Kulm ND, Town History, 1892-1957 (A. Konrad) Published by the Odessa Digital Library - 4 Nov 2001 http://www.odessa3.org This document may be freely used for personal, nonprofit purposes or linked by other WWW sites. It may also be shared with others, provided the header with copyright notice is included. However, it may not be republished in any form without permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2001, Allen Konrad Transcribed by Missionary Allen E. Konrad, South Africa. The author is grateful for Mayor Taszarek and the Town Council of Kulm, ND, for granting permission to create and publish this transcription. 1892 TO 1957 KULM, N. DAK. This Book is Dedicated To Our Forefathers: for their unswerving faith in the possibilities of a virgin land such as Kulm. To The Present Generation: who diligently and tenaciously hold to that heritage of faith. To Posterity: who in their time will carry on that faith which has shaped the destiny of Kulm. Forward A view of Kulm's history during the past sixty-five years has brought back memories to the large group of its citizens who have been taking a look at its past. With the memories has come an appreciation for the many pioneers named and unnamed, who braved the early hardships and left a heritage greater than they knew. As the time for the work was comparatively short and the workers are amateurs in journalism, many items of interest may be mission from the allotted pages. The histories of many early settlers do not appear as no information concerning them was available. Information and early photographs were furnished by children and grandchildren of these early pioneers. To the best of our knowledge, we take these statements as correct. Mistakes may have taken place in the construction of this book, so please bear with us, as we amateur writers did the best we could under the circumstances. The committee has worked with the co-operation of the community and therefore it has turned out to be a community project and we say, "History is not made by the majority, but by individual men and women." The committee takes this opportunity to express their appreciation to the Kulm Lions Club who sponsored this project, and to the scores of individuals who have given so generously of their time and efforts, their pictures, and information to make this book possible. Special appreciation goes to all business places and individuals who sponsored pages, bought advertising, etc. Appreciation also goes to Miss Margaret Rose, who gave us additional information from records stored in the State Historical Library at Bismarck. The book is sent forth with the hope that it may record some of the heritage of the past, give an appreciation of the present, and an inspiration for the future. MAGGIE ROSSMAN, Chairman [P3 Picture: JUBILEE COMMITTEE--Reinhold Beich, W.E. Brost, Harold Luck, L.A. Koenig, R.O. Gackle, Ernest Gackle, Ben Joenig, Sharpe Pruetz, William Jans, Treasurer; Anna Bjornson, Secretary; Mrs. R.L. Jans, Mrs. Art Okerlund, Mrs. Harry Nelson, Oscar Lange, Chairman.] [P3 Picture: ADVERTISING COMMITTEE--Dan Hoffman, Wm. Brauer, E.G. Dennis and Henry Gackle.] [P3 Picture: HISTORICAL BOOK COMMITTEE-- Mmes. Ervin Dennis, Sharpe Pruetz, W.E. Brost, Caleb Bjur, Mrs. E.H. Grosz, Anna Bjornson, Maggie Rossman, Mrs. Russell Gackle.] [P4 Picture: KULM CITY OFFICALS--Ed Hieb, City auditor; M.W. Gackle, Mayor; N.G. Isaak, alderman; W.E. Brost, alderman, Sam Henke, Jake Steinwand, Dan Hoffman and Harold Luck, aldermen.] [P4 Picture: KULM LIONS CLUB--Hugh Butrick, Helmuth Hermann, Everett Brovold, Jake Steinwand, Wm. Brauer, H.A. Brost, Wayne Hieb, Otto Schott, J.E. Grenz, Henry Gackle, Gottlieb Schock, Harold Fregien, Harry Isaak, Art Krein, Gilbert Holle, Ben Joenig, R.L. Jans, Walter Botsford, Ervin Dennis, M.C. Buechler, Harry Nelson, Harold Luck, W.E. Brost, N.G. Isaak, Sharpe Preutz, Reinhold Beich, Oscar Lange, Martin Gackle. Members not pictured: Nick Novakovich, Dr. E. Aarma, Dr. D.M. Cameron, Irvin Mogck, W.J. Hildebrand, Art Okerlund.] KULM LIONS CLUB The Kulm Lions Club was organized in April, 1942. The Lions Club Charter Night was held Tuesday, the 21st of April, 1942. The Charter night Chairman was Sharpe Pruetz and Oscar Lange was the Master of Ceremonies. The first elected officers were: F.W. Fergusson, President; W.J. Hildebrand, 1st Vice President; Wesley Fredenburg, 2nd Vice President; H.J. Miller, Secretary-Treasurer; Oscar Lange, Lion Tamer; Fred Strobel, Tail Twister. The first Board of Directors were the following men: E.M. Anderson, Ernest Gackle, Peter J. Eberhard and L.G. Hixon. The Charter Members were: C.W. Ware, Alex Smith, A.J. Smith, J.R. Zimmerman, Fred C. Strobel, Otto Gackle, Ernest Gackle, W.J. Hildebrand, Sharpe Pruetz, N.G. Isaak, L.G. Hixon, Ed Hieb, Joe Melicher, John A. Flegel, Art Mueller, Peter J. Eberhard, Dan Hoffman, C.C. Buechler, Harris Miller, Wesley Fredenburg, Oscar Lange, E.M. Anderson, M.W. Gack.e, W.E. Brost, F.W. Fergusson, J.D. Smith, Reinhold Beich, Jacob Ruff, John J. Gackle, G.M. Stephens, G.E. Chambers, F.C. Smith, John A. Rath, Otto Beich, E.H. Grosz, and D.F. Brost. Charter members still belonging to the club are as follows: N.G. Isaak, Sharpe Pruetz, Dan Hoffman, Oscar Lange, M.W. Gackle, W.E. Brost, Reinhold Beich. The present officers of the club are Ben Koenig, President; E.G. Dennis, 1st Vice President; Harry Nelson, 2nd Vice President; Harold Luck, 3rd Vice President; M.C. Buechler, Secretary-Treasurer; Oscar Lange, Lion Tamer; Art Okerlund, Tail Twister. The present directors are Otto. E. Schott, Art Krein, Jacob Steinwand and Everett Brovold. The Lions Club sponsored many worth-while projects during its existence. The last major project sponsored was in promoting the idea of paving the streets in the city. It is well to mention that Oscar Lange was elected Lion Tamer when the club was first organized and has held that office continuously to the present date. The Ashley Lions Club was the sponsoring club for the Kulm Lions. The Lions meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the City Auditorium at a dinner meeting served by the Kulm Homemakers Club. History of Kulm [P5 Picture: Main Street] The townsite of Kulm was established in 1892 on the northwest quarter of section 26, township 133, range 66. The Soo Line purchased 106 acres for a townsite and right of way. Wesley Organ appropriated another 40 acres for this purpose. All of this land had been formerly Wesley Organ's homestead. About this time Mrs. Christina Buechler and two sons, Fred and Christ, who were living in Merricourt and operating a general mercantile store and the post office there, decided to move their store to this new townsite. Two brothers, Fred Flegel and Christ Flegel living in the Kulm territory at that time, heard of this contemplated move and got in touch with Fred Buechler asking to have the job of digging the basement for this first store on main street. While they were digging the basement, a Soo Line surveyor approached Christ Flegel and asked what they would like to have the town named. As neither of the brothers could speak English at that time, Fred Buechler acted as interpreter. Christ Flegel through his interpreter told the surveyor that if it was up to him to name the new town, he would like to have it named Kulm for three reasons, first - because Kulm, Bessarabia, South Russia was his birthplace, second - Kulm, Germany was the birthplace of his ancestors, third - that most of the settlers living around the new site were from Kulm, Russia and Kulm, Germany. As a result of this request the name of Kulm was printed on a little station that was erected on the right of way in 1892. To gain the good will of the people and help build up the town, the railroad company constructed an enclosed shed 28 x 140 feet for stabling farmers teams free of charge, this building being located where Gackle Brothers coal sheds are now standing, in the northern part of the city of Kulm, right across the Soo Line tracks. An addition 16 x 28 feet was built on the east end of the shed, furnished with a stove and coal, where the farmers could stay day or night without pay for heat or lodging. At this time the station agent F.A. Evans informed the early settlers that the cars of grain were going out of Kulm in a steady stream and that the Soo Line planned to sink a well to furnish water for a tank as the nearest one was at Oakes, N. Dak. Because it was located in the south western tip of LaMoure County and near the corner of Dickey, McIntosh and Logan counties, it had a large territory to draw from and expanded rapidly. Kulm remained the western terminus of the Soo Line railroad until 1898 when it was extended west. [P6 Pictures: Grain Buyers at Kulm. Elevators; General Store. 1st Drug Store. Clara Grosz; M.W. Gackle] In a short time Kulm had seven grain elevators, which in one season received and shipped nearly one million bushels of grain Besides the elevators there were also street buyers of grain who had their scales on the site just north of John Stroehl's service station. The purchased grain was immediately loaded into railroad cars that were ordered in advance and were on side tracks. As high as 300 bushels of grain were taken in by these buyers in a day. The quantity of grain handled in Kulm was considerably larger than in any other town in LaMoure County. Besides the store of Mrs. Christine Buechler and sons, who were the first to do a general mercantile business in Kulm, having moved their building and goods from Merricourt in 1892, other general stores were started; one by Zellmer and Lange, later owned by G. Lange exclusively, and located on the present A.J. Smith block and the John Grosz store just north of the post office building, and the J.M. Erbele and Anderson and Hieb establishments. Kulm's first photographer was John Reiman, followed by Fred W. Kemp. J.A.T. Bjornson built the first drug store in 1894 on what is now the northern part of the Farmers Union Oil Company Station. Looking through the back files of prescriptions kept by Mr. Bjornson, was one numbered 55 made out to G. Thorsen in 1896 written by Dr. Otto E. Penske. Jake Byer, A.G. Ulm, Gordon and Benn, and J.F. Snyder had drug stores about where the present drug store is located. Margaret Wolfer, now Mrs. John G. Gackle, was the first telephone operator, the switchboard being located in Gordon and Benn's drug store in 1907. A baby girl, the first child born. December 2-. 1893, was Clara Grosz. The first boy was Martin W. Gackle, born January 16, 1894. [P7 Pictures: Hotel. View South on Mainstreet in 1908. J.A. Melicher Garage. First State Bank] Before the railroad was extended to Kulm, Fred Mix had completed and was operating the lower story of his hotel located on the site commonly known as the Anderson building. Robert Roan, who opened a boarding house for the Soo Line track layers in the summer of 1892, started a restaurant and eating house on the site where the Standard Service Station, owned by John Stroehl, is located and later ran the first dray line. The John Hillius' upon learning that the Soo Line would be extended to Kulm from Merricourt moved a one room building up from Ellendale and added it to a restaurant bought from Pratts and continued this restaurant which was located between the present Ben Koenig Barber Shop and the Kulm Messenger building. In a few years the Hillius' added another story which was opened to transients. Later this building was moved out to the Hillius farm. Other hotels and restaurants were the Kulm House, under the management of E.G. Sweeney, located where the J.M. Erbele store once stood. Beneke and Heller who ran a general restaurant and served coffee at all hours at the location where Him Weatherly now has a cafe. Kennagy and Smith, two young men who came up from Ashley, also had a restaurant. The location of which is unknown. Theodore Gerndt had a small oyster stew cafe located on the north side of the present Palm Department Store. Wesley Organ, who had a house in the southeastern part of Kulm kept a number of boarders while the town was being built, sometimes having as high as thirty to forty taking meals there. Otto Becker had a confectionery store north of the Kulm Messenger building where he lost his life when a fire in April of 1926 destroyed his building. Swankes Barber Shop and the Star Cafe were owned by Mr. And Mrs. Max Lay. Jake Smith's Cafe or restaurant was in the building later occupied by Mr. And Mrs. Max Lay. Henry Palm, according to our knowledge, was the first barber. The first bank in Kulm started in 1892 with J.B. Sharpe as president and Charles Preutz as cashier. It occupied the side where the present post office is located and was known as the First State Bank. The first building was a frame structure and after the fire in 1906 a brick building was erected on this same spot. [P8 Pictures: Two story building. Creamery. Harness Shop] The LaMoure County Bank which began in 1896 with M. Olaf Hausken as president occupied a site in a frame building just north of the present Steinwandt Cafe. Later, a two story brick building was built, which is now occupied by the Butrick Dry Cleaning Plant. Wm. Watson was one of the first blacksmiths. M.F. Brauer and George Schneider as partners were also early blacksmiths, having their shop just south of the Kulm Mill. As far as we know, the first men to operate meat markets were a Mr. Smith and Ernest Schneider who had his market about where the Brost Brothers Hardware Store is now located. In 1902 Kulm had a creamery managed by Mr. Bacon assisted by Charles and Gerald Wright. It was located in the southeastern part of town just south of the David Hettich home. It has a capacity of 1000 pounds of butter daily which was shipped to New York City. This building was converted into a light plant in 1911 and later became the home of Jacob Roedel where Burk's now reside. The Kulm Mill later bought the Light Plant. The earliest recollection of pioneers as to a livery barn was the one across from the Kulm Depot and east of the Kulm Mill. It was operated by Fred Flegel, and later on by A.B. Malin. Elijah Organ had a livery barn in the southeastern part of town next to the Wesley Organ home. Reimenschneider and Guss also had a livery barn on the lots just east of the Salzer Lumber yard. Wm. Raichle in later years conducted the same kind of business at this location. John Melicher and John J. Jenner opened the first harness shop in 1895, south of David Hettich's present building. Later on it became a real estate office, then a barber shop. The first lumber yard was owned by D.C. Sullivan, later by Zellmer and Lange. It was located south of the Kulm Mill. In 1894 P.C. Burfenning came to manage the Salzer Lumber Yard which was located just north of John Stroehl's Service Station. L.J. Guthmueller went into the hardware business in 1893 in the building located on what is now the Farmers Union Oil Company. John J. Jenner worked with him. David F. Brost operated a hardware and machine business on this same location from 1905 to 1908. He then moved to the present site on the west side of the street and added a furniture department. [P9 Pictures: Gackle Bros 1st store. Kulm Mill 1905. Group of ladies with heads stuck through Kulm Messengers. West side of Main street before fire in 1906] George Gackle Sr. started in the grain and farm machinery business, and in 1893 engaged in the furniture and hardware business. It was known for a time as Gackle and Billigmeier but developed under the name of Gackle and Company. This business has always occupied the present site. The first post office was in Buechler's store with Fred Buechler as postmaster. He was followed by J.A.T. Bjornson who had the post office either in his drug store or a small building beside it. In 1898 the post office was located across from the City Auditorium and H.L. Kelly was postmaster. From there the post office was moved to the Standard Oil Station site with P.C. Burfenning as postmaster. Some of the early doctors were: Dr. O.E. Penske, Dr. Sorg, Dr. Wendt, Dr. Barbour, Dr. Benn, Dr. Sturgeon and Dr. Brenckle. E.E. Railson was the first veterinarian. The dentists were: Dr. Ellsworth, Dr. Thompson and Dr. Washburn. The first real estate offices were opened by F.C. Brandt and A.B. Malin. The first attorney remembered by our pioneers was Nels Larson. The Kulm Mill Company had its origin in 1893 on the site it still occupies with Rott Brothers and Hellwig as the first owners and a man by the name of Fuller as their miller. In 1895 B. Frank Smith followed by his son Jean in 1898, came from South Dakota and took over milling operations. The mill in early years had a 100 barrel capacity per day bringing farmers from as far away as 50 and 60 miles. The newspaper of Kulm as far back as files and information obtained, had it's beginning in 1897 and was called the Kulm Messenger. H.L. Kelly, we believe, was the first editor and in 1901 or 1902 A.B. Malin edited the paper with J. Stanton Jensen as business manager. The printing office was first located on the west side of main street near the present Super Service Garage and when A.B. Malin was editor the site of the Kulm State Bank was its location. Jacob Roedel, Sr., in 1893 was a maker of caskets, as factory made ones were not obtainable at that time. Kulm's earliest known tailor was G.F. Mierling. Besides his tailor shop, he conducted a small grocery and confectionery store. The following taken from the records of the city auditor lists the official proceedings of the village of Kulm, February 12, 1897. Trustees: C.J. Zellmer, Adam Brezler, J.M. Erbele with Nels Larson as clerk. In 1906 a city formed government was organized and adlermen elected were: Dan Grosz, L.J. Guthmueller, M.F. Brauer and J.F. Brenckle. Treasurer was A.E. Ogden, Justice of the Peace, J.P. Parker; Police Magistrate, A.B. Malin. H. Berg,am was appointed City Auditor and P.C. Burfenning was the first mayor. FROM THE MINNEAPOLIS JOURNAL 1895 The Prices of: Flour--100 lb. $1.75 Soda Crackers--4 lb. .15 Butter--.22 a lb. Turkeys--.08 to .10 per lb. Pork Roast--.06 per lb. Egg Macaroni--.03 per lb. Grapes--5 lb. basket for .20 Chickens--.06 per lb. Lard--.08 per lb. Pork Chops--.05 per lb. Pork Steak--.08 per lb. Hams--.10 per lb. Bacon--.10 per lb. Sausage--.08 per lb. Apple Cider--.15 per gallon A set of teeth for $5.00 The best that can be made $8.00 A pure gold filing $1.50 A gold alloy filling $ .75 All gold crown $5.00 Black Kersey and Beaver Coats--$5.98 Seal and Plush Caps--$1.00 (Formerly priced $2.50 and $3.00 Cutters - Swell Body--$16.97 Runabouts--$13.75 Finest--$32.75 Ladies Fur Capes - Mink (dark) $70.13 Mink (dark) Bankrupt sale--$39.00 Genuine Marten--$35.08 LIVESTOCK MARKET: Cows - Average 1040--$2.40 Oven - Average 1625--$2.10 Steers - Average 1090--$3.00 HAY AND STRAW MARKET: Upland Hay, per ton--$7.50 Medium grades, per ton--$5.00 Coarse Hay, per ton--$5.00 Tame Hay, per ton--$10.50 Wheat Straw, per ton--$3.50 Rye Straw, per ton--$4.50 REMINISCENCES (FROM THE KULM MESSENGER) May 7, 1932 --The Concert Band made a trip to Bismarck Sunday and gave a one hour program over radio station KFYR. February 12, 1942 --Eighty-five men put to work Monday to start on sewage disposal. September 7, 1912 --John Hiller this week purchased the old livery barn next to the North Star Lumber Yard. October 23, 1941 --Adult education classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the schoolhouse. May 2, 1912 --A.S. Buechler went to Aberdeen last Saturday where he has accepted a position with the orchestra of the Bijou theater as coronet player. May 2, 1912 --Eighth grade commencement exercises were held at the Baptist Church. The Speech was delivered by Rev. Vogel. Erick Bowman presented the diplomas to the following: Agnes Nygren, Annie and Ellen Hample, Josie Bjur, Edward Olson, Eddie Ostrom, Signe Olson and Victor Ostrom. January 18, 1812 [1912?] --The many friends of Annie Bergman (Annie Bjornson) are pleased to know she received her commission as postmistress. January 11, 1912 --Martin Gackle, Joe Melicher, Oscar Lange, Albert Grosz and Christian Dobler all went to Ellendale Sunday to resume their studies at the N.I. August 31, 1931 --Miss Theresa Ruder left Monday for Kobi, Japan to teach. May 14, 1942 --Red Cross home nurse's classes sponsored by the Legion Auxiliary were held with Mrs. Anna Herring teacher. June 1942 --Spring chicken dinner only 50 cents. February 1912 --Coffee - 3 lbs. For 67 cents. January 1931 --Low prices of Ford cars $430 to $630. January 1931 --The firemen at their meeting elected J.J. Jenner chief; Jake Ruff assistant chief and Oscar Lange, Secretary-Treasurer. Prices in 1931 Ladies Shoes $1.98 House Dresses $ .98 Sheets $ .98 Pillow Cases $ .17 Muslin, per yd $ .07 [P11 Pictures: Kulm in early 1900. East Kulm in Early 1900. Early homes in Kulm. View South on Main Street Early 1900. Main Street Looking North Early 1900. Singing Band - Early 1900--Nathaniel Isaak, Theophil Mantz, Gotthilf Dickhoff, Fred Irion, Edward Schultz Christ Irion, Gottlob Treichel, Rudolph Dickhoff, George Maier] [P12 Pictures: David Mueller Sr. Sod House--built in 1893. Threshing Scene--1896. Clay House built in 1892. One of 1st homes built in Kulm--1896. Kulm's Baseball Team--1906: R. Savage, F.W. Kempf, J. O'Brien, Carl Dahl, John Johnson, Gottlieb Miller-manager, Baumgartner, Frank Stuhr, J.B. Scharpe, H. Mackin] KULM REFORMED CHURCH The Reformed church building has an interesting history. It was the first school house from 1893 to 1899. The church was organized in June 1897 and incorporated in July 1902. Services were first held in the homes. Pastor of this congregation was Rev. Stienecker who lived in Ashley and drove to Kulm with horse and buggy. He was followed by Landsiedel, Sheidt, Zepf, Wittenborg, Depping and Bodeman. The members have since disbanded and the building was purchased by the American Legion and serves as their Legion Hall. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH [P13 Pictures: Earlier Congregational Church. Rev. C. Martin] The beginning of the first Congregational Church of Kulm, North Dakota, leads back to the year of 1893 when services were conducted in the homes of George Gackle and John Gross until the erection of the first church building in the year 1897. Due to a great spiritual desire on the part of the people this first building soon proved much too small for the accommodation of the increasing attendance, and plans for a larger building were not only drawn, but actually carried out under the fine leadership of Rev. M. Trieber, who was assisted in this great undertaking by Mrs. George Gackle. The results of their untiring efforts enabled the congregation to dedicate the second church building in the spring of 1905. During the past 64 years this church has been served by the following clergymen: P. Burkhardt, M. Trieber, A. Vogel, E. Wagner, J. Ament, H. Nuetzmann, C.A. Lippemberger, H. Wuerth, P. Ruder, B. Moss, E. Ketterling, Carl Roemmich and C. Martin the present pastor. Through the efforts and untiring labor of these men the church was able to make continuous progress. Following the work of Rev. M. Trieber was Rev. Albert H. Vogel and his assistant, student Rev. Ferdinand Berghoefer. During these years the following congregations made up the Kulm Parish: Gnadenfeld, St. John's, Hoffnungsfeld, Postthal, Friedensfeld, New Beresina, Wirch's and First Church of Kulm. Under Rev. Vogel, the following congregations built churches: Friedensfeld, Hoffnungsfeld, Postthal, and New Beresina. In 1912 the Kulm Parish was host to the General Conference. Under Rev. H. Nuetzmann many members died because of influenza. The spiritual life of the church was fortified and revival fires broke out. Once again Kulm had the privilege of being the host church for the General Conference. This was said to have been the largest General German Conference in the history of this denomination. In 1924, after the resignation of Rev. Neutzmann, 4 churches left the Kulm Parish. These churches were: Hoffnungsfeld, Friedensfeld, St. John's and Friedens. That left 4 churches in the Kulm parish. Two other churches left the parish, Postthal members dispersed, joining Trinity Congregation at Jud and some with the Kulm parish. New-Beresina came into the city to join the local church. Several years ago the last congregation, Gnadenfeld, disbanded and joined the local Congregation. Thus, what once was a parish of 8 churches, now has amalgamated to the present First Congregational Church. Sunday, October 27, 1946, the congregation celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, at which time drives were started to raise funds toward a new church. Ground breaking ceremonies were held June 1950 and work on the new structure ensued. On September 24, 1950 cornerstone laying services were conducted by their able pastor Rev. C. Roemmich. Though, the congregation was left without a Pastor in October 1950 work on the new edifice continued and the sanctuary was ready for dedication, when Rev. Martin accepted the call to become Pastor of this church on July 1, 1951. The church today consists of some 150 families, about 350 members, 100 of whom have joined since the building of the new church edifice. A mid-week Bible study and prayer service was introduced by the Pastor. Several spiritual awakening services have fostered the inner life of the flock. The church has an active youth program which consists of a C.E.Y.F., a Young People's Society, a fine Sunday School, Junior Chorus and Young People Choir. It has a Senior, Mixed Choir and Ladies Chorus. There are also two Ladies Organizations, The Ladies Aid and Dorcas Society. The Sunday Evening Services is still intact. Officers of the church at the present time are: Pastor, Rev. Martin; Sunday School Supt., Mr. George Gackle. [P14 Pictures: Present First Congregational Church building. Dorcas Society members--Mmes. Mathilda Brost, Ben Hauff, Marlyn Kusler, Helmuth Herman, Gottlieb Harman, Lee Hollan, Clifford Schott, Gottlieb Herman Jr., Christ Kruse, John Janke, Emil Schott, Robert Keller, Herman Herrmann, Richard Herman, Arlyn Mogck, Emil Janke, John Netz, Irvin Mogck, Harry Isaak, Rev. Christian Martin, Mrs. Christian Martin, Emanuel Gall, Jake Hauff, Tkheodore Netz, Otto Ribhagen, Otto Herman, Deopold Herman, William Kleingartner, Otto Schott, Lyle Herman, Albert Netz, Wilbert Hidebrand, Elmer Hildebrand. Members not pictured are: Mrs. Gottlieb Herman, Mrs. Rudolph Herman and Mrs. Walter Kusler] CONGREGATIONAL DORCAS SOCIETY On March 13, 1935, a group of fourteen ladies of the New Beresina Church east of Kulm met at the farm home of Mrs. Ben Herman and organized a ladies' aid under the name of the: "New Beresina Ladies' Aid". The following officers were elected: president, Mrs. John (Mathilda) Brost; Vice President, Mrs. Rudolph Herman; Secretary, Mrs. Gotthilf Miller now of Dryden, Wash.; Treasurer, Mrs. Ben (Emma) Herman now residing at Minneapolis, Minn. In August of 1946 the society decided to change the name to Dorcas Society. The purpose of this Society is Christian fellowship, education, service and stewardship, and to undergird the spiritual program of the First Congregational Church, as it serves the cause of Christ in the community, in the home and foreign missions. Contributions of money and clothing have been made to charitable institutions and relief organizations, shut-ins are remembered as well as those of the church. Different ways of raising money are by having fall suppers, bake sales, and serving at auction sales. The meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. The previous hostess has charge of the devotional program. The charter members of the society are: Mrs. Mathilda Brost, Mrs. John Janke, Mrs. Deopold Herman, Mrs. Rudolph Herman and Mrs. Otto Herman. One charter member, Mrs. Fred Herman is deceased. The Dorcas Society has at the present time 36 members. Mrs. Gottlieb Herman Sr. age 78 is the oldest member and is also an honorary member. The present officers are: president, Mrs. Otto Riebhagen; vice president, Mrs. Irvin Mogck; secretary, Mrs. Clifford Schott; and treasurer, Mrs. Richard Herman. [P15 Picture: Congregational Church Ladies Aid. Mmes. P. Schott, E. Grosz, R. Bohnet, S. Pruetz, D. Patzer, Miss M. Siegler, J. Siewert, C. Welk, J. Siegler, E. Elhard, J. Miller, H. Mogck, G. Gackle, H. Keller Jr., J. Schlauch, H. Siewert, A.J. Smith, P. Billigmeier, C. Skoglund, Wm. Brauer, O. George, J. Fisher, E. Grunich, C. Martin, Rev. C. Martin, Miss M. Nill (deceased), O. Gackle, P. Fey, N.G. Isaak, H. Keller Sr., J. Walz.] THE CONGREGATIONAL LADIES' AID The Congregational Ladies Aid of Kulm, North Dakota, was organized on September 11, 1929 in the home of Reverend and Mrs. Peter Ruder, who then served as pastor of the Kulm parish. It was voted that the purpose of the Aid be: To give help and happiness to the needy; to glorify God and beautify God's house; to spread the word of God through the channels of living service; and to let the Spirit of God prevail in the lives of all members. The first president was Mrs. Minnie Grosz (now Mrs. Kost of Parkston, South Dakota). The first minutes list twenty-six members, four of whom are still active, they are; Mrs. N.G. Isaak, Mrs. Reinhold Bohnet, Mrs. Peter Schott and Mrs. Geo. Gackle. The present officers are: Mrs. Sharpe Pruetz, President; Mrs. Ida Smith, Vice President; Mrs. Otto Gackle, Treasurer, and Mrs. Ossie George, Secretary. GNADENFELD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF KULM, N.D. 1886-1953 Gnadenfeld was the oldest Congregation of the German Congregational Churches in North Dakota. It was organized in 1886 under the leadership of Supt. George Albrecht and Pastor C. Jose with 18 members. It was organized in the home of Mr. And Mrs. Gottlieb Schneider with the following members: Mr. And Mrs. August Miller, Mr. And Mrs. John Miller, Mr. And Mrs. John Kroll, Mr. And Mrs. Louis Billigmeier, Mr. And Mrs. Karl Hillius, Mr. And Mrs. Daniel Foloff, Mr. And Mrs. Daniel Grosz and Mr. And Mrs. Andrew Blume. During the first two years the services were held in the sod house of Mr. And Mrs. John Miller. In ten years this congregation grew to 34 members, so they were pressed for more space in which to hold services. In 1896 the members with their Pastor Paul Burkhard came to an agreement to build a new church building 10 miles southwest of Kulm. This structure was built 24 by 36 feet and after being completed it was dedicated to the Lord with Rev. D. Neuenschwander as guest speaker. In 1911 revival meetings were held and over forty souls were saved. [P16 Pictures: Gnadenfeld church from a distance. Men entering Gnadenfeld church] In 1936 the Gnadenfeld Church celebrated their 50th Anniversary with Rev. Paul Burkhardt as guest speaker. During the life of the church it had been served by the following clergymen: H. Heltzer, Rev. H. Vogler, Rev. J. Sattler, Rev. P. Hirt, Rev. H. Baumann, Rev. P. Burkhardt, Rev. M. Treiber, Rev. A Vogel, Rev. E. Wagner, Rev. J. Ament, Rev. H. Nuetzmenn, Rev. C.A. Lippenberger, Rev. H. Wuerth, Rev. P. Ruder, Rev. B. Moos, Rev. E. Ketterling, Rev. K. Roemmich and Rev. C. Martin. In 1953 the Gnadenfeld Church Congregation decided to quit having services in their Church and disposed of their building and properties. Thereafter they became united as members with the First Congregational Church in Kulm. The Gnadenfeld Church building is still located on its original site. KULM EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH The work of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in the community was begun approximately in 1889. Kulm was one of the many preaching appointments of the Ashley Mission which Rev. Loewen served. Succeeding ministers who served while Kulm was still on the mission status were: A.F. Herzberg, G. Hoff, R.E. Strutz, F.H. Brockmueller and C.E. Oeder. [P16 Picture: Earlier Evangelical Church building] In 1906 an important transaction was made by the Dakota Conference. The church in Kulm received its first resident pastor in the person of Rev. G.C. Thiele. In the same year a building was purchased from the Baptist congregation. In the fall of 1907 it was dedicated after being remodeled and enlarged. The first officers of Zion Church were: Class Leader, Ferdinand Kosanke; Board of Trustees, Christoff Zellmer, John Mantei and Frederich Brost. Only one of the charter members, D.F. Brost, is still living and a resident in Kulm. In these early years the church building was located on the site now occupied by the Community Hall. In 1902 the building was moved to its present location. [P17 Pictures: E.U.B. church building. Rev. C. Knoepfle] Rev. G.C. Thiele served the church devotedly and successfully until 1912 when Rev. G. Heur was assigned to the charge. Succeeding ministers were: A. Oertli, R. Tammen, A. Rux, O.W. Ferk and G. Duebendorf. In 1923 Rev. A. Gehring was assigned to the field. Under his ministry the church prospered in an unusual way. Rev. F.W. Agte succeeded him. In 1931 Rev. O.N. Felberg, presently serving as an evangelist for the denomination, began a very effective and useful ministry. His successor was Rev. O.A. Gehring, a young man who had received his license to preach from Zion Church. More recent ministers have been: J.J. Schroder, C.E. Bach, J.M. Burkhard, L. Buechler and Rueben Gums. Under the ministry of Leo Buechler the preaching services were for the first time entirely in English. The church was extensively remodeled and an educational "L" unit was added to the structure. In 1955 a tower entrance with added facilities for Sunday School and cloak room purposes was added completing the structure as it stands today. Organizations which presently function in the life of the church are: The Women's Society of World Service, The Evangelical United Brethren Men, The Sunday School, The Adult Fellowship, The Youth Fellowship, The Boys and Girls Fellowship. The present pastor is C. Knoepfle. THE WOMEN'S SOCIETY OF WORLD SERVICE of the KULM E.U.B. CHURCH The first women's organization of the Evangelical United Brethren Church was a Ladies' Aid organized by Rev. and Mrs. G. C. Thiele in 1910. None of the ladies who were members of this group are living today. [P17 Picture: Early members of Women's Society] In 1934 the Ladies' Aid was reorganized under a new name, "The Women's Missionary Society". After the merger of the Evangelical and United Brethren Churches, the society's name was changed to "The Women's Society of World Service". This is a unified society which works for the interests and cause of the Church in her ministry throughout the entire world. [P18 Picture: Kulm E.U.B.W.S.W.S.-Mmes. Christ Rath, Dave Brost, Reinhold Beich, Edward Kosanke, Fred Hildebrand, Nathaniel Roloff, Salomon Hildebrand, Otto Mueller, Aalbert Nelson, Dan Hoffman, Jake Klein, Annie Bjornson, John Iszler, Clifford Hidebrand, Clarence Knoepfle, Ben Koenig, Wilbert Brost, Hilmer Brost, Ervin Dennis] EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ZION CHURCH The Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church was first organized in 1928 as the Kulm Community Church with the Rev. H. Wuerth as pastor. The charter membership consisted of forty-five members and held its services in the City Auditorium. In 1929 the group purchased a used church building located six miles south of Berlin for $500.00. Early the next spring it was moved to its present location. In September of 1930 the building having been remodeled and redecorated, was dedicated as a new worship center, with Rev. W.W.A. Keller of Jamestown and Rev. J. Schmitt of Fredonia as the guest speakers. [P18 Picture: Evangelical Zion Lutheran church building] In May of 1934, with many more members expressing their desire to identify themselves with the church body, the congregation voted to have its name changed to Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1939 under the faithful guidance of Rev. L.A. Westenberger, the congregation affiliated itself with the American Lutheran Church which has its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. The congregation is still a member of that church body. Besides Rev. H. Wuerth, organizer of the congregation, the following pastors have served: Rev. Wuerth, 1929-1938; Rev. Westenberger, 1939-1941; Rev. C.F. Broecher, 1941-1943; Rev. John Bunge, 1943-1950; Rev. Reinhold Hintz, 1950- 1951. [P19 Picture: Rev. R.W. Schwarz] In July 1952 Rev. R.W. Schwarz was installed as the first resident pastor. The congregation purchased a used home to serve as a temporary parsonage. In the spring of 1955 a new parsonage was built and completed in December of 1955 and the Schwarz family have called it home since December 15, 1955. At the present time the Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church has a baptized membership of 184 souls. Officers at the present time are: Pastor, Rev. R.W. Schwarz; Congregation Chairman, Richard Hildebrand; Treasurer, Gottlieb Schock; Secretary, Lester Berntson; Sunday School Supt., Bernhard Rasch; Trustees: Aalbert Kinzler, Richard Stadler, Jake Steinwandt; Deacons: Edwin Heidinger, Freddie Kinzler, William Wolff. EVANGELICAL ZION LUTHERAN LADIES AID The Evangelical Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid was first organized under the Community church on July 5, 1929 with the guidance of Rev. Wuerth and with a membership of thirty. In the year of 1939 under the spiritual guidance of Rev. Westenburger it became a full pledged Lutheran Aid. When the Aid was first organized the following proceeded as officers: President, Mrs. Dave Sperling; Vice President, Mrs. Ryan Kurtz; Treasurer and Pianist, Mrs. J.G. Gackle; Secretary, Mrs. Henry Siewert. Mrs. Christ Brauer, Mrs. G.A. Hanneld, Mrs. Ryan Kurtz are the charter members, and are still serving the Aid. Our present Aid under the spiritual guidance of Rev. R.W. Schwarz, consists of 25 members. [P19 Picture: Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid members--Mmes. R.W. Schwarz, Edwin Heidinger, Fred Kinzler, Bernard Rasch, Fred Schlenker, Robert Fey, Harold Fregien, Walter Puhlmann, Rev. R.W. Schwarz, Harold Schlenker, Jake Steinwand, Maria Brauer, Richard Hildebrand, Albert Heidinger, Edmund Jenner, Fred Geiszler, Martin Kinzler, G.A. Hanneld, Dan Hildebrand, Jacob Schock, Anna Mund, Karl Rost. Members not pictured: Mmes. Wm. Jans, Ryan Kurtz, W.E. Botsford, John Rempher] Present officers are: President, Mrs. Harold Fregein; Vice President, Mrs. Richard Hildebrand; Treasurer, Mrs. Albert Heidinger; Secretary, Mrs. Edwin Heidinger; Pianist, Mrs. Ed. Jenner. BROTHERHOOD OF THE EVANGELICAL ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH The Brotherhood of the evangelical Zion Lutheran Church of Kulm, North Dakota, was organized on the 22nd day of November, 1953. At the time of organization there were sixteen active members. They were as follows: Fred Geiszler, Albert Heidinger, Edwin Heidinger, Richard Hildebrand, Albert Kinzler, Fred Kinzler, Freddie Kinzler, Walter Puhlmann, Bernard Rasch, Fred Schlenker, Harold Schlenker, Jacob Schock, Rev. R.W. Schwarz, Jacob Steinwandt, and Don Young. [P20 Picture: Members W.M.S. Evangelical Zion Lutheran Church--Mrs. Richard Hildebrand, Mrs. R.W. Schwarz, Mrs. Edwin Heidinger, Mrs. Bernard Rasch, Mrs. Fred Geiszler, Mrs. Emil Klettke, Rev. Schwarz, Mrs. Gottlieb Schodk, Mrs. William Remien, Mrs. Jake Steinwandt, Mrs. Edmund Jenner, Mrs. Richard Stadler, Mrs. Freddie Kinzler. Not pictured is Mrs. Walter Botsford] The first officers elected for this organization were: President, Harold Schlenker; Vice President, Freddie Kinzler; Secretary-Treasurer, Richard Hildebrand; Chaplain, Don Young; and Custodian, Fred Schlenker. The first objective of this organization is to stimulate interest in the Kingdom of God among all the men of the American Lutheran Church, and to further the effectiveness of the local congregation through the enlistment, training, and organization of its men into a fellowship of working Church- men. For two years the organization has seeded a "God's Acre" consisting of from 50 to 85 acres of land, the proceeds being used to promote Kingdom work in their midst. The monthly meetings generally consist of a topic or Bible Study and fellowshiping, at which the members get better acquainted, as well as to also discuss problems of mutual interest which they would not be able to do as a group otherwise. At present the membership of this rather new organization numbers 21 members with Richard Stadler, President; Jake Steinwandt, Vice President; Lloyd Hildebrand, Chaplain; Albert Heidinger as Secretary and Treasurer, and Custodian, Mr. Fred Schlenker. EVANGELICAL ZION LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY The Evangelical Zion Lutheran W.M.S. of Kulm was organized in August of 1954 under the willing guidance of pastor, Rev. R.W. Schwarz. The purpose of this society is for the promotion of the missionary program of the American Lutheran Church: namely to spread the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. The first officers were: Mrs. R.W. Schwarz, president; Mrs. W.E. Botsford, vice president; Mrs. Edmund Jenner, secretary; Mrs. Gottlieb Schock, treasurer. The present membership is twelve, Mrs. R.W. Schwarz, Mrs. W.E. Bottsford, Mrs. G. Schock, Mrs. E. Jenner, Mrs. R. Hildebrand, Mrs. Fred Geizler, Mrs. Wm. Remein, Mrs. Jake Steinwand, Mrs. R. Stadler, Mrs. Freddie Kinzler, Mrs. Ed Heidinger, Mrs. Emil Klettke, and Mrs. Bernard Rasch. The first nine of these are charter members. The present officers are: Mrs. Emil Klettke, president; Mrs. Wm. Remein, vice president; Mrs. G. Schock, secretary; Mrs. R. Hildebrand, treasurer. THE NEW BERESINA CHURCH [P21 Picture: Members in front of New Beresina building] In 1899 a few of the Homesteaders met in the home of one Jacob Bohnet, an elderly Christian, to hold services. His home was located southeast of Kulm. Two traveling Evangelical preachers came through the country, on foot in 1900, holding revival meetings. They heard of this group, so went to Mr. Bohnet and offered their services. Word was sent out to all to come and they held a service or two before going on their way. After they left, these people kept the meeting going until nearly all were saved. They held services in the Gottlieb Herrmann home for a time. In 1902 the first sod home of Friederich Herrmann was vacated for a new sod home, so they decided to use this for their church. Some of the first families to attend these services were John Herrmann Sr., his sons John Jr., Christian, Gottlieb and Friederich, the Fred Bossarts, Nicolia Stehr, Fred Hehr and Fred Schlenkers Sr. These families were all poor so each contributed what he could toward heating this sod house in the winter. Usually it was no more than a basket of chips. They had no chairs so made a few benches and brought in the wagon seats to set along the wall. As the years passed more and more people moved into the neighborhood and they joined the group. At this time Rev. Michael Trieber was serving the Congregation Church in Kulm, and he came out to help them organize. They met in the Friederich Herrmann home and elected Friederich Herrmann as Deacon and J. Bohnet as Sunday School Superintendent. After this they held their services in the school house. In 1908 they built a church four and a half miles east of Kulm. In 1914 this church was host to the North and South Dakota State Conference, which was quite an undertaking for so small a church. There were two tents used, one for services and one for a dining room. Mr. Fred Miller had bought an old school and was in the process of moving it to his farm, so they moved it into the church yard and the ladies used it for a kitchen, and after the conference he took it on home. This little church saw many weddings, baptisms, and burials. There is a cemetery there too, where most of those old pioneers have been laid to rest. These people loved to sing. Whenever they gathered together they would always have a sing fest. The young people formed a choir under the direction of Rev. Ruder. Among the older members was a fine quartet composed of Messrs. Gotthilf Miller, C.B. Mogck, Fred Herrmann Sr. and John Janke, with Mrs. G. Miller as pianist. The New Beresina Church was a member of the Parish of the Kulm Congregational Church. In 1946 the members of this church joined the Kulm Church in a body, and their building was sold to the Assembly of God Church, and is still functioning as a house of God. ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH [P21 Picture: St. Paul's Lutheran church building] In the year 1892 Pastor Bode, living in Albion Township, Dickey County, member of the Missouri Synod, came to Kulm several times and held services with several Lutheran Families. In January 1893 this congregation was founded and organized. The first regular services were held upstairs in the Gottlieb Lange store. Later they were held in the school house. Due to the long distance for Pastor Bode to travel and because of his many other stations, Edgeley began to serve this congregation. From 1894 to 1905, St. Paul's Church was served by pastors from Edgeley. In August 1905 Candidate Klausler accepted the call to this church to become its first resident pastor. In 1909 this congregation officially joined the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. From 1908 to 1927 this congregation was served by Candidates Sibern, Schmook, W. Pebler, H. Willuweit, T. Klatt and A. Horn. Pastor H. von Gemmingen of Medford, Wis. Accepted the call to the church in 1927 and served for 16 years. Pastor Henry Kuring served as pastor from 1944 until 1950. In 1951 Candidate Elmer A. Schomberg was ordained and served the congregation as pastor until November of 1955. Pastor Spoomer of Edgeley is now serving the church. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church has been moved from its original site, which was north of the school house. It is now located beside the parsonage in the southwest part of Kulm. It has been completely remodeled and redecorated. Charter members of the St. Paul's Church were Mr. And Mrs. Ludwig Schuldheisz, Mr. And Mrs. Gottlieb Lange, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Stehr, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Staeck, Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Schulz and Mr. and Mrs. Christ Heck. [P22 Picture: Relocated St. Paul's church building] For the education of the young people, the church offers a Sunday School and Saturday School. Junior confirmation instruction is conducted for two years. A two week vacation Bible School is also held. For additional Bible study and fellowship a Ladies Aid has been organized which also plans and executes certain activities carried on by the church. The church is privileged to have tow of its former members in the Lutheran ministry. They are Benjamin and Allen Schuldheisz, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Schuldheisz of Kulm. Larrie Schulz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ewald Schulz is attending ministerial school in preparation for the Lutheran ministry. St. Paul's Lutheran Church observed its 60th anniversary in 1953. ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN LADIES AID The Ladies Aid of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church was organized on March 27, 1930 at the home of Mrs. John Mintz under the willing guidance of Rev. H. von Gemmingen, who was the pastor. The following were the first officers: Mrs. von Gemmingen, president; Mrs. John Mintz, vice president; Mrs. G.E. Chambers, secretary; Mrs. Jake Straub, treasurer. A complete list of charter members is not available, however an early listing of the membership includes the following: Mrs. H. von Gemmingen, Mrs. Christina Schuldheisz, Mrs. Johanna Nathan, Mrs. Magdalena Roedel, Mrs. Christina Mintz, Mrs. Dan Schmidt, Mrs. Louisa Sperling, Mrs. Lydia Schuldheisz, Mrs. E.E. Burk, Mrs. Fred Shuldheisz, Mrs. Gus Ammon, Mrs. William Staeck, Mrs. Edgar Bjur, Mrs. Clara Schulz, Mrs. Ben Gehring, Mrs. G.E. Chambers, Mrs. Daniel Shuldheisz, Mrs. Dan Hildebrand, Mrs. John Mintz, Mrs. Jake Straub, Mrs. Mary Middlestead, Mrs. E.A. Hehr, Mrs. Edwin Schuldheisz, and Mrs. E.A. Schulz. [P22 Pictures: St. Paul Ladies Aid members--Mrs. Rose Koenig, Mrs. Dan Shuldheisz, Mrs. Lydia Shuldheisz, Mrs. Lawrence Koenig, Mrs. Henry Gackle, Mrs. Edwin Koenig, Mrs. Art Okerlund, Mrs. Oscar Lange, Mrs. Denvy Malm, Mrs. Reuben Hehr, Mrs. Alex Ulrich, Mrs. John Stroehl, Mrs. Ewald Schulz] On September 30, 1954 the Aid joined the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. "Serve the Lord with Gladness", is our motto. The objectives of this organization are to develop and maintain a greater mission consciousness among the Lutheran women of the Synod, Missionary Education, Missionary Inspiration and missionary service and to gather funds for mission projects directly sponsored or approved by Synod, especially for such for which no adequate provision has been made in the budget. At present our membership stands at 18, and the following are holding offices: Mrs. Denvy Malm, president; Mrs. John Stroehl, vice president; Mrs. Oscar Lange, secretary; Mrs. Art Okerlund, treasurer. Other members are: Mrs. Henning Davidson, Mrs. Milton Davidson, Mrs. Henry Gackle, Mrs. Reuben Hehr, Mrs. Harold Hettich, Mrs. Edw. Hildebrand, Mrs. Ed LaBrensz, Mrs. Edwin Koenig, Mrs. Rose Koenig, Mrs. Lawrence Koenig, Mrs. Eward Schulz, Mrs. Lydia Shuldheisz, Mrs. Dan Shuldheisz, and Mrs. Alex Ulrich. Mrs. Dan Shuldheisz and Mrs. Lydia Shuldheisz are the only two charter members who have remained faithful members up to the present time. POMONA VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH The Pomona Valley Lutheran Church was organized in 1888 by the following people who were also charter members: Jacob Longsjon, L.A. Ueland, Sigvart Berntson, John Broen, Lars and Carl Nordby, Ole Holman, Berrvind Wagnhild, Ludwig B. Larson, Andrew Lindblom, Andrew Larson, Gustav Thorson, J.A. Edstrom, Gustav Nyland, Jonas Johnson and John Groetin. The first annual business meeting was held in 1889 when the following officers were elected: President, Jacob Longsjon; Secretary, Sigvart Berntson; Treasurer, Gustav Thorson. First trustees elected were: Carl Nordby, Gustav Nyland and Andrew Lindbloom. There was no permanent minister to serve the congregation until 1893, when Rev. L. Herburg served one year for $50.00, giving seven services. From then on the following have served: Rev. Moe, 1894-1901; Rev. K.L. Kleavland, 1901-1908; Rev. H. Moe, 1908-1921; Rev. O.K. Torgeson, 1921-1924; Rev. Eggen, 1924-1925; Rev. Garstad, 1925-1926; Rev. Morsund, 1926-1928; Rev. C.J. Nolstad, 1928-1941; Rev. Gustav Gunsten, 1941-1947; Rev. J.O. Vold, 1947- 1956. In 1894 the congregation joined the same charge as Oakes and it was in effect until 1928, when the congregation joined with LaMoure, St. Ansgar and Berlin. This continued until 1933, then Kulm, and Berlin were alone until 1941, when the two congregations joined in with Montpelier and Ypsilanti. The Pomona Valley Ladies Aid was organized in 1901 by Rev. K.L. Kleaveland. The first officers were: President, Mrs. M.C. Larson; Secretary, Miss Laura C. Larson; Treasurer, Mary Steen. The Sunday School was organized the same year with L.H. Steen and Miss Laura C. Larson as teachers. In 1935 the Sunday school was reorganized with Mrs. Ole Johnson as Superintendent. Jacob Longsjon served as President, Treasurer, and trustee from 1888 until 1922 when he passed away. Sigvart Berntson served as President or Secretary for 14 years to the time of his death. L.H. Steen served as Treasurer from 1900 to 1916 and then as President from 1922 to 1944, except in 1925. On March 12, 1913 the Pomona Valley Lutheran Church was incorporated under laws of the State of North Dakota. First services were held in a school house in Pomona View and Norden Twp., then the German Lutheran church was rented in 1934, when the lease terminated. This proved a blessing in disguise. The congregation had their own church building. The Ladies Aid having saved enough money to buy the building and the furnishings. In September of 1938 the 50th Anniversary was celebrated with the cornerstone laying and dedication. Pomona Valley Lutheran Congregation was the first organized church in the Kulm vicinity. It was served by faithful pastors to devoted members. Nothing can excel the devotion and religious spirit of the founders. POMONA VALLEY LADIES AID The Pomona Valley Ladies Aid was organized at the home of Mrs. Maren C. Larson on January 31, 1901 with the Rev. K.L. Kleaveland and the following ladies: Mmes. Maren C. Larson, G.F. Mierling, C.H. Steen, Ole Holman, Ole Johnson, Peter Johnson, Ed Binesville, Gustav Nyland, Anna Berntson; Misses: Laura C. Larson, Marie Steen, Tillie Eklund, Selma Nyland. The following were elected: President, Mrs. Maren C. Larson; Secretary, Miss Laura C. Larson; Treasurer, Miss Marie Steen. When first organized the aim was to pay expenses of parochial schools. Later other obligations came as: giving to missions, orphan homes, and to aid the church treasury. Then a building fund was set aside, the money to be used for a church home. In 1935 that was realized when a church building was bought and moved in. The aid paying for moving, the remodeling and furnishing of the church. Every meeting since organization has opened with song, reading of scripture and prayer by the pastor or one of the members and special numbers which added to the interest. Last year's programs of Women's Missionary Federation was followed. The following have been members besides the ones listed when organized: Mmes.: L.H. Berntson, Alvin Berntson, Carl Berntson, Ben Bjornstad, E. Bjornstad, Henry Bjornstad, Albert Johnson, E.G. Johnson, Anna Johnson, E.O. Kjos, B. Nyland, Agnes Martinson, John Melby, G. Dahlen, Kirsti Nilsen, R. Thorson, E.D. Smith, B.T. Steen and Misses: Loraine Berntson, Anna Johnson, Marie Holmen, Anna Nyland and Dena Steen. THE CHURCH OF GOD SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH In the late '80's a group of believers, living about twenty miles south of Kulm, commenced to keep the seventh day Sabbath as a day of rest and worship and they went by the Bible designation of "The Church of God". There were about twelve or fourteen families in this Way at one time, and originally they came together in different homes for fellowship and worship. Later they had a church building of their own to meet in for a while. As the years went by, some of the old settlers died, some moved away, and some made other changes until there were only a few left. In more recent years a few new ones have been added to the group, some of whom moved into town, and a church building was erected in Kulm in the summer of 1941, and dedicated in November of that year. [P24 Picture: Adventist Church building] Elder Christ Kiesz of Eureka, South Dakota has consistently looked after the spiritual welfare of this assembly for many years. Others that have assisted from time to time were Elder Ivan Harlan and Elder Harvey Otto. At the present time Elder John Kiesz of Alfred is also ministering here. "The Church of God" came through a line of Sabbath-keepers, dating back to pre-Protestant Reformation days in Europe. At the time of the Puritan migration to America, some of these people settled in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New Jersey between the years of 1664 and 1800. Many drifted West and South after the Revolution, and a formal organization of these scattered churches was effected in Michigan in 1865. This church is one of the few in America with more members abroad than at home. The total foreign membership is estimated at 45,000, with eighty foreign workers, not including Canada and Mexico. In Mexico City alone there are about 3,000 members, and about 130 churches scattered throughout the Republic. National headquarters are located at 1510 Cook Street in Denver, Colorado; and the publishing house is at Stanberry, Missouri. The official church organ is the Bible Advocate, now in its 90th year. Fundamentalist doctrines and practices prevail here. The church believes in the infallibility of the Scriptures, the fall of man through sin, complete atonement and redemption for sin through the shed blood of the Messiah on the cross, Jesus in the tomb, after His death, for three full days and three full nights, repentance and conversion for forgiveness of sins, water baptism, holiness, the Lord's Supper annually, observance of the Moral Law, the return of the Jews to Palestine in the last days in fulfillment of prophecy, the literal coming of Jesus a second time to establish the millennial reign with the saints on the earth, the resurrection of the dead, and the annihilation of the wicked after the final judgment. KULM BAPTIST CHURCH The Kulm Baptist Church was organized July 4, 1892 when a few Swedish Baptist settlers decided to form a church. The eight charter members were: Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lundstrom, Peter Tjernlund, Anton Tjernlund, Anton Bjur, Gust Dahlberg, J.P. Johnson and Rudolph Ogren. None of these are living today. At first Anton Tjernlund acted as preacher when no other minister was available. The Lord blessed the work in those early days for during the first year the membership doubled. The first regular pastor, Rev. Olaf Sutherland, came in 1894 and by 1896 the membership was thirty. Other early pastors who served for longer or shorter periods were: Rev. Hans Blomgren, J.P. Zetterwall, Emil Lundquist, Frank Toleen, Nels Soneson, John Erickson, Nathaniel Edwall, A.E. Lysell, E.A. Asplund. [P24 Picture: Baptist Church building] Rev. Bengt Anderson came in 1922 and during his pastorate a wonderful revival swept the entire Swedish settlement. More than fifty professed conversions were witnessed. Miss Minnie Nelson was the Evangelist, assisted by Rev. and Mr. A.E. Pederson. Student pastors during the following years were: Rev. Harold Martinson, Rev. Ernest E. Nelson and Rev. Eric Anderson. In 1930 Victor Erickson became the pastor. During his seven year ministry more than 30 members were added to the church. Rev. N.E. McCoy served as part-time pastor beginning in 1938. Rev. David Anderson, Rev. Ray Shodin and Rev. Paul White followed as pastors. The new church building was dedicated October 31, 1948. In 1951 a deep well was drilled and a water system was installed in both the Church and the parsonage. The oldest living members in length of membership are: Mrs. Betsy Lindgren, Mrs. Olaf Olson, Alma and Carl Lindgren and Mr. and Mrs. Eric Bowman. [P25 Pictures: Present Kulm Baptist Church building. Rev. Credo Erickson] Rev. Credo Erickson is the present pastor coming here in June of 1955. KULM BAPTIST MISSION CIRCLE The Kulm Baptist Mission Circle was organized by a missionary who came here in 1907. Her name was Mathilda Malmberg, who later became Mrs. J.A. Tjernlund. This circle has been active for about 50 years and is possibly one of the oldest in this area. The theme of the Circle is Missions and the spreading of the gospel to needy in foreign lands. There is a group of about 30 ladies now, as many of zealous ones have gone on to a better land. We are striving to carry on the wonderful work they started. KULM ASSEMBLY OF GOD Efforts to permanently establish an Assemblies of God Church in Kulm were begun in August, 1946 when Rev. C.G. Scharnberg, presbyter of the North Dakota District Council and pastor of the Gospel Tabernacle in Swede Township, invited Rev. Lloyd C. Jorgenson, Evangelist, to Kulm. Rev. L.C. Jorgenson, together with co-workers, Oliver W. Johnson and James L. Roney, began meeting in a district tent on August 8th, 1946 on the lot just west of the present Ford building. After September 15th meetings were held in the City Auditorium and Glad Tidings Mission; however quick action was taken to purchase a small church a few miles east of the city. Favorable weather made it possible for Rev. C.G. Scharnberg to rally his men from the Tabernacle and a large number of volunteers from Swede Township and to pour the foundation early in December of that same year. [P25 Pictures:. Assembly of God church building] The purchased building was moved in, and the first service held in the building was a children's Christmas program. At this time Glad Tidings Mission on Main St., which had undoubtedly blessed the lives of very many during its years of service, was discontinued. In 1949 the Gospel Tabernacle, an Independent Pentecostal Church which had been a Gospel Lighthouse in the community north of Kulm voted to amalgamate with the Kulm Assembly of God. To accommodate the numerical growth, in 1947 the main auditorium of the church was made one-third again as large as it was, en entry was built on the south side of the church, and the interior was completely remodeled and decorated. Again, in 1950, an annex twenty-four feet by sixty feet was added to meet the need of the rapidly growing and scientifically departmentalized Sunday School. The various departments of the church working in accord and unity have brought the resultant, satisfying growth. In the Assembly Sunday School there has been a remarkable development in operation and attendance. The average attendance in 1949 was 34, and in 1956 it was 179. Jean Loven is the superintendent of this five-department school of fourteen classes, which keeps thirty-three workers actively engaged. The Women's Missionary Council actively engages in home and foreign missionary enterprises. This strong arm of the church is a continuation of the WMC introduced by Miss Edith Storlie and Miss Evelyn Westlund in 1939. The Men's Fellowship organizes the men in a similar field of service. The Christ's Ambassadors are the youth of the assembly. 