Fillmore County, Minnesota - The whole text, 1912 (part 2 of 20)

Eugene V. Farrington, who for many years was one of the most honored and substantial figures in the life of Fillmore county, will long be remembered for his worth as a man, his usefulness as a citizen and his services as an official. The high standard which he set for his own conduct, the tolerance with which he regarded the failings of others, his fair mindedness, his acute judgment, his clear analytical mind, and his charming social qualities were characteristics which marked him among his fellow men and won for him the respect, admiration and confidence of all with whom he came in contact whether in business, official or social intercourse. Born on a farm in Herkimer county, New York, December 1, 1836, Mr. Farrington came West with his parents, Cephas and Susan (Sabin) Farrington, when he was twenty years of age. The family located in Baraboo, Wis., and there remained two years, after which they came to Minnesota and located in Jordan township, this county, taking up a claim on section twenty-six, on which the parents spent the remainder of their days. HE. V., who had received a good education at the White Plains Academy, New York, followed the fortunes of the family in New York and Wisconsin, and upon arriving in this county, took a farm near his father's, which he broke and improved, and where he carried on agricultural operations for some years. At once upon his arrival he began to take an interest in publie affairs, and at various times was elected to different local offices of trust and honor. In 1875 and again in 1879 he sat in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature, and in this capacity advocated a number of wise and progressive laws. In 1881 he was elected to the office of judge of probate of Fillmore county. It was in this capacity that he indelibly impressed his personality on the life and history of the community. Taking office January 1, 1882, he served continuously until the spring of 1907, when, having been elected for another term the previous fall, he resigned on account of failing health. In the meantime he had allied himself with a number of societies. Having been an orderly sergeant in Company I, Eleventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, he early became identified with Underwood Post, No. 122, G. A. R., and served as its commander for eighteen years. He also belonged to Preston lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M., and to Preston Camp, No. 276, M. W. A. Being of sincere and deep religious convictions, he joined the Methodist Episcopal chureh at an early age, and became a staunch supporter of that body at Preston, being superintendent of the Sunday sehool for many years. In 1907 ill health caused his retirement from all active life, and the sad end came July 18 of that year. In the death of Mr. Farrington, the village of Preston and the county of Fillmore suffered a severe loss, and his memory will ever be revered by his family and by the host of friends and acquaintances, whose interests he had at heart, and to whom he was constantly showing acts of the kindest consideration. Mrs. Farrington is now living in Preston in a beautiful home on the Ridge, where she is spending her declining years, surrounded by the love and tenderness which her gracious eharacter so amply merits. The subject of this sketch was married December 28, 1865, to Alice FE. Sheldon, daughter of James and Sarah (Walradt) Sheldon. To this union were born four children: George Warren died at four years of age. Charles Herbert died at eighteen months. Sabin E. lives in Louisville, Ky. Grace M. is the wife of Robert D. Sprague, cashier of the Sprague State Bank of Caledonia, Minn. Mr, and Mrs. Sprague have had two sons: Farrington David died at fourteen months. Robert Eugene, the light of the household, was born September 7, 1904.

Judge Farrington's life, when he who had been so aetive and strong, and whose personality had led his fellow men, was compelled, in feebleness, to await the Great Conqueror. Friends, comrades and associates vied with each other in their attentions and ip acts of love and esteem. <A scene which will never be forgotten so long as the history of Preston endures was that of the Memorial Sunday morning before Decoration Day, 1907, when, for the first time in eighteen years, Commander Farring-. ton did not attend worship at the head of the tattered remnant of what was onee a sturdy body of Preston veterans. After listening to the sermon, the aged veterans went to the larrington home, fired a salute to the commander, and waited for his venerable figure to appear in answer to their summons. But the body and mind that once had commanded were too feeble even to reach the veranda of the house, and the comrades, one by one, passed into the room where lay their eommander, and there each dropped a flower. Some were crippled, many were feeble, few indeed but what bore the marks of old age and failing health, but all united in this tribute of love, knowing that he soon was to pass from them, but knowing too, that it would not be many years before the last veteran of that glorious Grand Army should lay down the body which suffered for his country's call, while the spirit which loved the cause of righteousness should go winging to join the Army gathered in that after life, where the Master himself shall command them and speak his '*Well done."'

John P. McNefi, who for many years was engaged in carpentry work in Preston, passed away in that village in 1903. He first saw the light of day in Canada July 10, 1860, and here spent his youthful days and acquired his education. In 1881 he came to the States and secured employment in the city of Chicago, where he remained for one year, after which he went to Atho!, S. D. Here he homesteaded some jand and carried on general farming. He married Sarah G. O'Conner, a daughter of Michael and Bridget (Munhall) O'Conner, in 1885 and their home has been blessed with the birth of five children: Michael] A., living in Aberdeen, S. D.; Mary and Ellen, now deceased, and John J. and Francis A., who care for the home farm. Marie is an adopted daughter. Mr. MeNeff eventually left South Dakota, and with his wife and family went to Chicago, where for nine years he was employed in railway service. After resigning from this position he came to Preston, took up the work of a carpenter and continued in this occupation until the time of his death. He was a member of the Yeomen Lodge and also of the M. W. A. His widow purchased a farm of eighty aeres of land in section seyen, Preston township, and here inakes her home. She was born in Bristol May 8, 1861, and her parents are among the early pioneers of that township.

Thomas Trulson Ask, one of the early pioneers of this county, is a native of Christiania, Norway, born Mareh 4, 1827. When twenty-four years of age he came to America and settled in Rock county, Wisconsin, where for two years he followed his trade as blacksmith, after which he moved to Iowa, where he remained one season; then to Menominee, Wis., where he was employed as blacksmith in a saw mill for a period of thirteen months. He eame to Minnesota in 1855 and took a claim in Amherst township, where he made his home for two years, after which he moved to section one, Preston township. On the latter logation Mr. Ask erected a log cabin, in which he and his family lived for seven years. His present substantial and coinfortable home was erected in 1864. As the years have passed the subject of this biography has witnessed many changes in the community which he chose as his home, and he relates many intensely interesting anecdotes of the pioneer days and of the hard times whieh he encountered when first a resident of the county. His farm was wild land when he first homesteaded it and he broke and cultivated it and carried on general farming for many years, now owning 238 acres. Mr. Ask married Carrie Holt, who has borne him fourteen children, six of whom are now living; Martin, John, Torval, now operating the home farm; Tillie, the wife of Anton Dammen; Lizzie E., living at home, and Mary, the wife of Hl. A. Ness. The deceased children are: Carrie, Anton, Emma, Torval, Ole, Carl, Gilbert and one not named. Mrs. Ask died January 16, 1907. The family faith is that of the Elstad United Norwegian Lutheran church.

Jacob Olstad, now deceased, was a respeeted and well thought of citizen of Preston township for many years. Ile was a son of Norwegian parents and was born in Carrolton township, where he grew to manhood, attended school and fitted himself for the useful and energetic life of a farmer. In 1885 he married Betsy Lawston, whose father had come to America from Norway with his wife and daughter, Sarah, and settled in Fillmore county. They later came to Preston and located in section nine, where the husband and father built a log house, in which Betsy, their daughter was born. After her marriage to Mr. Olstad, this humble dwelling was replaced by a fine modern house and here she and her husband reared their family of six children, Henry, Carl, Josephine, Alfred, Nettie and Lydia. This 'happy home was saddened January 14, 1908, by the death of Jacob Olstad, whose life of industry and self sacrifice placed him in the high esteem of the residents of the township. Now the farm is cared for and cultivated by the sons, who, under the wise supervision of Mrs, Olstad, are becoming successful farmers, and the 360 acres which eomprise the farm are made to yield abundantly.

B. Peterson, one of the successful farmers of Preston township, was born in Norway, October 6, 1842. In 1869 he, in company with his brother and sisters, left the home of their youth and embarked for America, and with them came vrest and settled in Lanesboro, this county, where the subject of this sketeh was employed at farming for one year. He also worked on the railroad for a similar length of time, after which he bought a farm in section thirty-one, Preston township, where he built a good house and the necessary buildings. This farm now comprises 169 acres of land, ninety of which are in Carimona township. Mr. Peterson was united in the bonds of matrimony with Clara Krees, whose mother, Mrs. Carrie Krees, is still living at the advanced age of ninety-three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Peterson six children have been born to bless their home, John is living in Grand Forks, Henry, Fred and Clarenee are at home with their parents. Emma is the wife of Louis Durst and they have five children. Mr. Peterson has occupied the office of school director in district 129, and is one of the well known and respected farmers in the township.

W. K. Read, a venerable and highly esteemed citizen of Preston, was born in England June 30, 1836. When he was twentyone years of age he came to America, and for about seven years after his arrival in this country lived in Harrisburg, Pa., where he followed his trade of wheelwright and wagonmaker. He le?t Harrisburg and went to Janesville, Wis., where he was employed for a year and a half, after which he moved to Winona, in 1859, and was there engaged in business for a period of three years. He came to Fillmore county in 1862, locating in Carimona, where he lived for twenty-one years in section four and carried on his irade. During his residence in Carimona Mr. Read occupied many of the public offices of that township, being town clerk, justice of the peace, postmaster and schoo) clerk, and holding other positions of minor importance. In 1888 he moved into the village of Preston and built a wagon shop. He lives practically a retired life. He enlisted in the Second Minnesota Battery in 1864, and was taken sick and discharged for disability at Fort Snelling after four months' service. He married Mary Ann Latham, of Columbus, O., and to them have been born: Laura, living at home. Nellie, now Mrs. G. M. Hopp, a talented poetess. Edward B. and Wilmot A. engaged in the grocery business In Preston. Mr. Read has been a member of the I. O, O, F. for over forty-five years, and a member of the Preston Lodge, No. 36, A. F, & A. M., since 1864, and he has been honored by being elected to the offiee of grand patriarch of Minnesota. He is a member of the Underwood Post, No. 122, G. A. R., and in addition to his fraternal obligations, is justice of the peace, and has served in this capacity for the past fifteen years. The fact that he has held so many of the prominent offices in the town in which he has made his home demonstrates most foreibly the fact that he is possessed of executive ability combined with good common sense. His father kept a hotel in Preston in 1857 and also conducted a wagon shop, as many of the early settlers will reeall.

