Soo Line Depot The Minneapolis, St Paul, & Sault Ste Marie Railway, popularly known as the Soo Line Railroad, was extended from Hankinson to Portal, ND beginning in 1891. Construction was; 1891 Hankinson to Valley City 1892 Valley City to Cathay 1893 Cathay to Portal The station of Manfred was established in 1893 with a 2013 ft house track, or industry track, for loading or unloading freight cars. A section crew, or track maintenance crew, was located at this station at this time. They were supplied with a 9x10 tool shed and a 24x28 living house for the Section Foreman. A Water Station for providing water for the steam locomotives was built in 1893 also. This consisted of a water tank, windmill, and pump house. Water was obtained from the river and the railroad built a dam and a water line, 875 ft long, to supply water to the tank. The pump house had a steam pump. In 1903 the pump house was replaced with a 14x14 concrete block building and the steam pump was replaced with a gas engine. At this time a well was dug, 8 ft wide and 30 ft deep, located near the pump house. The Water Station was discontinued in April 1926 and the structures removed. The pump house may have lasted longer, used as a tool house. A siding, 2700 ft long, was built in 1903 for meeting and passing trains. A small portable depot was supplied; possibly about 12x32 ft shortly after the railroad came through. Manfred was opened as a regular billing station Sep 6, 1899 with Floyd Ford as the agent. This portable depot was replaced with a 24x80 building with living quarters on the second floor for the agent-operator. The portable depot was moved to Ruso, ND in 1907. Other facilities installed were a 2 pen Stockyard for shipping live-stock in 1905 and a Loading Platform for unloading and loading machinery in 1907. A bunkhouse for section crew laborers was placed in 1913. It is unknown when these facilities were removed. The depot was closed about 1969 or 1970 and removed some time after 1971. There is no complete record of personnel assigned to stations on the Soo Line. From what can be determined from sketchy records, the following can be determined. Between 1899 and 1927 no record.(see updates below) updates from old Manfred news supplemented information provided by Soo Line) Sept 15, 1905 – Station agent Ruff bid adieu to Manfred Monday night and departed for the big city of Minneapolis. Mr. Richie, formerly operator for the N.P. at Verndale, MN succeeds Mr. Ruff as agent here. Old Manfred News item ? to 1905 Agent Walter Ruff departed from his position in Manfred for the city of Mpls 1905 Mr. Richie (formerly of NP at Verndale, MN) 1906 to 1908 C-N Vincent (2 years) 3/1908 to 4/1908 C. E. Anderson temporary 1908 1912 J. E. Turner (still there in 1912) 1913 S. V.Salven or maybe T Salven 1914-to 1936 Greenfield was a depot agent (this disagrees with next entry) maybe a depot agent and an agent operator are different positions – can’t find that although he lived in Manfred, he ever served as a depot agent) 1927 to 1932 L C Grinney was Agent-Operator 1933 to 1947 Norman H McCain 1948 V J Munt or Mundt gap in records 1951 to 1957 Victor E Harrison 1958 L V Bjork gap in records 1960 to 1964 Fred J Sommerfield gap in records Agent-Operator position was abolished about 1969-70 and a traveling agent from Carrington handled agency services between Kensal and Manfred. About mid-1980’s the system was changed again and all contact was by telephone from Harvey or Minneapolis. Stuart J Nelson Nov 26, 2006 Articles from the Old Manfred News Soo Line New depot info 24 Aug 1906 Is Manfred to have a new loading platform this year? We saw a petition to that effect some time ago, all ready for signing but what became of it since, that we do not know. The well diggers have been here for some time; the depot crew arrived Thursday with a crew of four and is engaged in repairing the water tank. It has been in a dangerous condition for some time, as foundation posts are fearfully decayed. The agent has had orders for some time to carry only eight feet of water in it. Foreman K. Kleven and crew of men arrived here last Sunday night and are engaged in erecting a new depot for Manfred. It will be east of the old one 24 x 80 office and waiting room 2 stories high with living quarters in the upper story. The old depot will be loaded on a flat car and taken to a smaller town. It came from Emrick some 7 – 8 years ago. Soo Line change Anderson, C. E. 27 Mar 1908 There has been a change in the depot lately. C. N. Vincent who had been the Soo agent for more than two years departed with his family for Bowman and C. E. Anderson from Condee, S.D. has taken his place. Harry N. LeGrand is serving as helper and puts up the danger signals. Soo Line Anderson, C. E. 17 Apr 1908 C. E. Anderson, temporary agent for the Soo has left and J. E. Turner has taken his place. Soo Line windmill 22 May 1908 The high wind Wednesday forenoon tore the R. R. windmill to pieces and scattered the broken pieces all over. Soo Line Agent 19 Feb 1909 G. K. Van Sickle who was agent for the Soo at this place some time ago, stepped off the east bound freight Monday to greet old friends and see how our town has grown. He is now in a bank at Ryder. Soo Line Depot 27 Aug 1909 There has been a change at the depot, Agent J. E. Turner has been moved to Fessenden and P. E. Rutter from Barret has taken his place. Sysaken, Ole depot 28 July 1911 Ole Sysaken is now assistant at the depot. Stackinger, M. Depot 11 Aug 1911 M. Stackinger came up Monday on the Soo from St. Joseph, Minnesota, to act as assistant at the depot Turner, H. J. Depot 8 Mar 1912 H. J. Turner and family of Gilbert, Minn. are visiting with E. Turner, the brass collar at the Soo Depot, who feels very proud of being a grandfather and delighted with the grandchild who is now filling the depot with childish glee. Salven, S. W. Soo Line Depot agent 14 Mar 1913 S. W. Salven, agent for the Soo Line here, returned Monday after a few days absence. Soo Line 11 Feb 1915 The Soo Line water tank is receiving much needed repairs this week. Soo Line depot 4 Nov 1915 The Soo Line painters are painting the depot. Greenwood, Ed. 22 April 1915 Ed. Greenwood resigned his position as Soo helper and returned to Harvey. Hedahl, O. S. 16 Dec 1915 P. A. Anderson of Manfred gave a party to a few of his friends Sunday, December 12, the occasion being his 56th birthday. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. O. K. Melby, Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Hedahl, Mr. and Mrs. R. Jacobson, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Onstad, Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Roble and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Greenfield, Miss Nina Swedlund of Manfred, Nils Nertrost. Cowan, M. F. 15 Feb 1917 W. S. Sorenson who assisted at the depot for about 8 months was promoted, and given a depot at Foxholm, N. D. Mr. Sorenson came here from Sanger, N. D. He was a hard worker and deserves the promotion. M. F. Cowan of Enderlin, N. D. is the new assistant here. Manfred 07 Feb 1924 A crew of Soo Line carpenters are busy building a new foundation under the depot. Manfred 10 Mar 1927 A fire of unknown origin started in the Depot Tuesday evening about eleven o'clock, but it was seen before much damage was done. Lawler, Dan 10 May 1928 We understand that Mr. and Mrs. Dan Lawler will move in the rooms over the depot in a few weeks. Mrs. Lawler was a Fiebeck. Greenfield, Mr. 06 Jun 1929 Mr. Greenfield of Fessenden was a Manfred caller Friday morning. Grinny, L. C. 20 Jun 1929 Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Grinny moved back to the Depot this week. Erickson, Mr. 29 Sep 1932 The new Soo Line Agent, Mr. Erikson, arrived Monday. We hope he will enjoy his stay with us. Soo Line 09 Oct 1930 The Soo Line is repairing the depot and section house this week. McCain, Mr. 03 Nov 1932 Mr. Norman McCain, the new depot agent, arrived Saturday from Emrick. Mr. and Mrs. McCain are busy getting settled in their new home over the depot. McCain, N. H. 23 Jun 1938 N. H. McCain is building a garage and wash room near the depot, as he is now sporting a new car. Manfred Depot 15 Feb 1940 A Soo line crew is repairing the depot at Manfred this week. Munt, V. J. 16 Dec 1948 The Manfred Homemakers Club met Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Emil Schepp. After the business meeting. Mr. V. J. Munt gave an interesting lesson flower arrangements. This was followed by a demonstration on the making of winter bouquets by Mrs. Russell Johnson. The hostess served a delicious lunch. The next meeting will be in the form of a New Year’s party Jan 15 at the H. S. Solheim home. Mundt, V. J. 17 Mar 1949 Mr. and Mrs. V. J. Munt left Wednesday on a few days vacation trip. Relief Agent Johnson has taken care of the depot during their absence. Munt, V. J. resigns 24 Mar 1949 Mr. and Mrs. V. J. Munt have resigned their position here to become the Soo Line station agent at Wimbledon, ND. Munt, V. J. 7 July 1949 Mr. and Mrs. V. J. Munt of Wimbledon were Friday callers in Manfred. [ he was the depot agent in Manfred in 1948] Harrison, Vic 1 Mar 1951 Mr. and Mrs. Victor Harrison and family formerly of Kief, ND moved here last week. Mr. Harrison is Manfred’s new depot agent. Mrs. Harrison is the former Louella Boese. Depot 17 Dec 1953 Oil burners were installed at the Soo Line Depot here.

