Freeborn County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 5 of 11)

John L. Gibbs, former lieutenant governor of the state of Minnesota, and for a long time one of the most prominent men in southern Minnesota, died in Owatonna, Nov. 28, 1908. He was born in Bradford county, Penn., May 3, 1838. He received an academic education, and was graduated from Ann Arbor law school in 1861. Coming to Minnesota, and being admitted to the bar, he was elected county attorney of Freeborn county in 1862. Two years later, in 1864, he was elected to the lower house of the Minnesota legislature, being re-elected in 1865, 1876, 1877, 1885 and 1895, being speaker of the house in 1877 and 1885 and a prominent candidate for the position in 1895. In 1887 he was appointed railroad and warehouse commissioner for the state of Minnesota by Gov. A. R. McGill and was reappointed by Gov. William R. Merriam. Mr. Gibbs was chairman of a number of important political conventions. He was prominently mentioned for the governorship in a number of campaigns, and, in 1896, he was elected lieutenant governor under Governor David M. Clough. Mr. Gibbs had a strong personal following in the rural districts of the state, due in a large degree to his love for farm life, and his determination to raise its standard of living. When not busy with his official duties he resided on a farm in Geneva, in which town he held many local offices. He was among the first to see the importance of the dairy interests, to the new state, and was always in demand as a speaker on this and other topics at all farmers' gatherings. He was also long prominent in Masonic circles. He married Martha Partridge Robson, who was born May 3, 1838, daughter of Harvey and Lanra (Maxson) Partridge and widow of Sheriff Janies A. Robson. Mrs. Gibbs now makes her home in Owatonna, but still owns the homestead of 240 acres, adjoining the village of Geneva.

0. S. Gilmore was for many years a prosperous merchant in Freeborn village and is a prominent man in that village at the present time. He was born in Addison county, Vermont, Feb¬ ruary 17, 1844, son of Epenetus and Laura (McQuivey) Gilmore. In 1865 he came west with his parents, who stopped for about 'six weeks in Wisconsin, after which they came to Freeborn and set¬ tled on section 32 and here engaged in farming. For two years 0. S., the subject of this biography, was employed as clerk in T. A. Southwick's store in the village of Freeborn and at the end of this period he entered into a general mercantile business, which he conducted for twenty-eight years. During his busi¬ ness career he entered into partnership with G. P. Lattin and later sold out his interests to J. G. Scott, after which he organ¬ ized a new firm known as O. S'. Gilmore & Son. Mr. Gilmore married Jennie E. Leonard, daughter of Carl and Mary Ann (Wasmer) Leonard, natives of Germany, and this marriage resulted in five children ; Ansel E., married Bertha Scoville ; they have one child, Gordon; Laura, wife of Charles Morris, has two children, Thomas and Rita ; Otis J. married Gertrude Miller, and they have one child, Florence ; Clyde travels for a business house ; and Merle G. is at home. Mr. Gilmore is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in 1862 in Company A, 6th Vermont Vol. Inf. He was honorably discharged on account of illness six months later and returned to his home. It can be truly said of Mr. Gilmore that the increasing years have brought to him increasing honor; he has the respect and confidence of all who know him and possesses those qualities which have won for him the high esteem in which he is held. For fifteen years he was treasurer of the town and served as treasurer of the school for thirteen years, acting with marked wisdom in both offices. He has now retired from the activities of a business life and resides in the village in which for so many years he has been recognized as a leading citizen. He is an independent voter and he and his good wife are active workers in the Methodist church.

Daniel Hord was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1842. At the age of three years, he was brought west by his parents, stop¬ ping at Wisconsin for a period of six months, thence to Win¬ nebago county, Ill. There he received his schooling and grew to manhood, coming west to Minnesota with his parents in 1857, and locating in Manchester township, Freeborn county. In Aug., 1866, he crossed the prairies to Omaha, Neb., where he remained until the spring of 1867, after which he continued his journey to Ogden, Utah, remaining there until the winter of 1868, when he returned to Freeborn county, having been called home by the death of his father. He lived on the home place until the farm was sold. Fie was married April 8, 1868, to Mary Smith, who was born Sept. 3, 1852, Winnebago county, Ill. In 1872, they moved to Itasca, Minn., where he farmed two years. They returned to Freeborn county in 1874, and settled in section 7, Pickerel Lake township. In the spring of 1876 they removed to Alden township, where he farmed for one year. In 1877 they went to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and there he worked a year on a ranch in the Black Hills. While in Wyoming, they lost a child, who died of smallpox. In 1S78 they came back to Alden, and located on section 23, where they lived and carried on general farming until 1902, when they sold their farm and moved to the village of Alden, where they have since resided. They have three living children: Bertha, is now Mrs. E. H. Ostrander, of Alden township, and has ten children. Clark is a popular mem¬ ber of the Odd Fellows, and is a successful business man of Alden, having conducted a dray line for the past nine years. He married Daisy Kraushaar, and they reside with his parents. Edna lives in Alden. She is the wife of Earl Stanley.

Harrison Hord, territorial pioneer, of Freeborn county, and a native of Virginia, and Amelia (Connard) Hord, his wife, a native of Ohio, came to Manchester township in 1857, and took a claim in section 31, where they followed general farming until the death of Mr. Hord, Jan. 19, 1868. His wife passed away, Nov. 12, 1893.

William D. Smith, a native of New York state, and Susan (Hunn) Smith, his wife, a native of England, came to Freeborn county in 1858, locating in Manchester township. Some years later they moved to Hayward township this county, where they remained for five years ; thence going to Pickerel Lake township, where they lived until 1881, when they removed to Moody county, South Dakota, where Mrs. Smith still lives, Mr. Smith having died Feb. 18, 1906.

James H. Goslee, retired farmer and substantial citizen of London, was born in Glossenbury, Connecticut, on Jan. 31, 1831, son of Henry and Maria Goslee. He received his education in the school of his home state, and came west to Minnesota in 1857. He located in the township of London and purchased 160 acres of land, to which he has added as the years have passed until at the present time he owns 600 acres. The first few years of his life on the farm in this county, he spent in raising wheat, but some time before the wheat failure, he engaged in stock raising. V hen the wheat failure came, he not only did not lose money but profited by raising cattle, which he fattened and sold, and which brought the best of market prices. On March 2, 1860, Mr. Goslee married Zillah T. Beach, of New York, and to them two children were born: Henry A. Goslee, of Austin, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in that city; and Dwight who died at the age of seven years. Mrs. Zillah Goslee was summoned by death January 14, 1891. Eliza¬ beth McKenty married Mr. Goslee July 6, 1892, who died in September, 1894. On Oct. 17, 1899, he married Annie J. Porter, of Connecticut, and they are the parents of one son, James Alanson. Mr. Goslee is a respected member of the church of United Brethren and he affiliates with the Republican party. He has been elected to serve in the office of town treasurer for six years, and has also efficiently served as the town assessor. He belongs to that class of sturdy and enterprising men who have had an important part in the work of transforming the county from a state of comparative wilderness to one of the most productive and progressive counties in Minnesota. In addition to his farm inter¬ ests he is a stockholder in the bank at Lyle and also a stockholder and director in the telephone company in the same place.

M. J. Howe, one of the prominent men of Alden township was born in Rutland county, Vermont, August 13, 1847, son of Albert C. and Julia (Baker) Howe. In 1864 the father brought his family to Pickerel Lake township in this county and four years later M. J., the subject of this sketch began farming for himself. He at present owns 350 acres in sections 22 and 23 Alden town¬ ship, which he has acquired by earnest endeavor and entirely by his own efforts. He uses the most up-to-date farm machinery and conducts his whole farm along lines which have received the scientific approval of recent years. He raises a good breed of Durham cattle, and his horses are of Norman, French and Belgium breeds. His fine dwelling house and substantial farm buildings are evidences no less of prosperity than of the years of careful attention and hard work which have made them possible. Mr. Howe is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is independent and has been a member of the local school board and of the town board of supervisors for some years. He married Ella M. Howe, daughter of 0. C. C. Howe. She was born in Cateraugus county, New York, September 23, 1849. To this union have been born eleven children: James was born January 24, 1871, and died September 12, 1899. Ebeneezer was born June 5, 1872, and is now a resident of Alden village. Oliver was born March 17, 1874, and now resides in Browns Valley, Minnesota, Mary was born February 3, 1876, and mar¬ ried Ora Briggs, of Milbank, S. D. Florence was born October 13, 1878, and married John Briggs and now lives in Minneapolis. Clarence was born July 19, 1880, and now resides in Pickerel

Lake township. William was born December 14. 1881, and died May 10, 1882. Joseph was born December 25, 1884, and is still at home. Maggie was born September 12, 1886, and married Jesse Marsh and is living at home. Helen was born March 3, 1888, and married Earl Stevens. Harriet was born March 24, 1894, and married Robert E. Conn, of Cass county, Indiana.

