Fillmore County, Minnesota - The whole text, 1912 (part 4 of 20)

Knute attended the district schools, and took courses in the Breckenridge Institute and in the Commercial College, at Decorah, Iowa. For several years he engaged in the creamery business with the firm of Johnson & Olson, and later continued the business «lone in Spring Grove and Mabel. He discontinued the business about 1895, and engaged in the lumber and fuel ting, an enterprise which he still owns. In 1904 he established a lumber, hardware and implement business at Fountain, which he is still conductiug. Mr. Olson married Helen Bersie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hellek Bersie, and have three children: Henrietta graduated from the Mabel High school and is now attending the State Normal School at La Crosse; Nord and Olga are at home. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Evangelical church, of Mabe}. Mr. Olson is a Republican in politics, and at various times has served on the Mabel village council. Aside from his stores, he owns 160 acres of land in North Dakota, and is financially interested in the furniture store of Fingerson & Olson, of Mabel. He is also a director and stockholder in the State Bank of Mabel.

Charles B. Willford was a great-grandson of Samuel Willford, who lived in Leicestershire, England, about 150 years ago and is the first ancestor whose name is known to the descendants. Where this ancestor was born and when is a matter of conjecture. The family name of his wife is unknown. There were born to this pair three sons, the oldest of whom practiced medicine in London, England, the second son went to Germany and the third, Joseph, eame to America in 1766. This Joseph Willford and his wife, Mary Campbell, were the first Willford family in America. Their son Joseph Willford married Mary Ann Euochs. Charles B. was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, January 5, 1816, and was the fourth son and seventh birth in a family of thirteen children. In the summer of 1817, his parents, Joseph Willford and Mary Ann (Enochs) Willford, with their seven children, Joseph, Dougal C., Mary, Eliza, Samuel C., Susannah and Charles B., emigrated from Greene county, Pennsylvania, to Wayne county, Ohio, and settled in Sugar Creek township, when that country was in its primitive state and sparsely settled. Here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood on a farm. On May 31, 1836, he was united in marriage to Eliza Kerr in Marshallville, Ohio. The Kerr family is an old American family, of Scotch- Trish extraction and is now represented by numerous descendants seattered over Pennsylvania and Ohio, many of whom are prominent professional citizens. Shortly after the marriage of Charles B. Willford and Eliza Kerr they settled about five miles northwest of Big Spring in Big Lick township, Hancock county, Ohio, on land that was inelnded in the newly purchased Wyandot Indian reservation of 16,000 acres. Big Spring, situated on the road from Upper Sandusky to Fort Findlay, was the center of the reservation. After the ratification of the treaty in 1832, the reser- Vation was surveyed into sections and put into the market and disposed of in the ordinary manner of selling the public lands of the United States. The money derived from the sale at $1.25 an acre was paid to the Indians. The land on the reservation purchased by Charles B. Willford was covered with a dense growth of heavy timber. In this forest a log cabin eighteen feet wide, iwenty feet long and ten feet high was built in the summer of 1836. The door was made by sawing or cutting the logs in one side of the cabin so as to make an opening about three feet wide. This opening was secured by wpright pieces of timber about three inches thick through which holes were bored into the ends of the logs for the purpose of pinning them fast. A window of twelve eight by ten lights was put in the west side, and another window of like size was put in at the side of the door on the east side of the cabin. The door was about two and one-half feet wide by six feet high, made of yellow poplar hoards, rived and split with a frow, and hung on wooden hinges. The wood latch had a string attached, reaching to the outside of the door. A similar opening to that of the door, but wider, was made at the south end of the cabin for the chimney. This was built of split logs on the outside, and made large to admit of a back and jamb of stone to the height of about five feet. The upper portion of the chimney was built of split sticks and plastered with mud. At the square of the cabin two end logs projeeted a foot or eighteen inches beyond the wall to receive the butting poles as they were called, against whieh the ends of the first row of clapboards was supported. The roof was formed by making the end logs shorter until a single log formed the comb of the roof. On these logs the clapboards were placed ; the ranges of them lapping some distance over those next below them and kept in their places by logs placed at proper distances upon them to prevent the wind from blowing them off. The clapboards were made by riving and splitting with a frow. The lower floor was made of puncheons split out of yellow poplar timber and hewed on the upper side. The upper floor was of the same material and hewed on both sides to a thickness. The cracks between the logs were filled with split sticks and plastered with clay mortar. From this period of time until the Wyandot Indians left the reservation in 1845 their begging and stealing made them very troublesome to the family that had just established themselves, but {he twain having plenty of grit and perserverance and a determination to make for them a home amid the lofty forest continued to fell the trees and clear the ground, to plow and sow, and reap and thresh until the eleventh day of September, 1854, when they with their four sons and one daughter: William, who was born in 1837; Charles, born in 1839; Wesley, born in 1841; Sanford, born in 1844, and Sidnia Jane, born in 1849, removed to the ierritory of Minnesota and settled on section fourteen, town 101, range nine, which is now known as Canton township, Fillmore county. Here was erected a log cabin in October, 1854, similar to the one built in Ohio in 1836, bunt withont the split stick and mud chimney. At this time the Winnebago Indians were here, and roamed over the prairies at will, engaged in begging and stealing from the settlers. There were at this tie not to exceed twenty-four bona fide settler families in the township. Land at this time in the territory of Minnesota was obtained ouly by the pre-emption act, and the subject of this sketch, on October 21, 1854, pre-empted the northeast quarter (160 acres) of section fourteen, town 101, range nine, and in 1855 bought 250 acres more land in sections eleven and fourteen, in town 101, range nine, which bordered on his preemption quarter, and engaged in the growing of spring wheat, which was at that time the staple of the country. In 1856 he was appointed the first postmaster at Lenora in the territory of Mimnesota, whieh he held for many years. Of this family of seven persons, four are deceased: Sidnia Jane Willford died in Canton, Minn., August 31, 1871; Eliza (Kerr) Willford died in Canton, Minn., September 15, 1871; Charles B. Willford died in Canton, Minn., February 23, 1889, and Wesley Wilford died in Canton, Minn., June 30, 1906. Those of the family yet living are: William Wilford, Canton; Charles Willford, Canton; Sanford Willford, Bellingham, Wash. The Willford, Campbell, Enochs and Kerr families belonged to the middle classes. They were industrious, law abiding and God-fearing people. No member of the family ever became very rich, and none were yery poor.

William Williford was the eldest son of Charles B. Willford, of Wayne county, Ohio, of English and Seotch-Irish descent, and Eliza, daughter of Wiliam Kerr, of the same county and state, of Seotch-Irish descent. He was also the great-grandson of Joseph Willford, of Leicestershire, England, who settled in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1766, and Mary Campbell, of Scotch-Irish parentage, who with her parents lived in central Pennsylvania prior to 1757. She was taken prisoner by ihe Delaware Indians at or near Penn's ercek in Pennsylvania in

1757 and held in captivity until rescued by Colonel Bouquet at the Forks of the Muskingum river in Ohio in November, 1764. He was born March 3, 1837, in Big Lick township, Hancock county, Ohio, five miles northwest of Big Spring (better known in his boyhood days as Springville), which was situated in the southwest corner of what is now known as Seneca county, Ohio (formerly Crawford eounty), in the center of the Wyandot Indian reservation of 16,000 acres of land that was granted to the Wyandot Indians according to a treaty made by the United States with the Indian tribes September 29, 1817, and ceeded baek to the United States by the Wyandot Indians at Big Spring by a treaty held at MeCuteheonville, Crawford county, Ohio, on January 19, 1832. The farm on which the subject of this sketeh was born was purchased by his father from the United States, after the Wyandot Indian reservation was surveyed, for $1.25 per acre. At that period of time the land was covered by a dense forest. It was on this farm that William spent his boyhood years and learned the art of farming. Here, too, he was educated in the country log school houses. After he had attained the age of twelve years he worked on the farm in the summer and attended school only in the winter. About the first of September, 1853, his parents decided to send him to the Seminary in Findlay, Ohio, and bought for him his first suit of tailor-made clothes. Prior to that time all his clothing was spun, woven and made by his mother. He attended the Seminary until March, 1854, when he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he remained until about the middle of June, which was the end of the spring term, and then returned home. In the meantime his parents had decided to sell the farm in Hancock county, Ohio, and remove to the territory of Minnesota in the early autumn of 1854. They therefore opposed the idea of their son remaining in Ohio and persuaded him to abandon his econtemplated two years' course at the university and to accompany the family to the territory of Minnesota, to which he very reluctantly consented, thus terminating his education. After the necessary arrangements were made tor the departure of the family, consisting of seven persons, with two two-horse teams and wagons heavily loaded, they bade good-bye to the Buekeye State on September 11, 1854, and arrived at their destination on Saturday, October 7, following, making the entire trip of more than six hundred miles in twenty-two days of travel. In December, 1854, when at the age of seventeen years, he engaged to teach a distriet school of sixty scholars, at Ly Brand, Towa, one-third of whom were older than the teacher. While teaching at this place he was named the 'Boy Schoolmaster,'' aud was known by this sobriquet for many years thereafter. In 1855 and 1856 he taught the second winter term of school in the first school house in Fillmore county that was built for school purposes. Ile continued teaching until he had taught sixteen winter terms, many of which were of four months' duration each. The summer time was spent on his father's farm assisting to break up the land and subdue the virgin soil for the growing of the golden grain, which was the staple crop of the country at that period. On October 10, 1858, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Ward, at Lenora, Minn. Their union was blessed with four children: Edson B., born in 1859; Anna E., born in 1862; Minna A., born in 1867, and George W., born in 1876, all of whom are now living. There are also nine grandchildren living. Mr. Willford has served in his home town on the board of education for many years, as township assessor from 1859 to 1876, and as town clerk from 1860 to 1884. He has also been a notary public since 1875. He was engaged in selling lumber in Canton, Minn., from 1880 to 1888, both inclusive. In June, 1881, be purchased a half interest in the townsite of Canton from Frank Adams, which was disposed of about ten years later. He was appointed and commissioned postmaster at Canton in 1884 and held the office until 1859. He has been a member of the Scotch-Irish Society of Ameriea since the year of 1892. He is also a member of the Minnesota Territorial Pioneers' Association. The subject of this sketch beeame a resident of Fillmore county in October, 1854. The territory of Minnesota was then an immense wilderness and the greater part of it in the possession of the Indians. The opportunities afforded by his early and continued association with the pioneer settlers, assisted by a habit of close observation, a tenacious memory, and the interest he took in gathering up incidents indicative of the times and illustrative of the character of those among whom he lived, pre-eminently qualified him for giving an impartial description of the country at its first settlement as well as a truthful account of the manners and customers of those who with himself labored to transform into fruitfulness and beauty its interminable prairies in Fillmore county. This won for him the honor of being the first president and the first historian of the Old Setilers' Association in Fillmore county. He now, at the age of seventy-five years, is classed among the retired farmers of the county, but owns a faru of 240 acres of Jand in Canton township, part of which was preempied by his father October 21, 1854, and the remainder of which was pre-empted by his uncle February 9, 1855, all now well improved and under a good state of cultivation, well stocked with thoroughbred and high-grade domestie animals. All these advantages, with the eommoclious buildings mostly erected with his own hands, make it an ideal home, christened the ''Floral Park?' by the guests at the golden wedding anniversary of himself and wife,

