Freeborn County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 8 of 11)

Nicholas Theodore Sandburg, now deceased, for many years an honored resident of Freeborn county, was born in Norway (Trondhjem), October 31, 1831, son of Nicholas and Trina Sand¬ burg, the former of whom was a merchant. Nicholas received his education in his native land, and fitted himself for a clerical position. He and his brother came to America in 1849, and after a short sta}^ in New York located in Milwaukee, where Nicholas learned engineering and worked in the sawmills and on the lakes about two years. In 1851 he went to Illinois, where he engaged in railroad building for three years, subcontracting grading work from different companies, working on the roadbed between var¬ ious points in Illinois. In 1854 he moved to Decorah, Iowa, and worked at teaming and boating. In the spring of 1858, he came to Minnesota, and for a few months was employed as a miller at the old village of Fairfield, on Rice lake, near where Lerdal is now located. For a number of years he was the only engineer in Freeborn county. A few months after coming to this county he located on section 36, Bancroft township, where he lived for a year. Then he moved to Shell Rock, and engaged in the milling business there for a year and a half. Subsequently he moved back to Bancroft, and located on section 22, where he lived until 1899, when he sold his farm of 320 acres, and moved to Albert Lea, poor health being the cause of his leaving the farm. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fourth Minnesota Vol¬ unteer Infantry, and was soon promoted to corporal. He was discharged in 1865 at Savannah, Georgia, and mustered out at Ft. Snelling. Mr. Sandburg never missed a battle or skirmish in which his company participated while he was under arms. He escaped without a wound, but attributed his subsequent poor health to the hardships he endured in the army. He was taken with brain fever at Vicksburg, and came home on a two months' furlough, the only time he was absent from his regiment. After being mustered out he accepted a clerkship in the Frank B. Fobes hardware store in Albert Lea, which position he held for nine years,' after which he purchased an interest in the business, the firm name being Fobes Bros. & Co. He was interested in this concern two years. While he worked in Albert Lea, he made his home on his farm, spending his Sundays there. While living on the farm he was a member of the county board, being chairman of that bodv most of the time. He also served in various town and school offices, and was secretary of the Bancroft Creamery for many years, being one of the organizers of this association. He was a member of Robson Post, No. 5, G. A. R., and was recog¬ nized as one of Albert Lea's leading citizens. Mr. Sandburg was a staunch Republican, and always voted the straight ticket of that party from the time he was twenty-one until his death. The subject of this sketch was married at Decorah. Iowa, April 27, 1856, to Eliza Larson, daughter of Torger and Anna Larson, who came from Norway to America in 1850, and settled in Winnishiek county, Iowa. 'Sirs. Sandburg was born in Norway, December 8, 1836. To Mr. and Mrs. Sandburg nine children were born, five of whom are now living. William T. lives in Pine county, Minne¬ sota. Henrietta is now Mrs. C. F. Budtz, of Minneapolis. Joseph lives in Aberdeen, S. D., and is a traveling salesman. Amelia is an accomplished teacher who has done excellent work in the public schools of Albert Lea for several years, and who, after January 1, 1912, is to be assistant superintendent of Freeborn county schools. Victor lives in Austin, Minn., and is a traveling salesman. The four deceased are : Henry 1st, Mary, Henry 2d, and Norman L. Norman was Freeborn county's onlv sacrifice to the Spanish-American war. He went south with the Albert Lea company, was brought to St. Paul ill with the typhoid, and died in a hospital in that city. Nicholas T. Sandburg died February 23, 1907.

M. A. Teslow And Family

W. A. Brooks, one of the successful farmers of Freeborn town¬ ship, was born in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, January 8, 1860, son of Harvey and Lucinda (Mugridge) Brooks, who came from Canada to Wisconsin in 1848, first living in Green Lake county and after a few years moving to Columbia county in the same state, where the father died in 1900. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood on a farm, attending the district school. In 1894 he located on a farm in Freeborn township, this county, in section 33, where he lived a short time, after which he purchased his present farm of 160 acres in section 34, where he has pros¬ pered. He married Ada Wright, and the home has been blessed by four children. They are : Herbert R., Edith M., Elsie V., and Laura E. Herbert R. is a merchant in Freeborn village. He married Margaret Hanson. Edith is now Mrs. G. R. Borland, Elsie the wife of Theodore Nelson, and Laura is now Mrs. Howard Hammond. Mr. Brooks has a very fine herd of Jersey cattle and is a representative farmer. He has been supervisor of his township and president of the creamery association, of which he is a stockholder.

M. A. Teslow has been supervisor of the town of Hayward for the past fifteen years and has also served as chairman of the town and treasurer of school board for nine years. He was born in Norway December 22, 1856, and came to America with his parents, Andrew and Anna Teslow, when he was seven years of age. He attended the district school in Hayward and there spent his boy¬ hood, his father having purchased a farm in this towmship. After leaving school he worked with his father until 1883, at which time he bought eighty acres of land and started farming on his own responsibility. As opportunity afforded he added to this farm until he owned 120 acres, upon which he followed general farming until 1908. Of this he has sold eighty acres and bought the old homestead of 160 acres, where he engages in diversified farming. He has improved his property by draining the marshes and repair¬ ing the buildings. February 2, 1883, he married Ida E. Ofstehage, who was born near Eau Claire, Wis., July 26, 1864, daughter of Ole and Ingeborg Lunde, both now deceased. They have seven children: Olaf M., Alma, Beatrice, Irene, Walter, Raymond and Volborg Adelaide. Volborg, a twin of Walter, is dead. Mr. Tes¬ low votes independently, and attends the Lutheran church. He owns stock in the Hayward creamery and in the Hayward farm¬ ers' elevator, and also has numerous interests in various other enterprises.

Andrew Teslow and family came to America from Norway in 1863 and first located in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he worked as a painter, an occupation for which he had prepared himself before coming to this country. Three years after reaching this country he came to Albert Lea, where he worked at his trade for a period of six years. At this time he made his home in Hay¬ ward township, where he had purchased some land. Eventually he gave up his work as painter and carried on general farming until his death, June 10, 1907. His widow makes her home with her son, M. A. Teslow. They wTere parents of eleven children : M. A., of Hayward ; Hans, of William county, North Dakota ; Andrew, of Minneapolis; Gilbert, of Hayward; Anton, of Minneapolis; Peter, of Minneapolis; Mary, now Mrs. Carl Jenson; Minnie, a teacher, and Richard, of Montana. Lizzie and an unnamed child are dead.

Henry 0. Thompson is a native of Norway and first saw the light of day on January 12, 1854, the son of Ole and Ingeborg Thompson, who came to the United States in 1858, landing in Quebec on July 4. They first settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they remained two years, after which they went to Iowa, where they settled in Winneshiek county, took a homestead and followed general farming for eleven years. The elder Thompsons also lived, in later years, in both Minnesota and South Dakota. The father died October 8, 1889, and the mother March 17, 1906. The subject of this sketch when nineteen years of age went to Wyoming, where, for one year, he worked as a helper in a kitchen, cooking for a government camp. He then returned to Rock county, Minnesota, where he bought 160 acres of land, with stand¬ ing crops, for $440. He later sold this land and went to Worth county, Iowa, where he bought a ninety-five-acre farm, which he worked for four years. He then sold his ninety-five acres and bought 242 acres in section 34, Nunda, where he now resides. It was here that a frame stable was built 14 by 24 feet, and in this for three months his family lived. During these three months he excavated and walled up a roomy basement, placing a granery on this basement when he could. Here for eleven years the family had a home. To the visitor in the fine large home of Mr. Thomp¬ son today it does not seem that the family suffered any ill-effects from this experience. Many beautiful evergreen and orchard trees, in all more than a thousand, have been planted around and near the home by Mr. Thompson, and it is now one of the very attractive and beautiful homes of the locality. In addition to the home farm Mr. Thompson also owns 190 acres in Worth county, Iowa, 236 acres in Hartland township, Worth county, Iowa, and forty acres in section 24, Nunda. He and his family work nearly all this land. He keeps 100 head of Shorthorn grade of cattle, some hogs, and about fifty sheep. About fifteen horses are kept for farming and driving purposes. In 1878 the subject of this biography married Ingeborg Haugrud, and to them have been born twelve children, four of whom, William O'Neal, Inga Sedelia,

Thompson, Residence And Family

Eden Tolen and Josephine Melinda, died in infancy. Sevrena Ovedia, Alfred Orlando, Inga Tonetta, Eddie Tolen, Selmer O'Neal, Ida Dietta, Evelina Rntea and Henry Ingwald are all at home. Mr. Thompson is a Lnthern Church member. For many years he voted the Republican ticket, but now strongly favors the principles of the Prohibition party. He has been clerk of School District 105 for ten years, and president and treasurer of the Star creamery several years. He is a stockholder in the Union creamery, of Emmons, the Emmons Telephone Company, and the Acorn Brick & Tile Company, of Glenville.

