Post Office Location: Block 3 – Lot 5 Postmasters: see list below Year Started: ca 1908 Year Ended: 1915 History of Business: The first Post Office was located in the first mercantile store run by Lars Burkum. The post office was also located in the C. C. Melby Store, and the building featured in this article is the building north of the C. C. Melby Store. This building was moved to the location above in 1908. Ole Ranum purchased the building across the street in 1915 for the Post Office. On May 3, 1894, Thorstein K. Rogne was installed as the first Postmaster in Manfred. He was followed by Issac L. Berge in March 1900; Swan N. Willborg, March 1902; Axel LeGrand, November 1906, George Gilbertson, May 1911; Gertrude LeGrand, March 22, 1912; Ole Ranum, January 1914, Ernest Braaten, February 1, 1921; Jerret Biever, April 1925. Oscar Ongstad purchased the Bank Building when he became postmaster in 1944 and this building was used until the post office was closed in October 1992. Edgar Flick was postmaster from 1964 to 1992.

James B. and Frances Dingman James B. and Frances Dingman Husband's Full Name: James B. Dingman Husband's Place of Birth: Kansas Husband's Father's Name: Richard R. Dingman Husband's Mother's Name: Nancy Lenora Gabriel Husband's Siblings' Names: unknown Wife's Full Name: Frances Foley Wife's Place of Birth: Atlanta, Illinois Wife's Father's Name: unknown Wife's Mother's Name: unknown Wife's Siblings' Names: unknown Children's Names: none J. B. Dingman took possession of the shaving department of the Hotel Johnson Annex in November 1906. He was a popular city barber. By November 1908 he opened a barbershop equipped with everything modern science requires for health and the convenience of its customers in the Johnson Place, the new pool hall. He also was the correspondent for the Manfred News column, writing in a very colorful manner. He began this position in March of 1907. 1 Jan 1907 - Mrs. J. B., Dingman, wife of our esteemed tonsorial artist, arrived here from Minneapolis last Monday and they have gone to housekeeping in the Sorenson Building. Manfred is slowly coming to the front as a town of some importance and a permanent barber is a long step in the right direction. [written by S. O. Grane, the previous correspondent] 7 Mar 1909 – The Building season has already opened and we call it an early opening indeed. The man who is to start the growth of Manfred this season is J. B. Dingman, our popular barber, who is building a new house in the east end of town. There is room for more, let the good work go on. It was 28 April 1911 that this article was in the county paper. The Grim Reaper made a call Saturday morning at the home of J. B. Dingman and called to the Great Beyond the loving wife, after a long and vain struggle against the incurable disease, tuberculosis. She had been sick for quite awhile and everything had been done to resist the sickness and prolong life, but to no avail. Mrs. Dingman, whose maiden name was Frances Foley was born at Atlanta, Illinois, and reached the age of 34 years, 2 months and 8 days. She had lived in Manfred four years and during that time she had made everybody a friend whom she came in contact with. She was of a cheerful and hopeful disposition always ready and willing to aid and cheer. All of life’s changes she met with courage and patience. The many friends in town brought and placed a very beautiful wreath of roses on her coffin as a small token of the esteem in which she was held. Numbers of people from both town and country followed her to her last resting place in the Manfred cemetery. She leaves a husband who has the sympathy of the community in his bereavement. So J. B. Dingman lost his mate. Apparently he kept active in the community in various ways. The Growing with Pride book of Harvey history reports that he was the director of the Harvey Junior Band. In March of 1918, he was one of the organizers of the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No 13540. It was J. B. Dingman who painted the Renden Blacksmith Shop in June of 1918. There is no census record of his whereabouts in 1920, but by 1930 he had moved to Los Angeles, California and lived there until he passed away in 1947.

