Houston County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 20 of 21)

4, 1848, son of Andrew and Christine (Larson) Anderson. The parents were natives of the same district of Sweden, the father being a farmer by occupation. He died in his native land and in 1875 his widow came to America and until her death about 1911 made her home with her daughter at Red Wing, Minn. John B. Anderson, who was the elder of two children, acquired his education in Sweden, where he began working out for farmers when only nine years old, at the age of eleven performing work usually expected only of men. At the age of 21 he resolved to seek his fortune in the United States, but not having money enough to pay for his passage, he was obliged to borrow from his employer. With assistance he made his way to Minnesota, arriving here unable to speak English. The first summer he found employment at railroad work, and after that worked on farms. He then engaged in agricultural work on his own account, renting farms for a few years, and subsequently buying a tract of land adjoining his present property, where he resided for ten years. He then sold that place and bought his present farm of 80 acres, on which he has made fine modem improvements. Expert in all branches of farming, he is enjoying a prosperous career and is numbered among the well to do men of his township. He is independent in politics and has served one term as a director on the school board of his district. Mr. Anderson was married in July, 1877, to Anna Christina Anderson, daughter of Lars and Helena Anderson. Her parents, natives of Sweden, came to Houston, Minn., in 1875. Both are now deceased. Mrs. I. B. Anderson was the eldest of their four children, and was educated in Sweden. She and her husband are the parents of one child, Row W., who was born June 10, 1892, and who is residing at home. He was educated in Houston county and is a practical farmer and one of the popular young men in this community.

Die Germanson, one of the pioneer settlers of Houston county, now living retired in Houston village, was born in Telemarken, Norway, June 5, 1839. In 1851 he came with his parents to America. His father, German Olson, died six weeks after their arrival, and the surviving members of the family settled first in Dane county. Wis. In 1854 Ole came with his mother, a brother and sister, to Houston county, Minn., settling in Crystal valley. The brother, who was then 23 years old, died two weeks after their advent in this county. In 1869 Ole bought 80 acres of wild land in Paradise valley, Money Creek township, which he grubbed and cleared, also building a residence and outbuildings. In time he increased his original acreage until he had a fine farm of 160 acres, on which he resided until 1910, developing the land and continuing to improve the place. He then sold it to his son Henry, who is now the proprietor, and bought another farm in the same valley, of 80 acres, from his son-in-law, John England, it being located in Houston township. About four years later he sold this second place and bought a house in the village of Houston, where he has since lived retired. Mr. Germanson was married November 7, 1869, to Anna Benson, who was bom in Norway, January 22, 1853, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ewen Benson. She came to America in 1867 with an aunt and uncle, Gunder and Anna Halverson, and they all located in Houston county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Germanson were : Tilda A., who died at the age of 18 years ; Georgre

Edward, who died at the age of 22 years; Emma O., who married John England and died in 1904 ; Henry O., of Money Creek township ; Josie M., now Mrs. John Tuininga ; Anna Elizabeth, wife of Oscar Traff ; Tilda (second) , now Mrs. Ira Paris ; and Edna, now Mrs. Harley J. Sholes.

Henry O. Germanson, proprietor of the old Germanson homestead in section 20, Money Creek township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, August 6, 1881, son of Ole and Anna (Benson) Germanson. He is the eldest of his parents' five surviving children. As a boy he attended District school No. 9 in Money Creek township, and remained on the home farm assisting his father until he married. He then rented the farm for a year, at the end of which time he bought it, and has since carried on the business of a general farmer here, raising grain and stock with profitable results. He has 160 acres of good land and the farm is well improved and provided with substantial buildings. He is a member of St. Peter's church at Houston, and in politics is a Republican. Enterprising and thrifty, he has been successful, and is now numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. He belongs fraternally to the order of Yeomen. Mr. (Jermanson was married March 30, 1910, to Tomine Haraldson, who was bom on Oak Ridge, Yucatan township, this county. May 6, 1878, daughter of Ole and Gunber Haraldson. Her parents, who are now deceased, were bom in Telemarken, Norway, and were early setlers in Houston county, the father being a land owner and farmer. They had six children : Carrie, now Mrs. Prentes A. Pope ; Anna, wife of Halver J. Lee ; Harry ; Tomine, now Mrs. Henry 0. Germanson; Claudina and Matilda.

Daniel Doering, a successful general farmer operating 120 acres in section 34, Sheldon township, was born in Hesse, Germany, Aug. 25, 1868, son of Henry and Kathrine (Faulk) Doering, who were natives of the same German state. The family, including Daniel, came to the United States in 1869, settling in Sheldon township, this county, where Henry Doering was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, Dec. 11, 1881. His wife died July 8, 1906. Daniel Doering, who was one of the younger members in a family of ten children, acquired his education partly in District school No. 14 in Mound Prairie township, and partly in a private school. He worked for his father until he was 35 years old, and then bought a farm in Mound Prairie township, which he operated for 14 years. At the end of that time he removed to his present place in section 34, Sheldon township, where he has 120 acres of good land, well provided with buildings, and is carrying on a thriving business as a general farmer, raising both stock and grain. He has served on the school board for a period of eleven years, and is a member of the Lutheran church. His political principles are those of the Republican party. Mr. Doering assumed the responsibilities of domestic life on June 17, 1907, when he was united in marriage with Augusta Schwartz, who was bom in Germany, daughter of William and Minnie Schwartz. Her parents never came to this country, but were still living when last heard from. Mr. and Mrs. Doering have four children: Minnie Kathrine, Howard William, Robert Henry and Marion Leona.