Jacob and Norma Rogness Husband's Full Name: Jacob Sylvester Rogness Husband's Place of Birth: Rural Manfred, Wells Co, ND Husband's Father's Name: Andrew Jonson Rogness Husband's Mother's Name: Liva Berg Rogness Husband's Siblings' Names: John, Anna Hauge, Sam, Selmer, Anton, Elmer, Martin, Lars Wife's Full Name: Norma Rodne Rogness Wife's Place of Birth: Rural Manfred, Wells Co, ND Wife's Father's Name: Ole Johan Rodne Wife's Mother's Name: Margit Ølsdatter Knutson Wife's Siblings' Names: Louis, Sarah Georgeson, Mabel Skiftun, Lilly Anderson, Lloyd, Henry, Clarence, Caroline Children's Names: none 2nd Wife: Fern Johnson (Grant) Hakanson Rogness Wife’s Parents: J. Henry Johnson and Nora Wife’s Siblings Names: Lyle, Duane, Clarence, Earl and Grant Jacob and Norma were both born in rural Manfred of Norwegian immigrant parents. They were married and farmed in rural Manfred. They were active members of the Bethel Lutheran Church located in rural Manfred. Norma served as organist for the Bethel church for many years. They were proud of their Norwegian heritage and traveled to Norway, as well as entertaining relatives from Norway at their home. After Norma passed away Jacob married Fern Hakanson, widow of Grant Hakanson. They lived in Heimdal. Both are now deceased. After the Bethel church was closed, they joined the Hoff Lutheran Church in Heimdal.

