Seymour Granger (1859-1936) son of Ira and Hannah (Brown) Granger, was born at Wethersfield Springs, Wyoming County, New York. He was the only son and spent his boyhood and school days in New York. He attended Pike Seminary and taught school for two years. In 1881 he came to Dakota Territory on the recommendation of "Uncle" John Russell. He filed on a homestead, preemption and tree claim in Barnes County. After proving up on his property he sold it and bought land in Getchell Prairie Township, which he farmed and rented out. In 1891 Mr. Granger married Ella M. Gibson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Gibson of Chenango County, New York. She had come to Tower City, North Dakota, with her sister and taught school for several years in the Noltimier school district. They lived on the farm part time and in their home in north Fifth Avenue (Central Avenue), Valley City, in the winter. Mrs. Granger was active in the Methodist Church and community affairs. Six children were born to the Grangers: Clifford, Glenn, Allen, Irvin, Florence and Leslie. All graduated from Valley City Normal School and each taught school for a period of time in North Dakota. In 1909 Mr. Granger organized the "Granger Land Company", which dealt in real estate and farm land. His land holdings were extensive. In 1923 the entire family, except Allen, moved to California where Mr. Granger engaged in real estate. Mrs. Granger died in 1970. Allen is the only Granger living in 1975. He taught school for several years after graduating from Valley City Normal School. In 1939 he opened a teacher placement bureau in Grand Forks. The Midwest Teachers Service has been successful and Allen has composed many popular songs including the Valley City Normal Loyalty song.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 81