Juel and Guri Ranum Husband's Full Name: Juel Ole Ranum Husband's Place of Birth: Stokkebryn, Nord Aurdal, Valdres, Norway Husband's Father's Name: Ole Olson Husband's Mother's Name: Ingrid Gundersdatter Bjogum Husband's Siblings' Names: Juel was the youngest of 10 children Wife's Full Name: Guri Gulbransdatter Ranum Wife's Place of Birth: Oystre Slidre, Valdres, Norway Wife's Father's Name: Gulbrand Thorsen Wife's Mother's Name: Kari Olsdatter Wife's Siblings' Names: unknown Child's Name: Ole Juel Ranum Juel and Guri were married in 1858 in Valdres, Norway. They had one son, Ole Juelson, who was born in Nord Aurdal, Valdres, Norway. Juel, Guri, and Ole immigrated to America in 1870, when Ole was eleven years old. John and Julia became their Americanized names. They first lived in Winona County, MN for four years, then three years in Northfield, MN after which they took a homestead in Lyon County, MN near Ghent and later lived at Cottonwood. These were the years when the scythe and cradle were still being used in the harvesting of wheat. In 1909 they settled at Manfred, ND and were members of the Vang Lutheran Church. On July 20, 1916, Thursday morning at 7 a.m. Juel Ranum passed to the Great Beyond, as was reported by the Manfred Correspondent of the Harvey Herald. The funeral took place Friday forenoon. Rev. Langseth preaching the funeral sermon to a large number of relatives and friends, who had gathered to show their last respects to the deceased. He was laid to rest in Manfred cemetery besides his grandson. Jul Ranum was born in Nord Aurdal, Valdres, August 19, 1836, and came to this country 46 years ago. He then spent 3 years in Northfield, MN after which he moved to Lyon County and took up a homestead, and there went through the hardships incidental to the pioneer settlers of Minnesota, and resided there until six years ago when he moved to Manfred to pass his last days here. He suffered from heart trouble since last fall, but was able to be around at times. He bore his last illness with patience and courage and was tenderly nursed by his faithful wife, with whom he had lived in happy wedlock for 58 years. He leaves besides his wife, who is 78 years of age, one son, Ole Ranum, postmaster of Manfred, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren to mourn his loss.

Magnus and Anna Elton Husband's Full Name: Magnus Elton (married in 1922) Husband's Place of Birth: Stange, Hedmark, Norway Husband's Father's Name: unknown Husband's Mother's Name: unknown Husband's Siblings' Names: unknown Wife's Full Name: Anna Braaten Wife's Place of Birth: Valdres, Norway 1st husband: Ole O. Melby (died in 1908) Wife's Father's Name: unknown Wife's Mother's Name: unknown Wife's Siblings' Names: unknown Adopted Children's Names: Lillian Melby Wolf, Lester and Kenneth Melby The Elton’s farmed north of Manfred. They immigrated to America from Norway. They were members of the Vang Lutheran Church. Anna was first married to Ole O. Melby, also born in Norway. They lived in Wanamingo, Goodhue, Minnesota according to the 1885 census. He died in 1908 and was buried at Vang Cemetery. Both Magnus and Anna were buried at Vang Cemetery.

Carl and Bertha Olson Husband's Full Name: Carl H. Olson Husband's Place of Birth: Elgin, Iowa Husband's Father's Name: Hans Olson Kilboe Husband's Mother's Name: Sigrid Knutson Husband's Siblings' Names: unknown Wife's Full Name: Bertha Hauge Olson Wife's Place of Birth: Stavanger, Norway Wife's Father's Name: Torger Hauge Wife's Mother's Name: Brita Jarge Hauge Wife's Siblings' Names: Leif, Martha (Foningslan), John (Engel B. Lenning), Torger (Anna Erfjord), Andrew (Gena Shefveland), Leif Children's Names: Olia (Ludvig Mathieson), Henry (Cora Bloom), Bella (Minor Brevik), Celia (Gilbert Lindbo), Thilda (Clarence Nelson, Lou Machall), John (Irene Mittlitter), Talmer (Myrtle Thompson, Elsie Rothacker), Alice (Noble Lockrem) Bertha Hauge arrived in the United States all alone at the age of 14. A lady who lived in Norway couldn't use the ticket gave it to Bertha. Bertha used the lady’s name while she was traveling. A couple of years later Bertha's entire family arrived in the United States. Bertha’s brother Leif was a ship captain. He, his wife and daughter perished in the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Carl Olson was born in Iowa. His parents came from Norway and settled somewhere around Elgin, Iowa. Carl played the violin and he made at least 5 violins in his lifetime. When his daughter Bella Brevik was in North Dakota in 1947 her father (Carl Olson) had just finished his last violin and he played in tune. She said that was “pretty neat”. Bertha married Carl Olson on July 17, 1894 in Buxton, ND. They moved to the Manfred, ND area and farmed 4 miles north of Manfred, this later was the home of their son Talmer Olson and his family.

Herbert and Margaret Ongstad Husband's Full Name: Herbert Arnold Ongstad Husband's Place of Birth: Manfred, ND Husband's Father's Name: Johan Sofus Ongstad Husband's Mother's Name: Rena Turina Asleson Ongstad Husband's Siblings' Names: Mildred (Alvin Solberg) Wife's Full Name: Margaret Catherine Christensen Ongstad Wife's Place of Birth: Tyler, MN Wife's Father's Name: Fred G. Christensen Wife's Mother's Name: Margaret C. Hensler Wife's Siblings' Names: Raymond (Betty); Harold (Lucille); Florence (Marczak); Cecelia (Raymond C. Krier); Floyd, Leo, Marvin, Victor Children's Names: William Marvin (Anne Whitman) Herbert and Margaret were married on February 14, 1948 in Minneapolis, MN. They made their home on the Ongstad farm northeast of Manfred. As members of the Vang Lutheran Church they were active in the church. Herbert served as President of the congregation, and a member of the Lutheran Brotherhood; Margaret was active in Ladies Aid and Sunday School activities. They were also active members of the community. Margaret passed away in 1997. She is buried at Vang Lutheran Cemetery north of Manfred. Herbert was an active participant of the Manfred History and Preservation board, and served on the Buildings and Grounds Division. He passed away in March 2008 and is also buried at the Vang Cemetery.

