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Manfred History & Preservation, Inc.
Quick Facts
Manfred was platted on Section 28, Township 149 North, Range 71 West, on land first patented from United States by Jesse E. Fincher and Christ O. Roble.
In pioneer days the site of Manfred was called the Jim River Crossing of the Mouse River Trail.
On May 3, 1894 the post office of Manfred was established with T.K. Rogne, postmaster. Later postmasters were I.L. Berge, S.N. Wilborg, Axel Le Grand, George Gilbertson, Gertrude LeGrand and Ole Ranum.
T. K. Rogne and Lars Burkum established the first general store in Manfred in 1894
Other early Manfred business firms were:
Benson & Wilborg
Rognlie & Sorenson
I.L. Berg
John Nelson
G.R. Nordtorp, as agent for the Smith and Rogers Lumber Company founded the first business house in 1893. He later erected his home, the stone house, which was a familiar landmark.
The Royal Elevator with Erick Gartland, buyer was the first and only elevator for many years. Later there were five elevators in the town.
Olaf Tansem was the village blacksmith, followed later by Jens Renden.
Manfred State Bank, of the Beiseker Empire, had as early cashiers S.H. Ongstad and R.C. Adams
Miss Sadie E. Hutchinson taught the first term of school in Manfred in 1897
Le Grand’s addition was added to the original Manfred Townsite.
The Manfred vicinity is made up of largely Scandinavians, the leading lodge is the Sons of Norway.
Source: Wells County History
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