Houston County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 10 of 21)

W. Milton Selby, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of La Crescent, where he has resided for over thirty years, and who was formerly representative from this district in the State Legislature, was bom in Harrison county, Ohio, July 20, 1844, son of James and Mary Ann (Rogers) Selby. His parents were both natives of Ohio, the father bom Dec. 21, 1814, and the mother March 27, 1816. He was under eighteen years of age when, in September, 1862, he became a member of Company H, 122d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the end of the war, except for five months that he spent in Libby prison, having been captured at the battle of Winchester, Va., while serving in the Eighth Corps under General Milroy. He was mustered out in June, 1865, and in August of the same year came west to Wisconsin, where he went to work at the carpenter's trade. On Feb. 29, 1868, he was married at McFarland, Wis., by the Rev. George Hubbs, to Jane Orr, who was born in Belfast, County Londonderry, Ireland, Dec. 26, 1844, the eldest of the six children of John and Hannah (Paul) Orr, farmers of that vicinity. Her parents were born in Ireland, the father in 1818, of Scotch ancestry. Mr. Orr emigrated to the United States in 1847, and served in the Civil War in Company H, 36th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, until the close of the war. His wife died when her daughter Jane was in her ninth year. In 1868, the year of his marriage, Mr. Selby came to Hokah, Houston county, Minn., and resided here subsequently until 1871. He then moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where he worked in the railroad shops until 1875. During the next two years he was foreman of the repair shops of the C. B. & Q. Raibroad at Buda, 111. Then going to Aplington, la., he engaged in farming there, and was thus occupied until 1886, when he came to La Crescent, Houston county. Here his strong personality and helpful interest in public affairs led to his election as representative in the State Legislature, in which he served in 1899 and 1901. Since 1908 he has been connected with the firm of Fessler & Dahl, undertakers of La Crosse, as Minnesota deputy, and for the last twenty-one years he has been a notary public at La Crescent. He has been a member of the Masonic order since 1869, and since 1894 of the Masonic Veterans' Association of Minnesota, being also a charter member of Evening Star Chapter, No. 71, 0. E. S. As a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he belongs to Wilson Colwell Post, and has attended three national encampments. Mrs. Selby is a charter member of Evening Star Chapter No. 71, 0. E. S., and is the only living past matron that was a charter member. She has represented her district as deputy grand matron. On March 1, 1918, Mr. and Mrs. Selby celebrated their golden wedding, the occasion proving a most enjoyable one. They have been the parents of three sons: James S., Alpha M. and Lloyd V., the two latter of whom are now deceased. James S., who is a widower now residing with his parents, is making a specialty of bee keeping and the cultivation of small fruits. He was made a Free Mason in 1869, and is a member of Morning Star Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M. ; also of the Masonic Veterans' Association of Minnesota, a member of the Masonic chapter at Caledonia, having become a Royal Arch Mason in 1871, and a charter member of Evening Star Chapter No. 71, 0. E. S., at La Crescent. He is now serving in his fourth term as a notary public.

Joseph Schlabach, one of the leading farmers of La Crescent township, his residence lying in section 6, was born in this township, July 4, 1864, son of Peter and Mary (Meyer) Schlabach. The father, who was bom in Germany in 1825, came to La Crescent, Minn., when thirty-three years old, finding employment in Mercer's Hotel in the village. Later he bought a farm in Pine Creek Valley, which he operated until his retirement in 1883, when he moved to La Crosse. His death occurred in 1908. His wife Mary, bom in New York in 1844, is also deceased. Their son Joseph, who was the fourth born in a family of eight children, was educated in the district school on Pine Creek. He worked on the home farm until twenty years of age, and then going to St. Paul, found emplojonent in railroad construction work between Devil's Lake and the coast, and was thus occupied for two years. Then returning home he married and bought his father's farm of 208 acres, which he has since operated, also having another farm of 130 acres. Both farms are well improved and Mr. Schlabach is doing a profitable business raising stock and grain. He is a member of the Farmers' Equity and a stockholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company. A part of his time has been devoted to the public service, as he is a member of the town board of supervisors, of which he was chairman for several years, and is road overseer. In politics he is independent and in religion a Methodist. Mr. Schlabach was first married Feb. 18, 1888, to Anna Leidel, daughter of Henry and Hannah Leidel, whose father, a native of Germany, came to this country at an early date and settled in Winona county, Minn. Mrs. Anna Schlabach died in January, 1897, leaving two children: Inez, who is overseer in the girl's department at the Berea Orphans' Home, near Cleveland, Ohio ; and Gertrude, now Mrs. Ervin Wetchen, of Houston county. April 15, 1902, Mr. Schlabach married Katherine Kerrigan, who was bom Feb. 19, 1879, daughter of Andrew and Delia (Layne) Kerrigan. Her father was bom in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1839, and came to Minnesota when ten years old. Growing up here, he settled on a farm in Winona county and was engaged in agricultural work for many years, dying June 15, 1901. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom Katherine, now Mrs. Joseph Schlabach, was the seventh in order of birth.

Lewis Lilly, formerly a well known farmer on Pine Creek, La Crescent township, but now deceased, was bom at Westfield, Mass., April 13, 1825. When he was four years old his parents moved to Dover Center, Ohio, where he resided until the age of eighteen. Then going to Wisconsin, he engaged in farming, remaining there several years. In 1849 he joined the rush of gold seekers to Calif omia, going overland with a yoke of six. oxen and an emigrants' wagon, known in those days as a "prairie schooner." The journey, which was both tedious and dangerous, on account of deserts to be crossed and hostile Indians, occupied six months. He reached the gold fields safely, however, and had fairly good luck, subsequently returning home with a quantity of money. Soon after his retum to Wisconsin he married Margaret E. Emily, who was bom in Syracuse, N. Y., Nov. 27, 1829. In 1863 he made up his mind to retum to California and started with his wife and family, but on reaching Houston county, Minnesota, he stopped to engage in the sale of land, and finally making up his mind to remain permanently took a farm on Pine Creek, which was his home for many years thereafter, or until his retirement in 1900. He then took up his residence in the village of La Crescent, where he died Dec. 1, 1904. His wife died March 17, 1909. Their children were: Sarah L., now deceased, who married A. B. Lyons, and died in June, 1915 ; Albinus E., of La Crescent ; and Rose M., who died at the age of fourteen years.

Albinus Lilly, a well known and respected resident of the village of La Crescent, who is proprietor of a 360-acre farm on Pine Creek, and is now making a specialty of breeding brown Swiss cattle, was born in Roxbury, Dane county, Wis., March 7, 1862, son of Lewis and Margaret E. (Emily) Lilly. He was the second born in a family of three children and was an infant when he accompanied his parents to La Crescent township, Houston county. In his boyhood he attended the district school and as soon as he was old enough became active as helper on his parents' farm, assisting his father until he was twenty-five years old. He then married and took charge of the farm, operating it from that time as though it were his own, which it later became. There he continued until 1903, when he moved to the village of La Crescent. He still supervises the farm, however, keeping a record of the crop and stock operations, and, as already mentioned, is giving particular attention to raising of brown Swiss cattle. In politics he is independent. Oct. 3, 1893, Mr. Lilly married Delia Butler, daughter of Jeremiah and Susan (Layne) Butler. He and his wife have two sons, both now in the United States military service, Jerry A. and George B. Jeremiah Butler, who was bom in Maryland, Aug. 6, 1824, at a later date moved to Missouri and from that State to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1878, locating in Money Creek township. He died Feb. 5, 1908. His wife Susan, who was bom at Hannibal, Mo., in 1832, died in 1913. Their daughter Delia, now Mrs. Albinus Lilly, was the second bom of their seven children. She became a teacher, following that occupation first in Illinois and afterwards in Minnesota, on Winona Ridge, then in the primary room in the school on Vinegar Hill, in Money Creek township, and for a time near Rushford.

D. J. Cameron, at one time a prominent citizen of La Crescent township, engaged for a number of years in railroad construction work, and later noted as a breeder of blooded horses, was born in Ontario, Canada, April 8, 1828. Leaving home at the age of nineteen years, he went to work as time keeper on a canal in New York State. Later he became connected with railroad construction work, and during his early experience in that line of industry resided for some time in Ohio. He afterwards built and completed the Hoosac River tunnel, after several contractors had given up the work. Subsequently he took a contract to construct a tunnel at Tunnel City, Wis., for the Milwaukee Road, and was also engaged in grading many miles of the same road through Wisconsin. About 1859 Mr. Cameron came to Houston county, Minnesota, buying land in La Crescent, but for some time thereafter continued railroad work, building the Southem Minnesota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road from Grand Crossing to Mankato. Later he worked on the Burlington & Northem, the Winona & St. Peter, with headquarters at Mendota, and the St. Louis & San Francisco roads. In 1881 he had work at Ontonogon, Mich., for the Milwaukee & Northern Road, also at Superior, Wis., for the Omaha. Before this was completed he took a contract to complete a tunnel through the Boston Mountains for the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad, which job also several contractors had given up after starting, but Mr. Cameron successfully completed it for the necessary distance of one-half mile. He also graded south of the Boston Mountains, and at Fayetteville, Ark., for about eighteen months. After that he had a year's work in heavy rock on the Canadian Pacific Rail- road, on the north shore of Lake Superior, east of Port Arthur. He then started work on a large tunnel for the San Francisco Railroad through the Buckbone Mountains in Arkansaw, with fifteen miles of grading, and seventy miles of grading in the Choctaw Territory. When that work was finished he put through sixty miles of work from the Illinois River, Indian Territory, to Wagoner on the M. K. & T. He then gave up that line of industry and taking up his residence on his farm in La Crescent township, indulged his passion for fast horses, which he raised on the farm, keeping a stable of full-blooded animals until his retirement a number of years later, when he moved to La Crosse. He died Jan. 4, 1911, Mr. Cameron married Mary A. Rossiter, who was born on Prince Edward Island, Aug. 10, 1842, and who is now a resident of La Crosse. They were the parents of eight children : Anna, Belle, now Mrs. C. A. Patker, of Baltimore, Md. ; Allen J., of La Crescent township ; Mary, wife of Dr. Herbert Cary, of Minneapolis ; John L., of La Crosse ; Donald A., of Portland, Ore. ; Grace, residing with her mother in La Crosse; and Catherine and Susie, deceased.

