It was not "cracked up" to be his kind of life Because he disliked the rough element, their unfairness in play, city life became monotonous, and it rubbed against the grain. Out into the country was the solving of the problem, but that meant hard work. Although the salary was in proportion to the age and the work in proportion to the size of the body, the low wages were often at a point unbearable for the mind to submit to. But with the gift of resist- ance and ability to save, at the end, some financial results could be produced and kept for future investment. This was all in the leading and guidance which took place in the heart and life of Alfred Stadem --Papa, as we knew him.
In the year 1908, on August 19, he took unto himself a bride, Miss Bergit ("Bessie" used later since Americans couldn't pronounce the real Scandinavian name) Holbeck, of Canton, South Dakota. Two children were born while living on the farm which was the property of the Reverend M.P. Tetlie, outside of Canton. Pearl and Bernice were the names given to their first two daughters.
In 1911 they moved to Bryant, South Dakota where they engaged in farming on Papa's father's farm in Clark County, four miles northwest of Bryant, for eight years. In this home, Myrtle, Cora, Alida, and Estelle were born. I, Estelle, am the very person presenting this account, and I love to tell our Story.
In 1919 we moved to our own farm one mile west and four miles north of Bryant, in Hamlin County. This farm was purchased void of any improvements. Here we built a new home and other buildings. A large grove of trees was planted and also some shrubbery. Each member of the family helped to do their part to make it a more beautiful and lovely home. This farm was easily distinguished because in large letters PLAIN VIEW FARM was written on our big red barn.
In this home Arthur, Ruth, and Leroy were born. NINE CHILDREN! A family of seven girls and two boys. Dear Mama told how she prayed before Estelle was born that if God willed, he would give her a son--not for her sake, but for the neighbors!
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