Noah B. Swanson came from Norway as a stowaway on a sailing vessel to Minnesota. He was married to Pauline Piculell (1858-1940) who was born in Afton, Minnesota and grew up in that community, attending public schools and Afton Academy. In 1878 Pauline Piculell and Noah Swanson were married at Afton by Rev. A. D. Roe, a Congregational pastor. The wedding certificate was in the handwriting of Rev. Roe and was a prized keepsake. In 1881 the family traveled from Afton, Minnesota to a homestead in Getchell Prairie Township by wagon and four or five horses. In 1900 the family moved into Valley City where Mr. Swanson died in 1906. Five children lived to adulthood: Ernest (1883-1942) was born in Getchell Prairie Township. He was a member of the Valley City police force under Bob Burt. He was Chief of Police - 1908-1923, serving the police department for thirty-five years. He was a faithful member of the fire department and was a member of the Elks, A.O.U.W. and I.O.O.F. Victor (1887-1953) married to Etta Ingmundson. They had two children, Marley and Marcella. Victor was employed at Straus Clothing Store for twenty-four years and many Valley City people will remember how Vic entertained with his clog dancing. Bernard (1893) was born at Getchell Prairie Township and married Julia Ostrom. He was employed by the Railroad Express Company at the N. P. office for thirty-five years. Hiram worked for the Soo line for many years. May Victoria (1879-1970) born at Afton, Minnesota, and came to Barnes County with her parents in 1881. She attended rural school, Valley City high school and Valley City Normal School. She taught four years in Barnes County rural schools. In 1901 she married Harvey Eugene Keene. They farmed in Getchell Prairie and retired to Valley City. Mr. Keene died in 1944.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 242