Standing - Helen, Hans, Anton, Martin, Hannah.Seated - Ingvald, Marthinus, Anne, Richard.

Kneeling - Hogan, Clara

Skramstad FamilyHistory

Compiledand

WrittenBy

Sharon (Skramstad) BelgardeOriginally Published December 1980Digitally Re-Published March 2010

Appreciation - 1980Writing this family history was made easier because of thegenealogy that my father, Art Skramstad, has collected formany years.

A thank you must be given to Mae Skramstad, ArtSkramstad, Ann Berg and Oliver Skramstad for all the timeand information they gave. Also, Larry and Dee Skramstadfor their continuous interest and support. But most of all, Imust thank my husband, Joe, for many months of patienceand cooperation.

Sharon Belgarde

Appreciation - 2010This digital version was completely dependent on GaryBelgarde’s well-honed computer skills and dedication tofamily history. But, both Gary and I are thankful every dayto Mike Skramstad for sharing his Internet service. It hasproven to be invaluable.

Sharon Belgarde

ForewordThe first paragraph of each descendant is a summary ofbasic facts with a list of children. Each person is assigned anumber in order of birth, in his parent’s story.

Table of ContentsMap 1Marthinus and Anne's Story 2First Generation 20Second Generation 34Third Generation 39Fourth Generation 43Fifth Generation 46Index 48

1

Map

United States North Dakota Griggs County

A - Marthinus and Anne's Farm SiteB - Hans Skramstad's Farm SiteC - Martin Skramstad's StonyD - Martin Skramstad's 'Pup PlaceE - Anton Skramstad's Farm SiteF - Art Skramstad's Farm Site

G - John Hogenson's Farm SiteH - Ringsaker ChurchI - Romness Methodist Church© - County Road45 - Hiway 45River - Sheyenne

Romness Township

2

Marthinus and Anne1 Marthinus Hansen was born May 24, 1847,

the son of Hans Haagensen and Marthe Olsdatter.2 Anne Haakensdatter was born September 8,

1844, the daughter of Haaken Johnson and MarttheJohnsdatter Asprusten. Marthinus and Anne weremarried June 21, 1872 at Østerdalen, Norway.They had ten children:

Name3 Helene Marthea4 Hannah Marie5 Hans6 Ingvald7 Martin8 Anton9 Gustav Rekardt10 Gustav Rekardt11 Hogen12 Clara Olava

BornNovember 7,1872

April 17,1874March 31,1876

June 29,1878March 4,1880April 13,1883

December 20,1884November 21,1885September 17,1887December 16,1890

Marthinus - pronounced Mar.tene'.us orMar'.tin.us

Anne - pronounced AnnaHelene - pronounced Helen

Norway was overpopulated in the 1800's. Herbarren soil was already divided into farms thatwere too small to support a family. The averageperson lived his entire life on the borderline ofstarvation, and worked very hard to maintain that.Their material lives were scant but for many theirspiritual lives made up for it. The church played animportant part in their lives.

Families worked hard together and often were veryclose.

It must have been difficult to leave familybehind knowing that they would never see themagain, yet Marthinus Hansen and his wife Annemade that decision. They would leave their homeat Skramstad Gaard, Aasbygden, Aamodt,Østerdalen, Norway and immigrate to America.Anne's mother, Martha Asprusten Hogenson,Anne's youngest sister, Oline and her brother JohnHogenson (see names page 17) were already livingin Romness Township, Griggs County, DakotaTerritory.

Marthinus and Anne left Norway May 30, 1884with their already large family. Helene was 12,Hannah 10, Hans 8, Ingvald 6, Martin 4 and Antonjust 1 year old. Migration from Norway was at itspeak and Norwegian officials were worried aboutlosing their youngest and strongest citizens. Stillship after ship, full of poor immigrants, leftNorway for America where they would have roomto live and breathe. The ships were overcrowdedand at least one death per voyage wascommonplace. Their voyage across the Atlantictook about four weeks. They must have landed inCanada then traveled across, because according toNaturalization Papers, they entered the UnitedStates at Port Huron, Michigan. They had leftNorway with four dollars for traveling expensesand arrived at their destination with just three centsleft. Marthinus borrowed a team from relatives tocomplete the journey to John Hogenson'shomestead. The story of their immigration and firstyears in America is told by Professor Oftedal onpage 7 beginning with the words HERE IS AN

Naturalization Papers

3

EXAMPLE:.By this time Marthinus Hansen had changed his

name to Marthinus H. Skramstad (see Names page17). He homesteaded on land just south of JohnHogenson's and the family stayed with theHogenson's while Marthinus prepared their home.He dug a hole into the southeastern side of a hilland built a wall on the front. Years later, Heleneoften told of how her father had walked to ValleyCity to buy the boards for the siding on that walland carried them home on his back. Valley City ismore than 50 miles away. Part of this originalhome can be seen in the picture on page 5.

That first winter in Dakota brought tragedy tothe Skramstad family. On December 20, 1884,their seventh child was born. The migration musthave been a strenuous and turbulent time for Anneand it took its toll on this child. The December 26,1884 issue of the Cooperstown Courier stated:

"A boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Skramstad, atRomness, Saturday night, without any fingers ortoes."

He must have had other problems too, becausehe only lived for 23 days. He was named GustavRekardt and his is the only stone in the Skramstadplot at the Ringsaker cemetery.

Ten months later their eighth child was born.Also a boy and also named Gustav Rekardt, but hewent by Richard or Dick.

About this time, Marthinus wrote back to

Norway to his sister, Kari Skramstad Baklund.This letter was found by Kari's grandson, C. J.Baklund (see page 17), now a retired medicaldoctor in Oslo, Norway. The letter was written inNorwegian and the following is an explanation andtranslation exactly as C. J. Baklund gave it:

"A letter from Marthinius Skramstad to hissister (my grandmother) Kari Baklund. The letterhas been enclosed in a letter to my father Johan B.The letter must be written 1884 - 85. I try to give a"direct" translation, in order to give you a touch ofthe "old Style", a little solemn or ceremonious, theunregular use of capital letters and the loss ofpunctuation.

***I will Ask You dear sister to write some Wor-

ds to me if You can not write yourself I think Inger(her daughter) Can write for You and if You haveno money for Stamps then send Yours Lettersunpaid I shall Pay Them myself here even if Yousend a letter every week and I shall likewiseAnswer all of Them As I am very fond of Hearingfrom You and also from my Mother-slan(d) wheremy Cradle stood. I feel inclined to tell Youabout the management with our Cows here inThe Winter we go to the cow-stable at 7-8o'clock in the Morning and then we give themsome Hay and then they are standing to 12o'clock then we drive them out and give ThemWater and if not too cold we drive Them to a

Homestead Affidavit

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Stawstack and there they are standing to late in theEvening and then we take Them in house againand some times we give Them some Hay in theEvening and some times not and This is the wholemanner of doing. and This is the Mans work TheWife has enough to do within doors. I do not havemy Cows in the Straw in rough and cold Weather,because I do not want them to suffer that hard butmany ones have their Cows outdoors freezingbadly Both their Ears and feet. Yes now I haveChattered a little about many things and I think Imust stop this time hoping to hear from You soonagain. When You write do tell me what is Thefalsification the parish Clerk has done, and alsoeverything You may find out of interest. Give mygreeting to Inger and her Husband and all myBrothers and Sisters and also everybody You knowwill take my greeting and at last are You and Nilskindiest greeted from all inthe Family but at firstand last from me Yours affectionated Brother

Marthinius H. SkramstadMy adddress is this Marthinius H. Skramstad Romness P.O. Griggs Co. Dakota North America"

The following is another letter Marthinus wroteto Norway. This time to Johan Baklund, C. J.Baklund's father. Again Mr. Baklund's translationof Martinus' old style Norwegian:

***"Romness 20/10 86

Dear JohanI shall at last Take the pencil in order to send yousome words you have been waiting for a longtime. But I have hold back my writing owing tomy intention to tell you about my very meaningif you ought to take the voyage or not. For mypart I think it the best for you to come over hereas soon as possible. Here you may judge being astore-employed or worker on a farm. As to thelanguage you do not shudder at that, you learn itin a short time. If you feel inclined to come over,it is best to fix it at next spring. I think MartaRød is planning to come over here in the spring,and then you could join company if you both hadcome to a dicision. Besides you must writebetween each other on the matter. I have hadseveral letters from her. I will tell you that theyare going to build a railway in the spirng, in theneighborhood of my home, and therefor it isgoing to be much commotion because here ismuch "kontry" (country), and they are going tobuild a town, also not far from me. All that willface chances to own money in several ways here.If I where in your clothes I should not thinktwice. If you not feel comfortable here you may

after a short time go back, and I am sure youshould have more money with you back, than youhad at arrival. When you have learned thelanguage there are many ways to easy earningmoney here. In my opinion there is not as hard towork here as in Old Norway. I have worked harderfor one krown in the Old Country as I need for onedollar here. I will tell you that I have been out inthrashing now, and for good money. I have been ata thrashing-steammachine for 6 weeks. For thefour first weeks I measured the wheat, and in thetwo last weeks I was the stoker, and I got 2 dollarsa day the whole time. But now I am at homebecause I have much to do on my farm beforefrosty weather is coming. We got a bad crop herelast year, belonging to the long drought. It has notrained since the month May, and now we have notgot any rain, and it is on many places quiteimpossible to plough this autumn, unless one havethe double power to the plough. We got about halfcrop in this district. It does not care much in thiscountry. Sure, I could had wheat for 60-70 dollarsmore, but I still don't shudder for the winterfood. Ihave enough for living, God-bepraised, and I havepayed off all my debitors, so I don't have any left,and this is a good thing in this country also. I willtell you that I have "braket" (broken up) 20 acres. Ibroke up 10 acres last year and 10 acres this year.So I have my acres like 80 "mal" (1 Norwegian.mal equals 1000 sq. metres), and I should think itwould be a nice tenant place ("husmansplass") inNorway. Otherwise I have not time for morewriting at this occasion. You must forgive me forhaven't wrote earlier but it was just because Iwanted to reflect upon the matter very carefullyfirst. I hope you very soon will send me somewords in return, and I would like to see you decideto come in the spirng.

We are sound and well all of us and I hope thesame with you. Greeting to your parents and yoursister from all of us, and last you are much friendlygreeted from your affectionated uncle.