Theobald Riehl, a native of Canada, was born May 4, 1864, son of John and Katherine (Jacobs) Riehl, natives of Germany. Hie was edueated in his native country, there reached his majority and in 1885 came to Preston, where he was employed by Michael Anstett. When he became twenty-five years old, he purchased a farm in section seven, which he has well improved and cultivated, and where he engaged in general and dairy farming. He also devotes much time and attention to stock raising and growing grain, and his farm, which comprises 480 acres of land, is one of the most productive in the community. Mr. Riehl also owns a farm of 215 acres, located in Carimona township, which he rents. He has a large and snbstantial dwelling house and has erected suitable ont buildings for the shelter of his stock and modern farming machinery, with which his farm is well equipped. Katherine Reuber became his wife and this marriage bas resulted in the birth of five children, Lydia, Clara, Edward, Frank and Flovd. Clara is the wife of Albert Krause, and they are the parents of one child, Aurelia. In the public welfare of the township Mr. Riehl is actively interested, though he has not sought publie offiee, and his honesty and integrity are respected by all who know him.

George Renner, a successful business man residing in Preston, was born in Pike county, Ohio, November 8, 1852, His parents, John G, and Mary (Glob) Renner, were natives of Germany, who came to the United States and located in Ohio in 1884, where the father was engaged in general farming until his death, which occurred in April, 1867. A year later the mother moved to Wisconsin and located in La Crosse, where she made her home until 1877, when she went to Plattsmouth, Neb., and here in January, 1893, she passed away. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Louis, J. G., Mary, Susan, Maggie and Kate are deceased ; Fred Y. resides in Missouri, Jacob makes his home in La Crosse, Andrew lives in South Dakota and George, the subjeet of this sketeh, is a resident of Preston. George Renner was educated in Pike county, Ohio, and, when sixteen years old, he went to Wisconsin and learned the blacksmith trade in La Crosse. Ten years later he came to Preston, where he entered into partnership with Louis Kramer and carried on a general blacksmithing Iusiness. Ile sold out his interest in this business in 1880 and traveled for the Deering Twine Binder Company, remaining in the employ of this company for a period of four years, after which he erected a blacksmith shop in the city of Preston and successfwly carried on that business until 1902, when he sold his shop to C. I. Peterson, and for the following three years was engaged in buying and selling farm implements. Tle was appointed hy the late Governor John A. Johnson as State Boiler Inspector, and held this position for four years. Ife then entered the wool and produce business, which he is condueting at the present. He married Christina Young September 12, 1871, and they have had four children born to them; Angelina, now deceased, married Herbert M. Stroud; Anna L. is the wife of Leonard Sehaller, of Dotson, Mont.; Della married Joseph J. Ilagen, of Glasgow, Mont.; Edward F. is living at Medina, N. D. Mr, Renner is a prominent lodge member in Preston, having held all the highest offices in the I. 0. O. F. at different periods, and he is now at the head of the M. W. A. For thirteen years he was a member of the village couneil, and his good judgment and integrity have won the respect of his fellow townsmen. Politically he is a member of the Democratic party, and his religious faith is founded m the teachings of the Presbyterian church.

Nels A, Raymer, the leading merchant tailor of Preston, was born at Stora Harri, Sweden, May 23, 1865, son of A. N. and Ellen (Paulson) Raymer. His father was engaged in the tailoring business in Stora Harri, owning one of the largest and best establishinents of its kind in that place. Nels A., the subject of this sketch, was educated In the Stora Harri schools and grew to manhood in the land of his birth, after which he learned the tailor trade at Stockholm, where he remained for five years. When he had attained his majority he left the shores of his native land and sailed for Ameriea, arriving in this country in 1886, and coming to Minneapolis, where for about six years he was employed at the trade learned from his father. Leaving Minneapolis he went to Duluth, and from that city to St. Paul, and later to South Dakota, finally returning to Minnesota in 1896 and locating in Preston. Here he has built up a large and prosperous busi- ness, and is recognized as one of the enterprising residents of the city. He was married March 29, 1893, to Bertha Marquardt, of Preston, who is of German birth, having been brought to America by her parents when a babe of nine months. Mr. and Mrs. Raymer own a very pleasant and comfortable residence in Preston, and attend divine worship at the Lutheran church. Mr. Raymer is an independent voter and in every respect is a progressive citizen.

Matthew Simonson is one of the industrious farmers of Preston township and has done his share toward the development and improvement of this part of the county. He was born in Norway November 28, 1862, son of Ole and Johanna (Svenm) Simonson, and came to America with his parents in 1870 when only eight years old. The family setiled in Preston township in section 17, and here the father bought 40 aeres with stone house thereon, where they made their home for about four years, after which they moved to section 21. Matthew, the subjeet of this biography, received his education in the little log school house situated by the ereek near his home, and while not busy with his studies helped with the farm work. He now owns a valuable farm of 179 acres, and this land is all in a tillable condition and one of the most produetive pieces of property in the community. He has a substantial and eommodious dwelling house, good barns and the necessary out buildings, and devotes particular attention to raising pure bred Shorthorn eattle. Myr. Simonson was united in matrimony with Carrie Munson and to them three children were born, Tillie and Joseph now living and Marion deceased. In the various offices of his township Mr. Simonson has ever been an active worker, having been chairman of the board of supervisors and a member of the hoard for a period of eleven vears. He is also a member of the school board, and in all offices to which he bas been elected to serve has given general satisfaction. He has five brothers and one sister now living; Simon, residing with the father in Preston; Knute and Bent living at Amherst; Andrew a resident of Preston; Louis of Canada; Lena, wife of Gilbert Soland of Canada. The family worship at the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Simonson is a stockholder in the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank of Preston. He and his family are all charter members of the Union Prairie Temperance Society, which was organized in 1896.

The North Star Stock Farm. This farm, which is owned by John Il. and Major T. Duxbury, was preempted in 1855 by. Thomas Duxbury, father of the present owners. It consists of 292 acres of fertile land, and is located a short distance from the village of Hutton. With its well improved land and well kept buildings, the place is considered a mode! farm in every respect, and its stock has reeeived wide recognition. Qn the farm are bred Clydesdale horses of much quality and substance, large well-wooled Shropshire sheep, Poland China swine that give the most in value for the least expenditure, and in fact, high class stoek of various descriptions. At various times, the North Star Farm exhibits of stock have won many prizes in county fairs held in Fillmore county, and for the past two years, the farm has received recognition at the Minnesota state fair, winning three red ribbons in 1910 and two red and two blue ribbons in 1911.

Thomas Duxbury, a pionecr resident of Fillmore county, was born in England, and in 1547 eame to America from Manchester, locating for a while in Salem, Massachusetts. Subsequently he started west, reaching Preston township, this county in 1885. Here he preempted a claim, broke the land, erected buildings, became a substantial citizen, and farmed until his death April 26, 1899. His wife, whose maiden name was Ilannah Mills, died February 6, 1895. They had three children, John H. and Major T., proprietors of the North Star Stock Farm at Ilutton, Minnesota, and Mary A., who was born December 11, 1858, and now keeps house for her brothers.

John H, Duxbury, merchant at Hutton, and co-partner in the firm of J. H. Duxbury & Brother, proprietors of the North Star Stock Farm, is of English descent and parentage, born in Preston township, November 23, 1860, son of Thomas and Hannah (Mills) Duxbury, the pioneers. He was reared on the home farm, attended the school of district 47, and assisted his father in agricultural work. In 1894 he opened a general store in Hutton whieh he still conducts. The farm is a short distance from the store, and here he makes his home with his brother and sister. He is a progressive man and an intelligent business man and breeder, a thorough believer in the suecessful future of the county in which he was born and in whieh he has always made his home.

Major T. Duxbury, co-partuer in the firm of J. H. Duxbury & Brother, stock breeders and proprietors of the North Star Farm, near Hutton, is a native born son of this county, having first seen the light of day on ihe farm where he still resides, January 12, 1864. He was reared on the home farm, gradually took up work assisting his father and brother, and finally when the father died took up the management of the farm in eom-

Edward Duxbury, now deceased, for many years a respected citizen of Preston township, was born in England, and there married Naney Garside. He and his wife left England December 2, 1847, and came to Salem, Massachusetts, where they worked in the cotton mills. In 1851 they came west and located on a farm in Porter, Rock county, Wisconsin, where they farmed until 1866 when they came to Preston township and spent the remainder of their days, Nancy Garside Duxbury passing away May 22, 1902, at the age of seventy-nine years and her husband Edward Duxbury February 15, 1905. Their children were James G., John E., William, born January 13, 1854 (deceased), Mary J., born October, 1855, Thomas, Benjamin and Anna, born February 13, 1863.

