Goodhue County, Minnesota - Lives of Leading Men, 1909 (part 7 of 13)

John Martens, Belvidere township, was horn in Hanover, Germany. July 23, 1846, son of Deitrick and Alargaret (Hatrig) Martens, natives of Germany. The father died in August, 1846, and the mother passed away in Belvidere. John received his education in the public schools of Germany, after which he learned the trade of brick and stone mason, which he followed until 1865. He then went to England, where he was employed in a sugar factory, remaining nine months. In 1866 he emigrated to America, coming to New York, where he stayed for a short time, working in a sugar factory, then came west to Alinnesota, settling in Belvidere township, where he purchased 160 acres of wild land in section 14, which he cleared and improved, later purchasing an additional 160 acres in section 22. Here he built a home, barn and other outbuildings and now carries on general farming. He also has 160 acres in section 26 and 160 acres in

Gilford township. Wabasha county, all of which is under cultivation. He raises Percheron horses and fine stock, including fullblood and short-horn Durham cattle. In November, 1871, Mr. Martens was married to Anna C. Schmidt, daughter of Hans and .Mary (Fitch) Schmidt, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1865 and located in Belvidere township, where they purchased land and carried on general farming until the death of the father in 1893. The mother is still living at Red Wing. Mr. and Mrs. Martens have had thirteen children : Mary, married to Dick Burfiend, now of Washington; John, a granite worker at Lake City; Margaret, married to Henry Reinke, of Belvidere; Katie, married to Adolph Amundson, of Belvidere; Johanna, married to Henry Siewert, of Gilford, Wabasha county; Edward S., now of Montana; Henry, who lives near Goodhue; Frank, Emma, Bernard, Charles. AV. and Lawrence, who are at home, and Dick, who died in infancy. In his political views Mr. Martens is a Republican. He has been director of school district 33 for seven years and is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Goodhue, in which township he also owns other property. He and his family art1 members of the German Lutheran church, of which he has been a trustee for thirteen years.

Anton Schafer, Belvidere township, was born in Hay Creek township January 27, 1868, son of John and Gertrude (Stromberg) Schafer, natives of Germany, who came to America July 26, 1866, and settled in Hay Creek, where they rented eighty acres of land and carried on farming for a period of five years. In 1871 they purchased 160 acres in Belvidere township. A part of this land was improved and had a log house on it. The father continued to improve the place, built a home, barn and other necessary buildings, and added more land from time to time, until he owned at the time of his death 600 acres, of which 160 acres are in Wabasha county. He retired from active life in 1895 and died November 11, 1905. The mother is still living on the homestead, at the age of seventy-six years. Anton Schafer re- 1 ceived his education in the public schools of Hay Creek and worked on the farm at home until 1896, when he came into possession of 240 acres of improved land, and has since carried on general farming and stock raising. February 2, 1898, he was married to Margaret Meyer, daughter of John and Katie (Burfiend) Meyer, the father a native of Germany and the mother of America. The father came to America August 6, 1868, and was employed at farm work in Belvidere township six years. In 1874 he purchased 160 acres in the same township and carried on a diversified line of farming. He is now retired and lives in Lake City. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer have two children : Arthur J., born September 12. 19(H), and Vincent A., born September 14,

1905. Mr. Schafer is a Republican in his polities and has served four years as town supervisor, has been chairman for the past three years, and clerk of school district 23 for fourteen years. He is a director in the Hay Creek Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The family attend the German Lutheran church.

Howard M. Scovell, president of the First National Bank of Goodhue, is a native of Minnesota, born at St. Charles. Winona county, April 22, 1861, son of Harris and Sarah (Owens) Scovell. natives of New York state. The father conducted a foundry and milling enterprise and was also interested in various other business affairs. He sold out and came west in 1856, locating at St. Charles, this state, where he was proprietor of a hotel five years, He then sold out and located a1 Waseca county. Minnesota, where he was also proprietor of a hoi el and general store. His hotel was destroyed by fire, so, selling his general store, he removed to Murray county, this state, where he procured a number of acres of land. This he broke and cultivated, following a diversified line of farming until his death, in 1895. Everything was then sold and Mrs. Scovell took np her home with her son, while she died in 1899. Howard M. received his education in the public school, after which he took up farming with his father until twenty-one years of age. lie then became operator and station agent for the Omaha & Northwestern railroad, which work lie followed until 1883, when failing health compelled him to resign. Returning to his farm, he remained there two and one-half years, after which he resumed his work as railroad station agent, holding this position two years. In 1897 he entered the banking business as cashier for Dunlap Brothers' hank, at Leadyard, Iowa, which changed hands and became known as the First City bank. In July, 1900, Mr. Scovell was elected vicepresident of the City Bank at Goodhue. F. W. Spencer was president and C. A. Arpke was cashier. At the reorganization in 1905 Mr. Scovell was elected president, which position he now Jiolds. Mr. Scovell was married October 26, 1889, to Matilda J. Bunnworth, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Monahan) Buhnworth, of Elmore. Her father, a native of New York, was as veteran of the Civil War. He served in Company D, New York Light Artillery, and was badly wounded. After his discharge he came west and carried on general farming until his death. His wife is still living at Elmore, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Scovell have five children: Marion, born in July, 1891; Myrtle, born in July, 1894; Frances, born in March, 1896; Esther, born in November, 1902; Archer B., born in November, 1906. Marion in 1909 graduated from the Red Wing high school, Myrtle graduated from the public school in Goodhue in 1909, and Frances in 1908, while Esther and Archer are at home. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Goodhue. Fraternally .Mr Scovell is a member of .Mason lodge, of Elmore, and also of the Woodmen, of which he is treasurer. Politically he is a Republiciin and lias served five terms as mayor of the village. He has been treasurer of the school district since 1901. The Goodhue Telephone Company, in Goodhue, was organized by him and he was manager for a Dumber of years, until he sold out to Parkins Ov; Meyers, who now have 500 subscribers. Mr. Scovell occupies an important position both in business and social life, and he and his family are highly regarded throughout the community. It is to the men of his stamp that the county owes its financial and business stability.

John O'Reilly has been a conspicuous figure in the life of Goodhue township for many years. He has served as town supervisor three different times, and has occupied a position on the school board for the past twenty years, being at the present time treasurer of district 37. At the organization of the Goodhue Farmers' Elevator in 1906 he was appointed manager and held that position for about a year. The Catholic Temperance Society will long remember him as one of its charter members, he being one of the six still living who wTere present at the organization in 1872. The others are : George and David Franklin, John Connell, Edward and George Rowrles. In the Catholic Foresters, of which Mr. O'Reilly has long been a member, he is at the present time treasurer. The subject of this sketch first saw the light of day in "Wisconsin, November 22, 1857, and came to this county with his parents in 1864, receiving his education in the public schools of Belle Creek township. He farmed with hiss father until 18S2. when he purchased eighty acres, to which he later added eighty more. He now carries on general farming, raising the usual crops and breeding horses, sheep and cattle. He was married February 15, 1882, to Bridget Keane, daughter of John and Margaret (O'Connors) Keane, natives of Ireland, wTho came to America in 1849 and located in New Haven township, Olmsted county, where they farmed 480 acres. The father is now deceased, but the mother still lives on the old homestead, making her home with her son. She is still in comparatively good health at the venerable old age of ninety years. Five children have blessed the O'Reilly home. Dennis W., the only one living, wras born August 4, 1888, and took a four years' course in St. Thomas College, after which he returned to the home farm, where he now lives. John and James, who were twins, are dead, as are two others who did not survive early infancy. James and Hanora (Benton) O'Reilly, parents of John O'Reilly, came from Ireland in 1851, and located in Troy, N. Y., where the father worked as a farm laborer three years. Then he moved to Wisconsin and worked on farms until 1864. when he brought his family to Belle (reck and purchased 183 acres of prairie land, on which he carried on general farming. Later he bought eighty acres more which he also operated until his death, in 1892. His wife passed away in June. 1880.

Conrad Meyer, formerly an active farmer of Goodhue township, has now rented his large farm and is enjoying a life of comparative rest, after many years of hard work. He has served as town supervisor and road overseer and in many other ways has assisted in the general prosperity of the township. Mr. .Meyer was born in Germany April 3, 1850, and after receiving his schooling in his native country took up farming and carpenter work-. In 1866 he came to America, and followed his trade three years as a carpenter in Milwaukee, subsequently working on farms in Goodhue until 1873, when he purchased eighty acres of his own. To this he soon added ltil) acres more. and on the homestead of 240 acres carried on farming until 1901, when he retired. Since that date he has rented his farm to others. Politically he has always been a Republican, and religiously he is a member of the German Lutheran church, of which he has been trustee nine years. .Mr. Meyer was married in duly, 1875, to Maggie Tipke, of Goodhue, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Behrens) Tipke. natives of Germany, who, after migrating to America in 1868, Located in this township and purchased first eighty acres and then 160 acres, where they carried on farming many years. The mother died March 4. 1900. but the father is still living, having reached the advanced old age of jhiy years. Henry Meyer and Dorry (Dickman) Meyer, parents of Conrad Meyer, came to America in IS 60 and located in Iowa, later going to Illinois, in which state the father died in 1870, the mother having passed away in Germany in 1861. Aside from Conrad, they have three children living. William is a real estate dealer in Iowa, and the sisters are Lena and Annie.

