Fillmore County, Minnesota - The whole text, 1912 (part 11 of 20)

Charles L. Thurber was born in Conneaut, Ohio, July 1, 1863, son of Lewis and Harriett (Wright) Thurber, the former of whom went to the front with the troops in the Civil War and died in the South in 1865. The subject of this sketch was edueated in the common schools of Ohio and later in the Chatfield high school. He first came to Minnesota and to Chatfield in 1880 but returned to Ohio where he remained one year and then again came to Chatfield where he has since made his home. On leaving school he began clerking in Milo White's store where he was employed for more than five years. At the end of that time he began business for himself, forming a partnership with two other men in the firm of Silsbee, Thurber & Atchison, which continued to do a general merchandise business till 1895. After the company closed its business Mr. Thurber became a traveling representative for the Albert Lea Insurance Company. In 1897 this company underwent a reorganization and Mr. Thurber, not satisfied with the new plan which the company adopted, left their employ. At the suggestion and request of several Chatfield business men he outlined and later perfected the organization of what has since beeu known as the Seenrity Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Chatfield. Myr. Thurber was made secretary and assumed the active management of the business which from its inception has been most successful. They are now doing business in nearly every state in the Union and have a large number of representatives in various parts of the country. After the assured success of the Security it was determined to form another company for the convenience of those who were not in sympathy with a mutual company. In 1909 the Minnesota Fire Insuranee Company of Chatfield was formed and Mr. Thurber became vice-president. He married, in 1886, Nina Merrill and to them have been born three children. Orrin Merrill has been acting as state agent for the Chatfield Fire Insurance Companies at Fargo, North Dakota, but has recently accepted a position as manager of ''Fire Prevention,'' published by the Western Underwriters, of Chicago, Il. Lewis Myers is in the state auditor's office in St. Paul. Herschel Putnam is a student in the Chatfield high school. In polities Mr. Thurber is independent. He was for several years a member of the Chatfield city council and elerk of the school board. In 1910 he became candidate on the Temperance ticket for member of legislature. Te entered the contest rather late and gave but little time to campaign work but nevertheless received a large vote, lacking less than 200 votes for election. Mr. Thurber is a member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter in the Masonic order, also of the Modern Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, Yoemen and Good Samaritans.

John Chermak, postmaster of Chatfield since 1898, was born in Olmsted county in 1858, son of John and Veronica (Teska) Chermak, the former of whom is deceased. Farly in life the subject of this biography became very studious and by close application to books acquired a good education in the common schools of his home county. For some time after completing his studies he was employed as a teacher, after which he accepted a position with Frank Tesco as clerk in his hardware store, remaining for ten years. Of strong political convictions, he adheres to the principles endorsed by the Republican party and has served as justice of the peace and also as member of the school board. Fraternally he has affiliated himself with the Masonic order, the Modern Samaritans and the Modern Woodmen, in which organizations he is highly esteemed. In 1887 Carrie Armstrong became his wife. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal chureh of Chatfield.

John McCallum was born Sentember 3, 1866, in Balfron, Sterlingshire, Seotland, son of William and Flizabeth (Taylor) Me Callum, who spent the span of the years in the old country. He grew to manhood in Seotland and there attended sehool. In 1887, he came to America and arrived in Minnesota, April 18. For several vears after coming to Fil'more county, Mr. McCallum worked for William Hutton, and in 1902 bought 120 acres 'in section thirty-one, Jordan township, where he carries on general farming, together with stockraising and dairying. keeping about twenty head of Shorthorn cattle, fifty Shropshire sheep and many hogs. He also owns eight good farm horses, four of which are registered Clydsdales. Politically Mr. MeCallum is a Republican. He is serving as town clerk as he has for for eight years past; and has been treasurer of school district ninety-seven for six years. Fraternally he is affiliated with the A. F.& A. M. and A. 0. U. W. at Chatfield. On October 22, 1896, he was united in marriage with Eva May, daughter of David and Mary C. Bumgarner of Fillmore township. This union has been blessed with five children: William David, Donald, Mary Elizabeth, Margaret Helen and John, all of whom attend school in district ninety-seven. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Frederick G. Stoudt was born in Hastings, Minn., August 18, 1876, son of John and Minnie (Otte) Stoudt, both of whom are now deceased. He was educated in the publie schools of Hastings and then took employment in the ''Gazette'' office in that city, where he remained seven years, thoroughly learning his trade as a@ printer and becoming entirely familiar with the newspaper business. He then came to Chatfield and with E. F. Harnish bought the ''Chatfield News,'' which was later combined with the ''Democrat'' and has since been published as the ''News-Demoerat.'" In 1909 Mr. Stoudt became cashier of the First National Bank of Chatfield and since that time he has not been actively connected with editorial work, though he still retains his,newspaper interests. In politics he is an independent Republican, and has served as city treasurer two years. He is treasurer and director of the Minnesota Fire Insurance Company and a director of the Seeurity Mutual Fire Insurance Company and of the Merehants' National Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Fargo, N. D. Being socially inclined, Mr. Stoudt is a member of the A. F. & A. M. of Chatfield, clerk of the Chatficid M. W. A., corresponding secretary of the Chatfield B. A. Y. and treasurer of the Chatfield Commercial Club. In 1901 he married Susie Farrington and to them has been born one daughter--Louise. Mr. Stoudt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

J, ©. Brush was born in St. Albans, Vt., January 25, 1831, son of Josiah Brush. He grew to manhood in Vermont, reeeived his education there and when twenty years of age went to New York state, locating near Pottsdam. He here followed general work for three years. At the end of that time he went to Rockford, Tll., where he remained two years. In 1857 he came to Minnesota and took up work in Winona, where he was for some years employed by the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He afterward drove stage and had some thrilling experiences while doing duty as a driver carrying the United States mails. For some years he drove from Winona to La Crosse, Wis., and also from Winona to Chatfield and from Winona to Rochester. In 1885 he came to Sumner township, this county, and has since resided here. He located on a farm near Hamilion and followed general farming till 1891, when he moved to the village of Ilamilton and has since lived there. He now lives a practically retired life. On December 26, 1861, he married Sarah Hoff, a daughter of D. S, Hoff, formerly of Fillmore village, where the Hoff hotel had a wide reputation in the early days. To this union have been born five children: William J. is in Lisbon, N. D.; Edna F, married Frank Calander, of Sumner; Hannah E. married George Lyman; Jennie E. married Frank Hoppin; Nelson E. is now in Washington. In politics Mr. Brush is a Republican, and has been school clerk and has held other minor offices.

William Elder, now deceased, was one of the early settlers of Fillmore county. He was born on the plains of Cranna, Parish of Marnoch, near Aberchirder, in Banffshire, Scotland, on June 8, 1831, his father's name also being William. He spent his childhood in his native land, received a good education and in young manhood came to the United States and settled in Wisconsin, where he lived some years. In 1856 he came to this county and settled in Preston township, where he purchased 160 acres of land from the government. He erected a log house about twelve by sixteen feet and broke and worked the land with such energy and skill that he was enabled to add to his original purchase until he finally owned 296 acres, the greater part of which was under a high state of cultivation. When the proper time arrived he erected a substantial dwelling and other buildings, which stand today a monument of his thrift and success. Though he prospered in the accumulation of this world's goods, he was a devout Christian man and spared no labor for himself in any effort which he thought might benefit the church. For many years he was Sunday school superintendent and at the time of his death was elder in the Scotland church of Preston township. On November 10, 1856, Mr. Elder was married at Kenosha, Wis., to Agnes Mitchell, who was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, October 5, 1827, daughter of William and Elizabeth Mitchell, and came to America in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Elder were blessed with two children: Ada J., who is now Mrs. Alexander MeKay, was born January 29, 1860; George A. was born June 16, 1863, and now resides on the old home place in Preston township. He married Minne B. Fenderson, who died February 2, 1907. William Elder was one of the sturdy old characters of Scotch blood so rugged and true to his own strict requirements that to know him was to respect both him and the principles for which he stood. His death occurred May 22, 1906, and he was survived only a short time by his wife, her death occurring on April 14, 1908.

Alexander McKay, a well-known and respected citizen of Amherst and Preston townships, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, August 29, 1857. His father, Peter McKay, was a native of Parish Port of Monteith, Perthshire, Scotland, and son of Alexander McKay. During the year of 1856 the father emigrated from his home country and came to America, locating in the town of Bradford, Rock county, Wis. For six years he and his family lived in that locality, after which they moved to Minnesota and settled on section thirty, Amherst township, this county. In district forty-six, Preston township, Alexander, subject of this sketch, attended school and acquired his education. Fle grew to manhood on the home farm and worked for his father. Ile now owns 330 acres of land which borders on the town line between Preston and Amherst, and carries on general farming operations. His farm is well equipped with good buildings and modern machinery and his fine dwelling is both comfortable and commodious. Politically he is an independent voter, and that he is well fitted to occupy publie offices is shown by his service as supervisor of the township, school clerk in district forty-six for nine years, present school director and justice of the peace, in which latter office he is serving bis sixth year. He is also a member of the board of dixectors for the Ifarmony Fire Insurance Company. For thirty-four years Mr. McKay has been a member of the Presbyterian church. On January 18, 1883, he married Ada, daughter of William and Agnes (Mitehell) Fider, and to this union have been born six children: Harry, of Montana; Flora, who married A. L, Turner, of Amherst ; Clarence, Edna, Agnes and Bernice.

