(Bakken) Haga. Ole’s grandfather was also Ole H. Bakken who came to America in 1854 from Hakedal, Norway. Coming directly to Frankville Twp., he farmed a short time, married Ingeborg Bakke in 1860 and then moved to Madison Twp. He was known as Ole Helgerson until he moved to Madison Twp., then he changed his name to Ole H. Bakken.

Young Ole worked on his father’s farm all his life. He graduated from the 8th grade in the rural school near their home. After the 8th grade Ole continued helping on the farm for a year working along with the hired men his father had working for him.

Ole and Pauline Bakken

In 1917 Ole entered the Luther Academy at Albert Lea, MN and graduated from the bookkeeping course. He was always precise in his record keeping. This academy also included military training for World War I. Had there been one more draft, Ole was next in line.

Ole enjoyed going to dances at Haugen’s Hall in Decorah where he met his wife to be, Pauline Baker. They were married 27 May 1931 at the Madison Church parsonage by D.C. Jordahl with the reception at Pauline’s parents home. Alice (Baker) Lubke, Pauline's sister cam remember the huge meal their mother cooked for the entire family and friends. It included mashed potatoes, beef roast, gravy, vegetables, pie, etc. Ole and Pauline went to North Dakota on their honeymoon and visited Ole's uncle, Lars Melaas.

Pauline was born 3 Jan 1910 in Bluffton Twp., Winneshiek Co., the daughter of Stewart and Lula (Taylor) Baker. Stewart and Lula's other children were: Florence (Baker) Hegtvedt, Steve, Robert, Alice (Baker) Lubke and Virginia (Baker) Faldet.

Pauline attended rural schools in Bluffton and Madison Twps. and graduated from Decorah High School in .1929. She stayed home after high school graduation and helped on her parents farm until her marriage in 1931.

Ole continued farming with his father until Gust’s death in 1946. Ole and Pauline then were on their own.

Sixty-five years ago communities consisted of people usually of one nationality. So when Ole brought Pauline into a predominately Norwegian township, she being English and Irish had lots of stories to tell about her ordeals!

Ole Henry (17 Jan 1901-11 Jul 1991) and Pauline (Baker) (3 Jan 1910-27 Mar 1989) Bakken had 4 children: Gerald Wayne (b. 24 Oct 1932) married Darla (Anderson) (b. 18 Feb 1934); Howard Orin (26 Feb 1936-6 Jan 1988) married Mary Ann (Helgerson) (b. 11 Aug 1946); Roger Duane (8 Dec 1938-23 Apr 1939); and Phyllis (b. 28 Apr 1940) married Ralph Leistikow (b. 14 Aug 1940).

Banning, David and Emma (White)

(Delinda M. Tenney)

David Banning was born in Ossian on 11 Nov 1850. He was the son of Phineas and Mahala Frances (Blue) Banning. Phineas was born 17 Oct 1815 in Muskingham Co., OH. Mahala was born 17 Jan 1821 in Wayne Co., OH. They were married 10 Dec 1840 in Coshocton Co., OH. David’s brothers and sisters were: Elizanne, John William, Abraham, Nathaniel, Elizabeth Jane, Peter S., Susana, Richard, Nancy Asbury, Mary Frances and Phineas Michael. David married Emma Elizabeth White who was born 22 Dec 1862 in Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario, Canada. She was the daughter of Henry Winters and Lydia Clarinda (Baumwart) White. Henry was born in Canada on 21 Feb 1831 and Lydia was born in Canada on 26 Apr 1834. They were married 3 Nov 1852 in Charlotteville, Norfolk Co., Ontario, Canada. Emma’s brothers and sisters were: Nathaniel Winters, Clarinda Catherine, Julia Matilda, Samuel Henry, Charity Rebecca, Eber Wesley, Ernest Ephraim and Hiram Winford.

David and Emma Banning

David and Emma were married 1 Jan 1881 in Sioux Falls, SD. They had 4 children: Nellie Mahala, Julia Estella, Ernest Ray and Myrtle Mae.