Houston County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 14 of 21)

Lars M. Quinnell, in former years a prosperous agriculturist of Wilmington township, was a Norwegian by birth, and a ship carpenter by trade, who came to the United States in 1856, settling in La Crescent, Minn. On the same boat on which he crossed the ocean were Mr. and Mrs. Eskel Quinnell and their children, their daughter Anne, then six years old, who in time became his wife. With her father, Eskel Quinnell, Mr. L. M. Quinnell bought a farm in Wilmington township, Houston county. His marriage to Miss Quinnell took place Jan. 1, 1869. She was then in her nineteenth year, having been born Oct. 7, 1850. Buying his father-in-law's interest in the farm, Mr. Quinnell gave his whole time to its development and erected a good set of buildings, including a two-story, eleven-room brick house. There he remained until 1893, when he retired from the farm and took up his residence in Spring Grove village. Three years later he was killed in a thresher accident, being crushed by the engine. His wife, who survived him, is now a resident of Spring Grove. They were the parents of seven sons and two daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter are now living, namely: Emil, a prosperous merchant of Spring Grove village ; Martin, who is a farmer in North Dakota, and Johanna, now Mrs. Jacob Evenson of McKenzie, N. D.

Emil L. Quinnell, proprietor of a flourishing mercantile business in Spring Grove village, who has also served repeatedly in public office, was born in Wihnington township, March 14, 1877, son of Lars M. and Anne Quinnell. His primary education was acquired in the local schools, and he afterwards attended the village school and the Wisconsin Business University at La Crosse, where he was graduated when about twenty-two years old. In the spring of 1899 he went to Hickson, N. D., where he became clerk in the general store of A. M. Hoveland, remaining there until Christmas. He then returned to Spring Grove and entered the employ of N. T. Newhouse, general merchant, with whom he remained until the fall of 1904. After resigning his position with Mr. Newhouse, he was married Sept. 14, 1904, to Josephine Halseth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. I. Halseth, of Hester, Iowa, and who had been conducting a millinery store in Spring Grove since 1899. In company with Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Clauson, who had been recently married, they took their wedding trip to St. Louis, and attended the World's Fair. Then entering into partnership with Oscar Clauson he began his career as an independent merchant, the firm handling groceries, boots and shoes and dry goods. The partnership was continued until the fall of 1916, at which time Mr. Quinnell bought Mr. Clauson's interest and has since been the sole proprietor of the business. His store is one of the best and most popular in the village and through honest dealing and courteous treatment of his customers he has built up an excellent trade. He is also a stockholder in the Root River Electric Company, the Spring Grove Hospital and the Horsebreeders' Association. Mr. Quinnell is also the owner of the old "home farm" in Wilmington township, which he purchased in 1914 and which has an area of 200 acres. It is a well improved place, well provided with good buildings. These include a large, two-story, eleven-room brick house; two frame bams, one 34 by 68 by 16 feet in size, with full stone basements, and an addition of 16 by 34 feet, for a colt barn and poultry house ; the other a stock and hay bam, 20 by 40 by 14 feet ; a machine-shed 24 by 50 ; three com cribs, a hog house with cement floor, which he built in 1915; also a granary, 16 by 24 by 10, with a seven-foot stone basement. There is also a fine water system supplying running water to every building on the farm. About 155 acres of the land are under cultivation. This farm is operated by a tenant to whom Mr. Quinnell has leased it, his business in the village engrossing his whole personal attention. For three or four years he has been a member of the Commercial Club, serving as secretary, and is also chief of the volunteer fire department. He has also served as village clerk and assessor and for several terms as justice of the peace, in fact, taking an active part in all affairs pertaining to interests of the general community. Mr. Quinnell is a member of the American Brotherhood of Yeomen, Lodge No. 1539, at Spring Grove, of which he has been foreman for two or three years, being a charter member of the lodge. He also earned the special trip to Des Moines, Iowa, one year for securing the greatest number of members. His fraternal affiliations also include membership in Camp No. 9244, M. W. A., of Spring Grove. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are the parents of one child : Laura Annette, who was born July 6, 1908, and is now a student in the Spring Grove high school.

Charles Wheaton, a pioneer settler in Caledonia township, long since passed away, was a native of New York State, where he was reared and married, and before coming west owned and operated a farm in Carroll township, Chautauqua county, and also for some years was engaged in mercantile business in that county. In 1856 he turned his attention to settlement in the northwest. A friend of his, named Enos Smith, who was a lumberman, had bought a tract of 280 acres in Caledonia township, Houston county, Minnesota, lying in section 26, on which was a log house with bark roof. Seven acres of the land had been broken. A payment of $500 had to be made on the farm, and Mr. Smith told Mr. Wheaton that if he would settle on the place and make the $500 payment he would join him there later and repay him the money, and in the meanwhile he could work the land for his own benefit. Having agreed to this proposition, Mr. Wheaton sold out his interests in New York State and set out with his wife Jane and their four living children, Eliza Jane, Mary L., Sally Ann and Charles J., for Minnesota. Proceeding by rail to Davenport, Iowa, then taking boat from that place to Brownsville, the most convenient town on the Mississippi River, they continued on their journey until they reached the farm. They found it all prairie land, except that here and there was a small grove. Having a span of horses, Mr. Wheaton began work on the place. Some time afterward Mr. Smith arrived and told Mr. Wheaton that, having met with financial losses, he could not repay him the $500 the latter had paid on the property, but instead would turn over the farm to him. Mr. Wheaton, seeing no other way of getting his money back, accepted the offer, and from that time, though not a strong man, worked energetically to develop the place. For about two years he and his family lived in the log hut, and then he built a one-and-a-half story frame dwelling with a lean-to, which was his home until his death on May 25, 1875. He had sold 21 acres of his farm to his brother Samuel, who had followed him from New York, and the rest of it, previous to his death, he divided into four parts, which he transferred respectively to his children. Mr. Wheaton was a man of varied accomplishments, being for one thing a great hunter, and in New York and Minnesota he killed during his life over 1,500 - deer. He also possessed musical ability, and his violin, now more than 100 years old, is preserved by his son, Charles J., now of Caledonia village. Mrs. Wheaton survived her husband fifteen years, passing away Oct. 15, 1890. They had been the parents of six children, two of whom had died in New York State. Of the others, who have already been mentioned, Charles J., who was a prosperous farmer in Caledonia township, is now living retired in Caledonia village ; Eliza Jane became the wife of Amasa Mason, of the well-known Caledonia family of that name, and her husband was subsequently killed by a train, Mrs. Mason herself dying some years ago ; Mary L. is now Mrs. J. F. Bingham, of Caledonia; and Sally Ann is the widow of Benjamin B. Webster and at present resides in Tennessee.

Charles J. Wheaton, for many years a prosperous general farmer of section 26, Caledonia township, was born in Carroll township, Chautauqua county. New York, June 4, 1846, son of Charles and Jane (Fitch) Wheaton. He was about 10 years old when he accompanied his parents to Houston county, Minnesota, and settled with them on the farm in section 26, of which he later became proprietor and of a part of it the owner. He had attended common school for several years in New York State, and his education was continued in the local schools here, in select and public schools an Caledonia, and later in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at St. Paul. In the meanwhile during the summers he worked on the home farm, of which he became active manager at an early age. On Sept. 1, 1870, Mr. Wheaton married Lucy A. Pope, daughter of Gershom and Marie (Taylor) Pope, who were near neighbors and old acquaintances, having been former residents of Carroll township, Chautauqua county. New York, and the subject of this sketch and his wife were schoolmates. The Popes had come to this region in October, 1854. After his marriage Mr. Wheaton took his wife to his parents' farm. About a year later his father divided the farm among tlie surviving children, of whom there were four, Charles J. and three sisters, and Charles J. received as his share 80 acres. He had previously, when 19 years old, bought 40 acres adjoining, and he had also 14 acreg of timber about three-quarters of a mile to the west. He operated this farm, except for one year which he spent in La Crosse as manager for W. N. Fay & Co., merchants and auctioneers, until his retirement in 1918. From 1866 to 1876 Mr. Wheaton also wrote fire and life insurance. In 1882 he built the present house on the farm, which is lighted by gas and provided ivith furnace heat and other modern improvements. He is a stockholder and director in the Caledonia State Bank, a stockholder in the People's Cooperative Stock & Grain Company of Caledonia, the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery, the South Prairie Telephone Company, of which he has been isecretary for sixteen years, and is also a stockholder in the Root River Light & Power Company. Though not a member, he has been affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church for the last twenty-five years, serving for various periods as a member of its governing board, choir master, trustee and treasurer. He has also been an ardent worker in the temperance cause and in other movements of high moral import calculated to benefit humanity or the community in which he lives. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Odd Fellows and Good Templars. To the former he has belonged for twenty years, passed through all the chairs, and repre- :sented his lodge in the Grand Lodge, besides acting for years as district deputy. He has also passed all the chairs in the Good Templars' lodge. Mr. Wheaton enjoyed a prosperous career as a farmer and built up his farm to a high state of productiveness through his own exertions. He and his wife are popular members of the community, taking an active part in its social and philanthropic activities. In 1918 they retired from the farm and are now enjoying the afternoon of life in ease and comfort, surrounded by a large circle of friends. In the fall of 1918 he sold his farm for $200 per acre, it being the first farm in this community to sell at that price.