Carl Hendrickson, one of the noteworthy and substantial citi¬ zens of Freeborn county, has occupied many offices of respon¬ sibility and honor, and in all has shown his ability, honor and integrity. He was on the town board of Hartland several vears, served as town treasurer fifteen years, and for four years was county commissioner from his district. He was born in Norway, May 12, 1838, son of Ole and Mary Hendrickson, and was by them brought to America in 1850, spending his boyhood and young manhood in Columbia county, Wisconsin, where his parents spent the remainder of their days. In 1868, he came to Minne¬ sota, and purchased 160 acres in section 2, Hartland township, where he erected his home and other buildings, and where he has since carried on general farming, developing and improving hi$ land, and adding to his possessions from time to time until he owns 440 acres all in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Hendrick¬ son was married in 1859 to Esther Matson, who has long since passed to the Great Beyond, leaving nine children: Henry, of Colorado ; Mrs. Carolina Burtness, Mrs. Emma Sibblrud, Mrs. Oliva Jordahl, Mrs. Louisa Peterson, Mrs. Tilda Cole; Ole, of South Dakota ; Albert, who farms with his father, and Martha, who died at eight years of ^ age. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Hendrickson is a liberal supporter.

William Hazleton, a retired business man of Albert Lea, was born February 7, 1825, at Chester, New Hampshire. His parents were William and Mercy J. (Cochrane) Hazleton, of whom the former was a prosperous merchant in Chester, where he died, and the latter passed away at Columbus, Wisconsin. William, the son, subject of this biography began his early education in the public schools of Chester, and completed them in a private seminary at Nashua, New Hampshire. He entered the business world in Chester as a wholesale shoe manufacturer, shipping his product to Boston. In conjunction with this he conducted a retail store for four years, after which he disposed of his interests on account of ill health, and came west. He located first in Colum¬ bus, A\ isconsin, where he engaged in the general merchandise business with W. AY. Johnson, which was in 1856. They con¬ tinued to operate this store until 1869. They then moved their stock of goods to Albert Lea, and here he engaged in business with AY. AA . Johnson for several years. He eventually sold out his share of the stock and entered into a similar business with

Carl Hendrickson Mr. And Mrs. Endre Gulbrandson

Robert Skinner, with whom he continued for about four years, and at the end of this period, he purchased Mr. Skinner's inter¬ ests and conducted the store on his own responsibility for three years. Mr. Hazleton was instrumental in organizing the first creamery in Freeborn county, the Fountain Lake creamery, which was the second creamery organized in the state. For several years Mr. Hazleton was manager of this creamery association, and he later engaged in buying and selling eggs and poultry with J. H. Larkin. They built a cold storage egg plant which they operated for three years, and at the expiration of that time Mr. Hazleton retired from an active business life, and now resides in his home at 114 Water street, which he erected the first year that he came to Albert Lea. In political opinions, he is a staunch Republican. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church. On August 25, 1859, Mr. Hazleton and Martha M. Brigham were married at Keesville, New York. Mrs. Hazleton was born at Keesville, January 2, 1837, daughter of John and Mary (Moore) Brigham, now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Hazleton three chil¬ dren were born, of whom Fannie is the wife of Dr. L. G. Hewitt of Nortliwood, Iowa, and William B. and Edward C., are deceased.

J. P. Hanson, a native of Hayward township, was born on the farm where he now lives November 17, 1862, son of Peter and Annie Anderson, both natives of Norway, and who came to the United States in 1861. The subject of this sketch attended the country school which was then conducted in a log building. He later worked on his father's farm and worked out by the month for some years. In 1888 he rented his father's farm and after the death of his mother he bought it and today has a well improved farm of 160 acres, where he follows general farming and raises stock. The land he has tiled and improved to a high state of cultivation since purchasing it. In .1885 he married Annie Solsnes, a native of Norway, and to them have been born seven children, Philip, Agnes E., Milla G., Inga J., Harlof W., Palma G., and Loif T. Mr. Hanson is a member of the Lutheran church. He votes with the Republican party, has been a mem¬ ber of the town board and was on the school board fifteen years. He is a stock holder in the Hayward creamery and also in the Farmers' elevator of Haywood.

Endre Gulbrandson, a sturdy old pioneer of Freeborn county, now deceased, assisted in the development of the county from the earliest days, and left a heritage of honor and integrity which has been held untarnished by his large family of children. He was born in Aadalen, Norway, Dec. 4, 1812, son of Gulbrand and Kari Gulbrandson, descended from many generations of Norsk ancestors. He grew to manhood in Norway, was there married, and there spent his early manhood. In 1852 he brought his family to America, and located for a time in Iowa county, Wisconsin, later moving to Wingville, Grant county, in the same state. May 8, 1856, the family started for Minnesota. Endre left his family in Houston county, and walked to Mitchell, Iowa, where he met his relative, Peter Lunde. The two men staked out claims in Hay¬ ward township, this county, and then returned for their families, the Gulbrandson family arriving about the middle of the sum¬ mer. For a time the family lived in a dugout on a claim of 160 acres in section 17, but later they moved to a claim in section 8, and there lived in another dugout. In 1863 a log house was built, 20x30 feet, two stories high. Mr. Gulbrandson prospered with the years, and his agricultural operations proved so successful that he increased his holdings until he owned 280 acres of good land. Although a true American, he never forgot the scenes of his child¬ hood and early manhood, and in 1885 he made a trip to the old country, spending six months in visiting friends and relatives. Mr. Gulbrandson exerted a great influence in his community, and participated actively in political life. He was interested in every¬ thing which he believed to be for the betterment of his town, and was in every way a good citizen. In his home, he was a loving husband and devoted father, and in the community he was a staunch friend. Thoroughly trained in the tenets of the Lutheran church, he possessed a true Christian character, and was an active promoter of religion in this county. He lived until his death in the log house, which he erected in the early days. The house is still preserved and is owned by his son, Yegger Gulbrandson. Endre Gulbrandson died March 27, 1886, and his wife Marit Hanson, who was born in Aadalen, Norway, Sept. 2, 1814, and whom he married in 1840, died Feb 21, 1898. This worthy couple had a family of eight children : Gilbert, deceased ; Julia, deceased; Hans, of Albert Lea; Yegger, of Albert Lea: Kari, now Mrs. Lars Lunde, of Hayward; Maria, deceased; Elsie L., of Albert Lea, and Edward, deceased.

Hans Gulbrandson, proprietor of the Gulbrandson Hardware Company, dealer in hardware, farm machinery and implements, and all kinds of vehicles, was born in Aadalen, Norway, Oct. 9', 1844, son of Endre and Marit (Hanson) Gulbrandson, the former of whom died in 1886 and the latter in 1898. The family came to America in 1852, lived in Iowa county, Wisconsin, two years, moved to Grant county in the same state in 1854, and May 8, 1856, took up their residence in Hayward township, this county, where Hans spent his youth. In the fall of 1868 and again in the fall of 1869, he worked in a hardware store in Austin. In 1870, he started selling farm implements at Albert Lea in partnership with his brothers, Gilbert and Yegger. In 1876 Gilbert disposed of his interests, and in 1877 a hardware department was added.

Hans Gulbrandson

Hans and Yegger conducted the business until January, 1900, when Yegger retired, and since that date, Hans has been the sole owner. The block which contains the farm machinery stock was erected in 1898 by the subject of this sketch. The block in which is located the hardware business was erected in 1886 by Hans and Yegger Gulbrandson. Hans Gulbrandson has always been a Republican, but at the request of his brother Gilbert, voted for Horace Greeley for president of the United States. For many years he has been a devoted member of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, of Albert Lea, the Synod with which this church is connected being the oldest Norwegian Luth¬ eran church body in the United States. The subject of this sketch was married July 4, 1878, at Albert Lea to Olava Elizabeth Nel¬ son, and this union has been blessed with three children: Einar and Edmund are employed by their father. Martha A. is wife of the Rev. A. E. Strom, of Fertile, Wis.

Vegger Gulbrandson, banker and retired business man, is one of Albert Lea's most useful and active citizens, having taken a vital interest in the business, agricultural, financial and educa¬ tional development of the county since his arrival here with the earliest settlers in 1856. He was born in Aadalen, Norway, Nov. 4, 1846, son of Endre and Marit (Hanson) Gulbrandson, and with them came to the United States in 1852, locating in Iowa county, Wisconsin, and later in Grant county in the same state. In 1856 the family came to Freeborn county, and took up their residence in Hayward township. Yegger attended the common schools for a brief time, but the larger part of his education has been received from close observation and keen reasoning, as well as by deep reading. He worked out for a time, but spent most of his youth on the home farm in Hayward township. While on the farm he became interested in the sale of farm machinery, and after a time decided to devote his entire time to that business. Accord¬ ingly, in 1876, he came to Albert Lea, and engaged in that line in partnership with his brothers, Gilbert and Hans. Subsequently Gilbert sold his interest. In the course of time a hardware department was added, and Hans and Yegger conducted the business for nearly twenty-five years, erecting suitable buildings, maintaining a large volume of trade, and enjoying the confidence and trust of the entire community. A few years ago, Yegger retired to the extent of giving up his active interest in the busi¬ ness, but he is still busily engaged in looking after his various holdings. He is vice-president of the First National Bank, of Albert Lea, and the owner of 300 acres of fine land in Flayward township, the patent to 220 acres of which bears the signature of no less a personage than Abraham Lincoln. For many years, Mr. Gulbrandson labored for the upbuilding of Luther Academy, at

Albert Lea, as one of its most active directors, and he is still one of the trustees of Luther College at Decorah, Iowa. A Republi¬ can in politics, he has done the city of Albert Lea excellent service as a member of the charter commission, and as an aiderman of the third ward. He has also been prominently mentioned in connection with several important state offices. As an his¬ torical investigator, Mr. Gulbrandson is painstaking and accurate, and his services have been invaluable in establishing beyond a doubt the story of the first permanent settlement of Freeborn county. Fie was also instrumental in having the first cabin built in Freeborn county moved to the fair grounds. On Aug. 26, 1880, Yegger Gulbrandson was united in marriage with Anna Marie Knutson, a most accomplished lady, daughter of Hans and Ingeborg Knutson, of "Winnebago county, Iowa. This union has been blessed with seven children : Eskeld H. is a hardware merchant in Ellendale, Minn. ; Ina lives at home ; Victor M. is a traveling salesman for Deere, Webber & Co., of Minneapolis; Amos B. is a hardware merchant in Hayward, Minn. ; Cleon D. is a student at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa; Fremont G. and Kathinka L. are at home and attend the public schools. The family residence is at 218 East William street.