October 10, 1908. Tere Mr. and Mrs. Willford are spending their declining years in peace, contentment and comfort, surrounded by the love and eare of their friends and relatives. To Mr. Willford the change in Fillmore county since he crossed the south line of whai is now the state of Minnesota in a ''prairie schooner'' in 1854 and the present time is hardly credible. The wild prairies that were once inhabited by buffalo, antelope and deer are now cultivated into fields of corm and golden grain. The Indian wigwam. villages are replaced with prosperous cities and towns. The nighily howl] of the prairie wolf has been changed to the shriek of the modern locomotive. In place of the Indian, we have the white man, the author of all this progress, and verily can it be said of him, ''he made the prairie smile.'' Mr. Willford has contributed numerous articles to this history, and without his generous assistance and his clear emory the present work would hardly have been possible.

Charles B. Kimball, the pioneer, was horn in New Ilampshire in 1809, and when young learned the trade of a cabinet maker. He, however, devoted the larger part of his life to farming. He located in Kane county, Il., in 1833, and brought his family to section 32, Canton township, this county, in 1854. After a long and useful life, he died Deeember 13, 1873.

Charles Willford, a broad-gauged man and a substantial citizen of the village of Canton, was born in Big Lick, Hancock county, Ohio, June 5, 1839. When quite young he accompanied his parents to Wayne county, Ohio, but they shortly afterward returned to Hancock county, where Charles spent his young boyhood. In the fall of 1854 they came to Canton, where the father, Charles B. Willford, the pioneer, preémpted land in section fourteen. Charles, the subject of this sketch, remained on the home farm with his parents until his marriage, July 20, 1862. Then he started farming for himself on section 14. For many years he engaged in general agricultural pursuits, and in time purchased iwo other farms, one being a tract on which a part of the village of Canton is located. He moved to the latter farm in 1880, and eight years later retired to a large degree from active farm life. In 1888 he was enabled to gratify his taste for travel, and visited England, Ireland, Scotland and France. In 1904 he took another interesting trip, bis journey being across the continent to Los Angeles, Cal., thence northward to Spokane, and then back to Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs, Willford are the parents of three children: Nettie A., Marshall C., and Jennie M. Marshall married Sarah H. A. Demary on Mareh 24, 1887, and they have three childven: Oria L., Gladys L. and Byron GC.

Jennie M. married Samuel Duxbury, Jr., November 23, 1898, and they have two children: Vernon E. and Doris L. Mrs. Charles Willford, who was Mary E. Swartwood before her marriage, was born January 9, 1842.

Lewis Peterson (Stenshoel), a well-known resident of Canton township, was born in Norway, April 6, 1843, and came to America with his parents, and brothers and sisters, in 1854. The family, headed by Peter Stenshoel, the father, landed in Quebec, but came direet to the states, made a short visit with friends in Dane county, Wisconsin, and then came to Canton, this county, arriving in August, 1854. They purchased the claim of James Kelley in section three, and took up their residence in a log house which had been built on the claim, ihe family at that time consisting of the father and mother, two girls and five boys. On this place the father and mother died. Lewis remained on the home farm, and as he grew to manhood married Marthena Jacobson, who was born February 28, 1850, in Norway and came to America in 1868. She has borne him four children: Emma (deceased); Agnes Marie, Philip H. and Ellen Louisa. Agnes is the wife of Lewis Linn and they have one child, named Lewis from both his father and grandfather. Philip H. and Ellen Louisa live at home, and the latter is the life and sunshine of the household. Mr. Peterson is a veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted in 1864 in Company B., Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and saw active service until mustered ont and honorably discharged in 1865. Mr. Peterson's home which he erected some years ago is comfortable and homelike, and the outbuildings are suitable for the purpose for which they were planned. A new barn just erected testifies both to Mr. Peterson's success and his modern spirit. He has served on the town board of supervisors and is treasurer of the Elstad Lutheran church, of which he and the family are members.

Charles A. Kimball was born in Elgin, Kane county, IIL, in 1856, son of Charles B. Kimball. He was brought to section thirty-two, Canton township, by his parents when four years of age. Here he grew to manhood. After attaining the years of discretion, he married Eva, the daughter of Jesse Beach. He died in 1882.

Jesse C. Kimball, of the third generation of Canton Kimballs, was born in Elliota, section thirty-two, Canton township, April 21, 1873, son of Charles and Eva (Beach) Kimball. He attended the Elliota school, and has always remained on the home farm, following faithfully in the footsteps of those who have gone before him. The farm consists of 160 aeres, all of which is under cultivation, and a specialty is made of Poll Angus cattle. The subject of this sketch married Agatha, daughter of Andrew and Priscilla (Dean) Snyder, of Ohio, and they have three chil. dren: Leona, Clair and Marie.

Ole Kyseth, a substantial resident of Canton township, was born in the western part of Toten, Norway, October 4, 1847, and came to America with his wife in 1869, locating in Canton township, where he worked for L. Woodle for a short time, Then he went to Winnishick county, Iowa, for a time, and there worked for various persons. Later he returned to Canton, and in partnership with his brother, Jens, bought 120 acres in section 8. Afterward they purchased another forty acres from L. Woodle. Subsequently, however, they decided to divide up their possessions. The subject of this sketch coutinues to live on his eightytwo acres, the farm being well cultivated and well-kept in every way. He built the comfortable dwelling and good buildings which now add to the value of the place. Ole Kyseth married Carrie Roseth, and this union has resulted in nine children: John, Bramina, Carl, Emma, Melvin (deceased), Clara, Otelia, Olaf and Tena (deceased). John and Carl live in North Dakota, Bramina married Adolph Boxrud and they have three children, Hilda, Clarence and James. Carl is married and has six chil. dren: Marie, Emma, Melvin, Florence, Orville and Raymond. He lives in North Dakota. Emma married Fred Collett and they have four children; Marion, James, Orrin and Toward. Clara is the wife of John Coyle and they have one child, Norman H. Olaf, one of the popular young men of Canton lives at home and operates the farm in a successful manner. Ile married Marie Larson, the daughter of Peter Larson and they have two. children, Ogden and Carmen.

Ole Knudson, «2 retired farmer now living in Lanesboro, was born in Norway, and came to America in 1861, visiting Lanesboro, and then settling in section 31, Amherst township. In 1880 he moved to section 1, Canton township, and some twenty years later retired from active life and took up his residence in Lanesboro where he now resides. His good wife, Serena, proved a capable wife and mother.

Charles 0. Knudson, a common sense farmer of Canton township, was born in Amherst township, this county, September 28, 1868, son of Ole and Serena Knudson, He was reared on the home farm, and attended school in Amherst and in district 4, Canton. Since his schooldays he has devoted his life to farming. His present place consists of 247% acres, practically ail eultivated, and in addition to this he has twenty acres of timber land in Preble township. His house was erected some fowrtcen years ago, and this dwelling as well as his buildings are all in an excellent state of repair. Mr. Knudson married Josie, the daughter of Arch and Bertha Johnson, and this union has been blessed with seven children, of which four, Vernon M., Blanche, Owen KE. and Marion are living. The family are members of the Methodist church at Newburg.

