James and Norma Jacobson Husband's Full Name: James Arthur Jacobson Husband's Place of Birth: Manfred, Wells, North Dakota Husband's Father's Name: Rasmus Jacobson Husband's Mother's Name: Margit Gulliksdotter Nordtorp Husband's Siblings' Names Gladys Jacobson Wife's Full Name: Norma Emily Ayres Wife's Place of Birth: Hopewell, Mercer, New Jersey Wife's Father's Name: Ernest W. Ayres Wife's Mother's Name: Clara Belle Bovet 2nd Wife's Name: Marion Onderdonk Cole James Arthur Jacobson, 84, a retired banking executive whose government efforts during World War II helped spur China's wartime production, died Sunday at Bryn Mawr Terrace, PA, where he resided. He died of congestive heart failure and Alzheimer's on May 3, 1992 - he was born Feb 1, 1908. He lived in South Orange, New Jersey until 1990 when he moved to Bryn Mawr, PA. He made annual trips to North Dakota to see his aunts and cousins for many years. He also traveled to Norway to visit his father's family several times. Between his work with the War Production Board and his position as head of the international department of the old Chase National Bank, Mr. Jacobson was ever on the move. He once estimated that he had traveled around the world 53 times. James was born in Manfred, to Rasmus and Margaret (Nordtorp) Jacobson. Bertha Melby delivered James and was the first person to hold him. The Jacobson house is the corner house (across from Bertha's "new" house). James kept a picture of this house on his desk "so I always remember my roots." Mr. Jacobson grew up in Fairview, MT. He attended Spokane Academy and graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN in 1929. James was a good friend of Ole Rolvaag's son. (Ole wrote Giant's of the Earth and other novels regarding the immigrant's experiences). James received a master's degree from Harvard's business school in 1931. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Olaf College. He went to work for Chase National Bank in 1931 and soon after was directing most of the institution's Far East operations. During WW II, Mr. Jacobson served the War Production Board as a special assistant to director Donald Nelson, undertaking assignments in Great Britain, Mexico, and China. He accompanied a delegation that included Vice President Henry A. Wallace and Gen. Patrick J. Hurley to the Soviet Union, India, China, and other Eastern nations to coordinate Allied war production. Next he was appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a special liaison officer to increase the Chinese nationalist government's output of war materials. Stationed in Chungking, he and Wong Wen Hao, minister of economics of China, developed a system for the assembly of American-made trucks that were flown in unassembled over the Himalayas from India. He also organized the manufacture of bayonets for rifles. For his efforts, Mr. Jacobson was awarded China's Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award by Gen. Chiang Kai-shek. Returning to the Chase bank after the war, Mr. Jacobson spent many more months in the East, especially in Shanghai, but also in Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. He retired in 1973 as the senior vice president in charge of all banking operations outside the United States. (His social circle included the Rockefeller from the bank.) Mr. Jacobson was director emeritus of the Research Corp., a New York-based foundation that finances research in chemistry and physics. He was also a director of Research Cottrell, Inc. and a member of the Japan Society, the Asia Society and the Council of Commerce and Industry in New York. He was a member of the Merion Cricket Club and the Merion Golf Club, the Harvard Business School Club and the Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr. Mr. Jacobson was an avid and talented fly fisherman - an avocation he pursued in all parts of the world. Surviving are his second wife, Marion Onderdonk Cole, stepdaughters Patricia Onderdonk Pruett and Adrianne Onderdonk Dudden and four step grand children. Cousins of James are children of Oscar and Bertha Melby and Anna (Ekrem) Bymoen of New Rockford. James' first wife was Norma Ayres, she died Oct 17, 1982. James had many priceless gifts from his work and travels that were of museum quality. He met with leaders of various countries, including Nehru, Ghandi, and the President of the Philippines. James was also influential in starting the Dr. Tom Dooley Foundation to help Dr. Tom Dooley in Viet Nam (A book was written by Dr. Dooley). James had many personal letters and photos from Dr. Dooley.

