 1%2 and to Franklin 1926; Ole, 1883-1950; Marten, died in farm in Franklin Township. To their Township where he made his per­ infancy; Lewis, 1%7-19%; Helmer, union three daughters were bom: manent home. Mrs. Ole Jerstad—nee— 1897-1969; Bertha (Mrs. Ingolf Losett) Alvah (Mrs. Albert Roedel), Norma Edna Pearl Yost was born May 3, 1%9 bom in 1891, lives at Circle, Montana; (Mrs. Alvin Nygaard), and Donna at Fort Dodge, Iowa. She married and Martin, born in 1894 lives at (Mrs. Raymond Strand). Mrs. Joe Long William Tucker in 1907 at Aitkin, Glendale, California. Marie passed passed away July 28, 1911. In 1917 Mr. Minnesota. Pearl W. Tucker was bom away in 1921 and Matthias in 1926.

98. PETER MIDSTOKKE married of a public nature in his locality and Mathilde Kloster. Their children were held various offices of trust con­ Ernest and Peter, Jr., Grace, Sarah tinuously since the organization of the (Mrs. Moen), Inga (deceased), township, including chairman of the Bergetta, Ella, and Hannah. Two boys township board, township treasurer have also died (Oscar and Arthur). and is the present assessor. He was a Republican in political faith and has attended as a delegate numerous County Conventions, but was not a strict party man.

SACHARIAS O. DRONEN came from Norway to South Dakota in 18% and to North Dakota in 1902. He married Julia Brakke. They had three children- Clara (Mrs. Lucas Halverson of Washington) Aimer of Finley, and Ethel (Mrs. Hubert Halverson of OLE C. BJUGSTAD. Among the Sharon). Mr. Dronen served on farmers of Steele County who were township boards for several years, and doing an extensive business, a EMIL PRYTZ came to Finley in 1904 also was a director of the Finley prominent position has been attained and worked on a farm. He later Farmers Elevator. He was active in by the gentleman, whose name heads homesteaded in Williams County. He church affairs. this personal history. His career was returned to Finley and settled on a farm marked with energy, prudence and one mile west of Finley. He delivered persistent effort, and his well directed milk door to door for five years with a labors resulted in the acquisition of a one-horse cart and sleigh. fine farm in Bergen Township, on section 32 where he surrounded himself with improvements which make life enjoyable. Mr. Bjugstad was born in Vardal, Kristian (stift) Norway, June 16,1%5. He was the only child bom to Peter L. and Anne M. Bjugstad. His paternal grandfather was part owner of WILLIE OLSON was a farmer. He the Bjugstad farm. The family con­ came from Norway in 1%2 to Min­ sisting of his parents and our subject, nesota, then to Cooperstown. They had came to America and settled in four children. Their oldest son Alfred Trempeleau County, Wis., in 18%, farmed but is now living in Finley. His where the father took a homestead and LEO J. LONG was bom in 1894 in on that pioneer farm in Wis., our wife Jette was a daughter of Andrew Franklin Township. He farmed for Brekke. Their three daughters were subject was trained to the life of farmer some time there and is now retired and and woodsman. He went to Dakota in Alice (Mrs. M. O. Gylten), Ruth (Mrs. living in Sharon. His parents were Mr. Joel Solberg), both of Aneta; Mabel the spring of 1%1, in company with a and Mrs. John Long. party of land seekers, and selected his (Mrs. Lyon Hazel ton) of Burney, homestead upon which his farm California. Another son, Willard, died. buildings now stand. The land was not yet opened for filing, and he took it as a "squater's claim" and filed thereon, and in the spring of 1882 took his parents to Dakota and they were established in a sod shanty 12 x 16 feet, which with a small board shanty at­ tached provided them shelter for five or six years. Mr. Bjugstad had a fully developed and well improved farm of %0 acres, and it was to his own efforts that his success was due. Mr. Bjugstad was married in l%8 to Carrie L. CARL DRONEN came from Norway Hilstad. Mr. and Mrs. Bjugstad have to Franklin Township in 1910. He been the parents of ten children as married Betsy Brakke. they have eight follows: Paul M., Laura M., Marie children: Orville, Elvin, Alice (Mrs. (deceased), Anna M, Mabel C, Oliver, Lowell Carlson), Richard, Marilyn Clarence, Mildred, Agnes and Lawr- (Mrs. James Grunseth), Ila Mae (Mrs. nece. A family group portrait will be LARS SUND, farmers, came Orlando Wigen), Carroll and Vernal. found in connection with this sketch. from Norway to Finley in 19%. His Mr. Dronen served on the Township Mr. Bjugstad was prominent in affairs wife was Birgitte Rekstad, also born in Board for some time and served a term Norway. They had no children. in the Legislature as Representative.

99. IVER I. SEIM was bom in Harl- the first grandchild of Chris Olson, and anger, Bergen, Norway Mar. 7, 1%7, was also the first white child registered youngest in a family of five children. with the Bureau of Vital Statistics at His father, Iver Sr., died prior to Mr. Pierre, South Dakota from Dewey Seim's birth. Iver was put to work County. herding when eleven years of age, and when fifteeen he and his mother, and a brother came to America and joined CHRIS OLSON and wife, Ingeborg, two of the children who had preceded were born in Denmark. Chris was born them here. He engaged in farm work February 24, 18%. They spent their in Winneshiek, la., and also secured early years there. Chris took up the one winter's schooling in an English trade of cabinet-maker which required speaking school. He married Gertrude three years of study and two years of Spilde, a native of Norway, in 1877. In apprenticeship to complete. They came May, 18% they came by team to Dak., to Illinois where Chris worked as a his objective point being the Sheyenne carpenter, or in the mines, and also OLAF ROCKNEBERG came to River. He had about one hundred farmed. Their five children were all Franklin Township in 1911 and returned dollars in cash, and a team of horses, bom in Illinois: Ole (deceased), An­ to Norway in 1915 and married Martha and after prospecting along the river drew of Arcadia, Wis.; Mrytle (Mrs. Steandahl. Olaf worked for Ole for a distance of twenty miles, selected Arthur Farstad) of Bayport, Minn., Bjugstad and Mrs. Rockneberg worked a location and established a squatter's Ernest of Dupree, South Dakota and at Albert Mustads until they started claim in Franklin township. His family Margaret (deceased). They came to farming on their own. They have since was soon established in a 14x16' log Dewey Co. S. D. to homestead in 1910 retired and are living in Finley. They house on the banks of the river, in which when that area was first opened for have two sons, John and Melvin, both they lived until a modern house was homesteading. Ole and his wife also farming in Franklin Township, Mr. built in 1883, about a quarter of a mile took up a homestead there. Those years Rockneberg served on the township from the cabin. Later the cabin was were very dry. In the fall Ole and Chris board for several years. moved to the site of the new farmstead, would come to Steele Co., North Dakota where it remains at the present time. with their teams and hayracks to work Mr. Seim acquired his fortune single- in the harvest and threshing season to handed, in 19% being the owner of 12% help tide them over the winter. In 1914, acres of land. In the early 19%'s the Chris and Ole with their families Seims moved to Finley where he shipped their belongings to Finley by purchased a livery stable, and in 1907 emigrant car, taking up residence in purchased a fine new Buick in order to Franklin Township. Chris first lived on take the traveling public around in the Carl Long farm, later moving to the style. Mr. Seim died March 7,1916, and Kroll farm. He farmed and did much Mrs. Seim died at the Northwood carpenter work in the area. When the Nursing Home about 19%. They had county seat was moved from Sher­ seven children, Bessie, Paul, Jens, brooke to Finley and the courthouse Adolph, Melvin, and two girls who died building was sold, Chris and helpers when very young. tore down the building and he built a barn for Neil Devlin and also became ANDREW BRAKKE and his wife quite a good carpenter. Chris and his ENDRINE came from Norway to family returned to their homestead America in 1873. He worked on the farm in South Dakota in the fall of 1920, railroad in Iowa and then bought land in where he resided until his death in 19%. Clarksfield, Minnesota and came to His wife passed away a year later. Ole Franklin Township in 1%2. In 19% he and his family lived in the Sharon area, sold his farm to two sons, Albert and moved to the Sherbrooke area in 1921, Malius. Four daughters were married to Portland in 1926, and returned to to farmers near them: Kari to Baard South Dakota in the spring of 1931. He Dronen, Jette to Willie Olson, Julia to did some farming, and carpenter work Sacharias Dronen, Elizabeth to Nels until a heart condition forced him to Birkland, Minot, North Dakota, and give up heavy work. He then became an Betsie to Carl Dronen. Malius passed insurance salesman for about sixteen away October 14, 1916. His son Karl years until his death in 1963. Mrs. Ole F. farmed near Ray, North Dakota. Betsie Olson still resides at Lead, South is the only one still living. Mr. and Mrs. BAARD S. DRONEN was (bom in Dakota where they have made their Andrew Brakke were charter members Norway in 1862. He homesteaded in home since 1954. Mrs. Olson will be 84 of the Ostervold Church. Knut Franklin Township in 1884. He attained years old this summer, and is in very Halverson, John Dronen and Andrew his citizenship in 1894. Mr. Dronen good health. She does quite a little Brakke walked from the present Albin married Kari Brakke. They had three Arneson farm near the Sheyenne River children: Stella (Mrs. S. Storebo), traveling, and had even flown to Hawaii to stake their claims in Franklin deceased; Andrew in California and four years ago to visit a grandson who Township and walked to the Hans Arthur S. in Moorhead, Minn. The was stationed there with the Air Force. Gilbertson's where Arvid Gilbertson is farm is still in the family, now owned by The Ole Olsons raised a family of eight living now. Andrew Brakke died Arthur S. Dronen. Baard passed away children, all still living. Mrs. Marcus January 8, 1917. Endrine Brakke died in 19%, Kari in 1940. Rimestad of Finley is Ole's daughter, March 7, 19%. 100. GOLDEN LAKE TOWNSHIP Early records show that Martin Ullensaker Golden Lake was also famous for its acquired a receiver receipt in 1881 for land in baseball teams, a very popular form of the Golden Lake territory, Section No. 2. He recreation in the early days. The first team maintained a postoffice in his home and later was organized in about 1910 and the second was operator in connection with a store. team in the late teens and early twenties. The Isaac and Fanny Golden, first owners of the baseball diamond was in the southeast corner store, owned considerable land in the north­ of section 16, and many a good game was east part of the township, hence the town­ played there. One season the second team ship was named Golden. Earliest date played a one hundred percent win over all the recorded about the Golden's was June 12,1883. other neighborhood teams. The majority of early settlers in this area During the 1920's there were annual Old emigrated from Norway with Hatton and Settlers picnics held at the O. W. Williams Portland as the closest towns. Although some farm. In 1919 a consolidated two room school of the members of the second and third house was built, called Golden Lake Center generations have moved to other parts of the School. At one time, a limited high school country, there are still some who remain and course was offered. It is no longer in continue to live on the original home places. existence, having gone the way of so many Those who chose to come here were pioneers other township schools, following the in the true sense of the word and faced their redistricting program. trials and adversities with typical Scan­ During the 1930's a small store was started dinavian fortitude. In the year of 1900, a along highway 7, by Arthur Thompson, later terrific wind and hail storm raged through the operated by Roy Grunseths and then by township. Many buildings were destroyed, Robert Ericksons. That too has since been including the Lutheran Free Church and one closed and removed. of the school houses. The crops were com­ During the 1930's Golden Lake became pletely destroyed and livestock suffered from completely dry and in 1950 a ditch was blasted hunger. across the corner of Beaver Creek Township into Golden Lake Township and once again The story is told that by noon the following there was water in Golden Lake. Later the day there was no window glass to be pur­ Golden Lake Development Corporation began chased in any of the surrounding towns. working on its restoration, but due to the lack In the earlier years, Rev. Martin Langehaug of funds, turned it over to the Steele County who lived in Sharon and served the Bethany Park Board. The Park Board contacted the Church from 1904 to 1940, would come by train State Water Commission, the State Game and to Finley, be met by different members of the Fish Department and the Outdoor Recreation congregation, and spend the weekends at the Agency, and at this time over $75,000 worth of home of the parishioners. During the early funds have been expended, acquiring land and days, while there was still water in the lake, improving the area. It is now a good sized many a long trek to school was shortened lake, popular for boating, fishing, water skiing during the winter for the children, who were etc. It also has a picnic area, lake shore then able to cross the ice, instead of walking cabins, store and lunch counter. Plans are the longer distance around the lake. being made for further development. Many In 1917 a band was organized in the town­ people from near and far enjoy this recreation ship, called the Golden Lake Non Partisan center. Band. This band was called upon to play for Non Partisan League rallies, picnics, etc. BETHANY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN Their first appearance, after six weeks of CHURCH, GOLDEN LAKE TOWNSHIP practice, was for a Townley-Lemke rally in Fargo. A meeting was held July 19, 1900 to organize Occasionally travel was by individual a congregation, at the John Dyrland home. A passenger cars, but for the most part it was in constitution was drawn, and the name a model T Ford truck with solid rubber tired Bethania adopted. Rev. A. Haugeland was wheels on the rear, chauffered by Ebenhard called as pastor. The members were L, Fin- Thykeson. At that time there were very few stad, B. O. Lovely, H. P. Vareberg, O. H. Foss, graveled roads, and rain meant lots of John Dyrland, Jacob Dyrland, Nils Brainerd, pushing to reach their destination. Iver Strand, and Nils Flaten.

101. members. The pastor or his wife held devotions, and sometimes conducted the meetings. Work done by the members consisted of knitting, crocheting, sewing garments, piecing quilts, etc. Fancy work sales were also held. Transportation was a problem, mem­ bers going to meetings by various methods— walking, skiing, driving in sleighs or buggies. Regardless of the difficulties, members were filled with gratitude as they worked with a sincere love and purpose in their hearts.

The Church was built in 1903 by Narve Hagen. Rev. Haugeland who left in 1904 was succeeded by Rev. Langehaug, who served from 1904 to 1940. Reverend Edward Nordby then served Bethany, Bang, Perry and Sherbrooke churches from 1940 through 1954. Services were held in all churches when weather and roads permitted. The pastor made several calls on skiis in those days, to see members. Reverend Arthur Ree was then called by Their work has continued through the years, Bang, Perry and Bethany churches and he and many projects have been completed, served from 1955 through 1963, when he helping to support home and foreign missions, resigned to become administrator and financing Vacation Bible School, and giving chaplain at the Luther Memorial Home in gifts to the homes of the aged. The Ladies Aid Mayville. helped to finance the remodeling of the church Pastor Breen then served through 1969, and in earlier years they helped pay the followed by Pastor Robert Nichelson who pastor's salary. Many fine gifts have been remained through 1970 and 1971. given to the Bethany Church by its members The Church basement was remodeled in and others. 1953 and 1954, and remodeling of the rest of the Present officers are, president, Mrs. Joseph church was completed during the next few Hanson; vice president, Mrs. Raymo Mehus; years. All labor for these projects was donated secretary, Mrs. Alvin Moe; treasurer, Mrs. by the parishioners. Chester Moe; secretary ol stewardship, Mrs. A Fellowship Supper was held October 27, Fritz Engen; secretary of education, Mrs. 1958, at which time the Congregation held a Orville Grandalen. special dedication ceremony of the Lords Acre Plan. On June 18, 1901, a group of women met at the home of Mrs. Finstad to organize the Bethany Ladies Aid. Some of the first mem­ bers were Mesdames John Dyrland, B. Lovely, Halvor Vareberg, Nils Flaten, T. E. Hagen, Nils Engen, Marie Dyrland, Iver Strand, Ed Moe, Olaus Foss, and Finstad. The first officers were, president, Mrs. John Dyrland; secretary, Mrs. B. Lovely; and treasurer, Mrs. Halvor Vareberg.

This Ladies Aid was reorganized at a meeting held in the home of Mrs. Ed Moe, May 6,1906. Meetings were held in the homes of the GOLDEN LAKE CENTER SCHOOL

102. GOLDEN LAKE BASEBALL TEAM

From left to right: Carroll Flesche, Albert derson, unidentified, Edgar Flesche, Thorvald Johnson, Alfred Finstad, unidentified, Vigen. Mascot, Johnny Bjerke. William Bjerke, Albert Bjerke, Elmer Gun-

GOLDEN LAKE BAND

Front Row, left to right: Ted Pederson, J. Ellert Foss, Clarence Dokken, Bernhard Arthur Engen, Edgar Bjerke, Gilbert A. Lovely. Seated on Cab: Fritz Engen, Oscar Engen,Oliver Bjerke. Back row: John Bjerke, Bjerke. Melvin Pederson, Conrad Engen, Alvin Moe,

103. HENRY BRAINERD was bora in Darlington, Wisconsin, September 16, 18% and moved to Enger Township with AMANDA HYLAND and EDWARD FINGAL BASOL was born in his parents. He grew to manhood there. SEVERSON were married in 19% at Eggedal, Norway, June 15, 18%. He In 1903, he married Julia Ellingson who Portland, North Dakota and began married Livi Ramstad of Sigdal, was bora in Norway in 1%5. She came farming in Golden Lake Township the Norway and they immigrated to the to Steele County with her parents the same year. In 1929 they moved to United States in 1%3. They lived with year she was bora. They purchased a Bergen, North Dakota where they Iver Fitcher before settling on a farm in farm in Golden Lake Township (now operated a grocery store until Mr. Golden Lake Township. They celebrated their Golden Wedding An­ owned by Joseph Knudson, Finley) Severson's death, September 11, 19%. where they lived until 1910. They then Mrs. Severson died April 13,1969. They niversary January 1, 19%. They were members of Little Forks Church in sold the farm to Ed and Martin Moe and had twelve children, of whom seven are moved to Sherbrooke Township where still living: Lillian, (Mrs. Conrad Enger Township, where Mr. Basol taught Sunday School for many years. they purchased the farm now owned by Engen), Finley; Alice, (Mrs. Oscar Gust Amundson. In the year of 19% the Graven), Portland; Cora (Mrs. Orville They had six children: Gunder, Gunhild, John, Bertha and Caroline, all Brainerds purchased and moved to a Haga), San Luis Obispo, California; farm in Enger Township where Henry Mable, (Mrs. Moran Stromme), deceased; Gerhard, Portland; Orville Wigen, a grandson, also lived with the passed away in April, 19%. This farm is Bergen; Ella (Mrs. Ben Stordahl); and now owned and operated by Herbert, Pearl, (Mrs. Don Sutherland), both of Basols after his mother's death, until he lost his life in an automobile ac­ the youngest son of the Brainerd's. Mrs. Bell, California; and Ellsworth, Seattle, Brainder now resides in Portland. They Washington. cident. Mrs. Basol died Feb. 2,19% and Mr. Basol died Dec. 7, 19%. had eight children: Mildred (Mrs. Shirley Homer), Portland; Thea (Mrs. Hartwell Burner), Mayville; Arthur, Finley; Myrtle (Mrs. John Traun) Moorhead, Minnesota; Herbert, Portland and Ole, Florence and Florence (Mrs. Elmer Solberg) all1 deceased.

