Gustav M. Anderson, born September 21, 1866, left his home in Fredreickstad, Norway, at the age of 16, spending 3 years at sea as a sailor going to England, Europe, Africa, and Australia. He immigrated to America in 1885, coming to his sister's place in Northland Township, Ransom County. In 1892, he married Martha Skjerbak at Fort Ransom and they moved to Valley City where they lived for three years. Gustav worked as a butcher for the "Jim Lee Shops". Their first daughter was born in the city. They lived in a house south of the Elks, near the river. Gustav's health became poorly from going in and out of the cold storage rooms; so in the Spring of 1895, they purchased a½ section of land in Northland Township and in the Spring of 1896, they hen moved on to the land.
Martha Skjerbak was born in Elverum, Osterdolen, Norway, April 19, 1868. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Oluf Skjerbak. She immigrated with her father and brother to America, arriving at Morris, Minnesota in 1878, where they made their home until 1883, coming then to Ransom County.
The land they bought was purchased on crop payments; the price being 3200 bushels of wheat: a certain part of the crop to be paid each year. Improvements on the farm were a small dwelling house, a stable, and a granary built of sod. In 1909, he bought his sister's farm, and in 1918, he bought his wife's home place.
The Andersons had four children: (Anna) married to Adolph Schultz; (Elma) married to Edwin Fagerstrom; (George) married to Alice Hansen; (Louise) married to George Scott.
Martha died March 20, 1929 and Gustav died January 21, 1939.
Gary, son of George and Alice Anderson is farming the homestead land with additional acreage.
Valley City residents from this ancestry are Donna Mae Fagerstrom, (Mrs. Warren K. Johnson). Their children are: Jeri Lou Thilmony (Mrs. Terry Thilmony), Mark and J. Paul.
Gale Anderson was a Valley City resident, working with the A.S.C. from 19591974. He was honored as being the youngest manager in the State. He is presently with the A.S.C. in Washington, DC. The children of the Gale Andersons are: Debra, Guy, Joy, Cheri, Ryan, and Darrin.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 17