Paul C. and Dora Christenson Husband's Full Name: Paul Christiansen Husband's Place of Birth: Denmark Husband's Father's Name: unknown Husband's Mother's Name: unknown Husband's Siblings' Names: unknown Wife's Full Name: Dora in about 1865 in Minnesota Wife's Place of Birth: Denmark Wife's Father's Name: unknown Wife's Mother's Name: unknown Wife's Siblings' Names: unknown Children's Names: Chris, Harry, Jake, Fred, Stena, Carl, Mary, Howard, Harley (per census records) Married again in 1902 and lived in Wahpeton – no children, his wife died a few years after they were married. Paul Christiansen was born in Denmark and immigrated to America in 1868 when he was 22 years old. Paul Christiansen came to Manfred in about 1910, according to the census records. He continued to be listed on the Manfred census records until 1925. He owned a farm and farmed it, later, at the age of 74 he is listed as a border at the Christ Roble place. Although we don’t know much about Paul, the Old Manfred News indicates he visited with his brother in Wahpeton in 1907, that he loaded his horses and machinery into an immigrant car in the fall of 1910 to head for Williston, where he had a brother living, and that he visited a sister-in- law in Havana, ND in 1924. He came back to Manfred to live after each of these trips. I found no mention of children other than in the census records. He died at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 21 days following a week’s illness with pneumonia. Pastor Langseth officiated at the funeral services. Pallbearers were N. O. Dovre, K. Wylie, J. J. Hustoft, O. K. Melby, J. Klev and P. B. Anderson. He is buried at the Vang Lutheran Cemetery north of Manfred.

Annual Pictorial Narratives Each year a pictorial narrative of the activities has been prepared. This section contains each of these narratives. Year 2025 2024 2023 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005c 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2005 c 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2017 2018 2019

Tony and Josephine Breyer Husband's Full Name: Anton A. Breyer Husband's Place of Birth: Codington, South Dakota Husband's Father's Name: Henry Breyer Husband's Mother's Name: Mary Thinnes Breyer Husband's Siblings' Names: Susan, Michael, Margaret, Peter, Henry Jr., Mary, Kathryn, John, Mathew 1st Wife's Full Name: Josie Biever Wife's Place of Birth: Manfred, North Dakota Wife's Father's Name: Mathias Biever Wife's Mother's Name: Elizabeth Schneider Biever Wife's Siblings' Names: Joe, Anna [Mike Jenny], Albert, Ella Parries, Mathew, Frank Child's Name: Donald (Lillian Gustafson) 2nd Wife's Full Name: Josephine Janisch Wife's Place of Birth: Manfred Township, North Dakota Wife's Father's Name: Frank J. Janisch Wife's Mother's Name: Mary Koller Janisch Wife's Siblings' Names: Theresa Seil, Mary O’Neill, Annie Hillbert, and Katherine [John Smith] Children's Names: Joann [Jim Hartel], Robert [Joan Severson] Bob and Joann Tony Breyer came to Manfred as a young man and farmed for a number of years, then entered business in Manfred. In about 1926 he married Josie Biever. They had one son Donald. After Josie died, he married Josephine Janisch and they had two children, Joann and Robert. In July of 1930, Anton Breyer purchased the hotel and pool hall in Manfred and operated that business until he died in 1948. The family continued living in the hotel for several years. The children attended Manfred Grade School and Fessenden High School. Donald passed away in 1996, his wife Lillian in 1998; Joann Hartl passed away in 1986. Robert (Bob) is now retired from working with a pharmaceutical company. He and his wife Joan live in South Carolina.

Helmer and Annie Solheim Husband's Full Name: Helmer S. Solheim Husband's Place of Birth: Rural Manfred, ND Husband's Father's Name: Severt Solheim Husband's Mother's Name: Bertha Ramsfield Solheim Husband's Siblings' Names: Seivert, Oscar, Sam, Hilda (Georgeson), Art, Selma (Buchta), Anna (Hakanson) and Clarence Wife's Full Name: Annie Onstad Solheim Wife's Place of Birth: Rural Manfred, ND Wife's Father's Name: Ole E. Onstad Wife's Mother's Name: Gina Rogne Onstad Wife's Siblings' Names: Emil Onstad Child's Name: Audrey Solheim Helmer worked for the neighbors as a young man, and became a skilled painter, he was also well known as the fireman with the steam threshing crew. He married Annie Onstad in October of 1943 and farmed the Onstad family farm with his brother-in-law. In 1945 he bought the local gas station, operating it until 1969. He passed away in November of 1969. Annie, following her graduation from Harvey High School and Interstate Business College in Fargo, worked in offices in the Fessenden area. In 1942 she went to Washington, DC and was employed by the U. S. Department of the Navy until 1943 when she was married. Later she worked in the local post office as temporary clerk, served as Deputy County Superintendent of Schools for Wells County, and worked as parish secretary for the church. After Helmer’s death she continued to live in Manfred until 1986. At that time she moved to Bismarck. She passed away in December 2002. Helmer and Annie were active in Vang Lutheran Church, in the Fagerlund #203 Sons of Norway and in community activities. Annie was a member of the Manfred Homemakers Club. She taught Sunday School for 17 years and Bible School for 5 years. She was School District treasurer for many years. When she moved to Bismarck she transferred her church membership to Trinity Lutheran in Bismarck and her Sons of Norway membership to Sverdrup #107 attending both regularly. She was active in the church circle and in the Sons of Norway Hardanger crafts group.

