Commercial Club of Grand Forks – North Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Frank Wellington Wilder of Grand Forks ND

Frank Wellington Wilder, born in 1857, hailed from a long line of Massachusetts settlers. Although he pursued a legal education, he never practiced law and instead ventured westward. In 1887, he arrived in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he became involved in public affairs and played a crucial role in the establishment of the city’s public library. His efforts in securing funding from Mr. Carnegie and donations from citizens for the library building were instrumental. Mr. Wilder, a dedicated member of various clubs and societies, has been a steadfast presence in Grand Forks, actively contributing to the community’s growth and progress. He married Mary E. Booth in 1893, and they have a daughter named Marjorie.

Biography of Adison Irvin Hunter, of Grand Forks, ND

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 … 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 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 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.