Peter Berglund, the possessor of 160 acres in Albert Lea town¬ ship, was born in SAveden May 12, 1857, son of John and Anna Berglund, Avho came from Sweden to America in 1869 and bought land in Albert Lea township. The father died in 1904, while the mother is still living on the same farm with her youngest son. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools and has ah\rays pursued farming as a vocation. He married Anna Christina Wicklander, and they have nine children: Anna, Frances, Milton, Leslie, Stanley, Emma, Evelyn, John and Phillis. Mr. Berglund carries on general farming and takes great pleasure and interest in his cattle and hogs. The pleasant farm is three miles from the city limits of Albert Lea, and here, with its ample house and good buildings, fertile acres and Avell-cared-for live stock, Mr. Berglund, surrounded by the members of his family, rejoices in the life of the independent farmer. Mr. Berglund is a member of the Baptist Church, and is affilated with the grange. For several years he was treasurer of the Albert Lea Dairy Asso¬ ciation. Anna, one of his daughters, is the wife of James Soren¬ son, manager of the State Bank of Clarks Grove, Avhere they reside.

John Bessesen is a well known jeweler of Albert Lea and has lived here many years. Always an optimist and an enthusiastic worker for the interests of his community, he is a firm believer in the advantages of the middle west ; and the disposition to assist in its development brought him here from across the Atlantic. John Bessesen was born at Bergen, Norway, on May 25, 1847. He received his early education in the public schools of his native city and there learned the jewelry business. He was an only son, his father being an expert shipbuilder in the city of Bergen. In 1867 the subject of this biography, accompanied by his parents, came to America and located first at Madison, Wis., where the father took up the work of cabinet maker, contractor and builder. John, the son, went to Black Earth, Wis., where he started in business for himself as a jeweler. In 1869 he married Delia Vehum, of Madison, Wis., who grew to womanhood in this coun¬ try, but Avho traces her lineage back to ancestral, royal title in northern Europe. Her parents left the estate in the family line and with their children came to this greater land of promise and social equality. One year after his marriage Mr. Bessesen and his wife, Delia, immigrated to Minnesota, and with them came Mr. Bessesen 's parents. They purchased a quarter section of land five miles south of Albert Lea, which they improved and made productive. Three years later Mr. Bessesen moved to Albert Lea and established himself in his chosen occupation of jeweler. His father took up the work of contractor and builder, at which he continued until his death, which occurred in the eighties. Mr. Bessesen and his estimable wife have made Albert Lea their home since, with the exception of two years which they spent in Northwood, Iowa. Four sons have been born to them. These sons are all professional men and well established in the Northwest. Dr. A. N. Bessesen, the eldest, is a physician and surgeon, located in Minneapolis, where for the past eighteen years he has given faith¬ ful service as Surgeon in the Hospitals and as Professor in the College. N. Daniel Bessesen is an attorney and has won an envi¬ able reputation practicing law in Minneapolis. Hon. H. J. Bes¬ sesen, of Harvy, N. D., is also an attorney-at-law, and while he has succeeded unusually well in practice he has also been most suc¬ cessful in political circles in the state and is at present State Senator. While in Bismarck during the last two sessions he brought to successful issue many important political plans. The fourth son, Dr. W. A. Bessesen, is located in his home town, Albert Lea, where success has followed him in all his work and where he devotes himself to the especial needs of the community. John Bessesen still continues in his business in Albert Lea and main¬ tains an active interest in public affairs.

Thomas Henry Armstrong, who died at his home in Albert Lea December 29, 1891, was born in Milan, Ohio, February 6, 1829. He became a student in Western Reserve College, Hudson, and grad¬ uated from that institution in 1854; he taught one year in an academy at Berlin Heights, Ohio, and attended the law school in Cincinnati in 1854-55, and in the latter year was admitted to the bar. He went to La Crosse, Wis., in 1855 and opened a law office, but the next autumn found him located at High Forest, where he resided until 1874, when he removed to Albert Lea. It was while at High Forest that Mr. Armstrong was twice elected to the lower house of the state legislature, once being speaker, as well as lieu¬ tenant governor. After removing to this city he was twice chosen to represent Freeborn county in the state senate, and he did it well. Up to 1861 Mr. Armstrong had always been a Democrat, but when the mighty effort was made to wreck the Union he became, a Republican and gave his means and influence to the cause of right. From that time to his death he was an unswerving Repub- lican, being one of the party's most progressive and enthusiastic members. Mr. Armstrong was married April 1, 1868, to Mrs. Elizabeth M. Butman.

Julius Clark. The following word picture is given of an early figure in Freeborn county history : "As we drive along a crooked wagon track, not yet worn to dust, we pass a low log building. An old man of sixty years stands in the door looking over a beau¬ tiful prairie and the distant hills beyond, but not one sign does he see that man had ever visited his beautiful retreat. ITis' long hair, once auburn, is sprinkled with gray, while his large protrud¬ ing eyes glow through large steel-bowed glasses. He* wears no beard, but is sadly in need of a shave, while his clothes are coarse and his cowhide boots are out at the toes. A huge quid of tobacco bulges his thin cheek so as to almost hide his Roman nose. In speech he drawls his words and one sees at once his education has been sadly neglected. Under this rough exterior, however, there is a kindly heart and he is liked by all who knew him." Such was Julius Clark, Albert Lea's first merchant and first jus¬ tice of the peace. His store was on East Clark street, where the Metropolitan hotel now stands. He had been a merchant in Ohio when, in 1855, he saw adversity and quietly boxed up his goods, shipping them down the Ohio and up the Mississippi river to Brownsville, Minn., and in March, 1856, walked into the prospec¬ tive village of Albert Lea. George S. Ruble soon made him believe he had reached the right place, making him a present of two lots, which today are worth thousands of dollars. When his goods arrived in May, 1856, no building had been prepared and they were left on the prairie until a "bee" was gotten up and his log store erected, all giving a helping hand. While here he pre¬ empted the now beautiful farm of Dr. A. C. Wedge, west of the city. He was here but about three years, returning to his Ohio home, where he died some years ago.

William Kellar, son of Isaac and Sarah Kellar, was born at Louisville, Ky., December 24, 1820, and died at Albert Lea, Minn., February 25, 1892. His ancestors were of German descent and emigrated to Kentucky with Bryant, a co-explorer with Daniel Boone, settling at Bryantsville, near the present city of Danville. In 1832 Mr. Kellar removed with his father's family to Edgar county, Illinois, where he remained until he reached manhood. In 1842 he went to the lead mines in Grant county, Wisconsin. In 1843 he was engaged in teaming, hauling goods for the govern¬ ment from McGregor, Iowa, to the Winnebago Indian reservation at Fort Atkinson. In 1844 he returned to his old home in Illinois, where, on February 15, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth C. Kies. To this union three sons were born : Curtis B., William G. and Martin Y. He at once removed to Grant county, Wisconsin, where he followed farming until the fall of 1855, when he sold his farm and, on May 5, 1856, arrived at the prospective village of Albert Lea, locating on the old Blue Earth road, one mile south¬ west of the court house. Here he remained to the end of life, his Avife passing to that undiscovered country September 16, 1884. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, First Minnesota Heavy Artil¬ lery, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. For forty years he was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and it was at his home that the first religious meeting ever held in the vicinity of Albert Lea took place, viz., May 3, 1857, Rev. Sylvester N. Phelps preaching. He was known as an honest, kind-hearted, Christian gentleman.

Curtis B. Kellar is the oldest of three sons of William and Elizabeth C. Kellar, and was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, May 19, 1845. At eleven years of age he removed with his father's family to Albert Lea, Minn., where they located one mile southwest of the town September 27, 1856. He helped his father on the farm during the summer and attended Albert Lea schools during the winter. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Fifth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and after his dis¬ charge from the army he attended the academy at Bloomington, Wis., and later at Oberlin College, Ohio. On his return from school in the spring of 1866 he was employed by Frank Hall as a bookkeeper in his store on the southeast corner of Broadway and Clark street. It was in the office of this store that Mr. Hall started the first bank in Albert Lea, in fact the first bank in the county, in the spring of 1867, appointing Mr. Kellar his cashier. In 1868 Mr. Hall built a brick building on the northeast corner of Broad¬ way and William street and removed his banking business to this building, where Mr. Kellar has been constantly employed ever since, being without doubt the oldest banker in the state in point of service. He has faithfully worked his way up, on his merits only, from a bookkeeper to president of the First National Bank of Albert Lea, Albert Lea, Minn., a bank with a capital and sur¬ plus of $150,000 and assets of over $1,000,000. He was married at Boscobel, Wis., May 28, 1867, to Mary E. Nixon. Two children were born, Minnie Florence, now the wife of H. N. Brown, of Minneapolis, and Horatio Ellsworth, now cashier of the Bank of H amilton, Hamilton, N. D. He has been a lifelong Republican, but took no active interest in politics. For the last fifteen years he has been city treasurer of the city of Albert Lea. He is a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea and was at its organization elected to the office of ruling elder, a position he has since held. He is a trustee and was for a number of years also a treasurer of the Albert Lea College. He has been

Martin V. Kellar, son of William and Elizabeth Kellar, was born in the township of Clifton, Grant county, Wisconsin, Novem¬ ber 14, 1849. At the age of six years he removed with his father's family to Albert Lea, arriving on September 27, 1856, and took up his residence one mile southwest of the court house, which has been his home ever since. He attended the Albert Lea schools up to 1866, when he attended Hamline University a short, time, then located at Red Wing. He returned and followed farming until 1872, when he attended Carleton College, Northfield, for two years, he being the first student from Freeborn county to attend that today popular institution. He finished his education at the St. Paul Business College in 1874. In 1880 he opened a railroad land office at Lake Benton, Lincoln county, but soon closed it to take charge of grading and platting a large tract of land in western Minnesota for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, after which he opened a land office for this company at Pipestone, which he operated for two seasons. In 1882 he entered the banking house of H. D. Brown & Co., in Albert Lea, as book¬ keeper, where he remained for five years. On December 9, 1884, he was united in marriage at Martinville, Wis., to Emma C. Kies. His health failing in 1886, he sought the old farm home again, and has been in the dairy business ever since. He has recently sold his farm and erected a pleasant home just outside the city limits. On the incorporation of the city of Albert Lea he became clerk of the township and afterwards town treasurer for an unbroken period of seventeen years. He has been for many years a member of Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M. He is one among the very few who have seen the village of Albert Lea grow from one log cabin to a city containing 6,192 souls. Mr. Kellar is noted as an historical investigator, and the present history will stand perpetually as his monument, as its preparation would have been impossible without his help, his memory and his judgment.

