We are working on the biography of William C. Albrant I, who was a well-known architect in the Fargo, ND area in the early 1900's. This is a work in progress, and additional information will be added as it becomes available.
BIOGRAPHY
William Colston Albrant
Born: June 24, 1871
Died: August 3, 1905
Parents:
Father:
Azasiah Albrant. Born: 1834. Origin: German. Occupation: Farmer.
Mother:
Susanna Albrant. Born 1843. Origin: Scottish
Brothers/Sisters:
Anne E;
born 1861
James;
born 1863 (twin)
Mary;
born 1863 (twin)
Kattie;
born 1865
Charles
E; born 1869
Robert
D; born 1875
Richard
J; born 1876
Jessie
A; born 1879
ALBRANT, William C. (1871-1905), an
architect of Fargo, North Dakota, was born in Winchester, Ontario on 24 June
1871 and moved west after 1895 to briefly engage in farming activity before
registering at North Dakota State University in the Division of Mechanical Arts
(a forerunner of the School of Architecture at that institution). He opened his
own office in Fargo, North Dakota in 1900, and obtained his first important
commission in Canada in 1904 for the City Hall, MOOSE JAW, SASK. (Moose Jaw
Times, 5 Jan. 1905). This imposing but somewhat eclectic work, with its domed
tower, remained a distinctive civic landmark in that city for nearly a decade
until the completion of the Post Office in 1913. Albrant also designed N.J.
Porter's Photographic Studio, MOOSE JAW, SASK., (1905; altered), and was
responsible for several major designs in Fargo including First Baptist Church
(1904), the Normal School at Maryville State College (1904), and the Carnegie
Library buildings at Fargo, Valley City and at Grandin, North Dakota. He died
suddenly on 3 August 1905 at Fargo, N.D. (obituary in Fargo Forum, 3 & 4
Aug. l905; inf. from Ronald L.M. Ramsay, Fargo, N.D.).
Additional
Links:
Carnegie Library (now known as
Putnam Hall):
http://ndsuwiki.ndsusg.com/index.php?title=Putnam_Hall
Northern School Supply (NDSU downtown campus):
Northern School Supply (NDSU downtown campus):
Three buildings designed by him are currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
Mayville Public Library (see
page 4 of document):
Union
Block (see page 3 of document):
Laura Building (see page 3 of document):
Document: http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/85002794.pdf
In 1890, William C. and his mother, Susanna, immigrated
to the USA, followed in 1893 by his brother, Richard J. Albrant.
In 1904 he married Francis Ellen Gillespie. She was born
in 1874 in Ireland and immigrated to this country in 1887 with her parents,
Huburt (born 1838) and Fannie E. Gillespie (born 1838). Huburt and Fannie, both
born in Ireland, had 10 children -- only 4 were still living in 1900.
