Blue Earth County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1901 (part 5 of 15)

FLETCHER, HON. LAFAYETTE G. M. - Shortly after the Pilgrim Fathers had braved the perils of an unknown ocean and had established themselves on the bleak and desolate coast of New England, other ships came bearing new settlers to brave the dangers of an' apparently inhospitable land. With a ship that east anchor in the harbor of Massachusetts in 1630 came the first representatives of the Fletcher family in the new world. The original home of the family was in Lowell, whence succeeding generations scattered to different parts of New England and aided in the development of that section of the country. Loyalty to the government and interests of their adopted home always characterized the familj', and they furnished soldiers to assist in all of the early wars. Luke Fletcher was a brave soldier of the Eevolution. His was the trying experience of enduring the memorable winter at Valley Forge, when the fortunes of the patriots were at their lowest ebb, and later he had the great privilege of witnessing the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Among the children of this Eevolutionary hero there was' a son, Adolphus, who was born at Walpole, New Hampshire, in 1795, and served during the war of 1818; later he became a farmer in New York state, where he died in 1851, being survived until 1873 by his widow, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Wellington and who like himself traced her lineage to England through colonial ancestry. Their son, Lafayette G. M., was born at Stockholm, St. Lawrence county, New York, February 13, 1830, and during boyhood had the advantages offered by common schools supplemented by attendance at St. Lawrence academy in Potsdam and the Ogdensburg academy. During the winter months he taught school from the time he was nineteen until he was twenty-four, when in 1854 he bade farewell to old friends and started for the west. Beaching Dubuque, Iowa, he there met a party of government surveyors, with whom he engaged to work and under whose supervision he soon gained a thorough knowledge of surveying. July 6, 1854, the party started the survey at the southeast corner of Blue Earth county, Minnesota, and about August 15 they reached Mankato on their survey west on the second standard parallel.

Being pleased with the country Mr. Fletcher decided to remain and take up a claim. Of the different parties of surveyors who came up from Dubuque numbering in all about forty men, he alone remaining at this point, the others returning with the corps. North of the present site of Mankato he took up one hundred and sixty acres and erected a cabin. While improving this land he earned money through making surveys. He located the Maple river colony and he also laid out several additions to Mankato. As the years went by he no longer limited his attention to surveying and farming. Wider interests engrossed his attention. The buying and improvement of land, the buying and storing of grain.

the erection of business buildings in Mankato, the inauguration of various commercial enterprises in his home town, the establishment of the Mankato Savings Bank (of which he was the first and has remained the only president) and many other beneficial projects engaged h's time and thought. Indeed it may he broadly stated that no movement has been started for the benefit of Mankato which has lacked his zealous support and sagacious assistance.

The Eepublican party was organized in Mankato in 1856 by five citizens, of whom he alone survives. From that year to the present he has been stanch in his allegiance to the principles for which the party stands. During 1883 he was honored by election to the state senate, in which he served with characteristic ability. Important as has been his contribution to the commercial and political life of his city, it is surpassed by his record in educational matters, and citizens in a position to judge impartially state that his noblest monument will be his devotion to the educational interests of Mankato. Almost ever since 1860 he has been a member of the school board. Even before that, as early as the summer of 1855, he helped to erect the first school house in Mankato, where during the following winter he taught the first term of school, also taught there in the winter in 1857-58. Bealizing the inestimable value of a good education, he has been a champion of the most approved methods in pedagogy, and while he opposes large expenditures that prove detrimental to taxpayers, he nevertheless believes that money judiciously expended upon a good school system will return its value manyfold. At times the positive declaration of his views concerning matters connected with the schools has brought him opposition, yet through all the long period of his service it has been recognized that he is a man of unwavering integrity, sagacious judgment and large executive ability, and his labors gratuitously bestowed upon the schools have received their just meed of appreciation on the part of all public spirited citizens.

The first marriage of Mr. Fletcher was solemnized at Canton, New York, December 30, 1858, and united him with Miss Lucina Bacon Foote, who died September 17, 1870. Four children were born of their union, namely: George Henry, born February 18, 1860, and died May 26, 1905 at Los Angeles, California; Carrie D., Mrs. C. J. Eockwood; Emma A., Mrs. W. W. Davis; and Harry E., who was born June 12, 1870, and died August 17 of the same year. The present wife of Mr. Fletcher, whom he married at New Sharon, Maine, May 15, 1872, was Miss Susie M. Dyer, a teacher in the Minnesota State Normal at ' Mankato. They became the parents of the following-named children: Lucina B., who was born April 7, 1873, and died June 12, 1891; Ella May; Jennie D.; NelHe, born March 6, 1879, died September 10, 1884; Mildred E., now Mrs. S. K. Fowler; L. G. M. Jr., and Edith A. The family has a high social standing in Mankato and numbers a host of friends among the most refined residents of the county.

PLITTIE, JEAN A. - No section in the United States evinces a more virile element of nationality than the middle northwest, to which the Scandinavian peoples have contributed so much in both quantity and quality. In agriculture, the industries,' business and the professions, the hardy Norseman has advanced to peaceful conquest with the determination and bravery of the "ancient days of war. Minnesota has especially welcomed him with open arms; she has enthusiastically received him because of himself and because of the strength which he brings to her institutions and her citizens.

No better representative of Norway and the Norse character, transplanted and Americanized, no more valuable addition of this nationality to the real strength of a Minnesota community can be adduced than the person of Jean A. Flittie, the well known lawyer, financier and public man of Mankato. He was born in the Fatherland of strong mon July 4, 1866, and perhaps the fact that he came into being on the day of America's independence anniversary may have had a bearing on his future life. His parents, Johannes and Anna Flittie, came to America in 1868 and located on a homestead of eighty acres, in Eiverdale township, Watonwan county, Minnesota. Virtually all the father's life in Minnesota was spent in farming, and he died in 1900 at the age

Jean A. Flittie, the fifth child in the family, received his early education at a parochial school attended by children of his nationality in Watonwan county, assisting his father on his farm and later going to the regular district school. His course of four years in the Mankato Normal School was terminated by his graduation in 1888, and then for a period he taught in the village schools of Mayville, North Dakota. But his strong, active, eager and practical mind craved a more varied experience, and as a means toward this end he commenced the study of law in the office of Pfau & Young, of Mankato, where he remained for one and a half years. In the fall of 1891 he entered the law department of the University of Minnesota, being graduated in the following June and admitted to the bar. In December, 1892, he commenced practice in Mankato, and has reached a position of high honor and influence both as a lawyer and a citizen. In 1898 Judge Lochren, of the Minnesota Federal Court, appointed Mr. Flittie Eeferee in Bankruptcy, and, under four successive re-appcintments, he is now serving his tenth year.

Mr. Flittie stands high both in legal and financial affairs, being a director of the National Bank of Commerce of Mankato, and a man of unusually keen and broad judgment in business matters. He is also widely known fraternally, being' a member of Modern Woodmen of America and B. P. 0. E., as well as Past Master in the Masonic Lodge and Past Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows.

Married September 27, 1898, to Miss Elizabfeth Keysor, daughter of Captain Clarke Keysor, of Mankato, Mr. Flittie is the father of one child, Louise Ingrid.

FOLSOM, ALPEED. - Very early in the settlement of Massachusetts the Polsom family crossed the ocean from Norfolk, England, and established themselves among the few courageous pilgrims on the bleak and desolate shores of the Atlantic. It was during 1638 that the first immigrant set foot upon American soil and from that year to the present the representatives of the name have been honorably identified with agricultural and commercial interests of our country. The great-grandfather of Alfred Folsom was a native of ISTew Hampshire, but in early life crossed ' the state line into Vermont, where he established a permanent home. There the grandfather was born, reared and married, and there occurred the birth of the father, David L., who became a farmer, removed to ?[ew York state, and died in 1893 at an advanced age. The mother bore the maiden name of Catherine Allen, was born in New York and died there in 1849 when her children were yet small.

While the family were living at Ticonderoga, New York, Alfred Polsom was bom in 1845. As a boy he was a pupil in the public schools at Stockholm, St. Lawrence county. New York, where he received a fair education. Studies were abruptly terminated by the call for volunteers to aid in securing success for the Union in the Civil war. Accepting the call, he offered his services, and August 4, 1862, his name was enrolled in the One Hundred and Sixth New York Infantry, with which he marched to the front. In the fortunes and misfortunes of war he bore his part as a brave soldier and endured the hardships of forced marches, long sieges and exposure to inclement weather. Among the engagements in which he participated were the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Sailors' Creek, Appomatox and siege of Petersburg. In the battle of Cold Harbor he received a serious wound from the effects of which he Avas confined to the hospital for six months. At the expiration of the war he was mustered out at Washington and returned to New York with a record of which he might well be proud.

