Ingvard was the eldest son of Magnus and Malena Haugen. He was born on April 22, 1919. He was baptized and confirmed in the Union Lutheran Church. He attended the rural school in his township called Greenfield No. 2, or better known as the Haugen School. He often reminisced of walking the distance to school or driving in a sleigh. He was only able to attend through the eighth grade and then was needed at home to help with the work on the farm. He also hired out to neighbors as a farm laborer for a dollar a day. His job was often walking behind a team of horses doing plowing, raking or other farm chores. He worked for Mark Curtis near Karnak and also for his Uncle Carl Johnson. He rented his farm in 1941, and had farmed it with his son until his death in 1988.
Ruth Syvertson was born in rural Barnes County on a farm near Hastings, North Dakota. Her parents were Tony and Lena Syvertson. She attended Valley City State Teachers College for two years. She taught school for six years. The first two years were in a rural school near her home and then one near Medina, North Dakota. Then she took a job as a teacher of the Stromme School, which was located east of Hannaford. She boarded at the home of Carl and Stenna Stromme. She often tells how she taught during the dry years and the salaries were very low. She says she received $55 to $70 a month. She had to pay $18 dollars for her board and room. She helped her younger sister with college tuition, so she didn't have much money left for spending money.
Ingvard and Ruth were married at Union Lutheran Church on June 3, 1942. They moved to their present farm sight after the wedding and Ruth continues to make her home there along with her son, Ralph.
They were blessed with four children and now have 10 grandchildren. They were Lois, Ralph, Roland and Marvin. They all live in the area and have articles in this book.
Ingvard and Ruth were always active in the community. Ingvard was an active member of the Union Lutheran Church. He was on many boards, call committees, served as secretary and treasurer for many years. He served as sexton of the church cemetery until his death. He worked with Mrs. Lunn to get an accurate cemetery book and was very proud of their work. He was a person who loved young people and enjoyed seeing them learn. This interest led him to accept the job of 4-H leader for the Peppy Peppers 4-H Club for 20 years. He was acknowledged by the state with a plaque for his years of service to 4-H. He was a charter member of the Griggs County Fair Board. He served on this board until his health failed him. He was an active member of the board for 21 years.
He was also active in the local government of the township. He was the clerk of Greenfield Township for 29 years. He was also clerk of the Greenfield School Board for many years. He enjoyed working at elections and seeing our democracy work.
He was a life member of the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Association. He never missed a show and worked hard at many of them until his health made that impossible. He made sure his children and grandchildren will also continue this interest by giving life memberships to some of them. He was a member of the Central North Dakota Steam Threshers Association. He was also on their board of directors. He fulfilled his dream there, as in Minnesota he was licensed to operate a steam engine. Because of this qualification he was the person who operated the steamer in Griggs County for several parades. With his love for antiques and old engines, he has kept the custom of a threshing day going on his farm every year but one, since he rented it. He opened it up for the public a few years ago. With help of his boys and many others, this has been a day when neighbors and friends could watch the past in action.
Ruth was a busy homemaker. She helped with outside chores as well as the care of the inside and family. She was active in the church. She was Ladies Aid president and always willing to lead the Bible Studies or Stewardship activities. She taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years and also served as the Sunday School Superintendent. She also worked with 4-H for several years as leader of the Flying Needles 4-H Club.
Both Ingvard and Ruth were members of the Griggs County Historical Society.
Ingvard passed away in March 1988, of cancer. Ruth is still on her farm near rural Hannaford.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 142