Melvin Peterson finishing his business course at Mankato College, Mankato, Minnesota, arrived in Finley, North Dakota looking for work in 1916. S. A. Baker, the manager of a grain elevator there hired him as a "second man." Mr. Baker retired from the managership and Melvin Peterson became the manager and married the daughter of Mr. Baker, Fern Baker, on June 26, 1917. Their first daughter, Cleo, was born May 25, 1918. Enid was born January 2, 1920 and on August 23, 1924 Jean appeared. Donna Lou, (who was supposed to be a boy), was born December 27, 1928.

Mrs. Baker passed away January 2, 1924 and Mr. Baker moved to California, where he re-married. Upon his urging the family to come to California, they moved in September of 1931. Not finding work there, the family returned to North Dakota.

In 1938 the family moved to Valley City where Melvin Peterson was employed as a collector for an elevator company. Here the children completed school and were married. Cleo married Melvin Ecklund of Bismarck, North Dakota; Enid married Clifford Nordeen, Los Alamos, New Mexico and

Donna Lou married Don Nasseth of Billings, Montana.

Melvin Peterson passed away in May, 1957.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 195