Mrs. Vegger Gulbrandson is one of those faithful home-makers whose influence in the church and home has been an important factor in the life of the community. Anna Maria Knudson, as she was then called, was born in Winnebago county, Iowa, March 27, 1861, daughter of Hans and Ingeborg (Dahl) Knudson, natives of Norway, who came to America at an early day, lived in Janes¬ ville, Wis., for a while and then located in Winnebago county, Iowa, where they followed farming the remainder of their days, the father dying in March, 1887, and the mother in January, 1905. The daughter, before being married to Yegger Gulbrand¬ son, August 26, 1880, attended the common schools and remained at home with her parents. After her marriage she came directly to Albert Lea, where she has since made her home. She has been a good wife and loyal mother, and has raised a goodly family of children. Mrs. Gulbrandson is an active worker in the Synod Lutheran church, and a prominent member of the Ladies ' Aid Society of that institution. She is also interested in a number of other goods works, and has taken an especial interest in the Old Settlers Association, of which her husband is a leading member.

B. J. Hermanson, chairman of the township of Bancroft, an office which he has held for the past several years, is one of the prominent men in the county. He was born March 12, 1857, and his parents, John and Martha Hermanson, were early settlers in Bancroft. He has held many other offices of responsibility, among which are member of the town board for seven years, clerk of the school board and treasurer, and in all offices to which he has been elected to serve, he has ever given his best efforts. His early education was acquired in the common schools of the town¬ ship and he has since followed farming. He owns 152 acres of land and a church and school house have been erected on his farm. He keeps a dairy herd of red poll cows and disposes of the cream to the Bancroft creamery, of which institution he has been secre¬ tary in the past and now is a stockholder. He married Matie Ackland, a daughter of Nels Ackland, an old settler of Manchester now deceased, and to this marriage one daughter, Beatrice, has been born. She is a pupil in Luther Academy at Albert Lea. Mrs. Hermanson died in 1894. Mr. Hermanson is a voter of the Republican ticket and a respected member of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

J. 0. Hellie is one of the extensive land owners of Bancroft township. His parents, Ole J. and Mary (Haugen) Hellie came to America from Norway in 1850 and settled in Washington Prairie, Iowa, where the subject of this biography was born November 15, 1864. The following year the family came to Free¬ born county and located in Bancroft on the farm where their son, J. 0., resides at the present time. Mr. Hellie owns 276 acres in Bancroft and 160 in the state of Oregon, making a total of 436 acres, and this valuable property has been acquired by years of hard work and self denial. Beginning early in life to make his way in the world he has accomplished his highest ambitions as his surroundings testify. The large brick house in which he lives was built by himself and father, also the commodious barns and other buildings and his productive farm yields him abundant crops each year. He keeps a fine dairy herd prefering the Short¬ horn breed, and together with his dairying interests, he engages in stock raising, general farming and raises many Poland-China hogs. He sells cream to the Riceland creamery, in which he is one of the stockholders. He believes in modern farming methods, and his interest in education has been shown by his service on the school board. He has also served his township in the capacity of chairman for several years and in every respect is one of the fore¬ most citizens in Bancroft. Anna Selstad became his wife in 1887, and ten children are the result of this marriage: Alfred, Julia, Evelyn, Vernon, Herbert, Theodore, Melvin, Joseph, Lloyd and Mable. The latter is dead. Mr. Hellie is not alone a public spirited man, but one whose good judgment and kindly manner have won him many loyal friends.

J. J. Hove, cashier of the Farmers' State Bank of Hayward, is a native of Norway, born February 10, 1860, son of Johanes and Bertha Hove. His father Johanes Hove came to America in

1886 and located in Bancroft township, Freeborn county, where he lived till his death. The subject of this biography came to the United States in 1881, and having received a good education in Norway continued his studies here, at first in the common schools, where he became familiar with the English language and later at Luther Academy of Albert Lea. During these years he worked on farms during the school vacations and thus was able to pay his way without assistance. He later taught school two years, and then went into the mercantile business in Hayward, which he continued till 1904. He then sold out his business and organized the Farmers' State Bank, of Hayward, and was elected to the position of cashier, which he still occupies. In 1900 he married Magdalene Lunde, daughter of Lars Lunde, of Hayward. To this union have been born four children, James Norman, Pearl Lenora, Leland Horatio, Lars Erling. Mr. Hove is a member of the Luth¬ eran church. In politics he is a Republican and served as post¬ master at Hayward eight years, school clerk eight years, town clerk six years and was elected county commissioner in 1906 and re-elected to serve another term of four years in 1910. He owns a fine residence in Hayward and eighty acres of land adjoin¬ ing the village, as well as business buildings in the village. Mr. Hove, though more successful than the average, has made his success for himself, and thus gives evidence that the opportunity for those willing to work is still at hand and that success and rewards are commensurate to effort and ability. Mr. Hove is a stockholder and the president of the Farmers' elevator, of Hay¬ ward, and is a charter member of the Society of Sognolaget, of which he has been treasurer since its organization.

Halver K. Fodness, a native of Norway, was born August 20, 1847, son of Ivnut and Inger (Berg) Fodness. In 1855 they landed at Quebec and later went to Iowa county, Wisconsin, and purchased forty acres of land, where they lived till 1860. They then moved to M inneshiek county, Iowa. In 1865 they went to Faribault county, Minnesota, where they farmed a year. In 1866 they came to this county and settled in London township, where the mother died. The family then moved to Riceland township, this county, where the father died. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and early learned the lessons of thrift and industry which have served him well his whole life. After working out for several years he bought, in 1893, 160 acres in section 20, Moscow township, and has since erected a roomy and comfortable dwelling, barns, sheds and other buildings which are on his farm today. He broke a large part of the land, which he has since cultivated and in all ways made an excellent farm from the wild land he first purchased. He follows general farm¬ ing and gives special attention to dairying. He assisted in the organization of the Moscow creamery and for several years was president of it. On June 20, 1870, he married Carrie Hibbard, of Freeborn county, and to them have been born seven children: Ingre, who married Ben. Bridley, of Moscow ; Tina, who married Geo. King, of Minneapolis; Sina married Joseph Baum, of Aitkin county ; Carl, who lives in Grand Forks, N. D., where he is mail clerk; Jacob, of Moscow township; Etta, who is at home and Mabel 0. of Grand Forks. Mr. Fodness is a member of the Luth¬ eran church. In politics he is a progressive Republican and has been elected to many town and school offices. He served as super¬ visor in both Ricelancl and Moscow townships. Since the organ¬ ization of school district 127, he has been either clerk or treasurer until his election to his present office as director. He has been a director of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, of Man¬ chester, for more than twenty years. He owes his present place of high esteem in his community to his own efforts, and his kindly spirit and exact business methods have won him a host of friends.