Capt. Gershom Pope, after whom Pope's Prairie in Caledonia township was named, was born in Cooperstown, Otsego county, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1810, son of Jedediah and Lucy (Angel) Pope. His parents had moved to that place from Carroll township, Chautauqua county. New York, where they were married. Gershom grew up amid the picturesque scenery of one of the most beautiful parts of the Empire State, and after attaining to manhood followed for some years the occupation of a lumberman. On August 23, 1840, he married, and after that event continued to reside in his native state until 1854, when he came to Minnesota. Leaving Dunkirk, N. Y., on the steamer Niagara with his wife Maria, two daughters, Emily Jane and Lucy Ann, and an adopted son, George W. Lore, he disembarked with his family at Toledo and proceeded thence by rail to Chicago. There he and his family separated for a time, his wife and the children going by rail and boat to Brownsville, Minn., and then continuing their journey by team to Caledonia township, while he, with a wagon and span of horses, and accompanied by a dog, drove to Brownsville and thence to their place of settlement on South Prairie, to be later known as Pope's Prairie, where he arrived two weeks after his family. Two of his brothers, Jedediah and Timothy, the latter a doctor, came in the spring of 1854, took land and then returned east for their families, whom they brought back with them, in the party being an invalid sister-in-law of the subject of this sketch. Late in the year, about winter time, Mr. Pope secured on a land warrant 160 acres on Portland Prairie, on which he built a log house with a sod roof. The country was very wild ; there was an abundance of deer and wolves, and also many Indians. Mrs. Pope's two daughters that winter counted more than 100 deer that came within sight of their cabin, and on one occasion saw a herd of 25 being chased by wolves. Mr. Pope remained in that location until the spring of 1855 only, when he sold his claim for $1,600 and moved five miles to the northeast, buying a tract of 240 acres lying in Wilmington and Caledonia townships, about four miles south of Caledonia. This also was a wild tract and was purchased for $1.25 an acre. Here he built first a log house, a small structure with a bark roof, in which he and his family lived until the fall of 1855, when he erected a board house, battened, which was their home during that winter and for twenty-one years thereafter, it being at various times improved and enlarged. This place, now the Stadtler farm, he sold in 1877 and bought a small piece of land containing three acres, a short distance to the west, and on which he built a comfortable house and a full complement of outbuildings. There he took up his residence with his wife and subsequently lived retired until hia death on May 5, 1885. His remains now repose in Evergreen Cemetery, Caledonia. After her husband's death Mrs. Pope lived alone for awhile, but subsequently made her home with her daughters, Mrs. Edwin Stuart and Mrs. Charles J. Wheaton. She was born at Jamestown, N. Y., Aug. 31, 1819, and died at Mrs. Stuart's residence in Caledonia, Minn., Oct. 17, 1903. The only children of Mr. and Mrs. Pope were the two daughters mentioned above : Emily Jane, born June 4, 1841, who married Edwin Stuart and is now deceased, and Lucy Ann, born Dec. 13, 1847, who married Charles J. Wheaton. Mr. Pope was a worthy and industrious citizen, and by the time of his death had improved about 200 acres of his land, following general farming. He was affiliated religiously with the Methodist Episcopal church in Caledonia, to which he gave of his means and served as a trustee. He was of a kind-hearted disposition and was highly respected. Though he never had any sons, he reared five boys, taught them habits of industry and put them in the way to make their own living.

Thorvald Thoresen, now living retired on a competency in Spring Grove village, is a man who has attained success in life through hard work and determination, and although not actually a pioneer of Houston couniy, was among its early settlers. He was born near Christiana, Norway, March 9, 1852, son of Alf and Kjersti (Gulbransen) Thoresen, the father being a liveryman by occupation. Thorvald remained in his native land until 21 years old, acquiring his education in the common school. Then, being his own master, he resolved to seek his fortune in the "New World," and accordingly, early in the fall of 1873, he set out for this country alone, arriving in Spring Grove, Houston county, Minn., Nov. 3. Here he found employment on a farm two miles east of the village, and during the winter, anxious to acquire a knowledge of the English language, he attended the local school. In the spring of 1874 he entered the employ of Henry Williams, an American farmer living near Newhouse, Spring Grove township, with whom he remained three years. During the winter of 1874-75 he again attended the district school, and his size and age, together with his very imperfect knowledge of English, at first afforded amusement to the younger children. This, however, though somewhat embarrassing at times, he did not mind much, especially as the teacher took pains to help him, as also did the Williams family and other Americans with whom he came into contact, and with this assistance he made gradual but steady progress. In the fall of 1876 he found himself in a position to begin independent farming, and accordingly rented a farm of 200 acres belonging to the estate of A. C. Onsted in Black Hammer township, north of Spring Grove village. At the same time he decided to begin domestic life, and having made the acquaintance of Marie Lunde, daughter of Amund and Sigrid Lunde, of Wilmington township, and found her to be just the woman with whom he would be willing to share the joys and sorrows of life, he paid her his addresses, and being accepted, was united in marriage with her on Dec. 3, 1876. On the Onsted farm in section 26, Black Hammer township, he and his wife remained until the spring of 1880. Then, being constantly on the lookout for opportunities to advance his fortunes, he went to Trail county. North Dakota, and bought a relinquishment of the claim of one Ellet Olson, near Mayville, seventy miles northwest of Fargo. It was a tract of 160 acres, of which 13 acres had been broken, and there was a log shack on the place, 8 by 14 feet in size. In this shack he and his wife took up their abode, with their infant son Alfred and daughter Sophia, and there they resided for the first year. Then Mr. Thoreson built a small frame house, a sod barn and a straw barn. He and his family remained there five years, by the end of which time he had 140 acres under the plow. He had also in the meanwhile bought another relinquishment of 160 acres in Briggs county, North Dakota, near Cooperstown. In the fall of 1886 Mr. Thoresen sold the Griggs county place to his brother Karl, and also rented to him the Trail county place, and in the following spring he returned with his family to Houston county and bought the Ole Blakstad farm of 80 acres in section 26, Black Hammer towpship, two miles north of Spring Grove village. On this farm there was a log house, a tobacco shed, small granary and small barn. Enlarging the tobacco shed by adding a lean-to on each side, he converted it into a barn, 48 by 52 feet in size. Having conducted farming operations there until 1891, he then made another removal, trading his farm in Trail county, North Dakota, for an improved farm of 140 acres in section 8, Wilmington township, Houston county, on which was a small house. On this farm he made various improvements, erecting a frame barn, 32 by 60 by 16, with a lean-to 14 by 18 feet; a granary, 16 by 20, with a lean-to 14 by 20, for machinery ; and a hog house, 18 by 24. Then in 1912 he built a modern frame barn, 32 by 60 by 16, with a full stone basement of 8 feet and cement floors. This work, very thoroughly done, marked the culmination of Mr. Thoresen's activities, as in the fall of the following year, finding himself in possession of a competency, he found a tenant for the farm and retired with his wife to Spring Grove village, where he owns a comfortable residence, with three &cres of land. He is also the owner of 160 acres in northern Minnesota, twenty-five miles east of Thief River Falls, and a tract of six acres at Groveland, near Goodrich, in the same county. Altogether he owns 420 acres in this state, and besides these landed interests is a stockholder in the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company, the Farmers* Co-operative Creamery, the Spring Grove Hospital, the Root River Electric Company and the Farmers' State Bank of Goodrich, Minn. For the past ten years Mr. Thoresen has not been in the best of health, and in 1917 he underwent an operation, from the effects of which he has not fully recovered. In politics he is an independent Republican, and religiously a member of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, worshiping with the Spring Grove congregation. While residing in North Dakota he was trustee of the congregation there. He and his wife have been the parents of four children: Alfred, bom in Black Hammer township, Aug. 30, 1877 ; Sophia, born in the same township, in September, 1879; Magnus, born in Trail county. North Dakota, Dec. 19, 1881; and Tora, born in Wilmington township, Houston county, Minnesota, Dec. 3, 1885. Alfred, who is unmarried and lives at home, is a prosi)erous young business man who operated a well-equipped feed mill of 700-bushel capacity, but is now engaged in the implement business. Sophia is the wife of Albert Morken, a farmer of Black Hammer township. Magnus is a merchant in Goodrich, Minn. Tora is now Mrs. Halvor Olerud, of Wilmington township.

