Fillmore County, Minnesota - The whole text, 1912 (part 9 of 20)

Purzel Blakeslee, nanager of the Spring Valley Telephone Co.., was born in Olmstead county, Minnesota, in March, 1879, son of Samuel Larue and Elnora Blakeslee, formerly of Pennsylvania. He acquired the rudiments of his education in the common schools of Olmsted county and completed his studics in the Spring Valley high school. After finishing his schooling, he returned to his home on the farm and worked for his father four years, after which he started for himself and carried on agricultural pursuits for five years in Forestville township. On September 22, 1506, he accepted a position as lineman for the Northwestern Telephone Co. After six months he accepted a similar position with the

People's Telephone Co. and at the expiration of eighteen months' service was made manager of their Spring Valley Exchange for this company. The company has five exchanges, one at each of the following towns: Racine, Spring Valley, St. Charles, Stewartville and Chatfield, including some 3000 'phones. The Spring Valley exchange covers a radius of nine miles south, seven miles north, eight miles east and five miles west and has about 600 instruments. In December, 1903 Mr. Blakeslee married Edith McKenzie of Forestville and to them have been born three children, Marjorie, Ronald and Patricia. Mr. Blakeslee is independent in political opinions and affiliates with the Masonic Lodge of Spring Valley.

William Leonard Lyman was born in Spencer, Worcester county, Massachusetts, June 1, 1865, son of George G. and Ann Eliza (Ladd) Lyman. In 1871 he came to this county with his parents and received his education in the graded and high schools of Spring Valley. He then began work on the Western Progress with Till Hutchison, where he remained seven years, and was later employed on the LaCrosse Republican Leader nine years. Having been interested in music for some years he received the opportunity to go to Chicago and study under George W. Sweet and A. E. Ruff who were then the leaders in voice culture. Here he remained two years and later had a year in the Cincinnati College of Music under B. W. Gorneau. Subsequently he appeared with C. D. Hess in ''Olivett'' at the Grand Opera House, Chicago, and then appeared with Eddie Foy four seasons in such plays as 'Blue Beard, Jr.'' and ''Ala Baba.'' However his mother's illness made it necessary for him to return home and since then he has followed his trade here in Spring Valley where he has a job office and also handles fire insurance and real estate. He is a member of the Congregational church and director of the chureh quartette. In politics he is a Republican and in the session of the legislature of 1910 and 1911 he was clerk of the engrossing committee. He was married in December, 1898 to Edith Raabe of Spring Valley and to them has been born one son, Leonel Ladd

Dwight Rathbun, deceased, was a native of the Empire state, having heen born in Onondaga county on May 15, 1829, son of Gamaliel and Lucretia (Richardson) Rathbun, who came west and located in Winnebago county, Illinois, where he worked on a farm for four years. In 1850 he moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and here homesteaded land, remaining there five years, after which he came to this county and settled in Forestville township. Here Mr. Rathbun bought 200 acres of wild land, where for forty years he engaged in agricultural industries. When the family arrived they lived in a wagon and they erected a log cabin, which was later replaced by a more comfortable modern dwelling. He also put up good outbuildings and worked with untiring zeal for the general improvement of his home and farm. Mr. Rathbun was affiliated with the Republican party and was honored with election to the legislature, serving for three terms, during the years 1875, 1876 and 1877. He held many offices in the township, having been elected constable for many years, justice of the peace and member of the school board. That he -was a man of strong character and unusual ability was proven by-the efficiency with which he discharged his official duties and also by the high esteem in which he was held by his fellow men. He was a member and director of the United Brethren church. On March 27, 1853, Mr. Rathbun married Jane C, Monroe, who was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, April 30, 1836, where she lived until thirteen years of age. In 1846, with her parents, John and Roxy (Willis) Monroe, she came to Illinois, where the father farmed for three years, then coming to Minnegota, where he died. To Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun were born Viola, Ida, Edwin, Floyd, Dora, Ella, Vernon and two unnamed who died in infancy. Viola died at the age of nineteen. Ida died at the age of thirty-six. Edwin and Floyd died in infaney. Dora married Richard Plauda, of Elk River, Minn., and they have three children: Fern, Ross and Lynn. Etta married Joseph Whitley, of this county, and died at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving two children, Lela and Bernice. Vernon married Christabel Plummer and lives near Elk River, Minn. In 1887 Mr. Rathbun retired from his active life on the farm and moved into Spring Valley, where he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding in 1903. Mr. Rathbun entered into rest on October 22, 1905, and his death was a severe loss, not only to his family but to the town.

James M. Poore, retired farmer, living in the township of Bloomfield, was born in Steuben county, New York, September 20, 1840, son of David and Aurora (Parmenter) Poore, natives of the Empire state, who came to Wisconsin in 1870, there residing for the rest of their lives. James M. received a common school edueation and when 21 years of age started out for himself. He learned the carpenter's trade in northern Minnesota and worked near St. Paul for five years. In 1876 he came to Fillmore county and bought a farm of seventy-six acres in Bloomfield. Here he made all improvements, erected the substantial buildings which now stand, broke and grubbed the soil and carried on general farming with suecess. He now owns 125 acres, which he rents. This farm possesses a fine orchard of

150 trees and a greater portion of the land is under the plow. Shropshire sheep raising was one of the principal occupations of Mr. Poore during his management of the farm and he also raised Red and Duroe-Jersey hogs. In 1862 Mr. Poore enlisted in the home guard and assisted in quelling the Indian uprisings cn the frontier. In his political opinions he is independent. He was county commissioner of Pine county and town clerk and postmaster at Sunrise, Chisago county, both in this state. For fifteen years he was clerk of district 107, Spring Valley. January 11, 1862, he married Addie M. Frost, born in Massachusetts September 19, 1845, daughter of George S. and Mary F. (Chase) Frost, the former of whom is deceased, and the latter of whom lives with her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Poore have three daughters: Cora, now Mrs. James Gilbert, of Bloomfield; Lucy, now Mrs. George Gilbert, of Spring Valley township, and Grace M., now Mrs. Milton Albro, of Forestville township.

E, A. Leonard was born in Sumner township, this county, April 24, 1862, son of Elisha and Laura (Reynolds) Leonard. Elisha Leonard and his wife were natives of North Carolina, but were not in sympathy with the southern institution of slavery. Wishing to get away from its unpleasant influence they came west in 1857 and settled for three years in Indiana. In 1860 they came to Fillmore county and purchased a farm in sections twenty-three. and twenty-four, Sumner township, where they lived in a log house which they found on the place until 1862, when the present frame dwelling was erected. It was here that this couple lived the remainder of their lives, the father dying February 16, 1896, and the mother May 19, 1906. E. A. Leonard attended the common schools of Fillmore county and later the city schools of Rochester, Minn. Having completed his school days he took up farming with his brother, 8. F. Leonard, in Sumner township, on the old home farm, and they continued in partnership three years. He then bought land in section thirtyfour, Sumner, and added to this from time to time until he owned 320 acres there. He here made his home for twenty-four years and in those years was busily engaged in improving his farm and attending to the many duties wiuch are imposed by a well kept and thriving business. In 1896 his health failed and it became necessary to rent the farm, on which he continued to live until 1909, when he moved to Spring Valley. He now has a most comfortable home in the northwestern part of the city. Some years ago Mr. Leonard purchased the Tunnel mill, which is one of the landmarks of Fillmore county, and with the mill already on the site and the great power which can be developed from the stream it is probable that the locality may at no far distant date play a strong part in the future development of the county. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Congregational church. He has been some years president of the Farmers' Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company. Po- Ltically he is a man of independent mind but holds to the Prohibition party. He is a member of the Spring Valley city council. On May 28, 1886, he was united in marriage to Rachael Hoeckema, a daughter of H. W. Hockema, who was a veteran of the Civil War and is proud of the fact that he was of the Wisconsin regiment which carried the Eagle. Mr. Leonard, being soeially inclined, is a member of the M. W. A. He is also treasurer of the Farmers' Co-operative Shipping Association of Spring Valley.

R, C. Livingston, now deceased, was born in Ohio, December 27, 1841, son of George W. and Marcia C. Livingston, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. They were farmers for several years in Ohio, after which they eaime to Minnesota, where the father passed away in 1876 and the mother three years later, in 1879. R. C., the subject of this biography, went to the country schools and attended Carlton college at Northfield, Minn., one year. He then became interested in photography, working at this business five years in Northfield, afterward coming to Spring Valley and engaging in the same line cight years. Later he traveled for a nursery firm, covering territory in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. At the ontbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company E, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by the brave J. B. Steadman, and was mustered in July 1, 1862. He was wounded in the battle of Janesburg, September 4, 1864, receiving a gunshot wound in the left thigh and also losing the sight of his left eye. He was honorably discharged in 1865. Mr. Livingston died May

2, 1912, and his death is sincerely mourned by a large ecirele of friends. A quiet, unassuming man, he had the faculty of winning confidence and esteem, and although he never sought office his opmions on public affairs were highly valned by his associates, while the veterans of the G. A. R. respected and loved him as a loyal and faithful comrade. The subject of this sketch was married November 9, 1870, to Mrs. Aseneath (Rhines) Waldron, and to them was born one daughter, Mary. Mary married Ira Lupien, of Spring Valley, and they have an adopted daughter, Claire.