Clarence and Clara Dybing Husband's Full Name: Clarence Dybing Husband's Place of Birth: Fram Township, Manfred, ND Husband's Father's Name: Tannes Dybing Husband's Mother's Name: Ingrid Kopseng Dybing Husband's Siblings' Names: Anna, Mary Rogelstad, George Wife's Full Name: Clara Solberg Dybing Wife's Place of Birth: Manfred Township, ND Wife's Father's Name: Andrew Solberg Wife's Mother's Name: Kjersti Gunderson Solberg Wife's Siblings' Names: Martha Helland, Edwin, Gilman, Malvin, Arthur, Carl, Nels Children's Names: LeRoy [Carol Wilcox], Wayne [LoAnn Anderson] Carol and LeRoy with the family organ donated to MHP, Inc. Clarence and Clara Dybing were the second generation of Dybings to farm on the original homestead began in the late 1920's. Clarence Dybing, born October 8, 1901, the eldest son of Tannes Dybing began to take over the operation, and Tannes gradually worked into retirement. Farming methods changed drastically during the 1930's and 1940's. Tractors replaced horses and combines replaced thrashing crews. Clarence purchased his first tractor in 1939 and his first combine in 1947. It is interesting to note here that because of the need for much hired help, prior to mechanization; Clarence met his wife Clara Solberg. She was hired by the Dybings to assist with cooking and housework. On November 5, 1931, she and Clarence were married. Clara Solberg was born May 28, 1904, on a farm in Manfred Township, her parents being Andrew and Kjersti Solberg. Clarence and Clara became the parents of two sons, LeRoy and Wayne. Besides farming, Clarence was very active in community affairs. Prior to his marriage, he was appointed to be clerk of the South Fram School District, which position he held for 30 years. In addition, he was a director of the Harvey Co-op Creamery Association for approximately 30 years. Many of those years he served as president of that board. His longest tenure of public service was with the Fram Township Board. He served 50 consecutive years as treasurer--truly an indication of his willingness to serve. In addition to the above, he was called upon to serve on the Church Council of Trinity Bethany Lutheran Church in various capacities. Clara also has been very active in church affairs. They were long-time members of Trinity Bethany Lutheran Church prior to their current membership at First Lutheran Church in Harvey. Clarence and Clara Dybing continued farming until 1968. They then retired, leased the land, but continued to live on the farm. At the time of Clarence's death, Clara moved from the farm to Harvey. She sold the building site to Donovan Seltvedt, who now resides there. LeRoy and Wayne purchased the balance of the farm in 1977. LeRoy Dybing was born to Clarence and Clara on September 13, 1935. He attended grade school in the South Fram Country School and graduated from Harvey High School in 1953. His college education was completed in 1958 when he graduated with a B.S. degree in chemistry from North Dakota State University. After graduation, he began his career as a quality control supervisor for various paper mills in Oregon, Louisiana, Kentucky and is currently employed by the Plainwell Paper Company at Plainwell, Mich., as manager of Mill Technical Services. He is married to Carol Wilcox of St. Francisville, Louisiana. They have two children, Brian and Kay. Wayne Dybing, the younger son of Clarence and Clara, was born June 7, 1939. He also attended grade school in the same one room country school as his brother, except for the eighth grade, which he completed in Harvey. During the first seven grades, he was the only student in his class, and it should be noted that the last year of country school, there were only seven students enrolled in all eight grades. Wayne graduated from Harvey High School in 1958 and attended the University of North Dakota. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration. For 10 years, he was employed by the Federal Land System in Bismarck, LaMoure, and Fargo. In 1974, he returned to LaMoure and was employed by the First State Bank of LaMoure. He then served as vice-president and director of that bank. He is now retired and has moved to Fargo, ND. On June 6, 1965, Wayne married LoAnn Anderson, daughter of Perry and Lilly Anderson of Harvey. They have two children, Paul and Eric. Source: Growing With Pride