Marthinius H. SkramstadRomness P.O. Griggs Co Dakota North America Farewell"

***During these early years, they probably didn't gohungry but food was sometimes limited. Martinoften told of how his mother would put the food onthe table and divide it up according to the size andneeds of each child. On some occasions, Annewould take Martin to the side and give him a smallportion of food in secret, because she felt heneeded more.

In 1887 their ninth child, Hogen was born, thenClara, their tenth, in 1890

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Back Row - Martin, Hogan, Richard, JohnRued, Hans. Front Row - Ingvald, Anton,Marthinus, Anne, Helene, Hannah, Clara.

John Rued (see page 18), in the back row, isMarthinus' nephew, the son of Marthinus' sisterHelene.

Judging from the age of the children, this picturewas taken about 1892. By this time a new additionhad been built onto the original dug out house.This picture was taken to impress the folks back inNorway. Their most prized possessions were setout in the yard to show how well they had done inAmerica.

SheyenneThe Sheyenne River, with the woods along eachside, provided food, fuel, recreation, income andscenic beauty.

Fishing and hunting were a source of food andrecreation. The Skramstad boys started hunting atan early age. Ammunition was cheap and gamewas abundant. They got plenty of practice andweren't limited by costs. Later, Martin took hishunting more seriously and set a goal of getting abird with every shot. Hans was even better thanMartin, he could judge distance and knew he wason target when he shot the gun. Trapping was alsopopular and it offered a way to earn extra moneyfrom the sale of the furs. The woods also suppliedcooking and heating fuels. The men of theneighborhood would meet in the woods and sawlogs together all day long, on shares. At the end ofthe day the results were divided up hauled to thevarious farms.In the summer the river provided beautiful picnicsites, while in the winter it became a meeting placefor ice skating parties.

RingsakerIn 1896 the Romness community decided to builda church next to the Ringsaker Cemetery. Untilnow the church services were held in homes or atthe school. According to the Griggs CountyHistory Book, the Ringsaker church was built in1897 at a cost of $1380.45. The church wasdedicated July 13-15, 1902 by Professor Oftedalfrom Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis,Minnesota. Professor Oftedal was the President ofthe Board of Trustees at Augsburg Seminary. Hestayed at the Skramstad home during his visit inRomness. The following is a diary-like narrativehe wrote about his trip to Romness and hisimpressions of the people and the scenery. It wasfound in Amanda Skramstad's scrapbook:

"Through Griggs and Nelson Counties, (N.Dak.)

On the eleventh of July, in the evening, wewended again to North Dakota this time viaNorthern Pacific to Cooperstown through Fargoand Sanborn. When one is sufficiently weary, thenight in a sleeping car passes as a dream. I barelyhad time to get a sandwich and a cup of coffee inFargo for my breakfast, then we sped onward inwell-filled coaches to Sanborn where a branch hasbeen built northward to Cooperstown, Binford, andMcHenry. These side branches are at best quiteirregular in their schedule, and since the bigexpress from Minneapolis was unusually late todaywe were obliged to wait a couple of hours beforeproceeding any further.

Meanwhile there had been an excursion to theAgricultural College in Fargo, so the train wasfilled with homeward-going farmers. Theirconversation relative to the benefits derived fromthe trip, and the helpful suggestions they had

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received from the experiment farm about the mosthelpful methods to cultivate the Dakota soil wereexceptionally interesting to hear and the waitinghours sped rapidly by. However, at the same time,a temperance man could not but be grieved toobserve that various farmers had visited Moorheadto take back with them something besidesagricultural counsel. It is unanimously agreed uponthat prohibition has been of untold value for NorthDakota, and if only Minnesota could shut out theliquor traffic from her counties bordering uponDakota, practically all drinking on trains wouldcease.

The train to Cooperstown is as all side-branchesmainly a freight train and has, as an accomodation,a passenger coach at the rear. Passenger-traffic issimply a side line, hence time and regularity are oflittle consequence. By and by we rumbled alonglike an old rattletrap, pausing a long time at eachstation for switching and the like, and in theafternoon reached Rev. O. K. Quamme's inCooperstown where we received a heartywelcome.

But a dark shadow of sorrow prevailed over thehouse. An angel of the Lord had visited and carriedaway from them their oldest son, who had beenburied but two days "previously. Ah, how helplesswe are to comfort when the deep sorrows crush thehuman heart. How gladly would I not havesacrificed drops of blood to subdue the pain for theparents and sisters and brothers. All that I could dowas to suffer with them, be quiet and pray. MayGod himself make the sorrow lighter for these dearpeople and turn it into a blessing.

It was the Ringsaker Church 10 miles northeastof Cooperstown which was to be dedicated. It wasa bright, beautiful day such as when thisprogressive state is at its best. It was wonderful tobehold the large wheat and flax fields along theroad. A light, fresh breeze murmured through thethick wheat fields which were already beginning tohead out, and under the loving sun it was as thougheverything abounded in life and vitality. In allthings Dakota promises to have a bountifulharvest.

Ringsaker congregation and church are in avalley- a real valley in the middle of an endlessprairie, formed by the Sheyenne River. This river,which originates southwest of Devils Lake, flowsthrough the northeastern part of the state in deepcurves and southward as far as Lisbon in RansomCo., where it turns northeast and finally straightnorth along the Red River until it joins this river afew miles north of Fargo. The Sheyenne, with itsinnumerable curves and its wooded banks andcreeks bestows on this part of the state both itsfruitfulness and its individuality. In some places itwidens so as to constitute a veritable valley

surrounded on all sides by high hills making thelandscape similar to that of a valley on Ostlandetin Norway. This was the case here in the Romnessvalley- so called after the Romness postofficewhere the Ringsaker Congregation was formed andhave built their church.

As is customary on such occasions a largegroup of people were gathered so that the erstwhileroomy and practical-built church by far could nothouse all who had gathered. But these hospitablepeople crowded together as best they might to giveeveryone an opportunity to hear.

Besides Rev. Quamme, the pastors Quanbeckand Swenson took part in the dedication. It wasvery quiet and hearts seemed to be open whenduring the sermon it was stressed that a churchonly was properly dedicated when God's Spiritthrough conversion and faith could build Histemple in each and every heart of thoseconstituting the congregation.

The church is an unusually attractive building,quite roomy and practically constructed. It was onthis occasion decorated with bouquets of Redtopsin an original and appealing manner. It ismarvelous how Nature has a horn of plenty filledwith beauty and grace for those who have an eyefor the beautiful. It is no wonder then that the Lordbids us observe the lilies of the field tocomprehend how trifling was all of Solomon'sglory in comparison.

After the services, the Ladies Aid served dinnerfor all in attendance, and thus after dinner thepeople could gather again to listen to thetestimonies of the ministers and laymen and satisfytheir souls with God's heavenly manna. Thewoman of Samaria again had to witness thatwithout a deep, living acknowledging of sin andhumbleness of heart, there is no room in a soul forJesus, the Savior from sin and death.

Monday and Tuesday we had discussionalmeetings, and thus there was time to becomefamiliar with the beautiful Romness Valley.

On the south side of the valley a butte risessignificantly above the valley and surroundingprairies. It is called "Mount Franklin" and isrecognized as a landmark from a great distance.Below this butte my friend Skramstad, whose kindhospitality I enjoyed during those days, establishedhis first home by digging a sod house in the side ofthe hill.

I went up on Mount Franklin one evening toseek quietude and a view of the country, and foundboth to my satisfaction. Relative to the quietude Ishall say nothing, but as to the beauty of thelandscape everyone may rejoice in that.

The Romness Valley lay stretched out in fulllength beneath my feet, and gave one the im-pression of a Valley from "Ostlandet" in Norway.

7

Although so much more outstanding. It is quite afew miles in length and about two miles wide.

It is the Sheyenne river which is wider here andwhich undoubtedly in earlier days formed a largelake. "Ravines" or "coulees" cut thro thesurrounding hills giving the appearance of highpeaks formed of long eternal tidal waves. It stillhappens when the Sheyenne floods and overflowsits banks and the meadows send their surplus waterin a falls thro' the ravines that the Romness valleyclosely resembles a sea. At such times it is notpleasant to be either preacher or farmer.

The whole valley lies below me now almost asone great green field - an unusually large garden(or park). Along both ends of the valley, both eastand west, there is a dark-green woods which in theclear twilight resembles an olive grove. Otherwisethe stream is practically treeless with the exceptionof a few bushes here and there throughout thevalley. It is smooth. and level as a floor except inthe middle where the bottom rises gradually a fewfeet like a piece of a large bullet and which musthave formed a low island at the time the waterssurrounded it. Now it forms a pleasant place tolook at. Here is the schoolhouse with its red roof,the white church and a bridge spanning the riverbetween them. I could never tire of gazing at it. Itnot alone cheered up the whole valley, but it madeit so unspeakably beautiful and spoke in adelightful language all its own. Church-school-bridge it was sort of all America, and not leastDakota, so to speak as a whole. Education - God'sWord and the congregation- and traffic, shiftingfrom the wild prairie with Indians and buffaloes tothe most progressive country in the world in allthings that shape human happiness and strength -and our people are helping do this!

I mused inwardly far, far ahead and the timewent as a dream, and I fairly had to tear myselfaway from this lively view and quiet meditations. Ithrew a last lingering glance at the landscape -below the butte on a level spot, some boys wereplaying baseball - the cattle were slowing wendingtheir way homeward along the side of the hill andtoward the west, back of slight undulations andendless fields, rose a wall of golden skies - it was abeautiful sunset.

When the evening meal has been eaten and allthe homely tasks of evening on the farm have beencompleted, conversation often becomes lively andopen-hearted, and old memories of sorrows andjoys are called to mind. When I recall the manyinteresting stories I have heard from the lips ofboth men and women about their personalexperiences in this country, it seems it forms aconnected picture of all our people's diligent work

throughout the wilderness, both temporally andspiritually.

There is nothing more irritating than to meetpeople who cannot tolerate that neither in this landcan they find everything as they desire it, and thathard work and perserverance are necessary for anindependent existence even here. From the time Ifirst came over and, yes, even now, I meetnewcomers who half in fun and half in doubt burstforth with: "If only we had been here before,during the 'good times' it would have been easyenough. Then we, too, could have workedourselves up." Consequently they never succeed.The 'good times' are now as then, and will continuefor a long time - the 'good times' where there stillis room in this country for a man - who will work.