James G. Duxbury, a well-known resident of Preston township, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, September 21, 1850, and eame to Fillmore county with his parents, Edward and Nanty (Garside) Duxbury, in 1866. He has devoted his life to farming, and with his brother John E. owns 120 acres in Preston township, on which they conduct modern farming in a suecessful manner. The subject of this sketch married Mary FE. Brady, a native of Marvland, a daughter of John and Sarah Ann (Shirver) Brady, and they have six children: Elsie is the wife of Richard Hughes; Garfield Lives at home; Maude is the wife of Henry Thompson; Claudine, Bessie and Ruth are at home.

John E. Duxbury, a successful farmer of Preston township, was born in Porter, Rock county, Wisconsin, March 8, 1852, son of Edward and Naney (Garside) Duxbury. He came to Preston township with his parents in 1866, and was reared on ihe home farm, attending school in district 47. He is a bachelor, and he and his brother James G. own and operate their farm together. The place consists of 120 acres, all under cultivation, with a comfortable dwelling thereon, erected in 1875. The outbuildings for grain and eattle are modern and up-to-date. Myr. Duxbury is of a sociable disposition and has allied himself with Preston Lodge, No. 11, I. 0. O. F., of Preston village.

Thomas and Benjamin Duxbury, successful farmers and prominent citizens of Preston township, have been residents here for some two score and five years, and have always stood for everything that is best in the growth of the county. They were horn in Rock county, Wisconsin, the former March 29, 1858, and the latter March 16, 1861, sons of Edward and Nancy (Garside) Duxbury, natives of England. The brothers acquired their education in the district school near their home, known as ''Old Yale,'' of which institution Thomas Duxbury has written a most interesting history. The brothers now care for and eultivate the old home farm, which is well improved and modern. They made a Specialty of Holstein cattle and Percheron horses. These estimable gentlemen are recognized as industrious and progressive citizens, vitally interested in all movements tending toward the development and improvement of the county in which they reside.

Charles F. Ginder, proprietor of the modern and remodeled Tibbets House at Preston, was born in Preston township, son of William and Mary (Diebold) Ginder, the pioneers. He received his education in the graded schools and in the Preston high school, remaining at home until twenty years of age. Then he went west and took a claim in Lae qui Parle county, this state, remaining there for fotir years. Since then he has spent his life as a hotel proprietor and traveling salesman. He was employed in the Minnesota and Dakota routes by the McCormick Iarvester Company, four years; by the Cudahy Packing Company, four years; and by the Clinton Falls Nursery Company, three years. Ile also managed several hotels, largely in South Dakota. In 1911 he returned to the place of his birth, and assumed the management of the hostelry which he now conducts. Being of a sociable nature he has joined several organizations, and is affiliated with Sunset Lodge No. 109, A. F. & A. M., Montevidio Lodge, No. 75, I. 0. O. F. and Owatonna Council, No. 85, U. C. T. Mr. Ginder was married in 1882 to Carrie Riesland who died in 1886. In July 1889 he married Jennie Roberts who died in 1894. In 1896 he married Sarah Roberts, a sister of his deceased wife, and this union has been blessed with one child, Ruth Roberts Ginder. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episeopal ehureh.

William Ginder, one of the earliest pioneers of Fillmore county, and for many years one of the honored and respected figures of his community, was born in Germany, in 1829. In 1832, while he was still an infant, his parents joined a eolony of German emigrants and sailed for Canada. On the ocean, the father died. The family, thus bereaved, arrived in Toronto, Canada, after a long and stormy voyage. They first went to Collinwood, and thence to a location forty miles from all habitations, where they lived several years, experiencing all the hard- ships and rigors incident to pioneer life in Canada at that period. In 1835, when William was six years old, his mother was married, and soon after the family moved to Stratford, where William remained until reaching his majority. Then he started out for himself, but remained in Canada until 1855 when he came to the States, and took land in Section 5, Preston township, this county. He broke and improved the land, and brought the farm to a high stage of cultivation, devoting his time to agricnltural pursuits until his death, in June, 1887. He was married in 1858, to Mary Diebold, who is still living in Preston, and this union was blessed with six children: Ellen, wife of David Post, of Big Stone City, South Dakota; Charles, F., proprietor of the Tibbetts House; Rebecea, deceased; Hanna, now Mrs. Charles Meyer, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Alfred, who was killed at Ladysmith, Wisconsin; and Minnie, who is the wife of William F. Kuppenbacker, of Preston. Margaret Diebold, the mother of Mary (Diebold) Ginder is still living in Preston at the advanced age of ninety-four years.

Marvin T. Grattan, president of Fillmore County Agricultural Society, was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, July 26, 1848, and is descended from Colonial, Revolutionary and War of 1812 ancestry. He was reared in his parents' home and received a good publie school education, after which he entered the government service. After acting for a while as clerk in the naval recruiting station, in Sterling, Whiteside county, Illinois, in 1863; he enlisted in 1864 in the regular naval service and saw service on the Great Western, the Clara Dolson and the Ouichita. He was discharged on January 30, 1865, and entered into the implement business, in which he continued for seventeen years, having his headquarters at different times at Deeorah, Preston and Austin. On March 30, 1870, he purchased a farm of 160 acres in section 86, in Fountain township, and here has made a specialty of breeding road horses. In facet, Mr. Grattan has been a horse fancier all his life, and while at Austin built the race track which is one of the prominent features of that city at the present time. Myr. Grattan's place is known as the Preston Stoek Farm, and its animals receive a high vating with the American Trotting Registry Association, in which My. Grattan is a stoekholder and member. The subject of this sketch is a Democrat in polities. He has never aspired to public office, but was one year elected unanimously to the position of mayor of Preston, the vote being taken during his absence and without his knowledge. We is a Royal Arch Mason. Marvin T. Grattan was married September 20, 1868, at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to Hattie White, who was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, March 18, 18538. This union has been blessed with five children: Harry is a contractor and builder in Brooklyn, N. Y.; Jennie F. graduated from St. Mary's College, at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and is now a teacher in the Bremer School in Minneapolis. Guyon operates the home farm. Richard H. and Eva are dead. Henry Guyon Grattan and Jane Trask Grattan his wife were natives of New York state, and came to Wisconsin in 1840, the latter passing away at Freeport, Elinois, in June, 1849. Henry G. Grattan was a pioneer newspaper man. He established the Gazette, of Janesville, Wisconsin; the Gazette of Sterling, Illinois; the Mirror of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; and the Bulletin, of Freeport, Illinois. About 1860 he moved to Waukon, Iowa, where he is buried. Amos Grattan, father of Henry G. Grattan and grandfather of Marvin T. Grattan, was a veteran of the War of 1812. At one time he owned the present site of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Luke Guyant, maternal grandfather of Henry C. Grattan, served two years with the Connectient troops during the Revolutionary War. Iie received a pension in 1834 and died at Groton, Connecticut, December 30, 1837.

Charles E. Snyder, proprietor and manager of the Preston Nursery, was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa, April 29, 1861, son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Dean) Snyder, both natives of Perry county, Iowa, where they were both reared. Nicholas Snyder, the father, came west in 1854, located in Winneshiek county, fowa, purchased 160 acres of government land at $1.25. an acre, and then went back to Ohio, and was married, bringing his bride to his Winneshiek county farm in 1856. There he toiled and prospered, breaking and tilling his land, erecting his home and suitable outbuildings, and following general diversified farming for several years. He eventually disposed of that prop-. erty and removed to Fillmore county, locating at Elliota, where. he purchased what was known as the ''Honston Farm.'' <At a later date he disposed of that farm and moved to Canton, where he eonducted a store for two years. He now lives in retirement in Canton village.

Charles E., the subject of this sketch, reeeived his early schooling in Winneshiek county districts, attended St. Joseph College, at Dubuque, fowa, and completed his education in the Breckenridge Institute at Decorah, Iowa. Thus equipped with a good business training he started out in life for himself. Te commenced as a traveling salesman for E. M. Sherman, of Charles City, Iowa. After one year with Mr. Sherman he engaged with the Cannon Falls Nursery, Cannon Falls, Minnesota, as a jobberon his own responsibility, in which capacity he was very successful, and in which voeation he continued until 1891. That year he started the Preston Nursery. Later he purchased his present farm, which consists of about 100 acres located within the ineorporate limits of the village of Preston. This land is extensively cultivated, and through the untiring efforts.of My. Snyder, it has been made the best farm for its purpose in Fillmore county. Myr. Snyder's business has steadily inereased, and at the present time he has in his employ several salesmen on the road besides a foree of men to assist on the farm. A great deal of eredit is due Mr. Snyder for the development of Fillmore county, in the abundance of fruit that is produced here, there heing about one hundred orchards of over five hundred trees each, these all coming from the Preston Nursery. The Minnesota State IIorticultural Society gives Mr. Snyder eredit for making Fillmore county a fruit section. While Mr. Snyder's time and attention have always been turned toward horticulture and its development, he has not neglected to take part in whatever has been for the good and betterment of his village and community, having served two terms on the village council and being at present a member of the board of edueation. The subject of this sketch was married November 24, 1891, to Nellie J. Knickerbocker, of Owatonna, who was born in that city, January 18, 1872, daughter of William R. and Ilelen E. (Burgess) Kniekerboeker. Her parents still reside at Owatonna. Mfr. and Mrs. Snyder's home has been brightened by the birth of six children: Paul R., Leo C., Francis C., Ceeil C., Virginia E. and Robert C. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholie church.

