John Benson was born in Sweden and came to America in the 1860s: He was a member of the track laying crew that built the Northern Pacific Railroad. He lived with the Indians one winter in the Sheyenne Valley and was a teamster between Fort Ransom and Fort Totten.
After marriage, he and his wife Johanna, a Swedish immigrant, took a homestead on the Kathryn road four Whiles south of Valley City. Seven children were born to this union, the oldest being Ernest, born July 28, 1883. He married Anna Berg of Tokio, North Dakota September 16, 1914. He passed away in 1957 and Mrs. Anna (Berg) Benson, died September 18, 1964.
Harry Benson, son of Ernest Benson, married Blossom E. Nordley on July 3, 1942. A carpenter and contractor by trade, Harry worked at Couer D'Alene, Idaho, Moses Lake, Washington, and Ogden, Utah, before entering into business in Valley City. Due to illness he was forced to retire in 1956. He is now permanently disabled.
Mrs. Harry Benson was born August 14, 1912 in Potter Township, to Bernt and Emma (Gulmon) Nordley. Two children were born to Harry and Blossom Benson. Vernyce was born November 27, 1943 and is married to Robert P. Simonson. Cheryn Benson was born September 22, 1945 and is married to Roger A. Wagner.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 27