Vernon and Elizabeth Sommer Husband's Full Name: Vernon A. Sommer Husband's Place of Birth: Courtland, Nicollet, Minnesota Husband's Father's Name: Frank Albert Sommer Husband's Mother's Name: Emma Louise Schroeder Husband's Siblings' Names: Sylvia, Eldon, Edwin, Marvin Wife's Full Name: Elizabeth Lillian Fuhrman Wife's Place of Birth: Minnesota Wife's Father's Name: John Fuhrman Wife's Mother's Name: Caroline Dietrich Wife's Siblings' Names: Johanna, Julius, Edward, Louis, Pauline, Ida, August, Benjamin, Emily, Walter, Peter, Margaret, Robert Children's Names: Jane Ellen Sommer (Faul) Vernon was the son of Frank and Emma Louise (Schroeder) Sommer. They lived for a time at Courtland, MN before moving to a farm in the Manfred area in 1917. He grew up and attended rural school in the Manfred area. He married Elizabeth Fuhrman on March 15, 1939 in the Methodist Church in Harvey. They lived and farmed east of Harvey. He retired in 1972. They moved to Harvey in 1987. Vernon attended the Bethel Baptist Church in Harvey. Sharing in Vernon's life were Elizabeth, his wife of 57 years; one daughter and one son-in-law, Jane and Ron Faul of rural Hurdsfield, ND; three grandchildren Brenda Neufeld, DeeAnn Wichter and Don Faul, 6 great-grandchildren, Carissa and Caleb Neufeld, Erica and Neil Wichert, Adam and Jessica Faul. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sylvia Kuske; brothers Eldon, Edwin and Marvin,

Edwin and Celia Olstad Husband's Full Name: Edwin Olstad Husband's Place of Birth: Heimdal Township, North Dakota Husband's Father's Name: John Theodore Olstad Husband's Mother's Name: Alena Larson Husband's Siblings' Names: Henry, Clara Rolsvig, Hilda Shield, Hazel Bjertness, Joseph, Tilman, Morris (Helen), Tillman, Norin (Vera), Edna (Martin) Lien Wife's Full Name: Celia Natland Olstad Wife's Place of Birth: Manfred Township Wife's Father's Name: Lars Natland Wife's Mother's Name: Tomine Erfjord Wife's Siblings' Names: Sam, Hannah Nedervold, Selmer, Lyness, Myrtle Thompson Ed Olstad was born and raised on the family farm in Heimdal Township, Wells County, and received his education in the Heimdal Township Country School. As a young man he worked as a farm laborer for a number of farmers in the Manfred area. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWI and served in the U.S. Cavalry. Upon being discharged he returned to the Manfred area and continued as a farm laborer for a few years. In 1918, he enlisted in the U. S. Army during World War I and served in the U. S. Cavalry. In the early 1930s he began working on road construction crews throughout the State as a heavy equipment operator. On May 7, 1938 he married Celia Natland in Williston. Celia was born and raised in the Manfred area. They bought their home in Manfred in 1946 from Nennie Johnson's estate. Ed lived there until 1979, and Celia until 1966. They were members of Vang Lutheran Church. Ed made beautiful jewelry from stones he polished in his workshop just back of the kitchen. Mrs. Olstad died in 1971; Edwin continued living in Manfred until 1979 when he moved to Hurdsfield where he resided until January 1982. He was living in Harvey at the time of his death, April 10, 1982 age of 82.

