Fillmore County, Minnesota - The whole text, 1912 (part 3 of 20)

Gilbert Donaldson, born at Coldwater village, Michigan, November 3, 1841, Miss Katie Butler, his wife, born in Chatteran-~ gus county, New York, July 16, 1853, parents of Mrs. D. P. Bacon of Newburg, came to Minnesota in 1859, and engaged in farming, in which vocation they have continued ever since. They now reside ou their farm in Canton township, which they purchased in 1877. They were the parents of four children: Mrs. Alta Nash, who died February 26, 1910; Mrs. Edna Bacon of Newburg township; Mrs. Lydia Bennett of Wimneshiek county, Towa; and Parly, who conduets the home farm with his father.

Willis C. Beacon, merchant and banker of Mabel, partner in the firm of Bacon & Erickson, general merchants, and president of the State Bank of Mabel, was born in Oneida county, New York, September 30, 1852, son of Leonard and Rebecea (Bullock) Baeon, who in 1864 came west and settled in section 21, Newburg township, living first in a log cabin on the 160 acres which they then purchased, and later in a frame house on the adjoin. ing twenty-two acres which they purchased. The subject of this sketch received his preliminary education in the schools of his neighborhood, and afterward took higher courses in Iesper and Decorah. In 1872 he started teaching in Newburg, and taught im all, 14 terms, devoting his spare time to farming. April 28, 1880, he married Irene Thomas, a native of Massachusetts. After their marriage they resided on the farm for about a year, and then moved to Mabel, where Mr. Bacon engaged in the mereantile business, receiving also the appointment as postmaster. From 1882 to 1888, the firm was composed of Willis C. Bacon and Dexter W. Bacon, under the firm name of the Bacon Brothers. In the latter year, the scope of the store was 'broadened, and Gillard B. Ellestad was received as partner, the firm name being Beacon Brothers and Eliestad. This arrangement continued for about three years. Then My. Ellestad sold to E. C. Erickson and the firm became Bacon & Erickson. Three years later Willis C. Bacon sold to P. T. Newhouse and the firm then became Erickson & Newhouse. Willis C. Baeon, subject of this sketeh, then went to Canton and engaged in the drug business with Dr. H. H. Haskins, under the firm name of W. C. Bacon & Co. About two years later, Mr. Bacon sold out to Dr. Haskins, and returned to Mabel, where he again formed a partnership with Mr. Erickson, letting out My. Newhouse, the firm name again being Bacon & Eviekson, under which title they still continue.

The Bacon home has been blessed with two children: Leonard T. and Ralph O. Leonard T. married Olive Fairbanks, and they live in Newburg township, on the father's farm. Ralph O. is a student in the Mabel high school. My. Bacon was one of the organizers of the State Bank of Mabel, of which he was made president. Ile served as village treasurer for three years and was Clerk of the board of education for some time. In all his activities, his efforts have ever been toward the commercial progress of this section of the country.

Dexter W. Bacon, who is doing excelleut work as county commissioner of Fillmore county, is a man of shrewdness and sagacity, aud has served his fellow citizens in many capacities. In 1890 he became clerk of the distriet court and occupied that office for eight years. From 1902 until 1910, inclusive, he was assessor of Newburg and he has also served as town clerk for several years. In 1880 and again in 1900 he was census ennmerator. Mr. Bacon was born in Deerfield, Oneida county, New York, August 25, 1850, son of Leonard and Rebecca (Bullock) Bacon. Ilis grandfather, Leonard, was a native of Litchfield, Connectieut and moved to New York when a young man, being one of the early settlers in Oneida county. Leonard, the father of Dexter, was born in Oneida county on April 24, 1816, and there grew to manhood, aitended school and was married. In 1864 he came to Minnesota and brought his family, locating on a farm of 160 acres in section twenty-one, Newburg township, Fillmore county. For some time the family lived in the log house which stood on the property when purchased by Mr. Bacon, but as time passed and he grew prosperous, he added to his origimal possessions, buying twenty-two acres adjoining the original home. On this latter purchase stood a frame dwelling, which later became the resideuce of the family. Here, Dexter W., the subject of this biography, spent his boyhood days and prepared himself for the responsibilities of life. He attended the schools in Newburg township and lived on the home farm until his first marriage. Josie A. Dibble became his wife in March 16, 1884, and to them were born: Guy W., now living in Canada, and Ray D., a resident of Mabel. My. Bacon during this time owned a farm of eighty acres, which he operated, and he also was a partner in Bacon Bros.' store. Josie (Dibble) Bacon died November 8, 1889, after which Mr. Bacon made his home with his brother until elected clerk of court, at which period he moved to Preston. In 1891, Mr. Bacon was united in marriage with Harriet, daughter of George and Sarah (Payne) Bacon. Mrs. Harriet Bacon had for some time been actively interested in all school affairs. She studied uuder William Willford and others, and then taught twenty-three terms of school, giving excellent satisfaction. To this marriage two daughters, Florence Lucile and Helen R., have been born. During the summer of 1899 Mr. and Mrs. Bacon traveled considerably, and upon their return to Minnesota moved to the A. H. Butler farm, which they later purchased and upon whieh they resided for four years. At the expiration of this period of time, Mr. Bacon returned to his old farm ou section twenty-three, Newburg, where he lived for eight years, and then moved with his family to Mabel, their present home. Mr. Bacon is a member of Preston Lodge, A. F. & A. M., beeoming a member of that body in 1891.

George Allen Bacon, son of Colby and Julia A. Bacon, was born near Utica, Oneida county, New York, November 4, 1830, the eldest of a family of fonr children, two sisters and one brother. The early part of his life was spent in Oneida county, New York. He learned the carpenter and cooper trades when a young man, and worked at his trades for several years. He also spent some years as a traveling salesman for jewelry, making many towns in the northern part of New York. On March 14, 1858, he was united in marriage to Sarah Payne, of Cold Brook, Herkimer county, New York, and to them were born eight children, George, Daniel, Harriet, Edward, Frank, John,

Arehie, and Herbert. John, Archie and Ilerbert died during their early childhood. The first year of Mr. and Mrs. Bacon's married life was spent at Trenton Falls, N. Y., where their eldest son, George, was born on March 18, 1859. The possibilities of the then Far West appealing to him, he, in company with his father and brother, Charles, left New York in the fall of 1858 in search of a location. They came to Fillmore county, and located in Newburg township, on what is now the Gilbert Olson farm. George and the father returned to New York, leaving Charles in Minnesota. The following fall he, in company with his wife and child, then six months old, his father and mother, left New York to seek their fortunes in the West, landing in Newburg township, Minnesota, in October, 1859. He soon purchased forty acres of land in Canton towuship, and by adding to what he first bought he became possessed of 280 acres of land. This represented several years of hard work, mauy privations of pioneer life, great industry, and frugality; but with cheerfulness he accomplished his aim, to become independent and possessed of a home for wife and children. In 1876 Mr. Bacon visited his old birthplace in New York. He was naturally of a retiring nature, and his home was his kingdom. Ile and his wife were greatly beloved, and their kindness. unaffected hospitality and fraternal spirit won for them a large acquaintance and many true friends. The stranger was always made welcome in their home. In the spring of 1892 Mr. Bacon sold his farm, moved to Mabel, Minn., and built a home on a twenty-acre farm, which he had previously acquired, adjoining the village. Here he resided during the remainder of his life. Mrs. Bacon died on June 24, 1903. Although the home was then broken, yet Mr. Bacon lived on in the same house with his son Daniel, from whom he was never separated but for a short time for fifty years. The nine following years were lonely ones, in spite of the loving care of his children, and after a lingering illness he passed away, February 7, 1910, at his home in Mabel.

Fred W. Bacon, a prominent citizen, and a prosperous merchant of the firm of Bacon & Stroud, Mabel, was born in Newburg township, May 7, 1866, son of Charles W. and Ellen (Potts) Bacon. He was reared on the home farm, attended school in district 64, and remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he moved to Mabel, and engaged in the business in which he still continues. He married Georgiana Dahl, daughter of J. P. Dahl, one of the pioneer merchants of Mabel, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, Florence. Mrs. Bacon died August 6, 1897. As aman of affairs Mr. Bacon was recorder of the village twelve years, and is now treasurer of the Mabel

Commercial Club; fraternally, he is financier of Mahel Lodge, No. 191, A. O. U. W.; in business, aside from his store, he is seeretary of the Mabel Opera Iionse Company; im religion, he is a Methodist; and, in polities, a Republican.

Charles W. Bacon, now deceased, one of the early settlers of Newburg township, was born in Oneida county, New York, May 3, 1837, son of Colby Baeon, then a resident of that state. The father, Colby Bacon, and two sons, Charles W. and George, came to Newburg township in 1858, and located in section 19, the father Colby and the brother George returning to New York state, but coming here again and locating the following year. Charles W. remained and became a successful farmer and prominent citizen. For several years he filled with honor the position of town treasurer. In 1868 he removed to section twenty-seven in the same township, and there remained until 1889, when he located in Mabel and retired from active life. He died Mareh 12, 1910. His wit'e, Ellen Potts, whom he married in 1861, was born in Litchfield township, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1846, and died in Mabel, August 14,1911. They were the parents of seven children, of whom four are living and three dead. Ida is now Mrs. G. W. Rathburn, of Ossian, Iowa. Fred W. is a merchant in Mabel. Charles H. is on the home farm. Gertrude is the wite of Rey. I. L. Melott, a Methodist clergyman, now stationed in Appleton, Wis. Leonard died in infaney. Willis died at the age of seventeen years. Nellie died in infancy.