Allen J. Cameron, who owns and operates the old Cameron farm in La Crescent township, residing in section 9, was bom at Ft. Snelling, Minn., son of D. J. and Mary A. (Rossiter) Cameron. Of his parents' eight children he was the second in order of birth. He was quite young when in 1859 the family settled in La Crescent township, Houston county, taking the farm on which he now resides, and his education was acquired in the school of his district and at the La Crosse Business College. Until his marriage he worked on the home farm for his father, and for a year after that event resided on a farm near Austin. He then returned to the home farm, which he subsequently inherited, and has since been engaged in its operation, having 440 acres of land, well watered and highly cultivated, with good buildings and a full equipment for grain and stock raising. He is a breeder of high grade stock of all kinds, a branch of the farming industry in which he has been very successful. Among his other business interests are those of a stockholder in the La Crescent State Bank and the Pine Creek Valley Creamery, while he is also president of the La Crescent Canning Co., Inc. A man of forceful character, he takes a close personal interest in all things that make for the moral and commercial benefit of the community. He was for several terms chairman of the township board, and has also served as town treasurer and assessor. In politics he is independent and in religion a Roman Catholic. Mr. Cameron was married on Thanksgiving Day, 1898, to Anna B. Bresnin, who was born in Tiffin, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1869, daughter of John K. and Anne E. (Toumey) Bresnin. Her parents were both natives of Ireland, the father settling in Ohio when only seventeen years old, and the mother being brought to Canada at the age of three months. They both resided for some time in Pennsylvania, and from there removed to Ohio, where they were married, and in that State both subsequently died. Before her union with John K. Bresnin, Mrs. Bresnin had been previously married. By her former husband, Mr. Brady, she had a daughter, Mary E., and by marriage to Mr. Bresnin, an adopted daughter, Ella E., who was a daughter of Mr. Bresnin's former wife. Her children by Mr. Bresnin were five in number, Ignatius, Anna B., Catherine E., Louise and

John, so that the household included seven children in addition to the parents. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are as follows: Anna Marie, bom July 16, 1901, who is a student at St. Teresa's College, Winona ; Katherine and Margaret, twins, born Jan. 22, 1903, of whom Katherine is a student in the La Crosse high school ; Donald, born June 27, 1905 ; Jean, bom Sept. 9, 1906, now at the Ursuline Convent at Toledo, Ohio; and Gerald, bom July 4, 1908.

Henry Abnet, who is engaged in operating a modern farm of 228 acres on Pine Creek, in section 2, La Crescent township, was bom at Onalaska, La Crosse county. Wis., Jan. 18, 1880, son of Christian and Margaret Abnet. The parents were natives of Switzerland, the father born in 1829 and the mother in 1835. After coming to this country they spent their lives on their farm near Onalaska, both being now deceased. Henry, who was the youngest of their ten children, attended school in Sand Lake Coulie, La Crosse county. After becoming industrially active he worked with his father for some years as the latter's assistant on the home farm, which he then took over and operated for four years himself. At the end of that time he bought his present farm in La Crescent township, on which he has built new barns and made other notable improvements, and as a general farmer is doing a thriving business. In politics he is independent and in religion a Roman Catholic. On Oct. 20, 1903, Mr. Abnet was united in marriage with Mary Pierce, daughter of George and Emma (Richmond) Pierce, she being the second born of their nine children. Her parents, of French origin, the father bom in Canada in 1858, and the mother on French Island, Wis., in 1860. When a boy the former went to Massachusetts with his parents, and later removed to French Island, Wis. After marrying he bought a farm in Green's Coulie, near Onalaska, where he and his wife are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Abnet have five children, George H., Maretha Hope, Charles E., Heine A. and Beata Fem. Mr. Abnet is a stockholder in the Pine Creek Creamery, and is a man who takes a warm interest in everything calculated to promote the moral or material welfare of the community in which he resides, of which he and his family are prominent members.

Edward Hurley, agent at La Crescent for the C. M. & St. P. Railway, and a shipper of small fruits, was born in New Albin, Iowa, May 29, 1884, son of John and Mary (Scanlon) Hurley. The father was a native of Loveland, Ohio, born in 1860, and settled in New Albin when a young man. By his wife Mary, who was bom in Caledonia, Minn., in 1864, he had a family of eleven children, of whom seven are now living. Edward, who was the second bom, was educated in the public school at New Albin and in a business college at Waukon. He made such good use of his opportunities that at the age of fifteen years he was engaged to teach school in New Albin and did so for two terms to the satisfaction of the local school board. After that he worked at farming for a while, and then took a position in the railroad depot, where he studied telegraphy. In 1907 he came to La Crescent as agent for the C. M. & St. P. Railway, which position he still holds. In 1912 he also engaged in the business of buying and shipping small fmits, chiefly berrie.s. He has prospered so as to be able to buy a comfortable home in the village. A member of the Catholic church, he belongs also to the Knights of Columbus and the Railroad Order of Telegraphers. Mr. Hurley was married Sept. 15, 1914, to Minnie Welsh, daughter of Thomas and Johanna (Hurley) Welsh. Both her parents were bom in Houston county, the father being now station agent at Freeburg, Minn., where he follows the blacksmith's trade. Mr. and Mrs. Hurley have one child, Mary Lucille.

William Kramer, who is engaged in the culture of small fruits on a small farm of nine acres within the limits of La Crescent village, was bom in La Crescent, Aug. 9, 1872, son of John C. and Eleanor Kramer. The parents, natives of Germany, resided for a few years at Dakota, Minn., whence they moved to a farm on Pine Creek, Houston county, and later to La Crescent village, where John C. Kramer operated a fruit and vegetable garden, giving particular attention to the raising of vegetables. He died here June 6, 1909, and his widow now resides with her son William. The latter was educated in La Crescent and for about fifteen years after becoming industrially active worked for his father. Then for about a year he was employed in a grist mill at Hokah, after which he went to Iowa and worked there on farms. Retuming to La Crescent he went from here to Neillsville, Wis., where for four or five years he was engaged in carpenter work. He then returned to La Crescent and in 1906 took his present farm, containing forty-five lots, or about nine acres, which he is devoting to the culture of small fruits, a line of industry in which he has been very successful. In politics he is a Republican with independent proclivities. Mr, Kramer first married Luella Robbins, daughter of H. E. and Sarah Robbins. Of this union three children were bom ; Sadie, who is now Mrs. Rairdon ; Violet (Mrs. Nichols) , and Elvie, who is deceased. On Nov. 16, 1895, Mr. Kramer married Maud Cook, daughter of John H. and Mary (Davis) Cook. Her father was bom at Beaver Dam, Wis., and her mother in New Hampshire, later coming to Wisconsin with her parents. Mr. Cook was a soldier in the Civil War, and he and his wife resided for some time in Neillsville, Wis. Of Mr. Kramer's second marriage one child has been bom, Inez M.

William E. Selke, an esteemed citizen of La Crescent township, where he is successfully operating a good farm of 190 acres, was born in this township, Dec. 17, 1874, son of William and Christina (Boldt) Selke. The father was bom in Germany, July 1, 1843, and the mother, also in (Jermany, in 1853. William Selke, Sr., who came to America when young, became a sailor and made several trips between this country and Germany, finally settling in Houston county, Minnesota, with his parents, who engaged in farming here. The father died July 3, 1890, and the mother in 1876. William E. Selke, who was the eldest of their eight children, on his father's death became proprietor of the home farm of 190 acres, which he has continued to operate. It is well improved and he is conducting a profitable business, raising grain and stock, for which in these times he receives good prices. He is also treasurer of the South Ridge Telephone Company. In politics he is independent, while his religious affiliations are with the German Lutheran church. Mr. Selke was married, June 8, 1904, to Minnie Huebner, daughter of Ferdinand and Amelia Huebner, her parents being natives of Germany, but residents for many years of Rose Valley, Winona county, where they are still living. She was the eldest of their eight children. To Mr. and Mrs. Selke four children have been bom : Viola Elizabeth, April 27, 1905 ; Wilbert Ernest, June 23, 1908; Edward William, Nov. 3, 1911; and Arnold Walter, Dec. 25, 1915.