Richard and Helen Jorstad Husband's Full Name: Richard H. Jorstad Husband's Place of Birth: Manfred, ND Husband's Father's Name: Nels Olson Jorstad Husband's Mother's Name: Gunhild Reistad Husband's Siblings' Names: Ole, Gilma, Nennie, Myrtle, Wife’s Name: Helen Richard was born in Manfred, ND. His wife Helen was also born in North Dakota. Richard worked as an auto mechanic in Harvey. He attended two years of high school. His military rank was TEC 5 CAC WW II. He was killed at 47 years of age in a car accident as he was changing a flat tire on the road near Hurdsfield. He was born in 1907 and passed away in 1955.

Selmer Eilertson Full Name: Selmer Eilertson Place of Birth: Fram, Wells, North Dakota Name: Osmund Eilertson Mother's Name: Anna Karina Foss Siblings Names: Olga Ostenson, Ola, Borghild, Eilert

Pioneer Burials A Time of No Regulations At this time, in the early eighties, there were no regulations governing burials. I am citing a tragic instance in a sister county. It concerns a young mother living with her family on their claim thirty miles from the nearest town. This young woman had suffered with tuberculosis for several years, without treatment or medical aid. In early winter she died. A casket was made out of boards by kindly neighbors. Several women of the neighborhood prepared the remains for burial. Since the ground was frozen, the coffin was placed the north side of the shanty until spring, when interment could be made. In the absence of ministers, her brother-in-law Torstein O. Roble, officiated at the last rites. At the grave side, Norwegian funeral hymns were sung by the few mourners, the committal lines were pronounced and the remains of Mrs. Tollef (Jessie) Roble were consigned to earth on the lone prairie of Paradise Township near the country post office named Tiffany. 1897 Burial of Twin Girls A little twin monument in the Hovey family plat at Vang Cemetery near Manfred marks the graves of year-old twin girls who died 70 years ago when they succumbed to a virulent case of dysentery. In preparation for interment kind friends assisted in making caskets out of boards. These were lined with white sheets, the exterior painted black. Floral offerings were wreaths of wild fall flowers such as goldenrods, blue asters and baby sunflowers. In the absence of a clergyman the Deacon of the congregation, Mr. T. O. Roble conducted the grave side service. After the lines of the Committal Service were spoken on that beautiful autumn day, the remains of the twins were delivered to their final resting place. The inscription on the monument reads: Julia Matilda born October 25, 1896, died August 26, 1897 Nora Amanda born October 25, 1896, died September 6, 1897 Source: Sennev Nertrost Whipple Date: March 1966

Gerhart M. and Geoline Christensen Husband's Full Name: Gerhart M. Christensen Husband's Place of Birth: Copenhagen, Denmark Husband's Father's Name: Christensen Husband's Mother's Name: unknown Husband's Siblings' Names: unknown Wife's Full Name: Geoline Flolo Wife's Place of Birth: Minnesota, USA Wife's Father's Name: Ole O. Flolo Wife's Mother's Name: Gunhild Espeseth Wife's Siblings' Names: Ole Flolo, Knut Flolo, Carl Flolo, Anne Flolo, Ida Flolo, Louise Flolo, Alfred Flolo, Martin Flolo, Gerhard Flolo, Ingvald Flolo Children's Names: Fern, Genevieve, Harriet, Woodrow and Gladys Gerhard immigrated to America from Denmark as an infant in 1888. Gerhart and Geoline were married about 1910 in Minnesota. They came to Kongsberg, McHenry County, North Dakota the summer of 1917 where he ran the Rogers Lumberyard at Kongsberg. This town was first named Olivia, but because of confusion of similar names, the town name was changed to Kongsberg in 1916. G. M. Christiansen was the manager of the Manfred Roger’s Lumberyard from 1924 - 1932. From Manfred they moved to Knox, Benson County, North Dakota. They were active at Vang Lutheran Church in Manfred and she was a member of the Manfred Homemakers Club. Gerhard died in September 1962 in Maddock; she lived until September 1991.