Thomas Maley, of Goodhue, is the inventor of Maley's Quack Grass machine, a device for ridding farmers of one of their greatest grass pests. A working model which was on exhibition at the Minnesota state fair lasl year met with high approbation and has proven of great practical value. It is patented in the United States and Canada and is sure to result in an important industry. The inventor of this machine was born in Great Barrington, .Mass.. September 1. 1856, and came west with his parents as an infant, receiving his educational training in the public and high schools of Zumbrota. In early life he sold implements for L. D. Woodbury, and later dealt in pianos and organs. subsequently teaching school. As an educator he was particularly successful, and among those who passed under his tuition were such men as Edgar Biglow, representative from Goodhue county, and Charles Taylor, mayor of Rlankato. After teaching school for several years, .Mr. Rlaley entered the employ of the La Grange mills. ;ii Red Wing. He then returned to the farm, remaining two years, and Later worked for the St. Anthony ami Dakota elevator, buying grain. In August, 1888, he moved his family to South Dakota, ami lived there until the following year, in the meantime spending a short time in Zumbrota, attending to the sad duties of burying his wife. He came to Goodhue in ISM), engaged with the T. B. Sheldon Company, of Bed Wing, erected an elevator and purchased grain for that company until 1902. when he built a Large elevator, since which date he has been local manager for the Red Wing .Malting Company. In polities Mr. Ma ley is a Republican, and has served as supervisor, road master and school clerk. While in North Dakota he was chief of the tire department. In times past he has been an officer of the Modern Woodmen and the United Workmen, in both of which he still maintins his membership. Mr. Maley was married in 1878 to Kate Woodbury, of Zumbrota. daughter of Lorenzo and Katherine (Glidden) Woodbury, natives of Vermont, who came to this state in 1865 and located in Wabasha county, where they carried on general farming near Mazeppa. To Mr. and Mrs. Maley five children have been born. Levi William, a graduate of the State University, is in the electrical and telephone business in Fargo. X. D. Elsie died in South Dakota. Bertha and Harold, twins, graduated from the Zumbrota high school and are both located in that village. Eva Elizabeth, also a graduate of that school, is a clerk for F. E. Mervin, of Zumbrota. The mother of these children died in April, 1889, and Mr. Maley was married in 1901 to Rose J. Eastman, by whom he has two children, Lysle and Oryall, both attending school in Zumbrota. Mrs. Maley 's father, Christopher Eastman, was a member of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the charge at Gettysburg. William and Elizabeth (Leonard) Maley, parents of Thomas H. Maley, were natives of Ireland. The father was a farmer and tanner by trade, and at the age of sixteen years located in Massachusetts, where he remained on a farm a short time and then took up the trade of tanner until 1857, when he moved to Minnesota. He was one of the first persons to take the trip from Chicago to Galena by rail, making the journey in the first regular train that was run over that line. Locating near Mazeppa, he took up 160 acres, which he cleared and broke, erecting a house of native lumber. He later added to his possessions until he owned a place of 243 acres, continuing until his death in 1876, after which his wife went to Aberdeen, Wash., where she lived until

October, 1906. There were two children older than Thomas, who are deceased. Mary .lane the younger sister, married Levi Woodbury, now a retired hardware merchant of Zumbrota. A younger brother, Leslie, is now living in Aberdeen. Wash.

J. H. Nibbe, an active farmer of Goodhue township, lias been prominently identified with the public life of the vicinity for many years. Il«' lias been township chairman eighl years, has served on the town hoard a similar period, lias been assessor six years and has served on the school board for many terms. In commercial life he is qo less distinguished, being one of the organizers of the Goodhue Co-operative store, of which he is a director and member of the executive hoard; and president of the Farmers' Warehouse Company, a position he has held for the past six years. Mr. Nibbe was horn m Germany, July 27, L853, and in thai country received his education, coming to this county in 1868, and engaging in farming with his father until 1876, when he purchased 160 acres in Goodhue township, where he now carries on general farming, owning 1-M acres in addition to his original purchase. His place is well equipped with all the hitest farming appliances, and in addition to raising the usual crops he owns fourteen head of horses, thirty-three head Of cattle and thirteen sheep, as well as a number of hogS. Air.

Nibbe was married in November, 1876, [to Lizzie Darhling, daughter of Charles and Anna Darhling, oatives of Germany, Mho Located in Nay ('reek township in 1856, taking up 160 acres of land and carrying on general farming until their death. The father died m 1891 and the mother in L906. Air. and Airs. Nibbe have been blessed with fifteen children, fourteen of whom are Living. They arc: John J., proprietor <>| a general store at Chippewa balls. Wis.; Carl Kivd. of Richland county. North Dakota: Mattie Louise, wife of I). 1. McHugh, manager of a grain elevator in North Dakota; John Henry, a lawyer, of Billings. Mont.; George E., who died in .May, 1907; Clara Ann, a clerk iii Goodhue village; and Lydia. Bertha C, Annie Margaret. Margarel Lena, Peter C. R., Clarence 0. lb. Florence Philippine, Raymond W.. Blanche AI. and Walter A., all at home. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran church. Jacob and Mattie (Stehn) Nibbe, parents of the subject of this sketch, came from Germany in ISCS and located in this township. Two years Liter they purchased eighty acres and to this added from time to time until they owned in all 480 acres, upon which the father carried on general farming until his retirement in 1877. He died in 1902 and his wife passed away December 24, 1878. In the family, aside from J. H., there were four brothers and one sister: Peter, Jacob, John, Herman and Mary, the latter of whom is now the wife of John Gardan.

John H. Albers is a native of Goodhue township, born Augusl 12. L875. He received his education in the common schools of his neighborhood, and fanned with his father for sonic years, also learning the carpenter's trade. Later he purchased a home al the same time doing considerable carpenter work in the village of Goodhue. He is a Republican in politics, but has never actively cnira^cd in political affairs. Mr. Albers was married February S 19<).">. to Mary lichens, daughter of .John and Anna (Tipke) Behens, farmers, of Zumbrota township. To Mr. and Mrs. Albers have been born three children: Edna, July 29, 1906; Wilmet, September 17. 1907, and Viola. February L3, 1908. Peter and Margaret (Fitchen) Albers. parents of John II.. came to America from Germany in May. 1873, and located in Goodhue township, where the father purchased a farm of forty acres in section 1(5, on which he carried on general farming, also doing carpenter work in the neighborhood. In 1902 he purchased 160 acres in sections 1, 2 and 11, iu Zumbrota township, where he is now engaged in farming. In the family were eight children, aside from John II., who was the oldest. They are, in the order of their birth: Peter, a farmer; Christ, deceased; Henry, deceased; Anna, wife of John Reese, a farmer, of Zumbrota; Mattie, of Zumbrota; Christ and Margaret, who are at home, and Catherine, deceased.

John N. Banitt, proprietor of a general store at Goodhue village, is a native of this township, born March 8, 1875, son of Hans and Rebecca (Diercks) Banitt. who emigrated to America in 1874 and purchase 100 acres of land in Goodhue township, where they carried on general farming about one year. They then disposed of the place and purchased 137 acres in Zumbrota township, where they lived until the father's death, in January, 1899. The old homestead has since been sold and the mother resides in Zumbrota township. Nine children were born to Hans and Rebecca Banitt. They are : Margaret, married to John Bercholtz, living in Goodhue township; Jacob, living in Zumbrota township ; Peter and Henry, also living in Zumbrota township ; Harry, wdio died December 14, 1907 ; Mary, wife of Henry Stechmann, living in Zumbrota township ; Gesche, wife of William Borghschatz, living in Zumbrota township; John, the subject of this sketch, and William, who clerks for his brother at Goodhue. John N. Banitt received his education in the public schools of Zumbrota township, and after leaving school clerked for O. Parker, at Goodhue, in a general store, for four years. After working the following year on a farm he entered the employ of O. N. Berg, of Zumbrota, clerking in a general store four years. October 29, 1900, he bought the stock of O. Parker, at Goodhue, and started in business in partnership with O. N. Berg and L.

J. Henning. This partnership continued two years, after which the firm became Berg & Banitt. Then F. E. Davis purchased the Berg interests. In May. 1907. Mr. Banitt became sole proprietor. Mr. Banitt was married September 28, 1898, to Lizzie A. Kopplin, daughter of Alex and Augusta Konig. natives of Germany, who came to this country many years ago. Here the father was employed as a farmer, a bookkeeper and a school teacher, but has now retired. The mother died at Bellingham. .Minn., in 1897. The Banitt home has been blessed with three children: Edna Cecelia, born July 2. 1900; Cecelia Rebecca, born March 5, 1903, and Walter .John, born January 2, 1907. The family worships at the German Lutheran church.