cated in his native land, where he grew to manhood and was married. In 1883 he came to the United States, locating in AUemakee county, Iowa, where he worked out until the following year. He then came to Jefferson township, Houston county, and bought 120 acres of wild land in section 33, which he broke and grubbed, erecting a house and in time various outbuildings. As he advanced in prosperity he purchased more land until he had 260 acres, all in section 33 except 40 acres, which lay in section 34. He followed general diversified farming, and was thus occupied until his death, which took place July 8, 1911, previous to which for a number of years he had been a prosperous and influential citizen. Mr. Beneke was twice married. By his first wife, Catherine, he had two sons, William, born January 9, 1871, and now a prosperous farmer in Jefferson township; and Henry, who is farming in Allemakee county, Iowa. He was married secondly to Elizabeth Backhouse, who was born in Germany, May 16, 1853, and by her he had five children,, as follows: Herman, born October 22, 1879, who is residing at home ; Lena, born July 2, 1884, who is now Mrs. George Heimerdinger, of Crooked creek township ; Dora, born November 28, 1888, now Mrs. William J. Pohlman, of Crooked creek township; Adolph A., bom December 10, 1890, who is conducting the home farm ; and Alfred, a twin brother of Adolph A., and now a prosperous farmer of Union City township, Allemakee county, Iowa. The family are members of the German Evangelical church.

Adolph A. Beneke, one of the prosperous and representative young farmers of Houston county, located in Jefferson township, was bom on the farm where he now lives, December 10, 1890, son of Henry and Elizabeth Beneke. He grew to manhood on this farm, in his boyhood attending the district school. He follows general farming, giving special attention to stock raising, and aside from this property, he owns 40 acres adjoining in section 33, which he operates in connection with the home farm. Ambitious, enterprising and industrious, he is making good progress, and is a stockholder in the Eitzen creamery and in the Farmers' elevator at New Albin, Iowa.

John A. Cebrowski, the owner of two good farms in Union township, one of 160 and the other of 80 acres, on which latter, in section 31, he now resides, was born in Germany, Feb. 6, 1858, son of Andreas and Rose (Kirchstein) Cebrowski. The parents were farming people who never came to America, and the father is now deceased, the mother being living. They had six children : Henry, Emil, Franz, a son who died in infancy, and two others, including the subject of this sketch, who was the youngest. John A. Cebrowski was educated in the schools of his native land, coming to the United States at the age of 25 years. From New York, where he landed, he came directly to Houston county, Minn., finding work in the mill at Hokah, where he was employed for twelve years. He then bought a farm in Union township, containing 160 acres, on which he lived for 15 years, and which his son William is now operating. Twelve years ago he bought the farm on which he now resides, and which has an area of 80 acres, all of it being cleared. He is engaged chiefly in stock raising, in which he is doing a profitable business. He has always been an enterprising and industrious man, and on his other farm he erected all the buildings. He is a shareholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Caledonia and in the local telephone company. On July 13, 1882, Mr. Cebrowski was married to Alvina Kreise, who was born in Germany, Aug. 24, 1858, daughter of Michael Kreise and wife. The parents both died in their native land. Their children were: William, Michael, Julius, Daniel, Emelie and Alvina. Mr. and Mrs. Cebrowski have four children: Louis, born March 28, 1883; William, born April 3, 1885 ; Emil, April 22, 1888, and Herman, Nov. 19, 1891.

John Olsen Landsom, one of the hardy pioneer settlers of Spring Grove township, who was also a veteran of the Civil War, but who passed away some 25 years ago, was born in Lax Viken, Norway, in April, 1832. As a single man he came from his native land to Minnesota in 1862, settling at once in Spring Grove township, Houston county. He then enlisted as a soldier and was sent to the South, where he met the enemy and was taken prisoner, being confined in the notorious Libby prison for eight months, at the end of which time he was exchanged. At the close of the war he returned to Houston county and took possession of a tract of 80 acres of new land in section 20, Spring Grove township, which he had bought while in the army, having sent money from the South to a friend, John Hallan, with instructions to purchase the property for him. On this land he built a small board house, and began the development of a farm, a sister keeping house for him for two years. He then married Mary Dukleth, who proved a worthy helpmate to him and they advanced together along the road to prosperity. After they had made some progress Mr. Landsom erected a frame barn, 26 by 32 by 18 feet in size, hauling the lumber from Brownsville, 30 miles east on the Mississippi river. He got 75 acres of his land under the plow and improved his residence, increasing its size and making it into a comfortable home. This house stood until it was destroyed by fire Feb. 18, 1911. About Christmas time, 1893, Mr. Landsom went to El Campo, Texas, to which place his two sons, Andrew J. and Ole, had preceded him by several months. His death took place Sept. 29, 1894, in a hospital at Houston, that state, and there also he was buried. He was then in his 62nd year. His wife, who was born Sept. 29, 1850, is still living, being now a resident of Spring Grove village. Their children were: Ole, who returned from Texas in 1901 and is now a prosperous merchant in Barnesville, Minn. ; Andrew J., the present proprietor of the old home farm in section 20, Spring Grove township; James Gustav, a farmer in Spring Grove township ; Oscar E., who is engaged in farming in Ray, N. D. ; Minnie, wife of Albert Vik, a confectioner of Spring Grove village ; and two, Oline and Oscar (first) who died in infancy.