George Warren Boynton, one of the pioneer settlers in La Crescent, where for twenty-five years or more he conducted a blacksmith's shop, . was born in Vermont, June 11, 1827. As a young man he learned the blacksmith's trade and was married to Mercy Brown, who was born July 1, 1824. After a residence for a while in St. Lawrence county. New York, he brought his family in 1864 to Dakota, Minn., arriving June 5. In November of the same year he moved to La Crescent, Houston county, and here worked one winter for H. D. Gurley. At the end of that time he went to work in the shops of the Southern Minnesota Railroad at Hokah, being one of the first smiths employed on that road. After being thus occupied for a while he returned to La Crescent ,and buying the brick shop building of a man known locally as "Honest John," he engaged in the blacksmith's business, continuing in it for about twenty-five years, at the end of which time he retired. At the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 10, 1909, he had been a widower for ten years, his wife having passed away, Nov. 23, 1889. Their two children, Charles Eugene and Florence Abbie, were both bom in St. Lawrence county. New York, the son Oct. 22, 1856, and the daughter. May 15, 1861. The latter died Sept. 13, 1876.

Charles Eugene Boynton, who is engaged in the mercantile and ice business in the village of La Crescent, was bom in Pierpont, St. Lawrence county, New York, Oct. 22, 1856, son of George Warren and Mercy (Brown) Bojoiton. He came to Houston county with his parents, locating at La Crescent in November, 1864, and here attended the district school. When fourteen years old he entered his father's blacksmith shop to lear the trade, and continued as an assistant and journeyman until reaching the age of twenty-seven. He then became proprietor of the shop, which he conducted until 1912. In that year he engaged in the teaming business, and in 1914 in the ice business as an additional interest. In the fall of 1918 he entered into the mercantile business, at the same time giving up teaming. Industrious and capable, he has been successful and attained to prosperous circumstances. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Boynton has at various times taken an active part in local govemment affairs. At an early period he served as school clerk, was supervisor of La Crescent township before the incorporation of the village, and is now village tmstee and school treasurer. He is a member of the Masonic order, including the Eastern Star ; also of the Woodmen and Yeomen. Mr. Boynton was married, Feb. 5, 1880, to Anna May Howard, the third bom of the eight children of Edwin C. and Annie (Fahey) Howard. The father, a native of England, came to America when a young man, locating in La Crosse, Wis., which was then a small place. He was a miller by trade and later worked in McSpadden's mill in Houston, and in a mill in Hokah. He and his wife are both now deceased, as also is their daughter, Mrs. Annie May Boynton, who passed away April 22, 1913, in her fifty-first year, having been born May 1, 1862. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Boynton are : Nellie E., born March 1, 1881, who is the wife of George H. Snure, a railroad man ; and Annie M., bom Jan. 20, 1883, who is the wife of William P. Burrow, a farmer and fruit grower of Mound Prairie, this county.

Theodore E. Fitting, the owner and operator of a good eighty-acre farm in section 2, La Crescent township, is a good type of the enterprising modem farmer who is an asset to any community in which he resides. He is a native of Houston county, having been born in Mound Prairie township. May 19, 1877, a son of Peter Fitting. His early education was acquired in district school No. 94, after which he took a course in the Wisconsin Business University of La Crosse, graduating therefrom in the class of 1897. For several years subsequently he was employed as clerk in a clothing store in La Crosse, after which he worked a while for his father, and from 1902 to 1905 conducted the home farm. He then purchased his present farm, on which he has made practically all the important improvements now standing, having in particular remodeled the house, which is now a neat and comfortable residence. He is engaged in diversified agriculture, of which he has an expert knowledge, and, possessing an excellent equipment, is doing a profitable business. Aside from his direct farming interests, he is a stockholder in the Pine Creek Creamery Association. Of sterling qualities as a man and citizen, he possesses in a high degree the respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen. Religiously he is affiliated with the church of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Fitting was married, June 25 1902, to Anna Buelow, of Mound Prairie township, who was bora in La Crosse, Wis., March 30, 1883, daughter of Albert and Lena (Dettbora) Buelow. Her parents for three years were farmers in Houston county, but the father is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Fitting have four children, all residing at home, who were bom as follows: Vemer, Feb. 11, 1904; Dorothy E., Dec. 25, 1906; Alfred W., Sept. 15, 1910; and Theodore E., Jr., March 8, 1912.

Jacob Pilger, a well known and respected citizen of La Crescent township, proprietor of the Pilger farm in section 13, was bom in Rockfield, Wis., Feb. 9, 1861, son of John Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Ramer) Pilger. Both parents were bom in Prussia, Germany, the father in 1825 and the mother in 1823. In 1847 John Henry Pilger came to the United States, settling in Milwaukee, in which vicinity he soon took a farm. In 1865 he came to Houston county, taking a farm on South Ridge, La Crescent township, where he resided until his death in 1887. Jacob Pilger was the ninth bom of his parents' ten children. He attended the local school on South Ridge and remained on the home farm assisting his father until his marriage, when he took over the place and has continued to operate it. It contains 140 acres and is well improved, and Mr. Pilger is doing a successful business, making a specialty of breeding Durham cattle. In 1894 he became one of the town supervisors and served in that office for seven consecutive years, and for twenty-five years up to 1917 he was a director on the school board. He is a stockholder in the Pine Creek Creamery and the Farmers' Telephone Company. In politics Mr. Pilger is a Republican, while his religious affiliations are with the Evangelical church. Mr. Pilger was married Oct 19, 1886, to Elizabeth Amet, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Eberhard)

Arnet. Her parents were natives of Prussia who came to the United States at an early date, setthng first in Wisconsin, whence in 1863 they came to Houston county, taking a farm in Mound Prairie township. Mr. Arnet, who served as a soldier in the Civil War, died on his farm in 1885. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom Elizabeth was the fourth in order of birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Pilger eight children have been born : Ada, who is now Mrs. Louis Pilger of Hokah ; John, deceased ; George, Ruth, Arthur, deceased; Lelia, May and Elsie.

Bernard Wieser, who until his recent retirement was for a number of years engaged in business in La Crescent township as proprietor of a grist and saw mill, was bom in Germany in 1866. At the age of eighteen years he came to Winona, Minn., where he found work in a planing mill, and later in the Chicago & Northwestern Railway car shops. Coming to Houston county in 1903, he bought th6 saw and grist mill at Groff 's, on Pine Creek, La Crescent township, together with a piece of land, and engaged in business as proprietor of the mill. Later he also purchased 160 acres of land. In 1917 he retired, selling the mill to his son Louis, and took up his residence in La Crosse, where he is now living. Mr. Wieser married Barbara Roth, who was born in La Crosse, Wis., in 1864. They have been the parents of two children, Joseph and Louis, the former of whom is now operating the farm which he took over from his father.

Joseph Wieser, proprietor of a farm of 140 acres in section 3, La Crescent township, was born in Winona, Minn., Feb. 18, 1890, son of Bernard and Barbara (Roth) Wieser. His parents being Roman Catholics, he was educated in a Catholic parochial school in Winona, and in 1903 came with them to Houston county. From 1903 to 1906 he was associated with his father in the latter's grist and saw mill. He then took over his father's farm which he has since operated, giving his principal attention to dairying. He is a stockholder in the Pine Creek Valley Creamery, and is now numbered among the enterprising and prosperous citizens of his township. In politics he is independent. Mr. Wieser was married Nov. 18, 1913, to Mary Rohrer, daughter of John and Mary (Baumgartner) Rohrer. Her parents were bom in Houston county, the father in Bush Valley, Hokah township, in 1864, and the mother in La Crescent township. For a number of years they were engaged in farming in Bush Valley, but in 1908 retired and took up their residence in La Crescent village. Mr. and Mrs. Wieser have one son, Alois.

William F. Weist, who is conducting a store and blacksmith shop m Pine Creek Valley, section 2, La Crescent township, was bom in Mound Prairie township, Aug. 25, 1886, son of Charles and Theresa (Papenfuss) Weist. The parents, who were born in Germany, came to Houston county, Minnesota, about 1883, settling in Hokah, where the father opened and operated a blacksmith shop. Later he moved to Mound Prairie, and from there to La Crescent, where he remained about eleven years. In 1898 he removed to New Hartford township, Winona county, where he is now engaged in farming. William, who was the second bom of his parents' eleven children, was educated in the schools of La Crescent. He worked on the home farm with his father until after attaining his majority, and then engaged in blacksmith work in La Crosse. There he remained until 1910, when he removed to his present location at the creamery in Pine Creek Valley, where he built his blacksmith shop and store building, and has since continued in business here, having a good patronage. In 1911 he served as constable and in 1914 became town clerk, in which office he is still serving. In politics he is independent and in religion a Lutheran. Mr. Weist was married April 22, 1912, to Margaret Schwartz, daughter of Herman and Eva (Smith) Schwartz, natives of Germany, who settled in Winona county, the father coming to this country at the age of fifteen years. Their daughter Margaret was the fourth born of their thirteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Weist have one child, William, Jr., born March 29, 1915.

