Virgil and Irene Sommer IHusband's Full Name: Virgil Sommer Husband's Place of Birth: Harvey, ND Husband's Father's Name: Harry Sommer Husband's Mother's Name: Alice Becker Sommer Husband's Siblings' Names: John (Gladys Dockter) and Wayne Wife's Full Name: Irene Viola Edinger Sommer Wife's Place of Birth: Wells County, ND Wife's Father's Name: Robert Edinger Wife's Mother's Name: Pauline Huber Edinger Wife's Siblings' Names: Leona, Alice, Bernice, Selma, Robert L. Ida, Donald, Kenneth, Paul Children's Names: June (Ronald Friesen); Mark (Marcella Sprenger); Doris (David Hoffarth); James Irene worked for the First State Bank of Harvey as a bookkeeper after she graduated from high school in Harvey. Virgil and Irene were married February 14, 1944 in Hurdsfield. They lived in the rural Manfred area and farmed there. Irene worked alongside her husband hauling grain and milking cows. Irene was a member of the Manfred Homemakers club and enjoyed gardening, raising flowers and sewing. Virgil died in 2002, Irene died in 2009.

Henry and Tess McBain Husband's Full Name: Henry McBain Husband's Place of Birth: Sacramento, CA Husband's Father's Name: Hugh Alexandra McBain Husband's Mother's Name: Agnes Johnson McBain Husband's Siblings' Names: William Wife's Full Name: Tessie Hollar McBain Wife's Place of Birth: North Dakota Wife's Father's Name: Israel Jackson Hollar Wife's Mother's Name: Cora Lee Zirkle Wife's Siblings' Names: Annie, Charles, Jack, Ollie, Rosebud, Sallie, Jerret Biever Children's Names: James and Bernard 2nd Wife’s Name: Margaret Janssen McBain Children’s Names: Jeanne Flick, Ronald, Harris, Delbert, Roger and Dale Henry McBain, at the age of 2, moved with his parents to Ontario, Canada. He came to the Fessenden community in March 1900 with only 50 cents in his pocket. He got a job at T. L. Quarves chopping wood. Albert Lane came into town, saw the young man chopping wood, and offered him a job on his farm. Mr. McBain worked for Mr. Lane and Hamp Lyness until September 17, 1904 when he homesteaded in St. Anna Township about six miles west of Fessenden. McBain raised register Jersey cattle, Shetland ponies, while gees, Canadian ducks and peacocks. At one time he had a Brahma bull and cow. He was a lover of horses and cattle. Henry McBain married Tesse Hollar of Fessenden in 1905 and they were the parents of two sons, James and Bernard. In 1935 he married Margaret Janssen. To this union one daughter Jeanne and five sons Ron, Harris, Delbert, Roger and Dale were born. Mr. McBain passed away on June 1, 1962.

C. C. Melby Store Location: Block 3, Lot 5 Proprietor: C. C. Melby Year Started: 1908 Year Ended: ca 1936 History of Business: C. C. Melby built the largest store in Manfred, which sold groceries, dry goods, hardware and furniture on the ground floor. The top floor consisted of offices, apartments and a large hall for social events. One such office was that of Dr. P. A. Boyum who had an office there from 1909 – 1912. The upstairs of the C. C. Melby Hall was used as the Sons of Norway Hall from 1920 – 1926, when the S/N purchased the Burkum Store for their lodge hall. The Manfred Band put on entertainment in the C. C. Melby Hall. One occasion of note was held in 1929. C. C. Melby’s moved to California sometime after 1920. The contents of the building were sold in 1936, and the building was taken down in 1939. Daisy – C.C. Melby Store Reference points: Red rectangle - Manfred School Blue rectangle - Vang Lutheran Church Purple rectangle – Post Office/Bank Green rectangle – Solheim Station