Jeremiah Shook, a pioneer resident of Preston and veteran of the Civil War, first saw the light of day iu Somerset connty, Pennsylvania, on August 25, 1834. His parents were Jacob and Catherine (Miller) Shook, the former of whom, a native of Pennsylvania, eame west with his brother John in 1856, reaching Preston, November 17. Jeremiah, the subject of this sketeh was educated in the schools of his home state, and there grew to manhood. Hearing of the opportunities offered ambitious and energetic young men in the West, he decided to seek his fortune here and accordingly came to Minnesota in November, 1856, and settled in Preston, where for some time after his arrival he was employed at various kinds of labor. In 1870 he took eharge of the flour mill in Preston, and for twenty-five years continued in this work. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mary M. Ream, a daughter of J. N. and Elizabeth Ream, and seven children have been born to them, of whoin five are living, Sarah E., now Mrs. Charles Butler of Preston; Edward, residing in Sonth Dakota; Elmer E., living at Savanuah, Minois; William, a resident of Preston, conduetor for the Chi- eago, Milwaukee & St. Paul; Mildred, the wife of George Brightbill. Mr. Shook fought for the preservation of the Union, having enlisted in 1864, in Company C, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was honorably discharged in 1865. He is a member of Underwood Post G. A. R. in Preston and is respected by all with whom he has associated, either socially or in a business capacity. He now lives a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his well spent years.

B. Skaugerud, whose success in life is due to his resolute industry and perseverance, has been a resident of Preston for nearly thirty years. He was born in Norway September 14, 1860, a son of Thomas and Agnette (Blixseth) Boreson, and received his edueation in the sehools of his native land. When he was sixteen years old he secured employment im a store as a elerk, and worked for his hoard and clothes. Two years later he enlisted in the standing army in Christiania, but on account of illness was honorably discharged after seven months' service. He then resumed his former work as a clerk, in which occupation he continued until the latter part of 1880, when he decided to cross the ocean to establish for himself a home and profitable oeenpation in the United States. For some time after his arrival in this country he was employed on a farm in Canton, Minn., after which he went to Spring Valley, and then eame to Preston and secured a position clerking in Conkey Brothers' store. He was in the employ of this firm for a period of four years, after which he opened a grocery store and restaurant, which he eondueted for two years. He sold ont his stoek and fixtures and then built the Park Hotel, on the corner of Main and Anthony streets, and for more than nineteen years was proprietor and manager of this hotel, in which capacity he was most successful and popular. In the spring of 1909 he sold ont to William Smith, and the following year accepted a position with the Washington Woolen Mills as a traveling salesman. His territory covers northern Minnessota and Dakota, and in his new line of work he has given excellent satisfaction. In the spring of 1894 he took a five months' trip to his old home in Norway. The following year he again erossed the water and enjoyed a trip of fourteen months' duration before retnrning to Preston. Mr. Skaugerud was married May 17, 1888, to Julia Ellis, a daughter of John Ellis, of Ilarmony. He yotes independently and attends the Lutheran church. He is a memher of the Iowa State Travelmg Men's Association, and is in every sense a progressive and public-spirited citizen. Tis beautiful home in Preston is one of the finest in the city. It is modern in every respect and contains a rare collection of eurios, gathered by Mr. Skaugerud in his extensive travels and purchased from curio dealers. Among the most valuable of his collections are some which were acquired by him when a child in his old home in Norway.

Thomas Boreson came io America from Norway, the land of his birth, in 1867. He was then a widower, having one son borne him by Agnette (Blixseth) Boreson, who died in June, 1861. Upon his arrival here he located in Wisconsin near La Crosse, where he married Sigri Odergarden, also of Norwegian birth. By this marriage two sons were born, Nels and Sigrud. For seven years they remained in Wisconsin, where Mr. Boreson followed the occupation of farming, at which he had engaged before leaving Norway. He returned to his native land in 1874 with his wife and remained there until 1881, when he came back to the United States and went to North Dakota, locating on a school section near Fingel. Here he broke the land, cleared it, erected a comfortable home and the necessary out buildings and is still successfully carrying on agricultural operations.

J. T. Tollefson, one of the well known and prosperous farmers who live in the township of Preston, was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, April 7, 1853, son of Andrew and Elsie Tollefson. The father emigrated from Norway to America in 1850 and speni three years in Wisconsin, In 1853 he set out for Minnesota and arrived in Preston August 8. Some time later he pre-empted land in sections 22 and 23, and built the first log house erected in the township. Three years later he moved this house to section 23, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying November 29, 1898, two vears after the death of his estimable wife, who entered inte rest April 29, 1896. J. T., the son, received his early education in the old log school house in district 46, which is still standing. Mr. Tollefson was united in the bonds of matrimony with Clara Grythe, daughter of Christian and Lisse Grythe, who was born in Norway in 1861 and came to America with her parents in 1869, locating in section 10, Preston, the following year. Mr. and Mrs, Tollefson are parents of Axel, Casper, Lawrence and Elsie O. The home farm, which Mr. Tollefson owns, comprises 120 acres, which are now worked by his sons, as ill health prevents his engaging in arduous labor. His present substantial house was built in 1908 and his property is well improved. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and they are liberal contributors toward the support of this organization.

James N. Taylor, a retired farmer and veterimary surgeon, residing in the city of Preston, was born in County Down, Ireland, July 8, 1837, son of James and Sarah (Sturgeon) Taylor, and after coming to this country lived several years in New York state. In the spring of 1857 he came to Minnesota and settled in Preston, where he secured a farm of 160 acres of good fertile land and where for many years he suecessfully engaged in agrieultural pursuits, also practicing his profession as a veterinary surgeon. Mr. Taylor was married December 28, 1865, to Margaret J. Priee, a danghter of Allan E. and Jane (Baird) Price, of County Antrim, Ireland, who came to America and located in New York state, where they reared their family of five children; Katherine, Elizabeth, Margaret J., John, and Allan, now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor six children were born, of whom two are deceased. John P. is the editor of the ''Reardon Progress,'' at Reardon, Lincoln county, Washington; Jennie is the wife of Warren E. Cummings, of Waukokee, this county; William J is residing in Rockford, Wash., and is the editor of the ''Rockford Register''; Verna E. is a teacher and lives at home. Ma, Taylor attends the Presbyterian church, and in politics affiliates with the Republican party. He is one of Preston's esteemed eitizens who has ever taken an active interest in the welfare and progress of the town and county in which he has for so many years made his home.

O. H. Titterud, a successful veterinary surgeon of Preston, ig a native of this state, having been born at Ham Lake, Anoka eounty, on February 4, 1879. His parents, Halver IT. and Carrie (Livgard) Titterud, came to the United States from Norway in 1866, and upon arriving in this country came directly west and settled in Anoka county. The father was engaged in farming and is still residing on the old homestead at [fam Lake, the mother having died Mareh 18, 1906. They were the parents of nine children, of whom five are still living; Maxel, Berger and Henry, of IJam Lake; Anna, a teacher in Tacoma, Wash., and O. H., veterinarian. The subject of this hiography acquired his early education in the district school at Ham Lake and later entered the Minneapolis Norinal College. In 1903 he went to Toronto, Canada, where he took a course in the Veterinary College, and graduated two years later, after which he came to Chicago anil entered the Chicago Veterinary College, completing his studies in this institution in 1906. He then returned to his old home at Ilam Lake, where he began to practice the profession for which he had so well prepared himself. In 1908 he moved to the city of Preston and has here had a marked degree of success in his work. October 19, 1910, Clara A. Vordale, of Sun Prairie, Wis., became his wife. Mr. Titterud is a Republican of the progressive type, and for some time served on the school

William B, Hutchison, distinguished veteran of the Civil War and of the Indian campaign, was born in Logan county, Illinois, February 19, 1842, son of William and Mary Jane (Hendrickson) Hutehison. The father died when William B. was but six years of age, and three years later the mother married James Springsteel. In May, 1854, the family moved to this county, scttling in Bristol, where they were among the earliest pioneers. The subject of this sketch attended school in Granger and lived on the home farm until 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was mustered in at Ft. Snelling in February, 1862, and when it was ordered south in March, 1862, three companies, including Company B, in which Mr. Hutchison had enlisted, were left to garrison frontier posts in Minnesota. On August 18, 1862, Company B, consisting of between seventy-five and eighty men, was at Ft. Ridgely when word came that the massacre had started on the Lower Sioux Agency. Accordingly Captain John 8. Marsh, a Fillmore county man, started for the scene of the bloodshed, with a detachment of forty-six men and accompanied by Interpreter Quinn. They had a bloody eneounter with the Indians in which twenty-six soldiers were killed and nine wounded. Captain Marsh was drowned trying to cross the river. The subject of this sketch and the remnant of the company managed to reach Ft. Ridgely and were there on August 20, 1862, when Company C and Company B, of the Fifth Minnesota, and the Renville Rangers were besieged therein. In November of that year the company was sent sonth. The history of the regiment is a part of the glorious history of the Nation and need not be reproduced here. It is sufficient to print here the names of the engagements in whieh Company B participated as they appear on a badge which is one of Mr. Hutchison's most treasured possessions: 1862 - Redwood, Minn. Aug. 18; Fort Ridgley, Minn., August 20; Fort Abercrombie, Minn., September 3; Iuka, Miss., September 19; Corinth, Miss., October 4. 1863 - -Mississippi Springs, Miss., May 18: Jackson. Miss., May 14; Assault on Vicksburg, May 22; Sartatia, Miss., June 4; Mechaniesburg, Miss., June 5; Richmond, La., June 14; Canton, Miss., October 16; Brownsville, Miss., October 18; Barton Station, Miss., October 20. 1864 - Ft. De Russy, La., Mareh14; Henderson Hill, La., March 81; Grand Ecore, La., April 2; Compti, La., April 3; Pleasant Hill, La., April 9; Cloutiersville, La., April 23; Cane River, La., April 24; Moore's Plantation, La., May 3; Bayou La Moure, La., May 6; Bayou Roberts, La., May 7; Mansura, La., May 16; Bayou De Glaise, La., May 18; Lake Chicot, Ark., June