J. L, Colby, of Spring Valley, county commissioner since 1908, was born in Forestville township on May 16, 1859, son of James L. and Elmina A. (Lewis) Colby, natives of Vermont and New York, 'respectively. He acquired his education in the district schools and after completing his studies was employed by various farmers in the community and also on the home place. Upon attaining his mapority he bought sixty acres in section twenty-eight, Forestville, and there hegan agricultural operations on bis own responsibility. He developed his land and erected needed buildings: and gradually as he grew more prosperous, added to his original possessions until he owned 200 aeres, a portion of which had originally been part of the old homestead. For eighteen years Mr. Colby carried on blacksmithing in a shop which he built on his farm, and it is worthy of mention that, though he had never been taught the business, he was considered the best horseshoer in that seetion of the county. So as the years succeeded each other le toiled at farming and blacksmithing and grew move prosperons, but in 1906 decided to leave the farm and move to Spring Valley, where he now resides. For three years after coming to Spring Valley, Mr. Colby was local agent for the Standard Oil Company, and he now is manager of Spring Valley Electric Light & Investment Company, While living on his farm he served as town clerk, justice of the peace and constable. For years Mr, Colby took an active interest in dairying and at different periods owned stock in various creameries and cheese factories in the county. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Spring Valley Lodge, No. 58, A. PF. & A. M. In 1881 he was united in marriage with Sarah Candace Hamlin, a daughter of Alonzo L. Hamlin, of Bloomfield. Though Mr, and Mrs. Colby have never been blessed with children of their own, they are justly proud of three children whom they have taken into their home, cared for and educated.

James L. Colby and Elmira A. Lewis, his wife, were natives of Vermont and New York, respectively, and came to Minnesota in 1855, locating in Forestville township. There Mr. Colby bought 160 acres of government land, on which he founded his home. For some time he and his good wife lived in a sod shanty, which was later replaced by a more comfortable house built of logs. Like other early settlers, this estimable couple experienced hardships and privations which were overcome with the true pioneer spirit, and they toiled on courageously, overcoming difficulties and meeting many emergencies. As time went by the hushand built a good frame house and comfortable barns and other needed outbuildings, and all their efforts were crowned with success. Mr. Colby was a ''gentleman from the old school'' and was always veady and willing to render assistance and service to his fellow men. For thirty-five years he was postmaster at Cherry Grove, this name being derived from a grove of cherry trees planted by Mr. Colby on his farm. To My. and Mrs. Colby were born five children: Eugenia A., wife of Robert L. Jurisch, is deceased. George P, is a lecturer and orange grower at Lake Helen, Fla. Julia M. is deceased. J. L. lives in Spring Valley. Martin E. is deceased. He was formerly a deputy sheriff and collector in South Dakota and was shot by an Indian at Sisseton when ecarry- - ing out official duties. Mr. Colby passed away on May 19, 1893.

Samuel Crawford Kellogg, a respected citizen of Spring Valley, was born at Springfield, Erie county, Pa., May 15, 1834, son of Reuben and Eleanor (Crawford) Kellogg. During the early years of his boyhood, the subject of this biography attended the village school, and later completed his education in a private school. When twenty-one years of age, he left his old home and went to Burliugton, Ill., where he was employed at farming for a year. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and took a claim in Spring Valley township, which he later sold and then purchased another farm, eighty acres of which are now within the corporation limits of the city: The following year, after purchasing this farm, Mr. Kellogg erected a substantial house, and made many improvements. He followed general diversified farming until 1891, when he moved into Spring Valley, and also moved with him the house which he had ereeted in 1856 and in which he and his estimable wife have resided the fifty-three years of their married life. In 1894, Mr. Kellogg began supplying the residents of Spring Valley with milk and continued in this business for five years. On December 22, 1858, Armanda Mantor became his wife. She was a daughter of James and Cenia Mantor, of Pennsylvania, who came west and settled in Dodge county, giving their name to the town of Mantorville. To Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg five children have been born. Carrie is now Mrs. W. L. Kilhan, of St. Paul, and they are the parents of two children, Grace and Fern. Kirkland M. married Hilly Payne, and they have two children, Maude and Alvah. They live in Montana. Warren Milford also lives in Montana. Grace married Alfred Parker, and they have one child, Marion. Their home is at St. Paul. Alvah C. is superintendent of schools at Wapato, Wash. He married Lillian Barnes. Mr. Kellogg and his wife attend the Congregational church, of which they are honored members. Mr. Kellogg's political views are those advanced by the Republican party.

James McConville, a retired farmer now residing in Wykoff village, was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, on October 28, 1852, son of Henry and Catherine (Morris) McConville. He was educated in the common schools, but having at four years of age lost his father he early in life assumed a man's place in the home. For forty-six years he carried on general farming in Fillmore township and made a specialty of raising stock. His cattle were pure bred Jerseys and he preferred Chester White hogs to other breeds. He owned 240 acres of land, which he disposed of in 1902, when he moved to Wykoff that his children might have better school advantages and because of failing health. Mr. Me- Conville. was married on March 13, 1884, to Sabina Wright, and to them two children have been born: Edith, now Mrs. 8S. D. Baker, of Jordan township, and Myra, a teacher who lives at home. In political convictions the subject of this sketch has independent ideas and votes for principle rather than for party. He has served on the school board for many years in district

Nels Storelee

101 and has the esteem of all with whom he has had business dealings. Mr. McConville well remembers the Indian scare of 1862, and relates many interesting anecdotes regarding it. Tis brother IJenry was in the Army of the Potomac and was captured at Cold Ilarbor, after which he was confined in Andersonville prison, Ilis brother John went to Mississippi to work on the levee in 1859, was compelled to work on a river boat and was finally drafted into the Confederate Army. Later he was captured by Union troops at Island 10, after which he joined the Union Navy and was in the battle of Mobile Bay. The boat on which he was fighting was blown up by torpedo, and after this he went to Texas and became a ranger, helping to rout out the ''bad men'' on the frontier. He has since been lost trace of.

Henry McConville and Catherine Morris, his wife, were natives of the Emerald Isle, who came to the United States in 1840 and settled in New York City, where they worked for some time at their occupation as weavers. In 1848 they came west to Wisconsin and settled in Walworth county, where Mr. McConville engaged in general farming. During the year of 1856 they moved to Minnesota and located in Jordan township,.this county, where the husband and father ''laid'' a Revolutionary soldicr's land warrant. He and his estimable wife underwent many privations, and were among the pioneers of the county. To them were born five children: Catherine was the eldest. John was a Civil War veteran. Henry also enlisted in the Civil War and was captured and confined in Andersonville prison. He died February 17, 1899. Mary was the youngest child. James is the only surviving member of the family. Henry McConville lost his life on December 19, 1856, being frozen to death but eighty rods from a neighbor's house. He was on his way home from Chatfield and lost his bearings in a severe storm. His widow died April 20, 1907.

Nels Storelee, representative farmer, living in Carrolton township, was born in Nast, Hollingdahl, Norway, November 5, 1853. When three years of age he came to America with his parents, Ole Olson Storelee and Jerden (Nelson) Storelee, who located in Rock county, Wisconsin. There the father was employed by different farmers for seven years, and at the end of that period began farming for himself. In 1864 the family moved to Minnesota and settled in Carrolton township, where the father bought a claim in section thirty-five and here spent the rest of his life. His death occurred in May, 1884, and his wife died in December, 1877. Nels, subject of this sketch, received his education in the common schools of this country and has since been engaged in general farming. He now owns 410 acres and makes a specialty of raising pure bred Shorthorn cattle and Percheron horses. Mr. Storelee married Mary Oppegard, who bore him four children: Josie married Osear Peterson and has a daughter. Marian Lydia, Olga and Osear are at home. Mrs. Mary Storelee died in 1896 and January 8, 1898, Mr. Storelee married Sarah (Lawston) Larson, and to this marriage were born three children: Selma, Milton and Burniece. Mr. Storelee has served as supervisor of the town and has been chairman of the school board for many years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants' State Bank of Preston and a director in the Lanesboro Canning Co. He is also treasurer of the Union Prairie chureh, of which his family are conmunicants.

William A. Hall was born in Smithfield, R. IL, September 26, 1855, son of Francis and Margaret (Shaunnesy) Tall. His mother died when he was a small boy and he with his father came to Minnesota in 1863 and setiled in Beaver township. Here he grew up and attended the country school, later attending the high school in Spring Valley. When twenty-one years of age he went in partnership with his father and they farmed together till 1900, when they moved to Spring Valley. After six years' residence in Spring Valley William A. Hall returned to the farm in Beaver township, where he still resides, and took up the duties of his farm. He now owns 400 acres, some of which he rents to neighbors, and has a large pleasant home and an excellent complement of barns and other buildings necessary for the proper conduct of a large farm. Before the occurrence, in 1877, of an unfortunate accident with a frightened horse, in which Mr. Hall was severely injured, he gave much attention to the raising of stock, formerly keeping some 100 eattle and milking about sixty cows. He has always been interested in publie affairs and has been treasurer of Beaver six years and clerk of school district 143 for over twelve years. He is one of the original stockholders in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamey of Chester, [a., and in the Farmers' Insurance Company of Bloomfield. He is a member of the Etna Union church. On April 1, 1880, he was married to Eliza S. Nichols, a daughter of Neal Nichols, one of the pioneers of this county. To this union have been born six children: Grace died at five years of age. Etta M. is at home. Emma J. is a teacher in Blue Earth City, Minn. Francis is at home. Alden N. is a student at the Spring Valley high school. May is a teacher at Glenco, Minn.

