Becker County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 1 of those read), 1907 (part 9 of 16)

After two sittings and talks he finally concluded to go with ^Slais-kahwah-be-tung. They passed by the south side of the store and along the shore of a little lake in the direction of Mr. Cook's house, arriving at the tree near the house. There was a light in the window and they could see all that was going on in the house. They stopped some little time at the tree, the prisoner still hesitating to commit the crime, when Mais-kah-wah-be-tung upbraided him severely for cowardice, after which Mais-kah-wah-be-tung went up to the window and with his gun fired through at a man sitting on a chair in the room, and killed him. Then he told the prisoner Bobolink to keep watch on the outside so that no Americans might come and detect them. Mais-kah-wah-betung then went into the house and met a lady coming out of the other room of the house. He struck her one blow with his hatchet and killed her immediately. Defendant then told Mais-kah-wah-be-tung that he had done enough, and tried to frighten him to desist by telling him that the Americans were coming, but he paid no attention, but proceeded upstairs and commenced killing the children, and then proceeded to throw down such goods as he found. He took a light upstairs with him, which went out, when he struck a match and lit it again. The defendant said he only heard one short cry of a child when the killing was being done. After he was through upstairs he searched the house below, and brought out all that was valuable, making up two bundles. Defendant helped to pack them. After the packs were made up they started in the direction they came from. After getting some distance Mais-kah-wah-be-tung discovered he had left his hatchet, and said to defendant, you can go on, I'll go back and get my hatchet and then overtake you. He did so, and when he caught up with defendant Bobo- link looked back and saw that the house was all in flames - ]\Iais-kahwah-be-tung having set it on fire. They then proceeded together to the place they first met. Then Mais-kah-wah-be-tung told him to be careful and not expose the goods for some time, lest their crime would be discovered thereby; as for himself, he would bury his goods until fall. They then parted, Bobolink going homeward and Mais-kah-wahbe-tung going west.

The defendant crossed the line of railroad above Oak Lake, where he slept one night, then circled around, coming back to the railroad at Hobart. There he sold 100 rats, which was a part of the plunder taken out of Mr. Cook's chamber; he sold them to a white man. He then went by railroad down to station near Sandy Lake, his home.

The day of the night of the murder he left Boanece's camp at noon, being the 26th of April. They got to Cook's house and began the murder about II o'clock at night. Mr. Cook sat dead on his chair and the woman lay dead on the floor, as the defendant saw them, when standing on the outside of the house and looking through the window near the door.

I did not see the children at all; they were upstairs. Mais-kah-wahbe-tung said there were three children, two in one bed and one in another.

Henry J. Larson, who was then living where the village of Atulnbon now stands, was the first person, next to Mrs. Small to reach the scene of the murder.

On the day before the murder I went from my place south, past Capt. Small's house, and after talking for a few minutes with Mrs. Small, went on down to Mr. Cook's place, arriving here about five o'cock in the evening. Cook was burning some rubbish around the house, and preparing to plant his garden. The Indians had already commenced to beat on a drum, and Mr. Cook made some remark about the probability of their being drunk from whisk}' obtained at Oak Lake. They danced and made loud noises most every night at their camp, about half a mile southwest from Cook's house.

The next morning I noticed that Mr. Cook's house was gone and immediately started for the place, and when near there saw Mrs. Small coming from the opposite direction, and we proceeded to where the house had been. I at once went to the stable where the horse ani cow stood and found them undisturbed. At Mrs. Small's request I took the horse and rode to Detroit to inform Mr. Small and Moody Cook, and informed all I met."

village until the time of his arrest, always passing by my house at the north end of Oak Lake. A day or two after the murder he walked into the house, and asked for something to eat. I was away from home in the Wild Rice country at the time, and Mrs. Wilcox was alone. She gave him some bread and cold pork which he eat with a relish, and he gave her an agate. He was in no hurry to leave, after eating his lunch, and while sitting in the house a half grown kitten came in. Boanece picked it up and asked Mrs. Wilcox to give it to him. She asked him what he wanted it for, and he took out his knife and made a sign to skin the kitten by pulling its hide ofif over its head and leaving it nearly entire. He then took out his tobacco, and by motions gave her to understand that he wanted it for a tobacco pouch. He did not, however, get the kitten. Mrs. Wilcox says he had the wickedest looking eyes she ever saw in a human being. She had not yet heard of the murder.

Soon after the murder a drunken Indian at Oak Lake dropped a hint that Boanece was implicated in the crime. Boanece was then camped at Floyd Lake, near where John O. French was living. French was at the time running a butcher shop at Oak Lake and he proposed to Frank Morse who was living near him, that they go over and arrest him. French was one of the constables of Detroit Township at the time. They found five or six lodges at Floyd Lake, but there was no one in them but squaws and children, so they were obliged to go back without their man.

A day or two afterwards Boanece happened to be at Oak Lake village, and French and L. D. Burger who was then deputy sheriff, decided that now was the time to capture him. They then started out in quest of the Indian. Burger had two navy revolvers strapped under his coat and French was also provided with a good weapon.

They overtook Boanece just as he was leaving the village, near the railway station, which then stood at the west end of the big cut. There was a young, boyish looking Indian with him, of appearance so insignificant and innocent that they hardly took him into consideration. Boanece was armed with a double barreled shot gun, and French asked him if he wanted to sell his gun, and at the same time took hold of the barrels and told him to let him see it. Boanece replied that it belonged to another Indian, and at the same time cocked both hammers and told him to let go or he would shoot him. Burger then seized the Indian and French took away the gun and they marched him up to Burger's hotel, where Burger hunted up a dog chain, with which they proceeded to shackle him. When they commenced, French handed the gun belonging to Boanece to the young Indian to hold, but by the time they had their Indian shackled he had skipped out gun and all. This young scamp proved to be Bobolink himself, who was afterwards convicted of the same murder. They took Boanece into the hotel where he was seated, and in a short time he arose and hobbled across the room to where Burger was standing and pointing his finger in his face with much emphasis told him that he would kill him if he ever got a chance, and then made the same remark to French.

Then they ail went to supper, and while seated at the table, Louis Thompson, a Norwegian, living on Section 14, in Audubon walked up behind Boanece and deliberately took out his knife and cut off a lock of his hair. Boanece sprang to his feet, and seizing a knife from the table started for Thompson, his eyes flashing like balls of fire and the chain clanking on the floor of the dining room, but his feet were so hampered by the chain that Thompson made good his escape. Boanece was assigned to a room upstairs, and closely guarded, but during the night he managed to give them the slip and made his way down stairs, but the outside doors were all locked, so that he could not get out, but finally groped his way into a back room and partly hid himself by getting behind, and partly crawling into a large heap of potatoes that was lying on the floor, and it was only after a long search with a lantern that he was finally found. A few days afterwards he was taken to St. Paul and locked up a short time, after which he was brought back and given a hearing and released for want of evidence.

.After his release Boanece dressed himself in fantastic array, an equipment of eagle feathers forming the principal part of his costume, and went to a photogapher and had his likeness taken.

jail and was placed on trial January 15th, 1873. I was in Detroit at the time, and was occasionally in at the trial. Kimball Hayden was the foreman of the jury, and during the trial was the best dressed man in the courtroom. I well remember his high silk hat and Prince Albert coat and the aristocratic air that he assumed. F. R. E. Cornell, who was the attorney general of the state, and who was prosecuting the case, took Hayden for an attorney when he first came, and inquired of him how many cases he had in court. The principal witness in the case was the prisoner himself, who acknowledged having a part in the murder, but accused Boanece and Mais-kuh-wah-be-tung of being the principals in the crime. Whitehead gave an account of the arrest of Bobolink at Sandy Lake, of his attempt to escape by jumping overboard while on their way down the river in a row-boat, of his subse((uent capture, and of their safe arrival at Brainerd. Judge Reynolds was the chief counsel for the prisoner and he was assisted by D. O. Preston of Brainerd, who assisted Whitehead to capture Bobolink at Sandy Lake. As there was no jail in the county. Bobolink was kept at the Wilson house in charge of Lars A. Larson, the sheriff. He wore shackles on both hands and feet. I was staying at the Wilson house myself at that time. Peter Schroeder, of Perham, the brewer, banker and mill owner, was working for his board at the Wilson house that winter. One evening after the night session of court was over Bobolink was left for a short time in charge of Schroeder and myself when he asked us something in Chippewa that we did not understand, so we called George W^ilson, the landlord to interpret for us, who said Bobolink wanted to know when they were going to "nepo" him.

Mrs. F. K. Small, the sister of the murdered woman, Mrs. Cook, also stayed at the W^ilson house during the trial. Bobolink often complained of the savage looks the white squaw gave him. Bobolink died May 19th, 1873, in the Ramsey County jail. He was said to have starved himself to death.