M(ms H. Fladager, who may well be called the father of the village of Spring Grove, and who was for nearly half a century one of its most active and leading citizens, was bom in Valdres, Norway, June 7, 1826, son of Henrik Fladager. In his native land he learned the painter's trade and worked at it there until 1858. Then, early in that year, he came to America, locating first in Manitowoc, Wis., where he stopx)ed and built a small woodturning factory, which he operated until the fall of 1859. In that year he made his appearance in Spring Grove, Houston county, Minn. At that time but two families occupied the site of the present village - ^those of William Hinkley and Robert McCormick. The greater part of this site was a tract of forty acres which had been sold by Embrick Benson to William Fleming, who sold it to Peter Halverson. Mr. Fladager purchased it from Mr. Halverson, together with a small log hut which stood on it, 16 by 18 feet in size, which had been used as a tavern by Mr. Fleming. In this little building Mr. Fladager opened a general store, which he operated until 1864, when he erected a two-story frame building on what is now the comer of

Main street and Maple avenue, and into this latter building he moved his store in the fall. Later by an addition at the rear he increased the size of the building to 18 by 60 feet, the living apartments for himself and family being upstairs. In 1866 he built a frame residence, consisting of an upright and wing, on Main street, which building was occupied for some time after his death by his wife, three sons and a daughter. In 1879 the railroad came to the village and Mr. Fladager, quick to take advantage of the opportunity, platted out his land into lots that are now the site of the business section of the village, together with a part of the residence section. Two years later, in the summer of 1881, he erected on Main street a single-story brick building with a full basement, 24 by 75 feet in dimensions, into which in the fall he moved his stock and established a new store. At or about the same time he tore down the original frame building and built on its site a two-story, double-front store building, 44 by 50 feet, that is now occupied as a men's clothing and ladies* ready-to-wear store by his two sons Henry and Peter. His own business he carried on in the brick store until his death, which occurred April 8, 1905, after a life full of activity, forty-six years of which had been spent in the viUage of Spring Grove, in the development of which he had been one of the most potent factors. In pioneer days he served as township treasurer. At one time he served as deputy postmaster under Embrik Knudson, who was one of the earliest postmasters of the viDage. This was in 1861-62, Mr. Knudson having succeeded James Smith, the first postmaster, about 1856. During President Cleveland's second administration (l|93-1897) he was appointed postmaster, but declined the office. In politics |e was always a Democrat, but not especially active as a politician, preferring to devote his time to his business and social interests. Few men, if any, did more to build up the community. He encouraged many of his fellow countrymen to settle here and secure village or farm lands, and some of the older residents here today credit him with the advice or assistance they received in making a successful start in life. He was also one of the founders of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, of which he was a member to the end of his life. His remains now rest in the new cemetery west of the village. In May, 1863 Mr. Fladager married Jorend Lommen, daughter of Peter J. and Riste Lommen. Mr. and Mrs. Fladager were the parents of seven children : Henry, born March 9, 1865, now in partnership with his brother Peter in the clothing and ladies' ready-to-wear business in Spring Grove ; Peter, above mentioned, bom Sept. 5, 1867 ; Inga, who is housekeeper for her mother and her brothers Peter and Arnold ; Edward, bom in 1869, who died in 1887 ; John, bom in 1875, who died in 1887 ; Martin, now in the department store business as a member of the firm of Langlie, Olson & Fladager of Lanesboro, Minn. ; and Arnold, who resides with his mother, his sister Inga, and his brother Peter in Spring Grove. The two sons Edward and John, above mentioned as deceased, were carried off by the typhoid epidemic which raged in this village and vicinity in 1887, which was also the year of a great drougth and crop failure.

Henry and Peter Fladager, who under the firm name of Fladager Bros., are conducting one of the leading stores in Spring Grove village, dealing in men's clothing and ladies' ready-to-wear clothing and millinery, are sons of Mons H. and Jorend (Lommen) Fladager, and were born in this village, Henry on March 9, 1865, and Peter on Sept. 5, 1867. The present business was started by Henry in 1892 in the second frame building erected by the father, located at the corner of Main street and Maple avenue ; and it was conducted by him alone until after the father's death, when Peter became a member of the firm, since known as Fladager Bros. At that time improvements were made in the store and the business expanded, ladies' and misses' ready-to-wear clothing and millinery being added to the original stock. The store now occupies a double-front building on Main street of 44 by 50 feet, and is one of the best of its kind in the county. It is well patronized by the inhabitants of the village and the surrounding country, and the trade has rapidly increased. The younger brother, Peter, is unmarried. Henry Fladager was married June 22, 1887, to Caroline Hendrickson, daughter of Nels and Bergit Hendrickson, of Spring Grove, pioneer settlers of this county, and the young couple began housekeeping in appartments over the store, which stood on the site of Henry's birthplace. These apartments they continued to occupy for four years, when he erected a frame residence of seven rooms on Pleasant street. This was later sold and a new and larger residence erected in the Hendrickson addition in the east part of town. Five children have been born to them, namely : Edith, born April 2, 1888, who conducted the millinery department in the store until her marriage to Gilbert Aseth, a farmer ; Bertha, born August 2, 1889, who was graduated from the Spring Grove High School and later from the Winona Normal School, also taking a special course in 1915 at Columbia University, and who was engaged in teaching until her marriage to C. W. Muir, superintendent of schools at Manitou, Colo., where she now lives; Natalie, born Dec. 27, 1890, who enjoyed the same educational advantages as her sister Bertha, followed teaching for a number of years, but is now living at home; Maurice, born July 2, 1894, who was graduated from the Spring Grove high school, and was a clerk in Fladager Bros, store until April, 1918, when he enlisted in the U. S. aviation service, being later transferred to the motor field artillery; and Harold, born Nov. 16, 1895, who died March 5, 1897. The two brother's, with Henry's family, are members of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. Henry Fladager has served several terms as a member of the village council and as village treasurer, both he and his brother being Democrats politically. Sons of one of the most notable pioneers of the village, an early owner of most of the land on which it stands, and by wnom a large part of it was platted, they have worthily maintained the family traditions, and the name of Fladager is one of the best known and most resx)ected in this part of the county.

Michael M. Sullivan, who owns and operates a good farm of 240 acres in section 2, Mayville township, was born in Union township, Houston county, Minn., Feb. 27, 1873, son of John P. and Hannah (O'Connor) Sullivan. The parents, natives of Ireland, were married in the United States, the father coming to this country in 1849 and settling in Virginia, where he worked as a laborer. He came to Houston county in 1857, buying land from the government, and from that time until his death he was engaged in farming, working hard and seeing that his children had as good an education as he could give them. He died in 1891, being survived by his wife, who is now 81 years old and resides with her son Michael, who was the youngest of their three children. The first born was Margaret, who died at the age of three years ; and the second born, James J., who is now a resident of Albert Lea, Minn. Michael M. Sullivan, besides attending district school, was a pupil for one year in the Caledonia graded school. After becoming industrially active he assisted his father up to the age of 18 years, at which time he took the management of the farm, which he has since ojierated, except during two years which he spent in Chicago. He has 240 acres of land, of which 100 acres are cleared. He has erected all the buildings, the barn being a large modern structure, and the whole place well improved and adapted to all the purposes of general farming, which Mr. Sullivan carries on, though giving his chief attention to stock raising. He is a shareholder in the Farmers' Co-operative store and in the elevator at Caledonia, and is widely recognized as one of the enterprising and successful men of his township. In its growth and prosperity he takes an active interest, and is at present serving as town clerk, having formerly been school clerk of his district.

Nicklaus Michael Stadtler^ an enterprising grain and stock farmer of Mayrille township, residing in section 5, was born in Houston county, Minn., April 13, 1879, son of Michael and Frances (Dobracke) Stadtler. The parents were born in Germany, but were married in America, the father settling near La Crosse, Wis., when a young man. He was engaged in farming until his death. He and his wife Frances had nine children : Nicklaus Michael, Francisca, Anna, Theresa, Michael, Roman, Bernard, Matilda and Charles, all of whom are now living. By a previous marriage Michael Stadtler had five other children, Frank, Margaret, John, Nellie and Kate, who are also living. Mrs. Frances Stadtler, mother of the subject of this sketch, is still living in Houston county. Nicklaus Michael Stadtler attended district school until 18 years old, helping his mother on the farm until reaching the age of 22. Then for two years he was engaged in gathering cream on a cream route and carrying it to the factory. After that he rented two different farms in succession, operating the second until 1909, when he bought the farm on which he now resides, and which was then in poor condition, the only buildings being an old house and granary. Since taking possession of the place he has made steady improvements and now has an excellent set of buildings. In 1914 he built a new 7-room house of modem construction ; also a hog house, corn crib, chicken coop and windmill. His barn, built in 1917, measures 32 by 60 feet, and is also a modernly constructed building with concrete basement. The farm has an area of 120 acres, of which about 90 acres are cleared, the rest being in timber. Mr. Stadtler does mixed farming, giving particular attention to stock raising, his cattle being of the Shorthorn breed, and he is now making preparations to engage in dairying. He is also a shareholder in the cooperative creamery. He has served on the school board in two different districts. On June 20, 1905, Mr. Stadtler was married to Anna Boden, who was born in Houston county, Nov. 3, 1880. Her parents, who were natives of the Duchy of Luxemburg:, were farming people, but are both now deceased. Their children were: Kate, Mary, Frank, Jennie, Anna, John and Theresa. John is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Stadtler four children have been born : Leo, May 1, 1906 ; George, Feb. 22, 1908, and Florence and Lawrence (twins), Jan. 12, 1910. All are attending school. The family attend St. Peter's (German) Catholic church at Caledonia.