E. W. Thayer, former postmaster in Spring Valley and one of the prominent residents of that city, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1847, son of Edmund S. and Permelia

Francis Hall, Sons And Grandsons

Thayer, now deceased. His early life was spent in acquiring a good education in the country schools and in the academy at Kingsville, Ohio. When he was seventeen years of age he began to assist his father with the farm work and remained in this oceupation for the four suececeding years, teaching school during the winter months. In 1869 he came west to Minnesota and located in Spring Valley, where he was engaged for a period of time in farming, after which he became a contractor and builder, carrying on this business for a number of years. In connection with this he was engaged in the lumber business as one of the firm of Anderson & Thayer, later Cummings & Thayer. In 1899 Mr. Thayer scrved as deputy clerk of the county court and moved to Preston, where he lived for two and one-half years, after which he became postmaster of Spring Valley. Orinda E. Allard, daughter of Hiram Allard, of Vermont, became the wife of Mr. Thayer, and to them three children have been born: Myrtie M. gradnated from the Minnesota State University, also completed a post gradnate course in that institution, is now principal of the Spring Valley high school and lives at home with her parents. Albert W. is married and makes his home in Los Angeles, where he is engaged in clerical work. Marian E. died in 1899. Politically Mr. Thayer upholds the tenets of the Republican party, and for fifteen years has been an active member of the village council. In- former years he took part in the party councils and is held in high regard by the residents of his home town and by a wide cirele of acquaintances throughout the county. Ilis beautiful home is located in the central part of the city and is one of the fine residences in Spring Valley.

Neal Nichols was born in Herkimer county, New York, October 30, 1820, and there received his education and grew to manhood. In 1840 he married Hannah Shephard, born June 22, 1821. They moved to Battle Creek, Mich., lived there two years, then came west to Wankon, Jowa, and there made their home for two years. They came to this county in 1856 and settled on the southeast quarter of section nine, Beaver township, and there lived until the death of Mr. Nichols, December 13, 1879. They raised a family of eleven sons and one daughter. Mrs. Nichols died November 4, 1894, and is buried beside her husband in the Etna cemetery.

Francis Hall, deceased, was a native of Canada and lived many years in Quebec. He later went to the state of Rhode Island and was there married to Margaret Shaunnesy, a native of Ireland, who died in 1861. In 1863 Mr. Tall came to Minnesota and bought land in section eleven, Beaver township, and here began farming.

He was naturally a leader and came to the fore in political and church affairs, being elected to the legislature of 1877 and 1878. He was a Republican in polities and held many minor offices in his township and locality. He was the father of two sons, William A.and Alden T. A. T. Hall is now a druggist in St. Paul. Francis Hall lived on his farm in Beaver till 1900 and then moved to Spring Valley, where he died May 17, 1901. For his second wife Mr. Hall married Margaret Cookman. She died in January, 1898. She was a good wife and could not have done more for Mr. Hall's children had they been her own.

E, D, Kellogg was a native of Warren county, New York, born in 1833, and reared to agricultural pursuits. He moved from that state to Minnesota in the fall of 1855, and immediately located a farm in section one, Fillmore township. He was a member of the board of supervisors, being chairman a part of the time. In the fall of 1859 he was joined in matrimony with Elizabeth Crowell, a native of Ohio. They have had ten children. Mr. Kellogg died November 26, 1911. His wife died September 6, 1910.

Willard S. Carson, a highly respected citizen of Jordan township, was born here on January 20, 1859. His parents were Nathan A. and Mary A. (Pratt) Carson, natives of Maine, where they made their homes until 1854, then coming to Minnesota and locating in Forestville township. Three years later they.moved to Jordan aud bought 120 acres in section twenty-three, there engaging in farming industries. The father erected the substantial brick residence which now stands and made other improvements. His death occurred February 17, 1896, at the age of sixtyeight. Willard, the son acquired a common school edueation, carrying on his studies until twenty-one years of age, after which he left school and devoted his entire time and energy to assisting his father on the home farm. He purchased the old homestead from his father, and to this has added until he now owns 325 acres. [He follows general farming, raises Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep and keeps twenty-five head of Jersey cattle for dairy purposes, disposing of cream to the Chatfield Creamery, in which he is a stockholder and was one of its organizers. Mr. Carson farms his entire property and lives in the brick residence which his father built in 1881. He is a staunch supporter of the principles endorsed by the Prohibitionist party and has served as clerk of school district 100. He was a delegate from Fillmore county to the state Prohibition convention held in Assembly Hall, Minneapolis, July 4 and 5, 1912. On June 16, 1898, he married Anna Kellogg, born October 27, 1860, daughter of E. D. Kellogg and Elizabeth (Crowell) Kellogg, early settlers of Fillmore township.

To Mr. and Mrs. Carson two children have been born: Frances Willard, born May 13, 1899, and Ruth Elizabeth, born February 15, 1901, both of whom are at home. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are respected members of that organization.

George Winfield Heine, a prominent resident of Jordan township, was born in Reading, Pa., on November 13, 1857, son of George Washington and Mary Ann (Ege) Heine, also natives of that state, who, when the subject of this sketch was but three years of age, moved to a farm, where they lived until 1875. The father, who was a mill owner, died in April, 1890. The mother died September 15, 1911. George W., the subject of this sketch, received his preliminary education in the district schools of Berks county, Pennsylvania, then entered the academy at Boyerstown, Pa., completing his studies at the seminary at Friedensburg, Pa. Then he taught school one term in Earl township and three terms in Colebrookdale township, both in Berks county. He later accepted a position in Plumboge mine at Byers Station, in Chester county, and after leaving that place worked in a blast furnace in Pottstown for three years. For a period of time he made his home in the capital eity, Harrisburg, but was obliged to leave because of illness in his family. He then went back to Pottstown and for three years was employed in a rolling mill, where he was rapidly promoted and eventually occupied a responsible position. Leaving Pottstown he went to Phoenixville, there working in the mills until 1885. During that year Mr. Heine came to Fillmore county, where for three years he rented land. In 1888 he bought 220 acres in section thirty-one, Jordan township, and entered a stock farming business. He raises about 100 Lincoln sheep yearly, keeping about forty head of Shorthorn eattle for general dairy purposes. He also raises good farm horses. In 1896 Mr. Heine sold this farm and purchased 240 aeres in section nineteen, Jordan township. He also owns ninety-five acres in section six, Fillmore township. He carries on the same industries which occupied his time and attention on the other farm. His sheep are of the Shropshire breed, the hogs Duroe-Jerseys, the horses Belgians. On this farm he has made many improvements, erecting good outbuildings for the shelter of his stock and farm products. On April 25, 1886, Mr. Heine was united in marriage with Laura Mower, daughter of John Mower, a pioneer of this county. This marriage has been blessed with: Louis, now of Dubuque, Iowa; William, at home; Irving, Dubuque, Iowa; Mary, a student in the Spring Valley schools; George and Jerry, students at home, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Heine is an independent Republican and has held the office of supervisor of the township for two terms and clerk of the school board in district 124 for sixteen years. He is chairman of the board of directors of the Farmers' Store in Spring Valley, stockholder in the First National Bank, of Spring Valley, stockholder in the Frankson & Christianson Manufacturing Co.,of Spring Valley, and stockholder in the Spring Valley Electric Light Company. THe is also president of the Washington [lorse Breeders' Association and stockhoider in the Jordan Valley Horse Company. He is affiliated with the A. F. & A.M. and the M. W. A. at Spring Valley.

G. R. Shipton, a prominent citizen of Spring Valley township, was born October 18, 1859. His parents, G. R. and Marietta (Bear) Shipton, were natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Minnesota in 1855 and located in Fillmore township. They were one of the pionecr families and endured many hardships incident to pioneer life. The father was ''fife major'' of Company A, Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry from the year of 1861 until 1863, being discharged for disability. He then returned to his farm in Fillmore and there lived until 1891, when he moved to Spring Valley, passing away on October 20, 1892. The wife and mother lives in Spring Valley. The subject of this sketch was reared on the hoine farm and went to the little log schoolhouse and sat on slab benches, there acquiring his cducation. When he was about eighteen years of age he finished his studies and was employed by his father. He remained in this capacity until twenty-four years of age, when he assumed charge of the home farm, which he operated for many years. This farm, consisting of 22314 acres in Jordan township, 70 acres in Sumner, 4314 in Fillmore and 1014 in Spring Valley, he has sold and will move iuto one which he has purchased in sections nineteen and twenty, Spring Valley township. Mr, Shipton is especially interested in raising blooded stock. He keeps about thirty head of Guernsey cattle and disposes of the cream to the Spring Valley Creamery. He raises annually about 100 Shropshire sheep and the same number of Duroc-Jersey hogs. His poultry is pure bred Barred Plymouth Rocks and he owns a fine incubator and brooder, raising from 500 to 600 chickens yearly. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party, and that he is particularly fitted to serve in publie office has been proven by his being elected town supervisor for three years, chairman of the school board in disiriet 124 for fifteen years, chairman of church board for eighteen years and justice of the peace in Jordan for one year. Mr. Shipton has in his possession the old bass drum which went with the Second Minnesota through the war, also many other interesting relics which his father brought home. Ile was married November 18, 1883, to Ella Lee, born September 25, 1864,

Mr. And Murs. H. A. Douglass

H, A. Douglass, a progressive farmer residing in Bloomfield township, was born in Clinton county, New York, July 1, 1834, son of J. A. and Sarah (Manning) Douglass, natives of New York, who came to fowa in 1858, where they lived for one year, and then moved to Minnesota and located in Fillmore county, where the father died in 1898, the mother having passed away in 1872. If. A. was edueated in the common schools, and when twenty-two years of age began farming, later working in a lumber and flour mill in Iowa. In 1864 he came to this county and settled in Bloomfield township, where he farmed until 1872 when he went to Jowa, remaining there for twelve years. In 1884 he again returned to Minnesota and purchased forty acres in section twenty-six, Bloomfield township, where he has since resided. For many years he carried on general farming, but in 1901 rented his land and now lives practically a retired life. He is a staunch supporter of the principles of the Prohibitionist party, and for two years has served as town assessor for Bloomfield. December 25, 1860, Ma. Douglass married Ellen Farnsworth, and to them were born three children: W. H., born March 14, 1862, is now a real estate and insurance man of Chicago. He married Mary MeKaller. Carrie, born January 18, 1864, died April 24, 1867. Agnes, born February 26, 1866, died December 5, 1871. The wife and mother passed away in 1873, and on January 24, 1879, Mr. Douglass married Amelia M. Hitehecock, of Champlain, Clinton county, N. Y., born July 18, 1836, daughter of D. C. Hitchcock, a farmer who died in his seventies. The family faith is that of the Etna Union church, formerly the Methodist. Mr. Douglass has been elder of this church since its organization, and for several years was one of its trustees. He has served as Sunday school superintendent and has been a Bible class teacher for i: number of years.