Soon after the murder of the Cook family, Boanece and K aba-ma-be were arrested on suspicion of being implicated in the crime, but after the arrest of Bobolink, he made a confession, charging Mais-kah-wah-be-tung with being the principal, and only party to the crime besides himself. Kab-a-ma-be had already been released as there was not a particle of evidence against him, and Boanece was now allowed to go home, although he was considered a bad Indian and it was generally believed that he was one of the guilty parties.

Sometime early in February, 1873, the Indian excitement broke out. afresh. It was reported that Boanece, who was of mixed Sioux and Chippewa blood and who was now wanted for complicity in this terrible crime "was hiding in the vicinity of the White Earth Agency. James Whitehead who had so bravely and skillfully accomplished the capture of Bobolink at Sandy Lake was selected to make the arrest. He accordingly proceeded to WHiite Earth, taking with him a small posse of men. Henry Way took the party from Oak Lake Station to White Earth with his team, and went with him to assist in making the arrest. They found him at the house belonging to Gams Johnson and with him were half a dozen other Indians, the most desperate and dangerous characters on the Reservation all engaged in the Indian gambling game of mocasin. Whitehead shook hands with Boanece and told him he wanted him to go with him. He said, "Allright. I will go as soon as I can get ready," and stepping back picked up a double-barreled shotgun already cocked, and pointing it in Whitehead's face told him he did not propose to be choked to death like a dog, and ordered him to leave the place. He had two or three more guns at hand ready for use, and the other Indians were also armed to the teeth, and gathered around him. ready to take a hand in the fight, so AMiitehead decided to postpone the arrest until he could simimon additional help.

He accordingly sent word to the governor of the state, who on the 15th of February ordered out a company of militia, consisting of forty men under the command of Lieutenant Dresser, all of Brainerd. They arrived at Oak Lake Cut in the afternoon on the five o'clock train. All the teams in the village were pressed into service, and some of the farmers in the vicinity were called upon to lend a hand to help. I was staying that night at the home of C. A. Sherman, my wife being away in Iowa for the winter. Just after I had gone to bed, a couple of men came after Sherman, and he started ofif with his team to take a load of soldiers to White Earth. It was late in the evening before the soldiers were loaded up, but tinall}- about eleven o'clock the teams started, six or seven together. The night was cold and storniv, the snow was deep and the roads badly drifted. Half the soldiers and some of the teamsters were drunk and by the time thev were well up into Richwood Township they were scat- tered over the prairie in all directions. Some of them had lost the road, and others were stuck fast in the snow. About midnight they met a messenger from \\'hite Earth who brought word that Boanece was no longer there, but had left for parts unknown and the whole arm}- made a race liack to Oak Lake and took the first train for Brainerd.

April II, 1874. - By a special act of the Legislature, passed in 1873, the village of Detroit voted to ta.x the township $5000 to corduroy the sinks about the village so that it could be reached.

April 25, 1874. - When the county seat bill was defeated in the Senate last winter, the Detroiters hoisted flags and made other demonstrations of delight. Where are those flags now?

Johnstonville is dumb on the county seat matter. The "Kunnel" and his "40 thieves" have gone into council, and an onslaught from any direction will not surprise us.

We understand that the board of county commissioners will meet at the auditor's ofifice at Lake Park hereafter, that being the most convenient place for all concerned.

July 18, 1874. - A cloud of grasshoppers from the British possessions passed over Dakota and into Minnesota, which reached from Moorhead to Mankato, a distance of 225 miles.

August 28, 1874. - The fur trade has been lively during the past week. Rats brought as high price as 28 cents. Wheat 65 cents, oats 65 cents, and potatoes 40 cents.

December 19, 1874. - The ice in Cormorant Lake is about two feet thick. Rats have fallen: - " 'Tis the saddest event of all the 'Glad New Year.' "

The county seat in court. On the petition of Col. George H. Johnston of Detroit, Judge Stearns has issued a writ of mandamus, requiring the county commissioners of this county to provide offices for the county officers at the county seat or show cause why they do not do so. The hearing will be held on the 3rd day of February when it will be ascertained which is the county seat, the Detroit which was made the county seat in

1857, or the Detroit which was not in existence until 1872, or some fifteen years after the act of legislature was passed locating the county seat. Another warning to the people not to sign the Detroit petition for the abatement of state tax. We call on the people to be on their guard.

February 6th. - The case commenced by Colonel Johnston against the county commissioners which was heard by Judge Stearns on the 3rd inst. was dismissed on motion of the attorney for the county. This is the third time the colonel has failed to enforce his demands against the county. He has failed in two suits to recover $i,300' for a jail that the county doesn't want, and one to enforce the commissioners to provide offices for the county officers at his town, so that he can pay his taxes by simply walking across the street while nine-tenths of the citizens of the county have to go to nearly the extreme eastern side of the settled portion of the county to transact their business with the covmty officials at the colonel's town, and all this simply to gratify and contribute to the wealth of this self-important, old Yankee speculator.

Bitter fight of Colonel Johnston against McGrew and Dixon and Torgerson for raising county attorney's salary to $800. Ever since the coming into this county of the hoard of Detroit refugees they have made it a point to constantly belie and insult the foreign born population living in this region.

February 20th, 1875. - People are again urged to systematically burn the prairies to prevent grasshoppers spreading. At a meeting at this place it was decided to call upon the people of the different towns to appoint committees at their annual town meetings, whose duty it will be to arrange matters in regard to the burning of the prairies. If things are allowed to take their course, the people will have themselves to blame if again overrun with grasshoppers.

March 13, 1875. - Committees have been appointed to burn the prairies to prevent the increase of grasshoppers. Thirty of these several members of the dififerent committees were in town this week, and informed us that they are determined to do all in their power to make the war upon the hoppers a success.

Treasury Depleting Trio Slowly But Surely Draining Your Treasury

The farmers of Cormorant Township intend putting in their regular crops this coming spring and run the risk of having them destroyed by grasshoppers. If pluck and energy will in any way effect the result the Cormorant farmers are bound to make a raise.

Spring trapping promises to be lively. Trappers hereabouts are busily engaged at present building trapping boats and making other preparations for the country rat campaign. - Audubon Journal.

The Rev. James Gurley was born at Wexford, Ireland, in the year 1800. His parents left him with an aunt, when a very small child, while they went to England and then to America, where they settled at Sandusky, Ohio. Rev. James Gurley was 15 years old when he came to America to live with his parents. ^^'hile with them he became, like his father, a Methodist minister. At an early age he was married to a widow, Mrs. Wycouf, who had two children, a girl and a boy. He became a traveling minister and lived a number of years in Ohio, and had a large family of five boys and four girls. He owned a beautiful farm two miles from the city of Zanesville, Ohio, which he sold and invested in a portable sawmill at Pepin, Wisconsin. He still preached as well as looked after the sawmill. After a few years he moved his sawmill to Maxville, Wisconsin, and there traded it to a man to put up a building for a grist or flour mill, of which his son Benjamin owned a share. When living there in 1861 he adopted a daughter, Angelina Sankey, a girl about ten years old. About the same time, two of his sons went into the army. Benjamin went as captain of a company and Walter did a great deal of writing for army officers. They lived at Maxville a few years after the close of the war, and then traded the flour mill for a store at Wabasha, Minnesota, where his family resided for three years. The first year he preached whenever called on, the second year he was sent as chaplain to the Y. M. C. A. at Minneapolis, and the third year he was sent as a missionary to Brainerd. He became acquainted with a Richard Giffin and they came west to Becker County and took claims in the spring of 1871. By this time his store had failed in Wabasha. Farther Gurley located his claiin on the bank of a small lake on Section 18 of Audubon Township which he named Mission Lake, which is about half way between Audubon and Lake Park. Here he built a log cabin and made a garden and then returned by stage to Wabasha, where his family consisting of his wiie and adopted daughter had resided since buying the store, lie bought a team, and took the boat and went to St. Paul. He then drove through from St. Paul to Becker County, which took three weeks. On the way through the people were very kind ; all he had to do was to tell them that he was Father Gurley and a missionary for the Northern Pacific, and they were taken in free of cost, as mother and father. He came through without any accident, and settled on his claim in the latter part of July, 1871, and was the first resident preacher in the county. He held services or preached in Detroit and Oak Lake. His adopted daughter was married to Hamilton Kelly in the fall of 1872. In the same year he and his aged wife moved to Glyndon, from there to Audubon and thence to Detroit. Here they resided several years until his wife's health failed, then he took her back to live with their daughter Kate, or Mrs. Trimble, who lived in Bucyrus, Ohio, then he returned to Detroit, Minn. His wife lived for six months and died and was buried in the cemetery at Bucyrus, Ohio. His home was in Detroit, but he traveled along the Northern Pacific Railroad from Moorhead to Detroit and preached until his health failed him. His daughter, Clara, or Mrs. Pomroy, who resided at St. Charles, Iowa, came up to Moorhead, where he was sick and took him back to her home, where he resided until his death. She had his remains buried alongside of his wife.