6; Tupelo, Miss., July 14; Oxford, Miss., August 21; Abbeyviile, Miss., August 23; Nashville, Tenn., December 16. 1865- - Fish River, Ala., Mareh 24; Spanish Fort, Ala., April 8; Fort Blakely, Ala., April 9. The regiment was veteranized in February, 1864, and Mr. Hutchison returned home on a furlough July, 1864. He was mustered out at Demopolis, Ala., September 6, 1865, and discharged shortly afterward at Ft. Snelling. While home on his furlough in 1864 he married Angeline Crowell, born on April 1, 1845, danghter of Daniel and Mira Crowell, the former of whom was a native of Chelsea, Mass., and brought his family to Bristol in 1858. After his return from the war Mr. Hutchison and his young bride moved into a log house on a claim in sections 28 and 33, Bristol township, which he had purchased the year before. In this house they lived until 1881, when a fine frame building was erected. In 1908 they sold their farm to their son, William, and purchased a residence in Preston village, where they still reside. Mr, Hutchison made a success of farming, and is known far and wide as a bee fancier, having kept an apiary of one hundred hives of bees for over thirty years. While in the township he held nearly all the important local offices within the gift of his fellow citizens. He has the prond distinetion of being entitled to wear a splendid bronze medal, presented to him by the representatives of the sovereign state of Minnesota, in legislature assembled, as a slight recognition of his services in the Indian campaigns. He is quartermaster sergeant of Underwood Post, No. 122, G. A. R., and a member of Preston Lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M. To Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison seven children have been born; Amy D., William G., Daniel H., Effie J., Anna L., Lela F. and Arthur E. Amy D. married Richard Salmon, of Valentine, Neb., and they have four children; Allen B., Harry, Bessie and George. Wiliam G. married Florence Henry and they live on the old homestead. They have three children ; Leonard, George, Addie and an adopted daughter, Olive. Daniel H. married Eva Broadwater, of Bristol, and they live in Oliver county, North Dakota. They are the parents of five daughters; Zella, Verna, Alice, Nina and Mauddie. Effie J. is the wife of John Roberts, of Bristol township, this county, and they have four children; Ilazel, Robert and the twins, Hilda and Harry. Anna L. is the wife of W. F. Clark, of Charles City, Iowa, and they have four children; Zelda, Eugene, Amy J. and Marion. Lela F. is the wife of Raymond Goodell, of Norfolk, Neb., and they have two children, George R. and Dorothy. Arthur E. married Luln Harding. They live in Washington.

F. B. Wolf, of Preston, was born in Lee county, Dlinois, in 1875, son of John and Sarah (Brecuiner) Wolf. His father came to Illinois from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1852, where for a short time he was employed, after which he came to Iowa and located in Guthrie county, but later returned to Illinois. In 1884 he left THlinois and again came to Towa settling this time in Bremer county where he lived for ten years. Mr. Wolf then moved to Idaho and from there to Preston. F. B., his son, attended sehool in Iowa and assisted his father with the farm work and later became a carpenter. In 1903 and 1904 he worked in the City Roller Mills in Preston and two years later purchased the historic old mill which was built in 1857 by Waybright & Schweitzer for a woolen mill, and here he has since conducted business on his own responsibility. In 1874, this mill was converted into a feed mill and as such Mr. Wolf runs it, suceessfully carrying on the feed business and doing custom work for the farmers of the county. He married Emma, thie daughter of Charles and Minnie (Filk) Daberkow, natives of Germany, and this marriage has been blessed with five children, Iver V., Ervin H., Orville W., Vera W., and Verl. The brick residence in which Mr. Wolf lives was built in 1859, two years after the completion of the mill, which he owns. The dam which stretched across the Root river was formerly constructed of logs but was rebuilt of cement by Mr. Wolf, who is an industrious and progressive man. The family faith is that of the Church of the Brethren and in this house of worship. Mr. Wolf officiates as the minister, having been a devout follower of this faith for the past eigbteen years.

Peter Hutton, an old settler of Fillmore county, and a fine example to the younger generation of a self made and successful farmer, was born in Dumbartonshire Parish of Drydenand, Scotland, in April, 1836, son of John and Margaret (Burns) Iutton, also natives of that country. He was left motherless at the age of nine years, and at the age of twenty years in the fall of 1856 came to America. He loeated in Preston township this county and became a permanent resident. The father who settled in Preston township some years later passed away in 1882. Peter pre-empted 160 acres of land in Section 14, Preston township, which he traded with his brother Robert for land in Section 27, where he now lives. He developed the land, erected a house and other buildings, and engaged in general farming. As the years passed, he added to his holdings from time to time until at present he owns over 700 acres, working 200 acres himself and renting the remainder. He also owns 160 acres in Olmsted county, Minnesota, 160 acres in Ransom county and 160 acres in Richlieu county, the latter two being in North Dakota. In addition to this he has other holdings, and is a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Preston. He is a Repub- lican in polities, and in the early days served as treasurer of his school district. Mr. Hutton is regarded by his neighbors as a man of sterling worth, a good citizen In every way, and one who has accomplished much by his own efforts. He was married on July 6, 1897, to Mmnie Wilson, born December 30, 1870, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wilson, early settlers, still living on their farm near Hutton. Mr. and Mrs. Hutton have been blessed with one child, Wallace, born February 16, 1898, who is at home. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church.

Edward A. Highum, who is now serving his third term as county treasurer, was born in Arvendahi township, on August 5, 1876, son of Peter and Helena (Brekke) Highwm. During the early years of his boyhood, the subject of this biography attended the district school near his old home, and as he beeame older he went to Red Wing where he entered the Lutheran Academy, remaining there for two years, after which he completed his education with a commercial course in Breckenridge College, at Decorah, Iowa. Returning home, Mr. Ilighum assisted his father with the work on the farm, and continued in this occupation until 1902, during which year he accepted a position in the First National Bank, at Rushford, as assistant cashier. He remained in this position until the year 1906, when he resigned to accept the position which he holds at the present time, ihat of treasurer of Fillmore county. In this office, Mr. Highum is giving exeellent service, and he has the confidence and esteem of the eitizens of this county. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party, and being of a fraternal disposition he has become a member of the prominent lodges and orders of the county, belonging to blue lodge, chapter and comimandery of the Masons and also to the Knights of Pythias, aud the Modern Woodmen. On October 28, 1903, Mr. Highwin was united in marriage with Charlotte Swanson, born in Lanesboro, this county, February 4, 1880, daughter of Martin and Belle Swanson. To Mr. and Mrs. Highum a son Percival was born September 4, 1905. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church, to the support of which Mr. Highum is a liberal contributor, and of which he and his estimable wife are respected members.

C. I. Peterson has been a resident of Preston since early ehildhood. He is the son of Christian and Ingeborg Peterson, natives of Norway, and was born in Rushford, Minnesota, December 16, 1872. His parents moved to Preston when he was but a small boy, and there he attended school and aequired his edueation. After reaching manhood's estate, he was employed on a farm for several years after whieh he went io work for Mr.

Renner, a blacksmith, and learned this trade. In 1903 he purchased the business from Mr. Renner and has since conducted it by himself. His suecess is due to his industry and perseverance and for these characteristics he is respected by his fellow men. Mr. Peterson belongs to the Preston Lodge No. 36 A. F. & A. M. and is also a member of tle Modern Woodmen of Preston. He married Marrie Olson, daughter of O. B. Olson and to them two children have been born, Ralph Stewart and Marian Toinette, who are a blessing in their home.

James Kerr, a respected citizen of Preston is a native of Scotland, born April 21, 1847, son of Alexander and Janette (Miller) Kerr. The father met with an aecidental death in Canada, where he had established his home after coming to Ameriea. The mother died in Illinois. They were the parents of four children, Alexander, of Park Rapids; Daniel, deceased; dames, of Preston; and Margaret, of Canada. James, the subject of this biography, was but a young boy when he eaine io America with his parents, and he acquired his edueatiou in the schools of both Canada and the United States. In 1864 he came to Minnesota and located in this county, but soon after decided to homestead land in Jackson, to which he then moved and where he lived for five years. At the expiration of that time, he returned to Fillmore county and settled in Preston, where he engaged in teaming for several years. Mr. Kerr is now agent for the Wolverene Soup Company, of Portlid, Michigan. On June 21, 1870, he was united in marriage with Nellie Johnson, who was horn in Norway and came to this country when a child. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are the parents of eleven children. Ulysses studied in the Boston Conservatory of Music, also in Europe, and now is a bass singer in a Presbyterian ehureh in New York City. He married Rowena Powel. James, now of La Crosse, is a bass singer and vocal teacher. He married Bertha Caple and they have had four children, Reamer (deceased), Reginald, Madeline and Gordon. John, of LaCrosse married Anna Petricek and has three children, Marjorie, Warren and Virginia. Alexander married Rose Blaha and lives in LaCrosse. They are the parenis of Camille, Jean, Evelyn (deceased), and George. Edward Clinton married Kittie Rappe and they have one ehikl, Rowena. They reside in LaCrosse. Andrew Millen is a singer in Chicago. Nettie lives at home. Margaret is now Mrs. William Rappe of LaCrosse and has a daughter, Viola. Betsy married William Ashton of Fountain and has four children, Vernon, Gladys, Nellie and James. Ruth is the wife of Frank Horsch of Clear Lake, Towa, and has one child, Inez M. Gilbert A. married Hattie Flinn and lives in Preston. Daniel died at the age of eighteen montlis.

