Paul Messner, Sr. was born in Wittenburg, Germany on January 17, 1833. His wife, Ursula, was born October 4, 1833.

The family came to Barnes County in 1878, homesteading near Valley City. Of their family, Paul Jr., Jacob and Martin were born in Germany. John was born in the United States.

Paul, Jr. married Mary Anderson, who was adopted and raised by the Christ Pacton family. Two sons and two daughters were born to Paul and Mary: Paul M., Lillian (and a twin brother who died in infancy) and Mary. Mrs. Messner died in childbirth with Mary.

Paul M. Messner married Anna Zaun. Paul was born April 7, 1886 and Anna was born June 22, 1892. Their children were Leila, born October 1, 1917, (Mrs. Robert Kyllingstad) and Vernon, born August 10, 1919. Vernon married Della Codding.

Lillian Messner married Martin Brock and they had five children; Rosella, Hattie, Loren, Lorene and Robert.

Mary Messner married Alfred Dibbern.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 155