50 youth of C.A. age conduct a weekly service in the church, while bi-monthly meetings are held by the Christian Cadets (ages 9-13) and the Teens. The Assembly Singers have conducted many sacred concerts throughout the area, besides providing music for all the services of the church. [P26 Picture: Rev. L.C. Jorgenson] Rev. L.C. Jorgenson has continued as pastor since 1946. Two summers he studied and traveled extensively in Europe as speaker and musician. His dedication to the ministry has contributed much to the upbuilding of the local Assembly of God. HISTORY OF KULM SPECIAL SCHOOL The story of the Kulm School is one of continuous progress since the first classes assembled in a small one room school house built in 1893 on the site of the E.M. Anderson home. Mrs. J.A.T. Bjornson, nee Anna F. Milne, was the first teacher to teach in this one room school house as did two of her successors, A.D. Griffin and David Dallas. In 1896 the room was partitioned when Ray Cruden came and another teacher Miss Rodman was added. The following were among the first 44 pupils: Emil Anderson, Albert Burkle, Carrie Doering, Henry Doering, Anna Ecklund, John Ecklund, Matilda Ecklund, Oscar Ecklund, John Gackle, Christina Grosz, Bertha Hillius, Gottfried Grosz, Lydia Grosz, Benjamin Kurtz, Edward Kurtz, Gottfried Kuhn, Annetta Kuch, Edward Kuch, Wm. Lange, Laura Larson, Roscoe Organ, James Roan, Myrtle Roan, Albert Roedel, Jacob Rott, Bonnie Smith, Rose Smith. [P26 Pictures: 1st School building 1893; 1900 school building; Present brick school building] Members of the first school board were: J.A.T. Bjornson, president; Chas. J. Jones, secretary; Eric G. Anderson; Sigvart Berntson; Gustav Nyland. One of the last three acting as treasurer. In 1897 the Kulm Special School District was organized withdrawing from the Norway Common School District. From the forty-four pupils who attended that first school there has been a yearly increase as shown by the 625 graduates since 1927. Coinciding with an increasing enrollment has been an expanding school plant. In 1900 a four room building was constructed on the present school site. More space was added to this in 1908. The older part of the present brick building was constructed in 1924 after the earlier structure had been destroyed by fire. Again in 1939 need for increased school facilities prompted the construction of a school gymnasium and additional classrooms. Kulm can now boast one of the finest school buildings in this area. The first record of a two year high school was in 1902 with P.J. Burfenning, Gottfried Grosz, Bert Malin and Matilda Sperling as graduates. The first four-year high school program was introduced in 1926, and the first high school graduation exercises held in 1927. Two young men, Clarence Guthmueller and Otto Sperling received their diplomas at that time. In the spring of 1935 the school was advanced from a town graded school to a second class classified school. Then next year the school was again advanced to a first class classified school. Under the able guidance of the former superintendent G.M. Stephens, the local school continued to grow and it was through his untiring efforts that the school was accepted as a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the highest rating agency in the U.S. This membership was attained in 1943 and the school has continued to maintain the high standards set by this Association. Having attained the highest rating possible, efforts have been made in recent years to improve the quality of equipment available During Supt. M.W. Gunter's efficient administration the addition of a hot lunch program in December of 1946 was another step forward, the installation of an Intercommunication System and the first school carnival. During the time David Hoel was Supt. The operation of two school buses added the children from Norden, Pomona View, and Hollan School District. Activities of the Kulm School included K.G.A.A., Kulm Girl's Athletic Association, K.B.A.A., Boy's Athletic Association, Football squad, Basketball team and Pep squad. The music department consists of a mixed, a girl's and a boy's chorus. The school has a 26 piece beginners band and a Kulm High Senior Band with 39 members. [P27 Pictures: School Officers--Wilbert Hildebrand, Irving Mogck, Gilbert Holle, Lawrence Koenig, Roalnd Jans, William Brauer, John Borth;. Basketball Team 1956-57--Glen Robinson, Del Wayne Zachrison, Willard Remien, Allen Ulrich, Adolph Puhlmann, Gerald Herman, Tom Herman, Philip Mueller, Gilbert Schott, Donald Erickson, Donald Wendland, Ted Hollan, Ronald Sandau, Howard Tjernlund] [P28 Picture: Kulm High School Senior Band--Marcella Henke, Ivadell Fey, Pearl Ernst, Myrna Schott, Arlene Henke, Brenda Brost, Delano Herrmann, Gilbert Scott, Gerald Herman, Howard Tjernlund, LaVonne Schlauch, Elaine Gackle, Janice Gackle, Marion Hanneld, Marcella Vogel, Vernie Buerkle, Darleen Hartman, Curtis Hollan, John Just, Wayne Schott, Larry Beich, Lyle Buerkle, Ronald Patzer, Gerald Hartman, Dennis Hollan, Marcia Jo Englebretson, Virgil Hoffman, Diana Nelson, Claire Flegel, Orin Rudolph, Ted Hollan, Roger Patzer, Allen Wendland, Mary Louise Kleingartner, Karen Hartman, Del Wayne Zachrison, Walter Botsford, Elizabeth Lindgren, Janet Tjernlund] [P28 Picture: Beginners Band--Marjorie Billigmeier, LaVonne Schlauch, Elaine Gackle, Janice Gackle, Carol Nelson, Jerome Gunst, Charles Kruger, Dennis Herman, James Borth, Clifford Reid, Arne Rudolph, Charles LaBrensz, Karen Hartman, Diane Kusler, Larry Kleingartner, Karen Lindgren, Leon Okerlund, Joanne Dennis, Mary Just, LaVonne Brauer, Larry Beich, John Just, Curtis Hollan, William Jans, Milton Kinzler] [P29 Picture: Kulm Bandmothers Club members--Mrs. A. Gunst, Mrs. John Borth, Mrs. Bill Brauer, Mrs. Herbert Schlauch, Mrs. Hermann Herrmann, Mrs. Otto Wendland, Mrs. Edwin Lindgren, Mrs. Herbert Beich, Mrs. Fred Flegel, Mrs. Albert Buerkle, Mrs. Ervin Gackle, Mrs. Ted Fey, Mrs. Carl Tjernlund, Mrs. Gottlieb Hartman, Mrs. Otto Herman, Mrs. Bill Kleingartner, Mrs. Caleb Bjur, Mrs. Ervin Dennis, Mrs. Harry Nelson, Mrs. Ronald Jans, Mrs. Lee Hollan, Mrs. Ted Buerkle. Not pictured--Mmes. Sam Henke, Lee Hartman, Sophia Hollan, W.E. Botsford, Jake Klein, Fred Vogel, Otto Schott, Rudolph Herman, Vern Zachrison, Freddie Kinzler, E.S. Engelbretson, Wilmer Just, Albert Ernst, Mollie Krueger, Alvin Hanneld, Ed. LaBrenz, Henry Gackle, Jake Hoffman, Edwin Broz, Herbert Hehr, R.R. Patzer, Raymond Kusler, W.E. Brost, Fred Kinzler] [P29 Picture: Mixed Chorus members--Darleen Hartman, Pearl Ernst, Marcia Jo Engelbretson, Elizabeth Lindgren, Sharon Lindgren, Carol Strobel, Kathleen Kleingartner, Joyce Grenz, Joan Ruff, Lucille Schock, Nickalona Mittelsteadt, LaVonne Koenig, Marcella Vogel, Hertha Puhlmann, Joanne Rasch, Brenda Brost, Marcella Henke, Claire Flegel, Mary Louise Kleingartner, Doris Heck, Ivadell Fey, Vivian Woehl, Janet Tjernlund, Reuben Dittus, Donald Rutschke, Howard Tjernlund, Del Wayne Zachrison, Gilbert Schott, Delano Herrmann, Ted Hollan, Adolph Puhlmann, Duane Himmerich, Donald Wendland, Tom Herman, Gerald Herman, Hugo Janke, Milton Kinzler, Donald Hartman, Harold Lind, Rodney Wolf] [P29 Picture: Bandmothers Club members--Mrs. A. Gust, Mrs. John Borth, Mrs. Bill Brauer, Mrs. Herbert Schlauch, Mrs. Herman Merrmann, Mrs. Otto Wendland, Mrs. Edwin Lindgren, Mrs. Herbert Beich, Mrs. Fred Flege, Mrs. Albert Buerkle, Mrs. Ervin Gackle, Mrs. Ted Fey, Mrs. Carl Tjernlund, Mrs. Gottlieb Hartman, Mrs. Otto Herman, Mrs. Bill Kleingartner, Mrs. Caleb Bjur, Mrs. Ervin Dennis, Mrs. Harry Nelson, Mrs. Ronald Jans, Mrs. Lee Hollan, Mrs. Ted Buerkle. Members not pictured--Mmes. Sam Henke, Lee Hartman, Sophia Hollan, W.E. Botsford, Jake Klein, Fred Vogel, Otto Schott, Rudolph Herman, Vern Zacrison, Freddie Kinzler, E.S. Engelbretson, Wilmer Just, Albert Ernst, Mollie Krueger, Alavin Hanneld, Ed. LaBrensz, Henry Gackle, Jake Hoffman, Edwin Broz, Herbert Hehr, R.R. Patzer, Raymond Kusler, W.E. Brost, Fred Kinzler] KULM BANDMOTHERS Kulm Bandmothers was organized in 1942 under Carl Ulmer, music director of Kulm school. Mrs. P.J. Eberhard served as president. The money raised by this club was later used to help purchase 29 band jackets. The club dissolved and was re-organized in 1953 with Mrs. Albert Buerkle as president; Mrs. Walter Botsford as secretary and Miss Mary Dahlager, school music director, as treasurer. This club purchased 12 more jackets, 41 belts, 41 caps, a bass horn, alto clarinet and tympani. The present officers are: Mrs. Lee Holland, president; Mrs. Ervin Dennis, vice-president; Mrs. Roland Jans, secretary; Mrs. Harold Nelson, treasurer. SWEDE SCHOOL [P30 Picture: Swede school building] The Swede school district was organized in 1887 at the residence of Anton Lindgren. The meeting was called to order by Anton Lindgren. Daniel Malm was chosen chairman. The first order of the business was to name the district. After some discussion it was decided to name it the Swede School District No. 1. The second question, introduced by Carl L. Lindgren, was that the district should bond itself for $800.00, for the construction of a school house. The first annual meeting in the new school house was June 30, 1889. A new school board was then elected for a term of 4 years. The names of the school board members were: Peter Lundstrom, Daniel Malm, Erick J. Johnson and Peter Bjur as clerk. The board decided that a salary of $20.00 be paid to the teacher, and the board and room for the teacher could not be more than $8.00 per month. The first teacher was a man by the name of Dallas. KULM PUBLIC LIBRARY On September 21, 1936 Kulm opened its first Public Library. Mrs. C.O. Fergusson was instrumental in the organization of a library. An experienced worker from the State Library Commission was contacted and helped catalog and institute an index system of filing the books. Many of the first books were donated and others bought. The American Legion Auxiliary was sponsor with the Kulm Homemakers Club and the Kulm Civic League as co-sponsors. It was located in the basement of the City Auditorium and was open two hours a week on Wednesday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. They borrowed books from the State Library Commission at Bismarck, N. Dak. To supplement the library, also subscribed and received gift magazines and cooperated with the local school library to avoid duplications. The library collected no borrower's fee, only for books overdue. The American Legion took over the sole sponsorship of the library in 1946, at which time a reorganizing meeting was held on July 10, when Mrs. Ed Orth was appointed librarian with Mrs. Giles Chambers and Mrs. E.A. Guthmueller as assistants. [P30 Picture: Mrs. Ed. Orth] On January 7, 1948 the library was moved into the school house. New shelving was put in at this time, and this proved to be a satisfactory set up. Later the library grew and an increase in enrollment at the school necessitated using the library room for a class room. The American Legion gave the library room in their building to which the books were moved. At present Mrs. Ed. Orth is Librarian, assisted by Mrs. Richard Herman and Mrs. John Borth. We are now anticipating a new library building. KULM VOLUNTARY FIRE DEPT. The Kulm Voluntary Fire Department was organized November 9, 1909. A.R. Reise was the first Chief, P.J. Burfenning, Ass't. Chief; and Fred Larson the Secretary. The following were the charter members: Emil Anderson, Otto Hillius, Fred Kempf, Gott. Hanneld, Fred Larson, Gottfried Grosz, John Mundt, Nat Grosz, Robert Lange, Gust Grosz, John Jenner, Russell Burfenning, Peter Stolt, A.R. Reise, Johnny Kessow, Bruce Ogden, George Schneider, P.J. Burfening, Bert Malin, Wm. Lange. The City of Kulm had at this time purchased two chemicals and one hook and ladder cart. In 1939 the first truck was purchased when city water was available to use with the hoses which were purchased by the city. In 1949 the Civic Improvement Association bought the first fire truck including pumper and ladders. The City now has 29 hydrants and a good water supply; and an active Fire Department of 40 men. The present officers are: Robert O. Gackle, Chief; John Borth, Assistant Chief; Oscar Lange, Secretary. [P31 Pictures: Fire truck. Kulm Voluntary Fire Department members--Irvin Mogck, John Stroehl, Art Mueller, sharpe Pruetz, Albert Buerkle, Harold Hettich, Harold Luck, Fred Rossman, Peter Eberhard, Reinhold Beich, Art Okerlund, Dr. Murray Cameron, R.G. Herman, H.A. Brost, Wm. Remein, Everett Brovold, Freddie Kinzler, R.L. Jans, L.A. Koenig, Oscar Hoffer, Ernest Gackle, Otto Kosanke, John Borth, Robert Gackle, Oscar Lange, Otto Gackle, W.J. Hildebrand, W.E. Brost, Otto Wendland, Eric Burk, Rynold Kurtz, John J. Jenner] KULM'S BANDS - PAST & PRESENT True to tradition as with all new towns the band bug found its way to Kulm. Kulm's first band was organized in 1896 and was under the leadership of a little hot-headed Norwegian by the name of Ole Johnson. In those years band leaders by tradition played the cornet or they just didn't rate as band leaders, and as a rule most of them used the E flat cornet for their work, a high pitched canary voiced instrument now obsolete. Ole played the E flat cornet and how. The writer was once told of how Ole at one of the rehearsals threw his cornet down and jumped on it, in a fit of temper. After such treatment the playing condition of that instrument can be left to the reader's judgment better than can be described. Chris Buechler and Otto Hillius were members of the first band. Otto's brother, Ted played in a later band. As Otto once remarked, "The bass drum was bigger than I was but that was the instrument wished on to me". The next band leader was Glen Denning, a cornet player who saw service as a bugler in the Spanish-American War. Glen soon left Kulm and a Mr. Thurn took over the band. In the meantime a young photographer located here from Hoffman, Minnesota, by the name of Fred Kempf and was playing in the band. When Thurn left, Fred Kempf or "Fritz", as everyone called him took over the thankless job and came to the front with his band in about 1902 or 1903 and many of the old timers here still remember that band in its green uniforms with the brass buttons and black braid. The little red-faced blacksmith, Gooch, was considered the band's best cornet player. Mike Amen also played the cornet. Willie Lange and Fred Gackle played altos. Chris Buechler the baritone, Jensen the editor was the snare drummer, Big Mitz the bass drummer. There were the Rott brothers, John and Curley. Art Koenig was the clarinet player. [P32 Pictures: Kulm Drum & Bugle Corps 1901--Otto Hillius, Theo Hillius, Fred Bergman, Wm. Kugel, Christ Hieb, Emil Hardt, John C. Rott, Alex Reichardt, Henry Doering, Roscoe Organ, Christ Kleiber, Andrew Roedel, Edward Kurtz, Otto Montei, Robert Lange, William Lange, Peter J. Burfening. Swede Township Band. Marching Band in Uniform. 1st Kulm Band 1912--Chris Dobler, Fred Guthmueller, Henry Kempf, Wm. Wolf, Joe Melicher, Theo. Hillius, F.W. Kempf, Dave Wirch, Gottfried Grosz, Gottlieb Hanneld, A.R. Kempf, Otto Isaak, Robert Kurtz, John Stolt, Al Riese, Bob Lang, Ed Guthmueller, Fred Bergman, Oscar Lange, Martin Gackle, Albert Grosz, Ed Hieb, Richard Lang, Otto Wolf] With members leaving one by one the band discontinued activities. Kulm was without a band for several years, during which time the Swede Township Band played the celebrations in and around Kulm. Hugo Ogren, the popular bass player and charter member of the Kulm City Band was a member of the Swede Township Band at that time. In 1911 Fred Kempf again organized a band which was active for several years. In early 1917 the directorship of the band was taken up by Dr. Theuer who later passed it on to a Mr. Schmidt who was also a good violinist. In the fall of 1917 with World War I starting, several of the members were drafted into the service so the band hung up, until the return of the boys in the spring of 1919 when a Mr. Kraus was named leader. He shortly turned the band over to Walk Davis, a former circus cornet player who was working as second man at the Soo Line Depot. After a couple of years Davis left and Kulm was again without a band. Late in 1925 the present band was organized with Ed Hollan as director and has been under his direction ever since. He served throughout World War I with the 352nd Infantry Band in the U.S. and France, and after working several years in the Holton Band Instrument factory at Elkhorn, Wis., returned to his home stamping ground. Down through the years the band has played in all of the important cities along highway No. 10 from Mandan to Fargo and all the smaller towns within driving distance of Kulm. On July 1949, U.S. Senators, William Langer and Milton R. Young of North Dakota honored the band by designating it the North Dakota U.S. Senator's Band. [P33 Pictures: Two of the Senators Band] Some half dozen of the charter members are still with the band. A.R. (Abbie) Kempf was the band's first drum major, followed by L.H. ( Bud) Brown. After that the band used Majorettes who were also skilled twirlers. Sylvia Hollan, the director's daughter was the first majorette, followed by: Marlyn Mueller, Romona Young, Beatrice Kramlich and the present majorette, Jo Engelbretson. ROBERT KURTZ AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 57 On or about the 7th of March, 1919, a group of officers and men gathered in Paris to see what could be done in regard to organizing veterans organizations. At that meeting great progress was made and on March 16, 1919 another meeting was called at Paris and the American Legion was founded. [P33 Pictures:; American Legion Post No. 57 members--Ossie George, Robert Fey, Ben Koenig, Lawrence Koenig, Ervin Dennis, Erick Burk, Jacob Diede, Walter Botsford, Russell Gackle, Herb Hilscher, Richard Stadler, James Herman, Gideon Hilscher, Roland Jans, Jacob Henke, Albert Briske, Gottlieb Schock, Rynold Kurtz, Lloyd Vogel, Harold Fregien, Ben Ost, John Borth, Leonard Ernst, Ed Hollan, Not pictured: George David and Louis Frederick] The first National Convention was held in St. Louis, Mo. In August of 1919 a group of veterans from Kulm met at the G. Lange store and the Robert Kurtz Post of the American Legion was organized. They submitted the names of the 16 veterans to the Legion department of North Dakota, for a charter and on September 22, 1919 a charter was issued to them. The charter members were: Paul Jenner, Mark A. Buechler, Albert Gackle, William Wolff, Emanuel Hauff, Edwin Renz, Edward Guthmueller, Harry Wolff, Reinhold Bohnet, Robert Lange, Reinhold Kurtz, Albert Hellwig, Theodore Giedt, Edward Aldinger, C.O. Fergusson, and Fred Gackle. The first meeting was held in Lange's store and then in the fire hall which was located where Palms residence is now, later they had club rooms above the First State Bank. This place was held quite awhile until they moved their quarters into the basement of the auditorium. They were forced to move again. The post disposed of all their holdings and met in the First National Bank and in the lobby of Fergusson Bros. Office over the Drug store. Then again the post met with the city council regarding a place where they could meet once a month. Permission was granted to meet in the Auditorium. The membership crash came when a lot of the members moved away and joined other posts. The legion, however has managed to maintain a post. World War II and the Korean conflict has again added new members. At present the Post has acquired a building of their own in which the regular meetings are held. Lawrence Koenig is Post Commander at present. Reinhold Kurtz is the only charter member still with the post. Four members have passed away. THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY The American Legion Auxiliary Unit of the Robert Kurtz Post No. 57 was organized on June 18, 1932, at the M.P. Anderson Hotel. Mrs. Pearl Porter, LaMoure, Department President, was present at this meeting. There were 17 charter members, namely: Mesdames Jeanette Anderson, Rose Aldinger, Justina Bohnet, Martha Burk, Blanch Erbele, Jane Fergusson, Erna Giedt, Minnie Gackle, Flora Guthmueller, Emily Hartman, Emman Jenner, Lydia Jenner, Grace Kempf, Marie Kurtz, Hulda Melicher, Rebecca Schmidt and Edith Wirch. Only two of the original charter members still belong to the unit. Mrs. Martha Burk and Mrs. Justina Bohnet. The first officers were: President, Mrs. Jeanette Anderson; Vice President, Edith Wirch; Secretary, Erna Giedt; Treasurer, Marth Burk; Chaplain, Rebecca Schmidt; Historian, Hulda Melicher. [P34 Picture: American Legion Auxiliary members--Mmes. E.O. Kjos, Robert Fey, Gideon Hilscher, W.E. Botsford, Russell Gackle, Ryan Kurtz, Richard Herman, Otto Kosanke, Lawrence Koenig, Ossie George, Jacob Tiede, Cheryl Okerlund, Margaret Herman, Art Okerlund, Donna Koenig, Maggie Rossman, Mrs. E. Burk, Carol Hilscher, Mrs. John Borth. Not pictured: Mmes. Rynold Bohnet, Ed Orth, Maggie Siewert, Clarence Guthmueller, Robert Johnson] The members pledged their support to the American Legion, the disabled veteran and his family and to the education of the war orphan. Poppy day is observed each year and the proceeds of the sale are used for child welfare and rehabilitation. Some of the other activities of the Unit are: a Christmas party for the children of the Legion and Auxiliary members, Armistice and Memorial day observances, Legion Birthday party, to serve banquets, hold food sales and sponsor a magazine sale to raise funds. Department donations are made each to the Child Welfare, Rehabilitation, Legion Band, Memorial, Leonard Wood and Education Loan Funds. The Unit meets the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00 p.m. at the City Auditorium. In May 1935 a City Library was organized, sponsored by the Auxiliary, the Homemakers and Civic League. Later the latter two dropped out and the Auxiliary carried on alone. Our Gold Star Mothers are Mrs. Marie Kurtz (deceased) World War I and Mrs. Lydia Orth, and Mrs. Anna Kjos, World War II. The present officers are: President, Mrs. Arthur Okerlund; Vice President, Miss Maggie Rossman; 2nd Vice President, Mrs. C.W. Ware; Secretary, Mrs. E.E. Burk; Treasurer, Mrs. John Borth; Sargeant at Arms, Mrs. Russell Gackle; Historian, Mrs. Richard Herman; Chaplain, Mrs. Gidion Hilsher. KULM HOMEMAKERS CLUB The Kulm Homemakers Club was organized March 20, 1928. Its membership at the time of organization was 22, of which two are still active. They are Mrs. E.M. Anderson and Mrs. D.F. Brost. Three of its charter members have passed away. They are Mrs. John Jenner, Mrs. John Hillius, and Mrs. W.M. Wilkens. The Homemakers meet the last Tuesday of every month and are very active and interested in the progress of the community. They have done much toward raising funds for the Health Center and make many donations to charitable organizations. The Club sponsors the 4-H group with Mrs. Eberhard and Miss Dean Steen as leaders. [P35 Pictures: Members of Homemakers Club; Homemaker Charter Members Mrs. D.F. Brost, Mrs. E.M. Anderson] The Club members benefit from project lessons which are given by a leader who is sent out from the N.D. Agricultural College at Fargo, North Dakota. These lessons consist of sewing, cooking, and home management and have proved very beneficial and educational to every member. Members at the time of the organization were as follows: Mesdames: E.M. Anderson, D.F. Brost, John Jenner, Theol Giedt, W.M. Wilken, E.A. Bowman, Bernard Steen, Ed. Orth, Bernard Gehring, M.E. Kipp, John Melby, Wm. Raichele, Vincent Hilbert, H.H. Kipp, Theo. Kusler, Theo. Schorzman, A.R. Riese, Carl Mauch, John Isaak, Wm. Wolf, Adolph Lay, John Hillius. Members at the present time are: Mesdames, E.M. Anderson, D.F. Brost, R. Beich, W. Botsford, H.A. Brost, W.E. Brost, Pete Eberhard, Robert Gackle, Ed Grosz, W. Konrad, Edwin Lundren, A. Nelson, Miss Dena Steen, Harry Nelson, Clifford Reid and Gilbert Holle. KULM CIVIC LEAGUE The Kulm Civic League was organized at the home of Mrs. Victor Lane on June 13, 1917. The first officers were: President, Mrs. G. Sturgeon; Vice President, Mrs. J.F. Brenckle; Secretary, Mrs. R.H. Sherman; Treasurer, Mrs. O. Groh. Mrs. Anna Bjornson is the only charter member who is still an active member of the club. In 1921 the club furnished a kitchen in the city hall which is still maintained and is rented out to organizations and individuals at a nominal fee. During the war years Red Cross and Home Defense work was done. The club was instrumental in organizing night schools in 1922 for adults. The first boys and girls Scout Troops were sponsored by the League in 1937. During the years the club made donations to Camp Grassick, Florence Crittenton and other charitable organizations and did much in the beautification of Kulm by maintaining for several years the depot park and sanitation projects. [P36 Picture: Civic League members--Mmes. W.J. Hildebrand, H. Brost, D.M. Cameron, Art Mueller, Anna Bjornson, E. Gackle, G. Schock, Ida Smith, S. Pruetz, E. Brovold, R. Jans, E. Dennis, Selma Skoglund The club has donated books during National Education Week to the school every year since 1927. The present officers are: President, Mrs. R.L. Jans; Vice President, Mrs. E.G. Dennis; Secretary, Mrs. G. Schock; Treasurer, Mrs. Anna Bjornson. NORTHWEST THRIFTY HOMEMAKERS' CLUB Northwest Thrifty Homemaker's Club was organized in 1942 with a membership of eight members. The Officers were: President, Mrs. Edmund Jenner; Vice President, Mrs. Fred Hildebrand; Secretary, Mrs. Dave Hildebrand; Treasurer, Mrs. Lee Hartman. The charter members are: Mrs. Edmund Jenner, Mrs. Fred Hildebrand and Mrs. Gottlieb Hartman. [P36 Picture: Northwest Thrifty Homemakers members--Mrs. Edgar Schlenker, Mrs. Edwin Hollan Jr., Mrs. Elmer Hildebrand, Mrs. Edmond Jenner, Mrs. Gottlieb Hartman, Mrs. Fred Hildebrand, Mrs. Henry Miller, Mrs. Clifford Rost, Mrs. Vernon Hildebrand, Mrs. Ed Hollan, Mrs. Lee Wendland, Mrs. Marlyn Kusler] The present officers are: President, Mrs. Elmer Hildebrand; Vice President, Mrs. Edwin Hollan, Jr.; Secretary, Mrs. Edgar Schlenker; Treasurer, Mrs. Walter Kusler; Program Chairman, Mrs. Lee Wendland. The present members are: Mrs. Ed Hollan, Mrs. Fred Hildebrand, Mrs. Vernon Hildebrand, Mrs. Lee Wendland, Mrs. Gottlieb Hartman, Mrs. Edmund Jenner, Mrs. Marlyn Kusler and Mrs. Clifford Rost. The Club has been active in community and civic affairs such as donation to Red Cross, Cancer Drive, Kulm Health Center, Crippled Children School, and contributed and helped promote North Dakota to be the first state in the Union to bring a Home Economics Extension worker from Germany and the International Farm Youth Exchange (I.F.Y.E.) Program. The club was privileged to have, in addition to others, Miss Elizabeth Lorenz, Extension Worker from Germany and Miss Hema Rao, Home Economics Teacher and I.F.Y.E. students from India as club visitors and also were house guests of one of the members. The Club was honored by having a member, Mrs. Gottlieb Hartman, as Dickey County Homemakers President 1948-1949; a delegate to the North Dakota Homemakers Council at Fargo; and represented Dickey County at the Mid-Western Conference on Rural Life and Education at Minot, N. Dak. The aim of the Club is to follow the guidance of the Homemakers creed. HARMONY HOMEMAKERS Eight ladies gathered at the Pomona View School in February of 1954 to organize the Harmony Homemakers. The charter members were Mesdames, William Gackle, LeRoy Gackle, Emanuel Gall, Gottlieb Hermann, Helmuth Hermann, Emil Janke and Robert Keller. The first officers were: President, Mrs. William Gackle; Vice President, Mrs. Robert Keller; Secretary, Mrs. Helmuth Hermann; Treasurer, Mrs. Emanuel Gall. Mrs. LeRoy Gackle was Program Chairman. [P37 Picture: Harmony Homemakers members--Mrs. Rueben Janke, Mrs. Depold Herman, Mrs. LeRoy Gackle, Mrs. William Gackle, Mrs. Lyle Herman, Mrs. Emanuel Gall, Mrs. Helmuth Herman, Mrs. Robert Keller, Mrs. Walter Eslinger, Mrs. Irvin Gackle, Mrs. Herman J. Herman, Mrs. Emil Janke. Not pictured: Mrs. William Klettke] We have gained six new members: Mrs. Walter Eslinger, Mrs. Deopold Herman, Mrs. Lyle Herman, Mrs. Albert Netz, Mrs. Ervin Gackle, Mrs. Ruben Janke, Mrs. Bill Klettke, and have lost Mrs. Gottlieb Herman, Mrs. Albert Netz, bringing our membership to 13. Our motto is "Working together for better Homes". Our flower is the Forget- me-not and our club colors are red and white. We have 3 major lessons and any minor lessons that the club chooses each year. The major lessons are foods, clothing, and home management. Some of the most interesting minors that we have had are Christmas Craft, Candy making, Salads and broiling. Our lessons are all demonstrated by different members. Some of the members enjoyed a trip to Fargo last spring. They toured the Red Owl warehouse, Manchester biscuit and the A.D. At our meeting we usually have a program, consisting of readings and singing. Roll call is answered by different homemaker ideas. The present officers are: President, Mrs. Deopold Herman; Vice President, Mrs. Reuben Janke; Secretary, Mrs. Lyle Herman; Treasurer, Mrs. Robert Keller, and Program Chairman, Mrs. Helmuth Herman. KULM JOLLY HOMEMAKERS The Kulm Jolly Homemakers' Club was organized by the LaMoure County Agent, James Stine, on April 4, 1955; at the home of Mrs. Viola Konrad The following were charter members: Mrs. Floyd Buerkly, Mrs. John Fischer, Mrs. Harold Hettich, Mrs. Harold Luck, Mrs. Harold Kjos, Mrs. Richard Stadler, Mrs. Reuben Elhard, Mrs. Lyonel Flegel, Mrs. Ray Hollan, Mrs. James Young, Mrs. Gene Young, Mrs. Russell Schuldheisz. [P38 Picture: Jolly Homemakers members--Mmes. James Young, Lyonel Flegel, John Fischer, Harold Hettich, Reuben Elhard, Gene Young, Richard Stadler, Harold Kjos. The present officers are: President, Evelyn Stadler; Vice President, Doris Young; Secretary, Lila Elhard; Treasurer, Lucille Hettich; Program Chairman, Corinne Young. KULM 4-H CLUB The Kulm 4-H Club was organized in 1928 under the sponsorship of the Kulm Homemakers Club. The first leaders were Mrs. B.T. Steen and Mrs. Theodore H. Geidt. Mrs. Geidt served as leader for nine years. In 1937 Mrs. Rynold Kurtz took over the leadership until 1942 when it was turned over to Mrs. P.J. Eberhard and Miss Dena Steen who have had this responsibility until the present time. [P38 Pictures:; Two of the Kulm 4-H Club] The club has a present membership of 35 girls who receive training in the arts of homemaking. Projects of sewing, cooking and home management are alternated every few years. Two of the present members are second generation members, their mothers belonging to this same group. They are Joanne Dennis, daughter of the former Marion Beich and Joyce Hildebrand, daughter of the former Arleen Beich. It is outstanding for a youth organization to continue for the many years it has in Kulm and has been especially profitable in this community as no Home Economics is offered in the school. Much credit to the success of this group goes to the very find leadership it has had over the past years. The ladies are members of the Kulm Homemakers and receive no pay for their many hours of devoted work. Their only reward will be the thanks of the many girls who received so much through the 4-H Club. GERMAN NORTHWEST FARMERS UNION LOCAL The German Northwest Farmers Union Local No. 1222 was organized October 29, 1927 with Robert Hollan as chairman, J.J. Mueller as Vice Chairman and Ed Hollan as Secretary-Treasurer. After a couple of years it merged with the Farm Holiday Assn., a militant farm group organized for the purpose of halting some of the many unjust evictions so common at the time of the dry thirties. In the late thirties when rainfall once again blessed these parched prairies, the local was re- organized under the banner of the "Farmers Union" by Dick Joyce, who was at that time Farmers Union State Secretary. The membership has grown to 150 members and holds its regular monthly meetings. It has a junior class of 8 and a reserve class of 11 members. Each year the local sends Juniors and Reserves to State and County Camps, and members to County and State Conventions. Seven members have gone to Washington D.C. on Farmers Union Trips lobbying for a better farm program for family type farmers. Several members have been state delegates to Denver to the National Convention. Five members toured the T.V.A. in 1947. [P39 Picture: German Northwest Farmers Union Local Officers--Mrs. William Staeck, Mrs. Gottlieb Hartman, Fred Vogel, Lee Hartman, Mrs. Dave Hildebrand, Mrs. Lee Hollan, Mrs. Fred Vogel, Lee Hollan, Gottlieb Hartman, William Staeck, Ed Hollan, Mrs. A.J. Hildebrand. Not in picture--Mrs. Henry Miller] A member of the Local, Gottlieb Hartman, has served on the Dickey County Organization for 12 years and has been County president for 5 years. The aims of the Local has been to Join the Fight for 100% Parity Income, 100% Parity Living, Security on the Land and World Peace and Understanding. THE KULM ROD and GUN CLUB The Kulm Rod and Gun Club was organized on November 30, 1949. A set of bylaws was adopted at this time by seventeen sportsmen from Kulm and surrounding area. [P39 Picture: Rod and Gun Club members--Gottlieb Herman, Roy Nill, Helmuth Herman, Emil Janke, Marlin Kusler, Wm. Brauer, Howard Hildebrand, Gottlieb Hartman, LeRoy Gackle, Ervin Mogck, Ervin Gackle, Jake Steinwand, John Stroehl, Ervin Dennis, Lee Hollan, Herman Herman, Vernon Hildebrand, W.J. Hildebrand, Wilbert Kinzler, R.L. Jans, Ed Freigien, Ted Buerkle, F.G. Schlenker, W.E. Brost, R.G. Herman, Bennie Brandenburger, Lawrence Vogel, Rueben Janke, Harry Nelson, Leonard Ernst, Ted Fey, Ernest Gackle, Rueben Hehr, Sharpe Pruetz, Ben Koenig, H.A. Brost, Dr. D.M. Cameron, Andrew Kinzler, Harold Luck, Ernest Brandenburger, Elmer Hildebrand, Harold Fregien and Dell Palm] The purpose of the organization is to promote the art of trap and skeet shooting, to influence the proper protection of game and fish, and to promote sportsmanship and foster the proper handling of firearms and other sporting equipment incidental to taking to the field and streams. John Stroehl was the first president. The Kulm Rod and Gun Club became affiliated with the North Dakota Wildlife Federation in April of 1951. At present the organization is largely composed of rural members who have all taken an active interest in the organization which now numbers about 60. In 1956 the club bought 120 acres for the development of a habitat for wild life. HISTORIES OF KULM'S PIONEERS (Transcriber Note: These family histories are not originally in surname alphabetical order. An "Index of 1957 Jubilee Book" was later printed. To assist any family research, the surnames will be transcribed in alphabetical order and a number assigned to each family entry. If a picture is printed along with the article, the notation [picture] will be included at the beginning of that family history article. In some cases, where available within the article, the maiden name of the wife will be shown in the heading.) 001. ANDERSON, CARL & ANNA (Hanson) [picture] Carl A. Anderson was born in Vastergotland, Sweden on October 15, 1887. In the year 1905 he immigrated to America together with his brother John F. Anderson. They came to Chicago and worked there until the spring of 1907 when they came to Kulm. Then Carl worked for Victor Arvidson and J.A. Hedlund and during threshing for Carl Oberg. He then went to Washington for a short time returning in the fall of 1908 and worked at different places. In 1914 his brother John and he rented the Peter Tjernlund farm. In 1918 Carl bought some land in Guthschmidt Township, Logan County and started farming there. In 1919 he was married to Anna Hanson. She was born in Norway on March 18, 1889 and came to this country from Oslo, Norway in 1913. They have one daughter, Helen, Mrs. Stanley Johnson, Kulm, N.D. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson moved to the city of Kulm in 1955 where they purchased a home. 002. ANDERSON, EMIL & ELNA (Ostrum) [picture] Emil Anderson was born April 26, 1883, at Walcott, N.D. and was married to Elna Ostrum July 12, 1916. He came with his parents to Newburg Post Office, located two miles north of Kulm in 1889. He attended country schools, later high school in Kulm and business college at Fargo, N.D. In 1905 he moved to Kulm to start a general merchandise business and was in this business until October 8, 1956. In 1911 he took a course in embalming and the undertaking business. He is still in this part of the business. He is the oldest mortician in the state of North Dakota. Mr. Anderson remembers Kulm was not started when they settled on the homestead. In 1904 he started to work in the LaMoure County Bank when Olaf Hausken was the cashier. In those days they started work at 8 o'clock in the morning and continued until 10 and 11 o'clock in the evening. In 1905 in partnership with Chas. Linder he started a general store, buying out a man by the name of Mureling. Sometime later in partnership with Christ Hieb they bought the then Brost Bros. General store. Its location was where the Farmers Union station now is located. The store at that time was known as Hieb and Anderson. Some time later his brother Oscar and he bought Mr. Hieb's share and continued in the same location until 1917 when he bought the John Schuldheisz store, then he continued in business until selling out in 1956. He also at one time had a store at Lawton, N.D., and after selling this business they bought Brauffman store at Lehr, N.D., which was operated by his brother Oscar. The Andersons have two children: Kenneth Anderson, civil engineer, Riverdale, N.D.; and Beverly Anderson, dietician, St. Mary's Hospital, Duluth, Minnesota. 003. ANDERSON, ERICK & BETSY (Erickson) [picture] Erick G. Anderson was born February 27, 1856 in Sweden. He came to the U.S. in March 7, 1882. He married Betsy Erickson of Wilmar, Minn. On November 28, 1882. They settled for some time at Bird Island, Minn. In a short time he started out with a covered wagon drawn by two oxen for Walcott, N.D. where he filed on a quarter of land Eight years later he put his belongings in a covered wagon drawn by the two oxen and came to Edgeley, N.D. He settled on a farm 2 miles north of what is now Kulm. While living at Walcott they were frightened several times by the report that Indians were coming as raiding parties. At such times the settlers came to town for more possible safety. In those days seed was hard to obtain so he had to go to Fargo for seed wheat and potatoes. Eggs at that time were 5 cents per dozen and butter was 6 cents per pound. They lived for 23 years on this farm. This tract grew to 7 quarters. In 1913 they retired from the farm and moved to Kulm, where he lived until his death in 1929. He was a member of the Swedish Baptist Church 6 miles north of Kulm. The Andersons had 5 children: Oscar E. Anderson, Fergus Falls, Minn.; Christine Bowman, LaMoure, N.D.; E.M. Anderson, Kulm, N.D.; Edwin and Palmer both deceased. 004. ANDERSON, JOHN & ANNIE (Arvidson) John F. Anderson was born in Vastergotland, Sweden August 27, 1882. He and his brother Carl came to America in November of 1905. They stayed in Chicago until the spring of 1907, then he came to Swede Township where he worked on the John Arvidson farm for one year and for a neighbor during the summer months. He went to Chicago and there he stayed until 1909, when he came back to Swede Township and worked for Jacob Bjur. In the fall of 1909 he took a homestead in South Dakota. He returned to Swede Township in the spring of 1913. In 1914 he and his brother Carl rented the Peter Tjernlund farm. He married Annie Arvidson June 24, 1914. In 1925 he moved on a farm of his own. Mrs. Anderson passed away December 1, 1937. Mr. Anderson has 6 children: Josephine, Mrs. Arnold Loven, St. Paul, Minn.; Ralph of Seattle, Wash.; Inez, Mrs. Edwin Malm of Kulm, N.D.; Elford of Seattle, Wash.; Richard of Stockton, Calif.; Arden of Seattle, Washington. Mr. Anderson retired from farming and moved to Seattle in the fall of 1943. 005. ARVIDSON, A. & EMMA (Tjernlund) [picture] A.V. Arvidson was born in Somland, Sweden on December 19th, 1879. In July of 1899 at the age of 19 he came to Kulm with his sister Augusta Arvidson. All he owned was $63.00 in cash, but he had a healthy body and enthusiastic spirit, working days and often nights in order to make enough money to begin farming. He rented land, borrowed money paying 12 percent interest, bought horses of which 2 died even before they were paid for. He worked hard. For lack of horses, he used a young heifer together with horses, training her like the rest and after completing the use of her she was found to be in better condition than when he started working her. After some time he bought a quarter of land in Logan County, paying $3.50 per acre. Later he bought two more quarters of land in LaMoure County adjoining that of his brother C.J. Arvidson. On January 2, 1907, he was married to Emma Tjernlund daughter of the late J.A. Tjernlund of Swede Township. To this union five children were born: Edith, Mrs. Arthur Erickson of Edmonton, Canada; Ellen, Mrs. Clyde Haglund, Seattle, Wash.; Ruth, Mrs. Cliff Reynolds, Pinehurst, Idaho; Everett, Pinehurst, Idaho; and Hazel, Mrs. James Dunn of Spokane, Wash. On February 10, 1946 daughter Ruth was fatally burned at their ranch home one mile out of Pinehurst, Idaho, leaving four small children who were cared for by Grandma Arvidson and Everett until the father Cliff Reynolds moved to his own home and Mrs. Arvidson moved in with him until he was remarried a year later. The Arvidsons did diversified farming, grain, sheep, hogs and Holstein cattle, mostly milk cows. They never had a tractor, but used horses all the time. During the drought years of 34-36 and all the losses, Mr. Arvidson's health failed very badly. In 1941 Mr. and Mrs. Arvidson went to Kellog, Idaho to live with their son Everett, but returned again in 1942. In May Mr. Arvidson passed away at the age of 62. Mrs. Arvidson finished out the year farming with part time help from her son-in-law Jim Dunn. The farm was rented to Arvid Erickson and together with sister Teckla Tjernlund, and son Everett, Mrs. Arvidson left for Idaho, where she makes her home with her son Everett, but at present time is living with her sister Teckla Tjernlund in Spokane, Washington. All the children are Christians and two of the grandchildren are in full time gospel work. Truly God has been good and we are grateful for his love. 006. ARVIDSON, CLAES & ANNA (Johnson) [picture] Claes John Arvidson was born in Hundshult, Saaland, Sweden, September 19, 1873. He was married to Anna Johnson in April of 1894. They immigrated first to Bismarck, in May of 1891, and then he filed on a homestead north of Kulm where he lived until he retired and moved into Kulm in 1944. He passed away on February 8, 1950. 007. BADER, DANIEL [picture] Mr. Bader was born March 21, 1878 in Paris, Bessarabia, South Russia. At the age of six he came to this country with his parents who settled in Scotland, S. Dak. One year later the family left for North Dakota and homesteaded in the vicinity of Medina, North Dakota. On November 1, 1900 he was married to Anna Maria Schulz. She died December 31, 1949. They had ten children. Two have passed away. In 1907 he sold his farm and bought a farm 11 miles south of Kulm. Here he stayed until he retired in 1936. He married Wilhelmina Lay in 1950. She died a year later. Mr. Bader married Katherine Joachim on August 16, 1952. There are eight living children: Nathaniel, Jamestown, N.D.; Gottlieb; Ida, Mrs. Fred Heller; Helen, Mrs. Reuben Motz; and Mabel, Mrs. Wm. Suko, all of Lodi, Calif.; Emma, Mrs. David Seefried and Bertha, Mrs. Albert Woehl both of Fredonia and Alvina, Mrs. Jacob F. Schock, of Casper, Wyo. He was a member of the Congregational Church, being one of the charter members and founders of the church in Medina. Mr. Bader died November 27, 1956 at the age of 78 years. 008. BADER, SAMUEL & ELIZABETH (Diedrich) [picture] Mr. Bader was born in Paris, South Russia on March 24, 1850. He was married to Elizabeth Diedrich. They immigrated to the United States in the fall of 1871 and settled for a short time in South Dakota. In May 1872 they came to North Dakota in a covered wagon and homesteaded 12 miles southwest of Kulm. This location is now known as the Albert Rutchke farm. Most of their life was spent farming. They later lived in Kulm and made their home in which is now the Robert Fey residence. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bader have passed away. 8 children were born to this union: John, deceased; Emanuel, Parkston, S.D.; Daniel, deceased; William, deceased; Gottfried, deceased; Gottlieb, deceased; Jacob, deceased; and Lydia, Mrs. Nathaniel Roloff of Kulm, N.D. 009. BEICH, REINHOLD & PALMA (Flegel) [picture] One of the native born Kulmites is Palma Flegel Beich. She was born in Kulm, N.D. January 22, 1899. She attended the local grade and high school. Palma has been a life-long and active member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in which she was baptized and confirmed. Mr. and Mrs. Reinhold Beich were married in her parent's home by Rev. Oeder of the Lehr Evangelical Church. She enjoys being a member of her Mission group, Sunday school, and also the Kulm Homemakers Club. She has served various offices in all these organizations. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beich. Arleen, Mrs. Wilbert Hildebrand, of Kulm, N.D.; Ellyne, Mrs. Everett Esgate of North Hollywood, Calif.; Dr. Orion Beich, Thief River Falls, Minn.; Marion, Mrs. Irvin Dennis of Kulm, N.D. 010. BENTZ, CHRISTIAN [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Christian Bentz left their native country in 1878. Mr. Bentz was born in Rohrback [Rohrbach] and Mrs. Bentz in South Russia. They had a very stormy voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. They arrived in New York and continued by train to Scotland, S.D. They lived in Scotland about six months when they moved to Ipswich, S.D. They made their home in an upside-down wagon box until a small sod house was built. In 1894 they sold their homestead and moved to McIntosh County where they bought a farm about sixteen miles southwest of Kulm, N.D. They lived on this farm for about twenty-five years. Here they reared their family of ten children. In about 1904 a typhoid epidemic struck the family and seven children died, leaving just three sons: Manuel, Henry and John. John lives in California and Manual and Henry live in Texas. The Bentz family endured all the hardships of the pioneers. One son, Henry recalls a very severe blizzard in which everything in existence seemed to be leveled by snowdrifts. Being lost in the storm he recalls it was the visible smoke from the chimney that brought him to his home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bentz have passed away. 011. BERGMAN, HERMAN & CAROLINE (Reese) [picture] Herman Bergman was born near Norwood, Minn. On May 9, 1859. On July 10, 1885 he was married to Caroline Reese of Glencoe, Minnesota, who was born at Waconia, Minnesota, August 27, 1865. Mr. Bergman engaged in the grain elevator and lumber yard business while a young man and was manager of elevators in Minnesota and North and South Dakota over a period of years. In 1898 Mr. Bergman moved his family to Kulm where he engaged in the same line of work. His first job was with the Sharpe and Pruetz elevator. In 1911 Mrs. Bergman passed away and Mr. Bergman again went to Minnesota and South Dakota where he was employed, returning to Kulm in 1923 to make his home with his daughter Annie, Mrs. N.H. Bjornson. He died July 29, 1943. Children besides Mrs. Bjornson are: Fred who is deceased and Minnie, Mrs. A.B. Ogden, living in Portland, Oregon. 012. BERNTSON, LEWIS & CHRISTINE (Rolighed) [picture] Mr. Lewis Berntson was born on a farm two and one-half miles northeast of Kulm. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Sigurd Berntson. Mr. Berntson attended Norden School No. 4 just north of Kulm, and later attended the A.C. at Fargo. His father died at an early age leaving Lewis to help operate the farm with his mother and brothers and sister. On November 17, 1923 Mr. Berntson was united in marriage to Miss Christine Rolighed. They moved to farm six miles north of Kulm where they farmed until 1931 when they purchased the Oscar Eklund farm, two miles north of Kulm. After farming for 25 years, Mr. and Mrs. Berntson moved into their new home in Kulm on July, 1956, leaving their son Lester living on the farm. They have 2 children: Lester of Kulm, and Cathryn, Stevens County Agent, Morris, Minnesota. 013. BERNTSON, SIGNORT & ANNA (Johnson) [picture] Mr. Berntson was born July 3, 1864 in Eindnold, Norway, coming to America in 1887. He came to Battle Lake, Minn., remaining there for a short time before coming further west and homesteading two miles northeast of Kulm. On June 5, 1893 he was united in marriage to Anna Johnson of Kindred, N.D. They were blessed with five children. Signort Berntson died in November of 1902 and Mrs. Anna Berntson died in January of 1944. The children were: Lewis of Kulm; Marvin of Edgeley, N.D., and Lorraine, Mrs. Leonard Bjornstad, who resides in Minneapolis. Two sons, Alvin and Carl have passed away. 014. BILLIGMEIER, PETER & CHRISTINA (Borth) [picture] Peter Billigmeier was born at Worms, South Russia on April 6, 1868. He came to America with his parents in 1873 settling in Bonhomme County near the present site of Scotland, S.Dak. Mr. Billigmeier went to the public schools and lived on his father's farm until 1891 when he went to Eureka where he was a grain buyer for 3 years. He came to Kulm in 1894 and became associated with the firm of Gackle and Billigmeier, hardware, furniture and machinery dealers. He was engaged in the same lines of business and general merchandise in Fredonia, Merricourt, Lehr, Goodrich, Harvey, Linton, Medina, Venturia and Wishek. He also operated grain elevators in these town. Mr. Billigmeier owned many acres of land not only in LaMoure County but throughout the surrounding counties. He had an interest in public affairs and at one time served as Major of Kulm. He was united in marriage to Miss Christina Gross in 1895. She died and later he was married to Mrs. Christina Borth of Jud. Mr. Biligmeier was a long time and devoted member of the Congregational Church of Kulm. He passed away July 22, 1956, leaving Mrs. Biligmeier who still resides in Kulm and one adopted daughter, Edna, Mrs. Robert Tozer of California. 015. BJORNSON, H. & ANNIE (Bergman) [picture] Mr. Bjornson, known to everyone as "Nordie", was born in Madison, Wis., on September 22, 1876. He was part of the early history of Kulm, although not residing here permanently until 1910. He had drugstores in Ashley and Wishek, but many Sundays were spent visiting his brother Tony and family, driving here with a horse and buggy. When his brother, who had established the first drug store in Kulm, moved to LaMoure in 1910, he sold out to Nordie who resided here until his death on March 26, 1936. He graduated from high school in Ada, Minn., and received his pharmaceutical training at the Agricultural College in Fargo, N.D. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Ada. He was always actively identified with the civic and social affairs of the community. On April 5, 1915 he married Miss Annie Bergman at Bismarck, N.D. Mrs. Annie Bjornson was born in Norwood, Minn., April 1, 1887, and came with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Herman Bergman, to Kulm in 1898. She attended school the year she arrived in the first school house erected in Kulm, which stood on the site where the Anderson home is now located. When 16 years of age she started to work in the postoffice, P.C. Burgening being postmaster at the time. The postoffice then was located on the John Stroehl Service Station site. After working as clerk and assistant postmaster for seven years, she received her commission as postmaster on January 13, 1912, when William Taft was President. She continued to serve until her marriage in 1915, at which time she resigned. Then when Woodrow Wilson was president, after being out of office only about a year, John A. Melicher, Democratic precinct committeeman, came and asked her to serve again as postmaster, which she did, and continued until 1934. She took over the management of the drugstore when her husband died in 1936, and with the capable assistance of C.W. Ware, her pharmacist, who remained with her all the eighteen years, operated it successfully until 1954 when she sold out to Knutson and Brovold. 016. BJORNSON, J. & ANNA (Milne) [picture] Mr. Bjornson was born January 1, 1861 at Perry, Wis., the son of Gabriel and Gunhild Bjornson. Mrs. Bjornson, nee Anna Milne, was born at Sonya, Ontario, Canada, June 7, 1873. They were married at Ellendale, N.Dak. July 23, 1894. Mr. Bjornson owned and operated the first drug store in Kulm, serving as his own pharmacist. They lived above the drug store for four years, building their home in 1898/ When they moved to LaMoure in 1910, Mr. Bjornson sold out to his brother Nordie. He served in the House of Representatives for three terms 1901-1911 and 1913. He also served as county treasurer of LaMoure County. Mrs. Bjornson was the first teacher of the Kulm school when there was just a one room school house on the site of the present Emil Anderson home. Mr. Bjornson died June 2, 1944. Mrs. Bjornson is living in Newark, Del., with her daughter, Ann. The other children are: Marvel, Mrs. McDonald, Fort Frances, Ont.; Gunhild, Mrs. Sullivan, El Centro, Calif.; Marion, Mrs. H. Clay Reed, Newark, Del.; John, Seattle, Wash.; Perry, Chicago, Ill. 017. BJUR, ANTON & ERICKA (Jonson) Mr. and Mrs. Anton Bjur came from Norejo VasterbottemsIan Sweden in the year 1884. They came to Oakes, N.D. and lived in a sod house for about two years. They then moved to Swede Township and settled on section 28. Anton Bjur and Anton Tjernlund had the first horse-powered threshing machine. The farmers from the surrounding territory helped to get the threshing done. The children of Anton Bjur are Erick, Peter, Eva, Mrs. Carl Oberg; Carrie, Mrs. L.K. Lindgren, all of Kulm and Christina, Mrs. Rudolf Jonson of Canada. Jacob the youngest son, was sent to Minneapolis to a Bible school to become a minister. Illness and death in the family prevented him from continuing his schooling. He returned and took over the farm. On November 13, 1892 he married Wilhelmina Jonson. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bjur; Abel and Alida, deceased; Effa, Mrs. Horace Blackford, Auburn, Calif.; and Caleb, Alvin and Stanley of Kulm, N.D. Jacob Bjur met with a farm accident in 1935 which caused his death at the age of 65. Mrs. Bjur died December 3, 1956 at the age of 86. 018. BJUR, ERICK & AMANDA (Noren) [picture] In 1880, Erick Bjur and Amanda Noren were married in Storliden, Norsjo, Sweden. A few years later they decided to migrate to this country. As they were the first people to leave from that part of Sweden, their departure caused quite a sensation. Leaving their baby boy, Frank about 8 months old, with his people, they started out on their long journey, traveling in various ways. As traveling such a long distance had about exhausted their finances, they immediately sought employment. After four days of tramping the streets of Chicago, they finally found work with a farmer living a few miles south of there. When the summer work was completed they started out again for the pine timbers of Wisconsin. In a lumber camp not far from LaCrosse, where he found work, she also cooked for a gang of laborers where each received a salary of $1.00 per day. After the camp broke up Mr. Bjur went on to a railroad construction job near St. Cloud, Minn., Mrs. Bjur staying with a family in LaCrosse. In several months she joined her husband in Minnesota and after buying a covered wagon, a stove, a hand plow, a yoke of oxen and some provisions they started out for North Dakota to try homesteading. Coming to Moorhead they crossed the Red River on a ferry boat. After crossing Mr. Bjur started his yoke of oxen up the hill from the ferry and as the load was rather heavy the oxen balked and started backing the load into the river. Mrs. Bjur, sitting in the covered wagon with her baby Arthur, was in a dangerous position. Her husband, seeing this, grabbed the rear wheel of the wagon and in this way and with the help of the man running the ferry, managed to get the load up to the top of the hill. After further traveling for three more weeks they landed about four miles south of what is now known as Oakes, their nearest trading post being Lisbon. Filing on some land they built a small sod shanty, plowed some land and planted corn and potatoes which brought a good crop. Thus they had things nicely started for a home, when one day a man on horseback passing their homestead shouted that the Indians were coming through the district, plundering and killing the white people. Mrs. Bjur was ready to leave the home, but her husband decided they had better stay and defend themselves as best they could with an old gun he had rigged up. To their relief this proved to be a false alarm. The first winter in 1883-84 in North Dakota was quite eventful. Mr. Bjur, being a good hunter, provided plenty of meat and fish for the family needs. He did not surpass Mrs. Bjur a great deal when it came to shooting, however for she too showed excellent marksmanship. On an occasion when a land inspector came unexpectedly and spent the night with them, she provided meat for the family by going down to the lake and shooting two big ducks. This relieved the embarrassing situation of having only potatoes and butter to eat. In the spring of that year they started with new hopes, planting and sowing for a new crop. Later on, one day, quite unexpectedly Mr. Bjur's father, Anton Bjur came from Sweden. The following year, 1885, Mrs. Anton Bjur, also came, bringing the little grandson, Frank. She was accompanied by Mr. Bjur's brothers, Peter and Jacob. As the homestead land was pretty well taken up around Oakes and they expected more people from the old country, they decided to move again, selling their land rights for $800.00. The old covered wagon was rigged up and they started out again. This time they started building a new home in the western part of LaMoure Co., now known as Swede and Norden Townships. They was in 1887. LaMoure, thirty-five miles distant, was the nearest postoffice. The following year the railroad was extended further west closer to the Swedish Colony. This new trading place was called Edgeley. In the year 1890 Mrs. Bjur made application for a postoffice which was granted. This postoffice was named Newberg. This was in existence until the Soo Line was built as far as Kulm. The desk of the postoffice is now a cherished relic of Mr. Carl Bjur, son of the Erick Bjurs. A few years later the Bjur family, with the exception of Frank and Alma, moved to the state of Washington. In 1906 they returned to Kulm in order to thresh and dispose of their property here, as they expected to settle permanently in Washington. However, Mrs. Bjur was stricken with appendicitis and passed away one Sunday morning in October, leaving Mrs. Bjur with ten children, the youngest Eddie, two years of age. Through all these sorrows and hardships of early pioneer days Mrs. Bjur's faith in God, the belief in His kind providence never wavered. As Mrs. Bjur preferred North Dakota to Washington, they disposed of their farm in Washington and returned to North Dakota to live. Here four miles north of Kulm, she spent most of the rest of her eventful life mothering her youngest children while she went for frequent visits to her older children in Washington and Oregon. She lived to be 71 years of age and spent her last years with her daughter, Mrs. Bert Lindgren. In June, 1930, she was laid to rest in the Swedish Baptist Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Bjur were both devoted members of the Swedish Baptist Church, and did much towards building up the institution. The children are: Frank, Arthur, and Erick, all deceased; Hilma Whiteaker, Wash.; Alma Smith, Wash.; Carl, Wash.; Josephine Smith, Wash.; Minnie Lindgren, Wash.; Martin, Wash.; and Edgar, Oregon. There are thirty-two grandchildren. 