Max and Nina (Farley) Wishek Collection

Collection

Identifier: GRHC 032

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Max and Nina (Farley) Wishek Collection is comprised of nine books that are in English and German. The majority of the books were donated in 2007, but an additional books was donated and added to the collection in 2008. The books are primarily in good condition. The collection has been organized into three series: Book, Hymnal and Theology.

The Book Series includes grammar and language books. Books are in English or German. Two are about the Russian language and folk history.

The Hymnal Series contains two hymnals printed in German.

The Theology Series consists one theology book: Der Kleinere Katechismus by Dr. M. Rastin printed in German.

Dates

1868 - 1948

Creator

Wishek, Max, 1901-1993. (Person)

Access

Access to the physical collection is available upon request. Request must be made at least three (3) business days prior to ndsu.grhc@ndsu.edu.

Copyright

Copyrights to items in this collection remain with original copyright holders or are in the public domain.

Biography

Nina Farley Wishek was born on January 3, 1869, in Almont, Michigan to parents Albert William Farley and Anne (Mellen) Farley. In 1887, Nina and her family homesteaded in McIntosh County, Dakota Territory. She worked as a teacher and was also a poet, painter, and author of histories of the Ashley, North Dakota region. She was also involved in many organizations. On December 26, 1891, Nina married John Wishek in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The couple had eight children: Esther, Anna, Carl, John, Max, Jean, Homer, and Paul. Nina Wishek died on June 23, 1957.

John H. Wishek, Sr. was born on April 17, 1855, in Warren, Pennsylvania. John came to Dakota Territory in the winter of 1883-1884. John played a pivotal role in the founding of the towns Wishek and Ashley, North Dakota, and he helped bring the Soo Line Railway to McIntosh County. John was key in bringing German Russian settlers to the area. He also served in the state House from 1893-1894 and the state Senate from 1895-1898. In 1918, John was brought to court for violating the Espionage Act, but he was later acquitted. John Wishek, Sr. died in Ashley, ND on January 13, 1932.

Max Wishek was born on August 29, 1901. He went to school in Ashley, ND and later attended the University of North Dakota and the University of Michigan, where he received a law degree. In 1925, Max married Viola Hezel, and the couple had two children: Max, Jr. and Saloma. Max had a law practice with his brother Homer. He was also elected states attorney of McIntosh County. Max Wishek died on February 8, 1993.