Mr. Kerr is a Prohibitionist in political opinions. He is a member of the Presbyterian chureh and has been a member of ihe Good Templars for several years.

A. D. Gray, one of the prominent attorneys of southern Minnesota, with offices and home in Preston, has been called one of Fillmore county's most useful citizens, and has well deserved this title, by his exeellent public service. He is a native of the Ennpire state, born in Oneida county, New York, November 13, _ 1845, son of Alonzo G. and Luey A. (Murch) Gray. In 1852 his parents moved from New York to Pennsylvania, and two years later they set out for Minnesota, driving the entire distance, this trip consuming six weeks. Upon their arrival m this state, they settled in Newburg, this county. A. D. attended the public schools near his home, having at one time been a pupil of William Willford. In 1863 he entered the Upper Iowa University, at Fayette, Jowa. Thus equipped with a good education, Mr. Gray returned to his home and for the suceceding ten years, he taught school in that vicinity. He was united in marriage with Emma W. Seelye, on Mareh 24, 1868, and their home has been blessed with six children. Stella E., is now the wife of Edward Whitman, a civil engineer of St. Paul. Archibald D., an attorney at law, Hves in Carrolton township, where he inakes a specialty of breeding faney Jersey cattle; Lucy A. married Rev. H. Rasmussen, who has been a pastor at Lanesboro for some twenty years, Nettie Mf. is the wife of Dr. B. H. Kroeze, president of Jamestown College. Andrew G. is a successful lawyer of Spokane, Washington. Alton E. is a farmer of Preston township, and makes a specialty of raising pure bred Jersey eattle. Durang the period of his residence in Newburg, Mr. Gray served as justice of the peace for six years, and held many offices of minor importance. In 1870, he was honored by being eleeted to the office of county commissioner, and in this capacity he was retained for seven years, resigning to accept the office of county clerk of the district court, assuming the duties of this office in 1878, and continuing until 1890. He was admitted to the Minnesota bar in November, 1881, and that same year formed a partnership with Senator R. E. Thompson, transacting business under the name of Gray & Thompson, from then until the present time. Mr. Gray was presidential clector and cast the electoral vote from his district for the late President Benjamin Harrison. He was sent as a delegate to the Republican Convention which nominated William McKinley for his first term as president of the United States. He has also served in other capacities, and his record in the town and county is a most enviable one. It is, perhaps, in working for the publie schools of Preston, that Mr.

Gray has reared his most enduring monument. While he was not the founder of the public school system in Preston, the people of the village maintain that he has been the most important factor in bringing that system to its present high standard. Taking the presidency of the school board when the schools were in a more or less undeveloped stage, he has given of his time and talent freely for nearly thirty-three years, and the efficiency of the schools at present is in itself the highest encomium that can be written of Mr. Gray's work in this capacity.

Richard E, Thompson, of the prominent law firm of Gray & Thompson, and for thirty years a substantial member of the Fillmore county bar, was born in the township of Preble, this county, March 7, 1857, son of Iver and Celia (Walder) Thompson, the pioneers. He received his preliminary education in the distriet schools of Newburg township, and later attended the Breekinridge Institute at Decorah, Iowa. Subsequently he taught school until 1879, and then studied law in the office of H. R. Wells, at Preston, Minn., being admitted to the bar in 1881. The same year he entered into his present successful partnership with A. D. Gray. In 1881, the same year he was admitted to the bar, Mr. Thompson was appointed deputy clerk of the District Court for Fillmore county. From 1883 to 1885 he served in the lower house of the Minnesota State Legislature, and from 1895 to 1905 he did the county distinguished service in the upper house of that body. He has also served in other local offices. 'The subject of this sketch was married in 1884 to Anna Thompson, and to this union two children have heen born, Vietor C. and Inez M. Victor is studying medicine in the medical department of the University of Minnesota. Inez M. is a student in Carlton College, at Northfield, Minn. The family residence is in Preston.

Iver Thompson, pioneer, now deceased, was born in Stavanger, Norway, June 24, 1829, and after attending school worked at his trade as a carpenter until coming to America in 1848. He was also similarly employed in Chicago from 1848 to 1852, being married there July 4, 1850, 10 Celia Walder. In 1852 they moved to Fox River, La Salle county, Tinois, and two years later came to Preble township, in this county. Upon their arrival here in 1854 Iver pre-empted 160 acres of wild land in sections 26 and 27. This he broke and improved. In 1860 he sold this farm and purehased a farm in section 8, Newberg, where he continued to engage in farming. His wife, Celia Walder Thompson, died August 6, 1862. Of the children whom she bore to the subject of this sketch, four are living. Mr. Thompson was married Novem-

Purdy Hart, a sturdy old pioneer, now deceased, was boryi in Westchester county, New York, August 17, 1812. In 1856 he eame westward and took a claim in settion 33, Preston, where he built a log ealin in which he lived some four or five years. The nearest markets then were McGregor, Iowa, seventy miles away, and Winona, Minn., fifty miles away. In 1864 he moved to Carimona, and there lived a year. In 1865 he erected a house in section 4, Harmony township, and acquired considerable tracts of land. He died in 1888, honored and beloved by all who knew him. His wife, Phoebe Jane Boice Hart, a daughter of William and Susan Boice, was born on January 31, 1834, in Patnam county, New York. She died in August, 1897, her declining years being made happy by the love and respect of the entire community.

Joseph Hart, one of the common-sense farmers of Preston township, was born in Carimona, Minn., December 24, 1862, son of Purdy and Phoebe Jane (Boice) Ilart, the pioneers. He was reared on the home farm in section 4, Harmony township, and attended the schools of district 37. Ile now has an excellent farm in section 33, and resides in a comfortable home which he ereeted in 1908, his barns and outbuildings being in keeping wiih his home and farm. February 12, 1890, he married Annie Brady, a native of Maryland, and they have one daughter, Jennie Muriel, born January 1, 1891. She married Orvis Nelson. Mrs. Hart was born at Johnstown, Md., August 18, 1866, daughter of John and Sarah Ann (Shirver) Brady. Her father was born at Baltimore, Md., October 25, 1829, and her mother at Salisbury, Pa., Ociober 12, 1833. They came from Maryland to Minnesota in 1869, located in Fillmore county and followed farming until 1890, when they retired and moved to Preston, where they spent the balance of their days, the father dying March 8, 1905, and the mother October 380, 1910.

W. H. Williams who for many years has been closely identified with the various publie offices of the village of Preston, was born in Greenlake county, Wisconsin, November 23, 1854, son of Robert and Alice (IIughes) Williams, natives of Wales who came to America in 1843 aud located in Wisconsin, where they later met and were married. The father followed general farmmg all his life and was summoned by death m October, 1909. The mother still makes her home at Fond du Lae, Wisconsin. To them eight children were born of whom three died in infaney. The others are as follows: W. H., Robert, living in Wisconsin;

Mrs, Aun J. Roberts of Washington; David, residing at Fond du Lae; and Daniel, living on the old homestead. W. HL, the subject of this biography, received his education in the public schools of his native state, and later attended the University of Minnesota, at St. Paul, After completing his studies in this institution, he was employed by the C., M. & St. P. in secret service work, with headquarters in Minneapolis. He remained in this work for two years, after which he was engaged in the real estate business, and also taught school. He.came to York township, Fillmore county, in 1874, purchased 110 acres of land, and for fifteen years carried on general farming together with carpentry and building. In 1903 he rented his farm and inoved into the village of Preston, where he has retired from active life and is enjoying the fruits of his years of labor. He is a member of the Presbyterian chureh, belongs to Masons and Odd Fellows, and holds the office of trustee in the latter organization. He is a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Preston and for fifteen years he has been assessor of the town. While a resident of York, was chairman of the town board for thirteen years, and served many terms on the school board. In all offices to which his fellow townsmen have elected him he has given his best efforts; and his honesty and integrity have placed him in the high esteem of the residents of Preston.

He was married, in December, 1890, to Margaret Williams, born at Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, January 20, 1860, daughter of William J, and Amn (Williams) Williams, natives of Wales. They came to Wisconsin as children, located in Fillmore county in 1869, and now live in retirement in Lime Springs, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Williams have one daughter, Alice, born October 5, 1891, and now a siudent in the high school.

William A. Pfister is a native of this county, born Angust 26, 1887, son of Jacob and Katherine (Martzolf) Pfister, the former of whom canie to this country from France, and the latter of whom was born and reared in Preston. William A. passed the years of his boyhood on the old home farm and, like the average boy of his day, went to the district school, and was kept busy during vacation periods assisting with the farm work. When he attained his majority, he began farming on his own responsibility, and now owns a valuable piece of property, which comprises 177 acres of fertile land. This farm, Mr. Pfister eultivates and causes to yield large grain crops and also to serve as pasture for his stock. He is particularly interested in stock raising, making a specialty of Red Poll cattle. His comfortable and substantial dwelling house is situated directly opposite the home of his father, and his commodions out buildings evidence the thrift and persevering industry with which the farm is managed. Hannah E. Burmeister, a daughter of William T. and Mary (Bigalk) Burmeister, became the wife of Mr. Pfister, and to them one son, Arthur O., has been born.