Gunder Olson, now deceased, was a hard working, God-fearing resident of Canton township, quietly devoting his life to the interests of his family. He was born February 6, 1846, in Christiana, Norway, and came to America in 1869 at the age of twenty-three years, locating at once in Elliota, this county, being employed as a farm hand for a number of years. In 1870 he took on shares the place now known as the Knox farm, managing this so well that three years later he was enabled to purchase eighty acres in section 32, Canton township. In 1885 he married Janetha Johnson, a native of Norway, whose farm name was Rodvikstrand, and who at that time was twenty-one years of age. The following year a frame house was erected, and abont this time, Mr. Olson brought his parents from the old country to inake their home with him and his wife. As time passe, five children came to bless the home. Henry lives at home and manages the furm; Gena lives in Knox, North Dakota; Eda lives in Canton; Carl and Olena live at home. Aji have been scholars in the school of district 25. Gunder Olson died December 10, 1887, and since then the cares of the family have devolved upon Mrs. Olson and the children. The family is an estimable one, and is well regarded in the community,

Ole Hanson, a progressive farmer of Canton township, was born in Norway, February 23, 1842, and in July, 1867, came to Ameriea and settled on section 23, Canton township, where he purchased a farm from John Willford. The place at that time contained cighty acres, and there was a frame house and a granary thereon. The farm has been developed and improved and increased until he owned 315 acres. In the fall of 1911 he sold 90 acres and now has 225 acres. The buildings have been repaired and enlarged as necessity has demanded. Seventy-eight acres of the farm are in section 28, forty acres in section 26, and eighty acres in section 24. Mr. Hanson is one of the substantial farmers of the community, and is known for his sterling qualitics. He married Mary Knutson, a native of Norway, and they have eight children: Hans lives at home; Mary is the wife of John Lean; Annie married Joseph Torgerson; Mattie married Otto Abrahamson; Kasper is living in Alexander; Otelia is the wife of Albert Dahi; Clara married Osear Olson; Leonard lives in Canton. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Methodist church of Newburg.

James Henderson, a representative citizen, living in the township of Canton, this county, was born at St. Crimme, about thirty miles front Montreal, Canada, Angust 20, 1848. His father and mother aud their four sons came to Minneapolis in the year 1854, driving by team the entire way. They located on section 26, in the southeastern part of what is now Preston township, and borrowed $100 from J. P. Tibbetts to pre-empt eighty acres, cash being so scarce in those days that they paid sixty per cent for its use. In course of time, they took up forty acres more, being assisted in the purchase by Daniel Fairbanks. The father continued to operate this farm until his death at the age of sixty-five years, the mother passing away several years afterward. James C., the subject of this narrative, was reared on the home farm, and obtained his schooling in the log school house in district 46. It is of interest to note that Mr. Henderson's mother was so much interested in the building of this sehoolhouse, that she gave a prize to the man that would haul in the first load of logs, all the farmers in the district having turned out to cut and haul the material for the building. The edifice was completed in 1856 and used in 1857, as a school room, Catherine Bursell, now Mrs. J. C. Rice of Canton, having been the first teacher. James C. continued to live on the home place until he was twenty-one years of age. Then he went to Wisconsin, seven miles west of Barraboo, where he worked for John Iarrison eight months. He then returned to Preston that fall and worked on the Southern Minneapolis railroad which was being constructed from Rushford to Lanesboro. After that he worked at various employment during the snmmer, and at one time broke up some grub land in Preston township, which was so tough as to require five yoke of oxen and a twenty-four inch breaking plow. In the winter months he attended district sehool. In the fall of 1872 he went to Middletown, Jackson county, Minnesota, and homesteaded the sowtheast quarter section 4, range 35, township 101; and in addition to this rented land already broken. This he plowed in the fall and during the following spring be put in 120 acres of oats, wheat and barley. But this was one of the years of the locust pest, and by August 1, the crops were entirely destroyed. Mr. Henderson and his neighbors applied to the land office for assistance, and the government finally granted them relief, by allowing them to still hold their claims, while absent for six months in search of other work. At the end of this period Mr. Henderson returned to his homestead and eommuted it. Several years afterward he sold it at a good profit. In 1874 he rented the William Rice farm in Harmony township which he operated three years. The first year he had das. G. Duxbury for a partner. The second year he was associated with his brother William. The third year he worked it alone. He then"went to Preston township where he rented eighty acres of wild land which he broke and then farmed for four years, after which he worked out as a farmer. Subsequently he purchased a quarter section in Harmony township which he broke and cultivated. In October, 1883, he sold it to C. F. and George Densted, and then after selling out his stock and other property he went to New Orleans. In April, 1884, he returned to Fijlmore county, and engaged in buying and shipping horses to Dakota, making bis home in Harmony village. In the fall of 1887 he hired out to Thomas MeMichael as a stock buyer and at the expiration of two years with him bought a small farm from G. H. Hyatt, in section 33, Canton township. In 1890, he sold this and bought 27614 acres in Amherst from Edward Griffith. This farm he operated for severa] years. In 1894 he sold fifty acres to William Harris and in the spring of 1905 disposed of the balanee of it to Daniel Rasmussen. In 1903 Mr. Henderson in connection with several farmers built the Amherst Creamery, of which he was made president, an office whieh he still continues to hold. Myr. Henderson gave all his efforts to the management and building of the creamery and on July 6, 1903, saw the fruition of his labors, for on that day the first churning was done in the new institution. The creamery is today in a flourishing condition. In February, 1903, Mr. Henderson purchased a farm from C. W. Ramsey in sections 10 and 11, near Lenora village. This farm is rented to F. W. Seelye, the proprietor of the Leonora Ilotel. Mr. Henderson is of Seotdish descent, his father Robert Henderson being a native of Canada and his mother Janet Douglas of Scotland. He is a bachelor, and leads a life of comfort and contentment by keeping himself constantly employed. His brother John was born July 5, 1854, and is claimed to be the first white male born in Preston township.

W. A. Maust, for many years a prominent citizen of Fillmore county, now makes his home in Fruitherst, Alabama, but still keeps up his interests in Canton. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, and in 1867, thirty years later, eame to Preston, this county, and lived about a year before locating in section 4, Canton township. Here he purchased a farm on whieh at that time was standing a log cabin. In this he lived moti 1877, when he ereeted a fine frame dwelling. Mr. and Mrs. Maust were blessed with nine children. The farm consists of 200 acres and is operated by two of the sons, Sherman H. and Albert 1. who furnish the information for this biography.

Albert H. Maust, a capable farmer of Canton township, was horn on the farm where he still resides, February 15, 1867, son of W. A, and Eliza (Wagner) Maust. He was reared at home and obtained his schooling in Henrytown, since which time he has been engaged in farming, he and his brother, Sherman H. being now in charge of their parents' place of 200 aeres. In 1896 he married Stella Graham who died in 1897 leaving one ehild, Stella. In 1902 he married Levina Johnson who died in 1905.

Sherman H, Maust, an efficient agricuiturist of Canton townsbip, was born in Pennsylvania, January 15, 1866, son of W. A. and Eliza (Wagner) Maust. Ie was brought to this county by his parents and grew to manhood on the home farm, which with his brother Albert ff. he now operates for his father. He married Cora Treadaway, daughter of Jaco) Treadaway, in Tallapoosa, Haraldson county, Georgia, December 22, 1902, and they have three children, H. Lloyd, Roy L. and Hilda M.

Joseph Dunford, implement merchant of the firm of Dunford & Knudson, was born in England, Mareh 21, 1865, son of George i. Dunford, Joseph was brought to America by his parents, and was reared in Bremer county, Iowa, where he also received his early schooling. After attending the district schools, he entered the high school at Waverly, Iowa, and there continued his studies until reaching nineteen years of age, when he went to Mason City, Iowa, and worked for Edwards & Osborne, three and a half years. In 1888 he came to Canton village, and took charge of the lumber yard here for the same people. In 1890, the name of the firm was changed to Sawyer & Austin Lumber Company. At this time Mr. Dunford went on the road for them. After a period this coneern sold out to Sawyer & Arnold, and Mr. Dunford still continued in their employ as traveling auditor. In 1895 he engaged in the hardware business in Canton, which business he condueted until 1906 when he sold out to E, T. Soland. He then went on the road for the National Harvester Company, buying flax straw. This continued for two years, after which he engaged in the implement business in Canton, which business he and his partner, A. S. Knudson are now guecessfully conducting. Mr. Dunford is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 194, A. F. & A. M. and also of Canton Camp, No. 2709, M. W.A. Tle is a Republican in polities and is now clerk of Canton township. The subject of this sketch married Elenor Selee, April, 1895, daughter of William Selee.

John Young, one of the early residents of Canton township, was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, on December 25, 1843, and was fifteen years of age when he located with his parents in Fillmore county.

John Young, the father, was born in Dunfermline, Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1812, and married Ellen Drysdale. When young he was employed in the manufacture of dainask goods. Later he conducted an inn, and operated an omnibus line from his native city to Charleston. Still later he was engaged in the brewery business. In 1858 he brought his family to America, and located in section 29, Canton township, this county, where he famned until a few years before his death in 1892. His first wife died and his second wife is now over ninety years old.

The subject of this sketeh continued on the home farm working for his father, until he started farming on his own account. For many years he 'was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and became an extensive land owner in Canton township. In 1896 he practically disposed of his holdings, and is now a man of comfortable leisure, he and his wife having a pleasant home in the village of Canton. His first wife was Amanda Halsey, who died in 1903, leaving three children: John O., Anna Bell and Allen L. The sons live in Canada. Anna Bell married Clyde Truman and has one boy, Neol. For his second wife, Mr. Young married in 1904, Mrs. Eva Beach Kimball, widow of the late Charles Kimball and the daughter of Jesse Beach who was one of the early settlers.