JC White, banker in the village of Mabel, was born in Chatfield, December 25, 1876, son of Congressman Milo and Hannah A. (Allis) White. He obtained his early training in the schools of Chatfield, and later entered the law department of the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1898. While this legal training has been of great value to him in his business ventures, he has never devoted his time entirely to the practice of law. In 1901 he came to Mabel and associated himself with his father-in-law, Ellef L. Tollefson, in the banking business, being at the present time vice-president of the First National Bank of Mabel. Mr. White is a popular member of Canton Lodge, No. 194, A. F. & A. M., and of Winona Consistory, No. 4, A. & A. 8. R., being a Mason of the thirty-second degree. He has devoted munch of his time to historical and geneological study, and has traveled cxten- Sively in investigating history. Being a descendant of Peregrin White, the first white child born in Plymouth colony, has made this endeavor of special interest. The subject of this sketch married Martha, the daughter of Ellef L. and Betsy (Engebretson) Tollefson, and they have three children, Clifton M., Louis A.

and Elbertus H. Socially, My. White is president of the Mabel Commereial Club. Politically, he is a Republican. Religiously, he adheres to the tents of the Unitarian faith, while his wife is a Methodist.

Charles D, Taber, a successful merchant of the village of Mabel, was born in Ilesper, lowa, November 5, 1857, son of David C. and Uarriet (Heading )Taber. He was reared in Hesper, and on the home farm in Newburg, and remained at home until twenty years of age. For a number of years he engaged in farming in seciion twenty-eight, Newburg township, and then moved into the village of Mabel and engaged in the farm implement business, which he condueted alone for nearly twenty years. In 1911 Mr. Taber formed a partnership with James Easton, an the firm is now known as Taber & Easton. The concern does a large business, and enjoys the same enviable reputation for honest and liberal dealing which Mr. Taber maintained alone for so many years. Mr. Taber has deemed it his duty to take an aetive part in publie affairs, and at various times has faithfully served in different town and village offices. He was married March 6, 1880, to Laura, the daughter of Axom and Leanna (Freer) Johnson, and this union has been blessed with two children. Grace is the wife of Clifford Finck, of Grand Forks, N. D. Fred lives at home.

Joseph R, Griswold, one of the venerable citizens of Fillmore county, now residing in the village of Mabel, was born in Middlebury, Addison county, Vermont, January 27, 1830. As an infant he lost his father, and when ten years of age he was placed under the guardianship of E. M. Rider, with whom he lived until reaching the age of eighteen years, when he started to learn the carpenter trade, at which he continued, more or less, until a few years ago. As a youth he did general carpenter work, assisted in the construetion of railroad stations a time, and for several years was partner in a sash, door and blind factory in his native town. In 1856 he came west to Hesper, Iowa, and three years later bought a farm in section thirty-five, Newburg township, where he lived practically all the time until 1908, when he and his wife moved to the village of Mabel and retired from active life. Previous to this they had lived in the village for short intervals several times. My. Griswold was prominent in the affairs of his township, served as supervisor some time, and for nine years was clerk of school] distriet six, which he assisted in promoting. He is now eighty-two years of age, hale and hearty, and highly respeeted throughout the community. Mr. Griswold was married in Maddlebury, Vi., Deeember 7, 1852, to Nancy L. Goodrich, daughter of Moses Goodrich, and this union was blessed with three children:

Isabella, now Mrs. William Mathews, of Marshalltown, Iowa; Edmund A., and Winfield M. Mrs. Naney L. Griswold died January 27, 1870. The present Mrs. Griswold was Mrs. Maria Gibbs, daughter of John and Tabitha (Hartwell) Ladd, born in Lincoln, Vt. Iler father was a shoemaker. He died in 1853, and the mother then came to Blufton, Iowa, where she died.

Ernest R. Antrim, editor and publisher of the 'Mabel Record.'' was born in Hesper township, Iowa, June 9, 1881, son of L. J. and Kate (Welch) Antrim. He obtained his early schooling in Ilesper, Iowa, and in 1899 came to Mabel with his parents. He learned his trade as a printer in Mabel, working on the 'Mabel Tribune'' under H. E. Wheaton, and the '' Mabel Sentinel'' with George W. Drowley, and on the ''Mabel Record,'' with which he has been connected since its establishment, first working as an employe, then leasing it, and finally purchasing it. T[le is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a staunch advocate of the prohibition cause, and quite devoted to the study of the honey bee and the produetion of choice honey.

Rev. William A. Rasmussen comes of a family that has done noble service to the cause of Lutherism in America. He resides at Mabel, has charge of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congregations at Mabel, Newburg and Hesper, and exerts an influence for good throughout the community. He was born in Kendall county, Dlmois, February 1, 1863, son of Rev. P. A. and Ragnhild (Holland) Rasmussen, the former of whom was a clergyman in that county for some forty-five years. The subject of this sketch attended the common schools in Illinois, the Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, the Capital University at Columbus, Ohio, and the United Lutheran Seminary at Northfield, Minn., graduating from the latter in 1890. His first charge was at Elgin, Ul., where he remained two years. Subsequeutly he served eight years at Waterford, Wis., and six years in Adams, Minn. I]e has been in Mabel about six years. Rev. Rasmussen married Inger, daughter of 8S. Peterson, and their children are as follows: Rudolph (deceased), Lovina, Ruth, Rudolph, Mattie, Esther, Elma, Agnes, Irene and William (deceased).

Rev. Gerhard Rasmussen, A. M., pastor of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Chureh, of Harmony, was born in Kendall county, Illinois, January 26, 1857, son of Rev. P. A. and Ragnhild Rasmussen. The father, the Rev. P. A. Rasmussen, was born in Stavanger, Norway, and eame to America in 1850. Ile first went to Lisbon, Kendall county, Dlinois, and there established a chureh, and condueted a large and prosperous parish for forty-three years. He died August 15, 1898, the community losing in his death one of its most beloved characters and distinguished and useful citizens. Under the care of this devout man and a pious mother, and surrounded with all the best influence of a Christian home, the boy, who is now the Rev. Gerhard Rasmussen, was reared. He attended the publie schools of Libson, and later had the advantages of the courses offered by Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, and the Capital University at Columbus, Ohio. His theological course was completed at Christiania, Norway. He was ordained in the year 1883 by Right Rev. C. H. L. Schuette, D. D., Columbus, Ohio, and took his first pastorate at Clinton, Wis., serving there seven years. Then he served at Madison, Wis., four years and at Minneapolis, Minn., nine years. Eight years ago he took charge of his present parish at Harmony. The Rev. Rasmussen married Francisea Lehman, a native of Ohio, daughter of William I. Lehman, a native of Germany. Her father came to the United States with his parents when he was but five years of age. Upon reaching manhood he became active and prominent in educational affairs, and for a number of years had the distinguished honor of being president of Capital University, at Columbus, Ohio. The Rev. and Mrs. Rasmussen have an adopted daughter, Otelia. Rev. Rasmussen has three brothers in the minstry: W. A. Rasmussen, Mabel, Minn.; H. E. Rasmussen, Lamsboro, Minn.; and JJ. J. Rasmussen, Winona, Minn.

Hans Valder, now deceased, who founded the village of Newburg, was born in Stavanger, Norway, October 18, 1813, and lived with his parents on the farm in Norway, until he was married to Bertha Gulhong, November 22, 18385. In 1837, they came to America, locating first in Michigan, and then in La Salle county, Llinois. In the latter place the wile died, June 9, 1844, leavin four children, of whom two, Edwin and [elen are living. April 10, 1845, Mr. Valder married Betsey Ager and this union was blessed with nine children of whom six are living. They are: Betsey, Jonas, Charles, Martha, Anna and Sarah. In the spring of 1853, My. Valder came with a small colony and his family, and located on the present site of Newburg village, as noted elsewhere. Betsey Ager Valder died in 1860. December 15, 1861, Mr. Valder married Ellen Olson and to this union four children were born. Of these, two, Celia and Matilda are still living. Mrs. Valder makes her home in Newburg township. Mr. Valder was the first merehant and first hotel keeper in Newburg village, and served his town in many capacities, being the one who executed the $12,000 railroad bonds voted by his township. De was also in the legislature one term. He died January 28, 1901, in his eightyeighth year, honored and beloved by all who knew him.

Jacob Larson, the pioneer, was born near Stavanger, Norway, and came to America in 1847, locating in La Salle county, Ilinois, where he was married shortly afterward to Sophia (Faa) Olson. In 1854, with several of their children, they came to Newburg township, this county, bought government land in section three, and there carried on general farming until 1881, when Mr. Larson retired from active life, and moved to Mabel, where he died March 1, 1900. His wife died August 16, 1902. It is interesting to note that the log cabin origmally built by Mr. Larson was burned on the day of his hurial, Mareh 5, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Larson were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living. They are: Mrs. Martha Arneson, of Lenora; Ole d., of Mabel; Mrs. T. N. Johnson, of Newburg township ; Lewis J., living on the old homestead; Caroline, deceased; Josephine, now Mrs. J. N. Johnson, of Mabel; Mrs. Sophia Swenson, living in Mabel; aud Charles, living m Newburg.

Albert Jones, now residing in the village of Mabel, in which village he was the first merchant, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, May 7, 1840, son of Lemuel Jones, a native of Virginia, and Mary A. Walker, his wife, a native of Maryland. The father moved to Ohio, at an early date and became a merchant. In 1856, the family, consisting at that time of father, mother, and five children, came west to Minnesota, and settled in section thirty-one, Newburg township, this county, where they lived for some years, the farm consisting of 240 acres in Newburg township and 140 in Winneshiek county, Iowa. In 1864 the parents sold this farm, and moved to Hesper, Iowa, where they carried on general farming the remainder of their days. The subjeet of this sketch remained on the home farm until 1859, and then went to Chicago, and entered the employ of Richards, Crumbaugh & Shaw, remains ing with them three years. While he was home on a visit, he and J. I. Pike received an offer from William Cook to conduct a store for him in Hesper. This offer they accepted. After 2 period of three years, Mr. Pike and Mr. Jones bought out Mr. Cook and continued in business four years. Then Mr, Jones bought out his partner's interest and continued the business alone for a while. Subsequently his brother, D.P. Jones became his partner, and they continued in business some ten years. In 1878 they came to what is now Mabel, bought the first lot ia the village and put up a store which they conducted some seven years. Subsequently Mr. Jones was out of business two or three years, and then purchased a furniture store from a Mr. Evertsen, which he conducted a year, after which he sold out and purchased the hardware stock of O. J. Larson, conducting this establishment three years. Then he consolidated with W. N. Gil- more, and this partnership continued some five or six years. Afterward Mr. Jones bought the drug business of G. C. Hellikson, and was that same year, 1898, appointed postmaster. He condueted the store and postoffice until 1906, when he retired, his son succeeding him in the store and in the postoffice. Mr. Jones was president of the first village council of Mabel, and was a member of the school board for many years. He married Celia W., the daughter of Rev. R. R. Wood, a pioneer Methodist preacher of Black River Falls, Wis., who is said to have preached the first sermon at La Crosse, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of four children. Marion is now Mrs. Frederick Collins. of Caledonia. D. W., who succeeded his father in business, married Mary Casey, of St. Paul. Grace is the wife of A. L. Tollefson. Harold married Bessie Weiss, and is in the drug business in Wisconsin.