Matt F. Weis, who owns and operates a farm of 120 acres in section 31, Mayville township, was born in Houston county, Minn., April 2, 1869, son of Frank and Katherine (Speilman) Weis. The parents, who were bom and married in Germany, came to the United States in 1867, settling in this county, where they engaged in farming. Both are now deceased. They had seven children: a daughter who died infancy; John, who is living; another daughter who died in fancy; Matt F., subject of this sketch; Margaret, who died at the age of 18 years ; and Katherine and Mary, who are living. Matt F. Weis in his boyhood attended the district school and assisted his father to operate the home farm until arriving at the age of 23 years. From that time until he was 27 he worked out for wages. He then married and rented from his father-in-law the farm on which he now lives, buying it in 1910. It contains 120 acres, of which 100 acres are cleared, the rest being in woodland. Mr. Weis has built the present bam, house and outbuildings, having laid out $4,000 for improvements. The house is modern and equipped with furnace heat, while the barn measures 30 by 60 feet, with stone basement. Mr. Weis carries on general farming, including dairying and stock raising, and has a full-blooded bull. Each year he ships a number of cattle and hogs to the market, obtaining good prices for all his products. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Cooperative Elevator at Calendonia. For six years he has served as school director. On Sept. 1, 1896, Mr. Weis was united in marriage with Mrs. Josephine Flaherty, who was previously the wife of John W. Flaherty, by whom she had one child, Viola Julia, now the wife of Earl KaufFman of La Crosse. Mr. and Mrs. Weis have two children : Frank Joseph, born Aug. 24, 1897 ; and Justina Veronica, born July 20, 1902. Mrs. Weis was born on the farm on which she is now living. The family attended St. Peter's Catholic church at Caledonia.

Hubert Greisch, a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of Mayville township, where he is operating a farm of 340 acres, was born in Houston county, Minn., July 1, 1861, son of Joseph and Rosolina (De Schauber) Greisch. The parents were natives of Belgium, where they were married, coming to America in 1857 and settling in this county, where they engaged in farming. Both are deceased, the father dying some thirty years ago and the mother in 1916. They had three children : Margaret, now deceased ; Katherine, and Hubert. Hubert Greisch acquired his education in the district school and at St. John's College at St. Cloud, where he became a student at the age of 13 years. When not engaged with his books he worked on the home farm, assisting his father until the latter's death, and after that assisting his mother until she, too, passed away. Since then he has been proprietor of the farm, which contains 340 acres, of which 200 acres are cleared, the rest being in timber. Mr. Greisch does general farming, giving special attention to dairying and the raising of swine. He has erected all the buildings on the farm, rebuilding the house two years ago. The barn, measuring 64 by 36 feet, is provided with a stone basement and is covered with galvanized iron. Mr. Greisch is also a shareholder in the co-operative creamery at Caledonia. He was married in Caledonia, this county, Feb. 4, 1890, to Katherine Bonert, who was born in the Duchy of Luxemberg, Jan. 1, 1861, son of Johann and Theresa (Kode) Bonert. Her parents, now deceased, were farmers who spent their lives in their native land. They had two children : Anna, now living in Germany ; and Katherine, now Mrs. Greisch. Mr. and Mrs. Greisch have three children : Joseph N., born Aug. 20, 1892, and now residing in Caledonia; Katherine Lavina, born Feb. 5, 1895 ; and Henry John, born Sept. 12, 1899. The two latter are residing at home.

William Freiberg, proprietor of a blacksmith's shop and farm implement business in the village of Eitzen, and one of the leading officials of Winnebago township, has been a resident of Houston county for more than half a century. He was born in Germany, Feb. 23, 1849, son of George Freiberg. His parents lived and died in their native land, where William resided until 1865, when he came to the United States and to Houston county, Minnesota, locating first in Brownsville, where he worked for two or three years. He had begun to learn the trade of blacksmith while in Germany and worked at it in Brownsville and other places until 1874, when he came to Eitzen village and opened a shop just across the road from his present place of business. He prospered as a blacksmith and a few years later added a line of farm implements. In 1912, owing to long continued hard work, his health broke down and he had to undergo a serious operation. Since then he has had to let his son do the hard work of the shop, though he still remains in it attending to the lighter details. Through industry and frugal habits he has amassed a competency and now owns a comfortable home, as well as a good business. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Savings Bank of New Albin. A Republican in politics Mr. Freiberg has served as town treasurer for the past 15 years and has been treasurer of his school district for 14 years. With his family he belongs to St. Luke's Evangclic^n church at Eitzen, being prominent in church and community work. Mr. Freiberg was married Nov. 23, 1880, to Mary, daughter of Christian and Mary Bunge, her parents being among the pioneer settlers of this section. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Freiberg, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are : Edmund, now in partnership with his father ; Albert, cashier in the Farmers' Savings Bank of New Albin ; Ella, a student in Caledonia high school ; George, now in the United States military service ; and Ruth, a graduate of the Caledonia high school, who is residing at home.

John W. Sheehan, an enterprising farmer of Mayville township, residing in Section 30, was born in Winnebago township, Oct. 20, 1858, son of Michael and Bridget (Corcoran) Sheehan. Both parents were born in Ireland, the father in County Clare, and the mother in Tipperary county. They were married in their native land, and on coming to America settled in Houston county, Minnesota, being numbered among the pioneer farmers here. They had six children : Michael, Patrick, Julia, John W., Thomas and Joseph, of whom Michael, Julia and Thomas are now deceased. By a previous marriage the father, Michael Sheehan, had another son, Martin, who is also deceased. John W. Sheehan was reared to manhood on the home farm, attending district school until the age of 18 years, but only during the winter months. Until attaining his majority he assisted his father and then started in for himself, buying a farm of 100 acres in Winnebago township, which he operated for 15 years, or until his buildings were destroyed by fire. After that he operated rented farms in that locality until he came to Mayville township and rented the farm on which he is now living. Here he does general farming, including dairying and stock raising. He is renting out a part of his farm in Winnebago county, using the rest to feed his cattle on. He is also a shareholder in the Wilmington creamery and the Caledonia Co-operative Store. Mr. Sheehan was married at Caledonia, Minn., Jan. 9, 1879, to Margaret Higgins, who was bom in Winnebago township, this county, Aug. 15, 1863, daughter of Dennis and Mary (Couley) Higgins. The parents were born in Ireland, but were married in Kentucky. They were among the pioneer settlers in Houston county. They had three children : John, Ellen and Margaret. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Higgins married Owen Eugene McDonald, by whom she had two children, Rose and Bridget, the former of whom is now deceased, as also is the mother. Mr. and Mrs. Sheehan have had twelve children: Patrick, John, Mary, Catherine, Anastasia, Julia, Ethel, Raymond, Robert, Francis, Emmet, and Leslie. Patrick, born Feb. 2, 1880, is now a farmer in Caledonia township ; John, born June 25, 1882, is a plumber at St. Paul ; Mary, born June 27, 1884, married Michael Stadtler ; Catherine, bom Oct. 11, 1886, married Theo. Breckheimer; Anastasia, bom April 15, 1888, married Ignacius Imhoff ; Ethel, born July 7, 1892, is a school teacher; Ra3rmond, bom Jan. 23, 1894, is now with the United States army in France ; Robert, bom Oct. 16, 1896, died in February, 1898 ; Francis, hotn Feb. 20, 1900, is residing on the home farm ; Emmet, born May 10, 1902, and Leslie, born Aug. 20, 1904, are attending school. All these children have been given good educational opportunities and three of them have been school teachers. The family attend St. John's Catholic church at Caledonia.

August Wiegrefe, one of the leading farmers of Winnebago township, was born in Hanover, Germany, Oct. 6, 1850, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Bonate) Wiegrefe. The parents both died in Germany, the mother when her son August was only six years old, and the father when he was 16. August acquired his education chiefly in a parochial school in Germany, residing in his native land until 1869, when, at the age of 19 years, he came to the United States, landing at New York after a rough voyage. Thence he proceeded west to Chicago, and from the lattter city by way of La Crosse to Brownsville, Houston county, Minn., where he hired a man with a team to take him to Portland Prairie, Winnebago township, not being able to find the way alone. He had but little money, and for the first five years in this county worked as a farm hand, practicing economy and saving his earnings. In 1874 he bought 360 acres in sections 22 and 27,

Winnebago township, the land being little improved, as but a few acres had been broken, and there were no buildings. Mr. Wiegrefe grubbed a site for a house on section 27 and erected a small log building, in which he subsequently lived for 17 years, during which time he cleared a good deal of his land and put it under tillage. In 1891 he built a substantial frame house one and a half stories in height and containing seven rooms - a very comfortable home, in which he is still residing. He has now a good set of frame buildings, including a barn, granary, hog house, machine shed, poultry house and corn cribs, and his farm is well fenced. One hundred and ninety-five acres are under the plow, the balance of his land being in timber and pasture. His stock consists chiefly of Shorthorn cattle, Duroc- Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep, of all of which he raises a considerable quantity, his principal market being New Albin, Iowa, which lies six miles to the southeast, though sometimes he makes use of Caledonia, eleven miles to the north. Though never rugged, Mr. Wiegrefe has always been a hardworking man, but during recent years he has taken life more easily, contenting himself with managing the farm, which is now actively operated by his sons Albert and Herman. He is a stockholder in the New Albin Stock and Grain Co., of which he has also been a director for some years, and also owns stock in the Eitzen creamery. A Republican in politics, he served for a number of years as a member of the town board, frequently as chairman, and for the last few years has held the oflice of town assessor. He and his family are members of the German Evangelical congregation at Eitzen. which he has served for years as trustee and president. Few citizens of Winebago township, if any, are more highly respected, or stand higher socially. Mr. Wiegrefe was married March 3, 1874, to Dorothy Cordes, daughter of William and Marguerite (Benhoefer) Cordes, of Winnebago township. She was born in Germany, April 5, 1853, coming to America with her parents when nine years old. Mr. and Mrs. Wiegrefe have had nine children : William, born March 5, 1875, a prosperous farmer of Wilmington township; August, born Jan. 21, 1877, now a well to do farmer in Wilmington township ; Maria, born April 4, 1879, now deceased ; Louisa, born April 4, 1881, who is deceased ; Albert, born March 1, 1883, who is helping to operate the home farm; Alvina, bom July 8, 1885, now Mrs. August Fruechte of Winnebago township ; Anna, born Dec. 20, 1886, who is keeping house for her parents ; Herman, born May 4, 1890, who is assisting his brother Albert on the farm ; and Emma, born Jan. 27, 1893, now Mrs. Louis Fruechte of Wilmington township.