Shirley Implement Location: Block 4, Lot 8 Proprietors: Gilman and Adolph Shirley Year Started: 1925 Year Ended: 1933 History of Business: On December 1925 John Nelson sold his Manfred Implement House to Gilman and Adolph Shirley. In April 1926, the Standard Oil Co. installed a gas pump at the Shirley Bros. It was reported a good location as it was on the main highway. After several years they sold their building and lot to Richard Jorstad who opened a repair shop at that location in 1933. The Shirley brothers moved back to their farm in October 1934. Daisy – Shirley Implement Reference points: Red rectangle - Manfred School Blue rectangle - Vang Lutheran Church Purple rectangle – Post Office/Bank Green rectangle – Solheim Station

Benjamin and Maggie Sorenson Husband's Full Name: Benjamin Sorenson Husband's Place of Birth: Telemark, Norway Husband's Father's Name: Lars Sorenson Husband's Mother's Name: unknown Husband's Siblings' Names: Sofie, Bergette, Alette, Knudt Wife's Full Name: Maggie Kison Wife's Place of Birth: Yankton, South Dakota Wife's Father's Name: Enoch Kison Wife's Mother's Name: Karoline Kroll Wife's Siblings' Names: Ida, Mathilda Children's Names: Edwin (Stella); Beatrice, Peter Ben and Maggie Sorenson were a young, energetic couple who came to Manfred about 1905 while Manfred was just beginning to flourish. Ben came to America when he was 18 years old. He attended Luther College at Decorah, IA soon after he came to this country. He later came to Wells County settling near Viking starting work at anything he could find. He dug wells, did carpenter work, and for a time erected houses for Native Americans at the Fort Totten Reservation. He came to Fessenden in 1896 clerking at the Viking Store for about three years. At that time he bought a store in Manfred, he continued working with this business and continued to conduct with success until his death. He married Margaret Kison at the time of going into business for himself. In September 1905 Maggie opened a millinery shop next to her husband’s business in a building formerly occupied as a hotel. It was said that Mrs. Sorenson was just the person to conduct this business successfully, as she had considerable experience in that line and her aptitude for such work was well known.” She died in the fall of 1907 of tuberculosis. The following year Ben made a trip to Norway and while there he was taken sick. After returning he was confined to the hospital and just months later he died of tuberculosis. They had three children, a son Edwin, who was five years old when his mother died, and seven years old when his father died. The other children died as infants. Ben died in 1908, he was 37 years old. His wife died in 1907, she was 26 years old. Steiner Aasand, Ben’s good friend and business associate was named guardian for young Edwin. Bergette Sorenson, Ben’s sister came from Norway. The two were married at Vang Lutheran Church and raised Edwin as their son.

Herman and Cora Weinmann Herman and Cora Weinmann Husband's Full Name: Herman Joseph Weinmann Husband's Place of Birth: Forward, Wells, North Dakota Husband's Father's Name: Herman Joseph Weinmann Husband's Mother's Name: Anna Katherine Prom Husband's Siblings' Names: Lawrence, Francis, Marie Starman Wife's Full Name: Cora Ethel Arneson Wife's Place of Birth: Fairdale, ND Wife's Father's Name: Ole Arneson Wife's Mother's Name: Martha Pedersdtr Wife's Siblings' Names: unknown Children's Names: John and Roger Herman J. Weinmann was born in Forward Township, near Harvey and was reared there. He farmed in Manfred Township, Wells Co until 1963 when they moved into Harvey. Herman operated a Coast-to-Coast store in Harvey until retiring in 1972. His wife Cora worked in the store as well. They were members of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church and served on the Manfred Township Board and Wells County Farmers Home Administration board. Herman died in 1977, Cora died in 1991. They are buried at Sunnyside Cemetery near Harvey.

