Blue Earth County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1901 (part 15 of 15)

The first important business responsibility of Mr. Willard was as manager of the Mankato Linseed Oil Company, which he maintained for eight years. He also helped to organize, and for three years assisted in the management of the Mankato Mills Company, manufacturing hosiery, and for the past eight years he has been secretary and treasurer of the Mankato Citizen's Telephone Company. He ako is secretary and treasurer of the Mankato Electric Traction Company, and as a member of its board, has been instrumental in promoting keen interest in, and hearty co-operation in the upbuilding of, the local Public Library. His most active responsibility is that of cashier of the First Nationa: Bank, which position he has held since 1901. Mr. Willard married Louise Bobbins, daughter of the late George S. Bobbins, in Chester, Yt., June 24, 1890.

WILLIAMS, WILLIAM E. - The superintendent of the ilinneopa Falls state park is one of the well-known residents of South Bend township, Blue Earth county, and has filled his present position since May of 1907, beside which he has served as sexton of the Minneopa Falls cemetery for a number of years. The neat house which he occupies is situated about five miles southwest of Mankato, in convenient proximity to the park. In the midst of scenery alluring to the eye of the artist he passes his time in the care and oversight of the grounds and in attending to the many details connected with his two positions, besides which he discharges the duties of road overseer and also is serving as clerk of the schools.

As early as the year 1855, when he was a child of five William E. Williams came to Blue Earth county. Born in Oneida county, New York, July 15, 1850, he is a son of Eobert E. and Winifred (Boberts) Williams, natives of Wales. The father was born in March of 1821, and the mother in June of 183?, but at an early age they crossed the ocean to the United States, where they were married in Oneida county in 1844. A few years later they went still further westward and sojourned for a time in Cleveland, Ohio, from which city they removed to Watertown, Wisconsin, and in 1855 they moved with a colony of thirteen families to ^linnesota, setttling in Blue Earth county and pre-empting a claim to government land. It was their privilege to be spared to witness the development of this county and in return for their years of pioneer struggle they reaped a fair share of success. The father died in September of 1900, and the mother survived him some years, dying in ilay of 1905. Six children comprised their family, namely : Ellen, who is the wife of Senator T. M. Pugh, of Duluth, Minnesota; William B., whose name introduces this article; Margaret, deceased; Jennie, the widow of L. D. Lake, of Madison, South Dakota; Mary, deceased; and John E., who makes liis home at Minneapolis, this state.

Prom the time of arriving in Blue Earth county until he started out in life for himself, William E. Williams remained with his parents and alternated attendance at country schools with work on the home place. After leaving the farm he worked at various occupations and gained a thorough knowledge of engineering, which trade he followed for a time. His marriage took place at Grafton, North Dakota, October 24, 1883, and united him with Miss Margaret Olson, who was born in Howard county, Iowa, August 2, 1861. Pier parents, Ole and Tillie (Gunderson) Knudson, were natives of Norway, where they were reared and married, emigrating thence to the United States about 1854, and settling in Iowa upon a farm.

Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Williams filled a position as night engineer in a flouring mill at Grand Porks, North Dakota, but this work he soon relinquished and moved to Texas. That country did not prove alk he desired and he removed north as far as Nebraska, where he secured employment in Omaha. Soon afterward he went to Polk county, Nebraska, where he worked for a short time. Eeturning to Blue Earth county he settled at the old homestead near Minneopa Falls where his boyhood years had been passed and where his parents had remained throughout the most active period of their lives. Since returning to this locality he has been active in township affairs, has stanchly supported Eepublican principles and has contributed to the local work of the party. In his family there are ten children. The eldest son, Clarence E., born July 19, 1884, is a telegraph operator, but at this writing lives in North Dakota for the purpose of securing title to a homestead claim. The eldest daughter, Dora E., born July 6, 1886, was educated in the district schools, Mankato high school and Mankato State Normal school, since which she has engaged in teaching. The remaining members of the family are as follows: Arthur J., born January 39, 1888; Abbie J., January 23, 1890; Edward J., October 15, 1892; Alta G., July 1, 1894; Eobert L., September 8,

WINGBN, A. J. - Three miles north of the village of Good Thunder lies one of the finest farms in Rapidan township. Three hundred acres are situated within the limits of this township, bat in addition there are two hundred and two and one-half acres under the same title, thus giving to Mr. Wingen an aggregate of over five hundred acres, all of which he rents at this writing. The family residence is neat and comfortable, and is equipped with the modern conveniences, while the various farm buildings are substantial and adapted to their needs. Poland- China hogs and shorthorn cattle have been specialties of the owner, and have brought him important additions to his annual revenues. Since acquiring this property in 1879 the owner has remodeled buildings, put up fences, improved the place and brought the land under a high state of cultivation, all of which indicates his ability as a farmer.