Russell Bigelow Abbott, educator and clergyman, son of Joseph and Mary, was born August 8, 1823, on a farm near Brookville, Ind. There he made his preparation for college in the coun¬ try school, in teaching, and in private study. He entered Indiana University, and was graduated with credit, receiving the degree of A. B., in 1847, and A. M. 1850. The degree of D. D. was con¬ ferred upon him by Gale College in 1886. After leaving college he taught two years in Muncie, Ind., and five years in Newcastle, and spent two years as principal of Whitewater Presbyterial Academy, two years as principal of Anoka public school, one year as principal of St. Paul Female Seminary, and eighteen years as president of Albert Lea College. While teaching at Newcastle he studied theology under the direction of the Presbytery of Muncie, and was licensed as a probationer for the gospel ministry in the year 1853. After further study and preaching in vacant churches, he was ordained to the ministry by the Presbytery of Whitewater in 1857. He was pastor of the Presbyterian church of Brookville seven years, of the church of Knighttown two years ; at Albert Lea, Minn., first pastor, fifteen years ; at Jackson, five years. He supplied some other churches shorter periods; spent much time visiting villages and country school-houses, preaching and organizing Sabbath-schools; organized eight churches; dedi¬ cated ten church buildings, part of them in other presbyteries; was one year Moderator of the Synod of Minnesota ; and was six times a member of the General Assembly. He was the author of the new office of administration in Presbytery for the supply and conservation of feeble and vacant churches, called the Pastor-atlarge, sometimes called ''The Winona Plan.'7 He was the founder and first president, and for many years the chief supporter, of Albert Lea College. He was three times married; first to Eliza A. Baugh, of Bloomington, 1847 ; second, Sophronia J. Leech, of Oxford, 1861; third, Marietta Hunter, of Ripon, 1881. He has preached up to this date 5,298 times. He has written - nearly ready for publication - "Books of the Bible," lectures, two vols. ; "Bible History," one vol. ; "History of Winona Presbytery"; "Historical Sketch of Albert Lea College," and numerous ser¬ mons and addresses.

Dr. Franklin Blackmer was one of the pioneers in this county. He was born in New York, where he attended school and grew to manhood. In 1831 he married Minerva Wilkins, who was also a native of New York, and five years later, in 1836, they moved to Amherst, 0. In 1856 Dr. Blackmer came to Minnesota and located on a claim near Pickerel Lake, and the following year he moved his family here and they settled on a farm west of the town, which has since been incorporated into the city of Albert Lea. After coming to Minnesota, Dr. Blackmer practiced his pro¬ fession only during the Civil War, when he took charge of Dr. Wedge's practice, the latter having enlisted as surgeon in the army. Dr. Blackmer passed away February 2, 1877, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a man held in high esteem by all and noted for his kindness and hospitality, and his sterling qualities won the respect of the citizens of the county.

Edwin Clark Stacy was born at Hamilton, N. Y., September 5, 1813, and moved with his parents to Columbus, Pa., thence in 1836 to Ann Arbor, Mich. He studied law with the law firms of Miles & Wilson at that place, then entered the law office of Judge A. C. Stacv at Tecumseh, Mich., being admitted to the bar in 1840. In September of the same year he returned to Pennsylvania, and was married to Elizabeth Densmore Heath, who was his wise counselor and faithful helpmate through all the succeeding years. They came west June 6, 1856, and located on a government claim at the head of Geneva lake in this county, in the then wilds of Minnesota. In 1857 he was appointed by Gov. Gorman, of the territory of Minnesota, one of three commissioners to organize Freeborn county. In the same year he was elected to the consti¬ tutional convention which framed the organic law of the state, and served in that body with marked ability. In December 1859 he moved to Albert Lea and was elected to three terms as county auditor, as judge of probate and one term as superintendent of schools. He was elected city justice in June, 1875, and held the e any years, being re-elected every two years. He was a life-long Democrat in politics, always standing high in its counsels and management. He was long a member of the order of Odd Fellows. Air. and Mrs. Stacy had four children, Dorr, Day, Lynn and Lizzie, the last two being deceased. Judge Stacy died April 29, 1897.

Albert Miller Lea was born in Richland, Tenn., July 23, 1808. His parents were Maj. Luke Lea and Lavinia Jarnagin. At thir¬ teen years of age he entered college at Knoxville, Tenn. In 1827 he received an appointment at West Point, and graduated the fifth in his class in 1831. He was appointed a lieutenant in the Thir¬ teenth Artillery but shortly afterwards exchanged positions with the since noted John B. Magruder, of the Seventh Infantry, and was stationed at Fort Gibson, then on the extreme frontier. From thence he was ordered to Washington, there receiving instructions and orders to report to Knoxville, Tenn., to survey and plan im¬ provements for the Tennessee river and its tributaries. From this time he passed through the usual variations in army life, being detailed for different duties in several parts of the country, and in 1835, was in Fort DesMoines, la., and there received orders to undertake a summer campaign which has since become famous as the trip through Freeborn county.

In the latter part of the winter of 1835-36, Lea resigned his commission in the army, to take effect June 1, in the meantime having obtained a leave of absence, which he improved by writing up for publication in book form a sketch of this expedition, in¬ cluding a map of the country, which was published in Phila¬ delphia by H. S. Tanner. In May, 1836, the Colonel was married to Ellen Shoemaker, of Philadelphia. For a time he was lo¬ cated at the mouth of Pine river, below Rock Island, to survey some lands, which being completed he received the appointment of chief engineer of the state of Tennessee, with headquarters at Nashville, and for some time he was engaged in prosecuting internal improvements in that state. Soon afterward he was appointed by Martin Van Buren to establish the southern boun¬ dary of Iowa, which he did. Afterwards he was in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company as locating engineer. In March, 1841, he was appointed chief clerk in the War Depart¬ ment, and in September of that year, upon the resignation of President Harrison's cabinet, he became secretary of war, a po¬ sition which he held for six weeks. In 1844, he accepted the ap¬ pointment of professor of mathematics in the East Tennessee Uni¬ versity at Knoxville, which position he held until 1851. In the meantime, having lost his wife, he married Catherine S. D. Heath. He then started a new enterprise, the manufacture of glass in Knoxville, which proved a financial failure. In railroad interests he afterwards went to Texas, and on the breaking out of the war between the two sections of the country he offered his services to the Confederacy, and served in various capaci¬ ties. His son Edward, who adhered to the Union cause, was killed at Galveston, Texas, while acting as chief officer of the steamer "Harriet Lane." After the close of the war, Colonel Lea resided for a time in Galveston, but afterwards removed to Corsicana, Texas. In June, 1879, on a special invitation of the municipality, he visited Albert Lea, and was given a royal welcome, delivering an interesting address to the Old Settlers' Association. He died January 15, 1891, at Corsicana, Texas.

William Morin, one of the successful financiers of southern Minnesota, was born in 1827, at Maryborough, Ireland. He grew up in his native country, where he acquired a fair common school education, which was supplemented by the special training of a civil engineer. He was about twenty years of age when he came to America, and his first five years in this country were spent in New York. He secured the position of chief engineer on the Niagara Gorge railroad, and was engaged upon this and other lines of railroad until 1856, the year in which he came west. After some time spent in deciding upon a favorable location, Mr. Morin selected Freeborn county, Minnesota, where he invested in large tracts of land and became one of the founders of the town of Albert Lea. He owned about one-lialf of the present site, and at the time of his death, which occurred March 17, 1887, was the largest land owner in Freeborn county. He was an energetic and public-spirited man, and played a prominent part in developing the material interests of city and county. He was a member of the first city council of Albert Lea and served continuously up to the time of his decease. He was the first county auditor and the first register of deeds of Freeborn county. He was also a member of the board of county commissioners, being one of those appointed by the governor to locate the school for indigent children. During the Civil War Mr. Morin served as deputy United States assessor and deputy United States marshal. In 1860 Mr. Morin was married to Margaret E. Wedge, sister of Dr. A. C. Wedge. Three children were horn to them. One of them died in infancy and the two surviving are William A. and Margaret Bell (now the wife of M. D. Purdy, of Minneapolis, formerly federal judge of United States District Court). Mr. Morin was a Knight Templar, and as a staunch Republican ex¬ erted an active influence in politics. He was never a " place hunter." but his characteristics of quick perception, common sense, sound judgment and integrity made him in demand for public office, and he accepted the proffered honors out of loyalty to the state and particularly to the city of Albert Lea. In his later days Mr. Morin bought a fine winter home in Los Angeles, Cal., and it was here that he passed away. At the news of his death a great wave of regret swept through his home community, and the following is quoted from the local press at that time: "Mr. Morin was a commissioner of the State Indigent School, at Owatonna, a member of the county board and the city council, and for over twenty-five years he was a leading, if not the most prominent factor in the prosperity and progress of Albert Lea and Freeborn county. He was a man of remarkable executive ability, and in the business world few, with his opportunities, have been more capable and successful. He was an upright man, and in his habits and example a model man and citizen. Honest, honorable, charitable, kind and true, the ending of his career in the prime of his manhood was a public sorrow."

Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Morin was born in the village of Washington, Ohio, March 29, 1840. Her father was Rev. Albert Wedge, a Baptist clergyman, who a short time previous to her birth had removed from the state of New York to Ohio, then designated as the far West, where he was engaged in mission work. Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Clark, of Lewis county, New York, who, young and enthusiastic, sought to share the burden of her husband's task in the hard life of a missionary. Within six months after the birth of her daughter, the mother, then but twenty-eight years old, fell a victim to the noble cause she so earnestly espoused. In 1851 Rev. Albert Wedge died. Shortly after this event Margaret was sent to relatives in New York, there to be cared for and educated, and there she re¬ mained until 1857. In that year her brother, Dr. A. C. Wedge, then about to graduate from the Cleveland College and intend¬ ing to come west, sent for his sister to join him. Speaking of her at this period, the doctor tenderly says: "I had not seen her since she was a child; she had grown and was now a very beautiful girl of sixteen years, bright, earnest and intellectual." In that year the young people came west as far as Wisconsin, where the doctor intended to locate, but an uncle having some property here induced the young man to come to Albert Lea and give it his attention. He did so, leaving his sister at Ripon, AYis., near which place she taught school until the following year, when she, too, came to Albert Lea, and joined her brother, with whom she lived until the following year, when she was united in marriage to AYilliam Morin. Three children were born of this union, one of whom died in infancy. The two surviving are AY. A. Alorin and Airs. AI. D. Purdy, of Alinneapolis, Alinn., the wife of ex-Judge AI. D. Purdy, of the United States Federal Court. Airs. Alorin was one of the early pioneers of Freeborn county and to the rude and untamed life in the midst of which her life was cast the charm of her youth, the grace of her accomplish¬ ments and her splendid intellect lent a polish and an influence which aided materially in giving a high tone to the life and morals of the young town. Her life was marked by Christian zeal and charity and during the early days when want and sick¬ ness could not find such ready succor as today, her sympathy and her purse were always at the command of the needy, and many found in her an angel of mercy. To her active efforts were due the early organization of the Baptist church in this city, of which she was a life-long and constant member. During the long years of her residence in this city Airs. Alorin endeared herself to a large circle of friends. She died February 11, 1906.

William A. Morin was born at Albert Lea, on July 29, 1864. He obtained his fundamental education in the public schools and at fifteen entered Pillsburv Academy at Owatonna, Alinn., from which he graduated with the class of 1884. Upon leaving school he became associated with his father in his extensive real estate operations at Albert Lea and soon became prominent in busi¬ ness and public affairs. For several years he served as county surveyor, and at a later period as county commissioner ; and he succeeded his father on the board of city aldermen. At the age of twenty-two he was obliged to assume the entire responsibility, of managing his father's estate and while the load seemed quite heavy for so young a man, nevertheless by hard work and close attention to business the outcome of his work has been very grat¬ ifying both to himself and his friends. The construction of the Illinois Central railway into Albert Lea was brought about by the unaided efforts of Air. Alorin and the building of this line com¬ pelled the B. C. R. & N. railway (now Rock Island) to extend their tracks from Albert Lea to the Twin Cities. The Hotel Albert, the finest hotel building in any Alinnesota town outside of St. Paul, Alinneapolis and Duluth, was financed and constructed through his efforts, and during the entire business career of

Mr. Morin he has been one of the foremost supporters of Albert Lea and Freeborn county, and while his land transactions have covered a number of states he still stands loyal to the county of his birth, and he says, "The sun never shown on better farm¬ ing land than we have in Freeborn county." In politics Mr. Morin has usually voted the Republican ticket and has been honored by numerous local offices, and he takes his share as a responsible citizen without any personal political ambition. He is a member of all the Masonic bodies, which constitute prac¬ tically all his fraternal affiliations. On August 16, 1893, at Waverly, Iowa, Mr. Morin was married to Katherine Trusdell, a native of that state, but nearly all of her life had been spent at Albert Lea, where she attended the public school and the Albert Lea College. Mr. and Mrs. Morin are the parents of two sons, William T., born August 1, 1894, now a student of Shattuck School, at Faribault, Minn., and Richard W., born December 11, 1902.

C. M. Hobart was born at Ripon, Fond du Lac county, Wiscon¬ sin. When about ten years old he removed with his parents to Jackson county, Wisconsin, where he passed his boyhood days upon a farm. Entering the office of the "Badger State Banner," at Black River Falls, Wis., Mr. Hobart worked for a time in the mechanical end of the business, but preferring the news part, he took that up, and during the next few years was connected with two or three Wisconsin papers in an editorial capacity. In October, 1891, Mr. Hobart came to Minnesota and accepted a position on the editorial staff of the "Mankato Free Press," where he remained for eleven years, going from there to Hutchinson, Minn., where he purchased an interest in the "Independent- Times," and was in editorial charge for four years. Disposing of his interest in 1906, he spent several months at Minot, N. D., in newspaper work, but the country not agreeing with his health, he returned to Minnesota early in the summer of 1907, and accepted a position with the " Times-Enterprise, " and continued with the paper until its consolidation with the "Tribune," when he accepted a position on the editorial staff of the two papers. On the retirement of J. P. Hurley on the first of October, 1911, Mr. Hobart became editor of the "Evening Tribune" and the "Weekly Times-Enterprise." Mr. Hobart was married at Black River Falls, Wis., in September, 1884, to Carrie Smith, and they have two children, Murray and Helen.