M. J. Willsie, a former resident of this county, but now living in Winnesshiek county, Iowa, on the line road which separates that county from Fillmore county, was born in Clinton county, New York, July 24, 1842, son of John and Sabra (Hudson) Willsie, the former a native of New York and the latter of New Hampshire. In 1842, when M. J. was an infant, the family moved to Canada, but in 1856 returned to the States, and coming west, located in Newburg township, this county, purchasing a farm from Rev. W. T. Bly, a Baptist clergyman. At the time of the purchase there was a log house on the place. Jn later, years this was replaced by a stone house. John Willsie died July 11, 1879, on the home place, and his wife died in Canton township March

1, 1887, at the home of her son. The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm and obtained his schooling in district 4. In 1863 he went to Kansas and was engaged as a elerk one year. Then he moved to Illinois, where, in 1864, he enlisted in the 139th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving six months in Company D. After his discharge, he returned to Fillmore county and in 1868 purchased a farm in Canton township, section 12, where he lived four years, after which he sold out and moved to Murray county, this state, where he remained a year. Then he returned to this county and lived five years on the homestead in Newburg. Snbsequently he moved to Lenora village, where he was made postmaster and served five years. There he lived until 1883, when he moved to section 22, where he lived until 1891, when he took up his present residence. December 25, 1867, he was united in marriage with Frances M., daughter of John and granddaughter of Henry Plomteaux. Her mother Hanna Miller was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Willsie are the parents of eight children: Carrie, John, Nellie, Frances, George, James, Charity and Milo J., Jr. Carrie is the wife of Mark McLaughlin and they have four sons, Joseph, Ray, Francis and George. John is dead. Nellie is the wife of Ira Kimber, living in Hesper, Iowa, and their children are: Elma, William, Lila, John, Teddy, Milo and Elsie. Frances married E. P. Sprague and there are six children: Ellen, Ora, Milo, Stanley, Frances and Richard. George is conducting the home farm. James lives in Burr Oak, Iowa. He married Elsie Chase and they have two children Charity and Donna. Charity has been teaching sinee 1900 in Bluffton, Hesper and Burr Oak. Milo J., Jr., died November 9, 1910, at the age of nineteen years, his death being a sad blow to his parents and friends. It is interesting to note that Mrs. M. J. Willsie taught school before she was married in Newburgh, Amherst and Preble townships. Mr. Willsie has now retired from active work, the farm being operated by bis son, George. He has held many offices of trust, was postmaster at Lenora in 1878, was second assistant clerk in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature in 1879, and was engrossing clerk of that session and the session of 1881. He has heen town elerk of Canton and was assessor of that township for a number of terins as well as one term in Newburg. He is a member of Burr Oak Lodge, No. 143, I. 0. 0. F.

R. A. Sturgeon, M. D, an early and suecessful physician of Fillmore county, now deceased, was horn in Belfast, Ireland, June 4, 1830. In his youth he attended Dr. Bryce's Academy, and later Queen's College, both at Belfast, graduating from the latter institution in 1847, having in the meantime spent two years in the Belfast Hospital. After graduation he went to Liverpool where he received an appointment as medical officer on board the Silas Greenman, bound for New York. Upon reaching his destination, he started out in seareh of his brother who had come to America several] years previous. After considerable travel, he found that his brother had died at Montreal, Canada, leaving a widow and several children. Dr. Sturgeon lived in Montreal three years. There he lost his wife, Harriet Seriver, and he then eame to the States, and located in Burr Oak, Iowa, where he lived two years, subsequently coming to this county and staying a few months in Canton.

During the war he was in Missouri, and at the close of the conflict he returned to Fillmore county, and took wp once more the practice of his profession. July 18, 1866, he was married at Preston, to Jane Young, daughter of John and IJelen (Drysdale) Young, who came from Fifeshire, Dunfirmline, Seotland, in October, 1858, and located in section 29, Canton township, where their daughter Jane lived until her marriage with Dr. Sturgeon, to whom she bore six clildren. Helen is dead. Georgiana lives with her mother at home. Robert ives in Canada. He married Angie Hubbell, and they have four children, Vila, Howard, Mae and Lloyd. Harriet and Florence are dead. William is a merchant in Canton. He married Minnie Johnson and they have one child, Lois. Dr. Sturgeon was actively engaged in the practice of his profession for many years and won the love and confidence of the community by his gentle and skilled ministrations at the bedside of the feeble and suffering. During the latter years of his life, his own health was greatly impaired, and on January 8, 1901, he passed from those whose loving care had brightened his suffering. In 1893 Dr. Sturgeon became postmaster of Canton, and served until 1897 when he was sueceeded by his daughter, Georgiana, who still serves, giving general satisfaction by her industrious application to {he duties of the place. Mrs. Sturgeon and Miss Georgiana have a pleasant home in the village of Canton.

Germund Sauer, a substantial resident, now deceased, was born in Norway, 1836, and there married Isabel Olson. With his wife he came to America in 1869, and after coming to this county lived a time in IIluarmony, where they stayed a short time, snbsequently moving to Canton and purehasing a farm from Theodore J. Haines. Here the nine children were born anc reared Germund Sauer died September 26, 1897, and his widow still lives on the home place in section 10. The children are: Lena and Gilbert, at home; Anna, wife of C. K. Hanson, of Reeder, North Dakota; Hilda, wife of Alfred Olson, of Lockhart, Norinman county, Minnesota; Ida, wife of Elvin Erickson, of Marshall county, Minnesota; George, who married Julia Anderson and lives in Canton township; and Nettie, Clarence and Luella, who are at home.

Gilbert Sauer, a popular farmer of Canton township, was born on the place where he now lives, November 9, 1871, son of Germund and Isabel (Olson) Sauer. He was reared on the home farm, and attended school in Lenora, since which time he has devoted his life to farming. He makes his home with his mother on the home place, and be and his brothers operate the family farm which consists of 360 acres of good land. Since the death of the father many improvements have been made, including the ereetion of a granary and barn,

Thomas Rice, a leading resident of the village of Canton, was born in the province of Quebee, near Montreal, April 4, 1837, son of Thomas and Mary (Cobine) Rice, the former of whom was horn in County Armagh, Ireland, and the latter in County Monaghan, Ircland. In 1858 the family came to the States and stopped a while with William Rice, who had previously settled in section nineteen, Canton township. Then they went to Burr Oak, Winnishiek county, Iowa, where the parents both died. Thomas, the subject of this sketeh, worked for his father on the farm and attended school in Burr Oak one year. After attaining the years of manhood, he and his brother, David, each received a half of a farm of 160 acres which their father had purchased in Freemont township, Iowa. There Thomas carried on agricultural pursuits and reared his fine family. In 1905 he retired and moved to the village of Canton. His life has been an active and useful one, and he is remarkably well preserved for one who has done hard labor for so many years. His wife, who was formerly Margaret Patterson, was born July 4, 1841. They have had seven children: Alfred (deceased), Earl, James B., Margaret, Thomas L., Stephen O. and William P. Earl is a physician of Roland, Story county, Iowa. Ife married Minna Wilford, and they have two children: Ear] R. and Minna Ione. James B. lives on the home farm in Fremont, lowa. He married Jennie Milne, and they have four children: Walter, Margaret, Maude and James. Margaret graduated from the Albert Lea College, taught four years in Tennessee, and is now teaching in Carlton, Ore. Thomas L. graduated from the University of Towa, and is practicing dentistry at Ames, Iowa. Ile married Harriet MeCarthy. Stephen O. lives in Portland, Ore. Iie married Selma Bergerin, and they have one son, Stephen. William P. lives in Canton. He married Genevieve Armstrong, and they have four children: Viola, Alegra, Alfred and Remona.

James C. Russell, a well-known farmer of Canton township, was born in upper Canada, May 14, 1851, and at the age of three months was taken by his parents to St. Lawrence county, New York. His mother later married a Charles Cater. When James was twelve years of age the family, consisting in all of twelve members, came west, aud reached Ta Crosse in the fall of 1863, making most of the trip by boat. From La Crosse they crossed the river to La Crescent, in Houston county, and continued the trip by wagon to Elliota, in this county. Here the step-father rented a farm. James was reared on this farm and in time, secing the need of a better edueation, went to La Crosse two years to school. Then he taught school in Houston county two terms, and in the winter of 1876 took charge of the Nupson school in Harmony township. Mareh 22, 1876, he married Mary Jane Riee, daughter of William and Hannah (Bursell) Rice, who were then living on the land which they had pre-empted in section eighteen. Mr. Russell purchased this land from Mr. Rice, and Mr. and Mrs. Rice moved to Brookings, 8. D., where Mr. Rice died in January, 1891, Mrs. Riee being still alive and in her seventy-fifth year. When Mr. Russell took the Rice farm, the original ''proute'' house was still on it. In 1898 he ereeted a fine frame house and numerous outbuuldings. The place now consists of 160 acres, and here Mr. Russell carries on farming on a suecessful scale. The Russell home has been blessed with nine children: Verna S., who married George Tuttle and lives in Montana; Vida, the wife of P. E. Wertman, of Bradley, S. D.; Vietor, living in Canton; Hubert V., now in Minneapolis; Harvey W., living in Canton; Eugene W., living at home; Hannah E., Stephen J. and Lilliam ML, also living at home. My. Russell is much respected, and the family is well regarded throughout the community.