In 1848, the Wyandotte Indians were removed from Ohio to their reservation in Kansas, and being opposed to slavery, they wished a minister from the North. At the annual conference of the M. E. Church in Cincinnati in 1848. volunteers were called for to fill the position and Mr. Gurley was chosen. The Southern people of Missouri and Arkansas being opposed to him on account of his anti-slavery preaching, conspired to kill him, but Mr. Gurley l)eing a Mason was taken under the care of members of that organization, and secretly gotten out of the territory during the night and his life spared and saved. The Masons placing him in a sleigh and covering him with buffalo robes, traveled sixty miles during the night to a place of safety. This is simply a little episode of his eventful life and is only one of a great many.

Dr. David Pyle, who was the first auditor of Becker County, and also the first notary public, was born in Ohio about 1825. When a young man he went farther west, and located I think in Morgan County, Illinois. His wife was a native of Missouri.

Sometime in the early fifties, he in company with a man by the name of John B. Morgan, with their families crossed the great plains with teams and wagons, by way of the South Pass on their way to the then territory of Oregon. When in what is now Southern Idaho, Morgan had some trouble with his family, and left them, going north with a party of Indians. I came across this same Morgan in 1862, on the headwaters of the Missouri, living with a Blackfoot squaw, and following the occupation of Indian trader and wild rover. He was afterwards hung by a vigilance committee.

The Pyle family proceeded to Oregon, where they remained for several years. The next I know of them they were living in McLeod County, Minnesota, where he was elected to the legislature in the fall of 1868. The next spring he was appointed government physician to A\ bite Earth, and in the fall of 1869 took a homestead on Sections 17 and 18, in what is now Audubon Township, where he removed his family in the spring of 1870.

When the county was organized. Dr. Pyle was appointed county auditor, which ofifice he held until the first Monday in March, 1872. He was appointed notary public by Gov. Austin, on the 3d of December, 1870, and his commission was recorded in Douglas County, to which Becker was then attached, on the 19th of January, 1871, and in Becker County on the loth of January, 1872.

Freeman K. Small was born at Lubec, Maine, on the 6th day of June, 1837. WTien a boy he went to sea and passed through the dififerent grades, until he stood on the quarterdeck as master mariner, and for several years commanded vessels sailing" from the ])orts of Luhec and Eastport. Captain Small was married to ]Miss Jeanette Washburn, at her father's home on April loth, 1862, but he continued to follow the high seas for several years afterwards. He traveled over a large part of the world, including two trips to Africa. Mrs. Small accompanied her husband on several of these trips, but concluding she was never intended for a sailor, she persuaded him to abandon his occupation as sea rover and take up his trade as carpenter and builder, which he had learned in his younger years.

]Mr. Small went to Leech Lake, Minn., in March, 1870, as carpenter and engineer of a steamboat on that lake, which was being run in the interest of the Indian farmers, by which they carried their oxen and plows to their different places around the lake. Our son Jake and myself went to Leech Lake in the following May. John Cook in the meantime was sent to White Earth from Leech Lake to look after the interests of the Indians there, and in July, 1S70, he got us transferred to White Earth with them. The following spring they took their homestead near Audubon and we went on our claim, which joined theirs, in April 1871, and lived there until Audubon became a railroad station when we built a house there and lived there several years. Aside from the trouble aiising from the murder of my sister's family, we enjoyed life out there very much, and often wished we had not come back so far east.

Her maiden name was Washburn, and she is a relative of the celebrated W^ashburn family of Maine, that sent five brothers to Congress, four of whom were members of the House of Representatives at the same time. One of them afterwards a United States senator from Minnesota, another a governor of Wisconsin and still another. Elihu B. Washburn was minister to

France during" Lincoln's administration, and had it not been for his powerful influence and persistent efforts, it is doubtful if Gen. Grant would ever have been advanced to the head of the Union Army.

Paul C. Sletten was born in Kvam, Gulbrandsdalen. Norway, February 26, 1841. He was the second eldest of four brothers and having" lost his father through his early death, he soon struck out to work his own way through life. From the time he was fourteen years old he worked in different positions, meanwhile improving every opportunity for study and education.

At the age of twenty-one he went to work on a government railroad then under construction at Hadeland, Norway. At this time he found opportunity for studying" civil engineering and also commenced to read English. In 1867 he was married to Kari Berger of Hadeland, Norway, and two years later emigrated to the United States, landing in New York July 13, 1869.

These were the days nf the building" of the Northern Pacific Railroad and fortified with letters of recommendation and credentials from Norwegian government engineers (among them one from Chief Engineer Pihl), he soon obtained a responsible position with the Northern Pacific Contractors.

In the fall of 1870 a railroad camp was established at Oak Lake and work continued there throughout the winter. Here he was joined bv his wife and at this time took as a homestead the northeast quarter of Section 24, Township 139, Range 42 where they established their residence.

Mr. Sletten was a man of great natural ability, an indefatigable worker and soon became deeply interested in the upbuilding and welfare of the new and promising settlement, taking a prominent place among the sturdy pioneer residents of Becker County. He was employed as clerk and manager in stores at Oak Lake and

In 1875 he received from President Grant the appointment as receiver of public funds of the United States Land Office at Detroit. He was reappointed to this position in 1879, the office then having been removed to Crookston. His family followed him there in 1880. He retained his Becker County interests and was frequently seen among his numerous Becker County friends. He was on intimate terms with many of the leading public men of his day and prominent in the councils of his party. In politics he was a staunch Republican and fought many hard battles for his party. In the famous Nelson-Kindred congressional campaign he threw his strength with the "Little Norwegian from Alexandria" and was credited with a good share of the Nelson victory.

In 1883 he was again appointed receiver, thus having the honor of being appointed to the same office by three different presidents, but served only one year of his third term. He died at his Crookston home of inflammation of the bowels, July 8th, 1884. and is survived by the widow, Mrs. Kari Sletten and five daughters.

The family later removed to their Oak Lake homestead where they built a comfortable home and continued to reside until 1902 when they sold the farm and Mrs. Sletten established her residence at Audubon, ]\Iinn.

The surviving children are: Mrs. Josephine S. Bailey of Minneapolis, Miss Caroline L. Sletten of Audubon, Mrs. Nicoline C Netland of Audubon, Mrs. Sophie W. Netland of Northfield, Minn, and Miss Cora P. Sletten of Audubon, Minn.

James G. McGrew was Ijorn near Indianapolis, Indiana, December 23, 1833, 'ii''*^! came to Freeborn County, Minn., in 1855. He enlisted in Company B, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, and w'as stationed at Fort Ridgely, Minnesota, during the summer of 1862, participating in the battle of Redwood, and in the defence of Fort Ridgley against the Sioux Indias, in which battle twentyfive of its members were killed and were buried near where the fort stood. Captain Timothy Sheehan and Lieutenant McGrew were the two heroes of the battle.

He was afterwards with his regiment in the siege of Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg and several other battles, remaining with his regiment to the close of the war, being mustered out in Alabama Sept. 6, 1865.

He located in Fillmore County, and in 1868 was elected to the state legislature, and removed to Becker County in the spring of 1871, taking a homestead on the southeast cjuarter of Section 10 in Audubon Township. He was admitted to the bar in 1872 and in the fall of 1873 was elected to the office of county attorney, which office he held for four years. He removed to Crookston in 1879. Mrs. West.

]Mrs. Hattie E. Goodrich of Oak Lake died on February 24th. in her 37th year, followed by the death of her husband, Guy H. Goodrich, on December 6th. Mr. Goodrich was born in Attica, New York; came to Crow Wing in 1869; followed up the N. P. R. R. and came here in 1870. He was engaged with Fletcher & Bly Co., contractors- He took a farm at Oak Lake on which he lived until his death. Mrs. Goodrich was, in previous years of her life, connected with the Baptist church at Milwaukee.

On Nov. 22nd William McKinstry "fell on sleep." His had been an eventful life. Born at Westminster, Vt., on June 14th, 1795, he went as a 3'oung- man to western New York. He was ordained a deacon of the INIethodist Episcopal Church by Bishop Elijah Hedding, in the village of Perry, N. Y., September 24th, 1837, and became a circuit rider of that church on a salary of about $100 a year and necessary traveling expenses. For between twenty and thirty years he labored in western New York along the Alleghany River, and in northern Pennsylvania, spending most of his time on horseback, traversing the country, fording rivers, holding camp-meetings, attending revivals, preaching and praying wherever he found opportunity, and dealing with the spiritual interests and experiences of all sorts of people. He came into Stearns County, Minn., in 1867, and to Becker County in the fall of 1871. He passed away at the home of his son, L. C. ^IcKinstry, at Audubon, a good man and full of years of service for his Divine ]\Iaster in the ^lethodist Episcopal Church.

The first settlers in Lake Park Township were George Osborne and Daniel McKay, who came into the township in April, 1870. They located on Section 36. and what has since been called the Jonas Errickson farm was one of their claims. They were both single men and left the conntry soon after they had pro\-ed np on their land.