Born in Clayton county, Iowa, September 13, 1854, A. J. Wingen is descended from German ancestry. His parents, Jacob and Sophia (Dorweiler) Wingen, were born and reared in Prussia, and on crossing the ocean to the United States proceeded direct to Clayton county, Iowa, where the father took up land and improved a farm. Later he removed to Minnesota and settled in McPherson township. Blue Earth county, where he remained until his death in 1865. His widow survived him for many years, passing away in 1897. All of their nine children are yet living. When the family removed to Minnesota A. J. Wingen was a small child, and afterward he attended the country schools near the farm. Arriving at man's estate, he took up agricultural pursuits for himself, and remained on the homestead in McPherson township until 1879, when he removed to the farm he now owns and occupies.

The marriage of A. J. Wingen took place in 1879 and united him with Minnie Schutz, daughter of Prederick and Minnie (Kurth) Schutz, natives of Prussia, Germany, but pio.

neers of McPherson township. Blue Earth county, and owners of a farm here until their death. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wingen there were four children, but one son, Jacob, died at an early age. Frederick, the eldest son, married Louise Buscke and operates a farm owned by his father in Vernon Center township. The second son, Edward, is employed as a bookkeeper in the Bank of Commerce at Mankato, Jlinnesota. The only daughter, Leona, has fitted herself for educational work and already has met with success in the work, although she has taught only a short time. In former years Mr. Wingen filled school offices and he still maintains a deep interest in all measures for the development of the schools of the county. Lodges have not received his support, nor has he been prevailed upon to take any but an independent attitude in politics. Through unwearied labors he has accumulated a competency and attained a position among the large land owners of the county.

WISE, CHAELES E. - Charles E. Wise, business editor of the Mankato Daily Eeview was born in Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, October 23, 1860, and is a son of John Glagget and Amanda (Flory) Wise, the former of whom was one of the pioneer editors of Minnesota and established the above paper as a weekly in 1869. Mr. Wise secured his education in the public schools of his home town and while "attending school inaugurated his newspaper career as carrier boy for the paper with which he now is connected. Eventually he advanced to the bottom round of the ladder in the printing office, and worked his way up through the various stages of the business to a thorough mastery of the printer's trade. In 1878 he graduated from the Mankato high school, and for several months thereafter continued in the printing office where he remained until accepting a clerkship in the County Auditor's office, under J. J. Thompson. When Mr. Thompson went out of office January 1, 1881, Mr. Wise was employed as bookkeeper for W. T. Mills, wholesale produce merchant, and August 15, 1881, he went to El Paso, Texas, where he was connected with the customs service under Col. Abner Tibbetts, collector at that port. Eesigning this position, July 1, 1883, he returned to Mankato, where, on August 1, 1883, he was taken into partnership -wiih his father, John C. Wise, in the publishing of the Eeview. Since the death of the elder Wise in 1900, his two sons, Charles E. and John C. Wise, have conducte'd the daily and weekly Eeview, and in connection therewith maintain a job printing and book binding trade, under the former firm name of J. C. Wise & Sons. The Eeview holds its own as one of the reliable and conservative newspapers of the state, and enjoys a reputation for the fairness of its attitude towards political and general issues.

A stanch Democrat in his political preferences, Mr. Wise has no political aspirations, and never has held an elective office. Nevertheless, ho has filled a number of appointive positions. In addition to thofee previously mentioned, he was assistant postmaster under John C. Wise, his father, during 1885-6, under P. H. Carney during 1888-9-90, under W. W. P. McConnell during 1890-1, under John C. Wise from 1894 until 1898. The last named postmaster was the first to occupy the new federal building, April 1, 1896. Mr. Wise was a member of the Library Board for six years, secretary one year, president two years, and vice-president one year, appointed by Mayor Cliarles T. Taylor. He is also a member of a commission appointed to frame a new charter for his city.

