Olger B. Burtness

Judge Burtness was born in Grand Forks County, Dakota Territory on March 14, 1884, he lived his entire life in Grand Forks County. Attended the rural school at Mekinock, received his B. A. in 1906; L. L. B. in 1907 from the University of North Dakota. He was admitted to the North Dakota State Bar in 1907 and entered into the practice of law in Grand Forks. He was State's Attorney for Grand Forks County from 1911 till 1916; member of the 1919 legislative assembly, and a member of congress representing the First District, serving six terms, 1919-1933. He practiced law in Grand Forks, North Dakota until September, 1950 when Governor Fred G. Aandahl appointed him Judge of the First Judicial District. He served in that capacity until his death on January 21, 1960.