JOHN SAMNOEN was born in Bergen, Norway, November 27,1%5. He OLAUS FOSS came to ««= United came to America as a young man and States from Norway in the 18%'s and settled on Section l in Golden Lake worked on the Paul Boe farm in Enger ENGEBRET HESKIN was bora in Township. He married Marie Hagen on Township until about 18% when he Valdris, Norway and came to America March 31, 1905. She was bom in homesteaded on a farm in Golden Lake in 1%9, becoming a citizen of the United Hedalen, Valders, Norway on May 31, Township. At about this time he States in 1891, He was married that 1877. They had five daughters: Martha married Nellie Braaten, who came to same year to Inger Hanson of Golden (Mrs. Justin Braaten); Thea (Mrs. Enger Township from Fergus Falls, Lake Township, at Sherbrooke, North Gilmore Berge); Inga, (Mrs. Paul Minnesota. They remained on this farm Dakota. They lived in Golden Lake until Ewbank); Gladyce, (Mrs. Harry their entire lives, which farm is now Mr. Heskin died at the age of 41 years. Brager) and Mildred (Mrs. Theodore owned by their youngest son, Orvin. Mrs. Heskin lived to the age of seventy- Skurdell). A nephew of Mrs. Sam- They had eight children: Geneva (Mrs. four years. She died at the home of her noen's, Ole Hagen, also lived with them Nelson) and Ovedia (Mrs. son-in-law, A. D. Oleson, Luverne, for many years. Mr. Samnoen passed Christopherson) both of Red Wing, North Dakota. They had six children: awav on January 9,1929. Mrs. Samnoen Minnesota, ttdith (Mrs. Ingvald Gertrude (Mrs. West) Luverne, Helga is still active ana alert, she lives in Strand), Mayville; Orvin, Bismarck; (Mrs. Barden) Woodland, Calif.; Marie Northwood, North Dakota and nearing and Harry, Ellert, Noble and Mable, (Mrs. Hepburn) Sacramento, Calif.; her ninety-fifth birthday. deceased. Beatrice, Esther, and Nettie, deceased.

104. »

rC * f i h&J'* JACOB DYRLAND came from Stavanger, Norway in 18% and settled on Section 15 in Golden Lake Township. LARS MARTINSON was born In 19% he married Ragnhild Vareberg. March 10, 1%7 at Benson, Minnesota, Four children were bora to them: Elert, son of Martin Martinson. He married Myrtle, Julia and Ellen. After farming Anna Caroline Halvorson, who was in Golden Lake Township for some bom January 21, 1%9 at Benson, years, they moved to the Stavens farm Minneosta. She came with her parents, west of Hatton, and in 1912 or 1913 they the Jacob Halvorsons to Steele County moved to Sask, Canada. when a young girl. They traveled in a covered wagon, settling in Golden Lake AMUND OPSAL and a cousin Amund Township. Upon arriving here she Gunderson came to Golden Lake worked in various homes for the sum of Township in the early nineteen hun­ 75 cents a week. After their marriage dreds. They were cousins of Ed Moe, they lived at first in the northwest area then living in Golden Lake Township. of Golden Lake Township in a sod Mr. Opsal farmed his three quarters of house, where their eldest son Herman land until 1918, when he moved to was born. Several years later they Williams County. He homesteaded moved to another farm in the township, there south of Alamo, North Dakota and school was held that winter in the where he and Mrs. Opsal spent their Martinson kitchen. They moved to remaining years. Finley in 19% where they owned and MR. and MRS. B. 0. LOVELY moved operated the Finley Livery Stable. Lars to Section 27, Golden Lake Township in died May 23,1913, after which in spite OLE HANSON, brother of Hans the late 18%'s or the early 1900's from of many adversities, Mrs. Martinsons Hanson, came to Golden Lake Township the Portland area. They were mem­ faith in her God never faltered, and she, sometime before the nineteen hundreds bers of the Bethany Church near their with the help of her older children, and purchased the SWVi of Section five home, where they lived until their continued to live in Finley until moving and the west Vfe of Section eight, now the death. They had ten children. Ragna, to Stanley, North Dakota in 1932 to ?. H. Vareberg farm. He had two Clara (Mrs. Chris Solberg), Bella, spend her remaining years with a daughters, Ella' (Mrs. Louis Jensen) Olga, Ida, Oscar, all deceased, three daughter, Mrs. W. G. Matson. She died deceased, and Olivia, (Mrs. Theo. children who died in infancy, and March 10, 1948. They had eight Sondreal) Cambridge, Minnesota. Mr. Bernhard, who farmed the home farm children: Herman, Finley; Inga (Mrs. Hanson also owned land near Broad­ for many years following the death of Olaf Opsal) Williston; Nora (Mrs. H. G. view, Montana, and made trips be­ his parents. Bernhard also died several Krabseth) Alamo; Charlotte, (Mrs. tween Golden Lake Township and years ago. Dan Chance) Warwick; Zella (Mrs. W. Broadview, cnecking on his farming G. Matson) Stanley; Louis, George and operations. Mr. Hanson is deceased. Philip, deceased. LAURACE GORDER was bom in Fillmore Co., Minnesota and came to OLAF N. CALLEN and his wife Julie, Mayville in 1882. He married Caroline were born in Norway and married in Jorgenson. Seven children were bom to Oslo in 1%2 In 1R93 they came to the this marriage. They were Mable (Mrs. U. S. and settled in the North- H. Peterson) Mayville North Dakota; wood—Aneta area, residing there Agnes, (deceased); Edwin, and until the spring of 19% when they Selmer, Fargo, North Dakota; Clara moved to Golden Lake Township. Mrs. (Mrs. F. Anderson, now deceased); Callen was famous as a midwife and John, Sacred Heart, Minn. Mr. Gorder officiated at the births of many babies worked at several jobs at Mayville born in that area. In 1925, the Callens before coming out to Golden Lake moved to Meadowlands, Minn, where Township where he filed on a quarter NELS BRAINERD purchased one Mr. Callen died in 1944 and Mrs. Callen section of land located between the two hundred sixty acres of prairie land in died in 19%, on her ninety-third farms of Olaus and Edward Williams, section 22 in Golden Lake Township in birthday. They had six children: Mr. Gorder was a brother of Mrs. Olaus 19%. He married Mary Dyrland March Clarence, address unknown; Erling, Williams. He farmed here for many 15, 1904. They had seven children: Meadowlands, Minn.; Olga, New York; years. He later sold his farm to Ed William, Hartwick, Agnes, Gladyce, Helmer, Duluth, Minn.; Oliver, Seattle, Williams and moved to Fargo where he Norma, Grace, and Klvina who died in Wash.; and Olga, deceased. spent the remainder of his life. infancy in 1924.

105. Vareberg did some plowing and built a small barn on his land. One nice day in November he drove out to his farm and in a short time the "big storm of 18%" suddenly struck the area. Mr. Vareberg survived the ordeal, saving both himself and the horses by staying in the bam, shoveling snow that drifted in, and moving constantly to stay awake and to keep from freezing. The storm lasted until the early morning of the OSMUND MOE was born at HERMAN CHRISTIANSON was bora third day, piling drifts up to 40 feet high. Stavanger, Norway in 1870 and came in Malmo, Sweden in 1878, coming to Mr. Vareberg helped organize the to America in irai. In 19% he married the United States with his parents at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Golden Oline Swenson, bora in Hallingdall, age of four years. He married Clara Lake Township. He held many church Norway in i%i, and coming here in Rud, Portland, June 8, 19%. The offices and was a delegate to the church 1897. They farmed near Mayville until Christiansons operated a dray line in conventions for many years. Mrs. 1920 when they moved to Section 17 in Portland for several years, after which Vareberg was Ladies Aid treasurer at Golden Lake Township, purchased they moved to a farm in the southwest the time she passed away, and the from Hans Hanson. Mr. and Mrs. Moe part of Golden Lake Township in ap­ members asked her husband to take the retired to Hatton in 1948 and their farm proximately 1910. In 1923 they moved to job, he accepted and held that job until is presently owned by the Joe Hansons. a farm in Westfield Township, 1913, when he gave it over to his Mrs. Moe died in 1951 and Mr. Moe in (presently the Arne Netland farm) daughter-in-law, Mrs. P. H. Vareberg. 1%9. They had ten children: Oscar, from where they retired into Mayville Nine children were bora to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Ragna (Mrs. Varebergs: Mrs. Julia Phillip, Peder, in 1944. They celebrated their Golden Henry, Bertha (Mrs. Joseph Lange), Marius Ostmo, Northwood); Emil, Wedding Anniversary June 9,19%. Mr. Fargo; Leonard, Summerville, Selma (Mrs. Edwin Sondreal), and Christianson died in 19% and Mrs. Oscar. Three are deceased. Mrs. Oregon; Melvin, killed in World War 2; Christianson in 1964. They had sixteen Lillian, (Mrs. Arthur Thompson, Vareberg died February 6,1907 and Mr. children, seven are deceased, including Vareberg, November 16, 1920. Garrison); Bertha, (Mrs. Elnor Jeroy, who died in the service of his Evanson, Fargo); Gladys, (Mrs. Ted country July 9, 1944. The remaining Bjerke, Walla Walla, Washington); living children are: Leonard, Jerome Chester, Finley; and Alice, (Mrs. and Elmer, of Mayville; Axel, Finley; Wayne Mellroth, Seattle, Washington.) Kenneth and Earl, Portland; Mrs. Iddo (Hazel) Nygard, Kempton; Mrs. Dale (Myrtle) Sandman, Redondo Beach, California; and Mrs. Norman (Ruth) Lindaas, Everett, Washington.

MR.and MRS. MARTIN MOE settled in Golden Lake Township in the fall of 19% from the Weltzin farm four miles west of Mayville, North Dakota. They DANIEL BJERKE was bora May 16, homesteaded in the south west comer 1874 in Worth County, Iowa, of parents of section twenty seven and built the Daniel and Johanne Bjerke, and came builidngs in 19%. Martin and Osmund to Beaver Creek Township in 1882. He Moe (twins) were bom January 10, married Anna Tolen of Portland, North 1870, in Stavanger, Norway. Martin Dakota, March 29, 1902. They were HALVOR VAREBERG was born in came to the United States first and went married Easter Sunday by Rev. Aal Hallingdal, Norway September 26, back later to get his brother. Martin Tollefson at the Goose River parsonage. 18%. His parents were Peder and married Amelia Larson in 1901. Mrs. They resided in Beaver Creek Town­ Ragnhild Vareberg. His wife Margit Moe was bom June 14,1%1 in Vikerdal, ship until 1912 when they moved to Noss was also bora there November 8, Norway. They had eight children: Otis, Golden Lake Township to make their 18%. They, and their four children deceased; Agnes, (Mrs. Ted Peder­ permanent home. They had nine came to America in May 1892, coming son), Portland; Berget (Mrs. Seemen), children: Myrtle (Mrs. Leonard directly to the farm home of Mr. and Burlington, Vt.; Myrtle (Mrs. Ar­ Christianson); David, Oscar, Esther Mrs. Tollef Noss, (Mrs. Vareberg's neson), deceased; Selma (Mrs. Earl (Mrs. Melvin Peterson); Lyla (Mrs. brother), at Hatton, staying with them Spriggs), Finley; Mabel (Mabel William Havig); Alice (Mrs. Marvel until settling on a farm in the Portland Grinley), Jamestown, North Dakota; Wenaas); Henry; Hazel (Mrs. Eugene area. In 18% they bought a quarter of Melvin E. Moe, Fargo; and LaFern Johnson); Verna (Mrs. Irving land located in Section 29 of Golden (Mrs. Mason Linnell) Finley. Mr. Moe Walsvick). Anna died in 1944 and Dan in Lake Township, moving there in the passed away March 12, 1949 and Mrs. 1971. spring of 1897. In the fall of 18%, Mr. Moe December 13, 19%.

106. He spent some time in Minnesota before from Valdres, Norway in 18%. They coming to Dakota Territory in 1%3. He came to the Portland area, where they filed on a claim in Golden Lake were married that same year. From Township. Mrs. Thea Hagen Flesche here they left for Roseau, Minnesota, was born in Aadalen, Norway, January where they established a borne and 5, 18% and came to the United States lived many years. In the early 1900's with her parents. They settled near they returned to Golden Lake Town­ Faribault, Minnesota. Peter and Thea ship, and purchased a farm where they were married in Fertile, Minnesota in continued to live until Mrs. Skoglund's March 1%5. They came to Dakota death, and Mr. Skoglund moved to Territory the following year and settled Minneapolis. They had six children, on his homestead. They were charter Selma (Mrs. Carl Knutson), Fargo; members of the Beaver Creek Church Olga (Mrs. Olaf Odden), Portland, and Ladies Aid. In 1910 they retired and Ore.; and Oscar, Gustave, Carl and Ole, moved into Hatton. Peter died October all deceased. 24, 1914 and Thea died June 21, 1945. They had seven children: Edwin, Clarence, Edgar, Carroll, Edna, all deceased; and Mrs. Olga Ness, Hatton and Edwin, Finley.

JOHN O. ERICKSON was bom in Enger Township August 27, 18%. He was the son of Ole and Guri Jonsrud Erickson. Berthine M. Bjerke was bom in Browne County, Minnesota, June 25, 18%, and came to this area when a small child, with her parents, Andrew and Johanna Bjerke. John and Berthine NILS PEDERSON, son of Marit and were married in Finley, July 17, 1%9 Thor, was born in a log cabin near and settled in Golden. Lake Township Portland, North Dakota, May 20, 1%0. where they farmed. The farm is now He was baptized and confirmed in the owned by their son Oliver. John passed Aurdal Church in Portland and also away October 16, 1923. Berthine is at attended country school and Bruflat the present time making her home with Academy. In 18% Nils and his brother her daughters in the state of Washington. There are six children: Peter purchased two quarters of land in Oliver, and Mrs. Truman Simley V Golden Lake Township, the N^ of (Alice), Finley; Mrs. Edward Tobiason section 21. For two years they lived in a (Mildred), South Bend, Washington; ERICK H. BRAGER was bom in shanty after which they built a house. Mrs. Gerhard Amundson (Julia) and Hedalen, Norway, March 23, 1874. He Later Nils bought Peter's share and Mrs. Frank Hyatt, (Thea) Seattle, came with his parents to this country at also more land. In 19% he married Washington; and Mrs. Leroy Arm­ the age of two years. His parents, Erick Mathilda Tolen. They were members of strong, (Edna), Toledo, Washington. and two brothers, Ole and Albert came Bethany Congregation of which Nils to Enger Township, Steele County, from held many offices and was the janitor Wisconsin. He moved to Golden Lake for over 20 years. He was also a director Township about 19%, broke up the land of the school he helped build, known as and started farming one half section of the Golden T-ake Center School. Eight section 8, Range 55 with his brother Ole, children were born to the Pedersons. later buying Ole's share of the land. He They are Theodore and Albert of also did some veterinarian work. While Portland, North Dakota; Melvin of farming in Enger Township he did most Vista, California; Hjalmer, Joseph, and of the work with one large and one Mathilda (Mrs. George Erickson) of small team of oxen because they could Hatton; Agnes (Mrs. Edgar Karlstad) out-pull the horses. He married Randi of Mayville; and Norman of Finley. Gurine Bjergo, of Fergus Falls, Min­ Being a lover of Music, Nils purchased nesota on March 24, 19%. She passed band instruments for all of his children away in 1929. He continued farming and helped finance the Golden Lake until his death in 1944. The farm is now Band. He was also interested in owned and operated by his son Emil of athletics. After farming for fifty years Northwood. Adoph,.Geneva an George Nils and his wife moved into Hatton in live on the home farm in Golden Lake 1946 where they joined the St. John Township. Other children are Grace Church. They celebrated their Golden (Mrs. Irving Anderson), Mrs. Clara Wedding Anniversary with all of their Hagen and Mrs. Burt Jacobson of eight children and many of their Finley, and Mrs. Gladys Leon, Fargo. grandchildren present. Norman later bought their farm and is still living PETER E. FLESCHE was bom near STEPHANUS SKOGLUND and there. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson are DeForest, Wisconsin, January 18, 18%. TONETTA ODDEN came to the U. S. deceased.