William J. Horning, retired farmer and veteran of the Civil War, now residing in Albert Lea, was born in Herkimer county, New T ork, February 23, 1830, son of Henry and Margaret (Countryman) Horning, who were natives of New York of Ger¬ man descent. In 1857, the father died and the mother in company with her two sons, David and William J. came west to Minnesota and settled in Albert Lea, where she spent the remainder of her life. William J., the subject of this sketch went to school in Jefferson county, New York, and there spent the days of his boy¬ hood and worked for his father on the farm. After coming to Minnesota with his mother and brother he located in Pickerel Lake township, where he bought a tract of land comprising 240 acres. This farm was situated in the northeast corner of section 21 and was broken and cultivated and made most productive by the hard work of Mr. Horning. In later years, he erected a fine and comfortable home and the good outbuildings necessary for the shelter of his farming machinery, stock and grains, and was recognized as one of the leading farmers in that community. He carried on general and diversified farming until 1901, when he rented his farm and moved into Albert Lea, where he now lives a retired life in his comfortable home at 724 Fountain street. In 1862 Mr. Horning enlisted in Co. C., 15th Minn. Yol. Inf. and he served through all the battles and skirmishes that the regiment was engaged in. During the battle of Nashville, on December 16, 1864, when the color bearer was shot and fell, Mr. Horning at once picked up the flag and carried it during the remainder of the battle, being slightly wounded. He as well as others was presented with a white silk badge by Col. Hubbard with the list of all the battles in which he served printed on one side and they are as follows : Farmington, Mississippi ; Redwood, Minn. ; Fort Ridgely, Minn. ; Fort Abercrombie, Minn. ; Iuka, Miss. ; Corinth, Miss. ; Mississippi Springs, Miss. ; Jackson, Miss. ; Assault on Vicksburg ; Sartatia, Miss. ; Mechanicsburg, Miss. ; Richmond, La. ; Canton, Miss. . ; Brownsville, Miss.; Barton Station, Miss.; Fort De Russv, La.; Henderson Hill, La.; Grand Ecore, La.; Compti, La. ; Pleasant Hill, La. ; Cloutiersville, La. ; Cane River, La. ; Moore's Plantation, La.; Bayou La Moure, La.; Bayou Roberts, La. ; Mansura, La. ; Bayou De Glaise, La. ; Lake Chicot, Ark. ; Tupelo, La.; Oxford, Miss.; Abbeyville, Miss.; Nashville, Tenn. ; Fish River, Ala. ; Spanish Fort, Ala. ; Fort Blakely, Ala. Of this military record Mr. Horning is justly proud, proving as it does that he risked his life to save the flag and the Union. Mr. Horn¬ ing relates that on August 19, 1862, in company with Judge D. AY. Stacy and John G. Godley, he shot and killed the Indian chief, Hole-in-the-Ground. Mr. Horning is a member of the Rob¬ son Post, No. 5, G. A. R., of Albert Lea, and he has been asso¬ ciated with the I. 0. 0. F. of this city for many years, being the present Senior Noble Grand and having passed through all the chairs in this order and being a charter member. He votes with the Democratic party, and though at the advanced age of eiglityone he is actively interested in all movements toward the better¬ ment of his city and county. He has in his possession a Bible dating 1534, which was published in Germany and brought to America by his grand parents. Mr. Horning believes that this Bible is one of the oldest in the United States. Mr. Horning married Esther Johnson in August, 1867, and to them have been born nine children, of whom Manville, resides in Alden ; William lives at Carlston; Sylvester is a resident of Pickerel Lake, Elsworth lives in Lyons county ; Lester rents and works the old home farm; John is a resident of Lyons county; Victoria married Rufus Reese of Clear Lake ; Mildred is Mrs. Harry Allen of Lamars, Towa, and Ada lives in Lyons county. Airs. Horning passed away March 12, 1886, at the age of thirty-seven years. She was born July 7, 1849, in New York state.

M. J. Hermanson was born in Freeborn county January 7, 1866, son of John and Martha (Tisdel) Hermanson, early pioneers, who came from Norway to Freeborn county, and for several years lived in a dugout. As they cleared their land and grew more prosperous, they built a log cabin, where they lived until able to erect a comfortable house. The father was a farmer until the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1908, at the age of 84 years, the mother having passed away a year previous to this time. They were the parents of nine children, one of whom is now deceased. M. J., their son was ever a studious boy, spending all his spare moments studying, hoping in time to fit himself for a teacher; after leaving the district school he entered high school and later attended the Lutheran Academy in Albert Lea. That he accomplished his ambition is shown by his service as a teacher for ten years, and as such, he gave universal satisfaction. He was obliged to give up teaching and assume charge of the old home farm, and here until recently carried on general farming. This farm is well kept, and for many years he was interested in stock raising and dairying. He now rents the land and has re¬ tired irom farming caring for the home but unable to engage in the strenuous work required to keep the farm under cultivation. He was, for several years treasurer of the town and also secretary of the Bancroft Creamery Association, and at present he is one of the stockholders in the creamery. He votes with the Republi¬ can party and in the community in which he has made his home he is well liked and respected. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

Fred Holway, the successful lumber dealer of Alden, residing in that village, was born in LaCrosse county, Wisconsin, May 19, 1865, son of N. B. and Sarah J. (Blackwell) Holway. His early boyhood was spent in that county, and he acquired his education in the common schools near his home. He came to Alden in the spring of 1886, and engaged in the lumber business, which he has saccessfully conducted since that time. Matilda Emerson, a daughter of J. M. Emerson, became the wife of Mr. Holway, and this marriage has been blessed by the birth of four children: Cleon, Argile, Bernardine and Marjorie. Mr. Holway is recog¬ nized as one of the leading and public-spirited men in Alden and he is actively interested in all movements toward the progress and betterment of the village, of which he is a resident. He lias served as president of the village council in which office his good sense and superior judgment have won for him the good will and esteem of his fellow citizens. He is a member of Alden Lodge, No. 1927, I. 0. 0. F., of the A. F. & A. M., and Western Star Lodge, No. 26, 0. E. S. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Alden.

Ole C. Johnson, who for many years has occupied various offices of responsibility and esteem in Clarks Grove, was born in Norway, April 13, 1852, son of Christ Johnson and Christa (Erickson) Johnson. He came to the United States in 1856 with his parents, who first settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, and remained there four years, after which they moved to Minnesota and established their home in Bath township. When the war between the North and South broke out, the father enlisted in Co. K, 15th Wisconsin Yol. Inf., and one son, E. C., enlisted in the 10th Minnesota Yol. Inf. Both father and son served their adopted country for three years, and were honorably discharged at the close of the war, and returned to their home in this state. The mother died during the war and the father several years after its close. They were the parents of five children: Mary, Erick, John, Christ and 0. C., the subject of this biography. Mr. Johnson has always followed farming since completing his educa¬ tion in the common schools, and has a fine well kept farm of 80 acres, on which he conducts general and dairy farming. He keeps graded stock for dairy purposes and has, by dint of hard work and untiring energy made his farm one of the well improved and productive farms in the community. He and Josephine Sorlie, a daughter of Iver and Mary Sorlie, of Iowa, were united in wedlock and they are the parents of three living children: Oscar, who is farming; Mabel, the wife of Scott Brown, an engi¬ neer on the Rock Island railroad ; and Victor, at home. Clement died at twenty-two years of age. Mr. Johnson is a stockholder in the Clarks Grove Co-Operative Creamery, and has been town cone or man\ ^cears. In politics he adheres to the principles endorsed by the Republican party and for twenty-two years he had been clerk of the school board of his districts. He attends divine worship at the Norwegian Lutheran church, and is one of the highly respected members of this organization.

Josiah Jones was born September 7, 1828, at Rensen, Oneida county, New York, son of Moses and Dina (Davis) Jones, both of whom died in New 1 ork state. He received his education in his native county and in 1856 came west to Wisconsin, where he lived three years. In 1859 he came to Minnesota and here took a pre¬ emption of 160 acres and later homesteaded 80 acres more and finally bought 80 acres making him a total of one-half section. This land all lay in Carlston township, where he lived on section 23. Here for many years he followed general farming most suc¬ cessfully. After his most active years he sold 80 acres to his son J. E., and in 1903 sold the remainder of his farm and removed to Alden village. The subject of this sketch has always been very active in church work. He served as deacon of his home church, the 1 irst Baptist, of Rensen, N. Y., and when he lived in A\ isconsin meetings were held for some time in his house, lor many years he has been deacon of the church in Freeborn. On Sept. 2, 1851, he married Mary Williams in Rensen, Oneida county, New York. She was born August 18, 1831, daughter of Herbert and Jane (Hughes) V illiams, both of whom were natives of New 1 ork. To this union have been born seven children: J. E. is on the home place; C. V. is at home; Jennie married David Garlock, now deceased; Herbert W. lives in Carlston town¬ ship; George E. lives in Freeborn township; B. D. lives in Free¬ born township ; and Simeon died at six weeks of age.

Josiah Jones And Family

J. E. Jones, son of Josiah and Mary (Williams) Jones, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., October 20, 1853. He received His early education in the common schools of Carlston township and studied one year at Mankato. He later went to Minneapolis, where he was employed as a carpenter for one year, after which he clerked in a hotel. He has traveled considerable and has proven himself versatile in the various lines of work which he has carried on in different parts of the country and under verv difficult circumstances.

Frank H. Fisk has been county surveyor for a number of terms. In addition to his work as county surveyor, he is an expert on ditching, tiling and dredging, as well as other forms of drainage and sewerage systems, being county drainage engineer (in which capacity he has to furnish a $10,000 bond) and also assistant engineer of the State Highway Commission, one of his most notable engineering feats being the draining of Rice lake and marsh into Turtle creek, the drainage system being officially known as Judicial Hitch, No. 1. Socially, Mr. Fisk is a promi¬ nent member of the local lodge of Elks, and is serving that body at the present time as esteemed lecturing knight. Frank FI. Fisk was born in Dublin, New Hampshire, March 28, 1857, son of Asa and Priscilla (Ramstad) Fisk, natives, respectively, of Ver¬ mont and New Hampshire, in which latter state the father farmed until his death in 1870, the mother passing away in 1895. Frank H. attended the public schools of his neighborhood, and then entered historic old Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H. After completing his general education, and his courses in civil and constructing engineering he came westward to Elgin, Ill., and city engineer. While there he studied law, and was admitted to the bar. Later, wider opportunities presented them¬ selves, and in 1876, Centennial year, Mr. Fisk entered the employ of the government, mapping out lands in the Powder river valley in Montana and Dakota. A year later he entered the employ of the Minneapolis & St. Louis railroad with headquarters at Minneapolis. But the financial depression caused that company to retrench on improvements and extensions, and accordingly Mr. Fisk became a school teacher, pursuing this profession in Freeborn, Mower and W aseca counties. His success was immediate, and he soon became principal of the schools at Forest City, Winne¬ bago county, Iowa, retaining that position five years. During this period he received an appointment as state institute instructor and director, having charge of summer work for teachers in Winnebago and surrounding counties. Subsequently he came to Albert Lea, and in 1896 was elected to the county position which he has since held continuously. The subject of this sketch was married in 1880 to Mary E. Thurston, oldest daughter of Henry and Martha (Parks) Thurston, who came to Albert Lea in the fifties. The Thurstons were a prominent family in the early days. Prof. Thurston served as county superintendent of schools some fourteen years, and died at Washington, D. C., in 1906. After the death of Mrs. Thurston, in 1887, Prof. Thurston married Mrs. Frank Tanner, who died in 1909.