EB. GC. Erickson, of the firm of Beacon & Erickson, general merchants of Mabel, was born in Haug, Tyristranden, Ringeriget, Norway, June 14, 1849, son of Christopher, who brought the family to America in 1861, and settled in Preble townslip, this county. J. C. was reared on the home farm, and received his schooling in the log schoolhouse in district ten. When he reached the years of manhood, he purchased a farm, but soon afterward disposed of this and acquired a place in section thirty-six, Preble township. Here he farmed for ten or twelve years. In 1889, he moved to Mabel, and purchased an interest in the firm which is now conducted under the name of Beacon and Erickson. The store enjoys a large trade, and has won an enviable reputation for good goods, honest prices and courteous treatment to customers. In addition to his interest in the store, Mr. Eriekson owns his farm in Preble township, which he rents. The subject of this sketch married for his first wife, Annie Gilbertson, by whom he had five children. Christoplier is a merchant of Mabel. Gertine A., who graduated from the Red Wing Ladies' Seminary, is at home. Mr. Erickson's first wife died March 16, 1888. The present Mrs. Erickson was Sarah Onstad, a resident of Houston eounty. The family worships at the Lutheran echureh, at Mabel.

Lewis J. Larson, a modern farmer of Newburg township, is a native born son of the town, having first seen the light of day in seetion three, November 30, 1856, son of Jacob and Sophia (Olson Faa) Larson, the pioneers. He attended school in district eleven and he grew to manhood gradually assumed the duties an managing the home farm. At the time of his father's death in 1900, the old home was burned, and a year later the subjeet of this sketch erected a fine brick residence of eleven rooms, equipped with a bath, and many modern conveniences. The barn was built in 1863. The other buildings are well in keeping with the house and barn, and the grounds around the home have the appearance of a beautiful park, surrounded with picturesque hedges. The farm is well cultivated, and well equipped with implements and machinery. It has a fine orchard of 1,000 trees, which were set by Mr. Larson and the whole place speaks of prosperity, progressiveness and industry. In young manhood Mr. Larson married Anna Anderson, who died in 1896 leaving two children, Clara and Arnold. The present Mrs. Larson was Bertha, the daughter of Soren Aanenson, a native of Preble, this county. The family are members of the Schei United Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Larson is vice-president of the State Bank of Mabel, is stockholder and director in the Mabel Elevator Co., and a stockholder in the Mabel Creamery. He is a Republican, and has served as supervisor on the town board and as a member of the school board in his district for several years.

Charles W. Cady, M. D., of Mabel, has been in active practice in this locality for some thirty-five years, and has built up a large practice. He was born in Saratoga county, New York, September 17, 1846, son of Edgar and Emma A. (Edwards) Cady, the former of whom was a Baptist clergyman, sent to Minnesota by the American Board of Missions. Charles W. obtained his early education in Owatonna, where his father, after retiring from the ministry, carried on a farm. Thus equipped with a good common school training, he entered the University of Chicago. Later he attended the Bennett Medical College, and graduated in 1877. After practicing in Blooming Prairie for a year he went to Burr Oak, and there practiced fifteen years. In 1892 he came to the village of Mabel where he is still in practice. Mrs. Cady was Mary Hiscock, a native of Michigan. By a former marriage, Dr. Cady has two children, Charles and Helen. Charles lives in Mabel. Helen is the wife of Elmer Stroud, and they have two children, Viola and Hazel. Dr. Cady is a member of the Houston-Filhnore County Medical Society and of the American and National Mutual Association.

Erasmus M. Adams, now deceased, was a native of Eric county, New York, born September 30, 1834, his father, whose name was also Erasmus, being a member of the famous Adams fainily of Massachusetts. The subject of this sketch came West in 1855 and spent some six months in visiting various points in Wisconsin and Towa, afterward returning to his home in the East. In 1865 he inarried Sarah Adams, and three years later, after selling his farm in the East, he came to Fillmore county, and spent three months in Rushford looking over the country. In January, 1869, he came to Newburg township, and purchased a farm in section six. On this was a log cabin, in which the family lived until 1881, when My. Adams erected a frame house which still stands on the place. He earried on general farming the rest of his days, became a substaniial and honored citizen, and died January 20, 1903. His wife died June 25, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Adams were the parents of four children: Ella C., at home; Ada M.; S. Ray, who died June 10, 1886, and Roy C., who is a banker in Manfred, N. D. Ada M. was married October 1, 1893, to Frank M. Tripp, son of Job and Caroline (Shaw) Tripp, born in Jackson County, Michigan, March 9, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Tripp are the parents of two sons, Fred E., born May 22, 1895, and Loren R., born October 17, 1896; both at home. Mr. Tripp oceupies the old Adams farm, which comprises 160 acres of land, all under cultivation. Mr. Tripp for eleven years, from 1882 to 1893, was in Dakota, and came to Fillmore county in the spring of 1893.

J. K. Stroud, a retired vesident of Mabel and an honored veteran of the Sioux Indian campaign of 1862. in which he served while a mere youth, was born in Lafayette, Tippecanoe eounty, Indiana, January 20, 1846, son of Montgomery and Sarah (Tharp) Stroud, natives of South Carolina.

Montgomery Stroud came to Indiana in the latter part of the thirties, and there married. After a stay of a few years there, the family came to Newburg township, this county, arriving in October, 1855, and preémpting land in section twentyseven, thirty acres of the original claim being now im the village of Mabel. Montgomery Stroud contracted a cold while going to the land office in Brownsville after preémption papers, and died in November, 1855. The sons then went to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and rented a farm, where they remained three years. Their mother married Jonah Cadwaller, and the family moved to section twenty-nine, Newburg township. There they remained a few years, and then purchased a farm in section thirty-four, where the mother died, March 28, 1904.

Ait the age of sixteen, J. K. took a trip to Indiana, and remained there three months. Upon his return he enlisted in Capt. N. P. Colburn's company of the Minnesota Rangers. and went to protect the southern Minnesota frontier. Fortyfive days later he returned, and worked for the various farmers until about twenty years of age, when he started farming on his own account. Mareh 4, 1866, he married Caroline Bacon, born at Deerfield, N. Y., Mareh 28, 1847, daughter of Leonard Baeon. She obtained her early education in Deerfield, Oneida eounty, New York, took her examination for a teacher at Lenora, Fillmore county, Minnesota, and taught in district five in Newburg township, this county, two terms. After his marriage, Mr. Stroud operated a tin shop in Hesper, Iowa, for two years, after which he returned to Newburg and farmed a year in section twenty-seven, thence going to Clay county, Iowa, and farming three years. Later he again returned to Newburg and farmed three years. Subsequently the family moved to a farm on seetions twenty-six and thirty-five, which Mr. Stroud finally purehased. This farm he developed and improved, and here he carried on general farming operations until 1909, when he moved to the village of Mabel, where he is now living a retired life. A staunch Republican in polities, Mr. Stroud was supervisor of Newburg township at one time, and has served on the school board of his district several years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. Stroud are the parents of seven children: Elmer, Luella, Leonard, TJerbert, Roy James, Arthur and Marian. Elmer married May Cady. They live in Mabel and have two children, Viola and Hazel. Luella married Alfred Miner. They live near Mabel and have one son, Fred. Leonard married Ida Jacobson, and they have four sons, Harold, Floyd, Leonard and Lowell. They live at Braham, Isanti county, Minnesota. Werbert married for his first wife, Angie Renner, who died leaving one danghter, Helen. His present wife is Amanda Longfellow, and they have one son, Dudley. They live in North Dakota. Roy lives on the home farm in Newburg township. He married Flora Vought, and they have fowr ehildren: Marjorie, Donald, Audrey and Dorothy. Arthur is a Methodist clergyman, now stationed at Ipswich, Mass. He married Mildred Andrews, and they have one son, Arthur, Jr. Marian married Walter Gilmore. They reside at Dexter, Minn., and have three children: Daryl, Eleanor and Howard. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John Jacobson Einong, ihe pioneer, son of Jacoh and Anne Einong, was born in Telemarken, Norway, December 29, 1830, and eame to America with his parents in 1842, locating in Muskego, Racine county, Wisconsin, where his father died in 1848. His mother died while crossing the ocean. John was thus thrown on his own resources. He engaged in farm work. During his sojourn in Muskego the first Norwegian Lutheran chureh in America, known as the old Muskego church, was built. In this ehureh both he and his wife were confirmed. This historic old edifice has been removed from Muskego and now stands on the grounds of the United Church Seminary, at St. Anthony Park,

Minn., between St. Paul and Minneapolis. In 1853 John Jacobson moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and in 1854 came to this county and located in section three, Canton, where he continued to live until 1894, when he and his good wife moved to the village of Harmony, where he died January 7, 1907. His widow now hives with her daughter, Mrs. Tollef Sanderson. The subject of this sketch was married, September 3, 1853, to Anne Bergan, born in Telemarken, Norway, May 10, 1834, daughter of Svenuung and Birgit Bergan, who brought her to America in 1847, locating in Muskego, Wis., where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson were the parents of seven children: Ann Sophia, born July 25, 1855, is now Mrs. Tollef Sanderson, of Harmony ; James S., born December 15, 1857, died April 7, 1911; William J., born March 4, 1860, is now a progressive farmer and dairyman of Harmony; Edmund H., born August 3, 1864, is an enterprising farmer on the old homestead in Canton township; John M., born February 17, 1867, died April 3, 1867; John M., born April 4+, 1868, died July 18, 1869; John E., born May 21, 1870, died July 2, 1870.