Anton A. Bahr, a well known and respected resident of La Crescent Village, where he is engaged in several useful lines of occupation, was bom in Germany, Nov. 13, 1872, son of Carl and Sophie (Fietz) Bahr. The parents were also natives of Germany, the father bom in Malcho and the mother in Geritz, and it was in Malcho that they made their home after their marriage. In 1882 they emigrated to Houston county, Minnesota, locating in Mound Prairie township, where the father, Carl Bahr, died in the following year, leaving his wife and two children, of whom Anton A. was the elder, to carry on the home farm. The latter had received some schooling in Germany, and for a while attended the Loretta school on South Ridge, Mound Prairie township. At the age of thirteen he began working out, and was thus engaged, mostly at farm work, until he was twenty-five. In 1898 he had occasion to dig a well for himself, and learned the method so thoroughly that he began taking contracts to similar work for others, and has continued to do so up to the present time. He also utilizes a part of his time in operating threshing and sawing machines, and with one line of business or another, keeps employed most of his time. He is a stockholder in the La Crescent Bank, the Sterling Manufacturing Co. and the Northwestern Mail Order Co. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Lutheran. On Aug. 4, 19Q9, Mr. Bahr was married to Luella Yohe, daughter of Louis and Elizabeth (Elsheimer) Yohe. He and his wife are the parents of one one child, Carl C. Louis Yohe, father of Mrs. Bahr, was bom in Center Darlington, Wis., Dec. 4, 1859, and his wife in Greenfield, Mass., June 2, 1862. When a boy he moved with his parents to Freeburg, Minn., where until his marriage he lived on a farm. About 1887, or a little later, he moved to Reno, where he was engaged in railroad work as a section foreman, later residing in New Albin, Iowa, and coming to La Crescent in 1895. His career in railroad work covered a period of twenty-five years. In 1911 he gave it up and moved to North Dakota, where he bought land, and where he is now engaged in farming.

John Hafner, the proprietor of a good farm of 160 acres in La Crescent township, near the village of La Crescent, which he has been operating successfully since 1913, was born in this township, March 25, 1873, son of Lorenz and Mary (Meier) Hafner. His parents were natives of Germany, the father born Aug. 29, 1831. Lorenz Hafner upon coming to the United States, settled in Day Valley, Mound Prairie township, this county. There he remanied until about 1868, when he moved to a farm in La Crescent township, fanning there until 1908. The rest of his life was spent in La Crosse, Wis., where he died in 1912. His wife died in 1910. John Haf ner acquired his education in the district school and at the convent school in Hokah. He worked at home until 1900, in which year he bought a farm on South Ridge. Later he rented that farm to a tenant and in April, 1913, bought and moved onto his present farm, which he is operating on a profitable basis. He has good buildings and an adequate equipment of modem tools and machinery, and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. In addition to his farming interests he is a stockholder in the La Crescent State Bank. In religion he is a Roman Catholic. Mr. Hafner was married at La Crescent, Oct. 28, 1901, to Elizabeth Eden, daughter of Theodore and Elizabeth (Cook) Eden. Her father, bom in Germany Jan. 12, 1842, came to America when about twenty-two years of age. At first he located in Iowa, where he was engaged in railroad work, but later he became a farmer in Winona county, Minnesota. From there he moved to La Crosse, Wis., where his wife, who was bom in 1846, died in 1912. Then he came to La Crescent, and took up his home with John Hafner. Mr. and Mrs. Hafner have had seven children, of whom six are living. They are : Joseph, bom Nov. 12, 1902; Henry, Nov. 20, 1904; Edward, Dec. 12, 1905; Nicholas, May 26, 1907; Walter, April 7, 1908; and Marie, April 15, 1915; all of whom are now living, and Jerome, who died in infancy. The Haf ners occupy a recognized place among the well known and respected families of La Crescent township.

William Miller, who in partnership with his brothers, Allen and Louis, is proprietor of a good farm of 211 acres in section 22, La Crescent township, was bom in this township, Aug. 25, 1882, son of John Paul and Mary (Bauser) Miller. The parents were natives of Germany, the father born in 1851, and the mother in 1862. John Paul Miller located in La Crosse, Wis., when about twenty years of age, but later bought a farm in Hokah township. In 1880 he removed to a farm in La Crescent township, which he operated until he retired from agricultural pursuits in 1913, selling his farm to his sons, and moving to Hokah Village. In 1916 he took up his residence in La Crosse, where he is now living. His wife died in 1914. William Miller was educated in the convent school at Hokah and in the La Crosse public schools. His early industrial experience was gained on the home farm, which in 1916 he bought in partnership with his brothers Allen and Louis. The farm has since been operated by the three brothers, or until July, 1918, when Louis entered the United States service, being now in France as cook with Company F, 33d Engineers. William and Allen are therefore the present operators of the farm, and are making a specialty of stock raising which they find a profitable branch of agriculture. They have a well improved place, with substantial buildings and modem equipment, and have made good progress both in the development of the farm and along financial lines. On Nov. 28, 1916, William Miller was married at La Crescent, Houston county, to Sophie Trumpi, daughter of Fred and Louisa (Forer) Trumpi. Her parents were bom in Switzerland, the father Nov. 11, 1869, and the mother in 1871. Fred Trumpi came to La Crescent when fifteen years of age, and later became a farmer in Mound Prairie township, where he is still living. Mr. and Mrs. William Miller are the parents of one child, William, Jr., who was bom Oct. 31, 1917. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Roman Catholic church.

John W. Welch, a well known and respected resident of La Crescent Village, who is engaged in the business of well drilling, was bom in La Crescent township, this county, Sept. 6, 1863, son of Frederick and Mary Ann (Wiley) Welch. Both parents were natives of Norwich, England. They emigrated to Ohio about 1857, remained there one year, then came to Houston county, Minnesota, taking a farm on Pine Creek. There Frederick Welch, the father, died in November, 1864. His widow subsequently rented the farm and for some time thereafter resided on it in a log house. John W., who was the youngest of their six children, was educated in the school of his district. His early industrial life was occupied with assisting his parents on the farm, but in 1890 he began well drilling, an occupation in which he has since continued, and in which he has gained a reputation as an expert, and has attained to prosperous circumstances. He is president of the La Crescent State Bank, and is a stockholder in the Pine Creek Creamery. In the Masonic order he belongs to the Blue Lodge and Eastern Star. In politics he is independent and in religion a Presbyterian. Mr. Welch was first married June 20, 1900, to Jennie Bartlet, who died within two years of her marriage, leaving one son, Arthur, bom June 23, 1901. Mr. Welch later married Anna Bowman, who was born in Hokah, June 19, 1885, daughter of August and Mary (Myer) Bowman, and this union has been blessed with five children: Ralph, born Dec. 5, 1904; Lester, bora March 21, 1909; Clarence, bora Nov. 21, 1911 ; Herbert, bom Dec. 28, 1916; and Gerald, bom Oct. 29, 1918. Mrs. Welch is a member of the Eastern Star.

John W. McCaffrey, cashier of the La Crescent State Bank and one of the leading citizens of La Crescent, was bom in La Crescent township, this county, Jan. 9, 1865, son of William and Katherine (Crowe) McCaffrey. The parents were natives of Ireland, the father bom in Dublin and the mother in County Tipperary. The former came to this country in 1848, settling first in New York, where he remained about a year, and then gradually working westward, reached Houston county, Minnesota, in 1863. Taking a farm in La Crescent township, he and his wife spent the rest of their lives here. John W. McCaffrey was the elder of his parents' two children. He acquired his education in the local schools and worked on the home farm until 1896. He then opened a store in the Lyons buildings in La Crescent, and in the following year erected a store building, continuing in business until 1912, in which year the La Crescent State Bank was organized, the store building being converted into a bank building, and Mr. McCaffrey becoming cashier of the institution, which position he has since retained. A Roman Catholic in religion, he is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and of the Woodmen, of which latter order he has been clerk since he joined it ten years ago. In politics Mr. McCaffrey is a Democrat. At various times he has served efficiently in public office. He was town clerk of La Crescent township before the incorporation of the village, serving as such for ten years, then became clerk of the village, which position he held for three years, and for the last three years has been village treasurer. He was also a member and treasurer of the school board for three years or more from the time the schoolhouse was built. Mr. McCaffrey was married June 14, 1897, to Jennie Coffey, daughter of Edward and Anne (Cowley) Coffey. He and his wife have two children ; Katherine, who is now post mistress of La Crescent ; and Anna, who is attending high school. Mrs. McCaffrey's parents were both natives of County Dublin, Ireland. The father, Edward Coffey, on coming to America, located first in New York, from which city he came to Houston county, Minnesota, to file a land claim at the land office at Brownsville, where he located for a time. Subsequently taking a homestead at Riceford, Minn., he resided on his farm there until 1900, when he moved to Madison, S. D., where he subsequently died. He took part in the Civil War as a member of a Minnesota regiment. He and his wife had eight children, of whom their daughter Jennie was the seventh in order of birth.

Albert M. Becker, who owns and operates a farm of 170 acres, lying partly in section 19, La Crescent township, and partly in section 30, Hokah township, was born in Greenfield, Wis., Feb. 14, 1879, son of Henry and Barbara (Klug) Becker. The father, who was born in the duchy of Luxemburg in 1845, came to this country in 1873, taking a farm on St. Joseph's Ridge, near La Crosse, Wis., where he resided until his death in 1901. His wife Barbara was born in Austria-Hungary in 1848 and is now living in La Crosse. Albert M. Becker was educated in the school of his home district, and remained on his parents' farm until the age of 14 years, when he began working out. For five years he worked in the Listman mill at La Crosse, and then, in 1911, came to Houston county and bought his present farm, which he is cultivating with profitable results. With fertile land and an adequate set of buildings he is making good progress, and is numbered among the enterprising and successful farmers of his locality. In religion he is a Roman Catholic and in politics a Democrat. On Oct. 3, 1906, Mr. Becker was united in marriage with Ida Betz, daughter of Henry and Helen (Helvig) Betz. Her parents were both born in Wisconsin, the father in 1858 and the mother in 1860. For a number of years they were engaged in fanning in La Crosse county, but for the last five years have resided on a farm near Black River Falls, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Becker are the parents of six children: Herbert, Ceona, Bernice, Henry and Leo (twins) and Mary.