019. BJUR, JACOB & WILHELMINA (Johnson) [picture] Mrs. Bjur was born in Sweden August 7, 1870, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Johnson. She received her schooling and lived in Sweden until she was 17 when she came to America and settled north of Kulm. She was united in marriage to Jacob Bjur in a little school house in Swede Township on November 13, 1892. They farmed in the community until her husband passed away, October 8, 1935. Following Mr. Bjur's death, Mrs. Bjur lived with her youngest son, Stanley. Mrs. Bjur passed away on December 3, 1956. Two children preceded Mrs. Bjur in death. The four living children are: Mrs. Horace Blackford, Effa, of Auburn, Calif.; Caleb, Alvin, and Stanley of Kulm. 020. BJUR, JOHN & HULDA (Jonson) [picture] John L. Bjur came here from Sweden in 1885 and settled at Edgeley, N.D. before there were any railroads. Mr. Bjur was the first blacksmith there, having learned this trade in his native Sweden. In 1892 Mr. Bjur married Hulda Adelina Jonson and they made their home in Edgeley, N.D. In 1905 Mr. Bjur quit the blacksmith trade at Edgeley and moved to Swede township and homesteaded on section 33. His son Palmer owns the farm presently. Mr. Bjur owned one of the early cars which was a Wolf. Mr. and Mrs. Bjur had nine children seven of whom are deceased. John Bjur died at the early age of 55. There are two living children, Palmer Bjur, Minneapolis, Minn., and Mrs. Albert Larson, Kulm, N.D. Mrs. Bjur married a John Dalhgren and lived to be 83 years old. She passed away in October of 1954. 021. BJUR, LEANDER & EVELENA (Jonson) Leander Bjur was born in Malo, Vesterbottenlan, Sweden. He came to America when a young lad, arriving in Oakes, N.D. in 1885. He helped in building the railroad that later came to Kulm. He also worked with various hand fed threshing machines. Meanwhile he saved enough money so he could purchase four oxen to start farming. He filed on a homestead in Norden Township which cost $5 a quarter. He made his home with Gust Nylands and various other neighbors, helping them build their homes. He also built a home for himself and also kept up his work on the railroad. In 1892 he was united in marriage to Evelena Jonson who also came from Sweden. The wedding took place in Swede Township school house where all weddings and services were held. Five children were born to this union, three of whom have died. The two living daughters are: Mrs. Hildur Holmgren, Kulm, N.D., and Mrs. Hannah Richards. 022. BLOMQUIST, AUGUST & AMANDA (Larson) [picture] August Blomquist was born January 7, 1877 in the Northern part of Sweden. He came to this country with his parents and three brothers, John Gust and Hugo in July of 1892. His father filed on a homestead about twelve miles northwest of Kulm. The closest town at that time was Edgeley. He recalls that all the territory was a wild, open prairie. August was 15 years old at the time of his parents' arrival in Swede township and he spent most of his boyhood on his father's homestead where he helped with the essentials of establishing a home. Homes were made mostly of sod although there were a few small lumber shacks. Newcomers to this country had to be taken care of by those who had already settled. Mr. Blomquist recalls that a certain family had to take care of as many as seven families in their single room during the winter. There were two babies born in this one room home one winter. People were very helpful to each other. The settlers had very little money, if any, to buy the necessities [of] life. It is true, he says, that they could get up to 160 acres of nice fertile land practically free, but they could not scratch up even a patch of potatoes with their bare hands. They had to depend on their neighbors who lived 5 to 10 miles away to lend them a yoke of oxen and a hand plow. Mr. Blomquist goes on to say that it is impossible to tell the present generation what the real pioneer settlers were up against. August did not have the privilege of attending school in this country. He spent only six weeks in school in this country, however he had considerable schooling in Sweden and it was a great help to him here. In 1910, on March 23 he was united in marriage to Henry Amanda Larson. He bought a farm of his own and spent most of his life farming. Eight children were born to this family. They are: Ruth, Mrs. McEvan, San Francisco, Calif.; Hubert, Chicago, Ill.; Victor, San Francisco, Calif.; Erland, Kulm, N.D.; Marcelle, Mrs. Henderson of Seattle, Wash.; Lloyd in the island of Hawaii; Curtis, Seattle, Wash.; and Arlene, Mrs. Lyle B. Melicher, Wishek, N.D. Mrs. Blomquist passed away in 1942 and Mr. Blomquist who is 80 years old is making his home with his daughter Ruth in San Francisco, Calif. 023. BLOMQUIST, JOHN & CAROLINA (Ogren) [picture] John Blomquist was born in Sorsele, Sweden on July 21, 1874. He came to this country with his parents and brothers in 1892 and filed on a homestead northwest of Kulm in about 1894. He was united in marriage to Carolina Ogren in 1898. Mrs. Blomquist was born in Sweden and had come to this country with her parents in 1889. They farmed until 1944 when they retired from active farming but continued to live on the farm. Mrs. Blomquist passed away on November 15, 1949. John lived on the farm until the following fall, 1950, after which he spent the winters with his children, returning to his farm for the summer months. He died on July 3, 1955. Mrs. And Mrs. Blomquist were blessed with five children, two sons dying in infancy. The living children are: Robert Blomquist, Inglewood, Calif.; Mrs. Iver Offerdahl, (Esther), Jamestown, N.D.; Mrs. Peter Nordquist, (Betty) West Los Angeles, Calif. 024. BLOMQUIST, NELS E. & EVA (Gustafson) [picture] Nels Blomquist was born on May 24, 1843 in Sorsels, Sweden. He was united in marriage to Eva Greta Gustafson on April 1, 1872. She was born in Sweden on October 23, 1851. They immigrated to the U.S. in 1892 and filed on a homestead about 12 miles north of Kulm. Here they endured the hardships of pioneer life. They spent almost all of their lives in the Kulm community. Mr. and Mrs. Blomquist were blessed with the following children: Evelina, Mrs. August Soberg; John, August, Gust and Hugo Blomquist and Agnes, Mrs. Victor Samuelson. The four boys came with their parents to this country and Agnes was born in N.D. She died in 1953. Mrs. Evelina Soberg also died. Mr. Blomquist passed away on his farm in Swede Township in 1936. Mrs. Blomquist died in 1922. 025. BOHNET, RYNHOLD & JUSTINA (Gehnert) [picture] Mrs. Rynhold Bohnet (nee Justina Gehnert) was born in Wittenberg Russia. She came to the United States with her parents and settled near Kulm on June 10, 1902, where she grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage to Rynhold Bohnet, September 28, 1922. Mr. Bohnet worked on the section, for the Kulm Mill and in 1989 was drafted and served in the army about one year. When he returned he worked on the section until his retirement in 1951. The Bohnets still reside in Kulm and are the parents of three children: one son Leland of Grand Forks, N.D. and twin daughters, Madelyn, Mrs. Miles Midstokke, Finley, N.D., and Marilyn, Mrs. Palmer Vareberg, Tappen, N.D. 026. BORTH, MICHAEL & MARIA (Kurtz) [picture] Michael Borth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Borth of Beresina, Russia, was born November 4, 1885. At the age of 18 he came to America and homesteaded on a farm 7 miles northwest of Fredonia for seven years. The farm land was seeded by hand. On Dec. 6, 1906 he was united in marriage to Maria Kurtz, who with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Kurtz of Alt Artsehs [Alt-Arzis], Russia, migrated to America in 1905 and settled in Enid, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Borth knew each other in the old country. In 1914 the homestead was traded for a livery barn from Mahlin in Kulm. Bill Dugan had been renting it before them. During the livery barn days people came for many miles with wagon and team to trade their wheat for flour at the Kulm Mill, located right across the street from the barn. Pioneers came from Ellendale, Gackle, Wishek and many more towns and farms and these trips would take days at a time. With the beginning of Mr. Borth's ownership of the livery stable he was a well known figure on the streets of Kulm. He had accommodations in the barn for 40 horses --he had plenty of hay and water for the animals and a friendly welcome for all visitors. Mrs. Borth was always ready to feed the hungry travelers. A lasting friendship was developed through these services. They livery barn was one-half block long and also housed sleighs and buggies and Mr. Borth always kept a team of high spirited horses for hire to the doctor and mail carriers. Many a life was served and saved by this efficient service. In 1918 the barn was destroyed by fire. A 40 mile an hour wind made it impossible for anything to be saved except the horses. The origin of the fire was never determined. A new barn was constructed at once. Mr. Borth felt the loss deeply, but also considered the people who needed housing for their animals. The town of Kulm was becoming more settled --cars were beginning to be used and the livery stable business was getting slack, so Mr. Borth started a cream station in the Anderson building in 1926. During a period of 19 years he carried on this business along with poultry, eggs and hides, in various locations throughout the city. In 1926 Mr. Borth was selected as City Chief of Police. It was during this time that the First State Bank was robbed at 1 a.m. A bombardment of shooting was heard, so Mr. Borth, on his call to duty, left his home to check on the strange noises. Before he walked a half a block he was stopped by a brick falling from the Grosz building, where the robber had shot to kill. Mr. Borth's home was surrounded by armed men, he then circled the block and in terrific fear he made it home safely, with his only injury a hole in his jacket. After but only about 30 minutes the shooting stopped and Mr. Borth checked the disaster. Mr. Borth was Chief of Police, Street Commissioner, Auditorium Janitor, Ticket Collector for 9 years. He took great pride in his office duties and practiced justice and taught it to all without creating hard feelings. In 1921 Mr. Borth built the home where his family was reared. He was an ardent supporter of that which would help the progress of his city. Mr. and Mrs. Borth were blessed with eight children: Molly, Mrs. Otto Kosanke, Kulm; John Borth, Kulm; Olga, Mrs. Henry Reister, Leavenworth, Washington; Alvina, Mrs. Otto Smith, Lyndon Stations, Wis.; Emman, Mrs. Elmer Grosz, Glendale, Calif.; Delores, Mrs. Robert Johnson, Ellendale, N.D.; Raymond Borth, Burbank, Calif.; Mrs. Violet Helmer, Lyndon Station, Wis. Mr. Borth passed away October 18, 1945. Mrs. Borth is making her home with her children. 027. BOWMAN, ERIC & CHRISTINE (Anderson) [picture] Eric Anton Bowman was born in Sweden on August 9, 1881. He came to America in 1890 and settled on a homestead northeast of where Kulm now stands. When Eric was ten years old he herded sheep where the town of Kulm now stands, the year before the railroad came through. Mr. Bowman quit farming and moved to Kulm in 1916. On July 12, 1916 Eric married Christine Anderson. Christine was born on August 1, 1891 on a farm two miles north of Kulm. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Anderson, sister of Emil Anderson. She attended school in Norden Township, in the city of Kulm, and Bethel College, St. Paul, Minn. Mrs. Bowman has all her life been active in church work and the Homemarkers Club. While Mr. and Mrs. Bowman lived in Kulm, Mr. Bowman was manager of the Farmers Elevator for ten years. He was elected a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1916 & was elected to the State Legislature in 1917. He became a member of the State Senate in 1919 and was President Pro-Tem in 1921. He served as a fieldman for the Bank of North Dakota for three years. In 1947 Mr. and Mrs. Bowman moved to LaMoure where he is in the Real Estate business. 028. BRADY, PATRICK & ELIZABETH (Goodrich) Patrick Brady settled on a farm about 5 miles north of Kulm in 1899, and was followed the next year by his family and wife. They came from LeSueur, Minnesota, where all the children were born. Mrs. Brady's ill health prompted the move. Patrick Brady was born in 1844 and Mrs. Brady, Elizabeth Goodrich, in 1845. She died in 1902 and Mr. Brady in 1909. They had eleven children; John, Charles, James, Joseph, George, Thomas, Laurence, Mary, Cynthia, Julia, and Margaret. In 1907 James Brady married Katherine Bowman, who was born in 1878 in Sweden. Her family came to the Kulm territory in 1888. He farmed the Brady farm until 1915, when they moved to Jud. Members of the Patrick Brady family now living are: Margaret (Hounder), St. Paul, Minn.; Julia (Murray), Fullerton, California; and Laurence, St. Paul, Minn. Mrs. Joseph Brady of California and Mrs. Thomas Brady of Jud. A third generation continues in our community: Lee, George, Robert and Elenora, Mrs. Christ Gumke, all of Jud and Marvin of Alfred, N.D.; and Beth Murray, Mrs. Marvin Brown, of Ellendale, N.D. 029. BRANDT, FRED & EMMA (Becker) [picture] Fred C. Brandt was born in Hille Minden, Germany on March 8, 1865. Mr. Brandt married Emma Becker who came from Minutes Dorf, German. When Mr. Brandt was ten years old he came to America and settled in Winthorp, Minnesota. After several years of living in Minnesota he came to live at Kulm, N.D., where Mr. Brandt worked in an elevator. Later on the family lived in several California cities such as Long Beach and Los Angeles. When Mr. Brandt first came to Kulm, he rode a bicycle from Oakes to Kulm as the train ran only certain days a week. Then later when Mrs. Brandt and daughter Alice came they lived in the elevator where Mr. Brandt worked. Later on he purchased this same elevator. Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brandt: Alice Brandt Lange of Burbank, California and Genevieve Brandt Lange of Brooksfield, Missouri. 030. BRAUER, CHRISTIAN [picture] In Brenna [Brienne], Bessarabia, South Russia, there lived a family who had heard much about America. Many of their friends and relatives had been leaving Russia to cross the ocean and establish new homes in America. Thus it was that Mr. and Mrs. Brauer with two children ventured forth. They left Russia February 2 and arrived March 6, 1904 on the Kaiser Wilhelm. They came directly to Kulm where his brother, John, met them and took them to his home for a month. Mr. Brauer was born May 6, 1876 in Brenna, Bessarabia, South Russia as was Mrs. Brauer who was born on November 7, 1877. Mr. Brauer went back to Russia in Dec. of 1913 for a visit with his parents and brothers and with Mrs. Brauer's parents and sisters and brothers. He returned again in February of 1914 and almost perished with the ship in a storm at sea. They lived sixteen miles south of Kulm until 1926 when they moved five and one half miles northwest of Kulm. In 1936 they retired and moved into town. They were members of the Lutheran church of Kulm. Mr. Brauer died December 10, 1948 and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery west of Kulm. The Brauers had 8 children: Irene Dobler, Kulm, N.D.; Fred Brauer, Amenia, N.D.; Emilia Hildebrand, Kulm, N.D.; Mathilda Hildebrand, Kulm, N.D.; William Brauer, Kulm, N.D.; Gehrhardt Brauer, streeter, N.D.; Harry Brauer, Edgeley, N.D.; Benno Brauer, Moorhead, Minnesota. 031. BRAUER, MICHAEL & ELIZABETH (Doerr) [picture] Mr. Michael Brauer was born September 20, 1872 in South Russia. He came to the United States in March of 1892 and settled in Kulm where he was engaged in the blacksmith business. This business was known as the Brauer and Schneider Blacksmith for 20 years. Mr. Brauer farmed for seven years then moved to Bismarck where he was employed at the Bismarck Hospital as an engineer for 14 years. After retiring from this position he did gardening. The Brauers later moved to Lodi, Calif. Michael Brauer was united in marriage to Elizabeth Doerr on December 26, 1897. Mrs. Brauer was also born in South Russia in 1880, coming to America with her parents in 1884. Eight children were born to this union: Lenora Follstad of Menomonie, Wis.; Mrs. Elsie Isaak, Kulm, N.D.; Edwin of Ellendale, N.D.; George of Bismarck, N.D.; Albert, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Clemens, Los Angeles, California. 032. BRENKLE, J.F. [picture] Dr. J.F. Brenkle came to Kulm in 1898 from Milwaukee, Wis. Two years later he went to Milwaukee and married. Dr. and Mrs. Brenkle then came back to Kulm and bought the house owned today by John H. Miller. He built the stone building now used as a restaurant by Jake Steinwandt, where he had his office. In those days horse and buggy or sleigh was the only means of travel and he served the community and vicinity in all kinds of weather day or night. In 1917 he joined the army as a medical officer serving for two years. When he came back to Kulm he built the house where John Franz is living at the present time. He lived here until 1924 when he moved to Northville, S.D. and later to Mellette where he is still living with his second wife. His first wife passed away 10 years ago. They had three children: Dakota, Beatrice and Arthur who are residing in different parts of the country. His recreation and hobby was hunting and botany which he still enjoys. 033. BROST, DAVID F. [picture] David F. Brost was born in Russia in the year 1881. He came to the United States in 1886 and lived on a homestead thirteen miles northwest of Kulm. Mr. Brost started as a business man in the city of Kulm in 1900 continuing until his retirement in 1946. His career as a business man began with a livery barn and running a three-seated coach between Kulm and Edgeley. In 1905 until 1908 he operated a hardware and machine business on the location which is now the Farmer's Union Station. From 1908 to 1910 he operated a machinery business with his brother Fred at the location which is now the William Brauer residence. In 1911 he farmed 1000 acres in the Kulm territory. With the help of John Kosanke he broke up 900 acres of land. Dave worked as a blockman for Emerson Brantingham Co. for eight years then joining the J.I Case Co., with whom he worked until 1934. In 1930 Dave and John Flegel bought the Kulm Hardware Co., previously owned by Gehring and Tjernlund from the Marshall Wells Co. In the fall of 1932 Dave and two sons, W.E. and A.O. Brost bought the interest of Mr. Flegel and the business became known as Kulm Hardware Co. A.A. Brost bought his father's interest in the business in 1946. Besides operating his business Mr. Brost and his son Wilbert were also engaged in farming and ranching. In 1954 and 1955 these ranches were sold to Clark Cran, W.E. and H.A. Brost. Mr. Brost was married to Katherine Ruff who died in 1917 leaving five children. The children are: Edwin of Rapid City, S.D.; Alvin, Devils Lake, N.D.; Wilbert of Kulm; Nora, Mrs. John Gackle of Kulm, and Kathryn, now Mrs. Lloyd Stewart of Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1919 Mr. Brost was united in marriage to Margaret Gall. Three children were born to this union: Delila, Mrs. Joe Miller of Minneapolis, Minn.; Hilmer of Kulm, and Ardella, Mrs. Howard Anderson of St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Brost is a charter member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Kulm, N.D. 034. BROST, JOHN & MATHILDA (Herrmann) [picture] Mr. John P. Brost was born September 4, 1884 in Postal, Bessarabia, South Russia, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Brosz (nee Vetter). In 1897 he came with his parents to the United States, and settled on a farm southeast of Gackle. In 1909 Mr. Brost bought a farm five miles southeast of Kulm. (Due to a clerical error the name was changed from Brosz to Brost, and rather than go through a lot of paper work, Mr. Brost left it that way). That same year he was married to Miss Mathilda Herrmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Freiderich Herman Sr. Mrs. Brost was born in Beresina, Bessarabia, South Russia on November 16, 1889. At the age of eight she came with her parents to the United States and settled near Kulm in 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Brost, too, had their hardships in the early days of pioneering, of which the lack of water was one. For many years they had to haul water for their stock until a well could be dug on their farm. Mr. Brost was deacon in the New Beresina church for many years. He also served on the Pomona View township and school boards. When the New Beresina Ladies Aid was organized (now the Dorcas Society) Mrs. Brost was elected its first president. Mr. Brost passed away on December 8, 1936. Mrs. Brost kept on farming with her children until 1952, when she moved into Kulm. Her son Ronald operates the farm now. Mr. and Mrs. Brost were blessed with 7 children, one of whom died in infancy. Theophil Brost of Kulm; Esther, Mrs. John Goehnor, Dryden, Wash.; Lillian, Mrs. John Heinrich, Dryden, Wash.; Rosalie, Mrs. Delbert Merkel, Ellendale, N.D.; Ronald Brost, Kulm; El Roy Brost, Dryden, Wash. 035. BUECHLER, CHRISTIAN & DORA (Brost) [picture] Christian Buechler or Chris as he was known in Kulm and vicinity, one of the oldest pioneers who located in Kulm, N.D. was born in Yankton, S.D. March 10, 1877, one of three children. The family moved to Merricourt where his widowed mother operated a general merchandise store. In 1892 widow Buechler and three children moved to Kulm where she had moved the store and started the first general merchandise store in Kulm. On the 21st of March 1905 he married Dora Brost who was born in Parkston, S.D. in 1886 and had come to Kulm with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Brost to make their home. The Buechlers with Chris's mother, operated the general merchandise business until Grandma Buechler's age compelled her to take it easier. Remodeling the store and carrying only groceries, Christ and Dora, as everyone called them, operated the business until 1946 when they retired. They make their home with their two daughters, spending part of the year with each. The girls are: Barbara, Mrs. C.L. Griffin, Lake Lotawanna, Lee's Summit, Mo. And Marjorie, Mrs. R.E. Morrissey, Gillette Wyoming. 036. BUECHLER, FREDERICK & CHRISTINA (Werre) [picture] Among the well known settlers of Kulm was Mrs. Christina Buechler, coming here in 1882. She was born on March 21, 1847 in Gluckthal, Bessarabia, South Russia. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Were. She grew to womanhood and married Frederick Buechler in 1866. Becoming dissatisfied with conditions in Russia, they and their young son Fred, decided to come to America. The arrived in this country in 1873 and settled in Marion Junction, S. Dak. In 1879. Three years later her husband died. After his death Mrs. Buechler with her three children moved to Eureka, S. Dak., where they resided until 1891, when the moved to Merricourt, N. Dak. And started a store. Hearing the railroad was being extended and thinking it would be a good business venture she decided to move to this westward townsite. So the building was moved to Kulm. She and her two sons, Fred and Chris started the first general merchandise store, calling it C.C. Buechler and Sons. After Fred's death in 1904 she continued in the store business with her son, Chris and his wife. "Grandma Buechler", as everyone called her made her home the last twenty-give years of her life with her daughter, Mrs. J.D. Smith. She passed away April 29, 1938. She was a life-long member of the German Reformed Church, and a faithful church worker. Two children survive her: Barbara, Mrs. J.D. Smith of Kulm, and Christian, of Lee's Summit, Mo. 037. BUECHLER, FRIEDRICH & KATIE (Doerf) [picture] Frederich Buechler was born in Southern Russia, near Odessa in 1869. In 1873, when 4 years of age he came to this country with his parents [and] they located at Marion Jct., S.D. where he received his education. In 1887 the family moved to Eureka, South Dakota and in 1892 moved to Merricourt, N.D. and in 1892 to Kulm. Fred, as he was known, was engaged in the general merchandise business with his mother, Christine Buechler and his brother Christ Buechler. The first post office was located in the Buechler store and Mr. Fred Buechler was the first postmaster in Kulm. He was married to Miss Katie Boeft, Freeman, South Dakota on February 11th 1895. Six children were born to this union. Mark Buechler, LaMoure, N.D.; Max Buechler, Kulm, N.D.; Sharpe Buechler Pruetz, Kulm, N.D.; Fred Buechler, Portland, Ore., and Benn Buechler, Medicine Hat, Canada, and Leonard Buechler, deceased. In February of 1895 he, with two companions, went to the gold fields of Klondyke in Alaska to prospect for gold, but failed to hit pay dirt to amount to much and returned to Kulm in August of 1897. After returning from Alaska he became manager of the Sharpe and Pruetz elevator which position he had until the time of his death. Friederich Buechler was a member of the Reformed church of Kulm. He passed away July 21, 1904. He is survived by five sons and his widow Mrs. Katie Buechler who resides in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. 038. BUECHLER, MARK & JULIA (Anderson) Mark Buechler was born in Kulm, N.D. on June 27, 1895. He was married on February 7, [1922] to Julia Anderson. Mark was inducted into the military service in March 1918 and served overseas. He was discharged in the spring of 1919. After his military duty he completed his education to become a lawyer at the University of North Dakota. Upon completion he began his law practice at Elgin, N.D. until 1929 when he moved to LaMoure, N.D. and still resides in that community. Mr. Buechler has been active both in government and civic affairs, serving in such positions as State's Attorney of Grant County for two terms, served as State Inspector and Dept. Judge Advocate of LaMoure County V.F.W. Post, LaMoure, City Attorney, Pres. Of the LaMoure Park Board for many years, Veteran Service Officer of LaMoure County, Federal Conciliation Commissioner of LaMoure County, and Post Commander of the American Legion Post at LaMoure. He is also active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 40 et 8 of Fargo, Disabled Army Veterans and Masonic Lodge. 039. BUERKLE, HENRY & DORETHEA (Nittle) [picture] Henry Buerkle was born March 4, 1857 in Wittenberg, South Russia. He was united in marriage to Dorethea Nittle in 1887. They immigrated to America with seven of their children in 1898 and homesteaded four miles west of Kulm where they lived until Mr. Buerkle's death. The first years were very hard years for the family as they had very little money. They broke the sod and the crops which were meager were hauled to Ellendale or LaMoure for which flour and materials for clothing were bought. Every bit of clothing was sewed by the mother. Buffalo chips and slough hay was used as fuel in a stove built from sod bricks. Ten children were born to this union: Johannes, Fredonia, N.D.; Martin, deceased; Dorethea, Schorszmann, of Scottland, S.D.; George, Newton, N.D.; Pauline, Mrs. Christ Eslinger, Jamestown, N.D.; Fred, Jamestown, N.D.; Emelia, Mrs. Adolph Christman, Maple Creek, Sask., Canada; Elsie, Mrs. Peter Weiland. Mr. Buerkle passed away December 19, 1913. Seven years later Mrs. Buerkle was married to Henry Schorszmann of Scotland, S.D. In later years she spent her time with her children. She passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Chris Eslinger on January 16, 1939. 040. BUERKLE, MARTIN [picture] Mr. Buerkle was born in Bessarabia, So. Russia in 1891. He was united in marriage to Christina Wolff in 1876. In 1893 they immigrated to the United States and homesteaded three miles east of Fredonia, N.D. Seven children were born to this union: Adam of Portland, Ore.; Lydia Krueger, Parkston, S.D.; Rudolph of Jamestown, N.D.; Martin, Dorthea, Katherine and Thomas are deceased. Mrs. Buerkle died in 1897. In 1910 Martin was united in marriage to Mrs. Eva Oberlander who had just immigrated from Petersdal, South Russia to Hosmer, S.D., with her three small children, Carolina, Jacob and Louie. Carolina now resides in Rupert, Idaho, Jacob and Louis in Kulm. Five children were born to this second union: Christina, Mrs. Fred Buerkle of Jamestown, N.D.; Emma, Mrs. Rudolph Haupt, of West Fargo, N.D.; Freda, Mrs. Henry Rott of St. Paul, Minn.; and George, Elenora and Pauline deceased. Mr. Buerkle passed away in September of 1931 at the age of 70. Mrs. Buerkle died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Buerkle in February of 1947 at the age of 82. She was laid to rest in the Fredonia Congregational Cemetery. 041. BURK, ERIC & MARTHA (Roedel) [picture] Martha (nee Roedel) Burke was born September 2, 1901 at Kulm. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Roedel. She was married to Eric Burk on January 2, 1929. She was baptized in and is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Kulm. She went to school in Kulm and was a telephone operator for many years in Kulm, Forbes, and Detroit, Michigan. The present home of the Burks was formerly the North American Creamery and was moved to its present location in 1915. Mr. Burk was born October 28, 1894 at Edgeley, N.D. He is a veteran of World War I, having served from December 13, 1915 to December 12, 1921. He has been a rural mail carrier since 1929. He is a member of the American Legion Post and the Kulm Volunteer Fire Dept. To this union were born three children: James and Vera of Spokane, Wash.; and Shirley of Vancouver, Wash. 042. CARLSON, ANDERS [picture] Anders August Carlson was born on February 12, 1859 in Lycksele, Vesterbottenslan, Sweden. He was married to Ida Kristina Jonson on January 19, 1884 in Sweden. They immigrated to the United States in 1887 and arrived at Edgeley, N.D. on July 4, 1887. He filed a homestead in Swede Township where he built a sod house. He lived in this house until 1900 when he built a new home on the location where Leslie Carlson now lives. He lived here until his death in June of 1935. Eight children were born to this union, three of whom passed away in infancy. Carl Carlson passed away in November 1956. The living children are: Frank Carlson of Kulm, N.D.; Mrs. Hilda Linblom and Mrs. Tena Backstrom of Vancouver, Wash., and Mrs. Lyda Kewen of Vancouver, Ore. Mrs. Ida Carlson died August 4, 1899 and Mr. Carlson was married to Sarah Walgren of Fargo, N.D. in 1911. Two children were born to this union, Pearl Carlson of Detroit, Mich., and Walter Carlson of Seattle, Washington. 043. CARLSON, CARL & GUSSIE (Malm) [picture] Mr. Carlson was born in rural Kulm, N.D. on June 29, 1889. His occupation was farming. On November 25, 1914 he was married to Miss Gussie Malm. Mr. Carlson retired from farming and moved into the city of Kulm. He became ill quite suddenly on November 15, 1956 and passed away due to a heart attack. His wife and daughter Pauline live in the city of Kulm while a son Leslie and a daughter Mrs. (Leona) Elmo Malm live north of Kulm. Mr. Carlson was a member of the Kulm Assembly of God church. 044. CHAMBERS, GILES & EMMA (Roedel) [picture] Mrs. G.E. Chambers (nee Emma Roedel) was born June 29, 1896 in Kulm, N.D., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Roedel. She married Giles E. Chambers, March 25, 1918. As an infant Emma was baptized in the Lutheran Church in Kulm. She remained a member till her death, on September 14, 1942, at the age of 46 years. She received her education in the Kulm Public School, taught school in McIntosh Co. one term and then accepted a position as telephone operator where she worked for a time and then was transferred to Jamestown. After a year in this office she resigned to get married to Giles E. Chambers of Edgeley, where they lived for 3 years after which they moved to Kulm. Mrs. Chambers again accepted a position with the Dakota Central Telephone Co., which she held until October 4, 1941, when the dial system was installed. The community relied on her for help in many ways aside from her duties in the telephone office and anyone asking a favor of her did not ask in vain. She was active in the church, civic and social life of the town. Besides being a member of the church she was secretary of the Ladies Aid for 12 years. For a number of years she was a member of the Civic League holding various offices in this organization. Her home and family were foremost in her heart and she was the comfort and mainstay of her husband and children. Three children were born to this union: Edwin E., Claredon Hills, Ill.; Laurence, Hazen, N.D.; Elaine, Gresham, Oregon. Mr. Chambers was born July 30, 1889 in Michigan. He was custodian of the Kulm Public School for over twenty years. He also did plumbing during the time he lived in Kulm. He was a member of the Lions' Club, Fireman and St. Paul Lutheran Church. Mr. Chambers was killed in a sewer cave-in on May 23, 1947 at the age of 57 years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Chambers were laid to rest in the St. Paul Lutheran cemetery. 045. DAVIDSON, GUSTOF Gustof Herman Davidson was born in Norsjo Socken, Sweden, January 22, 1864. In 1885 he was married to Anna Nelson. With three children, Hulda, John and Annie they came to the Swedish settlement of Kulm in 1892. They spent the first year in the home of Olaf Olson. He homesteaded in what is now Ray Township. Here they lived in a sod house. In 1897 his wife died, leaving him with five children namely: Hulda, Mrs. R.A. Coates, deceased, 1914; John; Annie, Mrs. John Malm; Emmy, Mrs. Erik Olson; and David. John, Annie and David are in Minneapolis and Emmy is in Hope, B.C. In April 1899 he married Theckla Orgren. She was born in Omsele, Sweden, on August 9, 1869. She came here in 1897, along with her parents, Erik and Maria Ogren. Her first employment here was at Cline's Hotel in Kulm. She homesteaded seven miles north of Kulm. Here Mr. and Mrs. Davidson made their home. Mr. Davidson sold his homestead, in Ray Township to Brandt, a land agent in Kulm. To this union seven children were born: Mrs. Art Ziemann, Dagmas, of Watertown, Wis.; Mrs. Olof Nilsen, Bertha, of St. Cloud, Minn.; Herbert of Kulm; Mrs. Vernon Malm, Ellen, of Burlington, Wis.; Henning, LeRoy, and Milton all of Kulm. In 1903 fire destroyed their home and all personal belongings. This fire started from burning hay for fuel. In 1908 Davidson, Orgrens, and Anton Johnson built their own telephone line, which was the beginning of the Swede Township Telephone Company organized about 1910. Mr. Davidson was assessor for Swede Township, and Pomona View and Norden before they were organized. Mr. G.H. Davidson passed away November 1947. The Davidson farm is now owned by the youngest son, Milton. The Davidson lineage continues in our community; Born to Herbert and Marion (Brome) are Betty, Gale and Lincoln; to Henning and Hazel (Turnbough) Dale, Leon and Robin; and to Milton and Neva (Hauge) Merlin. 046. DAVIDSON, PETER & GUSTAVA (Jonson) [picture] Peter August Davidson was born in Norsjo, Sweden, March 24, 1862. He and Gustava Christina Jonson were married November 5, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson migrated to America and filed on a homestead four and one half miles northeast of Kulm. The first house was built of sod and he farmed this land for ten years. During these years he also was employed on the railroad which was being built into Kulm. In 1899 Mr. Davidson sold out and moved to Buford, Alberta, Canada, where he homesteaded for three years. Later the Davidson family moved to Calgary, where Mr. Davidson worked for the Calgary Water Power Company. In 1908 Davidsons moved back to the United States and farmed until 1916. Then he went into the cattle business. Twelve children were born to Mrs. And Mrs. Davidson: Erick of Calgary, Canada; Victoria, Mrs. Sam Scott of Langdon, Canada; Agnes, Frank, Gust, Timothy, John and Halo all deceased; Carl of Yakima, Wash.; Edward of Calgary, Canada; Katherine, Mrs. Hugo Ogren, Kulm, N.D.; and Signe, Mrs. George Horghiem, Pasco, Wash. There are nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Mr. Davidson died on October 31, 1937 and Mrs. Davidson passed away on September 13, 1938. 047. DIMICK, DEXTER & LYDIA (Grosz) [picture] Lydia Grosz Dimick was born in Kulm, N.D. May 3, 1897. She was born in the old family home which is still serving as the home of her brother, Edwin. She lived in Kulm until 1926, when she moved to Minneapolis with her aunt, Mrs. Peter Billigmeier. In 1928 she went West, first to California where she stayed until the fall of 1929, then she came to Seattle, Washington. Miss Grosz was united in marriage to Dexter A. Dimick on November 23, 1944. They lived in Seattle until the fall of 1947 when they moved to Kent, Wash. There they bought a home and have lived ever since. While in Kulm Mrs. Dimick was active in Sunday school work and was organist for choir and church services. Mrs. Dimick has worked for Kenworth Motor Truck Company, manufacturers of heavy duty trucks, most of her time while in Seattle and Kent. She stayed home for a period of three and one-half years, but after working for so many years she got lonesome and went back to work for the same company. 048. DOBLER, GOTTLIEB & MARIA (Buechler) Gottlieb Dobler was born in Rumania in 1869. He came to America at the age of 18. He worked for a time at Ellendale, North Dakota. Here he met Maria Emilia Buechler to whom he was married on February 19, 1889 at Freeman, South Dakota. They moved to Kulm in 1900. Here he owned a mill. He also owned an elevator in Fredonia, a general store in Fredonia, a store in Kulm and a farm one mile from Kulm. He built the house now owned by Dave Brost. He and his family lived there until Mr. Dobler's death on March 26, 1912. Mr. Dobler was a hard working man, who was a very good provider for his family. They were members of the Evangelical Church. Mrs. Dobler died in Davenport, Ia., in 1946. Eight children were born to this union: Clara, Mrs. F.J. Buscher; Christian and Emil deceased; Augustina, Mrs. R.P. Burfenning; Delilah, Mrs. Thomas E. Fiewegr; Gertrude, Mrs. Harley Stuntz; Edga and Lt. Commander Herbert E. Dobler. 049. DOERING, EDWARD & MARIA (Grosz) [picture] Mrs. Maria Doering was born at Parkston, S.D., the daughter of August and Christina Grosz. When Mrs. Doering was about five years old her parents moved to North Dakota and settled on a farm about thirteen miles southwest of Kulm. Mrs. Doering grew to womanhood on this farm. In 1907 she was married to Edward Doering and together they started out on a farm eight miles southwest of Kulm. They lived on this farm until 1941 when they moved to Kulm. Eight children were born to this union, Edwin the oldest one passed away at the age of nineteen years. The rest of the children include: Mrs. O.E. Mueller (Elsie) Kulm, N.D.; Miss Ruth Doering, Kulm, N.D.; Mrs. Alvin Hanneld (Bertha) Kulm, N.D.; George Doering, Lead, S.D.; Lawrence Doering, Kulm, N.D.; Mrs. Aldon Carlson (Lydia) Lead, S.D.; Mrs. Clifton Bjur (Violet) Kulm, N.D. Mr. Doering passed away in June 1953. 050. ELHARD, EMANUEL & EMELIA (Kuhn) [picture] Emanuel Elhard was born in Bessarabia, Russia in 1893, the son of Andreas and Katherina Elhard. At the age of one year he, with his parents immigrated to the United Stats arriving in Kulm on May 1, 1894. They lived with relatives before going by wagon to the homestead filed upon by his father. Mr. Elhard grew to manhood on his father's farm in Raney Township. During these years he learned what the real pioneer boy was forced to learn: forbearance, perserverance and practical knowledge. In March of 1919 Emanuel chose for his bride Emelia Kuhn, daughter of Gottfried and Olga Kuhn, pioneer neighbors. Mrs. Elhard was born in 1897 on section 32 of Norden Township. The newly married couple established their first home on the farm of the bride's grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Christoph Kuhn, two miles west of Kulm. Their house was made of clay and built in 1892. They lived in this home until 1932 when a new home was built. Mr. Elhard served on the township board for many years and the couple are members of the First Congregational Church of Kulm. They have two sons: George of Clarksburg, California, and Reuben who lives on his father's farm. One son, Milton Martin died at the age of 21 in 1949. The Elhards now reside in the city of Kulm. 051. ENTZMINGER, PHILIPP Sr. & KATHERINE (Dralf) [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Philipp Entzminger immigrated to the U.S. from Russia in 1898 and settled in Swede Township. They homesteaded ten miles north and 1 mile east of Kulm. This farm is now known as the Edwin Zundle home. Mr. Entzminger was united in marriage to Katherine Dralf on December 12, 1885 in Russia. Eleven children were born to this union, nine of whom are living. They are: Katherine, Mrs. Mart Schlecht, Fredonia; Jacob, Fargo; Frederika, Mrs. Mart Suko Sr., Alfred; Wilhelmina, Mrs. Mike Geinert, Jud; Philipp, Jamestown; Anton, Mayville; Adam, Jamestown; Mathilda, Mrs. John Geinert, of Spokane, Wash.; and Lorenz, Ypsilanti, N.D. Mr. Entzminger passed away in 1909. His wife continued farming with the help of her children until 1936 when she passed away. They were members of the Baptist Church. The oldest son, Jacob, continued to farm on the homestead until 1943 when he and his family moved to Kulm. The Entzmingers left Kulm in 1949 and are making their home in Fargo at present. 052. ERBELE, J. & CAROLINE (Weber) Mr. Erbele was born in Teplitz, Bessarabia, Russia in 1865. He came to the United States in 1885 first settling at Yankton, S.D., later filing a homestead north of Lehr, N.D. He owned a store at Ashley, N.D., which he moved to Kulm in 1896. This was at the time when the railroad ended at Kulm. Mr. Erbele was married to Caroline Weber in 1890 and into this union were born eight children. "The Big Front" was a store on the west side of Main Street between the Melicher Harness Shop and the Lange store that was owned and operated by Mr. Erbele until 1914. This store was eventually owned by Ella Hehr. He left Kulm and managed banks at Kintyre and Lehr, N.D., also operating a pop factory at Wishek, N.D., until his retirement when he returned to Kulm in 1935. He died in 1939. Mrs. Erbele is at present making her home with her daughter Anna at Waseca, Minnesota. Other children are: Martin of Santa Anna, Calif.; Albert of Mandan, N.D.; Chris of Larimore, N.D.; Porter, of Portland, Oregon; Wilbur of Moorhead, Minn.; Margaret Gerber of Santa Anna, Calif.; and Barbara Stockberger of Wishek, North Dakota. 053. ERICKSON, JONAS & EVA (Lindblom) [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Erickson came to the United States from Sweden in their youth. They were married in Kulm and lived here until 1927 when they moved to Alberta, Canada. Here they farmed until they retired in 1953. They celebrated their diamond wedding November 24, 1956. Their record is an unusual one, for although they have ten children, 32 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, there has been no death in the entire family in these past 60 years. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson are making their home in Port Coquitlam, B.C., Canada at the present time. Mrs. Erickson is the former Eva Margretha Lindblom. The children are: Ed Erickson, Portland, Ore.; Rueben, California; Mrs. Anna E. Oberg, Seattle, Wash.; Art E. of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Martin E. of Hythe, Alberta, Canada; Herbert, Hythe, Alberta, Canada; Elna Perrin, Ridgefield, Wash.; Arnold, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Raymond of Westminister, B.C. and Mrs. Lenora Goertz, Port Coquitlam, B.C., Canada. 054. FERGUSSON, FREDERICK & LAURA (Johnston) [picture] The history of Kulm would not be complete without paying tribute to Dr. F.W. Fergusson and his many years of service in Kulm and surrounding communities. Though for a pioneer, he served the Kulm community faithfully and efficiently over a quarter of a century and all this territory has felt his influence. It was his desire to bring to this community the very best that medical science could offer. He was active in community affairs, serving as a member of the city council and school board for many years and the first president of Kulm Lions Club. His work received wide recognition over the entire state which was evidenced by the fact that he was chosen president of the State Medical Association, served as Counsellor for the 8th District of the State Medical Society, chairman of the State Board of Sterilization and member of the State Board of Medical Examiners. He also served as Health Officer for LaMoure County. Dr. Fergusson was born June 20, 1892 at Drayton, N.D., where he attended elementary school and high school. His college training was received at the University of North Dakota, where he took a pre-medical course, graduating in 1916. From the University he went to Northwestern Medical School in Chicago, receiving his degree in 1918. He served his internship at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago in 1918 and 1919. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura Jane Johnston in June of 1920 and they came to Kulm in November of 1921. Dr. and Mrs. Fergusson moved to Lodi, California in 1950 where the doctor passed away on September 5, 1953. Mrs. Fergusson still resides in Lodi. The late Dr. and Mrs. Fergusson have one daughter, Jean Victoria, now Mrs. John Hobson, residing in Schenectady, N.Y. 055. FEY, PHILLIP [picture] Mr. Fey was born in South Russia on November 2, 1876. He immigrated to the United States in 1889 and homesteaded in McIntosh County where he farmed. In 1900 he moved to the city of Kulm. He was employed by the Melicher Implement Co. and Gackle Bros., Inc. He was married to Selminna Heller on July 10, 1903, and after her death he married Rosina Retzer in 1911. She also died and he married Rosina Schock, October 20, 1914. He was known as the "Windmill Man", and always helped the farmers with their jobs on the towers and pumps. At the age of 75 he still climbed towers and never refused to help out his many friends. He passed away April 10, 1953 after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. He was a member of the Congregational Church. His wife is still living in Kulm. His children are: Miss Esther Fey, Sacramanto, Calif.; Ruth, Mrs. Emil Leopp, Oakes, N.D.; Mrs. Guy Chapel, Vancouver, Wash.; Edward Schock, McLaughlin, S.D.; Ephriam Fey, Glendale, Calif.; Mrs. Bennie Reich, St. Paul, Minn.; and John Fey, Seattle Wash. 056. FLEGEL, CHRISTIAN & LOUISE (Richter) [picture] Christian Flegel was born in Kulm, South Russia on April 14, 1859. Mr. Flegel was the son of Christian and Carolina Flegel. Mr. Flegel was united in marriage to Louise Richter in 1880. The Flegels decided to go to America, as Mr. Flegel's parents and his only brother, Frederick, had already gone to the U.S. Mr. and Mrs. Flegel immigrated to this country in 1892, arriving in Ellendale in the latter part of July. They stayed at the home of Frederick Flegel for about one month. While the family stayed there, Mr. Flegel found land that suited him. This was two miles west and one mile north of the present site of Kulm. He filed on this land, built a small clay-rock house, and moved into their new home. The next summer they built a bigger clay-rock house and lived in this until 1899 when they built their first wood house. They lived on this farm until 1911 when they built a home in Kulm where they spent the rest of their lives. Mr. Flegel had an interest in the Kulm Mill for a number of years. His brother, Frederick, and Gottlieb Dobler were his partners. The same year that the Flegel family came to this country, the Soo Line extended their line to the present site of Kulm. While the Flegel Bros., Christian and Frederick, were digging the basement for the first store in Kulm, Buechler's Store, a surveyor of the Soo Line asked Christian what he would like to have this town called. Christian replied, "I would like to have it named Kulm." Late in the fall of 1892 the Soo Line Depot with the name of Kulm on it was built. Mr. Christian Flegel always was interested in politics and he helped organize the Non-Partisan League in 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Flegel were blessed with ten children: Mrs. John Mayer, Justina, American Falls, Idaho; John (deceased); Mrs. Marie Beierle, Goodrich, N. Dak.; Daniel, Kulm; Mrs. Sophia Pratt, Yakima, Wash.; Mrs. Emmeline Ziegenhagel, Fargo; Frederick C., Kulm; and three children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Flegel both died in Kulm. Mr. Flegel died on March 7, 1937, and Mrs. Flegel died a year later, on March 30, 1938. 057. FLEGEL, DANIAL & MONA (Elliot) Danial D. Flegel was born December 20, 1888, Kulm, South Russia. He came to the United States in 1892, with his parents and settled on a homestead near Kulm, N.D. On September 23, 1912, he was married to Mona Elliot. His first teacher was George Semple and the school was held in sod homes. He hauled the first load of lumber to Gackle when they started building Gackle. He remembers going to a sod church then located on the John Buerkle farm. First minister he can remember was Rev. Treiber. Mr. Flegel was one of the earliest pioneers. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Flegel: Zona Kalmback, Bend, Ore.; Sicily Ann Fischer, Hebron, S.D.; Elliot Flegel, Pineville, Ore.; Seaton Flegel, Pineville, Ore.; Bryce Flegel, Kulm, N.D.; Eloise Fisk, West Fork, Ark.; Winston Flegel, Wicksburg, Ariz.; Morland Flegel, Anniston, Ala.; York Flege, Veblen, S.D. 058. FLEGEL, FREDERICK & ALICE (Mattson/Hedlund) [picture] Mr. Flegel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Flegel was born on a farm three miles northwest of Kulm on December 19, 1899. He received his education at Norden No. 2, Kulm High School and later attended Business college in Bismarck, N.D. On July 18, 1922, he was married to Alice E. Hedlund who was born at Rolla, N.D. on January 31, 1901 to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mattson. She came to Kulm in March 1905 and made her home with Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Hedlund. She attended school in Swede Township, Kulm high school and Normal and Industrial school at Ellendale, N.D. She taught the Norden School No. 2. Mr. and Mrs. Flegel farmed on Mr. Flegel's parents' homestead until 1929 when they moved on to the farm of Mrs. Flegel's foster-parents' homestead in Swede Township where they still reside. Five children have blessed this union: Irene, Mrs. Clifford Feil, Mandan, N.D.; Wanda, Mrs. Henry Gebhardt, Monango, N.D.; Genevieve, Mrs. Irwin Zinter, Ellendale, N.D.; May F., serving in the armed forces in Germany; Claire Marie, Kulm, N.D. They also have one grandson, Jay Clifford Feil and twin grand-daughters, Bonnie Kaye and Connie Faye Gebhardt. 059. FLEGEL, FREDERICK & LOUISE (Kraft) [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Flegel were both born in Kulm, Russia. Mr. Flegel was born January 22, 1858 and married Louise Kraft on January 31, 1886 in Kulm, Russia. They immigrated to America and settled 7 and a half miles southwest of Kulm, N. Dak. On May 13, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Flegel endured many hardships as did all of the early pioneers. Their first home was in the ground and a wagon box was used as a covering. Mrs. Flegel told about the time that she and her one child were home alone when a terrible rain storm came up and almost flooded them out of their rude home. These pioneers told many experiences and how they would go out working for almost nothing so they could earn enough money to buy food. They, as did most of the pioneers had to walk to Ellendale to buy supplies. They never gave up and placed all their trust in God. Their home was always a welcome place for church meetings. Mr. Flegel bought a livery stable after he left the farm and in 1906 bought a share in the Kulm Mill Co. He operated this business until 1921 when he sold out to his sons-in-law Reinhold Beich and Jake Ruff. Mr. Flegel was one of the first organizers of the Evangelical church, the present EUB church. He and his wife always took an active part in all church activities. Frederich Flegel passed away May 17, 1927 and his wife, Louise followed on June 24, 1937. Mr. and Mrs. Flegel were blessed with the following children: Olga, Mrs. Jacob Ruff of Sacramento, Calif.; William, deceased; John Flegel, Moorhead, Minn.; Reinhold Flegel, Jamestown, N.D.; Otto Flegel, Oakland, Calif.; Palma, Mrs. Reinhold Beich of Kulm, N. Dak.; Molly, Mrs. C. Clausen, of Sacramento, Calif.; Ellotina, Mrs. Bob Bloomquist of Venice, California and Irvin Flegel of Burley, Idaho. 060. FORSMAN, NELS & CHRISTINA (Hanson) Nels Forsman was born March 6, 1883 in Sweden. He came to America in 1903 and spent his first year here with the Anton Bowmans and Nordens. Later he homesteaded three miles south and one-half mile west of Jud, where Mr. and Mrs. Forsman still reside. He was united in marriage to Christina Hanson in 1909. She was born in Norway April 13, 1881. Five children were born to this union: Arthur (deceased); Henry of Jud, N.D.; Anton of Edgeley, N.D.; Mrs. Nettie Entzminger of Alfred; and Alphens of Washington D.C. 061. FRANZ, JOHN Sr. & MARY (Schock) [picture] John Franz Sr. was born in 1863 in South Russia. He came to the United States at the age of 18 and settled in Parkston, S.D. where he worked for one year. In 1882 he came to North Dakota and homesteaded in McIntosh County, sixteen miles southwest of Kulm. At the age of 24 he was married to Mary Schock, daughter of August and Christina Schock. He gathered buffalo bones and hauled them to Ellendale with a team of oxen. It was a long hard journey. The bones were $3.00 a load, for which flour and lumber were taken home in exchange. Kulm was not in existence, therefore Ellendale was the nearest town at that time. It usually took three days for a round trip. Ten children were born to this union: Fred, deceased; Jacob, Ellendale; Emma, Mrs. Ke Knopp, deceased; John, Kulm; Willie, Bush Prairie, Wash.; Bernard, deceased; Molly, Mrs. Roy Miller, Seattle, Wash.; Hannah, California; Ernest, Portland, Oregon; Bennie, deceased. They left the homestead in 1918 and left for College Place, Wash. Where they resided until they died. Mr. Franz died in 1935 and Mrs. Franz died in 1939. 062. FRANZ, JOHN Jr. & HANNAH (Schweigert) [picture] John Franz Jr. was born in 1893. He grew to manhood on his father's farm sixteen miles southwest of Kulm. On November 20, 1913 he was united in marriage to Hannah Schweigert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schweigert. After their marriage they settled on his father's homestead, remaining there until October 22, 1951, when they sold their property at public auction and purchased the Dr. Fred Fergusson home in Kulm where they now reside. Three children were born to this union: Arthur, married to Elsie Schalbsz and farming south of Kulm; Adeline, Mrs. Fred Brandenburger, Kulm; Annie, Mrs. Clinton Knopp of Ashley, N.D. 063. FREGIEN, JOHN & HERMINA (Netz) 97 [picture] John Fregien was born on the farm of his parents, Samuel and Carolina Fregien, 12 miles southwest of Kulm, on March 8, 1891. There he worked with his father until 1912 when he left for Idaho to file on a homestead. After two years in the state of Idaho, he came back to N.D., where he was united in marriage to Hermina Netz, on March 30, 1915. Hermina Netz, the daughter of the late Daniel Netz and Maria Netz, was born on a farm 13 miles southwest of Kulm on April 10, 1893. John and Hermina received their meager education in Springfield School District. Soon after their marriage, Mr. Fregien purchased a farm of his own 13 miles southwest of Kulm, in McIntosh County. In 1925 he purchased one of the few threshing rigs and did a great deal of custom threshing. For many years he served on the school board, township board and as township assessor. He and Hermina were great believers of Community Improvements, and their ambitions are immeasurable toward setting such a goal. They operated their farm for almost 40 years, retiring from active farming, in 1950 when they moved to Kulm, N.D. Mrs. Fregien took an active part in his farming operations. He is again grain farming from out of town. They were members of the Gnadenfeld Congregational Church, 10 miles southwest of Kulm. John and Hermina Fregien have three children who are: Delores, Mrs. Gottlieb Hartman, Kulm, N.D.; Alice, Mrs. Lee Hollan, Kulm, N.D.; Viola, Mrs. Alvin Moltzen, New Salem, N.D.; and seven grandchildren. Mrs. and Mrs. Fregien celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in 1940, at which time the above picture was taken. 064. FREGIEN, THEOBOLD & CHRISTINA (Weszner) [picture] Theobold Fregien was born in Beresina, South Russia in April 1893. He came with his parents to Kulm in December 1897. After a short time here they moved to McIntosh County then returned to LaMoure County and homesteaded a short distance from Jud, North Dakota. Here his father built a sod house and sod barn in 1899. Mr. Fregien farmed with his father until 1914 when he was united in marriage to Christina Weszner of Ashley, North Dakota. Two daughters were born to this union: Loretta, Mrs. Conrad Kinzler and Ella, Mrs. Lee Wendland, both of Kulm. In 1917 the Fregiens moved to a farm southwest of Kulm where they farmed until 1950 when they retired and moved into the city of Kulm. 065. GACKLE, ERNEST & EDITH (Bryan) [picture] Ernest Gackle, youngest of the seven children of George and Lydia Gackle was born in Kulm, March 5, 1903. He attended Kulm school to the eighth grade. After his mother passed away he moved to Minneapolis with his father who was in the grain commission business. He completed his formal education in the Minneapolis and St. Paul schools and at Breck Academy. He took a position with Gackle Grain Company which he held until the death of his father which necessitated his move back to Kulm to join his five brothers in the long established firm of Gackle Brothers Incorporated. Two years later, on October 16, 1926 he married Edith Bryan of Minneapolis, Minnesota and they moved into their home in the southwest part of Kulm, where they are still residing. They are the parents of two children: Joyce, who is the wife of James W. Johnston, real estate dealer and member of the House of Representatives; and Bryan, who is taking graduate work at North Dakota State College and is an announcer on radio station KFGO. Bryan married Arlene Nesset in July of 1957. Mr. and Mrs. Gackle are members of the First Congregational Church and Mr. Gackle is a past president of Lions Club. He has also been secretary- treasurer of the Rod and Gun Club and is a member of the Kulm Firemen. He also is one of the Directors of the Civic Improvement Association. 066. GACKLE, GEORGE Sr. & CHRISTINA (Haag) [picture] Gottlieb Gackle, Sr. was born April 6, 1864 in Russia. He was married in 1890 to Christina Haag. They immigrated to the United States in May 1899 and settled in Logan County. Mr. Gackle farmed from 1899 to 1903. He was a wagon maker by trade and in 1903, with his family moved to Kulm and started a wagon repair shop. He worked at this for many years until there being no further need for this type of work he returned to the farm until his retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Gackle are the parents of the following children: Mrs. Christina Ruff, Terry, Mont.; Mrs. Marie Lay, Lewiston, Idaho; Martha of Terry, Mont.; Adolph of Baltimore, Md.; Milton of Los Angeles, Calif.; Tillie, Mrs. William Wolf, Gottlieb, John, Rynold, Henry, Ervin, and Anna, Mrs. William Isaak all of Kulm, N.D. Bertha, Mrs. Theo. Brietling passed away in 1941. 