Bernt Jacobson, only son of John and Bertha Jacobson, was born near Newburg, February 17, 1867, and has grown up and always lived on the old homestead, where he is still to be found engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is at all times making diligent research for improvement along lines of his chosen work. At the age of seventeen Mr. Jacobson commenced teaching school, and kept at this work for about eight years, in the meantime having prepared himself as teacher by studying at Decorah, Lowa, also two years at the Wivona Normal School. Finding farming more to his liking, he quit teaching, but has always taken an active interest in school matters, having served his school district as clerk for fourteen years. My. Jacobson is a great reader and is well posted on the social, economical and political problems of our day, and has a fund of historieal knowledge such as is possessed by few. On March 4, 1896, Mr. Jacobson was married to Melia Kingstad, a daughter of Nels Kingstad, one of the pioneers of Preble township. Six children have heen born to them - three boys and three girls - as follows: Nora Sylvia, born October 2, 1896; Jesse Bryan, bom December 2, 1897; May Sophia, born December 4, 1899; Eva Francis, born July 20, 1902; Merle Palmer, born August 10, 1904, and Howard Bernt. born January 23, 1909; all of whom are living and staying at home with their parents. Mr. Jacohson has held a number of positions of honor and trust, among others those of assessor and chairman of supervisors, for six years, and has been secretary. and kept the church records of his church for the last seventeen years, for which work he is well qualified, being a rapid and expert penman - having few equals along this line. Mr. Jacobson has a fine farm, well fenced and stocked, with substantial and commodious buildings, well sheltered with evergreens and other Planted trees, giving the place a beautiful and home-like appearance.

John Jacobson, now deceased, an honored veteran of the Civil War and of the Indian campaign, was born near Stavanger, Norway, April 5, 1833, and came to America when a youth of about nineteen years, locating in La Salle county, Lllinois, where he remained five or six years. About this time a large number of settlers, being dissatisfied with conditions in Illinois, emigrated to Fillmore county, where they found conditions more to their liking, the subject of this sketch being among the number. After working around as farm laborer for some years, he enlisted, in 1862, in the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until discharged, at the close of the war, at Fort Snelling in August, 1865. In 1863, when the Indians were raiding the white settlements in the state he was ordered out to the vicinity of Munkato and New Ulm to help in putting an end to the Indian insurrection, which was accomplished by the execution of the Sioux Indian murderers at Mankato. In 1866 Mr. Jacobson located on a farm in section four, Newburg township, about one mile north of the village of Newburg, and lived here until June, 1894, when he moved to Mabel, where he resided until his death, December 30, 1910, aged about 78 years. His wife was Bertha S. Peterson, and to them were born seven children - one boy and six girls - all of whoin are hving.

John T. Ask, banker, business man and farmer, was born in Preston township on December 28, 1857, son of Thomas and Carrie (Holt) Ask, natives of Norway. John T.. subject of this biography, acquired a good conmon sehool education and remained on the home farm, assisting his father until he reached the age of twenty-seven years. Thus equipped with valuable experience and practical knowledge, Mr. Ask started farming on his own responsibility. He bought 225 acres in Newburg township and moved to that farm on November 4, 1887. Here he had since put into practice his ideas of modern farming, and that his efforts have met with suecess is evidenced by the general air of prosperity abont his farm, with its fine dwelling and good outbuildings, broad, weil cultivated fields, modern machinery, and everything necessary for the carrying on of up-to-date, scientific farming. One hundred and twenty acres of Mr. Ask's farm, on which stands his home, is located on section thirty-one. New- bw'g township, while the remaining 105 aeres are across the state line in Hesper township, Winneshiek county, Iowa. A greater portion of this land was broken and improved by Mr. Ask, whose untirmg energy and industry have made him more and more prosperous each succeeding year. Adding to his possessions from time to time, he now owns 465 acres in this county and a farm of considerable dimensions located near Hettinger, N. D. Aside from his farming interest, Mr. Ask is interested in various banks, being president of the State Line Bank at Prosper and one of its organizers, as well as president of the Bank of Hettinger, N. D. He is also a stockholder and treasurer of the Prosper Lumber Yards, stockholder in the Mabel Creamery and in the Farmers' Elevator Company at Mabel. We has long been a staunch member of the Republican party and has served as member of the school board, is its present treasurer, and has held these offices for many years. On February 19, 1886, he was united in marriage with Isabelle Goldberg, daugher of Austin Goldberg. Mrs. Isabelle (Goldberg) Ask was born August 5, 1853, in Alamakee county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Ask have been born five children, who are a eredit and eomfort to their parents. Henry is a banker and business man at Hettinger, N. D.; Calma, Arnold and Leonard are at home, and Effie is a stenographer, occupying a position at Hettinger, N. D. The family attend the Norwegian Lutheran chureh, being highly esteemed members of that bedy.

George Rank, a prosperous and highly esteemed citizen of Newburg township, was born on section cleven, where he still resides, October 9, 1860, son of John and Christina (Krause) Rank, early settlers in the township. Mr. Rank was well fortihed for meeting and overeoming difficulties in life with a good common schoo} education, supplemented with valuable experience acquired while working on the home farm with his father. Ha new owns his father's original place of 160 acres, which are well cultivated, and his farm is equipped with modern machinery. The fine dwelling in which he and his family live is comfortable and the many trees, shrubs and flowers which ornament the grounds give his place the appearance of a fine country estate. Together with general farming industries, Mr. Rank also engages in stock raising. He is affiliated with the Republican party and has ever taken an active interest in all movements which have tended toward improving conditions in both his township and county. On April 4, 1881, Geneva Luttman became his wife, and to them were born three children, of whom Elizabeth Geneva is the only one living. She has been given all the advantages of a thorough schooling, attending the district school near home in childhood, later entering high school in Mabel, and completing her studies with a two years' course in the Ladies' Lutheran Seminary, at Red Wing. Herbert A. died when but six years of age, having contracted diphtheria in La Crosse. Christina Virginia died in infancy. Mr. Rank and his family are members of the Methodist church. Mrs. Geneva (Luttman) Rank was born September 9, 1861, at Neenah, Wis., daughter of Charles G. and Jane E. (Seott) Luttman. With her parents she came to Houston county and located at Riceford in 1875, where her father bought and operated a mill, in which, two weeks after his becoming its owner, he was caught by the machinery and lost his right arm. Recovering to a certain extent from this injury, he continued in the milling business until 1882, during which year he returned to Wisconsin and was employed in an elevator at Rosendale. Later returning to his old home at Neenah, he secured employment in the Pattern Paper Mills, in which concern he became bookkeeper, and retained that position until his death, which oceurred during the fall of 1897. His widow survives him in Neenah.

John Rank, an early settler of Newburg township, now living in La Crosse, Wis., was born in Germany nearly ninety years ago and came to America in the early fifties, locating in Onalaska, Wis., where he lived until about 1856, when he eame to Newburg township and purchased a place in seelion eleven, on which he erected a frame house. Then he bought the Hinkley farm in section twelve, where he lived until he purchased a farm in Houston, Houston county, Minnesota, where he made his home until moving to La Crosse, where he now lives in retirement. At one time, while living in Ilouston county, Mr. Rank conducted a general store in Riceford. At the same time he owned over 1,100 aeres of fine farm land. His wife, Christina Krause Rank, is cighty-six years old. To them were born eight children: John, Jr., Peter H., William, George, Minnie, Edward, Charles and Emma.

John P. Dahl, a merchant of Mabel, was born in Trondhjem, Norway, May 15, 1844, and with his wife came to America in 1870. After living a few months in Chicago, they caine to Riceford, Houston county, this state, and here Mr. Dahl engaged in the shoe-making business. In 1881 he came with his family to Mabel, where he continued in the same business, adding in time a stock of ready-made shoes, and still later a stock of harness and other similar goods. This business has steadily increased. The son, Ole P., is a partner, Mr. Dahl's health not having been of the best for the past few years. The store has a modern stock of footwear and horse furnishings, and is well equipped for repairing. Mr. and Mrs. John P. Dahl were the parents of five children: Anna G., died in Chicago as an infant; another Anna G., wife of Fred Bacon, died at Mabel; Pittrena, is now Mrs. 8. A. Hammerstrom, of Moline, [1.; Josephine, is now Mrs. Ole Burreson, of Mabel; Ole P., of Mabel, is his father's partner. Peter Erlandson, father of John P. Dahl, was born in Gaarden, Shelle, Dovre, Prestejeld, Gulbrandsdalen, near Trondhjem. The mother was Joren Olson, born at Lesha, Prestejeld, Gulbrandsdalen, Norway. They emigrated to Langston, Nedrestardalen, Trondhjem, Norge.

Ole P. Dahl, a partner of his father, John P. Dahl, in the shoe and harness business in Mabel, was born in Riceford, Minn., June 13, 1875, and attended the ''Red'' schoolhouse in Newburg township. After completing his studies there, he entered his father's store. In the winter of 1894-95 he took a eourse at the business college at LaCrosse, Wis., being later received as a partner. He is a substantial young man, of good business ability and of progressive spirit. Myr. Dahl married Sena Anderson, of Preston, daughter of Chris Anderson, and this wnion has been blessed with three children: Clarissa F., James Clifford and Helen. Mr. Dahl is a Republican and served as alderman for two years. The family faith is that of the United Lutheran chureh of Mabel.

Jonas Valder is the son of Hans Valder and Betsy Ager Valder, his wife. He was reared in the village of Newburg, attended the district schools, and later took courses at the Minnesota State Normal School in Winona. After this he taught school in Minnesota and Nebraska for six years. His more recent years have been spent in mereantile work and in hookkeeping.