Mr. Wise's responsibilities extend also to the National Citizen's Bank, of which he is a director, and was a member of the building committee which had charge of the erection of the new bank building. In 1908 he was made president of the North Star Daily Press Association, comprising smaller dailies in Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and he is a member of the Inland Daily Press Association. Fraternally Jlr. Wise is identified with Blue Earth Lodge No. 30, A. 0. IT. W. ; Boyal Arcanum Council No. 1520; and Mankato Lodge No. 225, B. P. 0. E. He has held the chair offices and that of secretary in the latter society and was a delegate to the Grand Lodge at Denver in 1906. He is not a member of any church, but attends the Episcopal church.

At Mankato, Minnesota, September 26, 1893, Mr. Wise married Minnie Lee, daugliter of Natlian P. Lee, an early settler of Sparta, Wisconsin. Of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Wise, Charles Edward was born July 18, 1894; Katherinc was born March 21, 1896; Elizabeth was born May 30, 1900, died July 2, 1901; and Alargaret was bom January 30, 1903. Mrs. Wise is identified with local club and church work, is a charter member of the Clio Club, literary organization, and president of the Ladies Aid Society. She attends and is an active worker in the Episcopal church.

For many years Mr. Wise has been a promoter of the sportsman's idea in this part of the state. Prom boyhood he has been an enthusiastic follower of rod and gun, and active in field games of all kinds. For many years he was a member of the Mankato Gun Club, serving also as its president and secretary for a part of that time. May 3, 1904, at the Gun Club grounds, Mr. Wise sustained the loss of his right eye through being struck with clay target thrown from a trap, and since then he has been less actively interested in the affairs of the field than heretofore.

WISE, JR., JOHN CLAGGETT. - Not only in their home city of Mankato, but also throughout this portion of the state, the firm of J. C. Wise & Sons is well known and highly honored for those substantial business traits that mark a long and useful commercial and journalistic career. As editors and publishers of the Mankato Daily Review, they have been able to secure for their patrons a bright, newsy and readable sheet, filled with the latest local happenings, and presenting also a resume of important national events. The business was built up by the father, John Claggett AVise, and since his death has been continued by the family, whose aim has been to achieve the Journalistic ideal cherished by the father.

John Claggett Wise, Jr., was born at Man- Icato, Minnesota, April 14, 1867, and is a son of J. C. and Amanda (Flory) Wise, deceased. Primarily educated in the local public schools.

he later attended the high school and the normal, hut did not remain until graduation. While attending school he devoted his leisure hours to working in the office of the Review and at an early age acquired a thorough knowledge of journalistic work and the printing business. After leaving school he gave his entire time to the newspaper business and at the age of twenty-one he was given an interest in the company, since which time he has continued his connection with the paper. His native city has been his only place of residence, and since the death of his parents he has remained at the old homestead with his sisters. Misses Helen and Flory Wise.

In political views a stanch Democrat, Mr. Wise has always been steadfast in his allegiance to party principles. Under Mayor Taylor he received appointment as a member of the board of trustees of the Tourtellotte hospital in Mankato. In January of 1905 he was appointed by Governor Johnson as resident director of the Mankaio normal school and in this capacity he is serving at the present time. For six years he was a member of the Minnesota state militia, being for three years of this time a member of Company H, Second Regiment, of Mankato, and for three years a member of the second regiment band. In religious identifications he is a communicant of St. John's Episcopal church at Mankato. Fraternally he has many associations. Among the socities with which he is connected may be mentioned the following: Mankato Lodge No. 12, A. F. & A. M.; Blue Earth Chapter No. 7, R. A. M.; Mankato Commandery No. 4, K. T.; Zuhrah Temple, A. A. 0., Nobles Mystic Shrine, Minneapolis; Mankato Lodge No. 225, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; Mankato Lodge No. 36, Knights of Pythias; Mankato Council No. 1520, Royal Arcanum; and Mankato Aerie of Eagles. In the orders of Elks, Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum he has passed through the chairs in the local lodges, which also he has represented in the grand lodges. For one year he officiated as grand district deputy exalted ruler of the Southern Minnesota jurisdiction in the Order of Elks, and for one year also he served as a member of the grand lodge committee on charters in the same order.