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE: It was 17 years ago.Many people thought that 'good times' werealready past. But in Norway there were still hardertimes and when relatives sent a ticket home, he leftwith his wife and a large family - the smallest childwas but an infant. Otherwise they had nothing inthe world but good faith, good health, and - fourAmerican dollars to pay traveling expenses.

When they reached Breckenridge - and therailroad doesn't pay much attention to immigrants -they were obliged to stop over for two days andwould have starved had not a Norwegian familyfurnished them with dinner both days. When theyreached their destination, the man had only 3 centsleft - and thus he had to go up to the neighborhoodwhere his relatives lived and get a team to bringhis family over.

Unfortunately, the 'good times' were past, asone says, and all the land claimed. There weresome bluffs toward the meadows, and those theearly settlers would neither have nor see, so he wasallowed to homestead there, and was glad enoughto dig his sod hut in the side of the hill so that heand his family had a shelter and a spot to call theirown. But the 'good times' were past. Therefore hewas obliged to work out, and the wife at home, andboth strived equally hard and faithfully to keep thechildren alive and after a year they progressed somuch that they dared buy a cow and calf for $50spot cash. Later on they got a young ox and thefamily began to have a brighter outlook; theylooked forward to the time when they couldperhaps possess a yoke of oxen and begin to farm.

But for four years the man had to seek work asa wood chopper, harvest work and so forth,before he could get started to farm. However,these two persisted, working untiringly bothearly and late, and taught their children thesame, and it bore fruit little by little - slow butsure. First, oxen, then horse and horseteam and

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more horses and cows and pigs - and the groundbroken up little by little - and earth added by dintof hard labor and unswerving faith.

To recount what anguish and loss, what bitterstruggles this family has seen during these 17 yearscannot be done here. All those who have startedwith two empty hands and have seen hard wintersand dry summers in Dakota are familiar with thesehardships. This man's, and his ambitious wife's,history is the experience of hundreds andthousands of our people.

But if any grouchy, dissatisfied, lazy man camefrom Norway and saw this man's farm with all itsequipment and belongings in the pink of condition,and heard that he was the sole possessor and hadbeen able to acquire in that space of time a wholesection of land of the most fertile soil - I amconfident he too would say: "Yes, the one thatcould have been here in the 'good, old, times'"

***Later Marthinus sent Professor Oftedal a portraitand the thank you letter from Professor Oftedalwas found in Anton Skramstad's scrapbook. It waswritten in Norwegian and translated by Ann Berg:

"Minneapolis, Minn.July 21, 1902

Dear Skramstad,Thanks for sending your portrait. It was very

thoughtful of you to send it. I will never forget thegracious hospitality you and your good wifebestowed upon me while I was a guest in yourhome.

My observation of you and your family is thatgreat accomplishments are possible by an energeticNorwegian family when they all put their minds tobettering themselves and the land upon which theylive, rather than devastating the land and givingnothing in return. Those of your children whom Imet I hold in high esteem, and wish them each amost hearty greeting. May God in His goodnessbless you, your wife and children and grant you agood life on your paradise on earth. I would verymuch appreciate a picture of your farmstead.

Greet Mrs. Skramstad and thank her mostgraciously for the warmth and comfort I found inyour home. God give us the grace to live out ourlives in peace and understanding on this earth, andtrust that through faith in Christ we will meetsomeday at the Throne of God.

Your friendSven Oftedal

According to records kept by Gilbert Olson, aformer Treasurer of the Ringsaker Church, M. H.Skramstad was a consistent and generouscontributor. His name was often at the top of thelist when a fund drive was initiated. The membersweren't always asked to contribute money though,occasionally they were asked to give sacks of oatsfor Rev. O. K. Quamme's horses. Marthinus wasvery involved in church activities and was electedTrustee. When Rev. Quamme died, Marthinus wasExecutor of his estate.

Ringsaker Church

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Romness Band 1908

Back Row - Hogan Skramstad, Jul Kastet,Peter A. Overby, Martin Leiberg, AndrewKastet. Middle Row - Casper Overby, ElmerJohnson, T. P. Overby, Albert Johnson. FrontRow - Oscar Overby, Anton Skramstad,Richard Skramstad, Alph Overby, JohnStromme.

The Skramstad's were a very musical family.Both the Skramstads and their neighbors theOverbys had a native ability with music. Severalof the Overbys went on to receive degrees inmusic. At times the children would have thehouse in such an uproar with their music that tofind peace, Anne would have to escape to Mt.-Franklin. And always with her knitting in herhands.

Built 1908-09

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The Griggs County History Book had this tosay about the Romness Community.

"The Romness Band, directed by OscarOverby, was one of their special achievements,and the many picnics that were held at aparticularly beautiful spot south of Horse Hill weremade even more enjoyable when the band gatheredto entertain the crowd."

The piano in the Skramstad home arrived inDakota Territory on a covered wagon. Theybought it from amongst the wares of a travelingsalesman. Anton later bought it from the estatewhen it was sold at the auction sale. It is now atthe home of Ann Berg in Fargo.

There were some prosperous years and manyRomness residents built new homes. Each one hadto be bigger than the one before and Skramstad'shome was the last one built, consequently, it wasthe biggest.

The third floor was meant to be a ballroom, but asit turned out, there wasn't a dancer in the family.So the third floor was used for drying laundry.

Marthinus had an astonishing talent with stone. Hecould take a boulder and with the correct use oftools, split it and shape it to the exact size heneeded. With these skills he built a stone wall onthe north side of the house.

Stonewall

Supper at the Skramstad'sMarthinus, Anton, Gustav Arneson, Anne

(with her knitting), Martin and Helen.

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Gustav Arneson was a bachelor neighbor whooften worked with the Skramstads.

The supper picture was taken in their kitchen. Thetable that was in their dining room is still in thefamily. Anton bought it at the auction sale and hisdaughter Ann Berg has it now. She also has thecompote that always sat in the center of the diningroom table. It held the sugar lumps that they hadwith their coffee after the meal.

Marthinus and his sons were active in townshippolitics. The March 17, 1910 issue of the SentinelCourier shows Hans Skramstad was elected clerkand M. H. Skramstad was elected treasurer ofRomness Township.

Marthinus was nicknamed 'Bismarck'. Bismarckwas the capital of North Dakota and the nicknameimplies that this farm was the capital of Romness.

As travelers passed through the Romness area,they were directed to the Skramstad farm. Theywere given a hot meal and bed. Their horses werefed and put up in the barn. The next morning theywere sent on their way with a sack of oats and baleof hay for the horses and a container of food fromAnne. (This "There's always room for one more"attitude seems to have come down the generationsto Art and Mae Skramstad.)

On some occasions, the Skramstads took needypeople into their home for extended stays and thecounty would pay them. One such person was aman whose nickname was Long Andrew or BigAndrew. He was alone and sick and no one wouldhelp him because he had tuberculosis. TB, at thattime, was a terribly serious and contagious disease.The big-hearted Skramstads took him in fullyaware of his condition. Many of them contractedTB and the story of the Skramstads is drasticallychanged by this act of Christianity. Ingvald,Marthinus and Hogen died of tuberculosis, alsocalled consumption. Hannah, Anton and Claraeach spent time in TB sanatoriums.

Helen had the occasion to tell the story of herfather's final days. That story as it is rememberedsays that Marthinus' TB had worsened to the pointwhere he was bedridden. He realized that his timeof death was drawing near and he asked the familyto gather around his bed. While they stood there,he suddenly turned and looked at the wall. His facelit up and he made a statement in Norwegianwhich translated to: "Now we are on our way toHeaven. Boy! Isn't this going to be fun."

Marthinus Skramstad

His hands were badly malformed from the years oftoil. He had one stiff finger, which shows in thispicture.

He died September 5, 1913. His obituary was fromthe Sentinel Courier September 11, 1913:

PIONEER CITIZENPASSES AWAY

***M. H. Skramstad, Early Settler of

Griggs County, Succumbed toTuberculosis Last Friday.

M. H. Skramstad, one of Griggs County's earlypioneers, passed away last Friday afternoon,pulmonary tuberculosis, from which he hadsuffered for the past four years, being the cause ofdeath.

Mr. Skramstad was born in Osterdalen,Norway, May 24, 1847, where his youth andearly manhood was passed. On June 21, 1872,he married Miss Anne Hogenson of that placeand continued to reside in Norway until 1884,when he removed with his family to the United

12

States. They came direct to Griggs county andsettled on the homestead which has since beentheir continuous residence and where Mr.Skramstad passed away.

The deceased, although having suffered for fouryears from tuberculosis, had only been confined tohis bed about a week prior to his death.

Mr. Skramstad was a man highly respected byeveryone who had the honor of his acquaintance, aman of sterling quality and worth, and as has beenstated by a prominent citizen of our city, "was aman who had acquired a competence withoutcausing inconvenience or misfortune to others."

Mr. Skramstad is survived by his wife andseven children. Two daughters, Helen and Clara,and five sons, Hans, Martin, Anton, Hogen and

Richard. Of his number, Anton, Hogen, Helen andClara reside on the old homestead. The others,excepting Richard, who makes his home inCarlstadt, Alta., Canada, reside on farms near theold home. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon,Sept. 7, from the Ringsaker Lutheran church, tenmiles northeast of Cooperstown, Rev. Tollefson ofFinley officiating. Interment was made in thecemetery of that church and the large attendance offriends and neighbors attested in the strongestmanner possible to the high esteem in which thedeceased was held.

In the passing of Mr. Skramstad, Griggscounty loses one of its substantial and most highlyrespected citizens."

The Last Will and Testament

13

Inventory and Appraisement

14

In 1917 they had an auction sale and sold most ofthe farming equipment. The March 1, 1917 issueof the Sentinel Courier includes this advertising ofthe auction sale:

"Auction SaleA public auction will be held at the M. H.

Skramstad farm, 2 1/2 miles east and 5 1/2 milesnorth of Cooperstown, on THURSDAY, MARCH8, 1917, The following property will be offered forsale:

14 HEAD OF HORSESOne bay mare 9 years old, wt. about 1400; 1

bay mare 16 years old wt. about 1400; 1 baygelding 4 years old, wt. about 1215; 1 gray gelding16 years old, wt. about 1250; 1 black gelding 6years old, wy, about 1400; 1 black gelding 2 yearsold, wt. about 1500; 1 black gelding 13 years old,wt. about 1500; 1 bay 4 years old, wt. about 1300;1 bay mare about 4 years old, wt. about 1300; 1bay mare 14 years old, wt. about 1300; 1 bay mare5 years old, wt. about 1350; 1 black gelding 6years old, wt. about 1400; 1 mare colt coming oneyear old; 1 horse colt coming one year old.