Hans H. Danielson. also known in the early days as Hans Henry and Henry Dani,elson, now deceased, was one of the pioneer settlers of Goodhue township. He was born in Norway, December 18, 1832, and was brought to America by his parents as a boy of ten years. His education was received in the public schools of Albion. Wis., and in that town he also followed Harming, blacksmithing and carpenter work. In 1855, with the influx of Goodhue county immigration, lie set t led in Goodhue township and took- up a government claim of 160 acres, bringing the wild land to a high state of cultivation. Thirteen years later he sold his farm and purchased 160 acres in Uelvideiv township, where, as before, he carried on general farming and stock raising, also operating an ingenious engine and threshing machine which he built himself. He was supervisor and pathmaster of his township, and a director of school district 32 for many years. He also affiliated with the G. A. R. In his latter years Mr. Danielson Avas handicapped by the loss of a leg. that member having been wounded by a cannon ball and later amputated during the Civil War, in which terrible conflict he served as a member of Company (i. 7th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. After receiving his wound he was taken to the hospital at Evansville, Ind., and in 1865 was discharged with honor at the cessation of hostilities. Mr. Danielson was married August 17, 1856, to Elizabeth Anderson, who is still living on the old homestead. By this union twelve children were born: Caroline A. is Mrs. M. C. Morgan, of Zunibrota. Hiram B. is a farmer, of Lincoln county, this state. Augustus J. is a farmer, of Lincoln county, this state. Jennie M. is Mrs. H. C. Hanson, of Lincoln county, this state. Minnie C. is deceased. Danene S. is Mrs. X. A. Herrick, of Lincoln county. Wesley R. was killed by a train wreck. Oscar A. is an inventor of considerable note and lives in New York City. Irene E. is a missionary in Ecuador, South America. Ida P. is a missionary in Kansas City, Mo. Sarah E. is dead. Edna H. lives at home. Mr. Danielson died in 1909. sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends to whom he had endeared himself by his sterling qualities. Halvor Danielson and Anna [ngerbretson, his wife, parents of Hans II. Danielson, came to America from Norway in 1S42. and ended their days in Jefferson county, Wisconsin. Bjorn and Catherine Von Krogh) Anderson, parents of Mrs. Hans II. Danielson, came to America from Norway in 1836 and located in Dayton. 111., where the father worked at his trade as cooper until Locating in Dane county, Wisconsin. where he purchased 160 acres, which he cultivated until his death, in 1850. His wife died in 1881. Mrs Danielson now Lives on the old Danielson homestead in Belvidere township, and is well liked for her patient and pleasant disposition.

Fredrich Vollmers, a well known fanner, of Goodhue township, was born in Germany, January 1i>. 1S72. son of John P. and Anna (Bomback) Vollmers, natives of Germany. Alter the - hath of the father, in ISST. mother and son determined to seek their fortune in America, and accordingly set sail in INNS. I'pon reaching- Belvidere, Fredrich worked for a time on a farm, and then pursued a similar vocation in Zumbrota, after which, in 1901, he purchased 160 acres in the township of Goodhue, where he now lives and carries on general farming, also breeding horses and stock- with great success. His mother now makes her home in Featherstone township. Mr. Vollmers is a Republican in politics. He was married December 17, 1896, to Maggie Reese, by whom he has three children. William 1).. Arthur P. and Minnie, all living at home. Mrs. Vollmers is the daughter of Detrich and Engle (Hendricks) Reese, natives of Germany, who came to America some years ago and located m Goodhue township, where they purchased 160 acres of land and carried on general farming. Her father and mother are now both dead. Mr. Vollmers has two brothers and four sisters. Henry and John are proprietors of the Vollmers House, in Red Wing. Maggie M., who died in 1908, was the wife of Charles Dahling, of Hay Creek. Mattie is the wife of Christ Hinck, a Featherstone farmer ; Mary is the wif e of John Augustine, also a Featherstone farmer, and Annie is the wife of Ernest Wildt, a farmer living in Germany.

Dwight Gordyon Pierce, the genial postmaster and hustling newspaper editor of Goodhue village, is of AViseonsin birth, having first seen the light of day in Milwaukee. December 12, 1868, son of James M. and Harriet Maria (Carey) Pierce, natives of New York state. The father, -who was a farmer near Milwaukee, "Wis., came west in 1875 and located in Oskaloosa. Iowa, where he purchased 100 acres of land and engaged in general farming until 1880, when his wife died. He then entered the employ of the Iowa Central railroad, purchasing horses and supplies for construction work. After some years of this work he became purchasing agent for a railroad contractor of Salt Lake City, Utah. He now lives in retirement in Boise City, Idaho. Dwight C. received his education in Big Rapids, Mich., and attended the graded, the high and the business schools of that place. He then took up newspaper work, coming- to this county first in 1885. After taking charge of the Zumbrota "Independent'' two years he did similar work in St. Cloud, this state, and in 1896 established the Goodhue "Enterprise." This is a bright, newsy paper of 700 circulation, and its influence has ever bet n exerted in favor of everything That tends Inward the civic, moral and industrial betterment of the village and county. Mr. Pierce's popularity grew, and on January 1. 1900, his appointment as postmaster met with general approval. Mr. Pierce is a Republican in politics and has taken an active interesl in political affairs, having served as secretary for the Republican county committee on several occasions. Being a public spirited man, it is natural that his attention has Ween directed toward sanitary problems, making his services on the board of health most effieienl and discreet. As a member of Company D of the state militia he proved a faithful soldier, and his presence is always gladly welcomed in the .Masons, the Elks and the United Workmen. Mr. Pierce was married October 3, 1889, to Florence Cram, of Zumbrota, daughter of -lames and Lucinda (Dickinson) Cram, whose father was originally a contractor and builder, but who later took up the furniture and undertaking business, in which latter he has remained nearly forty years. .Mrs. Pierce is a woman of many accomplishments, and has been an able helpmeet of her husband in all his undertakings. The family faith is that of the Congregational church.

Herbert P. Sawyer, M. D., of Goodhue village, one of the well known physicians of Goodhne county, has built up a large practice, being in every respect an ideal village doctor, true to the ethics of his profession and faithful in his administration of the duties of his high calling. He has allied himself with the county and state medical societies, and as a member of the board of health has done most efficient service. Dr. Sawyer was born in Berlin. Steele county, this state. November 25, 1870, and received his education in the public schools of that place, also attending the high school at Owatonna. He was graduated from the medical department of the University of Minnesota in 1895, and at once opened an office in Goodhue village, where he has since remained. Philo and Catherine (Bettschue) Sawyer, parents of Dr. Sawyer, were married in Minnesota, the mother being a native of Illinois and the father of Hyde Park, Vt. In 1856 the father located in Berlin. Minn., and pre-empted 160 acres,

Oscar F. Nelson, a rising young business man of Goodhue, was horn April 1!). 1877, son of Peter Nelson, who came to America from Sweden in L876, locatingin Vasa, Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he worked at the carpenter trade for about three years. He then bought 160 acres iu Goodhue township and followed general farming up to the time of his death, March, 1895. The mother died in November, 1906, a1 St. Paul, They had four sons: X. John, engaged in the banking business at Eas1 Grand Forks, N. D.; E. Allied. Editor of the I hillock Minn.) "Weekly"; Frank J., a partner of Alfred in the newspaper, and Oscar P. One sister died in infancy. Oscar P. received his educal ion in the schools of his neighborhood. Shortly after leaving- school he entered the secret service of Pinkerton at St. Paul for two years. 1897 and 1898. He then purchased the old homestead and took up farming for eight years, after which he sold the farm, January 1. 1907, and with a partner, C. R. Johnson, entered the hardware business in Goodhue village, carrying a full supply of goods usually handled in such a store, including farm machinery and carriages. This establishment has been very successful in every way. Mr. Nelson was married June 27, 1901, to Lorena G. Johnson, daughter of C. R. and Emma (Sundell) Johnson,, the former a native of Delaware and the latter of Buffalo, N. Y. Mr. Johnson came west, and still farms in Goodhue township. Airs. Johnson died March 17, 1907. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson there have been born two children : Bernice L., born December 7, 1902, and Vernon Sidney, born June 18, 1907. Fraternally Mr. Nelson associates with the Knights of Pythias, several Masonic chapters, including the Knights Templar, the Modern Woodmen and the Yeomen, in the latter of which he serves as foreman. Politically he is a Republican and has served as a member of the town board two years and as clerk of the school board three years. He has also been village recorder. In all of these public capacities he has given much satisfaction, and in private life he enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends.

Christian R. Johnson, hardware merchant, of Goodhue village, was born December 19, 1842, in Denmark, where he lived until 1857, when he came to this country with his parents. He attended the American schools a short while after his arrival here, and worked with his father for a time, after which he purchased 220 acres of land in Goodhue township, where he carried on general farming until January 1, 1907, when he engaged in the hardware business in company with O. F. Nelson, in the village of Goodhue. This partnership still continues, and the establishment is one of the leading stores in the village. Aside from the usual lines of hardware, the company carries farming machinery and wagons, and enjoys a large trade. Mr. Johnson is a Republican in politics and has served as justice of the peace and as clerk of school district 105. He is a member of the E. A. Welch Post, 6. A. R., having enlisted in the Civil War shortly toward the close as a private in the 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery under Captain Carney. By Emma Sundell, of Chicago, whom he married in 1870, he had ten children. The oldest and the youngest died in infancy. The others are: Albert, Lorena, Maynard, Georginna, Bernard Lewis. Winnie Ida. Clarence Garfield, Lulu Maude. Myron Herbert and Sidney Percy. The mother of these children died in 1895, and Mr. Johnson was married March 19, 1902. to Amanda Emmaline Swanson, by whom he has four children: La>verna .Mae. Dorothy Anne, Raymond and Ilarland. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. Carl and Elizabeth Sundell. parents of Mrs. Emma .Johnson, came to America in the early fifties and lived both in New York state and Pennsylvania before coming to Red Wing. The father worked at his trade as a shoemaker until 1862, when he enlisted in the Civil War. He served about twenty-seven months, and met his death by falling from a wagon while still in the service. His death left his widow to provide for four children. Later she married (). P. Hougher. The parents of Mrs. Amanda -Johnson located in this country, where her father, who had previously been a miller, became a stone mason, and followed that occupation until his death, in 1908, at the age of eighty years. His wife is also dead. John Larson and Catherine Hanson, parents of Christian R. Johnson, were married in Denmark and came to ibis country in -July. 1857. After living in Red Wine- two years, they pre-empted 160 acres in Goodhue township,. which the father broke and improved, and with the assistance of his sons. Lewis and Christian, farmed until 1884, when he died, his wife having died in 1883. Peter, the other brother in the family, was drowned in the Mississippi river while on a canoe trip, in 1858.