William Wallace Johnson was born on a farm in New York state, May 11, 1832, and there spent his early life. He removed to Wisconsin in the early fifties, and purchased a farm near Columbus, where he lived for a time. There he formed a partner¬ ship with William Hazleton, and in 1869 Hazleton & Johnson came to Albert Lea and continued business here for about three years, after which the partnership was dissolved, and from about 1872, Mr. Johnson was in business alone. He was very success¬ ful, built up a large business, and made investments in farm lands and city property, but during the latter years of his life was not as active as formerly as his health and age did not permit. At one time he took a prominent part in politics, was for several years a county commissioner, and for a long time served as chair¬ man of the Republican county committee, in which capacity he was a leader of shrewdness and daring. He assisted in many of the noted campaigns of the county and could have written some interesting political reminiscences. At the time of his death, March 25, 1907, Col. Johnson was a director of the First National Bank and a member of the finance committee ; a director of the State Bank and a member of the examining committee ; and a member of the auditing committee of the Albert Lea Building & Loan Association. He was strictly a financier and prospered exceedingly, but pursued the even tenor of his way and main¬ tained his business principles until the end. The subject of this sketch was married at Newark, Ohio, to Frances R. Preston, and she and three daughters survive him. Mrs. Johnson is one of the active women of Albert Lea, and her influence has ever been for good among her associates. Mr. Johnson was an upright, honest man and achieved his position in the community by per¬ severance and stick-to-itiveness, two important qualifications for any man to have if he hopes to win out in the battle of life. He devoted all his energies to his business and met with that success which always attends such efforts. He was genial and an admir¬ able conversationalist and delighted to give reminiscences of his early experiences. Thousands will remember him kindly and the family has a heritage of honor, bequeathed by his staunch life and upright character.

Peter C. Jensen, a prominent real estate owner of Albert Lea, was born in Denmark, March 11, 1857, son of Christian and Mary (Paulsen) Jensen, who came to America in 1868, located in Pilot

Grove township, Faribault county, this state, and lived on a farm twenty-one years. Christian Jensen spent his declining years with his son in Albert Lea, and died July 27, 1894. His wife died Feb. 7, 1892. PeUr C. received his earlier education in Denmark and came to America with his parents in 1868. After attending the country schools of Pilot Grove, Faribault county, Minnesota, winters, and working on farms in the summer, he studied one winter in Winnebago City, and in 1874 came to Albert Lea, where he entered the employ of Wedge & Spicer in their drug store. In 1884 he purchased Dr. Wedge's interest, and the firm became Spicer & Jensen. After Mr. Spicer's death, Dr. A. C. Wedge again came into the firm, and Frank A. Barlow also joined the partnership, the company being conducted as Wedge, Jensen & Co. Two years later Mr. Jensen sold out to Wedge & Barlow and started in the drug business in his own building. In 1900 he sold out and retired. He still owns three stores on West Clark street, has erected a pleasant home at the corner of St. Mary and Water street, and spends his time looking after his various real estate and other holdings. He owns 480 acres of farm land in North Dakota, is a stockholder and director in the Citizens' National Bank of Albert Lea, is a director in the Albert Lea Land Co., and a director in the Madison Valley Land and Stock Co., of Albert Lea, which latter he helped to organize. Mr. Jensen was married Nov. 19, 1899, to Mrs. Laura A. (Smith) Spicer, and they have two children : Catherine June is a graduate of the Albert Lea high school and lives at home. Lucile Mar¬ guerite is a studeiit-dn the Albert Lea high school.

Gunvold Johnsrud, a distinguished citizen of Bancroft town¬ ship, has been active in public affairs for many years. In his township he has been assessor, treasurer and justice of the peace, and has served on his school board for thirty years. He did good service in the legislatures of 1899 and 1901 and in the extra session of 1902. He was also postmaster at Albert Lea for four years. The subject of this sketch was born in Norway, March 31, 1841, and there received part of his education. In 1857 he came to America, and after living three years in Wisconsin, came to Minnesota and located in Hayward township. Feb. 19, 1862, he joined the Union Army by enlisting in Co. H, 1st Battalion, 16th United States Infantry. He was honorably discharged at Look¬ out Mountain, Tenn., Feb. 19, 1865, and returned to Freeborn county. In 1872 he purchased 160 acres in Bancroft, where he still lives and follows general farming. Being interested in all that pertains to the affairs of the old veterans he has been a prominent worker in Robson Post, No. 5, G. A. R., of which he was a charter member. He was married June 26, 1866, by the venerable Rev. Torgerson, to Anna Egilsdotter Bosbon, who died

June 12, 3900, leaving eight children, seven living and one dead: Edward Andreas Johnsrud, born Oct. 7, 1867 ; Gjertrud Rosanna Harrison, Sept. 4, 1869 ; Gulbrand Johnsrud, Sept. 24, 1871 ; Karen Hendrix, May 20, 1875 ; Nora Amanda Jerlow, July 13, 1884 ; Alma E. Hanson and Elna J. Elias, twins, Dec. 26, 1887. Berthol is dead. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church. In addi¬ tion to the offices already named Mr. Johnsrud was appointed assistant assessor of revenue on Sept. 30, 1871, and served until the office of assessor was merged with that of collector. Under his jurisdiction was the work in Houston, Mower, Fillmore, Free¬ born, Faribault, Martin and Jackson counties.

D. L. Klove, the poplar merchant of Gordonsville, was born in Iowa April 13, 1871, son of L. D. and Carrie Klove. They came to this country from Norway, where the father had conducted a mercantile business. In the sixties they located in Decorah, and later moved to Northwood, where the father established a general store which was his chief business interest until 1890, when he sold out and retired. He died in 1898, his wife passed away when their son was but three years old. When a boy Mr. Klove attended school in Iowa, and later completed his education in the Univer¬ sity of Wisconsin. For several years after finishing his college course, he was employed at various occupations, such as traveling salesman, bookkeeper and other lines of business interests. He purchased a hardware store in Northwood, Iowa, and here he was associated in business with W.^^^Brebner for the year of 1894. After this he sold out and w^s again employed as a traveling salesman. About one year lawr he accepted a posi¬ tion with Cook Robinson Company and regained with them for several years, after which he traveled for aiipther company. In 1908 he returned to Gordonsville and here -conducts a general mercantile business at the present time. He was married in 1894 to Hanna Haugen, who died a year later. Segt. ^1 1904, he married Lillian Booen, born at Gordonsville, Y^S-igaii'Sita, Oct. 7, 1877. Mr. Klove is a member of many fraternities, among them are the M. W . A., Towa State Traveling Men's Association, and the Minnesota Travelers' Health Association, of New Ulm.

Soren Jacobson, who for the past twenty-three years has beeji secretary of the First Danish Baptist church, of Clarks' Grove, is/ one of the prominent and influential men of Bancroft. tdHv^sMp. He was born in Denmark May 6, 1852, son of : Jacob and* Anna (Larson) Nelson, who came to America in' 1874 and located in Bancroft township, where they carried on general farming the remainder of their days. Soren, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in the schools of his native land, and was tv enty-two years of age when he came to this country with his parents. Alter his arrival in this county, Mr. Jacobson went to the district school near his father 's farm for two winter terms, and being of a studious mind and a deep thinker, he has read and studied a great deal during his busy life and today is one of the welx posted and well informed men in the community in which he has resided for so many years. For a period of four years, aftei leaching Bancroft township, he worked for various farmers, after which he purchased land and began farming for himself. He now owns 198 acres in Bancroft township in sec¬ tions 10 and 11, a greater portion of which is under cultivation, and the lemainder in pasture and timber lands. He carries on general farming together with dairying and specializes in raising grade cattle for dairy purposes, disposing of their milk to the Claik s Grove Creamery. Mr, Jacobson has reached his present prosperous condition by years of hard work and untiring energy, and his home and farm are well improved and the good buildings are an evidence of his skill as a carpenter. In his political views, he votes with the Prohibitionist party. Mr. Jacobson has held the office of member of the school board for fifteen years and his ser¬ vices in this capacity have given general satisfaction. Mary Christianson became his wife in 1878 and they are the parents of nine children, Anna, Hannah, Sara, Adena, Reuben, Alice, Jo¬ seph, Jacob, who was killed by a railroad accident, and Joseph, also deceased. In addition to his other interests Mr. Jacobson is a stockholder in the Clark's Grove Mercantile Co.