Dr. C. W. Woodruff was born in Minnesota October 17, 1876, son of H. C. and Polly R. Woodruff. He veeeived his elementary edueation in the common schools and the Elgin high sehool. Ie later spent three years in the study of medicine at the Minnesota State University and graduated from Rush Medical School June 21, 1901. On April 11, 1902, he passed the state board examination and was admitted to practice in Minnesota. He first located in Wykoff with Dr. Campbell and practiced there for three and one-half years. He sold his business to Dr. Dunn in 1905 and came to Chatfield, where he has built up an extensive practice. In political inelinations Dr, Woodruift is a Republican, but has never sought political preferment. He is a member of the Houston County Medical Society, the Minnesota State Medical Association and also of the American Medical Association. He is chairman of the Chatfield Board of Health, is the local United States pension examiner and likewise the examiner for a large number of life insurance societies. Being of a social temperament he has allied himself with Meridan Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A, M., North Star Chapter, No. 11, R. A. M., Home Commandery, No. 5, K. T., all of Chatfield; Rochester Lodge, No. 1091, B. P. O. E., and the Modern Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, Yoemen, United Workmen, Odd Fellows, Equitable Fraternal Union and Modern Brotherhood, all of Chatfield. In 1902 he married Dora Dunn, and to them have been born two children: Helen, born in 1903, and Paul in 1908.

Hans Fjelstad was born in Norway on November 9, 1865, son of Hans and Carrie Fjelstad, who spent their lives in that country. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native land, there attended school and became a farmer, In 1892 he came to America, landing at New York, after which he proceeded west to Minnesota and located in this county. For about five years after his arrival here he worked out for different farmers near Harmony, after which he went to York and bought eighty acres in section seven, where he has since carried on general farming. As he has worked and grown more prosperous he has added to his original possessions, and at present owns 160 acres, all in section seven. Together with his farming industries Mr. Fjelstad engages in dairying, keeping about thirty head of Shorthorn eattle for this purpose. Ile also raises Duroc- Jersey hogs and keeps a good breed of farm horses. He is a stockholder in the Chester Creamery and a member of the Bloomfield Lutheran chureh. He is a staunch Republican and has served in minor offices in his township. Martha Osland beeame his wife in February, 1902, and they are the parents of two sons, Henry and William. Mrs. Fjelstad is a daughter of Lars Osland, who eame to this country from Norway, and for fifty years lived at Ossian, Iowa, after which he moved to York, this county, where he carried on farming until his death.

David Allen, eldest son of Tristam Allen and Elizabeth Allen, was born in New York City in 1831. At the age of four years he moved to the state of Michigan, and in 1853 to the town of Sumner, Fillmore county, where he took up a homestead. Here he was married to Lepha Ann Carter in 1854 and lived until 1882 when he moved to Spring Valley. In 1887 he went to Ashland, Ore., and died there November 29, 1903. Mrs. Lepha A. Allen, eldest child of Gulielmus Carter and Letsey T. Carter, was born in Rochester, N. Y., in the year 1828. She went to the state of Michigan with her parents in 1834 and pioneered by team to the town of Sumner in the year 1853. Ilere she endured the hardships of a new country and was married to David Allen in 1854. She had three children, Frederick Tristam, Emma Frances and Jessie Irene. She died May 27, 1887.

Rev. David Svennungsen was born in Winona, Minn., March 26, 1876. He graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., June 12, 1900, and from United Chureh Theological Seminary June 12 the same year at Albert Lea, Minn. He was married October 26, 1904, to Carrie Grothe, of Elk Point, S. D., and they have three children: Rolf, Steiner and David. Mr. Svennungsen was pastor at Rugby, N. D., from July, 1904, to February, 1911. He removed to his present pastorate in February, 1911, residing at Le Roy, Minn., serving the following congregations: Satersdahl, Fillmore county, Minn., and Le Roy, Minn.; Ridgeway, Iowa, and Cresco, Iowa.

Rev, Alvin Schoebel was born in Saxony, Germany, April 29, 1872, and came to America in 1886. He took special classical eourses at Wartburg College, at Waverly, Iowa, and studied theology at Wartburg Seminary, at Dubuque, Iowa. He was ordained in North Dakota in 1895 and served in that state twelve years. He also served in South Dakota one year. In April, 1909, he came to Spring Valley, where he has since remained, having charge of the German Lutheran churches at Spring Valley and Hamilton. He is married and has three children.

Rev. T. Wagner was born in Germany, November 25, 1875, and received a good edueation in his native eountry. Ile came to the United States in 1894 and entered the Wartburg Seminary at Waverly, Iowa, where he studied three years. Ie was ordained March 5, 1897. Ile preached in Mapleleaf, Iloward county, Iowa, three years, and in Harmony, Minn., about nine years. He came to Wykoff in 1908. Ile was married August 2, 1899, and has two children. He is one of the visitors of the Minnesota Conference of the Iowa Synod of the German Lutheran chureh.

Rev. Paul J. Kumpf, son of a distinguished German divine, was born at Mt. Horeb, Wis., December 16, 1875. He was edueated at Wartburg College, Clinton, Iowa, and studied theology in Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, having as his theological professors one of the ablest theologians of this country, the Rey. Prof. M. Ren, D. D. He was first sent as a missionary to the northern parts of Wisconsin, where he had an extensive field of labor. A eall was extended to him by the Preston German Lutheran Evangelical St. Paul's church, of Preston, in 1909 and he has given most excellent service, being an influential man in the community, as well as a strong man in his church.

Henry O. Bearson, the genial owner of the Merchants Hotel in Lanesboro, was born in Newburg township in 1865, one of the eleven children of Ole B. and Bergitt (Nelsdatter) Garnaas. Ole Bearson was born in December, 1826, and came to America from Hallingdahl, Norway, with his parents in 1853, and located the following year in Newburg, where, for several years, he worked on his father's farm. In 1858 he bought property on section seventeen, and in December of that year married Bergitt Nelsdatter, who was born July 27, 1842. Henry O. was educated in the country school and spent his boyhood years at home. In 1894 he bought a farm west of Newburg village and carried on general farming. In 1899 he purehased a farm near Mabel. Two years later he disposed of this and moved to Highland, Amherst township, where he had previously purchased property. Until 1907 he lived on the farm in Amherst township, after which he came to Lanesboro, where he bought the Merchants Hotel, which he has since vperated wilh success. Mr. Bearson devotes a greater share of his time and attention to dealing in real estate, being an investor in farm and eity lands. He married Genia Nelson on May 26, 1894, and to them six children have been born: Beula (deceased), Osear, Bernhard, Martin, Beula and Herman.

Peter Lommen was born in Norway, and came to America in 1851, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he farmed two years. Then he came to Minnesota and settled in Houston county. His wife, Maria Haralset, also born in Norway, came to America jn 1861, and settled in Houston county. There they were married, and there spent the remainder of their days.

A. P, Lommen, M.D., a well known physician residing in Lanesboro, was born in Spring Grove, Houston county, this state, May 10, 1867, son of Peter and Maria (Haralsct) Lommen. Ile acquired his primary education in the common schools near his old home. Later he entered the Galesburg University, now known as Gales College. With this classical preparation, he entered the University of Minnesota, and was graduated with the medical elass of 1895. He practiced in Mabel, this county, two years, and carued an enviable reputation, after which, in 1897, he established himself im Lanesboro, where he still maintains his office, Tis skill as a practitioner, his worth as a man, his genial manner, and devotion to the highest ethics of his profession, have won for him the confidence of a large clientele. He has allied himself with the Houston and Fillmore County Mediea} Society, and the Minnesota State and American Medical associations, and also belongs to the I. O. O. F. of Lanesboro, His interest in the affairs of the village is shown by his service as president of the board of education and as a member of the board of health. Dr. Lommen was married June 3, 1897, io Stella Johnson, daughter of Rasmus and Maria (Hellickson) Johnson, and their home has been blessed with two children, Helen M. and Robert M.

