August Noeske, his wife Henrietta, and their two children; Frank, 3 years old, and Herman, year old, emigrated to Barnes County from Belgrade, Germany, in 1881. Four children were born in the United States; Lena (Mrs. John Marshall), William, Minnie (Mrs. John Raveling), and Albert (who was born November 26, 1888).

August took a homestead in Noltimier Township, and worked for Louis Noltimier until a house was built on the claim. The house consisted of two rooms downstairs and one large bedroom upstairs which was reached by a ladder. The house was unplastered, and it was bitterly cold in the winter time, with frost forming on the roof boards. Later additions brought the house up to 8 rooms.

Meat was plentiful, with much wild game, such as prairie chickens, rabbits, wild geese and ducks.

In the Spring and Fall, Indians would migrate between reservations and stop to buy or beg oats, hay, bread, butter, eggs and milk.

Farming was difficult as everything was done with horse-power. Much time was spent feeding, currying, and harnessing the horses, and barn cleaning.

Friendly neighbors made for good times and social events; such as basket socials, spelling bees, dances, all of which made life quite livable. Both school and church activities were held in the Priebe School.

In the Fall of 1896, August donated a tract of land to the North Dakota Methodist Conference and the Salem Methodist Church was built and became the center of activity for many years.

Farming changed but little until the 1920's, when tractors came into general use. With the tractors came automobiles. August bought an Overland in 1916.

August's son, Albert, married Lillian Hoffman on November 29, 1922. August and his wife, Henrietta, continue to live on the home farm.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 177