Henry J. Helland was born in Vestness, Norway, May 24, 1885. He came to America in 1900, to the home of his uncle, Henrick Helland, on the Sand Prairie. There he followed his trade as a carpenter.

Henry married Mabel J. Vance, daughter of John and Marie Vance of Preston Township, Ransom County. They moved to Montana and took up homesteading near Havre. About seven years later they moved back to North Dakota.

Three children were born to Henry and Mabel Helland: Denver, who married Mabel Olson. They have four children and live near Kathryn. Marvin, who married Hortense Ronning. They have seven children and live at Bucoda, Washington. Harriette, who married Rudolph Kluksdahl, having two sons, Farrel and Marlow. Harriette passed away in 1950.

The homesteading days were very hard, as they did not have much to work with. After seven years of contending with cold winters, hot, dry summers, hail and grasshoppers, they gave up farming and moved back to Ransom County where Henry again followed his trade as a carpenter, and later farmed near Litchville.

Henry took a vital interest in music, having at one time had the Hastings, Kathryn, Litchville and Fort Ransom bands. They played for graduations, 4th of July celebrations, and concerts for the public to enjoy. He was band director of the Litchville band during the years 1945 and 1946, and was also a member of the 164th Infantry Band of the National Guard located in Lisbon.

Henry passed away in 1947, and Mabel Helland died in 1970.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 100