The next settler was John Cromb, who came into the township on the 20th of May, 1870, and took np land on Sections 26, 34 and 35. The same farm is now the home of John O'Day.

John Cromb was born in Perthshire, Scotland, on the 27th day of February, 1843, and came to the United States in June, 1S69. He came directly to Balmoral, Otter Tail County, Minn., where he remained until the next spring" when he came to Becker County, locating- in Lake Park Township on the 20th day of ^lay, 1870.

Mr. Cromb was a member of the first board of county commissioners of Becker County, being appointed to that ofiice by Governor Horace Austin at the time of the organization of the county in March, 1871.

He was the first county auditor elected by the people, which office he held until the fall of 1881 when he resigned to accept the appointment of register of the United States Land ( )fiice at Crookston, Minn., which ofiice he held until after the election of President Cleveland in 1884.

wife and one child; John Higley, wife and three children; James N. Chamberlain and Charlie Morgan. Abner and John Chamberlain did not come at that time.

I think Wash. Dixon came a little later than we. He was not with our party. We came a few days after John Cromb, George Osborne and Dan McKay.

We left St. Charles, Minn., on the loth day of May, with ox teams and covered wagons, arriving in what is now Lake Park Township just one month from the time we started, the loth of June. The weather was very rainy, and as we had to cook by camp-fires it was rather unpleasant at times, but on the whole we had rather an enjoyable time. Flora Moore taught the first school in Lake Park Township.

Christen E. Bjorge is one of the old settlers of this county. He is a native of Norway, and was born in Ringibn, Gudbransdalen. on the 6th day of October, 1850. He is the son of Erick and Mary Bjorge. Mr. Bjorge. the subject of this sketch, remained in his native land attending school until 1867, and at the age of seventeen he emigrated to the United States and settled in Vernon County, Wisconsin, where he remained for three years. To get a somewhat connected idea of Mr. Bjorge's history, I will in his own words give the following taken from the Becker County Journal :

"To get a somewhat connected idea of what I am about to relate it will be better to begin at the time I left Coon Prairie, Wisconsin, and started on my romantic search for land. The day dawned on which I decided to start ; the second day of May, 1870. Many friends were present to bid us good-by and wish us good luck on our journey. It was hard to bid these friends good-by, but our decision could not be changed ; we must look for a home but where we knew not. Still we would follow Greeley's advice and "Go West." The oxen bought for the occasion were hitched up and off we started sometimes at a gallop, sometimes in the road and sometimes out as they were unbroken and would mind nothing. Thus we journeyed until about to ascend a steep hill which leads from Coon Prairie to what was known as the Dutch Ridge. Before we reached the top, the oxen lost all patience and made a manoeuver which overturned the wagon and broke the tongue and finally they got loose. We lashed the broken tongue and continued our journey, arriving at La Crosse late that night, tired and discouraged by our first day's trip. We partook of a meager supper, crept into our wagon, and soon fell into a refreshing sleep.

The next day we left La Crosse, crossing- the Mississippi on a ferry. On the Minnesota side the bank of the river was very steep and we came near having an accident. Our untrained oxen again showed their contrariness by backing up instead of going forward and another step backward would have plunged the whole outfit into the Mississippi, which here with majestic strength and splendor rushes by on its way to the gulf, ready to swallow and carry along whatever came in its way. But good fortune assisted us. The wagon was stopped by a projecting rock. We unhitched the oxen in a hurry, and drove them to the top of the hill. We had to unload and carry everything- up the hill by hand. A passerby with a team of horses pulled the wagon up for us, and we again proceeded on our journey. We cast a last look back to bid our dear Wisconsin good-by. La Crosse lay calmly smiling in the rays of the rising sun, but a treacherous enemy, the Mississippi, stretched out between us.

This early in the spring the pasturage for our oxen was poor, and consequently we had to proceed very slowly the first week so as not to tire our animals. To mention all the daily occurrences would take up too much space. But I thought it would interest both old and young to hear something about the "redskins" at this time when they were a constant menace to those breaking up the prairie or clearing the forest to get a home for themselves and their families. The young people of to-day can hardly imagine what the pioneers had to experience, sufifer and overcome.

We moved slowly onward and arrived at Otter Tail City about the middle of June, and met several land seekers who I will mention individually.

Martin Olson was just back from a trip to Becker County, where he had found a home and was to return with his family. Mr. Olson described the country with brightest colors, and all the company agreed to go and look it over. From Otter Tail City (at that time an insignificant Indian village) to Becker County, there were no roads, only Indian trails. To go over these roads with heavy loads was next to impossible in many places. In the southern part of Becker County we had to cross a swamp which caused us much trouble and hardship ; but cross it we must as we could discover no way around it. Consequently we had to bridge the swamp which took both time and strength, as the necessary materials had to be carried in. At last the bridge was finished, but it was not the best. Then seven or eight yoke of oxen were hitched to each wagon, and off we started across the swamp. Here it was necessary to hurry along the rear teams, and when these fell through the leaders were hurried on to pull out those which fell through the bridge. In this way we finally got everything across.

The caravan proceeded slowly until we arrived at Detroit Lake. Here we drove along the beach until we came to a place where a stream flowed into the lake. To cross this stream was next to impossible. In the first place it was very deep and there were high banks on the other side which we could not climb. In order to cross we would either have to build a bridge or drive into the lake around the mouth of the stream. We decided to do the latter. We raised the wagon boxes so as to save our provisions if possible. The water, however, was deeper than we had anticipated, and several got their baggage soaked. When in the stream, a yoke of our oxen lost all patience and seemingly thought it better to end their miserable existence by committing suicide. Where the water was deepest and onl}^ the oxen's horns were visible, they lay down and disappeared from sight. At this time good advice was appreciated. Chains were brought in a burr}', and with the aid of two yoke of cattle we saved both the oxen and the wagon. The poor animals that again saw daylight against their wills made a few grimaces, but otherwise seemed no worse off for their plunge bath.

June 24th, 1870, we passed the site on which Detroit, our county seat, now stands ; the plains looked lonely and desolate. Who would at that time have thought that this would have been our county metropolis, and from its county halls justice would be dealt out to our people. We proceeded steadily though slowly further and further west, nearer and nearer to our goal. Four or five miles west of Detroit the country l)ecame more open, being mostly prairie with groves here and there, with lakes, full of fish, scattered in all directions.

and the beautiful Goshen we had taken possession of. Not least did the women enjoy the assurance that now their trials and sufferings were at an end, and they could view the future with hopeful eyes. The trip had lasted nearly two months, and you need not wonder that we felt the need of a rest, a chance for a general cleaning up. The next morning we were all early on our feet, driven by the blood-thirsty, long-legged mosciuitoes which seemed to have no pity for the pale-faces who now made their conquest here. The day dawned clear and bright, and when the sun's rays caressed the tops of the trees, the numerous birds struck up a beautiful morning song, expressing their happiness and satisfaction at being able to live and Iniild their homes in this part of nature's domain. The land seekers breakfasted, and were soon ready to strike out for the choice of a home. Each started in his own direction, while the cattle were left at the camp to be cared for by the women and children. By nightfall most of the land seekers were back, and had found what they had sought, a home for themselves and theirs.

All took up land near the timber. The party, among the first settlers of this township, scattered as one after the other got ready and moved his family and belongings to the place chosen for their future home. AA"e arrived at the place in Section 8 which became our home on June 28th, 1870.

The first thing we did was to build a claim shanty, its size was ten by twelve feet, seven feet high at the ridge. I had half a window facing the south. The roof was composed of poplar poles and hay, with clay on top. It soon showed that we were not master builders, as all the rain that fell on the roof streamed through into what we called a bed. The bed was made from a couple of oak logs three feet long, laid six feet apart and covered with poles. There was no floor in the cabin, and when it rained there was little comfort within. Table we had none, but used a box which we had brought with us. We made stools out of oak logs, leaving a part of a limb on for a handle. There was little said about the necessary housefurnishing, as lumber and the necessary tools were not to be had. All we had was an old ax, and with such a tool it was hard to manufacture the furniture. In the summer of 1870 we broke a few acres wdiich were seeded in 1871, but the grasshoppers came and took it all ; the same happened in 1872. In 1873, we had no grasshoppers but then we had a very small area seeded. The reason for this was that so many were of the opinion that we would again be visited by the grasshoppers, and also that so many were too poor to buy seed wheat. In 1874-5, the grasshoppers again ravaged the country so that there was nothing left for bread for the poor farmers. When I say that the grasshoppers were so numerous that they stopped railroad trains you will perhaps doubt it, but it is a fact that the insects would alight on the rails in such numbers that the rails would become slippery, and the trains could not move.

These continuous failures, together with other obstacles and disappointments, caused many to lose heart. This must be said of the Norwegian ; he is tough and determined to hold out ; at least that was the case here." During these years of privation few moved away to other localities, but most of the first settlers remained. Many will perhaps wonder how so many could hold out for such a length of time without getting any crops. It must be said that the railroad, the Northern Pacific, which runs through here was built to Lake Park in the fall of 187 1, and this gave the farmers a chance to earn a little, both by their own work and the work of their ox teams. If the Northern Pacific had not been built at that time I dare say everybody would have been starved out of Becker County.