John G. Johnson, a well-known farmer of Riceland, son of George and Kirstie Johnson, first saw the light of day September 29, 1865, on the farm where he now lives. His parents migrated to America from Norway in 1856, first settling in Madison, Wis¬ consin, and in 1860 coming to Minnesota, where they bought land in Riceland township and here founded their home. The father carried on general farming, improving his property from time to time until his death, which occurred in 1875. His wife died in February, 1911. John G. began his early education by attending the district schools and later he finished a business course in the Wilmer Seminary and Institute at Wilmer, Minn. Then he se¬ cured a position as bookkeeper in one of the leading stores at Albert Lea. He returned to the old home in 1889 and purchased it an'd as opportunity has afforded he has added to it until at pres¬ ent he owns 200 acres. Mr. Johnson conducted general and dairy farming for several years, then rented his farm and went to Albert Lea,' where he engaged in the grocery business for three years, after which he returned to his farm and has since built a fine new house here and in many ways improved the place. He owns a fine herd of Holstein cattle, raises Poland China hogs and keeps well-bred horses for farm and driving purposes. Emma Hanson of Bancroft became his wife in 1892 and two children were born to them. One is Clara Josephine and the other is dead. Mrs. Johnson died in 1895 and in 1898 Mr. Johnson was married to Mary Bell of Riceland. To them five children have been born, three of whom are living, George, Gladys M. and Erna Catherine. Two are dead. Mr. Johnson is a respected member of the Luther¬ an church and in politics he votes the Republican ticket. He has served on both town and school boards and is stockholder and was manager of Riceland Creamery. He has the confidence of all associated with him in business or social interests.

James M. Larson is a worthy example of those men who have left the shores of their native land to seek their fortunes in a new and, to them, strange country. He was born in Denmark, Febru¬ ary 12, 1853, and came to America in the fall of 1874, locating at Neenah, Wis., at which place he remained one year. He spent the next two years in Howard county, Iowa, and came from there to Carlston township and secured employment of L. C. Hassett, for whom he worked several months. Observing the customs of the residents of this county and rapidly acquiring their language, Mr. Larson soon decided to assume the responsibility of farming for himself and purchased 160 acres of land in section 29. Here he is still occupied with general farming, making a specialty of raising Holstein cattle of registered stock. Mr. Larson was married to Mary Larsen and this marriage has resulted in four children. Mabel is the wife of Nels P. Nelson and they are the parents of one child, Zola M. ; Emma is a teacher in the district schools ; Laura N. and Martha are at home. Mr. Larson's home is one of the picturesque residences in Carlston, the house, barns and all buildings having been erected by himself: Three years ago he made a visit to his old home in Denmark, this trip being made pos¬ sible by the years of hard work in this country which have been crowned with success. He is a member of the Grange and is ac¬ tively interested in the welfare of the community. He has served as postmaster in the town and as treasurer and director of his school district. He is a stockholder in the Alden Co-operative Creamery, was president of that creamery five years and for nine years did all its shipping. For many years he has been a member of the First Baptist church and a trustee of that organization for a long period. He was also Bible leader a long time and, being a conscientious man, is a staunch supporter of county option.

Charles F. Leonard, who is one of the prosperous farmers of Carlston was born in Fond du Lac county, "Wisconsin, May 12, 1855. His parents were Carl and Mary Leonard, natives of Ger¬ many, who came to Freeborn county, July 4, 1857. W7hen a boy Mr. Leonard attended the district school in Freeborn township and village and was busy during his vacation periods assisting his father with the farm work and fitting himself for a life of useful labor. He now owns the old homestead of 130 acres in Sections 4 and 5 and is carrying on diversified farming together with stock raising and dairying. He has himself erected all the fine build¬ ings on the place. Clara Derby, daughter of Charles and Harriet Derby, became the wife of Mr. Leonard, and their home has been gladdened by the birth of four children, Birda, Pearl, Floyd and Hettie. Birda married Masse Peterson and Pearl is the wife of F. A. Gilmore. Mr. Leonard is a member of the M. W. A. ancj also of the M. B. A. and is one of Carlston 's foremost men. He is now serving his tenth year as school clerk and is a stockholder in the M. W. A. hall in Freeborn village.

Carl Leonard, now deceased, was for many years a respected resident of the township of Carlston. He came to the United States from Germany in 1837 and spent some years in Newark, N. J., and also in New York city. He came west in 1848 and lo¬ cated on a farm in Wisconsin and was there engaged in farming for about nine years and then he moved to Minnesota and bought a farm in Manchester. He disposed of this farm in 1872 and pur¬ chased land in sections 4 and 5 in Carlston, and here he con¬ tinued farming until 1883, at which time he rented his farm and retired from active life. For some time after this he made his home with his son Frank in North Dakota and accompanied him to Hanley Falls, where they resided for some time, after which they moved to the village of Freeborn, and it was here that he passed away in 1898. His wife still survives. They were the parents of six children: Jennie, wife of 0. S. Gilmore; Elizabeth Denning, of Louisiana; Charles F., of Carlston; Mrs. Samantha Miller, of Freeborn township ; Isabelle Ewing, of Boise City, la. ; and Frank.

J. C. Johnson, a prominent farmer of Bath township, was born in Norway, August 2, 1846, son of Christopher and Kari (Prestegard) Johnson, who brought him to America in 1856, lo¬ cating in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they remained for four years, after which they came to Minnesota. J. C. received his ed¬ ucation in the common schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and cared for the home farm during the time that his father was in the Civil War. Some years later, Mr. Johnson was employed by a raft company on the Mississippi river, after which he located in Wabasha county, this state, and worked on a farm. In 1872 he acquired some land in Bath township and began farming on his own responsibility. He now owns 160 acres, of which 100 are under cultivation, and he devotes much time and attention to raising Shorthorn cattle, general draft horses and Poland-China hogs. He keeps a dairy herd of twenty-four cows and disposes of their milk to the Clark's Grove Creamery. His farm, which is well improved, has been made more valuable and productive each year under the careful management given by its owner, who lias attained his present prosperous condition by dint of hard work and self-reliance. In politics Mr. Johnson adheres to the tenets of the Republican party, and he has held many offices of trust and re¬ sponsibility in the township and county, having served as county commissioner for six years and in the Legislature for one term, in 1907. He has also been town clerk for the past twenty years and beer, elected to the offices of justice of the peace, town as¬ sessor and chairman of the board of supervisors. He is at the present time vice-president of the State Bank of Clark's Grove, and he has held the office of secretarv for the Clark's Grove Creamery Association for sixteen years, and to his interest and en¬ thusiasm are due a great deal of the growth and prosperity of the latter organization. Mr. Johnson married Guri Baarsen, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Baarsen, and to them have been born thirteen children, of whom Cora is now Mrs. Martin Tufte ; Edna, a teacher in the Luther Academy at Albert Lea ; Emma is a teacher, Ada attends Luther Academy, Joseph is clerk of Bath township, Norman is at home; Nora, Karla, Luther, Reuben (as¬ sistant cashier of the State Bank of Clark's Grove), Clara and Vi¬ ola are at home. One is dead.

Christopher Johnson, one of the early settlers in this county, now deceased, came to the LTiited States from Norway in 1856, with his wife, Kari (Prestegard) Johnson, and family. They located first in Dane county, Wisconsin, where for four years the father carried on general farming, after which they moved to Bath township, Minnesota, making the trip by means of a team of oxen. Their first home in this county was in-a dugout, where they passed one winter, after which Mr. Johnson built a house of logs. At the breaking out of the war between the North and South, Mr. Johnson enlisted in Co. K., 15th Wis. Vol. Inf., on January 1st, 1862. He served his adopted country for three years and four months and was honorably discharged and returned to his farm, where he spent the remainder of his life. The wife and mother passed away in 1863 and Mr. Johnson's death occurred later. To him and wife five children were born : Erick, retired farmer, living in Albert Lea; Mary, now Mrs. John Peterson, of Bath township; John C., a prominent farmer of Bath township ; Christopher, living on the old homestead ; Ole C., a farmer of Bath township.

F. E. Baker, a prosperous Riceland farmer, was born in the township where he still resides, Dec. 29, 1865, son of William H. and Mary E. (Starks) Baker, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York. After completing his studies in the country schools, he took courses of instruction at Austin for several years, after which he continued to work on the home farm in company with his father. Later he purchased his present farm of 100 acres in section 20, Riceland, and here he carries on general farming, making a specialty of live stock raising, and paying particular attention to high grade Shorthorns, Poland-China hogs and good horses, which latter he keeps for farm work and driving purposes. Mr. Baker votes with the Republican party and has served as treasurer of the town five years. He is a stockholder in the local creamery and telephone companies and in the Citizens' National Bank of Albert Lea. The subject of this sketch was married Dec. 9, 1889, to Stella Ross, a daughter of J. C. Ross, of Albert Lea township. Mrs. Baker died in 1904.

William H. Baker, a territorial pioneer of Freeborn county, was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, Sept. 22, 1837. At four years of age he removed with his parents to New York state, and was later taken by them to Illinois, where he received his educa¬ tion and grew to manhood. On July 4, 1857, he came to Freeborn county, and pre-empted 160 acres in Riceland township, section 20. He first lived in a dugout, then in a log cabin and later erected a frame house. He broke all the land and brought the farm to a high degree of cultivation, continuing general farming to the present time and making a specialty of high grade Shorthorn cattle. He was town assessor for some time, town clerk for twelve years and school clerk for several years. Aside from his farm holdings he owns stock in the Riceland Creamery and in the Citizens National Bank, of Albert Lea. The subject of this sketch was married Oct. 20, 1862, to Mary E. Starks, a native of Ne^v York state, and they have one son, F. E. Baker, a farmer of

Ole Larson is one of the prominent and well-known men in Bath, and as president of the Clarks Grove Creamery and director of this institution he has given general satisfaction to all parties interested. He was born in Denmark, Sept. 5, 1856, and was brought to this country by his parents. AYhen a boy he attended the common schools near his home and during vacation months he helped his father with the many tasks which constitute the daily life of the successful farmer. He remained at home assist¬ ing his father until he was twenty-four years old and then he purchased some land and began farming for himself. He now owns 228 acres of valuable land on which he has erected a fine house and all necessary buildings. He raises graded stock and Poland China hogs and carries on general farming with marked success. Hannah Mathiason, daughter of Lars C. Mathiason, of Carlston township, became the wife of Mr. Larson, Oct. 23, 1881, and six children have been born to then: George, Eleanor, Albert, Harry, Nannie and LeRoy. Mr. Larson owes his success in life to years of hard work and careful management. He is a stockholder in the Citizens' National Bank of Albert Lea and in the State Bank of Clarks Grove, and a stockholder and director in the Clarks Grove Hardware & Implement Co., the Clarks Grove Mer¬ cantile Co. and the Clarks Gro'/e Lumber, Fuel & Stock Co.