16 HEAD OF CATTLESix cows 3 years old, 1 cow, 7 years old; 1 cow

8 years old; 1 bull coming 1 year old; 3 heiferscoming 1 year old; 2 steers coming 1 year old; 2calves.

FARM MACHINERY,One 3 1/2 h.p. gas engine, 1 double burr feed

grinder, 2 set bob sleighs, 1 set light bobs, 1manure spreader, 3 truck wagons, 2 wide-tirewagons, 2 hay racks, 3 75-bu. tanks, 1 manurewagon with hard wood box, 1 surry 1 singlebuggy, 1 18-in. stubble walking plow, 5 setsharness, 1 1½ h.p. gas engine, 1 blacksmith outfit,2 gang plows, 1 iron frame smoothing harrow, lmade-to-order spring tooth harrow, 2 8-ft.McCormick binders, 1 8-ft. McCormick mower, 1Monitor drill, 1 disc harrow, 1 Deering hay rake,grind stones, pumpjacks, some Red Top andTimothy hay, and other articles too numerous tomention.

Sale starts at 11:30 sharp; free lunch at 11:00and hay for horses.

Terms: All sums of $10.00 and under cash; onsums over that amount, time will be given to Nov.1st, 1917, on bankable paper drawing interest atthe rate of 10 per cent.

ESTATE OF M. H. SKRAMSTAD,By Martin Skramstad, Executor.

J. A. Winsloe, Auctioneer,Seval Friswold, Clerk.

The next issue of the Sentinel Courier includedthis one line:

"The sale at M. H. Skramstad was a big successand everything went good."

Anne Skramstad

Anne Skramstad is in the living room of theirhome. The little bamboo table on the right of thepicture came with them from Norway. It usuallystood next to the piano and held the sheet musicand hymnals. It is still in the family at the home ofAnn Berg in Fargo.Helen often told of how her mother was self-conscious of her large work-worn hands and wouldgenerally put them behind her back when beingphotographed. Whenever her hands weren't busy,she would pick up her knitting. Anne could also doHardanger embroidery and one particular piece isstill in the family. It also belongs to Ann Berg andshe understands that it was made before theyimmigrated.Earl Simenson was less than 3 1/2 years old whenhis mother, Hannah, died. He lived with theSkramstads then until he was old enough to startschool.When asked what he remembers of hisgrandparents he said:

"I remember Grandma Anna very well. Ilived there from the time my mother died untilit was time for me to start school at home. She,

15

Helen and Clara cured and dried meat and poultryand pork was put up in 30 to 40 gallon crocks atthe farm. Every bit of animal fat was saved topreserve the meat in these crocks. Coffee wasalways bought from Syversons store in 50 lb.containers and was ground by Grandma in agrinder held between her knees. The coffee potwas a huge thing, probably near a three gallon size,and it was never cold from Sunday morning toSaturday night. Grandma would make a fresh potof coffee every Sunday morning. The pot wascleaned, new grounds put in, one egg (shell andall) added then filled with water and put on the oldrange to boil. It stayed there all week, eachmorning new grounds and the egg were added withwater and this went on usually all week. The oldgrounds were discarded on Saturday night. Thedried beef she made was out of this world. It hungon the back porch from the ceiling and it lastedforever. How I would love some of it now. It neverspoiled. She had long rows of Gooseberries,Currants and some other berries which she pickedand preserved. She was one grand old Grandma."

"I remember one incident with Grandpa. Hehad a long row of willows north of the house alongthe road. One year they were infested with armyworms and he had a sprayer that was strapped tohis back. He carried the sprayer and then put meon his back also and carried me while he sprayedthis long row of willows."

Professor Elwyn B. Robinson speaks of thehardships and satisfactions of pioneer woman inhis book History of North Dakota:

"The women endured more than the men fromthe whole round of life on the prairie frontier -from living in drab, homely sod houses or logcabins with dirt floors and leaky roofs, from anendless round of pressing tasks in feeding hungrymen and caring for ill children when a doctor wasbeyond reach, from bearing babies with only theaid of a neighbor woman, from listening to theceaseless wind and the ceaseless talk of crops, andperhaps above all from sheer loneliness. Manytimes, especially in the first years, the wife andchildren would be left alone for days and evenweeks at a time while the husband was away.

He might be working on a railroad constructioncrew or on a bonanza farm; he might be cuttingties for a railroad or cordwood for a steamboat;or he might be making a trip to town. Therewere always long trips to be made with slowmoving oxen - to a river for wood, to town forlumber and supplies, to market with grain. Itmust have seemed to many a woman that shewas always waiting for her husband to come

home.... There was another side to pioneering, asimportant as hardships and abandonment ofstruggle, and that was the conquest of a newcountry. Many of those who stayed built up theirholdings and prospered. For them, pioneering wasan adventure, and they quickly developed a feelingof loyalty and affection for broad, sweeping landwhere hospitality was a sort of religion, wherepeople gave each other a helping hand when it wasneeded, and where, by dint of hard work, risingland values, and frugal living, they were gettingahead."

Anne died April 6, 1918. Her obituary says shedied at her home but her death certificate is fromNorthwood Deaconess Hospital, Northwood, N.D.and says that she had been a patient for three days.Her obituary is from the April 11, 1918 issue ofthe Sentinel Courier:

"MRS. M. H. SKRAMSTADHAS PASSED AWAY

***Pioneer Woman of the County,

Succumbs to Attack of Gall StonesAt Age of 73.

Again the long arm of death has reached intoour midst, taking another pioneer, Mrs. M. H.Skramstad, who died at her home in Romness,April 6th, 1918, at the age of 73 years, 6 monthsand 28 days, after having been a sufferer for sometime with gall stones.

Anna Hagenson Asprusten was born Sept. 8,1844, in Osterdalen, Norway. On June 21st, 1872,she became the wife of M. H. Skramstad, and tothis union were born 10 children, three girls andseven boys, six of whom are now living, namelyHelen, Hans, Martin and Anton Skramstad ofCooperstown; G. R. Skramstad, of Alta., Canada,and Mrs. Clara Johnston, of Hettinger, N.D. Mr.Skramstad passed away Sept. 5, 1913.

In 1884, deceased came with her husband toAmerica, and settled on a homestead in Griggscounty, in Romness township, where she continuedto reside until her death. She was a loving motherand a dutiful wife, and her life was a long anduseful one. She was a pioneer woman who helpedblaze the trail for us who follow after, and to theseearly pioneers, the women as well as the men, weowe a great deal. She lays down her burden at theclose of her long life, and while we mourn herpassing, we know her labors here on earth arefinished and that she goes to the reward of thefaithful in that other land, where all must sooner orlater take up their abode, and begin life anew.

Funeral services will be held this afternoon,April 11, at 2 o'clock, at the Ringsaker churchin Romness, Revs. Overby of Aneta and Boe of

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Finley, officiating, and interment will be made inthe Ringsaker cemetery.

Mrs. Skramstad's death is sincerely mourned byall who knew her, and the sympathy of friends andneighbors goes out to the bereaved children."

Anna Margaret Skramstad Berg wrote thefollowing about life on the farm after Mrs.Skramstad’s death:

“I remember Aunt Helene telling about myDad (Anton) walking over to visit GustavArneson (this was after Grandma died andthere was only Helene and Anton left on theplace) and Helene said she would get solonely rambling around in that big house,that she would grab her knitting and flee toMt. Franklin until Anton would return fromhis visit.

Also I remember she told of how she andmy Dad would eat their meals in the pantry.The big old kitchen and formal dining roomjust held too many memories for them andthe confines of the pantry helped alleviatesome of the pain of loneliness for them.”

After Anne's death they had an auction sale to sellthe household goods. This ad was found in theSentinel Courier, September 26, 1918:

"Auction SaleAn auction sale will be held on

the M. K. Kramstad farm 8 milesnoreast of Cooperstown, onTUESDAY, OCT. 8, 1918

Sale will comence at 1 o'clock p.m. sharp, and thefollowing property will be sold:

1 cow 6 years, coming fresh in December.1 cow, 8 years, coming fresh in December.1 heifer one year old.1 sheepAbout 90 chickens.1 malleable steel range.1 large size Hero fanning mill.1 smut mill.1 lawn mower1 hand wagon.1 piano with stool.1 organ with stool.1 No. 15 De Lavel cream separator.1 extension dining room table.1 kitchen table.1 basement cabinet.1 combination book case.

2 combination hat racks.1 kitchen cabinet.1 buffet1 chiffonier.1 writing desk.4 iron beds.20 dining room chairs.6 rocking chairs.2 clocks.1 washing macine and wringer.2 wash tubs.2 hanging lamps.1 hall rack.4 small tables.2 large tables.1 carpet sweeper.1 cloth rack.120-gal. jar.1 copper boiler.1 fur robe.1 plush robe.2 big rugs.9 small rugs.1 spinning wheel.Pictures, blankets, kitchen ware, garden tools,

and other items too numerous to mention.TERMS: All sums of $10.00 and under, cash;

on sums over that amount, time will be given untilOctober 1, 1919, on good bankable paper bearinginterest at the rate of 8 percent.

ESTATE OF M. K. SKRAMSTAD.By Martin Skramstad, Executor. J. A. H.

Winsloe, Auctioneer. Seval Friswold. Clerk

* * * * * * * * * *

They worked hard and had more than theirshare of sorrow, but they must have felt atremendous sense of accomplishment to havecome so far from nothing, and to have helped somany along the way.

They are remembered and this book will givemore of you a chance to remember them.

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John Hogenson

John Hogenson was Anne Skramstad's brother. Hewas one of the first settlers in Griggs County. Hedied July 8, 1939. His obituary reads:

"John Hogenson, pioneer Romness farmer whocame to Griggs county in April, 1880, to take ahomestead, was laid to rest in the soil he traveled4,000 miles to find following funeral services inthe Methodist church of that community.

Hogenson, whose early life is part and parcel ofthe ephocal Norse immigrations, passed away inthe hospital at Sharon of complications attendantupon old age. He was 92. Rev. John Nymark ofValley City officiated at the rites.