John M. Hjellming, who owns and operates a farm of 160 acres in Mayville township, where he is making good progress as an agriculturist and stock raiser, was born in Sweden, Dec. 20, 1865, son of Axel and Charlotte Hjellming. The parents, also natives of Sweden, were there married, the father being a bricklayer and farmer by occupation. With an elder brother Axel Hjellming came first to the United States and engaged in farming, being followed by his wife and children four years later. Both are now deceased. Their children were Charles, now residing in Dakota ; John M., subject of this sketch; Hulda, who is married and living in La Crosse ; Theodore and Tillie, who are unmarried ; and a daughter who died in infancy. John M. Hjellming was eleven years old when he came to this country. He attended school in Sweden, which was nearly all the education he received. Until 22 years old he assisted his father on the home farm, after which he worked out, but still resided at home. Later he rented 40 acres of land, which he farmed for one year before his marriage, continuing to operate it for three years after that event. Then he engaged in railroad work and was thus occupied for eight years. At the end of that time he rented the farm on which he is now living, in section 22, Mayville township, buying it about the year 1900. Sixty acres of it are cleared, the balance of 100 acres being in bluff and woodland. Mr. Hjellming does general farming, including dairying, and raising cattle and hogs for the market. He was married Jan. 23, 1894, to Katherine Denfel, who was born in Freeburg, March 3, 1871, daughter of Lawrence and Matilda (Schatz) Denfel. Her parents, natives of Germany, were married in Houston county, Minn., where they engaged in farming. Mr. Denfel died some 30 years ago, but his wife is still living in Freeburg. Their children were Max, Katherine, Lizzie, Lena, Anna, Joseph, and two - a boy and girl - who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hjellming are the parents of eight children: Matilda, wife of John Wagner; Hedwig, wife of M. Wagner; Georgina, who is single ; Edwin, who died Oct 2, 1917 ; Olga, single ; and Alfred, Hugo and Lawrence, who are attending school.

Ingvald Ingvaldson, proprietor of a farm of 212 acres in Mayville township, was bom in Wilmington township, this county, Feb. 28, 1886, son of Ingvald Ingvaldson Twet and wife, the parents being natives of Norway. Ingvald, Sr., came to America fifty years ago, locating in Houston county, Minn., where he died in 1901, after an industrious career in agriculture. He is still survived by his wife. They had a family of nine children, of whom the five eldest are now deceased. Those living are Ida, Ingvald, Albert, and Minnie. Invgald, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was educated in' the district school, and trained to farming on the parental homestead, on which he lived until attaining his majority. He then worked out for a year, and then returned and worked the home farm for seven years. In 1916 he took possession of the farm on which he now lives, and which contains 212 acres, 180 acres being cleared. It is well improved with fine buildings, and Mr. Ingvaldson is doing a profitable business as a general farmer, paying particular attention to stock raising. He was married, in Caledonia, this county, Jan. 10, 1914, to Constance Anderson, who was bom in Moss, Norway, Aug. 27, 1886, daughter of Ole Anderson and wife, and who was six years old when she came to this country with her parents, both of whom are now living. She was the third born child of the family, the three others being Hulda, Axel and Carl, of whom the last mentioned is now deceased. Her father, an expert mechanic, was formerly a carpenter by trade, but is now engaged in farming in Mayville. Mr. and Mrs. Ingvaldson have two children, Gladys Wilhelmina, who was born May 24, 1914, and Helen Violet, June 28, 1919. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Peter A. Dahle And Family

of Andrew and Mary (Peterson) Dahle. The parents were natives of Norway, where they were married, coming to the United States in 1869. The father was a farmer, and after arriving in Houston county, took the farm in Winnebago township which his son Peter now operates. His progress was somewhat slow, however, as he was badly handicapped by rheumatism, from which he suffered for 13 years until death finally relieved him. He and his wife had eight children. Andrew, Peter, Knute, Peter A., Ingrie, Carrie, Ratchael, and another daughter named Ratchael who died young. The first Ratchael married John Higgins. Ingrie married Nick Blexrud. Andrew, the first Peter, and Knute are deceased. Peter A. Dahle was 28 years old when he came to America, landing in Quebec. From there he came directly to Houston county, locating in Wilmington township, where for four years he worked out by the month. He then began working the home farm, on which he has since resided. Of its total area of 95 acres, about 45 acres are i^der the plow, the balance being in woodland and pasture. Mr. Dahle has erected all the buildings himself, and the place is now well improved. He does mixed farming, giving special attention to the raising of cattle and swine, and is conducting a profitable business, being also a shareholder in the co-operative creamery. He has served as school director and road overseer. Mr. Dahle was married in Spring Grove, Houston county, to Mrs. Ratchael Sherdahl, who was born in Norway, April 14, 1854, daughter of Andrew and Bernt (Olson) Anderson. The father died in Norway, and the mother subsequently came to this country, dying in 1899. Their daughter Ratchael was their only child. Mr. and Mrs. Dahle have two children : Mary Dahle Anderson, born May 6, 1894, who was married June 30, 1919, to Carl Laumb; and Albert Oscar Dahle, bom Feb. 19, 1896, both of whom are residing on the home farm.

Frank Ratonde, who owns and operates a farm of 160 acres in section 15, Mayville township, where he is making good progress as an agriculturist and general stock raiser, was bom in Pommern, Germany, Sept. 26, 1863, son of Frederick and Matilda (Weist) Ratonde. Neither of his parents ever came to America. The mother is now deceased, but the father, a blacksmith by trade, is still living. They had twelve children: Frank, subject of this sketch, was the only member to come to this country; Emil, deceased; Ida, who married George Fredindorf ; Herman; Gustave, deceased ; Minnie and Carl, twins, the former of whom married a Mr. Saline, and the latter died at the age of five years ; Paul and William, twins, both of whom died in infancy; Anna, who also died in infancy; Max, who is living in Berlin ; and Otto, who died in infancy. Frank Ratonde attended school in Germany and also learned the blacksmith's trade there. At the age of 25 he came to the United States, proceeding west to St. Paul, and from that city a few days later to Houston county, Minn. For seven years after arriving here he was engaged in failroad work. After that he rented land, farming and working out at intervals, and for four years operated a rented farm on shares. He then rented the farm on which he now lives, buying it in 1911. Of its total area 100 acres are cleared, the rest being in wood and pasture. Mr. Ratonde has erected all his present outbuildings and is now contemplating the erection of a new residence, and making other improve- ments. He has drilled a well, which gives him an ample supply of good water. He does mixed farming, including dairying, and raises cattle, swine and sheep, sending a number to market each year. He is also a stockholder in the co-operative creamery at Caledonia. On Sept. 26, 1890, Mr. Ratonde was united in marriage at Hokah, this county, with Emelie Bolduan, who was bom in Hokah, Minn., Dec. 12, 1870, daughter of Frederick and Wilhebnina (Voss) Bolduan. Her parents were natives of Germany, in which country they were married, subsequently coming to the United States. The father worked at the cooper's trade in Germany, and also for a while after coming to Houston county, Minnesota, but for the most part he has been engaged in farming. He and his wife are both living. They had nine children: Frederick W. A., Ernest, Emelie, Lizzie and Henrietta, twins, Charles, Huldina, Joseph and Tillie. Lizzie, Henrietta and Joseph are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ratonde have been the parents of eleven children: Herman, born July 19, 1891; WiUiam, July 29, 1893; Esther, Jan. 9, 1896; Frank, July 1, 1898; Paul, Aug. 12, 1899; Emma, March 5, 1902; Anna, March 3, 1904 ; Matilda, Aug. 7, 1905; Estella, Oct. 6, 1907 ; Charles, May 17, 1910, and Leona, Aug. 6, 1912. Frank is now deceased. Esther is the wife of August Schroeder. The other members of the family are residing on the home farm, those of suitable age attending school. One of the sons of this family, Herman, has a most remarkable war record, being one of those heroes whose exploits have become a picturesque episode in the country's history. He entered the service May 28, 1918, and was honorably discharged June 28, 1919. Six months of this period was in France. At first a member of Co. E, in a regiment of the 77th (New York) Division and after transferred to Co. D, he was with the famous "Lost Battalion" in the Argonne Forest, an honor shared by but one other in this region. For six days he was without food or drink. Wounded and gassed he was disabled for three weeks. His record has reflected honor not only on himself and family, but upon the county from which he came.

