Wishek ND, Diamond Jubilee, 1898-1973 (R. Ehrich) Published by the Odessa Digital Library - 19 Nov 1995 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 1995, Roger W. Ehrich NOTE: This transcription of "Wishek, Diamond Jubilee, 1898-1973" was prepared by Roger W. Ehrich on November 18, 1995 and is issued with the permission of Mr. Milton O. Wiest, Mayor, City of Wishek. Foreword THE WISHEK DIAMOND JUBILEE BOOK ... weighty title for a volume ... a, perhaps, foolish presumption that some 200 pages could picture adequately the 75 years of growth and development found in this small central Dakota community. WISHEK ... only short decades ago merely a dream of a few imaginative adventurers and speculators ... now a prospering successful community nestled in McIntosh County's gently rolling hills. A SEVENTY-FIVE YEAR SPAN ... 1898 to 1973 ... people divided hours, days, months, and years among hundreds of activities competing for their time. TIME ... Ben Franklin said it is the stuff life is made of ... we say it is the stuff communities are made of. TIME is the general theme for the historical book with the hourglass symbolizing time. We see these past years separated into three major divisions--all contending for our attention in one way or another. We see these seventy-five years as a TIME for recognition, for retrospect and for diversion. Here they are. We have lived some of these days with you. Remember them with us. MADONNA OF THE PRAIRIE To her a beauty still remains-- The Mother of these far flung plains. Her poignant longing leaves a trace Inscrutable, upon her face; A Lisa look, within her eyes, Da Vinci once immortalized. She clasps her babe, speaking his name Remembering the night he came-- No doctor's kind skilled hands were there To ease with understanding care: But God came close, He took her hand And led her back to mother-land. Today her babe waits at the bend Of every lapping furrow's end, Long hours she follows at the plow, Or lifts the hay to fragrant mow; At eve (as Mary's baby lay In manger at the close of day) So this wee child lies low and sweet In manger near the stamping feet, While tired Mother sits and dreams-- Pressing the milk in singing streams. Finished at last, in late sunset She waits, a patient silhouette-- The Madonna of the Prairie stands Holding her realm in toilworn hands. --Nina Farley Wishek This Book Is Dedicated to the Pioneers of the Thirties THE ANSWER 1937 For fifty years I pondered On why the plains were plain, And why were prairies prairie, But no one could explain. For we had times of rainfall, We planted trees that grew; Then why were prairies prairie? I asked, but no one knew. But now I have an answer To why this empty land; A cruel searing answer, At last I understand. N. F. W. DROUTH 1936 A tumble weed, stunted and small Grows beside my back porch step, Bravely, in lonely isolation, Undaunted by the pitiless heat And scorching searing winds, It holds its own, day after day. I have no heart to tear it out, That fern-like greenness is too precious, Too refreshing in this arid spot. The lawn lies bare and brown; The trees stand shrivelling in the sun; Flowers, shrubs, gardens are long since dead, And dust spreads thickly over all Its gray, disheartening pall. Even the hardy dandelion Has ceased its struggle for survival-- Not one green, pointed leaf appears Above the burned-out sod. But there it stands! The little bushy, stunted tumble weed Clinging tenaciously to its bright, green life Beside my back porch step-- A small sweet clump of comfort In a wide and thirsty land. N. F. W. WISHEK'S future was heralded by the spirit of its earliest settlers during the '80s. These past seventy-five years have proved the vision of our founders. The policy molders down through the years found solutions to community problems despite ... federal programs and controls, state politics, lack of funds, drought, depression, and the "loyal opposition." THESE people, the guiding lights, are often harassed and expendable, not infallible or heroic, but generally conscientious. Here they are--the hub of the wheel performing the often dull, routine tasks which are the concern of local government. ABOVE are some of Wishek's early founders. BELOW -- the change from old to new is exemplified by these present day leaders ... CITY MAYOR Eugene Wiest In recognition of his devotion and service in the growth and progress of our city. Jubilee Board Director School Board Director and President President of 6th District Lutheran Brotherhood and Local Lutheran Brotherhood Hospital Board Director City Alderman President, McIntosh County GNDA Eagles Past President Member of Pharmacy Curriculum Committee NDSU Mayor of the City of Wishek Association of Commerce Lions President Chairman of the James River Valley Health Planning Council NDSU Alumni Board Director Members of Wishek City Council Eugene Wiest, Mayor Denis Svedjan, Auditor Richard Herr, Attorney Vernon Herr, Treasurer William E. Huber, Alderman Milton O. Wiest, Alderman Harry Lambrecht, Alderman Myron Martell, Alderman Dennis Schnabel, Alderman Lester Schuchard, Alderman Dr. John Resol, Physician Norman Gall, Water & Street Commissioner Tom Welder, Chief of Police Stanley Rueb, Assistant Chief of Police Milton O. Wiest, County Sheriff Garold Just, Sanitation Engineer Wishek Rural Fire Department Left to right: Edward W. Sayler, Christ Stock, Julius Kaseman, Edwin Rath, Ferdinand Rudolf, Benny Burlack, Jake Thurn, Oscar Kemmet, Waldemar Diegel, Elmer Stevahn, Dwight Herr, Wilbert Baumann, and Otto Wiest. The Wishek Volunteer Fire Department did a commendable job protecting the city and surrounding area prior to 1960, but no workable plan was organized for rural protection. The need for a rural fire department was discussed by many area farmers at a meeting held April 29, 1960. These conscientious men met to organize and the result was the Wishek Rural Fire Protection District. An election was held to choose thirteen directors out of the group gathered. They were: Julius Kaseman, Ferdinand Rudolf, Benny Burlack, Christ Stock, Raymond Weber, Marvin Schilling, Helmond Wiest, Jacob Thurn, Godfrey Herr, Henry Gall, Jr., Howard Kaseman, Roland Sayler, and Alvin M. Buck. The first officers were: Helmond Wiest, rural fire chief; Julius Kaseman, president and assistant fire chief, and Benny Burlack, secretary-treasurer. Space does not permit a complete list of all the men who have served throughout the past thirteen years--1960 to 1973. However, it should be mentioned that these men served faithfully, often without praise or community distinction. Many a farm was protected and saved due to their effort. Present officers and directors are: Julius Kaseman, president; Ferdinand Rudolf, vice president and captain; Edward Sayler, fire chief; Christ Stock, assistant fire chief, and Edwin Rath, secretary-treasurer. Serving as directors are Oscar Kemmet, Otto Wiest, Wilbert Baumann, Waldemar Diegel, Elmer Stevahn, Dwight Herr, Jacob Thurn, and Benny Burlack. These volunteers have earned and deserve our respect and interest. Wishek Volunteer Fire Department Front row, left to right: Edward Gall; John W. Ackerman, past Chief and past Secretary-treasurer; H. E. Timm, first Chief; Emanuel Fercho, Chief; Herbert Wolf, Assistant Chief; Larry Dalke, Captain; Allen Diede, Secretary-treasurer. Second row: Gust Kosanke, past Assistant Chief and past Secretary-Treasurer, Vernon Kramer, Ted Boschee, Stanley Deile, Ferdinand Ketterling, Harley Vossler, LeRoy Wanner. Third row: Albert B. Sayler, Stanley Rueb, Lloyd Knower, Walter Delzer, Norman Gall, Garold Just, Ronald Thurn. Not pictured: Milton Wiest and Marvin Gall. These men are dedicated to the preservation of life and property in the community. Twenty-five year members: Ferdinand Ketterling, Ted Boschee, Vernon Kramer and Edward Gall. Thirty-five year members: Gust Kosanke and Emanuel Fercho. Fifty-year member: John W. Ackerman. He was presented a Life Member Certificate dated May 5, 1964, at the North Dakota Firemen's Association. The department was organized December 16, 1913. Officers were elected by ballot. The first Chief was H. E. Timm. Succeeding Chiefs to the present time and serving in order were: R. J. Bailey, Ed. Mattinson, John Dockter, A. F. Hoff, Fred E. Ackermann, John Kundert, Otto Brandt, Fred Herr, Almond Mindt, John W. Ackerman, A. G. Bailey, Jacob K. Ritter and Emanuel Fercho, who has been Chief for the past thirty years. The department holds monthly meetings for training purposes, usually showing educational fire films, obtainable from the library of the State Firemen's Association. Also a number of firemen are sent to State Fire School, held annually. The big event is the annual State Convention of the North Dakota Firemen's Association, to which the department sends delegates. The social events annually, for the firemen and their wives, are the banquet during the winter and family picnic in the summer. The department's first fire fighting equipment consisted of two hand drawn soda and acid two-wheel carts. Today it has a modern 1970 fire truck with a 750 gallon tank capacity, and pumps 700 gallons per minute. The city has ample water supply. The south water tank in Block 5 holds 50,000 gallons and the north tank in block 14 holds 100,000 gallons. The city was re-classified as a class seven town in 1972. Wishek Public Library The Wishek Public Library was originated and maintained by the Civic League for many years. On April 29, 1934, it was taken over by the City of Wishek. Its first board members were Mrs. J. W. Hofer, Mr. J. C. Krein, Mrs. E. W. Herr, Mrs. E. F. Cook, and Mr. Fred Herr. These people drew up its constitution under which the library still operates to day. Mrs. J. W. Hofer was the first president of the Library Board. She resigned in 1950. Mrs. J. W. Ackerman was appointed and is now president. The other board members are: Mrs. Art Sayler, vice president, Mrs. Eugene Wiest, secretary and treasurer; Mr. Vernon Herr; and Mr. Richard Herr. Throughout the years the library faced many financial and housing problems. It is now housed in the Wishek City Hall. It started with approximately 1,000 books. It now has 12,000 books. This past year Mrs. Robert Greiser, whose husband was a former editor of the Wishek News for many years, donated all the old issues in book form. These should prove to be of historical value in years to come. The library hours are from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. During the winter months a Story Hour is held on Saturday afternoons. This is attended by many children. Two high school girls act as librarians. Many girls have been employed as librarians. Those pictured are those who served last year and this year. They are: Miss Margaret Kautz, Miss Suzanne Sayler, Miss Dorinda Breitling, and Miss Susan Tuchscher. Not pictured is Miss Margaret Kiley. Park District of the City of Wishek The town of Wishek was founded in 1898 but agitation for a town park did not start until after the Association of Commerce was organized in 1923. In 1925 a group of citizens, with visions of a park on the outskirts of Wishek, joined forces with the Association of Commerce to start the ball rolling. This group of citizens selected an unplatted block on the southern edge of the town. This land was donated by John H. Wishek, Sr., John H. Wishek, Jr., and Max Wishek of the Wishek Investment Co., for park purposes. The area was fenced and twenty citizens pledged to planting sixty trees. Chinese Elm were procured and planted but the rigors of our North Dakota winters were too severe for the species selected and the trees died. The sponsors tried again with a different type of tree and a beautiful growth of trees resulted. All the trees, labor and travel were the private contributions of this "20 Club" made up of such people as: J. H. Wishek, Sr., H. E. Timm, Christ J. Herr, Fred Thurn, Philip Bender, and William Huber.-Others were involved to bring the number up to twenty but unfortunately we must apologize to those whose names we were unable to attain. After the park was started, the Association of Commerce assumed the responsibility of its development. In 1934 a park enlargement program was undertaken in which an unplatted block to the west of the original park, a 60 foot vacated street, and a tract of land 300 by 660 feet was purchased by the city and incorporated into our present city park. The Association of Commerce in cooperation with the City launched a park improvement program when the park had been enlarged. Free trees, furnished by the federal government, donations by groups and individuals, and financing by the City helped to pay for the materials used in the 1935 WPA project bringing the following improvements: 500 trees planted, children's playground equipped, three clay-surfaced tennis courts constructed. In 1940 the tennis courts were re-surfaced with concrete, lighting provided for the courts plus the skating area scheduled for completion later, and a well providing adequate water for the park was dug. A shelter house and numerous outside fireplaces were constructed with brick donated by the Soo Line Railroad in 1937. In August of 1938 the construction of a swimming pool was suggested by some citizens and encouraged by the Association of Commerce. A $6,000 City Bond Issue, the proceeds to be used in constructing the pool, was approved by the citizens that fall. The construction of the swimming pool was started by the WPA in 1939. An unusual feature of the pool facility is the bathhouse with walls constructed of chipped native stone. The work was completed in early 1940 and dedicated on June 26, 1940. With the completion of the above mentioned projects, Wishek could point with pride to its park and recreational area. Certainly no city of its size in the state was its equal when it came to a recreational area for its adults and children. The vision the "old timers" had of a recreation area and park out here on the wind swept prairies had now become a reality. In 1945 the Association of Commerce sponsored a municipal athletic field. The following year a tract of land 300 feet by 660 feet adjacent to the city park on the south was purchased, the Association of Commerce and the city of Wishek each paying half. A baseball diamond was constructed on the east side of the area and a wood fence constructed on the south and west. The back-stop and dug-outs were also constructed during this period, or shortly thereafter. The west half was used for a softball diamond and a football field. All types of athletic programs are now being sponsored by the Wishek Park District. The football field used by the high school all these years, will now no doubt, be moved to its new field near the new school as soon as it is completed. On February 2, 1948, Ordinance No. 47, an ordinance creating a park district within the city limits of the City of Wishek, North Dakota was passed and the formation of a park district as a separate political entity became a reality. After an election of its commissioners, Philip Bender, Enoch Stroh, Theo. Ritter, Ferdinand Ketterling and V. D. Rice, the park district was on its own. M. G. Fiechtner was its first clerk. The first official budget for the year ending 6-30-49 was for $2,500.00. The budget for the year ending 6-30-73 is for $10,775.00. An interesting item from our 12-13-48 minutes states that a check in the amount of $86.72 was turned over to the park board by Mr. R. W. Pfau, which were the proceeds of a basketball game held on 11-20-48 between the now famous "Harlem Globe Trotters" and the "Bismarck Phantoms." The proceeds were for the exclusive use in the erection of a grandstand for the ball park. Just what it would cost us now to schedule the Harlem Globe Trotters here is highly questionable. On May 5, 1959 an election was held increasing successfully the park mill levy from four mills to eight mills. On July 4, 1964, the death of our chairman Philip Bender, occurred. Mr. Bender was one of the original park boosters, and he willingly gave much of his time and energy to the Wishek Park District. He has been sorely missed. A memorial fountain was placed in the city park in his honor by the Bender family. In June of 1971, a large improvement project for the Wishek Swimming Pool was undertaken, sponsored by the Jaycees and the Lions with the North Dakota Outdoor Recreation Agency participating on a 50/50 basis. Under this improvement project a sun deck and wading pool were constructed, a sliding board installed, a pool heating system installed and general repair or replacement made to the filtering and lighting systems. Those who have served as chairmen of the Wishek Park District are: Philip Bender, April 1948 to April 1950 and April 1952 to July 1964; Enoch Stroh, April 1950 to July 1951; Ferd Ketterling, July 1951 to April 1952; Clarence Kienzle, July 1964 to April 1970; Rubin Rueb, April 1970 - present incumbent. Those who have served as Clerks of the Wishek Park District are: M. G. Fiechtner, April 1948 to April 1949; Henry Frank, April 1949 to November 1953; V. D. Rice, November 1953 to July 1956; R. W. Pfau, July 1956 to June 1970; Wm. E. Huber, June 1970, present incumbent. Vernon W. Herr, who with the exception of a few months at first, has served as ex-officio treasurer of the Park District and is still serving, certainly is entitled to recognition for his many years of service. No mention of the various park commissioners who served on the board from its organization in February of 1948 until the present time has been made due to the number involved. Our present board consists of: Rubin Rueb, Chairman; Alvin P. Just, Emanuel Fercho, Clarence Kienzle and Larry Dalke as Commissioners, Wm. E. Huber as Clerk and Vernon W. Herr as treasurer. All of us owe a debt of gratitude to past and present commissioners who gave and are giving so much of their time and effort in keeping the Wishek Park District, the grandest park and recreation area in the state of North Dakota for a city of our size. County Commissioners LAUREL I. GEISZLER THEO WOLF WALTER R. MEIDINGER Laurel I. Geiszler, County Commissioner since January 1971, was born in McIntosh County. He is the son of John M. Geiszler of Lodi, California and grandson of the late John Geiszler who served as McIntosh County Commissioner from 1896 to 1904. Mr. Geiszler is a farmer and is also serving as Mayor of the City of Ashley, North Dakota. He graduated from Ashley high school in 1945 and served in the Army of Occupation in Japan from 1946 to 1948. He graduated from North Dakota State University at Fargo with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. He was recalled into The United States Air Force during the Korean War and reached the rank of Captain. During his service in the Korean War, Mr. Geiszler was awarded an Honorary Masters Degree from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Commissioner Geiszler is the father of three children, Gerald, Janine, and Mark Geiszler. On January 18, 1972, Mr. Geiszler was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Ashley Jaycees for his outstanding Community Service through loyal, faithful and unselfish efforts resulting in lasting Contribution to Community and Nation. Mr. Geiszler is also a Past District Commander of The North Dakota American Legion. Mr. Theo Wolf, Commissioner of First District in McIntosh County, North Dakota, was born and raised in McIntosh County. Mr. Wolf lives on a farm southwest of Fredonia. He is the son of the late Fred Wolf, Sr. Mr. Wolf has one daughter, Eileen, residing at California and one son, Donald, employed at Fargo, North Dakota. Mr. Walter R. Meidinger was born and raised in McIntosh County. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Meidinger. Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger and their four children operate a grain and dairy farm west of Wishek. McIntosh County Courthouse, 1973 Court House Employees First row: Ramona Eszlinger, Shirley Dockter, Janet Schlenker, Elsie Sackmann. Second row: Elsie Pfahl, Donna Heupel, Jean Haupt, Mildred Harsch. Third row: Alfred Fregien, Ben Heitzmann, Walter Doerr, Milton Wiest, Henry Kranzler, Bruce Kretschmar. Fourth row: Christ Jenner, Roland Weisenburger, Edwin Haupt, David Helmer, Andrew Bosch. Diamond Jubilee Committees 1. PARADE-- Mr. and Mrs. Myron Martel, Chairmen; Mr. and Mrs. Stan Deile, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Deile, Mr. and Mrs. Harley Vossler, Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Herr, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Gall, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Gall. 2. ENTERTAINMENT -- M. G. Fiechtner, Chairman, Dennis Schnabel, Richard Wolf, S. Stoelzer, Vern Boeshans. 3. ADVERTISING -- J. Frautschi, Chairman; Vernon Herr, Bob Zimmerman. 4. SALES ADVERTISING-- Art Sayler, Chairman; Howard Breitling, Jim Klundt. 5. BOOSTER CARAVAN-- Bill Huber, Chairman; Vangie Ammon, S. Stelzer, L. Blinksy, Dr. L. Sayler, Leopold Kaseman. 6. FINANCE COMMITTEE -- Stan Moeckel, Chairman; Ruben Aipperspach, Gideon Schauer. 7. JUBILEE BOOK COMMITTEE-- Lillian Dempsey, Chairman; John Ackerman, Luella Roehm, Katherine Herr, G. G. Neuberger, Richard Herr, R. Zimmerman, H. E. Timm, Ed Dahmer, Steve Nickisch, R. Pfau. 8. PIONEER WOMEN, GENERAL COMMITTEE-- Mrs. Esther Herr, Chairman; Mrs. Vangie Ammon, Mrs. Frieda Nickisch, Mrs. Elaine Wiest, treasurer; Mrs. Ruth Pfau, secretary; Mrs. Lydia Just. (Sub-Committees, see special listing) 9. RECEPTION-- Eugene Wiest, Victor Krein. 10. COMMUNITY RELIGIOUS SERVICE-- (Native Son Pastors) G. G. Neuberger, Chairman; Ed Dahmer, Alvin House, Ed Parker, Harry Pfeiff, Gordon Husinga. 11. FIREWORKS DISPLAY -- Armand Pfeifle, Chairman; Bill Huber, Jim Klundt, Clarence Kienzle, Alvin Raile. 12. CAMPER ACCOMMODATIONS, COMFORT STATIONS, WATER AND SEWER -- Emanuel Fercho, Chairman; Alvin P. Just, Edwin Ketterling, Larry Dalke, Delmar Zimmerman, Secretary. 13. BROTHERS OF THE BRUSH AND KANGAROO COURT -- John Frank, Chairman; Gus Kosanke, Gietz Herr, Lorran Herr. 14. ANTIQUE CARS-- Bill Schmagel, Chairman; Helmond Wiest, Ed Dahmer, Richard Wolf. 15. CARNIVAL COMMITTEE -- Ray Wiest, Chairman; Duke Hochhalter. 16. STREETS, ROPE AND PARKING-- Norman Gall, Chairman; Bill Huber, Herb Wolf, Larry Dalke, Otto F. Wiest. 17. QUEEN COMMITTEE (JR.)-- Phyllis Huber, Chairman; Jean Sayler. 18. REUNION -- Henry and Margaret Frank, Chairmen; Harriet Herr, Duke and Rudy Hochhalter, Elmer Lindstrom. 19. ANTIQUES COMMITTEE-- Jonna Hochhalter, Chairman; Mrs. Amos Brinkman, Sr., Co-Chairman; Ruth Mayer, Mrs. Jeanette Kienzle, Mrs. Elmer Schauer, Mrs. Ferdinand Rudolf, Mrs. Lorene Hochhalter, Mrs. Marie Nordstrom, Mrs. Judith Morgan, Mrs. Priscilla Rudolf, Mrs. Sebastian Tuchscher, Mrs. Elmer Lindstrom. 20. TRAIL RIDE--WAGON TRAIN-- Edward Rath, Chairman; Alvin Meidinger, Co-Chairman; Elmer Brosy, Secretary; Edwin Rath, Treasurer; Joe Meidinger, Edwin Meidinger, Aaron Meidinger, Reuben Boschee, Floyd Herr, Edgar Just, Otto Thurn, Christ Bettenhausen, Oscar B. Bechtel, Jack Schaffer, Pete Piatz, Wilber Nies, Joe Weigel, Joe Wald. 21. TICKET SALES FOR ALL ENTERTAINMENT (GATE)-- Marvin Schilling, Chairman; Tom Woehl, Melvin, Kaseman, Harley Brandner, Willy Wanner. 22. STAGE COMMITTEE, LIGHTING AND BLEACHERS-- Walter Schlenker, Chairman; Don Ackerman, Leo Miller, Amos Brinkman, Jr. 23. COMMITTEE ON PICTURES -- Victor Krein, Chairman. 24. MAIL AND STAGE COACH -- Paul Meidinger, Chairman; Tom Will, Secretary-Treasurer; Edmore Will, Pat Burnstad. 25. THRESHING BEE-- Helmond Wiest, Chairman; Richard Wolf, Co-Chairman; Jim Meidinger, Bill Schmagel, Harry Lambrecht, Lloyd Knorr, Don Hauck, Clayton Gruebele, Julius Kaseman. 26. POLICE PROTECTION FOR JUBILEE-- Eugene Wiest, Chairman. 27. ADVANCE TICKET SALES-- Gideon Raile, Chairman; Don Babitzke, Co-Chairman; Stanley Deile, Vernon Herr, Delmar Eisenbeis, Rodney Hoff, Carol Lambrecht, Eddie Sayler, Jim Klundt, Joyce Reiland. 28. HOUSING COMMITTEE -- Don Babitzke, Elmer Lindstrom, Co-Chairmen; John Frank, Secretary; Mrs. Art Bender, Mrs. Oscar Bechtle, Mrs. Reuben Kautz, Mrs. Joe Meidinger, Mrs. Anton V. Wangler, Mrs. Walter Ziegenhagel. 29. INFORMATION BOOTH -- Delmar Zimmerman, Roland Sayler, Co-Chairmen; Mrs. Melvin Hoffman, secretary-treasurer; Dave and Irene Aipperspach, Art and Phyllis Bender, Bennie and Elaine Burlach, Ron and Merrideth Godfrey, Melvin and Frances Hoffman, Reuben and Millie Kautz, Lloyd and Delores Knorr, Walter R. and Marveline Meidinger, Paul and Charlotte Olienyk, Doug and Sandy Paulus, Elmer and Helen Ritter, Roland and Joan Sayler, Ben and Martha Woehl, Delmar and Delores Zimmerman. 30. RESTROOM ACCOMMODATIONS-- Cliff Kemmet, Chairman; Hilmer Rath, Tom Woehl. Wishek Diamond Jubilee Directors Victor Krein, Chairman Armand Pfeifle, Co-Chairman Mrs. Vangie Ammon, Treasurer Edward Dahmer, Secretary Marvin Fiechtner Henry Frank Esther Herr, Jubilee Director Vernon Herr R. Pfau Arthur Sayler Eugene Wiest Ray Wiest Bob Zimmerman The Wishek Jubilee Wagon Train Front row, left to right: Christ Bettenhausen, Wilbert J. Nies, Edward Rath Chairman; Edwin Meidinger, Joe Wald, Oscar Bechtle. Second row: Edwin Rath, Treasurer; Reinhold Schaeffer, Cook; Joe Meidinger, Floyd Herr, Alvin Meidinger, Co-Chairman; Joe Weigel. Third row: Ruben Boschee, Elmer Brosy, Secretary; Edgar Just, Otto Thurn, Jackie Schaffer, Aaron Meidinger. The following men met to organize a Wagon Train for the Diamond Jubilee: Edward Rath Otto Thurn Alvin Meidinger Edwin Rath Joe Meidinger Jackie Schaffer Joe Wald Ruben Boschee Elmer Brosy Aaron Meidinger Pete Piatz Oscar Bechtle Edwin Meidinger Wilbert J. Nies Joe Weigel Out of this group the following men were chosen unanimously to the executive committee: Edward Rath, Chairman; Alvin Meidinger, Co-Chairman; Elmer Brosy, Secretary, and Edwin Rath, Treasurer. After much discussion concerning all aspects of a venture such as the wagon train, the group agreed to initiate plans with Eureka, South Dakota, as the starting point. The group set up an interesting itinerary. The wagon train members are gathering at Eureka on Thursday and making preparations to start from there on Friday morning. Going via Venturia, the train will camp over night at Lake Hoskins and come up through Danzig and camp on the outskirts of Wishek Saturday night. The train will be close enough so that the wagon train members can be in Wishek on Sunday morning for the combined church service which is being planned. McIntosh County Farm Bureau Standing, left to right: Harold Nies, Edwin Raile, Dale D. Ketterling. Seated, left to right: Duane Ketterling, Duane Levi, Marvin Huber and Charles Boschee. The McIntosh County Farm Bureau had its beginnings in 1957 with a few members and has increased its membership to between 125 and 130 members in 1973. Those serving on the executive board are Marvin Huber, president; Duane Ketterling, vice president; Duane Levi, secretary and treasurer; Dale Ketterling, director; Harold Nies, director, Charles Boschee, director, and Edwin Raile, director. This group meets the first Monday of each month in their homes. The Farm Bureau concerns itself with farm problems on the local level. The board sets up committees from its membership lists. The following are examples of the Farm Bureau committees: legislative, resolution marketing and commodity, service to members, young farmers and ranchers, membership, and county publicity. Time for Retrospect "We are all the sum of others' recollections about us. The gathering of them goes on for a long time." We read this some time ago in LIFE magazine, and liked it. This book is meant to nudge the reader into a reflective mood and to trigger sets of memory prints out of your consciousness. Pause and reflect, and share the memories embedded in the past. Look way back and find yourselves in your grandparents and great-grandparents, but bring yourselves up-to-date, too, and remember childhood and school days. It may be a long time since you've done it. Now is the time to start. You can still reach out to parents, teachers, pastors, or old friends, and find good moments for yourselves in what they left behind. ABOVE: First livery stable; Creamery; First blacksmith shop; Elevators; Harvest scene; Dairy. BELOW: Scene on the John Stock farm; WHS's first majorettes; Kramer and Stock farm scene; Initiation, class of 1950. The Very First to Come We who live or have lived in North Dakota owe much to our good Dakota earth, and many of our tomorrows will have sprung from this wonderful land. We, in Dakota, were a stopping-off spot for the pioneers who moved into the last open spaces in the West at the close of the Civil War. "Stories of blizzards, Indian massacres and grasshopper damage discouraged homesteading in Dakota. Land in the northeastern part of Dakota was surveyed and ready to be taken up in the 1870's, settlers were there and willing to take it; however, a big obstacle in the way was the fact that they had to go 400 miles to the south to Vermillion in Dakota Territory, to file papers. In spite of this difficulty, however, homesteading gradually increased from year to year until the 1880's when the trend began in earnest." The first influx of settlers into McIntosh County began in the early 1880's, but just who were the first; how did they find their way around; and what did they see when they got here? McIntosh County came into existence by an act of the Legislature of Dakota Territory held at Yankton, South Dakota, in January, 1883, when Logan County was divided and the southern portion named McIntosh after one of the members of the Legislature. McIntosh County legally became a county when the act was approved March 9, 1883. Except for a few hunters and trappers and some travel, mostly military, over the Fort Yates trail which traversed the County east to west, there had been no settlement of any kind. The first filing of a pre-emption claim was by George Coyle, April 19, 1884, at Coldwater. The Basye Ranch was later established there. It is of considerable interest, therefore, to follow the travel of the first group that explored the possibilities of the new county. Liberty is, therefore, taken in reprinting here a letter written by George W. Lilly, the leader of this group. His letter was written to Nina F. Wishek and printed in her history of McIntosh County, Along the Trails of Yesterday. Mrs. Wishek wrote, "As I did not arrive in Dakota Territory until 1887, I asked Mr. George W. Lilly of Portland, Oregon, to chronicle the details of his first interesting trip down from Bismarck to Hoskins Lake, then unnamed, and to tell something of its subsequent settlement in the eighties. Mr. Lilly and family left Ashley in January, 1895. I asked him how he happened to come to McIntosh County as one of its first settlers and if the first men who drove into the county came from the East. The following was his reply: "First, I would say that most of the very first settlers were living in Bismarck and in real estate and allied businesses there. It was in the latter part of April, 1884, that a party of ten men who were then in Bismarck decided to begin the Settlement of McIntosh county and locate a townsite as a nucleus for future business and to become the future county seat From the surveyor's notes it was seen that a lake, afterwards called Hoskins, was near the central part of the county, and so we took our course to that place. On this first trip I hired a pony and buggy with an arrangement that I could purchase the same for $80.00 instead of paving the hire, and I led the way over the trackless prairie across Emmons and McIntosh counties to the lake. We returned to Bismarck about May 10 by way of the west end of Green Lake; there we passed through water deep enough that it was above the floor of the buggy, but the pony plodded steadily through it. Then and there I fell in love with "Katy" as I called her, and closed the bargain by buying her and the buggy and drove her back immediately to Hoskins Lake to help in building several shanties on claims. Although this region which had been a part of Logan County had been made into a county, none of the land had been subdivided into sections; however, the township lines had been located and marked. These men planned to drive across county to a lake which they knew was in the south central part. With two teams of horses and two spring wagons and the pony and open buggy driven by the writer, this party of men traveled over a wagon road to a point about four miles east of Williamsport, Emmons county, but from that point on there was no road. Being a civil engineer and surveyor and accustomed to the use of a compass, the writer was asked to drive in the lead from there and to let the others follow. Taking the bearing as nearly as possible from the map, we drove across the hills without anything to check our location for a distance of nearly fifty miles. We finally came in sight of the lake we sought, turned toward it, and found we had missed it about one and one-half miles to the west. We camped on the south side of the lake on the land which was afterward platted and became the town of Hoskins and the first county seat of the county. This was early in May. Only two of this party remained to settle upon the land, C. C. Morrell and the writer. The pony used on this trip was a sorrel of Morgan stock and was driven by the writer and J. H. Wishek for more than thirteen years after this time in McIntosh and into surrounding counties. Every early settler will remember Katy. At this time the only road was the old military trail east and west through the county to Fort Yates, and the only sign of a building was a recently built shack of George Coyle at Coldwater Lake near the place where Charles V. Basye, his brother-in-law, afterward established his cattle ranch. The next settlers to arrive were John H. Wishek and S. A. Bowes, who came across the country from Bismarck and located claims. Mr. Bowes afterward left and settled at Ellendale. Since that, others have gone, and Mr. Wishek is the first settler of all those that now remain in the county. We had left Bismarck about May 4 and arrived at the lake on the tenth of May, 1884. On May 7 I located a pre-emption on the hill southeast and cornering the lake. This was the second claim located in the county, the first being that of George Coyle on April 19 at Coldwater. There was one other shack used by teamsters, north of Goose Lake beside the Fort Yates trail. These were the only buildings in the county on May 6, 1884. When we went by the west end of Green Lake where Clare D. Johnson afterward had his ranch for some years, we saw nothing to indicate settlement there. I saw him first in the latter part of May, when he and Lewis Tichnor drove up there, coming from the east on the Fort Yates trail. We soon hauled lumber from Ellendale and in May, 1884, built the first house on the Hoskins townsite. Soon afterward, the first claim shanty, that of the writer, was built just east of Hoskins. Next were those of C. C. Morrell, W. O. McIntosh, John H. Wishek, Hod. Bear, and a few others not long after. These were all ten feet by twelve feet, with gable roofs and shingled. As the land was not yet surveyed into sections, these were squatters' rights. About this time Oscar E. Rea, a deputy land surveyor, secured the contract and commenced the subdivision of nine townships. Most of the time the writer was in charge as compass man, and Mr. Wishek was with the party and helped to build the mounds. The surveys were approved and filings were made by the first settlers the following fall, and some of us had made final proof on our pre-emptions by the first of January, 1885. About June 15, 1884, applications were made to the government for survey of the lands, and on the seventh day of September plats were in the land offices at Bismarck and Aberdeen ready for the filings. The usual time required to accomplish all this is from six months to a year, which goes to show that no pains were spared by the above-named gentlemen to have the county settled. The village of Hoskins was platted about June 1884, upon land acquired by scrip and additional homestead locations, the titles to which were the first recorded in McIntosh county on the first page of the first book of deeds. The plat of Hoskins covered 145.5 acres of land on the south side of Lake Hoskins. This name was given to the village and the lake in compliment to Colonel C. A. Lounsberry (that being his wife's maiden name), who was the owner of the Bismarck Tribune, the first newspaper published in North Dakota. Hoskins was designated as the county seat and so remained until the spring of 1888, when the county seat was removed to Ashley in pursuance of a vote by the electors of the county at the election in November, 1887. In the spring of 1888, all offices and stores and other buildings were moved from Hoskins to Ashley." The first settlers were those whose fathers had pioneered at a still earlier date in the eastern and central states. One peculiarity noted in the roster of the earliest settlers was not a single name showed a German derivation until the year 1884. These English speaking land seekers came from many walks of life: miners, railroad men, barbers, bakers, school teachers, lawyers, and merchants, who, shortly after acquiring their allotted government land, disposed of it and worked themselves into the business for which they had been trained. In the early months of 1885, with a great influx of German-Russian immigrants, the population became predominately German and has remained so ever since. The propaganda of which we have spoken whereby the railroads plastered the country with pictures of a bonanza land did not stop at the Atlantic. The great steamship lines took it up and showered Europe with lithographs of the extraordinary fertile lands, free for the asking, and induced about three quarters of a million Europeans to buy transportation to the land of promise. This little sketch is not concerned with the origins of any but those who settled in the second bench of the rise in Drift Prairie Region of North Dakota. These were predominately Germans from South Russia. They came in solid trainloads in 1885 and the succeeding years to settle the higher lands of the coteau which runs from the north in a gentle southeastern direction across the state. McIntosh was one of the first sections of the state to receive and settle these people. At the first mention of "German Russian," the newcomer is likely to raise his eyebrows and ask "How come?" Well, they are not ordinary Germans and anything but ordinary Russians. They were the descendants of what had originally been a rigidly selected group. At the time that Jefferson was writing our Declaration of Independence and Washington was winning the war of the Revolution which followed, Catherine the Great, Czarina of all the Russians was prosecuting and winning a war with the Turks who had overrun and permanently occupied the district north and west of the Black Sea. Her armies drove them out. This great district stood empty. It is now called the Ukraine, sometimes White Russia. It was, from what we hear, a beautiful land, where almost anything could be grown. Catherine was born a German princess and was married to a moron Czar. After a series of intrigues and a few convenient murders she was proclaimed Empress. Now, confronted with this smiling but vacant land, she thought of her native Germany and the good people there. She conceived a gigantic colonization scheme, or rather Potemgin her shrewd advisor thought it up for her and assumed the task of carrying it out. It was a plan so immense, this first Rural Resettlement, that, like its successor, it had to be abandoned when only a quarter through. Even Catherine who could squander $60,000,000.00 couldn't find the money for it all. They were to rigidly select German farmers and bring them into Russia. They had to be not only good farmers but superb physical specimens. They had to be married and the wives also had to have perfect health. Each farmer was given about 100 acres of this fine black soil, mills were built, "dorfs" were arranged and each given his own vine and fig tree. All were promised civil and religious liberty, with perpetual freedom from military service. The scheme looked good to a lot of Germans, and it was good, while it lasted. As the years rolled along the bureaucrats forgot the bargain and began to press. The young men were dragooned into the army and other privileges were constrained. So thousands approaching military age took ship on a journey to the land which had been described to them as a land flowing with milk and honey. It wasn't but they were free and willing to adapt to a new land which they could love, honor, and cherish. Who Are They? (About the racial background of many central Dakotans) Pastor T. R. Baudler Eureka, South Dakota "Thou dost not really know thyself unless thou hast come to something about the generations of thy forebears..." (Gustav Freytag, German historian) Through the heart of the Dakotas, with long arms stretching into Montana and northwards up into Canada, is a compact human, ethnic peninsula of a most fascinating people. Statistics reveal that the present day kindred of this unique tribe number approximately one-half million Americans. Who are they? Where did they originate? What is their racial background? Among their characteristics are traits such as tendencies toward clannishness and passivity, a preference for good and exotic food, the ability to speak at least two languages. This makes them a people set apart on our Great Plains. They have been referred to as "Russians," even by anthropologists. And on the surface, that is what they seem to be. For indeed, their forefathers came to this country from the Black Sea area of Czarist Russia seventy or eighty years ago. They have also been simply called "German-Russians," but the language which they prefer to use when they are strictly among themselves learn is a type of German, definitely not Russian. A few years ago while I was traveling through parts of Schwabenland, a Province in Southwest Germany, my fellow-traveling Dakotan remarked about the German passengers on the train with us: "You know, these people speak just like the folks back in Eureka." He had made a telling discovery, for indeed many of our central Dakotans, in an area which begins south of Hosmer and Java in South Dakota on through a line northward of fifty miles east and west into Ashley, Wishek, Napoleon, Tuttle, Harvey, Mercer, etc. of North Dakota, are descendants of the German people of Schwaben--or Wuerttemberg, as it is called today. They are thus directly descended from the ancient Germanic tribe of the Suebi (Schwaben), as Julius Caesar named them two thousand years ago in his "Gallic Wars." The proud Roman conqueror refers to the Suebi as being a tribe of stubborn, tough warriors who caused his legions no end of harassment and trouble under their accepted leader Ariovistus, the tribal chief of a related, marauding tribe of the Harudes. Among other things Caesar finally reports tongue in cheek how he overcame them all by making use of a prevalent Germanic superstition, especially nurtured among their women, "that no good nor meritorious deeds could ever be accomplished during the period of the waning moon." His famous X. Legion proclaimed an attack which was to follow when the moon was low--and routed them completely during such a season, the Suebi especially refusing to fight because of the prevalent superstition. By nature the Suebi have ever been a sedate, non-migrating type of people. What could have induced many thousands of this nation to suddenly leave behind their farms and orchards, dark forests and hills in beautiful Germany, to rove twenty-five hundred miles southeastward into the Black Sea steppes of Russia? This is a marvelous story. Perhaps the finest thing that can be said about these Schwaben is the fact that they became deeply devout and religious people in the long process of the christianizing of the Germanic tribes. Let this be underlined in spite of what was indicated above concerning certain superstitions among the Suebi, traces of which can be observed among them to this day. Their Christian faith has always been of a profound, pietistic nature Schwaben are naturally God-fearing, reverent--pious and devout--whether this pertains to those in the old country or to their descendants here in the Dakota prairies. Many of our great Christian thinkers and theologians since the Reformation came from Wuerttemberg, men like Melanchthon, Oekolampad, Butzer, Brenz, and Bengel. And a man of this stature, Bengel, who had been dead for a century, with his pious explanation especially of the last Book in the Bible, directly inspired the Great Suebian Trek into Russia in 1816-17. Briefly, here is what happened at the turn of the nineteenth century in Schwabenland. King Frederick I, regal Lord of the land, intended to unite all Protestants by forcefully introducing a new hymnbook and a less conservative book of worship. The people intuitively resented and opposed both books in their small Reformed and much greater Lutheran factions. They banded together into lay movements of a religious nature, often against the forces of both state and church. Persecutions and arrests followed. Meanwhile dire political events were taking place also. Wuerttemberg and its king became vassals of the megalomaniac Napoleon who needed soldiers for his pan-European movement and conquest. The separatistic lay movements began to stress what the New Testament said about the End of the World. The afore-mentioned theologian and pastor, Johann Albrecht Bengel, who had strongly emphasized this phase of biblical teaching in his book "Gnomon," became the prophet of this ever-growing group. He had predicted the coming of the millennium for the year 1836. As Napoleon's armies swept the lands, and Armageddon seemed to draw near, these pious Schwaben were strengthened in their belief that the era of the Antichrist had indeed arrived. Certainly the name "Apollyon" (Rev. 9, 11) could point to none other than to Napoleon himself, by now the scourge of many parts of Europe and even Russia. Bengel had long ago predicted that a refuge for the faithful Christians who might escape the Day of Wrath just prior to the destruction of the Antichrist and the Return of the Lord Christ, according to Revelations, would be found on ancient Mount Ararat of the Caucasian Mountains of Russia. At the same time Czar Alexander of Russia extended an invitation to these Germans--as had Catherine II a few decades before--to move into South Russia as colonists with special privileges of tax exemption, retention of German citizenship, also exemption from any military service. We can understand why, since the turn of that century Russia was becoming the goal of thousands of these people. Fanatical King Frederick I would not hear of any mass migrations. He needed all able-bodied men for the napoleonic armies. His successor, Wilhelm I, proved somewhat more conciliatory. He allowed the "pietistic renegades" to found their own "religious lay colony," which would not have to adopt the new religious books, and which would be allowed to conduct its own church affairs. This colony stands to the present day in the suburbs of Stuttgart as "Kornthal," founded in 1817. It had become mandatory! Meanwhile thousands of the citizens of Wuerttemberg were departing for Russia, threatening to deplete this land of its manpower and population. Homes and farms, orchards and cattle were sold for a song by the religiously enthusiastic emigrants, among whom of course were adventurers and socially displaced persons also. Still, the all-pervading thought and incentive was to escape the ravages of the Antichrist and to escape God's Day of Wrath in the refuge of the Savior King, prepared for those "with whom He would rule the world for one thousand years." (Rev. 20, 4-7). What a sight that must have been in the summers of 1816 and 1817, when whole villages were decimated because their inhabitants chose to follow the meandering course of the Danube River on barges and boats, oxen-carts and wheelbarrows, and on foot--men, women, children--ever southeastward toward the Black Sea Delta! These pilgrims took very few material possessions along, but many of them carried their Lutheran Bibles, the old hymnals, devotional booklets such as Pastor Friedrich's "A view of faith and hope for God's people in these days of the Antichrist, compiled from the divine foretellings, according to which all of the faithful are to reassemble in Jerusalem in anticipation of the Returning Lord." This pastor Friedrich incidentally, and other clergymen, accompanied the emigrants on their Holy Odyssey. Perhaps it is difficult for us moderns to understand such enthusiasm and such religious zeal. On the other hand, people who have experienced these latter days of such godless tyrants as Hitler or Stalin, can appreciate the "End-Of-The-World-Thinking" which was so strong in much of Europe one hundred and fifty years ago. A lay-leader of that day, Adam Straub, who had been forced to serve as a soldier under Napoleon, and who rightly predicted the tyrant's comeback after his first defeat (Rev. 17, 8), summed up the popular thinking of that day in this manner: "When I beheld him (Napoleon) during a parade, cold chills shot up and down my spine. I said to myself 'That one and no other is the Antichrist!'" The records reveal that our Suebi trekked northeastward along the Black Sea, having arrived at the mouth of the Danube in late 1817. There, with winter fast approaching, two very opposite trends of thought became evident among our pilgrims. On the one hand, many had become weary and less enthusiastic concerning the original goal. They made the momentous decision to remain in a fertile valley which was immediately named "Hoffnungsthal." Certainly they could set themselves "apart here and rest for a while" (Mark 6, 31). After all, had not Father Bengel predicted the Coming of Christ not before 1836--eighteen years hence?! On the other hand, there were the zealots with the first love and their original fervor concerning the Holy Pilgrimage still ... These could not be contained! Even though the harsh winter winds were beginning to sweep down the steppes from the north, hundreds and tens of hundreds made the decision to continue swinging southward again toward the foreboding Caucasians. For the place of refuge on Mount Ararat--scene of another refuge many years before (Gen. 8, 4)--had to be prepared. No time could be lost in accomplishing this well. We hesitate to depict the inevitable tragedy which happened to these people! Suffice it here to state that every last one of this latter group perished in a terrible blizzard in the foothills of the fierce Caucasians, many miles still from the Mount of Refuge, Ararat. The number of the dead is estimated at about 12,000 souls. Today this is an almost forgotten page in the history of stark tragedies caused by misguided religious enthusiasm. The first group began to prosper immediately. These were to become the forefathers of many of our Dakotans today. Having constructed the village of Hoffnungsthal with Czarist support in a short time, a "Dorf" which has survived the fierce upheavals especially of the last few decades, these Suebi began to radiate out into other villages such as Hoffnungsfeld, Gluecksthal, etc. Within two decades the originally much-sought-after refuge from the Antichrist had been almost forgotten. Napoleon had meanwhile been defeated and banned to the Isle of Elba. A new generation had arisen among our pilgrims which knew little about that "first fire of religious zeal." Then the world began to beckon fiercely again, and with its call came the down-to-earth institutions of this planet for the sons and daughters of these German colonists in Russia--laws and civil government, schools and established churches, as in the departed motherland. For one-half a century things went real well with them in their newly-adopted homeland. Then--speaking with the Bible: "A new King (Czar) arose who knew nothing of Joseph" and the original promises given to their grandfathers. (Ex. 1, 8). The new Russian Czar Nikolas I. suddenly demanded that these German foreigners become Russian citizens, that they pay taxes for their exceeding wealth which put the native Russians to shame, and that all young men henceforth be prepared to serve in the Czarist Army. This was a hard blow. Let us consider that one hundred years ago the average Russian peasant was still under the laws of serfdom, living in a perpetual fear of the subjugating laws of the nobility, such as whippings, arrests, and deportations at the whims of their superiors. A new wave of that old restlessness came over the sons of these German pioneers. The old religious books were brought forth again. A renewed cry for The Refuge, this time one of a temporal and this-worldly nature, was taken up among them once more. In the 1860's, just after the U.S. Civil War, certain of the young men of our Schwaben in Russia were encouraged by their elders to make a trip to far-away America--and to report back, if possible, in person. Just as the ancient scouts of Joshua in the Old Testament had been sent out into the promised land (Joshua 1), so these men journeyed westward again, this time, into a legendary land called "Dakota Territory." A year or so later some of these 19th century scouts did indeed return to bring back firsthand news about this "new earth." Yes, the land is good and the soil black! The country is wide as the horizons, and uninhabited. It is almost like our land here! So another trek began. But this time they left their base in groups of twos and fours, of tens and twenty, of families and whole clans. This exodus was not to end within a year. It went on and on, a quarter of a century--the descendants of the tribe of the Suebi slowly and systematically settling in a new and final homeland--America. This story is well-known to most of us--how these settlers, now twice removed from the German Fatherland, came to the northern Great Plains during the 1870's, 1880's, and on into the 1890's and the early twentieth century -- a seemingly endless, trickling stream of new blood for a new nation--how they became tillers of the soil all over again with little money, relying on their God and on the strength of their hands in an area of the American Midwest which others had condemned as being fit to live only for buffaloes, jackrabbits, and an occasional lost Indian--how they again brought prosperity and fortune, as their forefathers had done in Russia, to the land: solid farms and tidy towns, law and order and government, schools and churches. Because of two World Wars, fought against Germany, there were times in this country when certain suspicions arose among chauvinistic Americans concerning the loyalty of our Schwaben. There is no need today however, to emphasize the loyalty of these Dakota citizens. They have come through as most faithful sons and daughters of our country with an enviable record of service and bloodletting for this nation, and we take pride in pointing to the fact that never has one of them been indicted as a spy, a traitor, or a communist. As a writer of this article may I personally confess that the history of our Suebi, whom my sainted father was also privileged to serve for years as a pastor in North Dakota, has intrigued me now for many years. Having attempted to unravel their history briefly from the source in Germany to the present day, allow me finally to submit a bit of that history from the present situation in America, via Russia, back to the beginnings of a century and one-half ago, in Germany. We shall thus be inviting you to look through that telescope the other way around, as it were. It is another established fact that no other people know so little about their racial background as do our Dakotans with their Russian-German history. Much of this is due to an innate lack of knowledge concerning their real racial origin, which again breeds a feeling of insecurity and also inferiority with regard to their ethnic standing. There is no reason why this should be. In the 1890's of the last century, a man of the Neudorf community near Eureka, S. D. returned with a family of seven to Hoffnungsthal, Russia, to inherit a farm there. Five of his children perished shortly after his arrival of diphtheria, yet his wife blessed him with an additional seven children. He who had originally moved to this area from South Russia in 1885 was one of the founders and builders of the old Lutheran Neudorf church. Being an elder of that congregation he kept a record of all members, newly arrived from the Hoffnungsthal colony, Russia, a list which included the cost of the newly constructed sod church, pastor's and janitor's dues, etc. The record which he kept here in this area for 10 years then accompanied him to Russia. One of two surviving native American sons became a schoolteacher in Hoffnungsthal just prior to World War I. When war broke out in 1914 he was inducted into the Czarist army to fight against Germany, together with thousands of other Russian Schwaben. Having been taken a prisoner by the Germans he was permitted to return to Hoffnungsthal after the Russo-German Peace Treaty of Brest-Litowsk. Then in the early twenties the Bolshevik conquest swept over the Ukrainian Plains also, engulfing the German colonists there. When Hoffnungsthal had been sovietized this same man had been pressed into communist party membership in order to keep his position as instructor and elder. As the communist functionary of the "Dorf" he officially banished all religious instruction in the public school, yet for almost two decades he also regularly assembled the whole village, old and young, each Sunday in the church which had been turned into a grainery by the Soviets, to conduct Lutheran reading services as the anonymous Christian elder in the absence of the deported pastor. Then--in the course of World War II the German Wehrmacht conquered the whole Ukraine, coming into these German colonies in late 1941. The colonists greeted the Germans as liberators from godless communism. This time this poor fellow became a key collaborator and German confidant. His only daughter married an SS sergeant. The Church was everywhere officially restored, all known communists were officially expelled. Suddenly two years later the tide turned. Just before the Russian offensive began which was to push the German armies westward again, our friend was arrested by the German Gestapo (secret police) and transferred to the Moabit Penitentiary in Berlin. The charge: hiding his identity as a former member of the communist party! Thousands and thousands of the German colonists now began to evacuate the Black Sea area together with the Wehrmacht, a retreat which was to end in Germany itself in May of 1945. Among these refugees were the wife and the married daughter of that man. During the Russian conquest of the city of Berlin in April 1945 he managed to escape incognito to western Germany. For 1-1/2 years he traveled up and down the land, also corresponding with many church and refugee agencies concerning the whereabouts of his lost wife and daughter. He wrote letters over here to relatives in the Dakotas in the hope that these might have received information about his loved ones. His search was finally rewarded when someone in this area sent him the address of the two lost people. Finally in 1947 there was a happy reunion of four people in a small Bavarian village, for the German son-in-law had also come home, and discovered his wife and her parents. Why are the details of this one family included here? Your writer had the opportunity to personally meet and speak to this person in Germany a few years ago. His father had turned over to him the old records of the Neudorf settlement here in the Dakota Territory years before. He had begun to fashion genealogies of the names on these American records--family names like Adam Schick, Adam Weller, Friedrich Himmrich, Johann Schlaht--people who had migrated to this country from Hoffnungsthal in 1890. With the help of the Hoffnungsthal, South Russia, records, which were also in his possession, he was able to trace these names retrospectively to the German homeland itself. With his permission, and copies of some of these family-trees, I took it upon myself to visit certain Schwaben villages near Stuttgart in the search of "missing links" which might bind these American-Russian-German family names to the people who long ago had left Germany for the pilgrimage to Russia. This proved a most fascinating engagement during two European visits in 1957 and 1960. The places to haunt and search were invariably the Lutheran parsonages with their ancient archives, going back many centuries. I received the best of help from German fellow-clergymen, who often knew much more about the exodus of their countrymen of long ago than I dreamed. Many times my efforts were crowned with success, about which I shall speak a little later on. Perhaps it should be pointed out in this connection, in order that we might get the whole story of these Schwaben colonists, that some very fine books of research have also been written, such as Pastor F. Gruenzweig's "Die Evangelische Brudergemeinde Korntal." May it also be said in this connection that this research also covers the untold numbers of the Suebi in Russia who were not able to migrate to the U.S., but were left behind in their villages in southern Russia. Church statistics reveal that there are possibly one million such Protestants in widely scattered villages and communities of vast Siberia. The Soviet Government forcefully resettled them there in a spirit of vindictiveness and sovietization after the end of the last war. It is no secret that most of these Russian-Germans had collaborated with the German Wehrmacht during World War II. They looked upon German troops as blood relatives, but especially as liberators from the communist yoke. What tragedies took place in those villages of the Black Sea area immediately after 1945! These hamlets had always given secret refuge to former white czarist officers and political refugees from the feared NKWD (Russian Secret Police). We have reports which describe the terrible waves of retribution and murder which were meted out to the unfortunate German colonists who did not follow the receding Wehrmacht into Germany. Those who survived these mass executions, especially of men, and deportations into slave labor camps of the Stalinist era, were forcefully transplanted into the northern Siberian tundras. All German colonies, such as Hoffnungsthal and Gluecksthal, were evacuated of their original inhabitants. In their places scores of Russians of non-Germanic stock were moved in. Strange as this may sound though, these same descendants of the Suebi in Siberia are again accomplishing agricultural miracles in the short summer seasons of these frigid regions. This has so impressed the Soviet Government that the Kremlin leaders are taking a good, hard look at this whole vast northern zone of the tremendously large continent as the future bread basket of their always sadly depleted agricultural reservoir. There are, of course, other heart-rending reports also. Thus Lutheran World Action reported two years ago that these settlers were clamoring for one million German Bibles which, they hoped, might be supplied them in the coming years. Then, we were all recently stirred by the sudden advent of thirty-two such peasants from Siberia, who had made a long, long pilgrimage to the U. S. Embassy in Moscow with one burning yearning a refuge and asylum from the godless commissars who are making life unbearable for them all over again by and through atheistic propaganda and religious persecution. (We recall that one of the gains for Russian citizens in the course of World War II was the official proclamation of religious freedom by Stalin.) What a travesty it was that our embassy officials could do nothing for these Siberian Christians--other than to smile embarrassedly, and to have them carted off to points unknown by the Soviet police in closed busses! Evidently our foreign protocol carries no rules for meeting such emergencies which involve aching human souls. Let me close this essay by referring once more to the above-mentioned "missing links" concerning many of the names of our Dakotans today which it was my privilege to discover with the cooperation of the German pastors in various villages of ancient Schwabenland--names which had been traced to the very beginning of that great Exodus of a century and one-half ago by that man from Hoffnungsthal. The greatest thrills I personally experienced took place in one or the other of these old "studies" with the old archives of such parsonages For instance, when perusing the birth records of the early nineteenth or the late eighteenth century, how many times would such a Dakota family name pop up, the great-, great-, grandfathers of many of our people here on the Great Plains today. And now and then a faithful pastor of that day, or some unknown chronicler had added a terse message above the record, something like this: "anno 1816 nach Russland verschollen." What a world of enthusiasm and despair, religious zeal and deprivation, hope and fear, life and death, coming and departing, finding and losing such a message enfolds! "In the year 1816 lost somewhere in Russia!" Should we not in our blessed land today as the children's children of those our forefathers, whose eyes also saw "the glory of the coming of the Lord ..." (Battle Hymn of the Republic) thankfully and humbly add this supplement "Anno 1963, we the descendants of our pious fathers, found--by the Grace of Almighty God--in God's own country"?! Early History of Wishek In the beginning Wishek's history was closely interwoven with that of McIntosh County and the evolution of Dakota Territory into a state, a story imbued with the life and vigor of pioneers and the westward movement. Let's turn back the pages of time and picture Wishek, a small settlement recently opened to homesteaders, awaiting the coming of the first train. The townsite was part of the preemption and timber claim of Paul Pudwill, the homestead of Wellington Stark and a portion of the original Northern Pacific land grant. In 1898 these owners sold their land to the Minnesota Loan and Trust Company, who in the same year surveyed, platted, and named the town Wishek, in honor of John H. Wishek, Sr. Mr. Wishek, who helped organize McIntosh County, brought the Soo Line into this section of North Dakota and personally procured the right-of-way in McIntosh County where the first track was laid. The first train arrived in October, 1898. The Wishek depot was built in sections in Minneapolis, shipped out on flat cars, and set up on the station site. Frank Spurzem was the first Soo Line agent. Two trains were scheduled for each week, one on Thursday and one on Sunday. With the arrival of the trains and, more or less, regular schedules, the St. Croix Lumber Company shipped in lumber. The lumber piles and yards were located along the railroad right-of-way. C. H. Suess was the manager of their yard. JOHN H. WISHEK, SR. Gottlieb Nickisch, now deceased, the original pioneer of the community, arrived here from Eureka, South Dakota, on September 8, 1898. There was no building to be seen at the time of his arrival but the next day M. E. Pratt, who had been a pioneer homesteader in this township, moved the first building onto the townsite from Kulm, North Dakota. An interesting note from the memory of Gottlieb Nickisch is that just before Christmas of 1898 all the men of the community were busy building a grade across the creek in the bottom west of the town so that farmers could get into town with their grain. On October 20, 1898, Gottlieb Nickisch built the first blacksmith shop, which he located near the railroad right-of-way, but later moved the building up on the hill when town lots were available. Reinhold Nickisch, a cousin of Gottlieb Nickisch, who arrived with him on September 8, 1898. was Wishek's first drayman. A few days later S. L. Lowe and Company pitched a large tent and started the first grocery and drygoods store. The tent was used for about two months until a frame building was constructed. It was destroyed by fire about one year later. About the 22nd of December, Mr. Paul Pudwill, Sr., started the erection of a frame building for use as a restaurant. This building still stands on Wishek's main street, has been owned by J. W. Hofer, housed the Farmers Hardware Company, and at this time is occupied by Meidinger's Store. Approximately the same time the Werre brothers, Fred, Joe, and John, came from Eureka, built a frame building, and started a grocery store. With them came Andrew Wallman, who built a frame building for use as a liquor store. On or about October 1, 1898, R. J. Bailey, Sr., together with his son, William G., arrived from Eureka and built the first livery barn in Wishek. They also did house moving and in January, 1899, with the help of R. Nickisch, they moved a house from Eureka to Wishek for Steve Fischer. This house still stands on Lot 14, Block 6, Wishek. The elder Bailey, familiarly known as Dick, was prominent in the early annals of the town. He was the first school director elected in Wishek and served for many years. He also served as a village trustee and was captain of the first organized fire department. He continued to live in Wishek until the time of his death in 1931. Gerald and William Bailey, Jr., sons of William G. Bailey, still reside in our midst. On or about November 1, 1898, John J. Doyle, one of the early pioneers of the Wishek locality, who had been farming and ranching in partnership with his father, Patrick Doyle, since 1884, came into Wishek and built the first up-town flathouse for the handling of grain. This building was located on the southwest corner of Block 2. About this time a man named F. Baumgartner built a flathouse on the railroad right-of-way and the Woodworth Elevator Company erected the elevator now known as the Union Elevator, and owned by Max Wishek of Ashley, North Dakota. About November 1, 1898, the first drug store was opened in Wishek by Tony Bjornson of Ashley. He rented the Paul Pudwill building for this purpose and his brother, Nordi Bjornson, was manager of the Wishek store. J. W. Hofer and Sons operated a drug store here for a good many years and at the present time the drug store is housed in a new building, owned and operated by our Mayor, Eugene V. Wiest. About the middle of October, 1898, Mrs. Jennie Hill came from Eureka, South Dakota. She had construction started at once on a hotel, which for years was known as the Hill House. While she waited for the completion of the hotel, she rented the flathouse from Mr. Doyle and served meals in it during the fall of 1898. When the hotel was completed at the beginning of the year, she took over its operation and continued to operate the Hill House as Wishek's leading hotel for many years. She continued to live in Wishek until the time of her death. During the fall of 1898 all the men of the new community were sleeping in the hayloft of the Bailey Livery Barn awaiting the completion of the new hotel. The charter of the First State Bank of Wishek, which was the first bank in McIntosh County and in the town of Wishek, was issued under date of October 24, 1898. It was chartered by John H. Wishek, Sr., Nina Wishek, and Fred Heiss. A temporary building was erected on Lot 13, Block 2 in the fall, and when the building was completed the bank opened for business on December 2, 1898. Mr. A. P. Guy was its first cashier. Mr. Guy arrived on the first scheduled train into Wishek. As a young lawyer, he immediately formed a partnership with John H. Wishek, Sr., known as Wishek & Guy. The firm opened a law, land, loans and collections office in the First State Bank building on December 2, 1898. Mr. Guy was able, energetic, and versatile, and much of the progress made by the community of Wishek during the early years must be credited to him. He was instrumental in establishing the first school and the first church organization. He was the first clerk of the school board and first clerk of the organized village, and was active as the village attorney. In 1901 he established and published the first newspaper (The Wishek Star and Wisheker Nachrichten.) In 1910 he moved with his family to Oakes, North Dakota. M. E. Pratt was the first Wishek postmaster. For a number of years he had conducted an inland postoffice (known as Youngstown) in his home on his homestead, which was located two miles east and one mile north of Wishek. However, during the fall and winter of 1898-1899 he built a post office building which contained living quarters for his family, on the lot north of the First State Bank building. The Youngstown post office was moved into Wishek and the name changed to Wishek Post Office. The records show that the post office of Youngstown was discontinued January .24, 1899. Youngstown post office, when in function, was served by a weekly overland mail route from Steele to Napoleon, and from Napoleon to Ashley. Mr. O. F. Bryant, an early pioneer in Logan County and for