Grand Forks County

Biography of John A. Gaunt of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

John A. Gaunt, manager of the Cascaden Manufacturing Company’s branch in Grand Forks, North Dakota, was born on December 3, 1863, in demons Grove, Iowa. His father passed away when he was nine, limiting his education to a few winter terms. Gaunt began his career as a collector for the McCormick Harvester Company in 1883, then worked for several other companies before becoming manager at Cascaden in 1905. A successful auctioneer for twenty years, he was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. Gaunt married Leota Springer on December 2, 1888, and they had two children, Ray S. and Wanda Ilene.

Biography of Jerry E. Stevens of Northwood North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Jerry E. Stevens, a self-made man and prominent figure in North Dakota, was born near Elgin, Illinois, on April 8, 1854. After moving to North Dakota on July 21, 1881, he engaged in farming and later established a successful general merchandise business in Northwood. A staunch Republican, Stevens served as a senator from the fifth legislative district and held various school and township offices. He married Mazie Rank in Minnesota on January 10, 1883, and they had two children: Joy E. Stevens and Maud C. Stevens.

Biography of James Twamley of Grand Forks North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

James Twamley, former president of the Old Settlers’ Association of the Red River Valley, arrived in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1876. He and Frank Viets established the first wholesale business in North Dakota in 1878. Educated in New York, Twamley worked in wholesale dry goods before moving to North Dakota due to health concerns. He was a significant figure in education and Masonry, serving on the University of North Dakota’s board of regents and as grand chief templar. Twamley married Mary E. Hawkins in 1866, with whom he had two children, J. Fred and M. Edna.

Biography of Hon. Martin Victor Linwell of Northwood North Dakota

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Hon. Martin Victor Linwell, born April 2, 1857, in Rush City, Minnesota, was a prominent figure in North Dakota’s early development. Son of Swedish immigrants John and Anna Linwell, he started his independent life at thirteen. Linwell established a loan and land office in Mayville in 1881 and later expanded his business ventures, including banking and retail lumber. Admitted to the North Dakota bar in 1887, he practiced law and served as Northwood’s mayor for six years. Linwell also promoted local agricultural and commercial enterprises. Married to Anna Paulson, he had three children: Wendell, Emmons, and Delia.

Biography of Hon. Charles Joseph Fisk of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Hon. Charles Joseph Fisk, a respected jurist, was born in Illinois in 1862. After a diligent education and a successful career in law, he was elected as a district judge and later elevated to the Supreme Court of North Dakota in 1906. Fisk’s integrity, legal expertise, and genial disposition earned him wide admiration, enabling him to excel in his high office. He married Miss Ida M. Myers, and they have two daughters, Helen Marion and Doris May, who bring much joy to their lives.

Biography of James Henry Mathews of Larimore North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

James Henry Mathews was born in Ireland, later immigrating to New York. He had a diverse career, serving in the Civil War and engaging in various businesses, from retail to real estate. Mathews settled in North Dakota, where he established a bonanza farm and actively participated in politics. He married and had five children, although two tragically passed away. Involved in numerous fraternal organizations, he also held positions in several banks, insurance companies, and land businesses, making him a prominent figure in the region’s business community. Today, Mathews remains heavily engaged in real estate, livestock, and land investments.

Biography of George Clinton Russell, of Inkster, North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

George Clinton Russell, born in 1876 in Fort Covington, New York, was a successful businessman and civic leader in Inkster, North Dakota. He played an active role in his community, serving as a justice of the peace, city auditor, and clerk of Inkster School District. He was also involved in various fraternal organizations. Russell married Dora A. Mooney in 1903, and they had two children, George Irving and Mary Louise.

Biography of Donald McDonald of Grand Forks North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Donald McDonald, born in Canada in 1850 to Scottish parents, moved to Dubuque County, Iowa, where his family engaged in farming and milling. In 1878, he settled in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He purchased the Grand Forks “Plaindealer” newspaper shortly after his arrival, successfully running it for two years before selling it. In 1879, McDonald was appointed postmaster, overseeing the growth of the post office from fourth to second-class. He witnessed the evolution of mail transportation, from stagecoaches to railway service. After leaving the post office, McDonald ventured into various business endeavors, including undertaking and tent/awning manufacturing. In 1906, he was elected county treasurer, a position he currently holds.

Biography of Christian M. Hansen of Northwood North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Christian M. Hansen, a Danish native, was born on October 24, 1844. He immigrated to the United States in 1865 and obtained his naturalization papers in Indiana. He returned to Denmark briefly before marrying Katrine Madsen and settling in Alexandria, Minnesota. In 1884, they moved to Northwood, North Dakota, where they established a business that endured a fire in 1894 but was promptly rebuilt. They have four children: Kerstina, Maria, Martinus, and Frederick Hansen. Christian M. Hansen, of Northwood, North Dakota, is a native of Denmark, born on October 24, 1844. His father, Frederick Hansen, and his mother, Kjerstine (Gertsen) … Read more

Biography of Eugene Fretz, Jr. of Grand Forks, ND

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Eugene Fretz, Jr., a native of France, is the state agent of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in Grand Forks, North Dakota. With extensive education and experience in the insurance industry, Fretz has successfully grown the business and established it as one of the leading agencies in the Northwest. He is also a proud member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is happily married with one child.