Frank Abbot McClaflin was born February 1, 1856 at Burlington, Michigan. He received his education and was reared to manhood there. He married Ida Bell French in July of 1877. She was born at Frodonia, Michigan in August of 1858 where she received her education. To this union four children were born; Frank E. in November, 1878, Frederick P. in July, 1880, Mattie Bell in August, 1884 and Minnie Dale in June of 1888.
In 1889 the family left Burlington, Michigan and came to Valley City, North Dakota where his sister, Sara McClaflin Tooley, had settled. His wife lived a short time after coming to North Dakota. She passed away in March of 1891 in Valley City.
Frank Abbot then married Carrie Gilbertson in December, 1894 at Valley City, North Dakota. In 1901 he moved his family to Noltimier Township where the homestead buildings are still standing.
Frank E. was the oldest son of Frank Abbot McClaflin. He attended school at Valley City, North Dakota where he grew to manhood. He and his brother, Frederick P., farmed together for a time in Skandia Township.
In November, 1903 Frank E. McClaflin married Elizabeth Marie Thomsen at Valley City. They moved to Rosebud Township and farmed about ten miles northwest of Litchville, North Dakota. Three children were born to this union; Ida Marie in September, 1904, Elsie Mae in March, 1906 and Louis D. in March 1908. They farmed there until his death in April of 1909. The family then moved to Litchville, North Dakota and lived there until 1919. She and her children went to live with the Frank Abbot McClaflin family in Noltimier Township for a year and then moved to Valley City, North Dakota. In April, 1924 she passed away and in May, 1928 Ida Marie died. Elsie Mae attended school at Litchville, Noltimier, and Valley City. She was married to Herb Markuson in September of 1927 and had two sons, Lawrence Wayne, born in February of 1928 and Ralph, born in March of 1931. The boys graduated from Valley City High School. Lawrence then entered the United States Army and Ralph attended college before joining the United States Marines.
Lawrence, after returning from the service, married Marlys Rodin in December of 1951 at Valley City, North Dakota and then moved to Seattle, Washington. They adopted Lee Johnathon in February of 1960 and Kevin Karl was born August, 1962. They reside at Seattle, Washington.
Ralph was married after returning from Korea and they had two children. Robbie Ray was born in December of 1952 at Mahnomen, Minnesota and passed away in July of 1970. Randie was born in January,, 1962 at Valley City, North Dakota. He is attending school at the Valley City High School at the same time the history of Barnes County is being written for the Bicentennial in July of 1976.
Louis D. McClaflin, son of Frank E. McClaflin, was born March, 1908 at Litchville, North Dakota. He attended
school there and at Valley City State Teachers College. He is married to Claudia Sisson who was born at Spiritwood, North Dakota. They have one child, LaVonne, who married John Christopherson and they reside in Seattle, Washington. From this marriage there are two children, Doreen and Laura.
In 1942 Louis moved his family to Bremerton, Washington where he and his wife worked for the Federal Government for 25 years. They are now retired and have resided in Woodburn, Oregon since 1969.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 144