Jacob Hadler, a retired farmer of Goodhue township, was born in Germany September 10, 1836, and came to America in 1865, locating for a short time in Red Wing, and then working six months in Hay Creek and Featherstone. He next rented a farm of 240 acres in Belvidere township, and in company with a partner cultivated sixty-five acres. During the first year the two partners lived in a log cabin, and raised grain and corn. He remained on this farm three years in all, and in 1869 came to Goodhue township and purchased eighty acres of land for general farming purposes. To this farm in 1878 he added eighty acres more, and carried on general farming and stock raising until 1907, when on account of failing health tie found it advisable to turn the management of the place over to his sons, John J. and Herman II., who have continued with success the work which their father so faithfully performed for so many years. Mr. Hadler is a Republican in polities, as are also his sons. He was married May 21, 1868, to Catherina Krimson, by whom he has seven children : Margaret, born in 1870; Peter, born in 1871; Catherina, born in 1872; Jacob, born in 1874, and another Peter, born in 187H, are all dead, while John J. and Herman H., who conduct the home farm, were born in 1878 and 1880, respectively. The family faith of the Hadlers is that of the German Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Jurgen Krimson, parents of Mrs. Hadler, both died in Germany, in which country they spent their entire lives.

Gustaf R. Ericson, of Goodhue village, was born in Sweden. April 29, 1855, son of Eric and Dorothea (Rehberg) Ericson, the former of whom was a shoemaker and farmer until his death in

1872. The mother died in 1901. The family consisted of two sons and three daughters, the latter of whom are: Hildur, who is married and lives in Chicago; Ella, wife of Gustaf Wall, a carpenter at Hayfield, Minn. ; and Anna, married to C. Carlson, a farmer living in Sweden. Gustaf acquired his education in the public schools of Sweden and the Red Wing Seminary, after which he worked for three years farming. He then rented eighty acres of lanci in Goodhue township, where he carries on general farming and dairying, owning twenty-six head of cattle and shipping his cream to Zumbrota and St. Paul. Mr. Ericson was married April 20, 1889, to Ellen Maria daughter of Andrew and Sophia (Johnson) Newman, who came from Sweden to America in 1869, locating at Goodhue, where they purchased eighty acres, on which they followed common agriculture until they retired, in 1890. Mr. Newman died in 1891 and his wTife February 17,

1873. Mrs. Ericson has one sister, Justine, married to Ludwig Schultz, a truck farmer, living at Excelsior; also one brother, Arad, who died May 3, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Ericson are parents of six children: Dwight S. E., born July 5, 1890; Myrtle, born May 2, 1892; Palmer E. N., born September 24, 1893; Mamie F. A., born March 5,' 1898 ; Vincent R. T., born June 2, 1903, and Joyce V. R., born July 11, 1905. Dwight attended the agricultural department of St. Anthony's school, at Minneapolis, and is now taking a course in bookkeeping at the Red Wing Seminary. Myrtle is attending the Red Wing high school and will graduate in 1910. The others are all at home. Mr. Ericson is an independent voter and has served as clerk of the school board.

Henry Luhman, of Goodhue township, was horn in Hay Creek January 6, 1874, son of John and Mattie (Olkers) Luhman, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1872, locating at Hay Creek, where the father worked on a farm for three years. In the spring of 1875 they came to Goodhue, purchased a half section of land and carried on general farming. The father died in 1903 and the mother is still living with her son in Goodhue. Henry received his education in the public and German schools of Goodhue. He remained on the farm with his father and also worked on a thresher for several years. In 1900 he rented eighty acres and in 1905 purchased 120 acres and in addition to this owns forty acres of his father's farm. On this land Mr. Luhman conducts general farming and dairying, disposing of his cream to the Goodhue Creamery. Mr. Luhman was married January 10, 1901, to Mary, daughter of Chris and Katie (Holtz) Vieths, who came from Germany to Goodhue township, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Luhman have two children : Ernest A. J., born February 11, 1902, and Alfred II. C, born August 25, 1903. Thy both attend school. Mr. Luhman is a Republican and a member of the German Lutheran church. He is a prosperous young man and merits the success he has thus far won.

John H. Quast, of Goodhue village, was born in Germany December 14, 1868, son of John J. and Marguerite (Behr) Quast, the former of whom followed farming until his death, in 1908. The mother died in 1883. John attended the public schools in Germany, and farmed until 1886, when he came to America and located in Goodhue township. Here he secured work on farms summers and attended the public schools winters, finally finishing with a course at Beeman's Business College, at Red "Wing. In 1891 he entered the employ of Gromlahl Brothers as salesman at Red AYing. where he remained about six years. He then came to Goodhue, February 20, 1897, and purchased the general merchandise store of K. L. Anderson. He was also appointed assistant post mast er. Soon his growing business required larger quarters, so in 1905 he built the Quast block, one of the finest in the village. On July 1, 1905, he removed his stock to the new building and now carries a full line of dry goods, hats, caps, shoes, rubbers, wall paper, crockery and groceries ; in fact, everything required in a general village store. Mr. Quast was married April 5, 1891, to Mary Augustine, daughter of Peter and Cathrina (Luhman) Augustine. This union resulted in four children : John P., born July, 1892, who attends the Red AYing Seminary, taking a business course; Jacob H., born 1894; Julius E., born 1896, and Aliva E., born 1898. The last three named attend the public schools of Goodhue. The mother of these children died in January, 1903. Mr. Quast is a Republican in politics and has been clerk of the school board and village trustee, as well as mayor. At .one time he was a private in Company G, at Red Wing. Taking, as he does, an active interest in the business development of Goodhue, he is an enthusiastic member of the Commercial Club, which for two years he served as president. The family worships at the German Lutheran church.

John Schafer, of Goodhue township, was born in Germany September 11, I860, son of John and Gertrude (Stromberg) Schafer, who were also natives of Germany. John received his education in the public schools of Hay Creek and Belvidere, and worked on the farm with his father until June 16, 1887, when he rented 160 acres of his father and in 1890 purchased 160 acres of improved land in Belvidere township. Twelve years later he purchased another 160 acres of land in Goodhue township, and has built a home, barn and other outbuildings, including a large, modern granary, which he erected in 1909. He now carries on extensive farming, has all his land under cultivation and raises fine horses and stock. Mr. Schafer was married June 1, 1887, to Annie M. Fitschen, daughter of Cord and Margaret (Prigge) Fitschen, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1865 and located in Hay Creek township, where they purchased eighty acres of land and carried on general farming, gradually adding to their farm, until they had in all over 100 acres. They have now retired from active life, sold their farm and reside in "Wabasha county. To Mr. and Mrs. Schafer have been born three children : "Wesley H., born September 28, 1888 ; Albert J., born September 26, 1890, and Louis C. A., born January 12, 1895. Mr. Schafer is a Republican in his political views, has been town supervisor for some years past, and treasurer for five years; also clerk and treasurer of school district 32 for a number of terms. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Goodhue.

George S. Tether, of Goodhue village, a native of New York state, was born July 7, 1861, son of Francis and Malvina (Cabot) Tether. The father was born May 17, 1831, in Lincolnshire, England, and came to America in 1855, locating in New York state, where he farmed for six years. In 1862 he came to Goodhue township and purchased 130 acres of land, carrying on a general line of farming and stock raising. He retired in 1887 and purchased a home in Red AVing, where he lived until his death, November 12, 1891. The mother lives with her son in Goodhue township. Her parents were John and Lucy (Farmer) Cabot, natives of New York state. John Cabot was a farmer, a mechanic and a carpenter, first coming to Faribault in 1856 and then to Goodhue, where he remained until his death in 1879. Mrs. Cabot died in her native state in 18-48. There were eight children: Harriet (deceased) wife of Edson Rice; Albert (deceased); Mary (deceased), wife of Tyler Gorton; Luther (deceased) ; Lydia, married to Herman Fisher; Malvina, married to Francis Tether ; Louisa, wife of Thomas Branch, and Betsy (deceased), wife of Guarts Gorton. Chester Tether, brother of George S. Tether, was born in Goodhue township and received his earlier education in the Goodhue public schools and the Red Wing high school and Hamlin University. He graduated from the chemistry course of the Chicago Medical College in 1897 and now teaches pedigogical methods of advanced science in the Oswego (N. Y.) state normal school. George S. Tether acquired his education in the public school and took up farming with his father. He has managed the farm since 1SS7. and carries on general farming, doing considerable dairying and also breeding horses. Mr. Tether was married November 1, 1882, to Mary Jane, daughter of Richard and Margaret ' McDonald) Stogdill, both natives of Canada. Mr. Stogdill and family came to Red Wing in 1865 and then went to Wisconsin, where he purchased 100 acres of land on which he farmed. In the family were seven children : Mary Jane. Samuel Edward. Edmond Alfred. Lucinda (deceased), Francis Robert. Richard Herbert and William H. Ah1. Stogdill died in February. 1891, but his wife still lives in Wisconsin. To Mr. and Mrs. Tether there have been born four children: Francis, born. August 4, 1884; Howard L., born August 6, 1889; Florence M.. born September 24, 1899, and Clarence W.. born August 22, 1906. Mr. Tether is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal chnrch. 1 lis fraternal affiliations are with the Woodmen, Yeomen and the Independent Order of Foresters. For ten years he was school clerk and for twelve years school director. He held the position of road overseer for twelve years and was constable for two years. Mr. Tether and family are well liked both in business and social circles.