Sam and Amy Ongstad Husband's Full Name: Samuel Ongstad Husband's Place of Birth: Harvey, ND Husband's Father's Name: Bill Ongstad Husband's Mother's Name: Anne Whitman Ongstad Husband's Siblings' Names: Susanna Witzel, Rebekah, Tabitha, Miriam Wife's Full Name: Amy Lautt Ongstad Wife's Place of Birth: Harvey, ND Wife's Father's Name: Bryan Lautt Wife's Mother's Name: Marilyn Muscha Lautt Wife's Siblings' Names: Curtis, Casey, Corey Children's Names: Mathew Curtis, James, Keziah Samuel (Sam) Sofus Ongstad was born to Bill and Anne (Whitman) Ongstad. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Harvey High School in 1994. He was active in FFA; he was State Tractor Driving Champion, State Farm Mgmt Champion, and State Farm Mechanics Champion winning the national title as only the second national champion in ND history. He was a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity, and a State Star Farmer. He graduated in 1997 from NDSU with honors in Ag Engineering. He worked at Crary Company in West Fargo as an engineer until moving back to Wells County in 2003 to farm. While in Fargo, Sam received his Master of Business Administration from NDSU, and passed the test to become a licensed professional engineer. Sam and Amy (Lautt) Ongstad were married June 25, 2004 at the Harvey Mennonite Brethren Church. Sam and Amy now live on the Ongstad Farm, and his parents reside at the Whitman Ranch near Robinson. Amy was born in Harvey, ND to Bryan and Marilyn (Muscha) Lautt. She grew up on the family farm and was active in 4-H and church activities through her school years. She graduated from Tabor College in Hillsboro, KS and worked in Fresno, CA in Youth and Children’s Ministry for one year before returning to Harvey. Sam and Amy enjoy their teamwork on the farm, traveling, hunting, gardening, and being involved in their church. Sam also serves on the Wells County Fair Board

Leslie and Connie Foss Husband's Full Name: Leslie Edward Foss Husband's Place of Birth: Greenbush, Minnesota Husband's Father's Name: Elmer P. Foss Husband's Mother's Name: Gunhild. E. Foss Husband's Siblings' Names: Wife's Full Name: Connie Lynn Studebaker Foss Wife's Place of Birth: Wife's Father's Name: Clifford Studebaker Wife's Mother's Name: Wife's Siblings' Names: Children's Names: John, Amy, Cheryl Leslie Edward Foss, son of Elmer P. Foss and the late Gunhild E. Foss was born at Greenbush, MN. After completion of high school in 1958 he enrolled at Pacific Lutheran College, Tacoma, WA. In 1960 he became a student at the Lutheran Bible Institute, Seattle, Washington, from which he was graduated in 1962. Returning to Pacific Lutheran University, he was graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. The following year he began post-graduate work in literature at PLU. In September of 1965 he entered Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. His year of internship was spent in Madison, MN under the guidance of Pastor O. E. Engebretson. During the summer of 1968 he received Clinical Pastoral Education at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, supervised by Pastor William Smith. He was graduated from Luther Theological Seminary in June 1969, receiving a Bachelor of Divinity degree, after which he returned to PLU for further post-graduate work in literature. In July of 1963, he married Connie Lynn Studebaker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Studebaker of Seattle. They have two children, Cheryl Ann and John David. Pastor Foss accepted a call to serve the churches at Harvey (Trinity Bethany), Heimdal (Hoff), and Manfred (Vang), ND where he began his pastorate June 14. 1970. He served as Pastor of the Vang, Trinity Bethany and Hoff churches from 1970 until 1976 when he received a call from Bremerton, Washington.

Mernie and Irene Braget Husband's Full Name: Mernie Joseph Braget Husband's Place of Birth: South Dakota Husband's Father's Name: John Braget Husband's Mother's Name: Mary Rust Husband's Siblings' Names: none Wife's Full Name: Irene Thelma Gigstad Wife's Place of Birth: Heimdal, North Dakota Wife's Father's Name: Anders Gigstad Wife's Mother's Name: Ingeborg Hanson Wife's Siblings' Names: Rudolph Carl, Clara A, Albin, Mabel, Clarence, Willie, Elmer Child’s Name: Gary Jay Braget 2nd Wife’s Name: Gladys Johnson Mernie Braget moved to Manfred from Heimdal in 1932 and became an agent at the Manfred Grain Co. He married Irene in July of 1932, and they moved into the L. O. Burkum house the first week of August. In September 1934 they moved to the Skogmo house. The Bragets were very active in the Manfred community. On May 25 1933, Mernie accompanied P. B. Anderson, Jacob Klev, Nennie Johnson and Sam Rogness on a business trip to Bismarck to visit Governor Langer to see if he would fix the Manfred Dam. If the dam is fixed, it was reported, a truckload of fish will be planted there. The local news reported on June 2, 1938 that the Bragets were moving to Chaffee, ND where Mr. Braget will be employed. Irene Braget died in 1957. In 1958 Mernie married Gladys Johnson. Gladys died in 1978. Mernie died in September 1964 in Minneapolis, MN.