J. C, Rice, one of the estimable farmers of Canton township, was born about thirty miles from Montreal, province of Quehee, Canada, April 20, 1836, son of Thomas and Mary (Cobine) Rice. Tn 1856 he came to the States and pre-empted land in section seventcen, Canton township. On account of the so-called ''sinkholes'? on his farm he soon traded for a portion of his present place in seetion nineteen, where he built his home and erected the necessary outbuildings. Probably no other man could be found in the town of Canton who began life with so little and accomplished so much. He came here with practically no means, and by hard work and good management has become the owner of 825 acres of fine farming land, every acre of which is under cultivation, and on which are splendid buildings. The particular pride of the farm is a fine herd of Poll-Angus cattle. Mr. Rice was married March 15, 1861, to Catherine Bursell, whose father was a native of England. She obtained her education partly in Canada and partly at the old Willford school in section twentyfive, Canton township. Mrs. Rice, then Miss Bursell, started teaching school in the Henderson district in Preston in 1857, being the first teacher in that district. Mr. and Mrs. Rice are the parents of five children: Thomas, Etta, James H., Emery W. and Garwood. Thomas, who conducts the home farm, married Hattie Bursell, now deceased. They had two children: Elsie L. and Eugene P. James H. married Eva Fay and they have three children: Hazel M., Vernon N. and Stanley F. Emery married Edna Casterton.

Emery W. Rice, a progressive farmer of Canton, was born in the same township on section twenty-nine, January 24, 1875, son of J. C. and Catherine (Bursell) Rice. He was born and reared on the home farm in Canton, obtained his early schooling in district twenty-one, and after he was married bought a farm of eighty acres in section thirty, whieh he is still operating. His wife, Edna J., is the daughter of Josiah and Jane (Kerr) Casterton. Mr. Rice is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 194, A. F. & A. M., and of the Yeoman.

Martin Paulson, who is successfully conducting his model farm in Canton township, was born in Toten, Norway, May 29, 1852, and came to America in 1868, locating in Norway township, Fillmore county, where he first worked for his sister and later for a Mr. Kasberg, in all a period of seven years. In 1878 he married Isabel Smestad, a native of Norway, born March 15, 1859. They moved to Preble and purchased a farm in the northwest corner of section five, where they lived fifteen years. In 1894 they moved to Canton and purchased the Holmes' farm in section eleven. Mr. Paulson at onee began to improve this place. He erected a fine large brick house, with suitable barns and outbuildings, bringing the brick from Mabel. It is now the most substantia) and home-like place in the township, and the passerby cannot resist stopping to look and admire. The firm embraces 291 aeres all in a high state of cultivation, excepling some sixty acres. In addition to this Mr. Paulson owns eighty-seven acres in the town of Newberg and 232 acres in Winneshick county, Iowa. The family faith is that of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Chureh. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson are the happy parents of nine children: Lena M., Helma C., Frederica, Matilda, Petra E., Fred (deceased), Clarence, Edwin and Esther M. Lena married William Harris and they have three children, Elma, Irvin and Wilmer. Helma C. married George Turnball and they have one daughter, Nellie. aged six years. Frederica marricd Charles MeMillen. Matilda is the wife of Ole Molstad, and they have three children: Harold, Fred and Owen. Petra E. married Rolf MeMillen, and they have one daughter, Ruth Elvina.

Josiah Casterton, who has resided in Canton township for thé past forty-seven years, was born in Rutland county, England, August 9, 1882, son of Zacariah and Jane (Ogden) Casterton, with whom he lived until 1856, when he came to America, locating a time in Rockford, Ill. Two years later he took up his residence near Hesper, in Winnishiek county, Iowa, where he lived with his brother, Ogden, until February 27, 1864, when he married Jane Kew. The young couple then came to Canton township, and bought the Stillman Demary farm of 100 aeres in section thirtyone. They moved into a '"'grout'' house and made that their home, until with the progress of time a more modern dwelling was erected. Here the subject of this sketch still resides. He is an unusually well preserved man for his age and a splendid type of the sturdy old English stock. His friends are looking forward to celebrating his eightieth birthday on August 9, 1912. In the Casterton family were nine children: Henry J. (deceased), Alice, Eugene, Frank, Walter J. (deceased), Willard J., Florence, Lester O. and Edna J. Henry J. married Prudence Reid, who is living in Winneshiek county, Iowa. Alice is the wife of Henry Manuel, and they have seven children. Eugene married Maggie Snell, and they have two children. Willard J. lives in Canada. Florence is the wife of R. J. White, and they have two children. Lester O. married Mary Skella, and they live in Prosper, and they have three children. Edna J. married Emery Rice. Frank married Rebecca Bryant, a native of Iowa.

Frank Casterton, a progressive young farmer of Canton. was born in Iowa, son of Josiah and Jane (Kew) Casterton. He attended school in district twenty-five, and has spent all his life on the home farm, with the exception of several years spent in Iowa, where he worked for a relative for a time and where he also worked a farm east of Hesper in partnership with his brother, J. W. Ty 1903 he purchased the home farm from his father, who now makes his home with him. He married Rebecea Bryant, a native of lowa, and they have a well-cherished, well-kept home.

Martin Abrahamson, a substantial farmer of Canton township, was born in Decorah, Iowa, January 10, 1868, son of Peter and Larena (Hegg) Abrahamson, who came from Dramman, Norway, in the early fifties and located in Muskeego, Racine county, Wisconsin, where they lived for a time, afterward moving to Decorah, Towa, where the mother died in July, 1874. In 1876 the father moved to Le Roy township, Mower county, this state, and thence to Lanesboro, in this county, later, in 1880, coming to Canton township, settling in section thirty and living here some two years until about 1882, when he went to Ransom county, North Dakota, where he died. Martin attended the publie schools and also the Breckenridge Institute, at Decorah, Iowa. Ie was thrown on his own resources at an early age, and since then has made his own way in the world. About fourteen years ago he acquired his present farm of 160 aeres in section twenty-eight, Canton township. This is one ot the best places in the town, and all except some ten acres of timber land is under cultivation. The dwelling is a fine roomy building, and the barns are large and commodious. The place is devoted to general farming in all its branches, but a specialty is made of pure bred Aberdeen Angus cattle. The subject of this sketch married Louisa Romgnalson, who was born near Lanesboro, in this county, and this union has been blessed with three children: Earl A. C., Lyle M. and Gayheardt F. They ave members of the Greenfield Lutheran Church.

J. G. Bruflodt, a prosperous farmer of Canton township, was born in Muskego, Racine county, Wisconsin, March 9, 1858, son of Gunnuf and Liv Bruflodt, who came to America in 1851, located in Muskego, Racine county, Wisconsin, stayed there four years, then moved to Hesper, Iowa, remained there one year, and then settled in section six, Canton township, this county, where the father and mother spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1886 and the mother in 1892. J. G. was reared on the farm where he still resides. He attended school in district 140, and has always devoted his attention 1o agricultural pursuits. The farm comprises 100 acres of land, sixty acres in Canton and forty acres in Harmony. The old original log cabin still stands on the farm, but near by is the fine modern house erected by the subject of this sketch in 1903. 'The farm is in a high state of cultivation, and the buildings are ample and well-kept. It is interesting io note that the subject of this sketch was baptized in the first Norwegian Lutheran Chureh built in America. It was then located in Muskego, Wis., but has since been removed log for log to the grounds of the Augsburg Seminary, midway between St. Paul and Minneapolis, where it is preserved as a valuable historic memento. J. G. Bruflodt married Lizzie Larson, a native of Norway, and they have nine children: Gerhard T., Leonard E., Martin T., Henry 0., John L., Tillie, Ida, Julia and Helma. Gerhard T. married Anna Adams, and lives in Bay City, Mich. Leonard E. married Minnie Johnson, and lives in Decorah, Towa. Martin T. is the leading jeweler of Harmony. He married Thea Bakke and has one danghter, Lucille Bernedine, and one son, Mauriee Trueman. Henry O. is associated with his brother, Martin. The rest are at home. Ida is a musie teacher at Harmony in the musi¢ store connected with M. T.'s jewelry store.

William J. Armstrong, now deceased, an early pioneer of Canton township, was born in County Cork, Ireland, December 3, 1822. As a youth he went to England, and there married Emily Cavanaugh, who was born in Ireland Oetober 22, 1822. It was in England that their first child, Thomas ., was born. The parents and this son came to America in 1845 and located in Philadelphia, where they remained until coming to Minnesota. On September 13, 1854, they took up their residence on section thirtythree, Canton township. Here Mr. Armstrong built a log house and proceeded to break, cultivate and improve the land. In time he erected a frame house, and comforts and luxuries began ta replace the deprivations of pioneer days. Mr. Armstrong died March 9, 1879. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Armstrong, moved to the village of Canton and lived with her daughter, Maria, until her death, September 8, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were the parents of thirteen children: Thomas F., William J., Annie, John L., Mary E., Emily, Emmett, Maria T. Joseph C., Katie, Benjamin, Winnie and Elizabeth. Thomas F. Lives in Ladysmith, Wis. William J. lives in Canton, this county. Annie is now Mrs. Lewis Kimbal]. John L. lives in Randolph. Mary E. is the wife of Wallace Douglass. Maria T. lives in the village of Canton. She has always manifested an interest in the preservation of the family reeord and has supplied the data for this sketeh. Joseph ©. lives in Canton. Winnie is the wife of William Knox. Kmily, Emmeti, Katie, Benjamin and Elizabeth are dead.

