Charles Palm

Charles Palm was born in 1885 in Bartley Township.

In 1908 he bought the east 1/2 of Section 33 in Helena Township and moved there.

For the first year he was a bachelor and soon decided that there must be a better way to live.  So in 1909 he married Agness Johnson from Glenfield, North Dakota Unfortunately, she died from the flu and pneumonia in 1918 leaving Mr. Palm and 4 children: 

  1. Florence
  2. Laurel
  3. William
  4. Orlano aged 8 years to 22 months

William and Orlano lived part time with their grandmother, Mrs. Selma Palm and their aunt Minnie.  For the next few years many hired girls in various shapes and sizes kept house for Mr. Palm, Florence and Laurel.  Many times no hired girl could be found so Florence was the cook and even washed clothes by hand for her Dad and brothers while still a young girl.

One day when Florence and Laurel were still small and home alone 2 gypsy women driving a team and buggy stopped at the farm looking for food.  They were shown where to find everything they asked for so they made a big haul.  Apparently they were well supplied with kids at that time for as Laurel said, "They didn't offer to kidnap us.€  Luckily for them they made a quick getaway so were gone when Mr. Palm came home.

Mr. Palm died in 1951.

Florence married Fritz Helland and lived in Cooperstown until her death January 26, 1964.  

William and wife Helen have three sons and live in Seattle, Washington. 

Orlano and wife Phyllis have one daughter and one son and live in Anaconda, Montana.  

Laurel and wife Hilda along with 3 of their 6 children, Rodney, Roy and Rachel still live on the home farm.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976  Page 317