J. H. Bryan, for nearly a cpiarter of a century the town treasurer of Burnside. is a native of County Cork, Ireland, born September 27. 1846. His parents, Barnabus and Mary A. (Me- Givern) Bryan, settled in Erie, Pa., in 1852, and some years later came to Goodhue county and located in Burnside township, bringing their children, J. H.. Thomas. John, Timothy, Eliza, Ellen and Sarah A. They purchased the pioneer house which had been erected by the Rev. J. C. Johnson and started farming, the valley where they made their home being at that time practically a wilderness. Since that time the farm has remained in the family. Of the original family, only J. H.. John and Sarah remain. These three live together on the old homestead. J. II.

helped his father develop the land and erect buildings. He and his brother John now own 620 acres, 500 of which is plowable, and the two carry on general farming and raise cattle, hogs and horses. The buildings are in excellent condition, and the place presents a pleasing aspect. Mr. Bryan served during the Civil War as a sailor on board the battleship Michigan for three years, enlisting as cabin boy and being discharged as second-class fireman. Aside from his services as town clerk, above mentioned, he has served many years as school treasurer. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and the United AYorkmen at Red "Wing. ^\Ir. Bryan was married in early life to Lissette E. Heilman, by whom he has two children. Thomas B. is a musical instructor in New York City, while Daisy L. is the wife of Elmer B. Palmer, of St. Paul. Mr. Bryan deals extensively in live stock and is noted far and wide for his sagacity as a trader.

Bennett I. Melin, of Burnside township, has seen life in three countries - Sweden, where he was born; Mexico, where he has worked, and America, which has been his home practically since early youth, and of which he is a prosperous and well-to-do citizen. He was brought to this country by his parents in 1856, at the age of three years. While looking about for a location they stayed thirty days in St. Paul, and then settled in Carver county, this state, remaining there three years. After a short time in Afton, Washington county, Minnesota, they again returned to Carver county, and there remained until 1863, sharing in the pioneer development of that section of the country. Their first home in Goodhue county was on a farm in Featherstone township, where they remained from 1863 to 1865, going in the latter year to Burnside township, where the family residence was established. The father died in 1884. Bennett I. was twelve years of age when his family came to Burnside. His education was obtained in the district schools and at Minneapolis, since which time, with the exception of a short period spent in the sugar industry in Mexico, he has made his residence on the old homestead. Mr. Melin is a Republican as far as broad and general principles are concerned, but to a large extent he votes independently. He has been town treasurer and a member of the school board. In 1879 Mr. Melin was married to Julia Anderson, daughter of John Anderson, who settled in this county in 1860.

S. A. Thompson, who carries on general farming on a place of 135 acres in Burnside1 township, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1846. a son of William and Nancy (Kennedy) Thompson, of whom a sketch will be found in this history in connection with the biography of Thomas J. Thompson, of Red Wing. S. A. was brought to this county by his parents in the early fifties, and grew to young manhood on the home farm in Burnside township, helping his father and brother with the breaking, developing, cultivating, etc. He then moved to Chippewa comity, this state, where he remained in all thirty years. For a larger part of the time he was a farmer, but kept a store in Maynard, in that county, six years. During his long stay in Chippewa county he served in a number of public offices, including that of assessor, and to him also belongs the honor of having done the first township work on the roads of Stoneham, in that county. A few years ago he came back to the old homestead in Burnside township, where he now resides and carries on general farming. He is a Republican in politics, and was formerly a member of the Odd Fellows. Mr. Thompson is well liked throughout the township.

N. G. Sandberg, of Burnside township, a public spirited citizen and an earnest advocate of good roads, was born in Sweden August 5, 1850, son of Karl and Christina M. Sandberg, who lived and died on a farm in the old country. X. O. was educated in the public schools of his native land, and in 3S71 came to America, Locating for a time in Red Wing. He then came to Burnside township, where he has since remained, engaged in farming. His place is in a pleasant location about live miles out of Red Wing, and the house and buildings are modern and well kept. Mr. Sandberg keeps ;i dozen head of good cows, makes a specialty of dairy farming and sells butter in the city. A Republican in politics, he has served as a member of the town board of supervisors five years and as school treasurer for several terms. He was married in 1880 to Clara E. Bunch, by whom he has one child. Karl Q., a pupil in the Red Wing high school. Edna H. Anderson, a niece of Mrs. Sandberg, has been a member of their family since 1898. She is also a student in the Red Wing high school. Q. Bunch, father of Mrs. Sandberg, was born in North Carolina October 4, 1826, and lived successively in Ohio and Michigan. He came to Red Wing in 1856 and later located in Burnside. Mr. Bunch was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in Company D, 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. By his first wife, Helen S. Rudd, whom he married April 3, 1856, he had two children, Clara E., born December 10, 1857, and Helen S., born April 10, 1869. By his second wife, Mary A. Buckmaster, whom he married November 10, 1870, he had three children : Ellen I., born February 14, 1872; Frank, born August 19. 1874. and Alice M., born December 23, 1878.

John Nelson, of Burnside, a veteran of the Civil War and of the Indian campaign, was born in Norway November 12, 1844. a son of Nels and Ingebor Nelson, who came to the United States in 1848, and located in Dane county. Wisconsin. In 1855 a part of the family came to Goodhue county, followed in the fall of L857 by John and his sister. John received his education in the common schools and also had the advantages of one year's tuition in Hamline University, at that time located in Red Wing. He took up farming on the home place, remaining until 1862, when as a youth of eighteen years he enlisted in Company F, 6th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, August 11, 1862. He took part in the Indian campaign under General Sibley, being sent with his regiment to the rescue of the detachment beleagured by the Indians at Birch Coolie. In the battle of Wood Lake, September 23, the regiment held an important position. Mr. Nelson participated in all the battles of the memorable Sibley campaign. June 15, 1861, he went south with the regiment, and was at Helena, Ark., and St. Louis. Mo., until January. 1865, when the regiment was sent to New Orleans and assigned to the 16th army corps. He participated in the engagements of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, in April. 1865. and was discharged with the regiment at Fort Snelling August 27. 1865. After returning home. Corporal Nelson taught school one year. He then clerked seven years, and having been frugal and saving, gathered enough to start a store of his own. This store he continued fourteen years, after which he interested himself in the . veneer and hardwood lumber business. In 1900 he moved to the place in Burnside township which he now operates. He has 296 acres of land and is engaged in general farming, keeping dairy cows, etc. He is a Republican in politics, and has served as supervisor of Burnside township. Mr. Nelson was married in 1874 to Lucy E. Bussitt. by whom he has one child, R. J. Nelson, employed with the Fairbanks. Morse Company, in St. Paul. After his first wife's death Mr. Nelson was married to Jessie Eames, by whom he has three children: Horace E., Frances C. and Walter H. Nelson.

John Larson, of Burnside township, was born in Sweden August 24, 1838, son of Lars Erikson, native of Sweden. Both parents died there. John received his education in Sweden and came to America in 1866, locating at Red Wing. In 1870 he came to Burnside and purchased land, which he broke and improved, built a home and all buildings necessary and carried on general farming, which he now continues with great success. In 1870 he was married to Martha Peterson, a native of Sweden. They have no children. Mr. Larson is a Republican in his political views. They attend the Lutheran church.

Fred Van Guilder, of Stanton township, comes of the honored Knickerbocker stock, his forebears having been among those sturdy Hollanders who settled New York state. The original Van Guilder, founder of the family in America, fought in the Revolution, and the account of the courage of this valiant old soldier is still a part of the history of the early clays of the Empire State. The subject of this sketch was born in New York state February 24, 1841, son of Daniel and Mariah (Alcott) Van Guilder, both natives of the Empire state. He received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, and at the call to arms in 1862 enlisted for two years in Company K, 123rd New York Volunteer Infantry. After the expiration of the term of enlistment he came to Stanton township and farmed for a while, but the love of his country was strong in his heart, and after a while he again went east and enlisted in Company A, 8th Vermont Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war. Hostilities concluded, he came to Stanton township once more and purchased the place upon which he has since resided. He cleared the land himself, brought it under cultivation and carried on general farming, an occupation in which he continues at the present time. Aside from raising the usual crops, he also does dairy farming and sells considerable cream. He also raises sheep, a subject to which he has given much thought. The farm, which with its neat house and well-kept barn, presents a strong contrast to the wild land upon which Mr. Van Guilder first built his rough log cabin, originally consisted of 194 acres, but forty acres was recently sold to a son, leaving 154 acres. Mr. Van Guilder is a Republican in political views and cast his first vote' for Abraham Lincoln, but of late years he has at many elections voted independently on those occasions when the merits of the candidates seemed a greater issue than the platform of the parties. He has for some years past affiliated himself with the McKinley Post. No. 92, G. A. R.. a) Cannon Falls. Although not an office seeker, he has consented at various times to serve as road overseer and on the school board. Mr. Van Guilder was married in 1859 to Harriet Cooper, daughter of Matthew and Mary Cooper, who on July 3, 1909. celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. The Van Guilder home has been blessed with seven sturdy children : Mary, Carrie, Fred, Nathan, Daniel. Charles and George, all of whom are alive.