Andrew J. Landsom, a well known and respected citizen of Spring Grove township, residing on a farm in section 20, which was established by his parents soon after the close of the Civil War, was bom on this farm April 1, 1876, son of John Olsen and Mary (Dukleth) Landsom. Here he was reared to manhood and acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture. Here also he remained until 1893, when, a young man of 17 years, he accompanied his brother Ole to El Campo, Texas. In July of the following year he returned to harvest the crop on the home farm. The father, who had followed the two brothers to Texas, died in Houston in September, 1894. Ole remained in Texas until 1901, when he returned to Minnesota and is now a merchant in Barnesville, this state. Andrew J. Landsom, finding that his mother needed his help, remained on the home farm, of which he took charge, operating it until 1903, in which after October, 1899, he was assisted by his brother James Gustav, who had also gone to Texas but had then returned after spending two and a half years there. In 1903 he bought a farm of 121 acres of improved land in section 19, Spring Grove township, a mile and a half west of the old homestead, and known as the Nels Lien Farm, which place was his home for some six or seven years. That it might be a home in the fullest sense, he assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, being united in marriage, Jan. 13, 1904, with Belinda Josephine, daughter of Ole and Thore Olsgard, of Spring Grove township. Early in 1911 Mr. Landsom sold the Lien farm to his brother James and bought the old home farm in section 20, but just as he and his wife were about to take possession of the house it took fire and burned down, Feb. 18, 1911. To save time, as the spring was approaching and he wished to get an early start with his crops, he built a granary, into which he moved April 4, 1911, and in which he resided with his wife until October, when they moved into a frame house of one and a half stories, 28 by 28 feet in ground dimensions, which he had built during the summer as he had found opportunity. This house, which is his present residence, contains six rooms, and is furnished with hot water heat and electric light, being thoroughly modern in its equipment. In the summer of 1912 Mr. Lindsom built a frame bam, with full stone basement and modern equipment, 32 by 56 by 16 feet above basement, with hip roof, the basement having a height of eight feet. Connected with it is a hollow tile silo, 14 by 34 feet. He has also provided himself with all other necessary outbuildings, including a good hog house, while his teams, machinery and tools are of the best and most u;seful kind. Seventy-five acres of his land are now under the plow. His stock consists chiefly of Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, and as he keeps full-blooded sires, he is improving his herds from year to year. Though Mr. Lindsom has had to work hard from boyhood, his education having been limited to attendance at the district school, he has pursued a successful career and is now in a prosperous condition in life, well to do and respected. He is the owner of a good automobile and is a shareholder in the Spring Grove Stock and Grain company and the Co-operative Creamery. He and his wife are members of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical church. Politically Mr. Landsom is a Republican.

Dewitt Clinton Webster, the leading representative of the horticultural interest of Houston county, residing on a farm of 50 acres on the outskirts of the village of La Crescent, and who was for a period of 20 years engaged in the railway mail service, was born at La Crosse, Wis., March 13, 1874, son of Everett B. and Emma (Harris) Webster, the father being a native of New York State. Dewitt C. Webster became interested in horticulture through association with his grandfather, John S. Harris. He came to La Crescent township, Houston county, with his parents when two years old, and subsequently attended school here. Later, while in the mail service, he developed the farm on which he now resides, and during that period he devoted himself exclusively to the cultivation of apples and small fruits. Since 1911 he has exhibited his products regularly at the Minnesota state fairs and has taken more premiums on fruits than any other exhibitor since entering the field. In 1911 he was awarded a cup at the Northwest Land Products Exposition, held at St. Paul, for the best bushel of apples grown in Minnesota that year ; and for three consecutive years he was awarded the cup at the Houston County Corn Show at Hokah. He is a member of the State Horticultural Society, and his farm is now the State Horticultural Trial Station for new varieties of fruit. He is a stockholder in the La Crescent State Bank. Mr. Webster has built for himself, at a cost of $7,000, one of the finest residences, if not the finest, in Houston county. It is in the bungalow style, contains nine rooms, each having a closet, is provided with a large sun porch, and is finished with hardwood throughout, with solid panel doors, inlaid with white wood and ebony. The basement has cement floors, and there is a root cellar, coal and fuel rooms and laundry. The house is covered with specially made, bran stained, Cyprus siding, while the upper story is partially finished with white stucco, which has a very pretty effect. The building is of a beautiful architectural design, and thoroughly modern in all its fittings, having steam vapor heat, an individual electric light plant on the Delco system, hot soft water and bath. Mr. Webster was married October 9, 1900, to Clara B. Eberhard, daughter of Henry Philip and Maria Louise (Corlett) Eberhard. Her father was born in Germany and her mother in Rochester, N. Y. They were early settlers in Houston county. Mr. Webster belongs to Morning Star Lodge, No. 29, A. F. & A. M. ; also to Evening Star Chapter, O. E. S., No. 71 of La Crescent, of which his wife is a member. They have one child, Gladys.