067. GACKLE, GEORGE Jr. & BERTHA (Hildebrand) [picture] George Gackle Jr. was born December 25, 1898 in Kulm, N.D. He began working for Gackle Bros. In 1918 and became a partner in that company in 1924. He has been buying grain for Gackle Bros. Grain Co. ever since. Mr. Gackle was united in marriage to Bertha Hildebrand on December 25, 1923. They were blessed with three children: George D. Gackle, Clinton, Iowa; Roy D. Gackle of San Francisco, Calif.; and Grace B., Mrs. Ottmar, Jamestown, N.D. They are members of the Congregational Church where they have been active in all interests of the church. 068. GACKLE, GOTTLIEB Sr. & CHRISTINA (Haag) [picture] Gottlieb Gackle, Sr. was born April 6, 1864 in Russia. He was married in 1890 to Christina Haag. They immigrated to the United States in May 1899 and settled in Logan County. Mr. Gackle farmed from 1899 to 1903. He was a wagon maker by trade and in 1903, with his family moved to Kulm and started a wagon repair shop. He worked at this for many years until there being no further need for this type of work he returned to the farm until his retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Gackle are the parents of the following children: Mrs. Christina Ruff, Terry, Mont.; Mrs. Marie Lay, Lewiston, Idaho; Martha of Terry, Mont.; Adolph of Baltimore, Md.; Milton of Los Angeles, Calif.; Tillie, Mrs. William Wolf, Gottlieb, John, Rynold, Henry, Ervin, and Anna, Mrs. William Isaak all of Kulm, N.D. Bertha, Mrs. Theo. Brietling passed away in 1941. 069. GACKLE, JOHN & MARGARET (Wolfer) [picture] John G. Gackle, son of George and Lydia Gackle was born March 10, 1888 in Emmons County, then Dakota Territory. He was married on June 8, 1910 to Margaret Wolfer in Kulm, N.D. At the age of five Mr. Gackle came to Kulm and when fourteen he began to assist his father in the hardware and furniture business. In 1914 this business was burned over to the three eldest sons and after his father's death on August 18, 1926, a corporation known as Gackle Bros. Was organized by the six brothers. Of this corporation John G. Gackle was president, where he was active up to the time of his death in May of 1956. He was a member of the school board for 25 years, serving at various times as president of the board. Mr. and Mrs. Gackle have one son, George H. Gackle, 5648 Wentworth Ave. S. Minneapolis, Minn. 070. GACKLE, MARTIN [picture] Martin Gackle was born January 16, 1894 and was the first boy born in the comparatively new town of Kulm. He is one of six sons born to the late Mr. and Mrs. George Gackle. Martin began work in the hardware store which his father founded in 1915 and later became associated with his brothers in the operation of the store and elevator. Mr. Gackle attended the N. I. at Ellendale and Dakota Business College in Fargo. He was city auditor for 20 years, Kulm's mayor for 15 years and served in the House of Representatives during 1941-43 and 1947. He just recently retired as an auctioneer, a business he had carried on for 38 years having learned the trade from his father. Mrs. Gackle was born in Casselton on March 8, 1896, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Strehlow. She was married to Mr. Gackle on January 1, 1917 at Casselton. They observed their 40th wedding anniversary this past New Year's Day. Mrs. Gackle taught the third and fourth grades here in 1915 and 1916. Mrs. Roland Jans is their only daughter. They have three grandchildren: William, Paul and Rita Jans. 071. GACKLE, OTTO & ALICE (Higdem) [picture] Otto Gackle was born October 25, 1900 at Kulm, N.D. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Gackle, Sr. He moved to Minneapolis, Minn. In 1915 after his mother's death and attended Central High School. In 1920 he became associated with the firm of Gackle and Co. Grain Merchants of Minneapolis. In 1922 he moved back to Kulm, N.D. as a grain buyer for the firm of Gackle and Co. On June 7, 1924 he was united in marriage to Alice Irene Higdem of Bagley, Minn. She was a teacher in the Kulm School at the time. In the fall of that year they moved to Bird Island, Minnesota, where they stayed a short time and them moved to Minneapolis. In the fall of 1925 they returned to Kulm, where Mr. Gackle became associated with the Gackle Bros. Inc., and the Gackle Grain Co. Here they have made their home ever since and are members of the German Congregational Church. Mr. and Mrs. Gackle were blessed with three sons: Robert Otto, who is associated with Gackle Bros. Inc., Kulm, N.D.; William Frederick, who is a farmer and stockman, [??] N.D. Donald Christoph, who is Publicity director for the Greater North Dakota Association of Fargo, N.D. Mr. and Mrs. Gackle have six grandchildren: Wesley Robert and Roberta Bernice, children of Robert O. Gackle. Frederick Arnold and David William, sons of William F. Gackle and Michael William and Cynthia Alice, children of Donald C. Gackle. 072. GAECKLE, JOSEPH & BERTHA (Steinke) [picture] Joseph Gaeckle was born August 4, 1874 in Bessarabia, South Russia. He was united in marriage to Bertha Josephine Steinke, July 13, 1896. They came to Kulm in July 1900. He was employed by Gackle and Co. for 20 years, then he was engaged as a collector for Real Estate and Livestock and was employed as agent by Johnson Land Co. He was German editor for the Dakota Freie Presse from 1947 to July 1956. Mr. Gaeckle served on the school board several years, one year of which he served as president. In 1936-1937 he was mayor of Kulm. He was an active member of the Congregational Church, serving as Scribe and treasurer of the Parish for many years. Mr. Gaeckle was preceded in death by his wife in 1911. He died in July of 1954 at the age of 79. He also is survived by 5 grandchildren and one great grandchild, now two years old. His children are: Albert, Ft. Worth, Texas; Rudolph, Madison, S. Dak.; Clara, Mrs. A.E. Swenson, Devils Lake, N.D.; Bertha, Mrs. C.V. Eckhart, Oakland, Calif.; Olga Gaeckle, Devils Lake, N.D.; and Edith Gaeckle, Vallejo, Calif. 073. GEHNERT, JACOB & DOROTHEA (Heidinger) [picture] Mr. Jacob Gehnert was born in Wittenberg, Russia, October 12, 1865. He married Dorothea Heidinger in 1887. She was born in Denovik, Bessarabia, Russia on August 28, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Gehnert had heard of the wonderful opportunities in America so they migrated here and arrived in Kulm on June 10, 1902. They came to Kulm by train. The Gehnerts spent their first years in a sod house west of Kulm. Mr. Gehnert got a job working on the section for the Soo Line and received one dollar a day for his work. He walked into town each morning carrying his lunch with him. Later Mr. Gehnert did construction work - then bought and sold scrap iron. Mr. Gehnert made one trip back to his native land, spending the winter there in 1926. Fourteen children were born to this family, ten preceded their parents in death. Mrs. Gehnert passed away in 1936-later Mr. Gehnert married Christina Becker of Lehr. Mr. Gehnert died in June of 1943. The living children are: Mrs. Rheinhold Bohnet, Kulm, N.D.; Mrs. E.M. Hauser, Ontario, Ore.; Mrs. Frank Mogush, Springfield, Ore.; Mike Gehnert, San Diego, Calif. 074. GOEHNER, JOHN [picture] John Goehner was born July 24, 1870 in Beresina, South Russia. He was married to Iva Schneider in 1892. Mrs. Goehner was also born in Beresina on July 8, 1870. They came to the United States in March of 1898 and settled on a farm twelve miles southeast of Kulm. Mrs. Goehner died in 1913 and Mr. Goehner was united in marriage to widow Mrs. William Klettke. They farmed until 1920 when they retired and moved to Kulm. After Mrs. Goehner's death in 1932, Mr. Goehner made his home with his son Fred J. and later went to Washington to be with his brother Matt Goehner and step- daughter, Mrs. John F. Goehner and family. He passed away on October 14, 1941. Three children were born to this union, all of whom are living: Johanna, Mrs. Henry Giesler, Merricourt, N.D.; Fred J. Goehner, Kulm, N.D.; Mary, Mrs. Sam Klettke, Kulm. 075. GOEHNOR, FRED [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Fred M. Goehnor came to America in the year of 1897. They arrived in Kulm on December 25th, having one son, Jacob, about 2 and one- half years old. They stayed with friends and relatives until spring, when they took up a homestead 11 miles south and one and one-half mile east of Kulm. They lived with the Frederich Bartel family, who lived about a mile northwest of there. They built a little sod house and a sod barn, bought themselves a team of horses and began to farm. They worked part time for Mr. Bartel. In 1900 they built a house made of clay bricks. They built up the farm which is now known as the Konrad Kinzler farm. They retired from farming in 1915 and moved into Kulm, where they lived until Mr. Goehnor's death. Mr. Goehnor died June 11, 1954. Mrs. Goehnor is at present living in the Old Peoples Home in Eureka, S.D. To this union were born three children: Fred, Merricourt; Jacob, Bismarck; and Martin, Kulm, N.D. 076. GRAMITA, PETER Peter F. Gramita was born in Odessa, Russia in the year of 1875 and in 1888 he immigrated to Menno, S.D. with his uncle. He worked for various farmers until 1896 when he married Louise Gall of Olivet, S.D. In 1897 they bought a team, wagon, bed and chairs, table, etc. and homesteaded in Dickey County, 8 miles southeast of Kulm. They built a sod shanty with blocks of sod plowed up from low spots where the roots were tough and then cut with a shovel to 6 inches by 2 feet bricks. They were laid like brick with timber across the top for a roof and plastered inside and out with clay. The inside was wallpapered. The first year Mr. Gramita broke 20 acres and seeded flax receiving 5 bushels to the acre at 65 cents a bushel and paid 5 cents a bushel for the threshing crew. They also raised a hog, cows, and chickens. Mrs. Gramita died in 1909. In 1914 he married Annie Grigath [Kirkizki], who came over from Russia to marry him. She died of the flu in the year of 1919. Although receiving only 3 years of formal schooling, Mr. Gramita had a real desire to learn and did much reading, from libraries wherever possible and even importing books from Europe. Peter moved to LaMoure in 1943 where he now resides. Mr. Gramita has seven children: Mrs. Ed. Schultz [Schulz] of LaMoure, N.D.; Mrs. Jake Harter of Berkeley, Minn.; Mrs. Ewald Schulz of rural Edgeley; Mrs. Chris Rath of Monango; Mrs. Turner Patta [Patton] of Hayti, S.D.; Mrs. Martin Reinke [Reinecke] of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Mrs. Chas Gumbrecht [Gumprecht] of Chyenne. 077. GROSZ, DANIEL Sr. & CAROLINA (Mueller) [picture] Mr. Daniel Grosz Sr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grosz, was born June 1, 1853 in Kulm, South Russia. On October 29, 1876 he married Carolina Mueller. They arrived in 1878, settling on a farm in Hutchinson Co., South Dakota. They were among the early pioneers on this part of the Dakotas, selling their farm in South Dakota and buying one in northeast McIntosh County in the spring of 1886. Discontinuing farming in the fall of 1908, they moved to Kulm, N.D. Mrs. Grosz passed away July 22, 1927. Mr. Grosz continued living at home until he too passed away in October of 1937. Mr. and Mrs. Grosz were the parents of twelve boys, five of whom preceded their parents in death. Three sons died after their parents. Children living are: Rev. John D. Grosz, Ashley, N.D.; Gottfried Grosz, Ashley, N.D.; Gotthilf Grosz, 2761 29th Ave. Sacramento, Calif.; Nathaniel Grosz, Minot, N.D. 078. GROSZ, GUSTAV & PAULINE (Kosanke) [picture] Gustav Grosz was born January 10, 1881 at Hutchinson Co., South Dakota and came with his parents to live on a farm in McIntosh County in 1886. He grew to manhood on this farm. In 1901 he married Julianna Billigmeier. Three children were born to them: Mr. Paul Grosz, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Harry R. Grosz, Richmond, Va.; and Adeline, Mrs. Olaf Holman, Fredonia, N.D. In 1908 they moved into Kulm, and built a house. He was manager of the Powers Elevators for many years, spending sometime away from Kulm, but always working as manager of an elevator. He finally returned to Kulm and started doing carpenter and repair work. Mrs. Grosz passed away in 1914 and in 1915 he married Pauline Kosanke. One child was born to them, but died in infancy. Mr. Grosz passed away July 29, 1949 of a heart ailment. 079. GROSZ, JOHN & CHRISTINA (Gackle) [picture] One of the early businessmen in the city of Kulm was John Grosz. He operated a general merchandise store in partnership with his sons. Mr. Grosz was born in South Russia. He married Christina Gackle and a short time later the couple immigrated to America. They settled in South Dakota for a time and later moved to Kulm. Any new immigrants who came to this vicinity were always welcome in the Grosz home as were boys and girls who attended confirmation classes. Mr. and Mrs. Grosz were members of the Congregational Church. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Grosz were: Mary, Mrs. Henry Mogck; John; Daniel; Otto; Lydia, Mrs. Gottfred Grosz; Christina, Mrs. Peter Billigmeier; Emilia, Mrs. George Billigmeier; Bertha, Mrs. Gust Mueller; Gottfried; and Emma, Mrs. Peter Burfening. 080. GRUENICH, JOHN & CHRISTINA (Pockert) [picture] John Gruenich was born in South Russia December 12, 1884. He came to the United States with his parents when he was just a small child. They settled In McIntosh County about 11 miles southeast of Ashley. There he lived with his parents for 15 years then they moved five miles south of Kulm where they stayed for seven years. Mr. Gruenich was married to Christina Pockert on December 16, 1906. She was born in Chemshela, South Russia on May 31, 1887. After their marriage they moved 3 miles east of his parents' farm. There they lived for 19 years. Six children were born to this union. Three have passed away and three are still living: Bertha, Mrs. W.A. Shettle, New York; Gottfried, Minneapolis, Minn.; Natalia, Mrs. M.J. Petti, San Jose, Calif. Mr. and Mrs. Gruenich moved to Kulm in 1925. Here they lived a quiet retired life for the past 31 years. They have been members of the Evangelical Church all their lives. 081. GUTHMUELLER, LUDWIG & CATHERINE (Winckler) Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Guthmueller were among the early pioneers coming to LaMoure County. Mr. Guthmueller was born September 16, 1864 in Newdorf, South Russia coming to the United States in 1880. Mrs. Guthmueller was born, Catherine Winckler on January 2, 1864 in Worms, South Russia coming to the States in 1873. The couple were married at Tyndall, South Dakota in 1885. The Guthmuellers came to Kulm in 1893 and went into the hardware business. The Store was located where the Farmers Union Oil Station is now located. Later he operated a grain elevator and also farmed until his retirement. He also served on the local school board in the years 1898 and 1899. Mrs. Guthmueller passed away January 2, 1926 and Mr. Guthmueller died in October of 1938. Both are resting in the Congregational Cemetery west of Kulm. Eleven children were born into this family. Those living are: Fredrick of Calemesia, California; William of Los Angeles, Calif.; Clarence of Linton, N.D.; Allen of Hubertus, Wis.; Magdalen Tiegen, Yucaipa, Calif.; and Ida Crandall, West Allis, Wisconsin. 082. HAASE, MARTIN & JUSTINA (Knoff) [picture] Martin Haase was born in South Russia now Roumania on October 13, 1863. He was united in marriage to Justina Knopp in 1890. They immigrated to this country in 1892 and homesteaded eleven miles southeast of Kulm. Mr. and Mrs. Haase built a sod house. Their barn was built on stone. They had two oxen for their farm operation. They were hard to handle at times because they usually headed for pot holes on hot days. After about two years they built a three room house of clay and stone. This house is still occupied by one of the daughters. Mr. Haase did most of his blacksmith work and also did work for his neighbors. In the fall of the year Mr. Haase was always kept busy grinding feed with a grinder run by the windmill. Mr. Haase remained on this homestead until 1917 when he moved to a farm near Merricourt on which he farmed until he retired and moved to Merricourt in 1925. He took an active part in the building [of] the Hoffnungsfeld Congregational Church, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1956. The children are: Emily, Mrs. John Brosz, Kulm, N.D.; Bertha, Mrs. George Davis, Kulm, N.D.; Gustave, Ellendale, N.D.; Adolph, Monango, N.D.; and Marie, Mrs. Albert Ernst, Kulm, N.D. Five children have passed away. Mr. Haase died on March 17, 1947 and Mrs. Haase died on July 25, 1951. 083. HAFFNER, CHRISTIAN & FREDERICKA (Sandau) The development of the Dakota Territory in the vicinity of Kulm owes much to one of its American born sons, Christian Haffner. Mr. Haffner was born April 3, 1884 in Tripp, S.D. and as a young boy came to this section with his parents in 1896. In 1906 he was married to Fredericka Sandau by Rev. Thiele. Mrs. Haffner was born April 28, 1888. They lived south of Kulm until 1911, when they moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where he was deputy sheriff until he returned in 1926. They lived here until 1943 enduring many hardships rearing their ten children. In 1928 they lost all their belongings in a fire. In 1943 they moved to Jamestown, N.D. Mr. Haffner was employed at the State Hospital for 12 years, retiring in 1954. They were members of the Presbyterian Church of Jamestown, N.D. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Haffner are: Alvin Haffner of Buhl, Idaho; Ida Stanchfield, Monango, N.D.; William Haffner of Twin Falls, Idaho; Clarence Haffner of Anito, Calif.; Dorothy Schlittenhard, Jamestown, N.D.; Ella Quast of Merricourt, N.D.; Howard Haffner of Farmington, Minn.; Virginia Grewatz, Jamestown, N.D.; Walter Haffner of Bismarck, N.D.; Vernon Haffner of San Diego, Calif. 084. HAFFNER, JOHN & CHRISTINA (Guthmueller) One of the early pioneers of Dickey County was John Haffner, who was born December 25, 1859 at Newdorf, South Russia. At the age of seven years he lost his father, then with a brother he came to America in 1874. They settled first in Yankton, S.D. Mr. Haffner saved all the money he earned and was able to have his mother and sister come to this country. In 1883 he married Christina Guthmueller who was born on June 22, 1862 at Newdorf, South Russia and came to America in 1879 with her parents. In March of 1896 Mr. and Mrs. Haffner and family moved to Kulm, driving a stage coach with their belongings from Edgeley. On the way from Edgeley the stage tipped over and all the Haffner belongings were dumped into a snowbank. The oldest son had a bird in a bird cage with him and during this episode the bird flew away after the cage broke open. The family lived three miles south of Kulm until 1906 when they moved into town. They had eleven children, nine of whom have joined their parents. Mr. Haffner was alderman of Kulm for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Haffner were members of the Reformed Church of Kulm. Mrs. Haffner was in a wheel chair for over six years and passed away December 3, 1937 and Mr. Haffner followed in 1945. They are laid to rest in the Congregational Cemetery of Kulm. 085. HANNELD, CHRIST & RIKA (Doering) [picture] Mrs. Christ Hanneld, nee Rika Hanneld, was born April 26, 1886 at Parkston, S.D. She came with her parents, Mrs. And Mrs. Ludvig Doering, to a farm 7 miles south of Kulm in 1889. Mrs. Hanneld remembers when Kulm was started, as they and their neighbors were so happy they could get their supplies so close and wouldn't have to go to Ellendale or Edgeley with the oxen anymore. She also has memories of when she started school. Some of the children were 5 and 6 years old, and some were grown men. They all had to start alike, with the ABC's, as none could speak English. The first teacher's name was Bayer. They had a lot of fun learning the English language but only went to school for 2 or 3 months. Their second teacher offered a prize for the children who tried not to speak German during school hours. Mrs. Hanneld won a prize of a ribbon 3 yards long at the end of the year. At the age of 12 years she worked in the household of Daniel Grosz for 8 months for which her parents received $40. Mrs. Hanneld moved into Kulm after the death of her husband where she still lives. She has 2 children: Alvin, who lives 7 miles south of Kulm, and Alma, who lives in Naperville, Ill. 086. HANNELD, GOTTLIEB & MATHILDA (Isaak) [picture] Gottlieb A. Hanneld was born in South Russia on April 12, 1881. At the age of 4 in 1885 he came with his parents to the U.S. and settled at Parkston, S.D. Soon after they moved to a farm near Ashley and Gottlieb grew to manhood. For a while he worked in a meat market at Edgeley. On May 21, 1905 he was united in holy matrimony with Mathilda Isaak. The young couple made their home in Kulm where they remained until the time of his death. Mr. Hanneld followed the butchering trade most of his life, turning occasionally to other occupations. He was employed in the meat department of the Peoples Store. Death came suddenly caused by a heart attack on March 6, 1952. There are seven children in the Hanneld family: Albert, Calumet City, Ill.; Harry, Munster, Ind.; Mrs. Alice Smith, Charleston, W.Va.; Mabel, Mrs. LeRoy Carlson, Oakes, N.D.; Roy, Brunswick, Ga.; Raymond, Gary, Ind.; and Gordon, Chicago, Ill. 087. HARTER, CARL & MAGDALENA (Schafer) [picture] Mr. Carl Harter was born in Matilendorf, Russia of German decent. He was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Schafer. Mr. Harter and his family, together with several other families immigrated to the United States in 1894. They landed at Tripp, S.D. and settled on a farm 30 miles south of Fort Pierre on land to be homesteaded at that time. This small colony of people stayed at Fort Pierre for two years. All their neighbors were cowboys and Indians, who treated these new comers very well. They were always kind and considerate, especially when they were driving large herds near their dwellings, they say that the immigrants were not hurt by the cattle. Mr. Harter helped the cowboys with their roundups and rode horseback with them. They paid him 75 cents a day. He also put up hay and sold it to the livery stable at Fort Pierre and thus he provided the necessities for his family. Because they could not find water, drilling was complicated, Mr. Harter set out to look for a new location. He rode horseback from Fort Pierre to Dawson Flat, south of Bismarck, in the spring of 1897, and worked there for some farmers earning some money and keeping a lookout for a homestead site. In the fall he traded his horse and saddle for a different horse plus a harness and a two wheeled cart. He drove back to Fort Pierre and moved the immigrants up to Dawson Flat where they stayed over winter. But these hardy people did not give up. They had a deep feeling and faith in the good Lord that He would not let them down, and by His help they made it. In the spring everything took on a new look and a new life. There were wild geese and ducks for meat and they still had flour for bread. Mr. Harter had located a new homestead site for all the immigrants six miles west of Merricourt, N.D. The whole colony of immigrants moved to Merricourt by covered wagon. The first threshing was done by horse power, it taking 10 horses to drive a thresher. Mr. Harter's son John drove the horses and other members of the family fed it by hand or brought the grain to the machine, the women and children helping wherever needed. Years later Mr. Harter and two neighbors, John Wahl and Adolph Schmidt;s father, bought a complete steam thresher. Then later Mr. Harter bought out the other two and he and his sons did custom threshing for many neighbors. Their first dwelling in which they lived was built of sod. This was cut with a spade. The whole family worked together to build the house as well as a barn. Mr. and Mrs. Harter had three sons: John, Merricourt, N.D.; Dan, Clarksburg, Calif.; Jake, deceased. 088. HASZ, DANIEL [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hasz came to America from Kulm, Bessarabia, South Russia, in 1887. They lived in Parkston, S.D. the first winter, and moved to a farm about 10 miles from Kulm the following spring. Here they built up a farm with a small sod house. They farmed with oxen and started life here in America much like any other pioneer. As soon as they were able, they built a better house of clay and boards. As they had a large family, they built a good sized oven in which they could bake 14 large loaves of bread and 25 guchen [kuchen] at one time. Twisted hay was used for fuel and it kept one person busy feeding the fire. In 1919 they moved into the city of Kulm and lived in the house that is now owned by Andreas Kungel. In 1926 they moved to Bismarck. Mr. Hasz passed away in 1928 and Mrs. Hasz in 1930. This union was blessed with 11 children, 2 of whom died in infancy. John Reinhold and David, deceased; August, Kellogg, Idaho; Martha, Mrs. Emanuel Sasse, Pomona, Calif.; Marie, Mrs. Fred Quast, Delwania, Wis.; Emma, Mrs. Rudolph Radke, Concord, Calif.; Mathilda, Mrs. Andrew Hauff, Kulm, and Rebecca, Mrs. Michael Hilscher, Kulm. 089. HAUFF, JOHN & BERTHA (Fregien) [picture] John G. Hauff was born in South Russia on November 23, 1889 and came with his parents to this country in 1893. His father filed a homestead three miles south of Kulm. Here they lived until 1902, when they moved to a farm 10 miles southwest of Kulm. In 1912, Mr. Hauff went to Aberdeen, Idaho, where he filed on a homestead, but returned in 1916 and bought a farm eight miles south of Fredonia where he farmed until 1946 when he moved into Fredonia. Mr. Hauff recalls the times when cows sold at $12.00 a head and also when they were $300 a head. John G. Hauff was united in marriage to Bertha Fregien on February 24, 1918. They have five children: Arthur Hauff of Los Angeles, California; Wilbert of Brookings, S.D.; Ruth Harstat of Grand Forks, N.D.; Dave of Kulm, N.D.; and Anna Entzi of Lehr, N.D. Jacob Hauff, Sr., John's father, died on May 13, 1951 at the age of 85 years. Mother Hauff is living in the Bismarck Old People Home. She is 89 years of age. The family are all members of the Fredonia Congregational Church. John G. Hauffs have twelve grand-children. 090. HAUSKEN, OLAF [picture] Mr. Olaf Hausken was born in Norway on March 30, 1851. He lived with his parents and attended a graded school until graduation when he went to Germany to finish his education. After finishing his school in Germany he returned to Norway for a short time and then came to America in 1871. Mr. Hausken was interested in the banking business. He was employed in a bank in LaCrosse, Wis. For fifteen years. Mr. Hausken came to Kulm and with B.W. Schuweiler and D.C. Sullivan organized the LaMoure Country Bank of Kulm, in 1896. In 1917 he sold his interest in the bank to J.S. Ueland and W.M. Wilken and retired from active business. After his retirement he still made Kulm his home, but much of the time was spent each year in his native country, Norway. Mr. Hausken never married. The only relative of Mr. Hausken living in this country was a brother Robert, of Wahpeton. Mr. Hausken passed away on November 25, 1928. His friends remember him as a shrewd, fair dealing and thoughtful man. 091. HECK, CHRISTIAN [picture] Christian Heck was born January 9, 1871, in Kloestitz, Bessarabia, South Russia. He was united in holy matrimony to Marie Schuldheisz on April 25, 1894. They came to this country and settled near Monango, N.D. A few years later they came to Kulm and bought a farm twelve miles south of Kulm where they farmed until 1936. Twelve children were born to this union, three of whom have died. They are: Msargarite, Mrs. Ben Gehring, Aberdeen, S.D.; Mathilda, Mrs. Gottlieb Gehring, of Jamestown, N.D.; Gottfried, Kulm, N.D.; Albert, Harlowton, Montana; Annie Marie, Mrs. John Burrer, Hettinger, N.D.; John, deceased; Ida, Mrs. Emanuel Gruneich, Graceville, Minn.; Hulda, Mrs. Albert Scherbenske, Graceville, Minn.; Emma, Mrs. Dave Hildebrand, Kulm, N.D.; Edwin, Portland, Ore. Mrs. Heck passed away January 18, 1927 and Mr. Heck remarried to Katherina Schweigert of Eureka, S.D. They moved into the city of Kulm in 1936 where they lived until Mr. Heck's death in 1954. Mrs. Heck entered the Old People's Home in Eureka, S.D., and passed away in August of 1956. 092. HEDLUND, J. & CHRISTINE (Peterson) [picture] Mr. Hedlund was born in Sweden on May 28, 1861. He came to America in 1891, arriving in Edgeley on June 23 of that year and worked for several farmers in that area. Mrs. Hedlund (nee Christine Peterson) came to America from Stockholm, Sweden, and arrived in April of 1893. Her first taste of pioneer life was a stormy day when she rode on a load of ground feed from Edgeley to Newberg, which was then a postoffice and a home for the Erick Bjur family and now is the home of the Robert Lundgren family. She was later employed at a farm near Edgeley through the summer. Mr. Hedlund and Miss Peterson were united in marriage on November 4, 1893, and located eight miles northwest of Kulm. Like the early settlers, they endured many hardships. The ox team was a popular mode of transportation, no roads, not a furrow plowed, but despite this they made merry with the neighbors in their sod shacks. In 1905 they took two children from the Children's Home in Fargo, William Robert, deceased, and Alice Emma, Mrs. Fred C. Flegel. Before coming to this country, Mr. and Mrs. Hedlund were faithful members of the Salvation Army. When the Baptist Church was organized north of Kulm, they became active members there. Mr. Hedlund passed away at his farm home on February 24, 1914. Mrs. Hedlund continued to live on the farm until 1918 when she moved to Kulm. She passed away in Kulm on October 6, 1928. 093. HEHR, DAVID & CHRISTINA (Maier) [picture] David Hehr was born in Kulm, N.D. He was united in marriage to Christina Maier who was born in Russia, but had immigrated to this country in 1891. The Hehrs have lived in Kulm almost all of their lives. For some time Mr. Hehr was engaged in the implement business and moving of buildings. He also has done considerable farming and is still farming, but on a smaller scale. Mrs. Hehr operated a restaurant for some time but her health forced her to retire from such business. This union was blessed with five children who are as follows: Henry Hehr, Seattle, Wash.; Alice, Mrs. Ted Schield, Sidney, Montana; Clarence Hehr, Kulm, N.D.; Rueben Hehr, Arlington, Virginia; LeRoy Hehr, who is serving in the U.S. Army. 094. HEIDINGER, CHRIST & MARY (Rathke) [picture] Christ Heidinger was born August 13, 1883, the son of John and Catherine Heidinger at Wittenberg, Bessarabia, Roumania. His mother died when he was 11 years old. In May 1898, his father immigrated with his three children and tried to find a better living place in America. In June of the same year they arrived at Kulm and settled on a homestead northwest of what is now Kulm. Here Mr. Heidinger shared in the labors, hardships and struggles to build up a farm and home. In January 1911, Christ Heidinger was united in marriage to Mary Rathke of Fredonia, N.D. Three children were born to this union. They are: Albert and Edwin of Kulm, N.D.; Alma, Mrs. Nelson Schanke, Genoa, Ohio. Mr. Heidinger passed away on August 28, 1934 at the age of 51 years. He was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Heidinger makes her home in Fredonia, N.D. 095. HEIDINGER, FRED & M. (Pressler) [picture] Another person who endured the hardships of being a pioneer was Mrs. M.M. Heidinger. She was born March 4, 1887 at Mathildendorf, South Russia. In 1902 Mrs. Heidinger came to America with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Pressler. They had planned on settling in Java, S.D., but no one seemed to know just where Java was located so they stayed at Kulm. Soon after arriving in America, Mrs. Heidinger worked for various people near Kulm. Most of the work she had to do was farm work and often, especially during the summer months, her day started at 3 a.m. and lasted until 12 midnight. Times were not as easy as they are now and wages were not as high either. She received $90.00 a year for her hard work. After several years of having to help with farm work Mrs. Heidinger accepted employment in Kulm. Here wages were higher and work was not so hard. She worked at the homes of various Kulm pioneers which included the families of Dan Grosz, John Grosz, and Peter Billigmeier. After their marriage in 1906 Mr. and Mrs. Fred Heidinger lived on a farm two miles south of Kulm. The house was made of hand made bricks of straw and clay. The walls were 18 inches thick and the house was quite warm. This house is still standing today, although boards now cover the walls. The barn of stones was cemented together with lime. Mr. and Mrs. Heidinger struggled with their share of hardships. Once during the winter of 1911 and later on at another date, fumes escaping from a coal stove made the whole family ill. The family narrowly escaped death. On June 8, 1912 a hail storm completely destroyed the Heidinger crops. As if this weren't enough, a similar storm completely destroyed the crops the following year. But storms, blizzards, prairie fires, and lack of money could not dampen the pioneer spirit of Mr. and Mrs. Heidinger. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heidinger. Four died in infancy. The living children include: H.F. Heidinger of Milnor, N.D., Mrs. Sam Henke of Kulm, N.D.; R.R. Heidinger of Verona, N.D. Since 1943 Mrs. Heidinger has made her home in Kulm. Mr. Heidinger passed away in 1948. 096. HEIDINGER, JOHANNES & KATRINA (Schlenker) Mr. Heidinger was born July 17, 1846 in Wittenberg, Bessarabia, South Russia. He was married on March 20, 1869 to Katrina Schlenker. Three children were born to this union while still in the old country. Mrs. Heidinger died in Russia. Mr. Heidinger immigrated to the United States on June 8, 1898 and settled in Swede Township near Kulm. He homesteaded about seven miles north of Kulm and farmed with the help of his children. He passed away while still farming on his original homestead. Two children, Barbara, Mrs. David Schlenker; and Christian are deceased; Adam of Kulm, N.D. is the only living child. 097. HEIER, KATHARINA Katharina Herrmann was born in Beresenia [Beresina], Bessarabia, South Russia in 1897 and came to the United States with her parents, Gottlieb and Sophia Herrmann in 1889. She grew up on their homestead eight miles southeast of Kulm. Her first recollections of her youth were her school days. There were not enough eligible school children to have a teacher come out into their community so her school days began at the age of ten. The first group of children ranging from 10 to 14 years went to classes in a granary on the Bossart farm. This they attended two years using makeshift benches and boxes for desks. Because the children were needed on the homesteads in spring and fall, school was open only during the winter months and many school days were missed during this period due to bad weather. The third year the first school house was built, it was equipped with all the new and necessary equipment of that time. More of the Herrmann children started school at this time; going back and forth the two and one-half miles with a two wheel, horse drawn cart. She also recalls many days that she and her brother Rudolph were sent out on the prairies to herd the cattle and horses. Some of the neighboring children who were also herding were Adolph and Ottilia Herrmann and Fred and Nathaniel Schlenker who cared for their family's herds. Fred Schlenker was the only one herding on a horse. Often howling coyotes frightened the youngsters so badly they took their herds home. Katharina was confirmed in the Congregational church while Pastor A.J. Vogel served. She has remained a faithful and loyal member of the church to this day. In 1919 she was united in marriage to Reinhold Konrad. Five sons were born to this union. They were: Wilbert of Kulm; LeMar of Portland, Oregon; Marvin of Bismarck, N.D.; LeRoy now serving in the U.S. Navy and Adolph who died in infancy. The Konrads farmed southwest of Kulm for eleven years when Mr. Konrad passed away in 1930. Mrs. Konrad moved in with her children until they were grown. Mrs. Konrad married Emanuel Heier of Alfred, N.D. where they farmed until Mr. Heier's death in 1954. She then returned to Kulm where she has been taking care of her aging parents. 098. HERMAN, RUDOLPH & OLGA (Brosz) [picture] Rudolph Herman was born August 5, 1899, 6 miles east and 2 miles south of Kulm, to Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Herman. He grew to manhood on his parent's farm. In 1922 he started farming for himself six and one-half miles northeast of Kulm. He was united in marriage to Olga Brosz of Gackle, N.D. on June 21, 1923. He lived on various farms until 1937 when he sold out and moved to Edgeley. Mr. Herman worked in the Edgeley Farmers Union Elevator from 1938 until 1941; the LaMoure elevator from 1941 until 1945, and the Kulm elevator in 1946. In 1947 the Hermans purchased a restaurant and operated it for one year selling it back to the original owner. Mr. Herman worked at odd jobs until 1949 when he became chief of Police of Kulm. He held this position for four years. At present he is employed at the Woodworth Elevator Co. at Fredonia and maintains his residence at Kulm. Mr. and Mrs. Herman have two children: Deloris, Mrs. Ernest Fey of Missoula, Montana and Gerald at home. 099. HERRMANN, FRIEDERICH & JOHANNA (Belder) [picture] Mr. Friederich Herrmann, son of John and Kathrina (Keier) Herrmann, was born in Beresina, Bessarabia, South Russia on August 6, 1867. Mrs. Herrmann, nee Johanna Belder, daughter of Martin and Christina (Schlaag) Belder, was born September 6, 1871, in Beresina, Bessarabia, South Russia. Their ancestors had immigrated to Russia from Germany in about 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann were united in marriage February 5, 1889. While in Russia, Mr. Herrmann's occupation was cabinet-maker. A small group of people decided to go to America after hearing of the opportunities in the land far over the ocean, from early immigrants. Included in the group were Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann and family, her parents, three brothers, John, Gottlieb and Christian and their families. They sailed on the ship "Kaiser Wilhelm" and arrived in New York on March 14, 1898. The group arrived in Kulm by train with all their worldly possessions in their hands. They had to live with friends they had known in Russia until they could build sod houses. Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann lived with Fred Maiers southeast of Kulm at that time. Later they built a wooden frame house at its present location on the homestead five and one-half miles east of Kulm. Their nearest neighbors were Charles Rauleigh and Ludvig Schuldheisz. There were many hardships of hunger and cold those first years, but with God's help they survived and worked together side by side for fifty-four years. Mr. Herrmann served as Deacon of the church and Sunday School Superintendent for nearly forty years. He also served on the township board for many years. Mrs. Herrmann was a charter member of the New Beresina Ladies Aid. To this union were born twelve children, one of whom preceded the parents in death. They are: Mathilda, Mrs. John Brost; Mary, Mrs. Christian Nill; Richard, all of Kulm, N.D.; Jacob, Bismarck, N.D.; Fred, Brockert, N.D.; Martha, Mrs. Rudolph Bjornseth, of Fargo, N.D.; Harry, Venice, Calif.; Amalia, Mrs. Clarence Nordstrom, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Rosalie, Mrs. Harold Symons, Chicago, Ill.; Alma, Chicago, Ill.; and William of Dolton, Ill. Mr. Herrmann died September 3, 1943 in the Bismarck Hospital. Mrs. Herrmann died July 24, 1950 in the home of her son, Richard, Kulm, N.D. Both are buried in the New Beresina Cemetery east of Kulm. 100. HERMANN, GOTTLIEB Sr. & SOPHIA (Dietrich) [picture] Among the early pioneers settling near Kulm, N.D. were Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Herrmann Sr. and his wife Sophia. Mr. Herrmann was born January 10, 1876, in Beresina, Bessarabia, South Russia. He married Sophia Dietrich on November 27, 1897, coming to America in the year 1898. Due to the shortage of land in Bessarabia, South Russia, to where his parents had migrated from Germany during 1812, Gottlieb and Sophia with a baby girl named Kathrina, boarded a ship called Kaiser Wilhelm, bound for the United States of America. They came to the United States in 1898. The first night was spent on the ship, the next day they landed and took a train and came as far West as the railroad was then built, which was at Kulm, N.D. Here they were happily received by Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Lange, who welcomed all the newcomers that had the name of Herrmann. Spending a few days with the Langes and visiting other acquaintances, they were told about the Co. seat, Ellendale, N.D. They went there to apply for their citizenship papers, they had to have an interpreter. A week later they left to claim a homestead located eight miles southeast of Kulm, consisting of 160 acres. After five years of hard labor and breaking sod the homestead became their own. Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann had $76.00 when they came to this locality. With it they purchased their first property consisting of a team of horses for $37.00, a cow for $38.00 and a second-hand wagon for $8.00. Their house on the homestead was built with sod and $37.00 worth of lumber. It was a barn and house combined. The farm animals, pigs and chickens given to them by some helpful neighbors. During the spring and summer the chickens lived in a dugout, under a huge stone made by Mr. Herrmann. The winter months were spent in an attic affair built by Mr. Herrmann in the barn. The wagon which was they only means of transportation, was used for all purposes- going to church and visiting neighbors. Their first groceries purchased were coarse flour, sugar and coffee. The butter was churned from the cream that was skimmed from the milk and sold. Thus were the first seven years spent in America, breaking sod for cultivation, increasing acreage each year, working with his father who also had a team of horses. One morning the Herrmanns decided to take their children and go to celebrate the 4th of July, the horses panicked and ran away. Rudolph, the baby, who was lying in the wagon sleeping, fell off unnoticed. The other children were hanging on for dear life when the wagon overturned, falling on Mr. Herrmann's ankle and breaking it. Kathrinia had to walk back some distance to find the baby who was still sound asleep. In the meantime a neighbor came along and gave aid to Mr. Herrmann's ankle and helped the rest of the family get organized. During the early part of 1912 at about sundown a hail storm of hurricane strength came through this part of North Dakota and hit the Herrmann farm. The big barn was destroyed, injuring the horses that were within, the smaller buildings were all blown away; the granary in which grain was kept, but was also used for a summer kitchen when it was empty, was also destroyed. It so happened that Deopold being 4 years old had fallen asleep in the summer kitchen in the late afternoon, and no one missed him until they had all gathered in the house before the storm struck. Kathrinia had to run and find him. Flour and grain was spoiled, the dishes and kettles were all broken except for one cup. The chimney was blown from the house, windows were all broken from big hail stones, and had to be plugged with pillows and feather ticks until the storm ceased. Again the neighbors came to help and get the family on their feet again. Mr. Herrmann was known for his horses, which he raised with the help of his sons, starting with only one team he increased them in number until he had thirty. Many people came to buy them. He sold some of them to the government during World War I for $150 a horse. Mr. Herrmann was always willing to accept the improved methods of farming. Much excitement was created when Mr. Herrmann purchased the family Model T car. He tells that on a stormy day it was customary to fold back the top in order to save on the gas. On one occasion when the family was driving to church they felt a tremendous holt, when suddenly they saw the father chasing a tire which had come off of a rear wheel. Being fleet of foot he caught the tire before it fell over. On December 26, 1933, misfortune again hit the Herrmann household, the house was destroyed by fire, including all their belongings, but it was not too long before they had moved a cook car on the premises and added a summer kitchen to it. A new home was built in 1934 and by fall it was ready to live in. During the 45 years Mr. Herrmann farmed they had good and bad times, but never did his ten children have to go away to earn their own livelihood. The children are all living except Benjamin who was killed in 1941 with a power- take off. The children are: Kathrinia Heier, Of Kulm, N.D.; Rudolph Herrmann, Kulm, N.D.; Robert Herrmann, Kulm, N.D.; Gottlieb G. Herrmann, Kulm, N.D.; Deopold Herrmann, Kulm, N.D.; Ida, Mrs. Jake Hoffman, Forbes, N.D.; Solomon Herrmann, Kulm, N.D.; Herman Herrmann, Kulm, N.D.; Helmuth Herrmann, Kulm, N.D. In1943 Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann moved into Kulm where they still reside. Their oldest daughter, Mrs. Heier is caring for them in their sunset days. Theirs has been a rich and full life. Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann are members of the First Congregational Church. 101. HERRMANN, ROBERT & MARGARET (Nitschke) [picture] Robert Herrmann was born November 30, 1901, to Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Herrmann, on a farm 8 miles southeast of Kulm, where he grew to manhood. On February 13, 1925 he was united in marriage to Margaret Nitschke of Jud. They moved to a farm six miles east of Kulm. They suffered the loss of their home by fire in 1927, together with all their possessions. Due to poor health on the part of Mr. Herrmann, they had to sell their farm in 1928 and the following year moved to Kulm. Mr. Herrmann operated a cream station for a while. He soon found that he could do no work at all. After a series of operations and the advent of penicillin he found he was well again, so has gone back to work. He worked for W.J. Hildebrand for several years, and is now working for his brother in the locker plant. To this union was born one child: Marjorie, Mrs. Raymond Busch of Kulm. 102. HIEB, CHRISTOPH & EMMA (Gackle) [picture] Christoph Hieb was born November 18, 1885 on a farm South of Tripp, S.D. He moved to Kulm, N.D. with his parents from Tripp in the spring of 1897. Here he attended school until 1901 after which he was employed as assistant cashier of the LaMoure County Bank for a number of years and later became a stockholder and president of the bank. After resigning from active duty from the bank he entered the merchandise business together with Lindor and Anderson and after a few years he sold out to Anderson Bros. And entered the Real Estate and elevator business. He also became director of banks in Fredonia, Danzig, and Gackle, N.D. He was very active in civic affairs and served as a member of the Kulm School Board and the City Board. He was united in marriage to Emma Gackle of Kulm, N.D. on September 10, 1909. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hieb, namely: Ruth E. Hieb, Mrs. Ed Guinn, Tracy, Calif.; and Roy O. Hieb, of Clements, Calif. They left Kulm in 1923 to make their home in Lodi, Calif. Where they are still living. 103. HIEB, EDWIN & DELLA (Novak) [picture] Edwin Hieb is one of Kulm's native sons, being born in an old frame store building located on the site now occupied by the Farmers Union Oil Co. He was born June 8, 1897 and attended grade schools in Kulm and in Gackle. His mother having died in 1906, he and his father went to Lodi, Calif. In 1912 where he attended high school. When they returned to Kulm he worked for a time as clerk in a store owned by Anderson Bros. He started working in the LaMoure County Bank in 1914 and under the able guidance of Mr. Olaf Hausken learned the banking business. He continued in this until 1929 when he sold his banking interests and started up in the Real Estate Business which he still follows. Mr. Hieb was married September 24, 1923 to Della Novak of Lidgerwood, N.D., a former Kulm school teacher. They have three sons. The oldest is Dr. Edwin O. Hieb, born June 8, 1924. Dr. Hieb is associated with the DePuy Sorkness clinic of Jamestown, N.D. in the practice of Internal Medicine. He is married to the former Patricia Bolger and they have two children, Michael and Mary. Wayne M. Hieb was born September 4, 1934 and married August 12, 1956 to the former Patricia Brost of Kulm. He attended North Dakota University for one year and is now employed in the Kulm State Bank as Assistant Cashier. Robert N. Hieb was born January 20, 1942 and is a freshman in high school. Mr. Hieb has served for 20 years as City Auditor, which office he still holds. He also served 16 years on the Kulm Special School Board being president for a term. He has been a member of the Kulm Volunteer Fire Department for 43 years and is secretary-treasurer of the Kulm Civic and Improvement Association. Mr. and Mrs. Hieb are members of the Congregational Church. 104. HIEB, MICHAEL & MARGERETHA (Winckler) [picture] Michael Hieb was born near Odessa, So. Russia June 2, 1857. He came to the United States in 1874 and settled in what is now Bon Homme County, S.D., where he homesteaded and farmed for about ten years. He later moved to Tripp, S.D. and entered the hardware business and grain business until 1897 when he moved to Kulm, N.D. Mr. Hieb again entered the grain and furniture business here and in a few years he disposed of this business and started a merchandise business in what is now the corner location and owned by John L. Shuldheisz. He was a man of independent means, he owned land in both Dickey and LaMoure County. He operated two grain elevators in Gackle and was a heavy stockholder in the LaMoure County Bank and the Gackle State Bank. After a number of years he disposed of this business and moved to California and after several moves back and forth from North Dakota, he became ill and wanted to return to North Dakota where he died in January of 1922. He was married to Margeretha Winckler in 1880 in South Dakota. Four children were born to this union: Christoph Hieb, Lodi, Calif.; Edwin Hieb, Kulm, N.D.; Lena, Mrs. A.F. Lehr, Gackle, N.D.; Mrs. Margaret Meyer, Lodi, Calif. Mr. Hieb passed away in 1906. 105. HILDEBRAND, FRED [picture] Mr. Hildebrand was born in Kulm, So. Russia on February 7, 1867. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Hildebrand who moved to America with their children in 1879. They made their way to the Dakotas and settled near Parkston, S.D. On November 22, 1889 he was married to Louisa Radke and in the same year they moved south of Kulm where they lived for many years. Twelve children were born to this union, namely: Mrs. Lydia Henneberg, deceased; Solomon, deceased; Mary, Mrs. Gottlieb Wendland, Kulm; Fred W. Hildebrand, of Kulm; Rev. Edward Hildebrand, deceased; Dave and Adolph of Kulm; Helen, Mrs. August Laeger of Kulm; Johanna, Mrs. Treichel, Lodi, Calif.; and Richard Hildebrand of Kulm. One boy and one girl died in infancy. On April 7, 1910, Mrs. Hildebrand died while some of the children were quite young. Mr. Hildebrand married Mrs. Julia Neumann August 23, 1910. The family moved to Kulm in 1924. Mr. Hildebrand was elected as a State Representative for the district in 1927 and served this office for the 1927-1928 term. He also served on the city board as alderman for a two year term. He was elected president of the First State Bank of this city in 1918 and held the office until his death. Mr. Hildebrand was elected Mayor of the city of Kulm in 1928. He had served the public for a year and a half in this capacity when he died in the early fall of 1929. 106. HILLE, SIMON [picture] Simon Hille, when seventeen years of age came with Sperlings to this country in 1885 and settled in Scotland, S.D. He was born March 28, 1868 and was married to Susanna Hille in 1889 in Scotland, S.D. Susanna Hille was born in Kulm, South Russia February 27, 1869. She came to this country in 1880. Everywhere rumors were heard of the land that was to be had for the asking in North Dakota, so shortly after they were married they came to this territory. They came to Dickey County and filed on a homestead about 8 miles south of Kulm. Their possessions were not many. They, however, were the first pioneers in the neighborhood to to own a team of horses. They also brought with them bedding, a few cooking utensils, a cow, two little pigs and a few chickens. These were all brought in a covered wagon drawn by the horses. After they arrived here they didn't know what to do to keep the little pigs from running away so they dug a hole in the ground to serve as a pen. Their home was made of sod. Lumber was scarce, because of the distance it had to be hauled and it was also expensive. The winters were long and cold and many times it was a problem to keep warm due to shortage of fuel or warm clothing. The first several years were especially hard due to crop failures and low prices. Buffalo bones were picked and hauled to Ellendale and exchanged for food and flour. Ellendale was their nearest town at that time and was 42 miles from their farm. A number of years later they built a house of lumber which still remains on the homestead. Their closest neighbors were Fred Hildebrand, Daniel Haas, Emanuel Bader and Joe Hollans. Church meetings were held in homes, and later a school house was built about three-quarters of a mile east of their homestead and services were conducted there for many years. Their first minister was Rev. Treiber, who usually made the trip with a one horse buggy. Their first teacher was Charley Wilson, who taught for six years and made his home with the Hilles all the while that he was teaching there. Mr. and Mrs. Hille were blessed with nine children of whom two died in infancy. The children are: Magdaline, Mogck Siewert, Kulm, N.D.; Emilie, Mrs. John Widmer, Osage, Iowa; Rudolph J. Hille, Frazee, Minn.; Bertha L., Mrs. Gust Kurtz, Jamestown, N.D.; Erna Hille, Fargo, N.D.; Salome, Mrs. Ryan Kurtz, Kulm, N.D.; Helmuth S. Hille, Kulm, N.D. In 1943 they moved into the city of Kulm, where Mr. Hille passed away several years ago. Mrs. Hille who is 88 years old, makes her home with her children. Mrs. Susanna Hille, 88, is shown above holding her great-great grandchild, seven-week old Peggy Ann Brockel, who represents the fifth generation of the family. On the extreme left is Mrs. Maggie Siewert, daughter and first born of Mrs. Hille, seated on the arm of the chair is Mrs. Edward Schock, daughter of Mrs. Siewert and her first born, standing in the back is Mrs. James Brockel, daughter of Mrs. Schock and her first born. The baby is the first child of Mr. and Mrs. Brockel. The photograph was submitted by Mrs. Edward Schock of McLaughlin, S.D., who informs that both she and her husband were born and reared in Kulm and moved to McLaughlin in 1934. June, 1957, will mark the 23rd year that Mr. Schock has run a star mail route there. 107. HILLIUS, JOHN [picture] Mr. and Mrs. John Hillius were both born in Neuelft, Bessarabia, South Russia. John on October 20, 1860 and Mrs. Hillius on October 1, 1860. When Mrs. Hillius was 20 years old, she was married to Mr. Hillius. Six years later they emigrated to America with their little daughter, Bertha. On November 27, 1887 they arrived by train in Ellendale, North Dakota. A Mr. Smearer from Ashley drove them from Ellendale to the homestead of Mrs. Hillius' sister who with her family lived eight miles south of the present site of Kulm. In the spring, Mr. and Mrs. Hillius filed on a homestead for their own, three miles west of Kulm. In order to file on the land, Mr. Hillius had to walk 40 miles to Hoskins, the first town in McIntosh County, to the land office of John Wishek. On this homestead they built a sod house, Mrs. Hillius herself laying the 4000 sod bricks that covered a light framework. By picking up buffalo bones and selling them in Ellendale, Mr. Hillius acquired a team of oxen and an old sled. All their meals were cooked out of doors on a few flat stones. Mrs. Hillius tells how one day she and her sister started out with their oxen and sled for the Kroll home 8 miles away, taking their dough with them in order to bake bread in an oven made of clay. In October of that fall, before the window panes had been placed in their house, a big snow storm came up and Mrs. Hillius, being left alone, while Mr. Hillius was out looking for help, gave birth to her second child, a son. Upon his arrival with a neighbor lady the next morning, they found the sod shack half full of snow, but the mother and baby were smiling a welcome. The following year they moved back to Ellendale, remaining there for about five years, then when word came that the Soo railroad had been extended to Kulm from Merricourt, the Hillius family moved a one room building up from Ellendale and started a restaurant. An addition was built to this later and it became known as the Hillius Hotel. Mr. Hillius at this time was given the contract of driving a star route from Kulm to Edgeley, and later also carried passengers and express. In 1908 they bought the Kulm Hotel and operated that for 15 years. In 1922 Mr. and Mrs. Hillius both attended a night school for adults and Mrs. Hillius had the distinction of being the oldest pupil for two successive sessions. Soon after this she was taken all over by Miss Minnie Nielsen, Supt. Of Public Instruction, to give talks on night schools, which she did in a very efficient manner, thereby arousing much interest in that worthwhile project of eliminating illiteracy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hillius have passed on and also their oldest son Theodore. The remaining children are Bertha (Mrs. Sam B. Ruud) of Albert Lea, Minn. And Otto of Portland, Oregon. 108. HILSCHER, MICHAEL & REBEKKA (Hasz) [picture] Michael Hilscher, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hilscher, was born December 30, 1882 in Leipzig, South Russia. At the age of 18 he came to America with his parents. They settled on a farm 12 miles southwest of Kulm. On December 2, 1902 he was united in marriage with Rebekka Hasz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hasz. Mrs. Hilscher was born December 26, 1884. They lived with Mr. Hilscher's parents until 1905, when they moved to Wishek where they farmed and operated a livery stable. In 1923 they moved to Bismarck where they operated a dairy farm. In 1926 they again returned to the Kulm vicinity where they again farmed and endured the usual hardships of the time. In 1932 Mr. Hilscher started a truck line and hauled cattle to market and had a cream route for the Mandan Creamery. He with the help of his boys had the truck line for 14 years. After this they moved to a farm 11 miles south of Kulm on Highway 56 where they had a blacksmith shop, garage, and a service station, known as Hilscher's Corner. Mr. and Mrs. Hilscher are faithful members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Ellendale. To this union were born 12 children of whom 4 are deceased. Their children are: Gust, Sweet Home, Oregon; Ruth, Mrs. H.J. Hagelgaentz, Otis, Kansas; Willie, Harper, Kansas; Edna, Mrs. S.J. Chaney, Climax, Colo.; Erma, Mrs. Ambrose Muheim, Kulm; Gideon, Herbert and Orville of Kulm. 109. HIOM, TOM [picture] IN the long list of pioneers who did their bit for Kulm during its early years, the name of Tom Hiom cannot be overlooked. He was born of Norwegian parents and grew to manhood at LaCrosse, Wis. Here he worked as a log boomer, work which calls for a combination of skill, strength, and courage. Tom had all of these. It isn't generally known what year the Hioms came to Kulm, but it was before the Soo Line built its track this far. He served as village marshall when Kulm was a wild and wooly frontier town, and indeed there were times when hot lead was freely exchanged. For a stretch of time he drove the overland stage between Kulm and Edgeley. He also operated the Union Hotel which stood on the west side of main street.