Fred Becker, who is now living retired on his farm of 160 acres in sections 35 and 36, Winnebago township, after a long career of successful industry along agricultural lines, was bom in Essen, Germany, July 10, 1845, son of Christian and Sophia Becker. When nine years old he accompanied his parents to America, they settling in Dupage county, 111., where they spent the rest of their lives, and where Fred grew to manhood. As his parents were very poor, he had but slight opportunity for gaining an education, and had to be practically self-supporting from the age of 14 years. For his farm work he received only $4.50 a month. In his twentyfifth year. May 25, 1870, he was married in Dupage county, HI., to Mary Gartner, who was bom in Germany March 13, 1851, daughter of Henry and Dora Gartner. For five years after his marriage he operated a rented farm in Dupage county, and at the end of that time found himself in possession of a team and $50 in cash. Not satisfied with this degree of progress, he resolved to seek cheaper land and, if possible, obtain a farm of his own. He therefore gave up his Illinois farm, and in the spring of 1875 came with his family to Houston county, Minnesota, buying 80 acres of wild railroad land in section 35, Winnebago township, near the Iowa state line. On this he cleared a site and erected a small frame house, of which he and his wife, with their two children took possession. The material for this dwelling he hauled from New Albin, Iowa, and while engaged in hauling the second load, he got lost in the woods and for some time wandered around on foot until he located the place where he had deposited his first load. The country at that time was full of wolves and it was not safe to stray far from home after nightfall. In his first pioneer efforts Mr. Becker was ably assisted by his wife, who donned overalls and worked with him in building the new home and clearing the land. To his original 80 acres he subsequently added 80 more, this being in section 36, thus bringing his farm up to its present size of 160 acres, of which over 100 are under the plow, the land being well tilled and very productive. He and his family resided in their original dwelling until 1906, in which year he built a more commodious frame house. In 1903 he had built a frame barn, 30 by 50 by 18 feet, with a nine-foot basement, and he has lately erected a new granary, feed mill and workshop, and has a steel windmill. The entire equipment of the farm is of the most modem type. Mr. Becker personally operated the farm until 1914, in which year he rented it to his son Gustav, but still makes his residence on it. It is well stocked with Shorthorn cattle and Duroc swine. In addition to his interest in this property, Mr. Becker is a shareholder in the New Albin Stock and Grain Co., and the Farmers' Savings Bank, both of New Albin, also of the Co-Operative Creamery at Eitzen. In his early days in the county he and his wife suffered many hardships, having to pay 12 per cent interest or more on loans, and sustaining severe losses from the chintz bugs, which ate up his crops, but they have both survived those experiences and are today prosperous and enjoying good health. They are members of St. John's German Evangelical church of Allamakee county, Iowa. In politics Mr. Becker is a Repubhcan, and for thirty years served as school treasurer. To Mr. and Mrs. Becker five children have been bom : Louis, Feb. 20, 1871, now residing in Eitzen village ; Emma, Sept. 21, 1873, who is the wife of Herman Kruse of Eitzen ; Lena, Sept. 14, 1878, now Mrs. August Wuennekee of Crooked Creek township ; Matilda, Feb. 20, 1880, who is the wife of August Welsand of Faribault, Minn. ; Freda, now Mrs. Ferdinand Pottratz of Eitzen village ; and Gustav, who, as already mentioned, is operating the home farm under rental. Gustav married Eliza Pohlman, and has one child, Clarence, born March 22, 1918.

Otto H. Freuchte, who is engaged in the work of agricultural development in Winnebago township, as proprietor of a farm in section 31, was bom in section 33, this township. May 24, 1868, son of Henry and Sophia Fruechte. Reared on his parents' farm, he acquired an average education in the common school of Eitzen, later taking a short course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Chicago, 111. Marrying, on Feb. 18, 1892, Emily, daughter of Frederick and Christine Thies of Wilmington township, this county, he rented his father's farm, which he worked to the close of 1895. In the following spring he bought 120 acres in section 31, Winnebago township, which was an improved farm two miles northwest of Eitzen village, having a frame barn 40 by 60 feet, with half basement, a granary and com cribs, besides other buildings. Mr. Fruechte has himself made more extensive improvements, having built a two story, nine-room frame house, consisting of an upright and wing; a machine shed, 24 by 40 feet, with a hog house in the basement ; a wood house 12 by 20 ; poultry house 12 by 26 ; a garage 12 by 18, and a stave silo, 12 by 36. His teams, tools and operating equipment are all of the best, and the entire farm is in a good state of cultivation, the land being very productive. The farm is also well stocked with high grade Shorthorn cattle and Holsteins, and Duroc- Jersey hogs. Through his enterprise and industry Mr. Fruechte has made good progress on the road to fortune and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. He owns a large Overland automobile, and is a shareholder in various local enterprises, including the Farmers' Co-Operative Co. of Eitzen, the Eitzen Co-Operative Creamery, the Caledonia Stock and Grain Co. and the Eitzen State Bank. He and his wife are the parents of five children: Frances, bom Dec. 13, 1892; Herbert, June 22, 1897; Edwin, Nov. 5, 1900; Lulu, July 20, 1902, and Raymond, Jan. 3, 1911. Mr. Fruechte is a prominent member of the German Evangelical Congregation at Eitzen, to which his family also belong.

Victor Johnsoiiy proprietor of a large farm and other valuable property in Winnebago township, and who also owns and conducts a store in Winnebago village, is one of the enterprising and well to do citizens of the township who has worked his way up from a condition of comparative poverty by industry and close attention to business. He was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, March 2, 1871, son of Isaac and Helen (Olander) Johnson. The parents were natives of Sweden who came to the United States at an early day, accompanied by their eldest child, Erick. Two other sons and three daughters were subsequently bom to them in this country: Victor, subject of this sketch; Mary, who is now living in La Crosse; Florence, residing in Minneapolis ; and Martha, who is now deceased. Victor Johnson attended the common schools up to the age of 15 years, but his parents being poor, he had to help support himself at an early age. For many years he worked out for others, his highest wages being $18.00 a month. At last he began farming for himself on rented land, his sister Martha keeping house for him. On Jan. 26, 1910, he married Mary Sophia, daughter of Frank and Katherine Sophia of La Crosse, and he then rented what was known as the Tim McCarthy farm in Winnebago township. In the spring of 1912 he bought 680 acres in sections 23, 24, 26 and 14, Winnebago township, of which land he now has 300 acres under the plow, the rest being in timber and pasture. He has reconstructed the building on his place and in 1916 built a circular barn. He also owns three dwelling houses and a store building, which stand on his estate, and conducts the store in addition to his agricultural work. His farm is especially well adapted to stock raising, to which he is devoting a considerable part of his attention, breeding pure blooded Black Poll and Shorthom cattle, to the extent of 175 to 200 head annually ; also 75 to 100 Duroc-Jersey hogs, besides having a fine flock of Shropshire sheep. Of his cattle he ships two or three carloads yearly to St. Paul or Chicago. His farm is well fenced and his tillable land very productive. Among his buildings is a panel silo 16 by 36 feet. In addition to his interests already mentioned, he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-Operative store at New Albin. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson five children have been born: Walter, Oct. 26, 1911; Mabel, May 20, 1913; Chester, June 26, 1915 ; Catherine, May 20, 1916, and Laura, May 20, 1917. The family are members of the Swedish Baptist church, and are people of high social standing in the southern part of Houston county.

J. H. Herman Meyer, proprietor of the old Meyer farm in section 34, Winnebago township, lying in the rich agricultural district known as Portland Prairie, was born in Hanover, Germany, March 22, 1853, son of Christopher and Katrine Meyer. After attending school in his native land, at the age of 13 years he came with his parents to Houston county, Minnesota, reaching Portland Prairie May 2, 1866. The family numbered seven, there being in addition to himself, four younger children, namely : George, now living at Iowa River, Iowa ; Charles, who is deceased ; Fred, a resident of New Albin, Iowa, and Emma, now Mrs. August Kruse of Winnebago township. Subsequently another daughter was bom, Martha, who is now the wife of Henry Schroeder of Wilmington townshij). After residing at their first location on Portland Prairie for about four years, the father bought 80 acres of land, nearly all wild, in section 34, Winnebago township, on which was a log house, and here they remained, Mr. Meyer finally accumulating 680 acres of land. J. H. Herman Meyer attended school during the winters up to the age of 23 years, and except for two summers during which he worked out as a farm hand, he continued to reside on the home farm, which has ever since been his home. He now has 150 acres under the plow, the rest of the land being in timber and pasture. The soil is productive, and the farm is well fenced and provided with good buildings and equipment. The live stock raised are chiefly Black Poll cattle and Duroc and Poland-China hogs. In 1908 Mr. Meyer retired from active work, renting the farm to his son George, but at present it is operated on shares by his son Otto. The house is a two-story building, consisting of upright and wing. Mr. Meyer is a stockholder in the New Albin Stock and Grain Co. and the Eitzen Creamery. He has served his township in various official capacities, and, with his family, is a member of the German Evangelical Congregation at Eitzen. Mr. Meyer was married Feb. 21, 1870, to Dora Meyer, who resided in the vicinity of Eitzen village. He and his wife have had nine children: Bertha, born Nov. 27, 1879; Anna, Feb. 23, 1881; George, Aug. 2, 1883 ; Emma, March 21, 1885 ; Matilda, Nov. 22, 1887 ; Otto, March 28, 1888; Walter, Oct. 18, 1891; Elsie, March 29, 1893, and Louis, March 31, 1899. Bertha is now the wife of Fred Schroeder of Eitzen. Anna is the wife of August Busitzky of Fillmore county, Minn. George is a prosperous farmer of Winnebago township. Emma is the wife of Martin Dierson of Jefferson township. Matilda is the wife of Louis Ransenberger of Allamakee county, Iowa. Otto, who spent four years in the Northwestem university at Watertown, Wis., who was working on the home farm, died Dec. 16, 1918. Walter is in the United States service in France. Elsie is now Mrs. Henry Ransenberger, a resident of Iowa. Louis, whose education was begun in the common school, at the age of 13 years entered the

Lutheran college at New Ulm, Minn., and was a student there for four years or until 1916. Then until 1917 he studied at Concordia College, St. Paul, after which he spent three years in theological study at St. Louis to fit himself for the vocation of a Lutheran pastor.