C. B, Aarnes, one of the old and highly esteemed residents of Beaver township, was born October 5, 1843, in Norway, where he lived until he was twenty-seven years of age, working on a farm and learning the many lessons of industry and thrift which he brought to the United States and applied to the great success of the people and the community with which he has been identified. In the year 1870 he arrived in New York, came west to Iowa, and settled near Decorah, where he worked out six years. During this time, by dint of hard work and economy, he saved money and was thus enabled in 1876 to come to this county and purchase 120 acres of land on section eight, Beaver township. This land was entirely uncultivated and without buildings of any kind. He first erected a log house 16 by 18 feet and in this house, to which he later added, he lived till 1892. He cultivated his land diligently and also raised good cattle of the Durham breed. When the Ostrander creamery was organized he became a stockholder and there for many years disposed of his cream. In these years of hard work he saved some money, kept a sharp lookout for good investments and when he had opportunity bought land until he now owns farms in Lac qui Parle and Aitkin counties, this state, beside his holdings in Fillmore county, more than 800 acres altogether. He also owns stock in the Ostrander elevator and the Ostrander bank. In political views he is an adherent of the Republican party. Though he never sought political preferment he has at times from a sense of duty accepted local offices and has been treasurer of the local school, district 102, for eight years. In 1867 he married Marie Ellness and to them have been born eleven children. The two youngest died in infancy, as did also their first born, Carl Bernard. The second child, Carl, is now married and lives in Beaver township, where he has taken a prominent part in public affairs. Herman is married and is a farmer in Beaver township; Nels, Albert, Jens, Martha and Emil are at home. Henriette keeps house for Carl in Beaver township. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

Carl C. Aarness, one of the prosperous farmers of Beaver township, was born in Norway, February 18, 1869, and came to the United States when he was a little over one year of age. The family settled first in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where they lived till Carl was nine years of age. They later moved to this county and settled in Beaver township. The subject of this sketch attended the common schools and the Decorah Institute at Decorah, Iowa. One year after completing his studies he taught school in this county and then took up agricultural pursuits. He has increased and improved his original farm of eighty acres on section sixteen, Beaver, and has erected all the buildings on the place except the house, which the former owner built. Here he carries on general farming and keeps a good herd of Shorthorn dairy cattle. Mr. Aarness is a member of the Lutheran church of Ostrander. In politics he is a Republican and has been town clerk for four years. In 1900 he was census enumerator.

Lars Hanson Nordgaarden, deceased, was a native of Norway and there grew to manhood and was married. In 1857 he with his wife and three children crossed the ocean to the United States and in July of that year came to Minnesota and took a claim in section thirty-three, Bloomfield township, where he bought a pre-emption right and here established his home. At the time of his purchase there was on the place but a rude sod shanty, in which the family lived for several years. Mr. Nordgaarden worked for different farmers in the vicinity during the day and at night worked at home building a house, the children holding lighted chips that he might see to work. The house was put together with wooden pins, which took the place of nails, then a scarce article in this region. As the years passed and prosperity crowned his labors Mr. Nordgaarden made many improvements and eventually became one of the substantial farmers in the community. He followed agricultural industries until his death, which occurred June 23, 1863. His widow survived him until September 23, 1890.

L. H. Nordgaarden, extensive landowner and scientific farmer, residing in Beaver township, was born in Norway, January 16, 1853, son of Lars (Hanson) and Lise Nordgaarden. When four years of age he was brought to this country by his parents, who located in Bloomfield township, where the subject of this sketch grew up and was educated. Owing to the many duties connected with the management of the home farm, Mr. Nordgaarden was obliged to assist his father during the summer months and so could attend school only winter terms. When he became nineteen years old he completed his studies and then gave most of his time to the home farm. He spent one year in the pineries in Wisconsin and was employed in various sawmills. In 1875 he bought eighty acres in section fifteen, Bloomfield, and there carried on farming for three years, after which he disposed of his property and went to Beaver township, there purchasing eighty acres in section eight. For fifteen years Mr. Nordgaarden lived on this farm and in 1893 bought 280 acres in section sixteen, where he now resides. Here he has made many improvements, cultivated the soil, hewn down timber, erected buildings and made his home one of the substantial places in the community. As he has grown more prosperous he has-bought more land and now owns 440 acres of farm land in addition to the ten of timber in Forestville. He carries on general farming, raises Shorthorn cattle for beef and dairy purposes, and disposes of cream to the Ostrander ereamery, being one of its stockholders. He also raises from sixty-five to eighty Poland-China hogs annually and keeps abont fourteen horses of good breed. Formerly he was interested in sheep raising, but has now abandoned this line of industry. Mr. Nordgaarden has long voted the Republican ticket and his fellow men bave elected him to serve in many responsible offices in the township. He was for fifteen years supervisor of the township and has also been justice of the peace and elerk of school district forty-one for many years. A part of his present farm was formerly owned by Thomas Gates, who purchased it from his father, Levi Gates, who bought it of the Government. A quarter section was bought from Horace Nichols. On March 28, 1875, Mv. Nordgaarden married Oleana Peterson and to them have been born six ebildren. John is married and a resident of Spring Valley; Lars, died September 2, 1904, when twenty-four years of age, by accidental discharge of gun while hunting ; Caroline, Herman, Ida and Ole are at home, Ida is a teacher. The family are members of the Lutheran church of Bloomfield.

A. R, Hungerford, who for more than thirty-six years has been a resident of this county, was born in Chenango county, New York, May 2, 1844, son of B. and Fanny (Gobel) Hungerford, the former, a carpenter by trade, a native of New York, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. They lived in Chenango county till 1845, when they inoved west and made a home in Roek county, Wisconsin. Here the father and mother lived until 1885 in which year both died. The subject of this biography was the youngest of nine children. After receiving his schooling in the eommon schools of Wisconsin he worked with his father until the outbreak of the Civil War. August 22, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Thirteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Cumberland. While on guard at Pointroek bridge he was taken prisoner and was held at Cahawba, Alabama, with thirtyeight others. On March 18, 1865, he was parolled and was sent first to a hospital in Vicksburg, later to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and in the following June to Madison, Wisconsin, where he received his discharge. Seven of the thirty-eight confined with him died in the southern prison. Arriving at hone after his war experience he settled at once into the work of the home farm where he continued in partnership with his father until 1876. Tn the latter year he came to Minnesota and to this county, and on October 1, purchased 160 acres in section twenty-two, Beaver township. This was wild Jand with no improvements. He put up a house 16x20 feet and later erected other buildings as he needed them. Here he has since inade his home and his well kept home and excellent farm bespeak the years of toil and close application which have been expended to change the prairie to the farm home of today. By 1896 he was well equipped with buildings but in that year a severe wind storm (destroyed practically all. Undaunted he set at work, rebuilding, and as a eonsequence now has a fine large house and likewise a large barn of modern type together with other buildings essential to the proper up-keep of a large farm. He owns from forty to fifty head of Durham cattle, raises from seventy to one hundred Poland China hogs annually, feeds from forty to seventy-five sheep each winter and has about filteen head of Belgian horses for farm work and driving. Mr. Ifingerford is a member of the Methodist Episcopal ehurch of Chester, Iowa, which has for many years been the family church. In pohtics he votes the Republican ticket and is in full accord with the progressive movement. He has been school treasurer four years, justice of peace twenty years, town elerk nine years and assessor four years, still holding the latter office. Tie was married September 15, 1869, to Anna Gavey, a native of New York city and a daughter of Frederick Gavey. To this union have been born nine children. The youngest died in infaney. Luella married Frank Benson of Harmony. Frederick W. resides in Grant county, Minnesota. Fanny is a trained nurse. She married Lynn McKee of Iowa. Albert B. is a carpenter in Houghton, 8. D. Myrtle L. was a teacher. She married Paul Shultz and they live in Marshall county. Irvin V. also lives in Marshall county. Clarence assists his father at the home farm work.

Bertran Nordgaarden was born March 7, 1855, in Norway, and on July 4, 1857, landed on the shores of the United States with his parents, who made their way to Bloomfield township, this eounty, where they took a elaim under the old pre-emption aet, prior to the enaction of the homestead laws. He grew up on the home place in Bleomfield, attending the country schools and learning those farm duties which have played so strong a part in his later life. After assisting his father a number of years he rented the home place until 1899 and then bought 160 acres in section ten, Beaver, where he has since resided. IIe here follows general farming and stock raising, keeps a good breed of about thirty Shorthorn cattle and disposes of from twenty to thirty Poland-China hogs annually and keeps six or seven horses for farm work and driving purposes. He is a stoekholder and patron of the Ostrander creamery, axd also holds stock in both the Ostrander Bank and elevator, for which he has always a good word and a helping hand. In politics he is a progressive Republican, has served as town clerk of Bloomfield and has been member of the school board since he was eighteen years of age. He is now treasurer of district 105. Mr. Nordgaarden married Hannah C. Ostrud, June 5, 1885, and they have four children: Lars, Laura Irene, Hans and Cora Ethel.