Born at Osterdalen, Norway, on June 19, 1847,Hogenson spent his early years working on hisfather's farm and laboring in the mountain woods.Upon his father's death, he left Norway forAmerica in May, 1867.

ARRIVES IN QUEBEC

Arriving in Quebec after six weeks on theAtlantic during which time he witnesses the seaburial of 15 people who died on shipboard, hecontinued on by rail and steamship to land inWinona, Minn.

Shortly thereafter Hoganson located in Fillmorecounty, Minn., working as a farm laborer, railroademployee and lumberjack.

In 1876 he was married to Karen Vestern, alsoof Norwegian birth, and the couple lived four yearsnear Amherst before coming to North Dakota.

VISITS GRIGGS COUNTY

In the spring of 1880 he decided to visit theterritory which is now Griggs county, of which hehad heard many reports, and set out alone on hismission. He reached Valley City April 23 andstarted north on foot, camping at the Sibleycrossing the first night. On April 26 he arrived atthe Omund Nelson Opheim's home on theSheyenne and the following day saw the locationwhich was to be his home and homestead theremainder of his years for the first time.

In September of the same year he brought hisfamily up from Minnesota in a prairie schooner,driving 26 head of sheep and 16 head of cattle.

In 1887 Hoganson was appointed postmasterof Romness township, a position which he heldfor 17 years. He also served as a member ofthe board of county commissioners and as townand school clerk. He aided in the establishmentof the church from which he was buried Wed-nesday.

PATIENT FOUR WEEKS

Hogenson had been a patient in the hospital forthe past four weeks, passing away Saturdayafternoon.

Survivors include five sons, Edward ofVancouver, B.C.; Otto of Portland, Ore.; Joseph ofLaurel, Mont.; and August and Lewis ofCooperstown; two daughters, Mrs. Ida Stenbro ofAneta and Mrs. Josephine Bue, Cooperstown; andtwo sisters, Mrs. Oline Anderson of Los Angeles,Calif., and Mrs. Helen Lien of Tolna. There are 26grandchildren. His wife and two daughterspreceeded him in death."

NamesIn the old days, Norwegians were identified bytheir Christian name and their father's name.Example: Hans Haagensen's son was namedMarthinus Hansen, and Haaken Johnson's daughterwas named Anne Haakensdatter. Then there wasusually another name after that, often a farm name.Anne came from the Asprusten farm therefore,Anne Haakensdatter Asprusten. If you moved to adifferent farm you would have a different lastname.

On arrival in America, the immigrants oftenadopted a third name, like the name of the farmfrom which they came. Others changed their nameto fit American spelling. Example: JohnHaakenson became John Hogenson.

Many immigrants kept their name and therebecame an over abundance of people with nameslike Olson, Hanson, Johnson, Anderson.Sometimes an immigration official would assign anew name to a person, for variety. There weretimes when four brothers would each have adifferent last name.

When more than one person in the Romnessneighborhood had the same last name, theysomehow acquired a nickname. There were timeswhen the nickname was used in all matters exceptlegal. Many young people would know a neighborby their nickname and would have never heardtheir real name.

C. J. BaklundC. J. Baklund is a retired medical doctor wholives in Oslo, Norway. He found the letters thatMarthinus wrote back to Norway and decided towrite and see if there were still any Skram-

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stads at that address. He wrote this letter in1976, addressed to:

Anyone named SkramstadRomnes P.O. Griggs Co.(seven miles from Cooperstown)N. DakotaU.S.A.

"C.J. Baklund M.D.Frydenlund gt.17Oslo 1.NORWAYDear relativ, or someone named Skramstad!

In the year 1884, the 30th of May, MarthiniusSkramstad from Rena in Norway emigrated toU.S.A. He got a farm in North Dakota, with theadress: Romnes p.o. Griggs co. N.D. He was abrother of my grandmother, Kari HansdatterSkramstad, who was married to my grandfather,Nils Johnsen Baklund. Their son, my father, JohanBaklund was very fond of his uncle Marthinius,and could give him a helping hand when he leftOslo for U.S.A.

Now a little about myself: I am the son ofJohan Baklund, and I am an old man now (b.1893),old, but healthy. I am retired medical doktor, andwas up to 1963 the Chief Medical Officer ofschool hygien and schoolchildren health, OsloBoard of Health. Like many other people I now often like to looka little backwards, and among old letters I havefound some from my fathers uncle MarthiniusSkramstad. The letters are dated from 1886 to1892. He tells about the farm, the crop, harvest,how many acres he has "braket" up that year, ands.o. There is also a letter from his daughter,Hannah, to her cousin Johan, dated 1892. In 1907my sister Borghild (now 79) got a postcard fromClara Skramstad showing a view of Cooperstown,and she says: "we live seven miles from it.."

Why do I write this letter? Well, first I aminterested to know if I still have relatives, namedSkramstad in N.D., and seconds, is there still afarm where my fathers uncle Marthinius settled?The old letters tell alot about the first years. Isanybody interested? I should be happy to know! With greetings, (signed) C. J. Baklund (I think I must add: the letters are writtenin Norvegian, except that card from Clara Skr.)”

***Art Skramstad received the letter andcommunication began again between GriggsCounty and Norway.

John RuedJohn Rued immigrated to America as a youngman. He stayed for a while with his uncleMarthinus and family. Later he moved to theMinot, N.D. area, married and had a large

family. There was communication between Johnand the original Skramstad family and he returnedto Cooperstown for a visit many years later, but thenext generation didn't keep up communicationsuntil. . .

In the summer of 1977, a man came into theSentinel Courier newspaper shop in Cooperstownand asked if there were still any Skramstads inCooperstown. The man was Norman Rued, JohnRued's son and the clerk he asked was SharonSkramstad Belgarde. Sharon left her work andwent with Norman and his wife Vi to ArtSkramstad's home. After some introductions andvisiting, they started looking at old pictures. WhenNorman saw the picture of the family in front ofthe sod house, he recognized his father, and sincethere had been no names on that picture, Art hadn'tbeen able to identify him.

During their stay at Cooperstown they visited atthe Pat and Loretta Hoglund farm (the presentowners of the original Skramstad farm). They wereremodeling the house and removing some old mopboards and window casings. Norman asked if hecould take some boards back with him to FederalWay, Washington. He had plans for boards but hekept his ideas to himself. A few months later, Artreceived a large package from Norman Rued. Hehad made a beautiful clock out of the wood fromthe Skramstad house. It was painted withRosemaling, a decorative Norwegian technique,and a Skramstad story was attached to the back.

Skramstad Clock

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Griggs County Historical MuseumThe Griggs County Museum in Cooperstown holdsmany interesting pieces of Griggs County andRomness Township history, including the high chairthat Clara Skramstad used when she was a baby. Apair of raccoon driving gloves and a muskrat cap, thatwere made by Martin Skramstad, are also on display.Martin trapped the animals, tanned the leather, cutand sewed the gloves by hand.

The Romness Band picture, the family portraitand the picture of the big house are also in themuseum.

HoglundsPat and Loretta Hoglund are the present owners of

the original Skramstad farm. They have recently donesome remodeling. The porch was removedbefore they were owners.

The Skramstad house as it looks today

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First Generation

3 Helene Marthea Skramstad was bornNovember 7, 1872 the daughter of Marthinus andAnne Skramstad at Østerdalen, Norway. Helene(pronounced Helen) was eleven when her familycame to America. She attended school in Romnessand was active in the Ringsaker Church.

She was a loving daughter and cared for herparents in their illness and death. Marthinus' LastWill and Testament states: "I give and bequeath tomy daughter Helene in appreciation of love andfaithful service the sum of Four ThousandDollars."

Later, when the farm was sold, she and Antonmoved to Cooperstown and lived in a house nearthe old high school. When Anton married andbought his own home, the Skramstad brothers builta house for Helene on the east side ofCooperstown. The house cost $800.00 to build andshe put the remainder of her inheritance in thebank and lived off the interest for many years.

Helene was a meticulous housekeeper and awonderful cook. She is remembered for thedelicious Norwegian delicacies she kept on hand toserve her guests.

Earl Simenson lived with her part of the time thathe attended Cooperstown High School. It wasduring this time that he came down with scarletfever, and between Helene and a special nurse,they took care of him around the clock for anentire fall and winter.

Dick lived with her too before he died in 1934.Helene continued living in Cooperstown until sherequired care and was moved to the DeaconessHome at Northwood, N.D. in 1952. She lived therefor almost seven years and died there May 3, 1959.

Helene's obituary from the Sentinel Courier, May7, 1959:

Funeral WednesdayFor Helen Skramstad

Funeral services for Helen Marthea Skramstad,86, were held in the Trinity Lutheran church inCooperstown May 6. The Rev. A. P. Tidemannofficiated. Burial was at Ringsaker Lutherancemetery northeast of Cooperstown.

Miss Skramstad died Sunday in Northwood,where she had been residing at the Deaconesshome since the late fall of 1952.

She was born in Norway, November 7, 1872,the oldest child of Martinus and Anna (Hogenson)Skramstad. When she was a young girl, she camewith her parents, a sister and four brothers to NorthDakota, locating in Romness township, her homeuntil 1919 when she moved into Cooperstown. Shewas formerly a member of Ringsaker church, laterjoined Trinity Lutheran in Cooperstown.

Miss Skramstad is survived by a sister, Mrs.Dave J. (Clara) Johnstone of Duarte, Calif., abrother, Martin of Cooperstown; two nieces, Mrs.Edwin McCosh, Grand Forks, N. Dak., and Mrs.Ordean Berg, Fargo; eight nephews, HenrySkramstad of British Columbia, Melvin and Geneof Minot; Oliver of Tucson, Arizona, Raymond ofFargo, Arthur of Aneta, Earl Simenson, Racine,Wisc., and David Johnstone, Duarte, Calif.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, asister, Mrs. Emil (Hannah) Simenson, and sixbrothers, Rekhard, Ingvald, Hogen, Hans, Richardand Anton.

Quam Funeral Home was in charge.***

Helene saw it all. Being the first born, she was oldenough to remember Norway very well. Then allthe immigrating and homesteading experiences.She watched her brothers and sisters grow, thenlived through so many deaths in the family. Justtwo sibling, Clara and Martin, were left whenHelene died.