many years publisher of the Napoleon Homestead, was 1he driver of this overland mail route for a number of years prior to the arrival of the railroad. J. E. (Bert) Monroe was Wishek's first barber. He had taught prairie schools before the beginning of the Wishek community and after the town was started. In the winter of 1899-1900 he built the first barber shop building and continued in this business for many years, after which he retired to Port Townsend, Washington. His death came about three years after he moved from Wishek. The first child born in Wishek was Wishek Pratt, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Pratt. He was named after the founder of the town and was presented with a free lot in the town. He came to his death during his boyhood years by a fatal accident. The first death in the community of Wishek was that of Andrew Pfeifle, who was accidentally killed in the railroad yards. The first Justice of Peace in Wishek was E. H. Lunn, who homesteaded that portion of the Wishek townsite on which Pfeifle's Addition is now located. Wishek's first creamery, built in 1902 by John H. Wishek, Sr., was located one block west of our present lumber yards. R. H. Gillman was its manager. The creamery was destroyed by fire in 1910. In the year of 1907 the first flour mill was built, located on the north half of Block 14. The owners were Gottlieb Schock, Fred Eisenbeis, and Joe Tschetter. This mill was destroyed by fire in 1913. Wishek's first jeweler was Gustave Oulie, who opened a shop in the early years of 1900 and continued in business until about 1914, when he sold out his business and moved to his native country, Norway. Wishek's first fraternal organization was the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Wishek Lodge No. 99 was chartered on March 15, 1906, and its first meeting held on April 4 of the same year. Membership increased to nearly 100 and then started decreasing annually until just a few were left in 1971. These members then transferred to the Home Lodge in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Locally it could no longer cope with modern day requirements, as its standards were somewhat higher. It has, however, a modern and well equipped home at Devils Lake, where I.O.O.F. members and Rebeccas may spend their declining years, whether they are financially able to do so or not. Youngstown School District No. 19, which embraces all of Twp. 132, R71, in which Wishek is located, was organized in 1896. This was prior to the founding of the town, and school had been held at the Pratt homestead for two years before Wishek started. The first school conducted in Wishek was held in an empty frame building known as the Palm Building, situated two doors north of the First State Bank. R. C. Miles was the first teacher. He taught from April 18 to June 12, 1899--a two months term--for the sum of $35.00. The first schoolhouse, a one room frame building, was built during the summer of 1900 on the site of our present school grounds. R. C. Miles was the first teacher of this school. From the records it would indicate that R. J. Bailey, Sr., was the first school director, A. P. Guy the first school clerk. and M. E. Pratt the first school treasurer. During the early years of Wishek's existence, community church services were held in the Palm building, in which the first school was also held. The services were non-denominational, and were conducted by such pastors at large as might come to Wishek. However, in 1905, primarily through the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Guy, the Grace Presbyterian Church was erected as the first church in Wishek. It was dedicated on January 28, 1906, by Rev. W. H. Hunter. In 1905, the First State Bank building was remodeled and a second story added, giving Wishek its first public hall and community meeting place. In it were held the community dances and basket socials and many other social events. The Wests comprised the first Wishek orchestra and many a "leg was shook" dancing to the Wests' polkas and two-steps, and from what I read and was told, many good times were had at the public hall. The first telephone line into Wishek was a two-phone affair between Wishek and Ashley, the lines of which were set on poles running along the Soo Line right-of-way. One phone was in John H. Wishek Sr.'s office in Ashley, and the other in the First State Bank building in Wishek, which gave the communities a means of communication. E. H. Cook secured the first franchise but did not exercise it. He sold his rights to O. F. Bryant of Napoleon, who built the first exchange in Wishek in 1909. This he operated until 1925 when he sold it to the Dakota Central Telephone Company, which is now owned and operated by Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. The first movie theatre in Wishek was operated by H. L. Bohlman in the building now occupied by Weisser Body Shop. Needless to say that in the field of movies, radio, news and TV we have come a long way. The first marriage of Wishek people was that of Daniel G. Nickisch and Grace Sheridan in 1905. After their marriage they bought the Sheridan Hotel from Mrs. Nickisch's mother and operated it until 1916. Later he operated a blacksmith shop. WISHEK'S HOTELS AND MOTELS Wishek's first three-story frame hotel -- the Hill House -- was built in 1898 and operated by Mrs. Jennie Hill. For many years ii was the town's leading hotel. The Sheridan House, built by Mrs. Carrie Sheridan in 1900 also cared for much of the transient trade. Later, H. L. Bohlman built the Soo Hotel, which was utilized mostly as a rooming house. In the 20's it became evident that Wishek's greatest need was a modern hotel and cafe. Shortly after World War I, Gus Sholley, who had been a troop transport cook during the war, arrived in Wishek. He started a cafe known as the Auto Inn and operated it for a number of years. In 1925 he bought lots in Block 13 and built our present two-story concrete hotel, operating a cafe in connection with it. He continued this business until 1944 when he sold out to H. P. Mensing and moved to Tucson, Arizona. Mr. H. P. Mensing took over the hotel in March of 1945, and operated same until November of 1952. He then sold it to Art and Amanda Walth, who continued its operation until August of 1971. They then sold it to Mr. and Mrs. H. Daniel Morgan, who still operate the hotel as of this writing. With Wishek being located 85 miles from Jamestown, 95 from Bismarck and 105 from Aberdeen, it became increasingly apparent that a modern motel to accommodate commercial and other travelers was badly needed. Leaman and Edna Boschee constructed a modern, 16-unit motel in 1961 on the southwest corner of Block 8, and are continuing to operate the motel as of this date and contemplating an addition. CITY OF WISHEK AS A MUNICIPALITY During the first eight years after Wishek's founding it existed as an unorganized community without the benefit of municipal ordinances and local supervision. The male voters of the community (for this was before the advent of women's suffrage) participated in county and state elections as voters of a country precinct. An early poll book of that period lists the following names of male voters in the community: A. P. Guy, F. D. McCartney, F. J. Zahn, Jacob Herr, Jr., Patrick Doyle, Jacob Balliet, John Dewald, C. H. Suess, Frank Spurzem, Peter Ackermann, W: T. Best, Gottlieb Nickisch, James Welsh, F. N. Gillis, Leopold Hunkele, J. E. Monroe, D. G. Nickisch, Wm. V. Curtis, Jacob Wolf, R. H. Gillman, M. E. Pratt, E. H. Lunn and B. F. Henry. On April 22, 1907, the male voters -- 39 in number -- voted unanimously to incorporate the community into an organized village. Corporate limits were established and the town government organized. The first Village Board of three trustees were elected. They were John J. Doyle, Gottlieb Nickisch, and Jacob Herr, Jr., with Mr. Doyle serving as chairman of the board. A. P. Guy was elected as clerk and also acted as village attorney. The first village ordinances were passed and approved June 10, 1907, with an emergency clause attached, and Wishek and its citizens came under municipal law. The streets and alleys were regulated as thoroughfares; lightposts with kerosene lamps were placed at the main corners in the business section of the town; and a village jail was built on the site of the present city hall, where ordinance violators could be jailed. In 1916 the first issue of village bonds in the amount of $5,900.00 was voted, and with the proceeds of said bonds, the present concrete city hall was erected. Crosswalks were also laid according to a street and sidewalk grade plat, which was at that time established. In the same year of 1916 the village board granted a franchise to the Krein Electric Company for the use of streets and alleys for light and power lines. Street lights were also provided for at that time. In the 20's an effort was made to change the form of government from village to city. However, this was defeated by the voters. The citizens of the town who served as chairmen of the Board of Trustees during the years from 1907 until 1930 included the following: John J. Doyle, Gottlieb Nickisch, Jacob Herr, Jr., James Welsh, John Kuiper, F. N. Gillis, F. J. Sayler, Karl K. Wacker, M. H. Miller, John Dockter, and John Weber, Sr. Clerks of the village during the same period were: A. P. Guy, James Welsh, J. W. Hofer, H. E. Timm, C. L. Smith, Robert Greiser, John W. Ackermann, H. H. Nolte, and William Huber. In 1930 the electors voted a change in municipal government and Wishek was incorporated as a city. H. E. Timm, who had served as an official of the village for 18 consecutive years, was elected as the city's first Mayor. An adequate supply of good water is essential to the growth and development of any town or city. Wishek was fortunate in this respect, as it was located above a subterranean lake, and has furnished its residents with some of the best water in the state from wells 25 feet to 40 feet in depth. With good water available so easily, little need was found for a city water system. However, in 1944, agitation was started for a city water plant for civilian use and for fire protection--and what is even more important, an adequate system for disposal of the city's sewerage. In 1945, plans for the system were drawn and the voters approved the necessary bond issue at a special election, said bonds amounted to $196,000.00. During 1946, the W. H. Noel Company of Jamestown, North Dakota, completed the installation of a city water system and a city sewerage disposal plant. This improvement has proven itself a real asset to Wishek's modernization and growth, as has the paving of its streets, which came somewhat later. Wishek's first well was located in the Wishek Park and served the city's water needs until 1956 when Well No. 2 was dug in Block 14, and Well No. 3 in 1963, which was loca1ed on the east side of the city on school property. In 1969, the City Council cited the need for additional water storage, as Water Tower No. 1, with a storage capacity of 55,000 gallons, was inadequate for the city's needs, especially if needed during a fire. In March of 1970, the water tower at John Moses Hospital at Minot, North Dakota, with a capacity of 110,000 gallons, was procured on a bid basis from the Minot Air Force Base. It was taken down and moved to Wishek, where it was located near Well No. 2 in Block 14. This now gives Wishek an adequate water supply for its citizens and probable fires. It also reduces the fire rates from a Class 8 town to a Class 7 town. Wishek has always enjoyed reasonable water rates and yet at the same time showed a profit for the city, thus enabling it to make improvements if and when needed. The maintenance of the water mains has been held at a minimum, due no doubt to our sandy soil. No city department can function properly or be maintained properly unless proper personnel is in charge. Special palms are due Norman Gall, our present Water Superintendent, who has given much of his time and effort to the maintenance and supervision of our water and sewer system, and keeping it in an A-1 status. Agitation was started in 1966 for a new dumpground site, so that the city may rid itself of its unsightly and unhealthful dump immediately south of the city. In September of 1967, Lot 4 in Sec. 4-132-71 W was procured with an area comprising 27 acres, the location of which is one mile west and one mile north of the city. This is a controlled access, fenced dumpground, and is of the bury and cover-up nature, wholly approved by the Health Department. In connection with this new dump-ground, a garbage collection was started by the city on May 1, 1969, and a contract issued for the garbage disposal to Gary Just who still has the disposal contract as of this writing. A large percentage of Wishek's streets were paved in 1943 and 1944, and some of its alleys and more streets were paved at a later date. Wishek's residents can point with pride at their well-kept homes and business places, and well maintained streets and alleys. With paved roads leading in all directions and with modern, fast cars, cities of our size are hard put to maintain business and population growth. This, we are glad to say, Wishek has accomplished with its good water supply, paved streets, clean residential districts, modern school building and facilities. and foresighted businessmen. Wishek also has an established city-owned Public Library, and this history together with a photo will be covered in another section of this book. While the City of Wishek has had a Municipal Airport for some time, a Municipal Airport Authority was created on October 6, 1969, which will enable it to grow and expand in the future. Those who have served Wishek in the office of Mayor are: H. E. Timm ............ 1930-1932 J. W. Hofer ........... 1932-1934 John J. Doyle ......... 1934-1938 Jacob C. Krein ........ 1938-1942 E. H. Cook ............ 1942-1946 Fred Thurn ............ 1946-1950 E. P. Pfeifle ......... 1950-1954 Elmo Nickisch ......... 1954-1958 Gideon P. Herr ........ 1958-1962 Elmo Nickisch ......... 1962-1966 Paul Scherman ......... 1966-1970 Eugene V. Wiest ....... 1970--Present incumbent City Auditors who have served during the 43 years of city government are: William Huber ......... 1930-1938 Fred Thurn ............ 1938-1946 R. W. Pfau ............ April 1946--May 1, 1949 Alvin Miller .......... May 1, 1949--November 7, 1949 A. W. Erbele .......... November 7, 1949--May 1, 1950 A. J. Dobmeyer ........ May 1, 1950--May 1, 1954 W. H. Dickson ......... May 1, 1954--December 31, 1959 H. P. Mensing ......... Jan. 1, 1960--May 1, 1962 R. W. Pfau ............ May 1, 1962--May 1, 1970 Denis Svedgen ......... May 1, 1970--Present incumbent Certainly, special recognition is due all of these city officials, together with all those who served as City Aldermen during the years of municipal development. They gave so much of their time and effort to various projects which became realities, and made Wishek a better place for all to live. WISHEK'S DOCTORS During its early years, Wishek had no resident doctor and Dr. Fred Maercklein had to be called from Ashley when a physician's services were needed. In 1903, Dr. George Grant procured his license to practice in North Dakota and spent his summers in Wishek until 1905, in which year he located here permanently. He formed a partnership with J. W. Hofer, known as the Wishek Drug Company. He also served as vice president of the Security State Bank from the time of its organization until the time of his death. He acquired considerable land and was interested in other enterprises. He continued his practice as an MD until his death in 1939. In the 20's Dr. Ivan Maercklein, who had been a medical officer in World War I, located in Wishek and practiced for a number of years. In 1934 he moved to Oregon. In 1936, Dr. A. A. Whittemore, a former Secretary of the State Board of Health, came to Wishek and started practice. He passed away in 1940. Dr. J. H. Barrette, formerly of Lehr, moved his offices to Wishek and practiced here until shortly before his death. Then came Dr. Franz Gutowski, who practiced here until August, 1969, after a short stay at Michigan, North Dakota, at which time Dr. L. O. Pearson came to Wishek and practiced until 1967. He then moved to the Veterans Hospital at Fargo, North Dakota. Dr. Juan Resol came to Wishek on June 1, 1969, and left our city in October of 1972. After the construction of the hospital in Wishek in 1954, additional medical services were needed, and Dr. E. H. Goodman, Napoleon, North Dakota, split his practice between here and Napoleon. Dr. Julius Theurer was Wishek's first chiropractic doctor. He moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and continued in practice there. He was followed by Dr. H. H. Werre, who moved to Fargo, North Dakota, from here and conducted a chiropractic clinic there. After Dr. Werre left, Dr. H. K. Walth, son of Frederick Walth, one of Wishek's farmer pioneers, located in Wishek in 1932 and practiced here until his untimely death in a prairie fire northeast of Wishek on November 13, 1951. Dr. H. K. Walth was interested in community affairs and was General Chairman of Wishek's Golden Jubilee. Dr. Howard Organ located here shortly thereafter. After his death, Wishek was without the services of a chiropractic doctor until February, 1956, when Dr. W. V. Schubert located here, and as of this writing is still in practice in Wishek. Wishek's first dentist was an unlicensed practitioner by the name of F. H. Newton. In 1919, Dr. T. A. Alexander moved to Wishek from Carrington, North Dakoka, and continued in general office practice until his death in 1939. Certainly it should be mentioned here that Drs. George Grant and T. A. Alexander died on the same day in 1939. Dr. W. H. Mehlhaff located here in 1927, coming here from Eureka, South Dakota. In 1948, he constructed a modern dental clinic, which has proved itself to be a real asset to our city. Dr. Chester A. Faul and Dr. Ted C. Ritter were associated with Dr. Mehlhaff in practice here for some time. Shortly thereafter Dr. C. F. Ketterling became associated with Dr. Mehlhaff and practiced here until his move to Morris, Minn., in ....? Dr. W. H. Mehlhaff died in October, 1964 after which came Dr. Lambourne, who after a short stay moved to Jamestown, North Dakota. A vacancy existed for a short time, and in 1968, Dr. Verdine Boschee, a native son, established practice here and as of this writing is still located in Wishek. WISHEK'S ATTORNEYS Attorneys who practiced in Wishek during the period of its history are A. P. Guy, H. W. Platt, Oscar G. Abern, Gordon O. Hoberg, and Richard E. Herr, practicing attorney at the time of this writing who also is the City Attorney. We should note here that some thirty years ago several Jewish families lived in our midst. A Jewish synagogue was located on the corner where the Garold Just home stands today. During the thirties many Jewish families left McIntosh County, forcing the churches in the area to close. The remaining members continued to worship in Bismarck, North Dakota, or Aberdeen, South Dakota. Needless to say, these Jewish folks who lived among us contributed their part in community development and lasting and enduring friendships continued even after they had clone. In closing the review of Wishek's history. the Historical Book Committee has found that even though we started early, it would have been better to allow a full year in advance of the time we had allotted. We say this because the centennial book committee may profit by our experience. We found countless things that would be changed, corrected, or included if the work were to be done again. We relied heavily on the advice and writing of the last book chairman, Mr. H. E. Timm, and dipped heavily into the writings of Nina Farley Wishek, and even checked out the Ashley Jubilee Book for ideas. A hearty thank you to Mrs. Vern Boeshans, who did most of the typing, and to Mrs. Marvin Fiechtner and Mrs. Larry Dalke for the filing and tabulation done in connection with the business end of the book. Members of the Wishek Diamond Jubilee book committee include: Edward Dahmer, Mrs. Luella Roehm, Mrs. Katherine Herr, John W. Ackerman, G. G. Neuberger, Steve Nickisch, Robert Zimmerman, Richard Herr, and R. W. Pfau. Lillian W. Dempsey, Chairman Diamond Jubilee Historical Book Committee Wishek's Newspapers The Wishek News was established in 1901 by A. P. Guy and Fred McCartney. At first it was printed in Ashley by the McIntosh County Republican, although it was set up in Wishek and sent down to Ashley by stage or train. Soon after it was established, a law was passed requiring the printing of at least one issue of a newspaper in the town from where it was mailed. A small plant was then set up in a shack behind the First State Bank. A hand press was bought, and L. Grueninger, an Ashley printer, was brought to Wishek to print the paper. Mr. Grueninger remained the editor until 1916. A. P. Guy sold the Wishek News in 1908 to Ed. Cook and Charles Roehm, and gave a one-third interest in the paper to L. Grueninger. When the paper started it had a German edition which was simply a special page devoted entirely to German printing. This page in the Wishek News was headed "Wisheker Nachrichten." In 1916 C. C. Lowe bought the paper. G. L. Shermerhorn was the editor then and during part of 1917. Robert Greiser assumed charge as editor on the 12th of December, 1917, and purchased the paper in 1919. Mr. Greiser continued the publication of the paper for twenty-five years. In 1944 he sold the subscription list to the Ashley Tribune and disposed of the plant and the equipment. The community was without a newspaper from 1944-45; however, in October of 1945 Edwin T. Brost started a newspaper and named it the Wishek Star. Jay Bryant, publisher of the Napoleon Homestead, bought the paper in 1947 and was responsible for the Jubilee edition in 1948. The newspaper and printing industry, like many other businesses, has made vast improvements. Most all newspapers were printed by the letterpress method in 1948. These last few years have seen letterpress printing give way to the new method called "offset" printing or cold type. This method of printing is now universal in about 75% of the weekly publications and about 50% in the daily papers. The Wishek Star used the "offset" method for the first time on December 4, 1969. A complete line of offset equipment was purchased and the letterpress is now just junk except, of course, for antique lovers. The trend is now toward centralized printing plants with many neighboring communities already doing so. The Wishek Star is still printed with its own equipment. Editors and publishers of the Wishek Star since 1948 include: Wm. Fischer, 1948; Herman Olson, September, 1948; Larry A. Chambers, January, 1959; Raymond Barchenger, September, 1962; and the present editor, Robert R. Zimmerman, who took over in September of 1969. Reproduction of the Wishek News--Jan. 28, 1907 Issue History of Wishek Exchange The first franchise for telephone service was awarded to E. H. Cook, December 13, 1907. However, Mr. Cook never made use of the franchise and sold to O. Frank Bryant in 1909. Mr. Bryant operated the exchange until 1925. Mrs. Helen Carty was the telephone operator during this period of time. In 1925, Mr. Bryant sold the telephone company to Dakota Central with headquarters in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Wm. Swalve was local manager from 1925 to 1930. Freda Dockter was agency chief operator during this period. G. A. Albert took over the managership in 1930 and was there until 1935. He was succeeded by Oscar Hawkinson who served from 1935 to 1944. In July of 1942, Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. bought out Dakota Central Telephone Co. Wishek went to dial operation in 1941. Wishek manager from 1944 to 1947 was John W. Nelson after which John E. Frank became manager in 1947 to the present time. Some of the early operators were Freda Dockter, Tootie Dockter and Lydia Frank from the years 1925 to 1942. The present office is still the same building that was built in 1909; however, it has been remodeled several times. Some of the other employees who have worked here at various times were: Donald Bailey, Edwin Stroh, Orvin Rueb, John Mead, Dennis Tiedman, Daniel Boyle, Joe Lech, and Lavern G. Christianson. The first form of communication around 1907 was a one wire line between Wishek and Ashley. One phone was in the First State Bank at Wishek and the other was in the law office of John H. Wishek at Ashley. The line was along the Soo Line Railroad right of way. The local calling area for Wishek has been expanded to include Zeeland in 1964; Ashley in 1970; and Lehr in 1957. In December of 1972 the number of telephones in Wishek was 1,112: 225 -- Business and 667 -- Residence. Total number of originating calls from Wishek: Local and Long Distance -- 1,613,308 (1972) -- 1,260,602 (1968) 49,000 long distance calls placed from Wishek in 1972. Wishek Public Schools Early schooling consisted of tutors hired by pioneer families to teach the 3 Rs in their homes. This developed into the small rural schools in the townships, then to a large multi-room complex housing and the newest curriculum and departmentalization for elementary and secondary students. This is the story of the growth of our educational system at Wishek. As more settlers came into this area, rural schools provided a basic education for the children. Districts were formed three or four schools built in each township. Students desiring high school education attended the high schools in the neighboring towns. WISHEK SCHOOL BOARD -- School Term 1972-73 Seated, left to right: Gus Kosanke, President; Lester Dempsey, Vice President; Henry Frank, Treasurer; James Kocher, Clerk. Standing, left to right: Art E. Ketterling, Director; James Meidinger, Director; Donald Hauck, Director. The school in the city of Wishek had its beginning when the Village of Wishek was founded in 1898. The first school in the Village of Wishek was held in a building known as the Palm Building. In 1900 the Youngstown District, as the district was then known, bought Block Seven of the Townsite of Wishek. Here a one-room building was erected. In 1903, this one-room school was remodeled and enlarged to a two-room building. In 1907 the two-room building was inadequate to house the growing enrollment and a six-room, two-story frame building with full basement was erected at a cost of about $9,750.00 and it was now possible to offer elementary and some secondary education for the youth of the community. By 1917 the enrollment had once more outgrown its quarters and some classes were taught in the new city hall and other buildings. In 1919 the patrons, realizing the inadequacy of the school facilities, voted to construct a two-story brick building with eight classrooms on the first and second floors and more rooms and an auditorium in the full basement. This building was erected at a cost of about $48,000. Wishek now was able to offer a full four year High School Curriculum and soon became a first class high school. Since 1945 Wishek has had a fully accredited high school. During the depression of the thirties the Federal Government provided money for public construction of buildings. The City of Wishek in conjunction with the School District constructed the City Auditorium on the school site as it was to be used for school purposes. It is Wishek's most unique building. The rocks of which it is constructed came from our own prairies. Labor costs were provided by the Federal Government program known as W.P.A. In the late fifties the reorganization of our rural schools took place. This was brought about by a declining farm population making it very costly to operate schools for small enrollments: State laws required children to remain in school for a longer period of years; and a movement was underway to require each district to maintain a high school. A reorganization committee was formed, elections were held and the reorganization of our rural schools resulted. This was perhaps the greatest event which took place in the past twenty-five years to provide for the survival of Wishek. All or parts of 18 Districts in McIntosh and Logan Counties: Danzig, Youngstown, Green Lake, Salem, Friedensthal, Frieda, Strausburg, Rosenfield, Blumenthal, Moscow, Albrights Valley, Arvada, Hollandsworth, Grenz, Red Lake, Johannesdale, Hills, Schell Butte were reorganized into the Youngstown District No. 19. The district became the Wishek Special District No. 19 This combining of districts increased the enrollment in the City's schools over 60% and it was necessary to bus the children to Wishek. Ten rural routes were laid out and buses were bought. The buildings were inadequate for the increased enrollment. Six rural schoolhouses were moved in and placed on the adjacent school property. Some classes were also held in the Odd Fellows Hall and a private home. The patrons of the district felt the temporary housing was inadequate and voted to construct a new elementary building. A 10 acre site was purchased on Wishek's East side and a new brick building was constructed at a cost of over $450,000.00 being ready for occupancy in the fall of 1962. The Elementary and Junior High School Building provided for 12 elementary classrooms, 2 junior high classrooms, a large study hall, a large science room, offices, teacher lounge, a library and a multi-purpose room which is used for many community banquets, wedding receptions, and houses the school's lunch program. The school was designed by Lenhard and Askew and the contractors were: general, Meisner and Company, Alken Electric and Jamestown Plumbing and Heating Company. In 1964-65 a National Armory was erected jointly by the National Guard Bureau, the State of North Dakota, and the City of Wishek on the school site contracted at $199,915.00. An agreement was made whereby the school has use of the gym and some classrooms. Acquisition of the old armory to be used as a bus garage a few years later was a real bargain, the cost to the District being about $5,000.00. WISHEK SCHOOL STAFF -- 1972-73 School Term Front row, left to right: Helen McCormack, Phyllis Huber, Deloris Zimmerman, Elaine Blinsky, Meredith Godfrey, Arly Schnabel, Peggy Brandenberger, Charoletter Olienyk. Second row, left to right: Florence Wiest, Esther Maier, Deloris Knower, Yvonne Huber, Berniece Dahmer, Lillian Dempsey, Luella Roehm, Nancy Kaseman. Third row, left to right: Paul Olienyk, John Douglas, Patricia Pfeifle, Diane Wagner, Diane Klein, Idella Vossler, Harry Lambrecht, Roger Nordstrom. Fourth row, left to right: Jack Fisher, Ronald Godfrey, Dan Morgan, Ted Darwin, Ronald Klein, Superintendent Elmer Lindstrom, Principal Delmar Zimmerman, Douglas Paulus. In order to meet the housing demands of a curriculum necessary for our students, a new Senior High School Building was constructed in 1971 at a cost of approximately $840,000.00. In the fall of 1972 the new High School Building with its administrative office area, lounge, guidance offices, two additional science rooms, adequate student locker areas, large library, music department, home economics department, vocational agriculture department, commercial department along with a four-room classroom complex provided for 10 classrooms and a large auditorium-gymnasium seating 1,200 for athletic events and about 2,000 at theatrical events. Lenhard and Askew provided the architectural design while the John Larson Company was the general contractor. Curtis Electric and Moorhead Plumbing and Heating were awarded the electrical and mechanical work. Fifteen acres more of land was purchased south of and adjacent to the elementary site providing enough space for the construction of an athletic field, on the school property. During the summer of 1972 as the school personnel moved the equipment and furniture into the new buildings, the North Dakota National Guard, as one of its summer training projects, constructed an athletic field and completed the grading and graveling of the parking area to the south of the new high school building. The National Guard moved in 10 trucks, a D-7 Cat, 2 Front end loaders and 1 grader. The fill for the project hauled for a few miles raised the field to a height of 3-1/2 feet at the center, tapering it out to about one foot at the edge of a quarter-mile track encircling the football field. The work completed by the Guard was followed closely by all of the units in the State, and the National Guard can look with pride on this contribution to the Wishek School System. With the growth of our school system, came the busing and the need for good noon meals. The lunch program grew from having one hot dish and milk at noon to the present program providing full meals for about 600 persons daily. Our curriculum now includes the basic academic classes plus opportunities in music, foreign language, social studies, sciences, mathematics, English, driver education, with vocational classes in commerce, home economics and agriculture. Federal funds have been used since 1965 to improve instruction for those students who have difficulty in school. The monies received have been used for reading, arithmetic, communication, library, social studies, and science instruction. We have provided for special summer programs involving the basic skills and exploration intended to increase the scope of the students interests so as to inspire them to better academic achievement. Some equipment and much material has been made available to the students through these government subsidized programs. The National Defense Act Funds were used in furnishing the science rooms in the new buildings and government support of the vocational programs in home economics and vocational agriculture has been a factor in making these courses available for a number of years. We have a variety of extra-curricular activities in athletics, music, student council and related activities, such as the FHA and FFA. The Wishek students have earned many honors in interscholastic competition and won the State Class "B" Track Championship in 1972. Wishek Public School now has an ideal complex for the education of its youth. Buildings and equipment are essential. However, as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary and pause to reflect on our schools, we must remember the many dedicated teachers who have given their services and not forget the students who have gone through these halls. They are the living monument of our school. Wishek needs to be proud of them! National Guard The National Guard is a state and federal organization. It functions at the call of the governor or the unit commander as a protector of life and property. At the call of the President it serves in national emergencies. It has an outstanding record of service in time of flood or other disasters, as well as in defense of the nation. An active National Guard unit is a community asset. It can be a spark to real community service. It is citizenship at work. The community and local merchants benefit, too, from the disbursement of their federal funds. Service Battery 188th FAB of the North Dakota National Guard was organized in Wishek, North Dakota, January 24, 1947, with Captain John Doyle commanding. In 1948 they were called to active duty. Again on January 16, 1951, during the Korean War, they went to Camp Rucker, Alabama, with Arthur T. Sayler commanding. They served in the Far East command on an individual basis. These men returned home in 1952. This unit was reorganized in January 16, 1953 as Service Battery 188 Fld Art. with 2LT Raymond E. Wiest commanding and WO Allan Ketterling as AST. In 1959 the unit was reorganized as 896 Float Bridge Company and later as 893 D Engr Co (Dp Tok). Raymond E. Wiest was commanding officer until August 31, 1965, when Jerome Schwartzenberger took command and May 1, 1968, the unit was reorganized to Co D(-) 141st Engr. Bn (Cbt) (A). James A. Swanke was assigned as commanding officer after Jerome Schwartzenberger resigned as CPT. The unit was reorganized March 1, 1972, with ILT Everett A. Butler serving at present as the commanding officer. The unit assigned strength is two officers and seventy-eight enlisted men. Full time employees of this Wishek unit were: WO Edwin Junkert and Allan Ketterling; MSG Gideon Perman; SGT Sebastian Tucherer; SGT Alvin Schmitt; CWO Arthur Erbele; SFC Gordon Hoff; and PSG Daniel J. Vetter who is still employed as AST. Major Raymond E. Wiest is the only member of the unit who has retained his membership since the Jubilee of 1948. Front row: SGT Philip A. Miller, SP5 Isadore I. Wald, SP4 Rodney R. Joachim, PFC Vernie R. Lucas, PFC Ronald J. Doll, PFC Steven W. Krein, SP4 Leo J. Horner, PSG Charles C. Rau. Second row: SSG Myron J. Meidinger, SP4 James A. Krueger, SP5 Ronald Silbernagel, SP4 Darryl D. Rau, SP4 Clarence Kuss, SGT Pius A. Bitz, PFC Raymond L. Christmann, PSG Thomas A. Welder. Third row: SSG Rodger J. Schumacher, SGT Donald D. Braun SP4 Wesley A. Karvonen, SP3 Vernon E. Wilen, SP5 Anton J. Doll SGT Danny D. Schnabel, SP4 Jacob J. Mertz, SP4 Jack D. Fisher, PFC Anton Glatt Jr., 1st Lt. Everett A. Butler. Back row: SP5 Joseph A. Schmaltz, SP5 George Johs, SPS Michael J. Horner, SP4 Gerald A. Meidinger, SP4 Donald A. Wolf, SP4 Darrell J. Stockert, PFC Richard A. Nies, SP4 Richard A. Marquart. Front row: SGT Melvin L. Hoff, SP5 Jesse J. Just, SP4 Terry R. Sayler, SP4 Loren L. Wilen, PFC Kenneth K. Jensen, PFC Erwin Wiest, PSG Daniel J. Vetter. Second row: SSG John M. Silbernagel, SGT Gordon R. Kusler, SP5 Ronnie F. Thurn, SP4 Thomas A. Schauer, SP4 Frank Braun, SP4 Jerome C. Werlinger, PV1 Raymond D. Hoff, SSG Eugene W. Fetzer. Third row: SSG Terrance J. Kuhn, SGT Donald W. Grandner, SP4 Harold E. Kuhel, SP4 Craig H. Rutschke, SP4 Myron C. Lepp, PFC Rodney D. Kruger, PV2 Darrell Krueger, 2nd LT. Gary A. G. Doll. Back row: SP5 Sebastian Bitz, SP5 Leroy P. Schmaltz, SP5 Anthony Wald, SP4 Peter Brendel Jr., SP4 Richard P. Schumacher, SP4 Clinton D. Nelson, PV2 George Schmaltz, SP5 Ronald R. Braun. Wishek Community Hospital On December 27, 1949, an organizational membership meeting was held in the City Hall of Wishek, North Dakota. It was with this meeting that a dream of getting a hospital in this community became a realization. The members of the first Wishek Hospital and Clinic Association board were as follows: Rev. T. F. Doyen, Fred Thurn, Arthur T. Sayler, Phyllis Doyle, Walter Sayler, Ed Pfeifle, Henry Gall, Jr., Emil P. Wiest, Walter Kocher and Jacob Brosy. In October 1950, a fund drive was started and a goal of $80,000.00 was set. When bids were let the general contract in the amount of $120,000.00 was awarded to Ed Norling of Aberdeen, South Dakota. The electrical contract in the amount of $12,690.00 went to the Kehne Electric Company of Grand Forks, North Dakota. The heating and plumbing contract in the amount of $63,184.00 was awarded to Hoppert Plumbing and Heating Company of Wahpeton, North Dakota. An association was initiated with the Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society of Fargo, North Dakota, back in 1949, prior to the building of the hospital. An operational contract was drawn up prior to the official opening of the hospital. The Society has been in charge of the operation since that time. The Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society of Fargo now operate over 80 institutions in over 14 states. Front row, left to right: Earl Zimmerman, John Frautschi, Everett Butler. Second row: Nancy Brandner, Rynell Kautz, Nyletta Heupel, Fern Knoll, Jean Bina, Lea Wanner, Monica Michaelsohn, Walter Schlenker. Third row: Rose Welk, Anna Frautschi, Deloris Wiest, Phyllis Meidinger, Frieda Schuchard, Anna Brandner, Anna Miller, Ottillia Boschee, Lionel Samonte. Fourth row: Jo Butler, Ida Schultz, Gladys Mund, Kathleen Welder, Bette Meisch, Esther Mueller, Pauline Oberlander, Doris Schock, Maggie Werre. Fifth row: Edna Dockter, Kay Kuhn, Lois Humann, Deborah Kraft, Lydia Thurn, Agnes Wald, Lorna Kolberg, Emelia Just, Marlene Becker. Sixth row: Laura Kemmet, Lillian Offerman, Martha Kramer, Karla Gross, Phyllis Russel, Joyce Reiland, Mabel Novy, Nancy Droz. The Wishek Community Hospital began operation in April of 1954. Dr. Franz Gutowski was the first physician. The hospital staff consisted of an administrator and approximately 11 other employees. Dr. E. H. Goodman joined the Wishek Hospital Medical Staff in 1958 and is presently with us. Other doctors who have served the hospital are: Dr. Nicholas G. Boosalis, Dr. Anne Gutowski, Dr. John Anthony, Dr. Lawrence Pearson, Dr. Gary Clarke and Dr. Juan Resol. Among the first employees of the hospital were: Administrator, Mr. Ralph Opperman; engineer, Mr. Carol; Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Mrs. Iva Carol; cook, Mrs. Christine Ulmer; Registered Nurses (RN's), Mrs. Delmar Hoff, Mrs. Gideon Perman, Mrs. Adrian Boyum; nurse's aides, Mrs. Emil Breitbarth, Miss Violet Wanner, Miss Wilma Deyle; office girl, Mrs. John Hellrude; X-ray and laboratory technician, Miss Anna Simonson. The first patient was Mrs. C. P. Ritter. The first surgical patient was Mr. Emil Miller. The first baby born was Deborah Dittus, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhardt Dittus of Fredonia. After several years of good patronage and occupancy by the surrounding community, the hospital board was forced to consider an addition to the hospital. In a public meeting held in March of 1963, the Wishek community gave the local hospital board authority to go ahead and mortgage the property in order to provide an addition to this hospital of 11 beds. Those awarded the contracts were as follows: architects, Leonhard and Askew; general contract, Anderson, Guthrie and Carlson of Bismarck; electrical contract, Alken Electric of Linton; heating and plumbing contract, Gofells Plumbing and Heating. The dedication ceremony for the addition was held on May 24, 1964. An interesting fact is that Mr. H. E. Timm of Wishek, a local historian, performed the master of ceremonies function at the original dedication of the hospital and also officiated at the dedication of the hospital's addition in 1964. WISHEK HOSPITAL 1972 BOARD--Back row: Henry Frank, Matthew Vetter, Walter R. Meidinger, Eugene Wiest, John Frautschi, Ferdinand Rudolf, Elmer Brosy, Vernon Kramer. Front row: Mrs. Vernon Herr, Arthur Kautz, Willard Nickisch, Mrs. Willard Nickisch. The members of the Wishek Hospital and Clinic Association board at this time are President, Arthur Kautz; Vice President, Henry Frank; Secretary, Harriet Herr; Treasurer, Vernon Herr; Ferdinand Rudolf, Matt Vetter, Elmer Brosy, Eugene Wiest, Vernon Kramer, Allen Deile and Reuben Boschee. Wishek Community Hospital Auxiliary The Wishek Community Hospital Auxiliary was organized on July 18, 1950, with thirty-seven members. During its first three years the Auxiliary raised $7,168.65 by having food sales, dinners, and many other projects. Its first officers were: president, Mrs. Arthur Sayler; vice president, Mrs. Delmar Hoff; Miss Elaine Bender (now Mrs. Eugene Wiest); treasurer, Mrs. Jack Trautman. Since 1950 the Auxiliary has donated $12,393.85 to the hospital. It has also donated many other articles, including a patient lifter, hair dryer, bed rails, commodes, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and fourteen TV sets. In 1968 the Auxiliary donated $1,000 to help set up a clinic for the new doctor. At the present time the Auxiliary has the following members: Mrs. Philip Bender, Mrs. Emil Breitbarth, Mrs. John Frautschi, Mrs. Emmanuel Herr, Mrs. Vernon Kramer, Mrs. Art Kautz, Mrs. Maggie Krein, Mrs. Steve Tuchscher, Mrs. Art Vossler, Mrs. Herman Wiest, Mrs. Christ Wanner, Mrs. Lydia Wiest, Mrs. Helmond Wiest, Mrs. Amanda Blessing, Mrs. Clarence Kienzle, Mrs. August Kaseman, and Mrs. J. J. Kramer. Wishek Community Hospital Sewing Ladies The Wishek Hospital Auxiliary sponsors the mending ladies group at the hospital under the direction of Mrs. Phillip Bender. Throughout the past eleven years these women have volunteered to help with the mending and sewing. They do all of the hospital mending and sew gowns and slippers for the patients. These women meet once a week. The ladies are as follows: Mrs. Adam Schnabel, Mrs. Christ Babitzke, Mrs. Fred Aipperspach, Mrs. Dan Aipperspach, Mrs. George Schilling, Mrs. Art Vossler, Mrs. Elizabeth Herr, Mrs. Katherine Ketterling, and Mrs. Amanda Blessing. Wishek Retirement and Nursing Home In the writing of a history, one naturally first turns to the official records for information and background, but as is the case with anything worthwhile these official records do not begin to tell the whole story. In the case of the Wishek Retirement and Nursing Home, we must go back at least five years before the actual building and fulfillment of the dream--years of much planning, frustrations and discouragements. In the year 1958 a local group of interested persons, including Walter R. Sayler, Arthur T. Sayler, Edward W. Sayler and Rev. Walter Kranzler, began meeting and making plans for such a facility. Later the committee was expanded to include other persons representing the former German Congregational Churches of the state (these churches now are merged into the United Church of Christ). It was this group, then, that assumed the sponsorship of the proposed non-profit project, and many of. these churches have continued their support financially and otherwise up to the present time. In March of 1959, representatives of these churches met in Bismarck to plan in greater detail for the construction of such a home. One of the major items decided at that meeting was: Where should this home be built, to best serve the needs of the elderly from all the churches of the fellowship? It was decided that Wishek would be the site of the home, since it was centrally located and had the important advantage of having a community hospital. Mr. Arthur T. Sayler was appointed chairman of the Planning Committee and Walter R. Sayler was to be finance chairman. Later, the Rev. Walter Kranzler, pastor of St. John Congregational Church of Wishek, was appointed Executive Director, and served in that capacity until he left the community in early 1962. The Wishek home was officially incorporated August 5, 1963, as the Wishek Home for the Aged, and the directors listed in the articles of incorporation are: Walter R. Sayler, Arthur T. Sayler, Edward W. Sayler, Emil Reule of Medina, Rev. Edward Dahmer of Medina, N. L. Sauer of Mott, August Ketterling of Hebron, and Rev. Adolph Orman. At the first meeting of the board on August 14, 1963, the election of officers was held Walter R. Sayler, president; Rev. Edward Dahmer, vice president; Arthur T. Sayler, secretary, and Edward W. Sayler, treasurer. Walter R. Sayler continued in the office of president until his death on May 12, 1971, and it must be said that the reality of the Wishek Home is due in large part to his vision, dedication and hard work. Rev. Dahmer was offered the position of administrator and began his work on January 1, 1964, and continues in that capacity at the present time. Seated, left to right: Rev. Edward Dahmer, Administrator and Board Secretary, Arthur T. Sayler, President, Rev. Helmut Maedche. Standing, left to right: Edward W. Sayler, Treasurer, William Huber, Jake Schauer, Howard Breitling, Vice President. Absent: Mr. Harry Isaac. Negotiations with the Federal Housing Administration had been started as to the financing of the proposed project, with the application submitted under the FHA 231 program. Preliminary approval was granted to the project, and the primary work during this time was to solicit financial support, both locally and throughout the state, in order to satisfy the requirements as far as the sponsoring group was concerned. Under the leadership of Walter R. Sayler, finance chairman, enough support was generated in donations and pledges to bring the approval of the Federal Housing Administration. The project had now moved far enough to let bids, and this was done May 28, 1963. The firm of Froeschle Sons of Bismarck was the successful bidder as general contractor, and shortly thereafter, representatives of the Board of Directors met in the Fargo office of the Federal Housing Administration and the papers were signed for final commitment by FHA, in which they guaranteed a loan of $630,000 for the construction of the home, with the total cost of the project set at something over $800,000. Construction was started in late summer of 1963, and the building was completed in October of 1964. Dedication services and open house were held on the eighteenth, and the home was officially open October 19, 1964, with six residents: Mr. and Mrs. John Mueller of Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Buchholz of Lehr. Mrs. Katherina Nill of Merricourt and Mrs. Hertha Miller of Wishek. At the time of this writing Mrs. Mueller and Mrs. Nill are still with us; the other original residents are deceased. When the home opened there were fifteen full and part-time employees: Rev. Edward Dahmer, administrator; Mrs. Ann Krein, secretary-bookkeeper; Mrs. Carol Lambrecht, director of nurses; Mrs. Phyllis Kocher, Mrs. Hulda Hagel, Mrs. Emilie Schmierer and Mrs. Maggie Kramer, nurse aides; Mrs. Martha Feichtner, Mrs. Maggie Zimmerman, Mrs. Ruth Schauer, Mrs. Martha Brandner and Mrs. William Kemmet, kitchen; Mrs. Thamer Hochhalter, cleaning; Mrs. Ida Kreuger, laundry, and Mr. Clarence Rieger, maintenance. Eight of these original employees are still with us and the total staff has grown to fifty-seven full and part-time employees, reflecting a much different picture than when we first opened. Much more could be said in passing as to the planning and construction years of this fine facility, and certainly a lot could be said of our experiences in the years since we have been operating. Memories are still held by the administration and Board of Directors of the first critical year of operation, when it looked rather gloomy for us. But then, with the step of becoming a licensed nursing home and the ability to accept and care for people requiring more care, we began to fill. Soon, every bed was filled and a sizeable waiting list developed, and since late 1965 the home has enjoyed 100% occupancy. The Wishek Home is a relatively new addition to the history of the community, but it promises to be a haven for our elderly for many years to come. It is, in the true sense of the word, a "community facility." We have enjoyed the support of local churches, groups and individuals, both financially and otherwise. This facility, one of the finest in the state stands as evidence of what can be accomplished when people have a mind and heart to work and put that idealism into action. Seated on floor: Betty Brendel, Priscilla Rudolf, Roger Maier, Betty Brandner, Wilma Wiest. First row, left to right: Maude Fiechtner, Hilda E. Bauer, Alice Eisenbeis, Hulda Klein, Kay Brandner, Vivian Zimmerman, Carol Lambrecht, Leona Hartman, Anna Frautschi, Debbie Lautt, Evelyn Nies, Joyce Dalke. Second row: Caroline Ulmer, Phyllis Kocher, Frieda Bittner, Margaret Herr, Ella Herr, Rose Krein, Viola Eiseman, Martha Heyne, Mabel Boschee, Verna Klein, Berniece Sayler, Ruth Kracke, Betty Thurn, Maggie Bader, Emily Kocher, Magdalena Kramer. Third row: Martha Fiechtner, Nora Mueller, Ida C. Kreuger, Esther Fiechtner, Ruth Schauer, Peuna Kaseman, Don Ackerman, Reinie Schaffer, Linda Foerderer, Hulda Hagel, Richard Dockter, Freda Finck, Anna Eiseman, Martha Ruff, and Adm. Edward Dahmer. Not pictured: Linda Boschee, Sandy Fiechtner, Ramona Dewald, Ann Gall, Maggie Huber, Cara Meidinger, Thamer Hochhalter, Brenda Oberlander, Renae Krein and Angela Levi. Good Will Ambassadors The Good Will Ambassadors was organized in January, 1965. The 27 charter members were a group of united women, who would use their time and talents in promoting good will, spread cheer, and give personal services to the residents of the Wishek Retirement Home by volunteer service. The first officers were: President, Mrs. Arthur Sayler; Vice President, Mrs. W. E. Janetzke; Secretary, Mrs. Marvin Schilling; Treasurer, Mrs. Katherine Herr. Front row, left to right: Mrs. Reuben Kautz, Mrs. Art Sayler, Mrs. Howard Breitling, Mrs. Charles Bettenhausen, Mrs. Emil Herr, Mrs. William Schmagel, Mrs. Art Kautz. Second row: Mrs. Edward Sayler, Mrs. Carl Weintz, Mrs. Walter Bender, Mrs. Emanuel Herr, Mrs. Emil Wolff, Mrs. R. Ruff, Mrs. William Fiechtner, Mrs. Henry Bertsch. Back row: Mrs. Art Bender, Mrs. D. D. Aipperspach, Mrs. K. Wanner, Mrs. Ed Dahmer, Mrs. Walter Sayler, Mrs. Dave Quatier, Mrs. Vernon Kramer. Through the years the women have done many kinds of services and kindnesses at the Home. Some of them include letter writing for the residents, car rides, help in the hobby room, help with monthly birthday parties and also the Christmas parties, mending, mission projects to involve residents, and help with the annual open house sponsored by the home. We also purchased a new sewing machine and a rug loom for the hobby room, and a geriatric chair for the residents to use, and many other smaller items. Present membership includes the 29 following: Mmes. Daniel Aipperspach, Art Bender, Walter Bender, Henry Bertsch, Charles Bettenhausen, Howard Breitling, Edward Dahmer, Carl Eissinger, Wm. Fiechtner, Kay Herr, Marie Herr, Art Kautz, Reuben Kautz, Vernon Kramer, W. H. Mehlhoff, Edward Parker, Harry Pfeiff, Armand Pfeifle, David Quatier, Art Sayler, Edward Sayler, Christ Sayler, Jean Sayler, Wm. Schmagel, D. L. Stelzer, Carl Peintz, Katie Wanner, Bertha Ruff, Katie Wolff. The officers for 1973: President, Katherine Herr; Vice President, Mrs. Charles Bettenhausen; Secretary, Mrs. Edward Parker; Treasurer, Mrs. Edward Sayler. Production Credit Association The Production Credit Association of Mandan started serving this area when the need for agricultural credit was evident. Mr. H. E. Timm was the first to manage the branch office in Wishek beginning on June 1, 1957, with Mr. Clarence West of Mandan doing the field work. On July 1, 1959, Mr. Lowell Overbo was hired as branch manager. The work load increased and realizing the necessity for additional help a secretary was hired on June 1, 1961, namely Carol Schlenker, and Orville Larson joined the staff on October 1, 1963, as fieldman. With the transfer of Mr. Larson to Dickinson, Roger Pullen started his employ on October 1, 1964, and remained until July 8, 1966, when Glenn Hetzel was hired. Mr. Hetzel was transferred to Mott in October of 1968 and was replaced by Vernon Boeshans, who became branch manager when Lowell Overbo terminated his employ on January 30, 1970. Steven Enger was employed on June 1, 1970, as fieldman, and upon his transfer to Mott in October of 1971 was replaced by Peter Piekarski on November 18, 1971, who remained until March 9, 1972. Rodney Hoff began his employ on March 13, 1972. Verna Zimmerman took over secretarial duties on July 16, 1965, replacing Carol Schlenker, who terminated her employ on June 15, 1965. The office is presently located at 506 Beaver Avenue. Wishek Postal Employees DONAID F. BABITZKE, POSTMASTER MILDRED E. KAUTZ, CLERK FRANCES L. HOFFMAN, CLERK EMANUEL DEYLE SUB. RURAL CARRIER PAUL RUDOLF, SUB RURAL CARRIER SAMUEL RUDOLF, RURAL CARRIER R.R. #2 RAYMOND E. WIEST, RURAL CARRIER R.R. #1 Area Postmasters Youngstown, McIntosh County, North Dakota, an inland post office, was established on November 20, 1885, on the shore of Lake May about one and one-half miles southeast of the present site of Wishek, North Dakota. Postmasters Dates of appointments Martin H. Young ....... November 20, 1885 Martin E. Pratt ....... January 20, 1890 William E. Paxton ..... August 31, 1894 Wishek, McIntosh County, North Dakota. Established on November 9, 1898. Postmasters Dates of appointments Martin E. Pratt ....... November 29, 1898 John C. Nippolt ....... August 25, 1914 Fred E. Ackermann ..... January 25, 1923 James Welsh ........... October 1, 1928 (acting) John W. Ackerman ...... February 28, 1929 John H. Case .......... June 19, 1933 (acting) June 26, 1933 (assumed charge) June 14, 1935 (confirmed) Frank W. Roehm (acting) November 1, 1944 (assumed charge) Theodore O. Brandt .... August 4, 1949 (confirmed) Gideon Paul Herr ...... December 15, 1967 (acting) Donald F. Babitzke .... January 17, 1969 (confirmed) Post Office Clerks Post Office clerks who served from time to time beginning July 1, 1920 and about in the order named: Anna L. Boettcher, Magdalene Herr, Anna Mueller, Emma P. Weber, Gertrude Stading, Goldie Bentz, Louise C. Ackerman, Arthur Mindt, Vivian Bentz, Roy O. Sayler, Ruth Fercho Pfau, Lorraine Baumann, Mildred Erbele Kautz, Gertrude Perman, Peter E. Frank, Gideon A. Perman, Soloman Hochhalter, Donald Babitzke, Frances L. Hoffman, Ann Krein. Rural Mail Routes Rural route #1 was established in March 1925 with Emil Herr as carrier. Route #2 was established October 16, 1928 with Emil Herr serving both route #1 and #2. William H. Dickson was appointed January 7,1930 and was assigned to route #1. Rural route #3 was established October 1, 1931 with Christian Huber as carrier. He was transferred from a route out of Zee1and, North Dakota. Rural routes were consolidated May 27, 1961. Route #3 was eliminated. Raymond E. Wiest was appointed carrier April 12, 1954 and was assigned to route #1. Samuel Rudolf was appointed May 27, 1961 for route #2. Family History The growth and development of any town or city located in an agricultural area depends wholly on the prosperity of the farmers in the adjacent territory. The biographical section includes the grandsons and granddaughters of many of the original pioneers of McIntosh County. These families carry on the traditions and the sterling characteristics of their forebears. True lovers of the soil and rural life, these new generations endured the heat, drought, fires and blizzards experienced by their forefathers whose example made it possible for the third and fourth generation to survive the depression of the thirties and the world war of the forties to emerge, prosperous and successful, through the fifties and the sixties MR. AND MRS. EDWARD ACKERMAN, SR. The parents of Edward Ackerman, Mr. and Mrs. George Ackerman were pioneers in the present vicinity of Wishek, coming here from Russia in 1889. Also, the parents of Mrs. Ackerman, Mr. and Mrs. Friederick Sayler, were some of the first here, arriving here from Russia in 1889. A full account of their history is given in the 1948 "Spirit of Wishek Jubilee Book." Edward was born July 29, 1900, on the farm which his parents homesteaded five miles northwest of Wishek in Logan County, to George and Elizabeth (Zoller) Ackerman. On December 18, 1923, he married Martha Sayler, daughter of Friederick and Christina (Werner) Sayler, born December 27, 1901. They built a farm home near the family farm where Edward was born and raised, and spent all of their farming years on this place. This union was blessed with six children: Elmer, Oscar (deceased at one year of age), Harold, Edward, Ida and Donald. In 1957 they retired and moved into Wishek leaving the farming operation to their son, Edward. After a lingering illness Edward died November 1, 1964. He was well-known for being easy-going and very good-natured by all who knew him. Martha continues living in Wishek, taking pride in her home, gardening, and various other hobbies. MR. AND MRS. LeROY G. QUATIER Ida, the only daughter, was born into this family on March 25, 1935. She was born and raised on the family farm, attending rural elementary school and graduated from Wishek High School in 1953. She recalls the beauty of the farm landscape with its creeks, meadow, and its sunsets. After leaving home, she attended the Aberdeen School of Commerce at Aberdeen, South Dakota, and has worked as a secretary at various jobs throughout the years. On June 27, 1954, she married LeRoy G. Quatier, born to Lawrence and Martha (nee Kogler) Quatier and raised on his family's farm in McIntosh County, attending rural school there and graduating from Wishek High School in 1950. He was a Korean War veteran. In January of 1953 he began a career with the Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. and is presently employed by them in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as an engineer. They are the proud parents of a son, Todd LeRoy, born on April 1, 1967, at Sioux Falls. He is presently enrolled in All Saints Episcopal Elementary School there. They are members of the First United Methodist Church and are active in numerous church, civic and community affairs. The Quatier family enjoys the companionship of relatives and friends in Wishek, Aberdeen, Lemmon, South Dakota, and in Sioux Falls where they have resided during the years. MR. AND MRS. ELMER ACKERMAN The oldest son of Edward and Martha Ackerman, Elmer, now resides in Garland, Texas. He was born on Sept. 13, 1925, and attended a rural school and graduated from Wishek High School. In 1957 he married Verna Kautz at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kautz, who were also residents of the Wishek Community. They have made their homes in Wichita, Kansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to their present home. Mr. Ackerman is employed by the U.S. Department of Defense, Contract Administration Services. They have three children: Randel, David, and Lori Ann. MR. AND MRS. HAROLD ACKERMAN Their son Harold joined the family in 1930, and his growing years were spent attending school and helping with the family farm. He graduated from Wishek High School in 1947. He recalls many pleasant experiences such as hunting, trapping, boating in a boat built by his father, and raising Shetland ponies. In 1951 he married Delores Sprecher of Elgin, North Dakota, after which they lived in California for a two-year hitch in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. In 1954 he went to work for the Boeing Company at Wichita Kansas. In 1963 the company moved the family to their Helicopter Division in Philadelphia, where they now reside. His work involves the control of quality in the aircraft Boeing builds. Harold and Delores have two children, Thomas and Jill. They look forward to visiting in Wishek whenever they can. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD ACKERMAN Edward 2011and Ackerman was born to this family on August 15, 1931. He took a genuine interest in his parents' farm and continued to farm with them until they retired in 1957. In that year he married Marcella Kaseman, daughter of Albert and Emma (Schilling) Kaseman. She was born on the farm homesteaded by her pioneer grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Kaseman, September 27, 1931. Their history is also in the 1948 "Spirit of Wishek Jubilee Book." In May of '51 they moved to where they presently live, two miles south of Wishek, and have built up their own farm operation. They are constantly working to improve the quality of their Hereford stock cattle. Their three sons also take an active interest in the farm. Ronald is the oldest, born September 3 ,1957; Jeffrey, born February 9, 1959, and James, born March 29, 1962. MR. AND MRS. DONALD ACKERMAN Donald LeRoy, the youngest son, was born June 19, 1938. He was born on his parents' farm and attended rural school just as all his brothers and sisters did. He began to attend the Wishek Public School in the sixth grade, and graduated from Wishek High School in 1957. He then attended the State School of Science in Wahpeton for two years, in the auto mechanic training program. On May 31, 1959, he married a high school classmate, Arlys Wanner, born to Daniel and Ella (Raile) Wanner September 27, 1939. They made their new home in Jamestown for two years and then decided to return to the family Ackerman farm in 1961. At present, Don is employed at the Wishek Retirement and Nursing Home as Maintenance Engineer, and does a small amount of grain farming in his spare time. Mrs. Ackerman has been a piano teacher since they moved into Wishek in 1966. They are most happy to have been blessed with their two children: Michael Don, born May 4, 1961, and Julie Jo, born July 6, 1963. MR. AND MRS. FRED ACKERMAN Fred Ackerman was born at Kulm, North Dakota, March 30, 1898. He is the son of George and Elizabeth Ackerman, nee Zoller. Shortly after his birth his parents moved back to the family homestead six and one-half miles northwest of Wishek, in Logan County. On December 14, 1920, he married Emma Sayler at Napoleon, North Dakota. Emma was born October 7, 1899 in Logan County, the daughter of Fred and Christina Sayler Sr., nee Werner. After they were married they lived on his father's farm, of which they later became the owners. In 1957 they moved to Wishek and reside at 6 South 4th Street. They are members of St. John Congregational Church. Fred and Emma had two sons. Albert, who is presently living on the site of the original homestead, and Erwin, now deceased. MR. AND MRS. JOHN W. ACKERMAN John W. Ackerman was born April 30, 1897 on a farm in McIntosh County, one and one-half miles northwest of the present site of Wishek, to Peter Ackerman and Katherina (Krein) Ackerman. John moved to Wishek with his parents in 1905. He attended school and graduated in 1911 with the first eighth grade class in the Wishek Public School (see picture on page 137 in Golden Jubilee Book). He attended high school and graduated from the State Normal and Industrial School at Ellendale, and also attended Jamestown College. John played baseball and football in college and on the Wishek baseball teams. He enjoys hunting pheasants, and especially ducks. His early business experience was gained in his father's general merchandise store and automobile dealership. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I, and after his return, helped to organize the Fred Kelle Post No. 87 of the American Legion, in 1919. He resumed working in his father's retail store and managed the Ford dealership, and later farm machinery was added. This business was discontinued in 1929, at which time John was appointed local postmaster, holding this position until June 1933. In 1934 he entered the fire and casualty insurance business traveling the southwestern part of the state. In 1938 he was appointed special agent for North and South Dakota, by the Minnesota Farmers Mutual of Minneapolis. He continued with this firm for twenty-five years. He then accepted a similar position with Tri-State Mutual of Luverne, Minnesota, working for another four years. John helped to organize the Independent Mutual Agents Association in 1963-64, and is the executive secretary at the present time. He holds honorary life membership in the North Dakota Firemen's Association, the American Legion, the Shriners of Fargo, the Elks of Bismarck the South Dakota Association of Mutual Agents and the Dakota 1752 Club. He is past-president and charter member of the Insurance Federation of North Dakota. He is also charter member of the Fred Kelle Post No. 87, the Wishek Association of Commerce, the Tri-County Fair Association, the Bismarck-Mandan Consistory and the Forty and Eight of Bismarck. John has lived in the city of Wishek continuously since 1905, longer than any other person. On November 11, 1926 he was married to Miss Louise Chisolm. She was born at Devils Lake, North Dakota, and attended the public schools there. She attended Mayville Teacher's College and later graduated from Minot State College. She came to Wishek in 1919 to teach here, and for two years was principal of the Lehr Public School. She has also taught at Troy and Great Falls, Montana. After her marriage to Mr. Ackerman she became more active in civic affairs, and in addition to substitute teaching, helped to organize the American Legion Auxiliary (of which she was the first president) and has worked with the Girl Scouts. She was Juvenile Commissioner in the Third Judicial District after World War II, serving under Judge Eugene Coyne and Judge A. G. Porter of LaMoure, North Dakota. She has been active in the public library work through the years, serving as a director, and since 1950, has held the position of chairman. Mrs. Ackerman is a member of the Pioneer Daughters of Ramsey County, North Dakota. The pictures and biographies of Mr. and Mrs. Johannes Ackerman and Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ackerman, John's parents and grandparents, can be found on page forty-one in the 1948 Jubilee Book. MR. AND MRS. BEN AIPPERSPACH Benjamin Aipperspach, the son of Fred and Louise, was born on May 2, 1917, on a farm fifteen miles southeast of Wishek, on which he spent his boyhood years. Ben attended a one-room country school located near the farm in the Friedensthal district. Growing up in a large family during the 'thirties,' he remembers the struggles involved in making a living. In October of 1936 he enlisted in the CCC and after serving in the CCC, he returned to his father's farm and worked there for the next few years. Ben was drafted on May 27, 1941, and became a member of the 6th Infantry Division at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In September of 1943 the division was given orders for overseas duty and they were moved to Oahu, Hawaii. In January of 1944 the 6th Division set sail for Milne Bay, New Guinea. The combat in New Guinea included the Maffin Bay Campaign and the Campaign on Sansapar Coast. On New Year's Day, 1945, the 6th Division sailed for Luzon. Included in these two years were 306 actual days of combat, 87 on New Guinea and 219 on Luzon. After returning to the United States Ben received his discharge at Fort Lewis, Washington in November 1945. Ruth Woehl, the daughter of Fred and Lydia Woehl, was born on May 27, 1921, on a farm southwest of Wishek. She attended a one-room country school also, Rosenfield Number Two, in which enrolled about thirty students each year, all taught by one teacher. Ben and Ruth were married on December 5, 1946, at Beaver Creek Baptist Church southwest of Wishek They lived with Ruth's dad, Fred Woehl, for one year before moving to the John Schmerier farm They rented and farmed there from November 11, 1947, until March 26, 1957, when they moved to the farm where they now live, located four miles southeast of Wishek. Here they raise cash and feed crops, and beef and dairy cattle on 640 acres of owned land, as well as varying amounts of rented land. Ben and Ruth are the parents of three children. Mac the oldest, was born on October 22, 1948. After completing elementary and high school at Wishek, he attended Valley City State College for three years before transferring to John Brown University in Arkansas. In November of 1970, he was drafted into the United States Army. After discharge he returned to John Brown University in Arkansas to resume his education. Lee, the second child, was born February 21, 1952. After graduation from Wishek High School, he enrolled at North Dakota State University where he is presently attending. Patty the last child, was born April 29, 1958. She attended Wishek Public elementary school, and is now in Wishek Public High School. The First Baptist Church is their home church. Ben is a member of the Men's Brotherhood, while Ruth is a Sunday School teacher, has taught Bible School, and has been superintendent of the Junior Department of the Sunday School for eleven years. The family has also taken part in various community affairs throughout the years. MR. AND MRS. DANIEL D. AIPPERSPACH Known to his friends as D. D. Aipperspach, and the son of a pioneer couple, Daniel and Margaretha Aipperspach, he was born in a sod house, about 8x10 feet, twenty-two miles southwest of Wishek. After about three years the one-room house was increased to three rooms, in which the family lived until 1903 At that time they moved into a frame-constructed house built by Mr. Jacob Baliet. In 1910 Mr. Aipperspach married Anna Maria Schnabel. The young couple made their home on a farm fifteen miles southwest of Wishek, again in a two-room sod house. Their four children were born in this pioneer home; Paul in 1911; Hilda in 1912 (deceased in 1918); Jacob in 1914; and Rubin in 1916. The family lived in this sod house for nine years, and in 1919 they moved into a frame-constructed home, built by Mr. Aipperspach. During these years Mr. Aipperspach farmed his land and did carpenter work as a sideline. In 1940 the Aipperspachs retired from farming and moved into Wishek. They took care of Mr. Aipperspach's mother until her death in 1945, and thereafter took care of Mrs. Aipperspach's father until his death in 1954. About this time Mrs. Aipperspach became ill with cancer and passed away in December of 1955. On July 6, 1957, Mr. Aipperspach was remarried to Christina Baumann, nee Dockter, who with her deceased husband had lived on their own farm about fifteen miles southwest of Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Baumann were married November 28, 1920, and were blessed with four children: Wilbert, born in 1922; Milton born in 1928; Lavarn, born in 1931 (deceased 1934); and Mabel, born in 1935 The Baumanns retired from farming in 1949 and moved to Wishek. Mr. Baumann died in 1954 Mr. and Mrs. Aipperspach have had their happy days and their sad times, but they continue to thank God, upon whom they can lean in sickness and in health. MR. AND MRS. DAVID AIPPERSPACH Mr. Aipperspach was one of nine children of Mr. Fred D. Aipperspach and his wife, Louise Aipperspach, nee Stock, and was born July 16, 1919, in McIntosh County. The elder Aipperspachs were life-long residents of McIntosh County. Mother Aipperspach passed away in 1941 and in 1943 Father Aipperspach married Mrs. Martha Diegel of Roscoe, South Dakota. The couple continued living on the farm until 1954, at which time they moved into Wishek. Fred D. Aipperspach passed away in 1954; he was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church. David Aipperspach lived on the family farm with his father and brothers during the World War Two years and in 1945 he married Irene Woehl, the daughter of Fred Woehl and his wife Lydia Woehl, nee Bender. Mrs. Aipperspach was born February 6, 1923, in McIntosh County, and like her husband, received her education in the rural schools. They are the parents of two children: Claude and Louise, still residing at home. They are members of the First Baptist Church of Wishek, holding offices at different times and being active in the church program. Mr. Aipperspach has been active in community and county affairs, serving on the school board and county school reorganization. He is also a member and director of the McIntosh County Livestock Association, and raises registered Polled Shorthorn cattle in connection with his farming operation. Their son, Claude graduated from Wishek High School and attended Wahpeton State School of Science, and is presently farming with his father. Their daughter, Louise, is a senior in Wishek High School. RUBEN AND LEONA AIPPERSPACH Ruben was born September 12, 1916, to Daniel D. and Maria (Schnabel) Aipperspach. Leona is the daughter of Fred Sayler, Jr., and his wife, Martha Sayler, nee Ackerman, and was born February 25, 1922. Ruben and Leona were married January 28, 1945, and they were blessed with three sons: Duane Rodney, living at Williston, North Dakota; Robert Ruben, living at Fargo; and Steven Paul, deceased at age sixteen. Mr. Aipperspach served in the U.S. Army for four years in World War II, from October 1941 to October 1945. Of the four years service, thirty months were spent in the South Pacific. He was wounded in combat on the island of Saipan. After discharge from the service, Mr. Aipperspach returned to Wishek in 1945 and bought half interest in the Gall Service Station from Theophil Gall. The station was known as the Gall and Aipperspach Service for several years. Later Ruben bought out the other half of the partnership, and for twenty-three years Ruben was in business as Aipperspach Service. He is presently sales manager for Hedahl's Q.B. & R. Inc., of Linton. He is also owner of Ruben's Car Wash and partner in the Dakota Theater. Mr. and Mrs. Aipperspach are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Ruben served as secretary, treasurer and deacon for several years. He also has served on the city council for four years, and is presently member of the Association of Commerce, the American Legion Post 87 the Wishek Lions Club, and the Wishek Golf Club. Mr. and Mrs. Aipperspach are natives of Wishek, N. Dak. MR. AND MRS. JACOB ALEXANDER Mr. Alexander, a native of the Tuttle, North Dakota area, was born to Gottlieb Alexander and his wife, Caroline Alexander, nee Rohrbach. His father passed away when he was five years old. His mother later married Gottfried Werre and the family moved to Wishek. Mrs. Alexander is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Reich. Her family lived on a farm near Wishek, Her father died twenty years ago and her mother is still living in Wishek. The Alexanders were married in 1935 and a year later they moved to a farm ten miles southwest of Tuttle, North Dakota. One son was born to them, Clarence, who lives in Fargo. In 1946 they again moved to Wishek. Mr. Alexander is in the trucking business and is also a cattle buyer. Mrs. Alexander presently works in the Wishek Livestock Market Cafe as a cook. MR. AND MRS. DONALD BABITZKE Donald F. Babitzke was born August 1, 1927, to Christian and Sophia (Herr) Babitzke, at Ashley, North Dakota. He attended rural grade school near Danzig, and in 1941 he moved with his family to a farm nine miles southwest of Wishek. He attended Wishek High School and after graduation taught in area rural schools until entering the Armed Services, first with the National Guard, and then on active duty in Korea. After discharge he engaged in farming on the family farm. On October 6, 1956, he married Arla Finger. Arla was born July 13, 1934 to Karl and Katherine (Rotenberger) Finger in Ransom County, North Dakota. She attended rural school near Enderlin and graduated from Enderlin High School and later from the St. Luke Hospital School of Nursing at Fargo. Donald and Arla are the parents of four children: Glenn Allen, deceased; Joel David, Scot Paul, and Tammie Dawn, all at home. In 1969 Donald was appointed Postmaster of the Wishek Post Office. They moved into town in the fall of 1969. The Babitzkes are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. CHRIST BABITZKE FAMILY Six brothers and three sisters comprised the family of Christian and Louise (Kalmbach) Babitzke Sr. Christian Jr. was born on July 16, 1895, in Katzbach, Bessarabia, Russia. The family migrated to the United States and arrived at Eureka, South Dakota, in 1898. The family obtained a homestead in McIntosh County ten miles southeast of Ashley. Christian received his education in rural grade schools and was reared to manhood on the parental farm. His farming activities had to be discontinued when he was conscripted into the military forces on September 17, 1917, He was discharged from the U.S. Army on January 15, 1919. Upon his discharge he found employment with Mr. Jacob Herr Jr., a road contractor. Four years later, Christ married his employer's daughter, Miss Sophia Herr. They were wed on February 16, 1923. Sophia Babitzke was born on May 17, 1901. