North Dakota State Historical Society – North Dakota Genealogy

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 Hon. Alfred Blaisdell of Minot, North Dakota

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.