Horace P. Mitson, who is successfully condueting a harness and saddlery shop in the village of Canton, was born in Sherbrook, ninety miles from Montreal, province of Quebee, Canada, October 26, 1852, son of Peter Mitson, a native of England, and Isabel (Adams) Mitson, a native of Canada. In 1856 the family came to the States and located thirteen miles southwest of Cresco, in Howard county, Iowa. In 1866 they moved to section thirtyfour, Canton township, this county. There Horace P. attended school in district twenty-four and grew to manhood. After attaining adult years he operated a farm in Clayton township, Mower county, Minnesota, three years, and then engaged in the harness business in Taopi, in Mower county, where he conducted a shop for three years. In 1885 he came to Canton and opened his present establishment for the manufacture and sale of harnesses and other leather goods and driving equipment. IIe is one of the substantial men of the community and has allied himself with Canton Lodge, No. 194, A. F. & A. M. He married Frances Van Allen, a native of Canada, and they have two children: Leslie G. and Florence L. Leslie is teaching in Lewisville, Minn., and Florence is teaching in district twenty-six, Canton township.

Lars Michaelson, a well-informed farmer living in the township of Canton, was born in Norway December 238, 1849, and came to America in 1871. After stopping at Lanesboro a short time, he eame to Amherst and worked three years for Peter Sanderson. Then he moved to Washington Prairie, Winneshiek county, Iowa, and worked for E. Solon five years. Subsequently he returned to Fillmore county and worked for Knute Knutson in Amherst one summer and for Anthony Christianson one year. Next he was emploved by a Mr. Toffersart in Canton a year. Finally he purchased a farm in section twenty-six, Canton township, which he operated fifteen years. In 1899 he purchased a farm from Edward Wicks in section eleven, where he now resides. The farm consists of eighty-six acres of land, all under eultivation, and in addition to this Mr. Michaelson owns ten acres of timber land in section eleven. He married for his first wife, Mary Knutson, and five children were born: Otto, James, Bennie, George and Morris. The present Mrs. Michaelson was Petra Seierstad, a native of Norway, but for some time a resident of Preston. There, as in Canton, she is known for her sterling qualities, and is well hiked and favorably known by «a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Lewis Kimball, now deceased, exerted an influenee on the life of Canton for many years and, dying, left a goodly heritage of honor and integrity to his family. He was horn in Elgin, Kane county, Illinois, May 11, 1841, son of Plummer and Judith (Kimball) Kimball. who were born near Mt. Kearsage, N. H., and located in Kane county, Illinois, about 1835. spending the remainder of their years there. Alter their death, Lewis came to Canton township, this county. At the outbreak of the Civil War, when he was in his twenty-first year, he enlisted in Company C, Third Minnesota Voluuteer Infantry, and served until the close of the hostilities in 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Upon his return to Canton he lived with ''Aunt Polly'? Kimball until his marriage, when he purchased a farm in section 32, on which he erected a log house. This was replaced by a frame dwelling about 1900. Ile devoted his life to farmiug, and died September 10, 1908. He was married January 22, 1868, in the Roman Catholic Chureh at Decorah, Iowa, by Rev. T. M. Lenehan, afterward bishop of Cheyenne, Wyo., to Amnie, the daughter of William and Emily (Cavanaugh) Armstrong, who was reared on her father's farm in section thirty-three, Canton township, and attended school in Elliota. Her union with Mr. Kimball was blessed with six children: Loretta, deceased; Lewis, deceased ; Emily, deceased ; William, a mail carrier; Annie L. and Lewis F., living at home. Sinee her husband's death the home farm has been capably conducted by Mrs. Kimball.

James Donald, who was prominent in the official life of Canton township, and whose death on December 8, 1911, was sincerely mourned by the entire community, was born in Scotland April 27, 1848, son of Archibald and Elizabeth (Young) Donald. He was reared on the home farm in Canton township, to which place he was brought by his parents in 1852. After his marriage to Victoria Harriet Peard, of Winnesheik county, Iowa, he bought land adjoining his farm in section thirty-four, Canton township, and there erected a fine home, where he reared his family. He prospered with the years and im time increased his holdings to 500 acres, practically under cultivation, except 120 acres of timber land. In time he erected a full complement of outbuildings. well in keeping with his home, and the place is regarded as a model one in every particular, For many years the owner made a specialty of breeding Aberdeen Angus cattle, and was also interested in breeding Shropshire sheep. At various times for thirty years he served on the town board of supervisors, and some years before his death he became a member of Canton Lodge, No. 194. A. F.& A. M. In the Donald home were six children: Mary E., who is a teacher; William P., who lives on a farm of 200 acres in Ilesper towuship, Winneshiek county, Iowa; Fred J., who lives on his farm of 240 acres in Burr Oak township, Winneshiek county, Iowa; Earl R., Iva J. and Archibald G., who are at home: Earl] R. and Archibald G. conduct the home farm.

Archibald Donald, a pioneer of 1852, was born in Scotland, and in early life became interested in agricultural pursuits, being given charge of an estate in the Highlands of his native country. He was married to Elizabeth Young, and in 1850 they eame to America and for a time loeated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, later living in Walworth county, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1852. In May, 1852, they came to Minnesota and located on section 36, Canton township. Here on January 7, 1853, their youngest son David was born. The claim is made by many historians that he was the first white child born in Canton township, and the second born in Fillmore county. Archibald Donald first took 160 acres of land which he broke, grubbed and developed, building a log eabin and carrying on general farniing. He added to his land from time to time, until he had 445 aeres in the home place and 160 acres in section 32. While on a business trip to Preston in Mareh, 1865, he was drowned in crossing the Root river near Preston. His wife passed away several years later. They were the parents of five children, Archibald, James, William, Jane and David, of whom all are deceased except David.

David Donald, who first saw the light of day on the farm where he now lives, is said to have been the first white child born in Canton township, and the second white child born in the county, the date of his nativity being January 7, 1853. He received his education in the district schools, after which he took up farming on the home farm, where he remained until he was married in 1879, after which he purchased 100 acres of land in section 35, Canton township, and engaged in farming for himself for a period of four years, after which he returned to the old homestead, where he has followed general farming im a systematic manner ever since. He has a fine dwelling house and a complete set of outbuildings, and the farm is a model place in every particular. Ilis 350 acres of well-tilled and fully developed land, show thrift and enterprise, and bespeak of the ability of their owner. For several years he was much interested in the breeding of Poll-Angus cattle and of Norman and Clydesdale horses. Mr. Donald is a man of good sound judgment and farsightedness. His honor and integrity have won for him a high standing in the community where he was born and where he has lived all his life. Some years ago he retired from the activities of farm life, and his place is now successfully conducted by his son-in-law, Allen Whitset. The subject of this sketch was married December 25, 1879, to Eliza Jane Frego, daughter of Godfrey Frego.

Godfrey Frego was born in Waskinonge, Quebec, February 17, 1840. At the age of fourteen he was thrown on his own resources. May 2, 1860, he married Mary E. Bates. In 1864 they came to Canton, this county, and purchased a farm of 336 aeres. For two years he rented this farm, and devoted his time to buying and shipping live stock. After this he devoted his years to farming his land. He is dead and his wife lives in Canton village. They had five children: Eliza J., George E., Murray L., Hiram W. and Myrtie May.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald were the parents of two children, Mary F. and Mabel C. Mary F. was born August 13, 1882, and is the wife of Allen Whitset, of Canton township. Mabel C. was born January 24, 1887 and married Earl Rolens, D. D. S., of Spirit Lake, Iowa, where they now live. Mrs. David Donald was an artist of ability and the paintings in the Donald home show talent, training, and a truly esthetic appreciation of art values ag well as a technical mastery of the brush. She passed away March 11, 1912, largely mourned and greatly missed not only by her family but by a great host of friends.

William Donald, deceased, was a native of Argyleshire, Scotland, born February 17, 1845, son of Archibald and Elizabeth Donald, whose biographies are to be found elsewhere in this work. Wiliam came to America with his parents in 1850 and lived for a short time in Wisconsin. From there they came with a team and covered wagon, locating one mile east of the present town of Prosper, Fillmore county, where they lived for several years. After the death of his father who was drowned in Root river in 1865, William settled on a farm in section 35, Canton township. Here, for many long years, he combated with adverse circumstances, but his conrage never faltered and success at last erowned his efforts. To his original small farm, he added until he eventually became the owner of 655 acres, 230 of which were located across the state line, in Iowa. Mr. Donald erected the fine home, which now stands on the farm, and also put up good barns and other outbuildings. He was ever actively interested in all movements which tended toward the development and improvement of both town and county and became one of its foremost citizens. When the State Line Bank of Prosper was organized, he was chosen its vice-president and in this capacity served with credit until his death. After his death Mrs. Donald was chosen vice president in his stead. He was one of the organizers of the Prosper Creamery, and was generally recognized as a man possessing great executive ability. His death, which oecurred December 14, 1911, was a shock to all and a great loss to the county and especially to the community where he had so long resided. Mrs. Alice (Babcock) Donald, his wife, was born in Dexter, New York, in 1865, daughter of Kendrick and Caroline (Edgerly) Babcock, natives of New York and Maine, respectively and of English descent. These worthy people came to Minnesota January 1, 1869, and engaged in farming in Canton township. The father died December 14, 1882 and the mother May 8, 1902. They were parents of three children, Mrank, of Englevale, North Dakota, Mrs. Mary Bowerman, of Oakes, North Dakota, and Mrs. William Donald, of Canton. Mrs. Donald was given a good education and for several years before her marriage to William Donald, taught school. For nine years she was clerk in the store of R. H. Baker of Prosper.