A. J. Winslow, one of Fillmore county's long-time residents, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, January 30, 1848, son of H. H. Winslow, who came to this county in 1854, settled in Fountain township, homesteaded a claim on section five and there reared his family of six sons and three daughters. 'Three years after their settlements here the children began attending the first schools in the township. After A. J. grew to manhood he worked a part of his father's land and later purchased land in Fountain. In 1881 he bought his present farm, which consists of 280 acres in section twenty-three, Beaver township, where he has erected a good dwelling house, barns and such other buildings as are necessary for the proper conduct of a large farm. He follows general farming and stock raising; keeps from forty to fifty head of the Durham breed of cattle, about one hundred head of Shropshire sheep, a large number of the Durock red hogs and several Norman horses. Mr. Winslow's fine home, excellent farm and complete equipment are good indications of his many years of hard labor and painstaking care. In politics he is a Republican and has occupied the offices of town clerk, treasurer and chairman for many years each. On November 23, 1874, the subject of this sketch and Martha Gill, a native of England, were united in mar- Yiage and to them have been born two children, Asa B. and Mary C., both of Beaver township. Asa B. conducts the home farm. He married Louise Eggerichs and they have one daughter, Margaret Joy. Mary C. married D. Bonner of Beaver township and they have three children: Lela Leone, Belva May and Eva Bernette.

Hiram Winslow was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, July 11, 1837, son of Hosmer H. and Cornelia Winslow, natives of Vermont. In 1854, the Winslows left New York and came west, settling in Fountain township, this county, where they preempted 160 acres of land in section five, to which they added to from time to time until they owned 240 acres in that locality. This land was mostly prairie and the elder Winslow, with the help of his sons, broke the land and lived there till near the end of his life. He died in Beaver township. Hiram Winslow received his education in the common schools, which he attended until he was sixteen years of age. He then worked with his parents till he became twenty-two. During his twenty-third year, he went to

Chatfield and learned the blacksmith trade in C. T. Post's shop. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in Company D, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, but after one year's service was discharged because of ill health. After completing his apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, he returned to Fountain township, where he opened a shop, which he conducted in connection with his farming operations. Here he continued his trade and farmed until 1876 when he sold out and went to section twenty-two, Beaver township, where he has since made his home on 160 acres of excellent land. When he first bought this property there were no buildings on it, but by dint of many years' hard work, in which he has seen the country made, he has now good farm buildings and a most valuable farm. In 1906, Mr. Winslow rented his land and has since lived a somewhat retired life. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Chester, Iowa, which village ig his market place. In politics he is a Republican and has been member of the school board in district 114 for more than ten years. He is affiliated with the Masonic order at Chatfield. On October 6, 1871, he married Berlinda Post and to them have been born five children. C. P. lives in Wisconsin; F. B. and May are deceased; Morris lives on the home farm and Bertha married Herman Hoopman. Mr. and Mrs. Winslow have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and continue to enjoy the years as they go by, largely because of the interest formed in the past. In his community, Mr. Winslow is highly esteemed as a man of generous impulse, who is and has ever been ready to assist in all movements for the public betterment of all conditions.

Augustine V. DeFor was born at Etna, this county, February 14, 1875, son of Augustine and Lucy M. (Sherwin) DeFor. When a boy, the subject of this sketch attended school near home and later became a student in the Spring Valley schools. After completing his studies, he went to work on the home farm and eventually purchased eighty acres in section twenty-five, where he conducts general farming at the present time. He makes a specialty of Jersey cattle for dairy purposes and manufactures butter for which he finds a ready market. In 1907, he erected a saw mill on the home farm and this is still in operation. Mr. DeFor is independent in his political opinions but has long been a staunch Prohibitionist. He has been elected to serve in many responsible public offices in the township and is the present supervisor, which office he has held for four years. He is president of the board of directors of the Bloomfield Fire Insurance Co. and has also creditably held minor offices. In all positions which he has held, Mr. DeFor has been esteemed for his sound judgment dnd fair dealings. He married Cora Silsbee on June.8, 1898, and to them have been born Floyd and Livonia. Mrs. DeFor died April 21, 1912. The family faith is that of the Baptist church and they are mem: bers of that organization in Spring Valley.

Augustine DeFor, pioneer of Fillmore county, deceased, was born in Canada, where he spent the early years of his life. He married Luey M. Sherwin of New York and came to Minnesota in 1856, locating in Spring Valley, where it is said he erected the first frame house built in the town, also the second frame dwelling, which is still standing and now oecupied by Mr. Lawrence. For several years Mr. DeFor made his home in Spring Valley and followed earpentry work. IIe built the Wiesbec saw mill and in the sixties moved to Etna, where he built the ''Etna Roller Mill,"' which he conducted for about thirty years. The mill finally discontinued operations owing to the failure of the water supply, and after this Mr. DeFor devoted his entire time and attention to earpentry work, with the exeeption of various hunting expeditions. On one Christmas day, he killed the last bear slain in this county and its skin is now m the possession of his son. Before coming to Minnesota, Mr. DeFor had fought in the war between the United States and Mexico. He went to California in 1847 and was joined by the army of men who went there in 1849, seeking gold. His death occurred on August 24, 1906, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Tis widow resides with the son in Etna.

Jonas H. McNee, a successful and progressive farmer of Bloomtield township, was born in Delaware county, New York, on March 25, 1854, son of Willian B. and Susan Jane (Craig) MeNee. In 1855, the subject of this biography came to Minnesota with his parents and located in Fillmore county, where he acquired his education in the common schools. When he became twenty-two years of age, Mr. MeNee left school and continued working for his father on the farm until 1882, during which year he purchased land in section nine, Bloomfield township, where he has since resided. Mr. MeNee now owns 390 acres, a greater portion of which is under the plow. He has made many improvements on his property, breaking and cultivating the land, erecting good buildings and earrying on general farming, together with stockraising and dairying. He affiliates with the Republican party, and has served in some of the prominent public offices in the township, having been elected chairman of the board of supervisors for eight years, and deputy clerk of the town board for ten years. Mr. MeNee has also served on the school board of distriet 132 for fifteen years, and he is regarded as a public spirited and able citizen. He is a director and stock holder in the Spring

Valley Creamery. On September 29, 1881, Mr. MeNee married Martha A. Wooldridge, and they are the parents of seven children, Edith Alma is the oldest. She was married June 20, 1912, to TWenry Marsden, of Hendrum, Norman county, Minnesota. William is marricd and lives on seetion seven, Bloomfield. Clara Susan, Mabel Alta, Marcia Agnes, and Berenice reside at home. Ella M. died in infancy. The family are members of the First Congregational Chureh of Springfield.

William B. McNee, one of the pioneers of this county, now 'deceased, was a native of New York. He came to Minnesota in the month of October, 1855, and acquired land in Spring Valley township, on which he remained for less than a year, after which he moved to Bloomfield and settled on seetion fourteen. Mr. MeNee endured all the privations incident to the life of the early pioneer, but as the years passed, he toiled and grew more prosperous, and the later years of his life saw him surrounded by niany of the comforts of life. He married Susan Jane Craig of New York and they were the parents of five children, James, Robert, Mary, Jonas and Jennette, all living. Mr. MceNee passed away January 23, 1904. Mrs. MeNee died January 29, 1911.

Sever Dugstad, a well known and prosperous farmer living in Bloomfield township, is a native of Norway, having been born in that country on October 8, 1852, son of Sever and Martha Dugstad, both now deceased. He acquired his education in the schools of his native land, and in 1873 embarked 1n a sailing vessel for America. After a voyage which consumed four weeks, he landed at Quebec, after which he came to the states and settled in Decorah, Iowa, where he remained for one year. He then eame to Minnesota and followed carpenter work for six years in Harmony, this county. In 1880, he moved to Bloomfield, bought 190 acres in section twenty-two and engaged in general farming. As opportunity has afforded, he has gradually added to his original possessions, and at the present time owns 250 acres. Flis farm is well eultivated and equipped with good machinery for carrying on the necessary work. Mr. Dugstad has erected a comfortable house, eommodious barns and all necessary outbuildings, and he is an industrious and energetic citizen. On July 9, 1880, Caroline Johnson of Harmony beeame his wife, and to them have been born eleven children of whom eight are living. Edmund married Hattie Halvers. They live in Chester, Iowa. John married Ida Ruud. They live at Stanton, N. Dak. Ida married Osear Olson of Bloomfield. Emil married Emma Gullickson. They live at Butler, S. Dak. Carl, Osear, Lewis and Ella are at home. Sophia, Oscar and Caroline are deceased. Mrs.

Caroline (Johnson) Dugstad, was born at Harmony, February 3, 1861, daughter of John J. and Mary (Jameson) Johnson, early settlers of Harmony, where they still reside.

