Biography

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Biography of Herman Winterer of Valley City North Dakota

Herman Winterer, born on January 1, 1857, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pursued a successful career as a lawyer despite humble beginnings. After completing his education at the University of Minnesota and the University of Iowa, he settled in Valley City, North Dakota, in 1883. Initially partnering with Judge Seth Mills, Winterer quickly established himself as a capable lawyer. He held the position of state’s attorney for Barnes County and declined several judicial positions. Besides his legal work, Winterer actively participated in various organizations and served as the president of the Game and Fish Board of Control for North Dakota. He married Emma A. Myrick in 1887, and they had four children.

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Biography of George Clinton Russell, of Inkster, North Dakota

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.

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Biography of George Van Arnam of Wahpeton North Dakota

George Van Arnam, a respected figure in Richland County, North Dakota, served as the county judge after being elected in 1908. Prior to his judicial career, he engaged in farming, teaching, and the newspaper business. Judge Van Arnam was known for his broad-mindedness, sound judgment, and dedication to his community. He was married to Nettie Heath, and they had four children. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in organizing the Old Settlers’ Association and was an active member of fraternal organizations.

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Biography of Henry C. Hansbrough of Devils Lake North Dakota

Henry C. Hansbrough, a prominent figure in North Dakota politics, made significant contributions to the state’s development. Initially a journalist, he founded newspapers in Grand Forks and Devils Lake. Hansbrough played a vital role in the movement for the division of Dakota Territory, leading to North Dakota’s statehood. He served as a congressman and later as a United States senator, advocating for his constituents and authoring important legislation.

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Donald McDonald of Grand Forks North Dakota

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.

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C. R. Stone of Fargo North Dakota

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.

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Christian M. Hansen of Northwood North Dakota

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)

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Burleigh Folsom Spaulding of Fargo North Dakota

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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