Cass County

Biography of James Kennedy of Fargo North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

James Kennedy, a prominent contractor in Fargo, North Dakota, was born in Ireland on December 11, 1857. He immigrated to America with his parents and was educated in Medina County, New York. Arriving in Fargo in 1880, Kennedy quickly became influential in civic and political circles. Known for his charitable contributions, he managed significant contracts nationwide and operated a 3,000-acre farm in Cass and Ransom counties. As a state senator for the Ninth district and national chairman for the Republican party, he led the campaign supporting President Taft. Kennedy and his wife lived on North Broadway with their eight children.

Biography of James Conkey McKendry, of Fargo, North Dakota

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James Conkey McKendry (1854-unknown) was a Scottish-born Fargo resident who made significant contributions to education and public service. After farming in North Dakota, he entered the grain business in Fargo and served on the Board of Education, improving school infrastructure. Additionally, he held a position on Governor Roger Allen’s staff and was an active member of various Masonic bodies. He married Jennie R., the daughter of Senator A. Hutchinson, in Gaines, New York.

Biography of Hon. Louis Benjamin Hanna of Fargo North Dakota

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Hon. Louis Benjamin Hanna, born on August 9, 1860, in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, has established a successful political career through primary elections. He is the choice of his party’s voters to represent his state in Washington during the next congress. Coming from a lineage of diverse backgrounds, including Scotch, Irish, English, and French descent, Mr. Hanna received his education in various cities and settled in North Dakota in 1881. Engaged in farming and finance, he founded a bank and held positions in several financial institutions. His dedication to public service led to his election as a member of the state legislature and later as a state senator. Championing the people’s interests, especially advocating for good pure food laws, Mr. Hanna is highly regarded within his party and holds a prominent position in the state.

Biography of C. R. Stone of Fargo North Dakota

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C. R. Stone, born in 1865, emerged as a self-made man despite challenging circumstances. Growing up in an era of financial struggle, he displayed remarkable determination and energy from a young age. Showing a talent for music, he organized and led a successful band at the age of thirteen. After years of study and teaching music in Minneapolis, he entered the music industry in Fargo, establishing his own business that rapidly grew in size and success. Stone’s unwavering willpower, tireless work ethic, and integrity propelled him forward. His contributions to North Dakota’s growth and cultural development, particularly in bringing music to isolated homes, earned him deep appreciation. Beyond business, Stone is described as big-hearted, generous, and a devoted family man.

Biography of Burleigh Folsom Spaulding of Fargo North Dakota

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Burleigh Folsom Spaulding, born in 1853, overcame significant challenges on his path to becoming an associate justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court. He worked tirelessly from a young age, supporting himself through various jobs while pursuing an education. After being admitted to the bar, he arrived in Fargo in 1880, where he embarked on his legal career. Active in the Republican party, Spaulding served as a congressman and played a key role in various committees and legislative initiatives. In 1907, he was appointed as a judge on the North Dakota Supreme Court, a position he fulfilled with distinction. Alongside his professional accomplishments, he enjoyed a loving family life with his wife, Alida Baker, and their five children.

Biography of Frank Squier Talcott of Buffalo Township ND

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Frank Squire Talcott, a successful farmer in Buffalo Township, Cass County, North Dakota, has been actively involved in the community since his arrival in 1881. Born in New York City in 1863, Talcott came from English ancestry with connections to revolutionary figures and the development of Massachusetts. He received education from prestigious institutions and later engaged in various public roles, including chairman of the Board of Supervisors, member of the School Board, and State Senator. Talcott’s work focused on education, and he actively participated in numerous fraternal organizations. He married Agnes W. Thompson, and together they have four children. Talcott’s strong Republican beliefs align with his family heritage and personal convictions.

Biography of Enos Gray of Gill Township ND

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Enos Gray, a highly regarded citizen of Cass County, North Dakota, was born in 1829 in Embden, Maine. After spending time in California for mining operations, he returned to Portland, Maine, before establishing a homestead in Gill Township, Cass County, in 1879. Through hard work and dedication, Gray transformed his homestead into a thriving farm, expanding his land holdings to approximately 1,300 acres. Today, the farm is managed by his son, Oscar F., and produces an annual harvest of around 20,000 bushels of grain. Gray has been involved in various community positions and is affiliated with the Democratic Party. He is married to Mindwell Thompson, and they have a son and a daughter.

Biography of Aurelius Lansing Wall of Fargo ND

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Aurelius Lansing Wall, a prominent lumber dealer from Fargo, North Dakota, was born in New York in 1848. After relocating to North Dakota in 1882, he established himself in the lumber business and later served as an alderman, state representative, and mayor. He was married to Ida V. Stebbins, who passed away in 1901, leaving behind their daughter Lottie E. Wall.

Biography of Aaron McDonald of Fargo ND

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Aaron McDonald, a prominent figure in North Dakota, has spent three decades in the Red River Valley as a farmer. Though he came close to becoming sheriff, he mostly avoids politics, preferring to vote for Democratic candidates. Married to Martha E. Brady, they have four children and are members of the Presbyterian church.

Biography of Stevenson Dunlop of Fargo, North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Stevenson Dunlop, a resident of Fargo, North Dakota, was born July 25, 1858. at Symington Agashire, Scotland. His parents were John and Mary Veronica (Stevenson) Dunlop. Parents immigrated to Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, in 1859, and in 1874 his father came to Dakota and purchased a farm at Mapleton. but never made his home there. Our subject received his elementary education at the Woodstock grammar school and finished at the Agricultural College of Guelph, Canada. He came to Mapleton, North Dakota, in 1876. His father located seventeen sections of railroad land in the same year of which he took charge in … Read more