Alvin Van Guilder was born in Stanton township February 14, 1869, son of Albert and Jane (Winchell) Van Guilder, natives of New York, who spent their early life there, the father being engaged at his trade of cooper, and later in farming. They came west with Fred Van Guilder and purchased land in Stanton township, which the father improved, carrying on general farming. They had a family of ten children, all of whom are living : Henry, Frank, Albert, William, Alvin (the subject of this sketch), Herbert, Edith, John. Samuel and James J. The father is still living in "Waterville, Minn. The mother died in 1901. Alvin received his education in the common schools and worked on the home farm, later purchasing 140 acres of land in Stanton township. During his twenty years' ownership he has greatly improved the place, remodeling the buildings and developing the land, 110 acres of which is under cultivation. He carries on general farming, keeps a number of good cattle and disposes of considerable cream to the Cannon Falls creamery. In 1889 Mr. Van Guilder was married to Cynthia Deline, daughter of J. J. and Eliza (Housel) Deline, who were old settlers of this county. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Van Guilder have one daughter, Ruth, who attended the high school at Cannon Falls, but who is now at home and devotes considerable of her time to the study of music. In politics Mr. Van Guilder is a Republican.

Wallace Van Guilder, of Stanton township, was born in New York state June 28, 1843, son of Phenner and Jane Van Guilder, natives of New York state, where they were engaged in farming until their death. Wallace Van Guilder received his education in the common schools of the state, and worked in a stave factory for several years. When the war broke out he enlisted, in July, 1862, in Company B, 11th Vermont Volunteer Infantry, served in the Army of the Potomac and took part in all the battles of the campaign, including the battle of Gettysburg. He. was discharged in Vermont in 1864. After his return home, on receiving his discharge from the army, he decided to come west, locating in Cannon Falls, where he worked in the hotel for a time, after wdiich he rented a farm in partnership with his cousin, and engaged in farming. He went back later, to New York, and worked for one year for an old comrade, after which he again returned to Cannon Falls and purchased 182 acres of land in Stanton township, where he has been engaged in general farming for twenty years. He was at one time also engaged in ball playing, being a professional. He played wTith the Minnehaha club, of Northfield, Minn., which held the championship of Minnesota until they disbanded in 1868. All the improvements on his land and buildings have been made by himself, and about 120 acres is under cultivation. He is now retired and his stepson rents the farm. Mr. Van Guilder was married in November, 1869, to Aribell Poe, daughter of Richard and Margaret Poe, by whom he had three children: Milton A., living in Stanton; Julia, who married Dr. Houston, now of Montana, and one child who died in infancy. His wife died, and later he married Mrs. Matilda Saylor, who had three children by her first marriage, Elizabeth, Frank, now deceased, and Lester, the latter of whom rents the farm. AVallace and Matilda Van Guilder have one son, Jesse, who is attending the State University, where he is preparing to practice dentistry. Mr. Van Guilder is a Republican, but has never sought or held any public office. He affiliates with the George McKinley Post, No. 92, G. A. R.. of Cannon Falls. Mr. Van Guilder's uncle and grandmother were victims of the Indian massacre near New Ulm, Minn.

Francis Goudy, Sr., one of the large farmers of Stanton township, has been assessor of his township for about thirty-five years, and has also served a long period as school clerk. He comes of good old stock, his ancestors being of that sturdy and devoted race who people the northern part of Ireland. Born in County Down, in that country, August 3, 1838, he came to America in the dawn of his early manhood and settled at once in Stanton township. He worked four months as a farm hand, then rented a farm a short time, and subsequently made his first start as a land owner by purchasing eighty acres. On this land he built a log cabin, and lived in it five years. From this small beginning has grown his present prosperity. He now owns "563 acres of tillable land, aside from several tracts of timber. He has made all the improvements on the place, which is eight miles from Cannon Falls village and four miles from Stanton village. Aside from general farming, he engages in dairying and nwns some excellent stock. Mr. Goudy faithfully adheres to the Republican party, and affiliates with the Masonic lodge at Cannon Falls. He was married in 1865 to Bridget McWeeney, who has proven a good wife and mother. To this union has been born a goodly number of sturdy children. They arc William R., A. P., Francis, -buries A.. Marie M. Nathaniel, Robert J., John T., George H. and Elizabeth A., all of whom arc at home. Annie, the fourth child, is dead. Mi-. Goudy was one of the organizers of the Stanton cheese factory and was secretary and manager of the same for about ten years of its first existence. He also assisted in organizing the Stanton Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, in 1895, of which company he was elected treasurer and still holds that office.

Andrew Felien owns a fertile farm of eighty acres in Stanton township, where he is rearing a family of ten sturdy children. He was born in Sweden April 22, 1860. son of Andrew and Kate (Johnson) Feline, who lived and died in the old country. In 1882, at the age of twenty-two years, Andrew left the shores of his native land and made his first venture in America as a workman in St. Paul. He also labored for a short time in Spring Garden, but a short time later came to Stanton. When he first came here he worked about five years as an employee of Johnson .Miller. Subsequently he rented Mr. Miller's farm, but three years later went to Dakota and tilled the land there seven years. About a dozen years ago, he came back to this township and purchased the farm which he now owns. Here he has made many improvements on the house and buildings, and has erected a fine windmill. He makes a specialty of dairying and sells milk to the Cannon Falls cheese factory. Politically he is a Republican, and is now serving as treasurer of his school district. He was married in 1887 to Emma Denning, daughter of Sidney and Annie Denning, who came to this county before the war. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Feline are : Cora, Kattie, Arthur, Lulu, Florence, Clara, Lawrence and Clarence (twins), Edward and Ernest. All the children are at home, and those of suitable age attend school.

John H. Whitson, Stanton township,' was born in Canada, January 15, 1862, son of Robert and Mary (Riddel!) Whitson. The father was a native of Scotland, and the mother of Canada. They spent their early life in Canada, and came to Minnesota in 1863, settling in Sciota township, Dakota county, where they remained but a short time, after which they removed to Stanton, Goodhue county and engaged in farming up to the time of the father's death. They had a family of seven children, all of whom are living. John received his education in the common schools in the county, and at Northfield, where he attended Carleton College two years. After leaving school he took up farming in the western part of the state for a while, after which he went west and located in Portland, Ore., where he remained seven years, managing a drug store for two years and working in a shingle mill for five years. He then returned to Minnesota and settled in Stanton township on a farm of 240 acres, which is the old Miller homestead, and engaged in general farming and dairying. In 1886 he was married to Cora Miller, daughter of H. D. Miller. They have three children : Helen and Harry, attending high school at Northfield, and Claude, at home. Mr. "Whitson is a Republican in his political views, is a supervisor of the township, and a member of the school board. Mr. Whitson is a Mason, member of Lodge No. 34 of Cannon Falls, and of the M. W. A. camp 8466, of Stanton.

N. J. Miller, Stanton township, was born in Goodhue county, Minnesota, January 3, 1861, son of H. D. and Harriet (Ellis) Miller. The father is a native of Vermont and came to Stanton in the early days, being among the first settlers. After arriving here he purchased 220 acres of land, which he broke and improved, hauling his products, which consisted mostly of grain, to Hastings and St. Paul, bringing back lumber for his home and buildings, doing all himself. He also had large flocks and herds of stock, having brought sheep and cattle here with him. His wife died in 1907. N. J. was educated in the common schools, and worked with his father on the farm until his marriage. After marriage he carried on his father's farm eighteen years, subsequent to which he purchased eighty acres of land, across the road from his father's farth, and engaged in general farming and dairying, which he still continues, making a specialty of raising sheep of which he owns a flock of over 100. Mr. Miller was married in 1882 to Edith Vanguilder, daughter of Stephen and Caroline (Knowlton) Vanguilder, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Boston. They came to Cannon Falls* in 1855, where the father engaged in his trade of carpenter. He died in 1897 and the mother in 1906. They had eight children: Ida, Ira. Edith. John, Cecil. Mabel, and Stephen. Two children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have five children: Inez, married to AYilliam Moorehouse, of Stanton; Beatrix, Archie, Beryl, and Herschel. who are at home. Mr. Miller is a Republican, but has never sought or held public office.

James Pollard, of Stanton township, was born in Manchester, England, January 22, 1828, son of Thomas and Ann (Cosgrove) Pollard, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland. They were married in England in 1827, one year later came to America, landing at New York, where they remained a short time, afterward living near Hudson, N. Y., and at North Adams. Mass.. the father being a calico manufacturer. In 1812 they located in .AYatertown, -Icfferson county, AYiseonsin, and engaged in farming until the father's death in 1816. The mother died in Hastings, Minn. James Polland was an only child. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and located in Stanton township, and is consequently believed to be the oldest living resident of the township. Upon his arrival here he pre-empted 160 acres of land, which he broke and improved, using horses at first and later oxen. For two years he and his wife lived in a small board shanty, later adding a small room. In 1876 the present residence was built. In February, 1865, Mr. Pollard enlisted in Company I, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, under Captain Thomas Carney. He served in the Army of Cumberland and Tennessee, and was discharged October 11, 1865. October 11. 1850, he was married to Margaret M. Gibson, born in County Clair, Ireland. July 4, 1832, daughter of Peter and Ellen Gibson, also natives of County Clair, Ireland, who came to America in 1847 and settled in AYatertown, Jefferson county. Wisconsin, living on a farm in Alilford township, in the same county, until 1859, when they came to Stanton. James and Margaret Pollard were the parents of twelve children : John, now of Dunbar, Ohio ; James, of Alinnesota ; Ella E.. of Spearfish, S. D. ; Henrietta, of South Dakota; Adeline (deceased); Benjamin, a railroad man of Alinneapolis; AYilliam H., of Idaho; George C, of Rochford, S. D. ; Eugene (deceased) ; Thomas (deceased) ; Francelia, of Boise, Idaho; Margaret, of Spearfish, S. D. Airs. Pollard died August

3, 1885, and on December 5, 1891, Mr. Pollard was married to Ellen A. Carol, a native of Canada. There were no children by this marriage. Mr. Pollard has a fine farm and carries on general fanning and dairying with much success. He is a Democrat in political views and is a strong advocate of free trade. He has been justice of the peace since 1867 and is notary public, roadmaster and member of the school board. lie is a charter member of the G. A. K. of Cannon Falls; also a charter member of the Stanton Insurance Company and Farmers' .Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Pollard is not a member of any church, but gives impartially to all.