Even when we first settled here we lived in constant fear of the many Indians we had to mingle with. They had their homes on the White Earth Reservation, in Becker County. It soon became apparent that the Indians were not friendly to the whites, who were overrunning their hunting grounds.

In the fall of 1870 the Indians set fire to a stack of hay belonging to a farmer named Gunder Carlson, and when he went out to investigate he was shot from behind by an Indian. Mr. Carlson received six buckshot in the back and died two years later from the effects of the wounds. In the fall of 1871 a family by the name of Johnson were killed by the Indians, and in the spring of 1872 another family consisting of five persons were killed. These atrocities put fear and unrest in our minds, and made the situation very grave.

In May, 1872, a message was sent out that the Indians were gathered on the White Earth Reservation for a council. Their war spirit gathered strength as their meeting progressed. The Indians had even donned their war paint, and were dancing the war dance. There was at that time a minister on the reservation, who sent the settlers word about the doings of the Indians. When war-like rumors came out, the settlers of Lake Park Township gathered at Lake Park to discuss what had best be done. The most careful were chosen as leaders, and it was decided to build a fort on a little hill south of where our peaceful little village. Lake Park, now stands, with extensions on each corner so that firing could be done along the sides of the fort from the inside, railroad ties were set upright in these ditches, and the dirt tramped in again. Port-holes were arranged here and there around the fort. Women and children were brought inside the stockade. Some of the men were placed as sentinels while others were stationed at the port-holes to receive the expected enemy. The settlers remained here for several days. Meanwhile there was nobody at home to care for the stock, so these animals were obliged to shift for themselves as best they could. The warlike Indians did not come. The reason was that the above mentioned minister had brought his influence to bear upon them. Their minister was a steadfast friend of the white settler and he, next to God, m'ust be thanked for our deliverance. When the settlers received the good news that all danger was over for the time being, each one proceeded to his own home. In 1876 there was another fear of Indian uprising, but then, as before, it was frustrated by the peaceful ones who were more friendly to the whites.

Thirty-five years ago nobody would have thought that at this time Becker County would become such an important county in the state. It is not only one of the handsomest counties in the state, but the farmers and the inhabitants are as a whole well-to-do, not to say rich. Especially in the western part we see on every hand well cultivated farms and substantial buildings.

Mr. C. E. Bjorge was united in marriage to Miss Dina Hamre on the 28th day of October, 1875. Miss Hamre was born in Goodhue County, Minnesota, and was the daughter of John and Emily Hamre, both natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Bjorge have been blessed with six children, Edwin, Julia, Annie, Oscar, Rhoda, and Leona.

^Ir. Bjorge was appointed ])ostmaster at Lake Park under Cleveland's first administration. He conducted the ofifice with credit and satisfaction both to himself and all concerned. He was president of the village for a few years, then assessor of the township, and Avas census enumerator in 1880 and 1890. and clerk and member of the board of education.

The Scandinavian peninsula has been conspicuous for the production of a strong, honest, energetic type of men, and has furnished some of the most progressive and enterprising of the settlers of the Northwest.

They have helped to bring this region into a high state of development and civilization. They have proved themselves to be progressive, intelligent, and worthy citizens. The early settlers of Lake Park Township were mostly Scandinavians, and no more thrifty agricultural locality can be found in the Northwest. Ole E. Bjorge, the subject of this biographical sketch, was the first settler in the western part of Lake Park Township and has aided materially in its progress and development.

Ole J. Bjorge was born in Ringibu, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, September loth, 1845, and was raised on a farm in his native land. His father, Eric O. Bjorge, was born in Norway, March 25th, 1 82 1, and died at Lake Park, Minnesota, December 20th, 1902. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary Christenson Losness, was born in Norway, and died at Coon Prairie, Wisconsin, November 20th, 1869. The parents of Ole E. Bjorge were not people of wealth, and when only a young boy he was put to heavy work. On April 6th, 1866, he bade adieu to his home, parents and friends and set sail for America. The journey across the sea was made in a sail ship, and it took seven weeks to reach America. Mr. Bjorge was the first of the family to come to America, and was the means of the family settling in this country. In 1868, Mr. Bjorge was married to Mary H. Sandsness. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Sandsness,. were both born in Norway. She was born in Sandsness, Bjorsogton, Norway, November 14th, 1845. ^"^l came

Three children have been born of this marriage, namely : Henry, born March 7th, 1871 ; Edwin, born May 17, 1878; and Minnie, now Mrs. H. Himrum, born December 8th, 1882. Ole E. Bjorge and his brother, Christen, arrived in Becker County, Minnesota, in June, 1870, coming all the way acoss the country from Wisconsin with an ox team and a covered wagon. Detroit then consisted of a few Indian tents, and the country was entirely without roads. Ole E. Bjorge and his brother, Christen Bjorge, both took claims in Lake Park Township. Ole built a house in Section 8, which was the first log cabin in the western part of Lake Park township. The first years were full of hardship, and all the farming was done with oxen, and supplies had to be hauled a distance of over one hundred miles ; besides the grasshoppers destroyed the crops for several years. The Indians were a source of dread and caused a great deal of trouble and anxiety to the early settlers. The country was then filled with wild game, and the Indians looked with suspicion upon the invasion of the white man which would eventually decrease the size of the territory over which he could roam and hunt. Several families were massacred by the Indians in the adjoining townships, and the report helped to spread consternation among the settlers. It became customary for the settlers in the evenings to take a look around the country to ascertain if there were any suspicious Indians gathered around. One evening in the fall of 1871, as Ole Bjorge was spying around from the top of a hill to see if there were any Indians in view, he saw a large prairie fire in the north and against the flames he could plainly see a crowd of men coming towards his farm. In a moment, he heard several shots discharged in the same direction and Ole felt certain it meant an Indian outbreak, and he ran to the house and told the family that the Indians were coming and that they should run to the home of G. T. Johnson, which w^as only a few rods away. He then warned his father, Erick, and family, and they all rushed to the home of Mr. Johnson. Here they made preparations for selfdefense. Johnson was stationed at the door with a gun and Erick held the powder horn and the bullet bag and Ole held an ax. The women and children were in the cellar. The house was surrounded with heavy timber on all sides and at a short distance below the house was a large slough filled with heavy grass. Ed. Bjorge, who was then a boy, crawled down the hill and hid himself in the heavy grass of the slough and in case of an attack by the Indians, Ed. would probably have been the only one to survive. There during that long and strenuous night stood the brave and fearless men, ready to sacrifice their lives, in a new and unsettled country, for the protection of themselves and families. Early in the morning, while it was still dark, an object was discerned crawling up the hill toward the house. "There is one of the Indians," whispered Johnson, "and in a second he will be dead." He raised the hammer, put the gun to his shoulder, took aim to be sure of the object, and was ready to fire. "Wait," whispered Ole, "it looks like Ed." Johnson hesitated a minute and in the meantime it was discovered that it was actually "Ed." The night was cold and being chilled to the bones Ed. was unable to hold out in the slough any longer, and made up his mind to seek shelter in the house. It was a narrow escape from meeting a tragic death. Morning at last dawned and no Indians had been seen. Later it was learned that the men who had been seen on the prairie in the evening were not Indians at all but a number of railway men who had gone to attend a dance and on their way discharged their revolvers.

Mr. Bjorge was a hard and efficient worker, and as the result of many years of labor he had converted the farm into one of the finest and most productive in Becker County. Additional land was acquired by purchase so that the farm now includes three hundred and sixty acres.

In July, 1899, Mr. Bjorge was stricken with paralysis and died on the 9th of July of that year. He was buried in the cemetery of the Norwegian Synod at Lake Park. Mr. Bjorge was highly esteemed and respected by all those with whom he was acquainted, and the funeral was one of the largest ever held in the western part of Becker County. It must be said to his credit that he always intended that justice should be observed among men, and all his dealings were marked with the highest degree of honesty and integrity. He stood for a "square deal." Politically he was a Democrat and attended numerous conventions of his party. He was a memljer of the Lutheran church, as was also his familv, and bv

Jonas Erickson was born August i6th, 1848, in IModelford, Sweden. His parents were farmers. He came to America in 1857 and settled in Iowa. He was married to Olava Aas, a native of Sweden. Their marriage has been blessed with six children, of which Lewis, Annie and Christian are still living. Three are dead.

On the 19th day of September, 187 1, he was elected chairman of the board of supervisors. On the 21st day of December, 1871, he was elected the first treasurer of School District No. 2, and on the 1 2th day of March, 1872, he was elected assessor in this township.

Gustav Jacobson is one of the early settlers of this township. There are perhaps few who occupy a more prominent place than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch.