WISHAET, CHAELES S. - The genealogy of the Wishart family extends back to the early history of Scotland, in whose annals the name appears with a frequency indicative of the influence and prominence of the representatives of the clan. One of the ancestors (whether in direct or collateral line the records do not clearly show) was Bishop Wishart, a loyal and leading supporter of Sir William Wallace. Another member of the family, Eev. George Wishart, vras a popular preacher of the Eeformed church during the sixteenth century. Unfortunately he fell under the suspicion of having plotted the murder of Cardinal Beaton, for which he was burned at the stake, February 28, 1546. His sad death aroused a deep feeling in his large circle of admirers and associates, by all of whom he was regarded as an innocent man.

From the highlands of Scotland the Wishart family became transplanted in England, where James Wishart w^as born in the shire of York. At an early age he accompanied his father and other members of the family across the ocean to the United States and settled in New York. From Oneida county, that state, in 1844 the family removed to Wisconsin and settled about forty miles west of Milwaukee. By trade a blacksmith, James Wishart followed that occupation during early manhood, but later in life he devoted his attention almost wholly to agricultural pursuits. Both he and his father died in Wisconsin when advanced in years. His wife bore the maiden name of Joyce Taylor and was a native of Yorkshire, England, whence she came to America with her father and settled in New York. Ten children were born of their marriage, and the sixth of these, Charles S., was born in Clinton, Oneida county, New York, December 17, 1841. Almost from his earliest recollections he lived on the frontier. At a youthful age he began to aid in the development of the land from its primeval condition to one of productiveness and profit.

Coming with other member of the family to ilinnesota in 1878, Charles S. Wishart bought the Mills place three miles east of Mapleton, Blue Earth county, and on this farm he devoted 3areful attention to the details connected with agriculture, so that little by little he accumulated a competency and became known as a prosperous, progressi\'e farmer, as well as a public spirited citizen, an accommodating neighbor and a helpful friend. Eventually he retired from the heaviest of his responsibilities and since then has lived in retirement, enjoying the comforts rendered possible by a lifetime of endeavor. Sharing with him the esteem of acquaintances is his wife, whom he married October IS, 1870, and who was Elizabeth Taylor, a native of Yorkshire, England. The lineage of the Taylor family shows that they are of very ancient English ancestry, long identified with Yorkshire, where her parents, George and Ann (Grieves) Taylor, were born, reared and married. The grandfather, Joseph Taylor, was a lifelong resident of that shire. Three children bless the union of Mr. and ilrs. Wishart, the second of whom, Horace K., has charge of the old homestead; his wife. Flora, who died in August of 1903, was a member of the Dobie family, well known in Blue Earth county. The oldest child, Etta, is the wife of W. L. Dobie, and the youngest, Nellie, married J. Eay Ward, of Medo township.

WOODS, WALTEE A. - From the age of six years until his death Walter A. Woods was a resident of Blue Earth county and made his home in South Bend township upon the farm now occupied by his widow. A native of Ohio, he was born at Bethel, Jackson county, April 20, 1850, and was a son of Isaac and Margaret (Evans) 'Woods, natives of Wales. In early life they had left their childhood homes and had crossed the ocean to the United States, settling in Ohio, where they were married. During 185G tliey came to Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county, where the father secured a claim from the government and began the difficult task of clearing and improving a farm. By dint of arduous exertions he transformed a raw tract into an improved estate. Here he died September 13, 1878, at the age of sixty-four ye&Ts. The mother passed away at the old homestead December, 31, 1891, at the age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of two children, Walter A. and David, both of whom are deceased. By a former marriage Isaac

As previously stated, Walter A. Woods was !X years of age when he accompanied his parnts to Blue Earth county. Reared on a farni, ic early was trained to a knowledge of agriculure and always followed that occupation until [is death, which occurred June 1, 1903. Throughout life he proved himself to be an arnest Christian, a generous supporter of reigious movements, a kind husband, devoted ather and accommodating neighbor. In his ieath the township lost an honored citizen and lublic-spirited man. His mariage took place in his county October 9, 1880, and united him sith Miss Margaret E. Roberts, who was born lear Clayville, Oneida countj'. New York, July 16, 1853), being a daughter of Robert W. and jrace (Williams) Roberts. Her father was born n Wales in 1816 and her mother, a native of he same country, was born in 1818. When 'oung they immigrated to the United States, he mother coming at the age of ten years, and he father crossing the ocean in 1836. His first lome was in Oneida county. New York, while ler people established a home in Steuben county, hat state. His ancestors were prominent in /Vales, where his grandfather. Rev. Robert Robirts of Clynog, was a famous preacher and an lonored leader in his church.