Seelcing a home in the then undeveloped regions of the northwest, ]\Ir. Folsom came to Minnesota in 1867, and at first worked out but m 1875 became a resident of Blue Earth county, where ever since he has lived and labored. As a farmer he is well known throughout Lincoln township, where he owns a well-improved place along the route of the free delivery No. 2, out from Lake Crystal. Quietly and industriously working at the occupation of an agriculturist, he has found little liesure for participation in local politics, but has shirked no duty devolving upon public-spirited citizens. At one time he held the ofl:ice of town clerk and at another time he represented his township as a member of the county board of supervisors. In politics he votes the Eepublican ticket, and in religious views he inclines toward the Methodist Episcopal church, which his family attend and to which he is a contributor. His marriage was solemnized in 1878 and united him with llary S. Taylor, a native of St. Lawrence county. New York, and a woman of most estimable character. Four sons came to bless their union, namely : David A., Clayton T., Arthur E. and Eufus A.

FOBD, CHAELES F. - An identification with knitting mills begun in the east many years ago and continued constantly up to the present time, has given to Mr. Ford an expert knowledge of the business and constitutes him an authority on the industry. However, the object of his present commercial activity is of comparatively recent date, though akin to the work to which he has given a lifetime of skill and intelligent comprehension. It was during 1904 that he opened a jobbing house for the sale of hosiery and knit 200fl.«, becoming the founder of the Midland Knit Goods Company in partnership with J. A. Farmer. The latter's interest he purchased and thus became the sole head of the company, which was reorganized January 14, 1907. The goods are sold principally in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, where a large and increasing business has been established.

Born ill lx)well, Massachusetts, October 35, 18.5.5, Charles F. Ford is a son of Charles and Hannah (Hopkins) Ford, natives respectively of Lowell and Camden, Massachusetts, the latter being descended from William Bradford, the second governor of Plymouth colony. A lifelong resident of New England, the father held a large interest in the Dudley hosiery knitting mill at Newton CJimtei-, Massachusetts, and remained in that town until his death, ^'s'hich occurred September 34, 1904, at the age of seventyfour. Of his six children the eldest, Charles F., received his primary education in Lowell, at- tended the high schools of that town, and then took a business course in the Boston Commercial College, after which he studied the industrial arts in the Institute of Technology at Worcester, Massachusetts. On taking up business activities he entered the factory department of the Dudley hoisery mill, where later he had charge of the bookkeeping department and clerical work. As early as 1865 this mill had been the pioneer in inaugurating a d^'flerent method of manufacturing the knit products and their improved system was recognized as such an improvement upon the old products that it was generally adopted.

For years Mr. Ford continued to be prominently identified with the Dudley mill, but eventually he resigned his position with the company, and in 1897 he went to Manchester, ISTew Hampshire, for the purpose of installing a knitting plant in the industrial school. During 1902 he came west to Minnesota and became interested in the Mankato Mills Company, but two ^^ears later he disposed of his stock, and turned his attention to the jobbing business he now conducts. March 30, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Standish, daughter of Miles Standish, of Waterbury, Maine, and a lineal descendant of the renowned warrior of that name whose name has been carried down in history from the early daj's of the Plj^mouth colony. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are the parents of two children, Fred Standish, and Lucy C, the latter of whom died at the age of seven years. Along the line of fraternal and business organizations, Mr. Ford i;5 a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Mankato Commercial Club. Inheriting from a long line of New England ancestors the qualities that have made that region famous in history, he possesses the refinement and culture, the love of art and music, the enjoyment of the society of men of fine mental endowments, and the high intellectual attainments given as a heritage to the descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers.

the crisis came between the north and the south, 'bravely allied themselves on the side of the principles they believed to be right and offered their services to aid in preserving the Union. Especially should due credit be given these brave sold^'ers when, as was the case with Charles Forster, they were born in the old .world and did not have the impelling inflaence of generations of patriotic forefathers. Our foreign-born soldiers of the Bebellion are worthy of the undying gratitude of th.e nation, and those who still rema'in on eartli receive the tributes of a grateful country. Surviving to receive this praise and enjoy the prosperity of an united country, is Charles Forster, a defender of the stars and stripes during the entire war, and now a well-known resident of Lime township. Blue Earth county.

The birth of this old soldier occurred in Prussia July 15, 1842, his parents being Charles and Fredericka (Bohteen) Forster, also natives of Prussia, where they were reared. After their marriage, they settled in their native province and continued there until 1854, when they came to the United States and settled in Lake County, Illinois. From there they camQ to Minnesota during the spring of 1860 and settled in Le Sueur county, where they remained until death, following general farm pursuits. They were the parents of six children, namely: Augusta, Frederick, Anna, Herman, Auguet (deceased) and Charles, the subject of this review and the eld- member of the family. At the time of. emigrating from Germany he was a boy of twelve years. Prior to that he had acquired a rudimentary education in the German language, and afterward he had the advantage of several terms in American schools.

When the Civil War began Mr. Forster eagerly spoused the cause of the TTniob. May 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry. With his regiment he marched to the front and participated in various important engagements with the Confederates. During March of 1864 he was honorably discharged at the expiration of his period of service. Immediately afterward he enlisted in Company E, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, and served with this company until the close of the war, his last discharge taking place at Springfield, Illinois, in Septem- ber of 1865. In the engagements of Hs regiment he proved a brave and fearless soldier and contributed his quota toward the success of the northern troops. Upon leaving the army he came to Blue Earth county, but soon went to Nicollet county and purchased land, on which he embarked in general farming. During 1870 he permanently settled in Blue Earth county and now is numbered among the prominent men of Lime township.

The marriage of Charles Porster took place in Blue Earth county March 5, 1866, and united with Miss Alvina Hinze, who was born in Prus- !ija, Germany, February 6, 1846. Her parents, Frederick and Caroline (Hoefer) Hinze, were natives of Prussia and from that country migraled to the "United States in 1850, first settling in Wisconsin, but during 1856 removing to MiniiPFota, where until their death they made their home in Blue Earth county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Porster comprises nine children, namely: Caroline, Theodore, Eosina, Henry. Emma, .4.meHa, Celestia, Flora and Charles. Since attaining his majority Mr. Porster always has given his support to the Eepnblican party and in his locality he has been prominently identified with measures for the general welfare. Among the offices he lias held may be mentioned those of townsliip assessor and supervisor, and in addition be served about two years as county commissioner.

POSTEE, STEPHEN. - The youth with limited means, scant education and no influence whatever, who desired to embark upon an agricultural life, must needs draw deep inspiration from so worthy and useful a life as has been Stephen Poster's. Mr. Foster has won the right to the leisure he now enjoys by almost a half a century of arduous labor, of much conflict with misfortune and discouragement, and much overcoming of obstacles. He was born into an humble walk of life on a small farm in Trumbull county, Ohio, one of the seven children of Henry and Elizabeth Foster, the former of whom was a carpenter, and both of whom died in the state of Wisconsin.

Mr. Poster was barely seven years old when he moved with the rest of the family from Ohio to Wisconsin, and seven years later removal was made to Iowa, from which, when three years more had elapsed, a return was effected to the former home in Wisconsin. At the expiration of six years the family came to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and after a year and a half came to Blue Earth county, four years later moving back to Wisconsin. A short time afterward they returned to Minnesota. Stephen Poster during all of these many changes contributed his strength to the clearing of pioneer farms, to the dreary tasks that confronted the people who dwelt in the wilderness and were dependent upon the crude machinery and small advantages of the unsettled frontier. That he had good material in him was proved by his emergency from all these experiences with a competence sufficient to maintain him in comfort for the balance of his life. He has won also what is still better, an honored name, the friendship and good will of the entire communitJ^ And this with the scantiest of early advantages, in all but three months actual schooling.

While the ravages of the Civil war still darkened the land, in 1863, Mr. Poster was united in marriage to Miss E. M. Adkins, a native of Kentucky, and to whom has been born eight children, six of whom are living - two sons, both farmers in Blue Earth county, and four daughters, all married, and three of whom live in this county and one in Wisconsin. Mr. Foster has never been active in politics, and while originally a Democrat, for the past few year? he has espoused the Eepublican cause. The family are members of the Congregational church.

PEITZ, MICHAEL D. - One of the notably jirogressive, enterprising and successfully conducted business houses in ilankato. Blue Earth County and one that is considererl a most prosperous financial institution, with a future of creat promise on account of its ^\-ide awake and up-to-date business principles, is the Free Press Printing Co. of which Michael D. Fritz is secretary and manager.

Mr. Fritz, Mankato, publisher, was born April 8, 18C8, in Milan, Ohio, and is the son of Daniel and Mary (Wick) Fritz, both of whom were born in Greisheim, Baden, Germany.

When six years of age, he crossed the water with his mother, going to Germany to visit his {.n-andparents. There he remained a few months, his mother's death occurring shortly after, at Cleveland, Ohio, where the family of six boys and one girl resided, Mr. Fritz being the fifth child. The death of his mother was the cause of the family being separated and the children wore obliged to care for themselves. Mr. Fritz worked on a farm in Trumbull County, living with Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Davis, now both deceased, and attended the public school in Cortland, Ohio.

At the age of fifteen, he began learning the printer's trade on The Poultry Nation, at Elyria, Ohio, in 1884. Here he worked untiringly the first few months for one dollar a week, spending his evenings and nights in the ofiice in study; but this honest vigilance brought its own reward and when the paper was enlarged and emerged into the Elyria Daily Telephone, Mr. Fritz was promoted to the position of foreman, a higli honor considering his youth and the short time with which he had been in the employ of this firm. Here he remained until 1888 going west to accept a position on The Bell at Estelline, South Dakota, where one of his brothers had pi'eviously held a position. The Estelline Bell was owned by Prank A. Parsons who purchased it of Fred Carruth, a noted humorist writer, who had sold the paper in order that he himself could accept a lucrative position as humorist writer on the New York Tribune.