\ The Hiom family left Kulm in 1902 and settled on a homestead ten miles south of Braddock where Mr. Hiom lived for thirty-five years enduring many unbearable hardships that went with pioneer life. In the summer of 1907 his wife passed away leaving him with the care of three young children. In spite of the grief and hardship, Tom kept his family and home together. In 1910 he married Sadie Lewis to which union a daughter, Viola was born. In the spring of 1937 after repeated droughts and dust storms Mr. Hiom with his remaining family moved to Montana and settled in the Bitterroot Valley, south of Missoula, near the town of Florence where in this mild climate he enjoyed his declining years. However, as all good things must come to an end, so it was with his rugged constitution and otherwise good health which began to fail. He was hospitalized at Missoula where shortly afterward in January of 1942 he passed on to join other pioneers in the great beyond. Mr. Hiom had five children: Anna, the former Mrs. J.D. Smith of Kulm, (deceased); Emma, Mrs. Ed Hollan, Kulm, N.D.; Mrs. Myra Gerdts, Janesville, Minn. (deceased); Bert Hiom of Moffit, (deceased); and Viola, Mrs. John Walker of Florence, Mont. His widow, Sadie Hiom with her daughter and son-in-law, the John Walkers still reside at Florence. Thus another pioneer figure is brought to life again in the pages of this book by the sons and daughters of the pioneers who thrill and glory in the memories and deeds of these people who did so much to help develop this last frontier. 110. HOFFER, ANDREW Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hoffer were both born in Russia. Mr. Hoffer was born in Depritz [Teplitz?], Russia, December 12, 1887 and she was born in Glastiatz [Kloestitz?], Russia on October 8, 1887. They immigrated to America at different times-She came to America six years before Mr. Hoffer. Mrs. Hoffer came to the United States in 1895 and Mr. came in 1901. They both lived in the Kulm vicinity before their marriage which occurred on February 10, 1910. They made their first home in Helwig, N.D. After four years there they moved to a farm six miles south of Kulm. In 1920 they came to live on a farm on the west outskirts of Kulm. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffer went through the hardships of early pioneering, living in a sod house, hard work and little money. Mr. Hoffer died July 6, 1949 after a lingering illness. Mrs. Hoffer and son Oscar moved to Kulm where they now reside. Seven children were born to Mrs. And Mrs. Hoffer: Hulda, Mrs. William Morgan, LaMoure, N.D.; Oscar, Kulm, N.D.; Edwin, Aberdeen, S.D.; Edna, Mrs. Jack Ellingson, Aberdeen, S.D.; Emilia, Mrs. Reuben Hehr, Kulm, N.D.; Esther, Mrs. Alvin Schlauch, living in California. 111. HOFMEISTER, JOHN & MARTHA (Billigmeier) [picture] Mr. John Hofmeister was born April 2, 1879 in Waverly, Minn. He came to Kulm March 10, 1906. As there were no homesteads available at this time, he took up the carpenter trade. Mrs. Hofmeister, nee Martha Billigmeier, was born July 5, 1892, to Ludwig and Juliana Billigmeier, who had immigrated from Leipzig, South Russia, to a farm 6 miles southwest of Kulm, on what is now known as the Ted Netz farm. Mr. and Mrs. Hofmeister were united in marriage September 27, 1909. They moved to Ingomar, Montana in 1914 and homesteaded 320 acres of land. They lived there until 1937, when they moved to Forsyth, Montana, where he took up his old trade of carpentry. To this union were born 3 children: Raymond, Helena, Montana; Andrew, Pullman, Washington; Irene, Mrs. Amos Smith, Lindsay, Montana. 112. HOLLAN, CLARA [Grosz] [picture] Clara, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Grosz was the first child born in the city of Kulm. She was born on December 20, 1893. As a young girl she attended the Kulm Public School from which she was graduated. She was active in work in the Congregational Church having been its pianist and also a member of its choir. On June 7, 1915 Clara Grosz was united in marriage to Robert Hollan, a son of Joseph Hollan of Kulm. After their marriage they resided on a farm five miles south of Kulm. One son was born to Clara and Robert Hollan. The son, Lee Robert, makes his home on a farm two miles west of the farm on which he was born. He has two sons, Dennis and Curtis. After a lingering illness Clara Hollan passed away on July 21, 1922 at the age of 29. 113. HOLLAN, JOSEPH & PAULINE (Hartman) [picture] Joseph Hollan was born in Austria-Hungary, July 3, 1863. He immigrated to America in 1866, and settled at Seneca, Kansas after spending a short time in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hollan arrived in the Kulm community in 1883 and homesteaded south of what is now Kulm. He was married to Pauline Hartman on March 26, 1885 at Clear Creek, Kansas. Mr. Hollan was a leader in this community in all things progressive. His love of reading and an inquiring mind led him into the study of many fields, the favorite perhaps being astronomy. His musical skill even in his early manhood made him a violin player in much demand and that love, too, lasted all of his life, until rheumatism and illness stiffened his fingers and made playing an ordeal. He bought the best phonograph of the time and selected excellent records. He helped to organize the schools and the Farmers Elevator. Both he and his wife strove to better the educational opportunities of rural children through longer terms and better qualified teachers. Mr. Hollan was a crank for good seed grain and he experienced long and untiringly [?] to raise fruit trees that bore fruit. He put a great deal of research into tree culture for wind-break, for shade, for fruit and for beauty. The evergreen forest which now surrounds his old homestead stands as a monument to his untiring efforts. He brought into the country registered livestock; Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle, Oxford sheep and Poland-China hogs. For many years he owned a family of race-horses that won many races through the years that he followed this sport. Mr. and Mrs. Hollan loved people. Their home was a rendezvous for the school friends of their children, the community's young folks or a week-ending teacher. There were dances in the kitchen, there were dances in the granary and there were dances in the hay-mow of the huge barn. The old cottonwood grove was an ideal picnic spot, and many and gay were the summer-time festivities held under its shade. Mr. and Mrs. Hollan were blessed with ten children. Two have died: Theodore Hollan in 1924 and Robert Hollan in 1951. The eight living children are: William V. Hollan, Eureka, Nev.; Ida, Mrs. R.R. Earnest, Bothell, Wash.; Emman, Mrs. S.E. Starr, Dellas, Ore.; Edwin C. Hollan, Kulm, N.D.; Daisy, Mrs. F.J. Broderick, Seattle, Wash.;' Nellie, Mrs. Elliot, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mayme Hollan, Aberdeen, Wash.; and Lawrence, Kulm, N.D. Positive by nature, yet always willing to meet his neighbors on the best possible terms, Mr. Hollan had a wide circle of lasting friends. Business men found him the essence of honesty and his neighbors knew that his word was his bond. 114. HOLLAND, ROBERT [picture] Robert Hollan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hollan, was born on a farm five miles south of Kulm on June 28, 1892. He attended public school and studied violin under Jack O'Brien and Reverend Scheidt of Kulm for three and one-half years. At the age of twenty three he married Clara Grosz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Grosz, residents of Kulm. They established their home one mile west of his father's farm and engaged in diversified farming. A son, Lee Robert, was born to them on September 8, 1916. Six years later Mrs. Hollan became ill and passed away. By hiring help, Robert kept his son with him and continued farming and repairing violins, a hobby which he had enjoyed for many years. In the spring of 1923 he married Sophia Klundt of Jamestown. A son, Walter, was born in 1924. Spinal meningitis claimed him and he passed away in March of 1926. Four more children were born to them: Arthur in 1927; Raymond in 1933; a girl in 1935 who died shortly after birth; Theodore in 1939. All the sons live in the Kulm vicinity except Raymond, who lives at Guelph. Robert loved country life and enjoyed working with the soil. He also was very fond of livestock. He was active in various farm organizations such as the Farmers Union and the Holiday Association. He was township clerk of Northwest Township a number of years and for eight years he served on the Board of County Commissioners of Dickey County. He was very interested in music and was a charter member of the Kulm Concert Band for twenty-six years, in which he played the clarinet. For two years he led the Congregational Church orchestra playing the violin. He underwent major surgery in the Bismarck Hospital December 14, 1951 and passed away December 17, 1951. 115. HOLMAN, OLE & MATHEA (Larson) [picture] Among the many European immigrants who arrived in the Kulm area were Mr. and Mrs. Ole A. Holman. Mr. Ole A. Holman was born May 20, 1865 in Veldere, Norway. He came to the United States as a young man in 1886 and worked on farms near Yankton, S.D. On May 27, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Mathea Larson who was born on January 20, 1861, at Veldere, Norway. The wedding ceremony took place in Volin, South Dakota. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Holman moved to Logan County and homesteaded about six and one half miles northwest of Kulm. Their first home and barn were made of sod. Later these buildings were replaced by frame ones. During these early years one of the major problems was securing water. Mr. Holman's first well was dug by hand and was approximately 75 fee deep. Being this well contained no water, he was forced to dig a second well. This one proved to be successful and was located about one-fourth mile from the barn. It was 90 feet deep. The water was brought up by rope and buckets which made it very treacherous and hazardous in the winter as the water would freeze on the ropes. Mr. Holman was a carpenter by trade. He made several bobsleds from plans which were used to haul hay and other farm products in the winter time. He also built all his own farm buildings including a six room house and a huge barn. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Holman were very poor during the late 1880's and early 1890's and as a result of their poverty were unable to buy any fuel. Their children were kept busy picking up cow chips and twisted tall slough hay which served as a substitute for coal. When the Holmans arrived northwest of Kulm in 1887, there were no rural schools. The first rural school to be built in their vicinity was in 1895 which was located about one-fourth mile south from their homestead. The first teacher was Mr. Charles McCarthy and some of the first students were Albert Holman, Gottfried Dittus, and Bernard Steen. The school term lasted for two months. Some of the later teachers were Mr. Charles Williams, Miss Grace Semple, (Mrs. Otto Groh) of Kulm, Mr. Harry McNeil of Edgeley, and Miss Lydie Serr of Yankton, S.D. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Holman were charter members of the Pomona Valley Lutheran Church which was organized in 1888. Mrs. Holman was also a charter member of the Ladies Aid. The Holmans observed their silver wedding on May 27, 1912. Open house was held and the Fredonia Band under the personal direction of Mr. Sigfried Johnson played during the afternoon. In 1919 they retired from active farming and moved into Fredonia. Their Golden Wedding was observed on May 27, 1937. Mr. and Mrs. Holman were blessed with seven children of whom six are surviving. They are Albert, born October 22, 1880; Louie, born October 2, 1890, both of Fredonia; Melvin, born November 7, 1892, of Verona; Mary, born March 28, 1894, now Mrs. Eli Ferch of Verona; Olaf, born March 6, 1898, and Myron, born March 20, 1903, both of Fredonia. In 1935 Mr. Holman was stricken with cancer. He passed away on September 15, 1940 at the age of 75. Mrs. Holman passed away on November 19, 1943 at the age of 82. Both were laid to rest in the Norby Cemetery. 116. HUTTON, THOMAS Thomas Hutton was born in England. He came to America and spent a few years in Chicago attending Veterinary School. He settled in Swede township when it was just at its beginning. Here he built a home and put tenants in it. They had charge of the homestead while he went about the community doing veterinarian work. After a number of years, Mr. Hutton went to Canton, S.D. and later to Walla- Walla, Washington, where he was married to Miss Williams. Two children were born to them. Mrs. Hutton died in Washington and Mr. Hutton returned to this vicinity where he again practiced at his profession. In 1917 he left for Colorado and later died there. His two daughters Nellie and Sarah were left with grand parents in Oregon. 117. IRION, GOTTFRIED & MARIA (Hiller) [picture] Gottfried Irion, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Irion, was born in the village of Postal, Bessarabia, South Russia; on Sunday evening, May 22, 1897, with his parents and brothers, he arrived in Kulm, N.D. An uncle Jacob Elhard, took the family to his home. They purchased the relinquishment of the H.E. Putnam's homestead in Raney Township, Section 30, where they made their home. A sod house and well were already there. After he helped his father remove rocks and break up some sod land, he was hired out for $35 for a six month period. This was considered to be good wages for a thirteen year old boy. Most of the time thereafter he was employed by others. In the winter of 1904 he and Theodore Fode worked on the Delaney Ranch caring for 600 head of steers. This requiring hauling eight loads of hay daily besides cooking for themselves. Evenings were often spent at the Ole Johnstad Ranch where Al Ravely, the local teacher, entertained them with his violin. Wages were then $15 per month. Sam Brand was the ranch manager. On March 19, 1908 Gottfried Irion and Maria Hiller, daughter of Christoph and Salomina Hiller were united in marriage. They lived on Section 32 in Glen Township on the homestead he had taken two years before. Jud was his postoffice from before the railroad until 1915. To them were born 4 children. They have eleven grandchildren and one great- grandchild. The children are: Ella, Mrs. Ray Lehr, Moorhead, Minn.; Adina, Mrs. Edgar Klundt, Alfred, N.D.; Anna, Mrs. Martin Renschler, Jamestown, N.D.; Clarence Irion, Fargo, N.D. Their farming problems were those of all pioneers: the hailstorm of 1910, preceded by a spring prairie fire; a prairie fire as late as 1926 destroyed their hay and fence posts; and in 1935 a tornado and hailstorm destroyed some new machinery and governmental grain bins. In 1948 Mr. and Mrs. Irion retired from active farming. They are now living in Kulm where they purchased a home. They belong to the Congregational Church. 118. IRION, JACOB & ELIZABETH (Schoetle) [picture] Jacob Irion was born at Postal, Bessarabia, South Russia, May 2, 1859. He was the son of Frederick and Louisa (Heidinger) Irion. On January 1, 1883 he married Elizabeth Schoetle. He was a blacksmith in Russia. The strict army rules, the insufficiency of land, the three years of sickness for Mr. Irion, which used most of his earnings, were the incentives for their immigrating to America. With their five sons, they left South Russia on May 4, 1897 for Bremen Harbor in Germany, where they waited two days for the ship which carried them to New York in seven days. They arrived in Kulm, N.D. May 22, 1897, where Jacob Elhard, a brother-in-law met them and took them to his home in a horse drawn wagon. Nine families came from Postal, Russia together. Eleven children were born to this union: Gottfried, Kulm, N.D.; Emanuel, Great Falls, Mont.; Samuel, March, Mont.; George, Fargo, N.D.; Ted, Kulm, N.D.; Otto, Fredonia, N.D.; Ernest, Lodi, Calif.; Lydia, Entwistle, Alberta, Canada; Bertha Fode, Jud, N.D., and Emilia, Mrs. Albert Fode, Jud, N.D. One infant daughter passed away in Russia. Their pioneer problems were much the same as those which confronted all immigrants: money shortage, difficulty of breaking the sod for fields, fire and weather elements. Mr. Irion's health improved so greatly in America that they farmed their homestead until 1927, when they retired and bought a home in Kulm. Jacob Irion passed away March, 1940 in Kulm; Elizabeth Irion passed away in Kulm, April 1946. They were of the Congregational faith. 119. ISAAK, CHRISTIAN [picture] Christian Isaak was born in 1820 in Kulm, South Russia. He was the father of Gottlieb Isaak. He came to the United States in the year 1886 with his two sons, Gottlieb and Gottfried. He lived with his son Gottfried until his death in 1913. He filed on a homestead near his son Gottlieb but never proved up on it. He had lived to witness and participate in the marvelous development and progress of the state that had gained him as a worthy pioneer. He was skilled at the blacksmith trade and his expert service came into frequent use. It was a very difficult job, by reason of the high tempering of the metal. He taught his son, Gottlieb the blacksmith trade. He was a widower and never attempted to remarry and establish a home for himself but was contented to live with his son, Gottfried. He did visit his son, Gottlieb and family, walking seven miles with no effort. It is related that he would rather walk than drive a team. The first time he ever saw an automobile was in the year 1909 when his grandson, Otto Isaak drove him from Gottlieb's farm to his home. The only transportation he enjoyed with safety was a team of oxen that were trained to drive by the command Haw and Gee. He was a person of few words but a devoted Christian and his affiliation was with the Seventh Day Adventist Church now located twelve miles south of Kulm. 120. ISAAK, GOTTFRIED & CAROLINE (Leischner) [picture] Son of Mrs. And Mrs. Christian Isaak, Gottfried was born in South Russia, Koloniea, Kulm, on September 17, 1868. In 1886 he immigrated with his father to the United States and settled in Parkston, S.D. where he worked for the Winter Bros. On January 3, 1887 he was married to Caroline Leischner. As Dakota pioneers the Isaak's located in this area before the City of Kulm was founded. They witnessed the terrible blizzard of 1888 in South Dakota, which took a heavy toll of lives, including school children. After some time they decided to go farther North to join Mr. Isaak's father and brother Gottlieb so they packed their belongings and traveled as far as Ellendale, N.D. and then farther on as far as Kulm, N.D. which wasn't on the map at that time. They homesteaded 18 miles southwest of what is now Kulm. These were strictly pioneering days. Their closest neighbors were Daniel Patzer, Mike Henneberg, Knopps and Irions. There were plenty of buffalo horns and bones available and occasionally a load of bones and horns were picked up and hauled to Ellendale to make some money to buy a few food supplies. This would always be a very weary and hard journey. If the oxen didn't get thirsty during the trip then it would take about a week, but if they did get thirsty, they would lead for a lake and take their time to get going again. Luck was our lot most of the time except once the oxen tipped the load of bone into a lake and Mr. and Mrs. Isaak found themselves in the lake with the bones, shouting Gee! Haw! Get up! But that didn't help the situation any, altho it increased the weight of the load and the check was a little larger. In 1938 they left the homestead and moved to Ashley, N.D. where they lived for six years and then moved to Greenway, S.D. for a few years and are now residing in Aberdeen, S.D. at 510 NO. Penn St. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaak of which three are living in Aberdeen, S.D. They are: Oscar, Edna, and Nathaniel, John lives in Stockton, California; Lydia, Mrs. D.B. Brennise, Rapid City, S.D., and Emma, Mrs. R. Roloff in Portland, Ore. Nathaniel was inducted into the service July 22, 1918 at Terry, Montana. He served with the military police here in the states and nine months in France. He was discharged on July 26, 1919 as a first class private, and is at the present time employed at the Cox Bakery in Aberdeen, S.D. 121. ISAAK, GOTTLIEB & CHRISTINA (Beich) [picture] Gottlieb Isaak and Christina Beich were born in South Russia. Gottlieb was born on July 16, 1860 and Christina was born November 12, 1860. They were united in marriage on December 16, 1880, and with Gottlieb's father, Christian Isaak, they immigrated to the U.S. in March of 1886 and settled at Parkston, S.D. In the spring of 1886 they moved to what is now known as McIntosh County and homesteaded on a farm twelve miles south of the site of the present city of Kulm. This territory was still virgin prairie at that time and Gottlieb's father observed, "Here is land enough for my children's children's children." The land obtained by this pioneer as well as that of his son Gottlieb is still retained by the family. Christian Isaak passed away in 1912 at the age of 93. Gottlieb, like his father, was a skilled blacksmith. It is told that he was able to weld effectively the tine of a hay fork which, because of its high tempering, is very difficult. In the early days the only means of transportation was the wagon and oxen. It is related that at one time Gottlieb hauled a load of hay to Ellendale, N.D. taking two days to reach his destination. He sold the hay for two dollars to Fred Blumber, Sr. (this grocery store is still in existence in Ellendale). He purchased coffee, chicory and sugar and proceeded on his way letting the oxen find their way home. He drove all night and when daybreak came he discovered the oxen had turned around while grazing along the road and he was back in Ellendale where he had started from the day before. In 1919 the Isaaks sold their farm equipment, built a home in Kulm and retired. Mrs. Isaak passed away in November of 1903 and Mr. Isaak in August of 1947. The children of Gottlieb and Christina Isaak are: Mathilda Hanneld, Kulm, N.D.; Otto Isaak, Fargo, N.D.; N.G. Isaak, Kulm, N.D.; Mary Hiller, Sacramento, Calif.; Reinhold Isaak, Ashley, N.D.; John Isaak, Kulm, N.D.; William Isaak, Kulm, N.D.; Edward and Albert, deceased. 122. ISAAK, JOHN & ELSIE (Brauer) [picture] One of the few native born couples are John and Elsie Isaak. John Isaak was born January 15, 1898 near Kulm, where he lived with his parents, until he started to farm on his own for about two years before his marriage. He married Elsie Brauer who was born in Kulm on June 28, 1902, and they continued farming operations for several years. Then Mr. Isaak worked as a mechanic at the Kipp Chevrolet Garage, after this he went into his own business selling cars, switching into partnership with the Independent Oil and Gas Co. for twelve years. Because of ill health he sold his interest in the afore mentioned business and moved to Phoenix, Arizona for one year, coming back to farm for another year, but once again ill health forced them to quit farming, moving to Bismarck, N.D. for three and one-half years, doing watch repair work. They returned to Kulm to establish their own business, building a Jewelery Store with living quarters where they now reside. Mrs. Isaak taught school south of Kulm for four years. After this she worked for Drs. Sturgeon and Fergusson. Later she clerked in the Farmers' and Peoples' Stores. Mr. and Mrs. Isaak have one son born July 27, 1930, who is at present employed by Schultz and Lindsey Construction Co. 123. ISAAK, NATHANIEL & CHRISTINA (Fregien) [picture] Nathaniel G. Isaak was born February 1, 1888 in the extreme eastern part of McIntosh County, now known as the Antelope School District. He married Christina Fregien on July 15, 1910. Christina was born in the same community on March 16, 1889. They began their married life on a farm about one and one-half miles north of the home place and erected a small barn and bought and remodeled an old school house. In the fall of 1919 they had an auction sale and sold all the property except the land and household goods and moved to Kulm where Mr. Isaak was employed in the First State Bank. In 1926 he resigned his position as Asst. Cashier of the bank and organized the Independent Oil and Gas Co., Inc., of which he was the manager. In 1942, due to poor health, he sold the business and equipment to the Farmers Union Oil Co. In 1947 he went into the grain elevator business, doing custom cleaning and selling seed, etc. He has recently sold this elevator and plans to retire from active business. Mr. and Mrs. Isaak have been life long members of the Congregational Church. When a child, Mr. Isaak attended Sunday school in the St. John Congregational church about 2 miles south of the home place. After marriage they joined the Gnadenfeld Church about 10 miles southwest of Kulm. In 1919 when they moved to Kulm they became members of the First Congregational Church where they are still members. They have one son, Harry Clarence Isaak, Kulm, N.D., who is married and has three children. They live in Kulm and operate the farm on the old home place 10 miles southwest of Kulm. 124. ISAAK, WILLIAM & ANNIE (Gackle) [picture] William Isaak was born March 20, 1900 in McIntosh County. He was married to Annie Gackle on October 16, 1930. He lived on the farm with his parents for nineteen years after which he moved to town with his parents. He went into painting with Dan Leisner. He worked for him 5 years and learned the trade. He has been painting and hanging paper for twenty eight years. In 1946 he went into farming and has been farming ever since. To this union two children were born: Diana, Edgeley, N.D. and Karen at home. 125. JANKE, JOHN & LYDIA (Konrad) [picture] John Janke was born August 15, 1889 in Katzbach, Bessarabia, South Russia. Together with his brother Adolf, they came to the United States. They arrived at Kulm, N.D. November 26, 1909. The first people they met were John Mueller, father of Otto Mueller, and John Siegler (both new deceased). At the depot that same day, Mr. Mueller hired Mr. Janke and then later he made his home with the John Sieglers for whom he also worked. Mrs. Janke, Lydia Konrad, was born July 15, 1889 in Kleastitz [Kloestitz], Bessarabia, South Russia, the daughter of Joseph and Rosina Konrad. In 1902 she came to Kulm with her parents. On January 26, 1912 John Janke and Lydia Konrad were married. That same year they moved to a farm east of Kulm and a year later they established their own farm seven and one-half miles southeast of Kulm. Mr. and Mrs. Janke experienced many hardships such as the drought and dust storms of the 30's but were determined never to falter and have therefore enjoyed many blessings from the fruits of their labors. Having retired from active farming in 1947, Mr. and Mrs. Janke now reside in Kulm. Their sons Emil and Rueben now farm and operate the land. Eleven children were born to this union, eight of whom are living. They are" Rose, Mrs. Emanuel Gall; Emil Janke; Alma, Mrs. Gottlieb G. Herrmann; Edna, Mrs. Herman J. Herrmann; Rueben Janke; Esther, Mrs. Helmuth Herrmann, all of Kulm, N.D.; and Irma Janke of Minneapolis, Minn., and Luella, Mrs. Lloyd Vogel of Ellendale, N.D. The Jankes have been active members of the Congregational Church, first of the New Beresina in the country and now of the First Congregational in Kulm. Mr. Janke sang in the men's choir and served as Sunday School teacher and deacon in his church for many years. Mrs. Janke is a charter member of the Dorcas Society. 126. JANS, WILLIAM & OLGA (Hiller) [picture] William Jans was born in Shaba, South Russia February 23, 1878, son of Ludwig Jans and Julie (nee Kurtz) Jans. In 1186 they immigrated to the United States and arrived in June of 1886 at Menno, South Dakota. Soon thereafter father purchased the relinquishment of a homestead located about 18 miles northwest of Freeman, S.D. In 1890 he left the farm to attend school at Freeman, S.D. and Fremont, Neb. Returning from school he clerked in a general merchandise store for a short time, and on February 1, 1902 entered into the banking business by purchasing an interest in the Merchants State Bank in Freeman, S.D. In 1907 he took a leave of absence for about 8 months and filed on a homestead at Wall, S.D., returning in October of 1907 to resume the banking business. In December of 1916 he came to Fredonia, N.D. and purchased an interest in the German State Bank. In 1918 he was united in marriage to Miss Olga Hiller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christoph Hiller. They were blessed with two children: Roland Leonard of Kulm and William Leo of Edgeley. In March of 1932 the German State Bank and the First State Bank were merged and carried on the business under the name of First State Bank. In 1938 the bank was moved to Kulm, and the corporate name was changed to Kulm State Bank. Mr. Jans went with the bank and made his home at Kulm, where he continued in active banking business until January 1957, when he retired from active business. 127. JENNER, ALBERT & OTILLIA (Fischer) [picture] Albert Jenner's parents settled in Hutchinson County, Dakota Territory in 1873. They farmed until 1889 when they moved to Tripp and engaged in general merchandise business. In the early nineties, they returned to the farm and a few years later moved to Dickey County where Mr. Jenner had purchased a farm. This farm was in the west corner of Dickey County, four miles south of the present townsite of Kulm. Albert Jenner was born October 20, 1899 and later went into farming with his father. On November 8, 1921 he was united in marriage to Otillia Fischer and they lived on the farm for several years. Later they moved to McIntosh County and farmed there for 17 years, and then moved into Kulm where they still reside and farm from town. One child was born to this union: Viola, Mrs. Rolland Gebhart. There are three grand children. They reside in Lodi, Calif. 128. JENNER, JOHN [picture] Mr. John Jenner was born in Bon Homme County, South Dakota, November 15, 1878. He came to Kulm at the age of 16. He worked for L.J. Guthmueller for eight years in a store selling hardware, groceries and dry goods. He and J.A. Melicher started a harness shop. The partnership lasted two years, when he bought out his partner and ran it alone for 13 years. He then sold the shop and drove a truck for Standard Service for 12 years. In 1928 he started farming, which he did until he retired in 1947. His first wife, Mathilda Doering, whom he married in 1905, died in 1938. In 1940 he remarried to Mathilda Jantz, who passed away in 1950. He is now living in Kulm with his step-daughter, Mrs. LeRoy Gackle. 129. JENNER, PETER & CHRISTINA (Winkler) [picture] Mr. Peter Jenner was born in Worms, Russia in 1856. He came to America in 1873 and settled in Bonnehomme [Bon Homme] County, S.D.; then moving from his first home to a store, then back to a farm near Tripp. He came to settle near Kulm in a covered wagon in 1895. In the spring of 1906 he began farming four miles south of Kulm. He retired to Kulm in 1928. Mr. Jenner had married Christina Winkler in 1875. To this union were born 13 children of whom 7 are still living. Mr. Jenner died in 1928 and Mrs. Jenner in 1933. Their children are: Henry and Paul of Lodi, Calif.; Emma, Mrs. Davenport, of Yuma, Arizona; Mrs. Katie Mogck, Edmund, John and Albert all of Kulm. 130. JOHANSON, CARL [picture] Mr. Johanson and Lina Johanson were born in Smatrask Vesterbotten, Sweden. They left their homeland with their two children, Ludwig who was nine and Hanna a few years older. They arrived in the United States in 1889. They homesteaded eleven miles north of the present site of Kulm. In the year 1891 they built a house and other buildings. A school was built on the land which is now known as Swede School No. 2 and has been used by three generations of the Johanson family. Ludwig grew to manhood on his father's farm. His sister Hanna passed away when she was 23. In 1900 Carl Johanson passed away and in 1915 Mrs. Johanson passed away. In 1902 Ludwig Johnson [?] married Anna Hallgren and continued to live on his father's farm. They had three children: Connie, deceased; Bertil, deceased; Alice, Mrs. Harold Lindgren, Selah, Wash. Mrs. Johnson passed away in 1907. On August 31, 1909 Ludwig was married to Frija Norgren. They had twelve children: Claus, Minneapolis, Minn.; Everet, Kulm; Roy, deceased; Paul, Kulm; Sylvia, Mrs. Woodrow Edstrom, Minneapolis, Minn.; Stanley, Kulm; Judith, Mrs. Wesley Loven, Montpelier; Elwood, Kulm; Vernette, Mrs. Rolland Sjostrom, Kulm; Marilyn, Mrs. Paul Gage, Oriska; Lillet, Mrs. Morris Sjostrom, Kulm; and Fern, Mrs. Jonathan Liechty, Brinsmade, N.D. In 1910 a new house was built. A man whose nickname was Badger dug the 30 by 30 foot basement by hand for $42.00. On January 5, 1942 Mrs. Johnson passed away. They were both members of the Kulm Gospel Tabernacle. In 1944 Mr. Johnson retired and moved to Kulm, he was married to Mrs. Sophia Edstrom the same year. On May 14, 1948 Mr. Johnson passed away. The farm is now owned and operated by two of his sons, Evert and Elwood. 131. JOHNSON, ANTON & LYDIA (Ogren) [picture] Anton Johnson was born in Omsele, Sweden in 1858. He was united in marriage to Lydia Ogren, daughter of Eric and Maria Ogren. She was born April 28, 1861. In 1892 they arrived in what is now Swede Township from Sweden, coming to the home of Olaf Ogrens. They homesteaded seven and one-half miles north of Kulm. Here all their children were born, except Sigfrid who had immigrated with them. Ten children were born to this union: Sigfrid, Farmington, Minn.; Ebba, Mrs. Frank Carlson, Kulm; Algor (deceased); Amy, Mrs. Emil Bjur, Hinsdale, Ill.; Alex, Kulm; Hildur, Mrs. Pat Blakemore, Harvey, Ill.; Hjalmar, Kalispell, Montana. Three died in infancy. They also fostered Gladys Erickson, Mrs. Roy Pierce, Inglewood, Calif. Mr. Johnson died in 1945 and Mrs. Johnson died in 1949. In 1897 Anton Johnson's father Jon Jonson and stepmother Sarah Jonson came here. They homesteaded 13 miles northwest of Kulm. 132. JOHNSON, CARL & AMALIA (Nielson) Carl Samuel Johnson was born February 2, 1873 in Mals, Veterbottenslan, Sweden. He was married to Amalia Nielson in 1893. Eight children were born to this union while they still made their home in Sweden. In 1910 some friends made it possible for the family to come to this country. It was not possible for all to come at the same time so Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and two of their children came first and earned enough for the fare of the remaining children to come later. The last 3 children were chaperoned by Carl Oberg to the United State. They made their home in Swede Township where all the farm work was done by horsepower. In 1911 he bought his first car, a Ford. Mrs. Johnson passed away in November of 1917. Mr. Johnson is making his home with a daughter, Mrs. Fannie Johnson, Kulm. Two of the Johnson children have died. The six remaining children are: Hjalmer Johnson, Buffalo, N.D.; Alfred Johnson, in Washington; Engvar Johnson, Washington; Herbert Johnson, Kulm, N.D.; Elvira, Mrs. Andrew Sund, Buffalo, Can.; and Mrs. Fannie Johnson, Kulm, N.D. 133. JOHNSON, JOHN & SOPHIA (Anderson) [picture] John Johnson was born in Dergerfors Sacken, Vasterbottenlan, Sweden. He came to America with his parents in 1889 when he was 14 years of age. He arrived in Oakes, N.D. and later he worked in the Monango community for some time. It was hard for him as he could speak no English and therefore he came to Swede Township. He worked here at odd jobs after which he went to Montana. A few years later he returned to Swede Township and bought a home. He was united in marriage to Sophia Anderson in 1904. She came from Sweden in 1903. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. Four of whom have died. Those living are: Edna, Mrs. Victor Larson, Gackle, N.D.; Lillie, Mrs. Alvin Bjur, Kulm, N.D.; Fredolf, Vancouver, Wash.; Ethel, Mrs. Walter Lind, Kulm, N.D.; Wallace, Bridgeport, Conn.; Gladys, Mrs. Juvelus Bjur, Kulm, N.D.; Lorraine, Mrs. Joe Harrell, of Vancouver, Wash.; and Alvin of Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Johnson died in 1944 at the age of 61 years and Mr. Johnson died in 1949 at 73 years of age. 134. JOHNSON, JONAS & MATHILDA (Anderson) [picture] Jonas Peter Johnson was born in 1846 in Smotrask, Sweden. He was married to Mathilda Anderson of Svasjon, Sweden. Seven children were born to them in Sweden of which four died in infancy. In 1889 they came to this country with two of their children. One son Carl remained in Sweden, married and immigrated here in 1909. When the Johnsons arrived here they settled with his brother, Carl Frederick, and the Peter Lundstroms and later homesteaded in Swede Township. It was here that four more children were born, one dying in infancy. The children are: John, Carl Bradford, Herman, deceased; Hilma, Kulm, N.D.; Betty, Mrs. Andrew Beck, Calmar, Alberta, Canada; Helga, Mrs. Carl O. Anderson, Kulm, N.D. Shortly after homesteading, Peter Johnson and his son John with ten other Swede Township settlers joined a railroad crew and aided in building the Great Northern line to Cutbank, Montana. It took them six weeks to return to their homes by team and wagon. The Johnsons remained on their homestead and in addition to farming he worked much with untamed cattle and blacksmithing. Mrs. Johnson was known as a very efficient midwife, amateur veterinarian and sheep shearer. When, because of age, they could no longer care for all the farm duties, their youngest son, Herman took over. When Herman died in 1949, his oldest son Arlow continued farming on the original Johnson homestead. Jonas Peter died November 10, 1927 at the age of 81 years. Mrs. Johnson continued to live with her children until her death on February 11, 1931. At the time of her death she was living with her daughter, Mrs. Carl O. Anderson. 135. JOHNSON, ZACHARIAS & CAROLINE (Lindgren) [picture] Zacharias Johnson was born in Talliden, Sweden, January 11, 1852. He was married to Caroline Lindgren who was born at Kroksjo, Sweden on May 29, 1859. Their marriage took place in January 1878. They left Sweden and arrived in Salem, South Dakota in July 1889. A month later they again moved and came to Newberg, N.D. (Swede Township), accompanied by their four children, Hulda, Arvid, Hannah, and Helma. They spent their first winter with the Anton Tjernlund family and later on they made their home with D.G. Dahlbergs until they established a home of their own. Here they endured the hardships of the pioneer-working hard at whatever work was available. Four children, Axel, Levi, Clifford and Verner were born in this country. Mr. Johnson farmed in Swede Township until his death in January 1913. Mrs. Johnson was left to provide for her children. She worked very hard to earn a living-among her numerous jobs was shearing sheep. Mrs. Johnson (Zackrison) lived a true pioneer life and passed away at a ripe old age. Four of the Zachrison children have passed away. They are: Hulda, Arvid, Axel and Levi. The living children are: Hannah, Mrs. Charles Groff of Cooperstown, N.D.; Helma, Mrs. John Sempel of Lewiston, Idaho; Clifford, married to Agda Bradford and lives on the family homestead at Kulm, N.D.; and Verner the youngest of the family who is married to Hildur Bradford and makes his home near Kulm in Swede Township. 136. JONSON, BAKMAR [picture] Bakmar Jonson came to the United States in 1887 from Norejo [Norsjo], Vasterbottenlan, Sweden with three daughters and two sons. Bakmar homesteaded in Swede Township and lived there until she was unable to care for herself when she made her home with her daughter Mrs. John Bjur until her death in February of 1914. The children who are all deceased were: Charlie, Erick, Ida, Mrs. August Carlson; Wilhelmina, Mrs. Jacob Bjur; Hulda; Adeline, Mrs. John Bjur. One son and one daughter stayed in Sweden. 137. KELLER, DAVID & EMELIA (Keck) [picture] Mr. and Mrs. David Keller, together with his father and mother, the late John and Maria Keller, his brothers Reinhold and Henry came to America from Klostitz [Kloestitz], South Russia in 1905. In May 1905, they came to Kulm where they bought land. They stayed with friends until a small home was completed. In 1906, David Keller and his family moved onto their own place which is now the home of Henry S. Keller. Mr. Keller was married to Emelia Keck in 1898. Six children were born to this union all of whom are living. They are: Robert of Kulm; Clara, Kulm; Anna, Mrs. Herbert Mogck, Kulm; Emma, Mrs. Ed Kusler, Jamestown, N.D.; Henry, Kulm; and Ida, Mrs. Henry Carlson, Jud, N.D. Mrs. Keller passed away February 6, 1934. Mr. Keller continued to farm with the help of his children until 1942 when he moved into Kulm and lived here until his death on May 9, 1955. 138. KELLER, HENRY Sr. & EMELIA (Steinwand) [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Henry Keller were born in Klostitz [Kloestitz], South Russia. Mr. Keller was born October 18, 1880 and Mrs. Keller on September 9, 1888. They left their native country accompanied by their parents and about 105 passengers who boarded a freighter and spent twenty one days on a rough, stormy voyage. Most of the passengers were young men who left their country because of the strict military rule. They arrived in this country in 1905 and Mr. Keller settled on a farm about two and one-half miles east of Kulm. He was united in marriage to Emelia Steinwand in 1907. They farmed until 1919 when they moved to Kulm. Here Mr. Keller entered the trucking business which he carried on for a number of years. Five children were born to this union of whom the following are living: Clara, Mrs. Ossie George of Kulm; Oscar of Phillip, South Dakota. Mr. Keller died April 30, 1949 and Mrs. Keller continues to make her home in Kulm. They have been members of the Congregational Church for many years. Mrs. Keller has also been an active member of the Ladies Aid all these years. 139. KINZLER, FRED & EMMA (Ruff) [picture] Mr. Fred Kinzler was born in Wittenburg, South Russia on December 25, 1890. He came to America in June of 1898 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Kinzler. His parents homesteaded a farm 6 miles northwest of Kulm. He stayed on the farm with his parents until they retired in 1919 and moved to Fredonia. Then he farmed together with his brothers until 1925 when he was united in marriage with Emma Ruff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ruff, Sr. Three children were born to this union: Lawrence of Pierre, S.D.; Milton and Wilbert who are on the farm with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kinzler and boys are members of the Zion Lutheran Church of Kulm. They bought the Christ Brauer farm in 1943 where they are residing at the present time. 140. KJOS, ELLING & ANNA (Mathisen) [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Kjos were both born in Norway. Mr. Kjos was born in the year of 1882 and Mrs. In 1889. Mr. Kjos came to America in 1903 and settled at Forman, N.D. He worked on a farm until 1904 when he came to Kulm with August Peterson. The first winter he worked on a drayline for John Rott. In the following three years he held various jobs in and around Kulm. Among other things he helped to build the first elevator for Gackles and helped to rebuild the Lange Store which is now the location of the Smith Shopping Center. He also helped dig the foundation for the LaMoure County Bank. In the year 1907 he made a trip to his home in Norway and remained for one year. Upon his return to Kulm he purchased his own farm in Swede Township ten and one-half miles north of Kulm. In 1911 Mr. Kjos married Anna Mathisen who came to the United States in 1906 and settled in Canton, S.D. In 1909 she came to Edgeley and worked until her marriage. The couple lived on this farm until 1954 when they moved to the city of Kulm. The Kjos' recall many good and bad years. In the year of 1916 there was not a kernel of grain to be harvested because of rust. In 1915 he had the best crop in his 45 years of farming. They spoke of several bad prairie fires, one especially which started east of Kulm and traveled many miles before it was stopped. Haystacks, many farm buildings and livestock were burned. Six children were born to the Kjos'. One son Arthur giving his life for his country during World War II. Martin resides in Portland, Oregon; Ruth, Mrs. Carl Berg of New York City; Oscar of Havre, Montana; Gundrum, Mrs. Steve Sagmiller of Portland, Oregon; and Harold, who is living on the Kjos farm north of Kulm. 141. KLETTKE, REINHOLD & MARTHA (Kalmbach) [picture] Reinhold Klettke was born in Akerman, Russia on August 5, 1900, the son of William and Wilhelminia Klettke. At the age of seven months, he with his parents immigrated to the United States of America. They arrived in Kulm, N.D. in the spring of 1901. In the fall of 10901 they homesteaded nine miles southeast of Kulm, N.D. in German township of Dickey County. In March of 1924 the homestead was purchased by Reinhold from the Klettke estate. In November of 1924 he was married to Martha Kambach the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kalmbach of Jud, N.D. To this marriage were born three children: Lorraine, Mrs. Reuben Janke, Kulm, N.D.; Richard, who is married to Jackie Moldenhauer of Kulm, N.D.; and Kenneth, who is at home. They have two grandchildren. They are members of Hoffnungsfelt Congregational Church of Merricourt, N.D. 142. KNOPP, GOTTFRIED & ROSINA (Reiman) [picture] Mr. Gottfried Knopp was born August 1862 in Mannsburg, South Russia. In 1885 he was united in marriage to Rosina Reiman. They came to the United States in 1886 settling near Tripp, S.D. Two years later they homesteaded 19 miles southwest of what is now the city of Kulm. Mr. Knopp built a farm, erected a small house of rocks and clay. He built an oven also of rock. Fire was made in the oven and after it was heated the fire was removed and the oven was ready for baking. The only fuel for cooking and heating the home was twisted hay and cow chips. During spare time Mr. Knopp picked up bones and hauled them to Ellendale to be sold. The price was low but the small income helped with the buying of groceries and clothing. In 1908 Mr. Knopp took a trip to Russia to visit his parents, brothers and many friends. In the fall of 1915 Mr. and Mrs. Knopp went to Cuba to spend the winter months. While still on the farm Mr. Knopp purchased one of the first Minneapolis threshing machines. He himself operated the machine while his son Edward operated the engine, Johnnie the straw team, and his daughter, Christina, operated the water wagon by a team of horses. In this way they threshed for three years. In 1921 the Knopps retired from farming and located in Kulm. Mr. Knopp passed away in 1926 at the age of 64. Mea. Knopp died in 1952 at the age of 91. The couple were blessed with 12 children, 4 of whom preceded their parents in death. Living are: Martha, Mrs. John Heller, Hanna, Alta, Canada; Edward, Lodi, Calif.; Mary, Mrs. Jack Franz, Ellendale, N.D.; Christina, Mrs. Henry Patzer of Kulm; Ida, Mrs. John Schweigert of Ellendale, N.D.; Johnnie, Forbes, N.D.; Pauline, Mrs. August Hilscher, Lodi, Calif.; Artine, Mrs. Henry Hilscher, Lodi, Calif. 143. KOENIG, PETER & CARRIE (Leischner) [picture] Peter Koenig was born near Odessa, Russia, in 1845. He married Carrie Leischner in Russia. Their family included the following children: Mary, Amelia, Alfred, Otto, William, Rudolph, Arthur and John. They came to this country in the summer of 1886, and settled soon afterwards in Kulm, N.D., where Mr. Koenig taught music and did private tutoring in the German language. He was well educated and in Russia was a professor in city schools. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and active in church affairs. The family later moved to a farm north of Lehr. The postoffice, later discontinued, bore the name of King, having been named after Mr. Koenig. He died in April of 1909, his wife died in January of 1905. Their youngest son Johnny, worked in Kulm for a period of time, setting type for the Kulm Messenger and also worked in the Drug Store. He moved to the King settlement also, where he died in January of 1931. Mrs. Rose Koenig, widow of Johnny, now resides in Kulm. Grandchildren of Peter Koenig new living in this vicinity are: Art Koenig, Bismarck; John Koenig, Beulah; Mrs. Gust Fiechtner, Lehr; Mrs. William Remien, Kulm; Mrs. Henry Gackle, Kulm; Edwin Koenig, Kulm and Lawrence Koenig, Kulm. 144. KONRAD, DAVID [picture] David Konrad was born October 16, 1882 in Glasteitz [Kloestitz], South Russia. He came to the United States in January 1901 with his parents, Joseph and Rosina Konrad and settled near Kulm. In 1906 he married Theresa Mogck. They homesteaded near Jud, N.D. and lived there for 2 years, then they built a farm five miles east of Kulm and moved there. They were blessed with eight children: one died in infancy. The children are: Anna, Mrs. Dave Motz, Lodi, Calif.; Edna, Mrs. John Dobler, Longmont, Colo.; Helma, Mrs. Deopold Herman, Kulm, N.D.; Richard, Northwood, N.D.; Elmer, Jamestown, N.D.; Wilbert, Norwalk, Calif.; Theresa, Mrs. Norman Byers, Stockton, Calif. Mrs. Konrad passed away in 1921. In 1922 Mr. Konrad married Mrs. Ida Bader. She brought three children from her former marriage, Albert Kessel, Herbert Bader, and Edna, Mrs. Richard Gaffney, into the Konrad home. This second marriage was blessed with one child, Della, Mrs. Merrill Stringham, San Mateo, Calif. Mr. and Mrs. Konrad farmed east of Kulm until 1935 when they moved into Kulm. Mr. Konrad farmed from town several years and then did carpenter work for many years. Mrs. Konrad passed away June of 1953. In November of 1954 Mr. Konrad was married to Mrs. Dora Kinzler. They have been members of the Congregational Church all of their life. 145. KONRAD, JOSEPH & ROSINA (Kist) [picture] Joseph Konrad was born in 1847 in So. Russia and Rosina Konrad (nee Kist) was born in 1850, also in South Russia. They came to the United States in January of 1902 with their ten children and settled near Kulm, N.D. They farmed five and one-half miles east of Kulm until 1913, then they moved into Kulm. The ten children are: Christian, deceased; Jacob deceased; Samuel Konrad, Alfred, N.D.; David Konrad, Kulm, N.D.; Gottfried Konrad, Alfred, N.D.; Alexander, deceased; John Konrad, Missouri; Pauline Radach, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lydia, Mrs. John Janke, Kulm, N.D.; and Mary Leicht, deceased. Mr. Konrad passed away in 1924, and Mrs. Konrad passed away in 1941. 146. KREIS, FRED & CHRISTINA (Reimann) [picture] Christina Reimann was born in South Russia, August 21, 1878. She was united in marriage to Frederick Kreis on October 20, 1896. Mrs. Kreis came to America with her daughter Lydia who was eleven months old aboard the ship Kaiser Wilhelm. It was a journey that lasted five days. They arrived in New York and stayed there two weeks waiting the arrival of her husband who was held beck in Germany because of an eye disease-he however did not arrive during that time, so she and her daughter continued their journey on to Kulm. Mr. Kreis arrived one month later and they homesteaded on 160 acres, 20 miles south of Kulm in 1900 where they built a sod house and lived for a number of years. In 1908 they moved to the Maier farm, two miles southwest of Kulm, where they lived until 1910 when they moved into the city of Kulm. Here Mr. Kreis worked as a well driller and later on he and his wife worked very hard at various tasks, such as, hauling sand and digging basements-one such project was digging and hauling sand for the construction of our present Kulm City Auditorium. In 1925 Mr. Kreis was taken ill and passed away on December 12 of that year at the age of 52 years. Mrs. Kreis was married to David Isaak in 1926 and continued to work about the city at various jobs-such as paper hanging, painting and at any work that would help in making a living. Mr. Isaak passed away in May 1953 at the age of 79 years, and because Mrs. Isaak was in ill health, she gave up her home in Kulm and left with her son John, for San Diego, Calif., where she is now making her home. She is now married to Philip Ramar of Nampa, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Kreis were blessed with eleven children. Ten of whom are living. The youngest daughter, Agnes died in 1926 at the age of 6. The living children are: Mrs. Lydia Clancy, Ellendale, N.D.; Mrs. Lucy Nordahl of Monango, N.D.; Mrs. Leondina Miller, San Diego, Calif.; John Kreis, San Diego, Calif.; Theo. Kreis, Finley, N.D.; William Kreis, San Diego, Calif.; Mrs. Laura Clancy, Nampa, Idaho; Mrs. Viola Hunter, Kuna, Idaho; Mrs. Delila Pearson, Chicago, Ill.; and Mrs. Alice Saha, Adrian, N.D. There are 29 grand children and 18 great grand children. 147. KUHN, CHRISTOPH & KAROLINA (Hauff) Christoph Kuhn was born December 14, 1852, in Paris, Bessarabia, South Russia. In 1874 he married Karolina Hauff. In 1889 he came with his family to the United States, and homesteaded two miles west of Kulm. In the year 1904 he retired to Kulm, and died on December 6, 1923. One son Gottfried Kuhn preceded him in death. Mrs. Kuhn died in 1938. One daughter Rosina Kuhn Strobel died on March 11, 1945. 148. KUHN, GOTTFRIED & OLGA (Keller) [picture] Gottfried Kuhn was the son of Christoph and Karolina Kuhn. He was born in Russia in 1875 and came to America as a boy with his parents. They settled two miles west of Kulm. In 1894 Gottfried married Olga Keller who also was born in Neu Elft, South Russia, September 2, 1875 and came to America in the year 1893. The couple homesteaded three and one-half miles southwest of Kulm. In 1902 they sold their homestead and moved to a new location on which they bought and built a new home. This was in Gutschmidt Township, Logan County, two miles south and seven miles west of Jud, N.D. They were blessed with nine children. Gottfried Kuhn passed away at the age of 37 in 1913, leaving his widow and children, the oldest of which was 18 and the youngest two years of age. Mrs. Kuhn carried on the farming until October of 1927 when she retired and moved to Kulm, where she still resides at the age of 81 years. The children are: Maggie, Mrs. Elhard, Jud, N.D.; Emilia, Mrs. Emanuel Elhard, Kulm, N.D.; Karolina, Mrs. Harold Netz, Gackle, N.D.; Bertha, Mrs. Louis Oberlander, Kulm, N.D.; Albert of Kulm, N.D.; Rev. C. George of Lincoln, Nebraska; Wilhelm, Alfred, N.D.; and Gottfried, Minnewaukan, N.D. One daughter, Ottelia, Mrs. Em. Kleingartner is dead. The whole family have been life members of the Congregational Church. 149. KURTZ, PETER & MARIE (Fischer) [picture] Peter Kurtz was born in Beresina, South Russia June 24, 1862. His father died when Peter was twelve years old, and after staying with his mother for several years he went out on his own. He took up manual training and carpentering and after three years of apprenticeship he became a master carpenter. In the fall of 1884 Mr. Kurtz was united in marriage to Marie Fischer in the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Kurtz was born January 23, 1862 in Tarutina [Tarutino], South Russia. In the year of 1885 migrated to America with her parents and came to Scotland, S.D. About three days later they moved to Olivet, S.D. for the winter. In the spring Mr. Kurtz and his father-in-law and five other men took the train to Ellendale where they were met by land agents, who took them out to look for land. They all found land in McIntosh County about 40 miles west of Ellendale. Their nearest postoffice was Hoskins, now Ashley. They returned to Ellendale and brought back their families, and the building of sod homes began. Since Mr. Kurtz was a carpenter by trade, he was of great help and each farmer helped the other out. It has often been said that these seven families were the first settlers in the east end of Antelope Valley. They often walked to Monango, Edgeley, Ellendale and several times to Jamestown looking for work. The Kurtz family went through many hardships the first years they were out here. There was very little money so the family would go out and pick up buffalo bones and haul them to Ellendale to sell. In return they would buy the necessary staples such as flour, coffee, rice, prunes, cornmeal and a little sugar. For fuel they cut rushes from around the lakes and tied them into small bundles with a week to hold them together. Then the year of 1892 Kulm was born which was a great help as the new town was much closer than had been Ellendale and Monango. Mr. Kurtz became acquainted with P.C. Burfening, manager of the lumber yard and since Mr. Kurtz was a carpenter the lumber yard manager encouraged him to move to Kulm. In 1893 they moved to Kulm and lived there until 1902. In that year they moved to the state of Washington, farming there for three years. Again the Kurtz family came back to Kulm but stayed here just a short time before moving out to California, Washington, and then returning to Kulm to stay. This was in the year of 1906. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz, four of whom survived: Rebecca Schmidt, Devils Lake, N.D.; Bernard J. Kurtz, Chicago, Ill.; Gust J. Kurtz, Jamestown, N.D.; and Rynold Kurtz, Kulm, N.D. Mr. Kurtz, followed the carpenter's trade until he retired. He passed away June 21, 1926. Mrs. Marie Kurtz passed away on July 21, 1947. 150. KURTZ, RYNOLD & SELMA (Hille) [picture] Rynold Kurtz was born February 1st, 1892 in McIntosh County, post office then Hoskins, now Ashley. Rynold was one year old when his folks moved to Kulm in the spring of 1893. Their home was located in the eastern part of town. In 1898 Rynold started school and had as his first teacher Miss Campbell with Mr. Dallas as Superintendent. The school house then stood where the Emil Anderson home is now located. The Legion Hall was the first school house in Kulm. One of the early experiences which Rynold remembers is the fire in the fall of 1905 which burned down half a block of business places. In the winter of 1906 Rynold's folks moved to California and in about six months they left California and moved to Washington, stayed there for the rest of the summer. In the fall of 1906 the Kurtz family returned to Kulm to remain permanently. In the spring of 1907 Rynold started to work at the carpenter's trade with his father. In 1918 he was called into military service of World War I. He spent much of his military service in France and in June 1919 he was discharged from the army. He then again took up work as a carpenter. On September 21, 1939 Mr. Kurtz was united in marriage to Selma Hille of Kulm, by Rev. Westenberger of the American Lutheran Church. Selma was born January 13, 1892, eight miles south of Kulm. After finishing the 8th grade she went to Ellendale Normal School, then to Redfield College in Yankton, S.D. After completing her work there she taught school two years southwest of Kulm. She has also worked as clerk in various stores of Kulm. Mr. Kurtz served as councilman of Kulm for five years. He is also an active member of the Kulm Fire Department and the American Legion. Rynold still carries on the trade of carpenter learned from his father. 151. KUSLER, EDWARD & CAROLINA (Mayer) [picture] Edward C. Kusler was born March 28, 1896, at Linch, Nebraska. He was united in marriage on October 24, 1920, to Carolina Mayer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mayer. He came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kusler, and family to Kulm, N.D. in 1902. There he settled and grew up on a farm 10 miles southwest of Kulm. In 1913 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served one year in World War I. He was in the front line when the armistice was signed and in Germany about 5 months after the war. After their marriage in 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Kusler moved on a farm 5 miles south of Fredonia. In 1926 the family moved back on the old farm home southwest of Kulm and continued farming there until 1952 when their son, Walter, took over the farm and they moved to Kulm. They now make their home in Kulm. There is one son: Walter M. Kusler, of Kulm, N.D. 152. KUSLER, JOHN & MARGALENA (Grosz) [picture] Mr. John Kusler, born October 28, 1871, was but one year old when he came with his parents to the U.S. in 1872 and settled in Scotland, S.D. There on January 2, 1894, he was united in marriage with Magdalena Grosz. Though born in South Russia on July 24, 1872, she had come to the United Sates with her parents and also settled in Scotland, S.D. in the year 1875. The Kuslers homesteaded near Lynch, Nebraska and came to the Kulm vicinity in 1902, buying a farm ten miles southeast of town. This farm is now occupied by their grandson, Walter Kusler. The John Kuslers retired from farming in 1925 and moved into Kulm. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Jan. 2, 1954, at Morton, Wash. Mrs. Kusler passed away June 15, 1956, at Morton, Wash. And the body was brought to Kulm and buried in the Congregational Cemetery. Mr. Kusler makes his home with his children in Kulm, N.D. The Kuslers had fifteen children, four of whom died in infancy. The remaining children are as follows: Edward Kusler, of Kulm, N.D.; Emman, Mrs. John Doering, Minot, N.D.; Edmound Kusler, Kennewick, Wash.; Clara, Mrs. John Mayer, Fredonia, N.D.; Willie Kusler, Kulm, N.D.; Dina, Mrs. Frank Heimigner, Ritzville, Wash.; Emilia, Mrs. Novel Miller, Morton, Wash.; Ida, Mrs. Harry Grosz, Seattle, Wash.; Alitha, Mrs. Grover Fireoved, Anchorage, Alaska; Selma, Mrs. Clifford Skoglund, Kulm, N.D.; Adeline, Mrs. William McCloy, Isanti, Minn. 153. KUSLER, WILLIE & MAGDALENE (Oelke) [picture] Among the few native born pioneers are Mr. and Mrs. Willie Kusler. Mr. Kusler was born near Kulm on November 3, 1903. Mrs. Kusler was born three miles west of Fredonia on December 17, 1904. Willie Kusler married Magdalene Oelke on November 26, 1925 and settled on a farm south of Kulm. Here they brought up their family of five children, one child dying in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Kusler retired in 1955, moving into the city of Kulm. Their children are as follows: Luella Carlson, Fargo, N.D.; Marlin Kusler, Kulm, N.D.; Idella Nelson, Watford City, N.D.; Howard Kusler, Fargo, N.D.; Joyce Kusler, Kulm, N.D. 154. LAEGER, AUGUST & HELENA (Hildebrand) [picture] August Laeger was born on September 13, 1895 in Leipzig, South Russia. He was a son of Carl and Fredericka Laeger. He immigrated to the United States with his parents in June of 1899. On April 15, 1922 August was married to Helena Hildebrand, daughter of Fredrick and Louisa Hildebrand of Kulm. The young couple settled 14 miles southwest of Kulm on a farm where they lived for 33 years. Many years of hard work were put into this farm. They also experienced some very bad years of severe drought when the dust clouds would roll over the fields like a bad snow storm. Nothing would grow except a few thistles which were cut and stacked to keep a few cows alive. Two children were born to this union. Bernice is now Mrs. Robert Gackle of Kulm and James who is operating his father's farm since they retired in 1955. The Laegers now live in the city of Kulm. 155. LAEGER, CARL & FRIEDERIKA (Hilscher) ]picture] Carl Laeger was born in May 20, 1870 in Leipzig, South Russia. On November 24, 1894 he married Friederika Hilscher, who also was born in Leipzig, South Russia on July 2, 1876. In June 1899 with their three children, they came to the United States to seek a new home, settling on a homestead 12 miles south of Kulm. They broke up the land with a hand plow and also built up a farm. Many were the hardships they endured until their dreams were realized. A family of five sons and three daughters were born to this union. August and Henry who farm in the Kulm territory. Reuben who farms near Montevideo, Minn.; Julia, Mrs. Fred Renz of Brecksville, Ohio; Martha, Mrs. Richard Zerr, Whitefish, Mont.; Emily, Mrs. Harry Wolff of Hazelton, N.D. Theodore passed away at the age of 47 on September 14, 1952 and Gustave passed away in infancy. In 1920 Mr. and Mrs. Laeger retired from farm life and moved to Kulm, where they lived the remainder of their lives. They were always active members of the Congregational Church. 156. LANGE, GOTTLIEB & LOUISE (Stehr) [picture] Among the first settlers in Kulm were Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Lange, both immigrants of Europe, who came to Scotland, S.D. upon their arrival in this country. They were married there on December 1, 1886. Mrs. Lange was the former Louise Stehr. After their marriage, they homesteaded near Mound City, S.D. where William F., Bertha, Edith and Robert were born. Mr. Lange taught school, besides farming. In 1892 they moved to Kulm, N.D. and went into the general mercantile business, selling groceries, clothing, hardware and machinery. They made their home above the store and in 1895 the store was destroyed by fire. Mr. Lange was a very determined man and after hard work he was able to again put the business in operation. Oscar, Hulda, Richard, Anna and one boy dying in infancy were the children born to them while they made their home in Kulm. The Langes were members of the German Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. This church was organized by Mr. Lange and until the church was built, services were held in the Lange home. Mr. Lange died October 20, 1913 and Mrs. Lange died December 7, 1940 in Burbank, Calif. William F. Lange died December 29, 1956 and Robert died on March 31, 1947. Bertha, Edith, Hulda, Richard and Anna all make their home in California. Oscar is a resident of Kulm living in the old family home. Oscar is the local Postmaster, having held this position since October 1, 1934. 157. LANGE, OSCAR & MYRTLE (Young) [picture] Oscar Lange was born June 12, 1894 in Kulm, N.D. He was the third child born in Kulm, the second boy. He started school the first year when the new school was opened. This school burned down in December of 1923 and has been replaced by our present school. After graduating from school he spent most of his time as a clerk in a store until October 1, 1934 when he was appointed Postmaster at Kulm, N.D. He has held and served that position ever since. He was united in marriage to Myrtle Young of Princeton, Ind. On March 17, 1920. They were blessed with two sons: Harold Lange, who married Edna Young, Lexington, Ky., October 31, 1942 and make their home in Hamilton, Ohio. Darwin Lange, who married Dorothy Bader, Kulm, N.D., June 19, 1948 and make their home in Barrington, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Lange have four granddaughters: Jane Gail and Sharon Ann, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lange, and Sandra Jean and Linda Denise daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Darwin Lange. Mr. Lange has been secretary of the Kulm Fire Department for thirty-eight years. He has been Lion Tamer of the Kulm Lions Club for thirteen years and has played in the Kulm City Band for fifty years. 158. LANGE, WILLIAM & ALICE (Brandt) [picture] William F. Lange was born November 11, 1877 in Mound City, S.D. At the age of six he came to Kulm with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Lange. Here he attended school. On June 15, 1913 he married Alice Brandt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brandt, who was born in March of 1891 in Winthrop, Minn. They have one son, Clifford, who resides in Lomita, California, and have two grandsons. William worked in his father's store until 1912 when he started his own store in Fredonia. In 1915 he operated a meat market in Kulm and in 1916 he operated the bulk station for the Home Oil Co. In 1917 the family moved to California. William Lange passed away on December 29, 1956 in California. Mrs. Lange resides in Burbank, Calif. 159. LARSEN, FRED & ELSIE (Brine) Fred H. Larsen was born on a farm near Pine River, Wis., March 29, 1877. He came to Kulm in 1908 to take over his brother Nels' law office. He was married to Elsie Brine on June 15, 1911. To this union one child, Lorraine, was born. Lorraine married Corey Acra and they have two daughters, Catherine and Carol. Their home is in Sierra Madra, Calif. Fred died in December of 1927 and Mrs. Larsen is living near her daughter and two grandchildren. 160. LARSEN, JAMES Mr. Larsen was born in Denmark in 1945 [?1845] and Mrs. Larsen, also a native of Denmark in 1846. They came to Oshkosh in 1865 and moved to LaMoure County in 1887 and settled near Berlin, N.D. In the spring of 1903 they sold their farm and moved to Kulm where they resided until 1906 when they went to Seattle, Washington. In August of 1907, Mr. Larsen passed away and Mrs. Larsen and daughter Anna came back to Kulm where they lived for a time, again returning to Seattle, where Mrs. Larsen died in January of 1929. Their four sons and one daughter were: Nels, Lars, William, Fred and Anna. 161. LARSEN, NELS & MARGARET (Whitman) Nels Larsen was born in Oshkosh, Wis., in August 1870. He married Margaret Whitman in October 1895. In 1894 he came to Kulm and opened a law office where the present Recreation Parlor owned by Clarence Grosz is located. Three boys were born to them, the oldest lived only a few weeks. The other two, Reginald and Cecil, were born in 1898 and 1900 respectively. In August of 1908, Nels, because of illness, moved to Colorado Springs, with his wife and two boys. He died there in 1909 and his widow and sons returned to Kulm and lived here until 1912 or 1913 when they moved to Los Angeles, Calif. Cecil passed away in the early 1950's and his mother a year later. Reginald and his wife live in San Marino, California. 162. LARSON, BERNT 90 Bernt Larson was born on November 4, 1842 in Eidsnold, Norway. His wife Maren, was also born in Norway on December 4, 1840. In 1889 they immigrated to America with their family composed of Martin, Dena and Laura. Joining their sons Signart Larson Berntson and Ludwig Larson, they filed on a homestead a mile northwest of the present site of Kulm. Ludwig Larson took up a quarter section of land which is adjacent to the north edge of Kulm. Martin Larson operated the first blacksmith shop in Kulm. Three members of the Larson family passed away in the years 1893-94. They were Dena, Ludwig and Martin. In 1899 Brent C. Larson, the father, passed away leaving Mrs. Larson and daughter Laura alone. In 1902 the eldest son, Signart Larson Berntson passed away leaving his wife and 5 small children: Lewis, 8 years at the time, Marvin, Carl, Alvin and Lorraine. In 1904 Laura Larson married Ludwig Steen. The young couple made their home with Mrs. Maren Larson, until her passing in 1915. Laura Larson Steen passed away in 1922 leaving Mr. Steen and two daughters, Dena and Mabel. Mrs. Steen was the last member of the Larson family. A daughter, Dena Steen lives on the former Larson farm with her father Ludwig Steen. This farm is now known as the Louis Steen farm. 163. LARSON, ELMER & OLGA (Grunberg) Elmer Larson was born May 25, 1890 in Sweden. He immigrated to this country in 1891 with his parents who homesteaded in Swede Township. Here he farmed until 1920 when he moved to Raney Township. He was united in marriage to Olga Grunberg in 1916. They have four children: Edith, Mrs. Rueben Dahl; Lenore, Mrs. Denvy Malm; and twin daughters Harriet, Mrs. Robert Dahl and Norma, Mrs. Wm. Smoke. Mrs. Denvy Malm makes her home north of Kulm, while the remaining three daughters live in Yakima, Washington. Besides farming, Mr. Larson has served in various township offices. 164. LARSON, ERICK & KATARINA (Pehrson) [picture] Erick Anton Larson son of Lars Gustav Larson was born in Mikelltrask, Northern Sweden on March 2, 1864. In about the year 1880, he came to New York, then on to Tustin, Mich., where he traveled about the country selling variety merchandise. Later he operated a store in Tustin until it was destroyed by fire. It seemed destiny had decreed that he live the "hard life". Having been born to peasant parents, his childhood was that of an orphan, as his parents died when he was very young. He grew to manhood in numerous "foster homes". Having heard of the wonderful farming country in North Dakota available under the "Homestead Act" he decided to come here and homestead on a quarter section of land in 1896. He also bought another quarter of railroad land for $1.50 per acre and established a farmstead in what became Swede Township. Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Katharina Charlotte Pehrson on August 16, 1900. Neighbors recall that he borrowed their buggy to drive the forty miles to LaMoure to have the judge perform the ceremony. From then on the country became pretty well settled and though there were many years of drought with the resulting hardships, he was able to improve the farm and support his growing family. In 1912, however a run away accident while discing on his farm resulted in his very untimely death. Mrs. Larson had to meet the responsibilities of being both mother and father of six children who recall a happy home in which all worked together. The children are: Ted, Selah, Wash.; Anna, Mrs. Glenn Smith, Yakima, Wash.; Adolph, Palo Alto, Calif.; Albert, Kulm, N.D.; Henny, Mrs. Ralph Norstrom, Vista, California; Minnie, Mrs. Richard Andrews, Inglewood, California. There are at present fourteen grand children and four great grand children. 165. LARSON, GUSTOV & AMANDA (Backstrom) [picture] Gustov Larson was born in Vasterbottens Lan, Sweden in 1860. He was married to Amanda Backstrom in 1885. They and their four small children immigrated from Holmtrask, Sweden, and came to America in 1892. Fellow travelers on the voyage were two other early pioneer families who settled north of Kulm, the Anton Johnsons and Oscar Grundbergs. The Grundbergs later moved to Alberta, Canada. Gust Larson and his family settled in LaMoure County on a homestead 10 miles northwest of Kulm. The four children who shared the adventures of pioneer living were: Henry, Mrs. August Blomquist, Arvid, Who moved to Canada as a young man and died there in 1934, and Elmer, Born in 1891, who married Olga Grundberg, daughter of Oscar Grundbergs. He still farms one mile north of the original homestead. Fritz died in infancy. Two more children were Victor and Tyra. Victor born in 1893, was married to Edna Johnson and farmed his father's homestead until 1949. He then moved to a farm near Gackle. He now lives in Gackle where he operates a shoe shop. Tyra was born in 1895. Her mother died in 1896, leaving her the infant, and four other young children. Pioneer life in a sod house brought many hardships to this family as to all early settlers. In those days sharing with and helping ones neighbors was almost a necessity to survival. Following this precept, the Eric Ogren family welcomed baby Tyra into their home where she spent her childhood. She later became Mrs. Alfred Sjostrom and lived on a form north of Kulm until her death in 1925. Mr. Larson passed away in 1922. 166. LEMKE, ADAM [picture] Adam Lemke was born September 27, 1861 in the village of Leipzig, Bessarabia. Here as an infant he was baptized, and later after religious instructions, he was also confirmed. On January 20, 1883, he was married to Christina Lutke. In May 1887, he left Leipzig with his wife and two small daughters, Karolina and Sofia, and in the company with his sister and her husband they came to America. They came to Scotland in Dakota Territory where Mr. Lemke's sister and brother-in-law had located and where they stayed until they could make further plans. They could find no land there, so they bought a cow and two oxen. They bought a wagon and the two families packed their belongings into it and started to look for a family of acquaintances who had come to Dickey Co. about two months earlier. This was the Freimuth family. The direction was pointed out to them, and the number of miles given, but they had no map, no trail, and no knowledge of the language. They traveled two days before they came to a dugout where they could get a drink of water. Soon their provisions ran out, but they came to another dugout where by means of signs they were able to get some bread. It was a hard treck, but they finally reached their destination. Leaving their families on the prairie, the men walked over to the Freimuth house to get their location, then went back to get their families. It was about the 12 of July when Mr. Lemke finally landed at the place where he made his home, fifteen miles south of where later the city of Kulm came to be built. Mr. Lemke and his brother-in-law got busy and cut sod and mixed clay and grass and put up the walls of a dirt house making it 16 by 24 feet with two rooms, one the living room and the other the kitchen. They got some lumber for the doors and window frames and boards for the roof. They covered the roof-boards with tar paper and put sod on top of the paper. They also built a room on one end of the house on which they put a brush and sod roof to shelter the animals. They also dug a well twenty five feet deep and curbed it with field stones. Later this well went dry and Mr. Lemke moved half a mile east where there is a natural spring in a valley from which the township gets its name, Spring Valley Township. This is the place where the buildings are located now. With the buildings up, both Mr. and Mrs. Lemke went down to Ellendale and worked for Frank Wilson. Mr. Lemke got $25.00 a month and Mrs. Lemke got $3.00 a week for doing the housework. When Mr. Lemke wasn't working for pay he cut hay with the scythe and hauled it to Ellendale, and sold it for $1.50 a load. On the hay hauling he used oxen and the distance of 28 miles took two days to make the round trip. Mr. Lemke and the older children also picked buffalo bones with which the hills were strewn in those days, and hauled them to Ellendale and sold them. The second summer they worked for Mr. Wilson again, but also did some sod-breaking for themselves. They didn't have much of a crop that year. Mr. Henneberg, a neighbor, cut Mr. Lemke's crop for 75 cents an acre. Dan Grosz from 18 miles north came down with a horsepower threshing machine and did the threshing. On this horse-power rig they used some horses and some oxen. Mr. Lemke was in Dickey County several years before he had seen a cat or chickens. Then several years later he was near Edgeley and saw some geese, and bought them as the children had never seen a goose. Mr. Lemke built a heating stove made of cracked limestone fragments mixed with clay which heated or burned becomes hard. The top and return flue were supported by scrap iron. After the death of his wife on November 9, 1930, Mr. Lemke went to Europe to visit his old home and relatives and friends. After his return on June 15, 1935, he continued to live on the farm. On June 7, 1936 he married Justina Brenneise. Mr. Lemke retired in 1943 and moved to Ellendale. After suffering a light stroke he was taken to the Old People's Home in Eureka, S.D. Here he died May 30, 1948, at the age of 86 years. Eleven children were born to the Lemke family. Two children preceded Mr. Lemke in death. The living children are: Karoline, Mrs. George Nill, Merricourt; Henry, Wishek; Dr. S.A. Lemke, Lemont, Ill.; Rudolph, Forbes, N.D.; Emiel, Chicago, Ill.; Lydia, Mrs. Gust Boettcher, Wishek; Bertha, Mrs. Arthur Krein, Kulm; Salome, Mrs. Sidney C. Tobey, Boulder, Colorado. 167. LINDBLOM, ANDERS & ELIZABETH (Holm) [picture] Anders Lindblom was born in Sweden, in 1844. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Margareta Holm in the fall of 1872 in Narsjo [Norsjo], Vasterbattenslan [Vasterbotten], Sweden. They immigrated to the U.S. in the summer of 1887, coming by the way of Ellendale, N. Dak., to Norden Township, then known as Norway Township. The family consisted of father and mother, and sons, John, Jacob, Gust, Olaf, Peter August, and Anders Frederick and two daughters, Eva Margareta and Mathilda. Three sons, Conrad, Carl, and Nels were born in Norway Township. They lived in a lumber shanty while building a sod house which was completed in 1888. Several years later they built the house that is now located on the farm where they settled, lived, and farmed during their lifetime. Mr. Lindblom passed away in 1920 and Mrs. Lindblom in 1921. They were members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church and Swedish Baptist Church respectively. Only two children survive: Mrs. Jonas (Eva) Erickson, Port Coquittan, B.C. and Conrad of St. Paul, Minn. 168. LINDGREN, ANTON [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lindgren were born in Vasterbotten, Sweden. Mr. Lindgren was born October 12, 1845 and Mrs. Lindgren on March 24, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lindgren with their four sons, Peter, Oscar, Carl and Jacob, immigrated to this country in 1885. They spent the first year in the Oakes area. In June of 1886, they and the families of Anton Bjur, and Charles and L.J. Lindgren, arrived in the Kulm area. They chose to settle in an area about five or six miles north of what is now Kulm. That area was entirely unsettled and they hoped that many of their relatives and neighbors from Sweden would join them here. Quite a number of them did come later and the Swede settlement grew to considerable size. There was no town of Kulm then and mail was brought to the Bjur home which served as a postoffice and was named Newburg. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lindgren took much interest in the welfare of the community. Mr. Lindgren helped to organize the Swede School District. Mrs. Lindgren, even in Sweden, had developed much skill in caring for the sick and this ability was often called upon in the pioneer homes. The nearest doctor was in LaMoure, so in any kind of weather she would go to help those in need. News of this ability spread to outlaying areas wherever there was a need and though the languages were sometimes different they found a way to understand each other. Mr. and Mrs. Lindgren were sincere Christians and from the very first Sunday here they joined with their neighbors in gathering for worship. They were both faithful members of the Kulm Baptist Church. Another son, Conrad, was the first boy born in Swede Township. Mrs. Lindgren died in 1908 and Mr. Lindgren shortly thereafter when to Sweden where he died in 1914. 169. LINDGREN, CARL [picture] Carl J. Lindgren was born in Vasterbotten, Sweden, December 31, 1876. Mr. Lindgren came with his parents to the United States in 1885 to the Oakes community and in 1886 to what is now known as Swede Township. Mrs. Lindgren was also born in Sweden on November 3, 1883 and came with her parents to the Kulm vicinity in 1893. They were married January 26, 1902 by Rev. Hans Blomgren at the home of the Anton Lindgrens. Mr. Lindgren worked on the railroad as it was being laid into Kulm. They have been life time members of the Kulm Baptist Church. In 1952 they moved into the city of Kulm where they are now living. This union was blessed with eight children. The oldest daughter, Edna died in 1921. The living children are: Harold, Selah, Wash.; Donald, Yakima, Wash.; Virginia, Mrs. John Davidson, Minneapolis, Minn.; Pauline, Sylvia, Carlton, and Milton all are living in Kulm. 170. LINDGREN, JACOB & MATHILDA (Lindblom) [picture] Jacob Lindgren was born in Sweden. He came to the United States in 1885 and spent about one year at Oakes, N.D. He came to the Kulm vicinity in June of 1886. He spent his early years on his parent's farm. In the fall of 1910, he went to Canada, seeking employment. He was employed in a sawmill and while working there he had the misfortune of having his right hand cut off. He returned to Kulm and operated his own farm, in spite of his handicap. In 1920 he was united in marriage to Mathilda Lindblom of Kulm. Two sons were born to them: Randolph of Minneapolis, Minn. And Stanford of Kulm, N.D. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lindgren were faithful members of the Kulm Baptist Church until their death. Mr. Lindgren died April 16, 1952 and Mrs. Lindgren died February 17, 1950. 171. LINDGREN, NELS & MAGGIE (Malm) [picture] Nels Conrad Lindgren was born August 14, 1887 in what is now Swede Township. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lindgren, who were among the first settlers north of Kulm. Nels was the first baby boy born in the settlement and in one of the first frame houses built. The original house still stands as part of the house on his farm which he still owns and operated. Mrs. Lindgren was born September 29, 1887 in Vaster bottens Lan [Vasterbotten], Sweden as Maggie Malm. She came to the United States in 1899 with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Otto Malm who were among the first settlers in Ray Township. Maggie became Mrs. Lindgren on July 6, 1910. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lindgren have grown up with the community and town and have witnessed the many changes brought along with the years. They moved into the city of Kulm in the fall of 1952 and are members of the Kulm Assembly of God Church. The Lindgrens have two children, Alvin and Rose Marie, both at home in Kulm. 172. LINDGREN, OSCAR & HALFRID (Smith) [picture] Oscar A. Lindgren was born in Sweden on September 29, 1875. He came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lindgren in 1885 and spent a short time at Oakes, N.D. In 1886 they came to the Kulm vicinity and in 1903 Mr. Lindgren bought land and began farming for himself. In June 1914 he was united in marriage to Halfrid Smith. He farmed until 1926 and moved with his family to LaMoure, N.D. in 1927. He died on July 13, 1937. His widow resides in Minneapolis, Minn. They were blessed with three children: Eileen Lindgren, Washington, D.C.; Lilith, Mrs. Norman Franks, Minneapolis, Minn.; and Audry Lindgren, Hot Springs, Arkansas. 173. LINDGREN, PETER & BETSY (Erickson) [picture] Peter Lindgren was born in Sweden in the year 1873. He was united in marriage to Betsy Erickson in 1896 in Kulm. Mrs. Lindgren was born in Sweden in 1871. Mr. Lindgren immigrated to the United States in 1885 and settled at Oakes, N.D. After being employed by a railroad company for several years, he moved in 1897 and homesteaded on a quarter section of land six miles north of Kulm. On this farm they enjoyed the hardships, trials, and the joys that are associated with pioneer life. In March of 1928 Mr. Lindgren passed away after a lingering illness. Mrs. Lindgren is still living and enjoying fair health although she is 86 years old. This union was blessed with eight children. Two of them died in infancy. The living children are: Vivian Lindgren, Gunnar Lindgren, Manfred Lindgren, Vernon Lindgren and Edwin Lindgren all of Kulm, N.D.; also Bert Lindgren who lives in Yakima, Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Lindgren were members of the Kulm Baptist Church. Mrs. Lindgren is one of the oldest living members. 174. LUNDGREN, SIGNAR & JENNIE (Lundstrom) [picture] Mrs. Lundgren (Jennie Lundstrom) was the first girl born in Swede Township. She was born there 70 years ago this May 12. Signar Lundren came to America in March of 1909. After working in Wyoming and Oregon for a year and a half he came to Swede Township in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Lundgren were married on July 1, 1912. Their reception was held in a newly built granary. Except for the four years they homesteaded at Parshall, N.D., Signar and Jennie Lundgren have lived in Norden Township where they are still actively engaged in farming. Of their family of nine children, seven are living in the Kulm area: Edwin, Robert, Evelyn, Caroline, Mrs. Edwin Lindgren; Rose, Mrs. Carlton Lindgren; Erma, Mrs. Milton Lindgren; Esther, Mrs. Vernon Lindgren; and Mildred, Mrs. Arthur Anderson, who lives at Kidder, S.D. One son, Clarence passed away at the age of 27 years in April of 1948. Mr. and Mrs. Lundgren are active members of the Kulm Baptist Church. In 1946 Mr. Lundgren made a trip back to his native Sweden to visit his sisters, brothers and other relatives, whom he had not seen for 37 years. Since his trip a brother Henning and his family and a nephew have made their home in the Kulm area. 175. LUNDSTROM, PETER & ELIZABETH (Holm) [picture] Peter Lundstrom was born in Sweden in 1859. In 1883 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Holm. In 1884 their first child, Tiolinda was born. In the spring of 1885 in company with Andrew Holm they arrived in America, their first home being a few miles east of Oakes, N.D. Later in the year a few men went to look for a better location. In the spring of 1886 they arrived at what is now Swede Township. They had enough lumber and tar paper for the roof of their first sod house. This house was on section 22. In this house 6 boys and 2 girls were born. In the summer of 1890 a well of 75 feet deep was dug by hand, which provided the farm with plenty of water. This well is still in use today. In the fall of 1886 Peter Lundstrom and Carl Nordin walked to Casselton to work on a farm. Their wages were 75 cents a day, total of 27.00 each for the harvest season. They walked to Edgeley and bought 50 pounds of flour, sugar, coffee and salt which they carried on their backs to their homes, 15 miles west of Edgeley. The storekeeper offered them a pound of smoking tobacco and a corn-cob pipe for 7 cents, which they bought. But when they got home, Mrs. Lundstrom made him throw it away. He never smoked after that. In 1887 he broke up some land and seeded some grain. The crop was poor, and having one cow, food and milk was scarce. Several times the ladies met, and prayed together for milk for the children. Later after a stormy night they found seven heifers by their little barn. They had no idea where they came from, and they divided them among their neighbors. Jennie, Mrs. Signar Lundgren, was the first child born in Swede Township. Four of the ten children are still living: Emil and Tillie in Canada; Jennie and Jacob at Kulm, N.D. Mr. and Mrs. Lundstrom passed away in 1928. 176. MALIN, ASA & LILLIE (Bowlus) [picture] Mr. Malin was born in Christian County, Ill., January 20, 1861 and was of English-Scotch descent. He was educated in the public schools of his neighborhood and at Pierce's Business College in Keokuk, Iowa. He took up his residence in Kulm in 1899. Not only here, but throughout North Dakota and the northwest he was known as "Malin the Land Man". This title he received for his ability and facilities for handling large real estate transactions. He also served as judge in Kulm. He was at one time editor of the Kulm Messenger and had the only livery stable in Kulm in his time and also owned one of the first automobiles, a "White Steamer". Mr. Malin was married to Miss Lillie Bowlus of Kinsley, Kansas, on April 15, 1885. She passed away April 7, 1909 leaving three children: Bert B., Daisy A., and A. Cleveland. Mr. Malin married the present Mrs. Malin in 1912, and after living in Kulm for about two years left to make their home in various places eventually taking up residence in Oakland, California in 1933 where Mr. Malin passed away in June of 1936. His wife and son Bert continue to make their home in California. The son Bert from whom this information was obtained was born in Kinsley, Kansas, April 7, 1886. He came to Kulm with his mother, brother and sister, the summer of 1900. He filed on a homestead in April of 1907, and went to live on the homestead that fall and taught school that winter 12 miles west of Kulm. After he proved up on the claim he was first to have an automobile agency in Kulm handling the Brush car. Bert, Peter J. Burfening, Gottfried Grosz and Matilda Sperling were the first graduating class in 1903 of the Kulm High School. In 1910 he had the Rural Mail Route out of Kulm, serving the community to the north. Daisy A., was born in Kinsley, Kansas February 13, 1889. She received her educational training in Kulm after which she attended the University of North Dakota. In 1910 she married H.E. Ross who at that time was employed by J.A.T. Bjornson, and passed away March 7, 1930. A. Cleveland Malin is married and still living in North Dakota and has been principal of various schools since graduating from college. 177. MALM, DANIEL & MARIA (Lundstrom) [picture] Daniel Malm was born in Kvammarm, Vesterbotten [Vasterbotten], Sweden, September 12, 1848. He married Maria Euphrosena Lundstrom, born in Sweden February 14, 1848. In 1887 they left Sweden with five children, Erick born in 1876, Andrew 1878, Tilda 1880, Reynold 1882, and Gust 1884. The ocean voyage took six weeks during which time a daughter, Arizona, was born. They came to Edgeley by train and settled in what is now Swede Township, with $35 left to get started. They lived with Anton Lindgrens who also had a large family. They got their sod house built that same summer on his homestead about 8 miles north of what is now Kulm. There the youngest daughter, Hilma, was born in 1890. The first fall he worked at Edgeley, hauling water for a steam threshing rig, receiving the two oxen he had used as pay. The Malms, like other early settlers had many hardships. There were fierce blizzards and terrible prairie fires to contend with. For fuel they burned hay. The first oxen and cows were lost when the barn made of hay and lumber burned down. They had an abundance of daily products but had no market for them, until later when Kulm was established, then they could sell butter. The children had to walk 3 miles to school which left little energy for study. The first teacher was a Mrs. LeWright. Every member of the family did his part. Mr. Malm worked on the railroad for sometime. On a week end he walked home from Jamestown to see how his family was faring. The children did cattle herding. Being open country all around they took in cattle for $1 per head and horses at $2 for the season. They built a shack and corral at the LeWright spring where they camped. Mrs. Malm as well as other women of the community sheared sheep as far away as Fredonia area, for 7 cents a lb. They purchased a two room wooden structure from Heffelfing, a sheep rancher, farther east which replaced their sod house. In 1901 they moved this house to Andrew's homestead 9 miles north of Kulm, where they later built a larger home and resided until their death. Daniel Malm died February 21, 1921 and Mrs. Malm died December 8, 1936. Following his mother's death, Andrew, unmarried, lived with his brother Gust and his family on a nearby farm, moving with them to Kulm in 1948, where he passed away in 1956. The children are: Erick, deceased, married to Christine Erickson; Reynold, deceased married to Ida Lind; Gust, living, married to Alma Holmquist; Hilma deceased, married to Tel Johnson; Tilda, deceased, married to John Ogren; Arizona, married to Gottfried Ogren. 178. MALM, OTTO [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Malm were both born in Sweden. They were married in 1855. They immigrated to the U.S. in the summer of 1889. When they first arrived in the U.S., they worked for an America, Fred Peak, a bachelor, living near Medberry, N.D., to earn enough money to get a start. They couldn't speak each others' language at all to begin with, but the Malm family believed it was their duty to become familiar with the language of their new home as soon as possible, and Mr. Peak was a good teacher. He taught Mrs. Malm both how to speak and read the language, using as a textbook, an American cookbook. After a couple of years with Mr. Peak, they settled in Ray Township. Their first home was a sod house, and in 1904 they built a large frame home, which is now owned and occupied by the Kurtz. Prairie fires were a real dread and threat in those days and many were the times when they fought fires for days in order to save both their own and their neighbors' property. Mr. Malm used to take in and herd cattle for the other settlers during the summers, and visits from cattle rustlers were not uncommon, sometimes they were successful while other times he was able to frighten them off. One night in particular he would recall, there was no time to dress but out he went and gave chase on foot and saved the entire herd. The Melms retired from farming in 1914 and moved to Swede Township. Mrs. Malm passed away in 1924 and Mr. Malm passed away in 1937. Mr. Malm served many years on school boards in Ray Township. They were both very active in the work of the church and were among the founders of the Kulm Gospel Tabernacle. Seven children were born to this union: Maggie, Mrs. N.C. Lindgren of Kulm; Gussie, Mrs. Carl Carlson of Kulm; Deffie, deceased; Hannah, Mrs. Simon Sjostrom, deceased; Esther, Mrs. Peter Sjostrom, deceased and Vernon, now of Waterford, Wisconsin. 179. MCSWEENEY, LONA (Grosz) Lona Grosz McSweeny was born December 5, 1898 in Kulm, N.D. She moved to California in 1921, with an aunt Mrs. P.J. Burfening, formerly Emma Grosz, daughter of John Grosz. Lona was a secretary for four years. She was married in 1926. Her husband passed away in 1935, after which she again took up secretarial work and has been working for a Health Food concern ever since. She has one son William and a grandson, Timmy, who is now 16 months old. Her son lives in Montrose, California, where he is associated with the Telephone Co. He spent two years in the Air Force. Mrs. McSweeny makes her home at 614 West Wilson, Glendale, California, just a few miles from her son. 180. MELICHER, JOHN & MARY (Fiel) [picture] Mr. John Melicher was born August 18, 1867 in Chicago, Ill. At the age of eighteen he came to Eureka, South Dakota and was married to Miss Mary Fiel. To this union were born four children, Annie, now Mrs. Walt Ware of Kulm, Joe of California, John and Gertie, the latter two dying in infancy. In 1895 Mr. Melicher and family moved to Kulm where he worked in a harness shop owned by Louis Guthmueller. Later he opened a harness shop of his own. In 1915 he formed a partnership with his son Joe and Albert Riese under the firm name of John Melicher and Sons. The business expanded and implements were added to the business. Mrs. Melicher passed away in 1915. In 1916 the Melichers became the Ford Car dealers and with the growing business there was seen a need for a larger and better building leading to the construction of an up-to-date brick building which is still the Ford Garage owned by Dan Hoffman. They sturdy structure will serve as a memory of these three prominent business men in the community of Kulm for many years. In 1918 Mr. Melicher was united in marriage to Tillie Shortell of Napoleon. Mr. Melicher met death in a tragic way when he was killed in a car accident between Kulm and Fredonia in the year of 1926. 181. MILLER, GOTTLIEB [picture] Mr. Miller was born June 7, 1880 in Mansberg, Russia and Mrs. Miller was born August 19, 1879 at Tripp, S.D. They were married May 15, 1899. Mr. Miller settled at Kulm when a child. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were in the restaurant business in Lehr and Kulm. Mr. Miller passed away November 14, 1912. After his death Mrs. Miller continued in business until her retirement. Mrs. Miller made Kulm her home until her death in April 20, 1955. Two children were born to the Millers: Fern, Mrs. W.D. Bugby, 322 Busch Terrace, Minneapolis, Minn., and Harris J. Miller, 540 Sunset Place, Bismarck, N.D. 182. MILLER, JOHN & CHRISTINA (Esslinger) John H. Miller was born February 17, 1882 in Leipzig, Bessarabia, South Russia. When he was 20 years of age he left his home with the consent of his parents and came to America. He came to North Dakota in 1902 and obtained labor in Kulm. He worked as a railroad laborer for one year and later as a carpenter's helper for Christ Flaig. In 1904-1095 he helped in the building of the first Congregational Church. He homesteaded a short time near Elgin, N.D. and again returned to Kulm where he was united in marriage to Christina Esslinger on January 1, 1907. They returned to Elgin and lived there until 1911, when they returned to Kulm and settled on a farm 14 miles south of Kulm. Here they farmed until their retirement in 1945, when their son Herbert took over the farm and they moved to town. While in Kulm he has served as alderman for his ward. They are members of the Congregational Church Eight children were born to this union: Henry of Kulm; Bertha, Mrs. Ernest Brandenburger, Kulm, N.D.; Elsie, Mrs. Harry Nathan, Calif.; Martha, Mrs. Andrew Kinzler, Kulm, N.D.; Esther, Mrs. Otto Schott, Kulm, N.D.; Lydia, Mrs. Edwin Broz, Kulm, N.D.; Herbert, Ellendale, N.D.; Ruth, Mrs. Lyle Herman, Kulm, N.D. 183. MOGCK, CHRIST & KATHERINE (Jenner) Christ Mogck, better known as C.B. Mogck was born in Parkston, S.D. January 29, 1881 and was married to Katherine Jenner May 8, 1904. Mr. Mogck homesteaded with his parents near Goodrich, N.D. and worked for his uncle in a hardware store in 1901. One year after he was married he secured a farm in Pomona View Township near Kulm. C.B. stayed on his farm until 1927, at which time he sold out and bought the Pruetz Elevator in Kulm which he operated ten years. In 1927 he was elected Country Commissioner for five years, identified with the Nonpartisan League. C.B. was named to fill the unexpired term of State Representative Milton R. Young in 1945. He was also an agent for the Mutual Insurance Co. He also served on the building committee of the present First Congregational Church. The Mogck family was blessed with nine children of which two died in infancy, they were Walter and Bertha. The living children are: Herbert E. Mogck, Kulm, N.D.; I.E. Mogck, Kulm, N.D.; Erna Fedje, 215 S. 3rd St. Patterson, Calif.; Ella Buerkle, Kulm, N.D.; Ruby Gackle, Kulm, N.D.; Henrietta Borth, 1074 East Elmwood Ave, Burbank, Calif.; Raymond Mogck, Grafton, N.D. Mr. Mogck died March 7, 1952, of a heart attack and Mrs. Mogck is making her home with a daughter Mrs. Albert Buerkle, Kulm, N.D. 184. MOGCK, CHRISTIAN & ANNA MARIE (Miller) Christian Mogck was born in Mansburg, South Russia, October 14, 1856. There he grew up to manhood in a Christian home to the age of 20 years. In 1877 he was united to Anna Marie Miller who was born January 2, 1859 in Semine, South Russia. She moved with her parents to Denewitz, South Russia. Their first child, Christine, was born in Russia. In 1879 they immigrated to the United States of America, making their home in Hutchinson County, Parkston, S.D. There a sod house was built with very little money. They farmed and worked very hard to make a living. After twenty years in South Dakota they moved to Kulm, N.D., LaMoure County in 1899, settling seven and one-half miles northeast, there they built a home of lumber. In 1914 they moved into Kulm where they resided until their death. As pioneers they will be remembered as a family of faith, hope and love. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mogck, of which nine are deceased. Mr. Mogck died March 15, 1928, and Mrs. Mogck passed away April 17, 1940. The living children are: Mathilda, Mrs. Jonathan Meyer, Jamestown, N.D.; Ida, Mrs. Gotthilf Miller, Dryden, Wash.; Johanna, Mrs. Rev. H.J. Stroh, Greeley, Colo. 185. MONTANEY, GEORGE George Risley Montaney was born April 17, 1868 in Ixonia, Jefferson County, Wis. He lived there until he was twenty-four years old. He came first to what is now South Dakota, living in Kingsburg County for five years where he married a Dakota girl October 31, 1897. After a few more years in South Dakota he came to Kulm in 1902 and homesteaded in German Township. His father died when George was just a young man, leaving his mother and two other brothers. George being the oldest child, provided a home for his mother and children. After coming to German Township Mr. Montaney built one of the best homes in the community. Teachers were scarce as they would not come and live in a mud house, because of the fact that Montaneys had a suitable home, teachers were lodged there for 22 years. Mrs. Montaney herself was a teacher, and their fine library and musical facilities made their home a desirable boarding place. Mr. Montaney kept gentle horses so the teachers were given transportation to and from school without extra charge. Mr. Montaney took a great interest in improving conditions in the township. He was road overseer for 15 years. He also had a part in the construction of the telephone lines and establishing a mail route. In spite of Mr. Montaney's advanced age, he still likes to travel, but he still prefers this part of the country. 186. MUELLER, ALBERT & ADELINE (Miller) [picture] Mr. Albert Mueller was born on a farm south of Kulm in 1904. He lived on a farm until 1912 when he moved to Idaho. He came back in 1916, lived in Kulm that winter then moved back on the farm seven miles south of Kulm, with his parents. He was married to Adeline Miller in 1932. They moved to Edgeley in 1937 and worked for the State. They moved back to Kulm in 1939 where they have lived ever since. Mr. Mueller now operates the dray line in Kulm, hauling the U.S. mail to and from the depot. They have four children: Marlin and Raymond at Jamestown; Darlene and Dennis at home. 187. MUELLER, DAVID Sr. & ELISABETHA (Neumann) [picture] David Mueller and Elisabetha Neumann immigrated from Kulm, South Russia to this country in December of 1893. They were united in marriage, a few days after their arrival on December 25, 1893, by the Rev. Baumann in the Gnadenfeldt Congregational Church of Kulm. They then homesteaded five and one-half miles northwest of Kulm. The site is just north of the present John C. Buerkle from. Mr. and Mrs. Mueller toiled the pioneer way. They tilled their land with oxen. They drove by ox-cart to Ellendale to get such essentials as flour and cornmeal. The trip usually took from two to three days. Mr. and Mrs. Mueller later moved to Streeter and lived there until 1907 when they returned to Kulm and settled on a farm one mile west of Kulm. This farm is now known as the Edwin Mueller farm. Here they lived until 1928 when they built a home in Kulm and retired from farming. This union was blessed with seven children, two of whom have passed away. They are: Martha Mueller, Eureka, S.D.; Otto Mueller, San Francisco, Calif.; Gotthilf Mueller, Tacoma, Wash.; David Jr. and Edwin, Kulm, N.D. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mueller have passed away. Mr. Mueller died December 22, 1950 and Mrs. Mueller died February 25, 1953. 188. MUELLER, JOHN [picture] John Mueller was born in Kulm, South Russia in the year of 1857. He married Minnie Mueller in Russia and the couple immigrated to the U.S. in the year 1886 and homesteaded in McIntosh County. The first years of homesteading were not easy and many eventful things are recalled. The year 1867 brought one of the worst prairie fires. After the fire, Mrs. Mueller took a butcher knife and cut brush that was left by the fire to use for kindling as all wood was destroyed. It was recalled the following winter brought a bad snow storm that lasted for three days. The snow covered all the buildings on the farm and with only the house chimney showing. Mr. Mueller had to shovel the snow from the kitchen of the house in order to save the family. Mr. Mueller and his boys hunted the prairies for animal bones that were taken and sold in Ellendale, the closets town. It was not known what these were used for. The Muellers had ten children. Still living are: Mrs. Mathilda Siewert of Kulm; Nathaniel of Ashley, N.D.; Lydia Jenner of Rapid City, South Dakota; Mrs. Martha Everhardt of Web City, Mo.; and Gust of Lodi, California. Being deeply religious folks, the Mueller home was always open to those who wanted to worship. Visiting pastors often stayed in the home and it was here the First Congregational Church in North Dakota was organized. This was in the year of 1887. This congregation was later known as the Gnadenfeld church. The first resident pastor to serve was a Rev. Hess and later the church was served by the pastors from the town of Kulm. 189. MUND, GOTTHILF & ANN (Munsch) [picture] Gotthilf Mund was born July 28, 1884, in Beresina, South Russia and came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Mund, at the age of two years. Ann Munsch was born September 30, 1888, at Scotland, S.D. She came to Kulm at the age of twelve. She grew to womanhood on her father's farm ten miles west of Kulm, N.D. Gotthilf Mund and Anna Munsch were united in marriage on November 26, 1907. They settled on a farm 18 miles southwest of Kulm. Thirteen years later they purchased the Jacob Munsch farm six miles southwest of Fredonia. They were engaged in farming until Mr. Mund's death on October 16, 1939, after which Mrs. Mund purchased a home in Kulm and has lived here ever since. They were blessed with seven children: Edwin, Ashley, N.D.; Edna, Mrs. Harold Frederick, West Fargo, N.D.; Lawrence, of Kulm, N.D.; Esther, Mrs. Ben L. Clirie, of Yoncalla, Ore.; Roland, Mandan, N.D.; Kenneth, Horace, N.D.; and Marvin, Whapeton, N.D. Lawrence, Roland and Kenneth served in the Armed Forces in World War II. Marvin served in the Navy in the Korean Conflict. 190. MUNDT, JACOB & KATHERINE (Reich) [picture] Jacob G. Mundt was born May 12, 1879 in Beresina, Russia. He came to this country in 1886. Together with his parents they settled twelve miles south of Fredonia. Mr. Mundt lived the life of the pioneer during his boyhood. Their first living quarters was a tent 6 by 8 feet in which eight persons lived, including a baby. The cooking was done over a stove built of stone. Heavy weeds were used as fuel and later a stove was built into a hillside. Water was carried from a lake which was a short distance from their tent house. Oxen were used to break the land and two cows provided the milk, cream and cheese. Like many settlers of that time they were ready to share what they had with others. Their home was only large enough for one bed and the children usually slept under the bed on the floor. Other people who stayed with them had to find lodging in a wagon box and were often forced to move into the tent when rain storms came. Eventually a sod house was built 6 by 20 feet. This home served as a church for those in the territory who wanted to worship. A layman usually conducted these worship services. The Mundts often picked buffalo bones and took them to Ellendale to be sold and a few essentials were bought such as flour which was the most important part of the diet. This trip usually took them three days and many times there was no food left when they returned home. Snow was often so deep that the oxen would become stuck in the deep drifts. Mr. Mundt was united in marriage to Katherine Reich on December 6, 1911. After their marriage they settled three miles west of Fredonia where they lived until 1947 when they moved to Fredonia. In 1952 they took up their residence in Kulm. Ten children were born to this union: Esther, Mrs. Oscar Schill, Leola, S.D.; Emgard, Mrs. Edwin Leobo, Leola, S.D.; Lenhardt, of Fredonia, N.D.; Wilbert, Aberdeen, S.D.; Adeline, Mrs. Theo. Opp, Long Lake, S.D.; Alma, Aberdeen, S.D.; Ervin, Wahpeton, N.D.; Clifford, Rockford, Ill.; and Stella deceased. 191. NETZ, DANIEL & MARIA (Keller) [picture] Daniel Netz was born in NeuElft, South Russia on August 26, 1868. At the age of 20 he left for the United States and came to North Dakota in 1888. After he became of age he filed on a homestead, eight miles south of Fredonia, where he started farming for himself. In June of 1888, he was united in marriage with Maria Keller, who also immigrated from NeuElft, South Russia. Many happy and unhappy days were spent on the old homestead. In 1928, Mr. and Mrs. Netz retired from farming and moved to Fredonia, where they lived until 1948, when Mr. Netz passed away. Mrs. Netz is living with her children in the Kulm vicinity. She is 82 years of age. Mr. Netz held the office of deacon of the Congregational Church for 28 years and Sunday School teacher for nine years. This union was blessed with 13 children of which 11 are living. They are as follows: Theodore, Kulm, N.D.; Hermina, Mrs. John Fregien, Kulm, N.D.; Christina, Mrs. Ted Sandau, Olympia, Washington; Harold, Gackle, N.D.; John, Kulm; Nathaniel, Monango; Albert, Kulm; Adaline, Mrs. Ed Smally, Fredonia; Viola, Mrs. Paul Siewert, Olympia, Washington; Lorene, Mrs. Melvin Pagel, Wheatland, N.D.; Dena, Mrs. Dan Billigmeier, Lehr, N.D.; and Lillian, Mrs. Ray Gumke, Gackle, preceded them in death. 192. NILL, CHRIST & MARV (Herman) [picture] Mrs. Christ Nill (nee Marv Herman) was born November 23, 1891 at Beresina, So. Russia. She accompanied her parents and sisters to America in March of 1898. The family lived with friends, Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Dobler until her parents located a homestead six miles southeast of Kulm. They built a barn of sod in which they lived until they finished a two room sod house. Their first meal on the homestead was cooked outside, because the house did not have a chimney. When they came here there were many hardships and many times very little food for the family. Her father bought one milk cow and two horses. He took the horses and went to work for some people near Edgeley and many times while he was gone they had no food to eat. At one time while he was gone they had nothing left at all in the house. The door on their house was open and a prairie chicken flew right into the house. They caught it and killed it and again had a meal to eat. When they first came to Kulm there wasn't a schoolhouse any place, so the children were not able to go to school until they were about ten years old. When Mrs. Nill was 22 years old she went to do Nurses Aid at the Oakes Hospital and took care of her sister who was a patient there. On October 29th, 1915 she was married to Christ Nill and lived on the Jacob Nill farm five miles south of Kulm, N.D. In 1928 they purchased their own farm on which they lived until 1954 when they moved to Kulm. They had five children, they are: Ruth, Mrs. Emil Janke, Kulm, N.D.; Anita, Mrs. Ray Anderson, 5436 Bryant Ave. So., Minneapolis, Minn.; Ione, Mrs. Gilbert Schaeffer, Tripp, S.D.; Roy Nill, Kulm, N.D.; Edgar Nill, 8120 Blaisdell Ave. So., Minneapolis, Minn. 193. NILL, GEORGE & KAROLENA (Lemke) [picture] Mr. George Nill was born May 28, 1882 in Beresina, Bessarabia. He was baptized May 30th of the same year. He was confirmed on April 6, 1897 in the town of Klostitz [Kloestitz] in Bessarabia by Pastor J. Peters. He came to America with his brother-in-law Friedrich Goehner and his sister Anne Marie. The party landed in Kulm, North Dakota on New Years Day 1897. Mr. Nill settled on a homestead sixteen miles southeast of Kulm in the year 1904. He married Karolena Lemke on January 29, 1905. They were married by Rev. M. Treiber in a school house in Dickey County. The Nills lived on this farm for 39 years through good years and bad years. In the year of 1912 they harvested their biggest crop in all of the thirty nine. After that there was a stretch of bad years. One year they hailed out completely. And for several years after that they hailed out partly. Then came the dry years with 7 complete crop failures. During this time they nearly lost everything. But then the rains came again and they soon paid off all their debts. While they lived on the farm the Nills were members of the Hoffnungsfeld Church where Mr. Nill served as Deacon and as Sunday School Superintendent for many years, while Mrs. Nill and the children were active in the Ladies Aid and the Sunday School. In the year 1912 the Kulm church had the General Conference of the Congregational Church. Mr. Nill butchered a sheep and Mrs. Nill took all her bedding and dishes to Kulm on the Monday before the conference began. This was done to help feed and take care of the many delegates and visitors that came to the Conference. The Soo ran a special train from Hankinson to Kulm to accommodate these people. The kitchen was arranged upstairs in the Gackle store, and everybody had meals and a place to sleep all free of charge. On the first of October in 1942, Mr. and Mrs. Nill moved to the town of Merricourt. At this time all of their four children had married and left home. They now also transferred their church membership to the First Congregational Church of Merricourt. Here again Mr. Nill served as Deacon and as a delegate to the conference and brotherhood meetings, while Mrs. Nill served as a Sunday School teacher. On Sunday, October 31, 1954 the Nills celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, or "Golden Wedding". It was also Mrs. Nill's 70th birthday. The day was observed by a special program in the church, after which Mr. and Mrs. Nill, their four children with wives and husbands, their 8 grand children and one great grandchild, as well as many friends and well-wishers gathered in the church basement where all enjoyed a lunch served by the Ladies Aid. George Nill died on November 20, 1956, and was buried November 23, in the Kulm cemetery. Rev. J. Hoersch officiating. 194. NILL, JACOB & FREDEREKA (Hille) [picture] Coming to America in 1884, Jacob Nill settled at Scotland, S.D. He was born June 5, 1864 in Beresina, South Russia. In 1887 he married Fredereka Hille. In 1888 they came as some of the early pioneers to North Dakota and settled six miles south of Kulm, building and living in a sod cabin. Ellendale was the nearest source of food supply and oxen and cows were used as means of transportation as well as for plowing and seeding. In 1889 they became members of the Gnadenfeld Congregational Church. In 1905 they moved to Kulm, transferring their membership to the First Congregational Church and remained faithful members until their death. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nill, Mathilda Nill who passed away in 1956; Mrs. Solomon Hildebrand (Fredereka) Kulm; Mrs. Martin Erberle (Emily) Minneapolis, Minn., deceased since 1950; Mrs. Adolph Smith (Ida) Kulm, N.D. 195. NILSEN, ANDREAS & KJIRSTI (Kjos) [picture] Andreas Nilsen was born at Krosera, Norway on January 29, 1868. There in 1896 he was married to Kjirsti Kjos, who was born April 16, 1878. In 1908 Andreas and Kjirsti Nilsen and their three small children came to America. They spent their first year with friends in Forman, N.D. where Mr. Nilsen worked as a farm laborer. The following year they went to Kulm where Mr. Nilsen engaged in carpenter work until he started farming on Jens Wensberg's farm in 1910. In 1923 they purchased a farm 4 miles north of Kulm which was their home until Mr. Nilsen passed away December 20, 1937. Mrs. Nilsen is now living in St. Cloud, Minnesota. To the Nilsens four children were born: Micholi, Kenosha, Wis.; Olaf and August, St. Cloud, Minn.; and Ragnihild, Mrs. Jim Cherney, of New Brighton, Minnesota. 196. NORDEN, ANTON & ALMA (Erickson) [picture] Anton Norden was born in Narsja [Norsjo], Sweden on July 15, 1864. There he married Alma Erickson in 1890. In the same year they immigrated to the United States of America, where the farm home of their dreams was realized. They settled on section 32 of Raney Township in the state of North Dakota. They were pioneers whose good foresight impelled them to obtain a homestead in untamed prairie, which held many secret forces to be reckoned with. They were one of the first families to settle in Raney Township. That homestead was their home until they retired to spend the remainder of their lives with their sons, Henry and Alfred. Mr. and Mrs. Norden had the following children: Henry and Alfred of Kulm, N.D.; Martin, Aberdeen, S.D.; Helen, Mrs. Sam Rott, Aberdeen, S.D.; Jennie, Mrs. Martin Swenson, deceased; Albin, deceased. 