Ole Helmer Eliason and wife, Kristine, left Telemarken, Norway June 1, 1881. They arrived in Preston, Minnesota, June 9, with three children: Elise, John and Mary. They lived one year near Preston. They decided they wanted to go farther west so they left together with Simon Ouren and Simon Bustrak. They got to Valley City June 3, 1882, which was the end of the railroad. They homesteaded in Sverdrup Township.
Ole Helmer and family lived in a sod house with dirt floor for 10 years. Ole decided he liked the land farther south so he sold out to John Lende. They went and bought the homestead rights of Martin Jeland as he had not proved it yet because he had not planted trees. Helmers moved on this claim on April 22, 1892. They planted trees and broke sod with oxen. Homestead rights were awarded to Ole Helmer from the U. S. Government.
The setters didn't have an easy time of it. Hard work and dangers from prairie fires were a hazard being the grass was so tall. Sickness another danger being no doctors were close by. Many a time Mrs. Ole Helmer had to help friends as midwife. It is surprising how many things these people could do. Most of the women could spin yarn from wool, knit stockings, mittens, make quilts and also hake cheese.
Ole Helmer had 11 children born to them: Elise, John, Mary, Hannah, Elling, Hans, Minnie, Alma, ale, George and Melvin.
Ole's wife died in July 1915, and Ole died in June 1924. George and Melvin, their sons, stayed home with the dad during his last years.
George Helmer married Alida Glende September 22, 1928. Three children were born to them: Marlys Kristine, Janice Elaine and James George.
James George Helmer started farming the Homestead in 1959. On September 12, 1960, he married Carole Ruth Johnson. Three children were born to them: Joseph James, Scott Anthony and Annette robin.
George Helmer died March 12, 1982. Alide Helmer died October 16, 1988.
Joseph James Helmer married Linda Scott September 26, 1987. They have two children, Amanda and Dereck Joseph Helmer.
Scott Anthony Helmer married Kathy Haugen August 16, 1985.
Annette Robin Helmer married Blake Krabbenhoft June 25, 1988.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 152