Grand Forks County Archives — Page 5 of 6

Biography of Albert P. Rounsevell of Larimore ND

Albert P. Rounsevell, a highly respected physician and surgeon, has made a significant impact in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Born in New York and educated in Philadelphia and Chicago, Dr. Rounsevell began his medical career in Minnesota before eventually settling in Larimore, where he has dedicated himself to his practice for over twenty-seven years. He has achieved remarkable success and earned a well-deserved reputation among his peers. Alongside his medical profession, Dr. Rounsevell has been actively involved in various fraternal and patriotic organizations, holding prominent positions within the Masonic Order and serving in leadership roles for other groups. He is also a loving husband and father, blessed with three children.

The Dinnie Brothers of Grand Forks, North Dakota

The Dinnie Brothers are probably the largest contractors in the state of North Dakota. More cities and towns in the valley of the Red river are creations of that firm to a larger extent in the brick and stone building line than can be attributed to any other firm in this part of the Northwest. To particularize would be to require mention of almost hundreds of buildings, and in point of time cover a period extending over a quarter of a century. John and James Dinnie came to Grand Forks, March 20, 1881. They began as common brick-layers and, in … Read more

Biography of Joseph Bell DeRemer of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Joseph Bell DeRemer, born September 14, 1871, in Montana, New Jersey, was a significant architect in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Son of James K. Polk and Nancy (Bell) DeRemer, he studied architecture at Columbia University after working as a carpenter. Moving to Grand Forks in 1902, DeRemer designed notable buildings such as the Y.M.C.A. and the Widlund building. He was a member of various professional and civic organizations and served briefly as an alderman in New Jersey. DeRemer married Elizabeth Meyers in 1891, and they had two children, Delores and Samuel.

Biography of E. C. Cooper of Grand Forks, North Dakota

E. C. Cooper, born April 11, 1856, in Antioch, Illinois, has been a prominent resident of Grand Forks, North Dakota, since 1883. Initially working for a lumbering firm, he later established himself in the insurance industry, associating with conservative companies. Cooper, an active participant in state and municipal affairs, served six years on the Grand Forks city council, including a term as president. A Republican, he chaired the state central committee in 1896-97 and was elected commissioner of insurance in 1904, 2006, and 2008. Cooper married Flora K. McGillivray in 1901. They have no children.

Biography of George B. Clifford of Grand Forks, North Dakota

George B. Clifford, born March 10, 1858, in Concord, New Hampshire, was a prominent lawyer and businessman in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Educated in New England, he moved to Grand Forks in 1881, forming a law partnership before transitioning to the mortgage and investment business. Clifford was instrumental in the city’s development, including its first paving projects and park system. He served on the city council and as president of the Park Commission. Clifford married Minnie E. Cooley in 1888, and they had two children, Ralph E. Clifford and George Barnard Clifford.

Biography of James Arnold Canniff of Grand Forks, North Dakota

James Arnold Canniff, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, was born in Ontario, Canada, November 5, 1868. His parents were Thomas O. and Elizabeth J. Canniff. He was educated in the schools of Grand Forks, and commenced business in 1885, succeeding T. C. Canniff, in the wall paper, paint and oil business. He was elected alderman of Grand Forks, in 1896, and served nine years. He served as chairman of the Republican County Central Committee in 1904-5. He is a member of the Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Odd Fellows. On June 17, 1893, Mr. Canniff was married at Grand Forks, … Read more

Biography of Andrew A. Bruce of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Andrew A. Bruce, born April 15, 1866, in Nunda Drug, Madras, India, of Scottish descent, became dean of the College of Law at the University of North Dakota. Orphaned young, he moved to America at age 15 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin and its law school. Bruce served as secretary to the judges of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and chief clerk of the Wisconsin Central Railway’s law department. A legal reform advocate, he contributed to child labor and sweatshop laws. In 1902, he joined the University of North Dakota. Married to Elizabeth Bacon Pickett, they had two children: Glenn and Edward.

Biography of General William H. Brown of Grand Forks, North Dakota

General William H. Brown. Probably no one stands higher in the estimation of every one in the Red River valley than our esteemed citizen, William H. Brown, first mayor of Grand Forks. As a pioneer of the place, he was one of the early residents to blaze the way for others, and to him and his contemporaries the people of this city owe a debt of gratitude. General Brown is a native of North Hampton, Massachusetts, where he was born seventy-seven years ago, dating the event from the thirteenth of November, 1907. His father, Joseph S. Brown, was a carpenter, … Read more

Biography of Ole Bolstad of Northwood, North Dakota

Ole Bolstad, who is a successful dentist in active practice at Northwood, North Dakota, was born at Ringsaker, Norway, October 3, 1875, son of Ole L. and Thonethe Bolstad. They were farmers in their native country, being poor tenants till they immigrated to America in 1880. They arrived at Philadelphia, July 4, that year, and from there went to Richland county, North Dakota. Our subject lived on the farm with his parents, received the rudiments of his education at the district school, which was supplemented by a course at the Mayville Normal, and a two year scientific course at the … Read more

Biography of David H. Beecher of Grand Forks, North Dakota

David H. Beecher, born March 15, 1852, in Rushford, New York, is a pioneering banker in the Red River Valley. Moving to North Dakota in 1884, he co-founded the First National Bank of Park River and later established the Union National Bank in Grand Forks. Beecher’s extensive banking interests span several national and state banks, with significant capital, deposits, and loans. Known for his conservative management, Beecher’s banks weathered multiple financial panics. A Republican, Beecher married Effie Gifford, and they had one daughter who died in infancy. He resides in Grand Forks, North Dakota.