Jacob Pfister, a prosperous farmer residing in the township of Preston, was born in France and eame to America with his parents in 1853. Upon their arrival in the states, the family came west and located at Locust Lane, near Decorah, Iowa. For a time, the father worked out for different farmers, and in 1879 secured land in section 7, Preston, where he established his permanent home and reared his family of children. Jacob the son grew to manhood on his father's farm and received his education in the common schools of the township. Ile married Kathcrine Martzolf, a native of Preston, and in 1879 moved to this county and purchased 343% acres located in section 7. He has one of the finest homes and farms in Preston township situated on the erest of one of the beautiful hills which overlook the village. He carries on diversified farming and has been most suecessful in his life's work. His home has been blessed with the following children: Margaret, wife of William Kuethe, of Preston; Jacob, now deceased; Katherine, wife of Ruben Workman, of Preston; William A., Ruben, at home; Herbert, a student at the Chicago Dental college; Clara, at home; and Lydia, at home.

Wilhelm H. Krees, a retired farmer now residing in Columbia, Village of Preston, was born in Norway, February 19, 1850. When he was but three years old, his parents, John and Carrie (Iellickson) Krees, brought him across the broad ocean. A year after their arrival in the United States, they came to Minnesota, settling in section 22, Preston township. Iere the father built a house of logs, and as the years passed and he prospered, he erected a frame dwelling in which he spent the remainder of his hfe, entering into rest on New Year's Day, 1895. Wilhelm H. was reared on his parents' farm and as the infirmities of age prevented his father from taking an active part in the cares of the farm, he assumed charge of it, and continued to reside there until June, 1910. He then sold the property and moved into the village, where he is enjoying many of the comforts of life earned by his vears of good management on the farm. Tle married Betsy Jacobson, daughier of Lewis and Anna (Torgerson) Jacobson, natives of Norway who came to America and located on a farm in Preston township, the father dying in 1883 and the mother in 1893. Mrs. Betsy Krees died August 9, 1900. June 2, 1909, My. Krees married Emma Jacobson, a half sister of his first wife, and this union has resulted in one daughter, Alice.

Mr. And Mrs, I. J. Parker

The family faith is that of the United Norwegian Lutheran ehurch. Mr. Krees is a Republican in politics, and while living on the farm held many town offices, including service as supervisor and assessor. John Krees, father of Wilhelm Krees, was born in Germany, was there educated, and learned the weaver's art. In early manhood he went to Norway, and there met and married Carrie Hellickson, a native of that country.

Rev. Eli Engle was a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and married Elizabeth Shook, a native of the same state. He was ordained a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, and occupied various pulpits in Maryland. He eame to Minnesota with his wife and family in 1863, located in Carrolton township, and earried on general farming. To Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Engle a family of twelve children were born, of whom Lydia, Kate A., Perry, Charles L. and Amos B. are now living; Johnson, Nancy, Jane, Elisha, John W., William and Mary EK. are deceased. Rev. Engle passed away in 1872 and his widow entered into rest in 1898.

Mrs. I. J, Parker has been a resident of Preston since the month of November, 1863, having come to this village from Maryland with her parents. She married Henry Ruckle and is the mother of one child. Franklin B. Ruekle, now a retired farmer residing in Waverly, Wright county, Minnesota. He has three daughters, Anna, Ellen and Emily. Ilis three sons, Henry, Frank and George, have been claimed by death. The subject of this sketch was married October 12, 1876, at Preston to I. J. Parker. Mr, Parker was a miller by trade and was employed in the Home Flour mill for twenty years. His death, which occurred January 26, 1901, was a great loss to the community and sincerely mourned by a host of friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Parker is a daughter of Rev. Eli and Elizabeth (Shook) Engie, natives of Sommerset county, Pennsylvania, who came to Minne- 'gota in 1863 and located in the township of Carrolton, where the father carried on general farming.

She and her sister Kate A. make their home together in Preston, where Mrs. Parker owns a very comfortable and substantial dwelling. They passed their girlhood years in Alleghany county, Maryland, and received their education in the schools of that state.

Samuel A. Langum, editor of the "Preston Times,'' and a man of affairs, is a native born son of whom the county may well be proud. He was born in Bloomfield township, this- county, August 18, 1857, son of Andrew and Gurine Langum, the pioneers.

After attending the district schools of his neighborhood he studied at the Marshall Academy at Marshall, Wis., and at the Augsburg Seminary, Minneapolis, subsequent to which he returned home and taught school for a while. After this, in 1876, at the age of nineteen years, he was appointed deputy register of deeds for Fillmore county. In 1880, when but twenty-three years old, Mr. Langum was elected sheriff, and assumed the duties of that office in January, 1881, thus achieving the distinction of being the first native born son to hold an elective position in the county and of being one of the youngest, if not the very youngest, sheriffs to serve in the state of Minnesota. Upon retiring from that office, January 1, 1887, he devoted his time to the newspaper which he had purchased in July, 1886, changing the name from that of Preston Democrat to that of Preston Times. Since that date, Mr. Langum has continued at the head of this paper. In 1890-91, he was deputy warden of the Minnesota State Prison at Stillwater, in 1893 he became a member of the- lower house of the Minnesota Legislature, and two years later he was elected secretary of the state senate, holding the office with distinction during eight consecutive legislative sessions. In December, 1907, he was elected postmaster of the national House of Representatives, serving during the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses, when he was succeeded by a Democrat. Since then he has devoted his attention to his paper and to his other interests in Preston. As an editor, Mr. Langum has stood for that which is most desirable in country journalisin, always advocating progress and the cause of the people, at the same time avoiding impulse and radicalism, and maintaining a sane, careful and conservative aititude. In 1898, his brother editors recognized his worth by electing him president of the Minnesota State Editorial Association. September 14, 1878, the subject of this sketch married Emma C. MeCollum, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and to this union four children were born: Alfred II., William M., Nora and Winifred. Alfred TJ. is associated with his father in business. Williain is dead. Nora is the wife of N. J. Barberas and lives in Sioux City, Iowa. Winifred lives at home.

Alfred H. Langum, a popular young man of Preston, associated with his father in the publication of the Preston Times, was born August 30, 1879, and graduated from the Preston high school in June, 1899. He was assistant postmaster at Preston two years, then worked for his father a year, and then, in Oetober, 1903, purchased a half interest in the Preston Times, since which time he bas been in eharge of the business end of the firm. He is a merober of the city council, and of the Fillmore County Fair Board, and is also seeretary of the Preston Commercial Club.

Charles Elroy Butler was born in Kane county, Illinois, April 8, 1862. He went with family to Ames, Iowa, in July, 1873, and started to learn the printer's trade in the Ames Intelligencer office in the fall of that year. He came to Fillmore county in 1883 with a theatrical company which exhibited in Preston during the fair. He has worked in Chicago, LaCrosse, and at various other places; has studied inedicine and law; been conductor and brakeman on different railways; is a steam-fitter, and an expert in the procuring department of the centralizing creamery industry. He is a Democrat by nature but exceedingly independent in polities. He is dean of journalism in the county with thirty-nine years' service, for during all other activities he has still been correspondent for one or more papers.

John J, Merrill, sturdy old pioneer of Fillmore county, was born in Paris, Oneida county, N. Y., November 2, 1830, son of John and Perey (Morrison) Merrill, early residents of New York state, the former of whom died in 1854 and the latter in 1839. In the family were nine children, of whom John J. is the only survivor. John J. received his early edueation in the Bridgewater and Paris (N. Y.) district schools, and at the age of eighteen years he entered the Saukquoit Academy in the latter place, and stayed there three terms. In 1854 he went to New York, and learned the bookbinding trade, remaining there one year. He tired of this confinement however, and decided to enter the Whitestown Seminary, at Whitestown, N. Y., for two years, subsequently teaching school several terms in the East. During this time he canght the inspiration of the times by hearing talks and reading literature on the possibilities of the faraway West, Minnesota being his objective point. The slogan, ""Go west, young man,'' was the commonest expression of the times. Consequently he came west in May, 1856. Upon reaching Preston he pre-empted 160 acres in Carimona township, )uilt a log cabin, and started on his long and useful life here. A year later he sold this place at a nice profit. For four years he taught school in Preston and one year in Elliota, teaching winters and farming summers, also dealing to some exteni in real estate. In 1857 he bought eighty acres in Carrolton township, and broke, grubbed and improved it. On this place he farmed forty years, in the meantime living in the village. In 1872 he became the owner of cighty acres of his original pre-emption claim. This be broke and otherwise improved and worked it in connection with his home farm, His home generally speaking has always been in Preston, although until his retirement a few years ago, he worked his farm a half mile from the business center of the village.

Aly. Merrill was a prominent official of the county in territorial days. Before the siate was admitted he served as assessor ; in 1857 he was appointed deputy Uniled States marshal to take the eensus of the southern part of Fillmore county; and in 1858 he was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention at St. Paul. In statehood days he served as assessor one year, as chairman of the board of supervisors of Preston township several years, and as town clerk two years. Since the village was incorporated he has served as village treasurer one term, as member of the village council several terms, and as mayor of Preston one year. My. Merrill is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. He was married Oetober 2, 1860, at Preston, to Anne E. Read, who was born in England, August 2, 1843, and eame to Preston in the fall of 1859, with her parents, William K. and Henrictta (Hardingham) Read, being one of their six children, of whom one other, William K. Read, Jr., of Preston, is living. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill have had four children, of whom two are living. Anna E., the second child born, lives at home. William J., the youngest, is head clerk in the grocery department for IIlard & Kuethe Co., of Preston. He married Emma Rappe and they have one child. Aside from his home, Mr. Merrill has an interest in several building lots and buildings in Preston.