John Shartally who is now living retired on a farm in section 10, Money Creek township, was one of the pioneer settlers in this township, and is a man of wide and varied experiences. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1841, his father's name being Patrick Shartall, and his mother's family name Holden. The family came to America in 1851, locating in Jo Davies county, Illinois, not far from the city of Galena, where they engaged in farming, the parents spending the rest of their lives there. John Shartall was one of the youngest in their family of nine children. He attended the school of his district and when he grew old enough to work, assisted his father on the home farm. While still a young man he left home and went west to Colorado and Montana, where he engaged in mining. After three years of that occupation in that then wild country, he returned to Illinois ^ and for awhile worked in the lead mines in the vicinity of Galena, also at times helping his parents on the home farm. He then came to Minnesota, . being one of the first settlers in Money Creek township, Houston county, where he established the farm on which he is now living, which was then but a tract of wild land. His first dwelling here was a rude log house, but from that early beginning he progressed until he had developed a good farm of 160 acres with an adequate set of buildings, on which place he is still residing, though practically retired from active work, his son Arthur relieving him from all attention to the details. In religion Mr. Shartall is a Catholic and in politics is independent. Mr. Shartall married Margaret Kerns, who was born near Galena, 111., her parents being natives of Ireland, and the father a farmer and miner by occupation. In early days, before the building of the Union Pacific railroad, he crossed the plains and mountains to California, but later returned and died in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Shartall have had eight children: Ella, wife of William Hicks; John, a resident of Winona ; Minnie, wife of Niles McAlister, residing in Winona ; Hannah, now Mrs. Francamp and a resident of Michigan ; Rose, wife of Arthur Ives, who is operating the home farm ; Agnes, a resident of Winona ; Charles, and one child who died in infancy.

Sever Danielson, a general farmer residing in section 14, Wilmington township, was born in Hardanger, Norway, March 27, 1871, son of Danief and Margarite Jorgensen. With his parents, who were farmers, he came to America in 1876, the family residing for a while near the village of Houston, Minn., and then moving to a 40-acre farm in section 35, Wilmington township. There were eight children in his parents' family, the eldest being George, who is now living retired after 30 years' service in the U. S. regular army. Sever was the second born, and after him came Marie, now Mrs. Bochardt of Seattle, Wash. ; Samuel, who is a farmer in Kindred, N. D.; Martin, a farmer of Melville, N. D.; Edward, who is living on the old home farm ; Gustav, a farmer in Caledonia township ; and Daniel, who is deceased. During his first three years here Sever resided with Askel Quinnell, after which he returned to his home. His parents being poor, he had to work hard, but for several winters attended the district school. When old enough he worked out as a farm hand. On April 13, 1904, he was married to Margarite Rask, daughter of Peter and Kjersti (Engen) Rask of Wilmington township, and he and his wife began their home life on the Joe Winkelman farm as renters. After remaining there three years, they moved to the Diff erding farm in Caledonia township, which was their home for a year and a half. In 1910 they rented their present place, the Engen farm, in sections 11 and 14. The land had been improved but there were no buildings, and Mr. Danielson accordingly erected a small frame house, later putting up a circular tile barn, with full basement and a dairy room ; also a granary- The farm, which contains 95 acres, is all under the plow, and in addition to this property Mr. Danielson owns a tract of 20 acres in Winnebago township, making his holdings 115 acres in all. He has good herds of cattle and hogs, and a full operating equipment, and is doing a prosperous business, his market being Caledonia, seven miles to the north. He and his wife have had three children : Peter Selmar, born Jan. 29, 1905 ; Martin Delbert, born Sept. 11, 1907 ; and Carleton, who died in infancy. Mr. Danielson is a Republican in politics, and he and his family are members of the Wilmington congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

David Ender, Jr., was bom in Mound Prairie township, this county, June 18, 1888, son of David and Margaret (Schild) Ender. The third bom of their ten children, he was educated in the district schools and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. At the age of eighteen he began to work for neighboring farmers. Then for about six years he was engaged in farming pursuits on a farm which he rented near La Crescent. In 1917 he opened a garage and harness business at Hokah. In politics Mr. Ender is an independent voter. In religion he adheres to the belief of the Lutheran church. Mr. Ender was married April 5, 1911, to Martha Selke, daughter of Frederick and Christina (Hettman) Selke, and this union has been blessed with one child, Arnold David. Mr. and Mrs. Selke were born in Germany and came to La Crescent as young people, and taking a farm in that township. Mr. Selke died about 1893.

David Ender, Sr., a respected farmer of Mound Prairie township, was bom near Beaver Dam, in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, Feb. 14, 1854, and was brought to Mound Prairie township, this county, when about ten or eleven years old. He was here reared, and as a young man married Margaret Schild, who was born in Berne, Switzerland, July 14, 1864, and was brought to Mound Prairie township by her parents when she was about fifteen years of age. They then settled on their present farm, where they have been successful, and where they are held in high regard by their neighbors and friends.