Lewis H. Emmons, business man, stock breeder and village official of Emmons, was born in Nunda township, this county, December 30, 1856, son of Henry G. and Christina (Larson) Em¬ mons, being one of the first white children born in Freeborn county. He was reared on the home farm, attended the public schools, and had the additional advantage of a complete com¬ mercial course in the LaCrosse (Wis.) College of Business. In 1881 he and his brother, George H., erected a store in Xorman, Iowa, but about 1886 the business was moved to the present site of the village of Emmons. In 1898 the partnership was dissolved, George H. continuing the business. In 1891 Lewis H. Emmons took charge of an elevator and lumber yard, both of which proved very successful. In 1905, the lumber business having grown to large proportions, a stock company was formed by the citizens of Emmons and vicinity, for the purpose of taking it over and conducting it. This venture, thanks to the foundation of pros¬ perity so carefully laid by Mr. Emmons, had proven a profitable venture for all concerned. In 1907, owing to increased demands on his time, Mr. Emmons retired from the active management of the elevator. At the present time he turns most of his attention to the live stock industry, being greatly interested in pure blooded cattle and swine. Indeed, he may be called the pioneer in this locality in the matter of pure blooded breeds, and his neigh¬ bors declare that his; bringing to this locality of registered Shorthorn cattle and Poland-Cliina swine was the real beginning of the breeding of blooded stock in this part of the country. Of late years, in addition to raising stock, Mr. Emmons has been an extensive dealer, buying in this neighborhood and shipping to the packing-house points, sometimes, however, doing consider¬ able fatting before sending to market. He is also considerable of an agriculturist, owning village property in Emmons and farm lands in Xunda and Mansfield townships, this county, as well as in 'Worth county, Iowa. In politics a Republican, he has been honored with many public positions, serving the village of Emmons as president two successive terms, recorder sev¬ eral terms, member of the council, and assessor, as well as in minor capacities. Fraternally Mr. Emmons is a member of the Sons of Norway. He is a firm believer in the future of southern Minnesota and has been a tireless worker for those things which he believes will best promote the welfare of the whole locality and build the foundation for still better things in the future. I he high esteem in which he is held in the county is due not so much to the fact that he has been successful as to the value ot his character as a member of the community. The subject of this sketch was married in 1889 to Inger Larson, whose parents came to Iowa in the fifties and followed farming. This union has been blessed with four children, of whom the living are Hamlet, Earnie, A ictor and Herbert. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Illinois, August 14, 1853, and died at Mankato, Minn., November 11, 1899. His sudden and untimely death was a great loss to the community and the state. Mr. Todd was in the prime of his manhood and his usefulness and he was withal, a man of strong parts and rare accomplishments, a brilliant lawyer, a faithful public official and a kindly gentleman. As a boy he was naturally a student, and of scholarly tastes. After attending the high school at Columbus, Wis., he, in 1869, entered the Jefferson Liberal Institute, a Universalist school at Jefferson, Wis., where he remained two years, paying his way through school by out¬ side work. He taught country schools in 1871 and 1872, and in the spring of the latter year entered the AYisconsin State Uni¬ versity. The next fall, however, he left the university, returned to the Jefferson Institute, and taught Latin and mathematics in that institution; the following year he taught in the town of York, Wis. In the fall of 1874 he again entered the University of Wisconsin, taking a modern course, and graduating with honors in 1877. While in college he was noted for his proficiency in Latin and history, and a portion of the time he was assist¬ ant instructor in chemistry. A few months after his gradua¬ tion Mr. Todd assumed the principalship of the public school at Lodi, Wis., and in connection with his other work he began to study law. February 22, 1880, he married Alice I. Coapman, who was at the time teacher in the Lodi schools. The following summer he entered the law office of A. J. Cook, of Columbus, Wis., and continuing his legal studies for a year, was then admitted to the bar at Portage, Wis. In the fall of 1881 Mr. Todd removed to Albert Lea and formed a law partnership with the late Judge E. C. Stacy. His total income the first year was only about four hundred dollars, but his ability and application to business were recognized and appreciated and his business increased in due time. He continued in partnership with Judge Stacy for about two years, when he became associated with the late Judge John Whytock. This association was dissolved in a comparatively short time, and thereafter Mr. Todd engaged in the practice on his own account, until 1897', when he formed a partnership with Henrv C. Carlson, under the firm name of Todd & Carlson. Mr. Todd early became prominently identified with the inter¬ ests of Albert Lea. He had not been in the city very long when he became a member of the school board, and was its clerk for fifteen years, retiring in 1897, after positively declining a re-election. Though that position was not at all remunerative or distinguished, he regarded it as a place of high responsibility and one of great honor and trust. He would not have exchanged it for any other position within the bestowal of his fellow citi¬ zens and he did not retire from it until, largely by his efforts and influence, the schools were running under a perfect system, and his increasing personal duties made it imperative upon him to resign the routine work to others. In 1886, after serving two terms as city attorney of Albert Lea, he was elected county attorney of Freeborn county; he was re-elected in 1888, hold¬ ing the office for two terms. It is needless to say that his service in both positions was most faithful and of the highest proficiency. He was not an office seeker, or he might have become distinguished in public positions. For he was an enthusi¬ astic Republican and took an active interest in the affairs of his party, which during his residence in Minnesota, was dominant in Freeborn county and the state. He was frequently a delegate to his party's conventions, often took part in political campaigns, was a noted public speaker, and at the time of his death was an executive member of the Republican State Committee. But Mr. Todd's chief ambition was to excel in the chosen profession of the law. As he grew in it its governing principles fascinated him, and he was a student until the hour of - his death. He literally "died in the harness,'7 being stricken down by apoplexy while in the Federal courtroom at Mankato, engaged in the trial of a case. Mr. Todd had secured a large clientage and a lucrative practice ; was the attorney for numerous business firms and associations, a number of railroad corporations, and had an extensive general practice as well. He was a prominent mem¬ ber of the state bar association, and for three successive years this organization sent him as a delegate to annual conventions of the National Bar Association. A brother lawver thus describes Mr. Todd's professional character: "His knowledge of the law was reinforced by an almost intuitive understanding of human nature, and these qualifications were the real foundation of his success as a practitioner in the District and Supreme courts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota. His analytic mind rarely failed to discover the flaws in the testimony of a witness or the weakness in the argument of an opposing counsel, and his earnest manner and persuasive voice impressed the logic of his case upon the hearer with convincing force. The office of county attorney made him acquaintances, and his practice grew rapidly until he not only represented almost every impor¬ tant business interest in Freeborn county, but was often called to far distant points to conduct important cases. He always tried his cases promptly and fairly. Despite his liberal dona¬ tions to charity and public enterprises, his expenditures in the purchase of a large and valuable law and private library, etc., his accumulations were considerable, and he left a com¬ fortable estate The personal qualities of William Elmir Todd were most striking. He was a man of attractive presence, bright, spirited and debonair. His large warm heart matched his active and intelligent brain. From his boyhood his character was pure and noble. As has been stated, Mr. Todd was married February 22, 1880, to Alice I. Coapman. Mrs. Todd and her daughter Liela, Mrs. Laurence J. Paulson, are living in Albert Lea. Other surviving members of Mr. Todd's family are two sisters, Mrs. Henry Mead, of Shell Lake, Wis., and Mrs. Eugene Chrisler, of Wapato, Wash.; also four brothers, Charles, Lewellyn and Willard Todd, of Merrimac, Wis., and Miles Todd, of Winni¬ peg, Manitoba. Rev. Miles G. Todd, father of William Elmir Todd, was a Universalist minister, born at Homer, N. Y., and descended from Scotch-Irish ancestors, who were early settlers in New York state. Miles G. Todd and Helen M. Parker, also a native of New York state, were married in Illinois in September, 1852. In 1855 they moved to Wisconsin, first locating at Mer¬ rimac and two years later at Lodi. On his removal to Lodi, Mr. Todd began to teach, but later was called to the pastorate of the Universalist church. While in the ministry at Mazomanie, he entered the army as chaplain, and served until the close of the war. After his discharge he returned to Mazomanie, and for the next twenty years was in charge of the Universalist church, successively at Columbus, Oshkosh, Columbus again, and Lodi. He died suddenly of hemorrhage of the brain, at Mason City, Iowa, in 1888. Mrs. Helen M. Todd, his wife, died June 28, 1906.

W. E. Todd, M. D., one of the successful practitioners of Free¬ born county, was born in Wisconsin, April 26, 1861, son of Rev. J. D. and Susan S. (Webster) Todd. W. E. was reared in his native state, and in Winnebago City, Minn., attended the pub¬ lic schools, and in 1890 graduated from the Chicago Medical College. After receiving the usual hospital practice and thus perfecting his medical and surgical knowledge, he took up prac¬ tice in the logging and mining regions about Neaunee, in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Then he practiced in Madison, Minn., for five years, and in 1896 came to Albert Lea, where he has since been engaged in general practice. He is a Repub¬ lican in politics, affiliates with the Knights of Pythias and at¬ tends the Presbyterian church. The subject of this sketch was married November 23, 1890, and has five children, Gertrude, James R., Helen M., William 0. and Florence.

L. T. Walker was born in Vermont on January 25, 1821; was reared on his father's farm in that state, and also taught school there. As he grew to manhood he decided to try his fortunes in the West. Accordingly he left his old home and went to Wisconsin, where he was overseer in the lime quarry owned by Daniel Williams. In 1858 he came to Minnesota and was united in marriage with Amy Hoag, at High Forest, Minn., on Septem¬ ber 28, 1858, daughter of Russell and Mary (Williams) Hoag, natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Walker came to Freeborn county in 1858 and bought a farm in Carlston township, where they lived for several years. From there they moved to Alden, in which they made their home. On May 27, 1875, he was ap¬ pointed postmaster and also was engaged in the mercantile business. He held the office of postmaster for eighteen years, until the time of his death, which occurred April 7, 1893, at the age of seventy-two years. Mrs. L. T. Walker was born on January 16, 1834, at Cowlesville, N. Y. She moved with her parents near High Forest, Minn., in 1857, and there her father passed away. Her mother was born in the state of Rhode Island and was a descendant of Roger Williams. She died at the remark¬ able age of 102 years. Mrs. L. T. Walker was engaged in the millinery business for twelve years. After the death of her husband she was appointed as postmaster and is serving in this capacity at present. Her appointment dates from October 21, 1893. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. L. T. Walker four chil¬ dren: Addie is the wife of Hudson Pettitt, who resides on a farm near Alden ; Frank married Eva Putnam and is at present assistant postmaster at Alden; Daniel married Belle Emerson, resides at Mankato, Minn., and is the present agent for the C., M. & Puget Sound; Amy is the wife of Henry B. Cottrell, rural mail carrier, and resides at Alden.

Gunlek 0. Wasmoen was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, son of Ole and Guro Wasmoen. He was educated in the country schools and has always been at home. Since his father's death, No¬ vember 21, 1906, he has tried to take his place as head of the family and that he has conducted the farm successfully is evident. He keeps a good herd of dairy cattle and sells the dairy product to the Scarville Creamery, Scarville, Iowa.

Ole G. Wasmoen was born in Telemarken, Norway, March 12, 1864, where he stayed until sixteen years of age, when he immi¬ grated to this country, to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he worked for the farmers for $12 a month. He stayed in Wiscon¬ sin seven years and for two years he was in Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. Then he went back to Norway for a short visit. In 1890 he was married to Guro E. Haugen, also of Telemarken, Norway. After that they resided two years in Dane county, Wisconsin, where their son, Gunlek was born. In 1889 Ole Was¬ moen came to Mansfield township, in Freeborn county, for the first time, and bought 120 acres of land of Sam Emerson for the consideration of $13.33 an acre. In 1892 he moved from Wiscon¬ sin to Freeborn county and six years later, in 1898, he bought forty acres of land from Hans T. Olson for the sum of $1,000,

Fred Bailey And Family

Ole Wasmoen belonged to the Democratic party. In the spring of 1906 he was taken sick and on the twenty-first day of Novem¬ ber, the same year, he died. He was survived by his wife and seven children, namely, Gunlek, Gunheld, Eddie, Halvor, Guro, George and Thomas.

C. H. Trogstad is one of the prosperous farmers of Bancroft township. He was born in Norway, in due time came to America, and like most of his countrymen worked about for a time before purchasing land for himself. He now carries on general farming and dairying. His wife was the daughter of a pioneer family and bore him a number of children, the family being well thought of in the community.