Ole Knudsen, one of the highly respected citizens of Lanesboro, was born in Ness, Hallingdahi, Norway, September 22, 1843, aud there received his education and grew to manhood. When eighteen years of age he embarked for America and settled in, Amherst towuship, this county, where he worked out as a farm hand for a period of six months. From then until 1867 he did 'various work in the community and also followed rafting on the Mississippi river, after which he purchased a farm in Amherst township, and there gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, until 1881. That year he traded this place with John P. Johnson for a fine farm of 160 acres in Canton township, and later added another 160, making a total of 320 acres. By dint of hard work he developed a fine farm and became oue of the moving spirits in his community. There he lived, farmed and prospered until the year 1900, when, deciding to retire from active farming operations, he rented his farm and erected a home in "'Brooklyn,'' a suburb of Lanesboro. The home is modern in every respect, and with its fine lawns, shrubbery and gardens, bespeaks the intelligent care of its owner. Here Mr. and Mrs. Knudsen are spending their declining years in case and quiet, surrounded by a host of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Knudsen has reached nearly to the three-score-years-and-ten mark, and enjoys his mature years amid the comforts which he has rightly earned - his great pride being that by hard work and thrift, and assisted by his wife and children, he was enabled to develop one of the finest farms in his community. My. Knudsen was marricd December 25, 1867, to Serena Christiansen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Christiansen, who settled in this county in 1863. Mrs. Knudsen was born in Drommen, Norway, December 22, 1848, came to America at seventeen years of age and located in Uhnois, thence coming to this county, in 1866. It is worthy of note that Mr. and Mrs. Knudsen both came to this country on the same vessel, but at that time did not suspect that their lives were later to be united. They are the parents of twelve children, of whom ten are living: Charles now owns and operates a part of the home farm in Canton; Celia is now Mrs. O. M. Habberstad, of Lanesboro; Alfred lives in Canton; Jonas lives in Columbus, N. D.; Agnes is now Mrs. Arthur FE. Swenson, of Lanesboro; Orva S. is in the employ of the Scanlan-Habberstad State Bank, of Lanesboro; Selmer lives in Crosby, N. D.; Theodore lives in Portland, Ore.; Bennett is a student in the law department of the University of Chicago; Tena is Mrs. Ralph Buell, of Lake Geneva, Wis.; Theodore Melvin and Alfred Eddy are deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Knudsen have always taken a great interest in their children and have given them all a good education. All in all, they are worthy parents of worthy children. Mr. Knudsen never aspired to public office, although he was chosen and served for a number of years as a member of his school board. He is a stockholder in the Fergus Falls National Bank, of Fergus Falls, Minn. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William J, Emmons, retired farmer and citizen of Lanesboro, was born in Jo Davies county, Illinois, July 1, 1849, son of Earl 8. and Prudence (Wiser) Emmons, both of whom were born in the year 1817. Josep Emmons, father of Earl 8. and grandfather of William J., was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died at Freeport, Ill., al the advanced age of 99 years. Earl S., father of William J., was a native of the state of Pennsylvania, where he lived until sixteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to Loraine, Ohio, where he remained until 1840, that year going to Galena, Ill., where he married Prudence Wiser. In 1844 he and his family removed to Nora, Ill. On April 7, 1854, they came to Minnesota and bought land near ''Stringtown,'' Amherst township, this county, where they reinained for a period of three months, after which they moved to a farm south of Henrytown, and there followed farming for twelve years. In 1866 they moved to section nineteen, Amherst, and there following agricultural pursuits until December, 1892, during which month they moved to Lanesboro, where the father passed away, May 17, 1896, and the mother seven years later, February 18, 1903. William J., the son, attended school in the old log schoolhouse, which was located on his father's farm south of Henrytown, and worked with his father. He eventually purchased eighty acres of the old homestead and there carried on agricultural pursuits for many years. He was married July 15, 1875, to Mary Vought, daughter of Jacob Vought, and to them one son, Guy Earl, was born, November 27, 1876. Te died May 6, 1895. In 1892 Mr. Emmons moved to Lanesboro and retired from active life. He is a member of the Root River Lodge, No. 26, I. 0. O. F. Mr. Emmons had a brother and sister: George was born March 17, 1856, in Canton, and there died in 1865; Sarah L. married L L. Kimber, and has two children. They reside in Portland, Ore.

H. Christopherson was born in Nannastad, near Christiana, Norway, November 26, 1848, son of Christopher Haagenson and Martha Olson, and resided in his native country till nineteen years of age. In 1863 he sailed for Quebec, Canada, and came thence to Norway township, Fillmore county, where he worked out two months. Then, feeling that as he was to have the United States his adopted home, he should answer the urgent call for war volunteers, he enlisted in Company C, Second Minnesota Cavalry. After two years of faithful service, he received his discharge, at Fort Snelling, in 1865. He then returned to this eounty and soon entered the schools of Chatfield, later teaching in Norway township three years, In 1868 he went to Lanesboro and clerked in a store. Not satisfied with his education, he went to school at Sparta, Wis., for one year, and then was employed by a mercantile establishment at Lanesboro till 1876. In the latter year he formed a partnership with C. Johnson and engaged in the hardware business in Lanesboro for fourteen years, after which Mr. Johnson died, and Mr. Christopherson sold his interest in the business to the heirs. He then went into Pilot Mound township and opened a store, which met with liberal patronage for more than twenty years. In 1911 he moved to Lanesboro and retired froin active business life. He is a Republican in polities. He was treasurer of Pilot Mound for nineteen years and treasurer ot his sehool district for some time. He was county commissioner in 1875, 1876 and 1877, and in 1878 served in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature. He affiliates with Hardy Post, No. 118, G. A. R., and is a charter member of the Lanesboro lodge, I.0.0.F. He is a communicant of the Lutheran church of Lanesboro. Mr. Christopherson was married January 1, 1870, to Anna Paulson, and to them have been born eleven children: Minnie, Clara, Henry, Julia, Hilda, Emma, Alpha, Mattie, Arthur, Lillian and Leonard.

James Galligan was born in Pontinac, Canada, August 10, 1857, son of Dennis and Ellen (Doar) Galligan, natives of County Limerick, Ireland. He attended the schools of Lanesboro and early in life hegan to look out for his own welfare. He was long employed in railroad work, but some years ago left that employment and has since bought and sold horses in this eounty. He now operates a livery stable in Lanesboro. For twenty years Mr. Galligan has done good service as constable, a position he still holds. For fifteen years he served as marshal. He married Catherine Ahern, and to them were born six children, three of whom are living, namely: Dennis G., Michael R. and John. Mrs. Catherine Ahern Galligan died in 1889. Mr. Galligan married for his second wife Mary Richard, and to them has been born one child, Eveline.

Dennis Galligan; railroad contractor, was born iu Ireland, and married Ellen Doar. He came to Canada in 1845, and to the United States in 1866, living in La Crosse, Wis., aud Rushford, Minn., before coming to Lanesboro, in 1868. Here he made his permanent home. He had extensive contracts on the Southern Minnesota right of way, and took charge of that extensive undertaking still known as the ''big eut.'? He died in May, 1911.

Michael Scanlan, banker, man of affairs and leading citizen of Lanesboro, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, September 25, 1840, son of John and Catherine (Healy) Scanlan, who, in 1854, brought their family to this country and located in Lake county, Ohio. Two years later young Michael, then sixteen years of age, started out with his brother Cornelius, and after a difficult journey reached Brownsville, in [louston county, this state. From there they walked to Preston, in this county, and secured employment in construction work, assisting in constructing the ''old woolen mill'? and the Stanwix hotel, now the Tibbetts House. In 1857 the parents came to Fillmore county and located in section twenty-four, Carroltown township, a portion of this claim afterward being included in the village limits of Lanesboro. Here the parents spent the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1889 and the mother in 1872. When the parents arrived, in 1857, Michael took up his home with them, and assisted im the work on the farm. Later he took up farming on his own account. When the village was platted on a part of his land, he, in company with C. C. Abbott, opened a hardware store. In 1876 he disposed of his iuterest in this establishment and went into the real estate and insurance business. Ile also became interested in the firm of H. Lyngaas & Co., general merchants. Subsequently he went into the mereantile business alone for some years, and occupied the building (''The Corner Store') where Skaug Bros. & Lynch are now doing business. Later he sold out to Ole Langlie and Peter Habberstad, who continued the business in the same building for many years. In 1886 Langlie & Ilabberstad disposed of their interests in the general stock to their predecessor, who subsequently sold out to his nephew, Cornelius C. Scanlan. In 1893 Mr. Seanlan manifested more interest in banking and decided to take a more active part in that line of business endeavor, in which he had been engaged with O. G. Wall since 1880. In 1895 Mr. Wall withdrew from the business and Mr. Scanlan conducted it alone until 1897, at which time a partnership was formed with O. M. Tlabberstad. In 1907 the Bank of Lanesboro was inerged into an incorporated bank under the name of the Seanlan- Habberstad State Bank. In 1859 Mr. Scanlan was elected town clerk, and held that position for many years. In 1869 and 1870 he served in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature. In February, 1866, he married Annie Enright, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, Mollie, now the wife of James Leary.

John Scanlan, Sr., an honored pioneer of Carrolton township, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in the year of 1797 and died in Fillmore eounty in 1889. He took his part in the upbuilding of the county, especially in the affairs of Lanesboro and Carrolton township. He was the father of five sons and one daughter: Daniel, John, Cornelius, Thomas, Michael and Mary, the latter of whom married Thomas Barrett.