After Mr. Fritz' business connection vidth Mr. F. A. Parsons, now of Black Eiver Falls, Wisconsin, they together established a new paper, the Castlewood (S. D.) Eepublican.

It was while proprietor of this paper that he married Miss Cora J. Dunbar, ISTovember 11, 1890, at Elyria, Ohio. Mr. F'ritz had met her during the time he was with the Elyria Daily Telephone, she holding a position on the Elyria Democrat, edited by Prof. F. S. Eeefy.

November the Populist party gained control of state and county afllairs. These two things combined looked anything but promising to a staunch Pepublican paper and progressive newspaper man and Mr. Fritz decided to accept a temporary position with the Mankato Daily Free Press the following spring, leaving his wife in charge of the editorial and mechanical departments of the business.

Mrs. Fritz conducted the paper in a most creditable manner for a few months, and her editorial writings were widely quoted by the press of South Dakota. The paper was sold late that summer and Mrs. Fritz joined her husband in Mankato, where they have since lived, Mr. Fritz holding various positions in The Free Press office, and where for five years Mrs. Fritz did considerable writing. During 1891 and for many years afterwards in connection with their other duties Mr. and Mrs. Fritz were correspondents for some of the leading pa.pers in New York, Chicago and the Twin Cities.

After a service of eleven years with The Free Press Printing Company, Mr. Fritz, in 1902, purchased a one- third interest in the business, becoming secretary and manager. In February, 1909, the Free Press company purchased the handsome office building in which is located the large printing and publishing plant of this firm. The building is one of the handsomest structures in Southern Minnesota. The company employs about fifty people and has a business extending well over North and South Dakota., Wisconsin and Montana and in addition to publishing The Daily and Weekly Free Press, handle all kinds of bank and county officers' supplies, do binding, lithogi-aphing, embossing, and also have a general line of legal and county blanks.

Mr. Fritz was a member of Mankato City Council in 1898-99, succeeding Dr. J. W. Andrews from the fourth ward. He is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Blue Lodge and Eoyal Arch Masons, Benevolent and Protective Order of Ellcs No. 225, Knights of Pythias, Mankato Lodge No. 36, and Ancient Order of United Workmen, Blue Earth Lodge, No. 30.

Mrs. Fritz has been much interested in the Order of the Eastern Star, having been secretary several years. She has served as department secretary of the Woman's Eelief Corps and is now State Treasurer of this organization.

Mr. Fritz is a promoter of sound business principles, and progress is the keynote of his business method. He has always taken a keen interest in all public matters and is vitally alert to any progressive movement, either business or social. He has a definite plan in the accomplishment of each day's duties and his genial personality command respect and win for him many loyal friends.

FUNK, WILLIAM ALBERT. - While America was still under the government of European powers three brothers crossed the ocean from Switzerland and settled in "Virginia and Pennsylvania about the year 1765. The canton from which they came was adjacent to German provinces and the language used in the home was that of Germany, but after coming to the new world they acquired a mastery of Englisli and soon became typical Americans. I'rom one of the three brothers descended Abraham Funk, of Virginian birth, but educated principally in Ohio, whither he removed with his parents at a very early age. After leaving school he taught for a number of years, but afterward turned his attention to agriculture. In 1853 he removed to Illinois and settled on a farm. Since about 1802 he made his home in Odell, that state where he died in 1903. During 1840 he married Miss Margaret Hutchinson, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, of English i descent, she died in Odell, Illinois in October, 1906. Their son, William Albert, was born in La Salle county, Illinois, February 25, 1854, and received his primary education in the public schools of bis native count)', after which he attended an academy.

Prom boyhood it had been the ambition of William Albert Punk to become a lawyer and pursuant upon that object he took up the study of law, which he carried on until qualified to pass the required examination. In September of 1875, when twenty-one years of age, he was admitted to practice at the bar of Illinois. Immediately afterward he opened an office at Odell, Illinois, where he had as a partner Hon. J. H. Funk, recently the speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives. The partnership continued until 1878, and was then dissolved owing to the removal of William Albert Funk to Streator, Illinois. There in 1880 he formed a partnership with Joel T. Buckley under the firm title of Buckley & Punk. Two years later the firm of Punk & Glass was formed, the junior member being George E. Glass of Streator. Prom 1885 until leaving Streator Mr. Punk engaged ill practice alone.

Upon removing from Illinois to Minnesota Mr. Punk settled in Lakefield, Jackson county, in March 1887, and there carried on a growing practice, besides which he became identified with the real-estate and social affairs of the town. In November of 1895 he came to Mankato, where he since has built up a lucrative practice and has gained a reputation as one of the most scholarly lawyers in the place. His wife was prior to their marriage, in October, 1879, Miss Nellie Douglas, of Streator, Illinois. They are the parents of four children, William D., Jennette M., Leslie A. and Edgar N. The family hold membership with the First Presbyterian cimrch of Mankato, in which j\Ir. Punk has been active officially as elder and trustee, and for some years was superintendent of the Sunday School. His responsibilities have been further increased by service as a member of the board of trustees of Albert Lea college.

A life long advocate of Republican principles Mr. Punk has been active in politics from youth. As early as 1876 he stumped the state of Illinois during the presidential campaign of that year. Later he rendered similar services to his party in Minnesota. For three years he acted a? chairman of the Republican city committee of Streator and for tv/o years he was a member of the board of aldermen of that place. During 1890 he was elected county attorney of Jackson county, Minnesota, and in 1892 and again in

1894 he was re-elected to the office^ where he made an enviable record for thorough work. On his removal from Lakefield he resigned the office. The year after coming to Mankato he served as chairman of the Mankato McKinley Club and for forty-seven nights he was on the stump in the interest of the Eepublican candidates. During 1898 he served as a member of the executive committee of the Eepublicnn state central committee. Two years later he officiatel as president of the McKintey and Roosevelt Club at Mankato, and at that time his name was prominently mentioned for congress, but he withdrev,r as candidate before the primaries were held. As a speaker he has accomplished much in the interest of his party, for his logical arguments, earnest manner and forceful speech invariably make an impression upon the minds of hearers. Fraternally he has been connected with the grand lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in both Illinois and Minnesota, also is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks lodges at Manliato, and upon the organization of the Modern Woodmen of America in Illinois he was chosen counsel for Camp No. 4, later holding the same position with the camp at Lakefield.

GAEVAE", WALTEE V. - A large number of the present residents of Blue Earth county have passed their entire lives within its limits and have risen to positions of prominence in their special lines of activity. In this list may be placed the name of Walter V. Garvan, who was bom a.t Garden City, Garden City township, November 7, 1862, and during boyhood attended the country schools of his native township, acquiring by diligent application a thorough Imowledge of the elementary branches. The family remored to Lyra township during the year. 1877 and upon attaining manhood he began to earn a livelihood as a farmer in that township, but since 1902 he has been a resident of Rapidan township. In the various localities where he has made his home he retains the friendship of a large circle, who entertain for him sentiments of the highest regard.

As early as 1858 the Garvan family became identified with the frontier settlements in Minnesota. During that year there came to the northwest Thomas and Sophronia (Pillsbury) Garvan, who were born and reared in the vicinity of Springvale, Maine. After coming to Blue Earth county the father took up land in Garden City tovmship, and for almost twenty years he remained in the same locality, but during 1877 he removed to a farm in Lyra township, and there continued until his death in 1891. His wife survived him, passing away in 1903. During the early period of their residence in Minnesota they were in constant peril of their lives through Indian outbreaks, and the father assisted in burying the Jewett family, victims of the savages. Frequently^ the old Chief, Good Thunder, came to the Garvan home and the mother was accustomed, at such times, to furnish him with the best viands the house afforded.

There were five children in the parental family. Clara married Mel vine Crane, a farmer of Garden City township. Charles is living in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Ida and Ross are deceased. The oldest son and second -child, Walter V., attended the common schools until he had completed their studies, after which he was a pupil in the high school at Owatonna. April 3, 1890, he was united in marriage with Emma, daughter of John Rosin, the latter a native of Germany, but a pioneer of Lyra township. Blue Earth county, where he engaged in farming until his death. Since his demise Mrs. Rosin has made her home with her youngest son in Lyra township. Mr. and Mrs. Garvan have two children, Edna L. and Charles. The family are identified with the Baptist church. In politics Mr. Garvan votes with the Republican party. For a number of years he held the office of school director, in which position he endeavored to advance the educational interests of his district. As previously stated, he has made his home in Rapidan township s-nce 1902, when he left the old homestead in Lyra township and purchased the property he now owns. His farm comprises one hundred and eighty acres of land under cultivation. The buildings have been remodeled under his supervision and fences have been built as needed. Dairying forms a specialty and ten cows are kept for that purpose. In addition, there are on the farm shorthorn cattle and

Poland-China hogs. The crops bespeak the care and wise judgment of the owner and indicates that he possesses the industry and application necessary to successful agriculture.