Matthew Gagen, and his brother James, came to America at an early age from Ireland, and located in Ohio, where Matthew worked in the coal mines several years. Then he came to Mineral Point, Wis., and remained there a time, finally exchanging his land for what is now the Gagen farm in section eleven, Newburg township, this county. Mr. Gagen, aud his wife, who was Mary O'Brien, lived in Newburg a number of years and labored and prospered. He died in Newburg township, in September 15, 1900. and she is still living at Caledonia at the age of seventy-three years. They were the parents of seventeen children, of whom twelve are living. They are: Daniel, of Frost, Minn.; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Stabrook; James; Thomas, living in Devil's Lake, N. D.; Bernard, twin brother of Thomas, living at Minot, N. D.;

John; Edward; Mary, wife of Fred Leak; Matthew; Kate, wife of Frank Rice, of South Dakota; Agnes, wife of Albert Allen; and Agustive, of Montana.

John Gagen, a successful farmer of Newburg township, was born on section eleven, where he still resides, August 10, 1867, son of Matthew and Mary (O'Brien) Gagen, and has always devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, now devoting his time to general farming and the raising of thoroughbred stock. He has a fine place of 240 acres, all under cultivation, and is one of the hard working, industrious and substaniial men of the ecommunity. Ile married Bridget Kelley, January 15, 1901, a native of Towa, and to this union were born three children, Mary C. C., Annistasia and Francis M.. died January 14, 1906. Mrs. Gagen died January 26, 1905. Mr. Gagen is an independent voter and has been a director of the school board for many years. He is a stockholder in the Mabel Creamery and the elevator at Mabel. The family faith is that of the Catholic chureh.

Dr, D. A, Haines, a successful dentist, who has been an active factor in the life and progress of the village of Mabel for the past fifteen years, was born in Hesper, Iowa, October 6, 1866, son of Bennett and Mary (Street) Haines, the former of whom came from Ohio in 1849 or 1850, and took land near Hesper, Iowa, where they remained until 1900, when they removed to Hesper, N. D., where they now live. The subject of this sketch attended the Hesper school and lived the life of the average farm boy of his day and generation. He prepared for college at Breckenridge Institute, at Decorah, Iowa, and then taught school three years at Spring Grove, Minn. Although he has not made a lifework of teaching, the excellence of his tuition is stil] remembered by the younger generation in that place. After this period of teaching he entered the deservedly renowned dental department of the University of Iowa, and during his senior year was tendered and accepted the position ol! assistant demonstrator in that department. Since that time he has kept well abreast of the modern trend of his profession by reading, observation and private study. After graduation he opened an office in Muskegon, Mich., and remained there until 1896. In that year he came to Mabel, where he has 2 well-equipped office, and where he enjoys the confidence and respect of the people both as a man and as a practitioner. Fraternally Dr. Haines has allied himself with Hesper Camp, No, 4561 M. W. A., at Hesper, Iowa, Mabel Lodge 1. 0. O. F., No. 231 and Minnesota State Dental Society. In business he was president of the Mabel Telephone Company for several years, and is a stockholder in the Mabel Grain & Stoek Com- pany. As a public citizen he is president of the Mabel Opera House Company, and secretary of the Mabel Commercial Club. As a man of affairs he served on the village council a number of years, was mayor five years, and was president of the board of education five years. Dr. Haines was married September 30, 1891, to Nettie Newcomer, a native of Minnesota, and they have two children, Zola N. and Howard N., both students of the Mahel high sehool.

Charles W. Eastman, merchant at Newburg village, was born in La Salle county, Illinois, May 7, 1848, son of Austin and Ann Hanson (Hova) Eastman.

The father, Austin, was born in Norway and came to America in 1839 as a boy and lived abont thirteen years in Illinois. Then in 1852 he located near Ilesper, in Winneshiek county, Iowa, and lived there two vears. Jn 1854 he eame to Canton township, this county, and took land in section fourteen, where he built a log house. Later he purchased land im sections eleven and fourteen. Austin Eastman died October 22, 1856, at the age of thirty-nine years. The family continued to live on the farm until 1878 when the mother and son, Joseph A., went to Lake county, S. D., and in 1901 moved to Big Lake, Minn., where the mother died January 26, 1909 at the age of ninety-four years.

Charles W. attended the Fillmore county schools and at one time was the pupil of Wilham Willford. As a young man he elerked for Gabriel Gabrielson and D. J. Shuburn, and later for K. K. Lerol. In 1901 he purchased the store where he had previously been employed, and became sole owner and proprietor until March 14, 1907 when he formed a partnership with F. A. Johnson, his son-in-law. They now conduct the business which dates back to 1854, and in the village which is one of the historie points of the county. My. Hastman married Edna, the daughter of James and Susan (Willford) Graham, and they have three children: James A., living in Mabel; Anna A., wife of T. A. Johnson; and George H., at home. Mr. Hastman and his wife are members of the Methodist Episeopal church at Lenora. Mr. Eastman is one of the stockholders in the State Bank of Mahel.

James M. Graham was born in Kentucky, Deeember 19, 1816, son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Graham. James M. Graham and his wife, Susan Willford, who was a sister of Charles B. Willford (the pioneer) came to Fillmore county in 1854 and located in Canton township, where Mr. Graham purchased government land. For the first two weeks, while building a log cabin they lived in the Lenora schoolhouse. They later built the second log house and still later a frame dwelling. In the early day Mr. Graham served one year in the legislature and held several of the town offices of minor importance. He added to his original purchase, until at the time of his death he had 320 aeres. He died March 31, 1866. Mrs. Graham died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hastman at Newburg village, April 8, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Graham were the parents of eight children. Catherine and Campbell W., (deceased) ; George W., of Woonsocket, S. D.; Margaret Ann, now Mrs. W. R. Ilaskin, of Wells, Minn.; John W., of Wells; Elmer Y., of Rock county, Minnesota; Edna, now Mrs. Charles Eastman, of Newburg; and Granville of Wells, Minn.

Alanson Loomis, one of the first settlers of Fillmore county, is believed to have been born in Lansing, Thompkins county, New York. He spent his youth in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and after his marriage went to Cattaraugus county, New York, where he farmed for a time. About 1847 he went to Iinois, and rented a farm near Rockford. Then he brought his family to Frankville, Winneshiek county, Iowa, and took government land. In the early part of 1853 he came to Newburg township, and here lived a number of years. Later he moved to Burr Oak, Iowa, where he and his wife ended their days. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Betsey Bush, reared a goodly family and gave three stalwart sons to the Union ¢eause. Richard was killed at Lawrence raid. Henry was killed at Arlanta. Frank died of illness contracted in the army.

Silas C. Brace, Mabel, manager of the Mabel Lumber Yards, since 1882, and resident of that village since 1880, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, August 25, 1851, son of Mark and Rosalinda (Lamb) Brace.

Mark Brace was born in New York state and came west in 1851, locating in Burr Oak, Iowa. One year later he sent for his wife and son Silas. He earried on farming for a time after whieh the family returned to New York state where he died in December, 1859. In 1865 the widow married William Loomis, and lived in Newburg until her death in 1874.

Silas C. received his earliest education in Burr Oak, making notable progress under the tuition of E. W. Southwick, afterward a prominent merchant of Wells, Minn, He went back to New York with his family and returned west with her in 1865, and until 1872 attended school winters and worked summers. That year, he started teaching in the Trexler district, in Canton. He later taught in districts six and 150 in Newburg township, completing his period of teaching in 1882. In the meantime, July 6, 1873, he married Ella M. Dibble, and moved to Martin county, this state for a while, returning soon however, and resumed his teaching. In 1882, he assumed the duties of his present position. Mr. Brace has been a member of Preston Lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M. for a number of years, and is also affiliated with other societies and organizations. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Brace has been blessed with two sons, George W. and Clayton E. George W. married Bertha Harkness, and they live in Cass county, this state. Clayton E. is county attorney of Divide county, North Dakota. He married Minnie Redo and they have two children, Ella M. and Clayton. Mrs. Silas C. Brace was the daughter of George W. and Maria (Welch) Dibble, natives of New York state.

William Loomis, the oldest resident of the township of Newburg, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, April 18, 1824. son of Alanson and Betsey (Bush) Loomis, and grandson of Richard Loomis, the latter of whom came from Canada to the United States, and founded the American branch of the family. William came to Newburg in the fall of 1853 and preémpted 160 acres in what is now section twenty-six, a part of his preémption now embracing the village of Mabel. Upon his arrival here, he boarded with John Monroe and Milton Sherburn for several years. After this he erected a log house in which he lived for several years. About 1870 he erected a frame house in which he still resides. He is a remarkable man for his years, and has many interesting stories to relate of those far distant years, when he was among those who paved the way for tlle modern development of the county. He has always been a public spirited man, and when the railroad came through, donated a right-of-way forty feet wide across the end of his farm. In 1857 Mr. Loomis married Catherine Monroe. In 1865 he married Mrs. Rosalinda Braee, who died in November, 1874. His present wife was Mrs. Catherine Maria MeCreery, nee Nelson, who came to Racine county, Wisconsin, from New Jersey, where she was born February 28, 1837. Mrs. Loomis relates that in 1854 she taught school in Canton township, in the vicinity of what is now the village of Prosper. This school was known as the Nichols school from the faet that Albert Nichols promoted it and paid the salary of the teacher. The sessions were held in a store kept by a man whose name was Koontz.

G. W. Brace, a grandson of William Loomis, lives in Backus, Cass county, Minnesota. He was born in Martin county, Minnesota, was brought to Fillmore county by his parents at the age of six weeks, grew to manhood, and followed farming in and around Newburg township until 1911, when he moved to his present home. He married Bertha Iarkness, daughter of Edwin Harkness.

By her former marriage to Isaac D. Manning, Mrs. William Loomis has a son, Charles A., who lives at Mantorville, Minn. He married for his first wife, Ella Seeman who left one danghter, Gladys, now living with her grandparents in Mabel. For his second wife, Charles Manning married Carrie Brode, and they have one daughter, Mabel.

