Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Boom, one daughter and seven sons arrived in Barnes County in 1906, after farming in Wisconsin for thirteen years. They purchased section 2-137-61 where they continued to live until 1929 when they bought the Peterson farm, section 34-138-61.

Winnie, their only daughter died in 1913. She had never married. Son Frank served in the Armed Forces during World War I and died in 1920. He had never married. Son Anthony, married to Esther Duven, had five children: Ethel, Mrs. John D. Roorda; Lucille, Mrs. Myles Trapp; Mildred, Mrs. Milton Dunwill; Ramona, Mrs. Dick Waldie; Robert (deceased) was married to Shirley Berg. Anthony passed away in 1972. His wife Esther now lives in Marion. Son Marvin, married to Tillie Roorda. Both are deceased. Son Clarence, married to Janet Jongewoard, has five children: Evelyn, Mrs. Bernard Kluvers; Eugene, married to Violet Bickett; Avis, Mrs. Bernard Lenssen; Colleen, Mrs. Conrad Rienstra; Loren, married to Lorraine Else. Clarence and wife Janet now live in Marion.

Harold, married to Gertrude Von Bruggen, has three children: Lloyd, married to Lola Swier; Donald, married to Dorothy Van Dyke; and Jo Ann, Mrs. Conrad Harihoorn. Harold passed away in 1966. Gertrude resides in Marion. Son Aaron, married to Marie Miedema, has one son, Dennis, who is married to Elaine Segale. Aaron and Marie reside in St. Paul, Minnesota. Son George, married to Jessie DeVries, has two children: Rena, Mrs.

Don Huber; Eddie, married to Pat Altieri, George and Jessie live in Marion.

Church services were held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Boom for many years before the North Marion Church was built.

Mr. and Mrs. Boom spent many anxious hours as their boys found ways of entertaining themselves, having fun with the neighbor boys, hitching up broncos and taking turns riding them.

Mrs. Boom died in 1944 and Mr. Boom in 1954.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 33