F.W. MCGUINESS

The McGuiness family came by covered wagon from Wisconsin to the Dakota territory in 1878 to homestead in what later became the state of South Dakota. They were Patrick and Ellen McGuiness and their son Francis W. From there they moved to Max, North Dakota, and then to Tioga in 1912 where they lived the remainder of their lives. Mr. McGuiness dealt in real estate and horses.

Their son, Francis, taught school in South Dakota after having attended college there. It was there he met his wife Jennie, also a teacher. They lived there for a time before moving to Max where they proved up on land and farmed in addition to teaching school. Their sons were all born there.

In 1912 they moved to Tioga Township to the farm north of Tioga which was then known as the "Red Cross" farm. It had been developed and owned by a Mr. Youngman. The shipping point at that time was White Earth in Mountrail county and all livestock had to be trailed there.

F.W. McGuiness was elected states attorney of Williams county in 1920 and they lived in Williston until 1928 when they moved back to Tioga and there he continued to practice law.

F.W. McGuiness's three sons were, Delbert, who was the first boy to graduate from Tioga High School. He was a veteran of both World Wars and in World War II was with the railroad battalion because he was working with the Great Northern railroad at the time he was called into service. He died in 1951. Howard is an accountant and farmer living at Fessenden. Ralph or "Pete" was a farmer and cattle buyer in Mountrail County near Tioga and was also employed by the Great Northern railway at one time. He died in 1972.

For more info about this family,  please contact: Michael P. McGuiness