John S. Lilleskov, Stanton township, son of Sjur Tokvam and Anna Lilleskov. was born in Norway, September -'!<>, 1873. The father came to this country in 1871, and settled in Minnesota for a short time, then went to Pembina county. North Dakota. Later he moved to Grafton, N. D.. and where he has since remained. The mother still lives in Norway. There were five children: Mike, Annie, Gertrude, Herman, and John, the subject of this sketch. John S. received his education in the public schools of Norway, and came to the United States in 1893. locating in Freeborn county, Minnesota, where he wTorked on a farm for two years, after which he came to Goodhue county, where he was employed on a farm for three years. He then purchased 147 acres of land, of which 120 acres wTas improved, and engaged in farming for himself, having since carried on general farming and dairying. He also sells cream to the Stanton cheese factory. He has made many improvements on the place, has remodeled some buildings, and has a fine farm located six and a half miles from Cannon Falls. In 1898 he was married to Betsy Frettam, daughter of Ole and Soniva (Wangen) Frettam, who are old settlers of this county, and farmers of Warsaw township. Mr. and Mrs. Lilleskov have five children : Oscar J., Martin J., Annie S., Theodore O., and Selmer C. Mr. Lilleskov is independent in his politics. He is a member of the Benevolent Society of AVangen Prairie, and he and his family attend the Norwegian Lutheran church of Wangen Prairie.

Robert Goudy, of Stanton township, was born in Ireland. March 1, 1832, son of AVilliam and Betty Ann (Reid) Goudy. Robert and his brother came to America in 1857. direct to Stanton township, where they bought and improved land, living with their sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. McCorkell, who had come six months previous, until they could put up a shanty of their own. By hauling their products to Hastings and Red Wing, and bringing back lumber, they were enabled in a short time to build a home. Since their first arrival they engaged in farming and continued to improve the place. In 1869 their brother, Nathaniel, and sister, Elizabeth Ann, came to this country and have since made their home with the brothers. Elizabeth has eighty acres of her own in Section 20. In 1879 Robert paid a visit to the old home in Ireland. He is a Republican and is a stockholder in the Stanton cheese factory. The brothers have some fine land which they have brought to a high state of cultivation. Through hard work and thrift they have become prosperous and are highly respected.

0. E. Emery, of Stanton township, was born in New York stat<\ May 30, 1853, son of Jacob and Eliza (Portman) Emery, natives of Jamestown. N. Y.. who came to Rice county in 1855 and engaged in farming. O. E. Emery received his education in the early days, when a log cabin served for a school house ami long planks for seats. After school clays were over, he worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-seven years old. when he came to Stanton township and purchased land which he improved, starting general farming and stock raising, which he has carried on for twenty years. He was the first man in the township to bring in a registered Holstein bull. He now does some dairying, and has twenty-six Holstein cows. His farm consists of 200 acres of land, of winch all but twenty-five acres is under cultivation. The house and outbuildings are in excellent condition, Mr. Emery having made all the improvements himself. He was married in 1s7!> to Isabelle Whitson, daughter of Andrew ami Abigail (Dack) Whitson. who are old settlers, having lived in this county for over forty years. Four children have blessed the Emery home: Earl, Ethel, Orville. and Charles, all of whom are with their parents. Mr. Emery had three brothers who served in the Civil War, two, three and four years respectively. Mr. Emery is Republican in politics, and has served as supervisor, also on the school board. He was one of the organizers of the Stanton Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which he is a director; also helped start the Farmers' Elevator at Stanton. He is a member of the M. AV. A. ('amp 1510, of Cannon Falls.

W. F. Deline, of Stanton township, was born in Lenawee county, Michigan, July 1, 1815, son of Nelson and Debora (Lott) Deline. natives of New York state, where they spent their early life and were married ; later removing to Michigan and remaining four years, after which they returned to their native state, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in October, 1907, and the mother in 1859. AV. F. received his education in the common schools, and later attended the academy at Medina, N. Y., until the war broke out, when he enlisted in Company L, Second New York Mounted Rifles, in 1863. He served in the Army of Potomac and, with the exception of when he was disabled, took pari in all the battles and conflicts of the campaign, from the wilderness to Appomattox. Ee was severely wounded at Petersburg and spent several months in the hospital, but returned to duty after his recovery, and remained till the close of the war. He was discharged at City Point, Va., and mustered out August, 1865. He then returned home and attended the Eastman Commercial Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.. and afterwards came to Minnesota, where lie engaged in farming in Stanton township for one and a half years. He then went to Faribault county. Minnesota, and took up a homestead near Blue Earth City, remaining for five years, after which he returned to New York, where he was engaged in farming seven years. Later he removed to Stanton township, where he now owns ninety acres of land and is engaged in general farming in a small way, being secretary of the Stanton Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company; that, with other outside duties, taking a good share of his time.

.Air. Deline was married in 1868 to Julany D., daughter of John and Eliza Deline. They were natives of eastern New York, and in 1855 came to Stanton township, where they pre-empted land and engaged in farming. Both parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Deline have had two children. Jennie, who lives at home, is a retired school teacher with years of experience in the schools of the county and in different towns of the state, being now a successful poultry raiser. Franklin Ward married Myrtle Scott, of Red AVing, and lives in Cass county, Minnesota, engaged in farming. Mr. Deline is a Republican in his politics, and has been chairman of the town board for several years. He is also justice of the peace. He has been a member of George McKinley Post No. 92, G. A. R., since 1878 and, although living five miles from the post hall, has never missed a meeting in the past twentvfive years unless absent from home. He also belongs to the A. 0. U. W. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

A. H. Van Voorhis, now deceased, was born in Dutchess county, New York, in 1830, son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hate) Voorhis, natives of New York, of Holland descent. A. H. came west in 1856 and located in Minnesota, where he took up land in Section 34 of Stanton township, and remained several years, after which he removed to the present homestead of 160 acres, also in Stanton township, and engaged in general farming until his death in 1906. All the improvements on the place were made by himself, the first home of the family here being a log house, which was on the farm when he purchased it. He later erected a more comfortable home and other outbuildings, making general improvements. In 1857 he was married to Catherine Lipp.

Her parents were natives of Ohio, where she was born, and where her father was engaged at his trade of tailor. Mr. and Mrs. Voorhis were blessed with seven children : Elizabeth, married to Manley Davis, of Stanton township ; Eugene, now of Wisconsin ; Georgette, living at Cascade ; AValter, who manages the farm ; Abbie (deceased) ; Oliver, now of Canada; and LewTis, a farmer of Warsaw township. Mr. Yoorhis was a Republican in his politics, and held several offices in the township. He was a veteran of the Civil AVar, enlisted in 1S<>4. was assigned to the army of the Cumberland and Tennessee, and took part in all the battles of the campaign. He was a member of the G. A. R. and Masons of Cannon Falls. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Van Voorhis was a man of staunch character and kindly disposition, a worthy example of those pioneers whose belief in the right and abhorrence of the wrong served to make the county a place of peace and order since the earliest settlement. He was a faithful husband, solicitous of the welfare and pleasure of his family, never so happy as when doing something for the comfort of his wife and the prosperity of his children. His death was sincerely mourned by the community in which he lived, by the societies to which lie belonged, by the church in which he was a worshiper and by the family in which he was loved the best.

Hon. Ole K. Naeseth, of Wanamingo township, who represents Goodhue county in the Minnesota senate, is a man of rugged character, unswerving principles and rigid adherence to duty, and his long years of public service have proven his ability. From early manhood he has been active in public life. His first office was that of clerk of school district number 60. From 1879 to '84 he Avas county commissioner, and from 1885 to '87 served in the state legislature. His occupancy of his present position dates from 1908. In him the interests of the county have an earnest advocate and supporter, and his work has more than justified the confidence that has been reposed in him. Mr. Naesseth was born in Walworth county. AVisconsin, November 30, 1844, and was brought to AYanamingo township by his parents at the age of twelve years, spending his boyhood here during the days of the early pioneers. Here he received such education as the schools of the neighborhood afforded, and looked after his father's business until 1885, when he came into possession of the old homestead, where he still carries on general farming, managing in addition to this a farm of 140 acres in Section 25, owned by his wife. Being willing to contribute of his money as well as of his influence to aid in the general progress of the county, he has taken stock in a number of farmers' elevators and in the First State Bank of Zumbrota. Senator Naeseth was .married.

June 12, 1874, at Wanamingo, to Mrs. Rachael Seium Olson, by whom lie has had five children: Herman is manager of the elevator at Wanamingo and also manages a farm; Carl is a drayman in Minneapolis ; John is a student in the law department of the State University; Ida, who has graduated from the Lutheran Ladies' Seminary at Red Wing, is a school teacher; Adolf is a graduate of the Lutheran College, at Decorah, Iowa. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Kjostel and Maria H. (Faehn) Naeseth, parents of the subject of this sketch, were born in Norway and upon coming to America lived in "Walworth and Dane counties, "Wisconsin, until moving to Wanamingo township in 1856. Here they purchased 160 acres of wild land, which they broke and improved, adding and disposing of other tracts from time to time, but always retaining the original homestead in Section 10. The father died in July, 1807, and the mother in January, 1895.