Mr. Jacobson is a native of Norway. He was born in 1848. Came to America in the year 1866. In 1876 Jacobson was united in marriage to Miss Inga Olson, a native of Norway. Their marriage has been blessed with two children - Julius and Caroline. In the summer of 1870, he came to this township, and settled on Section 30, where he has carried on agricultural operations and has been one of the most successful farmers in this township.

One of the first settlers in the western part of Becker County was Oliver Taylor. Mr. Taylor was a native of the state of Ohio, being born there in the year 1828. While a boy he accompanied his parents to Indiana and in the early "fifties" went to Minnesota and settled in Kandiyohi County. In 1862, however, just before the Indian outbreak, he returned to Indiana. After a few years' stay he again went to Minnesota and arrived in Becker County in the summer of 1870. He in company with two other gentlemen by the name of Clark and Haney first stopped at Richwood, where Mr. Haney located on the Buffalo River with a view of building a mill. Mr. Taylor left Richwood and took up a claim on Section 2 of the township of Lake Park, where he remained during the following winter with nothing but his dog and horses for his companions. In the summer of 187 1, he brought up his family to live on the claim where they together endured the various trials of frontier life. In 1876 he sold his farm to Thomas H. Canfield and with his family moved to Tennessee, thence to Missouri, where his wife died in 1878. With his two daughters, he returned to Lake Park where they remained a short time, and then settled in Marshall County, Minn., and where he was elected the first auditor of that county.

Mr. Gudm F. Johnson was born in Norway, June nth, 1844. His parents were both Norwegians. He came to the United States in August, 1866, sta>-e(l a few years in Wisconsin and then moved to Minnesota. Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Anne E. Bjorge, May 23rd, 1869. He arrived at Oak Lake, Becker County, June 28th, 1871, and later in the same year purchased some railroad land in the western part of Lake Park Township. At the first town meeting held in the township of Lake Park, at that time called the town of Liberty, Mr. Johnson was elected on the board of township supervisors. He stayed in Becker County a short time, and went to Minneapolis in 1872. At Minneapolis he became associated with Mr. Jedde in editing and publishing a Norwegian weekly newspaper by the name of Budstckkcii. This was a Democratic organ, and for many years w^as the leading Norwegian newspaper in the state.

Even Nelson was born in Lillejord, Telemarken, Norway, June 23rd, 1842. In 1859, Mr. Nelson, for the purpose of obtaining an education, entered a seminary and graduated from the same in the spring of 1861. In the- fall following he was given a position as school teacher, and followed this profession for a period of six years.

In 1867, he was married to Birget Overson, w4io was also a native of Norway. She is a relative of Halvor Steenerson, the present congressman from this district. Mr. Nelson made up his mind to try his fortune across the sea, and shortly after his marriage, he and his wife started on their voyage to the United States, coming to Kashkenomghe Prairie, Dane County, Wisconsin. He remained there for three years. During this time he was engaged in teaching the Norwegian language in the adjoining Scandinavian districts. The homesteads in this district were all taken up, and as Mr. Nelson did not possess sufficient means to purchase land he made up his mind to go where he could obtain a free farm of his own. Consequently on the 17th day of May, 1870, he and his wife, in company with several others, left Madison, Wisconsin, and on the 3d day of July arrived in the western part of Becker County. It will be observed that the trip consumed one month and a half. This was due to the fact that the journey had to be made by the use of oxen, some of which were old and slow. And also to the fact that the long distance had to be traveled without any roads whatever. Mr. Nelson took up a homestead on Section 30 of Lake Park Township, on which he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been blessed with a family of nine children, nearly all of whom are full grown and all are living. Four of them are married. Mr. Nelson has not been lacking in energy and thrift in the building up of a comfortable home. His farm, by successful cultivation, has been brought to a high degree of fertility, and the well-constructed buildings bear evidence of success and prosperity.

Johannes Bjornstad was born in Norway in August, 1814, came to America in 1869. and in July, 1870, located on Section 24 of Lake Park Township, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Goodrich, on the 22d day of October, 1899. He was the father of Olof, Michael and John Bjornstad.

Mr. AI. Bjornstad is the owner of a fine farm in the eastern part of Lake Park Township. He is a Norwegian, born in Roken, Norway, September 29th, 1849. ^^^ his youth he decided to leave his native country and emigrate to the United States and in June, 1868, he arrived in America. Inspired with the hope of finding a home of his own he proceeded to Minnesota and on the 4th day of July, 1870, arrived in Becker County. He took up a homestead in Section 13 of Lake Park Township, where he still resides. On July 29th, 1873, Mr. Bjornstad was married to Miss Josephine Halvorson, and at the present time Mr. and Mrs. Bjornstad are the proud parents of twelve children, six boys and six girls, George, Joseph, Bendike, Wilhelm, Gabriel, Ferdinand; and Cornelia, Helena, Marie, Nora, Julia and Alma. Mr. Bjornstad has held several township offices such as supervisor, road overseer, and school director. In politics, Mr Bjornstad has been associated with the repubhcan party. He is also a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. By active work and industry he has constructed on his farm large and comfortable buildings in which he and his family now enjoy the comfort and blessings of modern farm life.

Olaus Bjornstad resides on Section 13 in Lake Park Township ; he has made farming his vocation, and is one of the most prominent farmers in the eastern part of the township. Mr. Bjornstad is a native of Norway, being born in Roken, Norway, February 21st, 1847. ^^ the age of tw^enty-four, full of vigor and strength with the hope of finding a place where he could use his energy to better advantage than in his native land, he made up his mind to go to America and after a successful voyage arrived in the United States in June, 1869. Having heard of the fertile land in Minnesota, Mr. Bjornstad proceeded westward in search of a home. He finally arrived in Becker County and on the 8th day of November, 1870, took up a homestead in the eastern part of Lake Park Township. He worked on the road bed of the Northern Pacific Railway during the summer of 1871, and during the fall and summer of 1872 served as watchman on the fencing train of the Northern Pacific. Mr. Bjornstad was also engaged as clerk in the store of Holmes & Phinney in Detroit, and after serving in this capacity for one year and a half he moved out to his homestead.

May 20th, 1875, he was married to Marie Beaver. As a result of this marriage nine children were born, most of whom are now full grown. Of these there are six girls, Clara, Thea, Selma, Olga, Inga and Holda; also three boys, John, Oscar and Adolph.

He has held many positions of honor and trust. In the fall of 1871 he was present at a meeting at which the organization of the township was affected and was elected one of its first officers. He served as county commissioner at the time of the building of the Becker County court-house and for many years he has served as a member of the board of supervisors, and also as a member of the school board. At the present time he is chairman of the board of town supervisors. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Mr. Bjornstad has put up many fine and substantial buildings on his farm which show evidence of the general prosperity, so characteristic among the farmers in the western part of Becker County.

Andrew A. Houglum was born at Arnefjord, Sogn, Norway, August 27th, 1855. H^s parents were of Norwegian birth and lived on a farm, but were in ])oor circumstances. In those days the people made their own clothing; the men wore knee pants and long stockings. Wooden shoes were of universal use. The children, as soon as they l^ecame of sufficient age, learned to make their own wooden shoes, and at the age of twelve Mr. Houglum made his first pair. In 1869, at the age of fourteen he in company with his parents left his home on his journey for America. Before they reached Bergen the steamer on which they were passengers struck on a rock, but fortunately the ship was not seriously damaged. At Bergen they boarded a sailing ship, and at the end of three weeks landed safely in Quebec, Canada. From there they proceeded to Goodhue County, Minnesota, arriving on the 15th day of June. Mr. Houglum heard of the fertile soil in the great Red River country, and in 1871 in company with his brother started for Becker County. He took up a homestead in the western part of Lake Park Township. His brother Ole also took up a homestead nearl)y ; he died some years ago.

When Mr. Houglum left Goodhue County, all he possessed was fifty dollars. The journey to Becker County was made with oxen and was necessarily slow and tedious. He was married in 1883, ^iid as the result of his marriage eight children have been born.

Mr. Houglum has always taken an active interest in the development of the western part of Becker County, and for many years has been a member of the board of supervisors for Lake Park Township. In politics he has been associated with the principles of the republican party. He is also a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Nels Nelson is a prosperous farmer residing- on Section 6 of Lake Park Township. Mr. Nelson was born in Appelbo, Dalarne, Sweden, April 5th, 1837. He was married in Sweden when he was twenty-two years old, and at the age of thirtythree set sail for America with his wife and three children, arriving at New York, July 3d, 1870. From New York he proceeded westward as far as Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he remained until the following- spring. Early in the spring he purchased a pair of horses and a bob-sleigh and with his family proceeded toward the West. Arriving at Sauk Center, he left his family behind in a small log shanty and proceeded on the journey until he finally arrived at the place of John O. Johnson near Audubon. Being informed by Mr. Johnson that there were homesteads to be had, Mr. Nelson hurried back after his family and on the 4th day of April, 1871, they arrived sound and healthy in the northwestern part of Lake Park Township, where he decided to take a homestead. One month and four days were consumed in journeying from AA^isconsin to this place, because of snow-storms and the bad condition of the roads. The family had to walk nearly the entire distance.