197. NORDEN, CARL & ANNA LOUISA (Anderson) [picture] Carl Norden was born on September 7, 1854 in Norsjo, Vesterbotten [Vasterbotten], Sweden. He was united in marriage to Anna Louisa Anderson on March 12, 1878. She was born March 13, 1852 in Norsjo. They immigrated to the U.S. in the summer of 1886, with their children, Oscar, Annie, and Edla. Their youngest son Edward was born in Kulm on August 11, 1891. Six children died in their infancy. Mr. Norden homesteaded on the farm now owned by Alvin Land. After twelve years of farming, in the spring of 1898, he left for Newdale, Manitoba, Canada in company with the late Jake Lindblom. Annie and Edla accompanied their father. The trip was made with horses and covered wagon. Being in April, it was cold and took a week to make the journey. Mrs. Norden, Edward and Mrs. Lindblom followed later by train to Newdale. Mr. Norden passed away on February 21, 1938 at the age of 83. Mrs. Norden was 88 years old when she died April 24, 1940. Their four children are: Oscar Norden, Minnedosa, Manitoba' Mrs. Annie McNabb, Minnedosa, Manitoba; Mrs. Wm. Edla Manus, Manitoba; and Edward Norden, Nesadale, Manitoba. A grand daughter, Mrs. Edwin Lundgren is now living at Kulm. 198. NORDSTROM, ERICK & EVA (Nilson) [picture] Eva Johanna Nordstrom (nee Nilson) was born August 24, 1867 in Omseli [Amsele], Westerbotten [Vasterbotten], Sweden, and Erick Gustav Nordstrom was born November 5, 1862. They were married April 1, 1889, settling near what is now Kulm, N.D. They took up a homestead about 13 miles north of Kulm where they lived until 1920 when they moved to Los Angeles, Calif. They were the parents of ten children of which the two oldest were born in Sweden. On the farm they struggled for survival against the usual hardships of the poor immigrants from other lands who came to this country without money or any other means than their youth and strength and their will to work and do without and endure the hardships and disappointments that came their way. Two of their ten children died very young, the children are: Agnes Maria Sultan, San Francisco, Calif.; Alma Magdaline Martus, deceased; Astrid Magnhild Hedin, Redwood City, Calif.; Ella Constance Jordan, Nakusp, B.C., Canada; Tillie Caterina Funk, Inglewood, Calif.; Mildred and Aurora, deceased; Ralph Waldo Nordstrom, Vista, California. 199. NOREN, ZACHARIAS & MATHILDE (Lundmark) Zacharias Noren was born July 23, 1866 in Norsjo, Sweden. There he grew to manhood and in 1891 was united in marriage to Mathildo Lundmark. Five children were born to this union: Arthur, residing on the home farm; Elmer, who lives on a farm north of Edgeley; Sigrid at Gresham, Oregon; Ivor of Seattle, Wash.; and Ruth of Grand Forks, North Dakota. In 1905 Mr. Noren immigrated to America, coming directly to Kulm where his sister, Mrs. Erick Bjur, was residing. About a year later he homesteaded northwest of Kulm where his family joined him in 1908. This was his home until they passed away. Mrs. Noren died in June of 1929 and Mr. Noren in August of 1940. Besides farming, Mr. Noren did a great deal of blacksmith work. Constant companions to other hardships during the early years were lack of water, prairie fires and blizzards. Mr. Noren frequently recalled how he and Mr. Wensberg were caught in a blinding blizzard one evening on their sixteen mile drive home from Kulm. After losing all sense of direction and location, Mr. Noren released the reins of the team of broncos which he was driving and the horses instinctively found their way home. 200. NORGREN, ANTON [picture] Anton and Augusta Norgren and their daughter, Freja Norgren of Vesterbotten [Vasterbotten], Sweden came to America with Ludwig Johnson who had gone to Sweden to get them, arriving here in March 1909. They built a house on the Ludwig Johnson farm and Mr. Norgren helped with the farming. Freja Norgren married Ludwig Johnson in August of 1909. In January 1924, Mr. Norgren passed away. The house was then sold and Mrs. Norgren made her home with her daughter and family. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson passed away before Mrs. Norgren and she stayed with her grandchildren on the Johnson farm until her death in October of 1949. 201. NYLAND, GUSTAV [picture] Mr. Nyland was born in Toten, Norway. He was also married at his birthplace. One son, Martin, was born to them in Norway. They arrived at Kindred, N.Dak. in 1884. In 1886 they came to Kulm and filed on a homestead, 3 and one-half miles north of Kulm. They lived in a one room house 12 feet by 16 feet for sometime. This house is still at its original site. All of the farming was done with a yoke of oxen. Mrs. Nyland passed away in 1921 but Mr. Nyland continued to farm until 1923 when he went to live with his son and daughter in Carson, N. Dak. Later he entered the Old Peoples Home in Jamestown and passed away at the ripe age of 86 years. He was buried in Pomona Valley Cemetery, at the north edge of Kulm. This union was blessed with the following children: Mrs. Anna Bouer, Prairie Du Chien, Wis.; Ludwig, Montana; Christ, address unknown; Mrs. Selma Wessel, Leith, No. Dak.; Bottolf, Sentinal Butte, N.Dak.; Martin, Rugby, N. Dak. A grand daughter, Mrs. Caleb Bjur, lives north of Kulm. 202. OGDEN, ARTHUR E. & MATIE (Kenegy) Arthur Ogden was born October 27, 1870 in Ganbies, Ohio. He married Matie Kenegy on January 10, 1892 in Bismarck, N.D., and they moved to the Ogden homestead, five miles west of Ashley. They lived there until leaving for Artas, S.D. in 1901, then in 1902 they came to Kulm where Mr. Ogden managed the Lamb Lumber Company and later the North Star Lumber Company. He built a home in Kulm next to what is now the Martin Gackle residence. He and his family left Kulm in 1912 or 1913 to homestead in Montana, moved after that to Butte, Mont., then to Spokane, Wash., where Mrs. Ogden died in 1945. Mr. Ogden then made his home with his son Bert in Portland, Oregon, but has since passed away. The first vivid remembrance the son Arthur B. (Bruce) has of Kulm is being snowbound in living quarters of the Lamb Lumber Company which was across the tracks from the depot where they remained for three days until they were tunneled out by outside help. He recalls that all stores and homes were buried in snow to roof peak levels, and had to be tunneled out to doors of buildings. The Ogdens were blessed with five children: Arthur B., Portland, Ore.; Margaret Kathryn, deceased; Loris, deceased; John, deceased; and Edgar Bert, Portland, Oregon. 203. OGREN, ERICK & MARIA (Jonathan) Erick Ogren was born in Omsele [Amsele], Sweden, April 8, 1832. There, February 1, 1859 he married Maria Jonathan. She was born March 18, 1836 in Omsele [Amsele]. He was a blacksmith by trade and was well known as the maker of coffee grinders. His grinders were used in this community as long as coffee was ground at home. They had seven children: Rudolph, Lydia (Mrs. Anton Johnson), John, Theckla (Mrs. G.H. Davidson), Gottfried and Hugo, (adopted). Theckla and Hugo are the only two living at this writing. In 1889 John and Olof (with wife Carolina Nelson) came to America. In 1890 Rudolph, with his family arrived, followed by Gottfried the same year. In 1892 Anton Johnsons came. They all settled in Swede Township, in fact, all four brothers homesteaded on the same section. Each had his own homestead. In 1897 Erik and Maria Ogren, Gottfried, Theckla and Hugo immigrated to the United States. With them came Evelina Olson (Turnquist), John Tellbert, Jon and Sarah Jonson and Lena Lysell. In Edgeley they were met by the rest of the family, except Olof who had passed away. Mrs. Theckla Davidson tells of what a happy reunion this was. The Ogrens moved in with John, until they settled on their own homestead, nine miles north of Kulm. They moved Olaf Ogren's house here. With them lived Hugo and a foster child, Tyra Larson. Erik Ogren passed away August 8, 1908 and Mrs. Ogren March 18, 1922. In her last years she lived in the homes of her children. 204. OGREN, GOTTFRED & ARIZONA (Malm) [picture] Gottfred Ogren, son of Erik and Maria Ogren, was born in Omsele [Amsele], Sweden in 1871. He came to this country in 1890. Like his father, Gottfred was a blacksmith. He lived with his brother Olof and his family, 9 miles north of Kulm, doing some farming and working at various jobs. Then he went back to Sweden and stayed two years. In 1897 he came back here with his parents, his sister Teckla (Mrs. G.H. Davidson) and others. In 1905 he married Arizona Malm, daughter of Daniel and Maria Malm. They made their home on his homestead, 10 miles north of Kulm. Two children were born to them. Gideon of Kulm, and Alvina (Mrs. Clark Harris of Seattle). They have one grandson, Howard Harris. Gottfred continued serving his community as a blacksmith until his death in 1943. Mrs. Ogren and son Gideon still live on the homestead. 205. OGREN, HUGO ALEXIUS & KATHERINE (Davidson) [picture] Hugo Ogren was born July 28, 1889 in Amsele, Sweden. He married Katherine Davidson on June 29, 1916. Mr. Ogren came to America August 2, 1897. In 1904 he started working as a hired hand for Will Holgate in Kennison Township for fifteen dollars a month. In the fall of the same year he worked for Jacob Bjur, and later herded cattle for the Raney Brothers. Mr. Ogren spent several years of his life working for farmers of this area. When he was thirteen years old he worked as a straw-bucker on a steam thresher, then as he became older he advanced to water monkey, to fireman and then as engineer on this same steam thresher. In 1913 Mr. Ogren became a mail carrier on the north route from Kulm. He had this work for three years. Mr. Ogren was assessor of Swede Township for 30 years. He is a charter member of the Swede Township band, also the Kulm Concert Band and is also a member of the Elks Band of Jamestown, N.D. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ogren: Berniece, Mrs. Howard Nast, deceased; Merritt, Edgeley, N.D.; Doris, Mrs. Robert West, Torrance, Calif.; LaVerne, Mrs. Floyd Fredenburg, Edgeley, N.D., and Orville at home. 206. OGREN, JOHN & TILDA (Malm) [picture] John Ogren was born to Erick and Maria Ogren in Omsele [Amsele], Sweden, on November 4, 1866. His father was a blacksmith and he learned the trade as a boy. At the age of 22, in 1889, he, with his brother Olaf, immigrated to the U.S. They arrived in Edgeley, Dakota Territory, about the 18th of July, 1889. Peter Lundstrom, who had come here two years before, met them at Edgeley. The Ogrens worked in the hay fields and harvest that summer and fall. They lived with the Lundstroms during the winter of 1889 and '90 in a two room shanty made of sod and a little lumber. John and Olaf filed on a homestead in what is now Swede Township. Olaf built a shanty of lumber and they lived there in the winter of 1890-91. His brothers and sisters came a few years later, his father and mother came in the spring of 1897 and they all settled in what is now Swede Township. On the 9th day of July, 1899, he married Tilda Malm, daughter of Daniel Malm, who had also come from Sweden in 1887 with her parents. To this union was born 15 children, 12 of whom are still living. Three died in infancy. Those living are: Malkus Ogre, Helena, Mont.; Victor, Nels, Luther, Allan of Kulm; Lillian, Mrs. Earl Bassingthwaite, Sarles, N.D.; Minnie, Mrs. Clarence Kinslow, Kulm; Valborg, Mrs. Clark Ormiston, Edgeley, No. Dak.; Mabel, Mrs. Eldo Jenner, Oakley, Calif.; Ethel, Mrs. Helmuth Hille, Kulm; Myrtle, Mrs. Vern Canedy, Eaton Rapids, Mich.; Harriet, Mrs. Erland Blomquist of Kulm. Mr. and Mrs. Ogren resided on the original homestead until Mrs. Ogren passed away in 1940 and Mr. Ogren in 1952. 207. OLSON, OLOF & EVA (Holm) [picture] Mr. Olson was born in Sweden, March 25, 1862. Mrs. Olson (Eva Marie Holm) was born in Sweden, March 25, 1867. They were married in State Church, Norsjo, Vasterbottens Lan, Sweden, February 4, 1886. One child, Linda was born in Sweden. The couple left for the United States, July 28, 1888 and arrived at Newburg, LaMoure County, September 7, 1888. Newburg at that time was a post office with Mrs. Erick Bjur serving as postmistress. The site of the post office is now the present home of Robert Lundgren. The first sinter in Dakota was spent in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lundstrom. Soon afterwards they filed a homestead 4-1/2 miles north of what is now Kulm. Their first home was a sod house. Sometime later they built a frame house. The Olsons encountered many hardships, such as prairie fires, crop failures, and illness. In the year 1900 there was no crop and another year it was so light that before Mrs. Olson could fix coffee the threshers were gone. The first four children of Mr. and Mrs. Olson passed away in early infancy owing to the fact that there were many contagious diseases and no doctors in the community. Later this couple was blessed with six other children. Mr. and Mrs. Olson lived on their original farm for forty years. After that they spent 11 years on a farm west of the Baptist Church, and later they made their home with their son, LeRoy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Olson were members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Olson is one of the earliest living members. Mr. and Mrs. Olson were honored on their 50th wedding anniversary in the Kulm Baptist Church in 1936. Ten years later they were both still living to observe their 60th anniversary. Mr. Olson passed away in 1947. Mrs. Olson makes her home with her son, LeRoy. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Olson, of whom four are living: Ed B. Olson, Emily, Minn.; Estella (Mrs. Peal) Denver, Colo.; Ruth (Mrs. Swenson) Kulm; and LeRoy, Kulm. 208. ORGEN, RUDOLPH [picture] Rudolph Ogren was born in Omsele [Amsele], Sweden, November 6, 1859. He married Maria Nelson January 17, 1884. She was born June 21, 1859. They came to America in 1890 with two children, Emil born 1885 and Engla 1887 settling north of Kulm. In the spring of 1891, along with his brothers, he went to Cut Bank, Montana to work on the railroad. In the heat of the summer, they returned with a wagon and horses. About eight other men came with them. This return trip home took about a month. He homesteaded about 9 and a half miles north of Kulm. His certificate (No. 9150) of having fully proved this land is dated July 26, 1899. During the first winters they burned hay, day and night to keep warm. During blizzards they had to tie a trope to the kitchen door knob to follow to the barn, so they would always find their way back. Rudolph and Maria Ogren had seven children: Emil, of Litchville; Engla, Mrs. George Brome, deceased; Emmy, deceased; Philip, deceased; Signe, Mrs. Lindor Johnson of Hewitt, Minn.; Agda, Mrs. Henry Drenth of Edgeley; and Ragnar of Montana. William Turnquist, now in Montana, grew up with them. Mrs. Rudolph Ogren passed away September 1910. In the late twenties Rudolph Ogren and Augusta Johnson were married. Rudolph Ogren died in 1937 and Augusta Ogren in 1938. Mr. Ogren was very active and interested in the progress of this community. Allan Ogren, a nephew, and his family now live on this farm. 209. OSTROM, CARL & ANNA (Wicklund) [picture] Carl J. Ostrom was born in Sweden in 1845. He was married to Anna Wicklund in 1875. He was one of the first pioneers in this community. They came to America in 1893 and settled in Swede Township six miles north of Kulm. Mr. Ostrom went through all the hardships of the pioneers, but with hard work and sacrifice they developed a lovely farm home. The present owner of this farm is the youngest son Eddie Ostrom. Mr. Ostrom passed away in 1919. His wife survived him by four years. The Ostroms were the parents of eleven children, six of whom have passed on. Those remaining are as follows: Mrs. Elmer Tjernlund, Minneapolis, Minn.; Mrs. Carl Lindgren, Kulm, N.D.; Mrs. E.M. Anderson, Kulm, N.D.; Victor Ostrom, Gresham, Ore.; Eddie Ostrom, Kulm, N.D. 210. PATZER, DANIEL & CHRISTINA (Friemuth) [picture] Daniel Patzer was born October 14, 1862 in Leipzig, South Russia. In 1882 he was united in marriage with Christina Freimuth. Mr. and Mrs. Patzer immigrated to America and settled near Hebron, N.D. After living there a year they moved and homesteaded twenty miles south of Kulm, N.D. Many happy and unhappy days were spent on the "Old Homestead". In 1919 Mr. and Mrs. Patzer retired from farming and moved to Kulm, N.D. Ten children, seven of whom are living, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Patzer. They were: Emanuel, Calgary, Canada; Sophia, Mrs. Daniel Martin, Calgary, Canada; Mary, Mrs. August Hehr, Kulm, N.D.; Matilda, Mrs. Otto Nitschke, Ashley, N.D.; Martha, Mrs. Roloff, Lodi, Calif.; Henry, and Daniel of Kulm, N.D. Mrs. Patzer passed away at the age of sixty-nine in 1931. In 1932 Mr. Patzer was united in marriage with Carolina Raugut. Mr. Patzer passed away on September 5, 1951 at the age of eighty-eight years. 211. PRUETZ, CHARLES & BARBARA (Buechler) [picture] Charles Pruetz was one of those indomitable men who successfully braved and overcame the tribulations of the first comers to this territory and who secured for himself an honored and respected place in the community. By his faithful service he won the regard of his fellow pioneers and of those who came later, when the future of the young state of North Dakota and the town of Kulm was definitely assured. Charles Pruetz was born April 30th, 1861, in Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg, Germany. He was the son of Christian and Caroline Pruetz. Mr. Pruetz was educated in Germany where he served his apprenticeship as a carpenter's helper at an early age. In September 1883, he came to the United States and located at Zumbrota, Minnesota until the following spring when he moved to Henderson, Minn., and became a partner in a contracting and building firm. Three years later he sold his interest in that firm and established a retail hardware and machinery store and which he operated until 1892 when he sold it and came to Kulm. With the late James B. Sharpe he organized the Bank of Kulm, later on organizing the First State Bank of Kulm, which he owned until November 30, 1917, when he sold it to a group of local men and farmers. In March, 1907, he, with the late Senator James B. Sharpe and the late William Pruetz, his brother, organized the First State Bank of Fredonia, N.D. of which he was vice president until the death of Senator Sharpe, when he became president. This office he held at the time of his death. Besides his banking interests, he was interested in the grain elevator and land business. On July 15, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Buechler, daughter of Mrs. Christina Buechler. He was a member of the Reformed Church, a 32nd degree Mason, and a Shriner. In 1897 Mr. Pruetz built a home for his parents in this city and went to Germany and brought them here, that they might spend their declining years in comfort and happiness in the land of freedom and opportunity. Mr. Pruetz passed away on the 18th of November, 1918. He is survived by his wife, who is now Mrs. J.D. Smith and his son Sharpe Pruetz, both of this city. 212. PRUETZ, SHARPE & MABEL (Willard) [picture] Sharpe Pruetz was born April 23, 1900, in Kulm, N.D. He was the son of Friederich and Katie Buechler. During his early childhood he was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pruetz. Mrs. Pruetz was the sister of Sharpe's father, Friederich Buechler. His early education was obtained in the Kulm Public School, which at that time consisted of 10 grades. He then attended Shattuch Military School for a time and completed his 4 years of high school at Sentinel Butte, North Dakota, where a former Kulm Superintendent Harry E. Emery was the Superintendent. After completion of his high school he attended college in Oberlin, Ohio and the Dakota Business College in Fargo, North Dakota. In 1921, following in the footsteps of his forebearers, he started in the First State Bank, at Fredonia, North Dakota, which is now the Kulm State Bank, and is now serving in the capacity of President of the bank. Mr. Pruetz served as clerk of the Kulm Special School District for a period of 18 years, is a past president of the Kulm Lions Club, a past president of the North Dakota Banker's Association and past president of the Kulm Community Health Center. On the 17th of June, 1922 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Pruetz, the former Mabel Willard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Willard of Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Mrs. Pruetz taught the primary grades in the local school Sharpe and Mable, as they are known to all of their friends, are members of the First Congregational Church of Kulm. 213. RADKE, JOHN [picture] John Radke was born in Kulm, South Russia on March 25, 1872. He came to this country in 1888 and settled near Kulm as a farmer. In 1939 he retired to live in the city of Kulm. In 1893 he was married to Karolina Mund. Three children were born to this union, one preceded him in death. Following the death of his first wife he was married to Rebecca Siegler in January of 1899. They had twelve children, three have passed away. Mr. Radke was very interested in horses, and therefore spent a lot of time in either taking care of or trading horses. After spending nearly 70 years in this community he was admitted to the Old People's home in Jamestown. He was hospitalized most of the time since March 5, 1955 and passed away November 14, 1956, at the age of 84 years. Mrs. Radke survives her husband and is in the Old Peoples Home in Jamestown. His children are: Ida, Mrs. Christ Essig, Lehr, N.D.; Emma, Mrs. Nathaniel Isaak, Aberdeen, S.D.; Elsie, Mrs. Christ Sandau, Kulm; Miss Hertha Radke, Jamestown; Edna, Mrs. Walter Kramlich, Kent, Wash.; Reinhold and Leonard, Kent, Wash.; Otto and Alton, Peshastin, Wash.; Theophil, Seattle, Wash.; and Davald, Pilot Rock, Oregon. Mr. Radke was a member of the Congregation Church most of his life. 214. RALL, RAYMOND & IDA (Pitt) [picture] Mrs. Raymond Rall (Ida Pitt) was born in LaMoure County, Norden Township, on July 2, 1897. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Pitt who homesteaded a few miles northwest of Kulm. Mr. Rall came from Wisconsin, when a young boy and lived with his parents on a farm near Merricourt, N.D. After their marriage on September 3, 1921 they went to Canada where they lived about five years, after which they came back to North Dakota and farmed for several years near Merricourt, N.D. They are at present farming a few miles southeast of Kulm. This has been their home the last twenty two years. They have one daughter Marie, Mrs. William Klettke. 215. RATH, CHRIST & LYDIA (Gutschmidt) [picture] Mr. Christ Rath was born October 14, 1884 in South Russia. He came to America on June 7, 1903 and began life here by working as a hired hand. On March 20, 1908 he was married to Lydia Gutschmidt. He farmed for ten years, then moved in to Kulm in 1920 to the home where he still lives. He worked at the Kulm Mill for 20 years and later worked as a carpenter. He retired in 1950. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church. They have 7 children, 20 grandchildren. Their children are: Roland, Orion and Melvin all of Seattle, Wash.; Edwin, Tacoma, Wash.; Leonard of Aberdeen, S.D.; Hulda, Mrs. Ben Quast and Clara, Mrs. Otto Wendland, of Kulm. 216. RATH, JOHN [picture] John Rath was born in Bessarabia, South Russia on April 8, 1877. His wife was born in Eureka, S.D. on July 4, 1892. Mr. Rath was first married in 1899 in Russia. His first wife died in 1937. In 1938 he was married to Mrs. Chris Zundel. The Rath's first child Herbert was born in Russia. They came to America in 1902 and settled on a farm south of Kulm. After living on this farm for 35 years the Raths moved into Kulm. During World War II Mr. Rath worked in the shipyards in Portland, Ore. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rath: Herbert Rath, Hosmer, S.D.; John Rath, Jamestown, N.D.; Ida Bartel, Alexandria, S.D.; Julius Rath, Parkston, S.D.; Mrs. Alvin Bauer, Bertha, Jamestown, N.D.; and Mrs. Paul Baertsch, Frances, Crosby, N.D. 217. ROEDEL, ANDREW Andrew Roedel was born in Bessarabia, South Russia in 1887 and came with his family to this country and settled about nine miles south of Kulm. In about 1893,he came to the city of Kulm. He was then just of school age. His mother died when he was 11 years of age and at 15 he worked as an apprentice in the Kulm Messenger. J.J. Kelly was at that time its owner and was also postmaster at that time. Mr. Roedel also served as assistant postmaster in 1901. Mr. Roedel left Kulm in 1902, but came back on several visits as his oldest brother Jacob Roedel Jr. continued to live here. In 1908 he became affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church and after special training was elected to serve as Sec-Treas. In the British Columbia, North Dakota, Idaho and Montana Conference and served 30 years in that capacity until he retired in 1953 at the age of 65 years. Mr. Roedel makes his home in Bozeman, Montana. 218. ROEDEL, JACOB & EVA (Nill) Jacob Roedel Sr. was born in 1845 at Bessarabia, South Russia. He married Eva Nill and immigrated to the United States in 1888. They spent sometime on a homestead south of Kulm. In 1893 they moved into the town of Kulm. Here Mr. Roedel followed the woodworking trade which was very much in demand at that time as everything moved on wagon wheels. There were no factory made caskets at that time and Mr. Roedel built caskets for many who died in those days. Mrs. Roedel died in 1898 at the age of 47 years, leaving her husband and the following children: Fredericka, Mrs. Carl H. Mueller; Jacob Jr., Gottlieb, Frederick, Andrew and Katherine. 219. ROEDEL, P. & MAGDALENA (Sperling) [picture] Mr. Roedel, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Roedel, was born in Beresina, South Russia. He came to America at the age of 18 and settled in McIntosh County. He was united in marriage to Magdalena Sperling on March 25, 1893. Mrs. Roedel, nee Sperling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Sperling, was born December 6, 1872 in Kulm, Bessarabia, South Russia. She came with her parents to Scotland, S.D. in 1886. In 1888 they homesteaded in McIntosh County, twelve miles southwest of Kulm and later on a farm one and one-half miles south of Kulm. The only method of transportation was a team of oxen. The nearest town was Ellendale and it took three or four days to make a round trip. After Mr. and Mrs. Roedel were married they moved to Kulm, where he was employed by the Kulm Mill Co. Several years he took up the carpenter and masonry trade. The many buildings built by him and his men will remain as a landmark for many years. Ten children were born to this union, three of whom died in infancy. The children are: Mrs. Ella Chambers, Moorhead, Minn.; Martha, Mrs. E.E. Burk, Kulm, N.D.; Mrs. Edgar Bjur, Gresham, Ore.; Arthur, Gresham, Ore.; Solomon, San Diego, Calif.; Albert and Emma Chambers, deceased. 220. ROLOFF, DANIEL & LOUISE (Radke) Mr. Roloff was born April 1, 1860 in Bessarabia, South Russia. He was married to Louise Radke in 1882. They came to America in 1886, making their home on a farm southwest of Kulm. The town of Kulm didn't exist as yet so they had to go to Ellendale with oxen, which was very slow. In the fall they took a load of buffalo bones which they had picked over the summer. These he sold and bought 100 lbs. Of sugar, rice, 5 gal. Of kerosene and 1000 lbs. Of flour. This had to hold them over the winter. For heat they used straw and chips. The house and barn were built of sod. The floor in the house was yellow clay. The stove also was made of yellow clay. When they baked bread it was never less than 12 or 14 loaves. When Mr. Roloff retired he moved to Kulm where he lived many years. He passed away January 8, 1947. They had six children: Mrs. Meletha Hildebrand, Calif.; Nathanial and Gotthilf, Kulm, N.D.; Reinhold, Oregon City, Ore.; Leah, Mrs. Reinhold Flegel, Jamestown, N.D.; and Theovold, Olympia, Wash. 221. ROLOFF, NATHANIEL & LYDIA (Bader) [picture] Mr. Roloff was born in McIntosh County in 1888. He was married to Lydia Bader in 1911. After their marriage they farmed 8 miles south of Kulm. Mr. Roloff remembers being the engineer at threshing time. It was much different than our modern times. They had 6 to 8 bundle teams, and 12 hours was a full day's work. He ran the steam engine. He had to leave home Sunday evening leaving his wife and small children alone to do the work. He would be gone all week. There were never beds to sleep in, so they slept in the hay mows, with their clothes on. It got pretty cold some nights. Mr. Roloff had to get up at 4:00 a.m. and walk a couple of miles to where the threshing outfit was, to get steamed up before the bundle teams started to come at 6:00 a.m. The meals were brought out to him as he couldn't leave his machine until supper time. Some times it rained so much they would be out threshing until November. Mr. and Mrs. Roloff have retired and are living in Kulm. They have six children: Clarence, Ellendale; Leah, Mrs. Reinhold Kramlich, Kulm; Edna, Mrs. Kenneth O'neal of Miami, Fla.; Selma, Mrs. Herbert Miller, Ellendale; Raymond Roloff, Kulm; Lucille, Mrs. Eugene Anderson, Kulm; and Howard, deceased. 222. ROTT, JOHN & EVA (Rott) [picture] John Rott was born February 17, 1900. He was the grandson of Frederick Rott, who was born in Neu Kessel, South Russia in 1867 and came to North Dakota in 1892. His grandfather homesteaded the land which was passed down to John Rott. John Rott was united in marriage to Eva, nee Rott on August 27, 1923. They farmed until 1951, when Mr. Rott turned the farm over to his son, Elliott and wife Violet, nee Dollinger, who were married in October of 1944. They have two children, Kathleen 7, and Daryle 8 months. The Rotts are all members of the Berlin Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. John Rott make their home in the city of Kulm. 223. SANDAU, GOTTLIEB & FREDERICKA (Ilgner) [picture] Mr. Sandau was born in 1861, in South Russia. He was united in marriage to Fredericka Ilgner in 1885. They immigrated to the United States in 1886 and settled in Scotland, S.D. He worked at odd jobs for about two and one-half years, when he moved and filed on a homestead near Eureka, S.D. Here the family experienced many hardships, such as crop failures and hail storms. The country was very sparsely settled at the time, but eventually more settlers came. Many of these settlers had children of school age. Mr. Sandau realized that something must be done about the education of these children, so he took it upon himself and drove with his spring wagon, to get in touch with each settler, and a school district was organized. The following year school was held in the summer kitchen on the Sandau farm. Miss Anna Smith being the first teacher. The Sandau family came to Kulm in 1904 and located on a farm eight miles southwest of here. Mr. Sandau with the aid of his children farmed on this place until his retirement, when he moved to the city of Kulm. Mrs. Sandau died in 1939 and Mr. Sandau made his home with his oldest son,Rudolph, until his death in 1943. Twelve children were born to this union: Rudolph, Freda, Reinholt, Mary, Maggie, Theodore, Katie, Christ, Ida, Bertha, Albert and Irvin. 224. SCHLENKER, FREDERICK & PAULINE (Weszner) [picture] Mr. Schlenker was born February 4, 1893 in Postal, Russia. He came to this country with his parents on November 24, 1897. He grew up on the farm and attended school in LaMoure. He was married to Pauline Weszner on December 2, 1917. They were blessed with three children: Martha, Mrs. Herbert Schulz, Arthur, N.D.; Edwin and Harold who farm near Kulm. Mr. and Mrs. Schlenker make their home in Kulm, where Mr. Schlenker is the Chief of Police. 225. SCHLENKER, GOTTLIEB & KATHERINE (Maier) [picture] Gottlieb Schlenker was born on July 9, 1887 in Wittenburg, South Russia. He is the son of Gottlieb and Dorothy Schlenker. He came with his parents to the United States in 1898. They came directly to Kulm, N.D. and from here they went to the Fred Irion farm home. A short time later father Schlenker bought a farm two and one-half miles east of Kulm, where the family lived for six years, after which they moved to a farm 18 miles southwest of Kulm. Mr. Schlenker lived with his parents until he was 21 years of age when he filed on a homestead. In 1911 he was united in marriage to Katherine Maier and settled on a farm six miles south of Kulm. They lived on this farm for 32 years and then moved into Kulm in 1942, where they make their present home. Five children were born to this union: Artine, Mrs. Otto Kingsfield, Madison, Tenn.; Elator, Sandstone, Minn.; Esther, Mrs. Ohmer Grenz, Kulm, N.D.; Edgar, Kulm, N.D.; Arthur, Kulm, N.D. Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Schlenker are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church which is located 13 miles south of Kulm. 226. SCHLENKER, HENRY Jr. & CAROLINA (Sherbinski) [picture] Henry Schlenker, son of Christian and Rosina Schlenker was born in Postal, Bessarabia, South Russia on February 23, 1869. Carolina Schlenker, daughter of John and Barbara Sherbinski, was born in Postal, Bessarabia, South Russia on October 29, 1873. There they grew up and were united in marriage on December 20, 1890. In 1896 they came to America after a sister who lived south of Kulm wrote them about the good opportunities of homesteads in America. The acreage in Russia was limited so they immigrated to the United States with their two children, Christ and John. They settled south of Kulm and lived there for two years. In 1898 they homesteaded four miles northwest of Jud in Glen Township. Here Mr. Schlenker toiled hard and worked at Kulm during the summer months to earn money to build their first home and to earn cattle and other belongings available. Many times he made his way on foot to Kulm and back, often times he would stay there the week, and come home only on weekends, while the mother took care of the children and whatever little they had. They faced many hardships and happiness. They made their first home out of sod and while they were building this, they lived under a grain box, this was very difficult, but they lived through it with hard toil and labor. They trusted God to help them and their prayers were answered after the home was built. They continued working, digging the rocks and breaking up the soil for farming. They raised large herds of cattle and sheep, which they had to herd on the rocks and prairie which were later also broken up for farming. They used horses for farming and going to town as there were no cars in those days. They worked hard on their homestead until the year 1938 when they retired and moved to the village of Alfred. Mr. and Mrs. Schlenker are the parents of 13 children: Christ, deceased; John, Henry, and David of Jud; Theodore of Alfred; Theophil of Montpelier; Emanuel of Port Orchard, Wash.; Emil of Redwood City, Calif.; Mrs. Mary Hasse and Edith, Mrs. Harold Yaunicke, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Olga, Mrs. Alfred Burbage, of Eureka, Calif.; and two died in infancy. They have thirty-seven grandchildren. 227. SCHOTT, PETER & LYDIA (Siewert) [picture] John Peter Schott was born January 24, 1884 in Hoffnunstal [Hoffnungstal], Bessarabia, South Russia, and came to the United States in the fall of 1905 to take advantage of all the opportunities offered in this country. He spent a few weeks with his two brothers, Christ who had settled near Gackle and another brother, Fred, who had homesteaded north of Fredonia a number of years prior to his coming to the United States. In November of 1905 he was employed on a farm four miles west of Kulm, where he earned $230 the first year. The second year he was hired by this same farmer for $335. In 1908 he started farming on his own, making a down payment on a quarter of land just a short distance from the farm where he was employed. He paid $15 an acre for this land and moved a house and other farm buildings onto it. Having had a good crop in 1908, he purchased another quarter of land adjoining his farm from John L. Schuldheisz. His son Emil and wife, are now farming this section of land making their home on it. Another son, Clifford and wife own and operated the farm on which Mr. Schott worked as a hired hand in 1905. On December 15, 1910 Mr. Schott was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Siewert in the Kulm Congregational church, of which they are amongst the oldest members, being active since 1910. They were blessed with ten children all of whom are living: Elsie, Mrs. J.D. Netz, Kulm, N.D.; Emil, Otto and Clifford, all of Kulm; Anna, Mrs. Ervin Weispfenning, of Ellendale, N.D.; Edna, Mrs. A.M. Jermstad, St. Paul, Minn.; Emma, Mrs. Marvin Gentzkow, Jamestown, N.D.; Harry, Clarence, and Norman, all of Seattle, Wash. They have twenty-three grand children and four step grand children. Four of Mr. and Mrs. Schott's sons have served in the U.S. Army. Mr. and Mrs. Schott made their home on the farm until 1942 when they moved into the city of Kulm. They are most thankful for the many blessings that have been theirs in this great nation and at the age of 73, Mr. Schott is still engaged in farming a section of land two miles south of Kulm. His farming interests have now spread to four counties. Mrs. Schott, in spite of failing health is still active in her home and church attendance at the age of 67 years. 228. SCHREIOCH, HENRY The list of pioneers who settled the community south of Kulm would indeed be incomplete without the name of Henry Schreioch. He was known in the community as "Old Henry". Aa Swiss by birth, he brought the spirit of the Alps with him. Joe Hollan, Joe and Philip Hartman, Fred Staeck and Henry Schreioch were the five original pioneers who led the parade in here. Henry was a real entertainer and the life of the early get-togethers. As with the most Swiss he could yoedel and sing by the hour and few could handle the guitar better than he. Many were the dances that he played for in Kulm during the early 90's, with Joe Hartman on the violin and Henry with his homemade accordion, which he himself had made. About the year 1900 Henry left, going to St. Louis where he was a contractor and builder until 1912, when he returned and set up farming operations. Later he worked into sheep. His favorite recreation was to take his accordion and sit on some rocky bank or go to some neighbor's grove and sing his Swiss songs by the hour. 229. SCHULDHEISZ, DANIEL & IDA (Diegel) [picture] Daniel Schuldiesz was born January 12, 1889 in Kloestitz, South Russia. He was united in marriage on February 10, 1910 to Ida Diegel. He came to this country in 1894 and settled on a farm six miles southeast of Kulm (property now owned by Kulm Rod and Gun Club). The family moved into Kulm in 1903. They moved to Witchita Falls, Texas in 1907 and returned to Kulm in 1911, and farmed the land owned at the present time by Sam Klettke. He stayed on this farm until 1918 when he moved back to Kulm and served as temporary mail carrier until 1921. He purchased livestock until he was appointed regular mail carrier in 1923 and had held this position every since. Seven children were born to this union. They are: Benjamin Schuldheisz, Sherwood, Oregon (7 children); Allen Schuldheisz, Kalispell, Montana (3 children); Esther Parr, Roseburg, Oregon (three children); Clarence Schuldheisz, Jamestown, N.D. (2 children); Erwin Schuldheisz, Madelia, Minnesota (3 children); Russel Schuldheisz, Valley City, N.D. (1 child). Mr. Schuldheisz recalls a close call with the Soo Line train while hauling mail during a snow storm at the Christ Nill crossing in 1937. His son, Clarence was with him at the time. He often hauled mail with horses and sleigh. Mr. Schuldheisz also recalls that one day while attending church his 3 day old model "T" touring car was stolen. 230. SCHULDHEISZ, JACOB & CHRISTINA (Hehr) Jacob Schuldheisz, son of Ludwig and Christine Schuldheisz was born October 13, 1877 in Kloestitz, Bessarabia, South Russia. He was baptized and confirmed by Rev. Julius Peter in 1894. The Schuldheisz family came to Kulm on April 2, 1894. His father, Ludwig Schuldheisz filed on a homestead about six miles eat of Kulm. His homestead being located at the former site of the Beresina Church. On December 7, 1902 he was united in marriage with Christina Hehr, daughter of Frederick and Rosina Hehr, by Rev. Vomhof in the St. Paul Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Schuldheisz retired from farming in 1946, and moved into Kulm where they are now making their home. Mr. and Mrs. Schuldheisz were blessed with eleven children. One daughter died in 1925 at the age of three years. The children are: Anna Marie, Mrs. Ed J. Hehr, Kulm, N.D.; Edwin Schuldheisz, Edgeley, N.D.; Mrs. Harold Woodward, Bertha, San Francisco, Calif.; Emma, Mrs. Wm. Staeck, Kulm, N.D.; Ida, Mrs. Joe Jones, St. Paul, Minn.; Elsa Schuldheisz, San Francisco, Calif.; Ruby, Mrs. Robert Duke, San Francisco, Calif.; Margaret, Mrs. William McCabe, San Francisco, Calif.; Harold Schuldheisz, Kulm, N.D.; Lawrence Schuldheisz, Huntsville, Ala. Lawrence enlisted in the U.S. Army 10 years ago and is still serving his country. There are 16 grand children and two great grand children. 231. SCHULZ, NATHANAEL [picture] Nathanael Schulz was born in the old country in 1863. He migrated to the U.S.A. with his parents in 1874 when he was eleven years old. The family settled about 35 miles northwest of Yankton, S.D. which was their town. Later the town of Menno was started and this was three miles from the father's homestead. On November 13, 1892 he was united in marriage to Malvine Freitag by Pastor Albert Brauer of the Lutheran Church in Menno, South Dakota. In 1893 their first son Ewald was born and in 1894 their second son Edwin was born. In 1896 they moved onto a farm in the vicinity of Berlin, N.D. Then in the spring of 1897 they again moved and homesteaded on a farm eight miles southwest of Kulm. In 1897 another son Arthur was born, and a short time after his birth, his mother took sick with scarlet fever and passed away. Magdalena Schulz of Menno, S.D. came to Kulm to take the three motherless sons back to South Dakota to make their home with their grandparents Daniel and Dorothea Schultz. On the way to their new home the tiny son passed away. Mr. Schulz was a charter member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kulm. In 1901 Mr. Schulz married Emilie Kuehn. To this union one son Carl was born. Nathanael Schulz passed away on July 8, 1922 at the age of 58. The sons now reside as follows: Ewald, Kulm; Edwin, LaMoure, N.D.; and Carl at Kulm, N.D. 232. SEMPEL, ALICE [picture] Alice Sempel, (Mrs. E.D. Miller) was born March 11, 1876 in East Saugatuck, Michigan. She left Port Sherman, Mich. With her parents in the summer of 1887 and arrived in Bramhall, S.D. a few days later. They had their household goods and lumber shipped to a country which looked dry and bleak. They experienced the worst blizzard, in S.D. on January 12, 1888, that they had ever seen. They moved to Kulm in 1898. Here Miss Sempel was one of the first teachers in Swede Township. She taught school in the Eric Bjur School district 4 years. She also taught one term near Fredonia and 3 terms in South Dakota. She was united in marriage to Otto Groh, November of 1905. Mr. Groh has passed away and Mrs. Groh was again married on September 21, 1951 to E.D. Miller. They make their home at 942 7th St. in Clarkston, Washington. There is one son, John O. Groh, who makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he is on the Board of Directors and travels and conducts assemblies for Jehovah's Witnesses. 233. SEMPEL, JOHN & HILMA (Zachrison) [picture] Among the early pioneers was Mr. John G. Sempel who was born in Port Sherman, Michigan, February 18, 1882. In the summer of 1887 he came west with his parents to Hand County, S.D. They moved to a ranch nine miles southwest of Kulm, N.D. in 1896. On November 21, 1910 he married Hilma Zachrison. She had arrived in the United States from Sweden with her parents at the age of one year with her parents, and settled northwest of Kulm in what was known as Swede settlement. Mr. Sempel filed on a homestead four miles south of Fredonia, where he farmed until the spring of 1927. At that time, Mr. Dittus having bought the farm the previous summer took over. After a season of relaxation the Sempels went West and settled in Lewiston, Idaho. Mr. Sempel has two sisters living, Mrs. Emery Miller, formerly Mrs. Grace Groh, who now lives in Clarkston, Wash., and Mrs. Sadies Wittenmyer, who lives in the town of Highmore, S.D. 234. SHARPE, JAMES [picture] James B. Sharpe was a native New Yorker, having been born in Waddington, N.Y., September 8, 1957, the son of Hiram and Charlotte Shay Sharpe. He received his education in the public and high schools of his vicinity and spent his time on his father's farm until he reached his majority and then set out for the Northwest. He settled at Henderson, Minnesota and taught school there at Gaylord, nearby, for six years; the last two of which he was principal of the Gaylord high school. During these years he devoted his spare time to the study of law, and was admitted to practice, and was associated with a law firm in Henderson for several years. In 1886 he bought the Sibley County Independent and for the two years he edited it. The Independent enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most influential journals in that section. Disposing of his interests in Minnesota, Mr. Sharpe came to Kulm in 1892. He was engaged in the banking, grain and real estate business with Charles Pruetz, his partner. He was one of the original organizers of the First State Bank, Fredonia, N.D. (now known as the Kulm State Bank) and served as its president from date of organization until his death. Mr. Sharpe was active in politics having served in the lower house since the third session for a period of two terms. After two terms in the house his record there had been so satisfactory that the people insisted on his promotion and for three terms elected him to the senate. He introduced some of the most popular and beneficial laws and was known throughout the State as "Primary Jim," a distinction earned as the author of the primary election law. Mr. Sharpe was a member of the Methodist Church, a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. James B. Sharpe passed away on the 31st of December 1913. The remains were taken back to his native state of New York. 235. SHULDHEISZ, JOHN & ANNA (Stehr) [picture] Mr. Shuldheisz, son of Ludwig Shuldheisz, was born July 25, 1881 in Bessarabia South Russia. Together with his parents they immigrated to the U.S. arriving at Kulm, N.D. in 1894. Their first days were spent with Mr. and Mrs. John Moldenhauer, the latter being Mrs. Shuldheisz's step-sister. Mr. Shuldheisz was united in marriage to Miss Anna Stehr on July 18, 1905. The wedding was performed by Rev. Vomhoff, pastor of the Kulm Lutheran Church. In July of 1906 they went to Fredonia and built a general store. They remained in business 4 years. In 1910 they moved back to Kulm, where they operated a store for 8 years. In 1918 he entered the automobile business which he conducted for five years. In 1923 he went into partnership with A.J. Smith and entered the general store business. This store was known as the People Store. In 1927 he took over the management of the Farmer's Store and held the position for nine years. In 1936 he retired from active business. He keeps himself busy with farm interests and has just recently bought the former Anderson Store. They were blessed with three children of whom two are living: Alice, Mrs. Ed Wolf, St. Paul, Minn.; and Roy, Ellendale, N.D. 236. SIEWERT, ANDRES & LOUISE (Dickhoff) [picture] Mr. Andreas Siewert was born in Gnadenfeld, Bessarabia, Russia, on September 29, 1869. He was united in marriage to Louise Dickhoff, who was born in Gnadenfeld, on July 3, 1870. They came to America in 1891 and homesteaded nine miles south of Kulm, in McIntosh County. Here they built a sod house and endured the many hardships of the pioneers. They had good neighbors who helped each other build their houses, thresh their crops and they all together helped to build the Gnadenfeld Church. In 1903 Mr. Siewert bought a farm on the south edge of Kulm from Michael Hieb, now owner by Herbert Beich. Mrs. Siewert passed away in January of 1906. Later Mr. Siewert Married Dorothea Borth. Besides farming, Mr. Siewert was in the cattle business, buying and shipping to St. Paul. He was also a rural mail carrier for many years. Again he helped build a church, the Congregational Church in Kulm. In 1926, due to ill health the Siewerts moved to Spokane, Wash., where Mr. Siewert worked as a gardener. Mr. Siewert passed away March 15, 1948 and Mrs. Siewert on April 9, 1953. His children are: Lydia, Mrs. Peter Schott, Kulm; Ida, Mrs. Robert Fey, Kulm; Emma, Mrs. J.D. Broderius, Spokane, Wash.; Arthur, Spokane, Wash.; Elma, Mrs. Robert Bull, Caldwell, Idaho; Otto, Portland, Ore.; and Emanuel, deceased. 237. SIEWERT, JOHN & MATHILDA (Mueller) [picture] John and Mathilda Siewert were both born in Gnadenfelt, South Russia in the year 1884. Mr. Siewert came to the United States in 1897 with friends and Mathilda in 1886 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Mueller. John lived with friends and worked as a farm hand in the Kulm area. Mathilda spent her early childhood in McIntosh Co. The couple were married in 1904 and established their first home as homesteaders near Medina, N.D. They returned to the city of Kulm in the year 1907 building their home that same year in the southwest corner of the town, now the residence of Mrs. Magdalene Siewert. Mr. Siewert farmed from town and did carpenter work until he became the Raleigh representative in this community in the year of 1924. In 1942 he suffered a stroke that disabled him completely and he passed away at the age of 62 in the year 1946. The Siewerts had five children. Mrs. Gottfried Heck, Irene, of Kulm, Esther, Mrs. Orville Hubbard of Racine, Wis.; Mrs. Hilda Heck, of Vancouver, Wash.; Raymond of Vancouver, Wash.; and Evangeline, Mrs. Albret [?Albert] Hoersch of Treynor, Iowa. Mrs. Siewert still resides in the community. Besides her children she has 16 grand children and 12 great grand children. She has been a life long member of the Congregational Church. 238. SMITH, ADOLPH & IDA (Nill) [picture] Adolph J. Smith entered into the Kulm Community active in business in the People Store. This site being known in early pioneer days as the G. Lange Mercantile Store. A.J. came to America from Bessarabia at the age of three years, living at Kulm. He attended Kulm Special grade school and Gargo Business College. After being employed by Anderson Bros., he entered into partnership with J.L. Schuldheisz. After buying out Mr. Schuldheisz he continued the business known as the People Store. He was married to Ida M. Nill. They worked together and built a successful general merchandise center. Later they added a modern locker system and meat department. Mr. Smith was a member of the Kulm school board for many years, was a member of the Commercial Club, was a charter member of the Lions Club, and was a member of the First Congregational Church. He had a keen and sound business mind. Mr. Smith's health steadily failed him. In the fall of 1948 the People Store was completely destroyed by fire. A.J. at that time being an invalid was still vitally interested in the community welfare. A contractor, Milt Swedberg was contacted and plans were made for the modern three unit building known as the "A.J. Smith Shopping Center". After Mr. Smith's death his wife, Ida turned these interests over to the present owners: E and H. Grocery, having been owned by W.J. Hildebrand, known as Hildebrand Locker for 8 years; Art Krein's Super Value and Palm's Department Store owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dell Palm. 239. SMITH, GUSTAF & WILHELMINA (Lundquist) [picture] Gustaf A. Smith was born in Vilske, Kleva, Sharabors Lan, Sweden. He was united in marriage with Wilhelmina Lundquist of Falkenberg on November 27, 1877. He immigrated to the United States in July of 1887 and settled in the vicinity of Oakes, North Dakota. In 1888 he homesteaded on a farm twelve miles north of what is now the city of Kulm, North Dakota. He had heard land could be obtained for filing in the District of Newberg (now Swede Township). He then set out on snowshoes from Oakes and found the land he desired, ten miles north of Newberg Postoffice. He found living quarters for his family in the home of Carl Nordens for the time being. Later a sod house was built. Means of providing a living in the pioneer days were hunting buffalo bones which were hauled to Edgeley and sold; hides of animals were dried and shipped; deer and antelope roamed over the western hills and helped occasionally to contribute meat for the family. Prairie fires were a constant menace. People from miles around would congregate to fight fires that endangered their neighbors. Slowly the years of good yield brought changes. The present home North Grove (Mr. Smith's home) loomed up in 1903. He planted a grove, experimenting with a variety of fruit trees which thrived and beautified the grounds. He also planted a variety of shade trees. The grove covered a four-acre tract which made a haven for birds. It also became an attraction for many gatherings. The Fourth of July celebrations usually were held in the grove. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were blessed with nine children: Carl A. Smith, Hutchinson, Minn.; Anna C.; W. Smith; Halfrid V.; Lindgren, and Robert H. Smith, all of Minneapolis, Minn.; Gust A. Smith, Henning, Minnesota; Frank E. Smith and Glenn R. Smith, both of Yakima, Wash.; and Algot E. Smith, Ellensburg, Washington. Mr. Smith died at the home of his son, Gust, in St. Paul, Minnesota in October of 1940. His wife died in October of 1911 and a daughter Lilly, five years old, died in 1898. 240. SMITH, J. & BARBARA (Buechler) [picture] Another one of the oldest settlers in Kulm is Mrs. J.D. Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Buechler. She was born in Yankton, S.D. in 1875. She came with her mother and two brothers from Merricourt, N.D. in 1892. Recollections of her childhood days include visiting her grandmother and the size of loaves of bread baked in those days. The oven was made of clay and stone, built half on the inside and half on the outside of the house. It had a grate in it, and below the grate the fuel, made of slough grass and twisted till it looked like rope was shoved in. When it was thought the oven was hot enough the ashes were raked out and the bread put in. The door was closed with wet clay. Mrs. Smith recalls one loaf of bread would just about have filled an electric oven today. For light they lit a string which lay in grease in a clay dish. Candles were used on special occasions. For extra money she with her brothers would gather buffalo bones and sell them. Another incident remembered was the moving of their store from Merricourt to Kulm. They arrived before the store and didn't have a place to stay. Mr. Mix, who had completed the first floor of his hotel located on the now Anderson Store corner offered them the unfinished upstairs. Their beds were made of straw with a feather quilt over the straw. One morning they awakened covered with snow as the roof had not yet been shingled. In 1895 she married Charles Pruetz. He died in November of 1918 leaving his wife and one son, Sharpe, who resides in Kulm. On February 14, 1925 she married J.D. Smith and they still reside in Kulm. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the First Congregational Church. 241. SMITH, JEAN & ANNA (Hiom) [picture] Jean Smith was born at Hector, Minn. On June 12, 1878. He came to Kulm in 1895 with his father, Mr. Frank Smith. Mr. Frank Smith had accepted the job of operating the mill in Kulm. Jean was a miller not only by trade but by heritage as the Smith family had been millers for many years and contributed much to the advancement of the milling industry. The Kulm Mill was a new concern at this time and the owners of the mill were farmers thus needing an experienced man to operate it for them. Frank Smith passed away in 1907 leaving Jean with, sound experience in milling, to continue his work. In 1908 Jean purchased one- third interest in the mill from Fred Flegel who was owner of the mill at the time. This partnership continued until 1922 when Mr. Flegel sold the remainder of his interest to Jean, Reinhold Beich and Jacob Ruff. In 1952 after 58 years in the milling industry, J.D. sold his entire stock in the corporation to R. Beich and retired. Jean was married to Anna Hiom in 1898. Two children were born to the Smiths. Forest, who was associated with his father in business for many years and now resides in Everett, Washington; and Florence Smith of Los Angeles, Calif. Mrs. Smith passed away in 1922. In 1925 Jean was married to Mrs. Barbara Pruetz. Mr. Smith's history is so closely related to the Kulm Mill Co. that we refer you to that history for additional interesting experiences. 242. SPERLING, JOHN & LOUISE (Tiede) John Sperling was born in Kloestitz, South Russia, on November 16, 1849. Mrs. John Sperling (Louise Tiede) was born in Kulm, South Russia, on June 16, 1852. They were married in 1871. They remained in Russia for 15 years, during this time 6 children were born to them. In March 1886, they immigrated to the United States. After several weeks of travel they arrived in Scotland, S.D. where Mrs. Sperling's brothers, John and Martin Tiede welcomed them and housed them until Mr. Sperling rented a farm. When they arrived in Scotland, all the money they had left was 3 cents. Twin boys were born to them soon after arriving in Scotland and Mrs. Sperling was at the brink of death but slowly recovered her health. In 1888 they settled on a homestead about 12 miles southwest of what is now Kulm. They suffered many hardships on the homestead. One more son was born here. He passed away at the age of 8 years. The nearest town was Ellendale which was forty miles away and with a team of oxen the round trip took from 3 to 4 days to get supplies; therefore the trip was made only about 3 or 4 times a year. Later the family moved to the new town of Kulm. A few years after that the family moved to a farm one and one- half miles south of Kulm. In 1903 the farm was traded for a store in Kulm, but this venture was not very successful so in 1906 they moved to the new town of Jud, N.D., and put up a new store building. They moved the merchandise from the Kulm store to the new store in Jud and operated this store until January 1914, when their two sons Gottfried and Solomon took over. Mr. Sperling gradually lost his health and passed away July 28, 1915. Mrs. Sperling later moved back to Kulm and on October 15, 1933, she passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Magdalena Roedel. They are both buried in the Lutheran Cemetery near Jud. Six children were born to this union: Magdalena, Mrs. P.J. Roedel; David; Gottfried; Wilhelmina, Mrs. A.J. Freitag, all deceased and Mrs. A.J. Webster, Mathilda, living in Los Angeles, California and Solomon of Bismarck, N.D. 243. SPLINTER, E. & CARRIE (Weller) [picture] E.A. Splinter was born on August 5, 1872 in Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. Splinter was married to Carrie Weller in Minneapolis on November 22, 1898. They kept a rooming house in Minneapolis from 1894 to 1901. In 1901 they came to Kulm, where Mr. Splinter bought a farm northwest of Kulm. Here he farmed until 1946 when he sold the farm to one of the Land boys and moved to Jamestown where he lived for a time and then moved in 1948 to his present home in Glenwood, Minnesota. 