Nels Larson, a pioneer resident of Bath township, now de¬ ceased, came to America in 1861 with his wife, Katie (Hansen) Larson. They made their home in Racine, "W is., for the first two years after their arrival in this country, where Mr. Larson en¬ gaged in general farming. Feeling that there were greater op¬ portunities offered farther west, he left Racine and came to Min¬ nesota and secured some land and here made his home until sum¬ moned by death, Feb. 19, 1901. His widow survives him, still re¬ siding on the old home farm. To them were born eight children, of whom Ole, born in Denmark, Sept. 5, 1856, is now one of the prosperous farmers of Batli township.

J. P. Larson, a retired farmer residing in Clarks Grove, is one of the leading men in that locality. He first saw the light of day in Denmark, June 18, 1839, and his parents were Lars and Anna Larson. When he was twenty-two years old he left his home in Denmark and came to the United States and settled in Racine county, Wisconsin, where he was employed for the following eight years at farming. He then went to the city of Chicago and worked for fifteen years as a carpenter. At the end of this period he moved to Minnesota and settled in Bath township, purchased land and again became a farmer. He made many improvements on his property and kept the land under cultivation and engaged in general and dairy farming, preferring Shorthorn cattle for that purpose. He disposed of his dairy products to the Clarks Grove Co-operative Creamery, and was a stockholder in this organization and its president for twenty years. He resigned from his position in the creamery in 1909, as his increasing years have made active service impossible. Four years previous to this he left his farm and moved into the village of Clarks Grove. In 1886 he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Ohristianna Peterson and Ibis marriage has resulted in four children: Edward now has charge of the old home farm , Julius and Lillian are employed by the Skinner, Chamberlain & Co. department store in Albert Lea ; Hanna is at home. Politically, Mr. Larson is a member of the Republican party, but he inclines toward the principles endorsed by the Prohibitionists. That his sterling qualities are recognized by his fellow-citizens is shown by his being elected to serve as as¬ sessor of the township for fourteen successive years and also by his acting as supervisor for many terms. He has ever taken an active interest in the educational advancement of the township and held an office as member of the school board for thirty-five years. He is a loyal member of the Danish Baptist church and is now serv¬ ing in the capacity of chairman and trustee of that organization. Mr. Larson has attained his present high place in the regard and esteem of his community by his conscientious principles and faith¬ ful service in all public offices to which he has been elected, and by his unselfishness and generosity. Mr. Larson has ever exerted himself in the interests of the industrial development of his local¬ ity, being a great believer in co-operation in all lines of endeavor. He is president of the Farmers ' Mutual Insurance Association' of Bath township ; president of the Clarks Grove Hardware & Im¬ plement Co., president of the Clarks Grove Lumber, Fuel & Stock Co. ; president of the Clarks Grove Mercantile Co. ; stockholder in the Citizens' National Bank of Albert Lea; stockholder and di¬ rector in the State Bank of Clarks Grove and stockholder in the American Gas Light & Machine Co. of Albert Lea.

Martin Mikkelsen was the first white child born in Bancroft township. His parents, Lars and Dorthea (Hendricks) Mikkelsen, came to the United States from Norway and in 1855 settled in Freeborn county, where the first few years of their lives in this country were spent in a rude dugout, in which humble dwelling their son Martin was born, March 10, 1857. The father was a farmer and for some time engaged in hauling wheat to different points by means of a team of oxen. The family alleges that he drew the first load of general merchandise to what is now the city of Albert Lea from Winona. He had an active part in the im¬ provement of the community in which he made his home and en¬ tered into rest February, 1898, the mother having passed away two years previous to this time. Martin, the subject of this biog¬ raphy, resides on the old homestead and the log. cabin which was his home through the years of his. boyhood now~forms a part of one of his barns, and the comfortable house which is his residence today was erected by his fath^^«rt^fn*life. The prosperous con¬ dition of the home and farm today is due largely to constant and persevering endeavors. Mr. Mikkelsen owns 120 acres of land and cultivates about one-half of it. He raises Poland China hogs and general purpose horses. His home is situated about three miles from Albert Lea and he is one of the scientific and substan¬ tial farmers in the township. Mary Gilbertson, daughter of Gil¬ bert and Martha Gilbertson, became Mrs. Mikkelsen in 1894 and their home has been blessed by the following children: Luther. Agnes, Maude, Emma, Carl, Ida and Elvin M. Politically, Mr Mikkelsen votes the Republican ticket, but he has never sought public office. He attends the Norwegian Lutheran church of Ban¬ croft, and is a respected member of this organization.

mother having died when the subject of this biography was only three months of age, the father, in 1866, moved to Freeborn coun ty, Minnesota, where J. L. received his education, attending public schools of Gordonsville. They located in Shell Rock township, where the father bought a farm and where he lived till his death in 1886 The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 8, 1850, and when eighteen years of age rented the farm from his father and in company with his brother, in 1875, bought a farm which they worked in addition to the home place. He followed general farm¬ ing until 1907, at which time he rented his farm and moved to Gordonsville and assumed the duties of cashier in the Farmers' State Bank, which position he still occupies. In 1875 he married Mary Buchanan, who is a native of Canada, and two children have been born to them, Mabel, who is now Mrs. Reynolds of Shell Rock, and Ben, who is assistant to his father in the bank. Mr. Miller is a member of the M. E. church. He votes with the Re¬ publican party and has been a member of the town board fifteen years, as well as a member of school board many years. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. at Albert Lea, Zurah Temple of Min¬ neapolis, the M. AY. A., the United "Workmen and the Mystic Toilers. He is a stockholder in the Building Association of Gor¬ donsville.

John L. Melander, now deceased, was one of the pioneer resi¬ dents of Carlston township, having come to this place in the spring of 1856 He located on a farm and broke the land and erected some buildings, here establishing a home for the remainder of his life. He carried on a general farming business together with blacksmithing, and his energy and ambition made both enterprises suc¬ cessful. He married Ellen Nelson, a native of Sweden, who came to the United States in 1880, and this union was blessed with five children: Gustave, Carl and Henry M., and Carl and John L., de¬ ceased. Henry M. is a successful teacher and the other two sons are at home. Mr. Melander was called to the Great Beyond, Dec. 17, 1909, and his widow resides on the home farm, which is cared for and cultivated by her sons. This farm consists of 186 acres of fertile soil and is situated on the shores of Freeborn lake. Mrs. John L. Melander was born in Sweden, June 15, 1852, and when she was thirty years of age left the land of her birth and came to the United States. Upon reaching this country she came west to Minnesota and secured employment in Carlston township, where she later met and was married to John L. Melander. Her maiden name was Ellen Nelson. Her parents spent their lives in their na¬ tive land. Mrs. Melander owns a valuable farm of 186 acres, which her sons care for and cultivate. That she is a woman en¬ dowed with good sense and excellent judgment is acknowledged by the residents of the locality in which she has made her home since her marriage. It should be noted in this connection that Mr. Melander was for piany years known as John L. Melder, and as such his name appears many times in this history.

Thomas R. Morgan is the son of Evan and Winifred (Reese) Morgan, the former of whom was a clergyman. He was born in Wales, August 22, 1834, and came to America in 1838 with his parents, who located in Palmyra, Portage county, Ohio, where the father followed his trade as a hatter and also engaged in farming. The family moved to Union, Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1845, where the father took a pre-emption claim, and the son, Thomas, acquired his early education and grew to manhood. Ten years later, in 1855, they came to the township of Moscow, took a claim of 160 acres and built a log house, in which Thomas R. resides at the present time. He has made many changes in the locality in which he has made his home for so many years, his log house be¬ ing the center around which has grown the present prosperous home, farm and community. The changes in his home have kept pace with the rapid improvement of the locality, developing from the ten by twelve rude log house with its split log floor to the present home, of which the original house now forms one room. The growth of the home is a parallel with the growth of the boy who built the log house to the elderly man, whose advanced thought is now blazing a trail along which he believes men of the future will travel in the continued upbuilding of a United States for the men of the nation. He has entertained in his home several of the most advanced political thinkers of the day, and while en¬ tertaining them he arranges meetings of the people in the com¬ munity, that his friends and neighbors may profit by the ideas advanced by his distinguished guests. August 28, 1859, he mar¬ ried Felicia Lowry, a daughter of Rev. S. G. Lowry, of Indiana, and to them have been born eight children: Wade is deceased; Winnifred married Jerome Johnson of Elk City, Okla. ; Mary is the wife of T. R. Jones and lives in Idaho ; Julia and Lowry are deceased; Jane, a former teacher, is now at home; Margaret, an accomplished artist and teacher, died at the age of thirty-two years, in 1910, and one child died in infancy. Mr. Morgan has served on the school board, has been town clerk for many years and has also held the office of justice of the peace. He also organ¬ ized the school in district 95.