William Gallagher, one of the pioneer improvers of land in Winnebago township, of which he was for many years a well known and respected citizen, was bom in Ireland, where he grew to manhood. In 1855 he came to America and in New York State was married to Mary Hughs. Coming west to Illinois, they lived there for seven years, and then, in 1862, came to Houston county, Minnesota, buying a tract of 160 acres of wild land in section 11, Winnebago township. On this tract Mr. Gallagher built a tworoom log house and with the aid of horses began the work of development. Houston county was then almost a wilderness, as the first white settlers had come in but a few years previously, and there were as yet few or no well developed farms. Mr. Gallagher was energetic and industrious and made the best of his opportunities, proving himself a good pioneer farmer. With the assistance of his wife he made progress, cleared and cultivated his land, and in time was able to erect a comfortable frame house. He also by additional purchases increased the size of his farm to 264 acres. After an active and in the main a successful career, he died in 1912, his wife having previously passed away in 1903. They were the parents of eight children : Anna, now Mrs. James Carl of Winnebago township ; Margaret, wife of Richard Dunn of the same township; Mary, wife of Thomas Bums of Fosston, Minn.; Katherine, wife of John Kemp of Clarissa, Minn.; Elizabeth, now deceased, who was the wife of George Johnson of Clarissa, Minn.; John, now proprietor of the old home farm in Winnebago township ; Ellen, wife of Thomas Doolen of Winnebago township ; and Bridget.

John Gallagher, an extensive farmer residing in section 11, Winnebago township, and operating the old pioneer farm established by his parents 58 years ago, of which he is now the owner, was bom in this township. May 27, 1868, son of William and Mary (Hughs) Gallagher. He has always resided on his present farm, which in his younger days was but partially improved, and to the improvements of which he has himself largely contributed. In his boyhood days educational advantages were limited, but he attended the district school and acquired a knowldege of the common branches of study. His father having died in 1912, and his mother being previously deceased, in 1913 he purchased the interests of the other heirs to the farm and has since been the sole owner. The farm contains 524 acres. He has now 250 acres under the plow and has made some valuable improvements, including the erection of a modern frame barn, 36 by 100 by 20 feet in size ; a machine shed 30 by 42 ; two granaries, one 16 by 24 and the other 18 by 36, with other necessary buildings. Mr. Gallagher has a good operating equipment, including grade Percheron horses. His farm, which is eight miles from Caledonia, and 11 miles from New Albin, is well stocked with high grade Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, and for all his produce he finds a ready and profitable market. Mr. Gallagher is a Roman Catholic in religion and a member of Freeburg parish. In politics he is a Republican, but his political activities have been hitherto confined to casting his vote, except that he has served as treasurer of his school district. He is a stockholder in the Caledonia Stock and Grain Company. An industrious worker and good farm manager, he has met with success and is numbered among the substantial citizens of his township. Mr. Gallagher was married, Jan. 22, 1895, to Alice Bums, who was born Aug. 31, 1866, daughter of John and Catherine Burns of Caledonia township, this county, and who has been a faithful helpmate and equaUy hard worker with her husband. They have two children, William and John, both of whom are residing on the home farm.

Deters & Paus, proprietors of the Eitzen Auto and Implement Company, of Eitzen, Minn., are men of enterprise and ability, natives of the same neighborhood, born in the same year, and whose lives have run largely upon similar lines. Alfred H. Deters was bom in Allamakee county, Iowa, April 21, 1885. He received a common school education, and remained at home until 1910, after which he followed garage and factory work and farming until 1917, when he formed his present partnership with Mr. Paus. He was married in July, 1918, to Clara Kruse of Eitzen. Mr! Paus was bom in Allamakee county, Iowa, Sept. 13, 1885, and, like Mr. Deters, was educated in the common schools. After beginning industrial life he was engaged in farming until 1912, when he opened a blacksmith shop in Eitzen, later, as above mentioned, becoming Mr. Deters' partner. He was married, Oct. 14, 1916, to Emma, daughter of Barney and Mary Deters, of Eitzen, and they have one child, Milton, born Oct. 10, 1917. The firm of Deters & Paus have built a fine garage, constructed of cement blocks, and measuring 50 by 70 feet. They sell Ford autos, keep a general line of farm machinery, and also do general blacksmithing. Beginning June 1, 1917, they have since made satisfactory progress, both being energetic and capable men, and of wide acquaintance. They are Republicans politically, and having been reared in the faith of the German Evangelical church, are members of that congregation at Eitzen.

Henry Diersen, one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Winnebago township, residing in section 12, is also prominent as a citizen, having served repeatedly in public office. He was bom in Hanover, Germany, Oct. 9, 1853, son of Peter and Katrina (Stein) Diersen. When he was four years old his mother died, and the father, though poor, subsequently married again. Of the first marriage, besides Henry, there was another son, Peter, and of the second marriage a daughter, Doris, was born. Owing to his father's slender means, Henry had to contribute to his own support at the early age of nine years, earning a little money by doing odd jobs as he could find opportunity. Still he managed to keep up school attendance with more or less regularity up to the age of 15. Until he was 20 he remained in his native land, working hard and steadily, but making little progress on the road to fortune, and realizing that he must have better opportunities to make anything worth while of his life, he resolved to cut loose from home ties and start a new career in the United States. Unaccompanied, for his brother and stepsister remained in Germany, where the father died, he set out, landed in this country, and made his way to Peru, 111., in the vicinity of which place he worked for five years as a farm hand. There also for one winter he attended English school. In 1878 he came to Houston county, Minn., locating at Eitzen, where he resided for two years, continuing to work as a farm hand. During the seven years that he had now been in this country, he had been saving his money, spending little or nothing except for necessities. This prudential economy had brought its due reward and enabled him to assume the responsibilities and enjoy the comforts of domestic life. Accordingly, on Dec. 18, 1879, he was united in marriage with Magdalene Burmeister, daughter of John and Louisa Burmeister, of Cabbage Ridge, Winnebago township. That winter he and his wife resided at the Burmeister home, and in the meanwhile Mr. Diersen looked around for a suitable farm on which to begin independent operations in the spring. In section 12, Winnebago township, he found a small farm of 80 acres, with 24 acres of the land broken, and with a small frame house and granary. As the land was good and the place suited to his means, he bought it early in 1880 and in the same spring began operations, he and his wife establishing their home in the little hou^e. Mrs. Diersen not only proved a good housekeeper, but also demonstrated her ability as a farm hand, working in the fields with her husband, and together they improved and developed the place, until the demands of an increasing family obliged her to devote all her attention to her household duties. Mr. Diersen now has 437 acres, of which 160 are under cultivation, the rest being in timber and pasture. Though rough, the land is fertile and produces good crops. Mr. Diersen, however, derives the greater part of his income from stock taising, his son Louis being now the active manager of the place. The present buildings include a good two-story frame house, two large barns, a granary, corn cribs, hog house, machine-sheds, cream house, mill house and garage, all being substantial, of modern type, and electrically lighted. The yard surrounding the house has also been beautified, the fences kept in good condition, and the entire farm presents visible evidence of careful and industrious management and resultant prosperity. Mr. Diersen's stock consists chiefly of Black Aberdeen cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, all graded animals, though he also has some excellent horses. His operating equipment is complete and of modern type, as he is not the man to be satisfied with anything short of the best. His farm is 11 miles from Caledonia, and equally distant from New Albin, either place being a convenient market. In the latter he has financial interests, being a stockholder in the New Albin Co-operative Creamery and in the Farmers' Mercantile Company. He and his wife are the parents of five sons, all grown to manhood, energetic and prosperous, and to each of whom Mr. Diersen has given a good start in life. They are as follows : John, born Jan. 13, 1881, is a farmer in Caledonia township ; Martin, born Sept. 30, 1882, has a good farm in section 18, Jefferson township ; Herman, born Oct. 2, 1886. is farming in Winnebago township ; Arthur, born Aug. 26, 1888, is a farmer and thresher, his place being just north of the home farm ; Louis, born Sept. 2, 1893, and lives on the home farm, which, as already mentioned, he is now engaged in operating. John married Lisette Kruse, and has four children, Paul, Carl, Albert and Esther. Martin married Emma Meyer, and has six children, Ada, Ervin, Elmer, Harry, Arthur and Leslie. Her- man married Alwina Burmeister, and has two children, Ferdinand and Marvin. Arthur married Martha Stegen and has one daughter, Selma. Louis married Victoria Pieper. Mr. Diersen, his wife and family are members of the Eitzen congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran church, in the support of which they are liberal, and which he has represented as synodical delegate. Politically a Republican, he has served his township several terms as supervisor and assessor, and as a public spirited citizen has always been ready to promote any practical enterprise for the welfare and advancement of the community in which he lives, as well as for the county generally.