Mr. Dugstad is a loyal member of the Lutheran church which the family has regularly attended for many years. He is independent in his political opinions and has not sought public office. For ten years he served on the school board of district 109.

James Lewis Littlefield, a representative farmer, who owns 160 acres of land in Bloomfield township, was born in this county on August 12, 1860, son of Lewis and Harriet (Weber) Littlefield, natives of Massachusetts, who came to Minnesota about 1858 and located in this county, where they homesteaded 160 acres. The father died in 1868, when but 38 years of age, and the mother conducted the farm, assisted by James, the subject of this sketch, who grew to manhood on the home farm and acquired his education in the district school near. When but sixteen years old he assumed charge of the homestead, and has since carried on general diversified farming and dairying. He has become more prosperous as the years have passed and his industry and good management have resulted in good crops and well tilled soil. He married Emma Sophia Stevens, a daughter of Otho Stevens of Spring Valley, on December 25, 1884, and they are the parents of three boys. Clarence Harold and Howard are at home and Weber is now in Beaver. Mr. Littlefield ig a member of the Prohibitionist party and attends the Union church at Etna, to the support of which he is a liberal contributor.

Jacob J. Hillestad, now living in Bloomfield township, is a native of Norway, born October 30, 1848. He received his schooling in Norway and worked at several different occupations until he was twenty-two years of age. In that year, 1870, he sailed for America and came west to Wisconsin where he settled in Rock county and worked for two years. In 1872 he came to Minnesota and to this county, where he bought 160 acres of land in section nine, Beaver township. The land he bought was wild and entirely unimproved but he erected a frame dwelling house and worked hard to get the land in a good state of cultivation. After this was accomplished and he found that he could spare the money he bought land from time to time till in 1910 he owned 560 acres in sections three, four and nine, Beaver. He sold all this land in the latter year and went to Bloomfield where he purchased 240 acres in sections eighteen, nineteen and twenty. He here has a very pleasant and comfortable home with all the facilities for successful farming. Nearly all of the 240 acres are under a high state of cultivation and his farm is one of the excellent ones of the locality. He was married May 24, 1877 to Sophia Halver, born in Beaver township, September 19, 1860, and died March 2, 1910. Mr. Hillestad has seven children: Sarah, John Emil, Henry Alfred, Jeanette, Alice, Nels Christian and Ellen Josephine. Mr. Hillestad is a member of the Lutheran church. In polities he is independent and never eared for public office. He has, however, been for more than twenty-five years a member of the school board in Beaver township, also assessor and supervisor while he lived in Beaver township. He has a number of business interests at Ostrander.

Nels G. Nelson was born at his present home in the town of Bloomfield on Jannary 31, 1868, son of Charles K. and Annie Nelson, who came to the United States from Norway in 1861 and settled on section sixteen of Bloomfield township where they bought eighty acres. His father went with the army to the south but was discharged because of poor health. The father died in 1905 and the mother lives with the subject of this sketch. Nels G. received his schooling in the common schools of the county which he attended until he was eighteen years of age. He then continued to assist on the home farm and some months of each year worked out for neighbors. Since 1898 he has had entire charge of the farm. He owns 160 acres one-half of which is in section sixteen and the other in section seventeen. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Republican and has been sehool clerk in district 180 for four years, town clerk one year and supervisor six years, still serving in the latter office. On April 7, 1898, he married Anna Hyland of Stewartville, Minn., born in Norway, April 7, 1874. To them have been born four children: Clarence, Alma, Elmer, who died at the age of three years, and Nora, who was born April 20, 1911. Mr. Nelson's comfortable home bespeaks his success as a farmer, and his standing in his community is an indication of his deserved place. among his fellows.

J. George M. Rynning, the well known druggist of Ostrander, was born in Norway, December 21, 1863, son of Frederick Rynning. In 1879, he left the shores of his native country and sailed across the Atlantic, landing in New York, after which he started west and settled first in LaCrosse, Wis. In that city, he entered the employ of C. L. Lien, druggist, with whom he remained for several years. He passed the state board in Wisconsin in 1884, and then worked in various places until 1901, when he came to Minnesota and located in Ostrander, bought ont C. A. Manning and assumed charge of the business in which he has met with so marked a degree of success. In 1895 he went to Preston and for three years worked for Love and Hey, after which he was employed in Fountain for a short time, then returning to his store in Ostrander. Mr. Rynning votes wilh the Republican party, is a justice of the peace, and has been a director of the school board for three years. He belongs to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masons and also to the M. W. A. On March 31, 1895, he was married at Preston, to Kate J. Smith, a daughter of J. H. Smith, now deceased. Mrs. Rynning passed away in 1904.

Edward Sween was born in Norway, April 13, 1863, son of Ole and Mary Sween, who eame to America in 1869, settled in Pilot Mound, this county, carried on general farming sixteen years and then moved to Bennington township, Mower county, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1899 and the mother in 1908. Edward, the son, was educated in the common schools of this county and at the age of twenty years began farming on his own responsibility. Some time later he took up carpenter and mason work, which he followed for six years. In 1906 he came to Ostrander and entered general merchandise business, opening the ''Edward Sween Store,'' which he has since successfully condueted. Mr. Sween began this business venture with a comparatively sinall stock of goods, but as trade has inereased he has enlarged his supply of merchandise and now ¢arries a full line, with which he mects the ever increasing demands of the public. He does an annual business of $18,000 and his direct methods and square dealings have given him the confidenee of the residents of the community. Mr. Sween adheres to the tenets endorsed by the Republicans, but has never sought offiee. He married Louise Christopherson on June 22, 1902, and they have become the parents of two children, Milo and Elmer. The family attend the Lutheran church and contribute to its support most liberally.

Hans O, Larson, banker, was born in Racine county, Wisconsin, March 10, 1859, son of Lars and Martha Gullickson. He spent his childhood days on the home farm, attended the common schools and later the Rochester Seminary. In the seventies he came to Minnesota and made his home in Bloomfield township. When twenty years of age he opened a general merchandise store at Hurdal. This first business venture proved successful and he remained in business till 1888. In the latter year he was elected register of deeds of Fillmore county and moved to Preston, where, being re-elected, he lived four years. In 1893, at the end of his county service, he moved to Ostrander and opened a store, which he conducted until 1897, when he sold ont and engaged in farming in Bloomfield township. In 1903 he became president of the newly organized State Bank of Ostrander. Later he became cashier. From its inception the bank has done a large business and is of great service to the people of Ostrander and the surrounding country. On May 27, 1883, Mr. Larson married Mary Noraggarten and to them have been born five children: Lelia M., Melvin C., Agnes M., Henrietta M. and Nora L. Mr. Larson and his family are members of the Lutheran church. In political views he is a Republican and though he has never heen active in seeking office he was town elerk in Bloomfield for seven years, chairman one year and town treasurer six years, and has served several years on scbool boards and in minor offices aside from his four years as register of deeds.

William L. Maust, well known blacksmith, who owns a shop in the village of Ostrander, was born in this county February ), 1872, son of William and Eliza Maust. When a boy he attended the district school near home and assisted his father with the work on the farm. In 1894 he went to Preston, where he entered a blacksmith shop and spent three years, after which be went to Spring Valley and opened a shop on his own responsibility. He conducted the shop there for three years and then moved to his present place of business in Ostrander, where he bought out Jacobson & Olson, and has carried on a successful and increasing trade. Politically Mr. Maust is a Socialist and he has never been a seeker of public office. Being of a fraternal disposition, he has affliated with the Modern Woodmen. In February, 1901, he was married to Lena Heimsness, of Bloomfield.

Hans L. Hanson, who at present is conducting a prosperous implement and machinery business in the village of Ostrander, first saw the light of day on December 16, 1856, son of Andrew H. and Mary Hanson, who came from Norway in 1857, bringing with them the subjeet of this sketch. He grew to manhood on his father's farm in Bloomfield township and attended the country school near his home. In 1888 he started in life for himself, entered into partnership with L. E. Lundby in a general store in Hurdal, and continued in this capacity until 1893, when the firm was diseontinued and dissolved. Mr. Hanson took a position as clerk for H. O. Larson, who had purchased the store. For three years he worked as clerk and then went west to Benton county for six months. Subsequently, after a short time at home, he went to Becker county and remained something more than a year, after which he came back to Fillmore county. In 1900 he and his brother, Otto, bought out the Swenson & Halling implement and machinery business in Ostrander, which they have since conducted. Aside from the store, which occupies the old bank building in Ostrander, Mr. Hanson owns a large warehouse near the Great Western yards, also one next door to the main store. He earries on a large and flourishing trade, which is steadily increasing, and his direct business methods and integrity have won the confidence of the community. Politically he is a member of the Republican party, though not an office seeker. He attends the Lutheran church and is recognized as one of its highly respected members.