Johnson's Place Location: Block 3, Lot 4 Proprietor: Nennie Johnson Year Started: 1908 Year Ended: 1944 History of Business: In 1908, Nennie Johnson sold the Hotel Johnson and built the Johnson’s Place across the street. For a few years, he had a barbershop and recreation parlor there, but about 1921 he turned it into a general store. In 1933 he opened a Gamble Store in addition to his regular line of groceries and dry goods. Nennie carried on many hobbies in the back end of the store. He collected guns, Indian artifacts and many other things. He made a clock from a buffalo head, a chair from longhorns and buffalo horns. He took a mail order course in taxidermy and had a case full of birds and animals that he had mounted. He tried his hand at oil painting, carving wood, etc. He sold the cash store to Rudolph Peterson about 1944. Rudolph and Nora had the store until 1952 when they sold it to Ervin and Evelina Boese. In 1956, Boeses sold the store to Ed and Stella Sorenson. Ed Sorenson died shortly thereafter, but Stella continued to run the store until 1978 when the store was closed. The building was sold at that time to Edgar Flick. Edgar sold the building to Wanda Melchert who transferred ownership to MHP, Inc in 2017. It has a new roof and the external walls have been reinforced. Daisy – Johnson's Place Reference points: Red rectangle - Manfred School Blue rectangle - Vang Lutheran Church Purple rectangle – Post Office/Bank Green rectangle – Solheim Station

Andrew P and Kjersti Solberg Husband's Full Name: Andrew Pettersen Solberg Husband's Place of Birth: Sparbu, Nord Trondelag, Norway Husband's Father's Name: Peter Ericksen Husband's Mother's Name: Mette Arentsdatter Husband's Siblings' Names: unknown Wife's Full Name: Kjersti Nilsen Wife's Place of Birth: Gran Prestegjeld, Hadeland, Norway Wife's Father's Name: Ole Nilson Wife's Mother's Name: Mary Wife's Siblings' Names: unknown Children's Names: Martha [Jacob Helland], Edwin, Clara [Clarence Dybing], Gilman, Malvin, Arthur, Carl, Nels Back - Clara, Nels, Gilmar, Edwin, Martha; Middle - Arthur, Malvin, Front - Andrew, Carl, Kjertsti Andrew P. Solberg, a long-time resident of Manfred township, well known in the Manfred community, passed away at the Harvey hospital Thursday, April 7th, following a short illness with cancer. He had been ill the previous month, and at death had attained the age of 77 years, 11 months and 14 days. Andrew Solberg was born at Sparbu, Nord Trondelag, Norway, April 21, 1860, where he spent his early life. He came to America in 1888, coming to North Dakota and settling first in Traill County, near Hillsboro. He resided there until 1895, when he homesteaded in the Manfred vicinity. He was united in marriage with Kjersti Nilsen, at Hillsboro, December 1, 1892, and to this couple was born nine children, one son having preceded the father in death. Surviving is his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Jacob Helland, Mrs. Clarence Dybing, and six sons, Edward, Nels, Gilmar, Melvin, Arthur and Carl Solberg, and thirteen grandchildren. Mr. Solberg was one of the founders and charter members of the Bethel Hauge Lutheran church of Manfred Township, from which place funeral services were conducted. Rev. Theo. J. Lund of New Rockford was in charge and interment was made in the church cemetery. Honorary pallbearers at the funeral were O. J. Rodne, O. L. Rodne, A. J. Rogness, Tom Overland, T. T. Hauge, and Matthais Christianson, while the active pallbearers were his six sons, Edward, Nels, Gilmar, Melvin, Arthur and Carl Solberg. Special music was furnished by the Bethel church-choir at the funeral. Source: Manfred News April 14, 1938, Obituary