John Ender, one of the leading business men of Hokah, senior partner in the Hokah Hardware Co. and also connected with other important interests, was born in Mound Prairie township, this county, Oct. 17, 1880, eldest of the ten children of David and Margaret (Schild) Ender. He was educated in the district schools and worked on the home farm until about twenty years of age. Then, with Charles Pilger, he started a sawmill in Bush Valley, and they operated it for four years, one season of which Mr. Ender was engaged in railroad work in Minneapolis. In 1894 he came to Hokah and entered into partnership with G. J. Hoffman in the general mercantile and hardware business, under the firm name of Hoffman & Ender. In 1912 they sold the general merchandise department of their business to Rieley & Rieley. The hardware and implement line continued to prosper and increased, and in time a lumber yard was added. Jan. 1, 1917, P. J. Buehler became a partner, and the firm name was changed to the Hokah Hardware Co. In the meantime Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Ender were associated together in several other enterprises, including the Hokah creamery, the Hokah Midget mill, and the Hokah electric light plant. On Jan. 1, 1919, Mr. Ender disposed of his interests in these industries to Mr. Hoffman and took over Mr. Hoffman's interests in the Hokah Hardware Co. Among his other holdings is stock in the Hokah State bank. Busy as he is with his private affairs, he has found considerable time for efficient public service. For several years he was treasurer of the village, and he is now village trustee and a member of the school board. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Ender was married Oct. 25, 1904, to Anna Pilger, daughter of Philip and Theresa (Miller) Pilger, and he and his wife have had three children : Alden, born July 10, 1909 ; Clarence, born May 20, 1914 ; and Adeline, born Sept. 13, 1917. The parents of Mrs. Ender were both born in Germany, the father June 16, 1821, and the mother April 20, 1839. They settled on a farm near Hokah, this county, about 1866, and resided there for many years, being prosperous and highly respected residents of the community. Mr. Pilger died in January, 1914, and his wife survived him but little over a year, passing away April 14, 1915.

Endre T. Trehus, who died on his farm in section 8, Wilmington township, June 24, 1900, was well known throughout the township as a thrifty^ industrious and successful farmer and reliable citizen. He was born in section 23, this township, Feb. 11, 1861, son of Thomas A. and Martha (Haugstad) Trehus. His education was limited to a brief attendance at the district school, but he broadened this by close observation and exi)erience and made his way in the world and established a comfortable home for his family. Until he was 20 years old he remained on the home farm, which he helped to cultivate, but also during the latter part of that period occasionally worked out as a farm hand. On Oct. 5, 1881, he was united in marriage with Aleve Severine 0., daughter of Ole O. and Sigri Qualle, of section 8, Wilmington township. He and his wife began domestic life on a farm in section 20, this township, and remained there until 1892. In that year he bought the Qualle farm in section 8, containing 220 acres, of which he afterwards sold 60 acres. It was all improved land and there was a good seven-room frame house on it and a frame barn. To these buildings Mr. Trehus added a double corn crib, hog house, poultry house and other necessary structures. He continued his improvements until his death, gaining a good reputation as a practical farmer, and when he passed away he left his family in possession of a good estate. He also took an active interest in everything calculated to benefit the township and county in which he lived and supported every worthy cause where his aid was requested. Politically he was a Republican. Since his death his widow has operated the farm with the assistance of her sons. Until the spring of 1918 Thomas and Emil were the active managers, and since 1918 Thomas and Arthur. One hundred and forty acres are now under cultivation and the farm is well stocked with grade Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine. To Mr. and Mrs. Trehus seven children were born, as follows : Ida, born March 10, 1882, now the wife of Hans Wolstad, a farmer of Wilmington township ; Ole Edwin, bom June 8, 1884, who died after a long illness Dec. 25, 1911 ; Anna Cecelia, bom Oct. 13, 1886, now Mrs. Ingeman Doley of Anagard, N. D. ; Thomas Arthur, bom Dec. 2, 1888, who resides on the home farm ; Emil Alfred, born Oct. 12, 1892, a resident of Spring Grove township ; Geneva Johanna, born Feb. 23, 1894, wife of Reginald Watts of Washburn, Wis. ; Sylvester Melvin, bom Jan. 9, 1896, residing at home. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

William Harris, a prominent farmer of Money Creek township, oi>erating 216 acres in sections 1 and 12, was bom in Oneida county, New York, in August, 1857, son of John and Margaret (Wright) Harris. The parents, both natives of Ireland, were married in New York state, where the father as a young man engaged in the dairy business. He was killed by a runaway team in 1867, and his widow subsequently married a Mr. HoUiday, a farmer, with whom she removed to Columbia county, Wisconsin, and later to Winona county, Minnesota, where she died. Her second husband, who moved to

Money Creek township, Houston county, is also now deceased. William Harris in his youth attended district schools both in New York state and Columbia county, Wisconsin. He began working out at the age of fifteen years, helping on farms, chopping wood during the winters and engaging in similar occupations until his marriage in 1891. After that he worked three years in a machine shop in Winona, and at the end of that time engaged in farming at Pine Creek, where he resided for 14 years. He then bought his present farm, containing 216 acres of valuable land, with good buildings, where he is successfully breeding Brown Swiss cattle, Poland- China hogs, and other stock, and has attained a position among the prosperous farmers of his township. He is also a stockholder in the Money Creek creamery and the Farmers' elevator at Houston. In politics he is a Republican, and his fraternal society affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America at Houston. Mr. Harris was married April 8, 1891, to Alta May Emily, who was born in Winona county, Minnesota, daughter of William and Nancy (Berry) Emily. He and his wife have two children : Vera Helen and Everett William, the latter of whom is assisting his father on the home farm. Mrs. Harris's parents were both American born. Her father served four years in the Civil war as a private in the Second Minnesota regiment. His active career was for the main part that of a farmer, but he is now living retired in La Crosse. He formerly held various local offices, being one of the prominent men of his community. His wife died in 1909. Their daughter Alta May was the second bom of their four children.