George and Violet Seidlinger Husband's Full Name: George Seidlinger Husband's Place of Birth: Wimbledon, ND Husband's Father's Name: George Joseph Seidlinger Husband's Mother's Name: Laura Mary Hartogh Husband's Siblings' Names: Joseph, Elmer, Marvin, Raymond, Laura, Katherine Wife's Full Name: Violet Betz Wife's Place of Birth: Wimbledon, ND Wife's Father's Name: William Albert Betz Wife's Mother's Name: Agatha Altringer Betz Wife's Siblings' Names: Geneva, Elmira, William, James Children's Names: Darlene (Merlyn Boese); Mary Larson, George Jr., Beverly (Joe) Mueller George and Vi Seidlinger were both born in Wimbledon, North Dakota.They moved to Manfred in 1962. At this time George became the manager of the Farmers Union Elevator and Vi was secretary for the elevator. They have 3 daughters, Darlene, Mary and Beverly and one son, George Jr. George and Vi were very active members of the Manfred community.They were avid golfers, active in the America Legion, Eagles and they were members of the St. Cecelia Church of Harvey. In 1982, when they retired from the elevator in Manfred, they moved to Harvey, George passed away in 1989, and Vi in 2009. Both were buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Even and Kjersti Ostrem Husband's Full Name: Even Ostrem Husband's Place of Birth: Austrem, Vang, Valdres, Norway Husband's Father's Name: Even Evenson Ostrem Husband's Mother's Name: Bergit H. Leine Husband's Siblings' Names: Marit, Helge, Ole, Anne, Berit Wife's Full Name: Kjersti Heen Ostrem Wife's Place of Birth: Heen, Vang, Valdres, Norway Wife's Father's Name: Lars Haen Wife's Mother's Name: Kjersti Heen Wife's Siblings' Names: Ivar, Torstein, Ingebord, Trond Heen Children's Names: Ivan, Lars, Bertha Satterlee, Henry, Theodore, Christine Anderson, Evelyn Fisher, Arnt, Ingrid Reinholt-Sheedy, Ivar Even Ostrem born December 5, 1882, and Kjersti Heen born March 16, 1880, were married at Vang Church in the beautiful valley at Vang, Valdres, Norway on January 20, 1903. In 1909, Even and Kjersti, together with three small children Ivan (1904), Lars (1905) and Bertha (1907) left their home in Norway for America. After a strenuous journey they arrived at Tioga, North Dakota, to the home of Kjersti's brother Trond Heen. That same year, Even made use of his "Homestead Right" and filed on land 14 miles southeast of Tioga, and in December their fourth child Henry was born. Six more children were added to them: Theodore (1911), Christine (1913), Evelyn (1914), Arnt (1916), Inga (1918), and Ivar (1920). In 1925, a sad happening occurred when Ivar died during an appendectomy operation at the hospital in Minot. In 1927, Kjersti was so very happy to visit her homeland in Vang, Norway once again, accompanied by a friend Mrs. Ebba Hovey of Tioga. In 1929, Even and Kjersti moved from Tioga to the “Rogne farm” north of Manfred. They joined Vang Lutheran Church of Manfred where Kjersti became an active member of the Vang Ladies Aid. They were also active members of the Fagerlund Sons of Norway Lodge of Manfred, where Even was known for his ability to dance the intricate exhibition ‘Spring Dans’. In 1942, Even and Kjersti moved into the village of Manfred, and lived with their son Lars who had just purchased a home there. In that same year, Even began working as custodian for the Manfred School and continued in this work until his retirement, at which time his son Lars took over that position. In 1953, they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Also in that year, Kjersti was awarded a "Life Membership" from the Vang Ladies Aid. Kjersti died in 1958 and Even in 1975. Both are buried in Vang Cemetery, as well as are three of their children Henry, Lars, and Ingrid. Written by Wanda Melchert, 2003