Edmund Bell, now deceased, one of the founders of Bellville, in Newburg township, and a prominent territorial pioneer, was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, June 5, 1821.

John Bell, his father, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in early life went to Belfast Ireland, and eame to America at the age of twenty-one years, being soon afterward married to Betsey Pahner, in New Jersey. They moved to Pennsylvania, and there ended their days in the early fifties.

Edmund Dell left home at the age of fourteen, and was employed for some seven years on the canal between Pittsburg and Philadelphia. Later he worked in an iron foundry, and was finally engaged in huying horses and mules in Ohio, and shipping them to his native stute. He was inarried July 27, 1848, to Mary Allen, and in 1853 they came west locating in section twenty-six, Newburg township, this county. Here Edmund established a store, which was the beginning of Bellville. A postoifice was established with Edmund Bell as postmaster, being on the stage route from Brownsville to Elliota. Mr. Bell was also a prominent figure in having the territorial legislature establish a territorial road from Brownsville through Bellville, westward to Albert Lea. Edmund Bell led a useful life, held a number of offices, assisted in the upbuilding of the town and county, and lived to see his hopes realized. He died July 13, 1904, at a venerable old age, and his memory will ever be cherished in the community in which he worked. His wife is living with her son, James, and has reached the good old age of eighty-three veuars. In the Bell family were nine children, of whom seven are living: Johu, Frances, Charles, Walter, James, Harvey and Edmund. Franees married James Bemis and they live in Arkansas. James lives in Oklahoma. Walter is in Moutana. Harvey is in California and Edmund is in Idaho.

Lars C. Tarvestad, a pioneer, was born in Norway, December 29, 1830, and came to America in 1850, locating in Illinois, where he was married in 1851 to Malinda Johnson. After living in Jilinois a year after their marriage, they came to Iowa, and after about a year there to Minnesota, settling in Fillmore eounty. In 1866, Mr. Tarvestad purchased 240 acres of land in seetion twentyfour, Canton township, where he carried on general farming, mak- ing a specialty of raising fine stock. In 1897, Mr. and Mrs. Tarvestad moved to Mabel, where Mrs. Tarvestad died, April 30, 1899. Mr. Tarvestad made two trips to Norway in search of fiealth, and on his second trip died in Hougersund, that country, September 1, 1901.

They were the parents of nine children: Helen, wife of Ole Tollefson, of Mabel; Christ, of Henderson, Minn.; Jolin, of Album, Jowa; Christina, now Mrs. Jolinson, of Stoughton, Wis.; Jacob, of Grinnell, Iowa; Annie, now Mrs. George Hillikson, of Mabel; Belle, now Mrs. Perry, of Decorah, Iowa; Lewis, who was murdered in a hotel at Minot, 8. D.; and one who died in infancy.

George Hellikson, now deceased, was one of the well known men of Mabe] for many years. He was born in Canton township, December 14, 1862, son of Christopher and [etsy (Tollefson) Hellikson, and was reared on the home farm. As a youth he supplemented his district school trainmg with courses in the Breeckenridge Institute, at Decorah, Iowa, and on the completion of his studies, came to Mahel and entered the employ of Thomas MeMichael in the elevator business. Several years later he purchased a drug business from Dr. Edward Thompson, and confinued to operate this store for four vears, then sold to Albert Jones on account of ill health, and from that time until his death July 26, 1904, was engaged in selling local and Dakota real estate. From December, 1892, until the close of 1898 he served the village of Mabel as postmaster. By his union with Anne, the daughter ot Lars C, Tarvestad, he had three children: Violet B., January 26, 1888; Llazel L., June 1, 1901; and George C., December 30, 1904, all living at home. Ile is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and votes with the Republican party.

George T. Hegland, a retired farmer and estimable citizen of Mabel, was born near Stavanger, Norway, December 23, 1839, and at the age of twenty years in 1859, eame to America with his parents, settling with them in Canton township, this county. He assisted his pareats with the farm work until his marriage March 16, 1862 with Merandy Tollefson, daughter of Lars and Mary Tollefson, natives of Norway. After his marriage, he worked his father's farm on shares for four vears, and then pur chased a farm of 120 aeves in section sixteen, Newburg township, where he successfully carried on farming operations until 1910, when he and his good wife moved to the village of Mabel. Mrs. Hegland, who is a woman of devout character, was born in Norway, January 6, 1842, came to America with her parents when three years of age in 1845, lived with them in Rock eounty, Wisconsin, near Beloit, and in 1853 came wiih them to seetion eighteen, Newburg township, where she was reared. It was on this farm also that her brother Lars was born, his being one of the earliest births in the county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hegland has been blessed with five children: Belinda (deceased), Melia, Louise (deceased), Telley Josephine and Alvin. Belinda was born February 15, 1863 and died January 15, 1905. Melia was born February 16, 1868, and lives at home. Louisa was born September 17, 1872 and died September 10, 1873. Telley Josephine was born September 5, 1874, and married Ernest Trimbel. They have three boys, Jerome, Emerson and Vincent. Alvin was born June 10, 1880, and lives at home. He married Jettie May Eddy, and they have had one son, Jiles Lowell, born June 25, 1909, and died May 14, 1910. Mr. Hegland's father was born June 8, 1808, and died February 8, 1889, the mother having preceded him to the grave. Mrs. Hegland's father died in his sixty-sixth year. Her mother was born in 1807 and died May 7, 1891.

Knudt Wold, now deceased, was born in Norway, December 21, 1830, and came to America at the age of nineteen years in 1849. He found employment in various places, and was finally able to purchase a farm in Spring Grove, Minn. For this farm he paid #500, receiving a place with but few acres broken, and upon which there was standing a log eabin. Gradually he improved this place, erected suitable buildings, and carried on general farming until his death, Jannary 1, 1907, at the age of seventy-seven years and one month. He married for his first wife Christie T. Week and this union resulted in five children. Of these three are living. They are: Ole K., a merchant of Mabel; Mary, wife of Christ Espelund, of Miltonville, Iowa; and Theodore, living in North Dakota. Matilda and Caroline are dead. In 1871, Knudt Wold married Bridget Burtness, and this union resulted in eleven children: Christina, now deceased, wife of Heury Tolleferud; Henry, who is on the old home farm in Houston county; Peter, of Houston county; Carl, of Etba Lake, Grant county, Minnesota; Elgimus, of Canada; Rudolph, of Canada; Oscar, of Elba Lake, Grant county, Wisconsin; Beatah, a milliner in Postville, Iowa; Adolph, who conducts a restaurant at Mabel, Minn. ; Rosella, at home; and Leonard who conducts a garage at Mabel.

Bridget Burtness, now Mrs. Knudt Wold, was born in Halingdahl, Norway, August 14, 1851, daughter of Henry and Leva 3urtness, who came to America in 1861, bringing her with them. The parents settled first in Rock county, Wisconsin, where several sons were living, and later moved to Spring Grove, Minn., where another son was living. The father died at the home of a son in Wilmington, Houston county, in 1871. The daughter, Bridget, obtained her early education in Wisconsin, and was confirmed in Spring Grove. Since the death of Mr. Wold, Mrs. Wold has lived in Mabel, where she is surrounded by the love and eare of her children.

Charles Bell, a prosperous farmer of Newburg township, was born in Belleville on Febrnary 16, 1858, son of Edmund and Mary (Allen) Bell, the pioneers. He obtained a good common school education, and has always devoted his life to farming, with the exeeption of three years which were spent at Washington, Montana, Idaho and Oregon, after which he returned to Newburg, where he operates and owns the home farm, which consists of 360 aeres, practically all under cultivation, and here carries on general farming operations. His home is directly across the street from the old homestead. Myr. Bell was married December 11, 1894, to Emma, the daughter of Bradley Randall, who in an early day settled in section twelve, Newburg township. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have one daughter, Geneva.

Gabriel Gabrielson, an early merchant of Newburg, now deceased, was born in Norway, September 15, 1825, and lived with his parents until he was fifteen years of age, at which time he went to the city of Stavanger, and became clerk in the mercantile business. In 1854 he came to America and seitled in La Salle county, Illinois, where he clerked in a store for a year. In 1855 he came to Newburg township and opened a small store here. He was appointed postmaster, and soon became a prominent man, serving as one of the first officers of the town and heing made, in time, a member of the board of county commissioners. He died March 15, 1902. Angust 16, 1857, he married Isabell, born in La Salle county, Dlinois, October 21, 1839, daughter of Austin and Anna Hanson (Hova) Eastman.

Ole L. Gabrielson, a successful farmer of Newburg township. was born in section fifteen, this township, April 11, 1879, son of Lars and Inger (Normark) Gabrielson.

Lars Gabrielson was born in Suldahl, Nerway, and came to America with his wife in 1862, locating in Newburg township. He worked several years for his brother, Gabriel, and then bought a farm in section fifteen, where he carried on agricultural operations. He first lived in a house of logs, which in 1884 was replaced with a frame dwelling. He prospered with the years, developed his land, erceted the necessary barns, and lived a useful life. He died Mareh 28, 1900, and his wife followed him to the grave June 30, 1902.

Ole L. was reared on the home farm, and after obtaining his early education in district 135, attended the Valders Business College at Decorah, Iowa. The home farm, on whieh he still lives, consists of eighty acres, all in a high degree of cultivation, with excellent buildings and good equipment. He married Emma R., the daughter of Robert and Betsey (Halverson) Rasmus, and they have two children, Beth and Lela R. Mr. Gabrielson is now serving his seventh term as town treasurer.