The marriage of Robert W. Roberts and Grace Villiams took place at Utica, Oneida county, \ew York, in 1847, and in 1854 they removed .s far west as La Crosse, Wisconsin, where they emained for four years. During 1858 they ame to Minnesota and took up a claim in Judon township. Blue Earth county, where they ngaged in farming until 1864. Removing from his county to Martin county, they engaged in arming for ten years, and in 1874 became resiients of Le Sueur county, Minnesota, where the ather died June 18, 1882. His' wife survived j'm seventeen years and passed away February , 1899, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. '/oods. There were six children in the family, ohn M. resides in the village of South Bend; largaret E. was second in order of birth; Lewis ]ed in infancy; Catherine A. is the widow of

John D. Evans, of Mankato; Ellen died in infancy; and William B. makes his home at Willmar, Kandiyohi county, this state. There were six children bom to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Woods, namely: Isaac, born October 7, 1881; Lillie, born June 20, 1884, and deceased October 9, same year; Elizabeth I., bom November 27, 1885; Robert C, May 16, 1888; Grace L., January 11, 1891; and David E., October 4, 1893. The family have a high standing in church circles and general society and enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.

WORKS, SAMUEL D. - The family represented by this influential citizen of Mankato has been identified with the history of America since a very early period of our national development. Genealogical records show that James Wallace Works, who was a native of Rhode Island, served with conspicuous gallantry in the war of 1812 and years afterward went to the front as a soldier in the struggle with Mexico. While he served on many a sanguinary battlefield in both wars he was wounded only once, that being in the battle of Lundy's Lane. Much of his life was passed in the state of New York, where was born and reared his son, Leonidas, a farmer and grain-buyer by occupation and a man of local prominence, serving as a member of the legislature and in other offices of responsibility. The death of Leonidas Works occurred in 1884 when he was fifty-eight years of age, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Miss Gazleigh, died in 1892 at sixty-three years of age. Born of their union were seven children, of whom four are living, viz. : James W., of Cleveland, Ohio; Arthur, a resident of Buffalo, New York; Robert, now living in Salt Lake City, Utah; and Samuel D., who was sixth in order of birth, and was born in Steuben county. New York, February 3, 1862.

On the completion of a thorough academic education, Samuel D. Works matriculated in the University of Chicago in 1887 and there pursued the studies of the classical course. Afterward he became a student in the Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Kentucky, where he completed the regular course of study and was then ordained to the ministry of that denomination.

Returning to the east he accepted a pastorate at Venice, Cayuga county. New York, and from there in 1893 removed to North Dakota as a home missionary of the Baptist denomination. During the period of his residence in that state he held for two years the position of president of the state convention of the Baptists. On resigning from the missionary field he went to South Dakota as pastor of the Huron Baptist church and during his pastorate in that town he officiated as editor of the Church Messenger.

Coming to Minnesota in 1897 Mr. Works has since been identified with the history of this place. For three 3'ears he was pastor of the First Baptist church, but finally resigned in order to engage in commercial enterprises. Since then he has acted as secretary and manager of the Minnesota Immigration Company, in which he has as associates G. M. Palmer and F. M. Currier. During 1903 the lumber and land firm of S. D. Works & Company was organized, which since has established an important business in the line of its specialties. In October of 1904 the Works-Everts Lumber Company was organized, which now carries on a wholesale lumber business and has its headquarters in the city of Minneapolis. These various enterprises do not represent the limit of the activities of Mr. Works, whose interests are further enlarged through his association with C. N. Andrews in the Mankato Investment Company, which was organized January 1, 190G, and of which he is president. The company transacts an investment business and engages in the building of houses for sale, having during 1900 erected seven residences within ]\Iankato.

The marriage of Mr. A\'orks took place June G, 1888, and united him with Miss Agnes Owens, of Steuben county, New York. Of their union two sons were born, namely: Donald Harper, April 6, 1896; and Phil, July 28, 1898. There is also an adopted daughter, Katherine. The family are warmly interested in the growth and prosperity of the First Baptist church, with which they are identified, .and in which Mr. Works has been an officer ever since retiring from the ministry. Politically he always has been a believer in Democratic principles and in J906 he was his party's candidate for the office of state senator. His wise judgment and ripened culture have been helpful in his work as a trustee of the Carnegie library. Notwithstanding the many business interests demanding his attention, he finds leisure for identification with the fraternal, social and educational affairs of Mankato, is prominent in the blue lodge of ilasonry, the Eoyal Arcanum, the ilankato Choral Club and the ^lankato Social Science club.