Nels and Gunhild Jorstad Husband's Full Name: Nels Olson Jorstad Husband's Place of Birth: Øystre Slidre, Oppland, Norway Husband's Father's Name: Ole Nilson Råbolle Husband's Mother's Name: Marit Halvorsdtr Finsalsen Jorstad Husband's Siblings' Names: Ragndi Jorstad, Halvor, Margit Braaten, Carrie Jorstad Wife's Full Name: Gunhild Reistad Jorstad Wife's Place of Birth: Sigdahl, Eggedal, Norway Wife's Father's Name: Ole Knudsen Dahlen Wife's Mother's Name: Gunhild Reiersdatter Wife's Siblings' Names: Ole O, Reistad, Thea, Knute Reistad, Lars Reistad, Torstein Reistad, Knut Reistad, Karl Reistad, Vilheim Reistad, Reier Reistad, Torstein Reistad Children's Names: Ole, Richard, Gilma, Nennie, Myrtle Front: Mr. and Mrs. Nels Jorstad Back: Christ Rogne, Mary Jorstad, Mary Hovey, Reier Reistad. Wedding photo July 1905 Nels Jorstad was a brother of Thomas T. Jorstad. Nels was married to a sister of Reier Reistad (who formerly owned the Brian and Laura Muscha farm). Many years ago, Nels and his wife Gunhild, and children lived in Manfred in the house west of the parsonage. After his wife died, Nels Jorstad bought the farm NW of Adolph Shirley's. Their children were Ole, who was a mechanic and farmer in the Manfred area, Richard, also a mechanic died when quite young in a car accident near Hurdsfield. Gilma died when she was 16, Nennie died as a young man of 36, and Myrtle died when she was only 11.

T. L. and Clara Beiseker Husband's Full Name: Thomas Lincoln Beiseker Husband's Place of Birth: Muncie, Indiana Husband's Father's Name: Charles N. Beiseker Husband's Mother's Name: Kate R. Reilly Husband's Siblings' Names: Jessie (Shelby); (Mary Yelland); Henry, Elizabeth (Metzger); Arthur N., Lawrence, Loretta (Roberts) and Chester Wife's Full Name: Clara Edwards Beiseker Wife's Place of Birth: Moscow, Freeborn, Minnesota Wife's Father's Name: Daniel B. Edwards Wife's Mother's Name: Olinda Van House Edwards Wife's Siblings' Names: Henry, Ellen, Amy, Sherman Children's Names: Charles and Lila Netcher Fessenden and Wells County have been the home for many years of one of the shrewdest and most noted bankers and financers of the entire Northwest, T. L. Beiseker. Mr. Beiseker was born in Muncie, Indiana, April 8, 1867, in their covered wagon as the family was moving to Austin, Minnesota. He died in June of 1941. He was educated in the schools of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and at Austin, Minnesota. At Austin he was employed for seven years as deputy county auditor. In the spring of 1893 he came to Sykeston and organized the Wells County Bank with a capital of $10,000, the first bank organized under the state law and also the first permanent bank established in the county. He was elected president of this bank and in 1893 moved it along with the county seat to Fessenden, reaching there November 18, 1894. Mr. Beiseker is interested in several other banks of the county and also in banks in North Dakota and Montana. Mr. Beiseker purchased land in Manfred and had the First State Bank of Manfred built in 1905. In 1892, Mr. Beiseker was united in marriage to Miss Clara A. Edwards of Austin and they were the parents of two children, a daughter, Lila, now Mrs. A. L. Netcher of Fessenden, and son, Charles, now deceased, who served in the U. S. Aviation Corps in the World War. Mrs. Clara Beiseker took a very active part in Red Cross activities and on May 1918 became chairman of the Fessenden working branch. It is said by many of those who worked with her that no other woman devoted as much time as did Mrs. Beiseker to the production of the innumerable article her unit was called upon to make. Her mother, Olinda Edwards, must surely have been a great inspiration to her during those days of hard work, and a son in the service must indeed have been the incentive to perform to the most of her ability. Mrs. Beiseker took sick early in spring and died May 7, 1919. Mr. Beiseker left Wells County in the late 1920s after his banking business fell due to poor investments. Beiseker moved to Alberta where he lived out the rest of his days. . Source. The History of Wells County and Its Pioneers – by Walter E. Spokesfield 1929 The Beiseker Mansion in Fessenden, ND. This is where T. L. Beiseker resided while running his banking empire. It has been on the National Register of Historical Places since 1977.

