Louis Martinson was born in Sweden. When a young boy he immigrated to Minneapolis, Minnesota where he studied blacksmithing. As there was a need for a blacksmith in Leal he opened a shop in 1906.

Besides blacksmithing Louis manufactured grain tanks, stone wagons and grasshopper sprayers. One year he made as many as thirty-five grasshopper sprayers, which were constructed from old Ford car chassis. Among the many services in the blacksmith shop he also reflued steam engines for the threshing machines. Louis worked long hours to take care of the needs in his shop.

In 1907 he built the home that is still lived in by his wife. Louis Martinson married Esther Anderson (1888- ) in 1910 and three sons were born whose names and residences are as follows: Lawrence, Rochester, NY; Earl, Lodi, Ohio; Robert, Harwood, North Dakota. This family was busy in the affairs of the village, the church and the school. Louis served on the town board. In 1955 he retired from blacksmithing because of ill health. Esther was Treasurer of the Leal school District 56 for thirty-three years and held offices in local organizations.

She continues to live in the original home built in 1907 using the same bedroom furniture that was purchased in 1910 also the dining room furniture that was a wedding gift to them. The table is set with many places these days when friends and relatives gather for a lunch or meal Esther has prepared. She is still deeply rooted in the affairs of the little town at Leal, North Dakota.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 153