Jens and Marie Renden Husband's Full Name: Jens Gustav Renden Husband's Place of Birth: Trondheim, Norway Husband's Father's Name: Kornelius Jensen Rendenplass Husband's Mother's Name: Olava D. Bartnes Husband's Siblings' Names: Unknown Wife's Full Name: Marie Sophie Hedahl Wife's Place of Birth: Twin Valley, Norman, Minnesota Wife's Father's Name: Nils Erickson Hedalen Wife's Mother's Name: Marit Sveinsdotter Hedalen Dale Wife's Siblings' Names: Edwin, Ole, Selmer, Ella Children's Names: Marion, Charles, Norma, Delores, Ingrid Olene (Dolly), Joanna, Margaret (Peggy) Wife’s Stepmother: Inger Andersdtr Hagen Wife’s Half Siblings: A. E. (Anton Edward) Hedahl; Margaret (Mrs. Calmer Narum) and Adolph Casper, who died as an infant. Mrs. Jens (Marie) Renden was born near Twin Valley, Minnesota, on October 6, 1887. Her parents, Nils and Marit Hedahl came from Øystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway and settled at Twin Valley, MN. She spent her childhood and teenage years here. In 1898, at the age of ten, Mrs. Renden's mother passed away; consequently Marie was unable to attend school beyond the sixth grade. In 1900 her father married Inger Anderstr Hagen. They had three children, one who died as an infant. After spending the summer of 1908 working in Watertown, South Dakota, Marie took up a course in dressmaking in Ada, Minnesota, and became a seamstress and dressmaker of known skill; highly superior in her line of work. She continued this trade in Manfred. In the year 1909, her father and stepmother moved to Mercer, North Dakota where he joined his son in the hardware store business, but Marie Hedahl came to Fessenden, North Dakota after completing her course in sewing. Later she arrived in Manfred where she met Jens G. Renden, Jens Renden was born April 5, 1871, at Trondheim, Norway. At age 22 he came to the USA first to Elbow Lake MN, Wendell Minnesota for 2 years, and then to Manfred. In 1910 they were married. They had seven children. He was the local blacksmith, and it is said he was the best blacksmith in central North Dakota. He passed away in 1945. Marie lived in Manfred from 1910 to 1958, a period of 48 years. Seven children were born; one son and one daughter died in infancy. The living children are: 1) Marian - Owner and Manager of Robertson's Store, Bismarck, North Dakota; 2) Norma - Mrs. Ross Cook of Mohall, North Dakota; 3) Dolores - Commercial Artist, Dakota Photo Engraving Co. Fargo, North Dakota; 4) Olene (Dolly) - Mrs. C. F. Marty, Moorhead, Minnesota; 5) Margaret (Peggy) Cashier, Robertson's Store, Bismarck, North Dakota. In March 1926, Mrs. Renden's sister, Mrs. William Peterson of Mercer died in childbirth. After returning from the funeral, Mrs. Renden became very ill with pneumonia. When she recovered, she took her sister's son into her heart and home and brought him up giving him the same mother's love and attention she did her own children. Young Wilbur Peterson has now reached manhood and is holding the position of superintendent of Schools in Wellsville, Kansas. He is married and has four sons: Mark, David, John and Paul, all beautiful biblical names. The other grandchildren are Judith, Timothy and John, children of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Cook; and Carol, Janet, Alan and Gary Marty, whose parents are Olene and Court F. Marty. Through the years, Mrs. Renden was a devout member of Vang Lutheran Church and of Vang Ladies Aid. She is endowed with a rare personality, exemplifying her time and talents in quietly helping others who are in her midst. Mrs. Renden died Friday, February 23, 1962, in Bismarck, ND where she had resided since 1959 with her daughter Marian. The funeral was Monday with the Pastor A. B. Solberg officiating. She was buried in the Vang Cemetery next to her husband Jens. Marie Renden story written April 20, 1961

