The Nels J. Qualey Story

Nels J. Qualey and Annette B. Windloss were married July 17, 1904 in Steele County.  The first few years they resided in Finley and moved to the Qualey homestead in 1913.  Here they raised their four children, Maxine, Judith, Mercedes and Richard.  One son died in infancy while they lived in Finley.

Mr. Qualey was active in Township affairs serving as supervisor for many years.  He also served in the State Legislature in 1931.  He and his wife devoted much time to their church and school activities.

There were also times for recreation and fun.  The Qualey household was a popular gathering place for young people and many skating, skiing, or card parties were held there.  The big events of the summer season were "Play Day" and the County fairs.  There was a popular picnic ground just south of the farm buildings where nearly all the church and Sunday School picnics were held and it was also a place where many people from surrounding areas had family gatherings.

When Richard Qualey and Lenore Rosendahl were married in 1942, Nels and Annette Qualey retired from active farming.  Mr. Qualey died in 1942 and Mrs. Qualey continued her active life by going back to college, then teaching rural schools for three years.  In 1950 she became County Treasurer and continued there until her retirement.  She passed away in 1963.

Richard and Lenore Qualey still own and operate the original homestead - he is the third generation.  Their family consists of five children: 

Sheryl, Neil, Reed, Annette, and Brent.

Maxine and Hans Haugen have four children: 

James, Darryl, Janet and Vicki.

Judith and Maurice Haugen had three sons: 

Murray, Jerry and Loren.  Jerry died at the age of 20.

Mercedes and Oscar Tang have two children: 

Larry and Susan.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 406