107. IVER STRAND NOSS was born August 31, 18% in Hallingdal, Norway. Upon his arrival here he lived for a time AJLBfcRT BJERKE was bora near with his brother, Tollef Noss, ill the Northwood, Iowa, May 22,1876, the son Hatton community. Gunhild Ramstad of Daniel and Johanna Bjerke. In the was born June 24, 1875 in Sigdal, Nor­ OLAUS W. WILLIAMS, one of the fall of 1%1 he came with his parents to way, and came to the U. S. with well known pioneers of Steele County Valley City, North Dakota, and in 1882 her parents. Iver and Gunhild were was born in Christiania, Norway, April they moved to Beaver Creek Township, married in June 18%. They farmed 24, 18% of parents William Williams Steele County. He married Birgitte near Portland for four years before and Karen Harken Williams. With his Paulson, who was born in Hallingdal, buying a farm in Golden Lake Town­ parents and other relatives he im­ Norway, and came to Northwood, North ship. They lived there until their migrated to America in 18% and settled Dakota in 1877. In 1904, the same year of retirement when they moved to Hatton. near Decorah, la., later moving to their marriage, they moved to Golden Iver passed away August 1, 1954, and Fillmore County, Minn. In 18% he was Lake Township where they made their Gunhild passed away July 13, 19%. married to Johanna Gorder, and to this home. In 1944 they retired to Hatton, They had twelve children: Julia (Mrs. union five children were born, one moving to the Northwood Rest Home in Tom Wilson), Ludvig, Gelana, Gunder, dying in infancy. In 1%1 he came to 1954, where Mr. Bjerke passed away Melvin, Ida, all deceased. Gina (Mrs. Mayville, his wife coming later in the that same year. Mrs. Bjerke died in Adolph Wamstad) Hatton; Ingvald, fall of the year, riding in the caboose of 1960. Mr. Bjerke served as a Mayville; Lottie (Mrs. Harold Brink- the first train to come into Mayville. He representative from Steele County in man) Grand Forks; Ludvig, Hatton; worked in Mayville 2 years in a the 1935 session of the State Sanford, Finley; and Gilman, Hatton. blacksmith shop and livery stable, and Legislature. He held school and in 1882 filed claim to his homestead township offices and also served as an farm in Golden Lake Township where officer on the board of the Farmers he lived the rest of his life, except for 4 Elevator in Finley. The Bjerke's had years when he lived at Sherbrooke, the seven sons and one grandson (James, County Seat, and served as County son of John A. Bjerke, Fargo) who Treasurer. From l%3 to 18% he served served their country in World War 2. as Co. Commissioner; from 18% to 1903 Their children are John A. Fargo; as County Treasurer, and then again as Ernest, Yakima, Wash.; Gustav, Reno, County Commissioner from 1913 to 1920, Nevada; Herbert, Rockville, refusing at that time to serve longer. Maryland; Jeroy, Reseda, California; His interest in church work was and Selma, Danzel and Arthur, all manifested by joining the newly deceased. organized Bang Congregation, where he was a faithful worker. He was laid to NELS aim CARRIE FLATEN rest in the cemetery of this church in homesteaded four miles south of January 19%. Olaus and Johanna Mayville in the late 18%'s. A neighbor Williams raised four daughters and one dug an artesian well close to their foster daughter. They were Valdine homestead, which flooded their land (Mrs. John Carlson) deceased; Cora; and made it impossible for them to Emma (Mrs. Elmer Knutson); Otilia remain there. They then moved to (Mrs. E. J. Odden) and Elsie. One of the Golden Lake Township in 1895 where many little services 0. W., as he was they purchased land and built their familiarly known, performed for his home. They were faithful members of neighbors was teeth extraction. He Bethany Church, Andrew serving as would carry a f orceps in his pocket and GURINE DYRLAND was Dorn, a member of the Church Council and help out the suffering individual. One married and had six children in also as treasurer for a number of years. story told by his family is of the woman Stavanger, Norway. They were The Nels Flatens had five children: who walked four miles with a badly Nickolai, Enock, John, Jacob, Hans and Rosie, who died when a small child; infected tooth, and since he happened to Mary. After becoming a widow, she Ragna (Mrs. Olaus Grondalen); An­ be out in the hayfield, he set the woman came to the United States to live with drew: Clara and Nora. After their up against the hay stack, pulled her her sons, John, Jacob and Nickolai who parents death Andrew, Clara and Nora tooth, and she walked home again. The had preceded her here, and had settled continued to reside on the home farm forceps, which are still in the family, on a farm in Golden Lake Township until their passing; Nora in 1947, An­ are well worn, indiciating the many about 18%. Hans and Mary came to this drew in 19% and Clara in 19%. Mrs. times they must have been used. country about 19%. Grondalen is also deceased.

108. Wisconsin. They had a home wedding, Norway, December 16, 18%. She and one half mile north west of the Ole were married in 1%1 and left the homestead, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. next year for the United States. In 1882 Steve Holen. Ed Moe was Township they settled in Golden Lake Township Clerk, School Clerk, and Assessor for where he purchased his land from Golden Lake Township many years. He Levor Gopplerud. This remained their was Steele County Treasurer two terms home as long as they lived. Their first during the late teens and early twenties home was a log cabin. They had nine and was also Secretary of the Finley children: Thea, died in infancy; Iver, Farmers Grain and Elevator Company Gustave, Thorval, Bertha, Otis, Berat, for thirty five years. For a number of all deceased. Severt, Hatton, and Thea, LARS FAGERBAK was a bachelor. years before Finley was started, the (Mrs. Alex Windloss) of Hope. He lived in Section 5 of Golden Lake mail was brought up from Hope to Township. He returned to Norway in the Sherbrooke. Mrs. Moe usually made it late teens. He has been deceased for once a week walking to get the much years. When leaving for Norway he sold looked for news. A 13 mile hike both his land to Osmund Windloss. After ways. Mr. Moe passed away October, returning to Norway he married and 1940 and Mrs. Moe died in June, 19%. had a family of eleven children. Lars Their one son, Alvin, resides with his Fogerbak, seated, and Ole Berge, family on the home farm. standing.

ROLOF THYKESON was born in Freeborn, Minnesota, a family of five boys and one girl. Mrs. Gunild NELS G. ENGEN came to America Thykeson was born in Norway, a family about 1887, working in Minnesota and of six girls and two boys. She came to Steele County. In 1892 he married the United States at the age of fifteen. ED MOE homesteaded the SEy4 of Gurine Olson of Atwater, Minnesota. They settled in Golden Lake Township Section 18, Golden Lake Township in They came to Steele County to make in 1897. During the first years on their 1884. While living up to his homestead their home. They lived in a dugout on farm Mrs. Thykeson brought the mail rights, he also worked at the Mayville the NE quarter of Section 1 in Sher­ from Hatton out to the Golden Lake Grandin Farms. He walked and ran to brooke Township for about three years, Store for the people in this community. his homestead shanty after suppers when they moved to the NW quarter of There was no rural mail service. Four from Mayville and would arrive back in section %, Golden Lake Township. They children were bom, Gunvold, now in the time his breakfast. He mentioned one lived there until 1913 when they moved Soldiers Home, Ortin, Wash.; Cedelia, experience he had while passing a to Meeker County, Minnesota. Eight New Rockford, North Dakota; Selmer, cemetery at Portland. In the gray dawn children were bom to them: Amanda, Golden Lake Township; and Alma of morning, he noticed something Emma, Sophia, Gustav, Olga, Adolph, Phillip of Finley. stirring between the tombstones. Not Norris and Edna who was bora in believing in ghosts, he walked in to find Minnesota. a cow grazing there. He also was em­ JOHN WEDIN was born in Norra ployed by the Mayville Flour Mill for a Egglaund, Sweden, and came to the period of time. Ed was born in Norway United States in 18%, coming to and when 17 immigrated to Wisconsin Willmar, Minnesota. In 1892 he came to to a cousin who lived south of Madison. Steele County, and the following year He never returned to Norway. When he homesteaded in Golden Lake he came to the U. S. he had a Township where he continued to reside ticket on a ship transporting cattle. until his death June 1,1937. He married After listening to the mooing and Hanna Olson of Atwater, Minnesota in bellowing of the cattle, sea sickness, 18%, and came to their home in Golden and a lengthy six weeks crossing, he Lake Township. Mrs. Wedin taught never had the urge for more ocean school in Minnesota. She was a member travel. While still a bachelor, breaking of the Methodist Church at Sherbrooke. sod and trying his hand at farming, After Mr. Wedin's death she went to Mrs. Sever Holen and Mrs. Osmun Caldwill, Idaho, to make her home with Windloss baked bread for him. No her sister, Kate Daniels. She passed bakeries at that time. On December 24, OLE VIGEN was born in Norway, away Januarv 12, 1941. (Kate Daniels 18% he married Rhoda Anderson of May 3, 1%3 of parents Iver and Thora was the Kate Olson who started the Mayville, originally from Dane County, Vigen. Bertine Tolsrud was also born in Hotel in Finley about 19%).

109. PETER VAREBERG came with his MR. EDWARD WILLIAMS was bora GILBERT G. ENGEN came to Steele parents from Halingdal, Norway, June near Oslo, Norway in 1%1. He came to County from Norway in 1882, working at 1%2. Since there had been a bumper America in 18% with his parents and various jobs until 18%, when he crop around Hatton in 1891, and due to settled near Decorah, Iowa and later returned to Norway for a visit. He the fact that there were very few moved to Filmore County, Minnesota. returned to the United States in 18% and threshing rigs in those days, the In the fall of 1%1 he came to Mayville in on July 27, 1894 he married Nettie A. pioneers had been unable to complete Dakota Territory where for several Olson of Atwater, Minnesota, at Grand their threshing that fall. So Mr. years he hauled the mail between Forks, North Dakota. After their Vareberg's father's first job in this Mayville and Hatton as the train came marriage they came to Golden Lake country when he arrived that spring of only as far as Mayville. Even in those Township and settled on the SWy4 of 1892 was to stack straw from a straw days the slogan "neither rain or sleet, Section 34, farming until 1904. Then carrier on the Swen Huus farm. Then snow or cold shall stop the mail" held they purhcased a home in Finley and the family moved to the Portland area true. The story is told by his family that resided there until 1915 when they where they rented forty acres and one day he got as far as Hatton in a returned to their farm. They had six began farming with two mules. In 1907 raging bUzzard but would not stay there children: Gilbert, Mayville, Fritz, they moved to their farm in Golden as there was no room for his horses and Finley, J. Arthur and Conrad, Lake Township, which they had pur­ he would not leave them outside. So he deceased, and also one son and one chased in 18%. In 1913 Peter married struggled on to Northwood, walking daughter who died in infancy. Their son Elvina Windloss in the Beaver Creek ahead of the horses and finally reached J. Arthur Engen was the Tax Com­ Church and they moved to the S. W. Northwood to the astonishment of missioner of the State of North Dakota quarter of Section 29. They continued to everyone. Ed Williams filed on a from 1954 until his death in 19%. Fritz make their home there until retiring quarter section of land in Golden Lake farms the home farm in Golden Lake into Finley in 1961. They have four Township the same year his brother Township, and Gilbert held a civil children: Ordean and Gordon, both of Olaus filed there. He moved there in service position with the Geodetic Finley; Mrs. Leland (Marjorie) 1882 and he and his wife Elsie lived Department of the United States Navy Bonnet, Grand Forks; and Palmer, the there until her death at a young age. for about forty years. Dells, Oregon. They had five children: Cornelia (Mrs. Gust Vigen); Walter, deceased; Mable (Mrs. Ole Skoglund-deceased); Ella, deceased and Elsie. Elsie was raised as a foster daughter of Olaus Williams as her mother died at Elsie's birth. After her death Ed and his children moved to Salem, Oregon for a few years but later they moved back to his farm. He died there in 19%.

HANS HANSON came to the United NELS TOLIN was bora in Sweden, States sometime in the late Eighteen or June 17,1846. His wife Mathilda Miller early Nineteen Hundreds. He settled in was also born in Sweden, March 11, Golden Lake Township and batched in a 18%. They were married Dec. 26, sod house on his homestead on the west 1875 in Sweden and came to New York half of section twenty, now owned by City in 1877, where Nels worked in a Emil Moe. Later he built a house and Piano Factory. There they adopted a barn on the south east quarter of sec­ little girl, now Mrs. Nels (Mathilda) tion seventeen and moved there. Hans JOHN DYRLAND, Stavanger, Nor­ Pederson. In the fall of 18% they came also acquired the land owned by T. E. way, came to the United States where to Dakota Territory and in the spring of Hagen, when the Hagen's retired. He he married Anna Anderson and settled 1%1 filed on the NWVi Section 14, married Tonetta Hanson of Golden on section 22, Golden Lake Township, in Golden Lake Township. They farmed Lake Township and they retired into the year 18%. Seven children were born there for 24 years, then retired to Finlye, where they lived until their to them: Oscar, Elmer, Gina, Emma, Portland. Nels Tolen died in 1934 and deaths. Hilda, Melvin and Thea. his wife in 19%.

110. HANS WINNESS was bora in Nedre NELS HESKIN was bora in Et- TOSTEN HAGEN was bora in Albert Eker, Drammen, Norway, Jan. 5, 1862. nedalen, Valdres, Norway, in 18% and Lea, Minnesota, in 1870. He married He immigrated to America and settled came to the Portland, North Dakota Ingeborg Bjornson, born in 1872 in in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in the spring of area in 18%. He homesteaded in Golden Telemarken, Norway. In ap­ 1884. In 18% he came to the Portland Lake Township in 18%. In 19% Nels and proximately 18% or 18% they came to community where he filed on a his sister Ragnild returned to Norway Golden Lake Township and settled on homestead in Golden Lake Township. and there he married Bertine Smed- the farm now known as the Bennie Mr. Winness married Carrie Anderson srud. She was bora October 22, 1878. Grandalen farm, later moving to the in 1887. She was bora in Wisconsin in They returned here to their farm that farm presently owned by Chester Moe. 18% and came with her parents to this same year. Nels died in 19% and Ber­ Tosten moved his steam threshing rig area in 1%L They had ten children; tine passed away January 31, 1972. from Roseau, Minnesota, to Golden Mrs. Laura Venn, and Arthur, Port­ They had seven children: Oliver, Lake Tonwship and did custom land, North Dakota; Serena, Barbour, Dazey; George, Edward and Bernard, threshing in this area for many years. Mexico City; Lillian Peterson, San Harron; Mrs. Julian (Emma) Meldahl, They had eight children: Betsy (Mrs. Pedro, California; Myrtle Dean, Long Finley; Mrs. Rudha Sanderson, Carl Olson); Ida (Mrs. Paul Wiggen); Beach, California; Helen Enge, Freer, Cooperstown; and Mrs. Harold (Alpha) and Lisa (Mrs. Oscar Aamold), all of Texas; and Laura, Nellie, Norris and Nienas, Whittier, California. Portland; and Ingvald, Hatton. Ed­ Carl, deceased. ward, Jorgene, Theodore and Alfred are all deceased.

THOMAS E. WILSON was bora near JORGEN ODDEN was bora in 18% in Reynolds, North Dakota, June 2, 1%9. Valdres, Norway. He and his wife Anna He attended school and grew to Paulelien immigrated to America in manhood there, coming to Steele 18%. They were accompanied by their County in 1911 and working on various infant son Olaf, and Mrs. Odden's farms. On June %, 1912 he married OLE S. DOKKEN was born at young sister Barbrou, who later Julia Strand, bom May 15, 1891 near Numedal, Norway, December 1, 1867. became Mrs. Iver Ringdahl, of McVille, Portland, and then of Golden Lake At the age of 18, he and a brother North Dakota. They came in a caravan Township. They were married in the Hellick, came to Hatton, North Dkaota of other settlers coming to Dakota Little Forks Church in Enger Township. and worked on farms in that area. In Territory, not much is known of the They farmed near Finley until 1914 March 18%, he married Julia Noss, other members of the caravan by the when they moved to the Golden Lake daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tollef Noss of remaining members of the family. It is area, then to Enger Township prior to Hatton. About 18% he bought two known that they came to Portland by returning to Golden Lake where they quarters of land in the northern part of train and then walked carrying their operated a country store for sixteen Golden Lake Township. Here he built a small possessions to the Harold years. In 1942 they moved to Grand two-room sod house. In 19% he sold the Gilbertson farm in Primrose Township. Forks where he was employed by the farm and moved to the SW quarter of Harold (also known as Henry) Russell Miller Milling Company until Section %, where they resided until Gilbertson was a cousin of Mr. Odden his retirement in 1%7 when they moved 1921, when they moved to a farm north and a cousin of Gulbran Engen. From to Finley. The Wilsons observed their of Hatton. Of the ten children born to this farm the Oddens moved to section Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1962. this union, five are deceased, namely: % in Golden Lake Township where they They had four children: Mrs. Walter Theodore, Manda (Mrs. J. A. Engen), bought school land and lived in a sod (Gladys) Hughes and Mrs. Arvid Selmer, Carl, and Gina. Living are: dugout at first. Mr. and Mrs. Odden (Vivian) Hanson, both of Finley; Mrs. Maline (Mrs. Elmer Johnson), lived on this same farm the rest of their Jerome (Lorraine) Christianson, Clarence, Caroline (Mrs. Fritz Engen), lives. They had the following children, Mayville; and Theodore, deceased. Mr. Oliver and Hjalmer. Mr. Dokken passed Olaf, Ole, Martin, Gunhild, Albert and Wilson died March 5, 1964 and Mrs. away April 28, 1923 and Mrs. Dokken Emil. Wilson November 16, 19%. passed away July 12, 1949.