John and Julia Elsaas Husband's Full John J. Elsaas Husband's Place of Birth: Norway Husband's Father's Name: Unknown Husband's Mother's Name: Unknown Husband's Siblings' Names: Carl Elsaas Wife's Full Name: Julia Elsaas Wife's Place of Birth: Griggs County, North Dakota Wife's Father's Name: Unknown Wife's Mother's Name: Unknown Wife's Siblings' Names: Unknown Children's Names: Sam, Clarence John Elsaas operated the Dakota Hotel in 1905. It was located on Block 3, Lot 4. He also was in partnership with Otto Sletten in a general store named Sletten and Elsaas. The John Elsaas family and Otto Sletten left Manfred in July 1906 and settled in Pekin, Nelson County, North Dakota. They continued to live there at least until 1925 as they are noted on the census records in that area, and was noted as a top notch businessman in Pekin in 1915 by the newspaper reporter, as both John and Otto came back for a visit in Manfred. Their first child Sam was born in Manfred in 1906. While in Manfred they lived in the old Fincher house. The other children were born in Pekin, ND. John was a well respected merchant and well liked as an extremely jolly and social fellow, always pleasant and good-natured. John died in Peken, ND and was buried in the cemetery there at age 90.

Nelson Implement Location: Block 4, Lot 8 Proprietor: John Nelson Year Started: Property purchased in 1904 Year Ended: 1925 History of Business: John Nelson had this business in 1905. Early pictures show machinery on this corner. He was the International dealer in Manfred. The red dot is the building that housed this business. It was on the corner of Lake and Railroad. John’s daughter Lorraine died and when he came back to Manfred for the funeral in March of 1929 he was struck by a car and died in this accident. News article indicates 3 children buried in cemetery at Fessenden along with his wife. He was born in Denmark and homesteaded about 1893 in Manfred Township. December 1925 – John Nelson sold his Manfred Implement House to Gilman and Adolph Shirley. Richard Jorstad purchased the Shirley lot and building and opened a repair shop in September 1933. The Shirleys moved back to their farm in October 1934. Daisy – Nelson Implement Reference points: Red rectangle - Manfred School Blue rectangle - Vang Lutheran Church Purple rectangle – Post Office/Bank Green rectangle – Solheim Station

Emil and Anna Shirley Husband's Full Name: Emil Shirley Husband's Place of Birth: Dakota County, MN Husband's Father's Name: Sjøle Husband's Mother's Name: unknown Husband's Siblings' Names: unknown Wife's Full Name: Anna Thompson Shirley Wife's Place of Birth: Southern Minnesota Wife's Father's Name: Gunnar Tollefson Thompson Wife's Mother's Name: Carrie Thompson Wife's Siblings' Names: Gernof, Hellina, Gulga Children's Names: Gilman, Adolph, Evelyn Fuhrman, Pauline Emil Shirley was united in marriage to Anna Thompson in 1903 at Fessenden, ND. Mr. Shirley homesteaded in Wells County in 1893, and since 1895 lived on the same place northwest of Manfred until his death in 1961. He was born in Dakota County, Minnesota in 1872 and was one of the early members of the Vang Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Shirley were active members of the church throughout their entire lives. Anna Thompson Shirley came to North Dakota from southern Minnesota in 1902 following her marriage to Mr. Shirley. They had four children - Gilman, Adolph, Evelyn (Mrs. Ben Fuhrman), and Pauline. They had six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mrs. Shirley passed away in 1965. In 1933, their home was destroyed by fire. All of the family survived, and a new home was built on the homestead. They moved to their new home in October 1934.

Threat of Prairie Fires 1895 Prairie Fire A serious menace that faced the early settlers was the frequent prairie fire. A specific instance took place in 1895 on the west area of Manfred one early summer evening. It was here that the Gullick Nordtorp family resided. At the time he was away from home building a house for a distant friend. The mother noticed a flaming western sky, but at first thought it was a brilliant sunset. Realizing the situation she spread the alarm. In great hast Bert Fincher, Mrs. Guy Fisher’s father raced to the scene to help in saving life and property. The fire, racing over vast grassy stretches and with a stiff breeze, gained such speed that it jumped the James River. Ordinary firebreaks were no impediment to the fiery demon. Hastily Mr. Fincher backfired a wide stretch west of the houses reaching to the firebreak. He rushed the family cow into a sod shed. Water-soaked blankets were hung over the west windows of the house to prevent cracking of panes caused by the terrific heat. Fortunately, the dwelling was sodded to the eaves, which proved a most effective insulation. With the help of volunteer fire fighters, the walls of flame were subdued and brought under control. From where they were working Mr. Nordtorp and Ole Hedahl noticing volumes of smoke emerging into the sky frantically rushed home. When they reached the hill north of Manfred, they discovered the home intact and the loved ones unharmed, and they breathed a prayer of gratitude. Source: Sennev Nertrost Whipple Date: March 1966