Fred Bailey, a prominent and respected farmer residing in Alden township, was born in Waldeck, Germany, son of William and Juanita Bailey. The subject of this biography grew to man¬ hood in his native land and there attended school and acquired his education. In 1868 he decided to seek his fortune in America, and crossed the ocean and landed in this country, after which he proceeded west to Minnesota and settled in Pickerel Lake. For some time after this Mr. Bailey made his home with his uncle, Christian Bailey, remaining with him for six years, and then working for his brother-in-law for three years. Mr. Bailey bought a farm in 1877, comprising eighty acres, which wTas located in section 12, Alden township, living in a sod house, which was on the place when he bought it, until the year 1878. On April 22, 1878, Mr. Bailey bought another eighty acres from William E. Dean, moving the frame house which stood on the last named eighty onto the first eighty which he had purchased. During the year 1892 he disposed of the original farm and then purchased land in section 11, later becoming the owner of a half section. He at once set to work improving his property, repairing the old buildings and erecting new ones, and giving much time and atten¬ tion to the careful cultivation of the soil. As prosperity and opportunity have afforded, Mr. Bailey has added to his land hold¬ ings, and he is now the owner of 400 acres. He carries on general diversified farming, together with some stock raising and dairy¬ ing. Mr. Bailey is a supporter of the principles endorsed by the Republican party, and he has been elected to serve in many of the responsible public offices in the township, among which are: supervisor, in which capacity he served for three years ; and cle.'k of school district 40 for eight years. He is a stockholder in the Alden creamery. Mr. Bailey attends the Presbyterian church, and has for many years been an esteemed member of that organi¬ zation and one of its elders. Fraternally he affiliates with the I. 0. O. F., M. W. A. and the M. B. A. On March 19, 1875, Eliza¬ beth Larson, of Swedish birth and parentage, became the wife of Mr. Bailey, and their marriage has been blessed by nine chil¬ dren. Charles, now a resident of Pickerel Lake township, was born February 13, 1877 ; Edward, living at home, was born April 9, 1878; Fred, also at home, was born July 15, 1879; Albert, of Alden township, was born May 10, 1881 ; Ida, now Mrs. Charles H. Bailey, of Gary, S. D., was born January 9, 1884. "William, born January 22, 1887 ; Mary, born September 14, 1889 ; Elizabeth, born March 1, 1891, and Oscar, born March 15, 1893, are all at home. The wife and mother entered into rest September 13, 1897. Of his fine family Air. Bailey is justly proud, and as his children have grown to young man and womanhood he has educated them for useful lives and made them self-reliant and fitted for their chosen occupations.

William Bailey and Juanita Bailey, his wife, who were among the early settlers in Freeborn county, were natives of Waldeck, Germany, where they were born, educated and married. In 1871 they came to America and west to Minnesota, where they located in Pickerel Lake township with their son William, who had acquired land, which they assisted in breaking, cultivating and erecting buildings and established their home. Mr. Bailey carried on agricultural industries with his son William until his death. The wife and mother is also dead. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were the parents of four children : William, of Pickerel Lake ; Mary, now Mrs. Charles Krueger ; Elizabeth, deceased, and Fred, a farmer in Alden.

Theodore Haraldson, who for many years has been a resident of Nunda township, was born in Freeman, on July 15, 1865, son of Knute Haraldson (Loftsgaard) and Ingeborg (Haatweit) Har¬ aldson. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father's farm and attended the country school near home. After completing his studies in the district school he went to a paro¬ chial institution of learning, where he completed his education. For several years after leaving school Mr. Haraldson was em¬ ployed at well digging, after which he accepted a position as rural mail carrier, serving in this capacity for seven years. He is at present employed by the Freeborn Creamery Company. Business interests in Canada require his presence there at inter¬ vals and he has made several trips there. Mr. Haraldson is a member of the Lutheran Church and he was a delegate from Freeborn county to the convention held in St. Paul in the summer of 1911. He affiliates with the Republican party, but has not been a seeker of public office. On May 2, 1897, he married Rachel Ilovden, a daughter of William Hovden, and to them have been born three daughters : Thelma Rebecca, Agnes Victoria and Wilma Esther. Mrs. Rachel Hovden Haraldson was born in Lyons county, Minnesota, on February 16, 1873, daughter of William and Anna (Hatveit) Hovden, natives of Norway. She was edu¬ cated in the common schools of this state and later took a twoyear course in Wheaton College, at Wheaton, Ill. She is a mem¬ ber of the W. C. T. U. and also of the I. O. G. T. Her father passed away September 3, 1907, and left her some valuable prop¬ erty located near Alberta, Canada. Mrs. Haraldson is descended from a noted family, and has written many interesting articles concerning the doings of her gifted ancestors.

Lauritz Peterson, proprietor of the Evergreen Farm, in sec.tion 16, is one of the ambitious and successful farmers of Manchester, in which township he was born, September 24, 1865. He was reared in the home of his parents, Christian and Mari (Trondson) Peterson, and received a good common school education, which he has increased by careful reading and close observation. Since leaving school he has carried on farming, now owning 160 acres of good land. His success is indicated by the excellent condition of his property and the fine residence in which he lives. He was married January 30, 1907, to Gina Nelson, and two children have been born to them: Myrtle Margaret and Gladys Luella. Mr. Peterson does not interest himself in any particular political party but votes independently. His faith is that of the Nor¬ wegian Lutheran Church, of which he is a member. Mr. Peterson is an ideal citizen in every respect, and is a great believer in the ultimate prosperity which results from persevering endeavor.

Christian Peterson was born in Ringebo, Gulbrandsdalen, Nor¬ way, January 14, 1822, and married Mari Trondson, also a native of the same locality, born November 5, 1823. They came to America in 1855, and first located in Wisconsin, where they remained but a short time. They then moved to Iowa, where they conducted general farming and later, in 1857, came to Man¬ chester township, acquired land and founded their home. To them several children were born. Theodore and Peter are pros¬ perous farmers of Grand Forks, N. D., and Hans, Lauritz and Matthias live in Manchester. Christian Peterson died November 5, 1887, and his wife November 3, 1906.

Andrew A. Egge, a retired farmer, who is now residing at 513 West Main street, Albert Lea, was born in Norway, March 31, 1839, son of Andrew Anderson. In 1852 the subject of this biog¬ raphy came to America with his father and settled in Wisconsin, where the father later passed away, after which Andrew went to Iowa and located at Washington Prairie, where he remained until 1859. In 1860 he came to Minnesota, settled in Bath township, purchased land and prepared to engdgie5 in general farming. The following year, in October, he enlisfed in Company G, Twelfth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front. He served in this company until 1863, when he again enlisted as a veteran in the same company and served through all the battles with his regiment, as follows: The capture of Fort Henry; the battle of Fort Donelson; the battles of Shiloh, Jackson, Vicksburg, Tupelo, Mobile Nashville and several skirmishes. He was captured at the battle of Shiloh, on April 6, 1862, and held as prisoner at the Macon (Ga.) and Libby prisons until the following November He was mustered out with his regiment in January, 1866, after which he returned to Minnesota and settled on his farm. He then began farming in earnest, broke the land, erected necessary buildings and made many improvements, carrying on agricultural industries until 1899. At this time Mr. Egge rented his farm, which comprised 280 acres, and moved into Albert Lea. He affili¬ ates with the Republican party, and has served in many offices m the township in which he made his home for so many years. He was town treasurer for several terms, and also was a member of the school board. In all public offices to which he was elected he represented the best interests of the community and held the respect and esteem of all. In 1867 Mr. Egge was united in matri¬ mony with Anna S. Sigurson, who was born at Drammon, Nor¬ way* November 24, 1849, and came to America at about four years of age. To this marriage eight children have been born: Emma A. is the wife of Theodore Thorson, a section foreman at Otho, Iowa. Matilda married Rudolph M. Olson, a farmer near Hartland. Minn. Henry is a successful shoe merchant in Albert Lea. Ida is Mrs. Adolph H. Siblerud and resides with her husband on their farm north of Hartland, Minn. Nora married Ole B. Flaske, a hardware merchant at Walnut Grove, Minn. Alick is a shoe merchant with Henry in Albert Lea. Arthur, a twin of Alick, was drowned in Lake Albert Lea. Fred is in the hardware business at Walnut Grove, Minn. The wife and mother entered into rest July 31, 1911, at the age of sixty-one years, eight months and six days. The family faith is that of the U^ted Lutheran Church, of which Air. Egge has long been an esteef^ member.

Thomas 0. Gavle is the son of Ole and Bfcuvie' Gavle, who, in 1868, came from Norway to Winnebago county* Iowa, 4 where Thomas 0. was born November 1, 1873'. The * family ljyed in Winnebago county till 1874, when they moved Ua*section 2 o, town¬ ship of Mansfield, Freeborn county, where th^" subject of this sketch grew to manhood, attenAg the common schools and working with his father onjhe hoihR^m, When he was twentyone years of age he took 160 acres **rand in section 28 in the township of Mansfield, and has since followed general farming. In 1901 he built a fine new house and barn. He keeps a good herd of milch cows and derives a steady and substantial income from/ this source. On December 14, 1894, he married Enga Ingabratson, of Iowa, and to them four children have been born: Ruth, Mabel,

Clarence and Ora. Mr. Gavle is a member (U Re Lutheran Church. In politics he is independent. He has been a member of the school board in district No. 86 for nine years and has also served the people in his community by acceptably filling the office of justice of the peace for nine years.