John G. Voss, a well known and successful farmer of Hokah township, was bom in Germany, December 18, 1850, and came to America in 1869, locating in Bush Valley, Houston county, Minnesota, where he worked as a farm hand. Later for a while he followed the cooper's trade in Hokah village, and was also for several years a section hand on the railroad. In February, 1912, he moved onto his present farm, where he has since carried on agricultural pursuits with good financial results, and is now numbered among the substantial and influential citizens of his township. Mr. Voss was first married to Hannah Dabold, by whom he had four children, Emma, George, Gertrude and Julia, of whom Gertrude is now deceased. Emma is the wife of Austin Cook and has four children, Ruth, John, Jane and Robert. George married Elsie Whited, and has two children, Edward and Margaret. Julia is now Mrs. Warren Spurrier and has four children. Alma, Ethel, Esther and Jesse C. Mrs. Hannah (Dabold) Voss having died, Mr. Voss married for his second wife Lena Westphal, who also died after becoming the mother of six children, namely, Arthur, Gilbert, Charles, Orinda, Florence and Minnie, of whom Arthur, Charles and Orinda are now deceased ; Gilbert served in the U. S. navy during the recent war ; Florence, who was graduated from the Hokah public schools, and the La Crosse State Normal school in the class of 1917, is now a proficient teacher ; and Minnie is a student in the Hokah public school. Mrs. Lena (Westphal) Voss died and Mr. Voss married for his third wife her sister, Mrs. Fredericka (Westphal) Papenfuss.

their country- On July 26, 1918, he enlisted in the Fourth Pioneer infantry and subsequently trained at Camps Wadsworth and Stuart Lee, after which he was sent to France. There he died Oct. 9, 1918, of pneumonia, two days after landing, following an attack of Spanish influenza developed on the transport. He was a few months over 21 years of age, having been born in Hokah May 30, 1897. Memorial services were held in the Methodist church in Hokah, the full house demonstrating the high esteem in which he was held. The following sympathetic letter from his army chaplain was received by his parents : "My Dear Mr. Voss : These are days when chaplains have a sad duty to perform. It is that of telling the home folks that their loved one has been mustered out of their country's and life's service by that Grim Commander whom none of us can disobey. Your son, Charles Voss, private in supply company, 4th Pioneer infantry, was called to his eternal reward at 12 :20 a. m., Oct. 9, 1918, from this camp hospital (Camp Montoir) in Base Section No. 1. His death was due to pneumonia, following an attack of Spanish influenza developed on the transport coming to France. We laid his body to rest this afternoon in the beautiful American cemetery No. 21 in this base. To you, bereft so soon of the lad you offered for your country's service, I extend my deepest sympathy and with it these words : "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal." Tenderly yours, Walter B. Hilton, Chaplain, First Lieut. Engineers, A. P. 0. 701, American E. F., France.

Helmer Loken, a well-to-do general farmer of Yucatan township, who is operating a good farm of 200 acres in section 1, was bom on his present farm, Aug. 5, 1879, the son of Hans H. and Waren (Holgren) Loken. Hans H. Loken was a furniture maker by trade, but devoted most of his life to farming. He came to Houston county in 1878, and lived here for many years. In 1904 he returned to a farm near Manistee, Mich., where he died in 1914, and where his widow is still living. Helmer Loken attended the district school on Oak Ridge in his native township, and at the age of eighteen started working out as a farm-hand. Six years later he rented the home farm, and as his means permitted, purchased it. He has a well improved farm, and carries on general farming, stock raising and dairying. He is an independent voter, and is much interested in public affairs, though not caring to mingle actively in politics. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Loken was married Dec. 17, 1910, to Mary Halverson, daughter of Targe and Mary (Oset) Halverson, and this union has been blessed with Ave children: Marcella, bom May 24, 1912 ; Henry, born Sept. 8, 1913 ; Tilbert, born April 2, 1915 ; Elvin bom Oct. 17, 1916 ; and Harris, born March 15, 1919. It is interesting to note that all Mr. Loken's brothers and sisters are still living, the children in his father's family being George, Oscar, Hans, Telmer, Fred, Edward, Arthur, Helga and Martin.

