Isaac Dobbedal was one of the early homesteaders in Bartley Township. Julia Malmin came to teach. They both took claims. Mr. Dobbedal's deed was signed by Grover Cleveland. The Dobbedal School was later built on land donated by Mrs. Dobbedal.
When this couple decided to marry they returned to Minnesota to wed, then returned to their homestead where they had built a shack. Mr. Dobbedal's land was excellent for grain farming and hers made ideal pastureland - a fine combination for a farm. When the drought conditions became too severe they went back to Minnesota to help Grandpa Malmin. Mr. Dobbedal drove with horses and wagon while the rest of the family came by train. Grandma and Grandpa's house seemed like a mansion compared with their home on the prairie.
After a few years they returned to North Dakota. In those days any mention of pregnancy was taboo so it was a big surprise to return from school and find a midwife and a new baby brother. Justin and his friend, Marcus Thoreson, were so excited about the baby. They wanted to show Mrs. Thoreson, so Annie (hired girl) gave them permission to take the baby to the Thoresons. No doubt, Mrs. Thoreson returned the baby herself!
Soon a little Indian pony was purchased for $15 and a buggy too, in order that the children could ride to school. They went to the Swenson School, which was a long drive in cold weather. After the weather became too severe, Mrs. Dobbedal taught the children. Soon they summoned all the neighbors to their home in order to get a school closer to home. This was accomplished and it became the Dobbedal School.
O. B. Westley was their teacher and gave her guitar lessons when she was unable to go to school. This Mr. Westley owned some land in Minnesota and he took Mr. Dobbedal to see the land, driving the 150 miles with horses and buggy. They had no trouble finding lodging when people learned that Mr. Westley could play the violin he had along. Mr. Dobbedal bought 160 acres before starting home.
Karen Herigstad also taught their school and was really loved by the Dobbedal family. She later married O. B. Westley.
The information for this account was given by Arla Getty of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was the fourth child born to the Dobbedals. She remembers their neighbors: Rev. Thoreson, Peter Nelson, Andrew Fortney, Knute Furos, Pete and Gunder Gunderson, Carl Berge, Pete Kins, Faukales, Andrew and Ole Fogderud, Aren Hovelands and Andrew and Charllie Nelsons