Andrew H. Hanson, now deceased, was a native of Norway, where he spent the early years of his life, was educated and married. In 1857 he came to America with his wife and family, making the trip in a sailboat, and landing at Quebec. Soon after le came to Minnesota, took a claim in section thirty-three, Bloomfield township, erected a log house, broke the wild land, planted crops and began to farm. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Hanson enlisted and fought for his adopted country until the end of the struggle, being with Sherman in the famous march to the sea. After the close of the war he returned to his farm in section thirty-three, Bloomfield, and lived there until 1876, when he purchased one two miles north, in sections twentyone and twenty-eight, in the same township. There he passed away in 1898. His widow now resides with their sons, Hans L. and Otto, who were conducting a store in Ostrander. Mr. Hanson was a hard working and energetic man, respected by all with whom he had business dealings, and esteemed for many admirable qualities.

Josiah T. Elliott, a prosperous farmer of the township of Harmony, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, June 13, 1849, son of Thomas and Berthanna (Converse) Elliott, who brought him to section 28, Harmony township, in 1861. He was reared on the home farm and went through the same routine that usually falls to the lot of a farm boy in a pioneer country. His schooling, which had been started in St. Lawrence county, was finished in district forty-four, Harmony. On October 29, 1889 he married Kate Kennedy, daughter of Moses and Bridget (Kelly) Kennedy, who settled in section thirty-two, Harmony township, in 1869, the former dying in 1884 and the latter in 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are the parents of six children: Anna B., Addie E., Josiah F. (deceased) Lana G., Glenn J. and Unice M. Mr. Elliott's farm comprises 240 acres, all under cultivation, except ten acres. His comfortable home is pleasantly located and was built in 1894. Mr. Elliott raises Shorthorn cattle and takes great pride in his horses, breeding the Normans for draft purposes, and some very fine Hamiltonians for driving.

Mwr. And Mks. Enote Inutsien

In 1907 he moved to the village of Harmony, where the family lived until August 12, 1911, when they returned to the farm, where they now reside. The subject of this sketch was supervisor of the township for three years and served on the school board of district forty-four for a considerable period. He is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 194, A. F. & A. M.

Thomas Elliott, now deceased, for many years a resident of Harmony township, was born in Vermont and lived for a time in St. Lawrence county, New York. Jn 1861 he and his wife, Berthanna (Converse) Elliott, with their three children, came to Harmony township and settled in section twenty-eight. The farm he purchased had but a few acres broken, and for buildings had only a small log house. He broke the land, cultivated the farm, and raised his family, continuing to work the farm until a short time before his death, January 29, 1887. His wife died June 7, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Elliott were parents of three children: Josiah T., of Harmony township; Addie R., now Mrs. W. D. Craig, of Frankford, S. D.; Charles M., of Milwaukee, Wis., a railroad man.

Knute Knutsen, now deceased, was a prominent farmer in Harmony township up to the time of his death in 1903, and in dying left a host. of friends and the refreshing memory of a useful and wholesome life. He was born in Norway in 1851 and came with his parents to America in 1853. They first settled in Wisconsin and finally came to Harmony and located in section twenty-three. Here Knute was reared. After a time he took up farming for himself and made a specialty of breeding horses. He married Ellen J. Erickson, who was born January 24, 1862, daughter of Ole and Randa (Helgeson) Erickson, her father being one of the pioneers of Harmony, who died about thirty years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Knutsen were born two children: Herman, born September 6, 1893, and Rebecca, born March 24, 1898, both at home. The home farm consists of 150 acres, a part of which Mra. Knutsen rents.

Burton D. Farrington, a well known citizen of Fillmore and owner of the general store in that village, was born in Jordan township March 38, 1871, son of G. M. and Hannah (Tyson) Farrington. He was reared on the home farm, attended the district schools, entered the graded schools and graduated from the Chatfield high school in 1889. After completing his education Mr. Farrington taught for several winter terms in the country and then purchased eighty acres in section thirty-six, where he engaged in farming until 1899. During this year he sold his farin and hought the general store in Fillmore, which his father and uncle had owned for ten years. This place of business he has since conducted most successfully, running a delivery wagon and enjoying a large trade in village and country. In political views he is a Prohibitionist and has held several responsible offices in the village and township, having been postmaster of Fillmore until that office was discontinued, and for five years town treasurer. In June, 1896, he married Lucey Carson, a native of Jordan. To them two children were born. The first died in infaney, and Roger, born October 28, 1898, is now in school. Mrs. Lucy Carson Farrington died in 1899. On May 5, 1903, Mr. Farrington married Lillian Webber, of Fillmore, daughter of M. W. Webber, now deceased. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are esteemed members of that denomination. Mr. Farrington owns a farm of 155 acres in sections five and six, Fillmore township, and is a stockholder in the Exchange State Bauk of Wykoff. He also deals in and negotiates loans on western lands and is interested in land at. Billings, Mont.

Grove Marcelus Farrington, deceased, was born in Herkimer eounty, New York, May 19, 1845. Until eight years of age he lived in New York, after which he went with his parents to Baraboo, Wis., and there lived until 1859. During that year he came to Minnesota and loeated in Jordan township, where he worked for his father on the farm. He acquired his education in the common schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota. After working for many years at farming, Mr. Farrington bought a store in Fillmore, which had formerly been the property of M. Eggleston and later of Robbin Brothers. This store he operated until the time of his death, which occurred August 28, 1900. Politically he was a Republican. He was a member of the Methodist Epis. copal church and affiliated with the A. O. U. W. On March 1, 1866, he married Hannah Tyson, who was born in Jay county, Indiana, April 11, 1846, and came to Minnesota with her father in 1855, locating in Fillmore township, where she grew to womanhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Farrington the followmg children were born: Charles A., of Canyon City, Colo.; Burton D., merchant at Fillmore; Clarence H., merchant in Spring Valley; Ralph M., a lawyer of Reubens, Idaho, and Mildred L., of Fillmore.

A. H, Peterson (Helgeland), a progressive farmer of Harmony township, was born in Stavanger, Hjelmelands, Sogn, Ombo, Norway, November 13, 1844, and came to the United States via Quebec, Canada, in 1861. From Grundy county, Illinois, he went to La Salle county, Dlinois, and there worked out until 1866, when he came to Harmony overland by team and settled in section twenty-one. Here he bought a farm of eighty acres from Charles Anderson. The place at that time contained only a log building. After a few years Mr. Peterson replaced this with a frame dwelling, in the rear of which he erected large outbuildings for the housing of his stock, farm produce and agricultural implements. The farm eonsists of 120 acres, under a_ high degree of cultivation. Mr. Peterson is now practically retired from active life and his sons look after the farm work for him. He married for his first wife, August 3, 1866, Tone Harstad, by whom he had seven children: Peter the first (died February 15, 1878), Sarah, Trena, Bell, Lena, Peter the second and Annie. Sarah married C. W. Kittelson, now deceased. Trena is the wife of QO. K. Hanson. Bell is the wife of M. L. Gordon. Lena is the wife of Andrew Nelson. Mrs. Tone Peterson died September 2, 1883. For his second wife Mr. Peterson married Betsy Johnson, on December 11, 1888. She died August 5, 1898. This union was blessed with five children, of whom Linda, Nora and Clarence are living. James L. died March 27, 1890, and Truman G. died March 21, 1898. The family is well thought of in the community. Mr. Peterson is a Republican and the family church is the Lutheran. He served as town treasurer one year, as town assessor for one year, and has heen school clerk for the past thirty years. He spent the summer of 1882 in North Dakota. The son Peter now works the home farm.

August H. Fligge, for ten years treasurer of Forestville, also clerk and treasurer of school district 170, in. that township, for a period of fifteen years, is a native of this county though of German extraction. His parents, My. and Mrs. J. C. Fligge were born and reared in Germany where they married. In 1855 they came to America and to this county, locating on section four, Forestville. They were the parents of six children, all living: Frank G., born in 1857; William Luther, born June 5, 1860; August H., born February 23, 1862; Clara Henrietta, born in November, 1870, now Mrs. Albert Sehroeder of Fillmore township; Fred H., of Lyons county, Minnesota, and Amelia, wife of Charles Schafer, of Wykoff. The mother died in 1864, and the father on July 8, 1883, his death being caused by a kick from a horse. August, the subject of this biography, attended the common schools of the township and worked on the home farm for his father until the latter's death. Mr. Fligge then bought out the other heirs and now owns 200 acres of valuable land, section four, Forestville. For twenty-six years he carried on agricultural industries here and raised stock, but during 1908 he disposed of all his personal property though retaining ownership of the land.

Moving into Wykoff, Mr. Fligge bought a livery barn, which he operated for onc year and then disposed of. He is now engaged in horse dealing, and is successful in this occupation. As a member of the Republican party, he adheres to its principles and in recognition of his exeeutive ability he has been elected to the offices before mentioned, in which capacities he served with general satisfaction. On September 12, 1887, Sophia, daughter of Dedreich Graskamp became the wife of Mr. Fligge and to this union have been born, Walter D., a grocer in Wykoff; Lucinda and Frieda, students, living at home. The family attends the Lutheran church and contributes to its support. Mr. Fligge is a stockholder in the Spring Valley Creamery. He is now justice of peace at Wykoff.

