Martin and Clara Wallum

Martin and Clara Wallum were born in Norway.  They emigrated to America when each was still young - Mr. Wallum at two years of age and Mrs. Wallum when she was seventeen years old.

Martin Wallum homesteaded land located 1/2 mile from the town of Walum.  It was to this homestead that Mr. Wallum brought his new bride after their marriage in Cooperstown in 1887.

Mr. Wallum became prominent in community affairs, attending many meetings held in the surrounding towns.  He frequently drove from their home all the way to Fargo for provisions.  This trip took from ten to twelve days depending on the weather and the roads.

The present town of Walum was named after Mr. Wallum.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Wallum are buried in St. Olaf's Cemetery in Walum.

The Wallums had ten children, six of whom are deceased: 

  1. Mable Anson, California
  2. Justin Wallum, Walum
  3. Marvin Wallum, Minnesota
  4. Dena Espeseth, Wisconsin
  5. Chester Wallum, Hannaford
  6. John Wallum of Bismarck

The surviving members of the family and their residences are: 

  1. Olga Evenson, Walum
  2. Theresa Trangsrud, Wimbledon
  3. Berneice Vogt, Wilmont, Minnesota
  4. Edna Becker, Wilmont, Minnesota

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976  Page 308