Bennie H. Benson, a modern agriculiurist of Canton, was born in section 30, Harmony towuship, this county, April 7, 1876, son of Even and Gunvor (Homme) Benson. He was reared on the home farm in Harmony, and there remained until twenty years of age, when he entered the employ of Ole N. Thundale, of Harmony. There he clerked for a year and was then received into partnership by his employer, for the purpose of opening a store in Greenleafton, which was put in charge of Mr. Benson. The partnership terminated at the end of four and a half years, and the subject of this sketch then turned his attention to teaching, taking charge of schools in York, Bristol, Harmony, Canton and Preble. After four years in this profession he started farming, purehasing a fine place of 97 aeres in sections 17 and 18, in Canton township. Tere he has sinee lived and prospercd. Ile married Isabel, the daughter of Nels and Anna (Thompson) Thundale, and this union has been blessed with one child, A. N. Genoer, born June 4, 1909. Mr. Benson is a Democrat and attends the Lutheran church.

Ole Benson, a young and progressive farmer of Hamnony township, was born in the township where he still lives, December 18, 1880, son of Even and Julia, or Gunvor (Halvor) Benson. He spent his boyhood on the farm, and attended the school of district 39, supplementing this with a term at the Southern Minnesota Normal College at Austin, Minnesota. In 1908 he married Kate Farney and they have one child, Viola Emma Glendora, not quite three years of age. Mr. Benson's farm comprises 160 scres all under cultivation. Ile makes a specialty of raising Aberdeen-Angus cattle. Mr. and Mrs. Benson are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Halvor E, Benson, a capable farmer of Harmony, was born in section 30, July 25, 1869, son of Even and Gunvor Benson, the old country name being Haugum. Halvor E. attended school in district 39 and one term at Breckenridge College, Decorah, Iowa, and lived at home until he was married. Then he bought a farm in section 21, where he is now living. His farm comprises 160 acres all under enltivation. Ile has a fine home and spacious outbuildings, making the place appear very attractive. The subjeet of this sketeh married Tilda Filland, Mareh 18, 1897, and they have six children: Elven T., Arnold G., Roy J., Geneva FE., Mildred O., and Alice M.

Even Benson, a retired farmer living in Harmony village, was born November 20, 1837, in Valley Sogn, Sattersdalen, Norway, where he was cominonly known as Haugnm. He, his good wife, whose maiden name was Julia or Gunvor Homme, came to America in 1861, and stayed the first year m York township, this county, with a sister. In 1862 they came to Harmony township and located in section 30, where Even built a log house. THe prospered with the years, and bought more land until he acquired in all 400 acres. In 1874 he built a comfortable frame dwelling and in 1893 sold the place to three of his sons, Eddie, Bennie and Ole. Then he bought eighty acres one mile from Harmony, known as the Charles Thompson farm. In 1908 he sold this farm to his son-in-law, O. N. Thundale, and moved to Harmony, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Benson have had eleven children: Bjorm, born July 10, died October 3, 1862; Betsy, born February 5, 1864, now Mrs. O. N. Thundale; Belle, born January 11, 1866, now Mrs. Christ Woldal; Bjorm, born September 22, 1868, died September 29, 1868; Halvor, born July 25, 1869; Bjorm, born November 1, 1871, died April 28, 1873; Eddie, born December 20, 1873; Bennie H., born April 1, 1876; Gusta, born August 27, 1878; Ole, born December 18, 1880; and Bjorm, the youngest.

O, A, Kibbe, M. D., one of the suecessful physicians of Canton and vicinity, was born in Hampton, Iowa, September 6, 1880, son of Anson J. and Elizabeth (Carroll) Kibbe, and grandson of Anthony Kibbe. The grandfather moved from Wisconsin to Hampton, Lowa, in an early day, and there the father was reared and lived, he being a carpenter and a farmer, The subject of this sketch attended the graded schools and the high school of Hampton, and then entered the University of Minnesota, studying there from 1901 to 1905. After receiving his degree and the necessary hospital practice he located in Harmony, in this county. Three years later he came to Canton where he is still practicing. Dr. Kibbe is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 149, A. F. & A. M. He married Corrine, the daughter of Amos L. and Lottie (Davis) Broughten and they have two children: Charlotte E. and Mary E.

Edmund H. Jacobson is a successful farmer of Canton township, where he was born August 3, 1864, son of John and Auue (Bergan) Jaeobson, He was reared on the farm, received his education in the school of district 19, and has always lived on the home place which he now owns. His farm of 245 acres is one of the finest in Canton, and he also owns a ten-acre timber claim. The dwelling honse is large and homelike, and the outbuildings for the housing of stock, produce, implements and tools are commodious and well arranged. The house was erected some thirty-five years ago. So well improved is the farm, and so wellkept the buildings and the surroundings, that the plaee is noticeable to the passerby as a model country estate. Mr. Jacobson married Sarah C. Stedgee, daughter of Ole and Anna (Jerdie) Stedgee, and they have two bright children, Selmer FE. and Orrin J., who are attending the same school that their father went to when he was a boy. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran chureh at Henrytown. Mr. Jacobson is an Independent voter and member of Canton Lodge, No. 214, I. 0. 0. F.

Theadore J. Eames, now deceased, was prominently identified with the earlier history of Fillmore county. He was born in Oneida county, New York, October 14, 1828; and was married November 15, 1849, at Amherst, Loraine county, Ohio, to Emeline E. Onstine. In 1854 they came to the village of Lenora and settled in section 10, Canton township. Soon afterward, while still retaining this land, he moved to Preston and engaged in the mereantile business, in 1857, with a man named I[lolton for a partner. The times were hard and the people were poor, and after giving all the trust they possibly could, the partners, after a period of three years, sold their stock at auction, and gave up their business. Mr. Eames then took charge of the Stanwix Hotel, now the Tibbetts Tlouse, and operated that place for a year. Then he returned to his farm at Lenora, and farmed until 1869, when he took his family to Louisville, Denton county, Texas, where he died the following year. The family remained in Texas until 1878 when they moved to Wichita, Kansas. From there they moved to Nebraska. In 1896 they returned to Canton, where Mrs. Eames, a daughter of the pioneer Henry Onstine, and her son, Floyd, are still living. The farm consists largely of fruit land, of which Floyd makes a specially. Mr. and Mrs. Eames are the parents of six stalwart sons: Havilah H., of Texas; Marshall F., of Grangeville, Idaho; Glenn E., of St. Paul; Frank G. of Hillgard, Washington; Floyd, of Canton; and Eugene J., living in Maxwell, Nebraska.

P. F, Eames, a successful fruit grower of Canton township, has a place in section 17, where he makes a specialty of small fruit, and where his operations are meeting with great success. He is the son of Theadore J. and Emeline E. (Onstine) Eames, was born at Canton, this county, received a good common school education, and has followed farming all his life. He and his mother live together, and both have taken a deep interest in the affairs of the county in which the husband and father was so prominent a man.

Dan Burr Norton, a successful business man of the village of Canton, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, October 8, 1853, son of John S. and Sarah E. (Biglow) Norton. The family came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, in October, 1855, and settled at Burr Oak, thence moving the following spring to Greenfield, where they remained three vears. Then they moved to section 21, Harmony township, where they remained until the spring of 1874, and then moved up toward Preston. The subject of this sketch remained on the home farm until the fall of 1876, when he started farming in Bristol township, where he remained four years. Then he pursued farming in Spink county, South Dakota, for two and a half years, after which he returned to Harmony, and remained a year. In the spring of 1886, he moved to Fremont township, Winnesbiek county, Iowa, where he farmed for sixteen years. In 1902 he came to Canton and took up earpenter work. In 1904 he entered into the furniture business which he still eontinues. Aside from this he is a licensed emhalmer, undertaker, and funeral director, with a license to practice in both Iowa and Minnesota. Recently he has added a line of hardware to his furniture business. For two years he served as village treasurer and for a like period as recorder. He is treasurer and past master of Canton Lodge, No. 194, A. F. & A. M., and treasurer of Canton Lodge, No. 214, I. 0. O. F., as well as ex-master of aceounts of Canton Homestead, No. 579, B. A. Y., in which his wife is also a member. The subject of this sketch married Rose A. Mosher, who died June 15, 1897, leaving one son, Bertram A. On September 18, 1900, he married Gertrude M. Weighill, and this union has been blessed with five children: Irma Z., Byon O:, Christie L., Dean A. and Lila June.

Frank Wickett, extensive land owner, real estate dealer and merchant, now residing in the village of Canton, was born in Foxborough, Hastings county, Province of Ontario, Canada, March 6, 1867, son of Emmanuel and Elmira (Mercer) Wickett. They came to the United States in 1883 and purchased a farm on the northeast quarter of section 34, Canton township. FHlere Frank grew to manhood, attending the Prosper school a few seasons. At the age of twenty-one he engaged in the meat business, in which he still continues. In addition to condueting his market in Canton, Mr. Wickett is actively engaged in the buying and selling of real estate. He has made six separate trips to Alberta, Canada, where in 1899 he purchased an entire seciion of land, and in which part of the country he also owns 480 acres near the village of Clive. In Canton he owns 160 acres in section 34, cighty acres in section 20, twenty-five acres in section 15, eighty acres in section 10 and eighty acres in section 9. Te is an aetive member of Canton Lodge, No. 194, A. F. & A. ML, as he has been for the past twenty-one years, having at one time been treasurer. He and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, Mrs. Wickett having been worthy matron of the Canton lodge for the past three years. Mr. Wickett is also a member of the M. W. A. The subject of this sketch married Ella K. Sprague, who died and left two children: Earsie M. and Albert Stanley. Later he married Nellie Kimball, and this happy union has been blessed with six children: Leland W., Harry E., Frank, Donald, Manford and Howard. Mr. Wickeit is a Republican and served four years on the village council.

