William J. Sansburn came to Tower City, Barnes County, North Dakota, in the early 1890's from Frazee, Minnesota. He married Anna Hill of Tower City, North Dakota, August 3, 1892 and they farmed and lived on what was known as the Howell farm in Oriska Township, three miles West of Tower City, North Dakota, all their married life.
W. J. Sansburn died November 12, 1918 and his wife Anna died April 9, 1957.
They had two sons, Leslie Edward, born July 30, 1893 and William K. born September 8, 1901.
Leslie attended the Tower City school and grew to manhood in that community. He enlisted in the Marine Corps during World War I and saw active service in France. He was wounded in the Battle of Chateau Thierry which left him with a permanent leg injury.
Upon his discharge from the service Les continued to operate the home farm and for many years managed the Hillcrest barn dances on this farm.
In January 1927 he became Clerk of Court of Barnes County and served in that office for twenty-four years until his death of a heart attack February 20, 1951.
He married Marian Kennedy of Hunter, North Dakota, August 14, 1930 and they had one daughter, Shirley, now Mrs. Vernon Golfis of Hibbing, Minnesota. She has three children -one girl and two boys.
William K. Sansburn farmed in Oriska Township, Barnes County, North Dakota, after he finished high school in Tower City. He married Mildred Falstad of Kathryn, North Dakota, December 1, 1938. She died November 1944. They had no children. In 1957 Bill moved to Valley City, North Dakota, where he died September 2, 1958.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 213