T. L. Bersagel, Lanesboro's suceessful and skillful photographer, first saw the light of day in 1871, at Stavanger, Norway, son of John L. Bersagel. In 1871 his father brought the family to America and located first in Rushford, later moving to Preble township, For several years after his arrival in this county T. L. assisted his father on the home farm, but, being of an artistic temperament, he deeided to learn photography. Leaving home and coming to Lanesboro, he entered the Hanson studio, and there learned the business. In 1887 he purchased the Hanson business and has since conducted it by himself. That he is well fitted for his chosen occupation is proven by the high grade of his work and his ever increasing business. [lis studio being modern and well equipped, he caters to a first class trade and aims to please all customers. Fraternally he is a member of the Yeomen. Mr. Bersagel married Cassie Gravaas, and to them have been born Alpha, Alvin, Edward, Ida, Marie, Louise, Benita, Carl, Edwin, Ruth and Theodore. Alvin is married and lives in North Dakota.

Michael Barrett, of the Lanesboro Rolling Mill Company, was born near Painesville, Ohio, September 18, 1856. When but a year of age he came with his parents, Thomas and Mary (Scanlan) Barrett to the village of Preston, arriving there in April 1857. Ilis father was one of the builders of the John Kaercher flour mill and also assisted in the building of the courthouse. In 1860 the family moved to Lanesboro and the father engaged in farming the remainder of his life, dying in 1894. The wife and mother died in 1900. The old homestead was sold to the Lanesboro Land Company, after which the family moved to another farm, two miles south of the village. Michael was given a common school education and worked for his father on the home farm during his early years. In 1908 he came to Lanesboro and engaged in flour milling in partnership with James Leary. This partnership has since continued and each year shows an increase in the business, owing to the good judgment and management of the owners. Fraternally the subject of this biography is affiliated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus. He was united in marriage with Mary Donovan, who has borne him six children: Benetia, now Mrs. John Julian; Margaret, a teacher at Fillmore; Celia, Helen, Loretto 'and Theresa, the latter two being twins. M. Barrett served as assessor of Carrolton township from the yeur 1894 to 1908, a period of fourteen years.

Cornelius Scanlan, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Carrolton township. He was of Irish birth and parentage and first saw the light of day in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1834, son of John and Catherine (Healy) Seanlan. During the fall of 1853 he crossed the ocean with his brother Thomas, his sister Mary and her husband, Thomas Barrett, landing November 14 of that year. The subject of this sketch secured employment in Cattaraugus county, New York, for six months after his arrival, and the following spring went on a raft down the Alleghany river to Great Western, Pu., there obtaining work hauling iron ore for the remainder of the summer. Later going to Pittsburgh, he from there set out for Cleveland, and from the latter city walked to Painesville, Ohio, near which place he was employed by various farmers for a period of two years. During this time his parents came to America. In 1856 Mr. Seanlan with his brother Michael left Painesville tor Minnesota, came by rail to Brownsville, Houston county, and from there walked to Preston. In Preston they were employed building the stone woolen mill and later assisted in the erection of the Stanwix Hotel, now the Tibbetts House. About a year later Mr. Scanlan went to Chatfield, where he spent a couple of years, after which, during 1859, he went south to Mississippi and worked picking cotton. At the outbreak of the war he returned north and homesteaded eighty acres of land near the present village of Lanesboro, there engaging in farming for many years. During Cleveland's administration Mr. Scanlan was appointed postmaster in Lanesboro, which office he ably filled for four years. Mr. Scanlan died Febrnary 14, 1912, and by his death the community lost one of its foremost and highly esteemed citizens. He married Bridget

Cornelius Scanlan

Enright, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Enright, and to them eight children were born. James, Bessie and Cornelius C. are now living, and Daniel, Michael, Delia, Catherine and John are deceased. James married Annie Horihen, and they are the parents of four children, as follows: John C. (who married Mary MeDonald and has one child, Donald James), Mary, Louise and Joseph D. Bessie married Patrick Hennesey, and they are the parents of eleven children, as follows: Bridget E., Michael J., Rose, William C., Mary, Bessie, Daniel, Irene, Harry, Margaret and Aloysius. Cornelius C. married Margaret Rafferty, and they are the parents of three children: Lucile, Marian and Richard. Cornelius C. and his brother James are engaged in the grocery business in Lanesboro. They are wide-awake, hustling business men. Their popularity, together with their honest dealings and straightforwardness, has placed them in high esteem among their friends, and by hard work and push they are gaining a large share of trade in their line throughout the community.

Oscar S. Hood, a prosperous and representative farmer of Sumner township, was born on the farm where he now resides, August 31, 1862, son of George and Tirza Maria Hood, natives of New York state, who came to this county in 1856, preémpted land in section sixteen, Sumner township, and lived there the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1892 and the mother in 1902, They were prosperous and substantial citizens, and their names will ever fill a place in the history of Fillmore county. Osear S., the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools of his township, and later attended Elliott's Business College at Burlington, Iowa, for two years. Subsequently he remained with his father on the farm. He now owns 280 acres of land, which he works himself, followimg general farming along modern and progressive lines. He has a fine orchard of from five to six hundred trees, in bearing condition, which he himself set out. His beautiful home and outbuildings, together with his large lawn, shade trees an] shrubbery, indicate the thrift and progressiveness of their owner. He raises about one hundred hogs annually, keeps about forty head of cattle of good breed and from sixteen to twenty horses of the Norman strain. In polities Mr. Hood is a progressive Republican, and has served his community in various offices with credit to himself and with satisfaction to those who elected him and bestowed upon him their trust. He has been town clerk for a period of sixteen consecutive years, a member of the school board in district 122 for nearly twenty years, and is now serving his second term as town treasurer. He is a member of Racine Camp, M. W. A. On Septeniber 3, 1890, he was united in marriage to Lillie Havenor, of Sumner township, who has proved a most faithful helpmate, a good wife and a loving mother. To them three children have been born: May, Gladys and Beulah. There are few men in this county who can equal Mr. Ilood's record of living nearly all his life and rearing his family in the house where he was born.

John Havenor, a territorial pioneer of Fillmore county, now living a retired life at Spring Valley, was born in Ireland, in February, 1821. He there received his education and grew to manhood and experienced the famine of that country in an early day. Ye subsequently came to America and spent the first fourteen months in Canada, after which he came to the United States and located in Wisconsin, engaging one year at canal work. After that time, until 1864, he engaged in farm work for different representative farmers between Ripon and Berlin, Wis. In 1864 he was employed by the government on a Mississippi river boat, which furnished supplies for the Union Army. He still relates with enthusiasm the experiences which he encountered on those trips. In 1866 he came to this county and purehased 160 acres of land in Sumner township, for which he paid $1,250 cash, and here embarked in general diversified farming. In time he built a brick residence, and a substantial set of outbuildings for the housing of his stock, grain and machinery, becoming one of the representative and progressive farmers of Sumner township, and remaining here until 1904, when he sold his farm and removed to Spring Valley, where he and his wife are spending their declining years. He marricd Mary Jane Bailey, a native of Tlinois, and to them have been born five children: Uriah, of Racine, Mower County, Minn.; William, who owns and conducts the old home farm in Sumner township; Edward, who resides in northern Minnesota; Harvey, of Wisconsin; and Lillie, now Mrs. Oscar Hood, of Sumner township. Mr, and Mrs. Havenor have been devoted to their home and family and have donated liberally to starting their children on their careers. In polities Mr. Havenor is a staunch Republican and his faith is that of the church of England.

Olaf M. Habberstad, cashier of the Seanlan-Habberstad State Bank, Lanesboro, was born in Fidsvold, Norway, in 1866, son of Ole Halverson Habberstad. Olaf M. obtained his early schooling at Lanesboro, and supplemented this with a business course in the J. P. Wallace Business College, at La Crosse. Then he became elerk in the Lanesboro postoffice, serving under U. C. Rassag and John Mullen. He was also in the postoffice at Preston a year and a half. Subsequently he engaged in the grocery business several years at Lanesboro. In June, 1897, he entered the

Bank of Lanesboro, which later assumed its present name. Mr. Habberstad has taken an interest in publie affairs, has been village elerk and school treasurer and has served in other public capacities. He belongs to the M. W. A. and the I. O. O. F., and is treasurer of the latter organization in Lanesboro. The subject of this sketch was married September 4, 1889, to Celia Knudsen, daughter of Ole Knudsen, and their children are Earle, Claude, Orval, Ida, George and Lois.

Ole Halverson Habberstad was born in Norway and brought his family to America in 1870, making the trip to Quebec in a sailing vessel. In August of that year they reached Highland Prairie, Holt township, this county, where they remained for some years. Later they loeated in the village of Lanesboro. In the family were nine children. Peter lives at Minot, N. D.; Hannah is now Mrs. Thomas Thompson; Bernt lives at Hutchinson, Minn.; Olaf M. is a banker at Lanesboro; Halvor and Ole are in partnership in the lumber business; Christian died at the age of thirty years; Martina became Mrs. Tew, and died in 1911; Marie, who beeame Mrs. Solberg, is also dead.

Ole Habberstad, of the Lanesboro Lumber Company, is a native of Kidsvold, Norway, having first seen the light of day January 29, 1857, son of Ole Halverson Habberstad. The subject of this skeleh came to this country with his parents in 1870 and was edueated in the schools of his native country and in the Elstad school in Holt township, this county. When he first started carning his living he worked as a section hand on the railroad. Some time later he learned the cooper's trade, at which he was employed for a period in Lanesboro. Three years later he accepted a position with the John Paul Lumber Company and went to Wells in their employ, remaining there for six years, after whieh he went to Flandreau, 8S. D., for six years. Returning to Lanesboro at the expiration of that period of time, Mr. Habberstad engaged in the hardware business with Thomas Thompson. Later they interested themselves in lumber. For sixteen years the firm of Habberstad & Thompson continued, the partnership being dissolved by the death of Mr. Thompson, in 1906. Three years later Mr. Habberstad disposed of the hardware business and gave his entire attention to lumber, taking as his partner his brother, Halvor. Fraternally, Mr. Habberstad is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. and M. W, A. He attends the Lutheran chureh. He married, February 2, 1882, Carrie Olson (Koernes), and they are parents of Oscar E., Florence, Mabel C., Herbert A. and Mildred. Oscar is cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, at Blooming Prairie. Ile married Zina Peterson, and they have two children. Florence is the wife of Dr. Thomas Golberg, a dentist of Lake Preston, 8. D. Mabel is a student at the Stout Institute of Menomonie, Wis.

