The first-born child of Romness Township was Anton C. Olson.
The first store was started in the fall of 1880 by Andrew C. Knutson on his claim on Section 36 in Romness Township about 3/4 mile north of the Qualey bridge on the west side of the river. He operated it for 11/2 years and closed it out when the town of Mardel was started in the spring of 1882 in Washburn Township.
The first Post Office was established in the summer of 1880, the first in Griggs County. It was named "Durham" and Frank Taper was postmaster, and his sister was assistant. This office was discontinued and another Post Office called "Lybeck" (a quiet stream) was established with Andrew C. Knutson as postmaster. The mail was hauled from Newburg, near Hatton and later a route was established from Valley City to Pembina.
Peter Mathison was later postmaster and his wife, Christine, was assistant. Mr. Mathison passed away and she continued on for a year when she resigned. The office was then located at the John Hogenson home from 1887-1904 with Mr. Hogenson as Postmaster. A pigeonhole desk was used for the mail. This office was continued until the Rural Carrier delivered the mail.
A shanty built originally by a settler named Durum was the second house built in Griggs County. In the spring of 1885 it was burned by a prairie fire.
Omund Nelson Opheim, who is called Pioneer Nelson, built the first house in Griggs County, near by the Sheyenne River.
Mrs. Lewis Hilstad was the first woman to serve on a jury in Griggs County.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 386