Special Collections Finding Aids

Abstract Correspondence; taped interview with Christiansen concerning his settling near New Salem, N.D. (1883), and the pioneer years, with transcription (11 p.) of first side of tape; biographical sketch; pamphlet entitled Wrong Side Up; articles from American Milk Review and The Northwest; and clippings.

Abstract Letters, and a typed reminiscence entitled "A biographical sketch of John Francis Douglas and Neva B. Douglas" (40 leaves) by Neva B. Douglas on her husband's life in North Dakota, his student days at the University of North Dakota and after 1900 in Seattle, Wash., and on her life, especially her student days at the University of North Dakota, and her marriage to Mr. Douglas in 1898. The North Dakota section includes material on his parents, James A. and Annie Scott Douglas, of Goodwood,...

Abstract Typed summary of detailed interview (7 leaves) with John G. Plath and his daughter Gladys (Plath) Cavanaugh concerning his father John H. Plath, homesteading at Davenport, N.D. Mentions farm equipment, especially steam engines, buying and selling land, early Davenport, N.D. businesses, Leech Farm, Arthur Lewis, T.S. Lewis, J.B. Powers' Percheron stallions, Helendale Farm, bank at Leonard and its failure, and family clippings.

Overview Collection contails a written account of an oral interview as well as newspaper clippeings discussing the Hanson family.

Abstract Typed summary of interview (1 leaf) with Leonard Sackett concerning his father, Richard Pannebaker, who moved from Indiana in 1881 to Oriska, N.D., then to Mapleton, N.D., his job as foreman for Mapleton Farming Co., elevator manager at Mapleton and Tower City, N.D., later employed by Amenia and Sharon Land Company. Includes brief mention of the Matt Dill farm which was purchased in 1905 by Miller-Chaffee-Reed Company; John Pannebaker worked there briefly. Also includes newspaper clippings.

Abstract Typed summary of interview (11 leaves) with Leonard Sackett concerning the Adams Farm (also known as Fairview Farm) and Elk Valley Farm. Includes mention of his father, John Walcher, a German immigrant, who hauled freight in Minnesota, moved to Sargent County, N.D. in 1885 to farm, later moving to Sauk Center, Minn. to manage a hotel, son John L. working at Elk Valley Farm, plowing with mules, being struck by lightning, Deering grain binders, carpentering at Adams Farm, W.P. and Mrs. Adams,...

Abstract Typed summary of interview (7 leaves) with John and Dora (Lathrop) McDougall concerning their fathers, John McDougall and Murrilow Dow Lathrop, and their work on the Antelope Farm, Dora's job as clerk, bookkeeper, and barber at the Antelope Farm store, mention of other Lathrop family members including M.D.'s wife, his brother Vernon, and LeRoy Smith, Dora's cousin, a horse named Old Billy previously used by the Minneapolis Fire Department, hog butchering, the crops and equipment, a drawing of...

Abstract Topics covered include army life (1863-1867), service with Henry Hasting Sibley in North Dakota, the 121st United States Colored Troops, army experiences in the Southwest after the war.

Abstract Original letters and typed transcriptions written to his sister and mother at Sandy Hill, Washington County, N.Y. while stationed at Fort Abercrombie, N.D. One letter is from Ella Dewey Woart to her grandmother. Letters comment on life at the fort and mention various family members.

Abstract Typed summary of an interview with Bill G. Reid concerning Zurcher's mother and sisters who emigrated with him from Switzerland in 1892 to Jackson, Minn. and his life in McHenry County, N.D. Includes mention of his mother's remarriage, losing the farm at Jackson, Minn., settling at Ulen, Minn., traveling to McHenry County, N.D. and back to Ulen, building his farmstead, poisoning gophers, his involvement in McHenry County government, bridge repairs, Nonpartisan League, election to the N.D....