111. OLE THOMPSON was born in moving to Moorhead, Minn, in 1919. Mr. Hedalen, Valdres, Norway in 1%7 and Thompson died in 1952 and Mrs. in 18% was united in marriage to Thompson died in 19%. Their children Kjersti EUingson, who was bora in Fla, were Olivia, (Mrs. Anton Hovdestad) Hallingdal, Norway in 1872. They and Tuscon, Arizona; Ole Thompson Jr. their son Thorvald immigrated to Fullerton, California; Clara (Mrs. America, coming first to Quebec, Amund Findalen) Moorhead, Minn.; Canada, and from there to Golden Lake Artha (Mrs. Tilmen Lien) Hillsboro; Township in 1897. They purchased the and Thorvald and Elise (Mrs. Jacob farm presently owned by Irving An­ Jacobson) deceased. There were also derson, and continued to live there until several children who died in infancy. GREENVIEW TOWNSHIP

Greenview Township was organized ARCHER SCHOOL—Ethel Stansbury, Mamie January 7, 1889, and held their first town Stansbury, Howard Stansbury, Pearl Stan­ meeting Tuesday, January 29th, 1889, at the sbury, Olga Herikson, Knudt Thompson, Edith school house on Section 8. First officers who Archer, Agnes Henrikson, Warren Archer, served the area in 1893, before the township Thea Thompson, Bitsie Thumm, Clarence was legally recognized were Carl G. Carlson, Archer, Mabel Archer, Thomas Thompson, clerk; Emil Carlson, treas.; O. H. Carlson, Ferdie Thumm. Taken at the Steen Nelson Assessor; and Martin Henrickson, Chairman School. of Supervisors, all of Mardell. The only records available pertaining to the early organization of school districts states the nearest neighbors of the Opheims were 24 that Wheatland was the name of the school miles away at Golden Lake. district which was, at the beginning, a part of At that time, social life centered around the the No. 5 school district. Records show that A. school, church, and home. Peddlers made the 0. Carlson was treasurer of Wheatland school rounds in the summer, two of the better known district, September 22, 1886, and that Ole C. salesmen being Abraham Omer and Albert Nelson was a judge at the school election held Alley. Dances in the homes were very popular July 24, 1886. Wheatland later became part of and would last most of the night. Evan Mon­ the Greenview School District. son, with his violin, and also Edwin Olson, Ida In the years 1879-1880 several land seekers Engen, Helmer Hilstad and Hannah Olson settled along the Sheyenne River Valley. provided music for the dances. Omund Nelson Opheim (also known as Sunday School was held in the homes. A Pioneer Nelson by other settlers) was the first "Girls Society" was organized for young permanent settler. He and his family came ladies in the community, later called the here from Winnesheik Co., Iowa in a covered "Willing Workers." Programs were given and wagon and as far as can be learned, they were there were yearly fancy work sales. A Young the only family living in what became Griggs Peoples Brotherly Love Society (known as County in the winter of 1879, 1880. At that time YPBLS) was organized in 1915 for the young

112. people, and this too, met in the homes. The society had a membership of 60, but at times, as many as 100 attended the meetings. Good programs were given and a choir was organized in the Sheyenne Valley Church, with P. O. Sathre as director. The present officers of Greenview Township are Gordon Carlson, clerk; Donald Good, treas.; Ernest Juliusen, LeRoy Olson and Dennis Carlson, supervisors. HISTORY OF SHEYENNE VALLEY CHURCH

members of the congregation hauled stones and made cement for the foundation and the Church was completed in August 1898. Tena Christopherson was the first baby baptized in the new Church, September 11, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. John Rosendahl were the first couple to be married there. Pastor V. E. Boe came in 1909 at which time I Hffi,. Sheyenne Valley joined with Ostervold and Finley to form a parish. On June 19, 1961 the In the early 1800's, after several families community was saddened when the Church had settled in Greenview Township, it was the burned to the ground. With its spire pointing desire of these early pioneers to get together heavenward, it had stood as a house of wor­ for worship and to hear the word of God. ship for over sixty years. It was in the process In 1880 and 1881 Pastor Bjug A. Harstad of being renovated and repaired in from Goose River visited the settlement and preparation for the 80th anniversary to be conducted several services. On November 9, observed in September. 1880, Katrinne Opheim, born October 7, was At a congregational meeting November 1, baptized by Pastor I. L. Lundeby at services 1961 it was voted to build a new Church. held in Johannes Qualey's log cabin. Pastor Construction was started April 23, 1962 and the Lundeby was a home missionary stationed in first service (a communion service) was held Valley City in the 1880*s. in the new Church November 25, 1962, where The earliest services were held in the log the work begun by the early pioneers con­ houses. Later school houses were used until tinues in Sheyenne Valley. the Church was built in 1898. People came to HOFVA CHURCH attend services from as far away as north and The first services of Hofva Church in east of what is now Finley, some traveling by Greenview Township were held in September ox team. During these years the Church was of 1887 at the home of Ole Anderson. The next part of several parishes. service was held at the Alfred Johnson home Beginning in 1884 services were held in the in 1888. Mardell schoolhouse. A room for the pastor On September 24, 1888, a congregation was was built on to John Dahl's log cabin, located organized by Rev. Ryding at the Elias west of the river. The first wedding in the Erickson home, and was received into the congregation was in 1886 when Emil Carlson Minnesota Conference of the Augustana and Johanna Henrickson were married in Synod. Andrew Carlson's log house. The first Deacons were Elias, Erickson, At a meeting held April 1, 1895 it was Ludwig Peterson, and Hendrick Hendrickson. decided a church should be built and that each The first trustees were Alfred Anderson, Ole member give ten bushels of wheat to start the Anderson, and Gustof Peterson, with Andres building fund. A location was selected, Carlson as secretary.

113. During the early years, services were held in the different homes, and also in _the schoolhouse. The first Confirmation Class was held in 1894 by Reverend Alfred Bergen. In 1900 the Congregation decided to build a Church, which was dedicated July 21, 1904. Charter members were Andrew Hagblad, Elias Erickson, Gust Anderson, Otto An­ derson, Carl Anderson, Andres Carlson, Carl Gustafson, Hendrick Hendrickson, Alfred Johnson, Ludwig Peterson, Gust Peterson, and Mrs. John Wendlick. Mrs. Andrew Erickson served as a faithful organist for about thirty years. On September 4 and 5, 1938, Hofva Church celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the Congregation and on July 11, 1954 they celebrated the fiftieth an­ niversary of the building of the Church. Construction on the Hofva Lutheran Church Present Board members are: Clifford was begun in 1900, with dedication of the Anderson, Clifford Lundstrom, William Law, church held on July 21, 1904. The 50th An­ Edward Johnson, Bennie Simonson, and Lloyd niversary of the congregation was observed in Law. Bertel Lundstrom is the treasurer. 1954.

ALBERT ANDERSON was born in lived and farmed in Greenview 18%. During their early residence Sweden in 18% and migrated to the Township until 19% when he moved into there, both Mr. and Mrs. Bemis taught United States, coming to the Cooper­ Finley. From 1947 to 1%3 he lived in school in Steele County, the latter stown area. There he worked as a farm Fargo with the George Porter family, having twenty-nine years of teaching to laborer for Pete Kindso. In about 19% formerly owners of Hotel Finley, where her credit. Mr. Bemis also taught many he married Hilda Kindso, Peter Kind- he helped care for the Porter children. years in Sverdrup Township in Griggs so's daughter. They farmed for a time He again returned to Finley where he County. During all of this time he was in Griggs County until purchasing a remained until October, 19%, moving an active worker in Church and Civic farm in Greenview Township, Steele then to the Good Samaritan home in affairs. Mr. Bemis died November 27, County, where they spent the Aneta where he died January 19,1972 at 1929 and Mrs. Bemis died May %, 1946. remainder of their life. Mrs. Anderson the age of 97 years. Mr. Nelson had They had three children, Myrtle, (Mrs. died in 1940 and Mr. Anderson passed never married. C. A. Porterville), Melvin and Bryon, away in 1948. They had nine children: all deceased. Their daughter Myrtle Clara (Mrs. Elmer Wendlick), Mabel was bora at Verndale, Wis., Jan. 5,18%, (Mrs. Merlin Olson), Stella, (Mrs. coming to Dakota Territory with her Melvin Vosseteig), all of Finley; Elvira parents in 1882. She attended, and also (Mrs. Fred Paul), Green, Iowa; Agnes taught school in Steele and Griggs (Mrs. Gust 01son)j Cooperstown; counties for two years, then entered Clarence, Hannaford; Inez and Arthur, Valley City Normal School from which on the home farm in Greenview she graduated in 1904. Later she Township; and Edna, deceased. enrolled at the University of North Dakota, graduating with a B. A. degree in 19%, and received her M. A. degree in 19%. She was married to Chas. Porterville June 15, 1910. They farmed in the Sheyenne River Valley for HENRY A. BEMIS, pioneer Steele several years and then moved to county educator, was bora in Malone, Cooperstown, where Mrs. Porterville New York in 1854. In the year 1864 he taught in the high school for many moved with his parents to Vernon years. In later years she became in­ County, Wis., where he was educated terested in the history of Griggs County and grew to manhood. He graduated and compiled and produced one of the from Milton College in 1879. His wife, most complete histories of any County Weltha Bemis, whom he married in in the State. Most of this material is in 1876 was also a pioneer Steele County the North Dakota State University teacher. She was born September 8, library in Fargo and is used extensively 18%, at Dalington, Wisconsin. The in classes in North Dakota history OLE NELSON, son of Nels Olson, was couple came to Dakota Territory in there. Mr. Porterville died in May 1934, born in Sweden, Apirl 3,1874. He came 1882, homesteading on the farm in the and Mrs. Porterville in February 1961. to this country in March of 19%. He south part of Greenview Township in They had an adopted son, Claude.

114. papers, to change his name. This he Township and worked for W. W. Archer did, changing it to Wang, after a place on his farm in that township, until in Norway called Wagenn. Six children purchasing their own farm. They lived were bora to the Wang's: Ragna (Mrs. there until their latter years, when Simon Simonson) Cutbank, Montana; retiring to live with their son Clarence Clara (Mrs. Victor Johnson) Moorhead, on his farm, also in Greenview Minnesota; Oscar, Fenville, Michigan; Township. Mr. Anderson died in 1964 and Mable (Mrs. Cone), Helmer, and and Mrs. Anderson died in 1945. Their Adolph, all deceased. Mrs. Wang died children were: Anna (Mrs. Arnold April 3,1910. Later Mr. Wang returned Finstad), Finley; Clarence and Albert, to Norway and remarried, after which Cooperstown; and Elmer, Hillsboro. he again returned to his farm in Greenview Township, passing away, CONRAD LUNDSTROM was bora in December 24,1949. Mrs. Lorenza Wang GUST AF and MATILDA ANDERSON Vesterbotten, Sweden, in 1882. In 19% died in 1969. were both bora in Sweden, he at he immigrated to the United States, Elgaras, Skarab, on February 4, 1848 | working for a time in the Duluth, and Mathilda on March 23, 1859. They Minnesota area, and then coming to came to the Renville County, Minnesota Greenview Township, Steele County, area in 18%, and were married there in where he was employed on th E. C. 1876. Gustaf came to Dakota Territory, Butler farm. He married Ellen Marie seeking land, in l%l, and in June of 1882 Hanson of Wisconsin in 1907 following returned to Minnesota for his wife and which they filed on a homestead in three children: Agusta, Carl Victor, Williams County. He and his family (born December 18, 1879) and returned to Greenview Township in Theodore. Their journey here was 1910. Mrs. Lundstrom passed away in 1923. They had seven children: Nor­ made with oxen and a covered wagon in man, Moorhead, Minnesota; Hilda a period of about three weeks, the Red (Mrs. Edward Edwardson), Hope; River being crossed at Fargo. Mrs. Clifford and Bertel, Finley; Myrtle Anderson's parents, brothers and (Mrs. Otto Jochim) Billings, Montana; sisters, the Elias Ericksons, arrived Esther and Florence, both deceased. In here at about the same time, and they 1929, Mr. Lundstrom married Mrs. CARL G. CARLSON was bora on his all settled in the same neighborhood in Marion Grotte Nelson, who had three parents' farm in Greenview Township, Greenview Township. The Andersons children by a previous marriage. They south of the Sheyenne Valley Church. had a claim under the % acre law in were Jenner, who lost his life in the When a young man, he married Betty Minnesota but under a reciprocal service of his country in World War II; Monson of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. agreement between North Dakota and Edith (Mrs. Bertel Lundstrom) on the They purchased a farm, also in Minnesota they were able to transfer it home farm near Finley; and Harriet Greenview Township, which was their to Greenview. The first school the (Mrs. Wilbur Schlacht), Mayville. Mr. home until they retired into Finley in children attended was Mardell, the Lundstrom died in 19% and Mrs. 1918. They had four children, Anne boom town near the Sheyenne River, Lundstrom now lives in Finley. (Mrs. P. M. Bjugstad), Albert, Effie that became non-existent when the (Mrs. R. H. Staley) and Ethel (Mrs. railroad came to Cooperstown. Mardell George Porter). The parents and all of was also their post office, the mail the children are deceased. being brought up from Sanborn, North Dakota. Their earliest harvesting was done with a "self rake," bundles being tied by hand with straw. When threshing, grain was caught in a half bushel measure, then poured into one and one-half bushel sacks, and then hauled to the granary to be dumped and stored. Victor, Theodore and Sigfried homesteaded in the Amidon area in 19%, but Victor returned to the home farm in Section 32 in Greenview Township, remaining there until CHARELIUS WANG was bora in retiring into Cooperstown in 19%. Mr. Kongsvingen, Norway, December 17, and Mrs. Anderson were charter 1865. He married Oline Thorson of members of Hofva Church. Gustaf died Kristiania, Norway, who was bora August 28,1932 and Matilda died on the October 20,18% and they immigrated to same date in 1940. They had 10 children, the United States, filing on a homestead Victor, Sigfried, and Esther (Mrs. Ben in Greenview Township shortly MR. and MRS. EMIL ANDERSON Olson) all of Cooperstown; Ellen, (Mrs. thereafter. Mr. Wang's name before were both natives of Norway, Mr. An­ Teigen), Fosston, Minnesota; Viola coming to the United States, was derson being born in Trogstad and Mrs. (Mrs. Kramer) California; and Charelius Henrickson, but since there Anderson (Milla Olson) in Oslo. After Augusta, Theordore, Sabina (Mrs. were already two Henrickson families migrating to the United States they Olson), Minnie (Mrs. Eaten) and Earl, in Greenview Township, he was were married in St. Paul, Minnesota all deceased. None of the brothers ever advised, upon taking out his citizenship April 1, 1%3. They came to Greenview married.

115. years. In l%l they arrived in Green­ Sweden, July 3, 1862. He came with is view Township where they parents and brother Carl to Minnesota homesteaded on the NWV4 of Section 6 in 18%. In approximately 1%1, Emil and erected a log house. Several years came to Greenview Township, Steele later they built a frame house and County, where he homesteaded on the continued to live on their homestead farm presently owned by his grandson, until their passing. Mr. Arneson, who Gordon Carlson. The fall of 18% he was preceded in death by his wife, died returned to Minnesota to marry (On in 1926. They had eight children: Arae, November 6), Johanna Henrickson, Anna, Ella, Martha, Dorothea, Nels, bora September 4,18% in Sweden. Mrs. Hans, and Josie. Arae, the eldest son, Carlson's children remember her married Mary Halvorson in 1894 and description of her voyage across the they operated the home farm from 1911 Atlantic Ocean from Sweden to the JOHN ROSENDAHL bora close to to 1917. Upon Arae's death in 1917, his United States, in a sail boat—a passage Oslo in Norway in 1887, came to Finley eldest son Albin took over the farm, of about seven weeks. After their in June, 19%. He worked here as a where he still resides. He married marriage they returned to the farm farm laborer until 19%, when he left for Hazel Monson of Griggs County in 1931. home in Greenview, where they lived Montana where he homesteaded on a Albin and Hazel retired in 19%, but until they retired from farming in 1910 farm near Glendive. He returned here continue to reside on the original farm, and moved into Finley. They had nine the fall of 1913, where on October 8 he which is now operated by thier eldest children: Elma, Mayville; John and married Laura Bjugstad, their's being son Jerome. This makes four Edwin, both Finley; and Albin, Ener, the first marriage ceremony performed generations who have continuously Ida (Mrs. Mailhot), Emily (Mrs. in the Sheyenne Valley Church. Laura lived and farmed the original Storkson), William and HUmar, all was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole homestead of John and Kristi Nelson. deceased. During the 1920's Elma was a Bjugstad and was bora in Franklin missionary in China for five years, Township in 1891. After their marriage under the Missions program of the they returned to the homestead in Lutheran Church. Mr. Carlson died Montana where they lived until June 11, 1922, and Mrs. Carlson Sep­ returning to Finley in 1915. They pur­ tember 1, 1949. chased a farm in Greenview Township on Section 14, and lived there until retiring into Finley in 1949. Mrs. Rosendahl passed away in 1962, and Mr. Rosendahl makes his home here with a son-in-law and daugher, Mr. and Mrs. ANDREW HAVIG came to the United Harold Good. At the present time he is States from Vaage, Gulbransdalen, the oldest living member of the Norway in 1902, and worked for Sheyenne Valley Church. They had nine relatives in Minnesota until 19%. In 19% children. Alfred, Clara (Mrs. Harold he moved to Cooperstown, Griggs Good), and Harold, all of Finley; County, at which time he was joined by Jeannette (Mrs. Wesley Truscott), New his wife, the former Ida Rusness, her Orleans, La.; Lenore (Mrs. Richard mother Mary Rusness, and the Havig's In the sea south of Bergan, Norway, Qualey) Cooperstown; Orville, three daughters, from Norway. They lies a small island, known as Stolmen. Hopkins, Minn.; James, Fargo; Carol lived on a farm in Romness Township, The people living on the rocky top of Ann (Mrs. Wm. Taunton), Willmar, Griggs County for many years, moving this island are known as the "Upper Minn.; and Betty (Mrs. Roger An­ to Easton Township about 1917. Within a Vaages" and those on the lower level derson), Garland, Texas. few years they moved to the J. W. the "Lower Vaages." In February, Stansburgy farm in Greenview 1887, PAUL SIMONSON born in 18% Township, which they continued to and his cousin BRITA VAAGE, bora in make their home until their retirement. 1864, and both Upper Vaages, were They lived in Finley until Mrs. Havig's united in marriage. That same year death in 1949. Mr. Havig died in the they migrated to the United States and Northwood Rest Home in 19%. They had lived near Hatton. The next year they six children, Mary (Mrs. Leonard homesteaded on the northeast quarter Norgard) Finley; Karen (Mrs. Albert of section 4 in Greenview Township, Downing) and Inger (Mrs. Peterson) later moving to section 5, in order to both of Minneapolis; and Henry, Thor find water. Paul's original name was and Albin, all of Grand Forks. Vaage, but he changed it to Simonson after coming to the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Simonson lived on their farm in Greenview Township until their deaths, Mr. Simonson passing away in JOHN ARNESON and KRISTI 1934 and Mrs. Simonson in 1944. They NELSON, both born and married near had nine childra: Simon, Inga, Albert, Bergen, Norway, came to the United Nels, Josephine (Mrs. Alph Overby), States in 1865, settling in Iowa. In 1872 Christine, (Mrs. William Lundgren), they moved to Minnesota after which Marie, Alice (Mrs. Thoralph Tweed) they decided to move west, and lived in EMIL CARLSON, son of Andrew and and Clarence. All of the children are the Washington-Oregon area for three Anna Carlson, was bora in Wermland, deceased.

