Mary and Charlie Stermer homesteaded in Lenora Township Griggs County on the North half of Section 1, sometime in the 1890's or before then.

They had two sons Charlie and Edwin. Charlie stayed with his mother after Mr. Stermer left, and Edwin decided to go west and work in the shipyards in Portland, Oregon.

Often one would see this petite little lady walk to the town of Aneta carrying her basket full of eggs for trade, or she would be driving her white horse and two wheel gig. Always wearing her sunbonnet and long old fashion dresses.

Folks say she was a wonderful neighbor, sharing her garden vegetables and taught Mrs. Mark Long how to make doughnuts. She was a frequent visitor at their home, as was Charlie Jr.

Mrs. Stermer loved animals and any stray cats or dogs would find a home there. Every Easter morning she would fry her cats an egg.

Mrs. Stermer, son Charlie and Mark Long spent one winter in Cuba, as Mrs. Stermer had interests there.

Mary Stermer passed away in 1935, and after her death Charlie went to live with Edwin in Portland, Oregon. None of the family survives.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 348