P. B. Winslow, deceased, for many years a highly respected resident of Fountain township, was born in Catteraugus county, New York, Mareh 4, 1842, son of Hosmer and Cornella (Winslow) Winslow, whose marriage took place June 11, 1834. The father was an extensive owner of large timber tracts in Cattaraugus county and for many years operated a sawmill. He subsequently disposed of his mill and timber land, purchased some property on which was a quarry and there began the manufacture of grindstones, which business he followed until 1851. He then disposed of his interests and went to Stephenson county, Illinois, where he remained for three years, after which he brought his family to this county and settled in section five, Fountain township. Here he built a log house and broke and cultivated the land, enduring many hardships incident to the lives of the pioneers in this county. His log house was replaced by a frame dwelling in 1865 and here he passed the rest of his life and died October 13, 1877. P. B., the subject of this biography, attended school in district seventy-five and worked for his father. He married Lizzie F. Sears, born October 26, 1846, at Fenner, Madison county, N. Y., a daughter of Barmas C. and Louisa (Fay) Sears, and to this marriage two children have been born, Sears H. and Fay B. Sears H. married Lena Foglesong and they are the parents of Leslie, Amy A. and Gordon Fay. P. B. Winslow enlisted in Company B, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and first served in the Indian outbreak. Then the regiment was sent South and defended the Union in many battles. He was honorably discharged in 1865 at the close of the war and returned to his home in Minnesota and resumed his farming operations. His death occurred December 26, 1898, and was greatly mourned by his widow and children as well as by a large number of friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Winslow still retains the home farm and is an extensive traveler and well informed in literary pursuits. Mr. Winslow was a member of Chatfield Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of the G. A. R. Post at Chatfield. Mr. and Mrs. Sears, parents of Mrs. P. B. Winslow, came to Wisconsin in the early fifties and five years later to Illinois and engaged at farming. In their declining years they moved to Rockford, Ill., where the mother died November 21, 1881, and the father passed away October 13, 1893, on the farm with his gon.

John M. Monroe, now deceased, will ever be remembered in connection with the early history of Newburg township. Born in Courtland county, New York, November 29, 1811, he was early thrown on his own resources by the death of his father. The mother, thus left with six children, eked out a scanty income with the assistance of her daughters, by weaving, and John helped with the family income by going to work for farmers at the age of twelve. At the age of eighteen years he moved with his stepfather and his mother to Cattaraugus county, New York, and while there married Roxy Willis, July 28, 1833. The young couple then went to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, but after five years returned to Cattaraugus county, New York. In the fall of 1849 they came to Rockford, Ill, and lived there until June 3, 1852, when with a span of horses and two yoke of oxen, the family set out for Minnesota. They crossed the Mississippi at Dubuque and after one month of hard travel and exposure reached Newburg township and staked out a claim in section 26, where the family has since lived. Mr. Monroe was one of the organizers of his town and of his school district, served in several town offices and was postmaster at Bellville for twelve years. He died January 11, 1894, and his wife died April 20, 1893. To them were born eight children. The four living are Jane, wife of Dwight Rathbun, of Spring Valley; Levi, of California; Lewis C., of Newburg, and George E., of Los Angeles. One of the children, Mary Lucinda, who first saw the light of day December 24, 1852, is said to have been the first white child born in Fillmore county. She, as well as Catherine, Elvira and Sarah, are now dead.

Lewis C. Monroe, a successful farmer of Newburg township, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, April 15, 1849, son of John M. and Roxy (Willis) Monroe, the pioneers. He was educated in the schools of his neighborhood and has devoted all his life to farming. He was married July 4, 1875, to Jane M. Cater, daughter of Charles Cater, a native of St. Lawrence eounty, New York, and Mary (Potton) Cater, his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe have four children: Roxy M., John, Rena and Ruby. Roxy M. married Herbert Williams and they have two children, Lloyd and Marjorie. They live at Oakwood, Okla. John married Anna Thundale, and they have two daughters, Beatrice M. and Vivian. They reside at Hellenger, N. D. Rena and Ruby are at home. Mr. Monroe now owns and conducts the old home farm of 178 aeres in seetion twenty-six, Newburg township, and has greatly improved the land and buildings.

Robert J. Love was born in Dinois, June 10, 1855, son of Robert and Agnes Love, who came to Minnesota in 1856 and settled in York township, on section fourteen. Robert J. received his early education in the common schools, later in the Spring Valley high school and afterward in the Winona Normal school. Having completed his work in the latter institution, he taught school for fifteen years. His first school was one of scventy pupils, which he taught for $29 per month. He taught fifty months in the Liberty school. Though many years a teacher he has been a farmer all his life. De and his brother William now own about 800 acres in sections fourteen and fifteen in York township and a quarter section in Bristol They do considerable stock raising, averaging from eighty to one hundred head of grade Durhams, annually raise from one hundred to one hundred and fifty hogs and keep eight horses for farm work and driving. Mr. Love is a member of the Presbyterian church. In politieal activities he adheres to the principles of the Republican party. He has been town chairman two years. In the autumn of 1904 he went to Seotland, and there on September 30, in the city of Glasgow, he was married to Jeannie Shanks, a native of that country. To this union have been born two children, Robert and Agnes.

William ©. Love was born in McHenry county, Illinois, on March 16, 1853, and came with his parents to York township in 1856. Since that time this locality has been his home. He received his edueation in the common schools and has worked on the farm from boyhood to the present time. In company with his brother, R. J., he is an extensive land holder in York and Bristol townships, where they find it impossible to use all their land themselves. A large portion of it is rented to neighbors and regular tenants. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a Republican, and was county commissioner from 1896 to 1902.

Horace Greeley Henderson, leading citizen and farmer, is rearing his family on the same farm in York township where he was born, August 18, 1860, son of Ira and Sarah P. (Ingalls) Henderson. He reeeived his education in the common schools and later at Spring Valley. After completing his studies he returned to the farm and assisted his father until 1884. In the latter year he went to Ness county, Kansas, and took a homestead, which he later disposed of and bought land in Illinois. After an absence of more than five years he returned to York and now has a most excellently equipped farm of 400 acres in sections four and nine. Here he conducts extensive farming operations and has a fine herd of fifty head of Shorthorn cattle, which he raises entirely for beef. He also keeps a good drove of Shropshire sheep. Mr. Henderson has a large and comfortable dwelling, erected near the older home which is still standing. The numerous buildings and the general equipment give the atmosphere of a western ranch. Mr. Henderson is a member of the Prohibition party, and for nearly twenty years has been treasurer of school district No. 89. He is a member of the Evangelical church of Cherry Grove. On September 4, 1890, he married Agnes MeDonald, formerly of Tllinois. To this union were born eight children. Norman, Irene aud Gladys are students at the Spring Valley high school. George, Jessie, Nina, Ethel and Ida are at home.

Ole Jorgenson was born in Norway, where he grew to manhood, attended school and was married. Soon alter his marriage he came to Ameriea, and with his wife made a home in Wisconsin for several years. He later removed to Minnesota and settled in Fillmore township, where he pre-enipted a claim of 160 acres, erected a log house, developed the land and followed farming industries for the remainder of his years. For fifteen years Mr. Jorgenson and his family resided in the humble log house which was subsequently replaced by a modern frame structure, both comfortable and commodious. Mr. Jorgenson grew more prosperous as the years passed and added to his original possessions until he became the owner of 360 acres, which were all under careful eultivation. To himself and wife were born five children: George a farmer in York; Thomas, Belle, Gunder and Isabella. Mr. Jorgenson passed away in June, 1906, and his death was a loss to the entire community. For many years he was active in chureh work and always stood ready to give any assistance required. The wife and mother is still living in York.

Ira Henderson, now deceased, was born in Erie county, New York, March 23, 1831, where he attended school and grew to manhood. He engaged in the lumbering business and farming in New York, and in 1852 went to Columbia county, Wisconsin. He remained only a short time in Wisconsin and came to Minnesota and settled in Washington county, taking np land near the St. Croix, In 1854 he sold his business there, and after a short stay in New York he came to Fillmore county and located on section four in York township. When the Indian outrages occurred in 1862 he enlisted-and went with the troops to suppress the uprising. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served till the elose of the Civil War. After the war he returned to York, where he had pre-empted 160 acres of land and soon purchased 160 acres more. On his first arrival here he put up a small claim shanty, but in 1861 this was replaced by a substantial frame dwelling. Mr. Henderson was a man of rugged character and was held in high respect by his acquaintances. In politics he was a Republican, and was for many years assessor and justice of the peace. He was married June 6, 1857, to Sarah P. Ingalls, and to them were born three children, David I., Horace Greeley and Lydia Grace. The oldest and youngest died of diphtheria in December, 1868, and January, 1869. Ira Henderson died September 25, 1903, and his wife survived him less than five years, dying June 25, 1908.