Targe Halverson, a well-known and respected farmer of Yucatan township, was born in Norway, Nov. 20, 1837, and came to America in 1865, settling in Yucatan township, this county, where he took land and developed a good farm. He is an honorable hard-working man and stands well in the community. He and his wife are the parents of nine children :

John Fishel, one of the pioneer settlers of Brownsville township, now deceased, was bom in Ohio, where he became a farmer. He married Rachel HoUiday, a native of Pennsylvania and later they came west to Houston county, settling on land in Brownsville township, at a time when Caledonia was an insignificant hamlet containing but a few small houses. On the land he took Mr. Fishel remained until his retirement from active work in 1901, or for more than half a century, during which time he labored hard and developed the place into a well equipped and profitable farm. On retiring he moved to Hokah, where his death occurred in 1911. His wife, who still survives, is now residing with her son Charles R., in section 15^, Mound Prairie township.

Charles R. Fishel, an enterprising farmer and dairyman, residing in section 19, Mound Prairie township, was bom in Brownsville township, Houston county, Minn., June 3, 1879, son of John and Rachel (Holliday) Fishel. His education was acquired in District school No. 33, in his native township, and until the age of 22 years he was engaged in assisting his father in the improvement and cultivation of the home farm. He then left home and went to Hazelhurst, Wis., where for two years he was employed in a large box factory. He then engaged in farming on his own account, and so continued for several years with some intermissions, making two trips west, each in the fall, and being employed one fall at bridge work. He then purchased a farm two miles south of Hokah, Houston county, but after operating it for two years, sold it and entered the employ of the Hoffman & Ender Hardware Co. of Hokah, with whom he remained for three years. Having bought a tract of land in Florida, he then made a trip to that distant state to inspect his property, which he still owns, and on his return purchased the farm of 87 acres on which he is now residing, and where he is making extensive improvements. He is breeding up in Jersey cattle and is doing a good dairy business, also giving some time to other branches of farm work, and is making good progress on the road to fortune. He is a member of Camp No. 3263, M. W. A., at Hokah. Independent in politics, he is serving as school clerk and highway overseer. Mr. Fishel was married Dec. 13, 1904, to Grace Wooley, daughter of Frank and Henrietta (Fischer) Wooley, of Hokah, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Fishel have four children, Floyd Franklin, George Ralph, Eunice Julia Louise and Clarence Melvin. The family attend the Presbyterian church.

Richard Duxbury, a pioneer seftler of Fillmore county, Minnesota, was bom in Newton More, Lancashire, England, November 14, 1833, son of William Duxbury and Ann (Whittaker) Duxbury. He had six brothers and three sisters, all of whom came to the United States with their father and mother about 1848, landing at Salem, Massachusetts, where they resided for three or four years. The mother died there. Thence they moved to the vicinity of Janesville, Wisconsin, where William Duxbury engaged in farming and spent his last years. Richard came to Minnesota in 1857 and in 1859 was married at Harmony, Fillmore county, to Miranda M. Barnes, who was bom in Wisconsin, March 19, 1841. She was a daughter of

Moses Barnes, a native of Massachusetts, who settled in Filhnore county, Minnesota, in 1853, and late in life moved to Marshall, Lyon county, where he died. Richard Duxbury was a farmer during all his active life. He served in the Civil War with the Union forces as a volunteer, a private in the Second Minnesota Light Artillery under Major Hutchkiss. He was a republican in politics, a thoughtful reader, and a lover and student of English history. He was a member of the Episcopal church. His wife was reared a Baptist. He died November 20, 1907, at St. Paul, having survived his wife eleven years and six months. Th^y were parents of ten children, seven of whom are living, Lorinda, wife of Albert H. Daniels, residing at Pine City, Minnesota; Francis A. Duxbury, a lawyer, at Caledonia, Minnesota; L. N. Duxbury, a farmer in Fillmore county; Lodema, wife of F. M. Mc- Gowen, Los Angeles, California ; W. R. Duxbury, a lawyer in St. Paul ; F. R. Duxbury, a real estate dealer at Pine City, and Leslie of Worthington.

Francis A. Duxbury, the dean of the Houston County Bar, was bom in Fillmore county, Minnesota, April 11, 1862, son of Richard and Miranda M. (Barnes) Duxbury. His father was a farmer and he worked at home on the farm until he was man grown. His schooling was limited to the common schools. As a young man he taught in the common and village schools of Fillmore county for a period of ten years and gained the reputation of a good teacher. While thus engaged he devoted his spare time to the study of law and general reading and in 1895 passed the examination of the State Board of Law Examiners and was admitted to the Bar. He has been in active practice of the law at Caledfftiia for twenty-four years and has made continued progress and notable sitccess. He is the senior member of the firm of Duxbury & Duxbury, lawyers, in association with his son, Lloyd L. Duxbury. Mr. Duxbury was for many years a member of the Caledonia High School Board and during the recent war with Germany was Chairman of the Liberty Loan Committee for Houston county. In 1915 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention from the First Congressional District. He represented his district in the State Senate for two terms beginning in 1910. As a Free Mason he is Past Master of Caledonia Lodge No. 20, Past High Priest of Hokah Chapter No. 16, and is affiliated with the Scottish Rite and the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Modem Woodman of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and for several years has served as a member of the Law Committee of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota A. O. U. W. He is president of the Caledonia State Bank. On October 18, 1884, Mr. Duxbury was united in marriage to Susan A. Addison, who^e father, John Howcraft Addison, was one of the pioneer farmers of Fillmore county, having settled there in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Duxbury have two sons, Lloyd L., born April 19, 1886, and Leland S., born November 14, 1888. Lloyd L. is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and of Harvard Law School, and is now in active practice with his father. Leland S. is also a graduate of the Minnesota university and the Harvard Law School and is now Chief Examiner for the State Securities Commission at St. Paul.