116. MR. and MRS. GUST R. ANDERSON Erickson. They came to Dakota were farmers in the Greenview Territory in 1882, settling on the NWV< Township area for many years. They of Section 34 in Greenview Township. were members of Hofva Swedish This was their home until their deaths. Lutheran Church, where Mr. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were charter was a deacon. Mrs. Anderson died in members of the Hofva Church, and he 1921. Mr. Anderson passed away in was a deacon of the first church board. Finley where he had lived after his They had seven children: Emma (Mrs. retirement, in 1954. Seven children Carl Peterson); Carl, Albert, Annie, were bora to the Andersons, Clarence, OLAUS JOHNSON was born in (Mrs. Christianson); Martin, Edward, Freddie, Augusta (deceased); Harold Kongeberg, Norway, and came to the and Ida (Mrs. Norman). The entire (deceased); Elwood, Edith and Ver­ United States with his parents and family is deceased. Mrs. Alfred Olson, non. settled in Renville County, Minnesota, Finley, and Edwin Peterson, Blablon, when he was fourteen years old. Anna grandchildren of the Ludvig Peterson's (Myra) Johnson was bora near Sacred (mother, Mrs. Carl Peterson) still Heart, Minn, on December 27, 1%2. reside in Steele County. They were united in marriage at Sacred Heart, Minn, and came to Greenview Township the same year, and farmed until their deaths. There were six children, twin sons, deceased, Odin living on the home farm, Pearl Seitsema of Montevideo, Minnesota; Cora (Mrs. Oscar Nelson) of Sharon, and Kermit of Hector, Minnesota. Olaus passed away in l%l and Anna in l%7. ANDREW CARLSON was bora in Hofva Church and Greenview School Wermland, Sweden, in 18%. In 18% he No. 2 were built on their land. married Anna Henriks, bora in 1839. In STEEN H. NELSON was bora in 18% he, his wife and two small sons, Mount Morris, Wisconsin, of Norwegian Emil and Carl, left their homeland, parentage on November 22,1854. In 18% coming to Minnesota where they lived Mr. Nelson journeyed to the Dakotas for approximately ten or twelve years. and in l%i homesteaded on what is now In 1882 the Carlson family moved to a part of the Arthur B. Nelson farm. Greenview Township, Steele County, Arthur and his wife live on the Steen where they purchased a farm home and Nelson homestead. Steen married resided there until their deaths. An­ Bertha Margrete Marum of Waushara, drew Carlson died in 18% and Mrs. Wisconsin in 18%. She was originally Carlson in 1912. They had five children: from Telemarken, Norway. They had Emil, Carl, Oscar, Emily, (Mrs. Martin six children, Bertha Amalie (died in Grunseth), and John, all deceased. infancy); Bertha Amalie (died in in­ fancy); Norris H.; Steven C. (died in 1%1); Arthur B. and Lulu (Mrs. M. L. OLIVER GEORGESON came to EVAN MONSON was bora in Gaarden Dinsmore). Mrs. Steen Nelson was a Finley in 18%. He came to the U. S. Nordeide, Norway, in 1828. His wife, lady of true womanly grace and one year before coming here and was at Ingeborg Ingebright was born in presided over her household with the time of his leaving the old country Gaarden Storebo, Norway in 18%. They dignity and kindliness. She patiently 48 years old. He settled in Greenview came to AUamakie County, Iowa about endured the hardships of pioneer days Township and has built up the farm­ 1%1 and in l%l homesteaded in in Dakota. Mrs. Nelson was a pioneer stead where his great delight lay in Greenview Township where they Post Mistress. Mr. Nelson became a planting and caring for a large and resided until their deaths. Mr. Monson large farm owner and operator. beautiful grove of trees. He surren­ died in 1911 and Mrs Monson in 19%. He aided in development and growth dered the active farming operations to They had ten children; Hans, Johann, of the great agricultural interests of the his son Andrew, who with his sister Martha, Kristine, Albert, Mons, Knudt, locality in which he lived. Steen took a Carrie have resided with the parents Susan, Henry and Evan. leading part in the movement which almost continuously up to the present resulted in the organization of Steele time. Mr. Georgeson was bora at County from parts of Griggs and Traill Grones, Jerfso, Helsingland, Sweden Counties in 1884. He was elected as a September 23,1844. Died May 13,1929. member of the board of commissioners April 28, 1874 he married Martha An­ at the first general election in Steele derson. Five children were born, three County. He was the first school and dying in infancy, leaving Andrew and township clerk in his district and later Carrie. Came to the United States in served four years as County Treasurer. 1892 and resided at New London, Mr. Nelson also served the 16th Minnesota for one year piror to coming legislature, districts comprising Griggs to Greenview Township. Carrie proved and Steele Counties in the North Dakota up on a homestead claim in the western House of Representatives for two part of the state, but returned to LUDVIG JOHAN PETERSON was terms. Mrs. Nelson died April 9, 18%. Greenview Township to care for her bora July 1,18% in Sweden. He came to Mr. Nelson passed away August 13, mother. The entire family is now Renville County, Minnesota in 1870 and 1929. deceased. on January 27, 1876 married Betsy

117. MARTIN HENRICKSON was bora in JOHN WENDLICK was born in Wermland, Sweden, in 18% and im­ Austria, January 1,1864, and when nine KITTEL B. ASK was born in migrated to the United States in 1884, years old, came with his parents to Kristiansand, Norway in 18%. He came coming first to Wisconsin. In 18% he Portage, Wisconsin. At the age of to Elgin, Iowa in 18% at the age of 17. He came to Greenview Township where he eighteen years he came to Cooper­ married Lena Groth in 18%. He was a homesteaded on Section 4. In 18% he stown, North Dakota and took a job as carpenter by trade and also farmed. In married Walborg Wallen, of Primrose, farm laborer on a farm two and one half 1910 he took his family to Norway where Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Henrickson miles east of Cooperstown. While they spent 1% years, returning to Iowa lived on their Greenview farm until working here William Henderson of in 1912. In the spring of 1916 they came their retirement in 1921 when they Greenview Township hired him work on to North Dakota and settled on the farm moved to Finley, and their son Bennie the Henderson farm. He remained there in Greenview Township. He was on the took over the farm. Mr. Henrickson for several years at the end of which Board of Directors of the Farmers died in 19%, after which Mrs. time he purchased the farm from Mr. Elevator and Federal Land Bank for Henrickson returnedt o the home farm Henderson. At this time, Clara several years. Mr. and Mrs. Ask and lived with her son and daughter-in- Hagblad, of Riverside Township came celebrated their Golden Wedding in law, the Bennie Henricksons, until her to work for Mr. Wendlick and in 18% 1946. K. B. passed away in l%7 at the death in 19%. They had one son Bennie, they were united in marriage. They age of 91 and his wife passed away in now of Finley, and an adopted remained there until Mr. Wendlick's 19%. They had five children: Bennie, daughter, Josie, deceased. death in 1942, when Mrs. Wendlick Swen, Thelma (Mrs. Wasness) all of retired into Finley, where she died in Finley; Harvey of Valley City; and 1951. The home farm is now operated by William, deceased. their youngest son Donald. They had nine children: Clarence; Mae (Mrs. Frank Ressler); Elmer, Raymond, Frankie, Melvin, Donald, Elsie, and Taps sounded in Cooperstown Sep­ Doris. The three living children, Elmer, tember 31, 1928 for EDWARD Frankie and Donald all live at Finley, CLARENCE BUTLER, Griggs County's North Dakota. last Civil War Veteran. He was bora in Gorham, New Hampshire in 1844, the son of Rev. Henry Butler, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the SIMON SIMONSON, Dorn near age of seventeen, he enlisted at the Bergen, Norway in 18%, left home at an outbreak of the Civil War, and served early age and spent several years as a until his regiment was mustered out of sailor with the Norwegian fleet. He then service. In 1870 he was married toMar y came to the United States and worked Hayes in New Glouster, Maine, where as a farm laborer in different areas of they lived until 1876, when they and Dakota Territory. In a couple of years their two children, Alice and William, he returned to Norway and in 1%1 moved to Austin, Nevada. Mrs. Butler married Brita Oline Drivinas at died in 1882. In that same year Mr. Bergan. The Simonsons then im­ Butler moved to his farm in Steele migrated to Greenview Township HENRICK HENRICKSON, born County, where he made a wonderful where they homesteaded on Section 26. February 26, l%7, came to the United success of farming. In 19% he married Here they lived and raised their family States from Wermland, Sweden, in Mary T. Hagen, to which union a son, of eight children. Their daughter 1882. He spent five years in Kandiyohi Clarence, was bora. On January %, Rachel and her husband, Jens County, Minnesota. Then in 1887 moved 1925, the portrait of Mr. Butler was Egediusen now farm the home farm, to Greenview Township, Steele County, hung in the Hall of Fame at the State from which Mr. and Mrs. Simonson where he settled on Section 8, and built Agricultural College in Fargo, by the moved when they retired into Finley in his first home—a sod house. In 1892 he Saddle and Sirloin Club, in recognition 19%. They are both deceased. They had married Maren Andreason, who came of outstanding contributions to North eight children: Simon, Cut Bank, from Norway. This was their home Dakota Agriculture in conneciton with Montana; Thomas, Fargo; Edward, their entire life. Mrs. Henrickson his work with Shorthorn Cattle and deceased; Henry, Bennie, and Rachel passed away in Apirl 1902, and Mr. Poland China swine. He retired from (Mrs. Jens Egediusen) all of Finley; Henrickson in Apirl 1944. They had farming because of ill health in the Ellen (Mrs. J. H. Gilbertson) Grand three children: John and Bertine, both spring of 1917, living in Cooperstown Forks; and Selma (Mrs. Irvin Main) deceased, and Albert, Mayville, North until his death. Mrs. Butler died May Van Nuys, California. Dakota. 15, 1925.

118. and Mrs. Hilstad and ail of their where Mr. Butler died in January 19%, children are now deceased. and Mrs. Butler in November 19%. They had two children, Edward William, and Frances, (Mrs. H. C. WILLIAM HALL BUTLER was bora Swanson). May 22,1873, in Norway, Maine, the son of Mary Hayes and Edward C. Butler. OTTO M. ERICKSON was bora In 18% he was graduated with the first August 7, 1870, in Renville County, LARS O. HILSTAD was born in class from Mayville Normal School. In Minnesota, coming to Dakota Territory Valdre, Ringsaker, Norway, June 22, 18%, while teaching at Hope he met with his parents in 1882. He married 1846. In 1867 he married Martha Idella Wilson, a native of Holland, Florence Radey, a teacher in Hope, and Mauseth, also of Norway. In May 1887, Vermont, and they were married June they settled on the NEV4 of Section 34 in the couple with their six children, 1,1897 at the Butler Farm in Greenview Greenview Township. They had three arrived in Steele County and Township. From 18% to 1902 he was children, Viola, Marie, and Jerome. homesteaded in Greenview Township. Superintendent of Schools in Steele Mrs. Erickson died when Jerome was Here they lived and farmed until 1919 County. He at one time was president of eight months old. Some time later, Otto when they sold their property and the North Dakota Implement Dealers married Minnie Peterson and in ap­ retired into Finley. They had eight Association. From 1897 to 19% he proximately 1911 they moved to the children: Karen (Mrs. Ole Bjugstad); farmed in Greenview and Riverside Broadview, Montana area. Three sons Ole, Lewis, Mathilda (Mrs. Andrew Townships. From 19% to 1929 he was a were bora to this union: Lawrence, Olson); Mary (Mrs. George Johnson); partner in the Hammer-Condy Im­ Wesley, and Lyle. Otto passed away Sena (Mrs. Henry Monson); Bertina plement firm. Mr. and Mrs. Butler several years ago, and Mrs. Erickson (Mrs. G. J. Mustad); and Albert. Mr. retired to Stephen, Minnesota in 1%1, still resides in Montana. MARDELL CITY Once the largest "boom" town ever to be from which tracks emanated almost like born southwest of Finley was Mardell, located spokes from the hub of a wheel. on land now in Griggs County. Named in 1882, Mardell was almost in the center of what the word was a contraction of "Marvelous was then Griggs County (the west two north Dale", a term used to describe the proposed and south tiers of Steele County were part of townsite. Griggs, and the east was part of Traill.) It In the fall of 1881 Richard P. Sherman called became involved in a three-way dispute over at the Ole Bolkan home and told of plans to the location of the county seat in which build on the proposed townsite, owned by him. Cooperstown and Hope were the other George H. Ellsbury, later acquired the land. aspirants. But the Railroads came through Cooperstown and Hope, eventually causing the The town was platted by Samuel H. collapse of Mardell. Its streets were named Reynolds and filed June 1,1882. It was located Park, Capitol and Sherman. Part of the 6 miles east of Cooperstown on the Sheyenne buildings were moved to Cooperstown and River. some to Hope. A few stood on the ancient Boom maps were sent out which townsite for nearly 30 years. Today it is in fact depicted the town as a future railroad center a "ghost" town.