George Jorgenson, a representative farmer now carrying on agricultural pursuits in York township, was born in this county September 11, 1858, son of Ole and Sarah Jorgenson. The early years of his life were spent in attending school and assisting his father with the farm work. At the age of sixteen he left school and was employed by his father until the latter's death. Mr. Jorgenson now owns 400 acres of land located in seetions twenty-six and twenty-seven, and his farm is well equipped with modern machinery and good buildings. He engages in general farming and dairying and keeps from fifty to sixty head of Black Polled and Aberdeen Angus cattle for dairy purposes. He disposes of his milk and cream to the Chester Creamery and owns stock in that organization. Mr. Jorgenson also raises many hogs, and at present has about thirty. He keeps several horses for general farm work, and is recognized as a successful farmer. Mr. Jorgenson is a stockholder in the Lime Springs and York Telephone Company and is interested in all movements which tend toward the improvement of his community. He attends the Lutheran church and is respected as one of its loyal members. In the spring of 1912 he was a member of the grand jury at Preston.

Ole K. Olson was born in York township, March 2, 1857, son of Knud and Julia (Owens) Olson. When a boy he attended the district school and worked on the home farm. Completing his education when twenty years of age, the subject of this sketch gave all his time and attention to farming, remaining in the employ of his father until twenty-five years old. He then purchased thirty acres in section twenty-six, and ten years later pur- chased his father's farm, which was located in section fourteen, York township. Here Mr. Olson has since made his home. He has a fine dwelling house, good barns and outbuildings, and his farm is well equipped with modern machinery for the carrying on of its work. Mr. Olson now owns 400 acres in this county, some of which are located in sections fourteen, twenty-four and twenty-six, York, while some are in section nineteen, Bloomfield. He engages in general farming and stockraising, keeping Shorthorn cattle for dairy purposes, and raising Chester White hogs, for which he finds ready market. He disposes of his dairy products to the Chester Creamery, of which he is a stockholder. Mr. Olson keeps nine horses of a good breed, for general farm work and driving purposes. He supports the tenets of the Republican party and has served as school treasurer in district 88 for the past two years. He attends the Lutheran church and has been one of its officers. On August 1, 1883, Mr. Olson married Eunice Ellingson, of York, and they are the parents of seven children: Gertrude, now Mrs. John Jones, of this township; Knute, also married and living in York; John, Anna, Bergat, Eddie and Albert at home.

Knud Olson, deceased, was one of the first settlers in this county and the first in York township. Born in Norway on February 28, 1826, he there passed the early years of his life, attended school, worked at farming and later married Julia Owens. One year after his marriage, which occurred in 1848, the subject of this biography arrived in America and came west to Wisconsin, where he settled on a farm in Watertown, on which he remained for a year, after which he and his family moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa. In August, 1854, Mr. Olson came to this county and homesteaded land in section twenty-five, where he erected a house, broke the soil and engaged in farming industries. Five years later, in 1859, he went to California, where he engaged in mining until 1863, then returning to his farm in this county. In 1866 Mr. Olson disposed of his original claim and bought a farm in section fourteen, where he built a substantial and commodious house, good outbuildings and made many other improvements. Here he passed the remainder of his life and became one of the highly esteemed residents of the township of York. To himself and wife four children were born, Betsy, Julia, Tilda and Ole K. Mr. Olson and his wife passed away in 1903.

K. 0. Hovey was born in Norway on November 12, 1844, son of Ole Olson and Julia Gulbrandson Olson. The subject of this sketch arrived in the United States in 1865 and came west to Decorah, Iowa, where he worked for three years. In 1868 he came to York township and settled on section twenty-seven, where he bought eighty aeres and resided for twenty years. Ilis present home is in section twenty-three. He has purehased land from time to time until at present he owns 410 acres located in sections 23, 27 and 35, in York township, where he earries on diversified farming and stock raising, owning about 100 head of Shorthorn cattle, which he markets for beef, and about 125 hogs of the Duroe Jersey breed. In political views Mr. Hovey is a progressive Republican and he has been elected to the office of school treasurer of distriet 88 for many years. He is a member of the Lutheran church, was secretary for many years, and at the present time is one of its chief officials. Mr. Hovey married Julia Olson, of York, November 16, 1869, and they are the parents of thirteen children: Gene died in infancy; Julia died when twelve years of age; Ole married Tina Johnson; Hattie is the wife of Henry Applen, of York; Emma married O. Halverson, of Dodge county; Bertha married Ole Austin, of York; Carrie is now Mrs. Knute Toslensen, of Yellow Medicine, Minn.; Knute married Carrie Gilberts and is a farmer in York; Gilbert died in 1908; Julia and Albert are at home and Oscar is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Hovey are the proud grandparents of thirty-nine grandchildren, for two of whom they make a home.

Knute O. Wilson, deceased, will long be remembered by the residents of York township, and his name be honored as une of the pioneers who assisted in the development and progress of civilization in the county. He was of Norwegian birth and ancestry and grew to manhood in his native country, there receiving his education and preparing himself for a life of usefulness. He married Sarah Johnson and brought her with him to this country, settling first in Wisconsin, where he was employed for a few years, after which they came to this county in 1856, settled on section twenty-eight, York township, and pre-empted eighty acres, on which he built a log house, ten by twelve feet, where he and his family resided for twelve years. Later he erected a frame dwelling in which he passed the remainder of his life. He was a Republican and held many publie offices, among which were town clerk for eight years, member of the school board in district 175, and minor positions. For twenty years Mr. Wilson was a deacon in the Lutheran church. To himself and wife a family of twelve children were born. Ole is deceased; Annie is now Mrs. Will Englebret, of Carimona; Jennie, now Mrs. Ole Lawrence, and Emma, deceased, were twins; Emma, second, married Even Thostensen; Ole is a farmer in York; Ella is the wife of William Doherty ; John lives in Montana; Julia is now Mrs. Andrew Thostensen; George is in Montana; Anna married Herman Lundby

Ole Wilson was born August 8, 1872, son of Knute and Sarah Wilson. His edneation was acquired in the ¢ommon schools of York, where he passed the years of his boyhood. When he reached the age of nineteen he discontinued his studies and devoted his time and energy to working for his father on the farm. In 1898 he started for himself by purchasing land in section twenty-eight, where he engages in diversified farming and dairying, disposing of his dairy products to the Chester Creamery. In November, 1899, Mr. Wilson married Celia Selland, of York township, and they are the parents of four children, Knute, Helen, Henry and Sarah. Mr. Wilson attends the Lutheran church and votes the Republican ticket, but he has never sought public office.

Osmund Olson Trydal was born in Norway, where he attended school and prepared himself for a useful life. He married in his native land and brought his wife to America in 1854. The voyage was made in a sail boat and they landed at Quebec after a long and tedious trip. Coming to the States, Mr. Trydal and his wife settled in Wisconsin, making their home at Rock River. Two years later they came to Minnesota and homesteaded a claim in sections fifteen and sixteen, York. 'his claim comprises eighty acres, and in addition Mr. Trydal bought another eighty, all of which was wild land. Here he built a house of logs, where the family lived until 1870, when he erected a larger and more comfortable log house where he spent the rest of his life. He was an industrious man, possessed of energy and good sense and ha overeame diffienlties and established his home in the midst of obstacles which did not discotrage him. His honorable and useful life terminated in 1871 and his widow passed away some years later - in 1908. They had three sons and three daughters. Myr. Trydal was a valiant veteran of the Civil War, having served three years in that conflict.

Joel O. Trydal, who has been prominently associated with inany of the responsible public offices in York township, was born here on August 16, 1858, son of Osmund and Isabelle Olson Trydal, natives of Norway. The early vears of his life were passed in school, but as soon as he became able to assist his father on the farm his schooling had to cease. He was an energetic lad and that energy has remained as one of his leading characteristics through the years of his life. He worked on the home farm until twenty-one vears of age and then went to Mayville, N. D., where he was employed for two years, after which he came back to the old homestead and assumed charge. Some time later he went to Norway, where he spent a year and visited the old home of his parents. Returning to America, he bought eighty acres of the home farm, and for ten years resided there, after which he disposed of it and purchased eighty acres in section twenty-eight, in the same township. On this farm Mr. Trydal has made all improvements and as opportunity has afforded he has added to his original possessions, now owning 120 acres in all. Te engages in general farming and dairying and keeps Shorthorn and Black Polled eattle, disposing of dairy products to the Chester Creamery. Mr. Trydal rents out most of his land, as his health will not permit of arduous labors. He is an independent voter and has been elected to serve as clerk of school district 88 for six years, town clerk for three years and path master for two years. He is secrctary of the Lutheran church and a member of that denomination. He has also been appointed guardian and administrator. On May 7, 1885, the subject of this sketch married Nellie Arneson, and to them have been born ten children: Lena, Alice, Ole (deceased), Juno, Bertha, Emma, Osmund (deceased), Osmund, Linda and Mildred. Mr. Trydal is a stockholder in the York Telephone Company and the central office is located in his home.

Anthony Ibach, for many years a Preston business man, was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, July 15, 1833. He came to America in 1850 and worked two years on a farm near Buffalo, N. Y. He afterward lived in Dubuque, Iowa, and in 1856 came to this eounty and engaged in the stone masons' trade in Carimona. April 12, 1858, he married Theresa Lomen. In 1859 Mr. Ibach engaged in the refreshment business in Preston and thus continued for many years. His wife died November 24, 1879, and on August 10, 1881, he married Hannah Bolman.