Kolbein and Gurina Fisketjon Husband's Full Name: Kolbein Josen Fisketjon Husband's Place of Birth: Suldal, Norway Husband's Father's Name: Jon Kolbeinsen Fisketjon Husband's Mother's Name: Siri Josefsdatter Husband's Siblings' Names: unknown Wife's Full Name: Gurina Theodorstatter Vilhelmsen Wife's Place of Birth: Stavanger, Norway Wife's Father's Name: I. Vilheim Wife's Mother's Name: Laura Molena Borresen Wife's Siblings' Names: unknown Children's Names: Anna, Laura (Lewis William Palmer), Janice (Ole Nyland), Joseph (Doris Nelson and Gladys Leone Peterson), Borge, Gertrude, Ella, Olaf, Carl Kolbein (1858-1940) was first married to Marta Josefsdatter Tjordal (1859-1881) They lived in Norway. He then married Anna Paulsdatter Lunde (1865-1891) They had the following children: Marta, Jon, Eldri and Sigrid. Eldri died as an infant. In about 1897 he married Gurina (1974-1964) in Suldal Norway. They immigrated to America, with Kolbein’s three living children from his second marriage as well as their two oldest children who were born in Norway. They all arrived in New York on July 16, 1902. Kolbein and Gurina had the following children: Anna, Laura, Jennie, Joseph, Borge, Gertrude, Ella, Olaf and Carl. Three of the children were enrolled in Manfred School during the terms 1911-1912 and 1912-1913 and another child was born while they were living in Manfred township. Manfred News for March 28, 1913 reads as follows: “K. Fisketjon, who has been on the Willborg farm the past year, has loaded his property and will move to his homestead near Plaza.” Kolbein and Gurina’s nine children are listed in the 1920 census as living in Amundville in McLean County, and in Idea, McLean County both in North Dakota in the census records of 1925 and 1930. All of their children have now died. There are many grandchildren that still survive, however, and some who still live in North Dakota. He was the head of his household, owned his home and could read and write English. According to ship records, Gurina took a trip back to Norway in 1948 on the ship, Stavangerfjord. Kolbein died in 1940 in Watford City, ND, Gurina died October 24, 1964 also in Watford City. Kolbein Fisketjon and Anna Paulsdatter Lunde (2nd Marriage) Marta went to America with Kolbein and Gurina Jon died – age 2 Eldri – did not come to America with Kolbein and Gurina. The 1900 Census shows Eldri living at Lunde with Paul and Eldri Lunde, Eldri’s grandparents (Anna’s parents) She was listed as a servant. Eldri never came to America. She married but had no children Sigrid – did not come to America with Kolbein and Gurina. She was raised by Matthias Gjermundson Soma and his wife Bertine Andersdtr Areskjold. Matthias was a steamer engineer on the steamer D/S Suldal from 1886 until approx 1900. Sigrid came to America in 1906 after her father wrote and asked her to come to America. Kolbein Fisketjon and Gurina (3rd Marriage) Kolbein and Gurina immigrated to America with the following children. Kolbein’s daughters Eldri and Sigrid were being raised by different families in Norway Marta (Kolbein’s first daughter with Anna Paulsdatter Lunde) Age 18 Anna (Kolbein’s first daughter with Gurina – Age 3 Laura (Kolbein’s second daughter with Gurina – Age 1)

Manfred Named to Historic Register In 2017, Manfred Village was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Its historic buildings still standing today give an excellent representation of an agriculture town. Manfred's current restoration brings the village back to its original look of early settler life. Manfred History and Preservation Inc. is honored to be a part of the Historic Register and to share our settlers' stories. Other Registered Listings in Wells County Wells County Fairgrounds Hurd Round House Wells County Courthouse Beiseker Mansion

Lester Burkum Full Name: Lester Burkum Place of Birth: Manfred, ND Father's Name: Lars Burkum Mother's Name: Gina Burkum Siblings: A child that died at birth Lester was born September 16, 1912 to Lars and Gina Burkum at Manfred. He grew up on the family farm near Manfred and attended Manfred Public School. Lester was a very intelligent person, finishing high school in three years, graduating from Harvey High School. He had many interests and could converse on a variety of topics. He was especially fascinated with trains, and did quite a bit of traveling, taking many photos and home movies wherever he went. He had a beautiful voice and sang in the church choir for some time. He began farming with his father at an early age and later after his father died, he took over the family farm operation. Lester continued to farm the land for several years. Following his retirement, he remained on the farm until his recent illness. He entered Haaland Home, Rugby, in January 2001, and had been a resident of St. Aloisius Nursing Home since May. Lester Burkum, 88, Manfred, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at St. Aloisius Nursing Home, Harvey. The funeral was Friday in Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden with burial in Vang Cemetery, Manfred.