Sven and Natalie Grane Husband's Full Name: Sven P. Grane Husband's Place of Birth: West Salem, Wisconsin Husband's Father's Name: Peder Swendson Grane Husband's Mother's Name: Maria Dorthia Larsdatter Husband's Siblings' Names: Peter N., Lars M., Petrena, Mekal, Maren, Anton, Berndt, Pauline, Anna Wolford, Olga, Delia, Benek Wife's Full Name: Natalie Jacobson Grane (Hattie) Wife's Place of Birth: Toronto, South Dakota Wife's Father's Name: Christian Jacobson Wife's Mother's Name: Ellen Caroline Johansdatter Wife's Siblings' Names: Lillian (Charles Fjerstad) Children: none Sven Grane (pronounced Grana) came to Manfred in 1896 with the Johnson brothers. He was the Manfred News Editor and wrote very colorful, informative items about Manfred each week from 1905-1907. From these news articles we have been able to gather history on the village and are very grateful to his work. This item was written Aug 24, 1906, and example of his writing: S. P. Grane has installed an Oliver in his sanctum sanctorum. He traded off his old “Williams” towards it when the general salesman Mr. Markwood was here. The typewriter is a standard machine, up-to-date in all particulars and is an honor to the man using it. Sven homesteaded the southeast 40 acres of Section 20 in Manfred Township. On this land he built a claim shanty with 2 x 4’s and attached vertical boards to the exterior. Later this land was transferred to John A. Johnson who owned the adjacent the land in this section. In 1909 he married Natalie, aka Hattie. They moved to Bowman, North Dakota. His wife Hattie died in 1936. He later moved to Oregon to live with his sisters and brothers. He died on August 30, 1959 in Salem, Oregon.

Dr. Peter A and Manda Boyum Husband's Full Name: Peter Arndt Boyum Husband's Place of Birth: Fillmore County, MN Husband's Father's Name: Arne E. Boyum Husband's Mother's Name: Anne Iverson Suphellan Boyum Husband's Siblings' Names: Iver, Eling, Berthe, Ole, John, Erick, Andrew, Ellen, Martin, Jorgine, Eddie, Julia, Maria Wife's Full Name: Manda Martinson Boyum Wife's Place of Birth: Clay Co, MN Wife's Father's Name: Sven Martinson Wife's Mother's Name: Thea Brenna Wife's Siblings' Names: Lydia, Alida, Calma, Chester, Milo, Ernest, Tilford, Alvin Children's Names: Arnie, Lowell, Frances (Tim) P. A. Boyum was the 12th child of Rev. and Mrs. Arne E. Boyum. He was born in southeastern Minnesota and attended public school there; entering Red Wing Seminary. He graduated in 1907 from the University of Minnesota. After a one-year internship at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis he arrived in Manfred in the fall of 1908. He was a bachelor then, age 28. His office and living quarters were on the second story (southwest corner) of the C. C. Melby Store, at the head of the long flight of stairs. He stayed in Manfred until the spring of 1912. He then went to Devils Lake where he had a friend, Mr. Timbo, who was chief of police there. In about 1915 he went to Keene, North Dakota. This was then a one-horse town where my mother’s family lived. The town is about 30 miles northwest of New Town. It has been abandoned. There he met my mother, Manda Martinson, who was postmistress. They were married in Minneapolis in 1917 and spent much time there, as well as in Fillmore County, which is south of Winona. P. A. Boyum’s father, Rev. Arne Ellendson Boyum came to the USA from Norway in 1853 and to Minnesota in 1856. He was the president of the Hauge Lutheran Church in America for eleven years and he went on ski trips with Elling Elleson. In January 1919, soon after the birth of their first offspring, Arne Sewald Boyum, in Keen, the family moved to Harvey. The family of three boys, Arnie, Lowell born in 1921, and Francis (Tim) in 1923 along with my parents lived in a large house near the southwest corner of the school lot. Dr. P. A. Boyum retired in the spring of 1962 and died shortly thereafter at the age of 82. Mrs. Boyum died in the summer of 1986; Francis died in the summer of 1985; brother Arne died in March of 1997 and his wife Cecile Henry Boyum died in 2000. Dr. P. A. Boyum had seven grandchildren. They are children of Arne S. Boyum: 1) Arne S. Boyum, a lawyer in Rolla; 2) Kelly Boyum a lawyer in Fargo, and a daughter 3) Katherine lives in Chicago. Dr. Lowell E. Boyum and his wife Rebecca Pond had four children: 1) Peter A. Boyum, a medical doctor, lives in Stillwater, MN with his wife Nancy and children Andrew and holly; son 2. Thomas L. Boyum (deceased) was married one year to Robin Jaehning. He died in an accident (age 24) while a senior at the University of Minnesota Dental School; daughter 3) Thann R. Boyum is a doctor of veterinary medicine in North Carolina, son 4) William M. Boyum is a U. S. prosecuting attorney in Asheville, North Carolina. Submitted by Lowell E. Boyum