GARY, WILLIAM H. - William H. Gary, a leading real estate dealer of llankato, is a native of Winona, Minnesota, where he was born May 11, 1861, the son of Harris B. and Nancy (Woodard) Gary. His parents were both natives of Eutland, Vermont, in the fall of 185-1 coming to Minnesota, where the liusband engaged as a railroad engineer and assisted in the construction of a portion of the North-s^'estern line running through sections of that state and what is now South Dakota. He spent many years in this employment, and became so well known in the work that the town of Gary, South Dakota, was named for him. Harris B. Gary removed to Mankato, in 1906, and now resides with his son, William H., the wife and mother had died September 14, 1905, at the age of sixty-nine. Four children were born to this union, as follows : Nellie, now the wife of J. A. Sigler, of ISTorfolk, "Virginia; Addie, who married Dr. G. E. Parsons, of Marshall, Minnesota; William H. ; and George, who resides at Wilhnar, Minnesota.

After receiving a public school education at Winona, Minnesota, Mr. Gary entered the first serious business of his life as a representative and solicitor for the McCormick Harvester Company, with headquarters at Mankato. He was thus engaged for sixteen years, until 1902, when he opened a real estate office over the National Citizens' Bank, continuing the business there until the fall of 1905. At that time he removed to the Saulpaugh Block, his present location, where he has extensive dealings in Minnesota, Canadian and Texas lands; also buys and sells city property, and has quite a department of loans and collections. His business is systematically and energetically conducted and is constantly increasing in volume and importance.

Politically, Mr. Gary is a Eepublican, and, fraternally, a member of the A. F. & A. M., A. 0. U. W., B. P. 0. E. and IJ. C. T. He was married August 30, 1884, to Emma W., daughter of P. G. Sheldon, of Owatonna, Minnesota, and they have one child, Vernard S.

GEDDES, WILI;IAM E. AND CHAELES I). - The Geddes family, parents and sons, have been identified in a leading way, with the pioneer and modern history of Blue Earth County, for more than forty years. Endowed with the keen perception, adaptability and alertness of their race, the later generation has added a thorough education and American training to its natural attractive and substantial traits, earning thereby a broad success along professional lines and a popularity which seems to be the distinctive fortune of the cultured Irish- American.

William E. Geddes, the senior member of the law firm of W. E. & C. D. Geddes, of Mankato, is a native of Albany, New York, and was born November 28, 1855, the son of William and Margaret (Higgins) Geddes. His parents were both natives of County Down, Ireland, and emigrated to the United States in 1848, moving at once to what was then a far western wilderness. Before the age of railroads had fairly dawned upon the country west of the Alleghany Mountains these hardy pioneers drove and slowly wended their way to what is now a land teeming with agricultural riches and the best fruits of civilization, their means of transportation being a team of two yoke of oxen. In 1864, when the wilderness had already commenced to blossom, William Geddes pre-empted a tract of land in the Winnebago Indian Agency, McPherson Township, Blue Earth County, and this became th,e family homestead upon which was reared the family of four boys and three girls, of which William E. was the third child. The mother died in April, 1894, at the age of seventy-three years and the father in May, 1896, aged seventynine.

William E. Geddes obtained a thorough education prior to pursuing his law studies, passing through the common schools of Blue Earth County and taking courses in tlie Normal School, of Mankato, and the Minneapolis Academy. After completing his school work and in 1882, he began the study of law in the office of William H. Piymat, at Mapleton, this county, being engaged as a student and a newspaper man for the winter of 1880, until his admission to the bar in 1891. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Geddes became local editor of the Mankato "Free Press," and contimied in this position for about two years. His next advance in journalism was as publisher of the "Mankato Register/' but upon his admission to the bar he sold his business, and permanently abandoned the newspaper field to devote his entire attention to the profession which from the first he had intended to make his life work. He began practice in the fall of 1891, and has since earnestly and successfully cultivated the broad field of the law. He was alone until 1898, when his youngest brother, Charles D., who had just been admitted to practice, was received into the business as a partner, and the firm has since obtained a flattering share of the litigation of the county, and earned high professional prestige.

Charles G. Geddes, the junior partner, was educated in the public school of this county, and v/hile a student at the Columbian Law School, Washington, was connected with the United States Patent Office. Prior to his admission to the bar he took a post-graduate course at the University of Minnesota, so that he was abundantly qualified to at once enter into active professional work.

William. R. Geddes, the senior partner, has also taken quite a prominent part in the public and political affairs of the county, being a Republican of considerable local influence. He is on the County Committee, and from March 1, 1888, until January 1, 1889, filled the unexpired term as sheriff of the county, his service being so satisfactory that he was elected for the succeeding term of two years.

Mr. Geddes was married in November, 1888, to Lou W. Williams, daughter of Cyrus Williams, a sterling citizen of this county, their children being Alma L., Vira R., Lloyd W., G. Maud, Margaret J. and Charles C. In his domestic and social relations he is a man of high and attractive personality, and would be an inspiration for good in any community in which he might cast his lot.

GOPP, JOHF A. - No family can point to a more honorable lineage than can those bearing the name of Golf, nor is there any whose ancestors displayed greater valor in war or greater patriotism in the events that shaped the history of our country. The founder of the race in the new world was John Goffe, who immigrated from England to Boston in 1063. As early as 1676 his name appears in the records of the Boston congregation of Dr. Increase Mather. Prom the narrow confines of Plymouth colony his son, John, moved to the frontier of New Hampshire and in 1719-22 took an active part in founding the city of Manchester, dying many years later at Bedford, in that state. Added lustre was given to the family name by the record of Colonel John Goffe, who was the most renowned Indian fighter of his day and for sixty years was identified with all the stirring events of the country. He was born at Boston in 1701, and died at Bedford, near Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1788, between which dates was crowded a lifetime of activity and accomplishment. The history of that day shows that he was with Lovewell in 1725, an officer in the New Hampshire militia in 1727, a captain in King George's war from 1745 to 1748, a captain in the French and Indian war, commanding an expedition against Crown Point in 1756, commissioned major in 1757, promoted to the command of the regiment during the service on the frontier and in the Lake George region, present at Fort William Henry at the time of its capitulation to the French and the massacre following, August 9, 1757, and a colonel in 1760 under General Amherst in the Canadian campaign. From 1763 to 1774 he served as representative from Bedford, New Hampshire, and from 1771 to 1774 was honored with the office of judge of probate.

Next in line of descent we come to the name of a warrior scarcely less distinguished than his father, whose name he bore. Major John Goffe was born at Bedford, New Hampshire, February 26, 1727, and died at the same place September 11, 1818. During the Indian wars of 1745-46 he was a sergeant in a company commanded by Captain (afterward Colonel) Goffe. In the expedition of 1756 against Crown Point he served as an ensign and two years later held a commission as lieutenant in the expedition against Louisburg. In 1764 Governor Wentworth of New Hampshire appointed him captain of Militia and four years later he was promoted to the rank of major. At the beginning of the Eevolutionary war he offered his services in defense of the colonies and became a private, enlisting at Cambridge. During the memorable battle of Bunker Hill he fought with conspicuous bravery on the side of the patriots in the cause of liberty and in the historic struggle at Saratoga his son, William, lost his life. Another son, Stephen, enlisted in the navy during the war and was lost at sea with his ship.

There was yet another son in this patriotic family who gave his services in the cause of independence. This son, Captain John Goffe, was born at Bedford, New Hampshire, May 9, 1755, and enlisted in his native town in April, 1775, at the age of about twenty years. With others of the family he fought at Bunker Hill and the siege of Boston, and took part in other historic and sanguinary engagements that tested the valor and the loyalty of the hastily-drilled and poorly equipped colonists. After the war was ended he returned to New Hampshire, where he served as a captain of militia. By the act of 1832 he was granted a pension from the United States government, in recognition of his faithful and self-sacrificing services as a soldier. His death occurred February 19, 1848, at Winfic4d, Herkimer county, New York.

When the second war with England began Ephriam and Theodore, two sons of Captain John Goff, eagerly offered their services and aided in securing victory for "the United States. A younger son. Orange, born at Winfield, Herkimer county. New York, November 29, 1806, was a small child when his older brothers left home for the war, and hence he was deprived of the honor of serving his country in war. However, by a life of integrity and industry he proved the value of his citizenship, for the courage of man is tested by the vicissitudes of private life on less than by the perils of warfare. During the years of early manhood he married Miss Phoebe Slade, a niece of Governor Slade of Massachusetts. Pive children were born of their union, and two of their sons, Henry Slade and Frederick Victor, served throughout the Civil war as defenders of the Union. Another son, John A., forms the subject of this narrative. He was bom in Herkimer county. New York, August 30,

1839, and in 1851 accompanied the family to the then unsettled regions of Wisconsin, where he aided in developing a farm from the wilderness. During 1861 he came to Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county, where he spent the first summer on a claim and the first winter as a school teacher at Crystal Lake. In the Indian massacre of 1862 he was one of the defenders of the frontier. In 1864 he took up land in Mapleton township and the following year was joineu by his father, who died here February 24, 1878, at the age of seventy-one years.