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Herr Jr., operated a farm nine miles southwest of Wishek. Her father was a man of varied interests. Aside from his farming interests, he was also a business man and a road contractor. He was one of the original stockholders of Herr Mercantile Store. Sophia received her education at the Wishek Public School. Following their marriage, the family resided in Ashley. Thereafter they obtained a farmstead four miles northeast of Danzig. In 1941, the Babitzke family relocated on another farm eight miles southwest of Wishek. The farm operations were assumed by their son, Donald, in 1965 whereupon Christ and Sophie retired in the city of Wishek. Four children were born to the Babitzke household. Douglas is a World War II veteran. He graduated from the NDSU School of Pharmacy and resides at Hinsdale, Illinois; Donald is a Korean War Veteran and presently serves as Postmaster at the Wishek Post Office; Louise is a home economics graduate of N.D.S.U. and lives in Clearwater, Florida; Yvonne, a registered nurse, is a graduate of St. John School of Nursing, Fargo, and resides in Severna Park, Maryland. Christ and Sophia are looking forward to having their children and 14 grandchildren with them as they observe their 50th wedding anniversary during the Jubilee Year. Mr. and Mrs. Babitzke are active members of the McIntosh Barracks Group (comprised of World War I veterans and their wives) and of St. Luke Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. CHRIST BADER Christ Bader and Anna Murlock were married in a country church near Eureka, South Dakota, October 22, 1925. They were residents of Wishek and Lehr, North Dakota, until 1961. In October 1961 they moved to Lodi, California, where they still reside. Christ and Anna had five children: two boys, Emil and Alvin and three girls, Ella, Esther and Anna. Emil married Irene Fried from Driscoll, North Dakota. They live in Lodi, California; Alvin married Mavis Ketterling from Fredonia, North Dakota. They live in Lehr, North Dakota, Ella married Edwin Ketterling from Fredonia, North Dakota. They still live in Fredonia, North Dakota. Esther married Henry Schock from Hosmer, South Dakota. They live in Lodi, California. Anna married Harvey Schock from Hosmer, South Dakota. They live in Carmichael, California. MR. AND MRS. EMIL BADER Emil Bader was born in Wishek, North Dakota, and is the oldest son of Christ and Anna Bader, formerly of Lehr, North Dakota. Emil worked for Grenz General Store in Lehr, North Dakota, until he enlisted in the Navy in 1949. After his military tour of duty Emil moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he worked for the J. C. Penney Company for three years. Emil moved to Lodi, California, in 1956 and worked another six years with the J. C. Penney Company. In 1962 Emil started his career in the insurance field and has been working for Allstate Insurance Company ever since. Emil married Irene Fried (Registered Nurse) from Driscoll, North Dakota. They have three sons: LaDon, age 20 years, a Junior at Fresno State College, Fresno, California; Danny age 17 years, a Senior at Tokay High School, Lodi, California; Brian, age 15 years, Freshman at Tokay High School. Emil and Irene bought their second home in Shingle Springs, California located in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains on old Highway 50, where the whole family likes to spend most of their week-ends and holidays. MR. AND MRS. ART BADER Art is the son of August Bader and his wife Lydia (Aipperspach), and was born in 1918 on the family farm south of Wishek. Art was one of nine children in the family. His wife, the former Emma Kaseman, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Kaseman. The couple was married in 1939 and are the parents of two sons: Vernon of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Lawrence, who lives Hastings, Minnesota. The Baders who have spent all their years on the farm, continue to work their land four and one-half miles south of Wishek. MRS. LYDIA (AUGUST) BADER Mrs. Bader is a McIntosh County native, born in 1898 ten miles north of Zeeland to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Aipperspach. She spent her childhood and growing years with her parents, and in 1917 she was united in marriage to August Bader, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Bader. Mr. and Mrs. Bader made their home on a farm south of Wishek, where they raised their children: Esther, Orvin, Viola, Clarence, Ellmore, Leona, Gideon and Athneal. In 1946 Mr. and Mrs. Bader retired from farming and moved into Wishek. Mr. Bader passed away in 1952, and Mrs. Bader continues living in Wishek. MR. HEINRICH BADER Heinrich Bader was born November 13, 1876, at Alexandria, South Russia, the son of Christian and Johanna Bader. With his parents, he came to this country in 1884, and the family located near Scotland, South Dakota. In June of 1885, Mr. Bader came to McIntosh County, locating fifteen miles southwest of Wishek. On November 9, 1899, Mr. Bader was married to Katherina Klein, daughter of Jacob and Christian (Wittmaier) Klein. There were ten children born to this union, two of whom died in infancy In 1934 Mr. and Mrs. Bader retired from farming and moved to Wishek. On December 31, 1964, they entered the Wishek Retirement Home, where they planned to spend their remaining years together. Mrs. Bader died on December 31, 1968, and Mr. Bader, in his ninety-seventh year, continues to make his home here. MR. AND MRS. HENRY H. BADER The Baders are natives of McIntosh County. Henry is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Bader, Sr., and was born on a farm fifteen miles southwest of Wishek on December 24, 1906. His wife, Katie, the daughter of Gottlieb and Mrs. (Denning) Janke was born September 20, 1907, on a farm seven miles north of Venturia. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bader: Mrs. Leonard (Irene) Sayler of Fargo; Mrs. John (Gertrude) Helfenstein, Spokane, Washington; and Mrs. Larry (Marion) Schmitt, Weedinville, Washington. Through the years the Baders farmed fourteen miles south of Wishek and he was a grain and livestock farmer. They retired in 1970 and moved into the city of Wishek, where they now reside. MR. AND MRS. ALVIN BAUER The Alvin Bauers are life-long residents of McIntosh County. Alvin was born February 5, 1921, to Mr. and Mrs. John Bauer (Christina Reub) and Hilda was born July 20, 1922, to Mr. and Mrs. Adam A. Schnabel (Bertha Thurn). The couple was married November 18, 1943, in the St. Andrews Lutheran Church of rural Zeeland, and have two children, Wayne and Julie Ann. They are active members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Wishek, and reside on the family farm thirteen miles southwest of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. CHRIST B. BAUER Christ was born on December 18, 1911, to Christian Bauer and his wife, Magdelena, nee Rueb, in McIntosh County twelve miles southwest of Wishek. He spent his childhood years there and attended the rural school there. Mrs. Bauer, Emelia, was born November 4, 1912, to John and Elizabeth Rath, nee Spah, in Kidder County, four miles east of Tuttle. She, too, spent her childhood years the family farm and attended the local schools. Christ and Emelia were married on November 4, 1934. The young couple started their married life together farming, and in 1942 started their own farm nine miles southeast of Wishek, where they still continue to live and work. The Bauers were blessed with three children: Mrs. Wilbur (Evelyn) Elhard of Jud; Mrs. Alvin (Janice) Dockter of Great Falls, Montana; and Mrs. James (Marvalene) Miller of Rugby, North Dakota. KATHERINA BAUER Katherina Bauer was born September 28, 1888, in Gluecksthal, South Russia. Her parents were Phillip Oster and Philbina Kapp. After coming to the United States her family moved to Eureka in 1905 when she was sixteen years old. Her mother and stepfather later moved to Icasca, South Dakota. She went to grade school in Gluecksthal, South Russia. She married Henry Bauer, the son of Christian Bauer and Katherina Himmerich, in 1909 in a farm home near Wishek. They farmed southwest of Wishek. Mr. Bauer died in June 1944. Mrs. Bauer lived in Lodi, California, for fourteen years, then she entered the Wishek Retirement Home in February 14, 1970, and still resides there. She is a member of the United Methodist Church. Four children died in infancy. Her living children include Edwin Bauer, Wishek, North Dakota; Herman Bauer, San Jose, California; Emma Just, Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Adam Bauer, San Jose, California; Harold Bauer, Lucerne Valley, California; Martha Pfeifle, San Jose, California; and Leah Friemarck, San Jose, California. MR. AND MRS. OTTO BAUER Both Otto and Hilda Bauer are life-long residents of the Wishek area. Otto was the first-born of Mr. and Mrs. John Bauer, arriving on September 18, 1916. He spent his childhood years on the family homestead, fifteen miles southwest of Wishek. Hilda is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bader, and also spent her early years on the family farm. Otto and Hilda were neighbors, and as Otto puts it, "after a courtship of two years they were married October 28, 1937." The young couple lived with Hilda's parents, "in the summer kitchen," until 1939 when they moved to the John Bader Farm. In 1941 they purchased the farm. Otto recalls purchasing their first tractor in 1944, a three bottom MM Moline from the Nickisch Company, paying $1,360 for it and a plow for $218.00. He also remembers the electric power lines brought in the fall of 1948, whereupon they purchased their first refrigerator. In September of 1955 the Bauers moved into Wishek, and in 1956 they purchased the Alvin Krein chicken ranch, later moving their farm home onto the ranch. For about ten years Otto continued to farm his land as a "suitcase farmer," commuting back and forth from town, but at the present time he rents the land to someone else. The Bauers have one daughter, Mrs. Ron (Loretta) Gall. Mrs. Bauer has been employed at the Wishek Community Hospital and for the past several years has been employed at the Wishek Retirement Home. Mr. Bauer has been a school bus driver for a number of years. They are members of the United Methodist Church, with Mr. Bauer singing in the choir and Mrs. Bauer a member of the WSCS. They have been church custodians since 1969. THE WILBERT BAUMANN FAMILY HISTORY Wilbert Baumann was born on the family farm north of Venturia on March 12, 1922, to the late Rudolph Baumann and his wife, Christina (Dockter) Aipperspach. He farmed with his parents until his marriage on April 13, 1941, to Lydia (Joachim) Merkel, who was born April 13, 1923, in the Danzig area. At that time they bought a farm ten miles southeast of Wishek, and continue to make their home there. The Baumanns had two sons, the oldest, Wayne, born September 30, 1942. He attended rural and Wishek Public School and later the State School of Science at Wahpeton, Wayne was married to the former Eidella Boschee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leaman Boschee of Wishek, on September 30, 1961. They are the parents of two sons, Dellas, ten years old, and Darwin, six years old. They presently reside in Casper, Wyoming. Claude, the second son, was born September 30, 1943. He, too, attended rural and Wishek Public School, and after graduation, the State School of Science. Claude is married to the former Mavis Eisenbeis, daughter of Edwin Eisenbeis and his wife Leah, (Martel) Schauer of Wishek. They have two children, Mitchell, six years old and Michelle, four years old and they presently are living in Gillette, Wyoming. The Baumanns are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek. Shown in the picture, l to r: Mr. and Mrs. Claude Baumann and children, Mitchell and Michelle, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Baumann, and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Baumann and children, Darwin and Dellas. MR. AND MRS. WILLARD BECKER MR. AND MRS. ART BENDER Mr. and Mrs. Art Bender and daughters, Carol and Connie, reside twelve miles south of Wishek. Art was born in a little three-room house, November 9, 1922, on the farm of his parents, Fred K. and Emelia (Miller) Bender. Looking back over the years, Art remembers the "bad thirties," and then the good crop of the forties. There were the lean years and hard work, but progress as well. He remembers also the advances made in farming methods and in the use of machinery, almost making farming "fun to do." On September 5, 1948, Art was married to Phyllis Wolf, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred F. Wolf, of rural Lehr, North Dakota. The wedding was performed in the Berlin Baptist Church. They have two daughters: Carol, a graduate of N.D.S.U. in Home Economics; and Connie, a junior at U.N.D., majoring in nursing. The Benders are members of the First Baptist Church of Wishek and have been active in the church, having held various positions. The Benders are proud of the progress that has been made over the years. In the spring of 1972 they owned 3,120 acres of land and rented another 605 acres -- a total of 3,725 acres of farm operation. Of this about 1,700 acres has been cropland and the remaining acres in grass and hay. During the past ten years Art has wintered about 450 cattle and in the summer has had up to 700 head grazing. In the spring of 1973 the Benders are looking forward to cutting back their work. Some land has been sold, and a new house is being built in Wishek. With further cut-backs, and after living on the family farm for fifty years, the Benders feel this is a good time to slow down some. MR. AND MRS. WALTER BENDER Walter, son of Fred K. and Emelia Bender, was born January 26, 1915, twelve miles south of Wishek. Emma is the daughter of August and Elizabeth Rudolf, and was born April 28, 1913. Walter and Emma were married in 1941, at which time they bought a farm twelve miles south of Wishek, which they have farmed ever since. In 1951 they built themselves a home in Wishek, where they now live. Walter continues to operate his farm. MR. AND MRS. PHILIP BENDER Philip and Rosina (Wolf) Bender started their marriage in the manner of their ancestors. Like the European farms, half of the dwelling was their home, and the other half was for the livestock. One spring morning, Philip went up to the hayloft and was about to stick the pitch fork into the hay when he noticed a man sleeping there. That man got up and left so fast he did not ask for breakfast. Since their farm was located next to the railroad, the Benders were accustomed to frequent guests of this nature. Philip Bender was born in Bergdorf, Russia, on April 17, 1894, to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bender. In 1900 his family immigrated to the U.S. and in 1902 homesteaded near Ashley. On February 10, 1916, he married Rosina Wolf who was born January 17, lB95, to Mr. and Mrs. John S. Wolf on their homestead three miles east of Wishek. One son and three daughters were born to them: Elmer, (deceased); Mrs. Verdine (Lourine) Rice of Williston, North Dakota; Mrs. Glenn (Lillian) Ernst, Columbus, Nebraska and Mrs. Eugene (Elaine) Wiest, Wishek, North Dakota. Philip and Rosina's first home was on their farm two miles east of Wishek. In 1920 they moved to Wishek, but continued to farm. In the late '40's Philip retired from farming and became a licensed master plumber and was active in that profession until the time of his death in 1964. The Benders were active in civic and church affairs. Philip served on the Wishek City Council, Wishek Park Board, Association of Commerce, and Tri-County Fair Board. He served St. Luke Lutheran Church as deacon, trustee, building committee member, cemetery board member, in the men's quartet, and as a Sunday School teacher. Mrs. Bender is presently active in St. Luke Lutheran Ladies Chorus, Women of the Church, a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, and chairman of the Hospital Mending Committee. THE CHARLES BETTENHAUSEN FAMILY Both Mr. and Mrs. Bettenhausen are natives of McIntosh County. They were married on December 16, 1945, in the Reformed Church near Zeeland. Mrs. Bettenhausen is the former Viola Wiest. Charles and Viola are the parents of five children: Mrs. Herman (Bernice) Kauk, living near Wishek, Roger, married to the former Joyce Schuchard and living in Wishek; and Steven, LeRoy and Susan, at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Bettenhausen are members of the First Baptist Church and live on the family farm, eleven miles southwest of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. CHRIST BETTENHAUSEN Both Christ and Ione are natives of the Wishek area. Christ is the son of William Bettenhausen and his wife, Albina, nee Kramer, and was born October 20, 1920. Ione is the daughter of Albert Wiest and his wife Margaret, nee Hochhalter. They were married on October 6, 1937, and began their wedded life on the home place, nine miles southwest of Wishek. Christ and lone are the parents of seven children, one of whom passed away. The six living children are: Mrs. Dwight (Judy) Delzer and Mrs. Curtis (Peggy) Melby, both living at Fessenden, North Dakota; Thomas, a freshman at N.D.S.U. in Fargo, Jerry, a senior at Wishek High School; Tammie in the eighth grade; and Kris, a fourth grader. The Bettenhausens are members of the St. John Congregational Church of Wishek. OLIVER W. BETTENHAUSEN, JR. Oliver W. Bettenhausen Jr. was the thirteenth of seventeen children born to O. W. Bettenhausen Sr. and his wife Emma Kramer. In the boyhood years on his father's farm, Oliver remembers the dry years of the late thirties, school and then the war years. After graduating from elementary school, Oliver recalls Dad saying "You stay home and work," and no questions were asked. Oliver stayed home and worked the farm until his younger brothers graduated. At this time Oliver hired out to the Rudolf Brothers for three years and on his eighteenth birthday Oliver enlisted in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 82nd A.B.N. Division and later with the famed 11th Airborne Division in Europe. Upon returning from overseas, he received his discharge and in the fall of 1957, Oliver and Virginia Fetzer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Fetzer of Venturia were married. Oliver and Virginia rented several farms in McIntosh and Logan Counties and in the winter of 1963 they decided to buy the farm they are presently operating. Along with the rented land the Bettenhausens farm approximately 1,600 acres. A major milestone in the Bettenhausen farming was the completion of a sixty-five cow free-stall milking parlor with push button feeding. The Bettenhausens have six children: Reginald, Kerry, Joel, Valerie, Linnea and Cordell. MR. AND MRS. GUSTAVE BOETTCHER Mr. and Mrs. Gustave S. Boettcher have been residents of Wishek since 1931. Mr. Boettcher was a mason and carpenter, and served the city of Wishek as Chief of Police and Justice of Peace. As a veteran of World War I, he was a member of the Fred Kelle American Legion Unit 87 and was Post Commander in 1938-39. Mrs. Boettcher (Lydia) has taught school in the surrounding area for twenty-nine years and retired in 1971. As member of St. John's Congregational Church, Mrs. Boettcher has served the church as Deaconess for seven years and is a charter member of the Lydia Society holding the presidency for two years. She is also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and is a past president. Mr. Boettcher passed away on April 7, 1972, in a Bismarck hospital. He was 77 years old. Mrs. Boettcher continues to reside in Wishek. The Boettchers have two daughters: Mrs. Ben (Esther) Huber, Portland, Oregon, and Mrs. Robert H. (Priscilla) Goldson, Clackamas, Oregon. There are three grandchildren, Linda Mack, Carol Ann Schenk, and Deanna Wright, all living in the Portland, Oregon, area. MR. AND MRS. HERMAN BOSCHEE Herman Boschee was born September 25, 1904, in Harvey, North Dakota, the son of August and Katherina (Allerdings) Boschee. When he was two years old, his family moved to McIntosh County, southwest of Wishek. On December 26, 1930, he was married to Otillia Ketterling, daughter of George and Kathrine Ketterling, nee Wolff, of rural Zeeland. Herman and Otillia farmed southwest of Wishek until 1942, at which time they moved to Napoleon, North Dakota and in 1944 they returned to Wishek. The Boschees were blessed with nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of them married. They are: Rev. Eugene Boschee of Belle Plaine, Minnesota; Emil of Bismarck, North Dakota; Mile of Denver, Colorado; Dr. Verdine Boschee, dentist, of Wishek; Roger of Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Eddie (Verna) Kauk of Bismarck, North Dakota; Mrs. Robert (Pearl) Meidinger of Bismarck, North Dakota Mrs. Tom (Marlys) Schneider of Napoleon, North Dakota and Mrs. Jerry (Beverly) Fischer of Faulkton, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Boschee are now retired and make their home in Wishek. MR. AND MRS. LEON BOSCHEE Leon is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Boschee, born August 8, 1931. His wife Mabel, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Baumann, was born June 21, 1935. Leon spent his growing years on the family farm until 1950, at which time he was called into active duty with the Wishek National Guard. He spent eight months of his duty in Japan, and after returning home from the service, Leon and Mabel were married on November 9, 1952. After farming for five years, the couple moved to Wishek. Leon has been employed by the Beaver Valley Creamery and Mabel by the Wishek Retirement and Nursing Home as 3 Nurses Aide. Leon and Mabel were blessed with two children, the older being Linda, born March 20, 1955 and Larry, born April 18, 1960. Leon and Mabel are members of the Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church, and have been active in its various organizations. Leon is a member of the American Legion and the Wishek Drum and Bugle Corps. MR. AND MRS. RUBEN BRANDNER Ruben Brandner was born November 1, 1913 to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brandner in McIntosh County near Zeeland. Mrs. Brandner is the former Esther Just, born March 30, 1912, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Just. Ruben and Esther were married on November 13, 1945. Back in 1933 Ruben made his start in raising registered Shorthorn milking cattle, and still specializes in this breed of cattle. In 1949 the couple moved to the farm they now occupy, two miles south of Lehr. Mr. and Mrs. Brandner are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Wishek. They have no children. MR. AND MRS. EMIL BREITBARTH Emil Breitbarth was born April 18, 1904, at Orland Park, Illinois, to William and Mary (Krug) Breitbarth. In 1909 the family homesteaded three miles south of Wishek. In 1925 Emil married Bertha Boschee. daughter of August and Kathryn (Allerdings) Boschee of Wishek. After their marriage they farmed for a short time. Then in 1928 they moved to Orland Park, Illinois, where Mr. Breitbarth was employed as a mechanic for the Rock Island Railroad at Blue Island Illinois. During the depression the railroad laid off three hundred men in a day. In 1930 Emil was laid off so decided to return to Wishek. In 1931 he was hired as janitor for the Wishek Public School holding that position for thirty-one years. He retired in March, 1972. They have two daughters: Mrs. George (Leola) Lindner, Princeton, California, and Mrs. Kenneth (Loraine) Bommersbach, Enderlin, North Dakota. Both daughters graduated from the Wishek High School and the St. Alexius School of Nursing in Bismarck, North Dakota. A son died in infancy. They are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. HOWARD BREITLING Mr. and Mrs. Howard Breitling, life long residents of McIntosh County came to Wishek with their three daughters in 1965 during which time Mr. Breitling was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture as a North Dakota South Central Area Field Representative of ASCS. On September of 1953 Howard Breitling was united in marriage to Dorothy Bader, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bader. Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Breitling was employed as a McIntosh County rural school teacher. Together they made their home on a farm located six miles southwest of Venturia. Here they were engaged in a successful grain and livestock operation and part-time Insurance sales, followed by employment in the Department of Agriculture in 1962. In 1970 Mr. Breitling accepted the position of manager of the Wishek Farmers Union Oil Company and has continued an active interest in public affairs and in the operation of his farming property. Like his father, the former Gottlieb G. Breitling, Mr. Breitling has taken an active part in McIntosh County public life as a rural school teacher and school board member, McIntosh County Farmers Union Chairman, member of the board of directors of the Wishek Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Wishek Retirement Home, Wishek Baptist Church officer, and present chairman of the 30th District Democratic NPL party. The Breitlings are residing at 14 South 9th Street. Sonia is enrolled as a freshman at the University of North Dakota; Dorinda, a junior at Wishek High and Mary Jo, a fourth-grader at Wishek Elementary. MR. AND MRS. AMOS BRINKMAN SR. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brinkman are natives of McIntosh County. Amos was born at Danzig, North Dakota, on October 27, 1907. On October 28, 1928, he married Miss Lydia Nill of Ashley. After their marriage they moved to a farm two and one-half miles west of Danzig, where they lived for sixteen years. In 1944 they moved into Danzig where they operated a grocery store and bar while continuing their farm operation. In the fall of 1947 they moved into Wishek. Mr. Brinkman started dealing in livestock buying in 1930. After moving to Wishek, he went into the full-time livestock buying business and continues to do this at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Brinkman are the parents of six children, one of whom died in infancy. The five remaining children are: Mrs. Art (Dorothy) Eissinger of Parshall; Mrs. Robert (Marilyn) Stair of Forks, Washington; Amos Jr., of Wishek; James of Bismarck; and Mrs. William (Avalon) Eiden of Minneapolis. MR. AND MRS. JACOB BROSY, JR. Jacob Brosy, Jr. was born August 27, 1905, in Stutsman County to Jacob Brosy, Sr., and his wife Katherina Brosy, nee Bauer. Mrs. Brosy is the daughter of Fred and Christina (Meidinger) Ketterling, who were early settlers of the Zeeland community. The Brosys were married on March 26, 1929, and in the same year they settled on a farm four miles west of Wishek, where they have resided up to now. Mr. Brosy served on the Community Hospital Board when the hospital was built, and he has served as Republican precinct committeeman for many years. The Brosys have five children: Elmer, Floyd, and Delmar of Wishek, Mrs. Clarence (Elleen) Wiest of Venturia; and Mrs. Aloys (Betty) Grosz of Shakopee, Minnesota. They also have six grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. ELMER BROSY The Elmer Brosys are life-long residents of McIntosh County. Elmer, the son of Jacob Brosy, Jr., and his wife Lydia, nee Ketterling, was born September 14, 1930. His childhood years were spent on the family farm and he attended the local schools. He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951-1953. Gladys is the daughter of David and Martha Maier, nee Fregion, of Ashley. Elmer and Gladys were married November 25, 1960. They have two children: Faye, born in 1963 and Kay, born in 1966. They are members of St. John Congregational Church, and both are active in the church program. Elmer has served on the Church Board through the years, is a member of the Community Hospital Board, and a member of Fred Kelle Post No. 87, the American Legion They live on a farm four miles west of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. ARNOLD H. BROWN Mr. Brown was born August 21, 1897, in Bellevue, Iowa, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brown (Caroline Hinke). Mr. Brown came to North Dakota to make his home on March 19, 1920. Mrs. Brown is the former Magdelena Stock, born February 16, 1905, in South Russia, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christ (Barbara Unruh) Stock, who migrated to this country at the age of eight months with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were married November 27, 1920, and bought a farm three and one-half miles northwest of Wishek, which was their home for forty-three years. They retired in October of 1967 and moved into Wishek. The Browns are the parents of three daughters: Luella, who died in infancy; Mrs. Otto K. (Lillian) Walth, Wishek, North Dakota; and Mrs. Basil B. (Florence) Nemetz who lives in Memphis, Tennessee. They have always been active members of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. ALLEN A. DEILE Allen is the son of Jacob E. Deile and his wife, Adeline, nee Boschee, and was born nine and one-half miles southwest of Wishek on September 24, 1932. Mrs. Deile is the former Werna Wiest, daughter of Jacob and Eva (Wolff) Wiest, born November 3, 1934 near Zeeland. They were married January 17, 1954, in St. Andrew Lutheran Church, near Zeeland. They are the parents of five children, all at home: Gloria, Glen, Darold, Cheri and David. Allen's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jakob Deyle, were early immigrants to this country from Russia. In 1891 they were living in Eureka, South Dakota, and in 1899 they moved to the Wishek community, homesteading eight and one-half miles south of Wishek, His grandfather passed away in 1910. Allen's father was born on the family homestead near Wishek on August 3, 1903. His mother was born June 29, 1903, in the Harvey area to August and Katherina (Allerdings) Boschee. The spelling of the family name was changed during Jacob's school years, when a teacher thought the spelling ought to be as it now shown. Mr. Jacob Deile died April 19, 1956, and on September 26, 1962, Mrs. Deile was remarried to Mr. Emanuel Hochhalter. Allen farmed the homestead for a number of years and in 1960 sold the family farm to Walter R. Meidinger. He then bought a farm two and one-half miles southwest of Wishek, where the family now lives and operates a dairy, stock and grain farm. They are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. STANIEY A. DEILE Mr. and Mrs. Deile are both natives of the Wishek area. Stanley is the son of Jacob and Adeline (Boschee) Deile, and was born November 1, 1937, on a farm eight miles west of Wishek. He attended Wishek High School, and worked for six years at Herr Mercantile. In 1962 he bought the local Red Owl Store. Blanche is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Schuchard and was born on a farm near Burnstad. She lived with her family in Napoleon for about eight years and in 1952 they moved to Wishek. She attend the Wishek elementary and high school. In 1961-62 she attended Beauty School in Fargo. Stan and Blanche were married June 24, 1962, and they have four children: Jan, born April 28, 1963; Kurt, born September 11, 1965, Darren, born August 19, 1967; and Darinda, born October 24, 1970 Jan and Kurt attend the Wishek elementary school and the two younger children are still pre-schoolers. MR. AND MRS. HENRY H. DEYLE Henry H. Deyle is the son of Henry and Barbara (Hochhalter) Deyle, Sr. He was born on March 23, 1905 and was reared on the parental farm. Mrs. Deyle is the former Olga Ketterling, the daughter of Gottlieb and Margareta (Woehl) Ketterling. Mr. and Mrs. Deyle were married on April 7, 1929 at Zeeland, North Dakota. The Deyles are the parents of four sons and three daughters. The children are as follows: Emanuel and Edwin of Wishek; Henry of Fargo, North Dakota; Roger of Emmons, Minnesota; Mrs. Olivia Lake, Antioch, California; Mrs. Wilma Flink, Reseda, California and Mrs. Gladys Flink, Osnabrock, North Dakota. The family was reared on a farm which Mr. and Mrs. Deyle operated from 1929 until 1960. The family farm is located eight miles west of Wishek. The farm operation was assumed by their son, Edwin in 1960 whereupon Mr. and Mrs. Deyle moved to Wishek. Since December 1965, Mr. and Mrs. Deyle have served as custodians of St. Luke's Lutheran, of which they are members. MR. AND MRS. CHRISTIAN DIEDE, JR. Christian Diede, Jr., a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Schnider) Diede, was born July 13, 1899, in the dorf of Johannestal, South Russia. He came to the United States with his parents in October, 1901, His parents homesteaded six miles southwest of Lehr, North Dakota, near Clear Lake, where they farmed for twenty-five years and Christian grew up and went to school. He married Miss Marie Goebel of Lehr, North Dakota. They farmed about two miles south of his father's homestead for about thirty-five years. They are now retired, making their home in Wishek, North Dakota. Their children are Harlin, living in Gackle, North Dakota, and Allen, in Wishek. Mr. Diede's favorite hobby is "rattling the bones" to keep time to country music on Saturday nights. MR. AND MRS. WALDEMAR DIEGEL Waldemar Diegel is the son of John and Elizabeth (Holzworth) Diegel, born March 22, 1923, at Burnstad, North Dakota. In 1947 he bought and operated a farm at Dawson, North Dakota, and in 1949 he sold this place and bought a farm seven miles northwest of Wishek. On November 13, 1949, he was married to Violet Eiseman, the daughter of John and Christine (Werre) Eiseman, born April 4, 1931. They have two daughters: Mrs. Pius (Nancy) Bitz of Turtle Lake, North Dakota, and Mrs. Steve (Sheila) Rohweder of Wishek. GUSTAV DIEGEL Gustav Diegel was born to John and Elizabeth (Holsworth) Diegel on April 26, 1911. He was married to Lydia Kienzle July 11, 1937, who passed away October 15, 1972. They were the parents of three children: Delmar of Sunburst, Montana; Mrs. DuWayne (Linda) Haynes of Bismarck; and Mrs. Clinton (Leila) Engelhardt who passed away September 10, 1968, at the age of twenty-six, leaving three small children, Gustav and Lydia took the three grandchildren into their home, and they continue to make their home with their grandfather. The accompanying picture shows four generations: Mrs. Elizabeth Diegel, born September 9, 1882; her son, Gustav, born April 26, 1911; Gustav's son, Delmar, born June 7, 1938, and Delmar's son, Dale Delmar, born October 20, 1957. MRS. ELIZABETH DIEGEL AND EMMA Among the early pioneers of the Wishek community is the John Diegel family. Mr. Diegel was born May 17, 1881, in Hoffnungstal, South Russia, the son of Johannes and Barbara (Beck) Diegel. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in the same community on September 9, 1882, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Holzwarth (Bauer). On November 9, 1904, they were united in marriage in Russia, and were blessed with fourteen children, of whom the following are living: Mrs. Jacob (Christine) Eckman of Wishek; Mrs. August (Rosina) Krein of Wishek; Gustav of Wishek; Mrs. Jacob (Amelia) Eiseman of Dickey; Christian of Ashley; Emma, living with her mother in the Wishek Home; Reinhold of Billings, Montana; Mrs. Herbert (Hulda) Kitzman of Provo, Utah; Waldemar of Wishek; Mrs. Bernard (Esther) Fandrich of Kulm. Mr. and Mrs. Diegel arrived at Eureka, South Dakota, in December of 1905. Two years later they moved to their homestead, ten miles northwest of Wishek. Mr. Diegel passed away June 2, 1943, after long illness. Because of two sons in the army at that time, Mrs. Diegel continued to live on the farm until January 1946. She then moved to Wishek, with her semi-invalid daughter, Emma. Since 1970 Mr. Diegel and Emma have made their home in the Wishek Retirement and Nursing Home. MR. AND MRS. ANTON DOLL AND FAMILY Anton Doll was born January 10, 1925, in Logan county, to George Doll and his wife, Katherina, nee Wald. His father had immigrated to this country from Russia as a young lad, and Anton was one of fifteen children in the family. Mrs. Doll is the former Theresia Welder, born May 6, 1923, to Mr. and Mrs. Anton Welder. Anton and Theresia were married November 9, 1948, and are the parents of four children: Anton Doll, Jr., born June 26, 1950; Cecilia Doll, born May 20, 1953; Clementine, born August 30, 1961 and Allan, born November 4, 1963. Mr. Doll served in the Air Force for two years during World War II. The family continues to live on the family farm. MR. AND MRS. CHRISTIAN EISEMAN Christian Eiseman was born to Gottlieb and Magdalena (Nehlich) Eiseman on October 20, 1908, in Logan County, North Dakota, on farm seven miles north of Wishek. Mrs. Eiseman is the former Viola Kuebler, born on a farm six miles northwest of Wishek to John Adam and Katherina (Heiser) Kuebler on November 10, 1919. They were united in marriage on June 30, 1940, at Salem Lutheran Church ten miles northwest of Wishek. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Eiseman farmed three miles northwest of Wishek in Logan County. In 1942 they moved to a farm eleven miles northwest of Wishek until 1953 when they bought the Rubin Wolff farm six miles east of Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Eiseman farmed both farms until 1955 when they sold the Wolff farm to Fred Gall and moved back to their farm eleven miles northwest of Wishek. In July, 1970, they purchased a house in Wishek which they moved into in August. On September 2, 1970, Mr. Eiseman passed away. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eiseman: Mrs. Gary L. (Carol Ann) Schnabel of Bismarck; James Christian who died in infancy; Sandra Fay of Valley City; Ruth Jean, who died at eight months; Timothy David who died in infancy; and Mark Joel who died in infancy; plus two grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. JOHN EISEMAN John Eiseman was born near Burnstad, North Dakota, August 29, 1907, the son of Gottlieb and Magdalena (Nelich) Eiseman. His wife, Christine, was born near Wishek, January 29, 1912. Her parents were Gottfried and Katherina (Stauss) Werre. They were united in marriage October 17, 1929. They were blessed with five children, Mrs. Virgil (Irene) Kessinger of Neoscho, Missouri; Mrs. Waldemar (Violet) Diegel of Wishek; Mrs. Edward W (Verna) Sayler of Wishek; Walter, Bowman, North Dakota. One son LeRoy, died in infancy. They engaged in farming until 1949 when they moved to Wishek. Mr. Eiseman has worked for the Soo Line since then. They are members of the St. John's Congregational UCC of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. GOTTLIEB EISEMAN Gottlieb Eiseman was born November 20, 1905, to Gottlieb and Magdalena Eiseman (nee Nelich) in McPherson County, South Dakota. In 1906 the family moved to Burnstad, North Dakota. April 2, 1930, he was married to Anna Marie Krein, a daughter of Jacob and Lousia Krein (nee Schauer). Mrs. Eiseman was born March 16, 1912, four miles west of Wishek. Two children were born. They died in infancy. In 1934 they moved to the Fred Thurn farm ten miles northwest of Wishek. Here they farmed for thirteen years. In 1945 they moved to the Krein farm near Burnstad. In 1949 they moved to Wishek. For five years Mr. Eiseman was employed by the Soo Line Railroad. In 1955 he did carpenter work with Adam Kuebler. At the present time Mr. Eiseman works with David Rueb. For the past seven years Mrs. Eiseman has been employed at the Wishek Retirement Home. They are members of the Wishek First Baptist Church. MR. AND MRS. JACOB P. EISSINGER Jacob Eissinger was one of the first second generation pioneers. He was born April 17, 1893, in rural Wishek, northwest of town, on his father's homestead. He was the son of Adam and Christine Eissinger, nee Lutz. Mrs. Eissinger is the daughter of Herman and Huldine Bohlman, nee Glasinap and was born in New London, Wisconsin. He farmed with his father until the time of his marriage. Being one of the older children, he received very little schooling which was mostly during the winter months. Two of his teachers were Mrs. Clara Grant and H. E. Timm. In 1913 he went to Canada and homesteaded but came back in the spring. Later he bought and operated a steam threshing rig. He did custom threshing for relatives and area farmers. He watched the building of the Soo Line Railroad into Wishek. The rail crew camped on his father's land and Mrs. Jennie Hill cooked for the crew. Jacob and Margaretha Bohlman were married February 2, 1921 and lived on a farm northwest of Wishek for over 30 years. They were blessed with six children: Harold, Kansas City, Missouri; Alice (Mrs. John Rau), Roseville, California; Clifford, Minneapolis, Minnesota; George, Bismarck, North Dakota; Lynn, Fargo, North Dakota; and Elaine (Mrs. Ben Burlack), Burnstad, North Dakota. On account of poor health Jacob had to give up farming, and they moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, in the fall of 1955. He worked as a guard with Burns Detective Agency for the Standard Oil Refinery for five years. They moved back to Wishek in June of 1960 and lived there until the time of his death on June 23, 1972. They were happy to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary January 31, 1971. Mr. Eissinger served as assessor in Johannesdal Township for several years. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge. He served as president of the Wishek School Board in 1943. The Eissingers were members of the Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church. MR. AND MRS. JOHN FANDRICH John Fandrich was born June 24, 1893, at Altarzis, South Russia, to Michael and Julia Fandrich, nee Kidroski. He came to the United States in 1908 settling in the Streeter, North Dakota, area. He served in the U.S. Army from 1917 to 1919 in France. On February 21, 1920, he married Lydia Pritzkau. They farmed three miles south of Burnstad. Four children were born to them: Mrs. Walter (Agnes) Wheatly of Oplika, Alabama; Bernard, Kulm, North Dakota; John C., Fargo, North Dakota; and Mrs. Leopold L. (Marcella) Rudolf, San Jose, California. Lydia died on July 23, 1934. On April 22, 1935, he married Rose Feist. They had one daughter, Mrs. Jerry (Julia) Skoglund, San Jose, California. They moved to Wishek in 1946. Mr. Fandrich died March 30, 1968. Mrs. Fandrich still resides in Wishek. MR. AND MRS. MARVIN G. FIECHTNER Marvin G. Fiechtner was born December 18, 1926, at Wishek, the son of Wm. J. Fiechtner and Elizabeth Wolf. His grandparents were Sophie Kienzle and Jacob Fiechtner and Fredericka Fischer and John S. Wolf. He attended elementary and high school in Wishek, going on to Dakota Business College in Fargo from which he graduated in June of 1946. He then started working as a partner in the Huber Insurance Agency until 1949, when his father became ill and he became a part of the Fiechtner Implement Company until March of 1965 when the business was dissolved. He joined the Western States Life Insurance Company as a salesman in March of 1965 and is also a licensed and bonded auctioneer. He played the drums in a high school dance band and for various groups thereafter. He was married to Maude Meidinger on September 30, 1951, at Wishek, North Dakota. They are the parents of three daughters: Vicky now at NDSU, Fargo; Sheila at UND, Grand Forks; and Sandra, a 1973 Wishek High School graduate. Mr. Fiechtner is active in community and state affairs promoting the Wishek Golden Jubilee (1948) Booster Caravan as its chairman, and also playing in John Rott's Golden Jubilee Band. He has served as manager and director of the Tri-County Fair, was a director of the Wishek Association of Commerce, alderman on the city council, member of the Eagle's Club, served as Republican precinct committeeman, and was a member of the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. and Mrs. Fiechtner are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church, serving in various functions. Both have been music chairmen and sing in the choir. Marvin was a trustee on the church council and is a member of the cemetery board Mrs. Fiechtner served as Sunday School superintendent for five years, is a Sunday School teacher, and a member of the ALCW. Mrs. Maude Fiechtner was born on April 1, 1932, to Martha Schwind and Otto Meidinger. Her grandparents were Christina Wittmeir and Simon Schwind and Frederick Meidinger and Katherina Thurn. She attended country school (enrollment was usually nine). She moved to the city of Wishek with her parents in 1946, graduated from high school in 1950, and then graduated from Interstate Business College at Fargo. She then secured a position with the Security State Bank, her employer being John M. Doyle. In 1965 she became the office manager at the Wishek Retirement and Nursing Home where she is still employed. During her teens she worked for the Krein Cream Station and later was employed at the Wishek Livestock Market for ten years. She gathered the 1960 census for the city of Wishek counting 1241 residents at that time. It has been their privilege to work with the Diamond Jubilee, Marvin as a director and chairman of the Entertainment Committee, Maude as a member of the Jubilee Dames and chairman of the Wedding Gown Style Show, a Jubilee fund raising event. They continue some ranching interests and reside at 308 South 10th Street. MR. AND MRS. EMANUEL FERCHO Emanuel, the only son of Gottlieb and Theresia Fercho, was born May 4, 1915, on a farm near Fredonia, North Dakota. In his early youth his parents moved to Wishek where Emanuel attended Wishek Public School. Mr. Fercho owned and operated the Fercho Dray Line for many years, then sold out to Ted Boschee. He was then employed as a clerk at several different places of business. In the year of 1955 he became parts manager at the Pfeifle Chevrolet and Buick Garage, which position he still holds. Mr. Fercho has been active as a member of the Association of Commerce, is a member of the Park Board, joined the Wishek Volunteer Fire Department in 1937, and was elected Fire Chief in 1943 and at the time of this writing is still serving in that capacity. He served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Wishek Golden Jubilee in 1948. Emanuel has been Sunday School Superintendent of the United Methodis1 Church for many years, has served as an officer and on many commit1ees of the church, and is a member of the choir and the men's quartet. On September 24, 1939, he was married to Berneice Fink, daughter of Philip and Mathilda Fink. To this union were born three children: Sharon Ann, who died in infancy; Mrs. Jim Johnson (Kathleen), Kenmare, North Dakota, and Dean, a student at Wishek High School. Mrs. Fercho is employed at Herr Mercantile. She has been a very active member of the United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Women's Society and a member in the choir. She is also a member of the Wishek Homemakers. MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM FETZER William is the son of John and Rosina (Perman) Fetzer. He was married to Amanda Boschee, daughter of John V. and Christina (Thurn) Boschee, on September 2, 1934. They lived and farmed nine miles northwest of Venturia until 1960 when they bought a farm two miles east and one mile north of Wishek where they farm at the present time. They have ten children: Melvin, who is farming southeast of Wishek; Mrs. Oliver (Virginia) Bettenhausen Jr., whose husband is a farmer southwest of Wishek; Mrs. Lawrence (Geraldine) Lippert, whose husband is employed by Calvertt Oil Drilling Co. in Wolf Point Montana; Harley, who lives in Belfield, North Dakota, employed by R. A. Prother and Son Oil Company; Mrs. Rolland (Lorraine) Ketterling, whose husband farms northeast of Zeeland, North Dakota, Robert and his family farm southwest of Wishek; Eugene and his family live in Wishek where he is employed by the State Highway Department Milton lives in Arvada, Colorado and works for a construction company there; Tim, in St. Paul, Minnesota, works for a Credit Manager Service; and Mrs. Valentine Fettig (Shirley) lives in Wishek where she is employed by Meidinger Beauty Shop and her husband is employed at Dohn's Super Service. MR. AND MRS. FRANZ FRANK The Franz Franks are life long residents of and near Wishek. Franz Frank was born February 2, 1907, in Logan County to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Frank, Sr. Mrs. Anna Frank was born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Gunsch on April 9, 1910, also in Logan County. They were married October 9, 1929. They have four children. Elmer has served in the U.S. Navy twenty years. He, with his family, was stationed in Munich, Germany, for five years. He now is stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. Their three daughters are Mrs. Clemens (Arlys) Fowler; Mrs. Robert (Eunice) Harter, both of Bismarck, North Dakota and Mrs. Lloyd (Shirley) Weisenburger of Lester Prairie, Minnesota. The Franks have thirteen grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. HENRY FRANK Henry Frank was born in Wishek, North Dakota, on September 1, 1922, son of Michael G. Frank and Elizabeth (Miller) Frank. He has lived in Wishek most of his life with the exception of two years in California, one year in Fargo, North Dakota, and one year in Linton, North Dakota. Mr. Frank worked as a bartender and bar manager for some years in Wishek, Linton and Fargo, North Dakota. In May 1948 he started as bookkeeper for the Wishek Concrete Products and Lumber Co. in Wishek and is still employed there as manager since November 1963. In 1964 he married Margaret Weber Streit, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Weber, Jr. She had three children, namely: Darci, Fred and Matthew Streit. On June 7, 1967, they were blessed with a daughter named Greta Lynn Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Frank have been life long members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Frank was the treasurer of St. Luke Lutheran Church for many years, member of the Association of Commerce and former director, Charter member of the Wishek Lions, Charter member of the Wishek Eagles, member of the Bismarck Elks for the past twelve years, member of the Odd Fellows and a member of the Board of Directors of the Wishek Diamond Jubilee. Mrs. Frank started a drapery and fabric shop on July 1, 1972, known as Margaret's Interiors, which she is operating at the present time. MR. AND MRS. JOHN E. FRANK John Frank was born May 26, 1926. His parents were Michael G. Frank and Elizabeth (Miller) Frank. He married Erna Raile, daughter of the late Jacob Raile, Jr., and Christina (Martel) Raile on June 3, 1949 Both John and Erna are life long residents of the Wishek area. They are Wishek High School graduates. John has been with the Bell Telephone Company for twenty-eight years, being manager for twenty-six years He is a past president of the Wishek School Board and the Association of Commerce. They are affiliated with the St. Luke Lutheran Church. Their children are: Michael J. Frank, Bismarck, North Dakota, associated with Nastrom Peterson; Mrs. Duane (Susan) Hafner, a senior at University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, majoring nursing; Mary, a junior at University of North Dakota majoring Medical technology; Janet, a sophomore in Wishek High School; and John, a second grader in the Wishek Elementary School. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD FOERDERER Edward Foerderer was born January 19, 1921, in McIntosh County sixteen miles southwest of Wishek, North Dakota. His parents were David and Christina Foerderer, nee Sayler. On November 18, 1941, Mr. Foerderer was married to Luella Meidinger, daughter of Albert C. and Emma Meidinger, nee Schwindt. In 1945 Mr. and Mrs. Foerderer took over the farm the late David Foerderer had homesteaded. They became the parents of six children, one daughter, Eunice, deceased; and five sons: Roger, married to Lorraine Werth of Lehr, North Dakota, now residing in Dickinson, North Dakota; Steve, married to Linda Hagel of Wishek, North Dakota, now residing in Wishek; and Bob, Barney, and James who are at home with their parents. Mr. Foerderer recalls many past experiences and memories which include the drouth of the thirties, and many snow storms, particularly the one in March of 1966. A real hardship occurred May 5, 1964, when a tornado destroyed all their farm buildings except the house which had only one broken window. The Foerderers were members of the Freidens Lutheran Church until 19rS when they became members of St. Luke's Church in Wishek. Mr. Foerderer served on the Freidenstal School Board for four years, on the McIntosh County A.S.C. Committee for four years, and on the SCS Committee for six years. The Foerderers are still active on the farm. They carry on a beef production operation, raise dairy cattle, and seed grain. MR. AND MRS. HENRY GALL, JR. Mr. and Mrs. Gall are natives of the Wishek area having lived their entire lives here. Henry was born November 28, 1914, to Henry and Katherina (Sayler) Gall, Sr. His childhood and young adult years were spent on the family farm, five miles northwest of Wishek. Mrs. Gall is the daughter of Christian and Rosina (Schwindt) Ketterling and was born on a farm near Zeeland. Henry and Hertha were married in 1938, and in 1940 they took over the homestead, farming it until 1965, when they moved into Wishek. At that time Henry bought the Mobil Oil Bulk business and continues to operate that. Henry and Hertha are the parents of six children: Mrs. Clarence (Henrietta) Fiechtner of Fargo, Mrs. Wm. (Donna) Hoherz of Jamestown; Mrs. Victor (Marlys) Rehling of Bismarck; James of Melrose Minnesota; Joann of Bismarck; and Ann, at home. NOYAL AND MAVIS GALL Noyal and Mavis Gall reside at 14 North 9th St. in Wishek. Noyal and Mavis are members of the St. John's Congregational Church in Wishek. Mr. Gall is engaged in farming. Noyal is the son of Edward and Pauline Gall. He was born June 17, 1934. Mavis was born January 19, 1933, the daughter of Jacob Weisser of Ashley. Noyal received his education in rural and the Wishek Elementary School. He graduated from the Wishek high school in 1953. He attended North Dakota State University and worked for several Fargo firms. He served in the U.S. Army from December 4, 1956, to November 28, 1958. Fifteen months were served in the Far East. He was married to Mavis (Weisser) Ackerman, September 15, 1971. MR. AND MRS. NORMAN GALL Norman and Carol Gall were born, raised, and married in the Wishek area. Norman's parents are Peter Gall and Martha Gall (nee Just). He was born February 22, 1935, at Burnstad. Carol's parents are Philip P. Martell and Martha Martell (nee Boschee). She was born July 2, 1942, at Eureka, South Dakota. They have two children. Stacy was born November 10, 1960, and a son, Robin, was born May 2, 1963, at Bismarck. Norman is the City Water Commissioner and Carol is employed as a bookkeeper at her father's business Martell Auto Wrecking. They are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and reside at 15 North 3rd Street in Wishek. MR. AND MRS. CHRIST G. GRUEBELE Christ G. Gruebele, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Gruebele, was born in McIntosh County, twelve miles southwest of Wishek on July 16, 1902. He attended public school near his parents' home and helped his father with the farm work. He was a charter member of the Ebenezer Evangelical Church, now the United Methodist Church and was Sunday School Superintendent of Ebenezer for eighteen years. He was a member of the school board of Moscow District No. 3 for nine years. Farming was his life vocation until 1967 when a severe heart attack forced him to retire. He is a member of the Board of Administration of the Wishek Zion United Methodist Church. Mrs. Gruebele, whose maiden name was Lydia Gabel, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Gabel, was born in Logan County about twelve miles north of Wishek. She attended rural school to the age of nine years, when her parents moved to Wishek; and here she attended elementary school and high school, graduating in 1926. She attended Dickinson State Teacher's College receiving a first grade Elementary Teacher's Certificate. She taught rural school for four years. She is a member of the United Methodist Church and the Women's Society of World Service, holds several church offices and is a member of the church board of administration. She is Christian Social Relations Chairman for the Women's Society of Christian Service of the Central District of North Dakota, and a member of the Wishek Quilting Homemakers Club. Mr. and Mrs. Gruebele were married in Wishek July 15, 1928, and made their home on Mr. Gruebele's farm southwest of Wishek until moving to Wishek in 1956. They are the parents of one son and two daughters: Clayton Gruebele of Wishek; Mrs. Leroy (Eldavere) Eissinger of Bloomington, Minnesota; and Mrs. Earl (Arva Dell) Job of Everett, Washington. They have eleven grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. EMIL GRUEBELE Emil Gruebele was born on January 29, 1904, south of Wishek, North Dakota, the son of Christian and Rosina (Hinger) Gruebele. On October 18, 1931, Emil married Emma Miller, the daughter of Martin H. and Margaretha (Hoff) Miller. They lived on the farm south of Wishek, which was originally homesteaded by Christian Gruebele. They also attended the Ebenezer Evangelical Church. In the year of 1948 they moved to Wishek, North Dakota. Emil still kept on farming. He built the barn west of Wishek and also bought cattle. In 1955 Emil and Emma moved to Lodi, California. They lived in Lodi during the winter, but always returned to the farm in the spring. In 1967 Emil disposed of his farming equipment at an auction sale and entered retirement. Since retirement, the Gruebeles have made Lodi, California, their permanent home. Emil and Emma have two children, a son, Stanley, and a daughter, Diana (Gruebele) Mattheis. They are living with their families in Lodi, California. WILLIAM GRUEBELE William Gruebele was born November 5, 1900, to Mr. and Mrs. Christian Gruebele (nee Hinger). They were emigrants from Russia originally from Germany. They were both young when they came to the United States after their marriage. They homesteaded in McIntosh County, twelve miles southwest of Wishek. Nine children grew up in their, home, one died in infancy. Their home was used for the Evangelical Church meetings for many years. William Gruebele was married to Ella Miller, September 11, 1927, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin H. Miller (nee Hoff). Her parents homesteaded fourteen miles northeast of Wishek, in Logan County. To this family three daughters were born. Mrs. Gruebele graduated from the Wishek high school and received her secondary elementary certificate from Valley City State College. She taught school about five years. The hardships and lonely homesteading of both parent families were about equal. Hard work, their economical way, their desire and dedication to God brought them to great happiness and a comfortable living for which their children now appreciate and honor them. The William Gruebeles moved to a farm, one mile from his parents, where they still reside and farm. The farm home was built for them with an additional 320 acres given to them for a nominal sum to be repaid to the father after they were established. However, it seems each generation has its problems. They headed straight into depression and the "dirty thirties." Dust storms, drought, grasshopper plagues took their crops and feed for the cattle for seven years. The debts and taxes began to accumulate. The farm had to be mortgaged, the horses died from lack of feed, cows had to be shot because of weakness from lack of food and the government reimbursed the farmer at $20 00 per cow. In spite of the dismal outlook the farmers seeded every year. Seed loans had to be made. The government tried to keep the farmers; the business places helped out as much as they could, giving credit and waiting it out with them. Predictions for North Dakota were that it would become a desert, but the Good Lord sent us rain again. Crops began to grow in place of Russian thistle, and before long all debts could be paid, even the taxes which were contracted in small packages to be paid off in future years. It was hard to make money even though a dollar could buy quite a bit of groceries. William sold a half grown steer for $4.00 and he and his brothers harvested five bushels of wheat, all told, during one of the years. Every time clouds were seen the farmers would hitch up the team and go seeding, but these clouds were usually heavy dust storms. One, in particular, was so severe that William had a hard time to find his way back to the farm with the drill and team of horses. To this union three children were born. Delmar was born in 1932; James in 1935, both at the farm home. Both graduated from Wishek high school and got their B.S. degree in Vo-Ag Ed at N.D.S.U. Delmar later moved to California, taught several years, and then accepted a position in the Wilbur Ellis Chemical Company at Woodland, California, where he now resides. He attended Sacramento State part time and received his Master's degree in Business Administration. Besides being manager of the company he also operates a walnut orchard with another partner. They have one son, Jon William, and a daughter, Lu Ann Michelle. James taught school, at Ulen, then went to the Iowa University at Ames, and got his Master's degree after which he worked with U.S.D.A. in Salt Lake City for one year. He returned to St. Paul and the University of Minnesota and received a Doctor's degree in Economics. He is now an associate professor at the University in Urbana, Illinois. He is married to Maxine Baumann of Ashley, North Dakota, and they have three sons: Randall, David and Peter. Sharon Gruebele was born February 14, 1946, at Lodi, California. She grew up on the farm. She was privileged to go by bus the last few years before graduating from Wishek high school. Sharon went to Valley City State College, and through hard work and perseverance earned her B.S. degree. After teaching one year in Gackle, she married Irving Standley, son of Rev. and Mrs. Standley of Valley City, in 1969. She accepted a teaching position in Mandan, North Dakota, where they reside. We will never forget the mail services of "Bill" Dickson; he often did the impossible -- blizzard, rain, or shine the mail came through. He'll never know the happiness he brought to us "snowbound" farmers. Elmo Nickisch also did much for the farmers; he had the airplane and it was a joy for him to help out the needy. We all felt more secure because of such willing, wonderful service. MR. AND MRS. FRED GUTSCHMIDT Fred Gutschmidt was born in Logan County, February 16, 1908, to Christof and Christine Gutschmidt, nee Guthmiller. In 1908, his father sold the homestead, south of Gackle to Mr. Simon Knecht, and the family moved to Canada for one and one-half years. They returned to the Gackle area, where the family was engaged in farming. In 1917, the family moved into Wishek, and Mr. Gutschmidt's father worked for the railroad and at various jobs. Fred attended school in Wishek, and from the age of twelve, he worked at various jobs to help support the family. On September 15, 1932, Fred was married to Bertha Radke daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Radke of Fredonia, North Dakota Fred worked on farms for the next couple of years, and in 1934, they moved to Wishek. During these years, when work was hard to come by, Fred worked on the W.P.A. and at various other jobs and in 1942 he started with the Soo Line Railroad. He has been with the company ever since. He is scheduled to be retired February 16, 1973. On April 26, 1957, his wife died and on July 24, 1959, he married Mrs. Fred Dewald of Streeter, the former Mary Speidel, daughter of Fred and Fredricka Speidel of Gackle, North Dakota. Mrs. Dewald was the mother of four children born during her first marriage: Robert Dewald of Jamestown; Harry Dewald of Woodworth; Norman Dewald of Bremerton, Washington; and Mrs. Raymond (Deloris) Eberhardt of Jamestown. There are also fourteen grandchildren, which includes one set of twins. MR. AND MRS. PETER HAGEL Peter Hagel, the son of Jacob D. and Carolina (Schauer) Hagel, was born March 13, 1913, on a farm located sixteen miles southwest of Wishek. Being he was the oldest son, Peter was sent to Valley City during the early 30's to earn some money in order that he might help support the family financially. In 1933, he met Hulda Bertsch, who was born in Greenway, South Dakota, on June 5, 1914. She was the oldest daughter in a family of eighteen children. On November 17, 1935, they were married in a country church, seven miles south of Venturia. After spending eight months with his parents, the recently married couple moved to a farm, five miles west and two miles south of Wishek. In 1938, they moved to another farm, six miles west and five miles south of Wishek. Once again in 1949, they purchased a farm, three miles south of Lehr. After enduring three years of extremely poor crops and severe illness, they wisely decided to sell the farm and return to Wishek, where they bought a home, one mile southeast of Wishek. It is at this location that they reside at the present time. During the past fifteen years, Peter has been employed by Roth Brothers' Implement and is now employed at Kramer Implement. Mrs. Hagel is employed at the Wishek Retirement Home. Pete and Hulda are members of the First Baptist Church of Wishek and are the proud parents of seven children: Mrs. Wilmer (Wilma) Meidinger of Zeeland; Dianna, who died in infancy; LeRoy of Williston, North Dakota; Mrs. Melvin (Sandra) Schilling of Venturia; Mrs. Steve (Linda) Foerderer of Wishek; Mrs. Bill (Donna) Knutson of Fargo; and Harry at home. MR. AND MRS. GUST HAUCK Gust Hauck was born September 21, 1909, in Logan County, the son of Jacob and Alvina (Stebner) Hauck. On November 14, 1932, he married Marie Schnabel, the daughter of Daniel and Christina (Perman) Schnabel, who was born February 28, 1905. Three children were born to the Haucks: Leo of Wishek; Leah Wanner of Lehr; and Lynn, who lost his life in an accident. The Haucks are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. ADAM HAUCK Mr. and Mrs. Hauck are long-time residents of North Dakota, coming into the state in 1902. Mr. Hauck is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hauck and Mrs. Hauck's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lehr. They were married on October 3, 1921, and through the years were engaged in farming and cattle operations until 19O7, at which time they moved to Wishek. Mr. Hauck helped organize the Burnstad Farmers Union Elevator, serving as director for twelve years and president for eight years. He was a member of the Morningside No. 23 school board for twenty years and has been a livestock dealer for over forty years. Mrs. Hauck is a charter member of the Morningside Homemaker's Club and member of the German Circle of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Wishek. The couple are the parents of seven children: Peter Hauck, Mrs. Joe (Adelia) Vetch, Mrs. Edwin (Helen) Rath, and Donald Hauck, all of Wishek; Mrs. Clifford (Betty) Ruff of Edgeley, Mrs. Art (Arlene) Kirschenmann of Valley City and Norman Hauck of Napoleon. There are also twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1971. MR. AND MRS. ALBERT HEISER Mr. and Mrs. Albert Heiser were both born in McIntosh County. They were married November 25, 1932. They have two children: James S. Heiser, Burnsville, Minnesota; and Mrs. Elmer (Phyllis) Bender, Lehr, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Heiser farmed on several locations near Wishek. In 1947, they bought the farm owned by Emanuel Heiser, Albert's father. In 1967, they sold their farming interests and moved into Wishek, where they built the new home they now reside in. Mr. Heiser is employed by the Martell Wrecking Shop. MR. AND MRS. BENJAMIN HERR Benjamin was born fifteen miles southwest of Wishek to Christian and Katherina (Meidinger) Herr. Rosina was born twelve miles southwest of Wishek to Christian Bauer and Magdalena (Rueb)) Bauer. They were married October 24, 1939. Their first home was on a farm that is a historical site in that it was the Ostrim Post Office from August 8, 1891 to April 15, 1903. In 1944, they purchased his father's homestead from his brothers, Emil and Theodore Herr. This is their present home. They are members of the United Methodist Church. MR. AND MRS. ERNEST W. HERR Ernest William Herr was born on a farm south of Wishek and lived all of his life in the Wishek territory. He was born February 16, 1906, the son of Christ J. and Lydia (Koth) Herr. He attended schools in Wishek and was a 1925 graduate of the Wishek high school. In his early teens, he began working at the family store, Herr Mercantile and was manager of this store at the time of his death August 4, 1966. He became a member of the First Baptist Church of Wishek in 1918 and served in many capacities; such as Sunday School teacher and superintendent for over forty years as choir member, as a member of the building committee for both the church building and the parsonage and as church treasurer. He worked with many local and district conferences in the church and with youth groups. He was a long and active member of many civic organizations namely, Association of Commerce, Hospital Board, Library Board, School Board for twenty years, City Council and Greater North Dakota Association. He was a bo3rd member of the Wishek 50th Jubilee. In 1931, he was married to Esther Knapp, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Charles M. Knapp. To this union one daughter, Patricia was born; and there are two grandchildren. Mrs. Ernest W. Herr, whose maiden name was Esther Knapp, was the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Charles M. Knapp. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She received her education in many states as the family moved with the changes of pastorates. These schools were in South Dakota, Illinois and Wisconsin. She graduated from high school at Hutchinson, Minnesota, and St. Cloud College at St. Cloud, Minnesota. After teaching school for two years in Minnesota and one year in Wishek, she was married to Ernest W. Herr in 1931. One daughter, Patricia was born to this family. There are two grandchildren: Jon William Gruebele and LuAnn M. Gruebele. Mrs. Herr has been active in many church activities of the Baptist Church: Sunday School teacher, many music organizations, member of building committee, pulpit committee, youth camps teacher. Her civic activities included: Jubilee Committee, Civic League, Wishek School Board and Wishek Library Board. Since 1932, Mrs. Herr has taught, privately, piano and organ students. Her pupils number in the hundreds After the death of her husband in 1966, she continued to live in Wishek and is active in many church and civic related activities, and continues with her teaching. MR. CLIFTON A. AND MRS. DOROTHY HERR Clifton was born in Wishek on September 7, 1913, son of Mr. and Mrs. August W. Herr. Dorothy Arlene Wilberts Herr was born at Hecla, South Dakota, on October 4, 1916. They were united in marriage on September 4, 1954, in Leola, South Dakota. They lived in Wishek continuously until November 1968. Since then they make their home between Tucson, Arizona, and Wishek, North Dakota. Mr. Herr attended schools at Wishek and then went four years to the University of Minnesota. Mrs. Herr attended school at Barnard South Dakota. In 1937, Mr. Herr and his father, August W. Herr started an open air sales barn. Mr. H. E. Timm was the bookkeeper Mr. Herr started in the livestock business in 1935 and is still in the business having always been active in livestock along with his other business ventures. In 1937, Mr. Herr managed the Tri-County Fair. Before this time he had helped manage different departments in the Tri-County Fair. In 1943, Mr. Herr bought a bar known as Cliff's Bar. He ran this until 1954, when he sold it. He also had half interest in the Grand Pacific Lounge at Bismarck, and a bar in Linton in partnership with Otto Brandt. In 1943, Mr. Herr, in partnership with Otto Brandt, bought the new Auto Inn from Gus Sholley. This was a hotel and restaurant. Then Mr. Herr was inducted into the army, so they sold the hotel to Pete Mensing. In 1946, Mr. Herr bought out Harold Mattis's half interest in the Wishek Livestock Market and ran it in partnership with Bill Bailey until 1954, when he bought Mr. Bailey's half interest. In 1962, Mr. and Mrs. Herr built a new modern sales barn with a modern air-conditioned cafe and office. This was sold to Gordon H. Ulmer in 1967. Mr. and Mrs. Herr have three daughters: Mrs. John (Pat) Gall, Mrs. Anton (Karla) Gross and Mrs. Charles (Sharon) Pfiefer. Mr. Gall and Mr. Gross manage the cattle ranch at Wishek. There are nine grandchildren. MRS. LYDIA HERR Mrs. Lydia Herr was born at Alt Donzig, South Russia, on April 9, 1882. In the fall of 1886, her father and mother, Paul and Katherina Pudwill, with their three children, Lydia, William and Emma and a widowed mother migrated to America. They landed in New York on November 2, 1886. Mr. Pudwill took up his pre-emption tree claim on the present site of Wishek, North Dakota, in April, 1887. Lydia Herr got married in 1905 to August W. Herr. They had three children: Agnes, who died in 1952; Margaret, who lives Phoenix; and Clifton, who lives in Tucson with his wife, Dorothy. As a young lady, she grew up on a farm at Pudwill Lake just north of Danzig. She taught school several years southwest of Wishek. She had eight brothers and four sisters. At the present time, she lives in the nursing section of the Wishek Retirement Home and is 90 years old Since her marriage in 1905, she has lived in Wishek continuously, Her husband, August, died on February 5, 1940. She is a charter member of the Wishek Baptist Church and Ladies Aid. She has nine grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Mrs. Herr died in March 1973. MR. AND MRS. EMIL HERR Emil Herr was born on October 31, 1895, the oldest of twelve children born to Christian G. Herr and Katharina Meidinger. His parents had both been born in South Russia, and immigrated to the United States at a tender age. After their marriage in 1894, they settled on a homestead fourteen miles southwest of Wishek, where Emil was born. The family lived in a sod house until 1910. Emil Herr attended schools in rural McIntosh County, and also attended C3kota Business College at 3ismarck, North Dakota. In 1917, he was inducted into the United States Army. He received his basic training at Fort Dodge, Iowa, and served twelve months in France during World War I. After his discharge from the army in 1919, Mr. Herr was employed by a bank in Sanger, North Dakota. In 1925, he was appointed to serve as a rural mail carrier for the Wishek post office. He was the first person to serve as rural mail carrier for the Wishek office, and he served in that capacity for thirty-six years. On April 9, 1927, Mr. Herr married Katherine Baum at Aberdeen, South Dakota. Mrs. Herr was born on November 18, 1901, in what is now Sekic', Yugoslavia, the daughter of Joseph Baum and Magdalina Tauss. She immigrated to the United States in 1920. Mr. Herr died on July 19, 1963. Mr. and Mrs. Herr had two children: a son, Richard, who is now a practicing attorney in Wishek, and a daughter, Joan Roff, who now lives in Bloomington, Minnesota. MRS. ELIZABETH HERR Mrs. Elizabeth Herr, wife of the late C. J. Herr, was born in Eureka, South Dakota, on December 27, 1893. Her parents were Fred and Elizabeth Preszler. Her early life was spent at home and at work in stores in the Eureka and Timber Lake, South Dakota, area. In 1914, she came to Wishek. where she was employed at the Herr Brothers' Store. She worked there until 1920, when she married the widower, Christ J. Herr. At this time she took over the household duties and the responsibilities of raising his four children: Mrs. Charles (Adina) Banks, Lynd, Minnesota; Ernest, (deceased); Clarence, LaGrange, Illinois; and Vernon of Wishek, North Dakota. Christ and Elizabeth Herr had one daughter, Mrs. Don (Vivian) Hanson, Bellevue, Washington. At the time of their marriage, Christ Herr was active in the Herr Mercantile Company and was president of the firm until his retirement. Mr. Herr died in 1949. Mrs. Herr is active in the work of the First Baptist Church of Wishek. She is a member of the Mission Circle and has held various offices in this organization as well as the church. She is also a member of the Quilting Homemakers and the Mending Ladies of the Wishek Community Hospital. MR. AND MRS. VERNON HERR Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Herr are life-long residents of the Wishek area. They were married in Wishek on November 24, 1938. They have two children: Lorna Jean, born May 20, 1943, and Michael Vernon. born July 31, 1947. Harriet was born in Lehr, North Dakota, on April 15, 1917, to Mr. and Mrs. John Rott. In 1927, the Rott family moved to Wishek, where they resided for many years. Harriet attended Wishek schools and graduated from high school in 1935. After graduation, Harriet worked for Mr. and Mrs. Sholley, the owners of the Auto Inn Hotel. Vernon was born in Wishek on April 30, 1916, to Mr. and Mrs. Christ Herr. At the age of fourteen, he started working Saturdays in Herr Mercantile, a family business, candling eggs for one dollar a day. Upon graduation from high school in 1934, he began to work full-time at a salary of sixty dollars a month. In 1938, when Vernon and Harriet were married, his salary was increased to seventy-five dollars per month. In 194q, he became a share-holder and worked as assistant manager of the grocery department until the death of his uncle Gottlieb in 1951, when he took over the duties of manager of the grocery department. In 1966, he became the manager of Herr Mercantile. Vernon has been active in community affairs the better part of his adult life. He has served as an Association of Commerce director, city treasurer, and Hospital Board treasurer. He was chosen Boss of the Year in 1968 by the Wishek Junior Chamber of Commerce. Vernon has served on both the 1948 and 1973 Jubilee Committees. Harriet has also been an interested participant and active worker in community affairs. She is a member of the Community Homemakers Club. She worked on the class reunion committee for the Diamond Jubilee, and is currently serving as secretary of the Hospital Board. Harriet also assists her husband in managing Herr Mercantile. Mr. and Mrs. Herr are active members of the First Baptist Church of Wishek. Vernon has served as deacon, church clerk, choir member, and Sunday School superintendent. Harriet is a member of Dorcas Society, is a choir member, and has been a Sunday School teacher. The Herrs currently live at 721 Beaver Avenue, formerly known as the Highway Rooming House. When Mr. and Mrs. Herr bought their home in 1946, it came equipped with teachers who paid twelve dollars a month room rent, which included linens and room cleaning. Ruth Meyer, who lives next door, provided eating facilities for the teachers Throughout the years, many rooming house guests became friends, and events at the house provided many fond memories for Vernon and Harriet. MR. AND MRS. WILLIE HERR Willie Herr, son of George Herr, Sr., and Christina (Boschee) Herr, was born September 23, 1898, on a farm fifteen miles southwest of Wishek. Mr. Herr lived there until a year after his marriage to Ida Vossler on December 12, 1918. He and his wife then moved to the farm a mile from his parents' home. Ida Herr, the daughter of Christian and Christina (Anhorn) Vossler, was born August 15, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Herr lived on their farm for thirty-one years In the fall of 1950, they moved to Wishek. Mr. Herr was involved with farming until his death in a tractor accident on April 4, 1959. Mrs. Herr continued living in Wishek. She was active in church and some community activities until her death March 8, 1972. They had eleven children --three of whom are deceased. Those living are Mrs. Irene Bechtold, Baker, Montana; Mrs. Alma Docktor, Wecota, South Dakota; Mrs. Marcella Bauer, Bismarck, North Dakota, Mrs. Luella Woehl, Wishek, North Dakota; Floyd Herr, Wishek, North Dakota; Joyce Herr, Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Diana Adamson, Lodi, California; and Mrs. Nancy Aubin, Herald, California. MR. AND MRS. FLOYD HERR Floyd and Frances Herr live on their own farm, nine miles west and six miles south of Wishek in McIntosh County. This location is also the birthplace of Floyd, who was born to Willie Herr and Ida Vossler on July 14, 1928. Frances was born on a farm near Greenlake in McIntosh County on August 25, 1928, to Jake Kogler and Christian Koth. They were married on November 25, 1952, making their first home on their present location To this family was born one daughter, Wanda who graduated from Wishek high school in 1973, and one son, Glenn, who is attending Wishek high school. Mrs. Herr is a graduate of Wishek schools and taught rural schools west of Wishek several years. The Herrs are members of the First Baptist Church in which they are actively involved. MR. AND MRS. LORRAN HERR Mr. and Mrs. Lorran Herr are the owners of a cafe in Wishek known as Maggie's Cafe, one of the finest in this area. Lorran Herr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Herr, was born in Wishek, July 11, 1921. Magdaline Herr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Just, was born in Zeeland on January 26, 1920. They both attended rural schools near Wishek. They were married in 1946. They have three sons: Arlen, James and Keith Lorran served in the navy from August, 1942 to December, 1945 and again from 1950 to 1952. Magdaline was employed as housekeeper for Mrs. Doyle from 1936 to 1941. It was Mrs. Doyle who encouraged her to go into the cafe business in Wishek. In 1943, Maggie started a cafe in the Sheridan Hotel with $3.00 as her resources. Cooking was done on a kerosene stove and water was pumped by hand. Her mother helped by doing the laundry. It took only two weeks for Magdaline to earn enough money to purchase a washing machine, at a cost of $69.00. About a year later the business was moved across the street to its present location. It was then only a small barber shop. This building has been torn down. A ninety foot building with a banquet room has been built. It was completed in 1952. MR. AND MRS. GEORGE HERR George and Margaret Herr are natives of McIntosh County. George was born May 24, 1905, the son of George and Christina (Boschee) Herr. Margaret is the daughter of John and Katherina (Krein) Sprenger, and was born December 19, 1906. They were married in 1928, and are the parents of five children: Glen, who died in infancy; Delmar George of Wishek; Delane Dale of Pierre, South Dakota; Mrs. Don Sieler (Arlys Arleen) of Bismarck, and Wayne Jerome of Stillwater, Minnesota. The Herrs farmed until 1948, at which time they moved into Wishek. George started work with the Kramer Implement Company as a mechanic, and continues to work there part-time. Margaret was employed at Krein Hatchery for five years, in Kemmet's Store for two years, as Avon Lady for two years and for the past eight years has worked as an aide at the Wishek Retirement Home. The Herrs are members of the Baptist Church. MR. AND MRS. GODFREY HERR Godfrey Herr was born in McIntosh County, November 12, 1906. He is the son of the late George and Christine (Boschee) Herr, who came to America in 1884. Mrs. Ella Herr is the daughter of Alexander and Rose (Albrecht) Frisch. She was born in the Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, area. Her parents died when she was young and she was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bertsch. They lived farm south of Ashley. Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey Herr were married in March of 1931. They farmed in the Beaver Creek area until 1966 when they moved to the city of Wishek. They have three children: Harley, who has five children and farms in the Wishek area, Mrs. Leo Fischer (Darlene) who together with her husband was killed in a tornado in July of 1966, leaving three sons; and Dwight who has one son and farms near Wishek. They have always been members of the Baptist Church. MR. AND MRS. AUGUST HEYNE Mrs. Martha M. Heyne has been a resident of Wishek for the past four years. She is employed at the Wishek Retirement Home since July 7, 1969. August Heyne, son of Jacob and Charolette (nee Walker) Heyne was born on the Heyne homestead, eighteen miles southwest of Wishek, September 19, 1914. He obtained his education in a rural school, three and a half miles from the family farm. His daughter, Joan, obtained her elementary education from the same school. Their means of transportation to school was by horses. Being the youngest of the boys, he received a limited education, for his help was needed on the farm. During the 30's, he worked on the beet fields in Montana and with a threshing crew in northeastern North Dakota. He also served in the C. C. C. (Civilian Conservation Corps). On September 1, 1940, August married Martha M. Brosy, daughter of Jacob and Katherina (nee Bauer) Brosy at Wishek She was born April 13, 1921, and reared on the Brosy homestead, ten miles west of Wishek. She lived her first five years in a sod house she recalls moving into their new house which is still being occupied. Her education was obtained from a rural school about one-half mile from the farm. She walked every day. She remained on the farm and helped her parents until her marriage. After their marriage, they lived with August's dad for a period of one year. They then purchased the Heyne farm. At this time there was very little money because of the depression. A team of horses, five milk cows, and some broken down machinery was the extent of their belongings. With the limited equipment, they prospered quite well due to good crops. In 1945, for approximately a year, they lived in Rupert, Idaho. Their first new tractor was a Ford two-plow tractor. They purchased a cafe in 1948 called "Heyne's Cafe" which they sold shortly thereafter. They used kerosene lights and lanterns until they received electricity in the early 50's. Telephone service was not obtained until the middle 60's. After moving many times, they always seemed to move back to the family farm until Mr. Heyne passed away, October 10, 1968. Mr. and Mrs. Heyne had one daughter, Joan J., born December 12, 1942, on the family farm. She married Cleo C. Boschee of Lehr North Dakota, on August 14, 1964, and presently resides three miles north of Lehr. Mrs. Martha Heyne is a member of the St. Luke's Lutheran Church. She is also active in various church and civic organizations in the Wishek community. MR. AND MRS. GOTTFRIED HOCHHALTER Gottfried Hochhal1er, son of Emanuel Hochhalter and the late Magdalena Ketterling, was born November 4, 1925, in McIntosh County, three and one-half miles west of Wishek, North Dakota. On October 12, 1952, he exchanged marriage vows with Lorrene Rudolf, who was born October 17, 1932, in McIntosh County, seventeen miles southwest of Wishek, North Dakota, daughter of the late August L. Rudolf and Marie Meidinger, now residing in the Wishek Retirement Home. They became the parents of three children: Paul 15, Amy 12, and Carrie 11. The children attend Wishek Public Schools Mr. Hochhalter taught rural school for two years and has been employed by the Wishek Farmers Union Grain Association since 1950. He has been manager for the grain elevator the past sixteen years. Mr. Hochhalter has served as treasurer for the Tri-County Fair Board, Assistant Boy Scout Leader, member of Board of Directors for Wishek Association of Commerce and is the present treasurer for St. Luke Lutheran Church. Mrs. Hochhalter has been active in Church Sunday School and Church Choir, as a 4-H leader, a Wishek Civic League member, and is secretary for the Wishek Public Schools. The Hochhalters have made Wishek, North Dakota their home and are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wishek, North Dakota. MR. AND MRS. CALVIN E. HOCHHALTER Calvin E Hochhalter was born on March 14, 1928, three and one-half miles southwest of Wishek on the farm he now owns. He is the son of Emanuel and Magdalena (Ketterling) Hochhalter. He lived with his parents until 1954, when his parents moved to Wishek. He attended rural school. In 1954, he married Verna A. Wanner, daughter of Fred and Katherine (Brietbarth) Wanner. They have two children Terry Lee, born November 26, 1955, and Mary Kay, born March 30, 1963. They are attending Wishek Public School. MR. AND MRS. HENRY J. HOCHHALTER Mr. Hochhalter was born April 19, 1895, on the family homestead sixteen miles west of Wishek. On February 27, 1917, he married Magdalina Staebler, born May 8, 1895, on a farm, eighteen miles east of Eureka, South Dakota. She is the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Deyle) Staebler. The Hochhalters settled on a farm four miles southwest of Wishek, where they resided until the summer of 1948, when they moved into the city of Wishek. During the thirties, Mr. Hochhalter drove the school bus for the Youngstown School District for three years. Their children are: Solomon G. Hochhalter of Wishek, born February 24, 1918, and married to Jonna H. Wishek on October 21, 1956. They have two daughters: Gale Sue, born December 2, 1957, and Karen Ann, born August 19, 1959. William H Hochhalter of Bismarck, North Dakota was born March 24, 1920, and married Violet Schatz, February 17, 1950. They have three daughters Susan Kathline, born November 14, 1950, and married to James Sande, February 14, 1971; Sandra Lee, born August 4, 1953; and Sharon Ann, born January 29, 1957. The late Henry Hochhalter was a generous donor of the Grace E and R Reformed Church. Mrs. Hochhalter is still an active member of the Ladies Aid and of the Grace E & R Reformed Church. MR. AND MRS. EMANUEL HOCHHALTER Emanuel Hochhalter, son of Jacob F. and Karolina (Vilhauer) Hochhalter was born January 25, 1900, fourteen miles southwest of Wishek in McIntosh County. He married Magdalena Ketterling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick Ketterling of Zeeland, North Dakota, on October 31, 1922. The young couple farmed three and one-half miles southwest of Wishek, North Dakota. To their union five children were born Reinhold, Ashley, North Dakota; Gottfried; Mrs. Elmer (Luella) Meidinger; Calvin; and Mrs. Albert (Lea) Just, all of Wishek, North Dakota. They moved to the city of Wishek in 1954. Mr. Hochhalter retired from farming in 1962. Mrs. Hochhalter passed away in 1961. Mr. Hochhalter married Adeline Deile in 1962. MR. AND MRS. FRED A. HOFF Fred A Hoff was born July 2, 1895, at Long Lake, South Dakota, the son of Andrew Hoff and Margaret (Knoll) Hoff. As a young boy his parents moved to McIntosh County on a farm, two and one-half miles west of Venturia, North Dakota, where he grew to manhood. As a young man he bought land not far from his parents, where he started to farm on his own. On April 3, 1919, he was united in marriage to Katherina Herr, who was born August 19, 1899 at Wishek, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Christian G. and Katherina Herr, nee Meidinger. Together they lived and farmed three and one-half miles west of Venturia, North Dakota, until the fall of 1966, when they retired and moved to Wishek, North Dakota. On April 3, 1969, they were able to observe their 50th wedding anniversary. Eight daughters were born to them. One died in infancy and another, Gladys, died at the age of 21. The others are Mrs. Melvin (Frances) Hoffman, Mrs. Jacob (Marjorie) Gegelman, Mrs. Harvey (Thelma) Kemp, Mrs. Hank (Vivian) Swierenga, Mrs. John (Delores) Hoeldtke and Mrs. David (Loretta) Blank. They are members of the Baptist Church and have faithfully served the Lord in whatever capacity they were able. MR. AND MRS. MELVIN HOFFMAN Melvin Clarence Hoffman was born May 18, 1916, at Ebenezer, Saskatchewan, Canada. The son of Hugo E. Hoffman and Martha (Fenske) Hoffman he grew to manhood and farmed in the community of his birth. On October 24, 1947, he was united in marriage to Frances LaVilla Hoff at Venturia, North Dakota. She was born in McIntosh County at Venturia, North Dakota, on November 5, 1922, the daughter of Fred A. Hoff and Katie (Herr) Hoff. After their marriage, Melvin and Frances farmed in the Ebenezer, Saskatchewan, Canada area for ten years. It was during this time that their two sons arrived: Dean Collin, born June 8, 1950, now living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he is employed; and Douglas Neil, born January 14, 1953, attending North Dakota State University at Fargo. In June of 1957, they decided to settle in the city of Wishek, where they continue to live and are engaged in various types of employment. MR. AND MRS. C. C. HUBER Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Huber were residents of the Wishek area up to 1952, when Christ retired as rural mail carrier, and they moved to Salem, Oregon. The Hubers farmed for a time, west of Wishek. He served as a rural mail carrier for thirty years in Wishek. As a veteran of World War I, Mr. Huber was a member of the American Legion Unit 87 and Mrs. Huber was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. They were members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church, while residing in Wishek. Their Golden Anniversary was celebrated in 1969 with children and friends in Salem, Oregon. They are the parents of two sons, Norman of Olympia, Washington, and Benjamin of Portland, Oregon. There is one grandchild, Linda Mack. She lives in Portland, Oregon. The Hubers reside at 2465 Edgewood Ave. N.E., Salem, Oregon. MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM E. HUBER This is a family picture of William E. Huber, born May 7, 1928 son of William (deceased) and Emelia Huber of Wishek, North Dakota and his wife, Phyllis Mae Huber, born March 17, 1930, daughter of Fred and Martha Sayler of Wishek. William E. and Phyllis M. Huber are both natives of Wishek, and have lived here all of their married lives. William E. Huber manages his own real estate, insurance and tax accounting business here in Wishek. Mrs. Huber is a fourth grade teacher in the Wishek Public School. Their children are: Mary Jane, a teacher at Elbow Lake, Minnesota; William Frederick, student at the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley; Lois Maye and Bonita Faye, a junior 2nd sophomore attending Wishek high school. Mr. Huber has served on the Wishek Hospital Board, the Tri-County Fair Board, the Association of Commerce; and is presently serving on the Wishek Retirement Home Board, clerk of the Wishek Park Board and President of the City Council. He also organized and is presently directing the Men's Chorus at St. Luke Lutheran Church. THE ANDREW JUST FAMILY Andrew Just, son of Christof and Elizabeth (Wanner) Just, was born on November 28, 1892. He spent his childhood and youth on the parental farm in the Zeeland vicinity. On May 24, 1918, he was inducted into the United States Armed Forces. He was on active duty in France and Germany. Following his discharge, on May 18, 1919, he procured a farmstead southwest of Wishek and pursued his farming interests. He was married to the former Rosina Wiest at Ashley on June 28, 1920. The Rev. Stienicker officiated. Following their marriage, the Justs were at home on the family farm where they resided for the next twenty-eight years. In October, 1948, they discontinued their farm operation and retired to Wishek. Mr. Just passed away on September 17, 1968. Eight children were born to the Just household. Two of the children died in infancy. Mr. Just was an active member of the American Legion and the McIntosh County Barracks. The family now includes nineteen grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Since her marriage to Mr. Andrew Schauer in 1969, the former Mrs. Just has resided in Ashley. Members of the family include: John (married to Dorothy Ketterling) Lodi, California; Mrs. Olinda (Edmund) Vossler, Vancouver, Washington; Mrs. Ruth (Alvin) Stevahn, Lodi, California; Mrs. Viola (Isadore) Meidinger, Zeeland, North Dakota; David (married to Bernice Hofer), Vancouver, Washington, Mrs. Luella (Francis) Bitz Lodi, California. MR. AND MRS. ALVIN MICHAEL JUST Mike was born February 18, 1919, nine miles northeast of Zeeland. He was the son of Fred J. and Magdalena (Schwindt) Just. At the age of one, he moved with his folks to a farm three miles north of Wishek. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on February 6, 1942, and was in the Aleutian Islands for twenty-eight months. He went to Germany for nine months and was discharged November 12, 1945. He was in body shop work before entering the service and has his own shop now. He also is employed at Rubins Bar. He married Lydia Stroh on July 20, 1947 She was born March 20, 1923 two miles west of Wishek and at the age of four moved to town with her folks. She was born the daughter of John D. and Eva (Dockter) Stroh. After high school, Lydia attended the New York Hairdressing Academy at Fargo, North Dakota. After graduation, she started to work for her sister, Mrs. William Larson on December 20, 1945, in the Modern Beauty Shop. One year later she bought the business and is operating her shop today. They have two daughters: Paula, born October 23, 1957, and Pamela, born September 26, 1963. Both girls attend the Wishek Public School. MR. AND MRS. CHRISTOF C. JUST Christof C. Just was born March 28, 1888, in the family farm home near Zeeland, North Dakota, to Christof C. Just, Sr., and Elizabeth (Wanner) Just. He grew up to manhood and was united in marriage to Emma Thurn January 17, 1911. In 1912, he built a homestead thirteen miles southwest of Wishek, where he lived until retiring to the City of Wishek in 1955. Twelve children were born to this union. Three of them died in infancy. The living children are: Mrs. August (Hildia) Meidinger, Eureka, South Dakota; Christ F. Just, Zeeland, North Dakota; Mrs. Edwin (Lydia) Sayler, Lehr, North Dakota; Norvin of Lodi, California; Herbert, Daniel, Gayhart, Mrs. Alvin (Emilie) Just, and Mrs. Ludwig (Irene) Sayler, all of Wishek, North Dakota. His first wife died in March, 1952, and on November 2, 1959, he married Rosina Opp, nee Schwindt. Rosina Schwindt was born February 7, 1890 near Zeeland to Simon and Christina (Wittmayer) Schwindt. On December 21, 1909, she was united in marriage to Christian Ketterling, also a native of the Zeeland area. There were eight children born to this union: Mrs. John (Ida) Bechtle, Mrs. Henry (Hertha) Gall, Mrs. Dan (Pauline) Rudolf, Mrs. Matt (Edna) Rauh, and Otto, Ferdinand, Gottfried and Paul Ketterling. Mr. Ketterling died January 29, 1932, and in 1935, Mrs. Ketterling moved into Wishek to live. In 1937, she married Christian Opp, who passed away in July, 1955. In the fall of 1959, Mrs. Opp was married to Christof Just, and in 1971 they moved into the Wishek Retirement Home, where they reside at the present time. MR. AND MRS. EDGAR R. JUST Edgar R. Just was born October 16, 1928, to Gustav and Barbara (Vossler) Just. His wife, Virginia, is the daughter of John F. Rieger and Katherina Rieger, nee Bender, and was born July 28, 1931. When Virginia was still an infant, her mother passed away and she was raised by her step-mother, the present Mrs. John F. Rieger. The couple was married November 2, 1952, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, rural Zeeland, and are residing on a farm, nine miles west and two miles south of Wishek, where Mr. Just was born and raised. They have one son, Tommy Edgar Just, born April 11, 1954, who graduated from Wishek high school and is presently attending Bismarck Junior College; and one daughter, Kathleen Barbara, born November 14, 1960, and attending Wishek elementary school. Mr. Just is the elected A.S.C.S. Community Committeeman for eleven years. He is a member of the Tri-County Fair Board and has served on the Board of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek, of which Mr. and Mrs. Just are members. Mrs. Just has been a Sunday School teacher for a number of years. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD JUST Edward Just was born October 24 1897, near Zeeland. He is the son of Christof and Elizabeth (Wanner) Just. On November 13, 1919, he married Katherina Thurn at Zeeland, North Dakota. She was born June 19, 1900. She was the daughter of John Thurn and Barbara (Schnabel) Thurn. After their marriage they settled on a farm, eighteen miles southwest of Wishek. There they farmed about 480 acres. In 1946 they moved to Wishek. Then in 1948, they sold the farm and bought 320 acres about five and one-half miles southwest of Wishek, where he continued farming. He taught Sunday School in the German language, and served as school director of Frieda School district No. 6. In 1964, they sold their house in Wishek, and moved to Lodi, California. There they bought a home. They were both life-long members of the Lutheran Church. They have five children living and two who died in infancy. They are Mrs. Rudy (Alena) Koepplin; Mrs. Calvin (Frieda) Miller; Mrs. Emil (Anna) Koepplin, and Raymond Just, all of Lodi, California; and Mrs. Emil (Edna) Thurn of Jamestown, North Dakota. They also have eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mrs. Katherina Just passed away May 31, 1966. Mr. Edward Just still resides in his home in Lodi. MR. AND MRS. FRED J. JUST Fred Just was born January 7, 1890, at Zeeland, North Dakota. He was the son of George and Christina (Rudolf) Just. In 1914, he married Magdalina Schwindt at Zeeland. She was born March 15, 1893, the daughter of Simon and Christine (Weidmeir) Schwindt. Their first home was in Miles City, Montana. They farmed near Miles City for three years. In 1919, they returned to Zeeland, where they farmed until 1920, when they moved to a farm three and one-half miles north of Wishek. They lived there twenty-eight years and built a fine prosperous farm. In 1948, they retired in Wishek. Their children are: Mrs. Ida Ebel, Ashley, North Dakota; Mrs. Eleanor Rath, Sacramento, California; Mrs. Esther Weisser, Alvin and Albert of Wishek and Mrs. Stella Stroh, Bismarck, North Dakota. They have thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. GUSTAV JUST Gustav Just, oldest child of Philip and Carolina (Martel) Just, was born on July 4, 1895, in McIntosh County about twenty miles southwest of Wishek. The closest town at that time was Eureka, South Dakota. In 1905, his parents bought a farm sixteen and one-half miles southwest of Wishek. He received his education from a farm school (Frieda School District) about one mile from the farm home. Mr. Just helped his parents on the farm until he was united in marriage to Barbara Vossler, November 30, 1916, daughter of Christian and Christina (Anhorn) Vossler. Mrs. Just was born September 1, 1896, in McIntosh County, about sixteen and one-half miles southwest of Wishek. She received her education at the (Frieda School District) farm school one-fourth mile from the farm home. They lived with his parents over the winter months until April, 1917, when they moved to a farm, twelve miles southwest of Wishek. They lived in a sod house until 1923, then a two-story frame house was built. Mr. Just was his own carpenter at the time. To this union nine children were born: Mrs. Ervin (Frieda) Hoff, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Ervin E. Just, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Alvin P. Just, Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Aloys (Frances) Schwartzbauer, Bismarck, North Dakota; Edgar R. Just, Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Albert (Audrey C.) Boschee, Lehr North Dakota; Mrs. Marvin (Delores A.) Meidinger, Wishek, North Dakota; Delmar A. Just Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Victor R. Just, Riverton, Wyoming. Mr. Just moved to Wishek in 1952 and built a one story home located at 101 - 10th Street South. He continued farming activities and in 1956 retired. Besides his farming Mr. Just was an active carpenter. The Justs are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wishek, North Dakota. Mrs. Just is a member of the German Circle in ALCW. MR. AND MRS. HERBERT E. JUST Herbert Just, son of Christof C. Just, was born March 16, 1916, at Wishek, North Dakota. He grew to manhood on the farm, twelve miles southwest of Wishek. On January 28, 1940, he married Eva Sayler, daughter of Edward J. Sayler. They farm nine miles west of Wishek. Their children are Garold and Jesse, Wishek, North Dakota; Janice of Michigan, North Dakota; Betty, Seattle, Washington, and Ricky, who is at home. MR. AND MRS. JACOB JUST Mr. Just's parents came from Kassel, South Russia, to their homestead near Zeeland in 1884. Jacob was born October 27, 1901, the son of Christof and Elizabeth (Wanner) Just. In July, 1924, Jacob was married to Ottelia Eckman, who was born May 10, 1904, the daughter of Fredrich F. and Christina (Weisser) Eckman, Jr. Her parents came from Kassel, South Russia, to McIntosh County in 1903. The Justs are the parents of two sons: Jacob, Jr., born December 13, 1925, now deceased; and Melvin of Duluth, Minnesota. Jacob Jr. was married to Arlean Wolf on January 6, 1946, and to this union their two grandchildren, Bayne and Suzanne, were born. The Justs are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. ALBERT B. KASEMAN Albert B. Kaseman, son of Bernard Kaseman, Sr., was born in 1904. On July 7, 1927, he married Emma Schilling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Schilling, Sr. They lived on the old homestead until 1950 when their son, Elmer took over the place. They moved to farm, two and one-half miles west of Wishek. They, too, lived through many hardships during the bad years with many disappointments and frustrations; but they testify they never went hungry and had enough coal and wood to keep warm. They have two sons and five daughters: Elmer, who is married to Violet Meidinger lives in Wishek; Edgar lives at home with his parents; Mrs. Edward Ackerman (Marcella) of Wishek; Mrs. Gideon Janke (Delores) of Lehr; Mrs. David Miller (Darlene) of Rochester, Minnesota; Mrs. Bob Miller (Vera) of Mansfield, South Dakota; Mrs. Bradley Brandner (Sheryl) of Wishek. The Kasemans are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. ART KASEMAN Art Kaseman was born August 17, 1923, near Zeeland, North Dakota, the son of Edward and Christina (Schilling) Kaseman. On September 23, 1945, he was married to Gertrude Meidinger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Meidinger, Zeeland, North Dakota. The couple moved to a farm, twelve miles north of Venturia. Two years later they moved twelve miles southwest of Wishek, where they are still living and farming. They have three daughters: Marion, born August 13, 1950, married to Robert Houn, lives in Bismarck. Janice, born August 15, 1953, also lives in Bismarck and is employed there. Ruby, born November 3, 1958, is still at home. The Kasemans are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD KASEMAN, SR. Edward Kaseman was born on September 4, 1900. He was the son of Bernard and Paulina, nee Hepper, Kaseman. He grew up on his parents' farm, sixteen miles southwest of Wishek. On October 24, 1922, he married Christina Schilling. She was born on May 2, 1904, the daughter of John and Rosina, nee Kessler,. Schilling, who lived on a farm 10 miles west of Hosmer, South Dakota. After their marriage, they moved to the farm of Edward's parents, where they lived for five years. In the year 1927 they started to build a farm of their own. The location was one mile southwest of his father's farm. They built a house and barn at an estimated cost of $2,200. Livestock consisted of a few horses and cows. When the drought came in the 1930's, things were not easy for the young family. By the grace of God they managed to get through those hard times. Being the parents of six sons was not to be taken lightly, when war came. All six passed their physicals for military duty, and four served overseas. One served in the national guard. All returned safe and sound. To this marriage, six sons and two daughters were born: Arthur, a farmer, at Wishek; Adam, a trucker, at Gackle, North Dakota; Leona, a housekeeper, living at Stockton, California; Erna Tallman, a nurse, at Bothell Washington; Clifton and Howard, who farm near Wishek; and Marvin and Edward Jr., co-owners of Kaseman Electric, at Linton, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Kaseman retired in 1965 and are living in Wishek at the present time. The nine and one-half quarters of land acquired in their years of farming now belong to the children. The Kasemans celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1972. MR. AND MRS. ELMER A. KASEMAN Elmer Kaseman is a member of the third generation of his family. His grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Kaseman, immigrated to this country and homesteaded sixteen miles southwest of Wishek. Elmer's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert B. Kaseman, continued on the farm until 1950, at which time they moved to a farm two miles west of Wishek. At that time, Elmer Kaseman, with his wife, the former Violet Meidinger, continued living on the family farm and reside there at the time of the Wishek 75th Jubilee. Mrs. Kaseman was born to the Leopold Meidingers on the family farm, eight miles north of Zeeland. The couple were married in 1949. There were four girls born to this union: Kathleen, living at Rapid City, South Dakota; Marlene, a student at Bismarck Hospital School of Nursing; Norma and Le Anne, both at home with their parents. Mr. Kaseman served on the rural school board for six years, and the family has been active in the St. Luke's Lutheran Church at Wishek through the years. MR. AND MRS. GOTTLIEB KASEMAN Gottlieb Kaseman, son of Bernard Kaseman and Mrs. Paulina (Hepper) Kaseman, was born in McIntosh County, February 13, 1894. He lived with his parents until the age of twenty-five. Then he moved to his own farm, fourteen miles southwest of Wishek, which he still operates. On December 17, 1917, Mr. Kaseman was united in marriage to Bertha Scharf, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Scharf. She was born in Russia and came to America at six months of age. Six children were born to them: Julius Kaseman, Sr., who farms near Wishek, North Dakota; Leopold Kaseman, who farms near Wishek; Gottlieb Kaseman, retired and lives in California City, California; Mrs. Ross Sargent (Lorraine), a housewife, in Stockton, California; Mrs. Andrew (Gladys) Peterson, a housewife, in Topeka, Kansas; Lenis, a machinist and farmer, who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Kaseman reside at Wishek and attend St. Luke Lutheran Church. GOTTLIEB KASEMAN, JR. Gottlieb Kaseman, Jr., residing at 8524 Catalpa Avenue, California City, California, is the son of Gottlieb and Bertha (Scharf) Kaseman, Wishek, North Dakota. He was born April 16 1923, completed his education in Wishek Public School, and attended Dakota Business College, Fargo, North Dakota, and Ellendale Normal and Industrial College, Ellendale, North Dakota. He married Dorothy E. Cotton of London, England, on December 19, 1954. Mr. Kaseman taught school in North Dakota and Montana for seven years. He then entered civil service during which time he was employed by the Corps of Engineers; U.S. Army; U.S. Army Aviation Test Activity; and U.S. Air Force Flight Test Center. He retired in 1970. MR. AND MRS. JACOB KASEMAN Jacob Kaseman was born September 16, 1885, in Russia. He was the son of Bernard Kaseman and Pauline (Hepper) Kaseman. He was married to Magdalena Kremer born April 6, 1886, daughter of Jacob Kremer and Philbina (Bender) Kremer. They were married January 11, 1907, at St. John's Lutheran Church southwest of Wishek the Rev. Melkert officiating. In the spring following their marriage they moved to the land twelve miles southwest of Wishek, where they made their home for over thirty years. They were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, rural Venturia, and Mr. Kaseman belonged to the church council for thirty years. In 1941, they moved to Wishek and joined the congregation at St. Luke's. They moved to the Wishek Retirement Home, August 6, 1969 and are still residing there. Mr. and Mrs. Kaseman have five children: Albert J. of Venturia, North Dakota; Mrs. Oscar (Pauline) Pfeifle, Ashley, North Dakota; August, Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Gottlieb (Martha) Kempf, Ashley, North Dakota; and Mrs. Arthur (Emma) Bader, Wishek. They have many grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. JULIUS KASEMAN, SR. Julius Kaseman, Sr., the son of Gottlieb Kaseman and Bertha (Scharf) Kaseman, was born in McIntosh County on April 18, 1920. He lived with his parents until 1943. Then he moved to his own farm, seven miles south of Wishek, which diversified farm he owns operates, and resides on. On August 10, 1941, Mr. Kaseman was united in marriage to Violet Donner of Wishek, North Dakota, who was born on July 21, 1919, in McIntosh County. Five children were born to them: Julius James, Minot North Dakota, who is a "Cottage Parent" at Boy's Ranch; Jerold Jerome teaching at LaHermosa, Laguna-Niguel, California; Gene Douglas teaching vo-ag and shop at the Boy's Ranch, Minot, North Dakota; and Roxanne and Dwight, who are still at home and attending Wishek Public School. MR. AND MRS. HERMAN KAUK Herman Kauk was born in 1939 and grew up on a farm four miles northwest of Lehr. He attended Lehr schools and graduated from Lehr high school in May of 1959. In October of the same year he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served four years. When he returned in 1963, he found California inviting and stayed there to work for the Guardian Paper Company in Newark, California. Due to the illness of his father, Emil Kauk, he returned to North Dakota in 1964. Bernice Kauk was born in 1946, the daughter of Charles and Viola Bettenhausen. She graduated from Wishek high school in 1964 and enrolled that fall in the Jamestown College Nursing program. In July, 1965, Herman Kauk and Bernice were united in marriage. They moved to California for three years, both working and living Fremont. They have three children: Alisha Lynn born in 1967; Sheldon Charles born in 1969; and Carlita Katrina in 1972. They now live nine miles southwest of Wishek on a farm. MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR KAUTZ Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Kautz are both natives of Logan County. Arthur is the son of Fredrick Kautz and Pauline Jarhaus. Irene is the daughter of John C. Boschee and Magdalena Goebel. Irene and Art were married June 29, 1939. They continued to farm nine miles north of Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Kautz are the parents of four children: Mrs. Lyle (Joyce) Ketterling; Mrs. Myron (Carroldine) Olson; Thomas and Rynell. They moved to Wishek in 1967 and continued farming until 1972. Their main interest now is in church and community work. Mr. and Mrs. Kautz are members of the United Methodist Church. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD KAUTZ Edward Kautz was born February 21, 1908, on a farm eleven miles northeast of Wishek. He is the oldest living son of Fred and Pauline (Jahraus) Kautz. He attended a rural school near his farm home. As a young man, he went in search of employment other than farming in California. It was from this state he was drafted and served thirty-five months in the army in World War II. Thirty-two months were spent in the South Pacific. After his discharge from the army in 1945, he purchased a farm twelve miles northeast of Wishek, where he and his wife, the former Viola Stading, made their home. Mrs. Kautz was the daughter of William and Katherine (Koth) Stading. Mrs. Kautz graduated from Wishek high school and Valley City State Teachers College. She taught more than seventeen years area schools. They have four children, all of whom graduated from Wishek high school. They are Reyburn Fredrick of Berlin, North Dakota; Wayne Edward, Fargo, North Dakota; Lynette Nadine, Washington, D.C.; and Andrea Elaine, Missoula, Montana. Three of the children went beyond high school. Lynette and Andrea graduated from N.D.S.U. with a B.A. and B.S. degree, respectively. Reyburn graduated from Wahpeton State School of Science Andrea is now working on her Master's Degree in Montana. Mr. Kautz served eight years as county commissioner for Logan County and six years as a member of the board of South Central Area Library. Mr. and Mrs. Kautz are active members of the United Methodist Church of Lehr, in which he serves as trustee of the church and is assistant superintendent of the Sunday School. Mrs. Kautz is church pianist and a Sunday school teacher. MR. AND MRS. REUBEN KAUTZ Reuben L. Kautz was born on December 16, 1920, on a farm located eleven miles northeast of Wishek, the son of Fred Kautz and Pauline Jahraus. On June 17, 1947, Mr. Kautz was united in marriage to Mildred Erbele, the daughter of Andrew Erbele, Jr. and Martha Reich Erbele of Lehr, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Kautz are the parents of a daughter, Margaret Beth. Mr. Kautz has been employed at Sayler Lumber Company since 1957. Mrs. Kautz has been employed as a clerk at the United States Post Office since 1944. Mr. and Mrs. Kautz are members of the United Methodist Church of Wishek. Their past and present affiliations in organizations are: Christian Service Guild, Association of Commerce, Civic League, Lions Club, Goodwill Ambassadors, and Homemakers. MR. AND MRS. CLIFFORD KEMMET Clifford Kemmet, the son of William and Ada (Dockter) Kemmet, was born on July 15, 1934, on his parents' farm eight miles northwest of Venturia North Dakota. He spent eight years there with his parents until they moved into the Village of Venturia because his father was in ill health. He attended grade school there and attended high school at Ashley, North Dakota. He married Gladys Kessel, the daughter of Gottfried and Emma (Pahl) Kessel, on November 4, 1952. She was reared on the family farm ten miles east of Ashley. The young couple lived on the former B. B. Kaseman farm nine miles northwest of Venturia until 1955. They then purchased Schrenk's General Store and operated it under the name of Kemmet's Food Center. In 1957, they moved the grocery store to Wishek in the building that now houses Weintz Cafe. Two years later, they moved to Jamestown, North Dakota, where Cliff went to work as an automobile salesman for Midway Chevrolet and Gladys was employed by the Central Dakota Nursing Home. In 1964, they came back to the smaller town living and bought the Schlenker's Ford Garage, with a partner, Herb Skeldum. In 1965, the partnership was dissolved and Cliff became the sole owner of Beaver Valley Motors, which he still operates to date. This union was blessed with three children: Jerald, born October 15, 1953, now attending Bismarck Junior College; Bruce, born May 10, 1955, attending Wishek high school, and Sheila, born April 27, 1960, attending Wishek Junior High. MR. AND MRS. JOHN KEMMET John Kemmet was born September, 1901, the son of Jacob Kemmet and Rosina Schilling. He grew up on a farm near Venturia, North, Dakota. Laura D. Pfeifle was the daughter of Andreas Pfeifle and Maria Stadel. She was born in 1908 on a farm near Danzig, North Dakota In 1927, John and Laura were married at Ashley. They lived on the farm until 1936, at which time they moved to Wishek. The Kemmets had two sons: Delmar who lives at Fall Creek, Wisconsin, and Wilmar D., who lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After a lingering illness, John died in 1946. Laura has been working in the Wishek Community Hospital as a laundress since 1954. MR. AND MRS. ART KETTERLING Art Ketterling was born November 19, 1935, in Campbell County, South Dakota. His parents are Albert Ketterling and Eva Ketterling, nee Meidinger. Later his parents moved to Casselton and lived on a farm in the Red River Valley. It was here that he started school. However, in 1941, they came to McIntosh County locating on a farm southwest of Wishek. They have lived here ever since. On January 1, 1957, he was married to Alice Wanner, at the Napoleon Lutheran Church. Alice was born November 7, 1936, to Carl D. Wanner and Lydia (Heupel) Wanner. The Wanners lived in Logan County at the time, but now live in Wishek. The Ketterlings live on a farm of 1,200 acres, which was started by Art's father, Albert. It is a diversified farm consisting of grain, stock and feeder cattle. The Ketterlings have three children: Michelle Marsha, born January 26, 1959; Wanda Jean, born September 25, 1961; and Kermit Keith, born March 13, 1972. Mr. Ketterling is presently a director on the Wishek School Board. He also is Beaver Creek Precinct Committeeman for the Republican Party. The Ketterlings are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. D. DALE KETTERLING D. Dale Ketterling is a son of Ruben and Frieda (Woehl) Ketterling and was born June 10, 1936, on the homestead eighteen miles southwest of Wishek, where his grandfather, John Ketterling, had lived. Mrs. Ketterling, the former Arvilla Nagel is the daughter of Walter and Erna (Fandrich) Nagel, and was born January 12, 1937, five miles southwest of Lehr. Dale and Arvilla were married on August 5, 1956, in the Lehr Evangelical United Brethren Church. They lived for a time with his parents, Dale assisting in the farming and Arvilla teaching rural Frieda school districts for two years. In 1958, they rented a farm seven miles east of Wishek, living there for one year at which time they again moved back to the family farm near Lehr, where Dale helped his father and Arvilla again taught school. In 1959, they again moved back to the rented farm, living there until 1970, at which time they purchased a farm ten miles southwest of Wishek. The Ketterlings are the parents of four children, three of whom are living: Del Roy, born June 22, 1958, Doreen, born November 13, 1960; Daphne, born August 19, 1962 and Darnell, born October 6, 1969. Darnell died September 26, 1970 from injuries received in an automobile accident. The Ketterlings are members of First Baptist Church of Wishek. At present Mr. Ketterling is deacon, having served since 1968, a member of the Church Brotherhood, and has also served as Sunday School secretary for a number of ye3rs. He is presently a director of the McIntosh County Farm Bureau, having served in that capacity since 1964. MR. AND MRS. FERDINAND KETTERLING Ferdinand Ketterling was born on July 2, 1901, on a farm north of Zeeland, North Dakota. He is the son of the late Adam and Louise (Rudolf) Ketterling. Ferdinand was married to Eva Rath on November 30, 1930. Eva is the daughter of George and Dorothea (Hoffner) Rath of Wishek, North Dakota. To this union six daughters were born of whom the following survive: Mrs. Carl (Erna) Hoffman of Arlington, Virginia; Mrs. Stanley A. (Florence) Gall of Miami, Florida; Mrs. W. V. (Dorothy) Schubert, Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Robert D. (Linda) Wastvedt, Williston, North Dakota. Ferdinand Ketterling came to Wishek in 1929 and worked for the Farmer's Cream Association until 1935, when he started a cream buying business of his own. He has been in that same business for thirty-seven years and is now one of the oldest businessmen in the city of Wishek. During these years, he has been a member of the city council, the park board for eighteen years, the Association of Commerce, and a volunteer fireman for twenty-five years. The Ketterlings are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, where Ferdinand was treasurer for eighteen years and was also a Sunday School teacher for a number of years. MR. AND MRS. RUBEN KETTERLING Ruben Ketterling was born on August 22, 1915, near Zeeland, North Dakota, the son of John Ketterling and Dorothy (Hauck) Ketterling. Freida Ketterling was born on March 28, 1914, the oldest daughter of Fred Woehl and Lydia (Bender) Woehl. Ruben and Freda were married on January 8, 1935. They lived on the family farm together with his brother Adam until 1944 Adam then moved with his family to Grand Rapids, North Dakota. The Ketterlings experienced the same hardships as everyone else during the 1930's, drought, dust storms, and low prices. In 1964, on May 5, a tornado destroyed every building on the place. This again caused many hardships. Later that year, they bought another farm four and one-half miles northeast of Wishek. They have three sons. Dale lives on a farm southeast of Wishek. Dowayne lives and farms with his parents. Roland is a student at N.D.S.U. at Fargo. They also have six grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. CHRISTIAN KIENZLE Mr. Christian Kienzle was born November 25, 1892, in Hoffnungsthal, South Russia, son of Christian and Magdelena (Schmitt) Kienzle. He came to the United States with his parents in 1910 and settled near Lehr. On April 9, 1913, he was united in marriage to Katherina Lang, the daughter of Friedrich and Katherina (Ackerman) Lang. Later that year, they moved to a farm seven miles northwest of Wishek and farmed there until December, 1946, when they moved into Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Kienzle had six children: Mrs. Christ (Lea) Wanner of Wishek; Mrs. Gust (Lydia) Diegel, now deceased; Mrs. Vernon (Viola) Witt of Fargo; Edward of Centralia, Washington; Clarence of Wishek and Norman of Bismarck. Mrs. Kienzle died September 11, 1972. Mr. Kienzle retired and continues living in Wishek. MR. AND MRS. CLARENCE KIENZLE Both Mr. and Mrs. Kienzle are natives of McIntosh County. Clarence is the son of Christian and Katherine (Lang) Kienzle, and was born April 4, 1924, on the family farm seven and one-half miles north of Wishek. He attended rural school and graduated from Wishek high school in 1942. Clarence taught rural school for two years, and later worked for a construction company as bookkeeper from 1946-1954. At that time he returned to Wishek with his family, becoming the Standard Oil Bulk Dealer in Wishek, the work he is still engaged in. Mrs. Kienzle is the former Jeanette Baumann, the daughter of Oscar and Emilia (Kemp) Baumann of Ashley. Clarence and Jeanette are the parents of five children: Thomas, living in Minneapolis and married to Cathy Rubel; Steven, in the Army; Michael, a freshman at the University in Grand Forks; Peggy, a teacher in Badger, Minnesota, and Gina, in the sixth grade and still with her parents. The Kienzles are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek MR. AND MRS. GREGORY KLEIN Gregory Edward Klein was born June 28, 1949, and was adopted into the family of Edward and Hulda (Bettenhausen) Klein. He was raised on the family farm northwest of Wishek and attended the Wishek schools. After graduating from high school, he attended the State School of Science at Wahpeton for two years, majoring in the field of Radio and TV repair. Mrs. Klein is the former Mona Mae Paulsen, born December 27 1950, to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Paulsen. She, too, was raised on a farm east of Finley, North Dakota, and upon graduation from Finley high school attended the State School of Science in the field of liberal arts. Greg and Mona were married August 31, 1969, in the Finley Lutheran Church. On June 11, 1971, they were blessed with a daughter, Carolyn Renae. They are now farming northwest of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. JOHN J. KLUNDT John J. Klundt was born December 29, 1931, at Jamestown, North Dakota. He graduated from Jamestown high school in 1949 and served in the army at Camp Rucker, Alabama, from 1950-51. Jim was married to Arlene Klundt of Medina, and they have four children, Steve, Jeffrey, Bob, and John J., Jr. Jim worked as a meat cutter in Jamestown until 1953, at which time the family moved to Wishek. Here Jim was employed at Herr Mercantile as a meat cutter for nine years. In September of 1962 he purchased the Red Owl Agency in partnership with Stanley A. Deile, and the business was known as Stan and Jim's Red Owl. In 1968, Jim and Stan purchased the Gamble Store in partnership and in 1972 Jim became sole owner and manager of Jim's Gambles of Wishek. The family belongs to St. John Congregational Church of Wishek, and Jim is a member of the Wishek American Legion, the Lions Club, the Eagles Club and the Association of Commerce. MR. AND MRS. JACOB J. KRAMER Jacob J. Kramer was born in South Russia on March 6, 1896, son of Jacob Kramer, Sr., and Elizabeth Kramer, nee Muenderle, in April 1901, he came with his parents to North Dakota. He attended some rural school, but in those early days school was very irregular as, often, they could not secure teachers. He served in the Army during World War I and spent eighteen months overseas in France and Germany. On November 18, 1920, he was married to Lydia Dietrich. They settled on a farm ten miles southwest of Wishek. The Kramers had nine children, three daughters and six sons: Wilbert (deceased) lost his life in World War II; Vernon and family live in Wishek; Clarence and family live in Redwood Falls, Minnesota; Lloyd lives in Wishek; Mrs. Bob Doering (Loretta) lives in Minneapolis; Mrs. Bob Kruezer (Arlene) lives in Texas; Klinton and family live in Bismarck Jacob Lee and family live near Zeeland; and Dorothy who died in her youth after a lingering illness. They have seventeen grandchildren. In 1939, Mr. Kramer purchased the J. J. Pudwill building and the John Deere franchise and became a very energetic implement dealer. He purchased a home as well and moved his family to town. He retired from business and farming in 1965, has been busy in many community projects, and enjoys fishing and hunting. MR. AND MRS. VERNON KRAMER Vernon is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Kramer, and was born November 5, 1922, nine miles south of Wishek. He lived with his parents on this farm for seventeen years, and in 1939, the family moved into Wishek. Mr. Kramer had purchased the John Deere dealership and Vernon worked with his father. Vernon served in the Army from October, 1944 until December, 1946. Mrs. Kramer is the former Martha Bertsch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Bertsch of Greenway, South Dakota. Vernon and Martha were married on December 22, 1946, and are the parents of four children: Douglas, Clyde and Robert, residing in Wishek, and Mrs. Vernon (Geraldine) Wanner of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Vernon was called to active duty the second time during the Korean War, in 1951, with the National Guard, and served with the 188th Field Artillery at Camp Rucker, Alabama. Mrs. Kramer and the two oldest children, Douglas and Geraldine, were also in Alabama during this time. In 1969, Vernon purchased his father's share of the John Deere dealership, and presently operates the business in partnership with his brother, Lloyd. For over thirty years Vernon has served the Wishek community in farm service. He also operates a farm eight miles south of Wishek. The Kramers are active in community affairs and are members of the First Baptist Church of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. ALVIN R. KREIN Alvin Roger Krein was born at Wishek on May 7, 1913, the third child of Jacob C. and Lydia (Ackerman) Krein. He grew to manhood at Wishek Graduating from Wishek high school in 1931, he attended N.D.S.U. for one year and spent one year at Valley City State College from which he subsequently graduated in 1950. He was a school music director for ten years. On June 6, 1937, he was married to Grace Duncan of Wyndmere. She was born at Calvin, North Dakota on December 6, 1911, the third child of Merrit and Margaret (Higgins) Duncan. She graduated in 1929 from the Wyndmere high school and in August 1955 from Valley City State College. Prior to her marriage she taught high school English. Later she re-entered the teaching field and taught an additional twelve years. After their marriage, Alvin was associated with his father for six years after which he and Grace established their own business, the Krein Floral and Hatchery which they operated for 18 years. They are the parents of four daughters and one son. Carol Grace, born March 13, 1939, is married to William Heimer, also from Wishek. They live in Fisher, Minnesota, where both of them teach. They have one son, Emmanuel Karl. Rodney Alvin, born May 21, 1940, is married to Janice Herr of Valley City. Rodney is a design draftsman for General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan, and Janice teaches in the school system there. They reside In nearby Waterford with their two sons, Kerry and Jayson. Sylvia was born August 25, 1944. She received her bachelor's degree from N.D.S.U. and her masters from Northern Illinois University. She teaches in the Glenbard School System and resides with her husband, Jerry Lynn of Ashley, North Dakota, at Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Jerry is a supervisor of Civilian personnel with the U.S. Army. He also is a N.D.S.U. graduate. Elaine, born October 2, 1946, is married to Donald Enzminger of Tappen, North Dakota. They live in Phoenix, Arizona, with their two children, David and Tracie. Donald is a sales representative for a carpet jobber. Annelle, born September 9, 1949, graduated from Valley City State College in 1972. She is now an insurance broker's secretary in Minneapolis. Alvin and Grace now reside in Fargo at 914 North 12th Street. Alvin teaches music and Grace is a librarian at North Dakota State University. MR. AND MRS. CLARENCE E. KREIN Clarence E. Krein was born to Ferdinand and Magdalena (Vossler) Krein on May 20, 1923, on a farm twelve miles southwest of Wishek, North Dakota. He resided on this farm until 1947 when he married Erma Sayler, daughter of Henry and Bertha Sayler. She was born at Glen Ullin, North Dakota, on November 17, 1925. Her father passed away when she was under two years of age. In 1931, her mother married John F. Rieger of Wishek, and Mrs. Krein was raised in this home and resided there until her marriage to Mr. Krein. The Kreins have lived on a farm eleven miles southwest of Wishek, since 1948, and are engaged in a grain and livestock operation. They are the parents of three sons. Richard, born December 28, 1948, a graduate of Wishek high school, is married to Kathryn Lynn Keck, and they are living at Seattle, Washington. He is working for Union Oil Company. He served in the Army from February, 1969, through November, 1970, during which time he was a noncommissioned Officer and served ten months in Viet Nam. His wife attended schools in Washington and is an assistant physical therapist. John, born March 1, 1952, a graduate of Wishek high school, was valedictorian of the 1970 class and is presently a third year student at N.D.S.U., Fargo, North Dakota. Steven, born May 6, 1954, a graduate of Wishek high school, was salutatorian of the 1972 class. He is attending Wahpeton State School of Science and is a member of the National Guard. Mr. Krein was elected to the A.S.C.S. Community Committee of District 1 in 1958 and served in that capacity until 1964 when he was elected to the McIntosh County A.S.C.S. County Committee and is serving as chairman at the present time. MR. AND MRS. VICTOR KREIN Victor Clifton Krein, the seventh child of Jacob C. and Lydia Krein, was born November 4, 1925, in Wishek. His father, Jacob C. Krein, was born in Neudorf, South Russia, on October 21, 1884, and his mother, Lydia (Ackerman) Krein, was born November 25, 1890. Jacob C. Krein operated various businesses in Wishek from 1911 until retirement in 1950, at which time Victor purchased his father's half share in the business. Mrs. Victor C. Krein, nee Mildred Violet Meidinger, was born May 11, 1925, on a farm thirteen miles northeast of Zeeland, North Dakota. She is the daughter of Otto Meidinger, born November 19, 1901, in McIntosh County, Zeeland, North Dakota, and Martha (Schwindt) Meidinger born August 21, 1903, in McIntosh County, Zeeland, North Dakota. Victor and Mildred were united in marriage October 19, 1947, in Wishek; and to this union were born two sons. Keith Kenneth Krein, born November 15, 1951, is at present a student at U.N.D., Grand Forks, North Dakota. Kirk Vincent Krein, born August 5, 1957, sophomore at Wishek high school. Victor Krein, after graduating from Wishek high school, served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific. On his return to Wishek he went into business with his father under the firm name of Krein Company. At present he has completed twenty-seven years of continuous business operation at 502 Beaver Avenue, Wishek, North Dakota. Active in community affairs, Victor has served as American Legion Commander; as president of the Wishek Hospital Board for eight years and on the board of directors for an additional four years; as president of the Association of Commerce for a term and a director for six years; as city alderman for four years; and as Sunday School teacher and choir member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. Victor was instrumental in starting and plotting the Wishek Golf Course along with two other enthusiasts, Roy Sayler, and Elmer C. Kaseman who, in turn, encouraged the interest of others. Interested in music and band, Victor helped organize the Wishek Drum and Bugle Corps. At the present time he serves as General Chairman for the 1973 Wishek Diamond Jubilee. MR. AND MRS. RICHARD LANG Richard Lang, son of Albert and Mathilda (Wanner) Lang, was born near Wishek on May 6, 1932. He was educated in the Wishek Schools. He served in U.S. Armed Services from October, 1956, to July 1958. He served eighteen months of this time in Germany. He was married on April 5, 1959, to Esther Eckman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Eckman. They have one daughter, Cynthia, who is an eighth grader in the Wishek Public School. The Langs are members of Grace E. & R. Church at Wishek. MR. AND MRS. AUGUST LEHR August Lehr was born November 8, 1893, in South Russia, one of eleven children. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lehr. He immigrated to Canada with his parents in 1902; and the same year they homesteaded in Logan County, Township 134, Range 70, Section 8. In 1915, Mr. Lehr was married to Pauline Reich, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Reich. She was born in 1897 in South Russia, one of a family of six. They moved to a farm three miles south of the original homestead until 1920 and then moved to Leola, South Dakota, where August worked as a carpenter. In 1924, they moved back to North Dakota and purchased the Harrison farm, Township 134, Range 70, Section 6. This is where the Lehrs resided until 1950 when they moved to Wishek. August then worked part time for a local implement dealer. The names of their nine children are: Mrs. Delmar (Hilda) Gallegher, Elmer, Lawrence, Mrs. Albert (Viola) Schweitz, Ivan, Marvin, Mrs. Larry (Vera) Sheldon, LeRoy and EuGene. Mr. and Mrs. Lehr celebrated their Golden Anniversary in 1965. They are members of the Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. PHILIP P. MARTELL Philip P. Martell was born to Philip Martell and Katherina Woehl on November 12, 1910, at Zeeland, North Dakota. His wife, Martha, was born on November 2, 1912, at Zeeland, North Dakota, the daughter of John V. Boschee and Christina Thurn. Mr. and Mrs. Martell were married on April 17, 1934, in Wishek. Their first home was a farm twelve miles southeast of Wishek, North Dakota. In 1935, they moved into Wishek, where Philip began a trucking business. At present he has expanded his business to include the Ford and Oliver lines of farm implements as well as a scrap yard. Their children include a son, Mike, born June 27, 1936, in Wishek who is now married to Fern Schuchard. A daughter, Carol, was born at Eureka, South Dakota, on July 2, 1942, and is now married to Norman Gall of Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Martell have four grandchildren. They are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek and reside at 303 Beaver Avenue in Wishek. THE MYRON MARTELL FAMILY Wishek has been "home" for Myron since his birth on June 27, 1936. He is the son of Philip and Martha (Boschee) Martell. His elementary education was received at the Wishek Public School. Upon graduation from the Wishek High School in 1954, Myron went into business with his father at Martells' Auto Wrecking and Implement. Fern is the daughter of Lester and Frieda (Schauer) Schuchard. She was born at Napoleon on April 24, 1940. She was reared and lived on the family farm until 1952 when the family moved to Wishek. She completed her elementary education at the Wishek Public School and graduated from the Wishek high school in 1958. Myron and Fern were united in marriage on June 5, 1959. They are the parents of two children. Their son, Michael, and daughter, Gina, are students at the Wishek Public School. The family resides at 309 Beaver Avenue. MR. AND MRS. ALBERT C. MEIDINGER Albert C. Meidinger, the son of Christian and Katherina Meidinger, nee Vilhauer, was born on March 11, 1898, ten miles north of Zeeland, North Dakota. On December 7, 1920, he was married to Emma Schwindt, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Schwindt, born September 11, 1901. To this union twelve children were born: Mrs. Art (Gertrude) Kaseman of Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Alvin (Viola) Raile of Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Edward (Luella) Foerderer of Wishek, North Dakota; Wilbert of Zeeland, North Dakota; Mrs. Walter (Elma) Rath, Wishek North Dakota; Mrs. Adam (Lorraine) Kaseman of Gackle, North Dakota, Marvin of Wishek North Dakota; Wilmer, Edgar, Ellon, all of Zeeland, North Dakota; Mrs. Herman (Alvina) Sayler of Wishek, North Dakota; and Mrs. Melvin (Arlene) Kaseman of Venturia, North Dakota. Albert and his family farmed on his father's farm until 1940. They then moved to a farm two miles north and one mile east of the parental farm, where they remained until 1965. They then retired and now live in Wishek. MR. AND MRS. ALVIN MEIDINGER Alvin Meidinger, son of Jacob and Christina Meidinger, nee Schwenk, was born July 30, 1913. He was reared on a farm nine miles west of Wishek and educated in rural public schools. Ruth Meidinger, daughter of Ferdinand Meidinger and Dorothy Meidinger, nee Rudolf, was born June 12, 1922. She graduated from Wishek high school and taught school for three years in rural school districts. Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger were married in 1943 and resided on a farm eight miles south of Wishek. They are presently farming four miles southwest of Wishek. They are the parents of a daughter, Ruby. She graduated from Wishek high school and the Valley City State College and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary music. She now teaches piano. Ruby married Tom Altringer who is music instructor at Sargent Central High School in Forman, North Dakota. They have two sons: Bryan, age five, and Scott, age two. Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wishek. Mr. Meidinger has served on the church council, on the board of directors of the Wishek Farmers Union Grain Association and has served on the McIntosh County A.S.C.S. community committee for fifteen years. At the present he is co-chairman of the Wagon Trail Committee for the Wishek Diamond Jubilee. MR. AND MRS. AUGUST F. MEIDINGER August was born November 21, 1898, in McIntosh County near Zeeland, the son of Fred Meidinger Jr. and Rosina Wittmeier. Mrs. Meidinger is the former Paulina Huber, born May 29, 1902, near Zeeland to Christian and Eva Huber. The couple was married January 3, 1922, and are the parents of six children: Ervin of Herreid, South Dakota; Gerhard of Downey, California; Florence Kearns of Parker Dam, California; Wilma Wisc, Orange, California; Shirley Aman of Fullerton, California, and Eunice Conliffe, also of Fullerton, California. They homesteaded a farm fourteen miles north of Zeeland and lived here until 1928, at which time they moved to a farm eighteen miles north of Zeeland. In 1944, they moved to the old John Vossler farm and later farmed one mile east of Wishek. They are active members of the Reformed Church of Wishek. Mr. Meidinger has also served as director of the Friedensthal School District No. 26 for eight years. In 1944, they moved to Wishek, and in 1962 moved to the west coast for health reasons. In 1972, they were privileged to observe their fiftieth wedding anniversary, with all their children present for the occasion. MR. AND MRS. BEN MEIDINGER Ben Meidinger was born June 18, 1917, in McIntosh County, North Dakota, the son of Jacob Meidinger and Christina (Schwenk) Meidinger. His parents were pioneers of Wishek and are both deceased. Ben attended rural grade school and Wishek high school. During this time he operated a service station nine miles west of Wishek. After graduating from high school in 1940, he entered the military service until March of 1941. He taught rural school in 1941 and 1942. Edna L. Krein, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob C. Krein (deceased), was united in marriage to Ben Meidinger on October 3, 1943. They have one son, Mark, who graduated from Wishek high school in 1969. He went on to graduate from the Professional Business Institute in Minneapolis in September of 1971. He married the former Cheryl Snow of Lemmon, South Dakota on November 27 1971, and they are presently both working at the Mobridge Community Hospital. Mark is an X-Ray and Laboratory technician. Ben owned and operated the Wishek Dry Cleaners from 1946 to 1949 and again in 1957 and 1958. He served on the Wishek City Council for two terms. He presently owns and operates a ranch eight miles south of Wishek. Mrs. Meidinger graduated from Wishek high school and attended the Chicago Hairdressing Academy. She owned and operated the Powder Puff Beauty Shop in downtown Wishek since 1939. Presently she operates the Meidinger Beauty Shop which is located in her residence in Wishek. The Meidingers are members of St. John Congregational United Church of Christ in Wishek. MR. AND MRS. EDWIN MEIDINGER Edwin Meidinger is the son of Fredrick Meidinger, Jr., and his wife, Rosina, nee Wittmeier. Mr. Meidinger's father came to this country from South Russia in 1885, and in 1897, after his marriage to Rosina Wittmeier, they homesteaded twenty miles southwest of Wishek. There were sixteen children born, Edwin being the youngest. The elder Meidingers moved to Wishek in 1938. Mrs. Meidinger died in 1941 and Mr. Meidinger died in 1945. Mrs. Edwin Meidinger is the former Dorothea Brandner, daughter of Fredrick Brandner and his wife, Elizabeth Merkel. Her parents migrated to this country from South Russia, both at age twelve. Mr. and Mrs. Brandner were married in 1899 and homesteaded twelve miles north of Zeeland. There were fifteen children born, Dorothea being the second youngest. Mr. Brandner died in 1938. Mrs. Brandner continued on the farm until 1946, at which time she moved into Zeeland. She lived there until December, 1972, when she entered the Wishek Retirement Home, and is presently living there. Edwin Meidinger was born September 1, 1918, and spent his growing years on the family farm. The more pleasant memories are those evenings when he journeyed three and one-half miles south to see the young lady who was to become his wife, Dorothea Brandner. She was born on September 26, 1917, and spent her years on the family farm. On February 17, 1939, the couple was united in marriage at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, and made their home on the Meidinger homestead. They lived there until 1964, when the farm was destroyed by a tornado. Edwin states that this was the fourth time the farm was hit by a tornado. While on the farm he was active as member of the Frieda School District No. 6 school board, was president of the rural Farmers Union Local, and a local business man for a year and a half. The Meidingers have one daughter, Marjorie Mae, born May 30, 1942. After graduating from Wishek high school and Hoosier State Beauty College, she was united in marriage to Dr. Larry Sayler. There are four grandchildren: Doreen Mae, 12, Larry, 10, Nathan Troy, 6 and Natalie Ann 1. The Meidingers moved to Wishek in 1964 and continue to make their home here. MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH FREDRICK MEIDINGER Joseph Fredrick Meidinger was born September 10, 1931, in McIntosh County, North Dakota, the son of Ferdinand Meidinger and Dorothea Rudolf. He grew into manhood on his father's farm eight miles west of Wishek. Melvina Meidinger was born March 22, 1933, the daughter of Arthur C. Meidinger and Frieda Aipperspach. She grew up on farm ten miles north of Zeeland, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger were married in January of 1953. They began farming with Joseph's father. They reside on a farm ten miles southwest of Wishek, North Dakota and have three children: Doris, Sandra and Jeffrey. MR. AND MRS. JOHN J. MEIDINGER John J. Meidinger was born in 1888, north of Ashley, in the Berlin Baptist settlement. In 1912, he was united in marriage with Emelia Dobler of Kulm, North Dakota, and three children were born to this union: Roland Marcella and Evangeline. As a young man, Mr. Meidinger apprenticed in the general merchandise business in Gackle and Napoleon. Eventually he owned his own store in Fredonia, and in 1927 he bought a store in Alfred, North Dakota. In 1942, they moved to Wishek and started the Meidinger's Store, which Mr. Meidinger operated until his retirement in 1954. Mrs. Meidinger passed away in 1969 in the Wishek Nursing Home, where she had resided for some time. Mr. Meidinger followed her in death in 1971. MR. AND MRS. OTTO MEIDINGER Otto Meidinger, the son of Frederick Meidinger, Sr. and Katherina Thurn was born on November 19, 1901, on the farm of his parents thirteen miles northeast of Zeeland, North Dakota. He attended the rural school near his farm home from 1907 to 1915. He helped his parents operate their farm until 1922 when the senior Mr. Meidinger retired and moved to Wishek. On November 30, 1922, he married Martha Schwind, the daughter of Christina Wittmeir and Simon Schwind. They remained on the family farm. Two children were born to this family; Mrs. Victor (Mildred) Krein and Mrs. Marvin G. (Maude) Fiechtner. They have five grandchildren. The Meidingers were members of St. Andrews Lutheran Church north of Zeeland and took an active part in the affairs of the church, being a trustee, treasurer and Sunday school teacher. He also took an active part in township and county affairs and maintained an interest in state and national government. He served as a director of the Blumenthal School District for eight years. He was appointed to the County AAA setup in the fall of 1933 and was elected assessor in 1934 of the third commissioner's district. Mr. Meidinger served as county commissioner of McIntosh County from 1941 to 1945, as soil conservation district supervisor for McIntosh County 1950 to 1962 and secretary-treasurer of the Zeeland Farmers Union Cooperative Elevator for twelve years. In 1946, they rented out their farm and moved to Wishek, where he was in the insurance business. They transferred their membership to the St. Luke Lutheran Church, where Mrs. Meidinger was a member of the ALCW and the Altar Guild. She also was a member of the Quilting Homemakers. Mrs. Meidinger died in the Bismarck Hospital on March 10, 1972, following surgery. Mr. Meidinger continues to live in their residence in Wishek and is in good health. MR. AND MRS. ROY A. MEIDINGER Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger are natives of McIntosh County. Mr. Meidinger was born on March 28, 1924, to Ferdinand and Dorothea (Rudolf) Meidinger. Mrs. Meidinger, the former LuElla Kramer, is the daughter of Emanuel and Pauline (Martel) Kramer. Roy and LuElla were married on October 12, 1947, and are the parents of six children: Rodney, living in Fargo; Sarah, married to Lloyd Hehr and living in Fessenden, Pamela and Fonda attending U.N.D. at Grand Forks; and Boris and Bradford, both at home. The Meidingers live on the family farm, seven miles southwest of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. WALTER R. MEIDINGER & FAMILY Walter R. Meidinger was born October 21, 1935, in McIntosh County. His wife, the former Marveline Wolff, was born October 17, 1939, to Mr. and Mrs. Christ Wolff, also in McIntosh County. They have spent their entire married life on the Meidinger family farm, nine miles southwest of Wishek. Walter and his wife have four children: Randall, born April 5, 1958; Clyde, born April 25, 1959; Marilyn, born September 28, 1960, and Rhonda, born October 12, 1961. In 1972, Walter was elected as a McIntosh County Commissioner. He is presently serving as a director of the Wishek Development Corporation and chairman of the Tri-County Dairy Herd Improvement Association. He was a charter member of the Wishek Jaycees, past member of the Wishek Community Hospital board of directors, and past superintendent of St. Luke's Lutheran Sunday School, Wishek, of which the Meidingers are members. Walter attended rural grade school for eight years and graduated from Wishek high school in 1953. He also taught rural school for three years before he started farming. WILBERT MEIDINGER FAMILY Wilbert is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert C. Meidinger. Landina is the former Landina Sayler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sayler The Meidingers were married twenty-three years ago. Following their marriage, they lived with Wilbert's parents on the parental farm. A year and a half later they purchased the former Adam Just farm fourteen miles north of Zeeland. The Meidingers are the parents of four children. Gene, the eldest, is married and resides at Wishek. Connie, Diane May and Tommy Willis are at home on the parental farm. MR. AND MRS. HAROLD P. MENSING Harold P. Mensing was born July 11, 1899, at Glyndon, Minnesota, the son of Wm. Mensing and Prudence Buttles. They moved to Kulm in 1905. In 1909, they moved to Ashley, North Dakota, where Harold graduated from the Ashley high school in 1917. He married Magdelena Gehring in 1929. From this marriage two children were born, Harold F. Mensing of Van Nuys, California, and Beth Lorraine, who died in infancy. The Mensings moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1937 but returned to Wishek, North Dakota, in 1945 where they operated the Auto Inn Hotel from 1945 to 1952. Mrs. Mensing passed away 1951. On May 28, 1954, he married Ida Walth and they now reside in Wishek. Ida (Krein) Walth was born June 1, 1911, the daughter of Jacob C. Krein and Lydia (Ackerman) Krein in Wishek. She graduated from Wishek high school in 1931 and attended the State Teachers College in Ellendale, North Dakota. She taught rural school for two years. On July 26, 1933, she was married to Dr. Henry K. Walth. To this union three children were born: Clifford Walth, who died in infancy; Dr. R. H. Walth of Bismarck, North Dakota; and Marion Reith, wife of Rev. Robert Reith of Seattle, Washington. Dr. H. K. Walth passed away on November 13, 1951 MR. STANLEY MOECKEL Stanley Roger Moeckel was born January 1, 1936, to Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Moeckel. He grew up in Wishek and attended Wishek Public Schools. Upon graduation he served four years in the Air Force spending three years of his duty in Germany and France. In 1960, he returned to Wishek after his discharge from the Air Force. In 1961, he attended Dakota Business College. He then worked as a bookkeeper in Fargo until January 1965 when he returned to Wishek to work with his father in the Moeckel Insurance Agency. He later took over the business in 1966, upon his father's retirement. Stanley has devoted many of his hours to civic duties. He served on the Wishek Association of Commerce as a director for two years. He was a member of the Jaycees for two years. He is now serving as a director and treasurer of the Wishek Development Corporation. He is also the finance chairman for the Wishek Diamond Jubilee. He is a member of the St. Luke's Lutheran Church. On July 23, 1972, he married Ardella Sayler Hilsendager. Through this union Stanley became the step-father to three children: Theresa, Colleen and Fred. MR. AND MRS. ADAM MILLER Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller were long time residents of the Wishek community. Mr. Miller was born December 11, 1888, in McPherson County, South Dakota, the son of Martin and Freida (Phfitzer) Miller. Mrs. Miller is the former Hattie Kusler, daughter of John and Magdaline (Werre) Kusler. Mr. Miller was a skilled carpenter by trade, and a number of the business buildings still remaining in Wishek were built under his supervision: the Pfeifle Garage, Auto Inn, Cook's Theater and the Red Owl Building. He died April 19, 1946. Mrs. Miller continued living in Wishek and for a time resided in the Strasburg Nursing Home. She was one of the original residents of the Wishek Retirement Home, coming here on October 19, 1964 to make her home. She passed away September 29, 1972. One son, Leo, remains and continues to make his home here with his family. MR. AND MRS. HENRY A. MUELLER Henry A. Mueller was born on February 24, 1894, the son of Andrew Mueller and Barbara Boeckel, in Crimea, Russia He came to America on July 20, 1914, to Bowdle, South Dakota, with Mr. and Mrs. Christ Mueller. Emilia Gall was born on August 26, 1898, in South Russia, the daughter of George Gall and Elizabeth Trautman. She came to America in 1900, living first of all in Tyndall, South Dakota, and later on a farm south of Napoleon, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Mueller were married on March 4, 1917, in Napoleon, North Dakota, by Pastor Walter Riedel of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. Attendants were Jake Ernst, Fred Kelly, Mrs. Henry Sayler and Mrs. Carl Eissinger. Travel was by four-footed raw horsepower in a sled. There was a blizzard the day they were married. The wedding reception was at the George Gall home with 30 guests in attendance. Their honeymoon was a nine-mile trip from the George Gall farm to the John Silbernagel farm where they started farming with eight horses, three cows, a heifer, and a lot of dreams. Their first car was a 1925 Star Touring, the rear end of which still serves as a two wheel trailer. Mr. and Mrs. Mueller's children include: Mrs. Walter (Alvina) Munsch of Petaluma, California, Rev. Fred Mueller and wife Lorraine of Willmar, Minnesota; Ted Mueller and wife, Rueby of Waseca, Minnesota; Mrs. Roy (Lenora) Mindt of Lodi, California; Mrs. Glen (Hulda) Chambers of Breckenridge, Minnesota, Dr. Arnold Mueller and wife, Carol of Topeka, Kansas; and Mrs. Jake Sayler (Irene) of Wishek, North Dakota. There are twenty-four grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. JOHN F. MUELLER John F. Mueller, son of Phillip G. Mueller, and Theresia Baltzer, daughter of Christian Baltzer and Helena Baltzer, nee Mauch, were married June 30, 1904, by George Bryant in Napoleon. They began their life together on a farm about fifteen miles northeast of Wishek where they lived in a sod house which had been built by John's father and brother. As their family grew, they built a frame house and eventually a larger one. Here they raised fourteen children who are all still living: Anna of Fargo, North Dakota; Martha Klein of Jamestown North Dakota; Hulda Kessel of Lodi, California; Edwin of Wishek, North Dakota, Bertha Solar of San Francisco, California; twin boys -- Edward who works in Gackle North Dakota and Walter on the home farm; John of Lodi, California; Marie Merkel of Lodi, California; Theresia Fischer living on a farm ten miles east of Linton, North Dakota; Edna Peddracei of Stockton, California; LoRayne Gill of Columbus, Ohio; Viola Erbele of Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Roland of Puyallup, Washington. All children were raised in the Christian faith. They farmed until 1943 when they retired and moved to Wishek. They lived in their home in Wishek for twenty-one years and in 1964 entered the Wishek Retirement Home. Mr. Mueller passed away in 1967. They have twenty-five grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. THE G. G. NEUBERGER FAMILY The Neubergers are both natives of Mercer County. Mr. Neuberger, son of August and Lydia (Boepple), was born on a farm a few miles west of Pick City. He was reared on the parental farm seven miles southeast of Beulah. His elementary and secondary education was received at the Beulah Public School. Upon completion of his high school training in 1945, he continued his undergraduate studies at Wartburg College, Waverly Iowa. He received his B.A. degree from Wartburg College in 1948. Thereupon he enrolled at Wartburg Theological Seminary at Dubuque, Iowa. After his first year of theological training, he was married to the former Erma Krausz, She is the daughter of John and Katherina (Rueb) Krausz. She was born on the parental farm east of Beulah and received her elementary education in a rural school. Part of her high school training was received at the Waverly Public High School, Waverly, Iowa. A two-year internship was served at the Rush Lake parish in western Saskatchewan. Upon completion of his theological training at Wartburg Seminary in 1953, they moved to their first parish at Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan. In 1958, the pastor accepted a call to Immanuel Lutheran at New Leipzig, North Dakota, where the family lived for seven years. On April 1, 1965 the family came to Wishek where the Rev. Neuberger has served as pastor of St. Luke Lutheran during the past eight years. Aside from their parish duties, Mr. and Mrs. Neuberger take a keen interest and active part in civic and community affairs. During the course of his ministry, Pastor G. G. (as he is commonly known) has served on many boards and committees on both the District and National level. The list includes: Youth Committee, Bible Camp Board, Conference Chairman, District Stewardship Committee, National Stewardship Committee of The ALC and presently, the Nominating Committee of The A.L.C. His name has appeared as P.T.A, President, School Bus Driver, Secretary and President of Lions, President of the Wishek Ministerium. Frequently he is seen riding the fire truck or the Community Ambulance. The pastor has done some post-graduate work at Garret Inst., Chicago; N.D.S.U., and Colorado State University in the field of rural economics and rural sociology. Asked about his interest in the rural ministry, the pastor commented, "I have always been proud of my degree -- S.T.M., which stands for 'Small Town Minister'". The Neubergers are the parents of two sons: Wayne (1954) a student at Bismarck Junior College, and James (1959), an eighth grade student at the Wishek Public School. MR. AND MRS. ELMO NICKISCH Elmo Nickisch was born January 7, 1911, in Wishek, the son of Gottlieb and Katherina (Hellmuth) Nickisch, He attended schools at Wishek and the State School of Science. In 1931, he graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He was united in marriage with Frieda Moser on June 17, 1934 at Streeter, North Dakota. Mr. Nickisch operated a service station from 1925-1927 and he was owner and operator of the Nickisch Funeral Home in Wishek since 1931, at Napoleon since 1957 and Kulm since 1960. In 1958, Mr. Nickisch incorporated the business with his two sons, Steve and Willard. Mr. Nickisch was an auto and implement dealer and dealt in appliances and furniture. He was a commercial pilot from 1949-1956 and operated a dairy farm from 1950. Mr. Nickisch served two terms as Mayor of Wishek and was County Coroner from 1934 to 1964. He was a member of the Executive Board of North Dakota Funeral Directors Association from 1950 to 1953, and was Sexton and secretary of the Wishek City Cemetery from 1946. Mr. and Mrs. Nickisch have been active in St. Luke Lutheran Church and other community activities. Mr. Nickisch passed away on November 12, 1957, and Mrs. Nickisch continues to make her home at 12 South 5th Street in Wishek. She is secretary-treasurer of the Nickisch Company and still does all of the accounting for the corporation. MR. AND MRS. WILLARD W. NICKISCH Willard W. Nickisch was born July 23, 1939, and attended the Wishek schools, North Dakota State University at Fargo, and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1959. Returning to Wishek, he joined the family firm. On September 4, 1960, he was married to Jeanette J. Ruff and they have two children, Daphne Delight (6) and Dirk Dwayne (3). His activities outside of business include flying as well as enjoying his boat at the lake. Serving on the Wishek Community Hospital Board for 9 years as vice-chairman, Chairman of the Wishek Airport Authority, President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and other various committees, has led to an interest in this community. On August 4, 1972, the Nickisch Company acquired a Funeral Home in Bismarck and the Willard W. Nickisch family now reside at 313 Saturn Dr., Bismarck, North Dakota. MR. AND MRS. STEVENS L. NICKISCH Stevens L. Nickisch, son of Elmo Nickisch and Frieda (Moser) Nickisch, was born March 21, 1936, and has lived in Wishek with the exception of being away at College. He graduated from Wishek high school, attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1956. He joined his father in the operation of the furniture business and funeral homes. In June of 1961, he married Marlys Ruff, daughter of Reinhold F. Ruff and Bertha (Scherbenske) Ruff of Lehr, North Dakota. She was born April 18, 1938, and graduated from Lehr high school. She obtained her B.A. degree from Westmar College of LeMars, Iowa in Homemaking Education and taught in Edgeley, North Dakota and Napoleon, North Dakota. Presently she is a substitute teacher in Wishek. Following the death of his father, Steve became president of The Nickisch Company. In 1968, The Nickisch Company built a new funeral home in Napoleon. In 1970, the appliance department was remodeled. In 1972, a new funeral home was built in Wishek and also the same year the firm purchased a funeral home in Bismarck. Steve and Marlys are both active in church and civic affairs. They have two sons: Dion and Bryce. They are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church and live at 221 South 10th Street. MR. AND MRS. L. L. NIES In 1906, at the age of five years, L. L. Nies came to McIntosh County with his parents to a farm ten miles southwest of Wishek, which his father homesteaded. He was born in 1900 in South Russia, the son of Ludwig Nies and Margaret Walth. Annettia Ulmer was born in Menno, South Dakota, in 1902, the daughter of Christian Ulmer and Christina Billigmaier. They came to the Wishek vicinity in 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Nies were married on November 23, 1922, in Wishek. They lived on the parental farm until 1934 when they moved one-quarter of a mile to start a farm of their own. Their children are: Alma Meidinger Nies, deceased; Marvin of Aberdeen, South Dakota; Wilbur of Wishek, residing on the home farm; Harold who resides on a farm three miles south of Wishek, and Robert of Bismarck who has worked for Davis Chevrolet, for the past eighteen years. They have eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In 1951, Mr. and Mrs. Nies moved into Wishek where they bought a home. They continued to farm a half section of land eight miles southwest of Wishek until 1968 when they sold their remaining land and fully retired. Mr. Nies recalls seeing Wishek grow. The first time he came to town in 1908 it was on the 4th of July and Herr's Store was serving ice cold lemonade free from 50 gallon barrels. It was then he fell in love with Wishek and decided to remain here the rest of his life. He can remember the drought years and how disgusted people became, but he is happy he stuck it out. He is now looking forward to quiet and peaceful retirement years. Mr. and Mrs. Nies are faithful members of the United Methodist Church. MR. AND MRS. JACOB NIES Mr. Jacob Nies was born October 24, 1893, in Gleucksthal, South Russia, to Ludwig Nies and his wife Martha, nee Walth. He came to the United States in 1906 and settled in this area. Mr. Nies was veteran of World War I. Mrs. Nies is the former Martha Aipperspach, daughter of Freurich and Magdelena (Meidinger) Aipperspach. They were married on October 30, 1919, and settled on a farm eight and one-half miles southwest of Wishek. They retired to Wishek in 1951, and in 1960 they moved to Lodi, California. Mr. Nies passed away August 23, 1970 and Mrs. Nies continues to reside in Lodi. The following children are still living: Mrs. Alvin (Irene) Zimmerman of Venturia; Gerhardt, Big Lake, Minnesota; Wilbert J. of Wishek; Mrs. Tom (Millie) Meidinger of Jamestown, and Elmer of Bemidji, Minnesota. There are also eighteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren in the family. MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM OBERLANDER William Oberlander was born in Medina, North Dakota, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter P. Oberlander. He farmed with his father on the old homestead until 1943 when he married Pauline Dockter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob F. Dockter, also of Medina, North Dakota. In 1943, William's parents retired and moved into Streeter, North Dakota. William stayed on the farm until 1948 when he took over the Standard Oil Bulk Station at Streeter, North Dakota, which he managed until 1961. He sold out and began working on highway construction which he continues to do today. In 1966, they moved to Wishek where Mrs. Oberlander is employed as a cook in the Wishek Community Hospital. The Oberlanders are the parents of two children: Wayne, who is employed at Fargo, North Dakota; and Brenda, who is employed as an L.P.N. at the Wishek Retirement Home. The Oberlanders are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek, North Dakota. MR. AND MRS. R. W. PFAU R. W. Pfau was born at Upham, North Dakota, and he graduated from Eureka Lutheran Academy at Eureka, South Dakota, in 1924. After attending Minot State College for one year and completing a course at Dakota Business College in Fargo, North Dakota, he worked for two years for the W. J. Lane Real Estate firm in Fargo, North Dakota, as a bookkeeper. He was in the hardware business in Hettinger, North Dakota, from 1930 to April 1934. During these years, he also served as city auditor of Hettinger. In April 1934, he moved to Wishek and opened a Gamble Store, which he successfully operated until 1949, at which time he sold the store to Marvin L. Brandt. He then conducted an Insurance Agency until 1970 when he sold it to the Dakota Insurance Agency. In Wishek, R. W. Pfau held the city auditor's position from 1946 to 1949 and from 1962 until 1970. He served four years as assessor, two and one-half years as alderman, and park board clerk from 1956 to 1970. He was also school treasurer for a short term. Reinie has served as chairman and director of the Association of Commerce, and was a Jubilee Director in 1948 and again in 1973 He is a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek. The family consisted of two sons: John D. Pfau, who is a sales engineer for a distributor of construction-industrial and mining machinery on the Iron Range at Hibbing, Minnesota. John is married to the former Sue Ringle from Walker, Minnesota, and they have two sons, James and Jerry. Dr. Donald J. Pfau is an optometrist at Walker, Minnesota. He is married to the former Lucille Vossler of Wishek, North Dakota. They are the parents of one son, David. In 1950, R. W. Pfau and Ruth N. Fercho were married. Ruth N. Pfau started as a postal clerk on August 1, 1940, under Postmaster J. H. Case and retired on June 29, 1972, culminating nearly 32 years of postal service. She was born at Fredonia, North Dakota, and attended grade and high school in Wishek. She has served on various organizations within the community and is active in the United Methodist Church of which she is a member. The Pfaus are now retired and plan to spend the winter months in southern Texas and Arizona. MR. AND MRS. ARMAND W. PFEIFLE Armand W. Pfeifle was born March 6, 1918, raised in Wishek, attended North Dakota State University, served as a First Lieutenant in World War II, and returned to Wishek to work for his father, E. P. Pfeifle, at the Pfeifle Chevrolet - Buick - Pontiac Agency until 1956 at which time he became sole owner. His son David is associated with the agency making this a three generation business organization. Mr. Pfeifle is a member of and past president of Wishek Association of Commerce, Lions Club, Wishek Economic Development Corporation, and past commander of the Fred Kelle Post No. 87. He is married to the former Elsie Moench (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adolf Moench, Ashley, North Dakota) who attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, was a bank teller in the McIntosh County Bank, Ashley, and Industrial National Bank, Detroit, Michigan. She served as a civil service employee in the United States Army Finance Department, Leavenworth, Kansas, during World War II. They are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Wishek, and have served in various capacities. They are the parents of three children: David, married to Patricia Potter; Mrs. Allen (Barbara) Thunberg of New York City; and Robert, a student in the Wishek high school. They are the grandparents of Mark David Pfeifle, son of the David Pfeifles. MR. AND MRS. E. P. PFEIFLE Edward (E. P.) Pfeifle was born on a farm northeast of Eureka, South Dakota, on May 26, 1894. He came to Wishek with his parents, Peter Pfeifle and Katherine (Deuschle) Pfeifle in 1901. He married Lydia Wolf, daughter of John S. and Fredericka (Fisher) Wolf, on January 1, 1916. Mr. Pfeifle began selling cars in 1918 and operated a Chevrolet and Buick dealership until he sold the business his son Armand in the spring of 1956. In 1957, Mr. and Mrs. Pfeifle purchased a home in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they reside now except for the summer months. They spend their summers in Wishek living in an apartment located in Mr. Pfeifle's first garage building on South Sixth Street. They are the parents of seven children: Armand, Wishek; Raymond, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota; Floyd, Tucson, Arizona; Mrs. Vernon (Luetta) Pepple, Bismarck; Mrs. Lee (Marlene) Okeson, San Diego, California; Myron, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; and Dr. Delano Pfeifle, Bismarck, North Dakota. They have twenty-one grandchildren and one great-grandchild. MRS. MARIA PFEIFLE Maria Pfeifle was born March 5, 1881, at Sturzburg, Russia, the daughter of Conrad Stadel and his wife Dorathea, nee Denning Maria's father died in 1883, and in the year 1885 Maria came to America with her mother, who was later remarried to Jacob Remboldt. The family lived on a farm near Scotland, South Dakota, where Maria grew up. She was married to Andreas Pfeifle of Eureka, South Dakota, on December 16, 1905. The couple homesteaded a farm about five miles southwest of Danzig, and resided there until 1945, at which time they moved into Wishek. Mr. Pfeifle died in 1958, and Mrs. Pfeifle continued living in her home until 1968, when she entered the Wishek Retirement Home. She continues to live there at the present time. The couple had five children: Annette G. Kolash of Aberdeen, South Dakota; Laura D. Kemmet of Wishek; Helmuth A. Pfeifle, living on the homestead farm near Ashley; Andalena W. Bender of Ashley and Guenttiner A. Pfeifle, living in Lansing, Michigan. There are also twenty-three grandchildren and forty-seven great-grandchildren in the family. MR. AND MRS. OSCAR PFEIFLE Oscar Pfeifle, the son of the late Gotthelf Pfeifle and Katherina Pfeifle, nee Spitzer, was born October 29, 1908, on the farm of his parents. This farm was located seven miles northeast of Venturia, North Dakota. He attended rural school near the farm home and helped his parents with farming. Pauline Kaseman was born April 20, 1909, in McIntosh County, North Dakota, on the farm of her parents. She was the daughter of Jacob Kaseman and Magdeline Kaseman, nee Kremer, who lived ten miles northwest of Venturia, North Dakota. On November 8, 1931, Mr. and Mrs. Pfeifle were married at the farm home of her parents. During the next four years they lived with Mr. Pfeifle's parents and farmed with them on shares. In 1936, they rented a farm twelve miles south of Wishek and farmed there for four years. In the spring of 1940 they bought their own farm one miles east of the farm which they had previously rented. They still operate and live on the 592 acre farm on which they carry on a grain and livestock operation. Mr. Pfeifle has been active in civic affairs. He was deacon of Christ Lutheran Church of Danzig, North Dakota, for several years and also served as Sunday School teacher. The Pfeifles were members of this church until its closing and they then transferred their membership to Zion Lutheran Church of Ashley, North Dakota, where they are still members. Mr. Pfeifle was clerk of Albright Valley School District for thirty-one years and served on the board of directors of Kem Electric Cooperative, Inc. of Linton, North Dakota, for twelve years. The Pfeifles have four daughters: Mrs. Lawrence (Janice) Schnabel of Ashley, North Dakota; Mrs. Walter R. (Margie) Hoffman of Aberdeen, South Dakota; Mrs. James N. (Kathryn) Ackerman of Eureka, South Dakota; and Pamela, who is living at home. She graduated from high school in May 1972 and attended the North Dakota State School of Science, majoring in nursing. MR. AND MRS. PAUL C. PIATZ Paul C. Piatz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton A. Piatz, Sr., of Napoleon, North Dakota, was born on April 16, 1929. He was educated in the Napoleon schools and served in the U.S. Army in Germany in 1953. Paul married Alvina F. Paul, born September 21, 1939, at Flasher, North Dakota, on October 3, 1957. He moved to a farm near Wishek in 1960 and has continued farming there ever since. The Piatzes have seven children: Paul, who died in infancy; Debra, born July 26, 1959; Edward, born September 26, 1960; Boyd, born August 27, 1962; Leon, born March 2, 1964; Bernadette, born March 11, 1966; Claudette, born November 3, 1968; and Jeanine, born March 22, 1970. MR. WALDEMAR PUDWILL Waldemar Pudwill was born July 10, 1890. His parents, Gottlieb and Mary (Chibiosky) Pudwill, came from Russia and settled near Danzig in 1885. He married Katie Weixel, December 5, 1915, at Wishek. After their marriage they moved to a farm eight miles northwest of Wishek, where they lived for thirty-eight years. In 1954, they retired and moved into Wishek. Mrs. Pudwill died in May of 1970. Their children are: Anna Pudwill, Wishek North Dakota, Mrs. Louis (Ida) Ferro, Miles City, Montana; Mrs. John (Hilda) Schwartzwalter, Reeder, North Dakota; Mamie Pudwill, Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Robert (Grace) Campbell, Los Angeles, California; Arthur, Wishek, North Dakota. A son and a daughter died in infancy. MR. AND MRS. JACOB RAILE, JR. Jacob Raile, Jr. was born June 24, 1890, in Klein, Neudorf, South Russia, to Jacob and Carolina (Wanner) Raile. The family came to America in 1903, arriving in Eureka, South Dakota, after traveling from Ellis Island, New York, by train. The family settled on a farm west of Wishek, where Mr. Raile grew to manhood. Christina (Martel) Raile was born December 16, 1892, to Mr. and Mrs. George Martel. The family came to this country from Russia in 1899, when many of these German immigrants left the country because the favorable treatment given them by Catherine the Great was no longer continued by the Russian government. The Martel family was detained at Ellis Island for three weeks because of a smallpox outbreak, after which they, too, arrived by train at Eureka, South Dakota. They stayed with relatives until a sod house was constructed for them. Mr. and Mrs. Raile were married at Ashley on February 22, 1911. The young couple moved to a farm near Medina, where they lived for two years, and then moved to a farm southwest of Wishek, where they lived until retirement in 1948, at which time they moved into Wishek. Mr. Raile died in May, 1963, and Mrs. Raile continues to make her home here. They had the following children: Jacob L., Alvin, Walter Gideon, Mrs. John F. (Lea) Wanner, and Mrs. John (Erna) Frank, all of Wishek; Mrs. Aaron (Katherine) Meidinger of Zeeland; Mrs. Albert (Ella) Eslinger of Napoleon; Mrs. Art Okerlund (Edna) of Kulm, and Mrs. Floyd (Malinda) Wiesser of Los Angeles. They also have forty-one grandchildren and thirty-nine great-grandchildren. MRS. LYDIA RAILE Mrs. Lydia (Krein) Raile was born on September 26 1896. She was united in marriage with the late John Raile in 1917. Mrs. Raile recalls that at the time of her marriage the market price for wheat was 21 - 25c a bushel. Following marriage, they resided on a farm two miles west and a half mile north of Wishek. The young couple's home also served as the community school. Two years later they moved to another farm five miles west of Wishek. In 1929, they obtained a farmstead fifteen miles southwest of Wishek. Following Mr. Raile's death on May 18, 1934, Mrs. Raile assumed responsibility for the farm operation. She kept the farmstead and provided a home for the seven sons and three daughters born to them. Six of her sons and a son-in-law served in the Armed Forces during World War II. A grandson served a tour of duty in Viet Nam with the United States Air Force in 1967-1968. The eldest son Elmer, died on October 24, 1970 at Billings, Montana. Mrs. Raile has made her home at Wishek since the 1930's. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD RATH Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rath live on a farm seven miles west and one south of Wishek. Edward is the son of the late George Rath and his wife, Dorothea (Hoffer) Rath. He was born and raised on the farm they reside on. Mrs. Rath is the former Erna Rudolf, daughter of the late A. L. Rudolf and his wife, Maria Rudolf, nee Meidinger, who resides in the Wishek Retirement Home. Mr. and Mrs. Rath are engaged in grain and livestock production. They have five children and three grandchildren: Mrs. Gary (Patricia) Ritter, who is a registered nurse and lives in Bismarck with her husband and child; Mrs. Neal (Karen) Nelson, an L.P.N. and living in Minot with her husband and two children; Deborah, a teacher of fourth graders in Harvey, North Dakota; Kim engaged in farming with his father, and Jayson who attends Wishek Public School. The Raths are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. EDWIN RATH Edwin Rath was born to John J. Rath and Martha (Lang) Rath (deceased) on August 1, 1927, in the Wishek area. In 1928, he moved with his parents to a farm seven and one-half miles northwest of Wishek. On November 6, 1949, he married Helen Hauck, daughter of Adam and Rosina (Lehr) Hauck. They farmed with his parents until 1961 when they purchased the family farm, where they now reside and are engaged in farming and ranching. They have one daughter, Carmen, who is presently attending N.D.S.U. at Fargo, North Dakota. They are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek, where Edwin has been trustee for two terms. MR. AND MRS. JOHN W. RATH John W. Rath, a prominent farmer known for his good livestock was born October 6, 1900, at Long Lake, South Dakota, His parents were George and Dorothea (Hoffer) Rath, who came to McIntosh County in 1901. On November 1, 1921, John W. Rath was married to Alvina Foerderer, daughter of John and Christina (Sayler) Foerderer. They farm in the Burnstad area. Their children are: Walter and Wilbert, Wishek, North Dakota; Arthur (deceased, 1929); Mrs. Harry (Irene) Renschler, Bismarck, North Dakota; Oscar, Bismarck, North Dakota. One child died in infancy. Mrs. Rath died February 26, 1942. On February 2, 1943, John was married to Christina Foerderer daughter of David and Christina (Sayler) Foerderer. They have two children: Mrs. Calmar (Verna) Rice, Hutchinson, Minnesota; Mrs. Larry (Judy) Kilbourn, Schawano, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Rath are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church. MRS. KATHERINE REICH Adam Reich was born in Kassel, South Russia, on December 16, 1885. His parents were Adam and Katherine (Schatz) Reich. He was married February 5, 1913, to Katherine Weber, daughter of Johann and Katherine (Goehring) Weber. They had thirteen children of whom nine are still living. They are: Mrs. August (Katherine) Martell; Mrs. Jacob (Pauline) Alexander; Mrs. Reinhard (Lydia) Werre; Mrs. Paul (Marie) Martell; Adam Reich; Mrs. Melvin (Erna) Schwind; Mrs. Waldemar (Bertha) Schwind; Mrs. Richard (Alvina) Brandner; and Edward Reich. There are thirty-five grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. JOHN F. RIEGER John F. Rieger, son of John and Barbara (Boschee) Rieger, was born in McIntosh County ten miles north of Zeeland on January 12 1896. He grew to manhood and spent his entire active life at farming sixteen miles southwest of Wishek. His first wife, Mary Rieger, daughter of Martin and Karolina (Hoffer) Rieger, was born in Russia September 18, 1896. They were married November 17, 1917. Two children, Marvin and Wilma, were born to this union. Their mother Mary Rieger, died in 1921. Mr. Rieger's second wife, Katterine Bender, daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Rau) Bender, was born August 29, 1901, at Menno, South Dakota. Two daughters, Deloris and Virginia, were born to this marriage. Their mother, Katterine Rieger, passed away in 1931. Mr. Rieger's third wife, Bertha Sayler, daughter of Fred and Christina (Werner) Sayler, was born in Logan County, February 29 1904. She was a widow, having been previously married to Henry Sayler who died in 1927, leaving her with two small children, Erma I. and Albert H. Sayler. These children were reared in the Rieger home. This marriage was blessed with three children, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, and Roger Rieger. All of Mr. Rieger's children are grown, are married and on their own. There are nineteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Rieger retired from the farm in the fall of 1970 and now reside in Wishek, North Dakota. MR. AND MRS. EMANUEL RIEGER Emanuel Rieger is the son of John Rieger and Barbara Rieger, nee Boschee, and was born February 10, 1902, in McIntosh County. He has lived and worked on his father's farm sixteen miles southwest of Wishek, until 1969, at which time they moved into Wishek In 1923, he married Christina Sprenger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Sprenger; she was born in 1905. The Riegers are the parents of three children: Clarence, living with his family in Bismarck, Vernon, living with his family on the home farm; and Mrs. Delmar (Judith) Boschee living in Fargo. They also have a foster daughter, Mrs. Harold Bryant, of Lodi, California. The Riegers are members of the Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. VERNON C. RIEGER Vernon C. Rieger, son of Emanuel and Christina (Sprenger) Rieger of Wishek, was born on a farm in McIntosh County, North Dakota Esther (Kuebler) Rieger, daughter of the late J. Adam Kuebler and Katherina (Heiser) Kuebler of Wishek, was born on a farm in Logan County, North Dakota. They were married January 29th, 1967, and are the parents of two young sons, James and Steven. They live sixteen miles southwest of Wishek, where they operate a farm and the Rieger Rural Repair Shop. Mr. Rieger is a member of Fred Kelle Post No. 87 of the American Legion in Wishek, having been in active service with the 188th FA Bn North Dakota National Guard for eighteen months in 1951 and 1952. The Riegers are members of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church of rural Zeeland. MR. CHRIST P. RITTER Christ P. Ritter was born June 15, 1894, at Glueckstal, South Russia. His parents were Fred and Fredericka (Kelle) Ritter. In 1898, he came to America with his parents to live near Eureka, South Dakota. In 1902, the family homesteaded twelve miles northwest of Wishek in Logan County. Christ lived there with his parents until the fall of 1916, when he tried his luck homesteading in northeastern Montana. With the onset of World War I, Mr. Ritter returned to North Dakota and on May 24, 1918, entered the U.S. Army. After spending nine months overseas in France, he returned to New York and then went on to San Francisco, where he received his discharge on March 29, 1919. On November 30, 1920, Christ and Sophia Frank, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Frank, Sr. were married in Salem Lutheran rural church. The newlyweds lived a brief time on a small rented farm, and then in the fall of 1921, they bought their own farm, nine miles northwest of Wishek. This farm remained their home until 1945, at which time they moved to Wishek. The Ritters have two sons: Dr. T. C. Ritter, married to Alma Humann, residing and practicing dentistry in Williston, North Dakota, and Elmer G. Ritter, married to Helen Granas, who resides and farms on the original homeplace. There are eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mrs. Ritter passed away on December 5, 1968. Mr. Ritter has always been an active member of his rural community, city and church. While still residing on the farm, he was treasurer for the Salem Lutheran Rural Church for six years. Christ was a member of the Hills School District, Logan County School Board for eighteen years, 1922 1940. In addition to his farming and many other duties, he was elected to the House of Representatives, and served as State Representative from the 36th District for three successive terms -- the 1935, 1937, and 1939 legislative sessions. Christ has been an active and interested member of the Republican Party with a continued interest in politics throughout the years. After moving to Wishek, he served as alderman on the city board under four mayors, Fred Thurn, Ed. Pfeifle, Elmo Nickisch, and Paul Scherman. Also during this time, Christ was a member of the church building committee that planned and built St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Wishek from 1947-1955. Christ P. Ritter is a Charter and lifetime member of the American Legion Fred Kelle Post No. 87, a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, and McIntosh County World War I Barracks No. 2588 He is still an active citizen of his community, spends part of each winter in California, and continues to do some farming. MR. AND MRS. ELMER G. RITTER Elmer G. Ritter was born October 23, 1923, at his parental farm home near Wishek, thus beginning the record of having lived his entire life at his birthplace. His father, Christ P. Ritter, resides in Wishek and his mother, Sophia Ritter, nee Frank, passed away December 5, 1968. Mrs. Elmer Ritter, nee Helen Granas, was born September 3, 1927 at Napoleon, North Dakota. Her parents are Mrs. Alvina Granas, nee Wolf, who still resides in Napoleon, and George Granas, who passed away April 21, 1971. Both Elmer and Helen are graduates of Napoleon High School; Elmer in 1943 and Helen in 1945. Following graduation, Helen continued her employment at Stock Growers Bank in Napoleon until the time of their marriage, then taught rural school for two years. After Elmer's graduation, he continued to farm with his father until 1945, when he purchased and operated Elmer's Standard Service in Wishek. formerly owned by Aaron Wolf, now owned by Ted Eckman. Spring of 1946 brought back the farming urge, and he sold the service station to August Eckman, and took over the operation of the farm vacated by his parents. On July 14, 1946, Elmer and Helen were married at St. Mathews Lutheran Church in Napoleon and continued to farm, purchasing the farm from his father a few years later to make it their permanent home. In about 1950, Elmer and his father, C. P. Ritter, received the franchise from International Harvester and for a brief time were IHC dealers in Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter are the parents of four children: Bruce 24 years old, married to Karen nee Walz of Ashley, has one daughter, Wenona, resides in Fargo, North Dakota, attending NDSU and employed at St. Luke's Hospital; Cathy, 21 years old, residing in Bismarck, North Dakota, employed as a nurse at the St. Alexius Hospital; Sharon, 17 years old, at home, and a Senior at Wishek high school; Cori Jo, 9 years old, at home and in the 4th grade at Wishek Grade School. The Ritters are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. Helen is an active member and past president of the Women of the Church. Elmer is a charter member of the Wishek Golf Club, a member of the Elks and Eagles lodges. FRANK AND LUELLA (BECKY) ROEHM The late Frank W. Roehm was born June 15, 1896. His parents were Charles and Rebecca Stegeman Roehm, who homesteaded on the shores of Green Lake in 1886. In 1902, the family moved to the Roehm farm near Wishek. Frank received his education in the Wishek Public School, His first position was teaching in a rural school near Wishek. He decided teaching was no career for him and turned his attention to ranching, which through all his life was his main interest. For some years he and his brother Fred operated a dairy delivering milk and cream to many of the Wishek residents. He devoted much of his time to community affairs. He served on the Wishek School Board for two terms. He was deeply interested in politics. He was precinct committeeman and chairman of the McIntosh County Democratic Committee for many years. During W.P.A. days he was Sanitation Supervisor for McIntosh, Emmons, and Logan Counties. He was acting Postmaster in Wishek from 1944-1949. He was a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church. He was the first president of the Brotherhood. After a lingering illness, he died January 27, 1964. On June 15, 1930, he married Luella Beckman, daughter of Fred and Sophie Krueger Beckman of Ypsilanti, North Dakota. She was born June 8, 1907, at Milbank, South Dakota. She received her elementary education in rural schools graduating from Jamestown high school and the Valley City State Teacher's College. She taught school in Wishek from 1925 to 1930. With her husband's failing health she resumed teaching and is presently teaching in Wishek. Through the years she has been active in community affairs, the Church School and Women's Organizations of the St. Luke Lutheran Church. Their children are Arlys Elaine and Sharon Anne pictured below with their families: Arlys Elaine was born May 8, 1931. She married James C. Hunt of Champaign, Illinois. Their children are Carol Suzanne Hunt, born September 21, 1955, and David Roehm Hunt, born May 15, 1958. They reside in Washington, Illinois Sharon Anne was born February 20, 1943. She married James Meidinger of Zeeland, North Dakota. They have twin sons Jeffrey James and Bradley Thomas, born June 2, 1961. They reside on the family ranch. MR. AND MRS. ALVIN RUDOLF Alvin is the eldest of the Rudolf family, which consisted of six sisters and two brothers. The son of August and Maria (Meidinger) Rudolf, Alvin was born on November 30, 1914. He was reared on the parental farm and received his elementary education in rural school in the neighborhood. Aside from his farming interests, he has worked part-time at the Wishek Concrete and at the Levi Elevator. In addition to his farm operations, he is presently employed at the local Gamble Store His father passed away in 1934. His mother patron at the Wishek Nursing and Retirement Home. Ada Rudolf claims Wishek as her birthplace and has been a lifelong Wishekite. She is the daughter of John and Frieda (Fischer) Rau. The family consisted of four brothers and four sisters. Her father was the local Soo Line section foreman until his passing in 1938. Her mother passed away in 1963. The Rudolfs are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf are the parents of four children. All of the children attended Wishek Public School and attended various colleges after graduation. The children are: Sharen Rudolf, Placentia, Calif.; Mrs. Leonard (Carole) Becker, Bismarck; Michael, Fargo; and Jerry, Everett, Washington. Jerry is married to the former Jeanette Schwind of Wishek Alvin and Ada take great delight in and are proud of the five grandchildren that have been added to the family tree. They are: Todd (8) and Wade (2) Becker of Bismarck and Jo Dee (10), Ju Lee (9) and Jerry, Jr. (8) of Everett, Washington. MR. AND MRS. HELMUTH RUDOLF Helmuth Rudolf was born October 21, 1917, on a farm seventeen miles southwest of Wishek to August and Maria Meidinger Rudolf. He farmed on the family homestead until 1959. He married Priscilla Backhaus on May 5, 1957, at Wishek. Priscilla is the daughter of the late William Backhaus and Mrs. Jess Isness, nee Docktor, of Britton, South Dakota. To this union one daughter was born, Rhonda Marie, on October 19, 1958. Mr. Rudolf has been employed at the Wishek Public School since 1959, and Mrs. Rudolf is employed at the Wishek Retirement and Nursing Home. Mrs. Rudolf has been active in Sunday School, 4-H leader, and member of the Wishek Civic League. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf and Rhonda are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. FERDINAND RUDOLF The Rudolf farm, located twelve miles southwest of Wishek, is the original Sprenger homestead. The homestead has remained in the family for several generations. All of the original buildings were constructed by Ferdinand's grandfather, Mr. Friedrich Sprenger. The only original buildings remaining are the old summer kitchen and the house, which has been completely renovated and remodeled. Ferdinand is the son of John and Karolina (Sprenger) Rudolf. He was born on the family homestead on September 27, 1915. His elementary education was received at the Rosenfeld school, a rural school one-half mile east of the farm. The only means of transportation was to walk. Mr. Rudolf's children received their elementary education in the same school. Upon completion of his elementary education, Ferdinand assisted his parents with the farm operation. Upon the retirement of his parents, Ferdinand and Lenora purchased the family farm in 1941. During the 30's, Ferdinand recalls working in northeastern North Dakota, picking potatoes and helping with the threshing to earn a little extra money. As a young boy, he recalls gathering up cow chips which were used for cooking and heating purposes. On April 20, 1941, Ferdinand was married to Lenora E. Weisz. Lenora is the daughter of Jacob and Paulina (Ketterling) Weisz. She was born on the Weisz homestead located ten miles north of Lehr. Her elementary education was received in a one-room rural school in Logan county. The school was located three miles from the parental farm. The distance was covered via horse and buggy in the fall and spring and via sled in the winter. Upon reaching her "teens," Lenora was employed at various jobs until her marriage. The Rudolfs began their farm operation with a team of horses a few milk cows, an old tractor and some old machinery, some of which was in great need of replacement. Due to good crop conditions they were able to surmount these handicaps one by one. By 1943, they were able to purchase their first new tractor -- an L A Case on steel. As Ferd puts it, "It was rough riding for $1,325." Prior to the arrival of R.E.A. in 1948, a 32 volt light plant supplied the electrical power for the farm. A new barn, designed for milking was constructed in 1943 and is still being used for that purpose Through the years new buildings and other improvements have been made on the farm. In 1955, Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf received the McIntosh County Soil Conservation Award for the most outstanding farm. Mr. Rudolf actively promoted rural telephone service which was obtained in 1951. A daughter and a son brightened the lives and the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf. Connie Lenora was added to the household on March 3, 1944. She was married to Mr. Theodore A Grosz on May 7, 1972. She and her husband reside at Moorhead, Minnesota. Gene Ferdinand joined the family on February 28, 1951. He is presently employed at Wishek and helps his father with the farm operations. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. Mr. Rudolf served for many years as a member of the Rosenfeld school board. He is an active Rural Fireman, member of the Wishek Community Hospital Board and St. Luke Churchmen. The family takes a keen interest and active part in the various church and civic organizations. MR. AND MRS. LEOPOLD RUDOLF Leopold Rudolf, son of Ludwig Rudolf, Jr. and Eva (Aipperspach) Rudolf, was born on March 17, 1910, on a farm in McIntosh County southwest of Wishek, where he grew to manhood. He farmed for a few years, before moving to Zeeland in 1937. In 1942 he moved to Ashley, where he worked for the State Highway Department. He came to Wishek in 1947, where he managed the Wishek Concrete Products and Lumber Company for a number of years. He moved to Lehr in 1964 and is currently the owner and operator of Rudolf Lumber Company. Mr. Rudolf was united in marriage to Frieda (Ketterling) Rudolf the daughter of Gottlieb and Margaretha (Woehl) Ketterling on September 27, 1932. They are the parents of three children: Russell born July 4, 1933, a graduate of Wartburg Colleqe and Theological Seminary is presently pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Owatonna, Minnesota, married, and has two sons. Vivian, born January 18, 1935, is also a graduate of Wartburg College. She is married and has two children. She and her husband are proprietors of the Rindelaub Bakery in Waseca, Minnesota. Leopold (Lou), born May 14, 1952, is a student at Wartburg College. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf have both been active in a variety of community affairs. As members of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wishek, they have served at all levels of church activities. MR. AND MRS. PAUL RUDOLF Paul Rudolf, son of August L Rudolf and Maria Meidinger, was born July 14, 1922, at Wishek, North Dakota. Estelle Verna Krein, daughter of Ferdinand Krein and Magdalena Vossler was born September 11, 1924. Estelle and Paul were married December 28, 1945, and have carried on farming operations and served as substitute rural mail carrier. To this union were born five children: Paulette, born September 10, 1946, deceased; Gregory Ross born October 6, 1947, in Wishek, North Dakota, married to Debbie Virden of Grand Forks, North Dakota on November 27, 1968. Gregory is an accountant with the North Dakota Highway Department, Bismarck, North Dakota, and also served in the United States Army. They have twin sons born April 30, 1970, named Eric and David. Sheila Gail Rudolf was born September 23, 1953, in Wishek and is married to Peter Dewey of Jamestown. Both attend Valley City State College. Jan Paul Rudolf, born December 21, 1955, in Wishek is a junior in Wishek high school; Scott Allen Rudolf, born August 27, 1961, in Wishek is in sixth grade at Wishek Elementary. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rudolf are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wishek Paul served as trustee for four years and served on the parish education board and in the men's chorus. He also member of the American Legion, being a World War II veteran. Estelle served as a Sunday School Teacher for many years and is a member of the Legion Auxiliary. MRS. MARIA RUDOLF Maria Rudolf, daughter of Friedrich Meidinger and Katherina Thurn, was born March 2, 1894, in McIntosh County about twenty miles southwest of Wishek. She married August L. Rudolf, son of Ludwig Rudolf, Jr. and Eva Aipperspach, February 15, 1914. He was born October 7, 1890. They established a rural home in McIntosh County and operated their farm until the winter of 1935. After a short illness Mr. Rudolf died on January 11, 1935, at the age of 44. Mrs. Rudolf remained on the farm and continued farming with her nine children until the fall of 1946. At this time she retired and moved into the city of Wishek, North Dakota. Her nine children are: Alvin, Wishek, North Dakota; Esther Brandner, Zeeland, North Dakota; Helmuth, Wishek, North Dakota; Erna Rath, Wishek, North Dakota; Alma Dorr, Gackle, North Dakota; Paul, Wishek, North Dakota; Luella Vilhauer, Vancouver, Washington Mabel Rise, Alexandria, Minnesota; and Lorena Hochhalter, Wishek North Dakota. Mrs. Rudolf has twenty-seven grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Mrs. Rudolf is a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Since October she has made her home in the Wishek Retirement Home. MR. AND MRS. DAVID RUEB Both Mr. and Mrs. Rueb are life-long residents of McIntosh County David was born March 17, 1905, and Ida (Werre) Rueb was born May 4, 1907. The couple was married November 29, 1927, and lived with Mr. Rueb's family for one year They then moved to a farm ten miles northwest of Wishek and farmed several farm sites until 1957. At that time they moved into Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Rueb had one son, Clarence, who is married to the former Esther Daschok, and who lives in Bothell, Washington They have four children. Mr. Rueb recalls some interesting notes during the "hard" years, as for example, selling one week's cream in 1929 for eighty-five cents He recalls shooting rabbits for food, doing the hunting on horseback, and having a car, but no gas to operate it Mr. Rueb at the present does custom meat processing and cement work. They are members of the Assembly of God Church. MR. AND MRS. RUBIN RUEB Rubin G. Rueb, son of George and Mary (Martell) Rueb, was born on a farm in McIntosh County on August 17, 1920. The family moved to Wishek in 1936, at which time Rubin joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, working as a truck driver and surveyor's helper in Camps in Utah and North Dakota. Returning home, he continued to work at a variety of jobs. Louise (Hatfield) Rueb, daughter of Otto and Martha (Timm) Hatfield, was born and reared in the Kintyre area of Kidder County, graduating from high school in Napoleon, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Rueb were married on February 1, 1942. In December of 1942 Rubin entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II, serving two years in the United States and the third year with the Army in Europe. The Ruebs are members of the American Legion and Auxiliary and have served as officers of those organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Rueb are the parents of two daughters, Donna and Karen. Both daughters are married, and there are two grandchildren. In 1948, Rubin and Jake Eiseman opened a tavern in Wishek as partners. Twelve years later Rubin went into business on his own in a tavern known as Rubin's Bar which business he continues to operate. Mr. and Mrs. Rueb are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. He also holds membership in the Eagles, Elks and the Association of Commerce. As a member of the Wishek Park Board, he is currently serving as its chairman. MR. AND MRS. CHRISTIAN RUFF Christian Ruff, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ruff, was born in the Fredonia area on August 4, 1902. Martha (Rudolf) Ruff, daughter of George Rudolf and Karolina (Krein) Rudolf, was born on a farm in McIntosh County southwest of Wishek. The parents of both Mr. and Mrs. Ruff were farmers and early settlers in the Logan-McIntosh Counties area of North Dakota. Christian and Martha Ruff were married on November 12, 1939, and have lived all their married life in Wishek and vicinity. They are the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter: Rudolf C. Ruff of Huntsville, Alabama; James S. Ruff, an Army veteran who is now deceased; and Verna I. Ruff of Grafton, North Dakota. Mr. Ruff was a laborer on a variety of jobs, both farm and city, and for a number of years worked as a second man for the Sayler Lumber Company in Wishek. MR. AND MRS. FRED J. SAYLER Fred J. Sayler was born December 31, 1886, in Odessa, Russia. He is the son of Jacob Sayler and Christina Sayler, nee Kautz. He was married to Christina Link, September 6th, 1908, at Zeeland, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Gottlieb and Phillipina Link, Zeeland, North Dakota. She died in her home at Wishek on April 2, 1963. To this union of marriage, seven children were born of whom the following survive: Edwin A. Sayler, San Diego, California; Arthur T. Sayler, Wishek, North Dakota; Roy O. Sayler, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Erna I. Klein, Huron, South Dakota. Preceding in death were an infant baby girl, Elmer E. Sayler in 1952, and Walter R. Sayler in 1971. Fred J. Sayler came to the United States with his parents at the age of 13, migrating from Russia. His parents located on a farm near Artas, South Dakota, which they homesteaded. At the age of 17 he left the farm to work for the Soo Line railroad at Braddock, North Dakota. In 1905 he came to Wishek to work for C. H. Suess, manager of the North Star Lumber Company. His salary at that time was $30.00 per month of which he paid $13.00 per month to the local Hill Hotel for board and room. Some of the early residents residing in Wishek at the time of his arrival were M. E. Pratt, postmaster, J. C. Nippolt, manager of the Hill Hotel, A. P. Guy, Attorney at Law, Gottlieb Nickish, blacksmith, Jacob Hofer, county school teacher, and E. H. Cook, proprietor of the Pool Hall. As a result of this first job in the lumber business, Mr. Sayler became very interested in the business and was soon promoted to Manager. During this time the business changed hands several times and in 1927 Mr. Sayler started his own lumber business and shortly thereafter he bought out his competitors. The name of the firm was changed to Sayler Lumber Company. During the following years the business was taken over by the children and each contributed his time and effort to make the business a success. In 1963 the business was purchased by Arthur T. Sayler and is still operating under the name of Sayler Lumber Company. Fred Sayler retired from business in 1945. He recalls one of his first business transactions in Wishek was the sale of the materials to L. A. Laurent, contractor and builder, who built the Wishek Public School frame structure in 1908, dismantled in 1971. He sold and furnished the materials for many of the first farm homes and buildings, country school houses, churches, and business buildings which were being erected in the area. After his retirement from the lumber business he started a development project in the city and built the present Beaver Valley Creamery building, the present Dr. Schubert office building, and a housing development on the south end of Main Street which was the start of many new homes being built in the city in future years. In 1952, he joined together with three of his sons, Walter, Arthur and Roy, to purchase the Security State Bank from the John Doyle family. He served on the board of directors of the bank for 21 years, retiring in December of 1972. Fred Sayler recalls when the first airplane came to Wishek in 1919. He was then the president of the village council and was honored with getting the first plane ride. It was quite a thrill in those days. Through his years in business, Mr. Sayler has always been active in civic and community affairs. He served in the many organizations in the community, the County Welfare office, Red Cross, and was a charter member in organizing the local St. John Congregational Church. He has always been a strong supporter of community projects and has enjoyed seeing Wishek grow and prosper. Mr. Sayler still makes his home in Wishek and enjoys his home, friends, and fairly good health. His brother and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Christ Sayler, live with him and help to care for him. MR. AND MRS. WALTER R. SAYLER AND FAMILY Walter R. Sayler was born on October 7, 1916, in Wishek, North Dakota, son of Fred J. Sayler and Christina (nee Link) Sayler. He attended grade and high school in Wishek, graduating in 1935. He attended North Dakota State University, Fargo, 1935 to 1940. He was employed by Universal Credit Company as Credit Manager from 1940 through 1941. He resigned to take employment with the U. S. Army Engineers and served two years in a civilian capacity in the West Indies from 1941 through 1943. Having completed his assignment he returned home and took over management of Sayler Lumber Company until the end of 1945. During this period he purchased the old Lyric Theatre from E. H. Cook and managed this until 1947, when he undertook a major building development in Wishek and built the present Dakota Theatre, the post office building, and the present Montana-Dakota Utilities office. In 1948, he served as co-chairman to the Wishek Golden Jubilee committee. In 1949 he, together with other interested people in the community, organized the Wishek Hospital Clinic Association and played a strong part in getting the new hospital built in Wishek. In 1952 he, together with his father and brothers Roy and Arthur, purchased the stock of the Security State Bank, from the John Doyle family. At the same time Walter purchased the Doyle Implement Company and the Doyle Elevator from John Doyle, Jr. and Mrs. Walter Doyle. He served as the president of the bank for 19 years and the bank has had steady growth ever since. On January 24, 1953, he married Jean Jensen, daughter of Chris Jensen and Cicely (nee Wahala) Jensen of Hayti, South Dakota. To this marriage three children were born: Roxanne, now attending her second year at North Dakota State University, Kimberly, a junior in Wishek High School, and Ann Louise, an eighth grader in Wishek Junior High. Jean Sayler has served on the board of directors of Security State Bank for some years and is now serving Vice President. In 1954, Walter and his brother, Arthur, purchased all of the John Doyle farming and ranch lands, cattle, equipment and airport property and formed the Dakota Investment Company, a partnership. In 1959 they built numerous service stations around the state on a lease rental basis. In 1954, he and Arthur spearheaded a drive to build a retirement home in Wishek and after several years of frustrating government red tape, the German Congregational churches were induced to sponsor this project and in 1963 construction was started and the building was dedicated in 1964. In 1970, Walter spearheaded another of his major projects and lived to see it completed, the building of a new bank building for the Security State Bank. Throughout his short life and busy years in Wishek, he was a tremendous driving force for the community. He served on many committees and boards and was always setting up a challenge or a goal to be reached. Many times it seemed as though he stood alone, many times he seemed controversial on matters, but always with the community's welfare and benefit in mind, he continued to fight for what he believed in. He passed away in April of 1971 after several years of illness. Preceding him in death were his mother, in 1963, a brother Elmer, in 1952, and a baby sister in infancy. His father, Fred J. Sayler, still lives in his home in Wishek, being one of the few remaining pioneers left. His brother Arthur lives in Wishek, Edwin lives in San Diego, Roy lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, and his sister, Erna Klein, lives in Huron, South Dakota. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, member of St. John Congregational Church, Lions Club, Wishek Association of Commerce, Wishek Golf Club, President of Wishek Retirement Home. MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR T. SAYLER AND FAMILY Arthur T. Sayler was born March 2, 1918, in Wishek, North Dakota, son of Fred J. Sayler and Christina (nee Link). He attended grade and high school in Wishek, and after graduating in 1936 he took a job in a local general merchandise store for four years In April of 1941 he was drafted into the Armed Forces and served 4-1/2 years. During this time he fought in the Tunisian campaign in North Africa and on March 10th, 1943, was captured by the troops of Rommel's 42nd Panzer Division. He spent six months in various prisoner of war camps in Africa, Sicily, and Italy. In September of 1943 he escaped from the prison and spent 7 months behind the enemy lines, living in various farm buildings, in caves, and in the hills. Food during this time was obtained from sympathetic farm families. The last four months of this time was spent in one area living in the same cave at night and foraging for food in the day time. He was able to make his way through the enemy lines and on April 9th, 1944, returned to Allied lines, being sent back to the States to finish his tour of duty, and being discharged in September of 1945. Upon his return to civilian life he took a job with Sayler Lumber Company and became manager until 1951. In 1947 he married Marie Koster, of Kramer, North Dakota, and from this union four children were born. Sheryl Sayler graduated from Arizona State College and is now living in Phoenix, Arizona; Rolin is a senior at North Dakota State University at Fargo; Susanne is a sophomore at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and Fred J. Sayler II is preparing to enroll as a freshman in college this fall. Mrs. Sayler had attended Minot State Teachers College, University of Montana at Missoula, Montana, and the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks. She taught in several different schools prior to coming to Wishek to teach and getting married. In 1947, Arthur Sayler joined with John Doyle, Jr., to form a North Dakota National Guard unit for the City of Wishek. With the rank of Second Lieutenant, he took over command of the unit and shortly thereafter he received his commission as first lieutenant, and later war promoted to captain. In December 1950, as the Korean war broke out, the Wishek National Guard was called into active Federal service. The entire unit of B1 enlisted men and S officers were dispatched to Camp Rucker, Alabama The unit remained in service for the next two years and many of the men served in Korea. Captain Sayler received his discharge again in 1952. In January of 1952, Arthur joined his father and two brothers, Walter and Roy, to purchase the stock of the Security State Bank from the Doyle family. He served on the board of directors continuously for 21 years, held the offices of Cashier, Vice President, and is now the President of Security State Bank. In January of 1963, Mr. Sayler purchased the family interests in the Sayler Lumber Company and is President and owner of the firm. In 1954, he and his brother, Walter, bought out the Doyle family farming and ranching interests and organized a partnership called the Dakota Investment Company. This firm continues to hold farm and ranch lands and rental properties. In 1958, he and his brother spearheaded a drive to get a retirement home built in Wishek. After several years of hard work and much red tape the building finally became a reality and was dedicated in 1964. He served as the chairman of the building committee, now is the president of the board. He was the chairman of the building committee for the new St. John Congregational Church, he was a charter member of the first board of directors of the Wishek Community Hospital Clinic Association and was active in helping to bring about a hospital in Wishek. He built, and owns, the Sayler Redi-Mix Concrete plant erected in 1970. He has built numerous new homes in Wishek for personal use and for sale, and built numerous service stations around the state on a lease rental basis. Mr. Sayler is a 32nd Degree Mason, member of the Elks Club, American Legion, member of the St. John Congregational Church, Wishek Association of Commerce, and was a charter member of the Lions Club. He served 3 years on the McIntosh County Draft Board. His father, Fred J. Sayler, is living in Wishek, brothers, Edwin in San Diego, California, Roy in Fort Collins, Colorado, and a sister, Erna Klein, in Huron, South Dakota His mother, Christina, passed away in April, 1963, brother Elmer in 1952, brother Walter in 1971, and a baby sister in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Sayler continue to work and make their home in Wishek. CHRISTINA SAYLER Christina Sayler was born January 21, 1874, in South Russia, the daughter of David Werner and Philipina Nagel. At the age of five she immigrated to the United States with her parents. She spent her childhood days with her parents at Herreid, South Dakota. In 1894 she married Friedrich Sayler at Napoleon, North Dakota. The couple had five sons and four daughters. Three sons are still living, and they are Henry and Fred, Jr., of Wishek, and Christ of Callaway, Minnesota. Edward and Albert are deceased. The four daughters are Mrs. Fred Ackerman (Emma) of Wishek; Mrs. Edward Ackerman (Martha) of Wishek; Mrs. Fred Rieger (Bertha) of Wishek; and Mrs. Albert Klein (Ida) of Downey, California. Mrs. Sayler also raised five step-children who were children of Friedrich Sayler's first marriage. These were Barbara Foederer, Katerina Gall, Jacob Sayler, William Sayler and Maggie Schumacher All of these stepchildren are now deceased, except Mrs. Emil Schumacher (Maggie) who resides in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Christina Sayler entered the Wishek Retirement Home in 1965, and she now resides there. She is ninety-nine years of age. MR. AND MRS. FRED SAYLER, JR. Fred Sayler, Jr., was born on November 9, 1897, the son of Friedrich Sayler, Sr., and Christina Werner. Mr. Sayler operated a farm in Logan County until 1943 when he moved into Wishek, North Dakota. In 1944, he and his brother, Henry opened the hardware store in Wishek, known as Sayler Brothers Hardware. He participated in the management of said store until 1965 when his son Edward purchased the store, and now operates it under the name of Sayler Our Own Hardware. On December 14, 1920, Mr. Sayler married Martha Ackerman, the daughter of George Ackerman and Elizabeth Zoller. This union was blessed with three sons and seven daughters. The sons are Edward, who now operates Sayler Our Own Hardware, Roland, who now operates the home farm, and Larry, an optometrist in Wishek. The daughters are Leona Aipperspach of Wishek; Eunice Brandt of Sacramento, California; Violette Campbell of Indianapolis, Indiana; Alice McKeever of Anchorage, Alaska; Phyllis Huber, of Wishek; Ardella Moeckel of Wishek; and Judith Wentz of Maplewood, New Jersey. MR. AND MRS. HENRY SAYLER Henry Sayler was born on January 21, 1895, the son of Fred Sayler and Christina Werner. He was born on the homestead farm of his parents. Mr. Sayler was engaged in farming near Wishek for twenty-four years, and then moved into Wishek where he was a carpenter for thirty years. He was a partner in Sayler Brothers' Hardware for eighteen years. He is now retired. Mr. Sayler served in the armed forces of the United States during World War I. On March 25, 1918, Mr. Sayler married Frederica Gall, the daughter of George Gall and Elizabeth Trautman. She was born in Russia on November 6, 1895, and immigrated to the United States with her parents at a tender age. The Galls first settled in the Tyndall, South Dakota, area in 1900; but in 1906, they moved to the Burnstad, North Dakota area. Mr. Sayler has been a member of the Wishek Association of Commerce and the Tri-County Fair Board. He is presently a life member of Fred Kelle Post No. 87 of the American Legion and a member of the McIntosh County Barracks. Mr. Sayler has been an active member in St. John's Congregational Church. He played an important part in the building of the present structure of the congregation. He served on the building committee at the time, and was the chief carpenter during construction. Mr. Sayler has served as Sunday School superintendent, and presently is serving as Sunday School teacher. Mr. Sayler now serves as chairman of an inter-denominational group which conducts religious services for residents of the Wishek Retirement Home. Mrs. Sayler died on May 18, 1972. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD W. SAYLER Edward W. Sayler was born near Wishek, North Dakota, September 9, 1928, the son of Fred Sayler, Jr., and Martha Ackerman. His wife, Verna, was born at Wishek, North Dakota, August 23, 1932, the daughter of John and Christine (Werre) Eiseman. They were united in marriage February 13, 1955. They were blessed with five children: four sons, John, Timothy, Keith, Mark, and one daughter, Michelle; all of Wishek. Edward is a veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1951 to 1953. He was employed as a bulk agent for Mobil Oil Co. from 1954 to 1964. In 1965, he bought the store Sayler Brothers (Sayler Our Own Hardware) from his father and uncle, Fred and Henry Sayler, which is still owned by him. Verna, previous to her marriage, taught school one year, 1951-1952, after which she worked at the Security State Bank from 1952-1955. Edward is presently serving as a director of the Wishek Retirement Home of which he is treasurer, as Rural Fire Chief, and is a past director of the Wishek Community Hospital Board on which he served for six years. He is also a past president of the Wishek Association of Commerce. The Saylers are members of St. John Congregational U.C.C. of Wishek. DR. AND MRS. LARRY H. SAYLER Larry H. Sayler was born on December 8, 1939, to Fred Sayler, Jr., and Martha (Ackerman) Sayler. He graduated from Wishek high school in 1957 and attended the University of North Dakota for three years in a Pre-Optometric curriculum. On June 7, 1960, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Mae Meidinger, daughter of Edwin Meidinger and Dorothea (Brandner) Meidinger, who was born on May 30, 1942. During the summer of 1960, the Saylers made their home at Ashley, North Dakota. In August, they moved to Hammond, Indiana, where M3rjorie attended Hoosier State Beauty College and Larry completed his study at the Illinois College of Optometry. He graduated in 1963 receiving his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry Degrees. In August of 1963, Dr. and Mrs. Sayler moved back to Wishek and began the optometric practice in which he is currently engaged. While in Wishek, Marge has been active in the St. John Congregational Lydia Society, Homemakers, and Cub Scouting. She is currently president of the Wishek Civic League and was one of the instrumental leaders in the reorganization of the Girl Scout Troop 171. Doc has served as past president of the Lions and Association of Commerce. He is currently secretary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and is active in Cub Scouting. The Saylers have four children: Doreen Mae, 12; Larry Edwin, age 10; Nathan Troy, aged 6 and Natalie Ann, age 1. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD J. SAYLER Edward J. Sayler was born November 16, 1898, in Johanesthal, South Russia. He came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Sayler, in 1899. They settled on a farm thirteen miles west of Wishek, North Dakota. On December 31, 1918, he married Christina Weisser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Weisser. After their marriage, they lived with an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Weisser, for about two years. Then they moved to a farm five miles west and one mile south of Wishek. In 1922, they moved back to the Michael Weisser farm located fifteen miles west and one mile south of Wishek. They lived there until their retirement from farming in 1958. During the depression in the thirties they encountered hard times. The weather was hot and dry. Crops were very poor. The little wheat that they raised, Mrs. Sayler made into their own cereal and flour. In 1936, a storm tore down their granary and took the roof off their house. In February, 1959, Mr. Sayler and his son, Jake bought Raile's Standard Service, now known as Sayler's Standard Service, which they still operate. Tragedy struck in 1961 when a son, Edward, Jr., was killed in a traffic accident north of Zee]and. They have the following children: Mrs. Herbert (Eva) Just; Ludwig, John, Jacob, Daniel, Herman, Albert; Mrs. Gayhard (Irene) Just; Mrs. Leo (Arlena) Hauck, all of Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Fred (Clara) Thurn, Lehr; Mrs. Ferdinand (Edna) Wiest, Venturia; Mrs. Wilbert (Landina) Meidinger, Zeeland, North Dakota; Reinhold, Bismarck; Victor, St. Paul, Minnesota; Mrs. Alvin (Christina) Peterson, Jud, North Dakota, and Edward, Jr., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Sayler are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek, North Dakota. MR. AND MRS. DANIEL M. SAYLER Both Mr. and Mrs. Sayler are natives of McIntosh County. Daniel was born March 13, 1934, to Edward J. and Christina (Weisser) Sayler. He grew up on the family farm and attended rural school. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-55. Mrs. Sayler is the former Marlys Meidinger, daughter of August C. and Hilda Meidinger, nee Just. Marlys was born February 16, 1936, and also spent her growing years on the family farm and attended rural school. Daniel and Marlys were married on October 9, 1956. The young couple purchased a farm thirteen miles west of Wishek, where they still reside. The farm operation includes dairy and beef cattle and grain farming. They are the parents of two children, Kenneth Kim and Kelly Karen, both attending the Wishek Public School. The family are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. LUDWIG SAYIER Ludwig Sayler was born on a farm southwest of Wishek, the son of Mr. Edward Sayler and Christina Weisser. Mr. Sayler spent most of his youth as a farm laborer on various farms. In 1944, he acquired his own farm which is located ten miles west of Wishek. Later that year, Mr. Sayler was inducted into the military service. In 1946, Mr. Sayler returned from military service, and since that time has been engaged in farming. In 1948, Mr. Sayler married Irene Just, the daughter of Christof C. Just and Emma Thurn. Mr. and Mrs. Sayler have two children: a daughter, Mrs. Gerald (Peggy) Weigel of Bismarck; and a son, Steven who now resides at home. MR. AND MRS. JOHN SAYLER John is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sayler, who are residing at Wishek. Lillian is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schwind. She was one of the seventeen children in the Schwind household. Twelve of her brothers and sisters are still living and are scattered from Ohio to the west coast to Alaska. John and Lillian were married at the Schwind farm home on October 5, 1948. They obtained a farmstead a half mile from John's parents. They started farming with five cows, a hog, ten chickens and two horses. Later they purchased the Calvin Meidinger farm where the family still resides. The family consists of four children: Sharron, Terry R., Tommie L. and Tracie M. Sharron was married to Mr. Ronald J. Meidinger in 1969 and resides at Lehr. Sharron has two sons, Joddy Jay and Eric Roy. The remaining three children reside with the parents on the parental farm. MR. AND MRS. HERMAN SAYLER Herman Sayler was born December 5, 1935, in the Wishek area. Alvina (Meidinger) Sayler was born September 21, 1940. They were married August 23, 1959. They reside on a farm sixteen miles west of Wishek. Their children are Glenn Dale Sayler, Rocky James Sayler, Julie Ann Sayler and Kirk Alan Sayler. REGINA SALZER Regina Wacker was the daughter of John Jacob Wacker and Charlotta Moser, early pioneers who had come to America in 1884, and homesteaded in the Long Lake, South Dakota area. In 1905, Pegina married Jacob Munsch at Zeeland, North Dakota. The couple lived in Fredonia until 1916 when Jacob was killed in a farm accident. Regina then moved to Wishek with her six children. The children of this marriage are Brata Kjar of Pierre, South Dakota; Pauline Bentz of Ritzville, Washington; Christine Salisbury of Vallejo, California; Teckla Becker of Vancouver, Washington; Andrew Munsch of Sacramento, California; and Walter Munsch of Petaluma, California. In 1936, Regina married Gottlieb Salzer. They moved into the Wishek Retirement Home in 1965. Gottlieb Salzer passed away on April 2, 1967. Mrs. Salzer still resides in the Wishek Retirement Home. MR. AND MRS. REINHOLD SCHAFFER Reinhold Schaffer was born on September 29, 1909, on a farm south of Wishek, the son of John Schaffer and Margerta Nies. Mr. Schaffer farmed south of Wishek until 1948 when he moved to Wishek, North Dakota. Mr. Schaffer drove a school bus for twelve years and is now presently employed at the Wishek Retirement Home. On October 20 1935, Mr. Schaffer married Pauline Pfeifle, the daughter of Julius Pfeifle and Katherina Marzolf, of Ashley, North Dakota. To this union five daughters were born: Mrs. Ronald (Ramona) Eisenbarth of New Leipzig, North Dakota; Mrs. Walter (Marilyn) Eiseman of Bowman, North Dakota; Mrs. Waburn (Patricia) Martin of Mescaleto, New Mexico; Mrs. Gerald (Connie) Bertsch of Ashley, North Dakota; and Mrs. Larry (Wanda) Wiseman of Omaha, Nebraska. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD SCHARF Edward Scharf was born November 12, 1902, on a farm northeast of Lehr in Logan County, the son of George Scharf and Dorthea Stickel. At the age of 14, Mr. Scharf moved with his parents to Wishek, where he was a farm laborer until 1927 when he took up the blacksmith trade by working for I. E. Scheller, the local blacksmith. In March of 1931, Mr. Scharf moved to Halliday, North Dakota, where he established his own blacksmith business. In 1944 Mr. Scharf again moved back to Wishek, where he worked for Christ Gohl for a time, and then purchased the Old Power and Light Plant building and established his own blacksmith business which he now operates. In December of 1931, Mr. Scharf married Magdalina Gruebele, the daughter of Christian Gruebele and Rosina Hinger. Mrs. Scharf was born on a farm southwest of Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Scharf are the parents of two children. Genevieve is a teacher at Luverne Minnesota; and William is employed by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. in San Jose, California. Mr. and Mrs. Scharf are also the grandparents of one child. Mr. and Mrs. Scharf are members of the United Methodist Church. MR. AND MRS. GOTTLIEB SCHAIBLE Gottlieb Schaible was born in McIntosh County on January 6, 1900. He was the son of John and Magdalena Schaible who moved to South Dakota in 1907. Gottlieb remained at home with his parents until 1923. He was united in marriage to Ida Mehlhaff, born March 11, 1897, in Eureka, South Dakota. The marriage took place March 14, 1920. He returned to McIntosh County and bought a farm and has farmed here continuously ever since. MR. AND MRS. ELMER SCHAUER Elmer Schauer was born on March 18, 1921, on a farm located six miles north of Wishek, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schauer. He attended schools in rural Logan County. In early 1943 he entered the U. S. Army and served in Europe during World War II. After the war ended in Germany, he was stationed in Linz, Austria. He served as a coordinator of city engineering in rebuilding the war-torn American sector of Austria. In the late 1930's he spent some time with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and in the early 1940's he was employed by Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, California Said company was then building the C-47 or "flying boxcar." In 1946 Mr. Schauer returned to Wishek and began farming south of Wishek where he still lives. In 1966 he purchased a share of Farmers Elevator, Inc., in Wishek, and at the present time he is the sole owner of that firm. On November 27, 1949, Mr. Schauer married Irene Bender at the First Baptist Church in Wishek, North Dakota. Mrs. Schauer was born on January 18, 1929, on a farm thirteen miles south of Wishek, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred K. Bender. Mr. and Mrs. Schauer are the parents of six boys and one girl. Bruce, Karen and Jeff are now attending NDSU in Fargo. Russell and Randy, who are twins, Kendall and Jody reside at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Schauer are members of the First Baptist Church of Wishek. Mr. Schauer has served as Sunday School superintendent, deacon, trustee, youth advisor and Sunday School teacher. Mrs. Schauer has served as Sunday School secretary, church reporter, youth advisor and Sunday School teacher. She is a member of the Dorcas Society and currently is treasurer of that organization. Mr. Schauer is a member of the Wishek Lions Club, the Baptist Men's Brotherhood, and the Association of Commerce. He presently is a director of the Association of Commerce. He has served as area president of the Baptist Brotherhood. He serves on the board of directors of the Crystal Spring Youth Camp. In the past he has served on the school board. Mr. Schauer experienced some of the rigors of the "dirty thirties", and during World War II he visited thirty-six different states and thirteen foreign countries. MR. AND MRS. ALBERT SCHARF Albert Scharf, son of George and Dorthea Scharf, was born August 19, 1908, on a farm near Lehr, North Dakota. He attended Wishek Public School. He was employed as a farm laborer. On September 30, 1935, he was married to Lydia Gruebele. She passed away December 20, 1967. He was married again in 1970 to Mrs. Pauline Krein, former wife of the late Wm. Krein. Pauline is the daughter of Fred and Magdaline Sprenger. At the age of three she was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John J. Krein. She grew up in the Wishek area. Mrs. Scharf has five children by her first marriage, Marvin, Delmar, Duane and Don all of Bismarck, North Dakota, and Allen of San Pablo, California. MRS. AMELIA SCHAUER Mrs. Schauer was born June 15, 1887, at Mound City, South Dakota, to Gustave Trautman and his wife, Elizabeth Scherbenske. She was married to Philip Schauer in November of 1903, at Eureka, South Dakota. The Schauers were among the early residents of the area, homesteading six and one-half miles northwest of Wishek in the early 1900's. There were fifteen children born to this marriage, three of whom died in infancy and two others passing away in adulthood, Mrs. Emil (Martha) Schlecht of Jamestown and Ellis Schauer of Los Angeles, California. The living children are: Mrs. Gust (Violet) Fandrich of Hillsboro, North Dakota; Walter of Kent, Washington; Bert of Napoleon; Theodore of Dawson; Mrs. Egon (Mildred) Wilcken of Bismarck, Milton of El Paso, Texas; Alfred, Mrs. Lester (Frieda) Schuchard; Elmer, and Mrs. Harold (Verna) Klein, all of Wishek. Mrs. Schauer is presently in the Wishek Retirement and Nursing Home, which has been her home the past several years. MR. AND MRS. GIDEON C. SCHAUER Gideon C. Schauer was born on May 4, 1921, the son of John Schauer and Christine Kessel. Mr. Schauer received his elementary schooling near Wishek, graduated from Wishek High School, and attended Yankton College at Yankton, South Dakota, for one year. Mr. Schauer engaged in farming from 1943 to 1960. Since 1957, Mr. Schauer has been an agent for American Family Insurance Company of Madison, Wisconsin. On a part-time basis, Mr. Schauer rents out dwelling units, providing 21 units of housing in the Wishek area. Mrs. Schauer has been an employee at the Wishek Retirement Home since 1964. On January 12, 1943, Mr. Schauer married Ruth Heiser, the daughter of Emanuel Heiser and Katherine Fischer. To this union were born four sons and one daughter: Roger, a medical doctor at Minneapolis General Hospital; Donald, a radio announcer at Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; Thomas and Joel, students at the University in Grand Forks; and Rose Marie, a sophomore at Wishek High School. MR. AND MRS. ADAM SCHILLING Adam Schilling was born on May 17, 1917, the son of George Schilling and Katherina Woehl. Mr. Schilling operates the Schilling homestead farm, which is located seventeen miles southwest of Wishek, where he was raised and is presently living. On November 12, 1939, Mr. Schilling married Ida R. Fetzer at the rural Ebenezer Evangelical Church near Wishek. Mrs. Schilling was born on November 16, 1920, the daughter of John and Rosina (Perman) Fetzer. Mr. and Mrs. Schilling have two daughters: Mrs. Emil Boschee (Marianne) of Bismarck; and Mrs. James Heiser (Carol) of Burnsville, Minnesota. MR. AND MRS. GEORGE G. SCHILLING George G. Schilling was born on June 14, 1907, on a farm southwest of Wishek, North Dakota. His parents were George Schilling, Sr., and Katherine Schilling, nee Woehl. On November 11, 1928, he married Lydia Fetzer, daughter of John and Rosina (Perman) Fetzer, who also resided southwest of Wishek. Mrs. Schilling was born on the Fetzer homestead on August 12, 1910. The Schillings have three sons: Marvin, co-owner and operator of the Wishek Steel and Manufacturing Company, Wishek, North Dakota; Delmar, farming on the original family homestead; and Harvey, employed with the Department of Public Instruction, State Capitol, Bismarck, North Dakota. There are six grandchildren in the family. George and Lydia Schilling started their lifelong farming occupation on a farm approximately seventeen miles southwest of Wishek. Their successful operation started with 320 acres of partially inherited land from the paternal parents, George Schillings, Sr. The farm continued to grow by the process of additional land purchases to 1,460 acres and three sets of farm buildings. Since this time, some land has been sold or given to the children of the family. The family lived on the original farmstead for twenty-eight years, moved to a small farm one-half mile north of Wishek in 1956, and have moved and semi-retired to Wishek in 1963. Mr. Schilling has driven bus for the Wishek Public School the past seven years. MR. AND MRS. MARVIN ALLEN SCHILLING Marvin is the oldest son of George and Lydia (Fetzer) Schilling, and was born January 9, 1930, on the family farm fifteen miles southwest of Wishek. Mrs. Schilling is the former Muriel Betty Bettenhausen, daughter of Oliver Bettenhausen and Emma, nee Kramer. The couple was married on June 8, 1949, and for one and one-half years they lived with his parents on the farm. In 1950 they purchased a farm fourteen miles southwest of Wishek from William Kemmet, and in 1962 sold it to Oliver Bettenhausen. They then bought the Schilling farm, located one--half mile north of Wishek. In addition to their work here, Marvin started part-time work as mechanic and welder for Kramer Implement and Beaver Valley Motors. He was school bus driver and substitute for three years. In 1969 in partnership with Harley Brandner, he organized what is now known as Wishek Steel and Manufacturing, Inc. In 1971 they sold their farm to Dr. and Mrs. Verdine Boschee and built a new home for themselves in Wishek. Muriel is employed as clerk at the Herr Mercantile Company, is church clerk and also Sunday School teacher in the First Baptist Church. They are the parents of one daughter, Roanne Rosalyn, a freshman at UND, and one son, Llewellyn Marvin, in the ninth grade at the Wishek school. The family belongs to the First Baptist Church and are active in various community activities. MR. AND MRS. PETER SCHMIERER Peter Schmierer was born May 25, 1906, eleven miles southwest of Wishek, to John and Rosina (Thurn) Schmierer. Mrs. Schmierer is the former Emma Forderer, born August 4, 1909, thirteen miles east of Linton, to Jacob and Barbara (Sayler) Forderer. They were married on October 4, 1934, and one year later bought their own farm which they operated until 1947. At that time they moved into Wishek, where they have lived since. They are the parents of two daughters: Mrs. Leo (Anneta) Krein of Wishek and Mrs. Lewallen (Gertrude) Kreuger, living on a farm near Fredonia. They have three grandchildren. GOTTLIEB SCHMITT FAMILY Gottlieb E. Schmitt is the son of Henry and Christina (Bender) Schmitt, Sr. He was born January 2B, 1909, and has spent his entire lifetime in McIntosh County. He was united in wedlock with Emma Ackermann on November 14, 1935. Mrs. Schmitt is a native of Grant County. She was born to Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Ackerman, New Leipzig, on June 22, 1911. Their family consists of a son, Stanley, and their four grandchildren. Following their marriage, the Schmitts operated a farmstead four miles south of Wishek. In 1948, they gave up their farming operation and moved to Wishek, where they have resided for the past twenty-five years. Mr. Schmitt was employed by the Nickisch Company for nine years. Thereafter he was employed by the Klein Construction Company as a carpenter for six years. In 1969, Gottlieb had to retire due to ailing health. Aside from her household duties, Emma has been engaged as housekeeper at the Dempsey household for the past fifteen years. The Schmitts are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. S. SGT. STANLEY SCHMITT AND FAMILY S. Sgt. Schmitt is the son of Gottlieb E. and Emma (Ackerman) Schmitt. He was born on July 24, 1944, and spent his childhood on the parental farm. His elementary education was received at the Wishek Public School. Upon graduation from the Wishek high school in 1962, he entered the military service, which he chose as his career. Mrs. Schmitt is the former Marla Jo Dague, a native of Maquoketa, Iowa. They were married on December 8, 1963. Four children comprise the Schmitt household. They have claimed several different addresses as home during Stanley's military career. The children are: Robin, born June 11, 1964; Erna, born June 6, 1967; Jerome born November 26, 1968; and Eric, born June 17, 1971. MRS. BEN SCHLENKER The late Ben Schlenker was born to Fred and Margaretha (Mock) Schlenker on the parental farm at Fredonia. As a young boy, Ben moved to LaMoure with his parents. In 1919, the family moved to a farm northwest of McLaughlin, South Dakota. Upon his father's death in 1930, Ben and brother Jake agreed to dispense with the farming operation. For a year, Ben worked at the farm of his brother, Fred, who lived south of Kulm. In 1931, he joined brothers Dan, Andy and Jake who operated the Ford garage at Wishek. He was associated with Schlenker Motors for 14 years. In 1945, Ben purchased the building on the north side of the old Hofer Drug Store (now housing Margaret's Interior Decorating shop) and opened a repair shop. Frieda recalls: "Even in 1945, money was a scarce commodity. Ben would repair a car or tractor and then use the money to buy parts for his next repair job." During the thirteen years that he operated "Ben's Repair Shop," Frieda assisted him in the capacity of bookkeeper and accountant. A new business venture was undertaken in 1958. In that year Ben purchased the Gamble store from Mike and Genny Brandt. As in the past, Frieda assisted with the bookwork and the clerking. The business was sold to John Klundt and Stanley Deile in 1968. Thereupon, Ben obtained employment at the Ford garage. He was employed as partsman at Beaver Valley Motors until his untimely death on September 7, 1971. On May 15, 1938, Ben was joined in marriage by Frieda Miller. The daughter of Martin and Margaretha (Hoff) Miller, Frieda was born in Logan county. At the age of two, her parents moved to Wishek. A teacher by profession, Frieda has taught all her years in McIntosh County. For the past 13 years she has been teaching at Venturia. Frieda recalls the time when her salary as a teacher was $35 a month with a seven-month term. "Often the bigger boys would not come to school until the threshing was done, at the end of October." School meant the entire eight grades with an enrollment of up to 24 pupils. Her salary was in the form of warrants which could be bartered for groceries and for other necessities. The warrants were often sold at a discount. Faced with a class of six beginners, she' found it necessary to conduct a kindergarten class -- to teach her first graders how to converse in the English language. Board and room was $8 a month. Due to heavy snowfalls, Frieda had to rely on horse and sleigh as the only means of transportation. One year she found herself "snowed in" from Thanksgiving until March. A home-made snowmobile, which had to be shoveled out many times, was used, and trips home for the week-end were few and far between. "All the children brought their lunch pails and their own drinking water." Ben and Frieda were blessed with a son and a daughter. Jerome is married to the former Jeanette Sayler. They and their two children, Karen and Dwight, reside at Dickinson. Jerome is employed with American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Carol is employed with Campus Crusade for Christ International and resides at San Bernardino, California. MR. AND MRS. HENRY H. SCHMITT Henry H. Schmitt was born May 16, 1904, at Wishek, North Dakota, to Henry Schmitt, Sr. and Christina Bender. Mr. Schmitt was married December 30, 1928, to Sophia Fuchs, daughter of Jacob J. Fuchs and Elizabeth Bertch at Mott, North Dakota. Two children were born to this marriage: Pastor Arthur H. Schmitt, born April 23, 1930, living now at Highmore, South Dakota; and Alvin J. Schmitt, born June 19, 1932, living now at Fort Benning, Georgia. Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Schmitt lived in Wishek until 1955 and then moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, and make their home at 409 West Broadway. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt were employed at the First National Bank in Bismarck. They are now retired. MR. AND MRS. ADAM A. SCHNABEL Adam A. Schnabel was born on October 8, 1892, in Kassel, South Russia, to Adam Schnabel and Katherina Meidinger. At the age of nine he came to America with his parents and sister Maria in 1901 and settled on the farm thirteen miles northeast of Zeeland. On the 16th of March, 1916, he was united in marriage to Bertha Thurn, daughter of Frederich and Christina Thurn, nee Schnaidt. Four children were born to them: Gottfried, who married Ruth Ketterling and lived on a farm southeast of Eureka, South Dakota, died in January of 1969; Ferdinand, married to Leone Bauer, lives on the family homestead; Hilda, married to Alvin Bauer, lives on a farm southwest of Wishek; and Erna, married to Edward Kienzle, resides in Centralia, Washington. Mrs. Bertha Schnabel died April 29, 1941. Mr. Schnabel married Friedericka Schumacher, daughter of Wilhelm and Rosina Schumacher, nee Schnabel, of Eureka, South Dakota, on October 8, 1944. The Schnabels retired from farming in 1946, bought a home and moved to Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Schnabel are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. LESTER SCHUCHARD Mr. and Mrs. Lester Schuchard were married June 20, 1937, at Napoleon, North Dakota. Mrs. Schuchard was the former Frieda Schauer, born to Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schauer at Wishek, North Dakota. Mr. Schuchard was born at Rochester, Minnesota, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Schuchard. They moved to Napoleon, North Dakota in 1914 and settled on a farm three miles southeast of Napoleon, North Dakota. After their marriage, the Schuchards purchased a farm fourteen miles northeast of Napoleon in Cokato Township, Logan County, where they farmed for about seven years. Lester acted as school clerk and township assessor until their departure from the farm in the spring of 1951 when Lester started working for the North Dakota State Highway Department in Bismarck. In the fall of 1952, they were transferred to Wishek where Mr. Schuchard is still employed by the Highway Department as their section leadman. Mrs. Schuchard has worked in a local cafe for three years and for five years in the Wishek hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Lester Schuchard have seven children: Mrs. Raymond (Genevieve) Raile. Cody, Wyoming; Mrs. Mike (Fern) Martell; Mrs. Stan (Blanche) Deile; Mrs. Ronnie (Colleen) Thurn; Mrs. Roger (Joyce) Bettenhausen, all of Wishek; Mrs. Delmer (June) Klien, Lehr, North Dakota; and one son Gary of Fargo, North Dakota married to Paulette George of Lehr, North Dakota. Lester is serving presently as alderman of Wishek City Council and is also president of the Wishek Wild Life Club. The Schuchards are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. JOHN F. SPRENGER John F. Sprenger was born October 6, 1883, in Kassel, South Russia, the son of Friedrich Sprenger and Magdalena Boschee. In 1885, he came with his parents to Tyndall, Dakota Territory. In 1886, the family came north where his father filed for a homestead. Here they grew up helping the father as much as they could, herding cattle and farm work in general. They had good times and poor times. In 1905, John married Katherina Krein and secured his own farm five and one-half miles southwest of Wishek. In 1909, he bought some land twelve miles southwest of Wishek. They lived on this farm until 1943, when they moved into Wishek. They had six children: Mrs. Emanuel (Christine) Rieger, and Mrs. George (Margaret) Herr, Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Adolf (Anna) Krein, Mrs. Adolf (Esther) Woehl, Mrs. Wilma Sieler, Bismarck, North Dakota and Theodore who lives in Montana, Mrs. Sprenger died in 1960. Mr. Sprenger says "Life was not always a bed of roses. We had our ups and downs as is common in this world." MRS. PAULINE STEBNER Pauline Stebner is one of the few early pioneers remaining in Wishek. She was born June 3, 1891, in McIntosh County to Johann and Katherina Sprenger, nee Mehlhoff. Her childhood years are still remembered for the hardships experienced by the pioneer families. She grew up in a sod house, complete with mud floors, brooms that were made of weeds, and furniture that consisted of only a table two chairs and a stove. The frequent snow storms often made travel impossible for weeks at a time, and often the sod house would be completely covered with snow. Mrs. Stebner recalls the times her parents traded butter, eggs and milk for wool, which they would wash, comb, and then spin to be used for clothing. Mrs. Stebner owned a spinning wheel for years, up to the time she left her home and entered the Retirement Home. Often, she was seen at the spinning wheel, spinning dyed wool into yarn. Her education was completely self-taught. The family had a book, containing both English and German, and by this means both parents and children were able to slightly read and speak the English language. On October 25, 1910, Mrs. Stebner was united in marriage to Adolf Stebner, and the couple lived on a farm near Wishek. Seven children were born to them, four dying in infancy. Those remaining are Gustav of Wishek, and Adolph and August, both of Lodi, California. The Stebner family moved to Idaho in 1913, where they filed a homestead. They lived there six years, but the roots in their first American community were too deep, and they returned to North Dakota, renting a farm near Hazelton, North Dakota. They retired from farming in 1923 and moved into Wishek where Mr. Stebner was engaged in the carpentry and plastering business. Mr. Stebner died in September of 1963. Mrs. Stebner entered the Wishek Retirement Home thereafter, and continues to make her home there. MR. AND MRS. GUSTAV STEBNER Gustav Stebner, son of Adolf and Pauline Stebner, was born September 7, 1911, on a farm near Wishek, North Dakota. At the age of two his parents moved to Idaho where they lived for six years, then returned to North Dakota and lived on a farm near Hazelton. In his early youth the Stebner family moved back to Wishek where Gustav attended elementary school. He worked as a farm laborer. On February 24, 1934, he was married to Esther Fercho, daughter of Gottlieb and Theresia Fercho. This union was blessed with four daughters. One died in early infancy. Those living are: Mrs. Carol Jundt and Mrs. Jean Schmierer, both of Bismarck, North Dakota; and Mrs. Sandra Grueneich of Kenmare, North Dakota. They have four grandchildren. In 1941, they moved to a farm near Lehr, where they lived for about seven years, then moved back to Wishek. Mr. Stebner started to work on the Soo Line Railroad as a section laborer at various towns, which included Fullerton, Merricourt, Kulm, Ashley, and Napoleon, all in North Dakota; and at Herreid and Pollock, in South Dakota. Later he became a permanent member of the Wishek section crew. On November 2, 1967, he became Assistant Foreman, the position he still holds. Mrs. Stebner has been employed as assistant cook at the Wishek Public School for the past fourteen years. MR. AND MRS. DANIEL STIEHR Daniel Stiehr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lenhardt J. Stiehr, was born August 28 1908, on a farm twelve miles east of Burnstad, North Dakota near the Sukut place. In 1915 they moved to Lehr and later moved to Wishek. The Leonard Stiehrs raised four girls, Lizzie, Elanore, Mary and Hilda, and three boys, Daniel, Lenhard and August. Daniel worked on a crew which built highways in McIntosh County. He married Lydia Wolfe of Wilton, North Dakota, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Wolfe. They made their home in Wishek until 1936 and moved to Billings Montana. From here they located in Lodi, California, where he worked on the railroad for a few years. During the war years, Mr. Stiehr worked in the shipyards at Richmond, California, and later moved to San Francisco. He has worked for Glidden Paint Company as a warehouseman since 1945. He will retire August 23, 1973, at the age of sixty-five. MR. AND MRS. JACOB J. STROH Jacob J. Stroh was born January 29, 1896, in Bergdorf, South Russia, and came to America with his parents at age five. The family homesteaded four miles north of Venturia. Mr. Stroh served in the Army during World War I from 1918-1919. Mrs. Stroh is the former Louise Kraemer born November 16, 1897, to Mr. and Mrs. John Kraemer in Scotland, South Dakota. The Kraemer family moved to a homestead two miles north of Ashley in 1906 and later moved to a farm seven miles west of Ashley. Mr. and Mrs. Stroh were married December 19, 1920, in the rural Lutheran Church near Ashley. For the first three years of their marriage Jacob and Louise lived on a farm three miles south of Wishek. They then moved to farm somewhat further south, where they lived until 1962, and in 1963, they retired and moved into Wishek, where they now reside. Mr. Stroh served the Second Commissioner District as Assessor for twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Stroh are the parents of six children: Mrs. August (Romona) Brinkman; Leonard, deceased; LeRoy of Grafton Lawrence deceased, Norman, of Moorhead Minnesota; Mrs. Edwin (Eldavera) Deyle, of Wishek. There are also fifteen grandchildren. Three of their sons and one son-in-law served in the military service during World War II and the Korean War. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stroh were confirmed in the Lutheran Faith and both were baptized in the Zion Lutheran Church of Ashley. They are now members of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wishek. MR. AND MRS. JOHN STOCK John Stock was born on a farm nine miles north of Lehr, North Dakota, in 1919, the son of Christian Stock and Barbara Unruh. Mr. Stock has engaged in farming all his life. He worked on his parents' farm during his youth. In 1939, he rented his own farm, and in 1943, he purchased a farm in Logan County, which he has operated since. On November 30, 1937, he married Frieda Kramer of Elgin, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Stock have two children; a daughter, Nyla, who now resides in Bismarck, North Dakota, and a son, Jon, who now lives at home with his parents. Mr. Stock can easily recall the drought and depression of the 1930's. He states that he remembers when they used to work from early morning to late at night during the threshing season for only $1.00 a day, and says that they were happy to be able to earn that much. H. E. TIMM Henry Elmer Timm has been a resident of Wishek for the past sixty five years. Mr. Timm was born in Franklin County, Iowa, October 22, 1885, the son of Albert C. and Mary (Nicklas) Timm. His father was a native of Wisconsin and his mother a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Timm was educated in the public schools of Ackley, Iowa, graduating from high school in 1905; and for two years attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He came to Wishek as principal of its school for the year 1907-1908. In 1908 he became bookkeeper for the firm of Herr Brothers & Co., later homesteaded near Green Lake in McIntosh County, and in 1911 entered the employ of the First State Bank of Wishek as an Assistant Cashier. In 1919, he advanced to the position of Cashier and Secretary-Treasurer of the Bankers Loan Company which positions he held till 1935. After quitting the bank work, he continued to engage in the real estate and insurance business. In 1957, at the age of 72, he opened a tri-county field office of the Production Credit Association of Mandan in Wishek and managed the office for two years. Mr. Timm was an official of the village of Wishek continuously for eighteen years from 1912-1930 and when in 1930, the village was incorporated as a city, he was elected its first mayor. In 1913 he assisted in the organization of the Wishek Volunteer Fire Department and served as its first chief. In 1925, he was one of the organizers of the Wishek Association of Commerce and served as a director for ten years. He was also interested in the organization of the Tri-County Fair Association, served as its first president and as M-C for its programs for many years. In 1927 he was the instigator of a movement which eventually brought Wishek its beautiful City Park and facilities. Mr. Timm, as a life-long Republican, was elected as a State Representative from the 36th Legislative District, in 1930, serving in the 1931 Session of the North Dakota Legislature. He is also prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of North Dakota, is a Past Grand Master, a Past Grand Secretary of that order and since 1923 has served continuously as a State Trustee of its Odd Fellows Home at Devils Lake. He also holds a life membership in the Masonic Lodge in Linton, North Dakota. His name will be found listed in "Who's Who" for North Dakota. Mrs. H. E. Timm, whose maiden name was Carolyn Gruye, was the daughter of Philip and Bertha Gruye. She was born in New Ulm, Minnesota, on November 20, 1986. She grew to womanhood in Winthrop, Minnesota, attended the public schools and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1903, then attended the State Normal at Mankato, Minnesota. After five years of teaching in Minnesota schools, she came to Wishek in 1909 and taught the intermediate grades in the Wishek Schools for two years. Mr. and Mrs. Timm were married in Winthrop, Minnesota, on December 28, 1910. They were the parents of two sons: Ralph Elmer, born October 28 1911, who died in infancy, and Bert Clifford, born April 11, 1917. Mrs. Timm passed away on July 28, 1947. During her years of residence in Wishek, she was deeply interested in the betterment of the community and held membership in a number of women's civic, fraternal and church organizations. Their son, Bert C., is a petroleum geologist with Sun Oil Company in their Dallas office. He is married, has three children and two grandchildren, so the subject of this biography is a member of a four-generation family. Mr. Timm, now 87 years of age, is fully retired. During his many years in Wishek, he has been a sportsman deeply interested in the conservation of the wildlife of North Dakota. After some sixty years of hunting and fishing, he is now content to direct his activities and interests to the Beaver Valley Golf Club, of which he is the senior member. Mr. Timm has often been heard to remark that the highlight of his entire life occurred on June 21, 1968, when in connection with the celebration of Pioneer Days in Wishek, he was honored by the Wishek Association of Commerce with a testimonial dinner at which his many friends recounted with praise his numerous civic, fraternal and political activities and efforts. MR. AND MRS. ANDREW THURN Andrew Thurn was born on July 20, 1902, thirteen miles northeast of Zeeland, North Dakota, the son of Johann Thurn and Barbara Schnabel. Mr. Thurn attended schools in rural McIntosh County in Strasburg School District No. 7. Mr. Thurn took over his father's farm in 1925 and operated it until 1956, when he moved to Wishek. From 1956 to 1970 he worked for David Rueb and at the local Red Owl Store where he made the bologna and sausage. He retired in 1970. On October 6, 1925, Mr. Thurn married Magdalena Martel. She was the daughter of Philip Martel and Katherina Woehl, and was born August 24, 1907. The couple had three children. A daughter, Ruth Speidel, now lives in Bismarck, North Dakota. Freida Ketterling, another daughter, now resides in rural Zeeland, North Dakota Elmer Thurn, a son, now lives in Bismarck, North Dakota. Mr. Thurn has been very active in the Farmers Union organization. In 1942, he helped organize the Farmers Union local chapter of Zeeland, and served as secretary-treasurer of that organization for twelve years. He served for twelve years on the board of directors of the Zeeland Farmers Union Oil Co., two of them as chairman of the board. He was a member of the McIntosh County Farmers Union board of directors for eighteen years, and served as secretary-treasurer for eight years. Mr. Thurn has also been very active in connection with governmental agricultural programs. He served on the McIntosh County Agricultural Stabilization Committee Land Use Planning Program board for eight years. He served with the marketing quota review committee for Logan, Emmons, Kidder and McIntosh counties for seven years. Mr. Thurn is one of the hardy farmers that survived the drought and depression of the 1930's. He can relate vividly the hardships that farmers had to endure in those years when very little would grow, and very little price could be obtained for that which did grow. Mr. and Mrs. Thurn are members of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church. Mr. Thurn served as a Sunday School teacher for eighteen years and served as church treasurer for fourteen years. MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR B. THURN Arthur Thurn was born on February 18, 1921, on a farm located fourteen miles southwest of Wishek, the son of John F. Thurn and Elizabeth Kaseman. Mr. Thurn is engaged in farming and now operates a farm eleven miles southeast of Wishek. On March 30, 1947, Mr. Thurn married Irene Ulmer, who was born on July 10, 1925, the daughter of William Ulmer and Martha Knoll of Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Thurn are the parents of three children: Larry, at home; Elaine, a student at UND; and Marvin, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Thurn are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. ALBERT THURN Albert Thurn was born December 13, 1897, in McIntosh County, to John and Barbara (Schnable) Thurn. He married Emma Just, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Just, January 29, 1924. They farmed thirteen miles north of Zeeland, North Dakota, from 1923 to 1960, when they retired in Wishek. They are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church. Their children are: Mrs. Otto (Ione) Thurn, Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Ruben (Viola) Woehlhoff, Eureka, South Dakota; and Milbert, who lives in Venturia, North Dakota. They have seven grandchildren. THE BENJAMIN THURN FAMILY Mr. Thurn was born on the parental farm near Venturia on March 17, 1927. He is the son of John P, and Paulina (Kaseman) Thurn. He grew to manhood on the parental farm. His elementary education was received at a neighborhood rural school. He was united in marriage with Leona Bader on June 5, 1949. Leona is the daughter of August and Lydia (Aipperspach) Bader. She claims November 3, 1930, as her birthdate. Following marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Thurn obtained a farmstead sixteen miles southwest of Wishek, where they still reside. Ben and Leona are the parents of four children. Diana, the eldest daughter, resides at Bismarck. Betty and her twin brothers, Kerry and Jerry, reside at the parental farm and help with the farming operations. MR. AND MRS. FRED THURN Fred Thurn was born October 11, 1903, nine miles northwest of the newly founded site of Wishek. His parents were Philip Thurn and Christina (Merkel) Thurn. Fred's father died during the influenza epidemic February 24, 1919, leaving his wife and nine children. To Mrs. Thurn's lot fell the task of rearing the family with the help of her son Fred, who was then but fifteen years old. She took over her husband's business. Fred continued to manage this for her until 1923 when they disposed of it. Fred took over the Standard Oil Agency and continued in this business until 1954. He was transferred to the company's Mandan Refinery, where he held the position of Buyer and Storekeeper until his retirement on January 1, 1964. The Thurns live Bismarck, North Dakota. Fred Thurn was united in marriage to Magdalene Bietz on June 10, 1928. They have one daughter, Ardyn, who was married to Walter D. Mattson on July 20, 1952. They reside in Beach, North Dakota, Mr. Mattson's home area, where he is the County Extension Agent. They have three children, Karen Jane, Karla Ruth, and Kent Donald. As Mayor, Fred Thurn received special recognition in the Golden Jubilee Book for invaluable services rendered to the city before he was elected to the office and during his term as mayor. He served six years on the local school board, which was during the depression and drought years, when money was hard to come by and people could not pay their taxes due to crop failure. In spite of this the board managed to keep the school open. Teachers were paid from $55.00 to $85.00 per month. He served sixteen years on the park board. When the trees were planted in the now beautiful city park, Fred took one of his gas trucks and tank and hauled water to the young trees so they could keep growing. The swimming pool was built in 1938 at a cost of $6,000 for which a city bond issue was approved with W.P.A. labor. Fred served two years as city treasurer and eight years as city auditor. In 1940, the Wishek auditorium was started and completed in 1944 during which time he served as contact man for the city and for the federal government. There is quite a story in connection with the stones used to construct the walls of the city auditorium. The auditorium is owned by the city but is leased to the school. It was built under the Works Progress Administration. He recalls that the special steel for chopping chisels was ordered in a half ton at a time and ground here. The man in charge of the stone work was a perfectionist and the workers would chip away at a stone for days and if it didn't turn out according to pre-arranged plan, the stone was rejected and another chipped. Quite often the rejects would fit into another place. All the stones are native to this area dating from post-glacial times. The "Great Glacier" brought them down from the North, according to our study of stones in North Dakota A visitor once asked how they could find all those stones to fit. He was told that there was a master plan for the stone work and each was cut to fit, according to the plan. The city's participation in the auditorium was a bond issue of $12,000. Those who were against the project were predicting, at the time (1942-1944), that the tax burden would break the city of Wishek and it would go bankrupt. Fred served twenty years as director and four years as president of the Commercial Club, fourteen years as secretary of the Tri-County Fair Board, four years as mayor, during which time the city sewer and water system was completed. He was a member of the St. Luke's Lutheran Church and served twelve years as Sunday School teacher, two years as treasurer, six years as trustee, four years chairman of the Church Building Committee, during which time the present church was built. In 1954, he served as director and chairman during the construction of the Wishek Community Hospital. The years at Wishek were good years! Wishek will always be home. Good Luck, Wishek! MR. AND MRS. EMIL THURN Emil Thurn was born on June 14, 1894, in McIntosh County on a farm twelve miles northeast of Zeeland, the son of Fred Thurn and Christina Schnadt. Mr. Emil Thurn farmed on his father's farm until his retirement on October 28, 1952, when he moved to Wishek, where he is now residing. Mr. Thurn was united in marriage to Kathrina Aipperspach, who was born on August 18, 1901, the daughter of Fred and Magdalena (Meidinger) Aipperspach. The couple had five children, and only Herman is living. Herman, who now operates the family farm, was born on December 15, 1928. Mr. and Mrs. Thurn have been active members of the St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Wishek where they celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on January 20, 1971. MR. AND MRS. EDGAR THURN The Thurns are Wishek area natives. Edgar was born November 24, 1932, to Mr. and Mrs. John F. Thurn of Wishek. He spent his childhood and young adult years on his father's farm, fourteen miles south of Wishek. Mrs. Thurn is the former Marlene Wanner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Karl D. Wanner. The couple was married on November 5, 1960. In 1962 they moved to their own farm ten miles south of Wishek, where they make their home. They are the parents of three children: Cheri, eleven; Julie, who died in infancy, and Doyle, age eight. They are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek. MR. AND MRS. JOHN F. THURN Like many of our pioneers, Mr. Thurn is a native son of McIntosh County. He was born December 15, 1892 on the parental farm 12 miles northeast of Zeeland. He is the son of the late Fred and Christina (Schadt) Thurn. Mr. Thurn relates that, in a sense, he was reared on hardship. His education consisted of two or three days of formal education at a school. The rest of his education was received at home. It consisted not merely of farming knowledge but also arithmetic, taught by his father. At the age of seven he was put at the task of plowing with a hand plow and a team of horses. His father had to lower the plow handles to match his height. Mr. Thurn was united in marriage with Elizabeth Kaseman, daughter of Bernhard and Pauline (Hepper) Kaseman. Upon their marriage they obtained a farmstead southwest of Wishek. Two children, Arthur and Hilda (Mrs. Hildenbrand, Ashley, North Dakota) were added to the family. Tragedy struck the family with the passing of wife and mother on February 27, 1921. Mr. Thurn wed the former Pauline Kaseman on June 7, 1921. She was the daughter of the Bernhard Kasemans and was born on November 27, 1902. This union was blessed with seven children They are as follows: Mrs. Pauline Thurn, Wishek; Mrs. Rose Thurn, Lehr; Benjamin, Wishek; John, Jamestown; Edgar and Ruben, Wishek; and Mrs. Lorine Meidinger, Bismarck. In the fall of 1958, the farm operations were turned over to their son, Ruben. Since April of 1959 they have resided in Wishek. Their firm faith in God, careful management and undaunted courage has served them well through the decades. Mr. and Mrs. Thurn have taken a keen interest and active part as life-long members of the Lutheran Church. They are presently members of St. Luke Lutheran. One of the highlights of their retirement years was the privilege of observing their 50th wedding anniversary on June 7, 1971. MR. AND MRS. OTTO THURN Otto Thurn was born February 29, 1924, in Wishek, North Dakota. He was the son of Peter and Justina (Wanner) Thurn. On July 2, 1950, he married lone Thurn who was born May 12, 1925, daughter of Albert and Emma (Just) Thurn. They farm ten miles southwest of Wishek on their parents' old homestead. They are members of the St. Luke Lutheran Church. Their children are: Kerry, a junior at N.D.S.U.; Curtis, a freshman at N.D.S.S. in Wapheton, North Dakota; and Beverly, a junior in Wishek high school. MR. AND MRS. SEBASTIAN S. TUCHSCHER Sebastian was born to Simon and Margaret (Benefit) Tuchscher on July 29, 1929, on a farm near Ashley. During his young boyhood the Tuchscher family moved to Ellendale, where Sebastian attended the elementary and high schools. He came to Wishek in March 1948, and was employed at the E. M. Levi elevator until January, 1951. He entered the Army as a member of Service Battery, 188th Field Artillery Battalion of the North Dakota National Guard, which was activated in January of 1951. The unit was sent to Camp Rucker Alabama. He was sent overseas in August, 1951 and returned from Korea in 1952. He returned to his former employment at the elevator and in 1962 became general manager of Economy Gas Company, now known as the Solar Gas Company, and is still employed there. Mr. Tuchscher has been active in Community affairs, serving as alderman on the city council, member of the Volunteer Fire Department, treasurer of Grace E & R Church, member of the American Legion Post, member of Wild Life Club, and a member of the Eagles Club. Lorrine (Kramer) Tuchscher is the daughter of Emanuel and Pauline (Martel) Kramer, and was born October 2, 1932, on a farm near Wishek. She attended rural school until 1945 when the Kramer family moved to Wishek; here she continued her education in the elementary and high schools. She attended Ellendale State Teachers College and taught rural school during Sebastian's overseas duty. Presently she is employed as secretary at Beaver Valley Creamery. Lorrine is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Women's Guild of Grace E & R Church, served a term on the state board of the North Dakota Conference, U.C.C., taught Sunday School and was a Cub Scout leader. Sebastian and Lorrine were married January 17, 1951, and are the parents of two children: Susan, born July 17, 1953, attending Dickinson State College; and Tobias, born January 21, 1959, who Attends Wishek Public school. MR. AND MRS. WILLIE ULMER Willie Ulmer was born April 4, 1894, in McIntosh County to Ludwig, Jr. and Magdelena (Gaier) Ulmer. Willie's father was an early pioneer of the area, coming to McIntosh County in 1885 from Russia Mrs. Ulmer is the former Martha Knoll, born April 7, 1897, to Peter and Christina (Kienzle) Knoll, on the homestead nine miles northwest of Venturia. Mrs. Ulmer's parents were also early pioneers in McIntosh County, coming here from Russia. The Ulmers were married on February 20, 1920, at the Venturia Baptist Church. As per the mode of transportation in those days, they drove by buggy to their home, seven miles southeast of Wishek. Their children are: Clarence, Benny, Emil, George, Irene (Mrs. Art B. Thurn), Norman and Oscar, all living in the Wishek area, and Mrs. Edwin Speidel (Clara) living in Portland, Oregon, Mrs. Fred Battles (Ruth), living at Eugene, Oregon, Wilbert of Federal Way, Washington, Mrs. Bud (Fredia) Billington of Phoenix, Arizona and John of Hawthorne, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Ulmer lived on the same farm for fifty years and in 1969, they moved into Wishek, where they now make their home. They are members of the First Baptist Church. MR. AND MRS. OSCAR E. ULMER Oscar is the son of William Ulmer and his wife, Martha, nee Knoll, and was born December 3, 1941, at Eureka, South Dakota. He grew up on a farm southeast of Wishek, and continues to farm with his father (who is semi-retired) and also feeds cattle over the winter months. Oscar spent seven years in the National Guard. Caroline was born May 20, 1943 to Emil P. and Ernestine (Kautz) Ackerman in McIntosh County. She has one sister, LaVina (Miller). The Ackermans farmed in McIntosh County for thirty-five years, and since 1963 live in Eureka, South Dakota. Oscar and Caroline were married on February 25, 1966, at Eureka and as Caroline recalls it, "It was a sunshiny day, with snow cover on the ground." Since their marriage, they have made their home at the Westside Trailer Court in Wishek. Over the years, Caroline has worked as a nurse's aide, and for several years has worked at the Wishek Nursing Home as a geriatric aide. THE GEORGE ULMER FAMILY George Ulmer was born May 6, 1927, in McIntosh County to William and Martha (Knoll) Ulmer. On October 29, 1952, he married Arle Jean (Jenner) Ulmer, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jenner They farmed south of Danzig for four years. Then in 1956, they moved on a farm southeast of Wishek, where they still farm. They have three children: Sheila, a junior in Wishek high school Pamela a fourth grader and Keith, a third grader They attend the Wishek schools. They are members of the St. John Congregational Church at Wishek George's favorite sports are hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. MR. AND MRS. TONY VETTER Mr. and Mrs. Tony Vetter were united in marriage on October 2, 1965, at St. Michael's Catholic Church of rural Linton. The Vetters presently operate a dairy and grain farm five miles west of Wishek. Tony was born on July 25, 1942, to Anton and Christine Vetter of Napoleon. Bernice was born on October 6, 1946, to Mr. and Mrs. Kasmier M. Wald of Wishek. They have two children: Kevin Lee, born July 6, 1966, and Charlene Ann, born January 21, 1968. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD VOSSLER Mr. Edward Vossler was born December 11, 1900, to Johann and Karolina (Boschee) Vossler on a farm southwest of Wishek. Mrs. Vossler is the former Emma Just, daughter of Philip and Karoline (Martell) Just. Mr. and Mrs. Just were married on December 19, 1922, and are the parents of twelve children, three of whom died in infancy. Their children are: Alvin, Lee, Oscar, Norvin and Wilbert, all of Wishek; Mrs. Lester (Lorraine) Lang of Lehr; Rubin of Jamestown; Wesley of McLaughlin, South Dakota; and Loretta of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They lived on a farm eighteen miles southwest of Wishek until retirement and now reside in Wishek. They are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. FERDINAND VOSSLER Ferdinand Vossler was born September 18, 1912, son of Johann and Karolina (Boschee) Vossler. He was married July 26, 1936, to Bertha Meidinger, daughter of Andreas Meidinger. They have two children: Mrs. Donald (Lucille) Pfau, Walker, Minnesota; and Larry of Spring Park, Minnesota. Ferdinand worked as a laborer until 1934, when he joined the CCC. In 1936, he took over the operation of the Mobil Station. In 1940, his brother, Art, joined him in business operating a garage. In 1945, they added the Case dealership to their business. In 1959, they purchased their present business. The Vosslers are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR VOSSLER Arthur Vossler was born February 23, 1910, in McIntosh County, the son of Johann and Karolina (Boschee) Vossler. In the year 1930, he married Paulina Just, the daughter of Philip and Karoline Just, born June 17, 1907. There were four children born to this union, one of whom died in infancy. The three living children are: Mrs. Delmar (Ramona) Herr, Mrs. Art (Priscilla) Aipperspach, and Harlen, all of Wishek. Mr. Vossler farmed until 1940, at which time he moved to Wishek and went into business with his brother Ferdinand. They operated the Mobil Station and garage and in 1945 added the Case dealership to their business. In 1959, they sold their interests and purchased their present business. MR. AND MRS. HARLEN A. VOSSLER Harlen A. Vossler was born July 14, 1935, to Arthur and Paulina (Just) Vossler. On October 16, 1955, he married Idella Hiller, who was born December 8, 1936, to Walter Hiller and Rebecca Vilhauer. Harlen and Idella have a family of three: Kimberly, Todd, and Kip, all at home. Harlen is employed as the buttermaker at the Beaver Valley Creamery, and his wife is employed as a teacher in the Wishek Public School system. MR. AND MRS. WILBERT VOSSIER Wilbert Vossler was born on September 19, 1932, to Edward J. and Emma (Just) Vossler, on a farm southwest of Wishek, North Dakota He was united in marriage on September 9, 1958, to LaVerne Brandner, daughter of Reinhold Brandner and Anna (Sprenger) 8randner To this union four children were born: Brenda, Peggy, Charlene, and Sheila, who all reside at home. Mr. and Mrs. Vossler and family are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. KARL WANNER, SR. Karl Wanner, Sr., was born at Kassel, South Russia, on February 13, 1879. His parents were Karl and Caroline (Bender) Wanner. He married Mathilda Wagner in the old country, who died a year later. Their first child followed its mother in death. In 1904, he married Katherine Kirschenmann, daughter of Fredrich and Christina (Hagele) Kirschenmann. Together they came to America, bringing their one son, Fred, on December 7, 1905. They came first to Bowdle, South Dakota, where they stayed with the John Buechlers for a few months. Mrs. Buechler was an aunt to Mrs. Wanner through the Kirschenmann family. Mr. Wanner worked as a farm hand in the Bowdle area. When they decided to come to North Dakota, the Buechlers gave them a cow, to provide milk for the children. With their meager belongings they homesteaded twelve miles northwest of Wishek. Here they built a sod house and worked with a brother, John K. Wanner, who has his pioneer history in the 1948 Jubilee Book In 1913, they moved to a farm four miles north of Wishek, where they raised their family. There were ten children, as follows: Fred, of Wishek, John of Lodi, California; Mrs. Albert (Mathilda) Lang of Wishek; Christ of Wishek; Daniel, deceased; Mrs. Edwin (Katherine) Humann of Wishek; Mrs. Henry (Elizabeth) Humann of Minneapolis; Karl, Jr., of Wishek; and Mrs. Frank (Esther) Murray of Wilton North Dakota. One child born to them died in infancy. The Wanners lived on this farm until retirement at which time they moved into Wishek. Karl passed away June 7, 1964, after which his wife, Katherine, lived at the Retirement Home until her passing, June 4, 1968. MR. AND MRS. CHRISTIAN WANNER Christian Wanner was born in Logan County twelve miles northwest of Wishek on June 5, 1908, to Mr. and Mrs. Karl Wanner, Sr. (Katherina Kirschenmann). His wife, Lea, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Kienzle (Katherine Lang), and was born August 23, 1913. Christian and Lea were married November 27, 1932. They have one daughter, Mrs. Dolores Lubbers, born December 2, 1937. The Wanners farmed for six years south of Burnstad and for six years seven and one-half miles west of Wishek. They moved into Wishek, November 8, 1946. Mr. Wanner has been a Standard Oil Truck driver for twenty-three years, and Mrs. Wanner has been working as head cook for the Wishek school lunch program for the past twenty years. MR. AND MRS. DANIEL WANNER Daniel Wanner was the son of Karl and Katherina (Kirschenmann) Wanner. His parents were both born in Russia and came to the United States in the early 1900's. Daniel was born August 14, 1911, on the farm, which his parents homesteaded, about ten miles northwest of Wishek in a sod house. He was baptized and confirmed in the Wishek Lutheran Church, and most of his growing years were spent on a farm which his parents bought, four miles north of Wishek. On July 17, 1934, he married Ella Raile, a daughter of Jacob Raile, Jr., and Christina Martell. They lived with Daniel's parents on this farm until 1938 when they rented a farm south of Wishek, and in 1943, they bought their own farm one-half mile south of Burnstad. Here they spent their years raising their family and making a modest living. Due to ill health, Daniel was forced to move to Wishek in 1961, and their son, William took over the farm. In January of 1963, he passed away at the young age of 52. Everyone knew him for his honesty and his willingness to help others at all times. They have two sons and one daughter: William, Mrs. Donald (Arlys) Ackerman, and Daryl Dean, at home. Ella continued to live and work in Wishek, until 1969, when she married Albert Eslinger of Napoleon. They now make their home there and Dean attends Napoleon high school. MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM WANNER William Wanner is the son of Daniel and Ella (Raile) Wanner. He was born in the farm home where he now lives with his family. His father was raised on the same farm, four miles straight north of Wishek, which was purchased by his grandfather, in 1913. Most of his boyhood years were spent on the farm near Burnstad, where he attended school. In 1952, he graduated from Wishek high school and continued to farm with his parents until 1958, when he was drafted into the army, serving ten months of active duty. On October 20, 1958, William married Marlys Finck, a daughter of Paul and Freda (Kienzle) Finck. They were married at Ft. Carson Colorado. Marlys was born on the family homestead November 30, 1939, and was reared eighteen miles northeast of Wishek. She graduated from Lehr high school in 1957. In 1961, they purchased the Wanner farm. In 1963, that farm was hit by the tornado, destroying most of the farm buildings, while the family was safe inside the house only a few feet away. In 1969 they sold this smaller farm and purchased the Karl Wanner, Jr. farm, in order to expand their farming operation. This farm was originally homesteaded by William's grandfather, Karl Wanner, Sr., in 1913. The Wanners are the parents of three children: Perry (deceased at age 3-1/2 years), Scott William, born August 13, 1961, and Kelly Kay, born September 20, 1963. The family is a member of the St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Wishek. MR. AND MRS. KARL D. WANNER Karl D. Wanner, son of John and Marie (Koch) Wanner, was born on November 20, 1905, in Kassel, South Russia He came to the United States with his parents in 1914 and settled on a farm four miles south and one mile east of Wishek. On February 5, 1931, Karl was united in marriage to Lydia Heupel, daughter of John and Barbara Hagel Heupel. She was born on September 16, 1904, in McIntosh County six miles northwest of Venturia. After their marriage, they lived with his mother until fall, when they moved to a farm eighteen miles northeast of Wishek. In 1955, they purchased a farm ten miles north of Wishek and lived there until moving into Wishek in 1968. Nine children were born to this union: Irene, California; Clarence, Grand Forks North Dakota; Leo, Rugby, North Dakota; Carol Dickinson, North Dakota; Earl, Hague, North Dakota; Wilbert, Harvey, Alice and Marlina, Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Wanner are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wishek. CAROLINA WANNER Carolina Wanner was born to John K. Wanner and Magdalena (Sprenger) Wanner on June 1, 1913, on a farm six miles southwest of Wishek and attended country school. At the age of sixteen, she became ill with multiple sclerosis and was disabled. Her parents cared for her for twenty-two years, then she lived with an aunt, Paulina Stebner for one year. She also lived at the Eureka Home, the Sheyenne Memorial Nursing Home in Valley City and the Fargo Nursing Home. On August 1, 1965, she was transferred to the Wishek Nursing Home where she still resides. She is a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. WILBERT A. WANNER Wilbert A. Wanner, the son of Karl D. and Lydia (Heupel) Wanner, was born October 25, 1933, on the family farm northeast of Wishek. Mrs. Wanner is the former Berneice Brandner, born June 13, 1935 to Jacob Brandner and his wife, Martha, nee Lay. Wilbert and Berneice were united in marriage on October 25 1958. They lived with Mrs. Wanner's parents thirteen miles north of Zeeland until 1960, at which time they moved to a farm eleven miles north of Wishek. They have four children: Bradley, Susan, Lanette and Kevin. MR. AND MRS. KASMIER M. WALD Kasmier was born September 27, 1926, in McIntosh County to the late Moritz and Christine (Miller) Wald. Mrs. Wald, the former Annie Wolf, was born February 7, 1926, in Emmons County to Math M. Wolf and Kenegrinda Wolf nee Vetter, who now make their home in Bismarck. Kasmier and Annie were married October 2, 1945, and live on the farm, where Kasmier was born and raised. They have five children: Mrs. Tony (Bernice) Vetter born October 6, 1946, who lives on the Nickisch Dairy Farm; Mrs. Tom (Lorraine) Hilzendeger, born October 13, 1952, who lives in Bismarck Adeline Wald born April 7, 1955, Larry born October 14, 1958; and Dennie born September 30, 1963, all living at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Wald and their family belong to St. Michael's Church in the country and the children attend the Wishek schools, traveling by bus each day. MR. AND MRS. FRED R. WALTH Fred R. Walth, son of Fredrich and Magdelina (Retzer) Walth was born on March 29, 1900, fourteen miles southwest of Wishek. On January 12, 1922, Fred was united in marriage to Margaret Rudolf, daughter of John and Karolina (Sprenger) Rudolf. They have made their home on the old family homestead fourteen miles southwest of Wishek. Mr. and Mrs. Walth are the parents of eight children: Bennie and Myron, Aberdeen, South Dakota; Edmund and Adam of Lodi California; Mrs. Vernon (Wilma) Bauer, Lehr, North Dakota; Larry, Wishek, North Dakota; Wilbert and Mrs. Vernon (Carol) Gerber of Fargo, North Dakota. They also have twenty-eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Walth have been lifetime members of the Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. REINHOLD WANNER Reinhold Wanner was born October 27, 1909, in Logan County, thirteen miles northwest of Wishek, the son of John K. Wanner and Magdalena Sprenger Wanner They moved to a place six miles southwest of Wishek in 1914. He married Martha Eiseman November 19, 1933. Her parents are Gottlieb Eiseman, Sr., and Magdalena Nehlich Eiseman. Mrs. Wallace E. (Darlene) Kern, their only daughter, lives in Waverly, Minnesota. In the fall of 1934, they moved to Arthur, North Dakota, and returned to the Wishek area after a year. They farmed on several locations until the spring of 1939, when they moved back to the old home place six miles southwest of Wishek. They moved into Wishek in 1950 and have lived here ever since. They are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. GOTTLIEB WALTH Mr. Gottlieb Walth was born in McIntosh County on March 7, 1891, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Freidrich Walth, who immigrated from Russia in 1889. Gottlieb had nine brothers and a sister. Gottlieb Walth married Mary Kemmet, the daughter of Jacob and Rosina (Schilling) Kemmet, on November 24, 1921. Gottlieb and Mary lived on a farm twelve miles southwest of Wishek for twenty-seven years. Four daughters were born to the Walths: Mrs. Emmanuel (Edna) Donner of Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Allen (Moneka) Michaelsohn, Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Emil (Doris) Schock, Wishek, North Dakota; and Mrs. Marvin (Diana) Heaton, Fargo, North Dakota. Mrs. Walth has eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The Walths moved into Wishek in 1948, where they built a new home. Gottlieb did concrete work with John Sprenger a few years. He became custodian at the St. Luke Lutheran Church and took care of the church cemetery. Gottlieb was a World War I veteran and a Legionnaire. Mr. Walth died in August of 1968. Mrs. Walth still resides in Wishek. JOHN WEBER, JR. John was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Weber, Sr., who homesteaded in McIntosh County in 1895, four miles east of Wishek. Mr. Weber still resides on this farm. He was raised in a sod building and experienced all the hardships that the early pioneers had to endure. He served in the United States Army during World War I, and after discharge, was married to Emma Thurn, who passed away in 1960. There were nine children born, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Mrs. Arthur (Anita) Hoffman of Fullerton, California; Eddie Weber, presently residing in Bismarck; Mrs. Henry (Margaret) Frank of Wishek; Mrs. Clarence (Darcy) Kramei of Redwood Falls, Minnesota; Mrs. Hilmer (Marilyn) Vossler of Billings, Montana, and Mrs. Kenneth (Joan) Gebhardt of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He served as school clerk of Greenlake School District for thirty-four years, served in various farm programs, was active in bringing in the R.E.A. and has had interest in public and political affairs through the years. MRS. MARTHA WEBER AND GRANDCHILDREN Edward J. Weber and Martha Nill were married on July 2, 1916, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church at Coldwater, North Dakota. They farmed ten miles southeast of Wishek and moved to Wishek in June, 1954. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Weber, namely: Ellis, born June 30, 1917, who passed away March 10, 1964 at Wishek; Myron, born May 27, 1919, now farming near Ashley, North Dakota; Irva Paslak, born February 17, 1921, living at Whittier, California; Wilbur, born September 7, 1925, living at Lodi, California; and Marion, born April 6, 1927, living at Ashley, North Dakota. Mr. Weber passed away August 22, 1954, at Wishek. Mrs. Weber moved to Ashley recently, where she will be near her family. MR. AND MRS. KARL WEINTZ Karl was born July 9, 1909, at Burnstad, North Dakota, to Michael and Fredricka (Miller) Weintz. Bertha was born September 14, 1916, to Jacob and Katherine (Tiede) Dalke of Fredonia. The couple was married in 1936, living in Lehr until 1941. Mr. Weintz worked at various jobs during this time. They lived in Wishek for one year, at which time Mr. Weintz worked at the Schlenker Garage, and in 1942, they moved to Lodi, California. Karl worked in the shipyards during the war and Bertha worked at the motorbase and in the cannery. In 1946, they moved back to Lehr. Karl started his own trucking business and Bertha went to work at Grenz Store. In 1956, they again moved to Wishek, and in 1958, Bertha bought the former Geizler Cafe. She still operates the Weintz Cafe, and Karl farms the John Weber land. They had three children: Mrs. Worny (Arlys) Becker of Seattle, Washington; Mrs. Robert (Kathleen) Stading of Lodi, California; and Michael Dean, who died in infancy. There are also seven grandchildren. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD K. WIEST Edward K. Wiest, son of Karl and Dorthea Wiest, was born on November 7, 1903, in the Venturia area. On October 27, 1927, Edward was united in marriage to Lydia Weisser, daughter of Jacob and Carolina Weisser. Mrs. Wiest was born on April 26, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Wiest were engaged in farming and Edward also was an auctioneer. Mr. Wiest passed away on May 17, 1957, as the result of a tractor mishap. They have two sons, Raymond and Milton, both of Wishek. The Wiests provided a home for two nieces, Mrs. Clarence Rieger (Mae Aipperspach) of Bismarck, and Loretta Aipperspach, Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. Wiest is a member of the E & R Church. MR. AND MRS. RAYMOND WIEST Raymond E. Wiest, son of Edward K. and Lydia Weisser Wiest, was born on October 22, 1928, and married Florence Geiszler of Minot, on August 1, 1954. Raymond, a veteran of the Korean Conflict, is a twenty-six year member of the North Dakota Army National Guard and is presently employed as a rural letter carrier in Wishek. Florence is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Geiszler and was born on June 23, 1931. She presently is the Home Economics Teacher in the Wishek high school. They have four children: Nancy, age 17; Laura, age 15; Edward, age 14; and Sarah, age 4. They are members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Wishek, North Dakota. MR. AND MRS. MILTON O. WIEST Milton O. Wiest, son of Edward K. and Lydia Weisser Wiest, was born on July 9, 1930, and married Mildred Fennel on March 25, 1952. Mildred is the daughter of A. E. and Elizabeth Fennel and was born on August 15, 1929, at Dothan, Alabama. They have three children: twins Glenn Allen and Glenda Alice, age 17, and Tamara Jane, age 9. Milton is a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He is engaged in the trucking business and is McIntosh County Sheriff. They are members of the E & R Church. JACOB H. WIEST Jacob H. Wiest was born to Henry and Louisa (Rudolf) Wiest on February 13, 1896, in the Venturia area. On April 10, 1917, he was married to Eva Wolff, daughter of John and Karolina (Pfiefer) Wolff. Eva was born on August 25, 1896, in the Zeeland Community. To this union were born four sons and two daughters: Mrs. Gottlieb (Hertha) Wiest; Mrs. Allen (Werna) Deile; Herman, Julius, and Herbert. They all live in the Wishek area. One son, Ervin, was killed in World War II in 1943. This couple lived on a farm fourteen miles northeast of Zeeland, North Dakota, from 1923 until they moved into the city of Wishek in September, 1954. Mrs. Wiest passed away on July 23, 1969, and Mr. Wiest is now married to Carolina (Heyd) Aipperspach and they reside in Wishek. MR. AND MRS. EUGENE WIEST Eugene Wiest, son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil P. Wiest, was raised farm seventeen miles southwest of Wishek. He received his elementary education at a rural school and his high school diploma from Zeeland high school. After attending Ellendale College one year, he entered the college of Pharmacy at NDSU, Fargo, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. After his internship at Service Drug in Fargo, he entered the service of his country In 1949, he purchased the Ashley Drug Company and operated it for a short time. At this time, however, a group of Wishek businessmen convinced him to move to Wishek, and in July, 1949, he moved his merchandise and fixtures into the building presently known as the Wishek Star building. The following year, he also purchased the Wishek Drug Company. In 1955, he built the structure presently known as Wiest Service Drug. In 1950, he married Elaine Bender, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bender, Wishek. She graduated from Wishek high school and attended Dakota Business College in Fargo. She attended Mayville State Teachers College while employed there as an accountant. Since their marriage, she has been assisting in the operation of the drug store. They have three children: Mark, a senior in Pre-Med at UND, Todd, a sophomore in Wishek high school and Lori, a sixth grader. Eugene has been active in civic affairs which at present include being Mayor of the City of Wishek. Elaine was a charter member and past president of the Wishek Hospital Auxiliary, charter member and past president of the Wishek Community Homemakers and County Council President, and president of St. Luke Women's Missionary Society. She is the organist for St. Luke Lutheran Church, a Girl Scout leader, and a member of the Wishek Public Library Board. Both have been devoted to the operation of Wiest Service Drug and ever conscious of the health needs of Wishek and surrounding community. MR. AND MRS. JULIUS A. WIEST Both Mr. and Mrs. Wiest are natives of McIntosh County. Julius is the son of Jacob H. Wiest and his wife Eva, nee Wolf, and was born January 31, 1925. Mrs. Wiest is the former Alice Meidinger born March 11, 1937, to August C. and Hilda (Just) Meidinger. Julius and Alice were married April 15, 1958, and are the parents of four children: Clyde David, born January 9, 1960; Karen Ann, born November 14, 1962; Cordell Dean, born July 18, 1967, and Mark Glenn, born June 13, 1972. They started their farming operation in 1958 as a grain farm, and in 1962 expanded the work to include a successful dairy operation. MRS. HENRY P. WIEST Mrs. Elizabeth Wiest was born in McIntosh County on April 24, 1889, to Johann Thurn and his wife Barbara Thurn, nee Schnabel. She lived with her parents on the family farm until January 5, 1911, at which time, she was united in marriage to Henry P. Wiest. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wiest. One son, Gideon, preceded his parents in death. living children include: Adam, of Ashley, Otto and Gottlieb of Wishek, Herman of Burbank, California, and Mrs. Adeline Boschee of Sacramento, California. The family lived for many years in the Venturia area, and in 1946 moved into Wishek. Mr. Wiest passed away on October 1, 1961, and Mrs. Wiest continued living in her home until March 1, 1971, at which time she entered the Wishek Retirement Home, where she resides at the present time. MR. AND MRS. OTTO F. WIEST Otto F. Wiest, son of Henry P. Wiest and Elizabeth (Thurn) Wiest, was born October 28, 1913, in McIntosh County, sixteen miles southwest of Wishek, on the family farm that his father homesteaded. After his parents retired and made their home in Wishek, Otto took over the family farm in the year 1946. Otto's father, Henry P. Wiest died in 1961, and Otto's mother, Elizabeth Wiest resides in the Wishek Retirement Home. On July 3, 1950, Otto was united in marriage to Bertha Dockter. After their marriage, they farmed for eighteen years, and in 1968, they moved to Wishek. Mrs. Otto Wiest was born December 25, 1905, in Emmons County, thirteen miles east of Linton. She lived there until 1945, when her parents moved to Wishek. Five years later she married Otto and moved to their farm. Mrs. Otto Wiest's parents, John and Christina Dockter passed away in 1950 and 1954 respectively. Mr. Wiest was a member of the Soil Conservation Committee of McIntosh County for two years. He has been a trustee and a deacon, six years each, and the Treasurer of Grace E & R Church for six years. He has been active in the Volunteer Fire Department of Wishek, being a director for three years. The first businessmen that Mr. Wiest remembers in Wishek, were Pete Ackerman, whose grocery store was located on the lots of the present John Deere Implement; Ed Pfeifle who operated one of the Wishek garages; and H. E. Timm, the insurance man. MR. AND MRS. HERMAN WIEST Herman August Wiest, son of Jacob and Eva (Wolff) Wiest, was born July 7, 1921. He was united in marriage to Deloris Lorraine Rieger, daughter of John F. and Katherine (Bender) Rieger, on July 28, 1946, at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church. The Wiests have the following children: Mrs. Ronald David (Anna Marie) Borman married July 1, 1967, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Wishek; Sandra Kay Wiest, born November 16, 1952; Jacob Herman Wiest, born December 23, 1958; and Lila Lorraine Wiest, born December 10, 1959. They have one grandchild, Ronald David Borman, Jr., born April 29, 1968. MR. AND MRS. REINHARD WERRE Reinhard Werre, one of seven children, was born July 8, 1914. His parents were Gottlieb Werre, born in 1874, and Katherine Stauss, born in 1874. They were both born in Gluecksdahl, South Russia. He married Lydia Reich on March 29, 1937. She was born June 16 1917, to Adam and Katherine Reich of Wishek. They farm in the Wishek area. They have one child, Elmer. He graduated from the Wishek high school in 1958. He married Eileen King of Moorhead, Minnesota, on July 12, 1962. They have three children: Mitchell Troy, born in 1963; Jonathan Kent, born in 1965; and Michelle, born in 1969. The Elmer Werres reside in Fargo, where he is employed by United States Postal Service. MR. AND MRS. JOHN H. WISHEK, JR. John Henry Wishek, son of John H. Wishek, Sr., and Nina Farley, was born April 2, 1900. He was graduated from Ashley high school in 1917. He attended the University of Minnesota for a time, but returned to Ashley to engage in business. He also taught in a rural school near Ashley. He worked at the First State Bank in Wishek in the early 1920's. After his marriage to Lillian Mielke on March 21, 1926, he established his permanent home in Wishek. His main interests and activities centered around the family grain elevator business which he managed. He enjoyed outdoor work and in 1939, he became buyer at the Wishek elevator. Another of his interests was the Wishek Concrete Products and Lumber business, which he organized and headed until his unfortunate death in an airplane crash at the Bismarck airport on September 10, 1949. He worked closely with his brother Max and after the death of their father in 1932, the brothers continued to manage the family properties. John Wishek was very active in Republican politics and for a while served as head of the North Dakota Securities Commission under the appointment of Governor Walter Welford. He was a civic leader and a recognized booster for his community and McIntosh county. After his death his widow, Lillian Wishek, continued to maintain the family home and businesses until her death on November 18, 1961. John and Lil had five daughters, whose biographies follow: MR. AND MRS. LESTER C. DEMPSEY Lillian Barbara Wishek, eldest daughter of John and Lillian Wishek, was born July 31, 1927. She graduated from Wishek high school and attended the University of North Dakota. Lester Dempsey, son of Calvin Dempsey and Jennie (Steele) Adams, was born November 16, 1920, in Portland, Oregon. He moved with his parents to Sentinel Butte, North Dakota, when he was three. He attended elementary and high school in Sentinel Butte, graduating in 1939. He enrolled at the University of North Dakota and while there became a member of the 164th Infantry in the National Guard in March, 1940, and was assigned to M Company. The group underwent basic training in Louisiana. After war was declared in 1941 the group was mobilized and sent to New Caledonia in the South Pacific. Here a new division was formed known as the Americal -- the only division without a number, This group island-hopped for forty-two months, starting with the famous battle of Guadalcanal, continuing to Luzon and ending in New Zealand. He returned to U.N.D. in 1946. It was here that he met Lillian Wishek. These two graduated from U.N.D. and were married June 11, 1950. They taught together in North Dakota schools, finally coming to Wishek in 1953. Lester farmed and taught in various schools in the area. In 1963, he became assistant cashier and manager of the Lehr office of the McIntosh County Bank. He continued his work with the bank and later served as an executive vice president of the McIntosh County Bank at Ashley until his death in March, 1973. Lillian and Lester had six sons: John Michael, born July 8, 1951, in the U.S. Navy stationed on Midway Island in the Pacific; Steven Wayne, born October 4, 1952, at home waiting to start his commercial art course; Paul Lester, born July 16, 1954, a sophomore at U.N.D.; James Calvin, born April 12, 1958, sophomore in Wishek high school; David Allen, born September 16, 1960, an eighth grader; and Mark Robert, born January 11, 1962, a sixth grader. The Dempseys have been active in community life but their particular concern has always been in areas which affect youth. Les was a member of all professional education or board of education groups when actively involved in the work. He belonged to banker's groups and attended most banking institutes. He served for the past six years as a director on the Wishek School Board. Other interests included Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Elks, Lions, VFW, American Legion and sports of all kinds. Lillian belongs to Wishek Civic League, ALCW, American Legion Auxiliary, Community Homemakers, and her professional groups in English in the secondary field of education. The Dempseys are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH N. ANDERSON Virginia Elaine (Wishek) Anderson, the second daughter of the late John and Lillian M. Wishek, was born January 8, 1931. She graduated from Wishek high school in 1949 and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, received her degree, and taught in Iowa for a year or two. She was united in marriage to Joseph N. Anderson on July 3, 1954, and lived in Wishek a short while. The Andersons moved to Austin, Texas, where Virginia was employed by a state school for retarded and exceptional children. She became vitally interested in the problems which concerned this group of children in our society. From Texas they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1962. Here Joe became involved in ranching and the raising of fine horses. Their daughters are well-known in the horse show circuits of the southwest for expertise in horsemanship. Virginia continued teaching in the special education field and received her Master's Degree in Special Education from Arizona State University at Tempe in 1969. Virginia and Joe have six children: Jode Jean, born January 2, 1956; Ninnette Virginia, born March 12, 1958; Madeline Lillian, born January 29, 1963; Perry John, born February 22, 1964; and twin sons, Ben and Stewart, born March 15, 1971. ROBERTA WISHEK Roberta Wishek, daughter of John and Lillian M. Wishek, was born February 8, 1933. She grew up in Wishek and graduated from Wishek high school in 1954. She lived with her mother until her mother died. Illness necessitated her living at times in Jamestown She lived in the Lester Dempsey home for a few years and now resides in Jamestown. She travels by plane to visit with her sisters Arizona and California for a short time each year. MR. AND MRS. SOLOMON HOCHHALTER Solomon G. Hochhalter, son of the late Henry J. Hochhalter and Magdalina (Staebler) Hochhalter, was born February 24, 1918, in McIntosh County. Sully attended the Wishek Public School. He entered the military service in March of 1941 and served through October 1945. He served in the Pacific theater during which he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Philippine Liberation medal with one bronze star. On October 21, 1956, he married Jonna Helene Wishek, daughter of the late John and Lillian (Mielke) Wishek. They have two daughters: Gale Sue, 15, a freshman in the Wishek Junior high school; and Karen Ann, 13, who is in the eighth grade in the Wishek Junior high school. Sully was engaged in farming with his father and did some U.S. Postal Service work. He is now self-employed at Sully's Lounge. He belongs to the Grace E and R Reformed Church and has served as a council member and is treasurer of the Repair Fund. He is a member of Fred Kelle Post No. 87 of the American Legion, the Wishek Drum and 8ugle Corps, and the Wishek Association of Commerce. Jonna graduated from Wishek high school, attended Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, and Valley City State Teacher's College. Jonna is active in the St. Luke Lutheran Church, the Wishek Civic League, the American Legion Auxiliary, 4-H work, and is presently serving on the South Central Mental Health and Retardation Center Advisory Board representing McIntosh County. MR. AND MRS. JOHN M. MEAD Nina Eileen (Wishek) Mead is the fifth daughter of John H. Wishek, Jr. (deceased), and Lillian M. Wishek (deceased). She was born January 16, 1939, in Wishek. She graduated from Wishek High School in 1957 and attended the University of North Dakota. She was united in marriage to John M. (Jack) Mead, son of Judge (deceased) and Mrs. Clarence G. Mead of Lisbon, North Dakota, June 21, 1958. He was employed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as an installer repairman in Wishek. They made their first home in Ashley, North Dakota. Nina was employed by the McIntosh County Bank until the birth of their first son, John M. Mead 11, on February 18, 1960. In January of 1961, they moved to Hettinger, North Dakota, where they made their home for three years. They moved to Dickinson, North Dakota, in January of 1964, where Jack was advanced to the inside office as an equipment man. Their second son Jeffrey Clarence Mead, was born there April 13, 1964. In May of 1968, the Mead family moved to Lodi, California where Jack assumed a position with Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company at the Lodi micro-wave station. MR. AND MRS. GOTTFRIED WOEHL Gottfried Woehl was born on October 10, 1905, in McIntosh County, to Henry and Justina Boschee Woehl. On March 31, 1932, he was united in marriage to Edna Boschee, daughter of John V. and Christina Thurn Boschee. Edna Boschee was born August 28, 1909, in McIntosh County. The couple moved to a farm thirteen miles southwest of Wishek where they farmed until 1938. Due to illness the couple was forced to move to the city of Wishek. In the following years Mr. Woehl was employed in various occupations until in 1946, when he took up masonry work and some farming. Illness forced his retirement in 1968. To this union seven children were born: Mrs. Orville (Evangeline) Ketterling, of Streeter, North Dakota; Alice, who died in infancy; Delane of Dickinson, North Dakota; Mrs. Fred (Eileen) Jenny of Anchorage, Alaska; Mylo of San Jose, California; Mrs. Gordon (Dianna) Veil of Rapid City, South Dakota; and James of Jamestown, North Dakota. They have been lifetime members of the United Methodist Church. MR. AND MRS. OTTO WOEHL Otto Woehl was born on January 11, 1911, to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Woehl, southwest of Wishek, in McIntosh County. On October 8, 1936, he was married to Ella Bertsch, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Andrew A. Bertsch, of Ashley, North Dakota. To this union two children were born: Mrs. Arnold (Marlene) Reule stationed in Weisbaden, Germany, on a U.S. Air Force base; and Leland at home, a sophomore at Wishek high school. Otto farmed and has held different jobs through the years. He has been a mail carrier for Wishek the past six years, delivering the mail to and from Jamestown, North Dakota. The Woehls have been active in the Wishek Baptist Church. MR. AND MRS. JULIUS WOEHL Mr. and Mrs. Julius Woehl reside on a farm sixteen miles southwest of Wishek, which was homesteaded by his grandfather, Jacob Woehl, making them the third generation to occupy the same place. Mr. and Mrs. Julius Woehl were married in 1946 and have three children: Linda (Mrs. Rodney Kluwers), Mary Ann and Gene. Mrs. Woehl is the former Edna Nies, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Nies of Ashley, North Dakota and Julius is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Woehl. MR. AND MRS. FRED R. WOLFF The year 1896 brought a young boy to the Wishek Community, who was to spend sixty-three years here He was Fred R. Wolff, born on February 11, 1887, at Eureka, South Dakota, the son of John and Fredricka (Bender) Wolff. The first people that he knew were John Doyle, Charles Roehm, and M. E. Pratt. He was one of the people who were in the tent store, which was destroyed by a windstorm during the first year of the town's existence. In commenting on his first business transaction, Mr. Wolff tells us that he purchased the first bicycle ever sold in Wishek. With it he made a trip to Eureka, South Dakota, following cow trails most of the way, because there were few roads to be found. On November 11, 1909, he married Emelia Pfeifle, the daughter of Peter and Katharina (Deischle) Pfeifle. They are parents of five children: Adelia (Mrs. Herbert Doering) Minneapolis; Wilma Virkus, Minneapolis; Erwin, deceased; Glenaris (Mrs. William Reschke), Minneapolis; and Arlean (Mrs. Sal Lodato), Anaheim, California. For a number of years, Mr. Wolff was engaged in the General Merchandise business. Later he worked for the Standard Oil Co., as bulk agent. As such he hauled oil to neighboring towns with horses and wagon, as the only bulk station in the county was located here. From 1920 until 1940, he built highways and county roads. He was a member of the Wishek baseball team from 1907 to 1912. He was also one of the organizers of the Fire Department and also served this community as a member of the School Board, City Board, City Band, and was the City Police for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Wolff were active members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church for fifty years. Mrs. Wolff was the first President of the Ladies Aid which held its first meeting October 27, 1926. The Wolff family lived in the same house in Wishek for fifty years. For many of these years, Mrs. Wolff managed a rooming and boarding house. In 1959, they sold their home and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to be closer to their children. They now reside at 2900 Douglas Drive, Apt. 336, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Having celebrated their sixty-third wedding anniversary at the ages of 86 and 82, they are still quite active and enjoying average health. MR. AND MRS. ALBERT G. WOLFF Albert G. Wolff was born February 16, 1902, near Eureka, South Dakota, to George Wolff and Julianna Kusler. As a young boy he moved to a farm near Wishek with his parents. He married Christine Sifferman on November 23, 1926. She was the daughter of Jacob B. Sifferman and Katherine (Whittmeyer) Sifferman. She was born on January 17, 1905, near Lehr, North Dakota. They established their home three miles east and one mile north of Wishek, living there until 1959 when they retired to live in Wishek, North Dakota. They have two sons, Harvey and Delmar, both farming near Wishek. One son died in infancy. They have been blessed with two grandsons, David and George Wolff. Mr. and Mrs. Wolff were both baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and have been members of St. Luke Lutheran Church at Wishek since their marriage. MR. AND MRS. EDWIN WOLF Edwin is the son of the late George and Juliana (Kusler) Wolf. He was born on June 22, 1903 and reared on the parental farm east of Wishek. He was united in marriage with Eline Meinerts at Wishek on November 20, 1924. Eline, the daughter of Friederich and Heime (Willms) Meinerts, was born on September 14, 1903, at Ostfriesland, Germany. As a young lady, Eline migrated to the United States. She lived with relatives in Iowa and in the Wishek community prior to her marriage. After their marriage, the young couple settled on a farm six miles east of Wishek. It was the farm which Edwin's father had homesteaded and at which Edwin was born. The farm was rented out and the family moved to Wishek in 1956. The farm was sold to the Walter Ziegenhagel family in December, 1964. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf enjoy good health. They are active members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. The Wolf family consists of five children: Alvin, Sacramento, California; Raymond, Picayne, Miss.; Herbert, Wishek; Elton, Bismarck and Mrs. Ivan (Rinelde) Diede of Pingree, North Dakota. MR. AND MRS. JOHN M. WOLF Fredricka, daughter of Fredrick Ritter and Fredricka Kelle Ritter, was born in South Russia. She came to America with her parents in 1898 at the age of eight months. The family located near Eureka, South Dakota, and took up farming. In 1902, her father filed for a homestead thirteen miles northwest of Wishek. Fredricka grew up on this farm. She married Phillip Burlack, a World War I veteran, in 1920. They purchased a small farm southwest of Burnstad, North Dakota. In 1932, her parents retired and moved to Wishek. Phillip, then, bought the Ritter home place. This marriage was blessed with seven children: Mrs. Roy (Alma) Heupel of New Brighton, Minnesota; Benny, Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. David (Ermaline) Zavilowitz of the Bronx, New York; Marion, Wishek, North Dakota; Mrs. Walter (Eileen) Ketterlil1g of Lehr, North Dakota; Mrs. Kenneth (Arlean) Krein of Wishek, North Dakota; and John of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Phillip passed away in 1947. Fredricka and the children worked together on the farm until 1950, when she built a house in Wishek and retired. Her son, Benny, took over the farm and is still raising cattle and small grain. In 1962, Fredricka married John M. Wolf, a retired well driller from Napoleon, North Dakota. MR. AND MRS. HERBERT WOLF Herbert Wolf, the son of Edwin and Eline (Meinerts) Wolf, was born at Wishek, North Dakota, December 19, 1928. LaVern Wolf, the daughter of Jacob and Matilda (Thurn) Harter was born at Ashley, North Dakota, December 26, 1933. Herbert and LaVern were married at Ashley, North Dakota, June 14, 1953. Herb is employed by Pfeifle Chevrolet as gas and oil bulk dealer, and LaVern is employed by Security State Bank as assistant cashier. They have one child, a daughter, Susan Joy, who at present attends 7th grade at the Wishek Public School. They are members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. MR. AND MRS. JOHN S. WOLF In 1893, the John S. Wolf family moved north from Eureka and homesteaded three miles east of what is now Wishek. They were among the very first pioneers to settle in this area. The nearest trade center at 1hat time was either Kulm or Eureka which meant a trip by wagon which took several days. When Mr. Wolf was gone on one of these shopping trips, Mrs. Wolf had the experience of having an Indian stop at the farm with some antelope meat. This visitation was very welcome since meat was scarce at that time. The Wolf farm had Indian travelers regularly as it was located near an old Indian trail. The Wolfs recalled the coming of the railroad in 1898. Mrs. Wolf cooked meals for twelve to fifteen men working on the railroad in addition to the meals for her own family. A typical Christmas in those early years consisted of a thistle decorated with popcorn strings, homemade kuchen and cookies, and store bought peanuts, candy and apples, Twenty-five cents worth of these luxuries (peanuts, candy, and apples) went a long way those days for a family of seven children. Mr. Wolf was born March 11, 1868, in Marienberg, South Russia, to John Wolf and Fredericka (Bender) Wolf. In 1885, the John Wolf family came to South Dakota with a group of families including Karl Fischer. December 29, 1891, John married his childhood sweetheart, Friedericka Fischer. She was born June 11, 1873, to Karl and Elizabeth Weile Fischer. Eight children were born to this couple. Those living are: Edward, Stockton, California; Mrs. Edward P. (Lydia) Pfeifle, Scottsdale, Arizona; Mrs. Philip (Rosina) Bender; Mrs. William (Elizabeth) Fiechtner, and Mrs. William E. (Emelia) Huber, all of Wishek. In 1916, John, Jr., took over management of the farm and the Wolf family moved to Wishek. Mr. Wolf sold and adjusted insurance until his death in 1947. Mrs. Wolf died in 1961. The Wolfs were charter members of St. Luke Lutheran Church. Mr. Wolf was a church deacon and a McIntosh County Commissioner for many years. There's always something buzzing in a small community ...like a bee hive ... each day scheduled into the activity of a person's work ... at least two afternoons or evenings a week are X-ed out for a meeting, a game, or a party ... these active filled weeks contribute greatly to the "backslappings" and "remember whens" that are exchanged in later years. The warmth of friendly exchange at "downtown" coffees where reputations stand or fall ... the peace found at the communion table and the sharing of favorite hymns ... the togetherness of a group cooperating on a favorite money-making project -- all contribute to this fellowship we're talking about ... sometimes we find fellowship in a smoke, a glass of beer, a quiet walk, a romp with a dog ... a day at the lake ... innumerable chances at companionship, good for soul and body. ABOVE Wishek's first church--Presbyterian; First Fourth of July celebration; Day's hunt at Green Lake--1929; Tri-County Fair--1933; Sunday drive in one of Wishek's first rural mail carrier 1923 autos--1925. BELOW: Spring program group, first grade,1948; Slumber party--1950's; Hunting scene--1940's; Fishing club--1940's; Lutheran confirmation class--1939; Tri-County Fair threshing bee--1966; Wartburg College bound--1950's; Tri-County fairgrounds--1972. First Baptist Church of Wishek Early in 1875, when the settling of McIntosh County was in its beginning, people from the village of Danzig, Russia, settled near Tyndall, South Dakota. This created a desire for others from their homeland to follow, but finding the free land all taken. they were advised by the federal land agents to go further north into Dakota Territory. They were not happy at having to move further north, but nevertheless about 15 families did settle about nine miles south of the present city of Wishek. Here they missed the church fellowship to which they had been accustomed in their homeland. They were a devout and faithful people. By God's leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, they organized their own congregation in 1886. Fifteen families joined themselves together in this fellowship, naming John Brokofsky as chairman and William Koth as secretary. They named the church "Danzig Baptist Church." after their home town. These early settlers had a dialect of their own, commonly known as "Platt Deutsch," but they used the German Bible and language in their services. The Danzig Church affiliated with the Northwestern Baptist Conference in 1888. In 1900 this church with all other German Baptist churches was transferred to the Dakota Conference. The fellowship made progress, spiritually as well as financially By 1903 it became self-supporting and was relinquished by the mission as a free church. Meetings were held in homes for six years, and they gained members from as far west as the Beaver Creek area. For the membership, the desire to build a house for worship became foremost. In 1892 they built a wooden structure 20 feet by 40 feet on a plat of 3 acres of land donated by John J. Giedt. This was 9 miles south of Wishek. The cost of the church was $800.00, of which $550.00 was raised among the members and a loan of $250.00 obtained from the Baptist Home Mission Society, New York City. Soon thereafter a fifteen acre tract was acquired one-quarter mile south of the church, which became the location of the first parsonage. Here were erected a house, barn, and other small buildings. There was a pasture for horses, since they were the only means of 1ravel in those days. Records do not reveal how this 15 acre tract was purchased or how the buildings were financed. In 1908, several dedicated and devout believers, living in the newly organized village of Wishek, expressed their desire to build their own house of worship. Jacob Herr, Sr., was the leader of this group. Two lots, which are now the present site, were donated by John H. Wishek, Sr. On these was erected a wooden structure 24 feet by 40 feet, at a cost of $2,162.00. A sum of $300.00 was borrowed from the Baptist Home Mission Society, and the rest financed from donations. This church in Wishek was officially the Wishek station of the Danzig church. However, in 1930, the name of the church was officially changed by vote of the entire membership from Danzig Baptist Church to German Baptist Church of Wishek. This church then operated branches at Danzig and Beaver Creek. By 1935 the members became very conscious of the fact that the wooden church structure in Wishek was inadequate. It was decided to remove the old building and replace it with a larger basement building on the original site at a cost of $6,000.00. Better automobiles and roads made traveling easier; therefore the Danzig station was discontinued in 1940 and the Beaver Creek station in 1949. In 1949, the name of the church was again changed from German Baptist Church to First Baptist Church of Wishek. Also in the same year the church decided to erect a new church, incorporating the basement structure as a part thereof. This was financed by donations from a faithful membership; the cost was $78,520.00. On July 2, 1950, the new building was dedicated to Christ as Lord, and for the service to mankind as a spiritual haven. In 1955, the old parsonage was replaced by a new modern ranch type dwelling. The cost of the new parsonage was $31,181.00. Sixteen pastors have served the church. Rev. Berthold Matzke served from 1888-1892 as the first pastor and Rev. Gordon Huisinga is the present pastor. Eight young men and one young woman enlisted in fulltime Christian service. The first one was Emanual Giedt--a 1909 missionary to China. He now lives in Van Nuys, California, and is retired. Another, Gideon Zimmerman, is General Secretary of our North American Baptist Conference with headquarters in Forest Park, Ill. First Baptist Church of Wishek has a well organized Sunday School, with classes for all age groups. It has a well established library, with good Christian literature. It has several subsidiary organizations which will be placing their own report in this Jubilee Book. Carl Weisser, a former pastor of First Baptist Church of Wishek, once said: "The influence that has flowed forth from this church will only be told in the record of the 'Book of Life'. We give God the glory for His continued goodness for these many years. We praise Him for what He permitted us to do. We thank Him for that which He will permit us to do, "until He comes." Baptist Men's Brotherhood Front row, left to right: Art Bender, Oliver Bettenhausen, Treasurer; Gordon Huisinga, Pastor; Elmer Schauer, Secretary; Howard Breitling, Vice President; Floyd Herr, President. Second row: Julius Woehl, Ray Barchinger, Jake Kramer, Ben Aipperspach, Melvin Hoffman, Ben Woehl, Bill Moser. Third row: Dwight Herr, Ben Stading, Barlow Mehlhoff, Marvin Schilling, Lorren Herr, Marvin Huber. Fourth row: Gottfried Herr, Lee Aipperspach, Jeff. Schauer, Gene Woehl, Claude Aipperspach, Vernon Kramer. Members not pictured are: Dave Aipperspach, Charles Bettenhausen, Russel Dohn, Dale Ketterling, Clarence Ulmer, Otto Woehl, Bruce Schauer, Dowayne Ketterling. The Baptist Men's Brotherhood was organized in March, 1955. In addition to Christian fellowship and the spiritual edification of its members through Bible study and prayer, the primary purpose of the organization is service to the local congregation and the Church at large. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month. Among the projects undertaken by the group are the establishment of a Student Scholarship Fund at the Baptist Seminary, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the building of a Youth Camp at Crystal Springs, North Dakota. On the local level, a new piano has been purchased for use in the lower auditorium of the church. The Dorcas Society Front row, left to right: Mrs. Howard Breitling, Mrs. Elmer Schauer, Mrs. Dwight Herr, Mrs. Arthur Bender. Middle row: Evangeline Ammon, Mrs. Oliver Bettenhausen, Mrs. Marvin Schilling, Mrs. Ray Barchinger, Mrs. Gerald Bailey. Back row: Mrs. Oscar Bechtle, Mrs. Vernon Herr, Mrs. Marvin Huber, Mrs. Gordon Huisinga, Esther Herr. Not pictured: Mrs. Ben Stading, Mrs. Gottlieb Eiseman. A younger group, called The Dorcas Society, organized under the name of the "Sunshine Club" in February, 1924. The first meeting was held at the home of Eleanor Herringer Haas. There were five charter members Eleanor Herringer (Mrs. Abe Haas); Eleanor Herr (Mrs. Gerald Bailey); Margaret Herr (Mrs. Mel Dirks); Priscilla Herr (Mrs. John Bartholomew); and Viola Stading (Mrs. Edward Kautz). On March 14, 1930, the Sunshine Club became an organization within the Baptist Church. And on October 1, 1930, the name was changed to the Dorcas Society. This Society now has a membership of 16 members with 45 honorary members. The purpose of this Society is for spiritual and social upbuilding of its members as well as for charitable and mission purposes. Its meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Donations of supplies and money have flowed to our Church-affiliated institutions, Crystal Springs Camp, and the Mission fields at home and abroad. Shut-ins are remembered as well as the church. Newly elected officers are: Mrs. Howard Breitling, president; Mrs. Arthur Bender, vice president; Mrs. Dwight Herr, secretary; Mrs. Elmer Schauer, treasurer, and Mrs. Marvin Huber and Mrs. Ben Stading, social secretaries. Baptist Women's Missionary Society First row, left to right: Mrs. R. Ketterling, Mrs. V. Kramer, Mrs. Gottlieb Herr, Mrs. Melvin Hoffman, Mrs. Pete Hagel. Second row: Mrs. J. J. Kramer, Mrs. Wm. Moser, Mrs. Em. Herr, Mrs. C. J. Herr, Mrs. Julius Ritter, Mrs. Julius Woehl, Mrs. Henry Bertsch, Mrs. C. Bettenhausen. Top row: Mrs. Ed. Herr, Mrs. D. Aipperspach, Mrs. G. Huisinga, Mrs. T. T. Donner, Mrs. Godfrey Herr, Mrs. George Herr, Mrs. Emil Herr, Mrs. David Quatier. The Women's Missionary Society of the First Baptist Church was organized on July 22, 1914, with seven members. Two of those seven are still members, namely Mrs. August Herr (inactive), and Mrs. Gottlieb Herr, still active. The purpose and aim of the Society is fivefold, viz., to acquaint ourselves with missions the world over, to foster the spirit of Christian fellowship and unity, to acquire more Bible knowledge, to visit the sick and give a helping hand where help is needed. We do meet regularly the first Tuesday of the month. In the 59 years since its organization, we have never cancelled or skipped a meeting. We have had 708 consecutive meetings. The present officers are Mrs. Melvin Hoffman, president; Mrs. Rueben Ketterling, vice president; Mrs. Peter Hagel, secretary, and Mrs. Vernon Kramer, treasurer. St. John Congregational Church Records indicate that St. John Congregational Church was organized on February 27, 1912. Thirteen people who had gathered for weekly worship services at the local school under the leadership of the Rev. L. Ebertz expressed their desire to organize as a congregation. The meeting was convened by the Pastor-at-large, the Rev. Herman Seil. The Rev. Louis Ebertz acted as secretary at the meeting. The following are listed as charter members: Mr. and Mrs. Phillip G. Mueller, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hilscher, Miss Mathilda Hilscher, Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Sayler, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hochhalter, Mr. and Mrs. John Junkert, Sr. Of the original charter members, Mr. Fred J. Sayler is still an active member of the congregation. For the first fourteen years of its existence, St. John congregation was served as part of the Fredonia parish. From 1925 until 1931 the congregation was served by a resident pastor, the Rev. F. J. Wacker. From 1932 until 1936, the congregation was served by Pastor H. Hoersch from Fredonia. The rural Worms Congregation disbanded in 1936 and amalgamated with the Wishek Congregational Church. Since the fall of 1937, St. John congregation has had a resident pastor. The first church building was erected in 1912. In May, 1958, the present church edifice was dedicated during the pastorate of the Rev. W. Kranzler. A new parsonage was completed in January, 1973. The present pastor, the Rev. and Mrs. H. Pfeiff, are its first occupants. Three native sons of the community and the congregation have been ordained into the Christian ministry. They are: the late Rev. Dr. Edward Sayler, Rev. Elmer Bettenhausen, and Rev. Reinhold Klein. Pastors who have served the congregation are: L. Ebertz, G. Kissler, T. H. Pfenning, P. Hedlinger, John Meer, F. J. Wacker, H. Hoersch, H. E. Wilske, Edward Schmidt, John Hoersch, G. Eisenach, W. Kranzler, A. Orman, R. Scheerer, E. Dahmer (interim), G. Lockwood and H. Pfeiff. At present, the church has an active Sunday School, Martha Ladies Aid, Lydia Society, Young People's Group, Adult Choir and a Youth Choir. During these past 63 years the membership has grown from the original 13 members to its present membership of 155. The congregation's records indicate that 373 children were christened, 312 have been confirmed in the Christian faith, 85 marriages and 92 funerals. These are some of the visible records; the invisible growth and service cannot be calculated. St. John's Congregational Youth Ministry Front row, left to right: Keith Sayler, Daniel Ackerman. Second row, left to right: Ruby Ackerman, Patty Kemmet, Tammie Bettenhausen, Sheila Ulmer, Tim Sayler, Theresa Hilsendager, Alice Ackerman. Back row, left to right: Colleen Hilsendager, Jeff Klundt, Lowell Klein, Rodney Eiseman, John Sayler. Not pictured: Rose Schauer. The young people of the St. John's Congregational United Church of Christ of Wishek, North Dakota, met and organized a Christian endeavor on October 17, 1937. The meeting was opened by Rev. Wilske. The officers elected were as follows: president, Mrs. Lillian Sayler; vice president, Mr. Emil Junket; secretary, Christina Klein; treasurer, Ellen Bettenhausen. Now, in 1973, the organization is called "Youth Ministry." We meet every two weeks and have special activities such as Christmas caroling, bowling Halloween party and picnics. The officers for the year of 1973 are: president, John Sayler; vice president, Patty Kemmet; secretary, Rose Schauer; treasurer, Colleen Hilsendager. The Lydia Society Wishek's Diamond Jubilee will include an anniversary event for the members of the Lydia Society. The Jubilee Year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of their society. On September 2, 1948, a group of ladies from St. John Congregational Church met at the parsonage. The meeting was hosted by Mrs. John Hoersch. The members present expressed a dual concern and desire: the development of their own spiritual life and the desire to be of greater service to the church. Charter members of the newly formed society were: Mmes. John Hoersch, president; Arthur Sayler, vice president; Leo Gall, secretary; Theophil Gall, treasurer; Harold Klein, Edward Klein, Gust Boettcher, Fred J. Sayler and Herb Enzi. For a quarter of a century, members of the Lydia Society have had the privilege of being of service to the church and community. The monthly programs are varied, but always with the primary purpose of bringing its members to a deeper appreciation and a better understanding of God's Word. One of the major purposes of organization -- service to church and community -- accounts for the various projects undertaken to underwrite the financial costs of such service. The list of projects includes, to list a few: food sales, rummage sales, personal projects of varied natures, free-will offerings, card and vanilla project, etc. The funds realized were directed towards various charities as selected by the society. The list includes: Crippled Children's Home, Children's Village, Muscular Dystrophy Research, Chapel at the State School at Grafton, the adoption of an Indian child under sponsorship of Christian World Service, Charles Hall Home at Bismarck and others. Financial aid and personal contributions have also been extended toward local projects in the community and congregation. Included are the Wishek Community Hospital, Wishek Retirement Home, St. John Congregational Church and, during the past year, the new parsonage erected by the congregation. Three of the charter members are still on the membership roster of the Lydia Society. They are: Lydia Boettcher, Verna Klein and Marie Sayler. In addition to these charter members, present membership includes Mmes. Arlys Ackerman, Irene Bettenhausen, Bernice Dahmer, Hertha Hagel, Ida Hagel, Thamer Hochhalter, Becky Hochhalter, June Kemmet Ida Kruger, Edna Meidinger, Ramona Pfeiff, Lydia Roth and Jean Sayler. Officers for 1973 are: president, Hertha Hagel; vice president, Irene Bettenhausen; secretary, Marie Sayler; treasurer, Ida Hagel. St. John U.C.C. Sunday School Our Sunday School was organized in 1911. It offers religious education and training to both children and adults. At present, we have an enrollment of eighty-five. The school is comprised of seven classes with a teaching staff of fifteen. Kindergarten class: Mrs. Joanie Sayler; Mrs. H. Pfeiff, assistant. First and second class: Mrs. Luella Ackerman; Mrs. Gladys Brosy, assistant. Third and fourth class: Mrs. Jean Sayler; Mrs. June Kemmet, assistant. Fifth and sixth class: Mrs. Ardella Moeckel; Mrs. Joyce Dalke, assistant. Junior class: Mr. Christ Bettenhausen; Mrs. Marie Sayler, assistant. Senior class: Rev. H. Pfeiff; Mrs. Bernice Dahmer, assistant. Adult class: Mr. Fred Sayler; Mr. Walter Kocher and Mr. Henry Sayler, assistants. Present officers are: superintendent, Mr. Roland Sayler; secretary, Mrs. Irene Bettenhausen; treasurer, Mr. Donald Ackerman. Martha Ladies Aid The Martha Ladies Aid was organized in April, 1936, by a group of ladies of the St. John Congregational Church. The following officers were elected at the time of organization: president, Mrs. Barbara Gaier; vice president, Mrs. Katherina Gall; secretary, Mrs. Reka Sayler; treasurer, Mrs. Wilma Gall. The group has undertaken many projects through the years to underwrite and expedite their desire for service to the church. To list but a few: church suppers, serving for auction sales, selling dishcloths, selling nectar and the sale of fancy work. The group presently lists twenty-three active members. The membership roster includes two of the charter members. They are Mrs. Martha Sayler and Mrs. Christina Sayler, who celebrated her 99th birthday on January 21, 1973. Present members are Mmes. Emma Ackerman, Martha Ackerman, Helen Bader, Ione Bettenhausen, Irene Bettenhausen, Christine Eiseman, Margaret Eissinger, Otellia Heupel, Hertha Gall, Hulda Klein, Ramona Pfeiff, Martha Ruff, Christina Sayler, Martha Sayler, Ruth Schauer, Monia Klein, Ardella Moeckel, Luella Ackerman, Gladys Brosy, Joanie Sayler and Verna Sayler. Two of our members, Mrs. Henry Gall, Sr., and Mrs. Edward Gall are not on the picture. St. Andrew Lutheran Church, ZEELAND, NORTH DAKOTA St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, a rural congregation, is located twenty miles southwest of Wishek, N. Dak. This congregation was at one time a member of a five-point parish in this area and is the only one still in existence at the present time. Belonging to this parish were Peace, St. James', St. Paul's, St. John's, and St. Andrew's Lutheran Churches. The beginnings of St. Andrew's go back about eighty-seven years. Many of the early settlers in the Zeeland territory wished to carry their religious faith from the old territory into their new home. From 1885 to 1893, services were held in the homes. On October 18, 1892, a meeting was called at which time the members decided to build a sandstone church. Over the years this church became too small, although it is still standing to this day. It is primarily used for vacation Bible School. The following were the charter members of the church: Daniel Aipperspach, Jacob Gaub, Christof Just, George Just, Adam Ketterling, George Ketterling, Sr., John Ketterling, Sr., Adam Meidinger, Sr., Fredrick Meidinger, Sr., Christian Meier, Sr., John Peitz, Fredrick Thurn, John Thurn, Fredrick Vossler, Sr., and John Vossler. In 1906 the members decided to build a larger church. The new church was completed in the same year. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. J. Koeppel on June 2, 1907. In October of 1956, St. Andrew's was privileged to celebrate its Fiftieth Anniversary. Present for the occasion were Dr. George Landgrebe, Rev. John Mertz, Rev. Rudolf Heupel, and Rev. Martin Bieber. Rev. J. Hoyer was pastor of the congregation at the time. In 1959, St. Andrew's congregation again became part of a parish. A meeting was held with Zion Lutheran Church of Venturia, N. Dak. The two churches decided to join forces and work together as a parish. This parish was dissolved early in 1969 when Rev. J. Schmierer became pastor of St. Andrew's. The pastors who have served this congregation from 1893 to the present time are as follows: Rev. J. Koeppel, Rev. O. Bruntsch, Rev. E. Moeckel, Rev. J. Melchert, Rev. A. Schormann, Rev. H. Rieke, Rev. A. Freymann, Rev. K. Graepp, Rev. A. Doering, Rev. A. Freymann, Rev. J. Hoyer, Rev. H. Weber, Rev. M. A. Lapp, and the present pastor, Rev. John Schmierer, who came in February of 1969. As of January 1, 1973, the following are still members: Jacob Brandner, Henry, Melvin, and Alfred Dockter, Christof Just, Otto, Theophil, Leah, Arndt, Art E., and Walter Ketterling; Albert, Paul, Aaron, and Milbert Meidinger, Isadore Nitschke, John F. and Vernon Reiger, Albert H. Sayler, Ferdinand Schnabel, Ben and Herman Thurn, Fred and Larry Walth, and Christ Wolf. For eighty years, this church has been a real witness to the people of the countryside. The Cross of Jesus Christ is still proclaiming hope and eternal security in a world of change and uncertainty. St. Andrew's will be celebrating its Eightieth Anniversary in the summer of 1973. St. Patrick's Catholic Church The present structure used as the church by St. Patrick's Catholic congregation was Wishek's first school house. Mr. John J. Doyle is credited with the purchase of the building. After remodeling, it was given to the congregation for use as a church. Mr. John H. Wishek, Sr. donated the two lots on which the church is presently located. St. Patrick's was dedicated in 1925. At the time, it was a mission to Napoleon. Father George Fritz was the first pastor. From 1937-41 the congregation was a mission to St. Boniface, Kintyre. Father Lawrence served as parish pastor. As a mission to St. Anthony's of Napoleon from 1941 until 1950, the congregation was served by Father Vincent Wiederholt and Father George Bolte. In 1950 it again became a mission to Napoleon with Father L. Veit as pastor. Since 1959, the congregation has been a mission to St. Boniface of Kintyre. Father John Bacevicius is the present pastor. St. Luke Lutheran Church Neither time nor circumstances allowed for detailed chronologies as our pioneer fathers stood at the anvils and forges of history. The true story of St. Luke Lutheran must be related in terms of people. It includes the early settlers who arrived in the Wishek area and found good soil and unlimited opportunities. Occasional worship services were conducted by Pastor A. Wenninger of Ashley and traveling Lutheran missionaries. For the greater part, their spiritual needs were met at the lay-services held in the homes. With the arrival of more immigrants, regular services were held in school buildings near the John S. Wolf and Jacob Frey farms. Their personal convictions and their concern for the spiritual well-being of their children and the community came to focus on January 1, 1905. It can be regarded as the birth date of St. Luke Lutheran congregation. Messrs. Peter Pfeifle, John S. Wolf, George Wolf, Andreas Pfeifle and Philip P. Mueller are recorded as founding fathers. The Rev. E. Moeckel, convener of the organizational meeting, was called as the first resident pastor. The stipulated salary was $135 per annum. He supplemented his income by taking up a homestead three miles north of Wishek. By 1907 the possibility of building a church was considered. At the meeting, the congregation divided into two groups. A group of eight families residing northeast of Wishek organized as the St. James congregation. The larger group retained the original name, St. Luke, and relocated at Wishek. Worship services were conducted in the Wishek School for the next two years. Pastor W. Schroeder served 3S interim pastor following the resignation of the Rev. Moeckel in January, 1909. Under the guidance of Pastor John Mayer, the first church was built. Seven members pledged the sum of $475 toward the church building which measured 24 feet by 36 feet in size. Pastor Mayer served the congregation until 1911. A graduate of Wartburg Seminary, the Rev. John Willms arrived on July 11, 1911. Soon after his arrival, the first parsonage was purchased. By 1913 the congregation had grown to 35 families. The church was enlarged in 1914 at a cost of $3,081. Electric lights were installed in the church in 1917. Pastor Willms conducted the first English Service on March 10, 1918. During his pastorate the congregation became self-supporting. The congregation had grown to 60 families when Pastor Willms accepted another call in the fall of 1918. The Rev. A. Freymann has the distinction of serving the longest pastorate in the history of the congregation. He began his duties as pastor in January, 1919. By 1926, the church building had to be enlarged and a south wing was added. In the same year the parish built a new parsonage. When he tendered his resignation in January, 1936, the congregation numbered a hundred families. Pastor George C. Landgrebe became the next shepherd of the flock. In addition to his parish duties, Dr. Landgrebe also served as President of the Dakota District of the American Lutheran Church. English services were reintroduced and the English language was used in the Parish Education program. The pastor was instrumental in organizing the Luther League, a youth organization that is still functional. The congregation numbered 131 families in 1938 when Dr. Landgrebe resigned to become the first full-time President of the Dakota District, ALC. Later, in the same year, Pastor L. R. Schulz assumed leadership of the congregation. During his five-year pastorate the congregation was able to increase its membership to 165 families. Following his resignation in 1943 the congregation remained vacant for almost a year. The Rev. T. F. Doyen, a graduate of Wartburg Seminary, was installed as pastor on June 11, 1944. The "language issue" was resolved by this time and regular worship services were held in both languages. The Women's Missionary Society and the Brotherhood were organized in 1947. The apparent need for bigger and better facilities resulted in the appointment of a Planning and Building Committee. Messrs. George Wolf, Fred Thurn, August Eckman, C. P. Ritter and Philip Bender were elected as members of the committee. A Church Building Fund was established. Pastor Doyen was given his release to accept another call on October 24, 1950. The membership roster listed 286 families. The figure includes the membership of the Salem congregation which merged with St. Luke in 1950. The Rev. John F. Mertz was called and installed as the next pastor. He assumed his duties on January 24, 1951. During the course of his ministry the congregation was able to construct a new church edifice with ample room for worship services and fine educational facilities. Completed at a cost of $165,000, the building was dedicated on July 10, 1955. Pastor Mertz served the congregation until the summer of 1958. He was succeeded by the Rev. L. G. Sailer who arrived in September of 1958. A mortgage burning ceremony was held in 1960. It was a time of amalgamation and further growth. Aside from Salem congregation, mentioned heretofore, the Jehovah, St. James, Peace, St. Paul and St. John congregations merged with St. Luke. The congregation now consisted of over 380 families with a baptized membership of over 1,200 souls. A new parsonage was dedicated late in the fall of 1964. Pastor Sailer concluded his ministry shortly after Christmas of the same year. Eight native sons and the son of a former pastor have been ordained and are presently on the clergy roster of The American Lutheran Church. Candidate of Theology, D. Aipperspach, is presently serving his internship in preparation for the ministry. The clergymen are as follows: Dr. G. Unruh, F. Mueller, E. Ketterling, G. Mertz, C. Ottmar, M. Ketterling, A. Schmitt, E. Boschee, R. Rudolf and Candidate D. Aipperspach. The Rev. G. G. Neuberger has served as pastor of the congregation since April 1, 1965. He was assisted by the Rev. W. Borchardt, who served as visitation pastor from May, 1967, until July, 1970. During the past two years, Intern D. Wissmann and Intern M. Zamzow, students at Wartburg Theological Seminary, have been part of the ministerial staff of the congregation. At the note-burning ceremony on April 15, 1972, the congregation was able to liquidate the parsonage debt. The congregation finds itself in a sound financial condition. A budget in the amount of $55,625 was adopted at the last annual meeting. Due to economic and sociological factors the membership of the congregation has remained virtually static for the last decade. The membership roster currently lists 1,101 baptized, 822 confirmed and 365 families as members of the congregation. The congregation's pastor commented "The life and history of St. Luke Lutheran can be summed up in two words, GRACE and GROWTH. God's grace has been mighty upon us as a community and as a church. Gratefully we rededicate ourselves to the major purpose and function of St. Luke Lutheran: To broadcast God's Good News and Living Grace in Jesus Christ; to nourish, train and equip His Saints with Word and Sacrament that they might be alive to God's Glory." St. Luke Churchmen Front row, left to right: Julius Kaseman, Donald Hauck, Pastor G. Neuberger, Donald Babitzke, Walter Ziegenhagel. Second row: C. P. Ritter, Henry Frank, Bill Schmagel, August Brinkman, Alvin Bauer. Third row: Mike Zamrow, James Meidinger, Elmer Lindstrom, Steve Nickisch, Edwin Deyle. Twenty-six men met on November 12, 1947, to organize St. Luke Lutheran Brotherhood. The first officers were: Verdine Rice, President; F. W. Roehm, Vice President; A. W. Pfeifle, Secretary; Helmond Wiest, Treasurer. The charter was granted on July 15, 1948. As far as can be determined, the following were charter members: Philip Bender, Herman Boschee, Ben Burlack, Pastor T. F:. Doyen, Fred Frank, Peter Frank, Delmar Hoff, Leopold Kaseman, Elmo Nickisch, Arthur Okerlund, Albert Ottmar, Henry Ottmar, Armand Pfeifle, Raymond Pfeifle, Alvin Raile, Verdine Rice, Frank Roehm, C. P. Ritter, Theo. Ritter, Leopold Rudolf, Milbert Schlenker, Jacob Schmitt, Arthur Walth, Helmond Wiest, Harold Wieczarek, John Wishek. For several years, the organization sponsored an annual Reformation Rally. Inspiration -- Information -- Dedication -- Fellowship -- Service has been the guiding principle of the organization during its twenty-six years of existence. Sizeable contributions were given to the congregation during the construction of its new church edifice. Plates featuring the new church were sold by the Brotherhood members at the time of dedication in 1955. The organization had grown to thirty-five members. Many of the members recall the seeding project which was used as a source of revenue. The land was rented from Mr. Fred Frank. For various reasons the project was discontinued and membership dues became the primary source of income. Some of the present projects include: sponsorship of Cub Scouts; cleaning of rural cemeteries; Community Welcome Wagon; annual donations to the Garrison Bible Camp, Chaplaincy Fund and other charities. Many of the Brotherhood members participated in seeding bees held in the community. Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month from September through May. Meetings consist of opening devotions, prayer and Bible Study. Current and relevant topics are considered at most meetings. Fellowship and moments of sharing are integral parts of the regular meetings. The fellowship is extended to the congregation in the form of an annual Brotherhood picnic, the annual Ladies Nite Banquet and the worship service conducted by the members on Laymen's Sunday. Present officers are: Vernon Boeshans, President; Bill Schmagel, Vice President; James Meidinger, Secretary; Donald Babitzke, Treasurer. The present membership roster lists the following men as active members: Donald Babitzke, Alvin Bauer, August Brinkman, Vernon Boeshans, Edwin Deyle, Henry Frank, John Frautschi, Donald Hauck, Julius Kaseman, Harold Lambrecht, Elmer Lindstrom, James Meidinger, Joseph Meidinger, Pastor G. G. Neuberger, Steve Nickisch, Ferd. Rudolf, Bill Schmagel, Gideon Raile, Helmond Wiest, Michael Zamzow, Walter Ziegenhagel. St. Luke Lutheran Church Cemetery The St. Luke Lutheran Church Cemetery purchased its first acre of land from Peter Pfeifle in 1926. Since then several additions have been added. The cemetery now consists of approximately three acres. The first burial made in this cemetery was a baby boy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wolf, buried in November of 1926. The first Cemetery Board members were: Philip Bender, William Huber, Sr., Fred R. Wolf and George Wolf. Present Cemetery Board members on picture are: August Kaseman, Marvin G. Fiechtner and Willard Nickisch. Not pictured are Amos Brinkman, Jr., board memberi Mrs. Emelia Huber, Treasurer; Edwin Ketterling, Sexton, and Jacob Wiest, Caretaker. The present project is to enclose the entire cemetery with evergreens, as has been started on the south side, and extend our underground sprinkling system. St. Luke Church Council Front row, left to right: Joe Meidinger, James Kocher, Reinhold Wanner, Leopold Rudolf, Pastor G. Neuberger, Gottfried Hochhalter. Back row: Edwin Ketterling, Albert B. Kaseman, Alvin Bauer, LaVern Blinsky, Armand Pfeifle, Herbert Just, Intern Dan. Wissmann. St. Luke Lutheran A. L. C. W. First row, left to right: Amanda Walth, Eldavere Deyle, Violet Diegel, Gladys Hauck, Phyllis Huber, Frieda Rudolf, Bertha Breithbarth, Ann Frautschi, Leah Wanner. Second row: Martha Heyne, Lea Wanner, Luella Meidinger, Virginia Just, Violet Kaseman, Arla Babitske, Katherina Wanner, Idella Vossler, Lavern Wolf, Esther Brinkman. Third row: Eva Ketterling, Eva Tuscherer, Lenore Rudolf, Jeanette Kienzle, Leah Brandner, Helen Ritter, Florence Wiest, Maude Fiechtner, Estelle Rudolf, Fern Martell, Lydia Brinkman. Fourth row: Jonna Hochhalter, Erma Neuberger, Violet Kaseman, Florence Ziegenhagel, Ramona Brinkman, Irene Koepplin, Esther Brandner, Marie Martell, Marie Brinkman, Luella Wiest. Fifth row: Lillian Dempsey, Bertha Weintz, Margaret Frank, Erna Frank, Elsie Pfeifle, Magdalene Kaseman, Ida Mensing, Ada Rudolf. The St. Luke Lutheran Church Women is an organization of 95 active members. This auxiliary was organized and became affiliated with the American Lutheran Church Women in March, 1961. Prior to this time the women held membership in two organizations, namely "The Ladies Aid" and "Missionary Society. The Ladies Aid was organized October 27, 1926. Charter members were Mrs. Fred Wolf, Mrs. John Rau, Mrs. David Rieger, Mrs. Gottlieb Nickisch, Mrs. Philip Thurn, and Mrs. John Kelle. The aim of this organization was to help charitable institutions, both financially and with donations of food and clothing. They also sponsored special programs and activities along with contributions to the upkeep and improvement of the church kitchen. The Women's Missionary Society was organized October 2, 1947, under the guidance of Pastor T. F. Doyen. Charter members were the Mmes. Christ Bier, Emil Breitbarth, T. F. Doyen, August Eckman, Ivar Knapp, Elmo Nickisch, Armand Pfeifle, V. D. Rice, F. H. Roehm, Jacob Schmitt, H. K. Walth, Helmond Wiest and J. H. Wishek. The organization was affiliated with the Women's Missionary Federation of the American Lutheran Church. The primary purpose of the organization was to help support "missions" financially, here and abroad, and also become better acquainted with their work through study. Contributions were given to charitable institutions. At a meeting in March, 1961, the women of the church voted to reorganize as one organization--St. Luke Lutheran A. L. C. W. The members are divided into circles with an average of 10 members per circle. Each circle meets once a month at the home or church, and general meetings of 211 the members are held four times each year. Bible study is the core of the general program, however the secondary emphasis is to follow the calendar of causes. Materials for study appear in the monthly publication of the auxiliary--SCOPE. The purpose of this organization is a twofold program of education and stewardship which includes the support of American and Foreign Missions. St. Luke German Circle Front row, left to right: Mrs. Henry Mueller, Mrs. Gustave Just, Mrs. John Pfahl, Mrs. Adam Hauck, Mrs. Jacob Eisenbeis, Mrs. Martha Aipperspach, Mrs. Elizabeth Diegel, Mrs. Adam Schnabel, Mrs. Phillip Bender. Second row: Mrs. Peter Schmierer, Mrs. Arnold Brown, Mrs. John Wolf, Mrs. Walter Kocher, Mrs. Jacob Stroh, Mrs. Mathilda Harter, Mrs. Fred Just, Mrs. John Mayer, Mrs. Gottlieb Walz. Third row: Mrs. Edwin Wolf, Mrs. Christ Babitzke, Mrs. Magdaline Kramer, Mrs. Jake Just, Mrs. Laura Kemmet, Mrs. Katherine Ketterling, Mrs. Arthur Vossler, Mrs. Rose Thurn. Back row: Mrs. G. G. Neuberger, Mrs. Albert Kaseman, Mrs. Andrew Kramer, Mrs. Henry Deyle, Mrs. Gottlieb Walth. St. Luke Lutheran Ladies Chorus Pictured: Top row, left to right: Mmes. Frieda Schnabel, Leah Wanner, Erma Neuberger, Mathilda Harter; lower row, left to right: Anna Frank, secretary-treasurer, Elizabeth Fiechtner, Emelia Huber, director, Rosia Bender, Pauline Lehr, co-chairmen. This chorus was organized in February, 1940, with fifteen members. The charter members remaining are three sisters: Elizabeth Fiechtner, Emelia Huber and Rosia Bender. There is one service rendered by this group that might be meaningful, and if our addition is correct, we have brought a message in songs to approximately 241 funerals. The ladies can certainly say with the song writer: "We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear, and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear. St. Luke Luther League Since September of 1936, the St. Luke Luther League has been the arm of the youth of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Wishek. They are dedicated towards inspiration, education, fellowship and service in Christ. During this year the League is making plans for a number of the group to attend "Discovery 73, an all-Lutheran gathering to be held in Houston, Texas, on August 4th through 8th. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Nickisch and Mr. and Mrs. James Meidinger are advisors to the Luther League. Front row, left to right: Paula Just, Craig Mehlhaff, treasurer; Fern Ziegenhagel, secretary; Lois Brandner, vice president, and Sandra Meidinger, president. Second row: Cynthia Wolf, Laura Wiest, Salome Kaseman, Nancy Wiest, Sandy Fiechtner, Carol Wolf, Vicki Martel, Renae Krein. Third row: Norma Kaseman, Peggy Aipperspach, Jeff Meidinger, Otto Walth, Tom Just, Wayne Bauer, Todd Wiest, Glen Deile. St. Luke Lutheran Church School Front row, left to right: Mrs. Art Aipperspach, Jodi Blinsky, Cordell Wiest, Sarah Wiest, Greta Frank, Joycelyn Deyle, DeAnna Just, Kim Brandner, Steven Rueb, Scott Rueb, Kelly Just, Kim Kaseman, Dennis Hauck, Karma Bauer, Joey Kaseman, Sherie Kaseman, Darron Deile, George Wolff, Barbara Weber. Second row: Mrs. Edgar Thurn, Bryce Nickisch, Daphne Nickisch, Ritchee Hauck, Kurt Deile, Donald Sayler, Kirk Marquez, Debbie Walth, Daryl Thurn, Dion Nickisch, Timothy Wanner, Steve Ruff, Dean Woehl, Kelly Brandner, Tammy Hauck, Karla Svedjan, Sonia Kaseman, Sharlene Thurn, Shelly Wanner, Mrs. Harvey Wolff. Third row: Mrs. Aug. Brinkman, Lori Stevahn, Lois Kaseman, Tammie Babitzke, Valerie Ruff, Lois Brinkman, Pam Burlack, Wayne Ziegenhagel, Michael Wanner, Russel Brinkman, David Frautschi, Darvin Thurn, Brett Ruff, Vanessa Wanner, Rita Hauck, Joyce Walth John Frank, Mrs. Walter Ziegenhagel. Fourth row: Paulette Novy, Sandra Wiest, Michael Svedjan, Bonnie Ruff, Lois Kaseman, Susan Wanner, Julie Bauer, Charlene Vossler, Cynthia Thurn, Veronica Wanner, Cori Ritter, Carol Raile, Paul Woehl, Kordell Bauer, Jayson Deyle, Bonnie Weber. Back row: Mrs. Alvin Bauer, Mrs. Milbert Thurn, Mrs. Allen Deile, Dawn Blinsky, Sherry Wanner, Norma Kaseman, Mrs. Howard Kaseman, Mrs. Steve Nickisch, Mrs. James Meidinger, Mrs. Andrew Gross, Sandy Meidinger, Mrs. Henry Frank, Mrs. John Wanner. Front row, left to right: Mrs. Gordon Walth, Michael Aipperspach, Russel Wanner, Verdine Wanner, James Ackerman, Kirby Schnabel, Mark Dempsey, Richard Morgan, Lynelle Stevahn, Brenda Vossler, Gina Martell, Debbie Sayler, Kelly Sayler, Evert Engelhardt, Bradley Wanner, Randy Hauck, Jeffrey Walth, Randy Brinkman, Sandra Fiechtner. Second row: Mrs. Cliff. Kaseman, Howard Walth, Gene Lambrecht, Jan Deile, Robin Gall, Sandra Kaseman, Lori Kocher, Pam Sailer, Pam Just, Harvey Thurn, Kip Vossler, Bruce Kaseman, Rocky Sayler, LuRhonda Wiest, Rhonda Meidinger, Debbie Brinkman, Carrie Hochhalter, Debra Deyle. Third row: Mrs. Julius Kaseman, Craig Lambrecht, Michael Kaseman, Paul Donner, Kerri Svedjan, Pam Wanner, Susan Kaseman, Keith Kaseman, Karen Wiest, Ruby Just, Joel Deyle, Kristi Svedjan, Patty Gross, Diane Raile, Selina Kauk, Kelly Wanner, David Deile, Steven Thurn, Gloria Deile. Fourth row: Mrs. Don Babitzke, Bobby Weber, Larry Gross, Cherri Thurn, Lucinda Wanner, Vanessa Raile, Tammy Michaelson, Robin Rath, Jeffrey Meidinger, Dwight Schilling, Scott Rudolf, Scott Wanner, Kathleen Just, Patty Martell, Stacy Gall, Gina Kienzle, Mrs. Edwin Deyle. Fifth row: Mrs. Don Hauck, Mrs. Armand Pfeifle, Gloris Schock, Cheri Deile, Lila Raile, Peggy Woehl, Robin Hauck, Terry Stevahn, Bradley Meidinger, Dale Aipperspach, Mrs. Ray Woehl, Mrs. Edwin Raile, Mrs. Otto Walth, Mrs. Cliff Kemmet. Top row: Lois Huber, Nancy Brandner, Mrs. Edgar Just, Mrs. Elmer Kaseman, Mrs. Christ Wanner, Mrs. Mike Just, Sarah Kaseman, Mr. Wayne Bauer. Front row, left to right: Donald Hauck, Joyce Rath, Susan Wolf, Amy Hochhalter, Michael Martell, David Dempsey, James Just, Steven Sailer, LeMars Deyle, Scott Engelhardt, Bradford Meidinger, Scott Babitzke, Mark Deyle, Mr. James Meidinger. Second row: Steve Bechtold, Twila Kaseman, Renae Raile, Shelly Martel, Marilyn Meidinger, Brenda Vossler, Sheila Kemmet, Lila Wiest, Jeffrey Wanner, David Wolf, Glenn Sayler, Clyde Wiest, Darrel Kaseman, Renae Lindstrom, Victor Krein. Third row: Karen Hochhalter, Kim Kocher, Jeffrey Ackerman, Douglas Woehl, Larry Thurn, Clyde Meidinger, Ricky Just, Blaine Schock, Jackie Wiest, Joel Babitzke, James Neuberger, Edward Wiest, Freddie Aipperspach, Jayson Rath Fourth row: LuCinda Wiest, Ruby Kaseman, Lucille Thurn, Mary Ann Mehlhaff, Cynthia Wolf, Judith Martel, Laurel Burlack, Sheila Kaseman, Rose Raile, Brenda Engelhardt, Janice Gross, LeAnn Kaseman, Todd Vossler. Top row: Lois Brandner, Fern Ziegenhagel, Carol Wolf, Mrs. Mildred Weber, Mrs. Erma Neuberger, Mrs. Arthur Kaseman, Sheila Fiechtner. Front row, left to right: Terry Blinsky, Ronald Ackerman, Jerome Deyle, Richard Frautschi, Robert Pfeifle, Kenneth Sayler, Lloyd Raile, Clyde Sayler, Paul Hochhalter, Randall Meidinger, Boris Meidinger, Darold Deile, Kenneth Wanner, Mrs. Elaine Blinsky Second row: Emanuel Deyle, kindergarten and grades; Peggy Aipperspach, Rhonda Rudolf, Sharlene Wanner, Myra Meidinger; Margie Weisser, Gale Hochhalter, Janet Frank, Gail Gross, Nancy Just, Patti Lehr, Terry Michaelson, Margo Blinsky. Third row: Donald Meidinger, Vicki Martel, Cynthia Wolf, Salome Kaseman, Maxine Brinkman, Paula Just, Laura Wiest, Bonita Huber, Jacqueline Kaseman, Kimberly Vossler, Nancy Wiest, Mrs. Jonna Hochhalter. Fourth row: James Kocher, James Dempsey, Jerry Gall, Glenn Deile, Tim Dockter, Kurt Krein, Willard Nitkisch, Mrs. Paul Rudolf, Mrs. Amos Brinkman, Jr., Sharon Ritter, Art. Kaseman, Staff Chairman. Top row: Stanley Deile, Parish Education; Allen Deide, Parish Education; Donald Babitzke, Superintendent; Mrs. Edwin Deyle, Senior High; Mrs. Art Aipperspach, Treasurer; Mrs. Marvin Fiechtner; Mrs. Ed. Weisser, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Victor Krein, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Gottfried Hochhalter, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Alvin Rudolf, Recording Secretary. United Methodist Church The name, "United Methodist Church," is relatively new for us. Prior to 1968 the life and history of Zion United Methodist was written in terms of "The Evangelical Church." Mission work in the Wishek community dates back to 1905. At the time, Zion Congregation (Rural) and the Ebenezer Congregation were founded. After 1912, the Ebenezer congregation was commonly referred to as the "Gruebele Appointment." Pastors from Linton and Ashley ministered to the spiritual needs of the founding forefathers. Within the first decade several families settled near and in the growing town of Wishek. Worship services were held in the individual homes. As the interest grew and the numbers increased, worship services were held for some time in the public school. The need for another congregation became apparent to all concerned. A memo to the 1917 Annual Conference reported (in part): "We have nine families living in Wishek. This town is a growing freight division point on the Soo Railroad and serves as something of an Evangelical Center. More of our people will move there in time to come due to facilities offered and excellent water. A church is needed!" In response to the petition, another Zion congregation was organized at Wishek. The first church building was erected and dedicated in May, 1918. Mr. & Mrs. John Becker, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Gabel, Mr. & Mrs. Christ Gohl, Miss Regina Gust, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Holwagner, Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Kranzler, Mr. & Mrs. John Kurle, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Miller and Mr. & Mrs. John Stoller are listed as charter members of the congregation. The Rev. W. L. Martin served as the first resident pastor. Pastor Martin tendered his resignation due to health reasons in the fall of 1918. The Conference appointed a student pastor, the Rev. Alex Gehring, Melville, Sask., to minister to the needs of the group. The rural churches, Zion and Ebenezer, were detached from Ashley and added to the Wishek charge. The newly established preaching place at Napoleon was also added to the Wishek charge. A parsonage was built in 1919. Cost of construction at the Quarterly Conference in January of 1920 was reported at $3,002. Renovations in the amount of $1,117 were made in 1949. The sanctuary and the basement were enlarged in 1950 at a cost of $10,631. Dedication services were conducted on November 29, 1950 by Supt. J. W. Schindler. Further improvements were made in the autumn months of 1968 with the addition of a 20x24 foyer. With the help of donated labor the cost of the greatly needed improvement was kept at a modest $6,500 exclusive of the $1,550 expended on other items in the church and parsonage. Further improvements were made in 1972 when the church basement was remodeled at a cost of $3,465, exclusive of donated labor. We are grateful to these men for proclaiming the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ and for the guidance and spiritual assistance given us over the years. We rejoice in and are grateful for the gospel ministry in our midst that has provided guidance in the Sunday School teaching, Confirmation Classes, Youth Organizations and Women's Organizations Only eternity can relate the real success of this mission. We pause in gratitude to Almighty God for the rich heritage provided and left by our Pioneers. The following ministerial appointments were made by the Conference through the years: 1917--W. L. Martin 1933--Karl Hirning 1919--Alex. Gehring 1938--A. H. Ermel 1923--R. Bloedau 1947--Gideon Eberhardt 1924--Wm. Storkman 1949--E. K. Heimer 1926--C. E. Bach 1959--C. W. Ketterling 1929--E. K. Heimer 1962--W. E. Janetzki 1970--Edward Parker Women's Society of Christian Service Front row, left to right: Mrs. Emanuel Fercho, Mrs. Robert Zimmerman, Mrs. George Schilling, Mrs. Edward Scharf, Mrs. Katherine Schauer, Mrs. Christina Wagner, Mrs. Reinhold Schaffer, Mrs. John Bechtle. Second row: Mrs. Edwin Mueller, Mrs. Walter Delzer, Mrs. William Fetzer, Mrs. Gottfried Woehl, Mrs. Melvin Fetzer, Mrs. Christ Gruebele, Mrs. Albert Scharf, Mrs. Jacob Lepp, Mrs. Bertha Ruff. Third row: Mrs. Arthur Kautz, Mrs. Nora Mueller, Mrs. Wilbur O. Nies, Mrs. Lloyd Ulmer, Mrs. Adolph Kramlich, Mrs. Ronald Gall, Mrs. Harold Nies, Mrs. R. E. Bader, Mrs. Otto Bauer. Members not pictured: Mrs. Edward Parker, Mrs. Albert Sayler, Mrs. Henry Wetzel, Mrs. Roy Lucas, Mrs. Donald Woehl, Mrs. Gordon Ulmer. The women's organization of the Wishek United Methodist Church began as a Women's Missionary Society in 1931, under the supervision of Rev. E. K. Heimer. The charter members were: Mesdames August Bader, Fred Bader, John V. Boschee, Christian Gruebele, Christ G. Gruebele, William Gruebele, E. K. Heimer and B. B. Kaseman. In 1938 a Ladies' Aid was begun by Rev. and Mrs. A. H. Ermel, enrolling Mesdames A. H. Ermel, Gottlieb Fercho, Emil Ketterling, John Kogler and Martin Miller. When the Evangelical and United Brethren Churches joined, the two women's organizations voted to become a Women's Society of World Service, forming a single organization in 1948. Meanwhile, on December 12, 1947 the Christian Service Guild was organized under the leadership of Mrs. Gideon Eberhart with eight charter members: Mesdames Arthur Erbele, Elmer Kaseman, Reuben Kautz, Gideon Eberhart, and Misses Ruth Fercho and Theresa Mueller. In 1968 the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church joined to become the United Methodist Church, and the women's organization became the Women's Society of Christian Service. with a current membership of 32 in the Wishek society. A new organization is being formed to include all United Methodist women's groups, named UNITED METHODIST WOMEN, effective in the fall of 1973. United Methodist Youth Fellowship First row, left to right: Mark Fetzer, Shelly Gruebele, ZueZan Zimmerman, Nolan Ulmer, Linda Sayler, Todd Ulmer, Roxanne Miller, Kent Nies. Second row: Dwight Nies, Elaine Ulmer, Margaret Kautz, Charolette Mund, Dean Fercho, Clark Nies, Marlys Bader, Bruce Woehl, Gret Gruebele. Third row: Rynell Kautz, David Ulmer, Daryl Delzer, Tim Parker, Curtis Ulmer, Mark Parker, Mike Fetzer, Craig Nies, Curry Mund, Roxanne Kosanke. Not pictured: Debbie Boschee. The first youth organization of the United Methodist Church was organized in the early twenties under the leadership of Rev. Alex Gehring. At that time it was called the Evangelical Young People's Alliance. The only remaining charter members are: Ella (Miller) Gruebele, Lydia (Gabel) Gruebele, and Emma (Miller) Gruebele. In 1933 the organization's name was changed to Evangelical League of Christian Endeavor, with the following charter members: Emanuel Fercho, Esther (Fercho) Stebner, Ruth (Fercho) Pfau, Frieda (Miller) Schlenker, Frieda (Herr) Schlenker, Alleen (Herr) Flegel, Clarence Hirning, Rachel Hirning, Anna Mueller, Ben Schlenker and Jake Schlenker. In 1945 the organization's name was again changed to Youth Fellowship, with a membership of twenty-six. Since 1968 the organization is known as United Methodist Youth Fellowship, and has a present membership of twenty-eight. Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ Pictured: Consistory and Trustees. Front row, left to right: Otto Wiest, Clarence Krein, Rev. Alvin J. House, Calvin E. Hochhalter, Sully Hochhalter. Second row, left to right: Leon Boschee, Clinton Hochhalter, Marvin A. Meidinger, Richard Lang Not pictured: Milton Wiest. On November 5th, 1916, The Grace Church of Wishek, North Dakota was organized with a charter membership of seven families: the Christian Krein, Sr., the Christian F. Krein, the Jacob C. Krein, the John Ackerman, the Henry Becker, the Fred Sprenger and the Karl Wacker families. In 1917 the Grace Church was built, being dedicated October 21st of that year. Three rural churches: Neudorf, Johannesthal and Kassel, which organized between 1890 and through 1905, followed by the Grace Church of Wishek in 1916--were the "Reformed Churches" of this Wishek area until 1934. "The Evangelical and Reformed Church" denomination was the result of a union established at Cleveland, Ohio in 1934 between "The Evangelical Synod of North America" and "The Reformed Church in the United States." Until 1920 the three congregations of Neudorf, Johannesthal and Wishek were served from Eureka, Ashley, Kassel and Artas. The following pastors were involved in the organizational work and the ministerial duties which followed in that period from 1890 until 1920: Frank Grether, U. Reue, W. Feige, H. W. Stienecker, H. W. Knierim, H. Niehaus, W. Landsiedel, Peter Bauer, Peter DeBuhr, F. Aigner and M. Nuss. The first resident pastor of Grace Church was Rev. John Klundt, 1920-1925. He was followed by Rev. A. A. Depping from 1926-29, and then from 1930-1939 Grace Church was served from Fullerton by Rev. Erich Kaempchen. It was during his ministry that the "Grace Reformed Church" name was changed to "The Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church." On October 1st, 1939, Rev. John Bodenmann began his ministry at the Grace Church which extended to 1951. During this period the two rural Churches, Johannesthal and Neudorf, merged with "The Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church" here in Wishek, the merger being completed in 1944. A Church basement was built and improvements were made in the parsonage. In the year of 1940, the "Ladies' Aid Society" was organized with 22 charter members, meeting the first Wednesday afternoon of each month. Rev. Bodenmann retired and with his wife moved to Aberdeen, in 1951. Rev. Alfred Reineking became the next pastor and began in August of 1952. It was during his ministry that the Women's Guild was organized on December 27th, 1955 with 7 charter members. Their membership increased later and they have met the third Tuesday of the month. Rev. Reineking resigned in 1957, and accepted a call to Shaler, Iowa. From August '57 to May '58, Grace E. & R. Church was served by the Revs. Krampe from Fullerton, Werneche from Streeter and Hecht of Zeeland. Rev. Paul Otte was installed as pastor May '58 It was during his service to Grace that the present parsonage was built, being dedicated February 8, 1959. Rev. Otte resigned December of 1959, and was followed by Rev. Roemer. For a second time we must digress to the national scene. At Oberlin, Ohio on July 8, 1959 the representatives of "The Evangelical and Reformed Church" and the Congregational Christian Churches adopted a "Statement of Faith" for "The United Church of Christ" into which they were merging. So, it was in the beginning of Rev. Roemer's ministry at Wishek Grace Church, that this Church became officially -- "The Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church of The United Churches of Christ." In this union -- "the autonomy of the local church is inherent and each has the right to continue to operate in the way customary to it." It was during Rev. Roemer's Ministry from '60-'68 that all debts on the Church property were liquidated, the formation of several committees with their respective duties spelled out, was accomplished. Perhaps the highlight of his ministry was in his supervision of the "Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration" -- 1916 -- 1966 on November 6, 1966. At this celebration of Anniversary, the Dr. R. H. Huenemann, President of the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities was the special speaker of the morning service, and the Rev. Walter Odenbach -- then of Menno, S. D. was the afternoon speaker. Rev. Odenbach attended grade school in Wishek 1919-24. His father was an elder at the time of their residence here. In 1968, the Consistories of Grace E. & R. U. C. C. and New Kassel E. & R. U. C. C. of rural Zeeland voted to operate together as a yoked parish. Rev. Roemer resigned in 1968, accepting a call to a Church in Wisconsin. In March of 1969, Rev. Alvin J. House, pastor then of the First Reformed Church of Strasburg, and serving New Kassel as an outcharge, accepted a call to serve Grace and New Kassel Churches, and moved to Wishek. During his ministry, the Grace Church voted in their January meeting of 1971 to Remodel and Modernize the Church building including the basement. Klein Construction received the contract, the general contract. This work on the Grace Church was completed and all the financial obligations met. The Dedication of the Remodeled and Modernized Church was held May 7th, 1972. At the close of the last Annual Reports -- the yoked parish of Grace and New Kassel had 137 members and their Church Schools a total enrollment of 57. You will note that this history of today's Grace E. & R. Church had to begin with the "Grace Reformed," changing with the national movements of denominational unions to the "Grace Evangelical & Reformed Church," until a last merger brought the present name -- "THE GRACE EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST." Women's Guild--Grace E & R Church Front row, left to right: Mrs. Lydia Wiest, Mrs. Albert Boschee, Mrs. Sebastian Tuchscher. Back row, left to right: Mrs. Fred Beitlespacher, Mrs. Leon Boschee, Mrs. Alvin Wiest, Mrs. Alvin J. House. The organizational meeting was held on December 27, 1955. The Rev. Alfred Reineking served as convener. Officers elected and charter members were as follows: Mrs. Sebastian Tuchscher, President; Mrs. Theodore Boschee, Vice President; Mrs. Victor Krein, Secretary; Mrs. Alvin Krein, Treasurer; Miss Carol Krein, Mrs. Ellis Weber and Mrs. Albert Woehl. The express purpose of the organization is the spiritual enrichment of the members and an opportunity of service to Church and community. The present membership is nine members, of which two are charter members. Grace E & R U.C.C. Ladies Aid Bottom row, left to right: Mrs. Ferdinand Wiest, Mrs. Emil Boschee, Mrs. Leopold Hochhalter, Mrs. Clarence Krein. Standing, left to right: Mrs. Alvin House, Mrs. Leopold Meidinger, Mrs. Clinton Hochhalter, Mrs. Art C. Meidinger, Mrs. Ferdinand Krein, Mrs. Henry Hochhalter, Mrs. Lydia Raile. Our Ladies Aid was organized April 25, 1940, at the Grace E. & R. Church, members numbering twenty-two. The purpose was to be an organization of ladies working together for the church, community and world missions. Officers elected were: Mrs. Dan Schlenker, President; Mrs. Jacob Krein, Vice-president; Mrs. John Bodenmann, Secretary; Mrs. Ben Eissinger, Treasurer. Meetings were held in the homes of members until 1944 after completion of the church basement, where meetings were then held and are at the present time. Charter members still members of the group without interrupted membership are Mrs. Ferdinand Krein and Mrs. Emil Boschee. Money was raised through various projects and used in setting up and improving the kitchen and church basement, helping in the purchase of piano and organ for the Church Sanctuary, donations to Building Fund, Wishek Retirement Home, Wishek Hospital, and donations of money and clothing to orphanages and Children's Homes. Money is also given to foreign Mission Fields for books and literature needed. The membership totals thirteen, two of whom were absent when the picture was taken: Mrs. Emil Wiest and Rev. Alvin J. House. Beaver Valley Golf Club Standing: Ron Godfrey, director; Everett Butler, vice-president. Seated: Richard Herr, secretary; H. E. Timm, honorary director; James Meidinger, president; Elmer Lindstrom, treasurer. The present golf course located west of the City of Wishek on land owned by the Tri-County Exhibitors Association was started in 1958 under the auspices of the Association of Commerce. Victor Krein, Roy Sayler, and Elmer Kaseman were the chief architects who laid out the course in 1958. In 1960 the Beaver Valley Golf Club was organized for the purpose of operating the course. Its first president was Lorron Herr. In 1961 Walter and Art Sayler donated to the club a 20x40-foot building which was placed on the course as a club house. Since that year, many improvements have been made to this building so that it is now almost twice its original size. The Beaver Valley Golf Club is a non-profit North Dakota corporation. Membership is open to anyone in the area wishing to join. Its affairs are run by a board of directors who are elected by the members at an annual meeting. The club sponsors two golf tournaments annually--a local tournament open to members only, and an open tournament open to anyone who may care to enter. The club is also headquarters for many social activities other than golf--the chief of these being Wednesday night dinners which are held every week during the summer time. Since its beginning the club has grown annually, and there are now approximately 60 members. Wishek Civic League Front row, left to right: Mrs. Leopold Kaseman, Mrs. Solomon Hochhalter, Mrs. Lester Dempsey, Mrs. Larry Sayler. Back row, left to right: Mrs. Elmer Lindstrom. Mrs. Daniel Morgan, Mrs. Duane Rodland, Mrs. Clarence Kienzle, Mrs. Gottfried Hochhalter, Mrs. Roger Nordstrom, Mrs. Douglas Paulus, Mrs. Helmuth Rudolf, Mrs. Henry Frank. The Wishek Civic League was organized January 16, 1920. Mrs. J. J. Doyle was the first president. The following year the Wishek Civic League was federated with the National Federation of Women's Clubs and has continued that affiliation to the present time. The history of the club's activities is connected with community service. The records of the years show contributions to worthy charities who have asked for financial help. Some of these include: Florence Crittenton Home, Hungarian Relief, Meals for Millions, Radio Free Europe, National T. B. Association, Cancer, Arthritis and Heart Funds, Muscular Dystrophy, March of Dimes, Crippled Children's School, and the Mental Health Association. Donations of books, pictures, magazines, encyclopedias, curtains, and monies for band and chorus equipment have been made to the school rooms of the public school. Monies have also been made available to students attending Girls State, International Music Camp and concert tours abroad. The club history reveals an active interest and participation in projects for community betterment. Several members were instrumental in urging better lighting for the city of Wishek. Others include: purchasing a Santa Claus suit, immunization clinics, furnishing a room at the Wishek Community Hospital, donations to the hospital, Wishek Retirement Home, and the public swimming pool and park. The club is maintaining a little old pioneer schoolhouse, located in the city park. It was dedicated in the fall of 1961, in memory of Nina Farley Wishek, one of the area's first school teachers. In their aim to create a friendly spirit in the school relationships, the club members annually sponsor a party evening for the women teachers and faculty wives. Also held annually is the Senior Reception for graduates, parents and faculty members. Wishek has also had the honor of hosting the District 6 convention of the Women's Federated Clubs in the years 1957 and 1966. Fraternal Order of Eagles The Fraternal Order of Eagles chartered Wishek Aerie No. 3450 in May of 1972 with 102 charter members. In August of 1972, the Eagles purchased the old Wishek High School from the City of Wishek and thus had a home of their own. Since then the members have been busy remodeling to give the club lounge, dancing, and kitchen facilities. At the present time the club has grown to 172 members and is being led by the following officers: Dr. Warren V. Schubert, president; Marvin Huber, vice president; Eugene Wiest, junior past president; Clayton Nagel, chaplain; Dr. Larry H. Sayler, secretary; Lloyd C. Ulmer, treasurer; Henry Frank, conductor; Amos Brinkman, Jr., inside guard; Dale Bittner, outside guard; Darrell Ruff, trustee; Donald Ackerman, trustee; J. L. Raile, trustee. Front row, left to right: Edward W. Sayler, Wishek, N. Dak.; Henry Frank, Wishek, N. Dak.; Christ Stock, Jr., Wishek, N. Dak.; Levi Schopp, Lehr, N. Dak.; Joseph A. Aberle, Linton, N. Dak.; Christian Wanner, Wishek, N. Dak. Second row, left to right: Peter J. Horner, Burnstad, N. Dak.; Myron C. Martell, Wishek, N. Dak,, Ferdinand Rudolf, Wishek, N. Dak.; Valentine Huber, Kintyre, N. Dak.; Delmar Schilling, Venturia, N. Dak.; Leo A. Krein, Wishek N. Dak.; Jacob Sayler, Wishek, N. Dak. Third row, left to right: Marvin A. Vossler, Ashley, N. Dak.; Alvin Rudolf, Wishek, N. Dak.; Anton Horner, Burnstad, N. Dak.; James Krueger, Fredonia, N. Dak.; Clifford Kemmet, Wishek, N. Dak.; John G. Becker, Napoleon, N. Dak.; Ronnie F. Thurn, Wishek, N. Dak. Fourth row, left to right: Ferdinand Vossler, Wishek, N. Dak; Victor C. Krein, Wishek, N. Dak.; Duane C. Rodlund, Wishek, N. Dak.; Peter G. Hauck, Wishek, N. Dak.; Edward Weisser, Wishek, N. Dak.; Wilbert Rath, Wishek, N. Dak.; Arnold J. Reiland, Wishek, N. Dak. Fifth row, left to right: Harvey N. Erbele, Lehr, N. Dak.; Melvin A. Kaseman, Venturia, N. Dak.; Elroy Ruff, Lehr, N. Dak.; Vernon L. Ruff, Lehr, N. Dak.; Ephraim Goehring, Fredonia, N. Dak.; Richard Lang, Wishek, N. Dak.; Calvin E. Hochhalter, Wishek, N. Dak. Front row, left to right: Dale H. Bittner, Lehr, N. Dak.; Larry H. Sayler, Wishek, N. Dak.; Clayton Nagel, Lehr, N. Dak.; Marvin Huber, Wishek, N. Dak.; Willard W. Nickisch, Wishek, N. Dak.; Eugene Wiest, Wishek, N. Dak.; Lloyd C. Ulmer, Wishek, N. Dak.; Amos Brinkman, Wishek, N. Dak. Second row, left to right: Harlen A. Vossler, Wishek, N. Dak.; Stanley R. Moeckel, Wishek, N. Dak.; Alvin P. Just, Wishek, N. Dak.; Allen A. Deile, Wishek, N. Dak.; Rubin Rueb Wishek, N. Dak.; Norman Gall, Wishek, N. Dak.; Albert Boschee, Lehr, N. Dak.; Daniel M. Sayler, Wishek, N. Dak.; Don W. Bina, Wishek N. Dak. Third row, left to right: Albert Just, Wishek, N. Dak.; Alvin Meidinger, Wishek, N. Dak.; Waldemar Diegel, Wishek, N. Dak.; Edwin Rath, Wishek, N. Dak.; Ruben Helfenstein, Ashley, N. Dak.; Marvin G. Fiechtner, Wishek, N. Dak.; Ruben Thurn, Venturia, N. Dak.; Edwin Meidinger, Wishek, N. Dak. Fourth row, left to right: Melvin L. Martel, Wishek, N. Dak.; Herbert Wolf, Wishek, N. Dak.; Art Aipperspach, Wishek, N. Dak; Anton Doll, Wishek, N. Dak.; Kasmier M. Wald, Wishek N. Dak.; John J. Klundt, Wishek, N. Dak.; Pete Wald, Wishek, N. Dak.; Gabriel G. Miller, Wishek, N. Dak. Fifth row, left to right: Solomon G. Hochhalter, Wishek, N. Dak.; Ivan Lehr, Wishek, N. Dak.; Walter R. Meidinger, Wishek, N. Dak.; Delane Dollinger, Venturia, N. Dak.; Oscar Kemmet, Wishek, N. Dak., Robert R. Zimmerman, Wishek, N. Dak.; Gideon Janke, Lehr, N. Dak.; Ben Meidinger, Wishek, N. Dak. Wishek Jaycees Top Row, l to r: Marvin Huber, Dan Doll, Doug Kramer, Jim Meidinger, Kenneth Eckman. Middle Row: Roger Maier, Vern Boeshans, George Gross, Don Ackerman. Bottom Row: Dan Vetter, Duane Rodlund, Ron Gall, Larry Dalke. The Wishek Jaycees were organized in April, 1968, with Lawrence Raile elected the first president. The Jaycees have been working at various community improvement projects during these years, and the biggest project was the collection of funds to re-model and heat the local swimming pool. The Jaycees is an organization which has as its primary objective community improvement, as it supports projects that benefit the young and old alike. Presidents of the organization since organized are as follows: Lawrence Raile, Gary Lee, Vernon Boeshans, Kenneth Eckman, Dan Vetter. Officers for 1973 are: Larry Dalke, president; Roger Maier, Internal Vice-President; David Pfeifle, External Vice-President; Rodney Hoff, Secretary; Gordie Humann, Treasurer. State Director: Daniel Vetter; Directors: Duane Rodlund, Roger Boschee, Kenneth Eckman. Wishek Lions Club First row (l to r): E. Dahmer, A. Bender, E. Lindstrom, H. Gall, D. Schnabel, R. Kautz. Second row: A. Pfeifle, R. Aipperspach, L. Herr, E. Wiest, J. Frank, S. Deile, R. Klein. Third row: G. Schauer, L. Sayler, H. Frank, J. Resel, D. Babitzke, J. Klundt. Fourth row: A. Reiland, J. Frautschi, B. Schmagel, H. Lambrecht, A. Kautz. The Wishek Lions Club was chartered on April 12, 1962. During the past eleven years, the Club has operated with the following objectives: To create and foster a spirit of generous consideration among the peoples of the world through a study of the problems of international relationships. To promote the theory and practice of the principles of good government and good citizenship. To take an active interest in the civic, social and moral welfare of the community. To unite the members in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding. To provide a forum for the full and free discussion of all matters of public interest, with the exception of partisan politics and sectarian religion. To encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in business and professions provided that no club shall hold out as one of its objectives financial benefits to its members. The Lions Club was the first Service Club in Wishek. The membership consists of farmers, businessmen, professional people and civic-minded people who are concerned about the community. In keeping with the aforesaid objectives, the Club has taken an active interest and part in community affairs. Some of the annual projects that are sponsored and supported by the Club are Sponsorship of the Lettermen's Banquet; Joint sponsorship of the summer baseball program; Securing of eye-glasses for the needy; Helping with various community Fund drives such as the Clinic Fund, Heating of the swimming pool etc.; Helping procure professional and business people for the community; Selling of Flags; Sponsorship of Community Awards for outstanding service; Sponsorship of the Cancer Drive and various Community projects. The Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month. Ladies Night and the annual Steak Fry at Beaver Lake are part of the on-going program. The following are listed as charter members of the Wishek Lions Club: Ammon, Wilbert *Pfeifle, Armand Chambers, Larry Scherman, Paul DeBates, Lawrence Shannon, Robert V. *Frank, Henry Sayler, Walter R. *Frank, John Sayler, Arthur T. *Herr, Lorran Tuchscher, Steve Huber, Wm. E. Vetter, Mathias Lambourne, Stephen *Wiest, Eugene Moore, Leonard *Schmagel, Bill (Active members -- 1973 The following have served as President of the Wishek Lions Club since the organization: 62 - 63 Leonard Moore 68 - 69 Larry Sayler 63 - 64 Walter R. Sayler 69 - 70 John E. Frank 64 - 65 Armand Pfeifle 70 - 71 Arthur Bender 65 - 66 Eugene Wiest 71 - 72 Edward Dahmer 66 - 67 Bill Schmagel 72 - 73 G. G. Neuberger 67 - 68 Paul Scherman Quilting Homemakers Seated, left to right: Mrs. Rose Herr, Mrs. Lydia Wiest, Mrs. Christ Gruebele. Back row, left to right: Mrs. Magdalena Kramer, Mrs. Jacob Just, Mrs. Godfrey Herr, Mrs. Elizabeth Herr. The Quilting Homemakers was organized in February, 1957. We chose the name "Quilting" for our club because our hobby is quilting. Besides the regular Homemaker's projects, we make quilts for others. Most of the money received for this work is donated to charitable organizations. Four of our members, Mrs. B. B. Kaseman, Mrs. Willie (Ida) Herr, Mrs. Otto Meidinger and Mrs. Henry Sayler have passed away, which leaves us with seven active members. Mrs. Lydia Wiest is the only remaining charter member. Wishek Community Homemakers Front Row: Mrs. Erma Neuberger, Secretary Mrs. Sharon Meidinger, President; Mrs. Harriet Herr, Vice-President; Mrs. Elsie Pfeifle, Program Chairman. Back Row: Mrs. Sylvia Lindstrom, Mrs. Mildred Kautz, Mrs. Kay Svedjan, Mrs. Evangeline Ammon, Mrs. Lillian Dempsey. Members not pictured: Mrs. Jean Sayler, Mrs. Evalene Lee, Treasurer; Mrs. Joan Hoffman, Mrs. Janet Boeshans and Mrs. Camille Wissman. Wishek Community Homemakers was organized on April 26, 1954. Officers were Mrs. Alice Singer, President; Mrs. Vivian Fiechtner, Vice-President; Mrs. Mildred Kautz, Secretary-Treasurer; Mrs. Lois Coneto, Program Chairman. Charter Members: Mrs. Lois Coneto, Mrs. Lillian Dempsey, Mrs. Vivan Fiechtner, Mrs. Mildred Kautz, Mrs. Barbara Melicher, Mrs. Irene Pfeifle, Mrs. Lourine Rice, Mrs. Norma Stuhlmiller, Mrs. Ruth Trautman, Mrs. Alice Singer, Mrs. Elaine Wiest, Mrs. Edna Sherman, Mrs. Donna Brett. Wishek Homemakers Club Seated: Christine Wagner, Laura Lepp, and Lydia Schilling. Standing: Pauline Schaeffer, Kathrine Wolff, Berniece Fercho, Edna Woehl, Alma Delzer, Pauline Vossler, Bertha Ruff, and Ida Bechtle. The first homemaking club to be organized in Wishek was organized in the home of Mrs. Jake Lepp in 1953 with Andrew F. Bosch, county agent, assisting. Thirteen women joined the group. Charter members were: Mrs. Reinhold Schaeffer, Mrs. Emanuel Fercho, Mrs. Gottfried Woehl, Mrs. John Bechtle, Mrs. Alex Wagner, and Mrs. Jake Lepp. Wishek Wildlife Club Front row, left to right: J. J. Kramer, Emanuel Fercho, Ron Gall, Lester Schuchard, Albert H. Sayler, and H. E. Timm. Middle row: Harold Nies, Lloyd Kramer, Leamon Boschee, Clarence Krein, Otto Bauer, Harley Herr, Waldemar Diegel, Oscar Pfeifle. Back row: Christ Stock, Edwin Rath, Ronnie Thurn, Art Pudwill, Henry Woehl, R. W. Pfau, and Gottfried Thurn. A group of men from the Wishek area met to re-organize the Wishek Wildlife Chapter on December 10, 1957. The meeting was called to order by Leopold Kaseman. Ray Wiest made the motion, seconded by Leo Krein, to re-organize the Wishek Chapter of the Wildlife Association. The following officers were elected for the year 1958: R. W. Pfau, president; Paul Rudolf, vice president; and Leopold Kaseman, secretary-treasurer. Since its re-organization the chapter has been engaged in various projects for the management of fish and wildlife, recreation, and sports. The chapter's current project is the improvement and maintenance of Doyle Memorial Park on the shore of Green Lake. To raise funds to finance its project the chapter has a fishing derby each spring and an annual buffalo supper in the fall which involves serving from 700 to 1,000 people. Many donations have also been received from local area business places and from private citizens. Early in November of 1972 the Economic Development Administration (EDA) approved a grant of $164,000.00 for the construction of recreational facilities in several North Dakota counties, including McIntosh County. Of this amount approximately $32,000 was earmarked for the building of a spillway on the south shore of Green Lake. This will allow the lake to overflow without washing away the bank and causing excessive drainage of the lake. In addition, a portion of this money will be used to provide some additional picnic, boating, and fishing facilities in Doyle Memorial Park. Of this $32,000, 20% or $6,400, must be raised locally before work can be started on any of these projects. The club has been conducting fund raising projects and soliciting donations to meet this goal for the past several months and is now very close to their goal. The work is expected to get under way in early 1973 and will involve the employment of approximately fifty people. After the work on these projects is completed the club plans to keep an active part in the maintenance and the upkeep of these facilities. Wishek Drum and Bugle Corps Back row, left to right: Oscar Bechtle, Paul Novy, Richard Dockter, Solomon Hochhalter, Harold Miller. Center Row: Mike Martel, Gust Kosanke, Leon Boschee, Milton Wiest, Ron Godfrey, Norman Gall, Dave Pfeifle, Harry Lambrecht. Front Row: John Douglas, Ken Eckman, Paul Rudolf, Harley Vossler, Duane Rodlund, Tom Welder, Bruce Kretschmar, Walter Mehlhaff, Dave Helmer. The Wishek Drum and Bugle Corps was organized in 1963 with sixteen members. The Corps has participated in all State Legion Maneuver Contests held each year consecutively from 1964-1972 at the North Dakota American Legion State Convention. We competed with cities like Bismarck, Williston, Jamestown, Fargo and Valley City. Wishek is the smallest city on the map with such an organization in the competition. Wishek placed third place in the state one year. The Wishek Corps was honored by being selected Governor's Drum and Bugle Corps for the year 1967 and received the State Flag presented by the Governor of North Dakota. The Wishek Drum and Bugle Corps also participated in the National Convention at Portland, Oregon, in 1970. At the present the Corps consists of twenty-seven members. Equipment valued at $7,000 is owned by the group. There are four charter members left being Gust Kosanke and Paul Rudolf, Ray Wiest, and Milton Wiest. Honorable member Art Eisenbeis passed away. Mr. Eisenbeis received the second place plaque from the State as Major for conducting the Corps. Mr. Eisenbeis was considered an excellent leader and contributed considerably to the excellence of the group. Past Presidents are: Milton Wiest, Ray Wiest, Walter Mehlhaff, Duke Hochhalter, and Gus Kosanke. Present officers are President Harlen Vossler, Secretary Paul Rudolf, Manager and Treasurer Lavern Blinsky, Drum Major Harry Lambrecht, Music director Ron Godfrey, Assistant music director Dave Helmer and Equipment manager Ray Wiest. Fred Kelle Post No. 87 American Legion, WISHEK, N. DAK. Front row left to right: Richard E. Bader, sergeant at arms; John W. Ackerman, historian; Richard Herr, adjutant; Rubin Rueb, service officer; Alvin Raile, vice commander; Raymond Wiest, post commander; Leon Boschee, chaplain; Donald Bina, finance officer. Second row: Jacob Stroh, Paul Rudolf, Leo Krein, Lloyd Kramer, Vernon Kramer, Henry Vossler, Christ P. Ritter, Marvin Gall. Third row: Walter Hiller, Reuben Aipperspach, Armond Pfeifle, William H. Schmagel, Henry Sayler, Delmar E. Herr, Donald Babitzke, Otto K. Walth. Fourth row: Gregory Rudolph, Roy A. Meidinger, Clifton A. Kaseman, Christ Rudolf, Lloyd C. Ulmer, Eugene Fetzer, Paul E. Martell. A movement started in Paris, France, early in 1919 to organize ex-servicemen. It was headed by Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. In the summer and fall of 1919, several informal gatherings of local World War I ex-servicemen discussed the movement. It was agreed "to apply for a charter" and "to have the local post called the Fred Kelle Post after one of the boys that was killed in action." Kelle had lived northwest of Wishek. An organizational meeting was called for November 18, 1919. Officers elected for the year as follows: E. P. Walker, Post Commander; F. R. Duernberger, Vice Commander; H. T. Holtz, Post Adjutant; J. M. Whallon, Finance Officer; Charles Roehm, Historian; J. W. Ackerman, Chaplain. The following men joined the local post as charter members: E. P Walker, F. R. Duernberger, H. T. Holtz, E. C. Walker, J. W. Ackerman, Andrew Schlenker, Fred Ackerman, Ross Link, David Riecker, Fred G. Roehm, F. E. Furrer, R. R. Radcliffe, C. J. Schock, J. M. Whallon, C. D. Roehm, Henry Eisinger, F. G. Grosz, John Weber, Jr., Emil Herr, Karl Wanner, L. D. Brown, Ed Kurle, Charles Pratt, J. J. Kramer, J. B. Sunt, Gust Heupel, Jacob Nies, Gottlieb Walth, Paul G. Nickisch, David J Lassle, Jacob Ernst. Memorial Day services have been conducted by the post since its organization. Armistice Day (the name was later changed to Veterans Day), has been celebrated each year. The Legion sponsored a child welfare program until 1927, when the Auxiliary was organized and took over. Junior boys from the Wishek High School are selected each year to attend Boys State at Fargo for one week. American Legion baseball was started in 1950. This created interest and activity among the youth during the summer months. The post conducts an annual oratorical contest for high school students. The winner may go to the district meeting at Bismarck to compete for state honors. The Legion Drum and Bugle Corps was organized in June, 1963, with Victor Krein its first director. The uniforms were made by local people long black pants, white shirts with flare sleeves, and black vests. The first state Legion convention attended by the corps was at Grand Forks in 1964, when it received fourth place. Since then it has attended every state convention. In 1967, the corps got snappy new gold and blue uniforms and were appointed as the GOVERNAIRES, by the North Dakota governor. One of the members, Art Eisenbeis, was selected as drum major in 1968. The big event for the Drum and Bugle Corps in 1970 was the trip to the American Legion convention at Portland, Oregon, where it represented the Department of North Dakota. Over the years, the corps made numerous exhibition performances in towns throughout the state and received their applause. There are five drum and bugle corps in North Dakota. Since 1919, the post has held meetings in the City Hall, Odd Fellows Hall and a former railroad passenger car that was bought and moved uptown. The construction of the new Legion building on main street was started in 1955, completed in 1956, and dedicated on Labor Day, 1957. Here the Legion and the Auxiliary hold their meetings and social events. Front row, left to right: Ludwig Sayler, Elmer O. Lindstrom, Adolph Kuebler, Lester Dempsey, Harold Miller, Vernon Rieger, Theodore Schock. Second row: John J. Klundt, Ted Link, Walter Mehlhaff, Milton O. Wiest, Richard Dockter, Solomon G. Hochhalter, Sam Rudolf. Third row: Sebastian S. Tuchscher, Arnold Reiland, Paul E. Novy, Elmer Brosy, Oscar Vossler, Alvin M. Just, George Kramer. Fourth row: Edward W. Sayler, Edward Kautz, John Gall, Walter E. Boschee, Victor Krein, Gideon Eiseman, Emil Schock. Not pictured: Bert Abell, Christian Babitzke, Herman L. Backhaus, Willard Becker, Stanley Benkendorf, James Bettenhausen, Lavern Blinsky, Constant Brandner, Theodore Brandt, Edward Dahmer, Emanuel Deyle, Daniel Doll, Benjamin Ebel, Delmar Eisenbeis, Ruben Eiseman, Robert Fetzer, Anton Gross, Peter Hauck, Clifton Herr, Lorron Herr, Walter Hochhalter, Daniel H. Just, Garold H. Just, Raymond Kaseman, Herbert Kautz, Gust Kosanke, Jacob J. Kramer, John Mayer, Gene Meidinger, Marvin Meidinger, Lenhardt Mundt, Wilbert J. Nies, Roland Rasch, Stanley Rueb, Gust Sailer, Arthur F. Sayler, Joseph A. Schmaltz, LeRoy Schmaltz, Dr. Warren Schubert, Waltermer Schwind, Robert V. Shannon, D. L. Stelzer, Terbrin Tergensen, Joe Vetch, Milton Vossler, Clarence Wald, Tony A. Wald, Karl Wanner, John Weber, Jr., Alvin Weixel, Thomas Welder, Emil Wiest, Edmore Will, Reinhold Bechtold, Ronald Godfrey, Gideon Raile, Mike Rudolf, Anton Wald, Valentine Fettig, John J. Thurn, Ronnie F. Thurn, Gerald J. Welk. American Legion Auxiliary Front row, left to right: Mary Ann Mehlhaff, Karen Hochhalter, Gale Hochhalter, Glenda Wiest, Melissa Gall, Sarah Wiest, Nancy Wiest, Laura Wiest, Tamara Wiest. Second row: Mmes. J. J Kramer, Gust Boettcher, John Ackerman, Donald Bina, Unit President; Sebastian Tuchscher, Vice President; John Gall, Secretary; Rubin Rueb, Treasurer; Christ Babitzke, Chaplain, Harold Miller, Historian. Third row: Mmes. Lydia Raile, Stanley Rueb, John Wolff, Karl Weintz, Magdalena Krein, Christ Wanner, Paul Rudolf, Marvin Gall, Walter Mehlhaff, Rose Thurn. Fourth row: Mmes. Theodore Schock, Vernon Reiger, Lorren Herr, Armand Pfeifle, Miss Susan Tuchscher, Mmes. Solomon Hochhalter, Arnold Reiland, Martha Heyne, Lester Dempsey, Ray Wiest. Fifth row: Mmes. Irene Bettenhausen, Mike Just, Lenhard Mund, Fred Beitelspacher, Paul Novy, Ferdinand Rudolf, Thomas Welder. Not pictured: Mmes. T. A. Alexander, Willard Becker, Amanda Blessing, Walter Boschee, Richard Dockter, Norman Ellengson, Esther Fiechtner, Anton Gross, C. A. Herr, Delmar Herr, Emil Herr, Torolf Johansen, Lydia Krein, Paul Martell, Ruth Meyer, Ray Pfeifle, Andrew Schauer, C. J. Schock, and Misses Tamara Dockter, Pamela Just, Annette Martell, Cindy Martell, Debra Martell, Heather Martell, Mary Pfeifle, Paula Just, Amanda Reed. Fred Kelle unit of the American Legion Auxiliary had its beginning on September 28, 1927, in the home of Mrs. E. P. Walker. Election of officers and final organization were completed on October 27, 1927, when Mrs. J. W. Ackerman was elected president; Mrs. T. Johansen, vice president; Mrs. E. P. Treick, treasurer, Mrs. Nolte, historian, and Mrs. Emil Herr, chaplain. The names of the following women appeared on the charter: Mrs. John Wishek, Jr., Mrs. Fred Roehm, Mrs. Ivan Maerklein, Mrs. John C. Larson, Mrs. F. R. Duernberger, and Miss Adeline Herr, who later became Mrs. Art Nickisch. Since 1948 the Fred Kelle Unit has aided the Legion Post in furnishing and finishing their new post home. Our present membership of seventy-three, which earned us top honors in District Five, continues to carry on the aims and purposes of the American Legion. Our foremost contributions are the sending of a girl to Girls State and conducting the local poppy sales. Three of the charter members retain their membership--Mrs. J. W. Ackerman, Mrs. T. Johansen, and Mrs. Emil Herr. Our Gold Star mothers are Mrs. J. J. Kramer, Mrs. Christine Ellingson, Mrs. Jacob Eisenbeis, and Mrs. August Just. Veterans of World War I of the U.S.A. This group of World War I veterans were issued a charter on May 22, 1961, as the McIntosh County Barracks No. 2588. Nine of the charter members are now deceased. Bottom row, left to right: C. P. Ritter, August Thurn, Henry Sayler, A. E. Teschetter, Jacob Glaesmann, C. H. Meyer. Middle row, left to right: John Weber, Jr., Dan Billitmeyer, Andrew Schauer, Jacob Heuple, Jacob Stroh, Gott. J. Iszler, Chris Sperley. Top row, left to right: Fred Britener, Emil Wiest, Gott. R. Sayler, J. J. Kramer, Henry Hoff, Jacob F. Gruenick, Fred Dewald. Members not present on the picture: Jacob J. Meyer, John J. Heuther, Jacob Diede, Christ Babitzke, Carl Wanner, John Mayer, Jacob Knoll, Edward Heuple, Henry Vossler, Richard Schaeffer, Chris Pfahl. LADIES AUXILIARY The McIntosh County Barracks Ladies Auxiliary No. 2588 for World War I Veterans of United States of America was organized on April 27, 1964, at a meeting in the Wishek Legion Hall. The purpose of this Auxiliary is to aid the World War I Barracks, visit and entertain veterans in V. A. hospitals, and in rest homes, do sewing, send memory gifts, get well cards and sympathy cards. An election was held and the first elected officers were: President, Bertha Schaeffer, Senior Vice President, Mary Meyer; Junior Vice President, Carolina Vossler; Treasurer, Carrie Brietmeyer; Secretary, Ida Schock; Chaplain, Sophie Babitzke; Conductress, Rose Just (Schauer); Trustees, Emma Weisser, Carrie Thurn, and Lydia Schauer. During this first meeting, Salma Maske, Deputy Junior Vice President of Jamestown, installed the officers. Regular meetings are held the second Monday of the month at 8:00 P.M. Our meetings begin with the pledge to the flag and singing of our national anthem. Our conductress drapes the altar and the chaplain gives a prayer. Old and new business is taken care of. Our meetings close with a prayer and song. Social hour follows with more songs and lunch. At present we are 36 members. First row, left to right: Emma Weisser, Conductress Mary Walth, Treasurer Louise Stroh, Vice President Sophie Babitzke, President Magdalene Krein, Secretary Mary Mayer, Chaplain Bertha Teschetter, Publicity Committee Ida Schock. Second row: Card Committee Christina Dewald, Trustee Hilda Glaesmann, Albina Heupel, Caroline Thurn, Trustee Clara Meyer, Katie Walz, Louisa Klipfel, Lydia Kramer. Third row: Regina Sperle, Alvina Hoff, Trustee Pauline Grueneich, Margarete Eissinger, Rosa Schauer, Emma Sayler, Mathilda Nies, Lydia Gieszler. Not pictured: Lydia Krein, Mathilda Harter, Lydia Hummel, Belinda Becker, Elsabeth Maier, Emma Iszler, Emma Knoll, Amanda Blessing, Martha Diede, Helen Heuther, Louise Marek, Victoria Robinson. Girl Scouts The Wishek Girl Scout Troop 171 was organized in the fall of 1972. The Brownies began under the leadership of Mrs. Denis Svedjan and Mrs. Eddie Sayler. The Junior Girl Scouts began under the leadership of Mrs. Larry Sayler with Mrs. Norman Gall, Assistant. At the present time, Mrs. Eddie Sayler and Mrs. Allen Diede are the Brownie leaders with 18 girls as members. Mrs. Warren Schubert and Mrs. Eugene Wiest are the present leaders of the Junior Girl Scouts and have a membership of 29 girls. The girls are taught to be good citizens and leaders in our Community. They meet every Thursday in the Wishek Auditorium. Top Row: left to right: Naomi Dalke, Kathy Rohweder, Janet Welk, Anette Mehlhaff, Robin Eckman, Coleen Woehl, Lori Wiest, Joyce Rath, Doreen Sayler. Second Row: Lucina Schmaltz, Henrietta Welk, Stacy Gall, Venessa Raile, Darcy Herr, Kelly Sayler, Debbie Brinkman, Gina Martel, Mrs. Larry Sayler. Third Row: Kristi Svedjan, Salina Kauk, Melissa Kiley, Tamara Wiest, Pamela Wanner, Diane Raile, Lori Kocher, Mary Jo Breitling, Pam Just. Fourth Row: Mrs. Denis Svedjan, Kerri Svedjan, Linda Wald, Linda Schmaltz, Lois Brinkman, Michelle Sayler, Cori Ritter, Cecilia Resol, Sheri Vetter, Debbie Stevahn. Present Girl Scout Leaders are: Mrs. Elaine Wiest, Mrs. Dorothy Schubert. Present Brownie Leaders are: Mrs. Verna Sayler, Mrs. Jane Diede. Wishek Boy Scout Troop 81 Front row, left to right: Todd Vossler, Tim Sayler, Steve Aipperspach, Jeff Klundt, Jerry Gall, Toby Tuchscher, Johnny Gall. Second row: J. J. Klundt, Scoutmaster; Greg Weber, Edward Wiest, Bobby Klundt, Radon Gall, James Dempsey, Duke Hochhalter, Scoutmaster. Third row: Dennis Schmaltz, Todd Ulmer, Nolan Ulmer, Paul Hochhalter, Robert Pfeifle, Mike Martell, John Douglas, Scoutmaster. Wishek Cub Scouts Front row, left to right: Mrs. Larry Sayler, den mother; Bryan Dohn, Larry Sayler, Gene Lambrecht, Jan Deile, Craig Diede, Richard Morgan, Cordell Bauer, Dr. Larry Sayler, Cub Scout leader. Second row: Mrs. Norman Gall, den mother; Robin Gall, Kip Vossler, Timothy Wald, Edwin Resol, Mark Dempsey, Kirby Schnabel, Donald Ackerman, Webelos leader third row: Craig Lambrecht, Charles Rodlund, Robert Weber, Scott Rudolf, Robert Kramer, Michael Ackerman. Wishek Association of Commerce "TO PROMOTE THE CIVIC, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE OF WISHEK AND VICINITY." Business men's groups have come and gone through the years, but the one group which has stood the test of time is the Wishek Association of Commerce. True to the pledge which heads this article, the association has promoted the welfare of Wishek and the surrounding area effectively. It could not have survived otherwise. This organization has been a purposeful and aggressive force for the past fifty years. Records show that the organizational meeting was held in the Odd Fellows Hall on February 25, 1925. The association's work has become so varied and involved that it would be difficult to itemize all the projects they have spearheaded, aided or completed. However, many of the projects promoted by the association can be found in the reports and minutes of other community organizations. It has been the practice of the association to provide the leadership to stimulate activities, later turning a project over to another board, committee, or organization and, in turn, carried on by them. Among the association's committees are the following: Park Board, Boy Scouts, Roads and Highways, Commercial Promotion, Revolving Fund. Commercial Promotions: Sauerkraut Day, July 4th Celebration, Turkey Days, Christmas Lighting. The minutes of the past years indicate the activity the association has carried on. Much of the work proved repetitious and routine but was important enough to be continued for many years. The best of these projects is Sauerkraut Day, which has been carried on for 48 years, and is known all over the state as Wishek's Day. Plans for the 50th Jubilee came from the association. The promotion and construction of the Airport, Armory and Hospital was begun by the association. The City Park was the first project of the association, until turned over to the Park Board in 1951. Many Doctor drives were started and helped by the association. Other professional people were secured through their help and efforts. With the financial help, and encouragement of the association, the Golf Club was organized and operated for a number of years. One of the better projects of the association is its Revolving Fund, made possible by excess profits turned over to the association by the 50th Jubilee Committee. This has done much for Wishek and the community, and without it many things would not have happened. Among the things accomplished were the following: 1950--Loaned $1,000 to Wishek High School for band uniforms with a two-year repayment. 1951--Loaned $3,000 to the City. 1951--Loaned $3,000 to Dr. Gutowski, to enable him to start practice here. 1954--Loaned $4,000 to the Community Hospital. 1957--Loaned $250 to the Golf Club and continued balance on previous loan. 1957--Loaned $1,000 to Dr. Pearson to enable him to start practice here. 1959--Donated $1,000 to the Wishek Retirement Home. 1961--Loaned $3,000 to Clinic Association to buy beds. 1963--Loaned $3,000 to the Wishek Retirement Home. 1966--Loaned $ 1,000 to the City for Christmas Lights. 1968--Loaned $1,000 to Clinic equipment fund. 1969--Loaned $ 1,000 to Dr. V. Boschee to enable him to start dental office here. 1971--$1,000 given to 75th Jubilee Celebration Committee. 1972--$1,000 loaned to Committee to secure ambulance for Wishek and community. All loans have been repaid in full. PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION FROM 1925-1973 1925--Robert G. Reiser 1926--Robert G. Reiser 1927--H. E. Timm 1928--John H. Wishek, Jr. 1929--A. F. Hoff 1930--J. W. Hofer 1931--J. W. Hofer 1932--A. F. Hoff 1933--J. W. Hofer 1934--J. W. Ackerman J. J. Pudwill 1935--J. W. Hofer 1936--J. W. Hofer 1937--J. W. Hofer 1938--J. W. Hofer 1939--J. W. Hofer 1940--Fred Thurn 1941--Fred Thurn 1942--R. W. Pfau 1943--R. W. Pfau 1944--W. R. Sayler 1945--W. R. Sayler 1946--W. R. Sayler 1947--Walter Doyle 1948--W. R. Sayler 1949--Arthur Sayler 1950--Arthur Sayler 1951--Steve Tuchscher 1952--Alvin Krein 1953--Ben Haines 1954--Herman Olson 1955--Dr. Ketterling Ben Haines 1956--Victor Krein 1957--Victor Krein 1958--Em. Fercho 1959--Ben Haines 1960--Larry Chambers 1961--Robert Shannon 1962--Steve Nickisch 1963--Edward Dahmer 1964--Myron Martell 1965--Arthur Sayler 1966--John Frank 1967--Larry Sayler 1968--Jim Brinkman Armon Pfeifle 1969--Armon Pfeifle 1970--Arthur Sayler 1971--John Frank 1972--Wm. H. Schmagel 1973--Elmer Schauer Tri-County Fair The beginning of the County Fair in Wishek dates back to 1926. In the spring of 1926, the Wishek Association of Commerce, which at various times had given out free alfalfa and sweet clover seed to farmers of the community, gave out free sugar beet seed to determine whether or not sugar beets could grow satisfactorily in this locality. In the fall of the same year a display of sugar beets was made and prizes offered for the different sizes. This really was the forerunner of the Logan-McIntosh County Fair, which was held for the first time in September of 1927. The first exhibits were housed in tents and the fair was a success. The following year two steel clad buildings were erected, the money for which was subscribed by Wishek businessmen and the labor donated by farmers of the community. The following year another building was added. Realizing that the fair was growing faster than was expected, the directors decided to include Emmons County in the territory from which exhibits would be permitted to be entered. The Association was then incorporated as the Tri-County Exhibitors' Association. Among the first ten stockholders were First State Bank, Herr Merc. Co., Wishek Drug Co., Gottlieb Nickisch and E. P. Pfeifle. Gleanings From Tri-County Fair Records June 15, 1929 -- A motion was made that a building, 28'x60', be erected. June 22, 1929 -- Geo. Wolf given a credit of $10 for telephone poles and hay used last year. Jakob Hilcher was given a certificate of interest for labor performed on the fairgrounds @ $3.00 per day. Improving Red Lake by stocking it with game fish was discussed. August 17, 1929 -- It was decided that only thoroughbred cattle could be exhibited. Fall, 1929 -- A Hercules gas engine and pump jack were purchased for $7.00 for pumping drinking water. A boar was awarded 2nd prize and a turkey gobbler was awarded 3rd prize. Gate receipts from boxing match $340. 1929 -- Receipts: $2,145.00; Disbursement $1,703.00; Balance $442.00. (Compare with 1972 -- receipts, $22,568.00; disbursements, $22,963.00; balance, $395.00.) Expenditures listed for the '29 fair: Sanitary Meat Market, -- $18.05 for meat for Indians. Quality Bake Shop -- $4.12 for bread for Indians. Ackermann's Store -- $4.80 for coffee and sugar. 1930 -- First prize went to a shetland pony. Auto space was sold at the fair. "Manager Greiser reported having purchased a boar pig and two pens of thorough-bred chickens consisting of Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons and five hens and one rooster in each pen to be given away at the fair as prizes." A generator was donated by NP&L Co. to light the fairgrounds A P.A. system was rented from Grand Forks radio station @ $50.00 per day. The honorarium for the 1931 fair manager was set at $200.00. Henry Backhaus was paid 35c an hour for labor. Fall 1931 -- The wagon race was omitted and a Roman race added. July 1932 -- The salary of the secretary and manager was set at $125 with the stipulation of a $25 bonus if the fair is a success. August 1932 -- Five sections of bleacher seats were purchased from McPherson Campbell Agricultural Society for $250. An engine was purchased from NP&L Co. for $ 18. April 1933 -- The possibility of acquiring 80 acres of land for fairgrounds was discussed. (The land was purchased May 6, 1933.) May 28, 1933 -- The De Waldo Entertainers were engaged for $150. Henry Hochhalter given 1 share of stock in lieu of damage caused by cattle during fair. August 1933 -- The premium list was revamped; prizes were added. A 25c cash prize was set for first place in the Agriculture and Women's Department. October 1933 -- A fence was purchased from the Golf Club for $15. Front row, left to right: Stanley Rueb, Jake Sukut, Ruben Brandner, Edward Rath, Harley Brandner, Harley Vossler. Middle row: Milton Wiest, Mike Martell, Leopold Kaseman, Kenney Eckman. Back row: Amos Brinkman, Jr., Christ Rudolf, Allen Diele, Cliff Kemmet, Edgar Just, Dennis Schnabel. January 1934 -- A motion was made that a public auction sale of livestock be added as a new feature of the '34 fair. 1934 -- A building was damaged by a storm. A rodeo for '34 fair was contracted at $200. The Fair board moved to grant a 99 year lease for a dance hall site on the fairgrounds with exclusive right for sale of beer and liquor. Fair receipts: $231.40. 1935 -- A deficit of $200 was reported. Arrangements were made for a loan. 1936 -- A solicitation of businessmen and suppliers netted $10.00. The annual stockholder's meeting was postponed due to the deficit. The financial report showed a balance of 30.99. 1939 -- The contract with William and Lee for entertainment was cancelled due to poor crop prospects. 1940 -- Mention was made of debt remaining on the land. 1941 -- Admission was set for 25c. 1942 -- A fire at the fairgrounds was mentioned in the minutes. Note the fair was not held during the war years. 1946 -- Prices of tickets for fair: season $2; first day 50c; second and third afternoons, 75c; second and third evenings, 50c; children, 25c. 1946 -- The fair was cancelled due to a polio epidemic. 1947 -- The Zeeland Band was engaged at $75 per day and free fair tickets. Bleachers were loaned to the Wishek Jubilee. 1948 -- $300 was borrowed from Geo. Wolf. 1949 -- A car was raffled at the 1949 fair. 1950 -- Williams and Lee were contracted at $650 for entertainment. There was discussion concerning erection of a building over the dance floor, but no action was taken. 1951 -- The plans made for wiring the fairgrounds were turned over to KEM Electric. 1952 -- Full settlement was made in regard to an accident claim incurred at the fair. The board was empowered to borrow $1,000 to cover a deficit. 1954 -- Report heard on availability of car racers for the 1954 fair. 1955 -- The possibility of having a local dairy queen contest was discussed. A bid of $1,449.95 for a 1955 Ford Mainline 2-dr. 6 cyl. car with turn indicators and a heater for the fair raffle was accepted. An agreement was entered into with the Wishek Riding Club. 1956 -- There was a motion to publish a booklet with advertising. A delegation discussed with the board the possibility of setting up a Golf Course on the Fairgrounds. 1958 -- A motion was made to have talent show prizes at the 1958 fair. 1960 -- The chairman appointed a committee on tree planting. The contract with KEM was cancelled. 1961 -- A motion to erect the agriculture building (40'x60') was adopted. 1962 -- A report was given on Tri-County Queen candidates. Advertising on TV was discussed. The Treasurer was instructed to negotiate with Security State Bank about the interest on a $500 loan. 1963 -- Building a grand stand was discussed. The calf scramble was dropped. $5,000 was borrowed for construction of the exhibits building. 1965 -- Construction of a proposed race track was approved. 1966 -- Car races and tractor pulling contests were placed on fair agenda. There were legal difficulties with Ray Camack Shows. 1967 -- A lease with the Wishek Golf Club was drawn up. Fair Financial report: income, $9,227; expenditures, $7,112; balance, $2,170; outstanding bills, $374 for stage; note due on building, $4,323. 1968 -- There were negotiations with Roadrunners Car Club. There was a motion to build a fence on fairgrounds for protection of racing fans. Demolition Derby was placed on the fair agenda. 1969 -- There was discussion on snowmobile races on the fairgrounds. There were legal difficulties in connection with a bleacher accident. 1970 -- Wishek Steel Mfg. was contracted to build bleachers at $3 700 not including lumber. 1971 -- Improvement of the water system was discussed as was the "little britches" rodeo. An honorary membership was drawn up. 1972 -- Trans-Canadian Hell Drivers were booked for July 4. 4-H Horse Club was granted use of facilities. A new track committee was elected. Time for the Last Word Well, here we are. The book reaches completion ... we're beat and know the book falls short of what we wanted it to be. It isn't artful, nor original, but it is finished. There is difficulty in trying to express ideas about the past and stating them differently. We went ahead knowing that there would be readers who allow no margin for error and associates who would postpone their cooperation or would even fail to help. We did not dream we'd lose a companion and helpmate at a critical time ... but the book is finished and not particularly good. however, it has set down other times and familiar faces ... maybe that is enough for a book--to be a watering p ace for memory. Once during college days in visiting with a Red River Valley businessman, the subject of home towns came up. He sniffed disdainfully, saying, "Oh, you live over on the coteau." Promptly humbled, I thought, The coteau ... hm ... it sounds so French" ... my literary mind jumped at the word ... "what's the matter with that? ... besides, it s a nice place to be ... I live on the coteau, do I? ... Greaaaatttt!" ... No one had ever referred to McIntosh County as the coteau in all the time we had lived there ... the upshot of the whole thing is that Mr. Red River Valley Flats had lost a customer and the small part of the Missouri Plateau known as Wishek in McIntosh County gained an ardent devotee. The reader may well ask what all this has to do with the historical book. It is meant to point up the fact that many "ardent devotees" would reduce the work load of a book committee and make it a more successful venture. Somewhere among you readers is the centennial book chairman. We say that a book like this will have errors and that this is quite a bit like humanity. We all have our frailties. This book, which commemorates Wishek's 75th anniversary, shows the qualities which have meaning for us--that is, it is a place for the good and the bad--it's home. While on the subject of interest in North Dakota and prairie life, l would like to finish the book with two poems written by my grandmother, the most "ardent devotee" of them all. Enjoy them; they're from the heart and tell it like it is. THE PRAIRIE Our Prairie is a checkerboard Of mighty blocks and squares-- The rolling swelling landscape A changing pattern bears. The winter plains lie sleeping, With quiet hidden eyes, But through the snow-white blanket The squared contour lies. In spring comes soft awakening Among the blocks and squares, When rich black loam rolls lapping Behind the shining shares. Then seeding time and growing, Make blocks of living green, With here and there a field of flax Of brightest blue between. Once more comes occult changing To yellow ripened grain, Abundant fields lie waiting Across the pulsing plain. Come tans and browns of autumn, And colors soft with dusk, Across the fall blown landscape Floats breath of sage and musk. Our prairie is a mighty land Laid down in blocks and squares, And plenitude of sustenance Her ample bosom bears. A vast and living checkerboard-- The game--I love it so: In green and black or blue and gold, As seasons come and go. N.F.W. TO DAKOTA O broad and grand Dakota land So leal and true-- Of all the West, I love you best Here is to you. To lovely sky so deep and high, Of wondrous hue, Your clouds alight and fleecy white Against the blue. I love your mold in lapping fold The ploughman leaves, As bright and bare, the shining share Its pathway cleaves. I gladly see on shrub and tree The feathered folk Who came with song, the ways along When spring awoke. I love the line and silver shine Of lake and stream, Their rushy sedge and curving edge With lights agleam. And, if you please, I love your trees So vivid green, Your waving grain across the plain Of changing sheen. The prairies sleep, while ages keep The land so true, Supremely blest of all the West, For me, and you. O, broad and grand Dakota land So leal and true-- Of all the West I love you best So, here's to you. N.F.W.