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119. SHARON CITY

Sharon was platted by Iver Storland in 1895. P. Johnson, and the present agent W. A. Martha Bakken's house was the first house Gooderum. built. The first girl born in Sharon was Hedvig Elevators were erected almost as soon as a Syverson, the first boy was Minor Ellington. In town was started here on the prairies, and a 1897 the White Elephant was a restaurant; short history of each of the main ones follows: Martin Evje was first barber. The first Elevator No. 2 from the south, 1896-97, marshall was Billy Adams, and Avery Cargill Co. (International McCabe). Rebuilt in Johnson the pharmacist. 1964 by Farmers Elev. Co. George Long built the second house in 1898 Elevator No. 3 from the south 1896-97, North­ (Alfred Klabo's) First immigrant car—R. C. western - Monarch - Peavey - Cargill - Far­ Duea. mers. Dismantled in 1957. The Village was incorporated August 23, Elevator No. 4 from the South 1896-97. St. 1909. The big train wreck between Finley and Anthony (later Farmers) burned in 1918. Sharon occured December 30, 1911. Burned in 1964. In 1964 the tower, water and sewer were an Elevator No. 1 from the south, 1899; accomplished fact, and in 1958-67 the streets Dillenbeck-Cornwall (International McCabe). were paved. 1971 saw new street lights. In 1972 Sold to GTA in 1958; leased to Farmers the garbage service pickup was inaugurated. Elevator in 1959; bought by Farmers Elevator EARLY SETTLERS after the 1964 fire. Settlers started appearing at the spot where Mill and Elevator No. 5 from South, 1902. In Sharon was to become a reality, in 1877 when 1914 it was bought by O'Keefe Brothers; sold A. P. Rusten settled here, followed in 1879 by and moved to Aneta. Christ Ostenson, and 1881 by T. A. Bergan, Lily of Sharon—Gold Medal prize flour at St. George Long, Simon McKenzie, John Oxton, Louis Exposition in 1904. Jacob Peterson, Paul Sambuc, Jens Seim and Reiten Farm Supply was built by Ed Lode Bugbee. The Jubilee book put out by Hagglund in 1949. Sharon on their 60th in 1956 lists many, many Great Plains Lumber Supply Co., 1909, more intrepid souls. Beidler & Robinson. Bought by St. Anthony BUILDINGS after fire in 1924. Burned down in 1959. The G. N. Ry built a road from Hope to Aneta Hassen Eli Store, 1916-17, later a restaurant. in 1896. The first depot was a boxcar. The Now owned by Town Board, operated by depot burned in 1913. Agents were Phil Den- Harlan Fosses. zer, Stimpson, Tony Merck, Near, E. S. Ostensons Store was built by Simpson Bros. Schinabarger, R. J. Purviance, W. A. Wells, C. 1897. A locker plant was added in 1938, the

120 processing plant in 1947. Locker plant was UNITED PRESBYTERIAN was organized in discontinued and processing plant was sold to the Pickert School in 1887. Services were held Hagebocks in 1968. in 1902 in Sharon and the church built in 1903. Smokey's Bar started out as a pool hall in An observance was held in 1953 of its 50th 1896-7. It burned and was rebuilt in 1959. anniversary. Robert Maharry is the present Again, the booklet of the 60th anniversary pastor. has a very complete list of the various businesses in Sharon over the years, and BANKS reference is made to that list, with these few Citizens State Bank served the community additions. from 1907 to 1921. It was liquidated and con­ The Municipal Light plant has been taken solidated with First National Bank in 1921. over by power furnished by the Bureau of The present bank is the result of two early Reclamation, starting in 1962. banks, the First State Bank from 1902 to 1908, Town Hall Polling Station started as Lynner and the First National from 1908 to 1940. The Hotel in 1897, with first telephone, a club house present bank, the First State Bank was later, then a garage, a liquor store, and now a organized in 1940. Officers to date, Presidents: teen canteen. O. H. Olson, M. W. Duncan, M. L. Duncan, S. Sharon's drug store was built by Johnson D. Jacobsen, W. F. Smith. Bros, of Hope, druggist. The postoffice was in Vice Presidents: C. A. Meldahl, Theo Klabo, that building when it was operated by M. K. E. I. Jacobsen and J. M. Smith. Cashiers, M. Ohnstad after 1918. The building burned and W. Duncan, S. D. Jacobsen and P.J. Rund. was rebuilt in 1959. Standard Oil Bulk Station has had four agents, starting with Gunder Evje in 1918, and AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY operated by Martin Jensen now. The Auxiliary was organized in 1928. The Bulk Station started out as a blacksmith Charter members: Edna Ellingson, Clara shop, which was later moved. Tollef Bjorge Anderson, Charlotte Estensen, Luella Simp­ had it from 1898-1909, and J. E. Grefsheims son, Mrs. Guderian, Anna Duncan, Clara from 1913-1915. Long, Christine Ellingson, Alice Gylten, Anna Olson, Mable Grefsheim, Marie Ostenson, GOVERNMENT Stella Jacobsen, Olia Bakken, Klara Duea, Sharon was a village from 1896 to 1966 with a Josie Berg, Minora Skadsdamen, Evelyn Rue, council form of government. It became a city Thea Julia Moren and Emma Long. in 1966, and elected the first mayor, Alfred The Auxiliary observed its 25th anniversary Klabo, who is still serving. The present council in 1953. is made up of F. E. Kloster, Martin Jensen, Joe Amundson, Ardean Nelson, S. D. Jacob- sen, treasurer, and P. J. Rund, Auditor. SHARON SCHOOL CHURCHES Classes were conducted in the second story HOFF Lutheran was organized in 1888, and of the Rinde West Hotel in 1896 with Albert the church built 1900. A wing was added in 1918 Mickels the first teacher. A school was built in and the basement in 1949. This church 1897, which was later sold to Zion Church, and dissolved and membership merged with later to Oscar Nelson who moved it. Trinity Sharon in 1967. The first section white building was oc­ TRONDENES Lutheran was organized in cupied in 1904, and A. A. Gaylord was the 1884 with synod connections, joining the Hauge teacher. The second section was occupied in Synod in 1898. The church was built in 1902- 1915, with E. V. Estensen the first principal, 1907. It was destroyed by fire in 1916, but was and Hazel McCrea the first and only graduate rebuilt in 1918, with dedication services held in in 1916. 1922. Zion and Trondenes joined in 1939 to In 1939 the first section of the brick building become Trinity Lutheran. was occupied, making room for Junior and ZION Lutheran was organized in 1908, and Senior high, gym, stage, and the heating plant. was used as Sharon's first school. Zion joined E. V. Estensen was superintendent. with Trondenes in 1939. The second section of the brick building was TRINITY Lutheran organized in 1939, using dedicated November 15, 1963, and houses the the Trondenes church which was later grades, lunch room, locker rooms, high school remodeled. A parsonage was built in 1953. science, and grade library. Ervin Ulland is Hans Floan is the present pastor. superintendent.

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122. :-5TEELE GOtiNTY-:

i-^y^OFFIOEHS.^gp*?-* R. A. POPE, PRESIDENT. Hope. K. D. JOHN OXTON. Vice President. Sherbrooke, N. D. JOHN DUNCAN, Treasurer. Sherbrooke, N. I). M. B. CASSELL, Secretary. Sherbrooke, N. D.

T'% Secretary's Office^ SHERBROOKE. .V. I)., 189

A LETTERHEAD from Steele County Immigration Association. SHERBROOKE TOWNSHIP The area now comprising Sherbrooke In the early nineties a fire that originated in Township must have been part of a great the western part of what is now Easton grazing field for buffalo, and a hunting ground Township swept across the Sherbrooke area, for both Indians and white men for many leaving some destruction in its path. years just prior to its settlement. Sherbrooke was first organized as a civil township July 6, 1885, and the first town Early pioneers made quite a few dollars meeting was held July 25, 1885. The first gathering up bleached buffalo bones by, the township officers were C. G. Anderson, wagon load, hauling them to the nearest Chairman; W. A. Winslow and S. L. Linn, railroad stations where they were paid about supervisors; W. E. Elliott, Clerk; A. T. four dollars a ton for them. They were shipped Drakeley, Assessor, and J. M. Roberts, to the sugar refineries in the southeast to be Treasurer. used in the process of sugar bleaching. The establishment of the village of Sher­ There was evidence of the early prairie fires brooke was due largely to the enterprise of D. which frequently swept over the area. The P. Baldwin and J. B. Honeyman who filed on settlers all plowed fire breaks around their adjoining quarters of Section 18, and set up shacks immediately after building them. business in the center of the section.

COURTHOUSE at Sherbrooke: Ike Warrey, Judge; Sam Charlie Boise, Clerk of Court; Halvor Rinde, Reg. of McPherson, Auditor; Gunder Johnson, Treasurer; Deeds: Zack Cochrane, Dept. Reg. of Deeds.

123. INSIDE SCHOOL HOUSE (Sherbrooke) front row, sitting Erickson, Beral Young, Alvina Steinke, Gladys Monson, down: Arthur Erickson, Emil Wedin, Geo. Mosby, Clifford Edna Moote, Ida Devlin, Edith Erickson, Marion Bugbee; Smith, Maurice Devlin, Arthur Johnson, Orville Mosby, (girl standing in front not known, nor is teacher iden­ Floyd Smith, (unknown), William Devlin. Back row: tified). Benie Steinke, Palmer Steinke, Edgar Mosby, Lenore

By a vote of the electors, the County seat was established there in 1885. In 1886 a building was erected for County offices. In 1888 it was enlarged and in 1891 a fireproof vault for the county records was built. The Courthouse contained a court room, used for holding Court, political conventions and public meetings. Community social affairs and pot luck get-togethers were also held there. The story is told of how, on Friday nights, the citizens of the village would bring pot luck to the Courtroom and have family suppers, followed by talks, debates, or singing FRANK A. STEINER in front of his General Store. of the old gospel hymns. The entire families went to these meetings and enjoyed the fun. Three one-room school houses were built during the middle 1880's. Most of the early settlers in Sherbrooke Township were known as "Americans," in contrast to a majority of settlers in adjacent territory who were mostly of Scandinavian descent. Sherbrooke was named for the province of Quebec, Canada, originally named for Lt. Gen. Sir John Sherbrooke. Charles G. Boise, citizen of Sherbrooke in l|i 1892, one-time Clerk of Court, and also County Auditor, purchased the newspaper plant in the M. B. CASSELL & CO., abstract office, and William village in the spring of 1899. The Steele County Barclay's home. Tribune was established by E. S. Seymoure in March, 1889 and was a Republican paper. Its history was somewhat varied as it passed in again supported the principles of the GOP, and rapid succession through four changes, and was recognized as one of the leading ex­ finally passed into the hands of T. S. Hunt, who changes of the newspaper world in Steele edited it as a Democratic sheet. In 1900 it County.

124. SHERBROOKE BAND: Fay Allen, George Cooper, Henry Anderson, Alvin Boe, Art Cooper, Jack Oxton, Vin An­ Devlin, Neil Devlin, Charles Green, Leslie Still, (Director) derson, (unknown) Charlie Bugbee, Maurice Devlin. Bilden. Frank Oxton, Jim Devlin, Gus Gilbertson, Earl

In the summer of 1899 the foundation for»the Methodist church was laid and the church dedicated June 17, 1900. Many years later it was used by a group of Lutherans who held services there for several years. The church is now abandoned. Among the early businesses established in the village was what was forever afterwards known as the "Big Store." This was originally built and operated by D. P. Baldwin in 1889 with a trade territory as far north as the Aneta community. This passed in succession, as well as can be remembered, to T. G. Anderson, Ed Still, Ike Warrey, L. N. Bugbee, Arthur Brainerd and Dan Bugbee. There were also two other small stores operated by F. A. Steiner and Pete Stankard. SHERBROOKE HOUSE At one time Sherbrooke boasted a post of­ fice, with a Mr. Christianson as postmaster; a tending around the top. A heavy iron rod, bent livery stable run by Ike Warrey; a hotel to form an arch over this wall, held the wheel operated at different times by Ike Warrey, for the rope for the "old oaken bucket." The Mrs. Elliott, and James Devlin; the M. B. bucket was made of wooden staves bound by Cassell Abstract office; a print shop; a wind iron hoops, and when not in use, rested on a powered feed mill; and a blacksmith shop. huge stump beside the well. Enameled cups, This shop was one of the earliest businesses attached to the well by chains, provided the built and run by J. B. Honey man and his wife, drinking facilities. Many a child in the village who had immigrated from England. It was a was thrilled to watch "Grandpa" Honeyman combination shop and residence, and Mrs. pull up the bucket of sparkling water, and one Honeyman was a very capable helper in the of the children recalls "It was 'Grandma smithy, as well as in the house. Honeyman' who taught us the song 'The Old The best water in town was to be found in a Oaken Bucket'." well behind the Honeyman place. The well had There were also several fine residences in curbing of stone, with a four foot wall ex- Sherbrooke at this time.

125. METHODIST CHURCH

' A.T.DKAKELEY °I JUDGE OF PROBATE, &

A LETTERHEAD or statement from Sherbrooke. Among the early homesteaders and land one of the first children born in the village, owners in Sherbrooke township were the Chas. while his father served as County Treasurer. Olsons, C. G. Andersons, Anton Millers, C. J. Nashs, C. V. Greens, Sam and John Linns, Mary Winslow and son Carmi, A. T. Drakeleys, E. E. Baldwins, W. J. Aldrichs, R. J. Stills, J. O. Collins, Joseph Aliens, Mrs. Abigail Bugbee and sons Jesse and Loring; Oscar Cummings, John Stines; Thorsten Swensons, Gilbert Jordets; Rickers, Newells, Steinkes, John Braute and others. Many of these people—both farmers and businessmen, held county offices at one time or another. There were also many others from Steele County who lived in Sherbrooke only SHERBROOKE BASEBALL TEAM at Blabon in 1909. during their terms as county officials, during Standing: Earl Anderson, Wendell Anderson, Thornton the county seat era. Green, G. J. Mustad. Front: Albert Miller, Alex Lohmar, Former Governor Norman Brunsdale was Jim Devlin, Bill Steinke and Jimmy Smith.

126. At the general election held November 5, remain to remind people of Sherbrooke's past, 1918, Finley was designated as the new county which is a very interesting saga in the history seat, and the. first meeting of the Board of of Steele County. County Commissioners was held there The present township officers are Chair­ January 6, 1919. man, Gene Baldwin; Supervisor Elmer Sherbrooke at the present is a ghost town, Jacobson and Marshall Tomren; Clerk, the only residents being Mrs. Sally Sparks and Truman Thykeson; and Treasurer, Emerson Mrs. Arlene Carpenter. A few other buildings Baldwin.

BACK ROW: I. M. Johnson, O. H. Olson, O. N. Grefsheim, E. A. Erickson, G. F. Newton, A. S. Moote, Frank Gray, J. W. Vadnie. Front Row: (R. to L.) A. P. Boe, Knud John­ son, Anton Hovick, L. Verwest, G. J. Mustad.

Main Street looking West

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127. DAVID MOORE was born near Belfast, Ireland, August 12, 1879 and came with his parents to Watervelite, New York when three years of age. In the year 1900 they moved to Sherbrooke Township, Steele County, where in 1903, David married Mattie Callins, born in Sherbrooke Township Dec. 10, 1883. After their marriage they moved to Finley where Mr. Moore worked for a dray line, several years later returning PETER WEDIN came to Willmar, to Sherbrooke where he was emplyed Minn, in the fall of 1892, from Sweden, by George Murray for three years. and in 1893 joined his brother John in Following this they farmed in Easton Sherbrooke township, Steele County. He Township, moving to Pickert in 1915 worked as a farm laborer for several and continuing their farming years, among his employers being operations from there. In 1931 the A. T. DRAKELEY, a Civil War Oscar Cummings and George Murray. Moores moved to Fargo where Mrs. veteran, was born in July 1844, and died In 1897 he purchased one of the first Moore died in 1951 and he in 1960. They July 23, 1914. Adelaide King, his wife, steam threshing machines, with which had four children: Orrin, Hope; was born in Dane Co., Wis. September he did custom threshing. In 1900 Florence (Mrs. Fallman) Rome, New 3, 1848, and died February 14, 1904. Caroline Johnson immigrated from York; Irene (Mrs. Ferlaak) Min­ They were married at Madison, Wis. Norway to the home of her uncle, neapolis and Samuel, Whittier, November 22, 1865. The Drakeleys Harold Gilbertson, at Portland. In 1905 California. came to Steele County in 1883 and lived she and Peter Wedin were married in on a farm in Sherbrooke Township. In Moorhead, Minn. For ten years they J. O. COLLINS was born in East 1896 they moved to Sherbrooke where lived on the former Elliott place in he ran a fuel and livery stable. A. T. Sherbrooke township, moving to Finley Caanan, New Hampshire, February 15, 1856. He was of Indian descent, his Drakeley was County Judge, and also in the fall of 1916 where they spent the Sheriff of Steele County while the winter. In the spring of 1917 they pur­ Grandmother being a full blooded Mohican. He married Carrie Church, County offices were still at Sherbrooke. chased a farm in Finley Township, Mr. Drakeley also had livery stables at later moving to a farm in Easton also born in East Caanan October 6, 1860, who could trace her ancestors Finley and Aneta. He later married Township. In 1941 they retired and Mary Aldrich and lived at Hope. The moved to Finley. Mr. Wedin worked in directly back to the Pilgrims. They came to Portland, Dakota Terriotry in Drakeley children were Belle (Mrs. J. the ship yards in Richmond, Calif., for B. Oxton) George; Effie (Wm. Oxton's two years during World War II. Mrs. 1882, living for a time on the T. G. Anderson farm in Sherbrooke Township first wife); Jennie (Mrs. Chas. Wedin died in the Northwood Rest Chalmers), Jessie (Mrs. Wm. Oxton); Home in 1969 at the age of 89 years, and (now the John Sundquist farm). Then they took a homestead which was later and William, who is now 86 years old Mr. Wedin died there the following year and lives at Salem, Oregon. at the age of 94. They had nine children : sold to Gilbert Jordet after which they Philip, Frannie, Wyoming; Adaline moved into Sherbrooke and operated a (Mrs. Hans Egediusen) Finley; dray line between there and Hope. Mr. Willard, Karnak; Odin, Plentywood, Collins died in 1920 and Mrs. Collins in Mont.; Margaret (Mrs. Wait) 1923. They had two children, Mattie Berkeley, Calif.; Marilyn (Mrs. (Mrs. David Moore) and Bertha (Mrs. Carlevaro) Albany, Calif.; and Emil, Goodno), both deceased. ^. deceased. Two children died in infancy. The Wedins also raised a grandson, Parnell Wedin, Stewart, Minn.

ANDREW ERST AD was born in Land, JESSE BUGBEE came to the Norway, November 19, 1856, im­ village of Sherbrooke in 1881 from migrating to the U. S. in 1880. He spent Eastport, Maine, about the same time several years in Minnesota and South as his mother, brother and sister Dakota after which he came to the arrived from that state. He and his Portland area in North Dakota. In 1900 brother Loring carried the mail from he married Elsie Stenseth of Aadalen, Portland to Hope. He married Jessie Norway, who had come to the Portland Knight, a native of England, who at the area in 1889. They moved to a farm in time of her marriage was living with Sherbrooke Township in approximately her aunt, Mrs. J. B. Honeyman, also in 1905 or 1906 where they farmed until Sherbrooke. After several years the 1928. Their latter years were spent with Bugbees moved and homesteaded in their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Sharon Township. In 1925 they moved Mrs. A. H. Johnson in Golden Lake into Sharon, where Mr. Bugbee died in Township. Mr. Erstad died in 1941 and 1942. Mrs. Bugbee died in 1946 at the Mrs. Erstad in 1945. They had one CARL ERICKSON was born in Oslo, home of a daughter in Portland, daughter, Mabel, (Mrs. A. H. Johnson) Norway May 25, 1878. He came to Oregon. They had six children; Finley, and two sons who died in in­ America in 1903 and engaged in farm­ Charles,New Rockford; Frank, Finley; fancy. They also raised Clara Hagen, ing in Sherbrooke Township. He passed Annie, Florence, and Edith, all of now Mrs. Jorgenson, of Mayville. away in May, 1937. He was unmarried. Portland, Oregon; and Nellie, Iowa.