Casper W. Ayars, a well-known resident of Albert Lea, dates his residence in Freeborn county from 1856, the time of his com¬ ing being one year before the county was organized and two years before the state was admitted. He was born in Shiloh, N. J., No¬ vember 30, 1848, son of John W. and Mary B. (Bowen) Ayars, who brought him to this county a few months before he reached his eighth birthday. He grew to manhood in Freeborn township, attended the district schools, and as time passed took up farming for himself, having in the meantime taken a course in the Cashel & Rogers Business College at La Crosse, Wis. In 1876 he severed partnership with his father and purchased 480 acres in Freeborn township, later adding 160 acres more, making a full section of land. This land he developed and improved, erected many build¬ ings, and carried on general farming successfully until 1902, when he retired. After a year and a half in Minneapolis he came to Albert Lea and purchased one of the most beautiful residences in Albert Lea, located at 418 Grove avenue, and extending through to the lake. While in the country Mr. Ayars took a prominent part in the affairs of his neighborhood. He was town supervisor some time, was school treasurer thirty years, and occu¬ pied other positions of trust and honor. He helped organize the Trenton Creamery Association at Trenton postoffice, Freeborn town, served as its clerk when first organized and was finally made president. The subject of this sketch was married June 17, 1875, to Sarah E. Tellett, a native of Wisconsin. They have two children - Lucius and Harold C., both of whom live at home. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.

Charles- C. Ayars, residing in the township of Freeborn, was born in Cumberland county, New Jersey, March 12, 1844, son of John W. and Mary (Bowen) Ayars, first seeing the light of day in the same house in which his father was born. The subject of this sketch was twelve years of age when he came with his parents to Freeborn township. Here he attended the district school as he had previously at Milton, Wis. In 1866 he purchased the farm on which he still lives, in section 6. He married Susan M., daugh¬ ter of Louis Pierce, who came from Jefferson county, New York, and five children have been born to them. They are : Flora E., Arthur W., Louis, Florence E. and Laura M. Mr. Ayars has shared in the growth and progress of his township and county from the very beginning of the settlement, and has held many

John W. Ayars was born in New Jersey. He removed to Milton, Wisconsin, in 1855, and in 1856 came with his family to Freeborn county, Minn., and pre-empted land in section 3, Free¬ born township. It was on June 13 that they arrived and during the summer they lived in the wagon and a tent. In October a log house was built and some land was broken up for planting the next year. That summer and fall it was very dry and the prairie fires were alarming. Fortunately they had taken the pre¬ caution to surround their home with a. wide "breaking," and thus escaped the desolation which others suffered. All the grain in those days was threshed out by horses. It was placed on the frozen ground in a circle and the horses tramped over it. The nearest market was Hastings, in Dakota county, on the Mississippi river, where it was taken in wagons drawn by oxen. The trip there and back consumed nine days. At this early period there was not more than a dozen families in the township of Freeborn and the home of Mr. Ayars was the postoffice. He remained post¬ master in the northern end of the township for thirty years. In after years he built a frame dwelling, where he continued to live, until his death in 1890. His wife died in 1905. Six children blessed their home : They were : Charles C. ; Casper W. ; Phoebe M., the wife of Henry F. "Weed; Laura J., now Mrs. George A. Barnes ; Anna M., living on the old homestead, and Alma A., the wife of Edward Larson. After the death of Mr. Ayars, his wife was appointed postmistress, and served six years.

E. A. McColley, a popular supervisor of Freeborn township, has served in this capacity for three consecutive years, and that he is particularly adapted for public office is also shown by his service as clerk of school district 11 for nine years. He was born in Hartland, August 21, 1864, son of George and Electa (More¬ house) McColley, and passed the early years of his life on his father's farm. His education was acquired in the schools of Hartland, while his knowledge of farming was imparted to him by his father, who believed in training his son for a life of prac¬ tical work. AYhen he was twenty-six years of age he purchased a farm of 160 acres in section 10, Freeborn township, and here he makes his home and carries on general farming. He married Effie Shequen, who was born August 2, 1869, in Vermont, a daughter of James Shequen, of that state. To them have been born twelve children. Ten are living : Eigen L., Ruby, Marlet R., Cora M., Grant, Vestia, Hazel, Irvin, Kenneth and Marian. Two died in infancy Mrs. McColley 's grandparents are still living at Belton, Minn., at the extreme age of 92 and 103 years, respectively.

George McColley, one of the pioneers of Hartland, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, March 24, 1831. When a young man he went to Ohio with his parents and later to Portage City, Wis., where he made his home for many years and was married to Electa Morehouse, March 6, 1853. Three years after his marriage he and his wife left Portage City for Hartland. This trip was accomplished by means of a team of oxen, and after reaching Hartland they camped in their wagon for two months, after which he erected a rough slab cabin, in which they made their home for many years. When the call for men to fight for the Union came Mr. McColley enlisted in Company E, First Minne¬ sota Volunteer Infantry, and served his country through the war, after which he received an honorable discharge. He died October 13, 1910, and his wife July 19, 1881.

Thomas W. Purdie, deceased, was one of the leading men in the township of Freeborn. He was born in Scotland, September 3, 1829, and came to the United States when five years old. He located in Freeborn township in June, 1857, took a claim in sec¬ tion 25, and engaged in farming. As he was a man of culture and education, he at various times was asked to conduct religious services, and he delivered many good sermons. He married Tillie L. Crandall, a daughter of Rev. P. S. Crandall, of New York, and this marriage was blessed with four children: Tillie J., now Mrs. Wilbur J. Althouse ; Margaret E., the wife of Rev. John Buttelman ; Marion S., married to A. M. Borland, and David R. Mr. Purdie owned a farm of 160 acres, which he cultivated and improved, thereby increasing its value. Mrs. Purdue gives the information that he was one of the first county commissioners and the first town clerk that Freeborn township ever elected. He was elected to the state legislature in 1859 and also in 1877, and was prominent in the political affairs in the county. He entered into rest June 21, 1908, at the age of four score years, and Mrs. Purdie still makes her home on the farm. Mrs. Purdie received her early schooling in New London, Conn., and attended the Shilough Academy of New Jersey. Later she completed her edu¬ cation at the Albion Academy in Wisconsin and married Thomas Purdie December 18, 1859.

Rev. P. S. Crandall was a native of the Empire State, born in Alleghany county. He married Louisa J . Smith, of Cohocton, N. Y., and they were the parents of the following: Tillie L., Etta L., Charles A., Susan J. and Fred 0. For several years Mr. Crandall preached in various localities in New York. He also was a pastor of churches in Rhode Island and Connecticut and in New Jersey. In the fall of 1857 he came west and located in Dodge county, Minnesota, where lie remained for a year, after which he moved his family to Freeborn township. As he was a missionary, he was obliged to preach in many places, and made the journey to these points on horseback.

Mark A. Freeman, a retired farmer of Freeman township, was born in England, February 6, 1834, son of John and Betsy Free¬ man, early pioneers. In 1854 the subject of this sketch came to America with his brother, William, and they settled in Illinois, where they made their home for two years, after which they came to Minnesota and pre-empted land in Freeman township, this county This 160 acres of land was in timber and prairie, the timber being owned by Mark and the prairie land being the pos¬ session of his brother William. Some time later each exchanged one-half of their property to the other, so that they each had both timber and prairie land and a total of 160 acres each. Mr. Freeman returned to Illinois after a few years, where for some years he remained and then he again came to Minnesota, settling on his farm in Freeman township. He then set about clearing and improving the land and erected a comfortable house and outbuildings, and later added to his farm another eighty acres. He planted the fine grove which surrounds his home and his apple orchards are among the finest in the county. The row of black walnut trees which adorn his farm was planted by Mr. Freeman and as the years have come and gone many improve¬ ments have been made by him, and he now lives a retired life, surrounded by many comforts which his life of unceasing toil and industry have made possible. On December 25, 1864, Mr. Free¬ man was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mary J. Seavy, and of the children born to this marriage three are now living: Chloe, a nurse at the City and County Hospital in Albert Lea ; W. G., of Freeman township, with whom the subject of this sketch makes his home, and Inez, who resides in Illinois. Mr. Freeman in politics favors the Republican party, and he has held the office of road overseer for the past fifteen years.

John F. Hansen, senior partner of Tapager & Hansen, con¬ tractors, was born in Denmark on October 11, 1876, the son of Rasmus R. and Margaret. The father was a blacksmith in Den¬ mark and died there in 1882. The subject of this sketch attended the schools in his native land and spent two years in school in the United States. When he left school he started to learn the cigar trade and tailoring, but never completed them. Instead he learned the carpenter trade. Coming to America in 1886, he located at Albert Lea, where he worked at carpentry until 1897. At this time Mr. Hansen established a contracting business and one year later took into partnership C. M. Tapager. They have carried on a flourishing business ever since, and have handled a number of big contracts, among their more recent work being the American Gas Machine Company and the Danish Brotherhood buildings at Albert Lea. In the year 1902, Mary C. Nelson be¬ came the wife of Mr. Hansen. She is the daughter of Christ Nelson, of Albert Lea. To them have been born three children: Iva, Raymond and Violet. In his political life Mr. Hansen is a Republican, and in church life a Baptist. He is a loyal member of the M. W. A. and has served as alderman from the Third Ward for four years.

