Anton Skramstad was born in Toten, Norway, September 20, 1856 and came to America with his parents and settled in Fillmore County, Minnesota. At the age of 24 he left home, along with five friends - Evan Hanson, Edward Rodlin, Andrew Hogen, Ole Hogen, Christian Lee. They landed in Valley City and with a land agent, drove twenty-five miles south of Valley City and decided to stake a claim in Thordenskjold township where Anton lived the rest of his life. They built a sod house on the line dividing their quarters of land so they could put their bed in each end of the room and in that way could sleep on their own land in order to claim it. Anton built a log house in 1 886 which was moved twice and at the present time is part of the house on Sigvart Olson's farm.
Anton Skramstad and Edward Rodlin also worked on the large farm called the Dalrimple. Anton was the stable boss and since there were 100 horses on binders he had a lot of responsibility.
Anton married Mary Hamre in 1884. She was the sister of Ole Hamre who married Karen Skramstad, sister of Anton Skramstad. Anton and Mary had six children, namely: Ida, (Mrs. Sigvart Olson); Arthur, died at age of four; Effie, died at age of 3 weeks; Amelia, (Mrs. Hilmer Johnson); Agnes and Arthur. Effie and Arthur died during the diphtheria epidemic in the 1880's. In the early days of farming, people were concerned about each other and when Anton went to Valley City, which was 30 miles, his wagon would be filled with supplies for his family and others. St. Petri Church was built in 1896 and all the Skramstads were confirmed and members of this church. In 1900 the Northern Pacific Railroad came through Nome from Fargo to Marion which was a big thrill.
In 1909 a new large house was built to replace the log house. They lived here for four years and in April of 1913 the house burned down due to spontaneous combustion. Anton died in the fire. Mary continued to live on the farm till her death in 1937. She had had another large house built and managed the farm.
In 1915, February 28, Amelia and Ida had a double wedding. Ida married Sigvart Olson and Amelia married Hilmer Johnson. Both couples homesteaded in a different place but eventually moved back to Nome, only one-half mile east of the mother's farm. Agnes lived at home all her life. She passed away November 15, 1929 at the age of 35.
Arthur married and lived in Detroit, Michigan for a few years. He spent some of his life at home even after he was married. His daughter, Marilyn, stayed with Grandma some of the time too.
Mary and Anton were very active in church and entertained a lot. Mary continued her church and community activities. Her grandchildren cherish the memories of the good times spent in her home.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 226