John A. Skretting (1864) was born in Stavanger, Norway. He came to the United States in 1881 settling in Lanesboro, Minnesota, then came to Dakota Territory (Valley City) in 1887. He married Ingeborg Bjorheim June 4, 1892. Mr. Skretting was employed by A. H. Gray Lumber Co., the McCollogh and Mudgett Lumber Co., the Jeffrey Lumber Co., and Thompson Yards until he retired in 1937. Mr. Skretting served on the Valley City Council under nine mayors. He was first elected in 1897 under J. Jeff Dobbins and retired from the council in 1946 at the age of 82 years. Four children were born to the Skrettings: Ida - Mrs. N. M. Nielson; May - Mrs. Axel Svenningson; Amanda - Mrs. Paul Ruane; Almer Skretting of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 226