4 Hannah Marie Skramstad was born April 17,1874, the daughter of Marthinus and AnneSkramstad at Østerdalen, Norway. She marriedEmil Simenson, November 26, 1903 at the homeof her parents in Romness Township. They hadtwo sons:

13 Maynard Ingolf November 28, 190514 Earl Alonzo November 22, 1907

Hannah was 10 years old when her familyimmigrated to America. She attended school inRomness Township. At age 18, she wrote thefollowing letter to her cousin Johan Baklund:

"Romness Griggs Co. Dakota,May 23, 1892

Dear cousin John,I must now write a few words to you. I must

tell you that we are all well and wish you thesame. And all we children have got so big sinceyou saw us that you would not know us if you

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should ever see us again. My sister Helen is not tohome now she is out working up by a place calledOttawa it is not very far from our place and she hasgot three dollars a week. I have not been outworking now for a whole year but I think I amgoing this summer we can get from fourteen tosixteen dollars a month. My brother Ingvald isgoing to work out this summer and have tendollars a month, if he was in Norway I don'tsuppose he could get ten dollars a year.

We like it very good here and would not like togo back to Norway. I have got two brothers andone sister here that you have not seen ther names isGustav Rekart, Haagen, and Clara Olava, you mustthink we was glad when we got a little sister andwe think much of her to. She has got it lots ofbetter than we had when we was small and I wishshe would all ways have it that good.

I think I must stop my letter this time, you mustexcuse my simple writing for Clara and I is homealone to day and then she playes around me all thetime so I can not hardly write a word. My fatherand mother is in Cooperstown to day and the otherchildren is to school.

You must write to me as soon as you get myletter.

Your cousinHannah M. Skramstad.

(p.s.)I think we are going to have our picture taken

this summer and then you will have our pictureI am sorry I have not wrote before because

you have been waiting for it so many times thatHelen and I should write to you on English.

Jeg har det godt har dagligt brodmens mangen stakel lider nod

Jeg er fornoiet, frisk og sterkmens mangen lider ve og vark

O gud hor takken fra min mundfordi jeg er saa glad og sund,

O kjare gud lad mig dig prisefor dagligt brød jeg har at spise

Mit hjertes lovsang skal du havejeg har ei nogen ander gave

Ja vore hjerter alle sammenTag mod dem kjare fader Amen."

Translation of the Norwegian PrayerI have it good, have daily bread, when many

poor ones must suffer. I am satisfied, fresh andstrong, when many poor ones have wants and pain.Oh God hear the thanks from my mouth for beingso glad and sound. Oh dear God, let me praise youfor the daily bread I have at meals. My heartslovesong you shall have, I have no other gift fromall our hearts, take it, dear Father Amen.

On Hannah's wedding day, November 26, 1903,this short article appeared in the CooperstownCourier.

"Mr. Emil Simenson and Miss HannahSkramstad are to be united in marriage on this

Seated - Emil and Hannah.Standing – Axel Simenson, Helen Skramstad, Martin Skramstad, Gudrid Quamme

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glad Thanksgiving Day. They are both youngpeople who have hosts of friends all over thecounty who will join with the Courier in extendingcongratulations.

The next issue, December 3, 1903 included this:"Mr. Emil Simenson and Miss Hannah

Skramstad were united in marriage at 4 pmThanksgiving Day, by Rev. O. K. Quamme. Therewere about sixty guests present. The young peoplewere the recipients of many useful presents. Thewedding occurred at the home of the bride'sparents, Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Skramstad ofRomness. A host of friends extend congratulationsin which the Courier heartily joins.

Marriage Certificate

Hannah suffered from tuberculosis and washospitalized at Pokegema Sanitarium on PokegemaLake in Minnesota for a while. She died April 13,1911 at the age of 36, leaving two very youngboys. Her obituary was in the CooperstownCourier April 20th:

MRS. EMIL SIMENSONMrs. Emil Simenson died at her home about

one mile east of the city last Tuesday at 5:20 p.m.Mrs. Simenson was for years affected withtuberculosis of the system, but nothing seriouslydeveloped until about one year ago, when herlungs became affected and she gave graduallyaway until death ended her sufferings. In additionto this sickness, she also of late had an attack ofappendicitis. On account of her weakness nothingcould be done for her and this ended the beautifullife more quickly than it would otherwise haveended. Mrs. Simenson leaves a husband and twolittle boys, besides her parents and several brothersand sisters. And while the loss is great in moreways than one, the loss is her gain.

Mrs. Simenson was a good wife, an affectionatemother and a devout christian. She resigned herselfto the will of the Master and death was not a terrorto her but a pleasant and welcome sleep.

The funeral took place last Monday, Rev. J. M.Jenson officiating at the funeral. A large number offriends from far and near gathered at her late homeand escorted the remains to the church. The churchwas filled every seat being taken. Rev. Jenson usedas his text Ruth 1, 16-17, and pointed out somepoints of resemblance in the one who spoke thesewords and the one who left us.

The stricken husband and the two motherlesslittle boys have the undivided sympathy of all whoare in a position to know them. And still we trustthat they are not alone. The Lord who gave andtook will still be their support and stay.

It is not death to die,To leave this weary roadAnd midst the brotherhood on highTo be at home with God;Jesus, Thou Prince of Life,Thy chosen cannot die;Like Thee, they conquer in the strifeTo reign with Thee on high.

Emil was a camera enthusiast and was responsiblefor many of the candid photos of the Skramstads.He later remarried and had four more children,Arthur, Roy, Ruth and Lillie. Ruth and LillieSimenson are next door neighbors of Art and MaeSkramstad in Cooperstown. Lillie is Register ofDeeds, Clerk of Court and County Judge forGriggs County, and was very helpful and patientduring the scavenging of county records, in searchof Skramstad history.

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5 Hans Skramstad was born March 31, 1876, theson of Marthinus and Anne Skramstad atØsterdalen, Norway. He married Karoline ElizeJohnson, November 30, 1899 at the home of hisparents at Romness. They had five sons: 15 Melvin Arthur November 14, 1901 16 Henry Lewis June 7, 1905 17 Irvin Clifford April 29, 1908 18 Oliver Hogen November 20, 1914 19 Raymond Monroe November 25, 1918Hans was 8 years old when his family immigratedto America. He attended school in Romness. Hemarried Karoline (Lena) at age 23 and theirwedding story was in the Cooperstown Courier,Thursday, December 7, 1899:

"Thanksgiving Day was appropriately observedat the Skramstad home at Romness, when Mr.Hans Skramstad was united in marriage to MissLena Johnson, Rev. O. K. Quamme officiating.The Courier extends congratulations."

Hans owned a steam engine and thresher anddid custom threshing for area farmers. His son,Oliver, remembers hearing a comical story ofhow a group of farmers got together and bought asteam threshing machine and went intocompetition with Hans. They called themselves

'The Company'.

One day Hans was coming home from the westand had to cross the bridge by Hogenson's to gethome. The Company rig had come before him anddecided the bridge wouldn't support them, so theyhad tried to cross the river at a crossing just left ofthe bridge. They were completely stuck in the riverby the time Hans arrived. He crossed the littlebridge with his rig and when he got to the otherside, he tooted his steam whistle and went right onhome.

Hans had experience with road building inRomness and bid for the job of building the roadthat is now part of Highway 200. His sectionstarted west of Cooperstown and went alongtoward Finley. He used a method of buildingcalled cuts and fills. He cut down the hills andfilled in the valleys. The road was called theBumble Bee Highway and the story is that a ladnamed Theron Young had signs printed with abumble bee on them. He carried them in his carand put them on telephone poles along thehighway. The idea was that the highway shortenedthe distance between two points like a beeline,therefore the Bumble Bee Highway.

Hans and Lena Skramstad

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Hans and friends after the hunting trip

Hans was a skilled hunter. The following is a storythat appeared in the Sentinel Courier, December27, 1978:

"The hunters in this picture were not correctlyidentified in our Griggs County History Book.

The proper identification is as follows: HansSkramstad, owner of the car at the wheel; T. A.Thompson in the left front seat, I. D. Allen, leftrear seat and N. A. Patterson right rear seat.

In the Cooperstown Courier of January 31,1907, Mr. N. A. Patterson gave a detailed accountof their hunting trip. Mr. Patterson was assistantcashier of the First National Bank at the time, laterhe was cashier.

The hunting party left Cooperstown October19, 1906 in Hans Skramstad's Rambler, which hehad purchased from King-Piatt Auto Company inSeptember. In an ad in May, 1906, King-Piat AutoCo. advertised their Rambler Touring, 18horsepower, for $1200.00. With a top it was$100.00 more. Skramstad's Rambler had carbidelights. They arrived at the new little town ofHamar on the Fort Totten Indian Reservation at5:30 p.m. The weather was cold so they drainedtheir car and parked it in the elevator at Hamar.They carried in hay to make their beds on the floorof the elevator office, their home for three days.The boys dug pits 5x4x2 feet, then returned to theelevator for the night.

At 4:30 Saturday morning, October 20, Mr.Thompson, with Bert Phipps went to the slough

while Mr. Allen, Mr. Skramstad and Mr. Pattersonwent to the pits, leaving the car in a ravine aquarter of a mile away. There were thousands ofgeese, not all coming in their direction. Theshooting lasted until 10:30 and the result was 54geese. Towards evening they burned straw in thepits to warm the ground. When the fire died downthe men went back into warm pits. By night theyhad 72 geese and 28 canvas-back and redheadducks.

They spent all day Sunday taking in theReservation and Monday started for Cooperstown,taking in sloughs and lakes enroute. They arrivedin Cooperstown at 5:30.

Tuesday afternoon they went to the fairgroundswhere the picture was taken. They show 35 geese(6 honkers and 29 white geese). Some had beenleft with Mr. Phipps at Mose and some given tofriends. They thought this would be the hunt oftheir lives.

Edward Johnson"

Later the family moved to Sharon, N.D. whereHans was the blacksmith. He had a definite talentfor this vocation. In particular, he had a techniquefor sharpening plowshares so they would staysharp. Farmers came from miles and miles aroundto get Hans to sharpen their plowshares. Theywould be stacked up outside the shop becausethere were so many. To keep up, he had to hire acouple of extra men.