A. J, Lund, of the firm of Christianson & Lund, and one of the representative business men of Lanesboro, was born in Rennesen, one mile north of Stavangar, Norway, July 28, 1858, son of Jacob Lund. He received his education in his native country and there grew to manhood. In 1875 he came to the United States, locating first in Newburg, where he secured employment for four years, during which time, being of thrifty habits, he devoted his savings to horse dealing. Later he followed railroading for four years.. In 1883 he and Thomas Tollefson opened a hardware store in Canton. <A year later George Johnson purchased Mr. Tollefson's interest and the firm continued under the name of Lund & Johnson for about six years. Then Mr. Lund sold his interest, moved to Lanesboro and formed a partnership with Anton Christianson in the buying and shipping of horses and in the implement and farm machinery business. At the end of five years they discontinued the buying and shipping of horses, but remained in the implement and machinery business. Twelve years ago Anton Christianson sold his interest to his son, C. B. Christianson. The business, which has grown rapidly, is now a large and lucrative one, and is still conducted under the name of Christianson & Lund. Mr. Lund was married May 22, 1891, to' Josephine Tollefson, and to them have been born four children: Tracy, Clare, Bernice and Francis. The family church is the Methodist Episcopal, of which they are all eommunicants. In politics Mr. Lund is of broad views, but usually votes with the Republican party. At present he is member of the village council of Lanesboro and has rendered valuable service in this capacity for the past seven years.

Thomas Scanlan, retired farmer of Lanesboro and one of Fillmore county's pioneers, was born in Ireland in 1836, son of John and Catherine (Healy) Scanlan. During the fall of 1853 the subject of this sketch, his brother Cornelius, his sister Mary and her husband, Thomas Barrett, crossed the Atlantic and landed at New York. For about a year and a half Mr. Scanlan and his brother were employed in Chautauqua county, New York, after which he went to Painesville, Ohio, there joining his parents. Early in 1857 the family started for Minnesota, and, after being delayed at Rock Island for several weeks, reached Winona, and from there walked to Carrolton township. The father took a claim near the present village of Lanesboro and there farmed for the remainder of his life. Thomas was in Preston in 1857, the- year of the panic, and remained there two years, after which he moved to Chatfield, where he worked a farm on shares. Moving to Lanesboro during 1868, he for two years was employed at various occupations, after which he went to Mississippi and picked cotton. Two years later he returned to Minnesota and bought eighty acres in what is now ''Brooklyn,'' a suburb of Lanesboro, there farming for several years and later selling to the Lanesboro Land Company. In 1868 he bought a farm at Clear Grit, which he operated for six years, later selling to John Kaercher. For two years Mr. Scanlan worked with his brother Michael in the hardware business in Lanesboro, after which he bought another farm of 120 acres a mile east of Lanesboro. For seven years he carried on general farming on that property and added to his holdings as opportunity afforded. Later selling that farm, he bought 280 acres on sections six, three and ten, and there carried on his chosen occupation until 1902. During that year Mr. Scanlan and his family moved into Lanesboro, where he has retired from active life and is spending his days surrounded by the many comforts which his years of toil on the farm earned for him. He married Ellen, daughter of Jeremiah and Bridget (Divan) Moriarity, and they had a family of six children, four of whom are living. John is at Remore, S. D.; Johanna is the wife of J. J. Enright, of Carrolton township; the next ehild was Thomas J.; Nellie is now Mrs. T, Mulvehill; Mary and Katherine are dead. Mr. Scanlan served the town of Carrolton for seven years as assessor.

Aaron G. Nash, Sr., deceased, was born in Denmark, Lewis county, New York, July 19, 1810. When ten years of age he moved with his parents to Canada and there received his education, grew to manhood, and fitted himself for life's battles. In 1841 he came to the United States, settled in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and there engaged in farming. He also did a thriving business for several years as a commission merchant in Milwaukee, but his home was always on the farm. In 1868 he left Wisconsin and came to Minnesota, locating in Lanesboro and engaging in the grain business. He shipped the first earload of wheat from this vicinity, and to advertise the event the Southern Minnesota Railroad charged no freight on the car. Some years later Mr. Nash opened a grocery store which he successfully conducted together with his other various lines of business. He was married September 26, 1836, to Elizabeth Foster, and to them were born five children: Myra, Charles, Olive A., Mary A. and Helen C. The only living one is Mary A., who resides in Milwaukee. Mrs. Elizabeth (Foster) Nash died March 31,1848. April 23, 1849, Mr. Nash married Emily S. Abbott, and to them were born nine children, six of whom are now living: Albert M., of Tracy, Minn.; Ernest F., of North Yakima, Wash.; Carrie E., of Aberdeen, S. D.; Bertha S., Mabel G. and Aaron G., Jr., all of Lanesboro. Mr. Nash entered into rest October 20, 1885. Mrs. Emily (Abbott) Nash, who was born February 20, 1826, at Port Hope, Canada West, now lives with her children in their picturesque home, on the bluffs overlooking the village of Lanesboro, which they built in 1903. Mr. Nash was one of the men who will always be remembered by the people of Lanesboro and vicinity as a true, loyal and progressive citizen. At one time he was president of the Agricultural Fair Board of Lanesboro. He also rendered valuable serviee to the village as a member of the council and as a member of the board of education. His death was mourned by a large circle of friends and relatives.

Aaron G, Nash, Jr., one of the representative and progressive citizens of Lanesboro, now employed by the La Crosse Grain Company, of Lanesboro, was born in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, October 20, 1864, son of A. G. and Emily 8. (Abbott) Nash. When five years of age he came with his parents to Fillmore county and settled in Lanesboro, where he attended the public schools and acquired the rudiments of his education. Upon reaching manhood he entered into the grain business with his father and has since continued in this line of work. He is a member of Lebanon Lodge, No. 111, A. F. and A. M. He is also a member of Root River Lodge, No. 26, I. 0. O. F.

Samuel A. Nelson, banker, merchant and senator, is one of the most favorably known men of Lanesboro, his long residence here, and the energy which he has devoted to public matters as well as to his own interests having placed him on a very high plane in the esteem of the people among whom he has spent so great a part of his life. THe was born in Lyngdals, Prestegjeld, Christiansand Stift, Norway, January 6, 1851, son of Peder Nielson Erickstad and Anne (Samsen-Aen) Nielson, who came to the United States in 1851 and located in Chicago, where they lived three years, after which they moved to Glenwood township, Winneshiek county, Iowa, where they lived until 1865, when they moved to this county and located in Newburg township, where they carried on farming operations until 1875, when they retired and moved to Decorah, Iowa, where they lived the balance of their days. Samuel A. Nelson, the subject of this sketch, attended the publie schools of Winneshiek county, Iowa, and of Fillmore county, Minnesota, later graduating from Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Chicago, after which he took up farming operations in this county. When twenty-one years of age he opened a general store in Lanesboro, which place has since been his home. He conducted this store alone for a short period, then formed a partnership with Ole Langlie. The firm of Nelson & Langlie continued for a period of six years, after which the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Nelson took Gunder Nepstad as a partner. The store was continued under the name of Nelson & Nepstad for a period of two years, after which the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Nelson again took Mr. Langlie as a partner, They continued in business together until 1886, At the end of that time Mr. Nelson and his brother, Peter A., purchased Mr. Langlie's interest and the firm name then became Nelson Bros., thus continuing until they sold out, in 1909. In 1901 Samuel A. Nelson and his brother, Peter A., started a private bank, known as the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Lanesboro. This continued until 1905, when, under the new banking law, it became the State Bank of Lanesboro, which is still giving good service to its large number of patrons. Besides his numerous and extensive business interests, Samuel A. Nelson is interested in affairs of government and believes it the duty of every voter to take an active interest in political affairs. He is a Republican and as such served in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature in 1908. In 1906 and in 1910 he was elected state senator, having served continuously since January 1, 1907. He hag been president of his bank since its organization. He is a trustee of the United Lutheran church and has always taken an active interest ju the Sunday school work. He is president of the Norwegian Pioneer Association, also president of the Vosselaget. He has served as mayor of Lanesboro and has rendered good service in other village and school offices. Mr. Nelson was married January 16, 1878, to Julia M. Skarie, who died March 8, 1904, and to this union ten children were born. Philander Julius is conducting a mercantile business on his own responsibility at Slayton, Minn. He married Mary Morse and they have one son, Osmund. Alfred M. and Arthur J. are in the mereantile business at Meadow, 8, D., and Reeder, N. D. Christian G., a graduate of St. Olaf's College, died at the age of twenty-five years at the Union Seminary in New York city, where he was preparing for the ministry. Selma A. married Lewis Anderson, president of the John Anderson Publishing Company, of Chicago. The others are: Cordelia A. (deceased), Samuel F., P. Luther, Ferdinand (deceased) and Charlotte Ruth. In May, 1908, My. Nelson married Mrs. Amanda Kieland. She has one daughter, Mona.