After a few years Mr. .Nelson acquired more land by purchase from the railroad company, so that his farm now comprises three hundred acres of the finest agricultural land.

Mr. Nelson is a member of the Lutheran church, and has assisted in building one of the finest Lutheran churches in this part of the state. This church is situated in the northwestern part of Lake Park TowMiship, and has been constructed of brick and stone at the cost of twelve thousand dollars. This magnificent edifice for religious worship stands as a living monument to the imtiring energy and the industry of the sturdy pioneers, who by the sacrifice of their labor and money have contributed to its construction. As has been related in the beginning of this sketch Mr. Nelson has been eminently successful in following the pursuits of agriculture. The numerous and well constructed buildings on his farm bear evidence of a successful and prosperous life.

John G. Norby. John G. Norby, one of the most successful and prosperous farmers of Becker County, resides on his farm in Section 5 of Lake Park Township. Mr. Norby was born on the farm Ekern in Berum, Askers, Norway, November 17th, 1837. In 185 1, his father died and the following year Mr. Norby with his mother and five sisters and one brother removed to his grandfather's farm, Norby, where he lived until 1867. On June 21st, 1858, he was married to Thorena Larson. She was born on the I2th day of November, 1835, on a farm Okeri-Berum, Norway. On April 12th, 1867. Mr. Norby with his entire family consisting of his wife and five children, Gustav, Dorthea, Lousie, now Mrs. C. K. Ekern, Lars, Ludvig and Adolph, and also his mother and four sisters, took passage by steamship to the United States and arrived at Lansing, Allamakee County, Iowa, May I2th. He moved out to east Pain Creek Prairie to live with his brother-in-law Jens Okeri. During the summer he worked on the nearby farms, and was paid at the rate of one dollar per day. On May 14th, 1871, Mr. Norby, with his wife and six children, Henry Edward having been born in Fillmore County, started out with two yoke of oxen hitched to a prairie schooner, and one hundred and thirty-five dollars in his pocket to seek a home in the Northwest, and on the evening of June i6th arrived at the place of Ole E. Bjorge in the western part of Becker County. After looking over the land in various directions, Mr. Norby finally decided to locate on Section 5 in Lake Park Township and commenced at once the erection of a log cabin. In the fall he worked with his two yoke of oxen, in the cut of the Northern Pacific Railway, west of where the village of Lake Park is now located. The ^^^inter of 1871-2 was cold and stormy and exceptionally hard, but the people, being all in the prime of life and full of strength and courage withstood the hardships remarkably well during these early years, which were filled with many hardships. The settlers were very sociable. During Christmas and other holidays several families were gathered together in the newly built log cabins, and spent the time in singing, story telling and various other amusements. During these years money was extremely scarce, but the people were full of energy, hope and happiness.

Mr. Xorby at v^arious times has added by purchase to the size of his farm, so that it now comprises an area of four hundred and twenty-five acres of as good agricultural land as can be found anywhere in the Northwest. Large and comfortable buildings have been erected, and on the farm may also be seen a fine herd of Red Polled cattle headed by thoroughbred sires.

In politics Mr. Xorby has always adhered to the doctrines of the republican party ; he is a member of the Xorwegian Lutheran church, and is also one of the directors of the Becker County State Bank.

Ingel Ukkestad was born in Nannestad, X'orway, February 7th, 1821. He came to the United States, July 12th, 1862, and after looking over the country in several localities he finally arrived in Becker County. He took up a homestead on Section 4 in the township of Lake Park on the 6th day of July. 1871. Mr. Ukkestad was married to Marie Thoreson, April 27th, 1862. Three children have been born, John, Ludvig, and Albert. The eldest son John owns and operates a farm in the township of Cuba while Ludvig and Albert are attending to the management of the farm at home.

For many years Mr. Ukkestad has been in feeble health and for that reason has been closely confined to his home. He is a member of the L'nited Lutheran church.

L. W . Pederson was born in Inderoen, Trondhjem, Xorway, January 23d, 1847. He left his native home in Norway, April 25th, 1866, to seek his fortune in America. The ocean was crossed in a sailing vessel, and after a successful voyage he landed at Quebec, June 12th. Pie proceeded westward to Fillmore County, ^linnesota. In the winter of 1871 he proceeded northward in quest of a home, and arrived in the western part of Becker County on the 14th day of February that same year and took a homestead on Section 4 in the township of Lake Park. Mr. Pederson was married to Bergitha J. Engelstad on the 13th day of May, 1873. Mrs. Pederson died April 30th, 1901, and was buried at the Lutheran church cemetery at Lake Park. Mr. Pederson has held several positions of trust and honor. He served as the first clerk in school district No. i6, served in the capacity of assessor for the township of Lake Park during several terms, and was also elected for many years as chairman of the board of supervisors. He acted as president of the Lake Park and Cuba Farmers' Insurance Company from the time it was organized until 1902. From 1875 to 1879 ^^^ served as county commissioner of Becker County.

Mr. Pederson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and always took an active interest in religion. In politics he has always been a staunch supporter of . Republican principles. On the 22d day of January, 1902, Mr. Pederson was married to Anna J. Skovdahl. As a result of this marriage two children have been born, Ingeborg Malena and Lydia Bergithe.

Mr. Pederson conceived the idea of founding an orphans' home on his farm. With this idea in view additional buildings were constructed, and the Orphans' Home became an established fact. This institution is known as the Lake Park Orphans' Home. Mr. Pederson donated a portion of his farm to the support of this institution, additional land has been acquired by purchase, so that the property belonging to the institution comprises three hundred and sixty acres. At the present time in the neighborhood of one hundred children are cared for at the institution. The property is now owned by the United Lutheran Church. In 1902, Mr. Pederson moved to Halstad, Minnesota, where he purchased a farm and has since made his residence.

Mr. Quam was born in Hafslo, Norway, July 20th, 1834. His parents were farmers by occupation. In 1862, Mr. Quam was married to Christie Stokkenoo, of Lyster, Norway. They emigrated to America, and arrived at Albert Lea, Minnesota, in the summer of 1870. After having lived in Albert Lea one year they set out to seek their fortune in a new country and in August, 1871, they located on Section 30 where they still live.

Mr. Quam purchased the improved claim of Gulbrand Erickson, and later filed on a homestead. The first few years were full of hardships. The grasshoppers destroyed the crops for several years, and in 1875 a terrific hail storm ravaged the country. In 1872, the story was circulated that the Indians intended to kill the settlers, and in anticipation of this Mr. Quam took most of his personal effects with him and moved to Lake Park, where he and some of the other settlers commenced the construction of a fort to be used for the protection of themselves and families. Fortunately the Indian scare did not materialize. Mr. Quam is a member of the Lutheran church in which he has always been an earnest and conscientious worker. Mr. Quam is now the owner of a large and well cultivated farm on which have been erected costly and substantial buildings making a home where he may enjoy the cjuiet and comfort of life in his declining years.

]\Ir. Jens P. Foss, of whom I have no history, came here in the spring of 1872, and settled on the southwest quarter of Section 16 (school land).

The first township election was held at the house of M. L. Devereaux on Section 10, September 19th, 1871. John Cromb was elected moderator, AI. L. Devereaux, clerk; and Martin Olson, and Louis Johnson, judges of election. At this meeting the organization of the township was affected and it was named the township of Liberty. The following named persons were elected as the first officials of the new township. Supervisors, Jonas Erickson, chairman ; W. H. Chamberlain and G. F. Johnson. M. L. Devereaux was elected town clerk ; Charles Smith treasurer; John Cromb and Jonas Erickson, justices of the peace and Frank Higley and Louis Johnson, constables.

At a meeting held on the 21st day of October, 1871, the township was organized into a school district called No. 2, with the following officers : M. L. Devereaux, clerk ; John Cromb, director and Jonas Erickson, treasurer. This district was set aside as illegally established.

At this time there was no railway, and the nearest market place was over one hundred miles away. This was a long distance to drive with oxen over poor roads to obtain the necessities of life. In the summer of 1871, however, work was com- menced on the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad. A railroad station was established in the northern part of the township, and the name given to it was Lakeside. The building of the railroad put new life into the country. The settlers were given employment, money was put into circulation, stations were built, markets were opened, and the}- were enabled to sell their products to obtain the necessities of life and to procure the machinery so essential to successful cultivation and subjugation of the soil. The early years were full of hardships, the grasshoppers destroyed the crops and the settlers were in constant dread of the Indians.

By reason of this many became discouraged, abandoned their homesteads and returned to older settlements. But neither the ravages of the grasshoppers nor the danger of being exterminated by the Indians could scare away the majority of the early and sturdy pioneers, who had crossed untrodden prairies, and unbridged streams, and penetrated wild forests for the purpose of providing homes for themselves and their families.

