J.A. Cotton came to Hannaford, North Dakota, in 1918, from St. Paul, Minnesota, where he owned and operated a barber shop and pool hall. In Hannaford he owned and operated a lunch counter in the pool hall for about one year.
Moving to the building owned by Mr. Claus Jackson, the Hannaford Cafeteria was established; also parties and other catering services. Home baked goods were served and sold; complete fountain service; fancy candies, bulk and box. A large stock was on hand at all times. In 1919, Miss Anna O'Banion, who knew Mr. Cotton in St. Paul, joined him in business as pastry cook, waitress and sales lady. April 3, 1920, Miss O'Banion became Mrs. Cotton, remaining in Hannaford until moving to Chicago and engaged in groceries and meat market, leaving a host of loyal friends in Hannaford.
The early part of 1919, Mr. Cotton saved the life of a young boy (Weisman) who was swimming in back of the Cafeteria just at noontime in Bald Hill Creek. When the cry for help was heard, Mr. Cotton answered his cry, jumped into the water fully clothed, as he was going down for the third time, pulling him to shore. The Cotton's were loyal members of the community, helping whoever they could in every way they could. Mrs. Cotton can never forget the happy times spent in Hannaford.
Mr. Cotton passed away in Chicago in 1941. Mrs. Cotton remained in Chicago until 1950. Their foster daughter, Miss LaVern Cotton, was attending teachers college, finishing that year. Mrs. Cotton moved to her native state and town, Maysville, Ken.
Recollection from a local resident recalls one time several young men from town were swimming and diving from the north side of the bridge into the creek (this was after the flash flood in 1921, when the current was swift and formed a whirlpool on the south side of the bridge). Peter Falstad dived and was caught in the current which carried him into the whirlpool. Mr. Cotton, a good swimmer and a strong man, dived in and rescued Peter from drowning.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 31