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Because of his experience with threshingmachines, he was occasionally asked to make'house calls' to repair a broken down machine. Hehad a talent for machinery, welding andblacksmithing and his son, Oliver, stated that of allthe things Hans did, he probably enjoyedblacksmithing the most. Hans died May 18, 1939. His obituary was inthe Sentinel Courier May 25th:

"FUNERAL HELD FORHANS SKRAMSTAD

One Time RomnessFarmer Victim of Stroke

In Home At Sharon Funeral services were held in the Ringsakerchurch of Romness township Friday for HansSkramstad, one time resident of that communityand lately of Sharon, N.D. Rev. Wm. Madsonofficiated at the service.

In his 64th year, Skramstad suffered a severestroke a week ago Sunday in his home at Sharonand was taken to a hospital. He passed away lastThursday. He was born in Norway in March, 1876, cameto this country with his parents at an early age andgrew to manhood in the Romness community. Hefarmed there for many years and was widelyknown at one time as a thresher, machine expert,hunter and road builder. Some years ago he quitfarming and moved to Sharon where he engaged inblacksmithing and machine work. Surviving him are his wife and five sons,Melvin of Montana; Henry, in Canada; Ervine,in California; and Oliver and Raymond ofSharon. Interment was made in the Romness cemetery.

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

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R. M. Skramstad O. H. Skramstad I. C. Skramstad H. L. Skramstad

FIGHTING either for theUnited States or for Canada arefour of the five sons of Mrs.Caroline E. Skramstad of Minot,formerly of Cooperstown. Sgt.R. M. (Red) Skramstad, young-est boy, is flight chief with the57th bombing squadron, Savan-nah, Ga.; O. H. Skramstad isstationed at the Alameda naval airbase at Alameda, Calif.; Staff

Sgt. I. C. Skramstad was withMacArthur's forces in the Phil-ippines and when last heard fromwas with a pursuit squadron atNichols field; Pvt. Henry L.Skramstad is with the Canadianarmy, stationed at Red Deer, Alta. Mrs. Skramstad makes herhome with her oldest son, MelvinA. Skramstad at Minot.

Four of Hans and Lena's sonswere in the service at onetime.

* * * *Lena died March 18, 1952 atSharon, N.D.

"SKRAMSTAD – ANDERSON

6 Ingvald Skramstad was born June 29, 1878,the son of Marthinus and Anne Skramstad atØsterdalen, Norway. He was 6 years old when hisfamily immigrated to America. He attended schoolin Romness. He died August 25, 1903 at the youngage of 25. His obituary is from the August 27,1903 issue of the Cooperstown Courier: "Ingvald Skramstad died Tuesday morning, at 6o'clock from consumption. The deceased is a sonof M. H. Skramstad of Romness and had been sickfor some time. He went to California last winterwith the hope that that climate would benefit hishealth but the disease had taken too large a hold onhis delicate constitution and he returned homeabout two weeks ago and gradually sank awaydying on Tuesday morning. He was a young manof many good qualities and his demise is regrettedby a large circle of friends.”

7 Martin Skramstad was born March 4, 1880,the son of Marthinus and Anne Skramstad atØsterdalen, Norway. He married AmandaAnderson, June 6, 1907 at Ringsaker Church,Romness Township, Griggs County. They hadthree children:

20 Arthur McKinley August 3, 190921 Frances Mairon October 21, 191622 Gene LeRoy March 26, 1922

Martin was 4 years old when his familyimmigrated to America. He attended school inRomness and worked for neighboring farmers atan early age. As a young man, Martin wasemployed as the manager of the grocerydepartment of Syverson's Store in Cooperstown.His bride, Amanda Anderson, was a neighbor ofhis from Romness. The Cooperstown Courier hadthis story Thursday, June 13, 1907:

Mr. Martin Skramstad and Miss Amanda Anderson bothof Romness were happily married at the Lutheran churchat that place, June 6th at 3 p.m., Rev. J. M. Jenson, of

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Cooperstown officiated. Mr. Skramstad is a youngman of good habits and sterling qualities,favorably known to a large number of people ofCooperstown and elsewhere. Mrs. Skramstad is anexemplary young woman deserving well of hermany friends. The newly married couple start outon life's voyage together under favorable auspices.We have no reason to predict any matrimonialinconvenience even though the elementsthreatened to marr their happiness on the outstart.The happy couple will soon go to housekeeping ina neat little home in Cooperstown. We bid youGod-speed on your journey, Martin, and our bestwishes follow you."

They lived in a cozy little house in Cooperstownand in August 1909, Arthur was born in that home.

In 1912 they bought a 160 acre farm in Romness.The farm became known as "Stony" because therewere so many rocks and stones in the soil. Martinremoved many of these rocks and built a stonefence with them. That stone fence still stands asdoes one granary (many will remember "Stony"for its excellent Juneberry trees).

One year Martin grew a swell crop of what hethought was durum. His neighbors bet with himthat it wasn't actually durum. Martin won the betand along with that he won the nickname 'Durum',and Art became known as 'Puppy Durum'.

Frances was born while they lived on"Stony".

Seated - Martin and Amanda.Standing - Thorval P. Overby, Hogen Skramstad, Clara Skramstad, Mrs. Thorval P. Overby.

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Art Skramstad standing in front of their homeat Stony. Taken by Dick Skramstad. All thebuildings were built by Martin.

Martin farmed for a few years on "Stony" but inthe process of building the stone fence he haddamaged his back so later he rented out his landto a neighbor and worked as a carpenter.

In 1917 they moved again. This 13 acre farm, alsoin Romness was called "The Pup Place". Pup wasthe nickname of the Nelson family who hadowned the farm.

Martin worked exclusively as a carpenter at thistime and Art remembers some very lean years.One particular fall, Martin had $100.00 from hiswages as a carpenter, and he and Amanda made alist of all the food and supplies they would needfor the long winter. Martin went to Cooperstownand spent all their money. Any other expenseswould have to be met with the extra moneyMartin earned by trapping. They had a few cowsand chickens and Amanda did the milking andcared for the chickens. Gene was born while theylived at "The Pup Place".

Seated - Martin and Amanda.Standing – Gene, Frances and Art.55th Anniversary

In 1944 they sold the farm and moved back toCooperstown. They bought back the same littlehouse they had owned when they were first married.Martin was employed as a carpenter for CraneJohnson Lumber Co. until his retirement.

In 1962 their daughter and son-in-law, Frances andEd McCosh, hosted a 55th wedding anniversary forMartin and Amanda at the McCosh home in GrandForks.

To fill his retirement days, Martin enjoyed workingcrossword puzzles and playing solitaire. When hehad a partner he delighted in playing scrabble andcribbage. He also enjoyed fishing and would driveout to Art's farm and fish in the Sheyenne river.

Seated - Clara Olava Johnstone, Martin andAmanda Skramstad. Standing - Row 1 - Sharon,Sheryl, Bradley, Holly. Row 2 - Patsy, Larry,Sandy, Dennis. Row 3 - Arlene, Terry, Arthur,Allan.

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Later he became diabetic and needed insulin shots,so he moved to the Rebekah Home inCooperstown for medical care. In December 1965he became ill while visiting at the home of Gene atMinot. He died December 27, 1965 at a Minothospital.

He is remembered as a man who rarely spoke anunkind word about anyone.

Amanda lived on for a time at their home inCooperstown then at the nursing home in Aneta,N.D. She died January 26, 1973 at the hospital inNorthwood, N.D.

8 Anton Skramstad was born April 13, 1883, theson of Marthinus and Anne Skramstad atØsterdalen, Norway. He married Marie Onsager,January 1, 1920 at Northwood, N.D. They haveone daughter:

23 Anna Margaret October 4, 1921Anton was just one year old when his familyimmigrated to America. He attended school in,Romness and also a couple of terms at Fargo A.C.now called North Dakota State University.

As a young man Anton had a bout withtuberculosis. He pitched a tent in the back yard,got plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and wassuccessful in this first round with TB.

After the Skramstad farm was sold, Anton andHelen moved to Cooperstown and lived in a housenear the old high school.

He was hospitalized for a short time at Northwood,N.D. He met and began a relationship with hisnurse. Six months later they were married. Theirwedding story from the Sentinel Courier, January8, 1920:

"SKRAMSTAD - ONSAGERFriends and kindred in and near this city are in

receipt of cards announcing the marriage, atNorthwood, North Dakota on New Years day, ofAnton Skramstad and Miss Marie Onsager. Thecards announce that Mr. and Mrs. Skramstad willbe at home in Cooperstown, but no one hereappears to know when they are coming hither orjust where they will take up their abode.

Anton Skramstad has for a long time been aresident hereabouts, at first as a farmer in thetown of Romness, but more recently as aworker in various capacities in this city. Thosewho know him speak of him in terms of war-mest praise as a young man of sterlingqualities, a good citizen and a good friend tohave. His bride is not well known hereabouts,but such as do know her pronounce her a lady

Marie and Anton

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of most engaging personality and charm, one whowill be a distinctly desirable acquisition in localcircles. She has for years been a nurse in theNorthwood hospital. The Sentinel Courier warmly joins with theCooperstown and other friends of the couple inextending congratulations and warm well wishes."

They bought a house near the oldCongregational Church and Anton was employedat the Cooperstown Electric Co. Later they boughta farm in Romness, currently the Curtis McCardlefarm.

Anton was very active in township politics. Hewas nicknamed "Big Chief" and Marie was called"Squaw". When citizens of the township neededsomething done they went to Anton. He either didit himself or organized people to get it done. Hewas always on the school board and activelyinvolved with the road building that was done. During the depression, the township receivedbasic supplies from the county to be distributed toit's most needy citizens. Anton had a granary witha cement floor (built by Martin) so the food andsupplies were stored there and Anton and Mariewere responsible for distributing them. Tragedy struck the Skramstads when Mariedied June 13, 1934. Her obituary was in theSentinel Courier, June 21, 1934:

"MRS. SKRAMSTAD ISBURIED SATURDAY

Well Known Romness Resi-dent Laid to Rest at

Old Northwood Home Griggs county friends were grieved last week tolearn of the passing of Mrs. Anton Skramstad ofRomness township. Death came to relieve intensesuffering from a several months illness fromcancer, in which every effort had been undertakento combat the disease. She died at the Northwoodhospital, where she had been taken several daysbefore, at 3 o'clock Wednesday morning, June 13. Funeral services were held at Northwood lastSaturday, Rev. Laeseson officiating. The remainswere laid to rest in the beautiful Northwoodcemetery.