George F. Munkel, proprietor of the old Munkel homestead in section 7, Winnebago township, was born in this township, April 11, 1891, son of Adolph and Anna Munkel. His parents, natives of Germany, are still living. They had eight children : Adolph, Dena, Barney, Ulrich, Alvin, Ida, Emma and George F., all of whom are living. George F. was educated in the district schools and assisted his father on the farm until he had reached the age of 21. He then married and rented a farm in Wilmington township, which he operated for one year. Then, in 1914, he bought the home farm and has since resided here. He has 101 acres, of which 50 acres are cleared, the rest being timbered. It is Mr. MunkeFs intention to clear the entire farm, and he is proceeding steadily with the work. He has rebuilt all the buildings, moving the house, and has erected several outbuildings. His farming operations are largely devoted to stock raising, including Blackpolled cattle, swine and horses ; and he is also a shareholder in the Stromberg No. 2 Telephone Co. Mr. Munkel was married, April 9, 1913, in Freeburg, Houston county, to Grace Gavin, who was born in Winnebago township, July 4, 1896, daughter of Patrick Gavin and wife. The father, a native of Kentucky and a blacksmith by trade, was engaged in farming in this county, but is now deceased. His wife, who was born in Houston county, is still living. They had ten children: Julia, Nellie, John, Mary, Agnes, Leo, Leona, Roy, Grace, and Floyd. To Mr. and Mrs. Munkel two children have been born : Earl Milton, Jan. 24, 1914 ; and Gladys May, Aug. 23, 1915.

Fred Deters, one of the wealthiest citizens of Winnebago township, the owner of valuable farm lands, both in this township and elsewhere, is a man who has attained prosperity through his own enterprise and ability. He was born in Westphalen, Germany, Sept. 7, 1855, son of John and Bemadina (Meiners) Deters, and came to the United States with his parents at the age of 9 years, arriving in Houston county, Minnesota, July 8, 1864. The family setled immediately on Portland Prairie, the parents buying a farm near Eitzen, Winnebago township. It was but a small place of 40 acres, but before his death, John Deters had acquired 280 acres of land. His wife Bemadina died in 1874. Fred Deters attended common school for a while in Eitzen village, and for seven years was associated with his father in the development of the home farm. On March 17, 1879, he married Louisa, daughter of Barney and Maria (Stenkel) Brinker, of Allamakee county, Iowa, and brought his bride to his parents' farm, on which they spent their first year of domestic life. In the spring of 1880 Mr. Deters moved onto a farm of 120 acres, belonging to his father, in sec- tion 30. Winnebago township, and for four or five years operated it as a renter, subsequently purchasing the place. Then in 1893 he bought an improved 80-acre farm in the same section, the buildings on which, however, were only fair. These he has improved or replaced by new ones, and his land being united has now a fine farm of 270 acres, of which 250 are under the plow and both well tilled and well fenced, the fencing being hogproof . The house, which he has enlarged and improved, is a two-story upright with wing, and contains 13 rooms. It is well painted and stands in a fine yard, there being an abundance of shrubbery. Mr. Deters also built a frame bam, measuring 40 by 90 by 18 feet, with full 8-foot stone basement. He has also a hog house, 22 by 52, with cement floors ; a granary, machine shed, poultry house, wagon shed and garage, all the buildings being in good condition. The farm is very productive and is near convenient markets and shipping points, it being eleven miles south of Caledonia, and nine miles northwest of New Albin, Iowa. Mr. Deters also owns a well improved farm of 240 acres near Beltrami, in Polk county, Minn., and a 280- acre farm in Alberta, Canada, besides having land interests in the state of Washington. Though still residing on his farm in Winnebago township, it is now rented to one of his sons, Mr. Deters himself being practically retired, but makes annual visits to his property in the various localities, exercising a careful supervision over it. The winter of 1917-18 he and his wife spent in California at the home of a son, being from home five months. In addition to the interests already mentioned, he is also a shareholder in the Eitzen Co-operative Creamery, the Caledonia Stock and Grain Company, the Farmers' Co-operative Mercantile Company of Eitzen, the Mutual Iron Mining Company of Duluth, and the Western Mortgage & Loan Company of Minneapolis. In politics he has always been a Republican, and for a number of years was town supervisor, also serving as chairman of the board. In church matters he has also been prominent and is still active, he and his family belonging to the German Evangelical congregation at Eitzen. Mr. and Mrs. Deters are the parents of eight children : Alf rida, born Feb. 12, 1880, who is the wife of August Wiegrefe, of Wilmington township; Rosina, bom May 21, 1881, who is now Mrs. William Wiebke, of Caledonia City ; August, born Nov. 23, 1883, who is expert mechanic in an auto garage at Ventura, Calif.; Malinda, born April 3, 1885, now Mrs. Edward Freiberg, of Eitzen Village, her husband being a blacksmith and dealer in agriculutral implements ; Alfred, born April 21, 1887, a farmer in Winnebago township ; Martha, born June 17, 1889, who is now Mrs. Roy Smith of Roseau county, Minn. ; Jennie, born Feb. 15, 1893, now Mrs. Henry Nolte, of Polk county, Minn. ; and Elmer, who is now engaged in operating the home farm. Mr. Deters has just erected on his old home farm, a beautiful modern bungalow, comfortable and sightly, where he and his good wife will spend the afternoon of life after a busy career filled with worthy effort.

Elmer Deters, who is engaged in operating the Deters farm of 270 acres in Winnebago township, was born in section 30, this township, July 16, 1895, son of Fred and Louisa (Brinker) Deters. In his boyhood he attended school in the village of Eitzen, near which the parental farm is lo- cated. He has always remained on the homestead, and acquired a knowledge of agriculture and stock raising under his father, one of the leading farmers of Winnebago township. In the spring of 1917 he bought the stock, tools and teams of his father and has been engaged in operating the farm, carrying on general farming, and raising cattle and hogs for the market with profitable results. He was married Feb. 17, 1917, to Hilda, daughter of Albert and Martha Kuehn, of New Albin, Iowa, and he and his wife have one child, Helen, who was bom Feb. 7, 1918. He and his family are members of the German Evangelical congregation at Eitzen, and in politics he is a Republican. Energetic and enterprising, he has made a good start on his own account, and has every prospect of a successful future.

Werner Schroedery a well to do farmer of Winnebago township, engaged largely in stock raising, his residence lying in section 4, was born in Germany, May 26, 1874, son of Christopher and Marie (Garve) Schroeder. He was but a year old when he accompanied his parents to the United States, the family locating on a farm not far from Eitzen, this county. Both father and mother are now deceased. Their children were: Henry (1), William, Henry (2), Katie, August, Herman, George, Frederick and Werner, of whom William, Henry (2) Frederick and Werner are the only ones now living. Werner in his boyhood attended school in Eitzen and was trained to agriculture on the home farm, assisting his father until arriving at the age of 20 years. Then after working out for a year, he rented the farm of William Meyer (his father-in-law), operating it for two years, after which he bought the farm on which he now lives, which then had an area of but 80 acres. About 1911 he increased its size by buying an additional tract of 120 acres, and in 1917 purchased 80 acres more, so that his present farm has an area of 280 acres, of which 110 are cleared, the rest being in cut-over woodland. Mr. Schroeder has made a number of valuable improvements on the property, having rebuilt some of the old buildings and erected others. He has a barn 28 by 60 feet, with stone basement, and his home is a good modern residence. As a general farmer and stock raiser he has achieved notable success, his cattle being of the Black Polled variety, and of these, as well as hogs, he ships a number to market yearly. In addition to these interests he is a shareholder in the co-operative creamery at Caledonia, the stock and grain company, the elevator at Caledonia, and the Farmers' Telephone Co. For five years he has held the office of school clerk. Mr. Schroeder was married in Eitzen, this county, to Dora Meyer, who was born in Germany, June 8, 1877, daughter of William and Katherine (Westermann) Meyer, and who accompanied her parents to Houston County, Minn., in 1882, when five years old, they taking a farm near Eitzen, where the mother is now living. The father is now deceased. The family included four children : Dora, Mary, Walter and Martha, of whom Walter is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder eleven children have been bom: Arthur, Nov. 29, 1897; Elsie, July 24, 1899; Martha, Sept. 11, 1901; Robert, Sept. 7, 1903 ; Hulda, Oct. 5, 1905 ; George, Jan. 3, 1908 ; Herbert, May 1, 1910; Ruth, May 13, 1912; Mary, May 26, 1914; Victor, June 12, 1915 ; and Esther, Aug. 2, 1917. Of these, two are deceased : Robert, who died at the age of 16 months, Jan. 3, 1905 ; and Mary, who died on the day of her birth. All the others are residing at home, and Arthur is assisting his father on the farm.