WYSONG, ALLISON D. and J. B. - The. proprietors of Mankato's flourishing laundry are reliable and capable business men, having worked their way from a small and unpromising beginning, to a large and dependable trade. They have been residents of this city for practically their entire lives, and the general opinion of those who have watched their progress is that they are unquestionably solid and irreproachable in their business methods.

Allison D. Wysong, who is about ten years older than his brother, was born May 5, 1863, in Winchester, Indiana, the son of Perry and Caroline (Seed) Wysong, who came to Mankato in 1865, and engaged in the brick laying and contracting business. Within, recent years, however, the father has retired from active trade, and at the age of seventy-four, is enjoying the comforts and leisure earned by earlier application, both himself and wife, who now is four years his junior, being in excellent health and spirits. Besides their wide-awake and capable sons, the couple had a daughter, Annie, who died at the age of eight years.

The Wysong sons were educated in the public schools, and Jay E. was a member of the first class to graduate from the local high school. Their earlier efforts were directed to brick-laying and clerking in stores, but they finally bought their present laundry business in 1898, from G. A. .lost. They immediately began to push the enterprise in an energetic and systematic manner, employed good help and modern methods, and soon were obliged to enlarge their capacity and modernize their machinery. At the present time they employ twenty-five hands, and are the leading laundry purvejors to the public in Mankato.

Biogea.Phical History

Personally these energetic business men are soiable and popular, enjoying a broad identifieaon with affairs in general, A. D. being a memer of A. F. and A. M., A. 0. U. W., Maccabees, lagles, the Samaritans, Degree of Honor, and le Commercial Club, while Mr. Jay E. Wysong > identified with the E. A.

YAEGEE, GEOBGE E. - Eepresentative of a ioneer family of Blue Earth county and himili a native-born son of Eapidan township, rcorge F. Yaeger has spent his entire life with- 1 the limits of this township, receiving his eduation in its district schools and early acquirig a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits n the old homestead. When he was ten years f age he was orphaned by the death of his ather. but his mother is still living and under er wise training he was prepared for the reponsibilities of a busy existence. Ever since tarting out to earn his own way in the world e has engaged in general farming and now owns small farm on which he has erected a neat cotage, a substantial barn and other buildings eeded for the shelter of stock and machinery nd the storage of grain.

The identification of the Yaeger family with le agricultural development of Blue Earth Dunty dates back to the year 1864. The ances- )rs were of Teutonic origin. Andrew and iouisa (Mouser) Yaeger were bom and reared a Germanv, whence they immigrated to the 'nited States and settled in ^N'ew York state a lort time prior to their marriage. During 1864 ley became pioneers of Minnesota and purchased md in Eapidan township. Blue Earth county.

where he died in 1879 and where she still continues to make her home. The property which they first bought and which remains her home comprises two hundred acres, improved with buildings and good fences, and maintained under a high state of cultivation.

The family of Andrew Yaeger consisted of twelve children, seven of whom are still living, the third oldest now living of these being George P., who was bom at the old homestead August 3, 1869, and received such advantages as the township afforded. In 1899 he married ^liss Emma Preuss, daughter of Ferdinand and Augusta Preuss, natives of Germany, who came to the United States when quite young and settled in Le Sueur county, ilrs. Yaeger was educated iu Blue Earth county and is a woman of refinement and intelligence, a capable assistant to her husband, and a wise coimselor in affairs of importance. Their forty-acre place is improved with a neat house and substantial barn erected by the present owner, who bought the place about 1893 and has resided thereon ever since his marriage.

While not neglecting the care of his land and its cultivation Mr. Yaeger has found leisure to participate in township affairs and has given his eneoiiragement and sympathy to movements for the improving of the roads and the upbuilding of the country schools, in which he has worked efficiently as a director. For ten years he filled the office of assssor and always he was spoken of as fair, impartial and efficient, an able official in that responsible post. In politics he is a Democrat, but he is independent in thought and opinions and gives his support to the men and measures he believes best calculated to promote the general good, irrespective of political ties.