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National Bank Notes > North Dakota

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Fessenden, First NB, 5408
Fr. 1802-1 $20 1929T1
Grade: PMG VF 20    

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This note is new to the census and is one of six Type 1 $20s known from the 170 sheets printed. An evenly circ note with printed signatures of P.O. Holland, President and an unknown cashier. Fessenden is the county seat of Wells County; the population was 479 at the 2010 census. The community was founded in 1893 at the site of the rural post office called Wells, situated on the Soo Line Railroad. On November 23, 1893 the old post office was replaced by the Fessenden post office, with John Austin Regan as Postmaster. It was named for Cortez Fessenden, Surveyor-General for Dakota Territory. The village incorporated in 1904, becoming a city in 1905 with E. F. Volkman mayor. The peak population of 920 was recorded in 1960. Fessenden is home to Wells County Fair Because of its central location, Fessenden became the county seat in 1894, taking that honor away from the pioneer settlement of Sykeston, resulting in the forcible removal of the Wells County seat by 29 horse-drawn wagons. After the vote naming Fessenden the county seat, Sykeston land agents were unwilling to admit defeat, so Fessenden organizers rounded up several men with teams and wagons and drove to Sykeston for the safes, records and courthouse furniture. The Sykeston Sheriff favored Fessenden and conveniently took a long delayed vacation from his duties.

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