Philip Girard (1855-1913) was born at Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, the son of Edward and Adeline (Crochetiere) Girard. In 1870, the family moved to Rock Island, Quebec, where he attended Stanhope academy for a short time. In 1881 Philip came to Dakota Territory (Valley City) where he worked as a carpenter and painter. In 1890 he was in business as Girard Painting and Decorating Company and in 1900 he operated the Valley City Furniture Company. He was a member of the Fire Dept., and Co. "F" which became Co. "G" of the National Guard. He was also alderman from the second ward of Valley City from 1888-1893. In August of 1898 Philip Girard and Theresa Heimes were married in St. Catherine's Church. Theresa Heimes (1870-1927) was born at Eagle River, Michigan, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Passmel) Heimes and came to Dakota Territory with her family in 1878. The Heimes family homesteaded three miles west of Valley City. In 1896-97 Theresa opened a millinery shop in Ole Simenson's general store on Main Street, Valley City; later she moved her shop to the Right Price Mercantile store. Philip Girard was dealing in Canadian land and lost heavily when the land boom collapsed. He was on his way to make a new home for his family in Poison, Idaho, when he died suddenly following an operation. Theresa was left with little money to feed and educate her three children: Edward, Adeline and Esther. Much credit is due her efforts for they all graduated from high school and went on to further their education, thus bringing honor to a pioneer mother.
Edward joined the navy and was active in his radio field, going with Federal Telegraph Go., as a maritime radio communications and navigation specialist, serving in various capacities for over forty years. He married Mary Elizabeth Pendergast of Harrisburg, PA, and they have one daughter - Susan Mary - Mrs. John J. Dolan. Adeline graduated from Valley City State College and taught school in Hazen, North Dakota, where she met and married John Drewelow. They had a daughter -Mary Katherine - Mrs. Alvin M. Schor. Esther had two years of Valley City State College and graduated from the Univ. of Minnesota She taught one year and married W. Ray Reichert and lived in Bowman, North Dakota. Their daughter is Joan Catherine -Mrs. John J. Norby.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 80