Dedrick Wetchen, a well known and respected resident of La Crescent, who was formerly engaged in agriculture as proprietor of a farm, was born in La Crescent, Minn., May 8, 1856, son of John Henry and Annie (Brandt) Wetchen. Both parents were natives of Bremen, Germany, and came to this country at an early date, settling first in La Crosse, Wis., whence they removed to La Crescent Township, Houston county, taking a farm in Pine Creek Valley, where the father died in 1868 and the mother on May 1, 1902. They had five children, one of whom, it is said, was the first white girl born in Houston county. Dedrick, who was the third born child, was educated in the district school on Pine Creek. He was but ten years old when his father died, after which he had to make himself useful on the farm. At the age of 18 years he became employed in the railroad shops on the Southem Minnesota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road and was thus occupied for about three years. He then returned to the home farm, then containing 160 acres, and operated subsequently until 1913, when he took up his residence in the village. The farm, now having an area of 300 acres, is being operated by Mr. Wetchen's son Henry, whom he assists, also working occasionally at the carpenter's trade. He is a stockholder in the La Crescent State Bank. At the present time he is serving as a member of the village council, and was formerly supervisor and town treasurer. He is a member of the Methodist church.

Mr. Wetchen was married, Nov. 30, 1882, to Louisa Leidel, daughter of Heinrich and Johanna (Guenther) Leidel. He and his wife have two children : Esther, now Mrs. Charles Behrndt, and John Henry. The parents of Mrs. Wetchen were both born in Germany and on coming to the United States settled first in Ohio, whence they later came to Houston county, Minn., taking land in Pine Creek Valley. From there they moved to North Ridge, in Winona county, where they spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Leidel dying Jan. 22, 1881, and his wife Dec. 18, 1887. Their daughter Louisa was the fifth born of their seven children.

William Schnedecker, an enterprising and successful general farmer residing in section 19, La Crescent township, was born in Hokah township, this county, Sept. 5, 1893, son of Joseph and Clara (Tschumper) Schnedecker. The parents are both natives of this county, the father bom in Hokah in 1860 and the mother in La Crescent in 1876. They are still residing on their farm in Union township. William, who was the second born of their twelve children, in his boyhood attended school in Union Valley. He worked on the home farm assisting his father and also doing team work until 1914, when he rented a farm near Hokah and engaged in agricultural work for himself. In 1917 he moved to his present farm of 120 acres, which belonged to his grandfather and which he has purchased. Here he has made a good beginning as a general farmer, getting good prices for his grain and stock and is well along on the road to prosperity. In politics he is a Democrat and in religion a Roman Catholic. Mr. Schnedecker was united in marriage, June 5, 1917, to Anna Horihen, daughter of Joseph and Mary (McDonald) Horihen, farming people of Hokah township. Her parents, like his own, were both born in Houston county, the father in La Crescent and the mother in Brownsville township. Their daughter Anna was the eldest of their six children. Mr. and Mrs. Schnedecker have one child, Robert Joseph.

John Lehmann, a prominent representative of the farming industry in La Crescent township, residing in section 21, was born in Mound Prairie township, Nov. 22, 1878, son of Leopold and Mary (Gross) Lehmann. The father was bom in (lermany in November, 1851, and came to Minnesota when 10 years old, being reared to manhood on a farm in Mound Prairie township, where he subsequently followed agriculture until 1915. He then moved to La Crosse, where he died in June, 1918. His wife, Mary Gross Lehmann, who was born in Brownsville, Minn., in 1863, is still residing in La Crosse. John Lehmann, who with a twin sister was the second bom in a family of ten children, acquired his education in the Bush Valley district school. He did miscellaneous work in his home neighborhood - chiefly farm work - until 1903, when he bought his present farm of 297 acres, which is well improved and where he is carrying on general farming with profitable results. His home, erected in 1916, is one of the prettiest in the township. It is a modern house of eight rooms and full basement, built of tile and cement, the cement being broom finished. There are many conveniences and comforts, including a pipeless furnace and a Delco lighting system which serves both house and barns. The house is well located both as to beauty and suitability and will remain as a monument to Mr. Lehmann's goot taste, thrift and faith in the future. He is also a stockholder in the Hokah Farmers' State Bank. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Lehmann assumed the responsibilities of domestic life on Oct. 30, 1906, when he was united in marriage in La Crescent with Anna Tschumper, daughter of Emil and Veronica (Hicky) Tschumper. Her parents, who were born in Germany about 1848, came to Minnesota when young, settling on a farm in La Crescent, where they remained until 1917. They then sold their farm and removed to Hokah. To Mr. and Mrs. Lehmann four children have been born : Edward, July 30, 1907 ; Leona, May 25, 1910 ; Julius, Aug. 15, 1913 ; and Hilda, Oct. 2, 1915.

Thomas McCaffrey, who is now living practically retired in the village of La Crescent, was born in La Crescent township, Oct. 27, 1867, son of William and Katherine (Crowe) McCaffrey. The father was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to America 'in 1847, locating in one of the Eastern states. Later he came west to Wisconsin, residing near Milwaukee for several years and then removing to La Crescent. Here he was engaged in farming until his death in April, 1909. His wife Katherine was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland. Thomas, who was the younger of his parents' two children, was educated in La Crescent and was trained to agriculture on the home farm, assisting his father until the latter's death. He then took a farm of 240 acres near La Crescent, operating it as a general farmer until 1917, when he retired and took up his residence in the village, renting his farm. He is a stockholder in the La Crescent State Bank and is a member of the local camp of Woodmen. In religion he is a Roman Catholic, while his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. Mr. McCaffrey was married. May 2, 1906, to Rose Cotter, daughter of John and Katherine (Cadigan) Cotter. Of this marriage three children have been born: Elva, Frances and William.

John Cotter, the father of Mrs. McCaffrey, was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1842, and came to the United States at the age of 13 years, his family locating at Ogdensburg, N. Y. He later came west 4;o Montello, Wis., where he was married to Katherine Cadigan, a native of that place, born in 1854. From that time until their death they were engaged in farming at Buffalo, Wis. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom their daughter Rose was the third in order of birth.

James W. Farrell, who for the last thirty-three years has been engaged in farming the old Farrell homestead in La Crescent township, his residence lying in section 8, was born in this township, Nov. 22, 1856, son of Michael and Bridget (Lynch) Farrell. The parents were both natives of

Ireland, the father born in County Cork in 1819 and the mother in County Clare in 1824. On coming to the United States at an early date they located in Vermont, near Lake Champlain, where for some years they conducted a fruit farm. In 1855 they came to Houston county, Minnesota, then in the pioneer stage of its history, and took land on Pine Creek, La Crescent township, where they developed a farm on which they spent the rest of their days. James W. Farrell remained on the homestead until about 1882, when, a young man of about 25 years, he went west to the Pacific coast, where he remained about three months, after which he returned east as far as Chicago, where he entered into business as a cattle dealer, shipping cattle from Chicago to London, Liverpool and ports in Ireland. While engaged in this business he made four trips across the ocean. In 1886 he returned to Houston county, Minnesota, and took up his residence on the old homestead in La Crescent township, where he has since been engaged in general farming. His estate contains 300 acres and is well improved, being provided with good substantial buildings and a full equipment of modern farm machinery and implements. Mr. Farrell has enjoyed a prosperous career and is numbered among the enterprising and successful men of his township. In politics he is a Democrat with independent proclivities, usually voting for the best man regardless of party, but preferring to cast his vote for a Democrat when he can conscientiously do so. In religion he is a Roman Catholic. He was married on Nov. 5, 1891, at St. James' Catholic Church, Wabash avenue and Twenty-second street, Chicago, to Margaret Sheehan, born Sept. 15, 1867, daughter of John and Margaret (Dannahey) Sheehan. He and his wife are the parents of five children: Florence, a teacher ; Irene, who is keeping house on the home farm ; James, who is farming 143 acres of land in La Crescent township; Margaret, a teacher ; and George, residing on the home farm.

John Sheehan, the father of Mrs. Farrell, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1829, and his wife Margaret in the same county, May 19, 1835. The latter came to America when 13 years of age, her family settling in Auburn, N. Y., where she was later married to Mr. Sheehan, who had come to this country in the same year as herself, also locating in Auburn. In 1865 they came to Houston county, Minnesota, taking homestead land near Caledonia, where they established a farm. The father died May 22, 1876, and the mother Nov. 22, 1914. ^

John Doehle, who is now living retired in the village of La Crescent, after a successful career in agriculture, was born in La Crescent township, this county, Oct. 5, 1858, son of Diedrich and Augusta (Koch) Doehle. His parents were natives of Germany, the father born in Bremen, Dec. 27, 1816. The latter, after making a trip to America and returning to his native land, came again to this country to make his home here, landing at New Orleans, where he married Augusta Koch, who was born in Germany in 1839, and who was, therefore, some 22 or 23 years younger than himself. After being engaged in oyster fishing on the Gulf of Mexico for awhile in 1854 he came up the river to Minnesota, settling with his wife in Pine Creek Valley, Houston county, where he spent the rest of his life, he dying in 1901 and his wife in 1904. John Doehle, who was the fifth bom of his parents' eleven children, was educated in the district school on Pine Creek and in early youth assisted his father on the home farm. Later he engaged in agriculture on his own account and finally took a farm of 160 acres in Pine Creek Valley, which he operated until his retirement in 1914, when he moved to the village of La Crescent. As the result of his former years of industry and thrift he is now in comfortable circumstances. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Doehle was married Oct. 29, 1902, to Emilie Petry, daughter of Carl and Katherine (Foster) Petry. Her parents were natives of Germany, the father being an officer in the quartermaster's department of the German army. The mother was born in 1837 in Nierstein, but they spent their lives for the most part in Darmstadt, neither coming to this country. Mrs. Doehle was the fifth born of their nine children.