244. STAECK, FRED & KATHARINA (Schlenker) [picture] Frederick Staeck was born in Burzen, Germany February 15, 1864. Mr. Staeck was six months old when his father died and only 10 when his mother died in Germany in 1874. Mr. Staeck was left to make his home with his grandmother in Burzen, Germany. He lived with her for eight years or until he was 18. The military ruling at that time was that when a boy reached the age of 20 he had to enlist in the Kaiser's Army which was the primary reason Fred decided to come to America. He boarded the ship "Gellert" at Hamburg, Germany May 16, 1882 and arrived 13 days later in New York City. The trip costing him $75.00. From New York, Fred went directly to Cleveland, Ohio where he worked for C.P. Horn and Son, stove manufacturers. The Horns had a large estate of which he was also the caretaker. After two and a half years he left Ohio going West to Seneca, Kansas, finding employment as a farm hand at $15 a month. Mr. Staeck had the privilege of attending school for three months during the winter. He attended for two years. On April 2, 1888 Mr. Staeck left for the Dakota Territory with a friend and later a pioneer neighbor, Mr. Joe Hartman. They rented a box car in Nebraska and loaded all their belongings including livestock, machinery, harnesses, chickens, etc. Each took turns riding in the boxcar with the livestock. They arrived in Edgeley, M.D. April 20, 1888. It took Mr. Hartman and Mr. Staeck one week to unload and transport their belongings from Edgeley to the Joseph Hollan homestead which is four and a half miles south of Kulm. Mr. Staeck filed his homestead on August 5, 1888. His first house was made of rough boards. About a year later, with the help of Gottlieb Hauff, he erected a large sod house. Mr. Staeck became discouraged as the years went by because of constant crop failures and rented his farm to Mr. Hauff and returned to Cleveland, Ohio to seek employment. As conditions improved in the Dakota territory he returned and resumed farming. Fred was married to Kathrina Schlenker January 6, 1898. The young couple farmed until 1932 with the exception of one year that was spent in California. Mrs. Staeck died in July 1932, and upon her death Fred retired and moved to Kulm, leaving his son William to take over the farm. Mr. Staeck died at the age of 79 in 1943. Six children were born to this union, five of whom are living. They are: Ida, Grafton, N.D.; William of Kulm; Mrs. Edwin Schuldheisz (Anna), Edgeley, N.D.; Hulda, Mrs. Sam Bollinger, St. Paul, Minn.; and Bertha, Mrs. Herbert Ottmar of Wishek, N.D. 245. STAECK, WILLIAM & EMMA (Schuldheisz) [picture] William Staeck was born April 23, 1905 at Kulm, N.D. He attended grade school in Hollan School District. Later in 1923 he attended Molar Barber College in Minneapolis, Minn., after which he worked as a barber for F.W. Swanke and F. Rindfleisch in Kulm during 1924 and 1925. In 1926 he worked as a barber in Gackle, N.D. Mr. Staeck was united in marriage to Emma Schuldheisz November 28, 1927. He started farming that same year on the farm homesteaded by his father, Fred Staeck in 1899-under President McKinley and President Theo. Roosevelt. Besides farming, Mr. Staeck has been president and also secretary and treasurer of the German Northwest Farmer's Union local. He has been a board member of the board of directors of the Farmers Co-op Elevator Co. for the past twelve years, serving as president the last four years. He served as, Sec. And Treas. Of the Kulm Credit Union since it organized in 1950, supervisor on the township board on Northwest Township for 23 years and has been a member of Dickey County Welfare Board for the last three years. The Staeck family are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod of which he has served as president for thirteen years. They have two children: Dewayne a senior at the U.N.D. and a daughter, Jeanelle a freshman at U.N.D. 246. STEEN, CHRISTIAN [picture] Mr. and Mrs. Christian Hanson Steen were born in Norway. They were married there and with their three children, Ludwig, August, and Marie, they immigrated to America. They settled at Battle Lake, Minn. In 1881. Their son Bernard was born there. In 1891 the family moved to a homestead two and one half miles northeast of Fredonia, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Christian Hanson Steen were members of Pomona Valley Lutheran Church. The last years of their lives were spent with their son Ludwig. Mrs. Steen passed away in 1926 and Mr. Steen in 1927. They were the parents of four children. Two deceased and two living: Ludwig, Kulm, N.D. and Bernhard, Clitherall, Minn. 247. STEEN, LUDWIG & LAURA (Larson) [picture] Ludwig H. Steen, former county commissioner of LaMoure County was born at Eidsvolderk, Norway on February 2, 1875. He is a son of Christian Hanson and Pera (Larson) Steen who came to the United States in 1880 establishing their home at Battle Lake, Minn., where they stayed for 11 years. In 1891 they came to North Dakota and settled in Logan County about two miles east of Fredonia. Mr. Steen was educated in the schools of Minnesota and remained at home assisting his father until 1900 when he started to farm independently. He farmed large tracts of land in Logan County until 1903 when he disposed of his land there and purchased 569 acres of land in LaMoure County, a mile north of Kulm. This farm was named the Eidsvold Farm, in honor of his birth place. Mr. Steen bred and raised thoroughbred percheron horses making this a leading feature of his business. Mr. Steen was united in marriage to Miss Laura C. Larson on June 30, 1904. She also was a native of Eidsvolderk, Norway and came to the United States with her parents in 1889. For several years, Mr. Steen served as township clerk, township supervisor and school treasurer. He later was elected to the board of county commissioners. Mr. Steen is a Lutheran in religious faith. He is a member of the Pomona Valley Lutheran Church in Kulm and has served as treasurer for many terms. They were blessed with two children. They are: Dena of Kulm, and Mabel of Minneapolis. Mr. Steen is 82 years of age and has been living in LaMoure County for 64 years. 248. STROBEL, FREDRICK & ROSINA (Kuhn) [picture] Mr. Strobel was born November 12, 1868, in Bessarabia, South Russia. At the age of twenty one he came to the United States, where he worked as a laborer in the Jamestown vicinity. After a year he came to the Kulm vicinity and filed on a homestead four and one half miles west of Kulm. Four years later he married Rosina Kuhn, daughter of Christoph and Karolina Kuhn. Mr. and Mrs. Strobel were active members of the Nazareth Congregational Church in Fredonia, N.D. After Mr. Strobel's death Mrs. Strobel became a member of the Kulm Congregational Church. Mr. Strobel passed away on November 26, 1923, and Mrs. Strobel on Mar. 11, 1945. This union was blessed with twelve children, nine of which are living. They are: Emil, Kulm, N.D.; Emma, Mrs. Robert Remien, Oakes, N.D.; Magdalena, Mrs. Gus Hoff, Lodi, Calif.; Ida, Mrs. T.A. Larson, Selah, Wash.; Fred, Kulm, N.D.; Clara, Mrs. Sherman Johnson, Huron, S.D.; Anna, Mrs. R.R. Heffelfinger, Forman, N.D.; Alvina, Mrs. Albert Heidinger, Kulm, N.D.; and Olga, Mrs. Harry Isaak, Kulm, N.D.; John Otto, Karoline, Mrs. Fred Pfeifle, deceased. 249. TELLBERG, JOHN & IDA (Lysell) [picture] Born May 22, 1871 in Amsele, Sweden, John immigrated to the United States on August 2, 1897 in company with his parents and his fiancee, Ida Carolina Lysell, whom he married on June 21, 1899; a union which lasted until her death on August 6, 1950. This union was blessed with nine children who presently reside as follows: Henry Tellberg, 12281 Riverview, Detroit, Mich.; Fritjof Tellberg, deceased 1946; Richard Tellberg, Granada Trailer Park, 11163 S. Prairie, Inglewood, Calif.; Ida Mauch, Granada Trailer Park, 11163 S. Prairie, Inglewood, Calif.; Benjamin Tellberg, 6848 Auburn, Detroit, Mich.; Paul Tellberg, 7716 Tyee Rd., Everett, Wash.; Sarah Mauch, 128 Yuma, Hazel Park, Mich.; Astor Tellberg, Kent, Minn.; Ellen Huetter, 10010 Conner, Detroit, Mich. He filed for citizenship, and took up a homestead on Section 24 in Swede Township, about eight miles north of Kulm in the fall of 1898, proved his right to the land and became a citizen in 1905. During the following years, he broke up all the virgin land except for a pasture, and in 1907 purchased another quarter section of land in partnership with Ludwig Nelson, deceased; and in 1910 purchased another quarter of land giving him a farm of about 400 acres, which he farmed quite successfully until 1938, when he moved with his family to Minnesota. He farmed in Minnesota until the fall of 1945 when he retired. He is presently residing with his daughter at 10010 Connor, Detroit, Michigan. 250. TEMPLIEN, MICHAEL & ADELINE (Diesing) [picture] Michael Templien was born in West Prussia, Germany on August 21, 1853. He was married to Adeline Diesing in 1880. They came to this country in 1881. One son August, accompanied them on the journey. They spent a few years in the eastern part of the United States. In 1901 they came to North Dakota and in 1906 Mr. Templien bought a farm southeast of Kulm, N.D., where he farmed until his death in 1932. Mrs. Templien died in 1933. Six children were born of this union, three have died. The three living children are: Mrs. Mathilda Lenz, Santa Barbara, California; Mrs. Anna Nelson, Ellendale, N.D.; and Fred Templien, Kulm, N.D., who lives on the old home place. 251. THORESON, GUSTOV & RAGNHILD (Tenold) [picture] Mr. Thoreson was born February 12, 1861 in Norway. He came to America in 1885 and farmed north of Kulm until his death. In 1895 he was united in marriage with Ragnhild Tenold. Edgeley was the nearest town where they could get provisions. One time he walked to Edgeley to get help when he broke his wrist. Mr. Charles Sturgeon, a storekeeper, in Edgeley helped him and they became friends. Many years later Mr. Thoreson received the following letter from Mr. Sturgeon: August 11, 1915 Dear Sir: It is just 27 years ago today when you came into my store and paid me the first dollar I got when I came to Edgeley. I often think of this, for you know we all had a struggle to make both ends meet in the days passed, and we didn't know how we were coming out. I am thankful that we both have prospered. Best wishes to yourself and family. Yours truly, Chas. J. Sturgeon. P.S. - I am sending you a cigar. Sit down on your porch and smoke it. Mr. Sturgeon was the father of Dr. Frank Sturgeon, a physician in Kulm. This letter came too late for Mr. Thoreson to read as he had died August 8, 1915 and was buried the day before the letter arrived. Mrs. Thoreson passed away December 21, 1914 in Minneapolis, Minn. They were members of the Pomona Valley Lutheran Church of Kulm. To this union were born four children: Mrs. Mary Dohlen, deceased; Mrs. Helga Bjornstad, Fargo, N.D.; Iver Thoreson, deceased; Mrs. Olga Melby, Minneapolis, Minn. 252. TJERNLUND, CARL & ALICE (Johnson) [picture] Carl Tjernlund was born on his father's homestead, northwest of Kulm on May 19, 1890. He was married to Alice Johnson on December 23, 1936. Victor O. Erickson, then pastor of the Kulm Baptist Church, officiating. Three children were born to them, Russell, who is attending LeTourneau Tech. Institute in Longview, Texas; Howard, a senior in Kulm High School; and Janet, a sophomore in high school. Carl is the only one of the Tjernlund boys on the farm. His wife Alice and he cared for his stepmother until her death in 1949. He attended college in Grand Island, Nebraska, and worked in a bank at Russel, N.D. for two years. The rest of his life has been spent at farming. He became a member of the Kulm Baptist Church in 1907 and has been treasurer of the church for 27 years. He has also been deacon and a choir member for many years. Mr. Tjernlund has held various offices about the township, one being a member of the school board. 253. TJERNLUND, JOHN [picture] John Anton Tjernlund was born January 17, 1859 at Oliden, Norsjo, Sweden. He was united in marriage to Eva Christine Karlson on January 15, 1883. They came to this country on July 1, 1889 and settled on a homestead seven miles northwest of Kulm, then Newberg. J.A. Tjernlund was a successful farmer and quite a prominent figure in pioneer days. He held many offices, as school board director, Justice of Peace and for many years treasurer of Swede Township Telephone Co. He was a member of the Swedish Baptist Church and often served as layman preacher. He always was ready to help in any worthy cause. In 1903 the family moved to the west coast. His wife Eva died in 1905. He married Mathilda Malmberg in the spring of 1907, after which the family moved back to Kulm. Mr. Tjernlund died June 30, 1930 and his wife, Mathilda died in March 1949. Anton and his first wife Eva were blessed with eight children: Elmer, Minneapolis, Minn.; Emma, Mrs. A.V. Arvidson, Spokane, Wash.; Carl J. who makes his home on the homestead at Kulm, N.D.; Teckle M., Spokane, Wash.; Ellis W., Portland, Ore.; Minnie E. died during the flu epidemic in 1918 and Emilie Helen and Annie Alice died in infancy. 254. TJERNLUND, PETER & VIOLA (Bodien) Peter Tjernlund was born in Norsjo, Sweden in 1867. He immigrated to the United States with his parents and brother, arriving on July 1, 1889. He settled on a homestead seven miles northwest of Kulm. He became a charter member of the Swedish Baptist Church and served as the church treasurer from 1911 to 1915 when he moved to Minneapolis, Minn. He was united in marriage to Viola Bodien at Cambridge, Minn., by Rev. Eric Carlson and joined the First Swedish Baptist Church in Minneapolis, November 30, 1920. He died after a car-bus accident September 22, 1946. They had no children. 255. TURNQUIST, JOHN & EVELINA (Olson) Evelina Olson was born in Amsele, Sweden and came to America in 1897. She met and married John Turnquist when she was working in Garden City, S.D. Five children were born to this union. One died in infancy, the others are: Mary of Minneapolis, Minn.; William and Gertrude, Great Falls, Mont.; Alfred of Kulm, N.D. After living in South Dakota for a few years they moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and later to Swede Township where they made their home. Mrs. Turnquist died in August of 1947. Mr. Turnquist has also passed away. 256. WALKER, BALTHASER & BARBARA (Bertsch) [picture] Balthaser Walker was born December 2, 1857 in Friedenstal, South Russia. He was united in marriage to Barbara Bertsch, November 7, 1885. Mrs. Walker was born February 19, 1865 in the same country as Mr. Walker. They came to this country in 1889 and lived on a farm two and one-half miles southwest of Kulm. Here they farmed until 1922 when they retired and moved into the city of Kulm. Six children were born to this union. They are: Balthaser Walker, Alliance, Alberta, Canada; Elizabeth, deceased; Samuel Walker, Ellendale, N.D.; Gottlieb Walker, Kulm, N.D.; Albert Walker, Los Angeles, Calif.; Bertha Walker, Jamestown, N.D. Mr. Walker died October 23, 1933 and Mrs. Walker died September 30, 1935. 257. WARE, ANNIE Annie Melicher was born in Eureka, S.D. in March of 1891. She came to Kulm with her parents Mr. and Mrs. John Melicher in 1895. Annie was united in marriage to Mr. Albert Riese in 1912 while Mr. Riese was manager of the Salzer lumber Co. In 1917 he became vice president of the First State Bank of this city. In 1920-21 he served the people as mayor of Kulm and it was during this administration that the city Auditorium was built. Mr. Riese died in 1923 leaving Annie with three small sons who grew to be the kind of men a mother could be proud of. They are: Raymond of Sioux City, Iowa; Harlan of Glasgow, Mont.; and Dr. Russell of Phoenix, Arizona. Mrs. Riese married C.W. Ware, who was the pharmacist at the Bjornson Drug store, in the year of 1939. Mr. Ware served in this capacity for eighteen years giving up his work because of ill health. 258. WARNER, RAYMOND Raymond E. Warner WAS BORN IN Spirit Lake, Iowa, February 27, 1879. Mrs. Warner, nee Larsen, was born on a farm near Pine River, Wis., April 15, 1880. Mr. Warner came to Kulm in 1909 from Emerson, Manitoba, Canada, and was employed in the LaMoure County Bank, under M. Olaf Hausken, its president. Mrs. Warner came to Kulm in June of 1903 and worked in her brother Nels' law office. In January of 1905 when another teacher was needed in the Kulm school, she taught until the end of the school year under Prof. T.O. Sweetland. When she and her mother moved back to Kulm from Seattle, Wash., in 1908, she again taught school during the years 1909 to 1911, under the supervision of J.C. Tjaden. The Warners were married in Glenwood, Minn., in September 1911 and lived in Emerson, Man., until the fall of 1912 when they moved to Seattle where they are now living. Two daughters, Miriam and Esther, were born to them. Miriam married H.H. Hilscher and resides in Anchorage, Alaska. They have one daughter, Hilary. Esther married R.F. Gorman and lives in Seattle. They have twin daughters, Celia and Shaughn, and one son Tom. 259. WENDLAND, JACOB & ROSINA (Welk) [picture] Among the earliest pioneers settling near Kulm are Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Wendland, the oldest living couple in Kulm. Mr. Wendland was born May 8, 1870, in New Elft [NeuElft], South Russia and married Rosina Welk on February 3, 1894. Mrs. Wendland was born in 1870 in New Arzeasz [Neu Arzis], South Russia. They immigrated to the United States from South Russia in 1898 and filed on a homestead one and one-half miles northwest of Wirch, N.D. Here they farmed until 1921 when Mr. Wendland started carpentry work. He retired in 1949. Mr. and Mrs. Wendland are still in their own home and with the loving care of their son Otto and his wife Clara, they are able to get along. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wendland: Katie, Mrs. Geo. Buerkle, New Town, N.D.; Gust Wendland, Minneapolis, Minn.; Otto Wendland, Kulm, N.D.; Marie, Mrs. Ray Griffin, Minneapolis, Minn.; Ida, Mrs. John Macklin, Madison, Wis. 260. WENDLAND, OTTO & CLARA (Rath) [picture] Mr. Wendland was born March 2, 1900 in Dickey County and farmed with his parents there and northwest of Kulm until 1921. He worked on the Soo Line for a time, and in the Walker garage on many of the new but now extinct cars, such as Franklin, Durant, Vele, Brisko, etc. He worked in the Chevrolet factory in Flint, Michigan for 3 years. When he returned he operated a Service Station in Lehr, N.D. Later he moved into the Standard Service Garage at Kulm which he operated for 20 years. He is now employed as parts manager at Brost Brothers. Mr. Wendland is a lover of sports. He played baseball for 18 years. He is a member of the Rod and Gun Club, the City Band and Fire Department. He has served on the local school board, and he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Wendland was united in marriage to Clara Rath on March 2, 1938. To this union three children were born: Jeannette, Mrs. Wilbert Mundt, Aberdeen, S.D.; Donald and Allen at home. 261. WILKEN, WILLIAM & HULDA (Scheidt) [picture] Mr. William Wilken was born on a farm in Millerville Township, Douglas County, Minnesota on March 5, 1883. He left the farm at the age of 18 and took a commercial course at a school of business. He was asked to go to work as a deputy in the office of County Auditor, Alexandria, Minn. Mr. Wilken received his banking experience by working for a small chain banking firm in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. In 1907 Mr. Wilkens came to Kulm, N.D. as an assistant in the old LaMoure County Bank. Here he became associated with Mr. M. Olaf Hausken, president of the bank. Mr. Wilken married Hulda S. Scheidt in 1918. In 1934 the Wilken family moved to Portland, Oregon. They lived there for some time after which Mr. Wilken became associated with the RACC of Minneapolis, servicing government chattel loans, until he started work for the Federal Land Bank of St. Paul. Mrs. Wilken is deceased and Mr. Wilken now makes his home in Portland, Ore. The children born to this union are: William F.G. Wilken, Beaverton, Oregon; Rosemary Wilken Malo, Dallas, Oregon; Cordelia Wilken Hamilton, Salem, Oregon. 262. WINSBERG, JENS Jens A. Winsberg came from Norway with his father and spent a short time in Chicago, before going on to Eureka, S.D., where he lived for a few years before coming to Swede Township. He took up a homestead in Swede Township on Section 6 which is now the Alvin Bjur farm. He spent most of his time here in ranching and horse trading. In 1911 he moved to Edgeley and later to Aberdeen, S.D. where he was married. After some time in Aberdeen he moved to Yankton, S.D. and traveled for Guerney Seed House. He died in 1946. 263. WIRCH, JOHN Sr. & MARY (Tileman) [picture] John Wirch Sr. was born April 10, 1846 in Bessarabia, South Russia. He was married to Mary Tileman. They came to America in 1889 and settled seven miles south of Kulm with his family. Four years later they moved seventeen and one-half miles south of Kulm to a farm. Later when he retired he built a little home across the road from his son John about sixteen miles south of Kulm. Here they lived until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Wirch were blessed with 10 children of whom only one lives: Gottlieb Wirch, Hot Springs, Montana. Mrs. Wirch passed away October 12, 1921 and Mr. Wirch passed away January 16, 1933. They lived a very happy life together for 55 years. 264. WIRCH, JOHN Jr. & ROSINA (Nies) [picture] Mr. Wirch was born February 22, 1868 at New Elft [NeuElft], Bessarabia, South Russia. He came to America in 1889 with his parents at the age of 21. In 1890 he was united in marriage to Rosina Nies. They farmed for 40 years, 16 miles south of Kulm. His place was known as Wirch, N.D., as mail was received there and he served as its postmaster for 40 years. He served as County Commissioner, Dickey County for several years. After his passing in February of 1936, Mrs. Wirch went to Denver, Colorado to live with a daughter, where she lived for 19 years as an arthritic invalid. She passed away April 10, 1955. Ten children were born to this union: Henry, Billings, Mont.; Mrs. J.P. Williams, Denver, Colo.; R.E. Wirch, Riverside, Calif.; Mrs. Elsie Trosin, Forbestown, Calif.; Art Wirch, Bend, Ore.; Emil Wirch, Bend, Ore.; and Theodore Wirch, Forbes, N.D. Three have died. 265. WOEHL, PHILIP [picture] Philip Woehl was born February 2, 1869 in Rohrback [Rohrbach], South Russia. At the age of nineteen he came to the United States, arriving at Scotland, South Dakota in 1888. In 1891, Mr. Woehl was united in marriage with Christina Rott at Scotland, South Dakota. After four years in South Dakota, Mr. and Mrs. Woehl, together with a few other pioneers, moved to North Dakota, where Mr. Woehl filed on a homestead twelve miles south of Fredonia. Their first house was made of rocks and bricks made of clay. This was their home until 1908 when a new frame house was built. In the early years Mr. Woehl was an auctioneer. Many sales of various types were cried by Mr. Woehl. He also traveled with cattle and horse buyers, which seemed to be his hobby. Mrs. Woehl passed away in 1930. Later, Mr. Woehl married Rosina Baetch of Streeter, N.D. They lived in Streeter until Mrs. Woehl passed away on January 19, 1956. Mr. Woehl passed away on April 23, 1956 at a hospital in Jamestown, N.D. Eleven children were born by his first marriage, seven of whom are living, they are: Elizabeth, Mrs. Pete Anderest, Medicine Hat, Canada; Gust, Fredonia, M.D.; Bertha, Mrs. Jake Schaffer, Carrington, N.D.; Henry, of Fredonia, N.D.; Eva, Mrs. Adam Rott, McLaughlin, S.D.; Albert, Fredonia, N.D.; Dena, Mrs. Otto Netz, Wenatchee, Washington. 266. WOLFF, ALBERT & ANNA (Hoffman) [picture] Albert Wolff was born in Germany in the year of 1861. He married Anna Hoffman. In 1877 they settled at Maple Lake, Minn., and came to North Dakota in 1902, settling on a farm one and one-half miles west of Kulm. They remained here until the death of Mr. Wolff in 1923. Five children were born to the Wolffs: Erwin of Bismarck; William of Kulm; Alice of Bismarck; Harry of Hazelton, N.D.; and Sadie of Outing, Minnesota. 267. WOLFF, WILLIAM & TILLIE (Gackle) [picture] William Wolff was born on May 5, 1894 in Maple Lake, Minn. He came to N. Dak. In April 1902 and settled on a farm one and one-half miles west of Kulm. In 1913, Mr. Wolff went to Molar Barber College in Minneapolis. After completing the course he returned to Kulm and worked in the barber business with his two older brothers, Otto and Edwin, until World War I when he was drafted into the service from April 2, 1918 to July 5, 1919. Upon returning from service he started his own barber shop, taking in his younger brother, Harry to learn the trade. Mr. Wolff has barbered here ever since. On June 23, 1920 Mr. Wolff was united in marriage to Tillie Gackle. They have two children: Gladys of Kulm, N.D. and Clinton of Los Angeles, Calif. 268. ZELLMER, C. & MARY (Dittus) [picture] As written by his daughter Martha Zellmer Gallagher. C.J. Zellmer was born July 8, 1857 in Christovo, Province of Posen, Germany. He came to America in 1878 and settled in Beaver Dam, Wis., where he lived for 8 years, working for his brother, August. From Beaver Dam he went to South Dakota to homestead. Later he moved to Kulm, N.D., and in 1895 married Mary Dittus, daughter of the late Jacob Dittus, Sr. of Fredonia, N.D. I believe my father, C.J. Zellmer, was one of the early settlers in Kulm. I believe he had the first hotel in Kulm and General Merchandise Store there, which he had for many years. He also had a general merchandise store in Gackle. He acquired several pieces of real estate in and around Kulm, one farm he sold to the late Jacob Nill, which was not far out from Kulm. In 1908 a group of men including the late A.B. Malin and my father went by train to Mexico City, Mexico, thinking some of them would settle there. Coming back they stopped in San Antonio - it was in January and it was like a bright summer day - and my father decided then that San Antonio was the place for him. So he bought a home before he left San Antonio. In 1909 they moved to San Antonio with their three children, Martha, Marion and Annetta. After living in San Antonio a few years, another daughter, Alice, was born. My father bought a couple of ranches in Brazoria County, Texas, near W. Columbia, the first capitol of Texas. He moved to the ranch in 1918 where he lived until he died in 1924. My mother and my three sisters moved back to San Antonio after his death. Some of my mother's brothers and sisters still live in and around Fredonia. The store and hotel my father owned in Kulm was burned to the ground and was never rebuilt by my father, as I remember. My father and mother moved south mostly on account of their health. In 1935 my mother married Fred Rott of Lodi, California, whom my father and mother had known for many years. When my father had the store in Gackle they became acquainted with Mr. Rott and my father financed him in a business, or set him up in business, so to speak. Mr. Rott died in 1947 and my mother moved back to San Antonio to be with her children. My mother passed away in April 1949. The children are: Martha, Mrs. Mack Gallagher, 3501 W. Commerce Street, San Antonio, Texas; Annetta, Mrs. O. George Pinca, 223 Mink Drive, San Antonio, Texas; Alice, Mrs. Alice Gallagher, 202 Quentin Drive, San Antonio, Texas; Marion, Mrs. Marion Weltens, passed away in 1936, she had no children. [pictures: "Two Faithful Servants in the Maintenance of Kulm: Fred G. Schlenker, Chief of Police & John Borth, City Water Commissioner] HISTORIES OF KULM'S BUSINESSES BEN'S BARBER SHOP [P175 Picture of shop] Built in 1895 by Herman Hardt and used as a dwelling, it was then sold to C.C. Buechler, who in turn sold it to John Melicher and John Jenner who started the first harness shop. After dissolving partnership, John Melicher moved to another location leaving John Jenner as sole manager. Later on it was used as a real estate office by Joseph Gaeckle and Peter Billigmeier for a number of years. Then Otto Beich purchased it, remodeling and starting a barber shop. When the present owner, Ben Koenig bought it in 1945, it continued as a barber shop and part of it was used as a beauty parlor. KULM CREDIT UNION [P175 Picture of members] The idea of starting a Credit Union in Kulm was started at the Farmers Union Local meeting in the German Northwest Farmers Union local. After corresponding with Credit Union officials at Jamestown, a series of meetings were held and it was decided to apply for a charter to organize a Credit Union in Kulm. The charter for the Kulm Credit Union was granted on December 10, 1949 and on March 23, 1950 a meeting was called to elect officers and committees. The board of directors were: Fred Vogel, William Staeck, Edwin Lundgren, Richard Herman and Lee Hollan. The credit committee elected was: Dell Palm, Rob Hollan and Walter Puhlman. The supervisory committee was: W.J. Hildebrand, Lee Hartman and M.W. Gunter. The educational committee was: Mrs. Lee Hollan, Mrs. Irvin Mogck and Art Hollan. The board of directors held the organization meeting on Marcy 23, 1950 and elected Fred Vogel, president; Edwin Lundgren, vice president and William Staeck, secretary and treasurer. Mrs. Irvin Mogck was chosen to serve as assistant treasurer and the Kulm Credit Union was ready for business. The Kulm Credit Union has had a steady growth since it was organized. The total assets are $82,712.05. They have made half a million dollars in loans to members since organizing. The membership is up to 257. The purpose of the Credit Union is for the members to pool their money into the Credit Union and when a member needs financial aid he can make a loan at the lowest possible cost. He will be covered by Life Savings Insurance and by loan insurance at no additional cost, thereby eliminating the high costs charged by finance companies. The present board of directors and committees that appear on the picture are: Fred Vogel, president; Richard Herman, vice-president; William Staeck, secretary and treasurer. Edwin Lundgren, director; Lee Hollan past director, replaced by Walter Kusler (not pictured; Mrs. Irvin Mogck, asst. treasurer. Supervisory committee: Lee Hartman, J. D. Netz and Elmer Hildebrand. Finance committee: Gottlieb Hartman, LeRoy Olson and Otto Mueller. Educational committee: Mrs. Lee Hollan, Mrs. Edwin Lundgren and L.A. Koenig. GACKLE BROTHERS, INC. [P176 Picture of 6 faces] In 1893 George Gackle came to Kulm and with his two friends started a hardware and general merchandise store. The firm being, Gackle and Grosz, later changing to Gackle and Billigmeier, and then to George Gackle and Co. At the same time a grain buying station was started, buying grain in a flat house, powered by horse-power. Grain was brought to town in sacks, and the grain was hauled into the freight cars by wheelbarrows. An elevator was built in 1906. In 1915 George Gackle retired from the hardware business and the new owners were his three eldest sons, John, Fred and Martin. August 1924, following the passing of their father, George Gackle, the firm became a corporation and included the three youngest sons, George Jr., Otto and Ernest, and a sister Emma, Mrs. Christ Hieb. Mrs. Hieb's interest in the firm was bought by the Brothers some years later. The business at present consists of a two-story brick building, which handles hardware, tools, sporting goods, farm supplies, and furniture. A brick building, which was formerly, John Grosz and Sons dry goods store, was converted into a machine shop and garage, and also a display room for new Chryslers, Plymouths, and International trucks and farm machinery. A quonset building was built in 1952 for machinery and is used to assemble farm implements. The grain elevator was rebuilt and modernized in 1953. In 1955 the hardware store was completely modernized to handle a more complete stock, to provide faster and more efficient service, and to better display the electrical appliances and furniture. In 1945, because of ill health, Fred Gackle sold his share in the business and moved to Eugene, Oregon. The brother John passed away in May of 1956. Besides the remaining brothers who are actively engaged in the business, the firm employs Eddie Grosz, Wilbert Konrad, Mrs. Fred Strobel, Robert Gackle, Fred Kinzler, Jake Wolf, Dave Grosz, and Henry Lind. Martin, George, Otto and Ernest agree their creed is, as it was in the beginning, the Golden Rule; and say, "We have done our best to live up to it; we still believe as did our founders, that Kulm is the finest spot on God's Earth in which to work and live." FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE ELEVATOR CO. [P176 Picture of elevator] In 1904, a group of farmers saw the need to organize a Farmers Stock Company at Kulm. After several meetings they organized and elected a board of directors which were: M.A. Ueland, Joe Hartman, Joe Hollan, John A. Stolt, A.E. Raney, E.G. Anderson, E. Bowman, Jim Brady, John Ogren. They bought an elevator from the Atlantic Elevator Company and hired Mr. Klien as manager, who was replaced by John Stolt the following year. In 1913, the stock company was dissolved and the present Farmers Co-operative Elevator Company was organized. This was managed by Mr. Stolt until 1916 when Erick Bowman was hired as manager who served until 1926. In 1917, the lumber yard was built, this was under the management of Ed Orth until 1945. Then seeing the need for a larger elevator to serve the growing needs of the farmers, the present elevator was built in 1918, some years later they bought another elevator which was dismantled in about 1928 and the present coal shed was built out of the salvaged lumber. In 1947, the stock holders saw the need of a feed grinding, seed cleaning, and treating plant, which was built the same year. This proved to be an asset to the community and town. Due to the changing method of harvesting and threshing, additional storage was needed, so a 60,000 bushel annex was built in 1953. In 1954, to better serve the patrons, an office and woodwork shop was built into the lumberyard. A scale was also installed there to weigh the coal. Again in 1956, due to inadequate facilities, the stockholders voted to build a new modern office, driveway, and warehouse. In the above facilities are: a bottle gas furnace, water and sewer, and electric operated doors. This organization started in 1904, with only a few stock holders who bought an elevator for $8,000.00. Mr. L.H. Steen, one of the original organizers, is still a patron to date. This organization has grown to 450 Stockholders, who hold equity of $168,000.00 and handled 364,000 bushels of net grain sales of $570,000.00 in 1956. The elevator started shipping part of the grain to G.T.A. in 1941. In 1945, the Directors voted to ship 100 percent to G.T.A. for which the stockholders have received an additional $70,000.00 stock credits of which $10,000.00 have been paid out in cash dividends. Albert Buerkle has been employed by the elevator company since 1939, and has been manager the past 6 years, with Palmer Buerkle assistant manager for the past 6 years. The Lumber Department sold $54,000.00 worth of building material and coal, this department is being managed by Albert Larson and has been for the past 3 years, with Alvin Lindgren as his assistant. At the present time the board of directors are as follows: William Staeck, president; Edwin Malm, vice president; Gottlieb Hartman, secretary; Fred Vogel, Theo. Wirch, Victor Ogren, and Walter Puhlman, directors. The board of directors feel that this organization has been a great asset to this community and the city of Kulm. THE KULM MILL COMPANY [P177 Picture of mill] The Kulm Mill Company was built in the year 1893 by Rott Bros. And Helwig. These men were in the farming business and hired Mr. Frank Smith, father of J.D. Smith to operate the mill for them. The Smiths came to Kulm in 1895. Jean was 17 years of age at the time and assisted his father at the mill. A few years later the mill was purchased by Byer Bros. Who owned it for 5 years and sold it to Mr. Dobler. Mr. Dobler traded it to the Kerr Land Co. for land. After 5 years later Mr. Dobler, Christ and Fred Flegel again purchased the mill back from the Land Co. This partnership lasted only a short time when Fred purchased the entire mill. Mr. Frank Smith passed away in 1907 and son Jean took over the operation of the mill. In 1908 Jean purchased one-third interest from Mr. Flegel. Mr. Smith recalls many interesting experiences over the years. People came for flour from points 100 miles away. The mill very often ran continuously for 24 hours a day, months on end and an average day was usually 18 hours. Jean recalls that very often they would look out of the windows on the third floor of the mill and see caravans of wagons coming across the prairies in the very early hours of the morning. Most of the farmers brought their grain in sacks and on top of the grain they carried feed for the horses as these trips often took several days. The major part of the business of selling flour was done on the exchange basis, farmers bringing in their grain and receiving flour in exchange. Much credit was extended to farmers even in those days, with the promise to pay in the fall. This was often a strain on the manufacturer and one year the mill had to borrow over $4600 to continue operation. By the end of that fall every account on the books had been cleared and they were able to pay back every cent they had borrowed. In approximately 1908 Fred Rossman, Sr. came to work for the mill as the miller, thus allowing Mr. Smith to spend more time in the administrative work of the concern. Mr. Rossman had been a miller in Russia before coming to this country. In 1914 the Kulm Mill purchased the light plant for the city from Mr. Bacon. The light system had not been too successful up to this time and had suffered severe losses from ice storms, leaving the lines in the city badly damaged and they had to be completely rebuilt. The lights were operated by the 60 horse power steam engine that operated the mill but with the continuing added load, had to be replaced by a 150 horse engine and later an additional 75 horse with a generator was added. During the first World War considerable pressure was put on the mill. Thirty percent of all the flour milled had to be sold to the government and strict record had to be kept of all flour milled. As the health of Mr. Flegel began to fail, he was forced to sell his interest to J.D. Smith, Reinhold Beich and Jacob Ruff in 1922. In 1926 the light plant was sold to the Northern Power Light Company, however, the mill continued doing contract wiring and in selling and repairing appliances. Forrest Smith, son of Jean Smith and a master electrician, managed the electrical department of the mill and also purchased stock in the company. The drought had its effect on the business. Operating was often put to a severe test financially as the people needed flour and had very little money. Hard wheat, used to mill flour, sold for as little as 30 cents a bushel. Changing times and progress made for many replacements and changes; in 1932 the steam engine was replaced by a high powered diesel engine. In 1933 Fred Rossman, Jr. who had spent much time in the mill as a child with his father, was added to the milling staff. The elder Mr. Rossman passed away in 1934 after working in the mill for over 26 years. In 1935 the Kulm Mill Co. became a corporation. Additional storage for grain was needed and the company purchased and sold several elevators. At present they still have one elevator in their possession. Much speculation was done both in grain and in land during the years. In 1943 they became dealers for Minneapolis Moline farm equipment. As the times began to change the need for flour began to dwindle and in 1950 after 57 years of almost continuous milling the last sack of flour was made and the machinery stopped. In 1952 Jean and Forrest Smith sold their interests in the corporation to Reinhold Beich. The following year the interior of the mill was stripped of its milling machinery and scrapped. Mr. Jean Smith retired and Forrest now resides in Washington. 1956 brought the last change as Jacob Ruff retired and sold his interest purchased in 1922 to Fred Rossman. BROST BROS. [P178 Picture of Hilmer & Wilbert Brost] In the year 1930 D.F. Brost and John Flegel bought the interests of Kulm Hardware Company from the Marshall Wells Co. of Duluth, Minn. This enterprise was formerly owned by Gehring and Tjernlund. In 1930 John Flegel and Bernard Gehring operated the store which was known as Kulm Hardware Co. In 1932 Bernard Gehring moved to McClusky and in the fall of 1932 W.E. Brost returned from Chicago and assumed the managership of Kulm Hardware Co. January 1, 1933 D.F. Brost and W.E. Brost bought the interests of John Flegel and the business was thereafter known as Kulm Hardware Co., or D.F. Brost & W.E. Brost. It is needless to relate the times between 1932 and 1938 when we and our customers sold hogs for one cent a pound and cattle were bringing from one- half to one cent a pound. Then in 1934 the government gave the farmers from $5.00 to $20.00 for each head of cattle they had to sell. I could go on and on and tell you about the sale of stock and grain. In 1933 the bushel of wheat brought $ .25 and barley was $ .10 and oats $ .07. In 1946 D.F. Brost retired and his son H.A. Brost took over the active position of partner to W.E. Brost. Since 1946 W.E. Brost and H.A. Brost have been partners in business under the name of Brost Bros. Which was changed in 1946 from Kulm Hardware Co. to Brost Bros. Besides hardware and farm machinery they also had a furniture department, which they discontinued and took on the dealership of Oldsmobile and Chevrolet automobiles. The original building has had several additions, the first one to the West, a warehouse was built and two years later a showroom to the North and front with a garage and repair shop to the back. Brost Bros. Building now extends a 96 x 120 ft. area. The business personnel for Brost Bros. Are: W.E. Brost and H.A. Brost, Mgrs.; Mrs. John J. Gackle, Office Manager; Otto Wendland, Parts and Accessories Manager; Arnold Krueger, Service Department Manager; Albert Kalmbach, Mechanic; Chester Schlecht, Mechanic; John J. Gackle, Farm machinery foreman; Harold Fregien, Salesman; Marvin Ost, Used Car Reconditioner. D.F. Brost, father of W.E. and H.A. although retired and in spite of age and ill health still spends several hours every day in the store. Will and Hilmer say that their customers are their greatest assets. KULM COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER ASSOCIATION [P179 Pictures of directors and building] Credit for the beginning of this project in 1951 goes to the local firemen. Later the raffling of a car purchased by Otto Gackle and Reinhold Beich for the firemen, began the actual fund-raising campaign for the Health Center. In June of 1951 work was begun with the breaking of ground done by men of the community. The plans for the Health Center at first only included offices for the doctor and dentist, but the consensus of opinion was that a maternity ward should be added. This necessitated the calling of a mass meeting to determine the desire of the community. This meeting on March 3, 1942 brought out that addition of this ward would bring the building under hospital classification and the general tone of the meeting indicated that this would be [in] the best interests of the people of Kulm and vicinity, so plans were changed and the work went forward until its completion in 1953. A Health Center Board of Directors was elected to devise ways of raising money and carry on the business of the Association and the first officers were: Signar Lundgren, Herman Herrmann, Fred Vogel, Alvin Hanneld, Harry Isaak, M.W. Gunter and E.T. Brost. The latter three were named from the city and four from the rural area. The sale of the car sponsored by the firemen, donations by individual members, firms, and organizations, memberships of $25.00, Booster Button and auction sales, Health parties given by the ladies and $10.00 memberships in a 300 club were all various methods to raise money which resulted in all debts being paid by 1956. This modern health center has doctor and dental offices, delivery, X-ray and examining rooms, emergency and maternity wards, complete with nursery laboratory and small kitchen. Dr. J.E. Grenz occupies the dental offices and our present doctor D.M. Cameron serves the community in the rooms set aside for his use. Previous doctors were H.A. Fandrich and Richard M. Steidl. Open house was held on August 1, 1954 at which time dedication ceremonies were held. The present board of Directors are as follows: Clifford Schott, president; Mrs. Caleb Bjur, vice president; Mrs. Anna Bjornson, secretary-treasurer; and John Blumhardt, Ronald Brost, Ervin Mogck and Dell Palm. KULM BUSINESSES TODAY [Starting on the north side of the railroad tracks, continuing southward on the west side of main street and back northward on the east side of main street, then to other businesses within the city] ISAAK ELEVATOR Harry Isaak is the owner, buying from his father N.G. Isaak in 1956. This was known as the Guthmueller elevator. FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE ELEVATOR Originally the Atlantic Elevator site, it was purchased by the Farmers Organization in 1904 and the present elevator was built in 1918 with additions in 1953 and 1956. L.H. Steen is one of the original organizers. Albert Buerkle is the present manager and Palmer Buerkley is his assistant. FARMERS LUMBER YARD This concern was built in 1917 and was under the management of Ed Orth until 1945. In 1954 an office, woodwork shop and coal sheds were added. For the past three years, this had been managed by Albert Larson with Alvin Lindgren assisting. KULM MILL COMPANY ELEVATOR Bought in 1937 by the Kulm Mill Company, this elevator was built by Sharpe Pruetz and is one of Kulm's seven original elevators. The Kulm Mill Company has added improvements during their years of ownership. GACKLE GRAIN COMPANY Built in 1905 by Gackle and Billigmeier this partnership was dissoved in 1919 and the name later changed to Gackle Grain Company. It was remodeled in 1924 and again in 1954. It is managed by George Gackle, one of the Gackle brothers, whose father was George Gackle, Sr., one of the partners of Gackle and Billigmeier, when they started the grain buying business in 1893. It is the only one of the seven elevators still the property of descendants of the original owner. SOO LINE DEPOT One of the landmarks of the days of 1892. The present agent is Harry Nelson. The family occupy the living quarters upstairs which with the depot proper have been much improved since the early days. KULM STATE BANK This Bank was organized in Fredonia in March 1907 under the name of First State Bank and in March 1938 moved to Kulm and changed it's corporate name to Kulm State Bank, maintaining a paying and receiving station in Fredonia, and is now located in the former National Bank Building. The present officers are: Wm. Jans, chairman of the Board; Sharpe Pruetz, president; B.B. Pruetz and M.C. Buechler, vice president; R.L. Jans, cashier; and Esther Klettke and Wayne Hieb, assistant cashier. BROST BROTHERS Known as the Marshall Wells store until 1930 when it was purchased by D.F. Brost and John Flegel. This was changed to Kulm Hardware when David Brost's son Wilbert bought out the Flegel interests. Upon his father's retirement in 1946, H.A. Brost became his brother's partner and it is now known as Brost Brothers. Besides hardware and machinery, they are automobile dealers and have a repair department. [P180 Picture of Smith Business Block] [P181 Picture of aerial view of Kulm] BOWLING ALLEY Owned by Reinhold Beich and the Kulm Mill Company, is a modern up-to-date 4 lane bowling alley, managed by W.J. Hildebrand. KULM DRUG Purchased in 1954 from Anna A. Bjornson by Milo Knudsen and Everett Brovold. Mr. Brovold, pharmacist, is also the manager. This building as well as the Bowling Alley is owned by Reinhold Beich and the Kulm Mill Company. This brick structure will be remembered by many as the Farmers Store. GACKLE BROS., INC. This furniture and hardware store is still located on it's original site and is now owned by the Gackle brothers who took over the business from their father in 1926. This large brick building was erected in 1907 after fire destroyed the entire block on the west side of main street. They are also dealers in farm machinery and automobiles. Their parts department is managed by Ed Grosz who has been with them 26 year. POSTOFFICE Located on the site where the first bank was erected in 1892. Oscar Lange has been postmaster since 1934 and was the third child born in Kulm. Edwin Lindgren is assistant postmaster. ANDERSON STORE This building is now owned by J.L. Schuldheisz and is vacant. Emil Anderson had a general store on this corner with Undertaking department in connection, for many years, until fire damaged the building and he sold out to Mr. Schuldheisz in 1956. JIM'S CAFE Housed in the brick addition to the Anderson Store building and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Weatherly. A. J. SMITH BUSINESS BLOCK This store building is divided into three units, the first of which is occupied and owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dell Palm and called Palm's Department Store, purchased from Mrs. A.J. Smith in 1948 The second unit houses the Super Valu Market, purchased in 1948 with Mr. and Mrs. Art Krein as owners. The E. & H. Grocery and Locker Plant is located in the third unit, owned by Mrs. And Mrs. Helmuth Herman who purchased the business and quarters from W.J. Hildebrand. This business block is a modern completely fire-proof structure built in 1948-49 after fire had destroyed the People's Store comprised of three business establishments and owned by the late A.J. Smith and his wife. This location was the site of the Lange Store in early days. KULM LIQUOR STORE Owned and operated by the Kulm Improvement Association. The building in which it was housed was the old John A. Melicher harness shop prior to 1955 when it was moved and a new brick building was erected on the site. KULM SUPER SERVICE This brick garage was built by the Melicher Company in 1925 and is now owned by Dan Hoffman who handles cars, machinery and supplies. The repair ship is under the management of Chris Kruse. STADLER HOTEL Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stadler conduct a rooming and apartment house under the name of Stadler Hotel. This was known in earlier days as the Lane Hotel. After it's purchase in 1940 by Mrs. Christ Hehr, it was remodeled and apartments added. Mrs. Stadler is the daughter of the late Mr. C. and Mrs. (Ella) Hehr. CITY AUDITORIUM This Auditorium was built in 1920 on the site where the evangelical Church stood prior to it's removal to it's present location. Besides the Auditorium it houses the City Jail, Council Chambers, a dining room and a complete kitchen owned by the Kulm Civic League. W.E. Botsford, a Veterans training instructor, conducts classes in the City Auditorium dining room once or twice a week. BILL'S BARBER SHOP This was one of the old buildings in Kulm, housing photo studios conducted first by John Reiman and later by F.W. and A.R. Kempf. The Kulm Messenger was published here for a few years after which Wm. Wolf purchased and remodeled it into a barber shop and living quarters. ISAAK JEWELRY STORE This is a new building erected in 1949 on the site where once stood the Glad Tidings Mission. Mr. John Isaak has the only watch repair department in the city. In addition to jewelry he has a ceramics line in which he is assisted by Mrs. Isaak. The Isaaks have an apartment in the rear of the building. JAKE'S COFFEE SHOP This store building which was built by Dr. J.F. Brenckle in 1905 now houses a coffee shop owned and managed by Mr. and Mrs. Jake Steinwandt who purchased it in 1954. LANDMARK OF KULM We would like to mention a building between Isaak's Jewelry Store and Jake's Coffee Shop, an old landmark which will bring back nostalgic memories to readers of this history who had the pleasure of experiencing the money atmosphere of Millie Miller's boarding house and the excellent family type meals she served. As far back as one can remember this was always the location of either a cafe or boarding house. RECREATION PARLOR The present owner, Clarence Grosz, purchased this building from Jacob Spitzer, who had a meat market at this location. Mr. Grosz started this first as a restaurant, then converted into a recreation parlor in 1954. BRAUER PLUMBING AND HEATING In 1894 the Nels Larson Law Office occupied this building and for many years it continued as such. It has served as a barber shop and hardware store since then and was purchased by Wm. Brauer in 1951. BUTRICK'S DRY CLEANING This building, another early landmark, is the former LaMoure County Bank, built in 1896 when Mr. Olaf Hausken was it's president. For many years the upstairs rooms were used as doctor and dental offices. After this Bank merged with the First National Bank, what had been the bank proper was in it's order a general merchandise store, a postoffice and a cafe. Today it is a Dry Cleaning establishment, Mr. Hugh Butrick having purchased it in 1955. RED OWL AGENCY On the original site and in the original building and still housing a grocery store in this Red Owl Agency owned by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gackle. The building was purchased in 1948 from Mr. C.C. Buechler, who was one of the co- owners in 1892, and the stock and fixtures from Mr. and Mrs. John J. Gackle. FARMERS UNION OIL COMPANY The Farmers Union Oil Company of Kulm was organized in December of 1939. The first location was on what is now the Brost Brothers machinery lot. They did business at this location until 1943 when they bought the Independent Oil and Gas Company Station from N.G. Isaak. Because their business demanded a larger space it was decided by the stockholders that a new and larger building be erected. This was accomplished in 1949. Irvin E. Mogck is the present manager. KULM CREDIT UNION This organization was granted a charter in December 1947 and held it's first meeting on March 23, 1950. It has a membership of 257. The officers are: Fred Vogel, president; Richard Herman, vice president; William Staeck, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Irvin Mogck, assistant treasurer; and directors Edwin Lundgren and Walter Kusler. DAVID HETTICH SHOE SHOP David Hettich started in business in Kulm in 1919 and moved south of the present location in 1924. This building will be remembered by many as the old Woodman Hall which has since been demolished and in 1949 Mr. Hettich replaced this with a modern brick building which houses a shoe shop and a shoe and leather repair department. BEN'S BARBER SHOP Starting out as a dwelling place in the early days, this was later purchased by John Melicher and John Jenner who had one of the first harness shops. The present owner of this Barber Shop, Ben Koenig, purchased it in 1945 from Otto Beich who had a similar business prior to this time. THE KULM MESSENGER This two story brick building was erected by Jacob Straub in the early 1920's and consisted of a meat market on the main floor with living quarters upstairs. After the Straub's left Kulm, this building was purchased by L.G. Hixon and used for the Kulm Messenger publishing and printing office. Today Nick Novakovich is the present owner and publisher coming to Kulm in 1954. STANDARD SERVICE STATION One of the early dwellings was located on this site, later becoming the postoffice. It was converted into a Service Station by John Stroehl when he bought the building in 1932. He also has an auto repair shop in connection with the station managed by Bill Delzer. SALZER LUMBER COMPANY As early as 1894 the Salzer Lumber Company was a familiar name to the pioneers. The yard has been moved from it's first location to the site it now occupies east of the Standard Service Station. In 63 years this company has had only five managers: P.C. Burfening, A.R. Riese, Martin Burfening, L.C. Schmidt and Harold Luck, who took over in 1951. KULM MILL COMPANY This is another old landmark still located on the site where it began milling operations in 1893. The passing years saw many different owners with Reinhold Beich and Fred Rossman as the present ones. Though they have discontinued milling, they still carry on with the machinery business. SCHOTT FARM EQUIPMENT The owner of this building is Mrs. Richard Stadler, renting to Mr. Otto Schott, proprietor, and it located one block south of the Kulm Mill. Mr. Schott started operating in 1949, carrying a line of electrical appliances and farm machinery. DENNIS ELECTRIC This is a comparatively new business located 2 blocks west of the postoffice and Ervin Dennis, the owner, an electrician, handles electrical supplies and wiring. Mr. Dennis was formerly employed by the Kulm Mill Company, acting as their electrician and appliance manager for many years. NELSON RADIO SHOP A modern brick building purchased by Mr. Albert Nelson last fall and located on part of the old Hillius Hotel site. Mr. Nelson sells and services T.V.'s and radios. GUNST BLACKSMITH SHOP Across the street from the Nelson Radio Shop, is where Mr. A.A. Gunst does his blacksmith work in the building which he purchased from John Hiller. BORTH PRODUCE Formerly the North American Creamery building, was bought by Johnny Borth in 1953, who still buys cream, eggs and poultry for the Armour Company. Mr. Borth has been the City water meter reader for 11 years. GACKLE BROTHERS GARAGE This place with Robert Gackle as shop foreman, sells, services and repairs cars and farm machinery. This building was formerly the Grosz store. CREAM STATION Ed L. LaBrensz is a buyer of cream and his station is located at the rear of the postoffice building. KOSANKE DRAY LINE Otto Kosanke started a dray line in partnership with Henry Reister in 1930 and in 1938 dissolved partnership, operating the line himself since that time. KULM PAINT AND BODY SHOP Another of the newer businesses in Kulm, is this shop, beginning in 1952 with Gideon Hilscher as manager and owner. It is located at the north edge of town, on the previous John Rath Service Station site. REAL ESTATE Ed Hieb is the only real estate agent at this time, starting in 1929 and maintaining an office in his home which is located on main street south of the Kulm Super Service Garage. KRAMLICH'S CITIES SERVICE Owned and operated by Ed Kramlich, who began business in 1934. This Service Station is on main street at the southwest edge of the city. MORTICIAN Beginning in the undertaking business in 1911, Emil Anderson still conducts his embalming business in his home, located one block east of the City Auditorium. HOLTE FUNERAL HOME One of the newer businesses of Kulm, this funeral home is located on the north end of main street and was the former Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Holte, in connection with the funeral home has ambulance service. MUELLER DRAY LINE This dray line has been in operation by Albert Mueller since 1941 being purchased from his brother Edwin Mueller. CITIES SERVICE BULK STATION Located on the Soo Line right of way, this station commenced business in 1954. Emil Klettke is the present agent. FARMERS UNION BULK STATION Farmers Union have two bulk stations, one on the Soo Line right of way and the other located near their elevator. Irvin Mogck, agent. STANDARD OIL BULK STATION This station has been located on the Soo Line right of way since it's beginning in 1904 when Dave Brost was the first agent. The present agent is Gottlieb Schock, succeeding Art Mueller. MONTANA DAKOTA UTILITIES This Utility Company furnishes the electric power for the City of Kulm, having a resident service man, Art Okerlund. NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE CO. Telephone service is furnished by this company, with W.A. Anderson of Edgeley as the area manager. The dial system was installed and began operating March 16, 1954. DOCTORS OF KULM Dr. D. Murray Cameron began practice of his profession in Kulm January 1, 1956. He received his college and medical education at Manitoba University, receiving his degree in May 1955. He served his internship at Winnipeg Hospital. Dr. and Mrs. Cameron have a baby son, Fergus. Dr. J.E. Grenz came to Kulm with his wife and son Lester, from Napoleon, N.D., in 1942. He went to Marquette University at Milwaukee, Wis., receiving his degree in dentistry in 1926. Both these doctors have their offices in the Kulm Community Health Center Association building. Dr. Eevald Aarma immigrated to the United States via Estonia and Sweden, leaving Estonia for Sweden in 194[?] and coming to Kulm in 1955. He acquired his training as a veterinarian in his native Estonia. Besides serving the community in it's veterinary needs, Dr. Aarma is employed by the North Dakota Livestock Sanitary Board. Dr. and Mrs. Aarma have four daughters. GEORGE ELECTRIC Oswald George, an electrician, also does motor repairing, maintaining a shop in the basement of his home. TRUCKING Lyle Herman, trucker, is the owner and manager. AUCTIONEERS Harold Fregien and D.J. Harter are the two auctioneers serving this community. AMERICAN LEGION HALL Located one block east of the Farmers Union Oil Company, this building which was the first Kulm schoolhouse was bought by the members of the Reformed Church and served them for many years. It is now owned by the Legionnaires of the Robert Kurtz Post No. 57. [P185 Pictures of Main Street and two of residential streets] CONCLUSION: If our forefathers could see the many improvements that have been added since Kulm's beginning, namely: the modern business section with its white way and water and sewer system, beautiful churches, well kept homes and lawns, city park, community health center, modern school system, and among the many other projects of progress - the latest being one of the greatest undertakings, for a city of its size - being that of paving the streets of the city, they would know that their faith in the permanency of Kulm was justified.