Grand Forks County Archives — Page 6 of 6

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.

Biography of William John Bailey of Inkster, North Dakota

William John Bailey, lumber dealer, of Inkster, North Dakota, was born December 11, 1854, at Toronto, Canada. His parents, Alexander and Susan Bailey, were both natives of County Monaghan, Ireland. They came to Toronto, in 1840. His father was a carpenter by trade. William J. was educated in the schools of Toronto, Canada, and came to Euclid, Minnesota, in 1881, and engaged in the lumber business; in 1883 and 1884, he operated a sash and door factory, at Crookston, Minnesota. In 1884, he removed to North Dakota, and began his present business at Inkster. He is a member of the … Read more

Biography of Anton O. Anderson of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Anton O. Anderson, manager of the Advance Thrasher Company, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, was born at Lake Crystal, Minnesota, on April 7, 1872. His parents were Ole W. and Elsie (Farmer) Anderson, both natives of Norway. Father came to the United States in 1853, and mother in 1871. Anton O. received a good common school education at Hillsboro, North Dakota. He then spent two years at Willmar Seminary, Willmar, Minnesota, and one year at the Lutheran College, at Decorah, Iowa. From 1899 to 1903, was engaged in the implement business at Northwood, North Dakota, when he sold out and … Read more