Hans Borgen was born at Telamarken, Norway, January 21, 1848, spent the early years of his life in his native land, received his education from a religious instructor, and when twenty-two years of age decided to seek his fortune in America. Accordingly he embarked in a sailing vessel, and after a long voyage, landed at Quebec, after which he came to Minnesota, and for five years worked for various farmers. In 1875 he bought a farm in Beaver township, which he eventually lost on a mortgage, due to the great wheat failure. After this he started again, rented land in York and earried on agricultural operations until 1891. During this year he bought eighty acres in section thirty-three, York, where he erected a comfortable dwelling and good barns and made other improvements. For several years Mr. Borgen.

engaged in general farming, together with stock raising and dairying, disposing of his dairy products to the Chester Creamery, in which he is a stockholder. He raised Chester White hogs for market and good horses for farm and driving purposes. In 1911 Mr. Borgen met with an accident which resulted in a broken hip, and he was then obliged to abandon arduous toil. He now rents his farm to his son and lives a practically retired life. He has long been a loyal Republican, but not a seeker after public offices. On December 20, 1875, Julia Thorsen, daughter of John Thorsen, of York, became his wife, and they have had seven children, of whom five are now living. Mr. Borgen is a member of the Lutheran church and supervisor in that organization.

Frank J. Ibach, a hustling young newspaper man of Preston, was born August 18, 1873, in Preston, son of Anthony Ibach. He attended the Preston high school until seventeen years of age, and then started learning the printers' trade. After twelve years' service in the office of the Preston Times he purchased the National Republican, changed its politics from Populist to Republican, and has since been its editor and manager. He is deputy oil inspector for Fillmore county, and his services as secretary of the Fillmore County Agricultural Society, with which he has been actively connected since 1904, have been highly valued.

L, 0. Haugen, prominent citizen and editor, residing in Harmony, was born in Minneola township, Goodhue county, May 25, 1872. He attended the common schools and graduated from the Red Wing Seminary in 1891. He spent ten years in the general merchandise business at Zumbrota, and came to Harmony in 1899. The Harmony News, under his management has become a prominent and infiuential paper and has been a most successful venture. Mr. Haugen was married in 1895 to Anna Sigmond and

O. P. Hadland, farmer, business man and man of affairs, is a fine example of Fillmore county manhood. Born in a family that was prominent in the settlement of the county, he has ever had the best interests of the community at heart, and has had an important part in the upbuilding of this vicinity. He first saw the light of day on the site of his present home in Bloomfield township February 19, 1858, son of Peter (Olson) Hadland, native of Norway. The father came to this county in 1852, after being two years in Wisconsin, settled on 160 acres in section twentyeight, Bloomfield, and has lived in Fillmore county since that time. The mother died April 10, 1911, nearly ninéty-three years old. O. P. Hadland received his education in the common schools of the township in whieh he was born and attended Luther College at Deeorah, Iowa, where he completed his education. He taught school one year in Otter Tail county and one year in this township, since which time he has engaged in farming. He now owns au exeellent place of 340 acres in sections twenty-eight, twenty-one and twenty-two, in Bloomfield, tills all this land himself, has a fine herd of Shorthorn cattle and does an extensive dairy business, selling his cream at the Ostrander Creamery, which 'he assisted in organizing, and of which he has been the only president. A well-kept orehard with a variety of apples is one of Mr. Hadland's many interests. His pleasant and roomy home was recently improved with a large addition, and this, with sufficient buildings for the proper housing of his excellent farm equipment, large crops and sleek live stock all count together to make the Hadland farm one of the most prosperous of the county. Mr. Hadland is a member of the Lutheran church of Bloomfield and has for many years been secretary of the congregation. In politics he is independent and las been a leader in local politieal circles since old enough to be interested. He has been either town clerk, town assessor or town chairman for the past twenty years, serving in the latter office at present. He has been elerk of district 180 for fifteen years and is a member of the Puinain school board of Spring Valley, in whieh he has taken a deep interest. In 1891 he represented his county in the legislature. My. Iladland has long been an ardent supporter of all movements which sought a closer and better relation between the farmer and the world of rousuimers. He is president of the Farmers' elevator of Ostrander, president of the First State Bank of Ostrander and stockholder and director in the Farmers' Store at Spring Valley. In July, 1883, he married Margaret Miland, of Mower connty, and to them have been born seven childven, all of whom are at home: Selma, Thorwald, Nettie, Julia, Henry 3ernhard and Melvin.

Joseph P. Donahue was born in Oneim township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, September 12, 1872, son of Hugh and Ellen (Hart) Donahue, natives of Ireland, the former of whom came to Ameriea at the age of twenty-one vears, located in Wiscousin, was there married, came to Afinnesota in the sixties and followed farming in Olmsted county until 1891, when'he retired and moved to Chatfield, where he died August 29, 1896, his widow dying February 3, 1911. Joseph P. received a district and high school edueation and took a business course at Winona. Thus prepared for a successful business career he began work in a jewelry store in Chatfield, being later employed by J. P. Williams, in the same town. In 1894 he entered into partnership with A. J. Waters in the farm implement business, the firm being known as Waters & Donahue. Two years later he disposed of his interest and secured employment in the Williams furniture store. September 20, 1897, he beeame a partner in this concern and continued as such until January 1, 1908. He was manager of the Donahue Drng Company from 1900 until 1909, when the store was sold, and he came to Preston, where ke condueted the undertaking parlors and was manager of the Jennings & Donalme monumental works. He is a graduate of the Champion School of Embalming of Springfield, O., and a member of the Minnesota Funeral Direetors' Association. Mr. Donahue was assistant demonstrator and. instruetor in the Wiseonsin Association school which was held in Fond du Lae from July 18 to August 1, 1910. He is a member of the Catholie ¢hureh and belongs to the Modern Woodinen of Ameriea, the Beavers and Knights of Pythias. When a resident of Chatfield Mr. Donahue was elected to the office of justice of the peace for nine suecessive years and served as town clerk for one year. He is deeply interested in all movements toward the progress of his town and county and lends support to all public enterprises. August 18, 1911, he sold his undertaking establishment to George F. Harrington and eutered the Johnson College of Embalming of St. Paul] as secretary and treasurer and lecturer and demonstrator of practical embalming, which position he still holds.

Henry Edwin King was born in Clayton county, Iowa, February 12, 1848, son of John EF. and Eleanor (Harland) King, both natives of England, who brought him to Sumner in 1854. He was educated in the common schools of this county and learned his lessons in the log school house where the seats were slab benches. As a youth and young man he worked on his father's farm, and in 1880 took over the entire responsibility for the eonduct of the home place, which he later purchased, now Owning 420 acres in Sumner township, 265 in Spring Valley and 130 in Jordan. Like his father before him, he is an ardent supporter of the idea that crops are more profitable when fed to live stock than when marketed directly, and with this belief in view he has been an extensive breeder of cattle. He conducted his own farin till the fall of 1911, when he turned the management of it over to his son, Edwin Henry, and moved to Stewartville, where he is at present living. Though he has retired from active farming it would be far from correct to say he lives a retired life, for he has a large number of business interests which take his attention. Ile is a Republican in polities and has heen treasurer of the township seven years, justice of the peace several years and school elerk in distriet 1238 for forty years consecutively. He is also a director of the First

National Bank of Spring Valley and a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery of that place. On July 4, 1869, he married Hannah Wooldridge, daughter of Edward and Mary (Smith) Wooldridge, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Minnesota in the early sixties, and after living two years in Olmsted county settled in section sixteen, Sumner township. Her father was 4 very prominent man in business and politics. He died March 22, 1899, and her mother died May 13, 1901. To Mr. and Mrs. King have been born eight children, two of whom died in infancy. Alta married James F. Ballinger, of Sumner, who is elsewhere mentioned in detail in this work. Clarence E. lives in Sumner township. Ernest A. and Curtin A. live in Mower county. Inez M. married Fred Cutting, of Byron, Minn. Edwin Henry is living on the old home farm in Sumner.

John E, King, the pioneer, was born in England, and there married Eleanor Harland, also a native of that country. They left their home in Searboro in 1829, came to America and settled near Springfield, Ill, where they lived ten years, later living in Wisconsin and Iowa. In 1854 the family came to Minnesota and pre-empted 160 acres in section fourteen, Sumner township, They intended to build a frame house, and were told that as a mill was being built just southwest of the land they could secure all the lumber they desired, the first lot to be ready July 4. On that day one of the sons went to the mill and secured a load, but three days later the mill was washed away and the family had to resort to logs to build a cabin eighteen by twenty feet. In this they lived until about 1884. After a long and useful life on this farm John E, King passed away December 4, 1885, his wife having died October 11, 1877. They were the parents of twelve children, only three of whom survive: Richard S., of Fairmont, Minn.; Robert Harland, of Clark county, South Dakota, and Henry E. of this county.