When the first wife of John A. Goff died she left two daughters, Clara and Aletha. March 23, 1874, he was united in marriage with Augusta Tenney, who was born in New York, accompanied her parents to Wisconsin and from there came to Minnesota. The children born of their union aie as follows: John T., who assists his father in the management of the home farm; Inez L.^ who married William C. Wood, and lives at Mankato, Blue Earth county; Hiram S., who is engaged in the practice of law at Almontj North Dakota; Hattie A., and Mary B., who are engaged in teaching. The homestead in Mapleton township comprises two hundred and forty acres, all under cultivation. The best of improvements are noticeable, including a modern residence, substantial barn and other buildings, modern farm machinery, a gasoline engine for the pumping of water and grinding of feed, etc. While managing his place with energy and sagacity Mr. Goff has not neglected his duties as a citizen, but always has been found ready to aid progressive measures.

GEAHAM, JOHN C - Of Scotch paternal ancestry, broadened and strengthened by identification with the early history of New England, John G. Graham was born in Cleremont, Sullivan county. New Hampshire, May 25, 1841, his parents, Alexander and Betsy (Gilmore) Graham, being natives of the same part of the east. The elder Graham was successful and resourceful first as a farmer, later as a hotel operator, and still later as a farmer and brick manufacturer. His death occurred in 1845, while that of his wife occurred in 1879.

With three years of mercantile experience behind him, iUr. Graham came to Good. Thunder in 1870, opened a general store, and later a hotel, continued the combined interests until 1904. In the meantime he had evidenced considerable political activity, and twice been postmaster of the town, the first time under tlie administration of President Cleveland. During the candidacy of Mr. Bryan, Mr. Graham joined the Eepublican forces, owing to the Free Silver issue, and ever since has been a stanch supporter of the latter party. He is prominent fraternally, a member of Lodge No. 76, A. P. and A. M., and he is a member, and has been commander for a year, of the local post G. A. E.

In conformity with the almost invariable custom that bankers are recruited from the ranks of the early upbuilders of a community, men whose best efforts have gone parallel with its growth, and whose lives have inspired unquestioned confidence, ilr. Graham has been president of the State Bank of Good Thunder for the past ten years, and during that time the bank has become one of the most dependable and solid monetary institutions in the county. He is the owner of a four hundred acre tract of land in Shelby township, three miles from Apiboy, and is recognized as one of the best authorities on general farming and stock-raising in this section of the north. His life furnishes an inspiring lesson in perseverence, thrift, energy and good judgment, and he has the satisfaction, dear to the heart of nature's worthiest sons, of

GEEELEY, HOEACE B. - For more than fifty years the family represented by this large land-owner and enterprising farmer has been identified with the development of Minnesota, the first to remove hither having been his father, Himan W. Greely, who as early as 1854 became a pioneer in the lumbering regions of the northwest. In his journey to the then frontier he had been accompanied by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucretia Griswold and who like himself was of eastern lineage. His birth had occurred in New Hampshire in 1823, while she was born in New York state during the same year, and it is worthy of note that they both passed from earth in the same year, 1883. After coming to the northwest the father for some years engaged in lumbering in Washington county, wlier* the opportunities for the profitable pursuit of that industry were as great as its results were injurious to the health through exposure to inclement weather. During the year 1870 the family came to Blue Earth county and settled in Beauford township, where the parents died twelve years later, leaving to their sons the heritage of an untarnished name and lofty principles of honor. The religious faith of the family brought them into sympathy with the Episcopal denomination. Always interested in public affairs, the father was chosen for various local offices, including those of school director and town treasurer, and both in public affairs and in private life he proved himself to be governed by principles of justice, honesty and patriotism.

There were two sons in the family, Willis, the elder of whom married Ella Smith and settled upon a farm in Martin county, Minnesota. The younger, Horace B., was born in Washington county, Minnesota, June 38, 1854, and received such educational advantages as the schools of his day and locality afforded and graduated from the State University. From an early age he was trained to a knowledge of agricultural pursuits and in 1870 came to Beauford township, Blue Earth county, where now he has a farm of eight hundred acres in one body. Six hundred acres of the place are under cultivation, while the balance is in pasture and woods. A neat farmhouse is surrounded by shade trees and a wellkept lawn. The outbuildings are well adapted for the storage of grain and the shelter of stock. On the land may be seen Poland-China hogs, shorthorn cattle, draft and French coach horses, and all of the stock is well-bred and of good grades.

The marriage of Mr. Greeley was solemnized in 1882 and united him with Ellen, daughter of George and Ann Doland, who in an early day removed from New Hampshire and settled, in Blue Earth county, Minnesota. In the family of Mr. Greeley there are six children, the eldest of whom, Gertrude, married Ernest Cramer, a farmer of Beauford township. The other children, George, Lucretia, Burnham, Myrle and Gerald, remain with their parents on the home farm. In his ballot Mr. Greeley has maintained indejiendence of thought and action, voting for the men whom he considers best qualified to protect the interests of the people, and refusing to bind himself to any political organization. He has served as a member of the town board and as clerk of the school district. Throughout the township, where for so many years he has made his home, he has a large circle of friends ant' enjoys the respect of all with whom business or social recreations bring him into contact.

GREIG, A. E. - The identification of the Greig family with the agricultural development of Blue Earth county dates from the year 185G, when Alexander Greig became a member of the historic Taylor colony and thus was led to seek a home in what was then considered the remote northwest. Ever since that time the name has been familiar to the people of Sterling township, who have watched with kindly interest the children of the original pioneer and have rejoiced in the fact that several , of the name continue in the midst of the scenes familiar to their father in the early days. Of the four remaining in the county not the least promiaent is the one whose name introduces this article and who is a native of Sterling township where he still makes his home. Agriculture has been his occupation in life and in the quiet discharge of his duties as a farmer he has lived and labored from year to year, seeking neafthw olficial honors nor ci\ic prominence, but content to pursue the even tenor of his way and devote himself earnestly to private afl:airs.

The traits that have brought honor to the Scots wherever they have scattered throughout the world are noticeable in the members of the Greig familj', who are of ancient and sturdy Scotch stock. Alexander, son of 'John Greig, was born and reared in Kilcondie, Scotland, and there learned the trade of a stone-cutter, which he followed during the early days of his manhood. As a workman he was painstaking and skilled, but he saw that prospects for success in his native land were few, therefore in 1847 he crossed the ocean and followed his trade in Georgia, later in New York. During 1856 he joined the Taylor colony and came to Minnesota, where he took up a homestead in Sterling township. Blue Earth county. On this tract he spent his remaining years in the discharge of the duties of a general farmer, and the land still remains in the family. \Vhile engaged in transforming the unimproved land into a productive, profitable estate, he gave due attention to public affairs, kept well posted concerning the issues of the parties, and was thoroughly loyal to his adopted country. Eond of reading, he became well versed in all movements of general importance, and few of the pioneers possessed a wider range of information than did Alexander Greig. When he passed away in September of 1899 he was mourned by those of his own generation who survived him and his body was followed to the grave by tributes of praise from those of the present generation who owed to him and other pioneers the high cultivation of the land and the modern civilization they now enjoy.

The family of Alexander Greig born of his marriage to Mary Ann Dixon, a native of Cork, Ireland, were nine in number and all but one of these are still living, four remaining in Blue Earth county. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was the fourth in order of birth and was born at the old homestead September 29, 1864. As a boy he attended school dur- ing the winter months and helped on the home farm in the summer seasons. Upon starting out to make his own way in the world he bought the Conrad farm, but upon the death of his father he sold that property to W. W. Taylor and returned to the old homestead, where he remained until 1904. During that year he bought a part of the original tract owned by Elder Hunt and here he has since carried on general farming. Good grades of cattle, hogs and Clydesdale horses are kept on the farm, and under the careful oversight of the owner the land is maintained in a high state of cultivation, with first-class improvements. In his work he has the assistance of a capable wife, who, like himself, is a native of Sterling township. Mrs. Greig was formerly Anna C. Harriman a daughter of David M. and Elizabeth (Morris) Harriman, and granddaughter of Moses Harriman and James Morris, honored pioneers of Blue Earth county, the latter having come hither from the east in 1856 with the Taylor colony. The only child of Mr. and' Mrs. Greig is Elizabeth Mary.

GEIPFIN, FRANK H. - The owner and publisher of the Good Thunder Herald has been identified with the journal ever since its establishment and enjoys the distinction of having printed the first copy of the popular paper. It was on the 2d of September, 1891, that the weekly was established, with the aid of $100 in cash previously saved by the owner, supplemented by a credit sufficient to provide for the necessary equipment. For several years the work was difficult owing to lack of capital and the editor found himself hampered on every hand by his indebtedness for the outfit, but as time passed he slowly reduced the debt and eventually had placed the printing plant upon a sound financial basis, rendering possible the conduct of an up-todate newspaper office as well as the accumulation of a stock of merchandise valued at several thousand dollars.