Bjoren C. Spande, now deceased, had an important part in the upbuilding of Newburg village and township in an early day. He was born on the island of Fino, near Stavanger, Norway, December 13, 1827, and came to America in 1856, reaching Preble township, this county, by way of Quebec, Chicago, and Lansing, Jowa. For a time he worked as a carpenter while living at the home of Nels Kingstadt, and in time became the most prominent builder in this vicinity, He erected the Gabriel Gabrielson store, which was the first in Newburg village, and also the Hans Valder Building, which «fterward became the first hotel in Newburg village. In an early day, while still working as a carpenter, he moved to Newburg township, and secured land in sections four and five, erecting his log cabin on section four. Later he built a somewhat larger cabin, which did service until 1871, when a frame house was erected. This was burned in 1887 and was replaced the same year. Mr. Spande built still another house in 1893, and there died April 2, 1901. His wife was born December 8, 1932, and passed away January 23, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Spande were the parents of ten children: Elizabeth, Christian, Nels B., Inger, Severn, Albert, Josie; Lina, Inger and Jacob, deceased. Elizabeth married 3. J. Watland, and they live in Jackson, Minn. Christian and Nels B. live in Newburg township. Inger lives in Texas. Severn lives in Crosby, N. D. Albert lives in Preble. Josie is the wife of Orlando Henderson, and they live in Crosby, N. D.

Nels B. Spande, a well known farmer of Newburg township, was born in the town where be still resides, October 6, 1864, son of Burn C. Spande. He received a good district school cducation, and with the exception of three and a half years which he spent in North Dakota has devoted his life to farming on the home place. The estate consists of 227 acres of good land, all of which, with the exception of eighty acres, is under eultivation. Mr. Spande is interested in publie affairs, has served as town supervisor and is now school treasurer. He and his family attend the United Lutheran church. The subject of this sketch married for his first wife Elizabeth Furland, who died in 1891, leaving two children, Buren and Albert. Later he married Gertie: Jacobson, dunghter of John Jacobson, and this union has been blessed with four children: Victor, Burton, George, who died March 4, 1912, and Mildred. My. Spande makes a specialty of swine raising for the market. He is one of the trustees of the 'Shei'? United Lutheran church of Newburg, and votes the Republican ticket.

Walcot N. Gilmore, a pioneer, was born in Ohio, April 18, 1830. When he was ten years of age he came with his parents to Racine, Wis., where he resided until he was twenty-two years old, at which time he started on foot for Lansing, Iowa, with a capital of $100 in his pocket. Reaching that town he engaged in eutting cordwood. In 1855 he came to Spring Grove, and purchased land near that place in Houston county. In 1859 he sold his tract and settled in Newburg township, where he lived until going to California. He also lived a number of vears in Mabel. Mr. Gilmore married three times. In 1858 he married Mahala Rowe, who bore him three children: Addison H., Vernon H., and Mary, all of Fair Oaks, Cal., the two former being fruit farmers. Mrs. Mahala Rowe Gilmore died March 22, 1871. Mr. Gilmore afterward married Lucey Van Dorn, who bore him four children: Norman W.; Osear, of South Dakota; Anson, of California, and Charles, of Hillsdale, Wyo. Norman W-. married Mollie Michaelson, and they have two children: Esther and Garland. Osear lives in South Dakota. He married Julia Michaelson, and they have two children: Lillie and Cyrus. Charles lives in Wyoming. He married Mae Nash, and has one child. Anson lives in Los Angeles. Mrs. Luey Van Dorn Gilmore died a number of years ago. For his third wife, Mr. Gilmore married Mrs. Clarice Eddy Biglow. Mr. Gilmore died January 17, 1908. THe was one of the early settlers and was prominently identified with the business affairs of the community. In 1873 he served in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature.

Norman W, Gilmore, an industrious citizen of Newburg township, was born in Houston county, near the Newburg line, September 29, 1873, son of Walcot N. and Laey (Van Dorn) Gilmore. He was reared on the home farm, and has always devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. Being a substantial man in the community, he is serving as clerk of the school board in his district, and has taken his part in various public movements. After attending the schools of his neighhorhood, he entered the Northern Indiana Normal Sehool, at Valparaiso, Ind., and the education thus received has been supplemented with extensive reading and keen observation. Mr. Gilmore married Mollie, the daughter of Andrew and Caroline Michaelson, and they have two children: Esther and Garland. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore have traveled extensively from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and spent the winter of 1907 in Sacramento, Cal. Mr. Gilmore owns farm land in Corning, Cal., and is financially interested in the Motor Cycle Company, of Minneapolis.

Gabriel, his father, came to America, bringing his family, in 1873. After two or three years in Decorah, Iowa, they nioved to Hesper in the same state, where they lived three years. They then went to Lyon eounty, Iowa, and there Gabriel died in 1890, his wife being still a resident of that county.

F. G. Stensland, who furnishes the information for this sketeh, received his early schooling in the publie schools, and after attaining the years of manhood worked for farmers about Harmony, in this county. In 1882 he went to North Dakota, and engaged in farming for five years. Then he came back to Minnesota, and started farming on his father-in-law's place on section thirty-four, where he and his family still reside. Mr. Stensland married Ingeberg, daughter ot Haldor Nelson, and their children are Elenry, Ella, Inga, Leonard, Edgar, Emma, Hilda, Nora, Morris and Selmer. Inga is a schoo] teacher. The subject of this sketeh is one of the hustling and progressive farmers of Newburg. Ilis farm of 238 acres is all under cultivation. Iis present dwelling he built in 1891, and his other buildings are large and commodious. His specialty is that of breeding shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. Mr. Stensland is a member of the United Norwegian Lutheran chureh at Mabel and superintendent of the Sunday-sehool. He is a member of the Mabel board of education, and has done good service as supervisor of Newburg township. He is also a director in the State Bank of Mabel and a stockholder in the Mabel Elevator Company.

Butler Olson, an old resident of the township of Newburg, was born in Sogn, Norway, May 23, 1831, and canie to America about 1859, locating near Stoughton, Wis., where he worked at his trade as a shoemaker. A year later he moved to Madison, Wis., and in 1866 came to Newburg village, where for three years he conducted a ecobbling shop on the present location of Charles W. Eastman's store. Then he went to farming on section twenty. He moved the house on the place, built a new home, and made many iutprovements. After eight years he moved to seeiion sixteen. The small honse then on the place was replaced in 1906 with a modern building, and here the family still resides, suitable outbuildings having heen. erected for stock and crops, and the necessary farm implements and machinery having been acquired from time to time. Mr. Olson married Martha Gulbrandson, and they have five children: Ole (deceased); Ida, wife of Rasmus Houge, of Virginia; Gilbert, at home; John (deceased); and John, of Preble. Mr. Olson is eighty-one years old. The wife and mother died August 1, 1895.

Gilbert Butler, a successful farmer of Newburg township, was born in Madison, Wis., August 24, 1864, son of Butler Olson and Matha Gulbrandson, his wife. He received his education in the sehools of his neighborhood and has always devoted his life to farming. He now operates and owns the home place, which consist of 200 acres, of which fifty-five aeres is timber land. He has been very successful in his operations and is regarded as one of the substantial men of the community. He makes a specialty of breeding full-blooded shorthorn cattle, has been a member of the school board several years, and is a stockholder in the State Bank of Mabel. He is now clerk of the Trinity Norwegian Synod church, and previously served several years as trustee. Mr. Butler was married September 24, 1891, to Petrine Ness, born in Amherst township, September 24, 1872, daughter of Knute Ness, who is still living on the old homestead in Amherst township, and his wife, Gertrude Ramsey Ness, who died Mareh 27, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have three children: Mabel, Clara (deceased) and Frances.

D. C, Wiles, a prosperous farmer of Newburg township, whose place is located near the village of Mabel in section twenty-seven, Newburg township, was born in North Elba, Essex county, New York, April 4, 1852, son of Truman and Abby (Dyer) Wiles, who in 1866 brought their family to Hesper, Winneshiek county, Towa, where the father was a carpenter and farmer, and where the parents lived nearly all their lives, the father dying in Mabel, at the home of his son, December 28, 1902, and the mother June 17, 1904. D. the subject of this sketch, obtained his schooling in North Elba, N. Y., and in Hesper, Iowa. After he grew to manhood he rented a farm near Hesper, Iowa, and there followed general farming. In 1883 he and his wife went to what was then Dakota territory, and secured a homestead in the northeast quarter of section thirty-four, township 116, range fifty-nine, now Logan township, Clark county. Later they sold this tract. In 1888 Mr. Wiles purchased a farm in seetion twenty-seven, Newburg township, the plaéé he purchased being that of George Miles, an early settler. Sinee buying this place he has greatly improved the land and has remodeled the buildings. Here Mr. Wiles still resides, having forty acres of good land near the village. He has taken an interest in public affairs, has served as chairman of the town board of Newburg four years, town clerk of Newburg township ten years, and town clerk of Hesper township, Winneshiek county, Iowa, six years. He has also occupied other positions of public trust and private honor. He is a Republican in polities and belongs to the Friends church. Mr. Wiles married Emma E. Nelson, born at Thorntown, Ind., August 23, 1854, daughter of Isaac and Vienna (Pike) Nelson, who came from Indiana in 1858 and located near Hesper, Iowa. Mr. aud Mrs, Wiles have one son, Stacy D., born at Hesper, Iowa, July 21, 1880, and now living at home.

Joseph G. Miner, now deceased, was born in Vermont, in March, 1835, and moved te Rock county, Wis¢onsin, with his parents, at the age of sixteen years. In the early fifties, at about the age of eighteen, he came to Minnesota, and acquired land in Newburg township, this county. March 9, 1859, he married Sarah T. Harkness, and together they lived on his farm until 1872, when they sold out and moved to Martin county. Three years later they located in Winneshiek county, Iowa. Then they again came to Newburg township, and lived near Mabel until the spring of 1881, when he moved to the present Miner farm in section twenty-four, and here spent the remainder of his days, passing away in 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Miner were the parents of four children: James H., Frederiek G. (deceased), Alfred A., and Delia (deceased). James H. married Mary, the daughter of Thomas Gordon, and has four children. Alfred A. married Lulu Stroud, and they have one son, Fred. Mrs. Sarah Harkness Miner was born in Starksboro, Vt., Mareh 29, 1840, daughter of James and Phoebe (Taber) Harkness, who brought their family to section twenty-four, Newburg township, in 1856. In 1857 Mrs. Miner, then Sarah Harkness, taught school in the old preémption shanty which is now used as a barn on the farm of Robert Rasmus. Her father continued to live in Newburg until some four years before his death, when he removed to Hesper, Iowa, and there ended his days.