128. Mrs. Still's parents, the Oscar Barretts, in Westfield Township, Steele County and there, decided to move to the village of Sherbrooke. Here they built a home and Mr. Still plied his carpenter trade. He was in charge of the building r EMERSON B. BALDWIN and Minnie of the Methodist Church in the village. Van Dusen were both born in Ontario, After the Courthouse was moved from Canada. They met in Hope in 1881 and Sherbrooke to Finley, the Stills' house were married on Mr. Baldwin's birth­ WASHINGTON I. WARREY was born was also moved here. In 1909 the Stills day Feb. 4, in 1884. Mr. Baldwin was a moved to a farm in Sect. 21 in Sher­ descendent of Col. Mut, a Hessian of­ in Rensselaer County, New York August 23, 1855. His father died when he was brooke Township. Mrs. Still passed ficer, who fought with the British away in February 1914 after which Mr. against General Washington in the nine years of age, and until he was 19 he worked at many menial tasks, living Still left for Blaine, Washington where Revolutionary War. Mr. Baldwin he made his home until his death in homesteaded in Sherbrooke Township most of this time with relatives. He was possessed with a desire for an 1944. They had eleven children: Leslie, in 1883. In 1895 he and his family went to who married Gertrude Douglas in Texas with relatives, traveling by education and worked his way through Delaware Literary Institute at Finley, now living in San Diego; Donald prairie schooner. They returned to their who married Jessie Perry of home in Sherbrooke the following year, Franklin, New York for four years. Following this he worked at several Carrington, and now lives on the home also by prairie schooner, after much farm in Sherbrooke; Mary (Mrs. Lee) hardship and disappointments. Mr. jobs, police work, carpentry, etc., studying law in his spare time. He came Joshua Tree, California; and Eleanor, Baldwin carried the mail between Hope Seattle, Washington; one son who died and Portland in 1887. That same year he to Fargo in 1884 and after a short time he came to Hope and taught schools in in infancy; Agnes, and Elsie who died of was elected treasurer of his township, scarlet fever when very young; Edwin which office he held continuously until Steele and Cass Counties for several winters. In June 1893 he purchased a who married Mildred Crabtree of his death in 1944. Immediately Shelby, Montana; Grace, who following, his son, Emerson who now building at Sherbrooke and began hotel keeping. He also established a livery married Earl Anderson of Sherbrooke; lives on the original homestead, was Earl, who married Margaret Smith of elected treasurer and is still serving in barn and in 1897 engaged in the general merchandise business. He was married Aitkin, Minn.; and Francis, all that capacity. Mr. Baldwin, a member deceased. of the Sherbrooke Base Ball team, told in 1888 to Rose Wallace of Page. They of having to go to the Primrose were the parents of five children, Victor Township area one Sunday, for a ball I., Edward R., Lillian E., Washington I., game. Since many of the pioneers paid and Victoria, the little girl in the pic­ their taxes with cash, Mr. Baldwin ture. Mr. Warrey was elected county happened to have a large amount of surveyor in 1890, at which time he was township money in his possession that also deputy Sheriff of Steele County. In day. Not wishing to leave the money in 1894 he was elected Judge, and in 1900 the house during their absence, he took was serving his third term. it with them, and Mrs. Baldwin sat on LORING "LOAD" BUGBEE came it, during the ball game. The Baldwins to Sherbrooke village from Eastport, had thirteen children: Francis, Fanny, Maine in 1881. About that same time his Gladys, Mable, Minnie, Emerson; and mother, Mrs. Abigail Bugbee, his John, Walter, Rosie, Henry, Nellie, George and Richard, all deceased. brother Jesse and his sister, Abbie Carpenter and her husband Nate, also arrived. Mr. Bugbee was the first GILBERT JORDET was born in 1863 drayman and mail or stage coach near Drammen, Norway, coming to the operator in Sherbrooke. He also dealt in United States with his parents. In 1878 the trading, selling and buying of he and his brother Ole came to Dakota horses. When an emergency arose and Territory. He settled in Sherbrooke the local Church was to be sold to Township, purchasing 160 acres of land, R. J. STILL, born in Mono Center, satisfy a mortgage, Load payed the which he eventually increased to 7,000 Ontario, Canada, Aug. 1856, came to the debt and presented the Church to the acres. He hauled enough grain to Harwood, North Dakota area when a congregation. He married Bessie Portland in one day to fill two box cars, young man. He married Mary Barrett Loomis in 1906. She was a native of using four horse teams, and up to (born October 1866, in Dartford, Wis.) Wisconsin but at the time of her twenty wagons or sleds. In January of in Fargo, Nov. 1884. They homesteaded marriage she was living in Easton 1898 he married Isabelle Saalsa of near Harwood in Cass County, moving Township. They purchased a farm east Argyle, Wis. They had six children, to Englevale in approximately 1886. of Sherbrooke, living there until about Cora, Norma, Gilda, Joseph, Orville After four years of farming there, the 1920 when they moved to Sherbrooke to and Willard. drouth compelled them to return to operate a store. In 1944 they returned to Harwood, where Mr. Still continued his their farm home and resided there until OLE BRANDSTROM was born in trade as a carpenter. At times he their deaths. Mr. Bugbee died in 1947. Sweden, November 16, 1859, and came walked to and from his jobs, and other Mrs. Bugbee died in 1970. The Bugbees to the United States, living in New York times his transportation was a bicycle had eight children; Marion, California; until 1902, when he came to Sherbrooke on the handle bars of which he carried Daniel, deceased; Hazelle (Mrs. Miles Township. He died July 3, 1937. He had his tool box. In the spring of 1899, after Lund) and Steve, Sharon; Leslie, Iowa; one son and one daughter residing in four years of continued flooding of then- Eva, Grand Forks; Melvin, Finley; and Sweden with their mother. home, they journeyed to the home of one son who died as a young child.

129. SHERBROOKE HOMEMAKERS CLUB. Back Row: Olson, Mrs. McFadden, Mrs. Bert Horner. Next row: Mrs. Elvina Cooper, Ida Devlin, Edna Horner, Dorothy Horner, Fred Ricker, Ruth Margaret Oxton, Lavina Oxton, Jennie Mrs. J. M. Cooper, Mrs. Emerson Baldwin Sr., Ethel Devlin, Mrs. Henry Brainerd. Freddie Ricker, Lois Oxton, Ricker, Mrs. Avery Parkman, Mrs. Bill Steinke, Mrs. 0. Steinke, Frank Oxton Jr., and James Devlin.

Hope from Frankville, Iowa, in 1882 on tell me the truth and I'll make up the one of the first trains that pulled into lies." In 1904 he built a large house in the "Track's End"—a barefooted the east edge of Sherbrooke which he nineteen year old youth with no clothes later sold to O. H. Olson in 1911. He or other possessions than his worn never married, although he was a overalls, ragged shirt and tattered prospective bridegroom in the eyes of straw hat that he wore. He at once hired many a Sherbrooke maiden. In the late out to John Pease at the Pickert farm teens and early 1920's he made his south of Finley. Murray grew up, home at the Hotel Finley. One of these taught school, walking barefoot and years he drained the slough south of carrying his shoes, claiming it was for Finley, between the highway and Great comfort, and also saved on shoe Northern tracks, where he, Mr. leather. He worked his way through Sluggett (the hotel operator) and the Indiana law school, and was elected to Methodist Minister entered upon a joint the office of States Attorney of Steele gardening venture. A cultivator was County in 1889, serving four terms. improvised, which could be attached to During this time, he, with his sisters the minister's car. This was used in the Ella and Martha, and a future brother- garden during the week, but each in-law, C. S. Shippy, homesteaded Saturday had to be removed, so the car adjoining claims in southeastern would be ready for the Minister's use on Sherbrooke and nearby Primrose. He Sunday. When harvesting was finished, GEORGE MURRAY was born in lived on his claim and drove a big and the spoils duly divided, Mr. Ireland in 1863, and came with his spotted ox hitched to a high wheeled Murray accused the Minister of parents to America. He was perhaps cart back and forth to his office, a stealing the potatoes, and consternation the Chief character that made Sher­ distance of seven miles. The story is reigned in Finley. He later purchased a brooke, by hook or by crook, the County told by those who knew him, that his house in Fargo and lived there until his Seat of Steele County. He landed in instructions to his clients were "You death in 1939.

130. The T. G. ANDERSONS homesteaded CHARLES J. NASH was born May 26, in their declining years. He spent most in Sherbrooke Township in 1884. They 1860 in LaFargeville, New York. He of his life in the vicinities of Finley, and the Anton Millers came from lived there until 1882 when he came to Pickert and Sherbrooke, living with Wisconsin and settled first at Portland what is now Sherbrooke Township and Mons Stenvick at Pickert, and the L. N. in 1882, where the Andersons set up a settled upon a homestead, east of the Bugbees in Sherbrooke, Mr. Bugbee drug store and hotel. Mr. Anderson, town of Sherbrooke. The following year also being an old friend in Maine. He being a druggist, operated the store, he returned to the old home in New also lived on Section 1 (the R. I. and Mrs. Anderson the hotel. Mr. York where he married Addie Adele Simonson farm) in Greenview Town­ Anderson was a veteran of the Civil Coffeen December 27,1883. They came ship. Mr. Ripley loved to tell tales of his War, hence they did not have to back to North Dakota where they lived former life in Maine. He had many establish active residence on their on the farm until 1909, at which time hobbies, among them was his love for homestead in order to prove up. Later they moved to Finley. He accepted a gardening, and he was well known for the Andersons bought the "Big Store" position as manager and grain buyer at his generosity when the garden was in Sherbrooke and moved back and the Farmers Elevator in Pickert. He harvested. He also was an artist with forth between Portland and their retired from that position in 1918. They the mouth organ, and very often would homestead. They had eight children: S. were the parents of two children, entertain any one willing to watch, with Vincent, William J., Mildred, A. R. Clarence and Mildred. Both are a lively tune, accompanied by an old Erlo, Wendell P., J. Wood, T. George deceased. Mr. Nash passed away fashioned jig. He was intrigued by the and Howe. September 24, 1935, and Mrs. Nash in many little stones which he would pick the early 1960's. up and spend much time polishing, and MR. and MRS. AUGUST STEINKE he was rarely found without a snuff box and family came to North Dakota in the C. V. GREEN was born in Lowell, or two of these "gems" in his pockets. early 1900's from Lamont, 111. The Mass., August 8,1857. Before moving to During the summers, he worked on Steinkes started farming and made North Dakota to become one of its area farms. Mr. Ripley, who never their home on the farm two and one half pioneers in 1881 he lived in Maine, married, died at the L. N. Bugbee farm miles south of Sherbrooke. They took an Massachusetts and Wisconsin where he in Sherbrooke in February, 1937. active part in early Sherbrooke hap­ received his education. Mary Belle penings, and raised a family of 11 Hildebrant was born in Clinton County, children. Six, William, Herman, Fred, Ohio February 20,1854. She migrated to August Jr., Louise and Emma are this area in the early 1880's, and taught deceased. Still living are Julius, Kelso, school at Portland when North Dakota Walsh, Lena, Bemidji, Minn.; Alvina, was still a Territory. She filed on a Brownsdale, Minn.; Ben, Bemidji; and homestead near Aneta, but took up her Ed of Hope. permanent residence on the homestead of her husband after their marriage in 1886, where they lived for 46 years. There were four children, Thorton, Charles, Rachel (Lena) and Bessie. Mrs. Green passed away in 1936 and OLE ELLINGSON was born in Fla, Mr. Green in 1937. Hallingdal, Norway in 1849. He married Marit Vestromhagen, who was born in Hedalen Valdres, Norway, also in 1849. While a citizen of Norway, the law required that all men had to serve a period of time at camp, and Ole became a hired soldier for the wealthy, being a professional dancer. The EUingsons came to America in 1895 and rented a farm in Golden Lake Township from his cousins, Andrew and Gunnar Stavens of Hatton. While here their eldest son Elling drowned and was buried at Ostervold Lutheran Church cemetery. From left, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Linn, In 1901 the EUingsons bought a farm Mr. and Mrs. C. V. Nash, and Mr. and near Sherbrooke and Mrs. Ellingson Mrs. Charles Green. died there the following year. Later Mr. Ellingson moved to Blabon, and from SAMUEL LINN was born in 1854 in there to Moorhead, Minn, where he died Green County, Wis., coming to Steele in 1932. They had eight children: Sarah, County in 1882. He married Karen WILLIAM RIPLEY was born in Elling, Guri (Mrs. Julia Brainerd, Domholdt March 12, 1878. Their Eastport, Maine, March 16, 1866, and Portland) Gjertrud, Inger, Kjersti, daughter Julia was the first white child came to North Dakota with his step­ Berti, and Erick. Ole's son Erick, who born in Sherbrooke Township, Dakota father in 1882 at the age of sixteen married Gunhild Brainerd in 1905, took Territory. He served a total of 14 years years. In 1888 he came to Steele County, over his father's farm in Sherbrooke. as Sheriff of Steele County, while living making his home with the John They had three children: William, John in Sherbrooke. Mr. Linn passed away in Peases, who lived two miles south of and Alice. Erick sold his farm to his 1936, and Mrs. Linn in 1946. There were Finley, and with whom he had been nephew Thorvald Thompson in 1939. seven children: Henrietta, Julia, neighbors in Maine. They were old Arthur Brainerd, grandson of Ole Isabelle, Clare, Benjamin, Thomas and people at the time, so Mr. Ripley felt it Ellingson is the present owner of the Gertrude. was his duty to give them his attention Gamble Store in Finley.

131. KNUT T. GROVEN was born May 12, 1870 at Vinje, Telemarken, Norway and came to America in 1892 when he was 22 years old. He came to his uncle's Knut Svalastuen at Hillsboro, and then worked on different farms. He married Gina Smette Nov. 20, 1897 at Hillsboro, Rev. Rovick officiating. Mrs. Graven was born Nov. 19,1876 at Spring Grove, Minn. They moved to Sherbrooke Township where they lived in a sod house for three years. Knut built the The PARKMAN FARM on Section 30 house on the farm which is still there. in Sherbrooke Township is a five Thirteen children were born to this generation farm. It was established in union. They are: Henry, Theodore, 1905 by Charles and Elizabeth Carl, Regine, Helga, Oscar, Tillie and Chalmers. Charles was a native of Julia who are still living; Dagney, Scotland and Elizabeth of Ontario, Julia, Ida (Mrs. Kenneth Elliott), Canada. They had a daughter Cora J. Gustav, and also an infant who who married James D. Parkman. Their preceded their parents in death. In 1938 children were Charles, Nina, Irene, they sold the farm to Theodore Graven Ethel, James and Warren. Charles and moved to Mayville, where they married Helen Washburn, and their made their home until they passed eldest son Charles Jr. married Martin away. They celebrated their Golden NaSh. They are parents of three Wedding Nov. 16, 1947 in the Bang children. The second, third and fourth Church where they were members. generations attended school in the Knut passed away at Mayville Oct. 2, village of Sherbrooke. Charles Park- 1948 and Mrs. Graven passed away Feb. man Sr., wife Helen, and son Scott are 25, 1955. Both were buried at Bang presently operating the original Church Cemetery. Chalmers farm. WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP

Ulberg, Nick McCrea, Andrew Syverson, Ole Rockney, Lars Olimb, Anton Leslie, Christ Bentley, Oscar Barret, Andrew Johnson, Al Cockran, John B. Oxton. Andrew Bergen, a former mail carrier at Sharon, was the first white child born in Westfield Township. He was born in 1882. The Bergen homestead was along the Creek in Section 5. In 1890 as more pioneers came to Westfield to settle and prove up their claims, the government gave approval to establish two postoffices. Tara was placed on Section 5, The Nebo Postoffice of Westfield Township which is the present home of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Palmer. Records indiciate that Mrs. Tom Westfield Township was originally called Underwood was the first postmistress. Tara Clifton. Clifton was organized by a petition of was discontinued March 25, 1898 after 7 years its County Commissioners on May 2,1888. The and nine months of service. All mail was then first township meeting was held on May 22, sent to Nebo which was located on the James 1888 in a one room school house on the NEV4 of Savage farm, where Mr. and Mrs. Miles Section 14. The name of Clifton was used until Savage now live. The mail came from Hatton April 1, 1895 when interested settlers of the about three times a week to Nebo. The post township presented a petition to the County office was also the home of the Savage family, Board for a name change to Westfield. and this building still stands in very good Some of the early settlers who received their shape at the present time. Nebo was discon­ Claim Deed dated as early as 1880 were: tinued August 9, 1904 after a little over four­ James Savage, Christ Ostenson, Torger teen years of service. After this date the mail Bergen, Elias Anderson, Iver Bakken, Thor was delivered from Hatton to Sharon.