At Juneau, Dodge county, Wisconsin, Frank H. Griffin was bom August 13, 1863, being a son of Charles S. and Almeda E. Griffin, the former a farmer, descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry, and the latter of English lineage. After having attended for some years the country schools near the home farm Mr. Griffin was sent to the high school at Horicon, Wisconsin, where he passed through the common branches and took up the study of Latin and German. At the age of fourteen he left school and began to make. his own way in the world. An opportunity having been offered for learning telegraphy, he was fitted out with a new suit of clothes and an overcoat, besides a $10 bill and railroad transportation to Ortonville, Minnesota. His first night away from home was spent at Hastings, Minnesota. For eighteen months he remained at Ortonville, hajidling freight and baggage, selling tickets and occasionally learning a little wire work. When sixteen years of age he was given charge of Carver station as relief agent for several weeks. Later he served in the same capacity at Brownton, Renville, Sacred Heart, Bird Island and other stations on the Hastings and Dakota Railroad for a period covering about two years altogether.

Becoming dissatisfied on account of not receiving a permanent position, Mr. Griffin left the railroad business and took up civil engineering, in which he worked for a year as first rodman, then leveler, on the Milwaukee line between Stillwater and Hastings. At the expiration of one year he returned to the Hastings and Dakota Railroad Company and resumed station work at Appleton and other points. For six months he was employed in the engineer's office of the Northern Pacific Railroad at St. Paul during the building of the companj^'s general offices in that city. On resigning from that position he came to Blue Earth county, Minnesota, and for several years engaged in farming, which occupation he relinquished to turn his attention to the newspaper business. The paper is the organ of the Democratic party in the locality, but the editor is not radical and never considers individual interests in politics; on the contrary, any political movement for the betterment of the people meets his approval and is given stanch support by his paper. Under the last administration of Grover Cleveland he served as postmaster at Good Thunder for four years. When twenty-one years of age he offered himself as a recruit in the army, but on account of heart trouble he was rejected by the recruiting office at Fort Snell'.ng. At Manlcato, December 9, 1894, he married Edna B. Thompson, of Sparta, Wisconsin, and they have a son, Kenneth T. Griffin, also a daughter. Hazel. Fraternally he has numerous associations, including membership in the blue lodge of Masonry, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, U. B. of A., and Order of the Eastern Star, in all of which he has held prominent official positions.

GRIGGS, E. WILLIAM. - Into whatever portion of the world the Scotch people have gone they have carried with them the traits of integrity, frugality and perseverance that characterized them in their native land, and their descendants from a substantial element in tlie civilization of America. Notable among the mfen of Blue Earth county who trace their lineage to a long line of honored Scotch progenitors, we mention the name of E. William Griggs, who is the son of a sturdy Scot, reared amid the influences of his native land, but afterward devoted to the welfare of the United States and a hero of the Civil war, dying while fighting on the battlefield for the preservation of the Union. Though long years have passed since he gave his life for his adopted country, he is remembered with afl'ection by his descendants, to whom he left the priceless heritage of an unspotted name.

Concerning the family history it is known that David Griggs, Jr., son of David, Sr., A\'as born and reared in Glasgow, Scotland, and in early manhood came to the United States, where he married Margaret Williams, a native of New York state. Eemoving to Chicago he followed the trade of mechanical engineer and there his son, E. William, was born March 17, 1857. When the Civil war broke out the father, inspired by a patriotic devotion to his adopted land, offered his services to the Union and was accepted in the Eighty-second Illinois infantry in 1861, his enlistment being for three years or until the end of the war. However, after he had" been in active service for a year he was killed in 1862, in the engagement at Chickamauga. Of his family of four sons and four daughters, two of the older sons served in the Civil war, both enlisting in 1861 in Chicago. The older son, Daniel, is now deceased. The younger, J. D., who is now living in Truman, Minnesota, was only twelve years of age when he was accepted as a drummer boy. After one year he became a bugler. First he served with the infantry, but later was transferred to the cavalry. During the last part of the war he served in Missouri, where he had many exciting chases after Quantrell and other bands of guerillas. At the close of the war he and his brother were honorably discharged.

The death of the father on the southern battlefield left E. William Griggs an orphan and he was thereupon taken into the home of an aunt in New Jersey, where he remained from the age of five years until eight. Upon starting out to make his ovm way in the world in 1865 he came to Minnesota in company with a family named Archer and settled in Winona county, where he remained for six years. Eemoving to Blue Earth county in 1871, he worked as opportunity offered, and frugally saved his wages with the thrift characteristic of the Scotch. At the age of twenty-three years he bought a farm in Pleasant Mound, Blue Earth county, and during the following years he laboriou.sly endeavored to place the land under cultivation, put up needed fences, and build the necessary buildings for the storage of grain and shelter of stock. Eventually he disposed of the place in 1904 and sought a home elsewhere, but he became convinced by experience that no better soil can be found than that in Blue Earth county, and he was glad to return here in the fall of 1906. On his return he bought one hundred and sixty-seven acres two miles west of Amboy, on the Blue Earth river. The property was known as the old George Cooper farm and is one of the best homesteads in the township. The ground is high and affords the best facilities for drainage, which is an important item in the wet seasons. General farming is carried on with success and stock-raising is also followed, the specialties being Durham cattle, Percheron horses and Poland China hogs.

The pleasant country home of the Griggs family is presided over by Sirs. Griggs, who was Miss Fannie Marks, a native of Blue Earth county, and a daughter of F. 0. Marks, de- ceasedj for years a prominent resident of Pleasant Mound township. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Griggs was solemnized December 9, 1880, and has been blessed by two sons, Fred D. and Harry W., both of whom are at home and assist their father in the cultivation of the farm. For a number of years ilr. Griggs served as school treasurer and he has been interested in the development of the schools .of the township, believing that agricultural prosperity can be promoted most effectively by the thorough education and careful training of the boys and girls on the farms. Fraternally he has been an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has aided in the local lodge work of that organization.

GEUE, OLE 0. - The I\Torwegian element has been a powerful factor in the early development and permanent prosperity of Minnesota, and everywhere throughout the state are to be found the sons of ISTorwa}-, industrious, -economical, intelligent and alert to grasp opportunities for advancing their own welfare and that of their adopted country. Among such we mention the name of Ole 0. Grue, who was born in Korway, October 17, 1861, and passed the 3'ears of early life in the midst of scenes common to that land. His parents, Ole and Marian (Gorene) Paulsen, remained in Norway all their lives, both dying there at the age of sixty-three years, the father in 1880, and the mother in 1887. Seven children formed their family, but four are deceased, Peter, Paulina, Christian and Indiana. Those now living are Lars, who remains on the old homestead in Norway; Olene. also in that country; and Ole, who was sixth in order of birth and was the only member of the family to seek a home across the waters. The old homestead was known as Grue farm, and in accoxdanco with a custom common in that locality, he took as his surname the patronymic applied to the estate.

Between the years of seven and fourteen Ole 0. Grue was sent to a free school in his native town. After leaving school he began to serve an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, and upon the completion of his time he took up work as a journeyman. However, as the years passed by, he soon saw that a high degree of success was impossible in his native land on account of existant conditions, therefore he decided to seek independence and a competency in the new world. Crossing the ocean he proceeded frohi Few York City direct to Stevens Point, Portage county, Wisconsin, where he was employed for a few months in a saw-mill. A later location at College, Wisconsin, found him occupied at similar employment in a mill. Next he proceeded to St. Paul, where he followed his trade. Meanwhile he had been a close student of the English language and had already gained a sufficient knowledge of the same to make himself understood in conversation. After a few months in St. Paul he proceeded west to Spokane, Washington, and a year later went to Tacoma, where he was employed for three years.

Eeturning to St. Paul at the expiration of four years in the far west, Mr. Grue followed the carpenter's trade there for two years. In 1893 he came to Mankato and formed a partnership with J. B. Nelsen under the firm name of J. B. Nelsen & Company, contractors and builders. Since then the firm has been given contracts for extensive business throughout this section of Minnesota. Among some of their important contracts may be mentioned those for the Nasen hospital at Albert Lea, the Park Hotel at St. James, Independent Order of Odd Fellows' building at Mankato, the Daniels block in St. Peter, the Presbyterian church in Brookings, South Dakota, the South Dakota State Agricultural College building at Brookings, the Cottonwood county courthouse at Windom, Minnesota, the First National Bank building at Waseca, the Martin county courthouse at Fairmont, this state, and the state hospital at St. Peter. The importance of these contracts indicates the high standing of the company.

Since coming to Mankato Mr. Grue has purchased property in North Mankato and also is a stockholder in the National Bank of Commerce. His marriage took place April 23, 1893, and united him with Miss Elizabeth Nelsen, of Minneapolis, this state. They became the parents of three children, but one daughter, Eva, died in infancy. Those now living are Idell Christina

Amanda and John Martin L'ncoln. The fraternal associations of Mr. Grue include membership in Mankato Lodge No. 12, A. F. and A. M. ; Mankato Commandery No. 4, K. T.; Mankato Lodge No. 15, I. 0. 0. P., and Mankato Lodge No. 235, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

HADLEY, EUGENE. - The position of president of a reputable bank warrants no other conchision than that the incumbent is a man of character, purpose and integrity. Isolated casec, which discredit his calling and plunge the country into paroxysms of alarm fail to disprove the, assertion that every man who has in him the making of, a successful banker is possessed of these strong and fundamental requisites. The pursuit of agriculture in many instances has led to honors of this description, and practically all communities have at the head of some of their financial institutions men who have raised themselves upon the tillage of the soil. To this class belongs Eugene Hadley, president of the First National Bank of Mapleton. Mr. Hadley was elected to his resident position in 1906, and under his administration, brief though it has been, the affairs of the bank have prospered exceedingly, more than justifying its reputation as one of the most dependable monetary concerns in Blue Earth county.