Otto F. Selke, who is prosperously engaged in agriculture on a farm of 150 acres in section 17, La Crescent township, was born in La Crescent, June 18, 1881, son of Frederick and Christina (Hettmann) Selke. The father, bom in Germany in 1850, came to Minnesota at the age of 26 years, settling on a farm on South Ridge, La Crescent township, Houston county, where he remained until his death in April, 1895. His wife subsequently carried on the farm until 1907, when she retired from active work but continued to reside on it until 1917, when she removed to Hokah, this county. In 1918 she went to Donna, in southern Texas, near the Mexican border, where she remained until March 1, when she returned to the old farm where she now lives with her son. Otto F. Frederick and Christina Selke were the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth. Otto F. Selke was educated in the district school and began industrial life as his father's assistant on the home farm. For nine years he was associated with his father in operating a threshing outfit and sawing timber. From 1908 to 1912 he operated the home farm on his own account under rental and then purchased 150 acres of it, which constitutes his present farm, which he has under good cultivation. He is engaged in general farming, having adequate buildings and an equipment of modem tools and machinery. Since starting in for himself he has made good progress and has taken his place among the prosperous citizens of his township. In 1915 and 1916 he served as town assessor. As a native of the township and a son of early settlers here he is widely known and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Selke was married at Hokah, this county, on Nov. 6, 1907, to Theresa Ruff, daughter of John and Amelia (Kletzke) Ruff, she being the youngest of their seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Selke have two children: Alice, bom July 9, 1910, at Hokah, and Esther, born in La Crescent, Nov. 3, 1912. John Ruff, father of Mrs. Selke, was bom in Germany, June 24, 1853, and was seven years old when he came to this country. For two or three years he resided in Philadelphia and then came with his parents to Houston county, Minn., where he grew to manhood and becam a farmer, residing in this locality until his death, which occurred March 21, 1909. His wife, who was born in Germany in 1845, died in 1887. They were the parents of seven children, of whom their daughter Theresa, now Mrs. Selke, was the youngest.

Frank A. Haf ner, one of the younger farmers of La Crescent township, who rents and operates a farm of 440 acres belonging to his mother, was born in this township, June 13, 1895, son of Frank H. and Maggie (Reinhardt) Hafner. The parents were natives of Houston county, the father born in La Crescent and the mother in Caledonia. They were reared in this locality and after their marriage owned and operated farms in La Crescent township until the father's death, which occurred Dec. 3, 1917. The mother, Mrs. Maggie Hafner, now resides in a comfortable modern home in Hokah. Frank A. Hafner was educated in public and parochial schools at Hokah and La Crosse. Brought up to agricultural pursuits, he subsequently worked with his father until the latter's death, when he took charge of the farm, renting it from his mother. It is a well improved place with good buildings and a complete equipment of modern tools and machinery, Mr. Hafner operating it successfully, carrying on general farming, with a view to specializing in stock raising. In May, 1919, he purchased an improved farm of 105 acres in Caledonia township, where he will make his future home and where he will carry out his plans of general farming and stock raising. In common with the members of the Hafner family generally, he is a member of the Catholic church. On April 23, 1918, Mr. Hafner was married at St. Peter's church, Caledonia, to Clara Rose Konzem, the daughter and youngest of ten children of John and Barbara (Konzem) Konzem. Both her parents were born in Germany, the father in 1843 and the mother in 1853. Mr. Konzem at the age of 21 years settled in St. Paul, Minn., where for about five years he was employed in the lumber mills. He then came to Caledonia, Houston county, where he bought a farm with his wife, who had come to this place at the age of seven years. He died in 1898, but his wife, who survived him, is still residing on the farm which they purchased together.

William Finn, who owns and operates a farm of 208 acres in La Crescent township, residing in section 5, was born in this township, Feb. 15, 1857, son of Patrick and Mary (Cain) Finn. The parents were natives of County Limerick, Ireland, the father born in 1814 and the mother in 1824. On emigrating to America they spent some time in the Eastern states and then came west to Wisconsin and were engaged in farming several years near Fox Lake. Then coming to Minnesota they settled on a farm in Pine Creek Valley, Houston county, where they spent the rest of their lives. William, who was the fourth bom of their eight children, was educated in the district school in Pine Creek Valley. Until 25 years old he worked for his father, after which he spent two years in Minneapolis. He then returned to Houston county, lived here awhile in Pine Creek Valley and Money Creek and then spent a year in La Crosse. Then returning to Houston county he settled on his present farm of 208 acres, which he is conducting on a profitable basis. For several years he has served as a member of the town board of supervisors and was town assessor for four or five years, rendering efficient service in both capacities. In politics he is an independent Democrat, and in religion a member of the Catholic church. For twenty years he has been a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Mr. Finn was married Feb. 25, 1892, to Mary Farrell, born April 14, 1865, daughter of Bartholomew and Honora (Casey) Farrell. Both parents were bom in Ireland, the father in County Cork in 1829, and the mother in County Clare in 1834. Mr. Farrell emigrated to Vermont at the age of 18 years and was engaged in farm work in the East until his marriage, when he and his wife came to Houston County, Minnesota, and took a farm on Pine Creek, where they were among the first settlers. Their daughter Mary was the fourth born of their seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Finn are the parents of three children : Frank, born April 6, 1894, a veteran of the United States Service in the Great War ; William, born Sept. 21, 1898, and Eileen, born July 7, 1901.

John S. Harris, one of the pioneers of the horticultural industry in Houston county, the founder of Sunnyside Gardens at La Crescent, was born at Seville, Ohio, Sept. 17, 1827. In his native state he learned the carpenter's trade, but while still a very young man enlisted for service in the Mexican war of 1845-46, from which he returned broken in health. Soon after he came west to La Crosse, Wis., and there in 1851 began market gardening, continuing there until 1854. During that period he was married to Melissa J. Clayton, who was born in New York State, Aug. 17, 1831. From La Crosse they moved to La Crescent, Houston county, where in the spring of 1856 Mr. Harris established the Sunnyside Gardens of 40 acres and engaged in the cultivation of vegetables and flowers, making a specialty of the more valuable varieties. In that business he was engaged until his death in March, 1901, gaining a widespread reputation as an expert horticulturist. He was a charter member of the State Horticultural Society, a contributor to many horticultural magazines, and at times lectured for state horticultural institutes. He and his wife were the parents of four children : Emma J., who died in September, 1917 ; Frank I. ; Eugene E., of Onalaska, Wis. ; and Ida M., now Mrs. D. W. Robinson, of Caledonia.

Frank I. Harris, a retired horticulturist and fruit cultivator, now residing in the village of La Crescent, was born in La Crosse, Wis., Nov. 25, 1854, son of John S. and Melissa J. (Clayton) Harris. He was an infant when his parents moved to La Crescent, Houston county, Minn., his father establishing the horticultural farm known as Sunnyside Gardens. Here as he grew up he attended the local school, later taking a course at the La Crosse Business College. At the age of 21 years he became associated with his father as a partner, the connection lasting for twenty years, at the end of which time he leased the place and continued the business alone, inheriting the property at his mother's death. After taking over the business he dropped the vegetable industry, which his father had followed in part, and devoted his energies to fruit culture, in which he achieved a pronounced success. In 1913 Mr. Harris retired and took up his residence in the village, where he is now living. He is a stockholder in the La Crescent Bank, the La Crosse Telephone Company and the Cumberland Fruit Package Company. Since his retirement he has served in various town offices, including those of village recorder, assessor and school clerk, in which last mentioned position he is now serving. In politics he is an independent Democrat. He is now conducting a store at La Crescent handling

Mr. Harris was married at Baraboo, Wis., Jan. 25, 1882, to Dora G. White, eldest of the two children of Alvin C. and Mary (Courtright) White. Her parents were natives of eastern states, the father bom in New York in 1826 and the mother in New Jersey in 1828. On coming west they settled first in Illinois, then in Wisconsin, later in Kansas, and finally, about 1884, in Minnesota. The father died in January, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are the parents of two sons and one daughter : Ralph, now at Sunnyside, and John, who resides at home, a veteran of the United States service in the great war, and Vinnie M. Cook, who resides at home.