In 1876, at the suggestion of the Rev. Dr. Hawley, the post ofifice known as Loring, the railway station, and the township were all merged into one name to be known as Lake Park. This was indeed a most fitting name, for to one who in summer time beholds the striking landscaj^e consisting of undulating prairies, green groves, blossoming fields and picturesque lakes, it presents the scenic beauty of a park. In fertility of soil this township is not surpassed by any in Becker County, nor perhaps in the entire Northwest. The land is not only adapted to the growing of grain such as wheat, oats, barley, and fiax, but during recent years, clover and corn have been raised with success. The country is therefore adapted to diversified farming; stock-raising and dairying have in recent years become important industries. In the village of Lake Park are two creameries that are running with full capacity the year around.

The stock farm of Thomas Canfield which is situated near the village of Lake Park is one of the finest and most up-to-date stock farms in the Northwest. On this farm Mr. Canfield has bred up from imported and domestic stock a fine herd of Shorthorns that have captured many prizes at many fairs where they have been exhibited. On the farm ma}' be seen also the finest Yorkshire hogs in America, if not in the world. His

Yorkshires took the championship at the World's Exposition at St. Louis, and at every other place where they have been exhibited they have carried off the highest honors.

Many of the farmers in the vicinity have availed themselves of the opportunity of improving their stock by purchasing fullblooded sires at the Canfield farm. Lake Park is noted for its fine stock, and for this the farmers are indebted, to a large extent, to the energy and untiring efforts of Mr. Canfield, who has made it possible for them to obtain full-blooded sires of the highest bred type.

The village of Lake Park, with a population of 800, is a thrifty and prosperous town, and as an evidence of its thrift and prosperity may be cited the fact that there is not a single shanty in the village.

Already some of the early pioneers have been laid to rest, and the time is not far distant when all of them will have ceased to count their homes among the living. They have done their duty and have done it well ;, they have been faithful and true. For their unswerving loyalty to those by whom they are survived, and devotion to country, the rising generation is deeply indebted. They strove to make us and our country what we are and their efforts have not been in vain. The substantial roads, the fine school houses, and the towering churches bear the strongest testimony to their industry, their undying devotion to family, and their loyalty to country and to God.

The Organization Of The First Congregation

The first minister to visit us was the Rev. T. Watleson. He conducted services on November 6th, 1870, and this as far as I know was the first religious service in this county.

On the i6th day of INIay, 1871, a congregation was organized and named The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Becker County. The trustees elected were Lars A. Larson, T. S. Hande and John Beaver. November 19th, 1872, a meeting was held in Lake Park and the name of the congregation was changed to the Norwegian Evangehcal Lutheran Hay Creek Congregation of Becker and Clay Counties. At this meeting a

Hon. Hexrv O. Bjorge

Rev. K. Bjorge was called and held his first service the first Sunday after Trinity. He worked with several congregations in this and neighboring counties until 1888, when he accepted a call from Red Wing and Zumbrota. Rev. Bjorge had to put up with many hardships during his first years here. His congregations were so scattered that in order to reach them he had to cross the prairies where roads and bridges were few at that time. But under these conditions be it said in Mr. Bjorge's favor that he was a faithful servant of the Lord. There are many who yet remember him with love and thankfulness, for his was always well meant counsel which he always sought to make impressive during the time he worked and suffered, during these pioneer days. As is often the case, we seldom understand when a person wishes his fellow men well, and this will also apply here. His reward will not be missing on the Great Day when it will be said. "Good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things ; I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

The first child born in Lake Park Township was Henry O. Bjorge, who was born on the 7th day of March, 1871. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs Ole Bjorge.

The first people to get married in Lake Park Township were Ole L. Berland and Betsy Olson, who were married on the 3rd of January, 1872, by L. G. Stevenson, justice of the peace.

I think that old John Delaney, who lived on what is now the John Horan farm was one of the first to die. He died of strangulated hernia. I remember his death well, being with him when it occurred, and afterwards made his coffin, as we had no undertakers in those days. We had funeral services at the house, however, Father Gurley officiating. We buried the old man in a grove facing the lake on my farm, where the body still remains.

Reminiscence Of The Cook Family Murder

There were two families by the name of Small and Cook, who had formerly been employed by the i^overnment at ^^'hite Earth, who had moved into the vicinity of Audubon and taken up claims. Sometime after the shooting of JMr. Carlson, the Cook family were all murdered in the night, their bodies thrown into the cellar, the house set on fire and all consumed. The intention was to have killed both families, as was afterwards learned, but for some reason the plan miscarried, to the intense satisfaction of Mr. Small and family. Although there were no horses in the country, the settlers having mostly arrived here in the old time prairie schooner with an ox team attached, the news spread like wild fire and the excitement and alarm which had been aroused by the crime became intense. The blood curdling deeds of those human wretches who butchered our people in 1862, at Lake Shetek, and other places were fresh in the minds of all, and there were some here who had actually passed through that awful ordeal and of course those scenes were revived in their minds with all of their attendent horrors. Some were in favor of immediate flight leaving everthing behind, while others who had spent all they had in getting here and getting a little home established disliked the idea of being driven out like a flock of sheep and losing all they possessed. In the neighborhood where I lived, four miles south of Lake Park, we got together, talked the thing over and decided to build a fort and undertake the protection of our families. All hands turned out and began its immediate erection. John Cromb sent to the governor for arms and ammunition, securing for the count}' forty stands of arms, "Springfield muskets," and 1600 rounds of cartridges which were distributed through the country, our neighborhood receiving ten guns.

While we were busily engaged in our preparations of defense people of other sections of the country were not idle. Similar preparations were going on in Lake Park X^illage. The citizens of the village and surrounding country turned out and built a fort on the hill south of the depot made of railroad ties of which there were luckily plenty in town. Large numbers of the country people flocked to the new fort from far and near, it being- on the railroad offered greater inducements than our Httle country affair, and for a week or ten days, I suppose things were pretty lively. The material for ours had to be cut in the woods and hauled half a mile ; we cut logs twelve feet long, dug a trench three feet deep, putting them in on end and fitting them together close enough so a bullet would not pass between. We built quite a large log house inside for our Women and children, for we did not wish to be left up here in this new country, where such commodities were scarce, without our women. I remember one afternoon while we were working away leisurely a young man came riding up at break neck speed (and right here I must modify my statement in regard to the horses, for this young man did have a horse which was quite a curiosity at the time). He said the Indians were on their way to the settlements in full war dress scalping everything in their path, and he was going to leave the country. He advised us. to fly for our lives. We had a good sized gap in the last wall of our little fort to fill in, rather more than we expected to get done that afternoon, but I tell you all joking was then laid aside and the men went to work at a lively rate. I remember distinctly with what earnestness I tried to persuade this man to give up his notion to skip the country and turn in with us and help finish the gap in the wall, but to no purpose. His mind was made up ; he had seen enough Indian picnics in "62" to satisfy him and away he went, but he didn't go far, I guess, for he was back on his claim again all O. K., and afterwards secured a little body to go in partnership with him and help him improve it, and is now a prosperous farmer not a thousand miles from Lake Park. I must tell you that the report that he brought was a false alarm, not gotten up by him however, which his actions clearly indicated. AVe finished our fort that night and moved in pretty much the whole neighborhood. There were a few, however, who had come in from the East, and were not familiar with the redman's ingenuity in stirring things up and making it lively at short notice, who remained at home waiting for the cloud to burst, and if a raid had been made would have gone the way of the Cook family, but of course as they never came the laugh was on us. We slept in the fort one night and men, women and children piled in there as though they had been fired in with a shotgun. The next morning my wife said to me

"let us go home. I had about as soon take my chances with the Indians." She had taken a terrible cold sleeping on the ground and felt as though if she stayed there she would die anyway. Our house was only about eighty rods from the stockade so we went. Some that lived farthest from the fort stayed a week or ten days. By that time we learned that the danger was over, although there was rnore or less apprehension for a long time, but we never had any more trouble.

Miss Flora Moore, now Mrs. Cyrus Curtiss, of Des Moines, Iowa, taught the first school in the township. Mrs. Sylvester Moore, her mother, writing from the home of Mrs. Curtiss, Nov. 7th, 1906, says :

She says she commenced her school in June. 1872, the same year the first school was taught in Detroit. Frank Higley engaged her to teach the school. The school was taught in the house at the stockade on the Frank Higley farm. She taught three months, boarded at Mr. Higley's, had fifteen scholars and received her pay from Mr. Higley.

In January. 1872, Ole J. Weston, who was then section foreman built the first shanty in Lake Park for his section crew. The next building was R. H. Abraham's basswood store building which he hauled up from Oak Lake with oxen in February, 1872. This was the first store in the village.

Hans Hanson started the first blacksmith shop, in the spring of 1873. Charles B. Plummer opened a hotel in 1874. Eight blocks of the original townsite were surveyed in 1873 by Joseph E. Turner by order of L. P. White, agent for the Townsite