Martin O. Skonnord immigrated from Snartengdalan, Norway, about the age of 21 and homesteaded land in 1877, twelve miles south of Valley City, North Dakota. He married Martha Selbo of Levanger, Norway. They had four sons: Olaf, George, Richard, and Arthur. Martin and his family moved to Red Deer, Canada, in 1903, but returned to repurchase their original homestead land in 1907. The Martin Skonnords operated their farm until 1909 when they visited Norway for a year. On their return to the states, they bought a home on Sunnyside Avenue in Valley City. Martha Skonnord died in 1923 and Martin Skonnord passed away in 1940.
Olaf Skonnord married Bergine Skonnord of Snartengdalan, Norway, in 1909. Except for brief intervals, they continued to operate the Skonnord farm until 1957. Olaf designed and had built the barn and grain elevator on the farm. The grain elevator was unique in its day. He enjoyed inventing and obtained several patents - one of which was a practical tractor hitch. One of his other interests was the breeding and raising of Barola Bronze turkeys for which he received national grand champion and first prize ribbons. In the community, Olaf served for many years on the Skandia Township Board and the School Board. Olaf and Bergine had three children: Mildred Loftheim Romig of Manchester, Missouri; Charlotte Skonnord Thompson of Baltimore, Maryland; and Melville of Valley City. Olaf Skonnord died on April 16, 1958. Bergine Skonnord lives at the Sheyenne Memorial Hospital, Valley City.
Melville married Lois Olson of Fargo, and they operate the original Skonnord farm. Mel is serving as a Township Supervisor and has served on the church council of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Valley City. Lois is active in the Women's Circle of that church and is a member of the Skandia Homemakers Club.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 225