Thomas Finn, one of the leading stock farmers of La Crescent township, residing in section 1, was bom at Fox Lake, Wis., Feb. 1, 1853, son of Patrick and Mary (Cain) Finn. The parents were both natives of Lreland. The father, Patrick Finn, bom in County Limerick in or about the year 1818, when a young man emigrated to the United States, locating first in Massachusetts, where for five or six years he was engaged in railroad work. Then coming west, he settled in Wisconsin, taking a farm, but in 1863 removed to Pine Creek Valley, Houston county, Minn., where he and his wife spent the rest of their lives as farmers. Their son Thomas, who was the second bom in a family of nine children, attended school in Pine Creek Valley, and lived and worked on the home farm until reaching the age of thirty years. He then bought his present farm of 280 acres, which he has since operated, giving particular attention to the breeding of Durham cattle, Chester White and Poland-China hogs, and other good stock, in which branch of the farming industry he is doing a profitable business. He has served as town supervisor several terms. In politics he is a Democrat and in religion a Roman Catholic. June 1, 1883, Mr. Finn was united in marriage with Honora Farrell, daughter of Bartholomew and Norah (Casey) Farrell, she being the second bom of their nine children. Her parents were natives, respectively, of County Cork and County Clare, Ireland. JThe father on coming to this country settled in Vermont, where he was married, and then with his wife, and accompanied by a brother, came west to Houston county, settling first at Toledo Mill in Pine Creek Valley, and later buying land and establishing a farm in La Crescent township, on which he and his wife resided for the rest of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Finn seven children have been bom, Mary, John, George, Morris, Annabel, Margaret and Roger. Morris was in the United States service three months at Camp Dodge. Margaret is a teacher.

Helmer K. Ike, a prominent farmer and respected citizen of Black Hammer township, residing in section 27, was bom in this township Aug. 11, 1876, son of Knut and Maren Ike. The parents came to America at an early date, and the father, now nearly eighty years old, is living on the old homestead in this township. They had five children: Comelius, deceased; Helmer K., subject of this sketch ; Martin ; Carl, now a farmer at Wild Rose, N. D. ; and Sarah, wife of 0. E. Dahl, who is working Mr. Ike's farm. Helmer E. Ike acquired his education in the district school, which he attended as he had opportunity up to the age of fourteen years. Outside from school hours he had to work hard on the home farm, being his father's assistant up to the age of twenty-one years. On May 27, 1898, he was married to Anna Maria, daughter of Thor E. and Anna Maria (Ottemess) Holum, of Black Hammer township, her mother having been one of the first white children born in this section. In the year following his marriage Mr. Ike rented the Vinge farm in Black Hammer township, he and his wife having in the meanwhile resided on his parents' place. He operated the Vinge farm until the fall of 1901, at which time he bought the Orested farm in section 27, four and a half miles north of Spring Grove Village, on which he in now living. The property was improved, but the buildings were poor, consisting of a small frame house and a few sheds. Mr. Ike has added sixtyone acres to the original area and now has 125 acres, the farm being well fenced and well tilled. In 1910 he built a frame bam, 32 by 56 by 16 feet in size, with a full nine-foot stone basement ; and in 1915 he erected a modem two-story, ten-room house, provided with fumace heat and other conveniences. He has also made other improvements, and has running water in all his buildings. One hundred acres of his land are under the plow, the rest being in timber and pasture. He is raising Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, having f uUblooded sires, and is doing a prosperous business. He also owns stock in the Spring Grove Creamery, Stock & Grain Co., and the Equity Shipping Association. In politics a Republican, he has served for the last ten years as town clerk, and has for years been a member of the school board of his district. His residence is one of the most beautiful in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Ike are the parents of three children: Melvin, bom Sept. 17, 1899, who graduated from Spring Grove high school in 1918; Theodore, bom Nov. 17, 1901, and Clara, bom April 8, 1906, the two latter residing on the home farm. Mr. Ike and his family are members of the Norwegian Evangelical Congregation of Black Hammer, of which he is a tmstee.

Erick Karlsbraaten, the founder of a good farm in section 21, Black Hammer township, lying six and a half miles from Spring Grove Village, was bom in Norway, Feb. 2, 1853, and died on his farm in this township, June 21, 1912, at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a very young child when he came with his parents to the United States. In September, 1872, he was married to Kari Rask, who was bom in Norway, June 28, 1844, and who had come with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Christ Rask, to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1857. In 1874, the second year after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Karlsbraaten bought their first land in section 21, Black Hammer township, a wild tract which forms a part of the present farm. For some years their only dwelling was a dugout with pole and sod roof, but they labored hard to improve their lot, clearing the land and erecting better buildings according to their progress. They also in time bought more land, building up the farm to its present area of 280 acres, besides purchasing a tract of 100 acres not far away from the homestead. The buildings which they erected include a comfortable seven-room frame house ; a bam 32 by 64 by 18 feet, with full stone basement of nine feet, for horses and cattle; a granary, two machine sheds, poultry house, etc., all being in good condition. Mr. Karlsbraaten was a steady, industrious man and a respected citizen of his township. In politics he was a Republican. He was a prominent member of the Black Hammer con^rregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. His wife, who survives him^is still residing on the old home farm. Their children were as follows : Olaus, now living in Spring Grove Village; Maria, wife of Knute Dahle of Black Hammer township ; Martin, a carpenter living at home ; Ingeborg, deceased ; Hannah, who lives on the home farm and keeps house for her mother and brother, Elling; and Elling E., who is operating the farm, and who is unmarried.

EUing E. Karlsbraaten, who is operating the old Karlsbraaten farm in section 21, Black Hammer township, was born in Wilmington township, Houston county, Minnesota, Nov. 3, 1872, son of Erick and Kari (Rask) Karlsbraaten. He was about two years old when his parents moved to the farm in Black Hammer township on which he is now living, and where his early years were spent amid somewhat primitive surroundings, the family residence being a dugout. This, however, was in time replaced by a comfortable dwelling. In the work of clearing the land and cultivating it, and erecting good buildings, Elling E. assisted his father, and has had much to do with the general improvement of the estate, which now contains 280 acres, besides another tract of 100 acres in the vicinity. Since his father's death the subject of this sketch has operated the farm, his mother residing with him. It is well equipped with all the necessary teams, tools and machinery, and is stocked with graded Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, each herd having pure bred sires. The present house is a fine modem residence, with beautiful surroundings, and the farm is well fenced with all the buildings in good condition. Mr. Karlsbraaten is doing an extensive and profitable business and ranks among the leading men of his township. He is a member of the town board, having been supervisor for two terms, and in politics is a Republican. He is a member of the Black Hammer congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

Erick EUestad, for many years a substantial farmer of Wilmington township, was bom in Norway, and came to America in youth. For some time he worked as a farm hand in Wilmington township, and on March 24, 1874, married Guri Erickson, daughter of Torkel and Amelia (Krausag) Erickson. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. EUestad moved onto what is now the William Gjergingsen farm in Wilmington township. There they toiled and labored together for many years, and there raised their large family of children. A Republican in politics, Mr. EUestad took an active part in the affairs of his neighborhood, served on the town board and in other local offices, and was especially prominent in church affairs. In 1903 the family moved to Spring Grove Village where Mr. EUestad died Jan. 22, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. EUestad were the parents of nine children: Henry, ToUef , AmeUa, Gerhard, Carl, Emma, Clara, Gena and NeUie. Henry was born Feb. 20, 1876, and now operates his mother's farm in Black Hammer township. ToUef was born Jan. 22, 1877, and operates a farm near Holt, Minn. Amelia was born Aug. 28, 1879, and is the wife of Andrew Weissness, a farmer of Charleston, N. D. Gerhard was born Dec. 16, 1882, and is now a farmer at Keene, McKenzie county, N. D. Carl was bom Feb. 1, 1885, and works on his mother's farm. Emma was bom Nov. 10, 1886, married

Gerhard Gilbertson of McKenzie county, North Dakota, and died Feb. 10, 1911. Clara was bom Jan. 1, 1889, was educated at Faribault, and lives at home. Nellie, born Feb. 12, 1892, and Gena, bom Dec. 25, 1893, both died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of Spring Grove, in which they have all taken an active part. Guri Erickson, now Mrs. Erick EUestad, was born at Pine Creek, Alamakee county, Iowa, October 23, 1855, daughter of Torkel and Amelia (Krausag) Erickson, both of whom came to America from Norway as children. Losing her mother when she was two years old, the child Guri was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. ToUef Haagensen, of Black Hammer township, who proved faithful and loving foster parents. Mr. and Mrs. Haagensen were among the pioneers of Black Hammer township, and purchased the 174 acres where their foster daughter now lives when Franklin Pierce was president of the United States. They both died in Fillmore county, she in September, 1896, and he in June, 1903. While still in Spring Grove Village, Mrs. EUestad purchased the homestead of her foster parents, and placed her son, Henry, in charge, moving there herself some time after her husband's death. This farm of 174 acres, five miles northwest of Spring Grove Village, is well fenced, well tilled, and highly productive, 115 acres being under the plow and the remainder in timber and pasturage. The operating equipment is good, and the buildings are excellent. When Mrs. EUestad purchased the place there was standing on it a substantial and comfortable frame house built over a half century ago, as weU as a good frame barn on a full stone ninefoot basement, granary and other buildings. She and her son have added a stave silo, Doultry house, machine shed, granary and other buUdings. In the summer of 1919 she erected a new modem frame house of twelve rooms. In addition to carrying on general farming and raising the usual crops, a specialty is made of pure blood and grade short horn cattle and Poland- China swine, some fifty or sixty hogs being shipped annually. Mrs. EUestad is a hard working, highly respected woman, justly proud of her fine family and farm. She is much interested in early history, and has preserved the log buildings erected in the fifties by her foster-parents.

