Gunnar G. Hammars, an exceedingly successful lumber dealer of Willow City, is one of the most popular business men in Bottineau county. He knows his business thoroughly, is alert and accommodating and always ready to do a friend a kindness.
Mr. Hammars was born on a farm near Moland, Norway, July 14, 1855, where his father lived and died. Our subject went through the common school and the local seminary and was sent to Switzerland to attend a poly-technical school. When he was twenty-seven he left home and coming directly to the United States located at Fargo. He was at first a clerk in a store and then was employed on the government survey from Red river to Minot and from the Northern Pacific Railroad north to the Canadian line. He was with the surveying party four years and his work carried him over the greater part of the state. He came to Willow City May 16, 1887, on the first passenger train and immediately opened a lumber yard for Warner Stoltz, of St. Paul. He has continued in the employment of that firm to the present time and is regarded as one of their most capable and trusted representatives in the northwest. He improved the opportunity and acquired land in Griggs county and has also had real estate in other counties, but has disposed of it all and is devoted to his Willow City work. He has sold much of the lumber that has' been used in the building of the city and the improvement of the surrounding farms. He was married, in 1898, to Miss Eliza Cleveland. She is a native of Wisconsin, though her parents were born in Norway. She is a lady of much character and has rapidly taken a recognized position of influence in social affairs in Willow City. Mr. Hammars is a Republican and has served on the township board several years. He is among the earliest settlers of this community and has watched its growth from the beginning. He is generally regarded as one of the leading men of this part of the county and his words command the respect of all.
Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota 1900 Page 908