Martin Halvorson, cashier of the Farmers' State Bank of Wanamingo, is a native product of the village, born May 24, 1881, son of Martin and Gretha (Fraas) Halvorson, both natives of Norway. After coming to this country the father clerked for a while in a store at AYanamingo, and then opened a general store of his own. which business he followed until his death in 1899. His widow is still living. Martin was brought up in this village, and aside from attending the public schools here, also took courses in the Augsbury Seminary at Minneapolis and the Normal school at Mankato. After leaving school he worked for a time on his father's farm, and clerked in his father's store. A short period before the father's death, the two brothers, Martin and Henry, purchased the store and in December, 1904, they organized the Farmers' State Bank of AYanamingo. Martin at first was assistant cashier, but in January, 1909, was promoted to his present position. He is a Prohibitionist in politics and is interested financially in the AYanamingo Lumber Company. In church circles he is well liked, being president of the- Young People's Association of the AYanamingo church and superintendent of the Sunday school. He was married, December 19, 1906, at Mankato, Minn., to Anna Gunderson, daughter of Ole and Ingeborg (Kelly) Gunderson. natives of Norway. The father is a tailor in Mankato, where he conducts a successful business. To Air. and Airs. Halvorson, one son, George M., was born October 23, 1907.

Henry M. Halvorson, one of those hustling young men who have given the village of AVanamingo the reputation for progressiveness which it so richly deserves, is a native product, born in this village June 3, 1875, son of Martin Halvorson. His education was received in the public schools of AVanamingo and

Zumbrota, the Augsbury Seminary and Beeman's Business College. Thus equipped with a classical and business training, he took up the mercantile business in AVanamingo, following same for six years. In 1904, together with his brother Martin and others, he organized the Farmers' State Bank of AVanamingo, of which he is vice president and secretary. In addition to this he was postmaster of the village for eleven years until his resignation in February, 1909. He has been clerk of district No. 63 for many years and was for some time secretary of the Wanamingo, Minneola and Cherry Grove Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is interested in the AVanamingo Lumber Company. To his efforts as director, the AVanamingo choir, a musical organization of young folks, owes much of its excellence and merit. Mr. Halvorson was married October 24, 1900. to Nettie Chrislock, daughter of Rollcf and Dordi ('Lund) Chrislock. natives of Norway and well known farmers of AVanamingo. The Hal-' vorson home has been brightened by the arrival of three children: Martha Louise, born July 16, 1902; Ralph Donald, born September 4, 1904; and Helen Josephine, born December 1, 1907. Mr. Halvorson is an independent Republican and the family faith is that of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Andrew H. Tongen, one of the substantial and well-to-do farmers of AVanamingo township, is a native of AVisconsin, born in Columbia county, October 20, 1862. At the age of nine years he came to AVanamingo township with his parents, attended the schools of his neighborhood and took up farming with his father until 1882, when he assumed charge of the home farm. Being a hard worker and taking a thorough interest in his undertakings, he soon had one of the finest farms in the township, adding to its well kept appearance in 1905 by erecting a fine residence. The original homestead has been increased by the purchase of sixty acres adjoining, and in 1908 Mr. Tongen bought another farm of 138 acres in Minneola township, which he also manages. His farming operations consist in raising general crops and breeding live stock. As an encouragement to public enterprise Mr. Tongen has taken stock in the elevators at AVanamingo and Zumbrota, and since January 1, 1906, he has been secretary of the AVanamingo, Cherry Grove and Minneola Mutual Fire Insurance Company. By Anna M. Thompson, whom he married, November 27, 1882, the subject of this sketch has had nine children : Ole H. and Eddie are in Minneola township, and Oscar, Chester. Henry, Peter. Alfred, Luella and Clara are at home, Chester being a student in St. Olaf 's College at Northfield. Airs. Tongen 's parents were Peter O. and Bretha Thompson, natives of Norway, who came to America and settled in Minneola township, where the mother still lives, the father being dead. Ole II. Tongen and his wife, Karen Andrea Ruglad, parnits of Andrew H. Tongen, eame to America in 1845, and after living three years in Chicago, farmed in Columbia, Wis., until L871, and then came to Wanamingo township, purchasing 160 acres on which they carried on general farming until the death of the father, .May 17, 1882. The mother died in November. 1905, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. O. H. Houkos. having, been blessed in her declining years with the loving care of her children.

Hans H. Holtan, of Wanamingo, now deceased, was born in Norway, December 14, 1820, and came to America in 1845, settling in Chicago. In 1849 he moved to Belvidere. 111., and in the spring of 1850 located in Portage City. Wis., where he remained one year, after which he purchased a farm on what was known as "Indian land," about six miles from Portage City. Here he tilled the soil until 1856, when he came to Wanamingo and purchased 160 acres on Section 17, which, on account of sickness, he afterward sold. Later he made another purchase, to which he added from time to time until he owned 400 acres, 160 being in Section 13 and 240 in Section 24. Upon this farm he erected a home which at that time was considered the finest country residence in the county, and which is still a beautiful country place. Mr. Holtan had the distinguished honor of sitting in the first general assembly of the state of Minnesota, and in addition to this he was chairman of the township several terms and also served in other public positions of trust and honor. He was a liberal public-spirited man, greatly liked in the community wherein he resided. By his first wife. Aline Svenungsdatter, whom he married July 4, 1848, and who died August 12, 1855, he had two children. Of these, Hans is dead and Samuel lives in Dawson, Minn. He was married again in Faribault, October 31, 1857, to Anna Maria Pedersdatter Nostebiae, who died January 13, 1876. By this union there were six children. Charles lives in Madison, Peter lives in Kenyon; Gunhild lives in Madison, Wis. ; Andrew lives in Zumbrota and Henry lives in Madison, Wis.; as does also Christine. July 11, 1877, he was married again to Sophia Mosleth, by whom he had six children. Marie is the wife of T. T. Rygh ; Joseph lives in Park City, Mont. ; John lives in Wanamingo township ; Louise also lives in Wanamingo township; Hulda and Selma are both deceased. Hans H. Holtan died September 4, 1904, and his death caused genuine sorrow throughout the county.

John M. Holtan was born April 1, 1882, on the farm in Wanamingo where he is now located, his parents being the pioneers, Hans H. and Sophia (Mosleth) Holtan. - After completing the courses offered in the Wanamingo public schools, he attended a business college in Minneapolis, subsequently returning to the old homestead where he has since remained. He is the worthy son of a worthy father, and. like his noble sire before him, carries on farming on an extensive scale. He is unmarried, and looks after the comfort of his mother who is still sorrowing the loss of her distinguished and loving husband. Mr. Holtan is a staunch Republican and has served the town as road overseer. He holds slock in the "Wanamingo Elevator Company, and fraternally has associated himself with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Samaritans, in both of which he is a popular member. The family has for many years been prominent in the Norwegian Lutheran church, and to that faith Mr. Holtan gives his loyal support and sympathy.

Peter J. Blakstad, an esteemed farmer of Wanamingo township, has reason to be proud of the record he has made as a progressive citizen. Born in Norway. January 10, 1840, son of John Johnson and his good wife, Gertrude Peterson, lie came to America in 1871, locating first in Roscoe township and then in Pine Island township. It was in 1892 that he came to Wanamingo township and purchased 160 acres of improved land in Seel ions 2 and 11. This farm lie lias continued to cultivate, erecting a new dwelling house and several commodious farm buildings, his operations consisting of raising the usual crops and breeding live stock. Mr. Blakstad 's seven years* service as supervisor has been cautious and economical, and his work as treasurer of school district l>4 has shown his interest in the liberal education of the younger generation. Aside from his farm property he owns slock in several elevator and creamery enterprises. In September. 1872, shortly alter coming to America, Mr. Blakstad was married to Carrie Gundesdatter. Three children have blessed their home: Andrew, Joseph and Mattie, the latter of whom is married to Sivert Hagge, of South Dakota. The family worships at the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Ole Follingstad, president of the First State Bank of Wanamingo, A\as born in Norway. Augusl 15, 1834, son of Ole and Mary i . Kolberg) Pollingstad, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861 and lived with their son. Martin Follingstad, until the time of their death, both passing away in 1882 or 1883. Ole 0. Follingstad received his education in the public schools of Norway and came to this country in 1861, locating in Wanamingo township. In 1868 he purchased eighty acres of land, which he has since increased until he now owns 380 acres of highly improved land. His home is a pleasant one and well furnished, the large amount of books in the house testifying to his literary tastes. He still carries on general farming. In politics an independent voter, he has been elected assessor of the township seven different years, and has served on the school hoard many terms. Aside from his farming interests lie owns stock in the elevator and lumber companies as well as in the financial institution of which he is president. He was married October 30, 1868, to Emma Bakkertun, daughter of Siverl and (Jure (Onstad) Bakkertun, natives of Norway, who settled in Rock county. Wisconsin, in 1858 and in Leon township, this county, in 1861, engaging' in farming operations for the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1866 and the mother in 1891. To Mr. and Mrs. Follingstad have been born eight children: Olaf is dead, passing away in 1897 at the age of twenty-six years; Mary, born in 1872, is the wife of Deafin Goplin, of North Dakota ; Julia is the wife of the Rev. Thomas Hanson, of Franklin, Minn. ; Oscar, Ida, Matilda and Lewis are the next four children ; Henry, the youngest, is a graduate of the agricultural department of the State University, and is now in North Dakota. The family faith of the Follingstad family is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Follingstad is one of the substantial men of the township and his influence is strongly felt in the village where he has contributed both his efforts and his money to assist in the upbuilding of the business interests.