Noble M. Vail, a pioneer, and his wife, Lucy M. (Curtis) Vail, came to the United States from Canada in 1857, and located in section 7, Canton township, where they pre-empted land. They lived for a time in a log cabin, but later erected a frame house in which the family lived for fifteen years. In 1885 they sold the farm and moved to the village of Canton, where the snbject of this sketch ended his days, February 5, 1889. His wife died January 4, 1903.

R, N. Vail, a well known citizen of Canton, was born in Dunham, Canada East, Province of Quebec, April 18, 1847, son of Noble M. and Lucy M. (Curtis) Vail. In 1857, at the age of ten years, he was brought to Canton township by his parents, and spent his youth in section 7. He attended school in district 21, aided his father on the farm, and in time took up farming for himself. In 1885 he located in section 32, and carried on farming for fourteen years. In 1899 he moved to what was then called the Fay farm in section 18, whieh place he greatly improved, bringing the land to a high state of cultivation, and erecting additions to the house and barns. The place now consists of about 78 acres, practically all of which is under cultivation. The subject of this sketch was married, October 24, 1872, to Eva G. Kimball, daughter of Charles B. and Polly (Kimball) Kimball, and born April 27, 1854. Her parents who were natives of New Hampshire, came to [linois in 1835 and to Minnesota in 1854, locating in Canton township, where they followed farming the balance of their days, the father dying December 13, 1873, and the mother February 5, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Vail are the parents of five children. Charles R., born December 22, 1879, and Ray N., born October 7, 1884, are at home. Josie G., born November 22, 1887, is a stenographer in Decorah. Nettie E., born July 1, 1890, lives at home and is a music teacher. Loretta, horn June 25, 1893, died December 21, 1893. The Vails have taken a prominent part in Masonic cireles. My. Vail is a member of the Masonie Veterans Association of St. Paul, and is the oldest Mason in the town of Canton. In 1872 he joined the Preston Lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M., and when Canton Lodge, No. 194, was organized received a demit to the latter lodge. At that time he beeame senior deacon, serving one year. Then he was junior warden one year, and then was elected worshipful master, serving for three years. His son, Charles R. has also passed through the chairs of Canton Lodge, No. 194, A. F. & A. M., and served one year as worshipful master. The son, Ray N., who is also a member of the sume lodge, served one year as junior warden, and is now senior warden. <A)) the members of the family affiliate with Canton Lodge, No. 83, 0. E. S. Mr. Vail is a desirable citizen in every respect, and his family enjoys a most excellent standing in the community.

Christopher Busse, an early settler, now deceased, was born in Prnssia, Germany, and there married Louisa Marotz. In 1856, with his parents, his wife, and his nine children, he came to Ameriea and lived in Rock Island, Illinois, about two years. Then they came to Canton township, and located in section 27, upon which at that time nothing but a ''gronte'' shanty had been erected. In this the Busse family lived for several years. In 1881 Mr. Busse erected a frame house, and the necessary outbuildings. On this place he carried on general farming until his death December 24, 1890, his wife passing away November 4, 1903. Of this pioneer family, four sons and two daughters remain, one of whom is Mis. Louisa A. Cohrs, who furnishes the information for this memoir.

Mrs. Christopher Cohrs, whose maiden name was Louisa A. Busse, was the daughter of Christopher and Louisa (Marotz) Busse, born in Prussia, Germany, December 8, 1855. She came to America with her parents, her grandparents, and her brothers and sisters, and lived a while in Rock Island, Illinois, before coming with them to Canton township. Here she was reared, attaining her edueation in the schools of Canton township, prineipally in the Donald or Traxler school as it is usually called. She married Christopher Cohrs, and three sons were born. Mr. and Mrs. Cohrs went to live in Preston, where he was employed and where he lived until his death May 24, 1896. Mrs. Cohrs and her three sons, George E., Peter A. and Herman H., are now operating the home farm in Canton. On this farm of 120 acres, which is nearly all under cultivation, they carry on general farming and make a specialty of Poll-Angus cattle.

Gottlieb Busse was born in Germany, October 30, 1843, son of Christopher and Louisa (Marotz) Busse. The family came to America in 1856, consisting at that time of the grandfather and grandmother, father and mother and nine children. They lved two years in Rock Island, Illinois, and in 1858 came to Canton, this county, and located in section 27, where Christopher died in 1890 and Louisa in 1893. When the family first came to Can- ton, they lived in a ''groute'' house. In 1881 they built a fine frame residence. Gottlieb was reared on the home farm and attended the Traxler school. In 1873, he married Mary A. the daughter of Edward and Mary A. (Moore) Dagen. Mr. and Mrs. Busse are the parents of the following children: William II., Agnes M., Edward C., Ida A., John F., deceased, Eugene R., deceased, and Orvin B. William H. is married and lives near Prosper. Agnes M. married Herbert Fay. They live in Canton, and have one son, Everett C. Edward C. has a farm of sixty-six acres near Carimona. Ida A. is at home. Orvin lives near Preston. John F. died at the age of five years, and Eugene R. at the age of two vears.

Edward Dagen, now deceased, for some time a resident of Canton township, was born in King's county, Ireland, and came to America at the age of twenty-one years, locating a while in New York. There he married Mary A. Moore, who was born in Uxford county, [reland, and came to America at the age of sixteen. Their first child, now Mrs. Sarah Sullivan, was born in New York. From there the family went to Cleveland, Ohio, and here seven children were born. Two died when young. When the oldest child was sixteen the family came to Burr Oak, Iowa, keeping a boarding house and moving from place to place in order io accommodate the men working on the railroad which was being constructed from Cresco to Austin. Then the family lived in Austin two years, and subsequently in Burr Oak two years. Then Mr. Dagen purchased 120 acres in section twentyeight, Canton, from Thomas Armstrong, and here the family lived and prospered for twenty-nine years. Then they moved to Blue Earth, Minnesota, where Mr. and Mrs. Dagan both died, the father passing away in 1906 at the age of eighty-six, and the mother in 1911 at the age of ninety. Their children are: Mrs. Sarah Sullivan has moved from her farm in Blue Earth to Austin; John Dagen is living on a claim in Streater, N. D.; Mrs. Kale Gossman lives in Emmetsberg, Iowa. Iler husband is a carpenter by trade. Mrs. Mary A. Busse lives on a forty-acre farm near Canton. Patrick Dagen died when six or seven years of age. Edward Dagen lives on the home farm near Blue Earth. Maggie died when two years old. Mrs. Margaret Dagen lives at Morris, Minn., where ber husband is employed in the railroad station.

The information for this sketch is furnished hy the danghter, Mrs. Mary A. Busse. She was married in 1873 to Gottlieb Busse, and moved onto her forty-acre farm, on which she has lived for thirty-nine years. On this farm she has prospered and raised garden produce, and, in fact, turned her hand to almost any honest endeavor which promised assistance in rearing and providing for her family of children. She is a capable business woman and manager, and under her able eare her affairs are in «a most prosperous condition. The family are members of the Chureh of the Assumption, at Canton.

Lars 0. Stensgard, a progressive and sturdy citizen of Canton township, was born in Norway, about four miles north of Christiana, In Bjorke Annex til Naunested Prostegjeld, May 10, 1839. He and his wife, Randi Christopherson, came to Ameriea in 1861, making their way directly to Highland Prairie. There Mr. Stensgard failed to find work, so he eame to Newburg, Fillmore county, and obtained work from Engbert Baerson in the harvest fields. Then he worked around for some three or four years, after which he took a farm in Newburg on shares. About the year 1868 he bought a farm in sections twenty-three and fourteen, Canton township, from Daniel Fairbanks, and has there continued to reside. The present comfortable dwelling was erected in 1885 and the outbuildings were built some years later. The farm contains some 100 acres, and is in a fine stage of cultivation, being conducted by Martin Stensgard, who makes a home for his father and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Stensgard are the parents of nine children: Olaus, Christian, Gilbert, Louis first and second, both deceased, Mary, Olnf, Laura and Martin. Olaus lives in Canton. He married Lysgaard, and they have three children, Minnie, Laura and Emina. Christian lives in Amherst. He married Betsey Anderson, and they have five children: Roy, Laura, Peter, James and Helen (deceased). Gilbert lives in Canton. Mary married Ole Stone, and they have five cbildren: Laurence, Ruby, Luella, Mildred and a girl not yet named. Oluf lives in Prosper. He married Isabel Breno, and they have ten children: Ella, Leonard, Rena, Agnes, Lela, Olander, Roy, Morris, Ina and Helen. Laura married Oscar Larsrud, and they have one boy, Orrin. Martin married Nellie Evenson, and they have four ehildren: Elvin L., Elmer, Melvin and Helen.

J. 8. Hatlestad, progressive editor of the ''Canton Reporter,"' was born in Leland, Ill., in 1856, received his education in Mavshall College, Wisconsin, read law for several years in the office of Judge C. B. Kennedy, of Canton, S. D., and was admitted to practiee by the Supreme Court of South Dakota in 1899. That year he was judge of the municipal court of Canton, 8S. D. But having learned the printers' trade he could not, try as he would, forget the charms of the printing office, and accordingly he took charge of the Worthing (S. D.) ''Enterprise,'' which he conducted most successfully for seventeen years. Then he sold out and came to

Minnesota. He has made the ''Reporter'' one of the leading papers of southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa, and his editorials have always stood for right and justice and truth. Editor Hlatlestad is a firm believer in the Brotherhood of Man, and is a member of the Odd Fellows, Masonic and M. W. A. lodges.