Mr. Hadley's early opportunities were in no v/ay exceptional, and he was early confronted with the responsibility of self support. Born in Richmond township, Walworth county, Wisconsin, May 31, 1866, he is a son of Alfred and Lura Hadley, natives of Brattleboro, Vermont, and New York, respectively, and who settled in Walworth county, Wisconsin, in 1852. The eight children older than Eugene were born in New York and accompanied their parents by way of stage, canal and lakes to Wisconsin, the father taking up government land which he tilled for the balance of his life. Eugene attended the public schools of Wisconsin, and for a couple of years was a student at Milton College, a Seventh Day Baptist Institution. He remained at home until his marriage, October 5, 1878, to Bettie Tajdor, daughter of Joshua Taylor, an Englishman by birth, an early settler of

With his newly wedded wife Mr. Hadley started housekeeping on a farm purchased by him in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, on a line between Mapleton and Danville townships, and engaged in general farming and stock-raising with characteristic good judgment and success. In 1887 lie removed to Wisconsin and lived in Whitewater until 1889, when he returned to Mapleton, and in 1896 settled on a farm in Iowa. All of this time he had retained possession of hie farm ia ]Mapleton township, Blue Earth countj^, which he still owns, and he also owns a farm in Bedford township, the same county, which now is operated by a tenant. After six years in Iowa he returned to Mapleton, purchased an eleven acre tract in the village of that name, and since has made that his home. The improvement of -this small but valuable property has afforded him interest and- occupation, and taken In connection his responsibility at the bank, keeps him a busy and much engrossed citizen.

Mr. Hadley is an ardent fraternalist, and a member of the Josephus Blue Lodge, No. 128, A. F. and A. M., of Mapleton. He is the parent of five children: Lura, deceased; Mary, wlte of I\rr. M. Chenejf, of North Springs, Iowa; Maud; Eugene; and Calvin. Of a kindly and generous nature, he has made many and warm friends along the course of his well directed life, and his wealth consists as much of the confidence and esteem of his fellow men as of the convertable assets of the business man.

HAGEN, CONRAD. - Assiduous- activity in an occupation that formed a. fitting avenue for well-directed abilities enabled Mr. Hagen to win and hold an important position among the citizens of Mankato, where he made his home and engaged in the contracting business from 1877 until the time of his death. In early life he had been carefully trained in the trade of a brick-layer and had so thoroughly mastered the occupation that he was regarded as a most efficient and reliable workman. During busy seasons, when the building business was being pushed with unwonted activity in the town, he had more contracts offered him than it was possible to fill, for his services were in constant demand by people familiar with his carefulness, reliability and promptness. Here he had the contract for the largest hotel in this part of the state, also the contract for the Patterson block and many other substantial structures, and long after time shall have blotted out his memory from among the future residents of his home city his work ivill remain to testify concerning his skill and trustworthiness.

Of Bavarian birth, the son of a farmer o^* that country, Conrad Hagen was born in August of 1851 and as a boy received a very limited education. Upon leaving home to make his own way in the world he came to the United States in 1874 and settled at Buffalo, New York, where ho was apprenticed to the brick-layer's trade. At the expiration of three years and four months he left Buffalo and came to Minnesota, where he settled in Mankato. From that time he filled contracts for brick buildings, meanwhile gaining a reputation as a conscientious workman, honorable in his dealings with all, reliable, painstaking and progressive, and all who had business affairs with him became his stanch friends. He was a member of the Bricldayers' Union and bore an active part in all measures for the interests of the trade in general. After becoming a citizen of the United States he voted the Democratic ticket, but took no active part in politics and never aspired to official honors.

The marriage of Mr. Hagen was solemnized in February, 1880, and imited him with Miss Mary Obele, who was born in Blue Earth county, June IG, 1862. Her parents, Frank and Chrissie (Kern) Obele, were natives of Bavaria, whence they immigrated to the United States in 1855 and became pioneers of Mankato as early as 1858, afterward residing in Blue Earth county until death. They had a family of seven children who attained years of maturity. To the union of Conrad Hagen and Mary Obele there were born eight children, whose names and respective ages are as follows : Henry, twenty-six years; George, twenty-four; Mary, twenty-two; Elizabeth, twenty; Ollie, seventeen; Francis, fourteen; Alphonse, ten; and Carl, five years of age. The family hold membership with the German Catholic church and Mr. Hagen was a prominent worker in the Society of St. Peter and Paul's connected with that church His death occurred October 15, 1905, and was mourned by a large circle of friends, who followed his body to its last resting place- in Calvary cemetery and who tendered to the bereaved family their deep- <;st and most heartfelt sympathy.

HALL, WILLIAM. - As far back as the genealogy can be traced, it is found that the Hall family lived and labored in Scotland, and the virtues of their countrymen were exemplified in their own careers. During the early part of the nineteenth century "William Hall, Sr., found employment as a shoe-maker in Aberdeenshire, and this trade in turn was -followed by his son, George, in the same place. The latter married Helen Sharp, who was born at Longman Hill, in Banffshire, near the shores of the Forth sea, the date of her birth being November 9, 1826. One child, William, came to bless their union, and when he was only three years of age, death entered the little family circle and removed the father from his labors. Three years later the mother married George Clark, and they decided to seek a home in America. Taking passage on the steamship. City of Glasgow, they started on the voyage from Glasgow, but before they were out of the Clyde the steamer struck a rock and sank. All passengers were saved and returned to Glasgow, while the steamer was being raised. They were then given the choice between waiting for the ship and having their money refunded. Mr. Clark chose the latter. Subsequently the steamer made one round trip to America and then started on a second trip, but was never heard of again.

Later Mr. Clark and family took passage on a sailing ship, "St. Lawrence," which made the trip to Quebec in forty days, meanwhile encountering heavy storms in mid-ocean. During May of 1854 they arrived at Toronto, where they remained one month. On the 1st of July they arrived at Cromwell, Connecticut, where they remained until the spring of 1857, Mr. Clark meanwhile finding employment at the shoemaker's trade. From the east they came to the Win- nebago agency in Blue Earth county, now St. Clair, Minnesota. During the summer season Mr. and Mrs. Clark were employed on the government farms in what is now known as Eapidan. At the close of the summer's work they went to the agency. During the fall of 1857 they came to Sterling township and bought a rtlinquishment to the farm still occupied by the widow. Hither they came in the spring of 1858, taking up the task of improving the land, erecting the necessary buildings, and transforming an unproductive tract into a fertile, profitable farm. A successful farmer and representative citizen, Mr. Clark lived an honored life, and passed away, regretted by all, March 20, 1905, at the age of seventy-five years.

Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is the native home of William Hall, and June 3, 1847, the date of his birth. Primarily educated in Minnesota country schools, he later took a course of study in the Winnebago high school, and after teaching for a time he entered the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he was graduated at the conclusion of the regular course. Afterward for a year he was employed in the Gas Works Manufacturing Company's office in New York. In the course of bis connection with that company he assisted in installing the gas plant for the Estey Cottage Organ Company at Brattleboro, Vermont; also a plant for a large hotel in Alpena, Michigan, and an experimental plant at Eochester, New York. On leaving the gas company's employ he engaged in 1873 with Hall & Brewster, who bandied the McCormick machinery. During the Centennial exposition at Philadelphia he had charge of the wire binder exhibit, that year (1876) being the first they were manufactured.

A merited honor came to Mr. Hall in 1880, at which time he was chosen to represent the district in the state legislature. In addition to the regular session he served in a special session called for the purpose of settling the railroad bond question, in which issue he took a most active part. At the conclusion of his legislative work, in the spring of 1882 he went to St. Vincent, in the northwest corner of Minnesota, where he remained for a few months as United States custom house ofiicer, and then resigned in order to accept a position as agent for the American Express Company at St. Vincent. It was about this time that he established domestic ties, his marriage occurring June 25, 1884, and uniting him with Ada Brown, of Waterville, Minnesota, daughter of John S. Brown, who was a nephew of John Brown of Harper's Ferry fame.

Continuing in St. Vincent until the fall of 1884, Mr. Hall then removed to Winnipeg in order to enter upon his duties as agent for the American Express Company at that point. However, in 1887 the company withdrew owing to their inability to secure a right on theCanadian Pacific Eailroad. Thereupon Mr. Hall went to St. Paul and for a year engaged with the McCormick Company, but later became Winnipeg agent for the Northern Pacific Express Company. The duties of that position engrossed his time and attention during the ensuing fourteen years, at the expiration of which time the Northern Pacific sold out. For two years afterward he continued in Winnipeg, giving his attention to the real-estate business, but owing to the ill-health Ol his wife he relinquished business activities and removed with her to Emerson, Manitoba., where she died May 9, 1905. The body was brought back to Minnesota and now lies in the Sterling cemetery.

