Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

Biography of Burleigh Folsom Spaulding of Fargo North Dakota

Cass County / History of the Red River Valley

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.

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Biography of Frank Squier Talcott of Buffalo Township ND

Cass County / History of the Red River Valley

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.

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

Grand Forks County / History of the Red River Valley

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.

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Biography of E. Y. Sarles of Hillsboro ND

Traill County / History of the Red River Valley

E. Y. Sarles, the ninth governor of North Dakota, was born in Wonewoc, Wisconsin, on January 15, 1859. He received his education in Wisconsin and worked in the banking and lumber business with his brother. Sarles organized several banks and currently serves as vice president and director of the First National Bank of Northwood, North Dakota. He has a prominent role in various organizations and is a Mason, an Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler, and a Knight of Pythias. His family includes his wife Anna York Sarles and their children Earle R., Duane York, Doris York Sarles, and Eleanor.

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Biography of Adison Irvin Hunter, of Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks County / History of the Red River Valley

Addison Irvin Hunter, a resident of Grand Forks, North Dakota, was born on July 29, 1860, in Freetown, Indiana. He is the son of Cyrus R. and Margaret M. Hunter, who have Scotch and Irish heritage. Addison attended high school in Southport, Indiana, and later pursued two years of study at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, from 1879 to 1880. In 1883, he moved to North Dakota and entered into a partnership with E. L. Emery, engaging in the real estate and loan business until 1887. Subsequently, he operated a livery business for ten years. In 1897, he ventured into

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Biography of Hon. John Carmody of Hillsboro, North Dakota

Traill County / History of the Red River Valley

Hon. John Carmody, born January 6, 1854, in Granville, Wisconsin, is a distinguished member of the North Dakota bar. After moving to Minnesota at fourteen, he was educated in local schools and high schools in Waseca and Faribault. Admitted to the Minnesota bar in 1880, he practiced law in Waseca before relocating to Hillsboro, North Dakota, in 1885. Carmody has served as mayor, city attorney, and state’s attorney of Traill County. Appointed as associate justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court in 1909, he is recognized for his judicial acumen. Married to Anna Madden, he has three children: Winifred, Irene, and George.

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Biography of James Arnold Canniff of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks County / History of the Red River Valley

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,

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Biography of Hon. Alfred Blaisdell of Minot, North Dakota

Ward County / History of the Red River Valley

Hon. Alfred Blaisdell, born October 29, 1875, in Fairmont, Minnesota, was the Secretary of State of North Dakota. He graduated from Fairmont High School in 1894 and the University of Minnesota in 1898 with a Bachelor of Science, later studying law at the same university. Blaisdell’s legal career began in Fargo and led to a partnership with ex-State’s Attorney Hanchett in Minot in 1900. Politically active, he served as U.S. Commissioner in Minot and held various committee roles. Blaisdell married Grace P. Emmons in 1908, and his administration was noted for efficient state department reforms. He was involved in multiple social organizations, including the Masonic Order and the Order of Elks.

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Biography of William John Bailey of Inkster, North Dakota

Grand Forks County / History of the Red River Valley

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

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