Ellef L. Tollefson, now deceased, merchant, banker, prodnee, grain, and live stock dealer, real estate holder, creamery pioneer and man of affairs, was born in Gol, Halingdal, Norway, April 19, 1837, son of Lars and Mary Tollefson, who brought their family to America in 1849, settling near Beloit, Wisconsin, and coming to this eounty in 1852, locating in seetion 18, Newburg township, where they pre-empted a farm which they proceeded to break, develop and ewltivate. The father Lars had visited here in 1851. Ellef L., although a young boy, assisted in the establishment of the home, and there spent his early days, making his first business venture while still a youth, when he started operating a threshing machine in the neighborhood. For many years, even while engaged in various other interests, he continued farming in section 1, Canton township, in Newburg, R. P. Johnson being his first partner. The next year he entered into partnership with Gabriel Gabrielson, and the firm of Gabrielson & Tollefson was formed. In 1875 this firm established a branch at Riceford, and Mr. Tollefson moved there, the old partnership still continuing for some two or three years. In 1879, Mr. Tollefson moved the entire establishment, building and all, to Mabel, and two years later, his brother Tollef became a partner in the concern. Branches were established in Newburg and Canton, and in time the buying of live stock beeame an important feature. In 1883, Tollef Tollefson took over the Canton business and E. L. Tollefson retained the Mabel establishment. At the same time, Henry ©. Hellikson beeame a partner, and this partnership continued for many years. Afterwards O. H. Tollefson and Arne Rotnem were partners. At the time of Mr. Tollefison's death, the partner was Arne Rotnem, and the general mercantile business is still) condueted under the firm name of E. L. Tollefson & Company.

Mr. Tollefson and Henry Hellikson began buying grain in the early eighties, aud also made stock dealing an important part of their activities. The buying of grain was an up-hill work. At that time there was no Railroad and Warehouse Commnission, and no state supervision of transportation. The ''line'' warehouses were closely affiliated with the railroads, and naturally the railroad did not favor the building up of a rival company. Cousequently Mr. Tollefson and his associates were not allowed to build on the right of way, but had to construct a flat house off the right of way, and use a trestle to convey the grain to the ears. The limited capacity of the flat house and the apparent neglect of the railroad to furnish ears was another difficulty, and this continued even after the warehouse was erected on the right of way. Ofttimes grain was piled im sacks along the track, waiting for shipping facilities over the old narrow gauge road. At various times Mr. Tollefson had partners and buyers at Spring Grove, Caledonia, Harmony, Prestou, Lanesboro, Prosper, Canton and Lime Springs. Among his partners in the grain and live stock business at various times may be mentioned John N. Johnson, [f. C. Tellikson, William Hart, E. J. Graham, 0. J. Wolsted, N. O. Henderson, John P. Johnson, B. J. Morey, James Gribben, Joel Wolsted, EB. C. Hellickson and William Ballentine. In 1897 elevators were built at Mabel and Harmony, and later a flat house was erected at Lanesboro. Tollefson & Johnson now constitute the elevator firm at Mabel and rent a warehouse at Prosper. Is. L. Tollefson & Co. now own and conduct the elevator and live stock business at Harmony.

E. L. Tollefson was one of the partners in the old creamery firm of W. E. Stanton & Co., which was later sueeceeded by Tollefson & Graham. This company had creameries at Spring Grove, Mabel and Preston, and a skimming station at Caledonia. This partnership was finally dissolved, E. J. Graham taking the plant at Preston, and E. L. Tollefson the one at Mabel. The latter plant was sold to Knute Olson about 1893. At one time the firm of Tollefson & Graham controlled a number of creameries in the southern part of the county, and shipped butter in ear-load lots.

son's attention, and he and E. J. Graham conducted an extensive busiuess in this line, buying and shipping. Later Lewis Mork was a partner in this line.

In the meantime Mr. Tollefson had become interested in real estate. He retained his old homestead between Lenora and Newburg for a great many years, or until about 1907, when he sold to Alfred Knudson. He owned business property and residence lots at Mabel and has held lands in Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Dodge, Anoka and Lae qui Parle counties in this state, and in Richland, Kidder and Logan counties in North Dakoia, as well as in Winneshiek county, Iowa.

In 1893 the exchange business conducted in connection with the enterprises became too large to be handled in connection with the other business, and the Bank of Mabel was established as a private concern. This continued until 1908, with Mr. Tollefson as sole owner. It was then incorporated as the First National Bank of Mabel, with E. L. Tollefson as president. Mr. Tollefson died February 20, 1911, and his death was a great loss to the entire community. His career, of which but a glimpse is here given, was almost as interesting as a romance - the story of a poor farm boy with bunt few advantages who took the opportunities which lay at his door, and by pluck, hard work and perseverance, made himself one of the moviug spirits of the entire community. One who knew him well has said of him: ''In business he was eminently successful, much of which may be attributed to his ability to foresee future developments and opportunities, and also to the fact that he always secured those partners who were invariably loyal and shrewd. He was an active man of rugged constitution up to within three or four years of his death, and looked the equal in vigor and strength of many a much younger man. Much of his work was out of doors, driving the country for live stock and on the street buying live stock and grain. He made many trips to Chicago in the early days and was well known by the dealers there. He was very liberal with those who were owing him, and was never known to foreclose a mortgage when the party owing him showed the least inclination to help himself. A great many owe their first start in life to being able to secure a line of credit from E. L. Tollefson. At the time of the wheat failure in the carly days he allowed many of his debtors to leave for Dakota owing him goodly sums. Of this he was paid but a small percentage, and the loss came at a time when he needed the money most, in fact it took him many years to recoup himself for these heavy losses. In fact with all his business ability, his kindness of heart made him a poor collector, and his generosity eased the path of many a struggling pioneer in the early days."'

In 1863, Mr. Tollefson married Martha Benson, the ceremony being performed in Faribault. She passed away in 1870, leaving no children, her three babies having died in infancy. March 13, 1873, he married Betsy Engebretson, daughter of Andrew Engebretson. Mrs. Tollefson was born in Norway, and came to America with her father, mother, and the two other children in the family. They settled in section 20, Newburg township, and here the father died in 1883 and the mother in 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Tollefson were the parents of two children: Adolph L. and Amy T. The former is a Mabel banker. The latter married JC White.

Ellef Tollefson, upon coming to this country made a close study of political conditions, and deciding that the platform of the Democratic party most thoroughly embodied his beliefs and political faith, he was ever true to the tenets and candidates of that body.

With this sketch we present a portrait of E. J. Tollefson and three of his grandchildren. He seemed unusually proud and mindful of his children and grandehildren and his later years were spent in anticipating the future well being of his grandchildren, of whom there were six.

Adolph L. Tollefson, cashier of the First National Bank of Mabel, was born November 3, 1874, in Newburg Village, son of Ellef L. and Betsy (Engebretson) Tollefson, natives of Norway. He received a good common school education, and then attended Valder's Commercial School, in Decorah, Iowa, in the fall and winter of 1891-92. Then he came back to his native town, and kept books for a year in the E. L. Tollefson & Co. store and for his father's creamery. His selection in 1893 as cashier of Bank of Mabel which his father owned and founded and which was incorporated as the First National Bank in 1908, met with universal approval. Since then he has shouldered responsibility after responsibility, and in all has proved his worthiness and business acumen. In his capacity as banker he has been made the executor of a number of large estates, and has handled and managed several large properties. He has done his village good service as a progressive member of the school board, and is now treasurer of that body. He has also been treasurer of the village, and likewise recorder for some time. Being a thorough believer in the future of Mabel, he has allied himself with the Mabel Commercial Club and is one of its popular members. In polities he is a Republican, In addition to his personal interests he has a share in the extensive Ellef L. Tollefson estate, and is thus one of the financially substantial men of the county, a fact which adds to the deservedly high reputation which his bank enjoys. The subject of this sketch married Grace, the daughter of Albert and Celia Jones, and they have had four children: Mildred, Everett, Myra and Donald. Myra died in infaney.

Daniel P. Bacon, formerly a prominent official of Mabel and farmer of Newburg township, was born in section 19, this township, August 22, 1860, son of George and Sarah (Payne) Bacon, early settlers. Te attended the schools in district 5, Newburg township, and later received a certificate from the Breckenridge Institute, at Decorah, Jowa. He then taught school in this and Houston county nine terms, after which he went to North Dakota, where he farmed two years. Then he farmed two years on the home farm. Subsequently he moved to the village of Mabel and lived there nineteen years. He was one of the incorporators of the village, and was recorder for many years, being also the village justice of the peace, in which capacity he had a large business. In 1911, he moved to section 28, where his family still resides. He married Laura Edna Donaldson, born May 18, 1873, daughter of Gilbert and Ada (Butler) Donaldson, and their children are: John (deceased), Paul D., Esther 1., Ruth, Victor G. and Marion P. The family faith is that of the Methodist chureh, of which Mr. Bacon was one of the oldest members in this vicinity. MLr. Bacon served as justice of the peace and for three years was a member of the town board of supervisors. He died May 17, 1912, leaving a noble heritage of honor and honesty.