Owing to the death of his step-father, Mr. Hall returned to Blue Earth county and has since conducted the old homestead, also tenderly caring for his widowed mother in the days of her old age. Personally he is a man of many admirable qualities. Nature bestowed upon him the temperament that irins friends and the probity that retains their confidence. Business duties have called him to many parts of the country, and wherever he has made his home he is remembered with regard and esteem by old associates. The principles of Masonry appealed to him to such an extent that he rose to the rank of Knight Templar and held official positions in the various societies of the order. The Sons of Scotlknd also have his name enrolled as a member. Leaving his native land at an early age, hi? memories of its attractions are vague, but he honors its history and the stalwart race its stern hills send forth into the world. Yet more does he honor the land of the free, the country of his adoption, whose stars and stripes represent a free and united nation, and whose opportunities are unsurpassed the world over. In evidence of his devotion to the Union he offered his services during the progress of the Civil war. When scarcely yet eighteen years of age he enlisted, March 3, 1865, as a memher of the First Battery, Light Artillery, under Captain W. C. Clayton, and received an honorable discharge, June 3, 1865. While his service was brief, it was none the less indicative of his patriotic spirit and unswerving loyalty, which in later years was shown in his excellent legislative record and in his careful discharge of every duty devolving upon him as a citizen.

HALLMAN, CHAELES P. - In evidence of the opportunities afforded by Minnesota to young men of energy and sagacity it is but necessary to mention the names of many of the men now successful in the world of affairs. People who have resided in Mankato for years are familiar v,'ith the life and progress of Charles F. Hallman who came to this city as early as 1869, and sought employment as a day laborer. While destitute of means and unacquainted with the customs of people in the United States, he was quick to learn our language and methods of work, and did not long remain at the bottom, satisfied with a most meager salary. Little by little his position advanced; by degrees he rose from his humble beginning until now he ranks among the most proficient and resourceful business men of the city, where he conducts a grocery business in ^ modern brick structure erected by himself for that purpose.

Sweden is Mr. Hallman's native land and November 7, 1845, the date of his birth, his pa.rents being Andrew and Catherine Hallman, lifelong residents of their Scandinavian home. When Charles was only five years of age the father died, leaving to the mother the rearing and maintenance of the children, of whom there were four daughters and two sons. With characteristic courage the mother discharged her task, gave the children fair advantages and trained them for lives of honor and usefulness, and when she passed away, in 1890, at the age of eighty-two years, her children mourned her loss as that of their most devoted friend. The fifth of the six children was Charles F. who was sent to the free schools and later attended high school in the city of New Coping after which he learned the blacksmith's trade of his brother. Crossing the ocean in 1869 he came direct to Mankato, where . he found employment by the day with the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad. During the early period of his employment in -this capacity ho was injured by the blasting of a rock which exploded prematurely and inflicted wounds of a serious nature.

After regaining his strength and resuming active labors, Mr. Hallman opened a blacksmith shop in West Mankato at No. 402 West Front street. During 1887, he embarked in the grocery business at No. 412 West Front street. From the first he met with encouraging success. At fa-st only a small stock was carried, but this was increased as the need arose. After nine years in the same building, in 1896 he erected a building of brick at No. 402 West Front street (the site of his old blacksmith shop) and here he now conducts a first-class grocery and hardware store. In each department a full line of stock is kept and the wants of customers are catered to with, intelligence and promptness. The confidence of the community justly belongs to Mr. Hallman as the result of his long and honorable business career in the midst of the people who are now not only his satisfied customers but also his personal friends.

During November of 1871 Mr. Halknan married Mathilda Peterson, of Burlington, Iowa, who died in 1877 at the age of twenty-nine years. Two children survived her, namely; C. Alfred, v/ho assists his father in the grocery and hardv»-are business; Elnora, wife of A. J. Nelson, of Mankato. The second marriage of Mr. Hallman took place in September, 1878, and united him v.'ith Amanda Peterson, a resident of Burlington and a sister of his first wife. Pour children bless their union, George, Henry, Mathilda and Ella. For twenty-five years or more Mr. Hallman has been identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and furthermore he is a charter member of the Degree of Honor, in which he helped to organize both the local and the grand lodges.

HANNA, MILTON. - While the great northwest was as yet undeveloped and its vast resources unknown the Hanna family hecame associated with other pioneers in the development of Blue Earth county, the year 1853 on the thirteenth of May witnessing their arrival at Mankato. The head of the famih^, James, was a descendant of Scotch-Irish ancestry and possessed the sturdy traits characteristic of that race, hut he (^ied on May 13th, 1855, before he had laid the foundation of the success toward which he aspired. While he was a farmer by occupation, he also engaged in the building business and did considerable work in that capacity. Surviving him was his wife, Nancy (Bowden) Hanna, who was a member of a Pennsylvania- Dutch family and a woman of noble attributes of heart. Shortly after she was left a widow she pre-empted a tract of government land and thus became the owner of a farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres. Until her death, which occurred in 1875, she continued to make her home in Mankato, where she had a large number of friends among the early settlers as well as the younger generations.

During the residence of James and Naney Hanna in Licking county, Ohio, Milton Hanna was born in 1842, and he was a lad of eleven years when the family sought the frontiers of the northwest. Before that he had gained a rudimentary education in the east and after-, ward he attended the country schools of Blue Earth county. The early death of his father obliged him to earn his own livelihood from an early age and he followed farm pursuits up to the time of entering the army. When the Civil war began he was among the first to offer his country his services and June 23, 1861, he was accepted as a private in Company H, Second Minnesota Infantry, which was the first organized company in Mankato. Marching south with the regiment, he engaged at Mills Springs, Kentucky, and Shiloh, Tennessee, took part in the siege of Corinth, and fought at Perryville. Subsequent to a chase after General Bragg through Kentucky he fought at Stone river (just after this battle Mr. Hanna, with fourteen other men from this company while out foraging were attacked by one hundred and twenty-five rebel cavalrymen from the 6th Alabama, but the small party of Union men succeeded in winning the fight with big honors, for which Congress assigned a medal of honor to each surviving man), Shelbyville, Tullahoma and Chiekamauga, where he was wounded. He was the first man in the regiment to reenlist, the date of the same being December 15, 1863. Later he participated in the - one hundred days' fighting during the Atlanta campaign and accompanied Sherman on his march to the sea, after which he marched to Washington, meanwhile taking part in various engagements, including the battle of Bentonville. He participated in the grand review and received an honorable discharge July 21, 1865, at Port Snelling, from which place he returned to his Mankato home. Since then he has devoted his energies to mercantile pursuits and has risen to a position of influence among the business men of Mankato. The days of war service are held in memory through active association with Wil-> kin Post No. 19, Grand Army of the Eepublic. The marriage of Milton Hanna took place November 1, 1869, and united him with Ix)uise N. Purrier, who was born in New York. Two children blessed the union. The daughter died at the age of five years. The son was spared through boyhood and youth, but passed away on the thirty-first anniversary of his birth. The family are Presbyterians in religious views. All movements for the benefit of Mankato receive the stanch support of "^^r. Hanna, who is thoroughly devoted to the welfare of his home city. No plan is proposed of undoubted utility that lacks his co-operation. The need of adequate fire protection for the city has appealed to him especially and has led him to identify himself with the fire department, in which he now serves as second assistant chief.

HANNAY, A. M. - The lineage of the Hannay family is traced to Scotland the original emigrant having been Andrew Hannay, born in Galloway, Scotland, in 1763, and by trade a cooper. At the age of twenty-four years he enlisted as a private in the king's service in the Fifty-first regiment of infantry, under Colonel Thomas Brudenall and Major Montgomery. Af- ter an honorable service of six years he received his papers of discharge and these are now in the possession of descendants. For a time he engaged in contracting and building in his native land. During 1774 he crossed the ocean to New York City, where he landed with four shillings in his possession. Fortunately he found employment on the day of his arrival. Later he went to Delaware county and took up land in what w"as then a wilderness. From there he removed to Eensselaerville, Albany county, whence he was driven away by attacks of Indians, fleeing to an adjacent settlement. During 1777 he raised a company of volunteers and joined General Gates at Albany. News being received of the surrender of Burgoyne, the company was disbanded and honorably discharged. His death occurred in 1808 at the age of seventy-five years.

Next in line of descent from the original emigrant was his son, David, who was born in Albany county. New York, October 5, 1784, and who married Hannah Ter Bush. Their son, H. T. B., was born in Albany county, New York, March 9, 1807, and married Minerva Mabie, a native of the same place as himself. During 1840 he removed from Albany county to Oneida county. New York, and there engaged in dairy fgrming until his death in 1879. A number of local offices were filled by him and he wielded considerable influence in the affairs of his community. Of his thirteen children five are now living. The third in order of birth was A. M. Hannay, who was born in Albany county. New York, June 6, 1836, and at the age of four years was taken to Oneida county. At the age of seventeen years he began to teach school and this occupation he followed until he was twenty-one, after which he spent two years in school at Albany and taught two terms in the Ballston Spa Academy, Saratoga County, New York. During 1860 he came west to St. Louis, where he remained for eighteen months. In response to the first call for volunteers made by President Lincoln in 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Third Eegiment of Missouri Volunteers, under Color "1 McNeil, and was sworn in by Captain (later General) Lyon. The enlistment was for three months, after which he was mustered out August 10, 1861. and shortly afterward returned to