William W. Quanbeck was born near Minneota, Minnesota, May 10, 1881. Mr. Quanbeck came to North Dakota with his uncle Jorgen in an immigrant car, which was loaded at Marshall, Minnesota. At Sanborn the livestock were unloaded and herded on the prairie over the weekend, waiting for the Monday train to Cooperstown.
Mr. Quanbeck's mother, a widow, homesteaded on the SW quarter of Section 3, Pilot Mound Township, in 1892. His brother, Hans, was three years younger than Willie. At that time Cooperstown was the nearest town arid all supplies were purchased there.
Mr. Quanbeck was 17 when he bought the quarter adjoining his, mother's homestead. Many were the stories about floods by the Sheyenne, prairie fires, the trips to the Lee Mill, Lee post office and the coming of the railroad to Aneta and Kloten.
Besides attending schools in Nelson and Griggs County, Mr. Quanbeck attended Augsburg Academy in Minneapolis. He was a confirmed member of the New Luther Valley church now located at McVille, North Dakota
Mr. Quanbeck was married to Alma Twedt at Farmington, Minnesota on December 28, 1905. In 1908, they built their home on Section 10, where they lived until 1915.
While living in Griggs County the following children were born
Leander, Clara (Mrs. Ralph Thompson), Orlin, Wilma (deceased - 1918 influenza epidemic). After the family moved to Bowbells, Evelyn, Edna and Clarence were born.
Alma passed away at the home in McVille in 1964. William celebrated his 94th birthday on May 10, 1975 at his home. Unable to leave the car, he enjoyed visiting with those who came to the car to see him at the 90th anniversary of West Prairie Church, May 18, 1975.
Mr. William W. Quanbeck died July 16, 1975, at McVille.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 378