Obituary Marie Onsager was born in Northwood onFebruary 9, 1888. In childhood she attended theNorthwood schools and following this entered thenurses' training school of the Northwood hospital.She graduated from that institution in 1908, withthe first class to complete training. Following graduation she practiced herprofession until the entry of this county into theWorld War. She enlisted as a nurse in 1918, and

continued in that capacity at Vancouver, WAsh.,and Denver, Col., until her discharge in the fall of1919. On January l, 1920, she was united in marriageto Anton Skramstad of Cooperstown and made herhome here until the spring of 1924, when theymoved to their present home in Romness township.One daughter, Anna Margaret, was born, who withthe sorrowed husband survives. Other relatives areher father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. A. A.Onsager, one brother Albert, and one sister, Mrs.Emil Kasin, and two half-brothers, Alfred andThorval Onsager, all living at Northwood:”

Anton mourned her loss and became restless anddiscontented. He didn't sleep well and his healthbegan to fail. He had a relapse of TB and wasadmitted to the San Haven TB sanatorium at SanHaven, N.D. in 1936.

He spent the rest of his life at San Haven. Hisdaughter Ann stated that he was quite contentthere. It supplied the social outlet that he needed.He was among people who had the same problemhe did. He again assumed the role of helping othersand getting things done. During the war years, thesanatorium was short of help and Anton wouldhelp where he could by taking temperatures, traysand etc.

Later it was discovered that he had cancer and hewas taken to a Minot Hospital where he diedDecember 23, 1949.

The following is from the February issue of theSan Piper, a monthly publication written andpublished by the patients at San Haven:

"A TRIBUTEAnton Skramstad

1883-1949 If, in recent years, San Haven has had anoutstanding patient, the distinction must have goneto Anton Skramstad. Commonly known as "Skramie", he was a manof good judgement and firm convictions, softspoken and friendly. He was a Christian. Many are the fellow patients and employeesto whom he has extended kindness andencouragement beyond measure. His long residence at San Haven has written achapter highly complimentary to him. His death isindeed a great loss.

A.C.B.

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(A Tribute continued)

Nearly everyone at the San knew him. Thereare very few, who at some time or other, were nothelped and encouraged by this kindly man. He hadbeen a patient at the San since July 1936. Last fallit was found that he was suffering from an acuteailment other than TB, and he was brought to aHospital in Minot for surgery. For a time it seemedthat he was improving following the operation butnot for long. On Dec. 23rd he passed away at theage of 66 years.

Funeral services were conducted in theLutheran Church at Cooperstown at 2 o'clockDecember 28th. Reverend Corliss Rasmussenofficiated. Interment will be made at Northwoodwhere his wife was buried some years ago.

Gilbert MustadFinley, North Dakota"

His obituary was in the December 27, 1949issue of the Sentinel Courier:

"ANTON SKRAMSTADFUNERAL YESTERDAY

Funeral services were held at two o'clockWednesday, December 28, at Trinity Lutheranchurch in Cooperstown for Anton Skramstad, longtime resident of Romness township, who passedaway at Trinity hospital, Minot, Friday, December23.

Mr. Skramstad was born in Norway on April13, 1883, and came to this country when he was aninfant. He was married to Marie Onsager ofNorthwood, January 1, 1920. They lived inRomness township where Mrs. Skramstad passedaway in 1934. He had been at San Haven, N. Dak.,from 1936, until he was taken to the Minot hospitalabout a month before his death.

Surviving are one daughter Mrs. Ordean (AnnaMargaret) Berg of Fargo; a brother, Martin, ofCooperstown; and two sisters, Helene Skramstadof Cooperstown and Mrs. Dave Johnstone ofHettinger, N. Dak.

Pallbearers were Olaf Gunderson, OscarGunderson, Lewis Hogenson, August Hogenson,Selmer Dahl and John Dahl.

Rev. C. M. Rassmussen officiated. Burial willbe made in the Northwood cemetery in the spring.”

9 Gustav Rekardt was born December 20, 1884,the son of Marthinus and Anne Skramstad atGriggs County, N.D. He was born about fivemonths after the Skramstad family arrived in

America. The Cooperstown Courier included thisshort article December 26, 1884: "A boy was bornto Mr. and Mrs. Skramstad, at Romness, Saturdaynight, without any fingers or toes." Gustav died January 12, 1885, he wasn't evenone month old. He is buried in the RingsakerCemetery which at that time didn't include theRingsaker Church.

The only stone in the Skramstad Family plot.

10 Gustav Rekardt (Richard) Skramstad wasborn November 21, 1885, the son of Marthinus andAnne Skramstad at Griggs County, N.D. Heattended school and grew to manhood at Romnesstownship. He graduated from Aaker's BusinessCollege at Grand Forks, N.D. His diploma can beseen hanging on the wall in the picture of Anne onpage 14. Richard was the second generation ofSkramstads with the pioneering spirit. He movedto Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada in 1910 andhomesteaded. He came back in 1918 and thefollowing news article was found in the SentinelCourier at that time: "G. R. Skramstad arrived in CooperstownMonday from Bingville, Alberta, Canada, and

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expects to spend the remainder of the winter withrelatives east of town. He states that the crop in hissection this year was light, but that in some places,40 bushels was common. Mr. Skramstad hasproved up on his claim, which is 30 miles fromtown, but states that by next fall a railroad will bebuilt which will shorten the haul considerably. Helikes the climate of the Alberta country very much.Mr. Skramstad was registered in Canada andwould shortly have been called for military servicehad the war continued." He lived with Helene in Cooperstown. Thegarage that was on her property was built by Dickas a garage and shop. He had many tools and didcarpenter work. Dick had one of the first radios in Cooperstown.It was an Ozarka and Dick was sort of a dealer. Heonly sold three or four sets, so it wasn't veryprofitable. It used a six volt battery and when itwas run down, he had to carry it downtown to becharged. Needless to say, the radio was never lefton carelessly, there was some planning as to whenthe radio would be used. This interest in radio carries on through the nextgenerations. Among the descendants are fivelicensed Amateur Radio operators, also one spouseof a descendant. Included in them is OliverSkramstad who was employed professionally as anengineer at a radio station.Call letters are:18 Oliver W7HTV 42 Larry KA7APA19 Raymond WA4THC 42 spouse Dee KA7BBD20 Art KGGI 46 Terry WA7SZW Allan Skramstad (105) is currently a radiooperator in the US Marine Corps.

Most of the above are licensed pilots also and atthis point it might be interesting to list all the pilotsand attempted pilots among the Skramstaddescendants.Licensed pilots:18 Oliver 38 Donald19 Raymond 42 Larry20 Art 46 Terry22 Gene 46 spouse Marilee

Those who have started but not completed pilottraining include:37 Brenda42 spouse Dee44 Sharon

***Now back to Dick - One day he came back fromthe dump grounds in tears. He had found thescattered pieces of his mother's rocking chair(she is sitting in it in the picture on page 5). Ithad been sold at the auction sale and he wasable to find marks to positively identify it as

hers. After the pieces were glued back together, headded some supports and other repairs. Some willremember this rocker in Helene's living room. Therest of us will have to see it where it is currentlyhoused, at Ann Berg's home in Fargo. Richard died November 9, 1934. His obituarywas in the Sentinel Courier, November 15, 1934:

"G. R. SKRAMSTADDIED LAST FRIDAY

Funeral Services Held Mon-day for Well Known

Resident "Dick" Skramstad, 49, well known Griggscounty citizen, passed away at his home inCooperstown on Friday, November 9, at 1:30 am,following an illness of three years duration whichin the last few weeks had confined him to his bed. Funeral services were held on Monday of thisweek, with services at the home at 1:30 and at theLutheran church at 2 o'clock. Rev. Jacobsonofficiated and burial was made in the family plot inthe Ringsaker cemetery in Romness township.Pallbearers were: T. P. Overby, Casper Overby,Albert Johnson, Carl Bue, Elmer Mathison andLewis Hogenson.

Obituary Gustav Richard Skramstad was born inRomness township, Griggs county, on November21, 1885, the son of Mr. and Mrs. M. H.Skramstad, early settlers: He had spent practicallyall of his life in this community, leaving here in1910, when he went to Canada, returning in 1918.Since that time he had made Cooperstown hishome, living here with his sister, Miss HeleneSkramstad. He is survived by three brothers; Hans ofSharon and Anton and Martin of Romnesstownship, and two sisters; Miss Helene ofCooperstown and Mrs. Dave Johnstone ofHettinger. Both his parents and three brothers andone sister have preceded him in death.”

11 Hogen Skramstad was born September 17,1887, the son of Marthinus and Anne Skramstad atGriggs County, N.D.

Hogen attended school and grew to manhood inRomness Township.

He died February 7, 1914 at the age of 26.

His obituary was in the Sentinel Courier, February12: "Hogen Skramstad died Saturday morningfrom pulmonary tuberculosis, after an illness ofsix years. He was 26 years of age at the timeof his death. Surviving relatives are his

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mother, Mrs. Anne Skramstad, four brothers,Hans, Martin, Anton and Richard, and two sisters,Helen and Clara. His father, M. H. Skramstad,passed away but a few months ago. The funeralwas held from the Ringsaker Lutheran church, tenmiles northeast of Cooperstown, on Tuesday. Rev.Tollefson of Finley officiating. The death of this young man, although notunexpected, is an added burden of sorrow to thebereaved relatives, and the most sincere sympathyis extended by friends and the community ingeneral."

12 Clara Olava Skramstad was born December16, 1890, the daughter of Marthinus and AnneSkramstad at Griggs County, N.D. She marriedDavid Johnstone February 14, 1917. They had oneson:

24 David October 9, 1920Clara was born in 1890 when the family was quitecomfortably adjusted to the 'new world'. She was abeautiful young woman and she must have beenthe darling of the family.

Clara and Hogen Skramstad

She moved to Hettinger, N.D. and met and marriedDavid Johnstone. Their one child David Jr. ispictured below:

David Johnstone, Jr. taken about 1923

This picture was used on the calendar from hisfather's clothing store at Hettinger, N.D. This storewas later sold and David Sr. became Register ofDeeds for Adams County.

It was during the time they lived at Hettinger thatClara was hospitalized at a TB sanatorium atColorado Springs, Colorado. She was there forabout four years at which time David Jr. stayed atHettinger with his father.

Approximately during World War II, they movedto California. David Sr. died July 30, 1962 atMonrovia, Calif. The day of his funeral, August 2,1962, his grandson, Steven A. Johnstone drowned.Clara died February 3, 1980.