Ole A. Stenehjem, who estabUshed the fine Stenehjem farm in Black Hammer township, was bom in Norway, May 18, 1848, son of Ammond and Kari Stenehjem. He was only a year old when he accompanied his parents to Dane county, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1854. Then coming to Houston county, Minnesota, they settled in Wilmington township, their first dweUing here being a hut or shack of poplar poles, with a sod roof. Being very poor they worked hard to improve their condition, and their son, Ole, had to make himself useful at a very early age, getting little schooling. In 1869, while stUl residing with his parents, Ole assumed the responsibilities of domestic life on his own account by marrying Anne EUestad, and until 1872 they made their home on a part of the Stenehjem farm in Wilmington township. In the latter year, however, he purchased 160 acres in sections 22 and 28, Black Hammer township and moved onto the land, where he immediately began improvements. A subsequent purchase of fifty-two acres enlarged his farm to an area of 212 acres, which is its size today. When he took possession of his original purchase, but twelve acres had been broken, and Mr. Stenehjem hired help to grub and break more of the land, also buying a small log house in the vicinity, which he moved onto it, and in which he and his family lived for many years. With oxen and horses he continued the work of improvement, his wife often helping him in the field, and success finally crowned their united efforts, so that the farm is now one of the best in the county. In 1899 Mr. Stenehjem built a fine two-story brick house, surrounding it with beautiful evergreens planted by his own hand, and among the buildings he had previously erected were a good frame bam, a granary, machine shed, com cribs and ice house, all of which are now in good condition. The farm is also well fenced, and the tools, machinery and other equipment are of the best. On Feb. 22, 1903, Mr. Stenehjem passed from this life's activities to the life beyond the grave, his loss being deeply regretted throughout the conmiunity. His widow, who survives him, is still residing on the old homestead, the farm being now operated by her son, J. Selmer. Bom in Norway, Oct. 22, 1847, she came to this country at the age of ten years, and has now attained that of seventy-one, being still in reasonably good health. Mr. Stenehjem, who was a Republican in politics, served the town in various official capacities. He was a prominent member of the Black Hammer congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical church. To him and his wife the following children were bom: Maria, now Mrs. Hans Trehus of Wilmington township; Albert, deceased; Emma, wife of H. M. Habberstad, of Kindred, N. D.; Peter, of Esmond, N. D.; Hogen O., of Plentywood, Mont., where he is engaged in the banking business; Clara, residing at home; Anna, now Mrs. Olof Drovdal, of Anagard, N. D.; Inga, wife of Adolph Soleum, a farmer of Black Hammer township; and J. Selmer, who is operating the home farm.

J. Selmer Stenehjem, who is operating the old Stenehjem farm in sections 21, 28 and 29, Black Hammer township, being its present proprietor, was bora on this farm, Nov. 26, 1891, son of Ole A. and Anne (Ellestad) Stenehjem. The parents were natives of Norway who were married in Houston county in 1869, residing on a farm in Wilmington township until 1872, when they removed to Black Hammer township and gradually built up the farm on which the subject of this sketch is now living. The latter was educated in the district school, which he attended up to the age of 15 years, and in the Southern Minnesota Normal School at Austin, Minn., where he was a student in 1910 and 1911. He has resided on the home farm except for one year, and gave material assistance to his father in its development. Since the father's death in 1903 he has been engaged in operating it, his mother residing with him. The estate now contains 212 acres, and has an excellent set of buildings, including a fine, two-story brick house and good frame bam. Mr. Stenehjem is a breeder of pure Red Poll cattle, and has also a fine herd of graded Shorthoms, and another of Poland-China hogs. His operating equipment is first-class and includes the most modem machinery. Progressive and enterprising, he has won a place for himself among the prosperous and well to do citizens of his township. In addition to his direct farming interests, he is a stockholder in the Spring Grove Creamery and the Equity Shipping Association of

Spring Grove. On June 2, 1917, Mr. Stenehjem was married to Georgiana, daughter of Ole G. and Gubrid Nelson of Hatton, N. D. They have one child, Julian Sidney, who was bom Feb. 17, 1918. The family are members of the Black Hammer congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

George Wright, who carries on extensive agricultural, threshing and portable sawmill operations in Houston and Fillmore county, is a fine example of the modern farmer and business man. One of the most active men in his community, he is respected and honored, his work has been successful, and he is doing his share toward the upbuilding of the community in every way. Living in a community almost entirely made up of people of another nationality, his character has won for him the recognition and position which he now enjoys. During the recent world war his work won for him an enviable reputation as being in the front ranks of American citizenship. George Wright was born in Black Hammer township, in which township he still resides, Feb. 18, 1863, son of Thomas T. and Elizabeth Wright, who were born in Ireland, came to America at an early age, were married in Pennsylvania and in 1858 came to Houston county, where the father died in the sixties and where the mother, at the good old age of 85, still lives with her bachelor son, William, on the Fillmore county line. Early left without a father, George Wright started to shift for himself at the age of 12 and has since devoted his life to hard work. After his marriage in 1888 he settled on the Bailey farm in Yucatan township. About two years later he moved to the Brill farm in the same township, where he lived six or seven years. It was in 1897 that he bought 120 acres of land in Black Hammer township, on which a few improvements had been made. On this farm he still lives. Eighty acres are under the plow. He later purchased another farm in the same township. Of this farm 30 acres are under the plow and the remainder in timber and pasture. The farm, which he and his mother jointly own and which he also operates, consists of 80 acres in Fillmore county and 80 acres in Black Hammer township, and of this 140 acres are under the plow. In addition to these three farms he also operates 200 acres adjoining his farm on the east. His operating equipment is all good. He raises the usual diversified crops, breeds large numbers of Poland-China swine, has a good herd of some 125 Poll-Angus cattle and owns about 25 horses. In addition to this he has two threshing outfits which he successfully conducts each fall, and he also has a portable sawmill outfit which he operates successfully in the two counties.

Mr. Wright was married in August, 1888, to Jane Lee, daughter of Knut Lee, of Black Hammer township. This union has been blessed with three children: Frances, Arthur R. and Henry. Frances was born May 10, 1889, and first married Charles Kallis, by whom she has two children who are now being reared in the Wright home. She is now Mrs. Andrew Johnson, of Riceford, Minn. Arthur R. was bom Oct. 25, 1892, and assists his father in operating his farms. He married Ida Tellefson, daughter of Peter and Anna Tellefson, and has two children. Henry was born Oct. 27, 1897, and also assists the father. The family attends the Preble Catholic church in Fillmore county.

Glaus Harstad, whose fertile farm of 200 acres lies in Yucatan Valley, section 18, Black Hammer township, was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, July 21, 1871, son of Jonas and Brinil Harstad. His parents, coming from Norway in 1869, settled near Riceford, Houston county, and resided there many years, subsequently moving to Fillmore county and later to the farm in section 18, Black Hammer township, Houston county, on which the subject of this sketch now lives. The latter attended district school up to the age of 15 years and remained at home with his parents. He assisted his father to buy the farm, of which in 1916 he became sole proprietor. Of its total area of 200 acres 100 are now under cultivation, the balance being in pasture and timber. The house is a comfortable frame structure, while the barns are built of logs. One of the latter was erected in 1917. The situation is picturesque, the farm being surrounded by high bluffs. Mr. Harstad is doing a successful business, his stock consisting chiefly of Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China swine. He is also a stockholder in the Yucatan Creamery Association. Among his buildings is a garage for the housing of his Ford auto. Mr. Harstad was married. May 31, 1900, to Olava B., daughter of Peter and Anne Tollefson, of Black Hammer township. He and his wife have three children: Benora, born Aug. 13, 1906 ; Pauline, born July 8, 1911, and Olga, born Sept. 3, 1915. The family are members of the Black Hammer congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

Die C. G, Otterness, a thriving farmer residing on the old Ottemess homestead in Black Hammer township, section 15, was bom on his present farm, in June, 1862, son of Guttorm and Britha (Frandel) Ottemess. The parents, natives of Norway, were among the early settlers in this township, beginning as pioneer farmers when very poor, but finally building up a good farm. The father, who was bom Feb. 3, 1823, died April 16, 1887; the mother, bom June 9, 1829, died Aug. 21, 1897, surviving her husband a little over ten years. They were worthy and industrious people and much respected. Several of the original log buildings erected by Guttorm Otterness are still standing on the farm. Of the nine children in the family, five are now hving, namely ; Iver, residing on a neighboring farm in this township; Martha, now Mrs. James Winjun; Jane, wife of Ole Lee; Ole C. G., and Carrie married to Ole J. Winjun, all being residents of Black Hammer township. Ole, who acquired his education in the district school, has always lived on the home farm, which contains 157 acres. Of this area he has 95 under cultivation, all the land being good and well fenced. The present farm residence is a substantial nine-room frame house, and among the other buildings are a frame barn, 26 by 60 by 18 feet, with a leanto for cattle, 12 by 60 ; a granary, machine shed, com cribs and similar structures, all of which are in good condition. The farm is conducted on a profitable basis and Mr. Otterness is recognized as one of the successful and enterprising men of his township. He has served several terms as a member of his district school board, in politics being a Republican. With his family he is a member of the Black Hammer congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Otterness was married in June, 1895, to Ingebor, daughter of EUing and Sigri Veum. She was bom in Riceford.

Spring Grove township, Nov. 16, 1866, but at the time of her marriage was residing with her parents in Black Hammer township. Mr. and Mrs. Otterness have four children : Guttorm, bom May 22, 1896, who is operating the home farm for his father ; Sarah, born Nov. 25, 1897, who graduated from the Houston Normal School and is now teaching in Houston county ; Benora, bom Oct. 20, 1899, and Olga, born Sept. 3, 1901, who, as well as Sarah, are residing on the home farm.