The Onstine Family, The ancestry and early history of the Onstines lies in obscurity, owing partly to the fact that they belonged to the common people, and in the olden time records were kept only by the great and well educated. Another reason was the fact that until the eighteenth century the name bore various forms, ''I,'' ''A'' and ''O"'' each being used at different times as the initial letter. The name has borne its present form for about one hundred years. It is well proven that Peter Instine and wife emigrated from Ilolland to America about 1730, and settled in Tioga county, New York, where two sons and a daughter were born: Michael, Frederick and Tina. Tina married Peter Reap, and when last known to the other members of the family was living near Corning, Pa. Peter Instine is believed to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War, one of the evidences being that the son, Frederick, had by his side, when captured by the British in the War of 1812, a sword which had been handed down to him by his father.

Frederick Onstine was born in Tioga county, New York, in 1760. He went to Chemung county as a young man and married Elizabeth Walker, afterward moving to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the brewing business until 1799. In that year Frederick took his wife and five sons to Lower Canada, where he bought a large tract of land near Long Point. Here he succeeded well in raising crops and stock, and in trading with the Indians, until 1812, when the war broke out. During this struggle, although living in Canada, his heart was on the other side of the lake, and he preferred to sacrifice liberty and his hard earned savings rather than to swear allegiance to the crown. He was accordingly taken prisoner, his stock driven off and his buildings burned, although through all of these trials he did not give up the sword which was handed down to him by his father, and which is still held as a glorious memorial by his grandson, Michael H. Onstine. The older sons, under the cover of the night, made their escape, leaving Henry, then a youth of nineteen years, to care for his mother and the two younger children, Philip and Christina. They were sheltered by friendly neighbors for a short time, and through the discretion of the mother $1,600 in coin, saved from the family till, was placed in an earthen vessel and buried in a nearby forest. By the aid of a friend Henry secured a skiff and rowed his mother, his young brother and sister, and a few of their personal belongings down the lake, making a perilous trip in the middle of the night and reaching Black Rock, near Buffalo, amid the welcoming cheers of the Americans who lived near that point. The family acres were confiscated. This property eould still be reclaimed but for the fact that the deeds were destroyed by fire while in the possession of Philip, the youngest of the seven brothers. War records and other family documents were also destroyed at the same time. Henry offered his services to the United States as a patriot to protect the border for a while, and the family was scattered. However, the members of the family soon drifted back to their friends and former home in Pennsylvania, where a united effort kept the family together until the father was liberated. For a period of five years the five older sons with axe and grain cradle took jobs of harvesting grain and clearing land. Meanwhile, Michael, uncle of these young men and brother of Frederick, had settled in Champaign county, Ohio, where he died of old age, leaving one daughter, Mrs. Moses Tryon. This settlement induced the family to follow, and the sons each selected a small farm in Loraine county, midway between the mouth of the Black and Vermillion rivers, near the present city of Loraine. Josiah Harris, a business man, and Henry Onstine made a plat of the village of North Amherst, and were identified with every movement that tended toward the development and progress of the county and village. Frederick, the subject of this sketch, his wife and his sons, Daniel, Frederick and George, died of old age, and are buried in the family cemetery one mile west of North Amherst. Christina died February 10, 1823, aged twenty-four years, The son, John, moved to Wisconsin and died shortly afterward. Michael, Henry and Philip, the other sons, are laid at rest in the Henry cemetery, near the village of Henry, Fillmore county, Minn. The family has in its possession the following land warrant issued to Frederick Onstine for the services of himself and his sons in the War of 1812: 'January 30, 1828. Twentieth congress. First session. Read twice and committed to a committee of the whole house tomorrow, Mr. Earle from the committee on private Jand claims, to which has been referred the petition of Frederick Onstine, reports the following bill: 'A bill for the relief of Frederick Onstine. Be it enacted by the senate and the house of representatives, of the United States of America, in congress assembled, that Frederick Onstine, of the state of Ohio, shall be and is authorized to enter any of the unappropriated lands of the United States which have hitherto been offered for sale, two sections of land, and the register of the proper district shall give him a certificate therefor, in due form, upon the presentation of which to the commissioner of the general land oifice he is hereby authorized and requested to issue to the said Frederick Onstine a patent or patents for same, which shall be taken or held as full compensation for all services rendered to the United States by the said Frederick Onstine and his sons during the late war.' "'

Henry Onstine was born on a boat on Lake Erie, September 15, 17938. As already related he assisted his mothér in escaping from Canada during the War of 1812. After landing at Black

Rock, near Buffalo, he was safe under the protection of the American flag. But his heart was filled with sorrow, his brothers were scattered, his father was a prisoner and he had seen the war dance danced over the scalps of. those who had long been faithful servants to his father's family. But stimulated with love of liberty and patriotism, he left his mother with friends and offered his services to protect the border, where the Indians were murdering settlers in order to secure the bounty offered for scalps. He was stationed at Lower Sandusky for some time, but, not being called into service, he joined the family in Pennsylvania, and went with them to Loraine county, Ohio. There he married Susan Sadler, in Dover township, December 16, 1818, her parents being estimable citizens who are now buried at Dover Bay, Ohio. Mr. Onstine settled at North Amherst, became a prominent citizen and there remained until his wife died, February 10, 1838, leaving him with seven daughters and a baby son. His love for adventure prompted him to make a number of trips to Wisconsin, and in 1847 he extended his trip to Fort Snelling and the Falls of Saint Anthony. In 1852 he married Mrs. Sebrina Tillotson, widow of Ira Tillotson, of Elyria, Ohio, and sold his farm, deciding to locate in southern Jowa or Missouri. Then the Onstine party, so called, was organized, and northern Iowa or Missouri was fixed upon as the objective point. Amherst township was finally chosen as the future location of, the party. Henry Onstine took an active part in all public enterprises and was one of the first town officers. His second wife died in 1862, and he later married Esther Nelson, widow of John Nelson, who came from the Isle of Man and settled in North Amherst, Ohio, in the early part of the nineteenth century. Esther Onstine, the third wife, died July 18, 1869. Henry Onstine died February 10, 1873. The Onstine party gave to the county two of its earliest births: Fred L. Tillotson was born December 11, 1853; Julia Eddy was born December 22, 1853.

No article will ever be written which will adequately describe the hardships of the early pioneers. Some of the pioneers, it is true, came from poverty ridden lands, and even in the earliest days were not much worse off here than in the old country. But the majority were people like the Onstine party, people in whose blood ran the strain of sturdy ancestors, people whose forbears had suffered in the cause of liberty, people who were accustomed to better things but who, in order that the advance line of civilization might be pushed farther into the wilderness, were willing to put up with all discomforts, willing to endure cold and illness and starvation, willing to part with the church and school and literary and social advantages of an older community; willing to part with all the conveniences, and willing to labor at the hardest, most exhausting and discouraging work - thus making it possible for future generations to know the settled peace of a prosperous land.

Michael H. Onstine was born in Loraine county, Ohio, in August, 1835. His father, having a taste for adventure, spent most of his time in traveling, and when Michael H. was eight years old the two went on a trip to Pennsylvania, the former home of the family. In 1847 they crossed the prairies to Galena, II1., and took a trip on the steamer ''Highland Mary'' to Fort Snelling. While they were at the Falls of Saint Anthony the boat left them and they crossed the Jand to St. Paul, where they stopped at Hotel Bass, the first hotel in that city. The ''Ben Franklin'' was at that time engaged in moving some Winnebagoes and Sioux to the Crow Wing reservation. About four thousand were camped at St. Paul and around Fort Snelling. A small frame house and a lone soldier to guard the Indians was all that the Onstines saw on the Minneapolis side. The Onstines boarded the ''Ben Franklin'' and descended the river as far as the mouth of the Chippewa, where they joined a crew of raftsmen, and labored at the sweeps for seven days before reaching the ferry opposite Galena. In August, 1853, Michael H. Onstine came with the Onstine party to Amherst township, where he has since resided. In 1858 he married Augusta FE. M. Osgood, one of the early school teachers in the county, daughter of John Osgood, one of the first settlers in northeastern Iowa. Mrs. Onstine died January 9, 1906, leaving three sons: Elbert, Frank and Elmer. Another son, Ilenry, died in 1864, at the age of two years. In 1858 Mr. Onstine was elected the first town clerk of Amherst. He served as postmaster under three administrations, has held many other offices of trust and has always been a leading man in public affairs. In 1857 he was one of the committee of four appointed to establish the territorial road from Rochester, Olmsted county, to the Iowa line of section thirty-six, Canton township, in Fillmore county. He is an able writer and historical investigator, and has taken an active part in old settlers' mectings.

William A. Seeley, traveling salesman, now living in Spring Valley, was born in Bloomfield township, August 26, 1868, son of Mark and Luella G. (Baker) Sceley. He received his earlier edueation in the district schools of his native township, and later studied in the Spring Valley High School. Subsequently he started agricultural pursuits for himself in Beaver township, later going to Forestville township, where he continued in the same line for nine years. Then he moved to Spring Valley, and 'has since been a commercial traveler a greater part of the time.

Being of a fraternal nature, he has allied himself with the Spring Valley lodges of the M. W. of A. and the A. F. & A. M. Mr. Seeley was married December 18, 1895, to Mary L. LaFevere, daughter of Vital and Sarah A. LeFevere. Mr. and Mrs. Seeley have one daughter, Leona M., born Oetober 11, 1897. The family worships at the Congregational church.