132. The records indicate that the first school 1951 a re-organizational plan was voted on and term for Westfield Township was in 1888-89 all children were bused to the Sharon School in with Abraham Hanson teaching the first term town. Westfield Township became a part of and F. E. West the second term for school No. the new school district. 1. The school was later moved from Section 14 In May of 1900, the construction of the to the Nick McCrea Corner, and was also used Church was begun on land donated by Mr. and for Church gatherings. In 1912 a new school Mrs. Daniel Olson, with the first service being was built on the SE14 of Section 2 and was held in July of that year. Dedication of the known as the Ulberg school. Anna Swain was completed Church was in 1905 with Rev. Land the first teacher for school No. 2 in 1889. as pastor. Hoff Church served the community S. J. Axdahl, County Supt. of Schools, ap­ until 1967 when it was closed and merged with pointed James Savage as the first treasurer of Trinity Church at Sharon. the Clifton School Township. In 1900 election was held and A. K. Johnson was elected the In 1911 there were 58 occupied farmsteads in Chairman of the Westfield school township Westfield Township, but throughout the years board with Torger Bergen and Gilbert Bakken the community has felt the change of the as directors. Nick McCrea was elected Clerk migration of people leaving the farms. At the and John B. Oxton as treasurer. Later three present time there are 32 occupied farmsteads more schools were built to supply the in Westfield Township with a population of 85 educational needs of the township children. In people.

133. Remember When. . .

Finley had a bandstand? Ed Erickson's Buick was a familiar sight in Finley? Aagot Raaen went on snowshoes or skiis to rural schools? There were ukelele classes at Finley high? The debates were big in 1912? Chautauqua shows were the highlight of the summer? Runaway teams were a common occurence on Main Street? The Literary society was the thing in school?

The Marcellean key's possession was a great rivalry? Snow fell July 4, 1915? There were ladders on tracks in the shoe stores? We wore garter belts? War ration books were a necessity? We cooked flax seed to make wave setting lotion? The chimney sweeps came around every spring, and the gypsys most any time in the summer? The Railway section house was on the right of way?

We went swimming at Lynch Lake? The Fairgrounds were south of town? Bud Curry, Ida Engen, Rena Engeness and Maud Long played the piano during the silent movies? Abracadabra was part of High School life? Gilbert Jordet used a shingle for a check blank? Doc Heimark's buggy ended up on the flag pole one Halloween? Gilbert Engen had the first radio station? Finley girls had a basketball teams?

134. Finley Diamond Jubilee Committees

GENERAL COMMITTEE Axel Christianson Raymond Rund, Chairman Finley Livewires Club Melvin Vosseteig, 1st vice chairman Paul Norgaard Mrs. Adeline Meldahl, Historian Joseph Finell Mrs. Glen Plaisted, Secretary Mrs. Arthur Johnson H. C. Solberg, Treasurer Arthur Gronhovd Mrs. Axel Christianson HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY AND ALUMNI COMMITTEE ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE Mrs. Russell Devlin, Chairman Merritt Anderson, Chairman Mrs. Herman Martinson, Co-Chairman Harold Rosendahl Mrs Harry Knutson Oliver Bergstrom Mrs. Adeline Meldahl Harold Fetting Mrs. O. A. Engeness Maurice Nornes O. A. Engeness Members of American Legion Earl Spriggs Nineva Nygaard PARADE COMMITTEE Mrs. Gustave Hofseth Members of Finley Jaycees Mrs. Howard Ostrom William Devlin, Chairman Mrs. Theo Kreis Mrs. Chas. Moores HOUSING COMMITTEE Conrad Knudson Mrs. Alfred Rosendahl, Chairman Mrs. Oliver Bergstrom Mrs. Elmer Miller Verne Archer Mrs. Nels Pladsen Mrs. Ida Archer Truman Hanson Mrs. Alfred Rosendahl Mrs. Vern Olson Mrs. Gilman Johnson Mrs. Warren Archer William Devlin Warren Christianson

PAGEANT COMMITTEE REGISTRATION BOOK COMMITTEE John Laughlin, Chairman Mrs. Arthur Gronhovd, Chairman Mrs. John Laughlin Mrs. Melvin Bugbee Mrs. H. C. Solberg Mrs. Harley Braunberger Glen Plaisted Mrs. Melvin Vosseteig Mrs. Gerald Engen Mrs. Raymond Rund Mrs. Iris Olson Mrs. Maurice Nornes Mrs. Lloyd Huso Mrs. Harold Good Tom Jacobson Mrs. Tom Jacobson PICNIC, BARBECUE AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE FINANCE COMMITTEE Elmer Olson, Chairman H. C. Solberg, Chairman Willard Jacobson Howard Ostrom Ervin Grunseth Verl Loyland Harold Fetting Curtis Mogck Donald Askegard Mario Bergsgaard Theo Kreis Sidney Hauge OLD TIMERS ENTERTAINMENT AND Joseph Knudson PUBLIC INTERVIEW COMMITTEE Swen Ask Arthur Brainerd, Chairman Chester Orvik Earl Spriggs Vern Olson Arthur Johnson Harold Good Helmer Amundson Carl Gullicks

135. SPECIAL ATTIRE COMMITTEE ANTIQUES COMMITTEE Mrs. Carl Gullicks, Chairman Mrs. Loretta Olson, Chairman Mrs. Donald Braunberger L. A. Shogren Mrs. Chester Orvik Joseph Knudson Elmer Gilbertson Mrs. Edith Sampson Glen Plaisted Mrs. Palmer Hillestad Mrs. T. J. Meldahl Elmer Gilbertson Sam Oxton Robert Erickson Conrad Knudson ELECTRONICS, AMPLIFYING AND Finley members of Steele Co. Historical SPEAKERS SYSTEMS COMMITTEE Society Lincoln Anderson, Chairman L. A. Shogren Walter Wilkens POLICE, PARKING AND TRANSFORATION Gary Huso COMMITTEE Frank Welder Eugene Lee, City Police, Chairman William Bremer Gilman Johnson, Sheriff Lester Silverthom Deputies whom they shall select Russell Devlin Finley Fire Department Gaylen Pommier Nels Pladsen Glen Plaisted STREET AND CITY DECORATION AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE FIRST AID COMMITTEE Nordeen Sorlien, Chairman Mrs. 0. D. Dekker, Chairman Arthur Johnson Air Base personnel Mrs. Don Askegard Mrs. Harry Knutson ADVERTISING COMMITTEE, JUBILEE Braunberger Bros. BOOK Mrs. Arlen Berg Richard Solberg, Chairman Members of American Legion William Devlin

136. Finley Diamond Jubilee Boosters

FINLEY FINLEY FARMERS GRAIN & ELEVATOR ANDERSON'S STORE CO.—Verl Loyland, Mgr. Jewelry-China-Lic. Watchmaker FINLEY MOTORS, INC. BOB'S MARKET Your Home for Chev. & Buick Robert Schmaltz, Prop. GAMBLE STORE BRAUNBERGER BROTHERS CON­ Appliances, Hdwe., Stereo Eq. & Paint STRUCTION—General Building Contractors GREAT PLAINS SUPPLY CO. M. B. CASSELL & CO. Everything to Build Anything Abstracting VERNE HANSON PLUMBING CHET'S STANDARD SERVICE Plumbing & Heating Your Friendly Service Station HAROLD'S REPAIR CHRISTIANSON INSURANCE AGENCY Auto Repair Warren & Junette Christianson, Agent HI SCORE LANES CITIZEN'S STATE BANK Finley's Recreation Center Complete Banking & Insurance Service JACOBSON U SAVE CORNER CAFE Grocery-Meats-Produce Irvin & Paula Haaland, Prop. JOHNSON CLEANERS DR. B. L. DEKKER Where it costs so little to look your best. Optometrist JOHNSON STORES O. D. DEKKER, M. D. The Complete Store

DEVLIN ELECTRIC JOE E. KNUDSON Russ Devlin, Prop. "Trapper Joe"

CASS CLAY DAIRY PRODUCTS MABEL'S BEAUTY SHOP Don's Dairy Distributor Mabel Anderson

ELMER'S BARBER SHOP MARG'S BEAUTY SALON Margaret Haugen

FARMER'S UNION CENTRAL EXCHANGE NODAK MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. LP Gas—Mario Bergsgard, Mgr. Most Economic Package Policies

STEELE CO. FARMERS MUTUAL INS. CO. COL. PAUL D. NORGAARD FARM 1894-1972 Ken Bjugstad FARM SERVICE Auctioneer, Real Estate, & Tax Service FARMERS UNION INSURANCES Ron Lerol—Curt Mogck, Rep. PICKERT GRAIN & BLABON GRAIN

FARMER'S UNION OIL CO. PINE TREE MOTEL Dean, Delores, Ernie, Ken, Harry, & David Carpet-Showers-TV

FINLEY FARMERS CONOCO PRODUCTION CREDIT ASSOCIATION Conoco-Firestone-Goodrich "First in Farm Credit"

137. QUAM-PLAISTAD FUNERAL HOME INC. COOPER SUPER VALU Grocery-Meats-Produce ATT. & MRS. RAYMOND RUND Congratulations on your Diamond Jubilee COOPER CLEANERS Ruth & Walt Kerbaugh, Mgr. SHEYENNE VALLEY ELECTRIC COOP., INC.—Melvin Vosseteig, General Mgr. COOPERSTOWN HDWE. CO. Aldo & Barghild Iverson SPRIGGS BARBER SHOP Haircutting—Hairstyling COOPER MOTORS Artie Cat, Evinrude, Outboards, Lund Boats STEELE COUNTY PRESS William, R. Devlin, Publisher COOPERSTOWN OIL CO. BULK SERVICE Lyle Pfeifer, Prop. STRAND TRUCKING & READY MIX Sand & Gravel-Soft Water Excavating COOPERSTOWN VETERINARIAN CLINIC Drs. Clark, Larson, & Knudson T. & K. Canvas Repair Terry & Karen Deehr, Owners CRANE JOHNSON LUMBER CO. Quality Material Since 1883 TOP TASTE BAKERY, INC. For Qaulity Products DENNY'S BAR Bingo, Dancing, Beer, & Cards TRYG & FRAN'S TAVERN Beer, Cards, & Cigars DUMPY'S BAR Duane O. Louden, Prop. WILKEN'S ELECTRIC Mr. & Mrs. Walt Wilkens & family DR. R. A. ALLEN Optometrist OTTERTAIL POWER CO. CURTIS REFRIGERATION & AIR OXTON TRAILER COURT CONDITIONING—Jack Curtis Mr. & Mrs. Sam Oxton

BRAGER'S SANITATION SERVICE EDDIE'S AUTO & BODY SHOP Marvin Brager Phone 5341

NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE CO. FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK Growing with Finley since 1924 Full Service Bank & Insurance WENDLICK TRUCKING FARMERS OIL CO. MOBIL GAS-MM COOPERSTOWN Firestone-Allis-Chalmers - Gehl - Versatile

ALMKLOVS PHARMACY FIRST STATE BANK Reliable Prescriptions since 1888 Your Friend of the Family Bank

ANDY'S DAIRY & PIZZA G.T.A. Phone 4361 Feed - Seed - Cleaning & Rolling

BILL'S STANDARD SERVICE GENE'S STUDIO Wm. Detwiller, Agent Portrait - Candid Wedding

CLARK EQUIP. CO.—Melroe Division HILDRE IMPLEMENT CO. Congratulations on your Diamond Jubilee John Deere & Farmhand

COAST TO COAST STORES JACK & JILL FOOD CENTER Roger Bakken, Owner Ron & Dale's, Owners

138. JOHNSON STORES HAUGEN FORD INC. Berdal Stores Inc. Owner International Harvester, Ford, & Mercury

L. D. HAGEN D. D. S. & LARSON DRUG A. D. NEUMILLER D. D. S. Your Prescription Store

LODER - GUSCETTE, INC. I.H.C. MAYVILLE FURNITURE & CARPET CO. Melroe - Lindsay - Steiger - New Holland Quality Furniture & Carpet

LUMBER MART INC. MAYVILLE MOTOR CO. Complete Building Materials Chev.-Olds-Sales & Service

MODEL CLOTHING CO. MAYVILLE REXALL PHARMACY Over 50 years of Service Marian Fugleberg, Owner

MOLINE CAFE ED NESHEIM, D. D. S. Serving Meals & Lunches TASTAD MOTOR CO. OASIS Dodge-Plymouth-Chrysler Off & On Sale

OLSON'S FLORAL & GIFT SHOP HATTON Also Garden & Lawn Supplies

OVERBY & STOKES FARMERS & MERCHANTS NAT'L. BANK Attorneys Your Full Service Bank

QUAM - PLAISTAD FUNERAL HOME INC. HATTON GTA ELEVATOR Cooperstown & Finley Market your grain GTA, the coop way

REITEN MACHINE SHOP CUSTOM MFG. HATTON PLEXI-LITE CO. Steel Packer Wheels - Tanks - Buckets Magnetic Signs

TIM'S OIL & SUPPLY PEDERSON IMPLEMENT CO. Champlin Products Phone 2604 John Deere & Ford

TORGERSON'S REAL ESTATE & AUCTION SUNFLOWER VALLEY PRODUCTS, INC. SERVICE—Col. Carrol Torgerson Processors of Sunfowers

V - W MOTORS THOMPSONS OF HATTON Chrysler - Dodge - Plymouth Dealer Tilford & Jean Thomspon MAYVILLE HATTON FREE PRESS Neil 0. Nelson & William R. Devlin BERGAN'S MEN'S WEAR Men's Suits-Furnishings HOPE

El Dora's CRANE JOHNSON CO. Ladies Fashion Center of Mayville Congratulations to Finley

FREIJE IMPLEMENT FARMERS UNION OIL CO. John Deere & Versatile Petroleum Products, Tires & Accessories

GAMBLE STORE FIRST STATE BANK RCA, Zenith, Appliances Congratualations to Finley

GOOSE RIVER BANK FULLER LAND CO. Your Full Service Bank Ford—John Deere

139. HOPE FARMERS ELEVATOR CO. PORTLAND FARMERS ELEVATOR CO. Grain, Seed, Feed, & Fertilizer Feed - Grain - Fertilizer

HOPE LANES & CAFE ROSE'S STEAK HOUSE John & Marguerite Werran, Prop. The Finest in Dining

JOHNSON STORE CO. ANETA Phone 945-2691 ABRAHAMSON'S ANETA MEATS SHARON Wholesalers & Retailers of Meat

FARMERS COOP ELEVATOR SERVICE ANETA AMERICAN LEGION Grain - Feed - Fertilizer Edward A. Broberg No. 16 ANETA BEAUTY SPOT FIRST STATE BANK OF SHARON & ANETA Kay - Joanne STATION—"Your Full Service Bank" ANETA CREAMERY - JACK & VERA LIND JENSEN'S STANDARD SERVICE Manufacturers of Good Butter Service Station & Bulk Service CITY CAFE COL. ARNOLD JOHNSON Ruth Sandeen, Mgr. Auctioneer FARMERS UNION ELEVATOR ASS'N OSTENSON'S GROCERY Phone 326-5191 Fine Foods for Fine Folks GEORGE'S MARKET REITEN FARM SUPPLY Mrs. George Burros, Operator We Sell the Best, Service the Rest HIGHWAY SALES SHARON MEATS Rupp fun machines & 4 cycle repair Carol & Marvin Hagebock LOWREY PIANOS & ORGANS SMOKEY'S BAR Al Hedstrom, Technician Maynard & Dorothy Zentz, Owners THE FAMILY STORE SOFT WATER HAULING Adolph Kjar - Gordon Moen Frank & Marvin Kloster, Ardean Nelson ROLLIE'S GROCERY PORTLAND Fairway Foods, Phone 326-5561

DOMIER IRON & METAL SEVERINSON MUSIC CO. New & Used Cars Rolf & Norman Severinson

FARMERS UNION OIL CO. WHITE TAIL LIQUOR CORP. Petroleum Bulk & Service John Smallbeck, Mgr.

THE FIRST & FARMERS BANK FARMERS UNION OIL CO. Your Full Service Bank Gas - Fuel - Appliances JOHNSON STORES CO. Gen. Mdse. & Groc. NORTHWOOD

KUNTZ HARDWARE & APPLIANCE JOHNSON MOTORS Complete Hardware & Appliances New & Used Cars

PORTLAND CREDIT UNION POWER EQUIPMENT CO. For Fast Credit Service John Deere Sales & Service

140. TUFTE SALES IMPLEMENT DEALERS MUTUAL INS. CO. Sports Equipment The Statesman Group Grand Forks, N. Dak. UGLEM - NESS CO. IHC - Melroe - Versatile RICHMOND ENGINEERING, INC. Consulting Engineers Grand Forks, N. Dak.

MISCELLANEOUS AMERICAN BOTTLING CO. Wishes to thank you for your patronage WESTGATE INC. Grand Forks, N. Dak. Swimming Pool Contractor Bismarck, N. Dak. GRAND FORKS FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN ASSN.—Insured Savings COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. Grand Forks, N. Dak. It's the Real Thing Moorhead, Minn. AGSCO, Grand Forks, N. Dak. Our Very Best Anniversary Wishes to the Finley Community METROPOLITAN SAVINGS & LOAN From the "Heart of the Valley" - Fargo BUNGE CORPORATION Diamond Jubilee Congratulations Minneapolis, Minn. Congratulations & Continued Success MCDONALD LIVESTOCK CO. West Fargo, N. Dak. FARMERS COOP FOR PROFIT "Happy Birthday" Finley That's GTA - The Coop Way St. Paul, Minn.

FARMERS UNION MARKETING ASSN. L. B. HARTZ WHOLESALE We Depend on You, You Can Depend on Us Deluxe Quality Foods West Fargo, N. Dak. Thief River Falls, Minn.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK VALLEY CITY GROCERY CO. "The Wide Awake Bank" Valley City, N. Dak. Grand Forks, N. Dak. Congratulations on your 75th Anniversary

Grain hauling was all done by team during the winter months. This picture shows the teams from the Gilbert Jordet farm lined up waiting to deliver their loads to the elevator. The picture is dated January 17, 1907. Hans Christianson had a shoe shop.

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