The father was born in Norway, and ¢ame to America about 1851, locating in La Salle county, Iinois, and farming for a few years. Then he lived a time in Freeborn county, this state, and in 1859 came to Fillmore county, locating in Preble a short period. Then he came to Newburg township, and finally settled in section thirty-two, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died about 1873, and his wife is still living.

Robert attended the schools of his neighborhood, and as a young man went to Norman county, Minnesota, and purchased a 320-acre farm, where he farmed fifteen years. Then he returned to Fillmore connty in 1892 and conducted a livery at Mabel four years. Subsequently he purchased eighty-one aeres in section twenty-seven, Newburg township, adjoining the village of Mabel, and here he still resides. His farm is well cultivated and profitable, and he is regarded as one of the desirable men of the community. It is worthy of note that one of his outbuildings was originally a claim shanty and was used as a schoolhouse for some time, Mrs. Sarah (Ilarkness) Miner at one time teaching school in it. The subject of this sketch married Betsey Halvorson, born Jwy 10, 1860, in Winneshiek county, Towa, daughter of Halvor and Ellen (Lee) Olson, of Winneshiek county, Iowa. Their children are: Emma R., Lillian (deceased), Effie, Milo, Bennie, Leslie, Cleo (deceased), Maduline, Thelma, Russell and Elvina. Emma married Ole L. Gabrielson, and they have two children: Beth I. and Lela R. Mr. Rasmus is a Republican, a member of the Methodist church and a stockholder in the Mabel Creamery.

Benjamin J, Taber, living on the outskirts of the village of Mabel, is one of those men who by right thinking and honorable vigorous living, carry their youthful vigor and strength of intellect well into the afternoon years of life. His remarkable memory, his clearness of mind, and strength of body may well be envied by men half his age, and testify eloquently to a useful and well spent life. He was born in Lincoln, Vt., November 8, 1825, son of Dr. Benjamin and Phoebe (Carpenter) Taber. He lived in Vermont some twenty-seven years, and while there married Phoebe J. Meader, September 16, 1846. In 1853 they moved to Mount Gilead, Morrow county, Ohio, and there lived until 1857 when they came west where Mr. Taber found employment with his brothers, who had previously located in Hesper, Iowa, and in Newburg township, this county. In 1862 he bought land in section thirty, Newburg township, but did not move here until five years later. This farm he developed and improved, and successfully carried on agricultural operations until August 13, 1902, when he moved to the village of Mabel, where he has a comfortable home, and where he finds enough to do to oeeupy his time. Mr. Taber is a convert olf the sainted Neal Dow, and has always been a strong advocate of temperance. Ile is a clear and convincing speaker, and has never failed to express his views, both publicly and privately, whenever the opportunity has afforded, his own life being a most excellent argument in favor of the cause he advocates. He has served on the school board for over twenty years. Mrs. Phoebe J. Meader Taber died May 7, 1860, leaving four children: Irvin G. who is living in Whittier, Calif.; Julia B., the wife of James J. Otis, living in New York state; Francis W., who died in St. Louis, February 22, 1881; and Adelbert E., living at Battle Creek, Mich. Myr. Taber married for his second wife, Charlotte L. Rowe, the marriage being performed January 5, 1862. This union has been blessed with one daughter, Mary A., who alter attending the distriet schools completed her studies in Winona, subsequently teaching school in Fillmore county for a period of eight years. She now lives at home. Mrs. Charlotte L. Rowe died in 1910.

David C. Taber, now deceased, was one of the early settlers and progressive men of the township of Newburg. He was born in Lincoln, Addison county, Vermont, March 15, 1822. His grandfather, Thomas Taber, the founder of the family, came from New Bedford, Mass., und settled in Montpelier, Vt., about 1776. Benjamin, the father of David C., moved from Montpelier, to Starksborough, Addison county, and in 1808 married Phoebe Carpenter, a native of Dutchess eounty, New York. Benjamin was a physician, and was also a minister in the Society of Friends. David C. remained at home uutil twenty-three years of age, and was married, October 8, 1845, 1o Harriet Heading. The following spring he sold his farm interests and engaged with an elder brother in the plow business. Two years later, they moved their business to Bristol, in the same county, and there with increased facilities, they continued to manufacture the then widely-known Taber plow. The business was Jater sold out, and in 1855, he came west to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and commenced to build up the village of Hesper, Iowa, in various ways. He erected a saw-mill and grist mill, and supplied a large territory with flour. While engaged in this business, he had the distinction of carrying the first mail trom Hesper to Burr Oak. In the meantime he secured a farm in section twenty-seven, Newburg township, and heve he ereeted a house built with lumber sawed at his Hesper mill. In 1860 he moved into this house, and spent the larger part of the remainder of his life here. Mr. Taher was a great lover of trees, and upon arriving here began to set out shelter, shade, fruit and ornamental trees in groves, orchards and hedges. He was among the first in this locality to turn his attention to fruit culture, and although many deemed this line of industry impraeticable in the Minnesota climate, he made a great success of it, originated the so-called '' Minnesota Crab,''? and won many prizes at state and county fairs. Mr. and Mrs. Taber lived on their New- burg farm until 1896, when they sold out and returned to Hesper, where they bought a small place and spent the remainder of their days, Mr. Taber passing away in 1906 and his wife in 1909. They were the parenis of three children. Euniee married J. L. Hall. Elia heeame the wife of E. M. Snell. Charles D. is a merchant of Mabel.

John Manuel, estimable citizen and retired merchant, now living in Mabel, was born in England, September 29, 1833, son of Charles and Frances (avin) Manuel. As a young man he started for America, hut was shipwrecked on the way, and was twenty-one days on the Island of Picton, off the coast of New Brunswick He finally Janded in Quebec, and after a time made his way to Minnesota, settling in the village of Elliota, Canton township, this county, where he worked out for four years. Ile also took a claim and improved it, but never lived on it. In time he purchased a store in Ejliota and eonducted it for twenty-one years. When the railroad was put through in 1879 he moved to Canton village, and was the first postmaster there. The original name of Boomer is said to have been given at Mr. Manuel's suggestion, Mr. Manuel continued in business in Canton village, some four years, and then sold out to his nephew. April 26, 1886, he purehased the business of the Jones Brothers, at Mabel, and operated this establishment antil 1901, when he retired from active life. Mr. Manuel married Phoebe, the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah (Denny) Demaray, and this union has been blessed with four children: William A., Frances 8., Effie Maria and Lottie E. Mrs. Manuel died Angust 27, 1909. The subject of this sketch was for some years a member of the school board and affiliates with Canton Lodge No. 194, A. F. & A. M.

Ole J. Larson, 2 busmess man of Mabel, was born in La Salle county, INinois, November 3, 1852, son of Jacob and Sophia (Faa) Larson, who brought him to Newburg township, this county, some two years later. He attended school in Preble township, and remained on the home farm until he was about twenty years of age. Then he purchased eighty acres in section three, Newburg township, and started farming for himself. He was married Deeember 22, 1877, and m 1879 moved to Mabel, where he engaged in the stock business with Ellef L. Tollefson. After two years this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Larson then engaged in the hardware and implement business for ten years. He was burned out at the end of this period, losmg some $10,000. Undaunted by this disaster, he again engaged ww the hardware and implement business. Later he sold out the hardware department to Albert Jones. In 1890 he also disposed of his implement business and moved to Halstead, Norman county, Minnesota, where he engaged in the livery and implement business, with B. K. Swenson as a partner. After two years he sold out and returned to Mabel, where he again engaged in the implement business. A few years later, he sold out to his former partner, B. K. Swenson, and since that time has devoted his attention to the buying and selling of horses in which he is now engaged. He is a most excellent judge of horsetlesh and has been very successful at his chosen business. Being of a sociable nature, Mr. Larson has allied himself with the Brotherhood of American Yoemen. The members of his family are regular attendants of the United Lutheran ehurch. Mr. Larson married for his first wife, Mary, the daughter of Nels Johnson, and this union was blessed with six children: Sadie, Orland C. (deceased), Mamie L., Jeneva N., Walter E., of California; and Grace, of Medicine Lake, Mont. Sadie married Oscar Henderson, of Halstead, Minn.; Mamie married Bernard Fleshjer, of Medicine Lake, Mont.; Jeneva N. is a teacher. The wife and mother died March 19, 1895. For his second wife, Mr. Larson married Ellen Iverson, December 8, 1897, and they have five children: Grant E., Melvin O., Beatrice, Clarence (deceased), and Russell C.

Jacob Larson, the pioneer, was born near Stavanger, Norway, February 22, 1821, and came to America in 1847, locating in La Salle county, Illinois, where he was married shortly afterward to Sophie Faa Olson, born in Norway, February 20, 1823. In 1854 with several of their children, they came to Newburg township, this county, bought government land in section three, and there carried on general farming until 1881, when Mr. Larson retired from active life, and moved to Mabel, where he died Mareh 1, 1900. Ilis wife died August 16, 1902. It is interesting to note that the log cabin originally built by Mr. Larson was burned on the day of his burial, Mareh 5, 1900. Mr. und Mrs. Larson were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living. They are: Mrs. Martha Arneson, of Lenora; Ole J., of Mabel; Mrs. T. N. Johnson, of Newburg township; Lewis J., living on the old homestead ; Caroline, deceased; Josephine, now Mrs. J. N. Johnson, of Mabel; Mrs. Sophia Swenson, living in Mabel; and Charles, living in Newburg township.

Ole Knutson, his father, was born in Hilingdal, near Christiana, Norway, and eame to America in 1861. At the breaking out of the Cival War, he enlisted in the Fifteenth Wisconsin Vol- unteer Infantry, and served until his discharge at the close of the hostilities. He was badly wounded in battle, but gradually recovered, and is now living in Mahel, after a long and useful career.