Henry H. Emmons has taken an active part in the agricultural development of Freeborn county, devoting his life to stock deal¬ ing and farm pursuits, but finding the time also to serve his com¬ munity, town and county in several honorable capacities. He is one of those men who have achieved success in life, and his prosperity is due to hard work and a keen observation of local conditions. Although a stock fancier, he has not cared to be¬ come an extensive breeder, but keeps in close touch with the markets, buying stock when the prices are most reasonable, fat¬ tening it, and shipping it to the most desirable centers at such times as the most favorable quotations prevail. As a farmer he is of the most modern type, and has spent many thousands of dol¬ lars in tilling and improving his 620 acres in Nunda township. While realizing the many advantages to be secured by diversified farming, be nevertheless is a great believer in corn as a staple crop for this locality, and plants many acres of this product ea^h year. Hard as Mr. Emmons works, however, it must not be sup¬ posed that he devotes all of his time to his own personal interests. He is a leader in every progressive movement, and has done ex¬ cellent service to his fellow citizens as town clerk of Nunda and as county commissioner of Freeborn county, as well as in minor offices. He is also an official, active member and liberal sup¬ porter of the Norwegian Lutheran church. The subject of this sketch was born in Nunda township, this county, February 21, 1867, son of Henry G. and Christina (Larson) Emmons. He was reared to manhood in his native township, attended the neighbor¬ hood schools, and received his commercial training in a business college at Decorah, Iowa. In 1890 he married Isabell Helland, daughter of Jacob Helland, an early pioneer of Mansfield town¬ ship. This union has been blessed with five children, as follows : Harry, Carrena, Lawrence, Raymond and Esker. Harry, the oldest, attended the public schools, graduated from the Southern Minnesota Normal College at Austin, Minn., and is now a student at the St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.

Orville F. Peck, one of the esteemed residents of Alden town¬ ship, was born in Jefferson county, New York, January 10, 1834, son of Joseph and Sally (Francis) Peck. In 1855 he came to Winrv /* o nebago, Wis., where he remained for three years, after which he came to Minnesota and spent a few months in Berlin. He then returned to Winnebago and entered high school. When he had completed his education, Mr. Peck returned to Minnesota and located in Manchester township, where he engaged in farming until the call came for men to defend the Union. He then enlisted in Company F, 4th Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. After serving his country for about a year and a half, he was discharged on account of illness and returned to his home in Man¬ chester. In 1866 he moved to Alden township, secured a farm, and for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now owns a fine, well kept farm in section 9 and is one of the pro¬ gressive farmers in the township. Mr. Peck married Elizabeth

F. Colby, a daughter of the famous pioneer family of that name. They have one child, Frances. Mr. Peck has served in various of¬ fices in this and Faribault county, having been town chairman, town treasurer and justice of the peace. He is a member of the

G. A. R. and has been quartermaster in the Alden post for the past 25 years. Acting with good judgment and impartiality in all matters, it can be truly said that Mr. Peck is highly respected by his fellow men.

H. L. Schmidt, one of the leading citizens of Alden township, is now town chairman and has held this office for two successive terms. He has also served as justice of the peace for two years and has for a long time been an active member of the school board. As secretary of the Walters Creamery he has given gen¬ eral satisfaction and has been elected to this office for the past ten years. He was born in Germany September 22, 1854, son of Christian and Louisa (Stubble) Schmidt, and received his educa¬ tion in the schools of his native land. He left his old home and sailed for America in 1879, and landed in this country June 6. He then came directly west, first locating in Owatonna, where he remained for three months, after which he moved to Alden township and located on the Dodd farm. For three years he made his home on this farm and then moved to another farm in section 16. In 1885 he purchased the farm on which he resides at the present time. Mr. Schmidt was married to Maleda Mathwig in 1879. a native of Germany, and they are the parents of the following: Ida, the wife of Lars Olson; Emma Elfrida, now Mrs. Harold Dunbar; Herman, Laura and Melvin. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and Mr. Schmidt has the honor of having been a trustee in this church for the past twenty -five years.

Heman Blackmer, for nearly twenty-four years judge of pro¬ bate for Freeborn county, was born in Amhurst, Loraine county, Ohio, January 3, 1850, son of Franklin and Minerva (Wilkins)

Blackmer. He came to Minnesota with his parents in 1857, and with them located near what is still called Blackmer 's Bridge, in Albert Lea. After attending the district schools, he went to Oberlin (Ohio) College, and stayed there six years as a studentteacher. Then he took a law course in Madison, Wis., which he completed in 1873. After a year spent in Osborne, Kan., he came to Albert Lea in 1874 and established a law practice in which he is still engaged. Fie is now a member of the city charter commission. Judge Blackmer is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and of the I. 0. 0. F. The subject of this sketch was married in 1873 to Ellen Webster, daughter of James and Mary Webster. To this union three daughters were born. Nevada is the wife of Austin Johnson, a draftsman for the United States Steel Com¬ pany, located at Two Harbors, Minn. Adelaide lives at home and assists her father in the office. Mae is the wife of Joseph 0. Ostbv, an electrician. Mrs. Ellen Webster Blackmer died in May, 1904. In 1905 Judge Blackmer married Ella Huyck, daughter of Anthony and Emily (Colby) Huyck, early settlers of Houston county, this state. The Blackmer residence is pleasantly located 'on the Lake Shore boulevard. At one time Mr. Blackmer was court commissioner, and he has also served as city justice.

Dr. W. A. Bessesen, a popular physician, was born on a farm in Freeborn county, five miles south of Albert Lea, son of John and Delia Bessesen. When W. A. was two years of age the family removed to Albert Lea, and that city has been the parental home ever since, John Bessesen being a leading jeweler. W. A. Bes¬ sesen received his early education in the Albert Lea graded schools, and graduated from the high school at an early age. En¬ tering the University of Minnesota directly upon the completion of the high school course, he finished a thorough educational course and graduated in 1902, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After leaving the university he did postgraduate work at Northwestern University, and here recerced his Master's degree. With this foundation for his professional course, he entered the Northwestern University Medical College, of Chicago, from which he graduated in 1905. For special research work in connection with his medical studies, he received the degree of Master of Science. A series of studies in eastern colleges and hospitals was pursued as a finishing course. After graduation Dr. Bessesen was hospital physician at St. John's Hospital, at Fargo, N. D., for a period of eight months, after which he accepted the position of hospital surgeon with the Mayo Brothers, in St. Mary's Hos¬ pital, at Rochester, Minn. In November, 1906, he removed to Albert Lea and took up the general practice of medicine and surgery. Dr. Bessesen received his license to practice from the state board of Illinois in 1905, from North Dakota state board in

January, 1 900, and from the Minnesota state board in June of the same year. In July, 1905, he presented a valuable thesis on -'The Development of the Chest," at the national convention of the American Medical Association, held at Portland, Ore. For the past two years Dr. Bessesen has faithfully served as chair¬ man of the t-ity board of health. He is a member of the Free¬ born County Medical, the Minnesota State Medical, and the American Medical Associations. He holds the position of local surgeon for the M. & St. L. railroad. In politics he is a progres¬ sive Republican. He is a member of the Commercial Club of Albert Lea. and is affiliated with the Trinity Evangelical church, where he has been superintendent of the Sunday school for four years.

Howard H. Dunn, the distinguished speaker of the Minne¬ sota house of representatives, has taken his share in the history of the state as well as in the life of the county. He is a clear and forceful reasoner, a strong power at the bar, and a skilled parliamentarian, as well as a man of high character and just principles. Mr. Dunn was born in this state October 29, 1867, being a native of Jackson county. In that county he received his common school education, and there he spent his early man¬ hood on a farm. Later he entered the law offices of T. J. Knox, in Jackson, Minn., in 1887, being admitted to practice before the bar in 1890. As a young lawyer he opened an office in Jackson, but two years later went to Fairmont, in this state, where he prac¬ ticed six years. Then he came to Albert Lea and established a law practice. In 1905 he formed a partnership with Judge John A. Lovely. After the death of Judge Lovely he formed a partnership with H. C. Carlson, and with him still continues in practice. Mr. Dunn has never sought political life, but his public career has been an active and successful one. He served as city attorney of Fairmont for two years and in 1896 was induced by Lis friends to become a candidate for the senate from the district including "Martin and Watonwan counties. To this office he was elected and served with credit in the senate of 1897. After com¬ ing to Albert Lea he was made mayor, and his term gave such general satisfaction that he was re-elected at the following elec¬ tion without opposition. In 1910 he became a candidate for the position of representative from Freeborn county in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature, and being elected by a large majority, duly took his seat in the session of 1911, being at once chosen to the chair of that body. Mr. Dunn has taken an active interest in business life and is now vice-president of the Freeborn County State Bank, of Albert Lea. Fraternally he is both promi¬ nent and popular, being a member of Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M. ; Albert Lea Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M., and

Me. And Mes. S. L. Davidson

Apollo Commandery, No. 12, K. T. ; Osman Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., of St. Paul, and Albert Lea Lodge, No. 813, B. P. 0. E. The portrait of Mr. Dunn which appears in this history was made by a photographer who took Speaker Dunn unawares while he was sitting in the speaker's room at the capitol at St. Paul, ex¬ amining a bill which had just been received for introduction from a member of the house. James AY, Dunn and Elizabeth M. Dunn, his wife, parents of Howard H. Dunn, were born in Maine and Virginia, respectively. James W. Dunn went to Virginia in the early days and Avas there married. At the close of the Civil War they came to Minnesota and took up their residence in Jackson county. There James W. farmed and taught school until his death in 1890. Elizabeth M. Dunn, nee Seeley, died four years later. They had five children : Helen A., Marshall B., Arthur W., Sherman J. and Howard H. It is worthy of note that though James W. Dunn lived in Virginia, he was a strong Abolitionist, and was one of the first members of the Republican party Avhen that body was in its infancy.