Town: Casselton

Biography of Mathias Runck of Casselton North Dakota

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Mathias Runck, born January 1, 1843, in Luxembourg, Germany, was a retired farmer in Casselton, North Dakota in 1908. Emigrating to the U.S. in 1868, he initially settled in Winona County, Minnesota, and later in Waseca County. In 1880, he purchased land in Maple River Township, North Dakota, becoming a pioneer in Cass County. Runck developed one of the finest farms in the Red River Valley, eventually owning over a thousand acres. Active in local affairs, he served as township chairman and treasurer. Married in 1873, he had five children, including Joseph, who managed the farm.

Biography of Enos Gray of Gill Township ND

Red River Valley title page vol 2

Enos Gray, a highly regarded citizen of Cass County, North Dakota, was born in 1829 in Embden, Maine. After spending time in California for mining operations, he returned to Portland, Maine, before establishing a homestead in Gill Township, Cass County, in 1879. Through hard work and dedication, Gray transformed his homestead into a thriving farm, expanding his land holdings to approximately 1,300 acres. Today, the farm is managed by his son, Oscar F., and produces an annual harvest of around 20,000 bushels of grain. Gray has been involved in various community positions and is affiliated with the Democratic Party. He is married to Mindwell Thompson, and they have a son and a daughter.

Biography of Francis W. Ames of Mayville, North Dakota

Francis W Ames

Francis W. Ames was a prominent citizen of Mayville, North Dakota, significantly contributing to his county and state since his arrival in October 1880. Born on December 16, 1851, in Wiscasset, Maine, he was the son of carriage maker Charles H. Ames. After graduating from Trinity College in 1876, he studied law in Hartford, Connecticut, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. Ames moved to North Dakota in 1880, settling in Caledonia before relocating to Mayville in 1885. He served as clerk of the district court, state’s attorney of Traill County, and state senator. He was also appointed reporter of the supreme court in 1893. Ames was involved in banking, serving as vice-president of several banks. Married to Lucia A. Phelps in 1883, they had four children: Cora, Lillian, Chauncey, and Harold.