Ole 0. Midthun is a native of this county, being born in Ban¬ croft township, March 27, 1861, son of Ole and Annie (Olson) Mid¬ thun, natives of Norway. The elder Midthuns came to the United States in 1851 and settled first in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they lived till 1858. In that year they came to Freeborn county, Minnesota, and settled on the land which their son now owns. Buying land for $1.25 per acre, they began the cultivation of the soil as best they could with the rude implements, many of them of their own invention, which were the best to be had at that time. For some time they lived in a dugout and later erected and occupied a log house. Here they continued to lead active and useful lives until death. The father died in 1890 and the mother in 1904. Ole 0., subject of this biography, was educated in the public schools and on leaving school he at once took up the work of managing the home farm. He has 160 acres of land and most of this is under a high state of cultivation, the remainder being in hay and timber, which are valuable. He has erected a fine dwell* ing house, large barns and roomy outbuildings, which facilitate the handling of his stock and crops. He gives much time to his dairy herd, which affords him a constant and profitable income. In politics Mr. Midthun is independent. He has been super¬ visor and chairman of the town and school clerk in his district nine vears. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Midthun is one of the thoroughly progressive and energetic farmers of the community.

C. Nielsen, a prominent citizen of Bancroft township, and for twenty-three years in charge of the Clarks Grove postoffice, which he kept at his home, is a native of Denmark, born April 12, 1837, son of Nels Christiansen and Annie Nelsen, natives of Denmark, who came to this country late in 1863 and located in Bancroft township, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father dying Sept. 1, 1874, and the mother, Aug. 4, 1895. The sub¬ ject of this sketch received his education in the schools of Den¬ mark, and in 1863 came to America, locating for five months in Wisconsin. In October of that year he came to Bancroft and en¬ gaged in farming with his parents. After his father's death he took charge of the place for his mother, and after her death came into possession of the place. To the original homestead he has added land by purchase until he now owns 249 1-4 acres, 200 in section 11 and the rest in section 2. Mr. Nielsen has been conspicu¬ ously successful as a farmer and is now one of the substantial men of the township, being also a stockholder in the American Gas Ma¬ chine Co. of Albert Lea. A Prohibitionist in politics, he has been treasurer and director of his school district many years and has also served a considerable time as justice of the peace. Mr. Nielsen was married May 18, 1869, to Henrietta Borgesen, who was born in Denmark, March 25, 1850, and this union has been blessed with thirteen children, of whom nine are living: George W., Annie, Lena, Mary, Minnie, Niels, Emma, Harry and John. The family faith is that of the Danish Baptist church.

H. C. Nelson, farmer, banker, political leader and former sena¬ tor, was born in Norway, June 14, 1848, son of Christopher and Mary Nelson, who came to the United States in 1856 and settled in

Me. And Mrs. C. Nielsen H. C. Nelson

Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where the father worked out and worked a farm for himself until 1861, at which time he came to this county and took up land in section 28, town of Hayward. This was prairie land and he at once set to breaking it and plant¬ ing crops. He continued farming this land until 1879. In that year he sold his land and moved to Manchester, where he followed general farming until shortly before his death, which occurred in 1889. His wife died in 1910. H. C. Nelson, being only eight years of age when he came to America, received his education in this state after getting started in his studies in Wisconsin. When his school days were over he worked with his father on the home farm. His father enlisted in the 1st Minnesota and while he was absent H. C. conducted tin farm and continued to work there till 1868. He later worked on the railroad and ran threshing machines each fall for several years. In 1870 he purchased 160 acres in sections 22 and 27 and so cultivated and improved this land that by fol¬ lowing general farming he was able to add to his land from time to time and in 1904 he owned 600 acres, 100 of which is in sec¬ tion 21, where he now resides. He continues farming to the pres¬ ent time and keeps a large herd of good Shorthorn grade cattle. In 1870 he married Caroline Larson, a native of Norway, who died in 1880. To this union were born six children, Clinton Oliver, Minnie, Charles Theodore, Clara Henrietta, Emma J. and William Milton. In 1881 he married Thea M. Larson, a sister of his first wife, and to them have been born ten children, Frederick A., Dora V., Laura, Edgar, Ida, Ruth, Samuel, Esther, Naoma and Con¬ stance. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Nelson is a progressive in politics and does not feel that he owes his vote to any one party at all times, and he has voted for prin¬ ciples rather than for party. That he has had good cause for not holding to any party is apparent from the offices to which he has been elected, among which are chairman of the board of super¬ visors, fifteen years ; town clerk, two years ; assessor, four years, on the school board fourteen years and senator from this district in the Legislature of 1891 and 1893. He is also president of Farmers' State Bank of Hayward, director of Citizens' National Bank of Albert Lea and president of the Farmers' Mutual Insur¬ ance Co. of Manchester. Mr. Nelson is widely and well known as a business man of unusual good common sense and with an ability to do the things in the present which prove to be of great good in the future. It is this farsightedness which has given him the position of advisor which he so often is called upon to occupy in his community.

Mathias Nelson, now deceased, was born in Norway, where he spent the early years of his life and where he was educated and married. He came to America in 1851, and located in Lafayette county. Wisconsin, where he carried on general farming until 1858. He then came to Minnesota and settled in Albert Lea town¬ ship, where he purchastl land and followed general farming un¬ til summoned by death, xiug. 25, 1893. His wife, whose maiden name was Agnes Rood, died in 1898. Their son, C. M. Nelson, is now a prosperous farmer of Shell Rock township.

C. M. Nelson, an extensive land owner and prosperous fawner of Shell Rock, was born in Albert Lea township, July 23, 1858, son of Mathias and Agnes (Rood) Nelson. His education was ac¬ quired in the public schools of Freeborn county. At the age of twenty-one he purchased 120 acres of the home farm in section 25, Albert Lea township, and by hard labor and untiring effort, combined with intelligence and economy, in time added to his property until he owned 200 acres, upon which he erected modern buildings and made many improvements. Mr. Nelson continued farming on this place until 1903, when he moved to the city to look after his extensive business and real estate interests. In i908 he determined to again become an agriculturist, and accordingly took up his residence on his fine farm of 260 acres in section 6, Shell Rock township, where he now resides. He is now one of the successful and scientific farmers of the county, and his prosperity is due solely to his own industry and ability. In addition to 500 acres of good farm land in Freeborn county, Mr. Nelson owns buildings occupying half a block on one of Albert Lea's principal streets, including the modern factory of the Albert Lea Gas Light Co., and all the structures east of that to the alley. He is a stockholder in the Co-operative Creamery, the Citizens' State Bank and the Acorn Brick & Tile Co., all of Glenville. Although Mr. Nelson's business and agricultural life has been a busy one, he has nevertheless found time to hold various town offices of re¬ sponsibility, being elected on the Republican ticket, to the plat¬ form of which party he staunchly adheres. The subject of this sketch was married Oct. 4, 1888, to Mattie Frydenlund, who has always proved a faithful and capable helpmeet, loyal to home and family. This union has been blessed with three children, Mabel A., Conrad A. and Arnold V., all at home. The family attends the Lutheran church.

C. T. Nelson was born in Hayward township, August 8, 1875, son of H. C. Nelson. He received his early education in the dis¬ trict school near his home and later in life attended the Luther Academy. After completing his schooling he purchased 120 acres of land in section 27, and assumed entire charge of it, carrying on a general farming business. He later disposed of this property and bought eighty acres in section 22, and here has since made his home, adding eighty acres more in section 15, thus making 160 acres in his farm. He does general and dairy farming and raises many Poland China hogs and is one of the successful farmers in the community. He has made many improvements on his farm and built a new barn and cultivates about 100 acres of his land. In 1904 he married Ingeborg Skaar, daughter of G. C. Skaar, of Hayward. He is a Democrat in political opinions and his religion is the teachings of the Lutheran church. He has served in many of the responsible offices in the township, having been elected chairman of the town board in 1910 and the following year served as director of the school board. He has been a member of the school board and is a director and stockholder in the Hayward Creamery. A man of good judgment and integrity, Mr. Nelson is held in high esteem by the residents of the community in which is his home. He served as state boiler inspector under Governor Johnson during Johnson's first term.

Emil Nelson, one of the earliest settlers of the county, was born in Urskoug, Norway, Oct. 25, 1851. He came to America with his parents, Lars and Anna Nelson, who settled in Bath township and there reared their family of five children. Ole is now employed as buttermaker at Northfield; Julia is the wife of Peter Baardson; Lena is engaged in the millinery business in Ellendale, and Anna married James Logeson. Emil, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest of the family. He has followed farming for the greater share of his life, starting for himself at twenty-four years of age, and now has under cultivation about one-half of his 160 acres. Martha Jordahl of Sogen, Norway, became his wife in 1876 and to them have been born five children. Thorena is a teacher, Joseph and Louise are at home, Mabel is a teacher and Clara is the wife of Louis Ackland. Mr. Nelson has devoted his life to his home and family and never mingled in politics to any extent, but votes with the Republican party. He attends the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he has long been a member. He is a stockholder in the Manchester Creamery, of which he was secretary one term. He has also served as school director.