Grand Forks – Page 3 – North Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Henry C. Hansbrough of Devils Lake North Dakota

Ramsey County / History of the Red River Valley

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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Biography of Donald McDonald of Grand Forks North Dakota

Grand Forks County / History of the Red River Valley

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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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 Frank Wellington Wilder of Grand Forks ND

Grand Forks County, Ransom County / History of the Red River Valley

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.

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Biography of Bardi G. Skulason of Grand Forks ND

Grand Forks County, McLean County / History of the Red River Valley

Bardi G. Skulason, born in Iceland in 1871, immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1876. After a challenging journey through Quebec and the Great Lakes, they settled in North Dakota. Despite financial difficulties, Skulason worked his way through the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1895. He embarked on a career in education and law, serving as a principal and studying law in his spare time. Admitted to the bar in 1897, he established a successful law practice in Grand Forks. Skulason played a significant role in the establishment of the Icelandic Library at the State University, and his public speaking skills have made him a well-known figure in the state.

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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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The Dinnie Brothers of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks County / History of the Red River Valley

The Dinnie Brothers are probably the largest contractors in the state of North Dakota. More cities and towns in the valley of the Red river are creations of that firm to a larger extent in the brick and stone building line than can be attributed to any other firm in this part of the Northwest. To particularize would be to require mention of almost hundreds of buildings, and in point of time cover a period extending over a quarter of a century. John and James Dinnie came to Grand Forks, March 20, 1881. They began as common brick-layers and, in

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Biography of Joseph Bell DeRemer of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks County / History of the Red River Valley

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.

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Biography of E. C. Cooper of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks County / History of the Red River Valley

E. C. Cooper, born April 11, 1856, in Antioch, Illinois, has been a prominent resident of Grand Forks, North Dakota, since 1883. Initially working for a lumbering firm, he later established himself in the insurance industry, associating with conservative companies. Cooper, an active participant in state and municipal affairs, served six years on the Grand Forks city council, including a term as president. A Republican, he chaired the state central committee in 1896-97 and was elected commissioner of insurance in 1904, 2006, and 2008. Cooper married Flora K. McGillivray in 1901. They have no children.

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Biography of George B. Clifford of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks County / History of the Red River Valley

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.

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