Tennes and Anna Hauge IHusband's Full Name: Tennes Hauge Husband's Place of Birth: Manfred, ND Husband's Father's Name: Torger J. Hauge Husband's Mother's Name: Anna Erfjord Hauge Husband's Siblings' Names: Martha, Albert, Ella, Clarence, George, Martha, Leonard Wife's Full Name: Ann Rogness Hauge Wife's Place of Birth: Pierce County, ND Wife's Father's Name: Andrew Rogness Wife's Mother's Name: Liva Berg Rogness Wife's Siblings' Names: John, Sam, Selmer, Melvin Anton, Elmer, Martin, Jacob, Baby Girl, Lars, Lars Children's Names: none Tennes and Anna Hauge farmed north of Manfred for many years. They were members of the Bethel Lutheran Church. When Anna was interviewed at her 100th birthday she remembered working in a cook car. The hours were long from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day. She made pies and doughnuts. "The men liked the doughnuts and pies," she grinned. Hauge took care of her parents for many years. She married Tennes Hauge when she was about 40 years old. They lived in the Manfred area. When her husband died in 1962, she moved to Harvey. They did not have any children but cared for six teenage nephews. She was an active member of the Bethel Church near Heimdal where she was baptized and confirmed. She was very alert and made her own decisions, even at 100 years of age. When she was about 94 years old she decided to live in the nursing home in Harvey. Excerpts from January 8, 2002, Herald Press Article by Carrie Opdahl

August and Fredericka Schmitcke Husband's Full Name: August Schmitcke Husband's Place of Birth: Poland Husband's Father's Name: Husband's Mother's Name: Husband's Siblings' Names: Wife's Full Name: Fredericka Hildebrand Schmitcke Wife's Place of Birth: Russia Wife's Father's Name: Wife's Mother's Name: Wife's Siblings' Names: Children's Names: Albert, Emma [Fast], Gotfried [Mary], Edward, Ben [Elsie], Rudolph [Mary Kleinsasser], Anna [Fred Jungling], Otto [Emma Kleinsasser], Jacob August and Fredericka immigrated in about 1894 and were residence in Manfred in 1901 until about 1906. They are not listed in the census records so apparently came after the 1900 census and left before the 1910 census. August walked to town for candy for the children at Christmas time and never returned, having frozen to death on this trip. Most of the family grew up in McLean County, North Dakota and settled there, according to his great grandson. We have not found his grave, although there are several unmarked graves in the Manfred Township Cemetery, and very likely is buried there.

John P. and Emma Nelson Husband's Full Name: John P. Nelson Husband's Place of Birth: Norway Husband's Father's Name: unknown Husband's Mother's Name: unknown Husband's Siblings' Names: unknown Wife's Full Name: Emma Miller Nelson Wife's Place of Birth: Smaland, Sweden Wife's Father's Name: Miller Wife's Mother's Name: unknown Wife's Siblings' Names: Alma Miller Erickson Children's Names: Hilda, Edith (Carl Carlson), Henry, Arthur (Emma Larson) Emma came to America from Smaland, Sweden with her parents when she was nine years of age. She grew to womanhood at Winthrop, Minnesota, and then went to Bismarck as a young lady where she married John P. Nelson. John and Emma were married on November 24, 1883. They homesteaded on a farm north of Manfred in 1894, and lived there until August 1917 when they moved to Manfred. John passed away in December 1918. She continued to reside in Manfred, ND until time of her death, except for several years spent with her daughter Hilda in Minneapolis. In Manfred they lived in what was later known as the Ostrem house. Emma died on November 21, 1941 at her home in Manfred and was laid to rest on Tuesday, November 25th. Funeral services were conducted from the Lutheran Church in Manfred with Rev. J. M. Langseth officiating; interment was made in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Ed Benson, Emil Nelson, Martin Moen, Wm. Abrahamson, Knute Nelson and Ole Rudi.