Lloyd L. Duxbury, lawyer, residing in Caledonia, was bom in Fillmore county, Minn., April 19, 1886, son of Francis Adelbert and Susan A. (Add!- son) Duxbury. He is unusually well equipped for his profession having graduated from the Caledonia high school, and from the academic department of the University of Minnesota in the class of 1908. In 1911 he was graduated from the law school of Harvard university, and in April of the following year was admitted to practice. Since that time he has been associated with his father as a member of the law firm of Duxbury & Duxbury, with offices in Caledonia. He has been very successful in his professional work and has a high standing in the county and state as a lawyer. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to Caledonia Lodge No. 20 A. F. & A. M., also to Camp No. 2936 M. W. A., of the same village. He is a member of the Acacia Fraternity of Harvard university and was President of the Chapter while attending the law school. Mr. Duxbury was married September 11, 1915 to Valerie S. Coon, of Brookline, Mass. They have one son, Myles Addison, born June 14, 1916.

Ole Anderson, who owns and operates a good 50-acre farm in Mayville township, where he has resided for the last 28 years, was bom in Norway, May 28, 1853, son of Andreas and Olena Olson. He attended school in his native land and after beginning industrial life was engaged for some time in boat building. In 1892, at the age of 40 years, he came to the United States, and proceeding west to Houston county, Minn., bought his present farm in section 8, Mayville township, though it was then but a tract of wild land. Its present flourishing aspect is the result of his own exertions, and to bring this about, he had to break, grub and clear the land, besides erecting his house and outbuildings, all of which work was well done. As a general farmer he has achieved success and has added to the agricultural productiveness of his township. Mr. Anderson was married April 18, 1880, to Caroline Olson, a native of Norway. They have had four children: Hulda, now Mrs. Phillip Krick of Union township; Axel, residing on the home farm; Constance, now Mrs. Ingvald Ingvaldson, of Mayville township ; and Carl, who died at the age of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and the surviving members of their family belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mrs. Anderson was born June 4, 1858.

Ole K. Rank, now living retired in the village of Spring Grove, after a long and successful career as a farmer, was born in Hellingsdal, Norway, March 12, 1843, son of Knute and Berget (Aslesen) Rauk. In 1859 the parents left their native land for America, with five children, Hans K., Halgrem, Asle, Ose, and Ole K. Landing at Quebec after a voyage of five and a half weeks on the ocean, they came directly to Houston county, Minnesota, settling in Spring Grove, where the father found employment, working about two years for others. In 1861 he bought 20 acres of wild land in section 35, Spring Grove township, and erected on it a small log house, which was the family dwelling for 20 years, after which a small'f rame house was erected. Both parents died on the farm when about 75 years old, the father's death preceding the mother's by a year. Ole K., who was the second youngest member of the family, had attended a common school in Norway, and for a brief time was a pupil in the school of his district in Spring Grove. But his opportunities in the latter direction being very limited, he was accustomed to study at home when he had a few minutes to spare, giving special attention to arithmetic, as being a branch of knowledge likely to prove of most use to him in business affairs. The first year after the arrival of the family in the township he began working out in order to help his parents. By 1867 he had saved a little and bought 40 acres of land. A year later he bought 80 acres more, all wild. Then he bought the old home place of 20 acres and kept on purchasing land until he had 197 acres in one piece. In the meanwhile he was cultivating and improving it, among the buildings he erected being a good, two-story, frame house consisting of an upright and wing; a frame bam, 30 by 60 by 15 feet in size, with a full stone basement of 9 feet ; a granary, 16 by 20 by 12 ; machine shed, 16 by 30 by 8 ; and a woodshed, 12 by 14 by 10. His son has since erected a stave silo of 14 by 30 feet. A few years ago Mr. Rauk retired, selling a part of his farm to his son Edward, and took up his residence in Spring Grove village, where he owns a good house and has a comfortable home. For the past two years he has been confined to his bed with rheumatism, but bears this misfortune with patience, supported by the loving companionship of his wife, who has been his faithful partner in many years of toil, and by his faith in a future life, being a devout member of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. It is now nearly 53 years since Mr. Rauk began domestic life, being united in marriage with Gunehild, daughter of EUing and Guinil Ellingson of Spring Grove township. Their union has been blessed by the birth of eight children : Gunehild, bom July 11, 1865, now Mrs. Andrew Tyrebakken of Wilmington township; Knute, bora Dec. 1, 1869, who is living in Harvey, N. D.; Bertha Caroline, bom May 31, 1873, now Mrs. C. J. Schansberg of Spring Grove village; Edward, bom May 31, 1879, who owns and resides on the old farm in section 35; Emma, who died in infancy; Emma Otelia, bom April 3, 1882; Albert Julius, bom Nov. 6, 1884 ; Carl Oliver, bom Nov. 6, 1888 ; and Ginard, bom Oct. 24, 1891. Emma Otelia is the wife of J. J. Billigmeier, of Alberta, Canada. Albert Julius and Ginard are the owners and proprietors of a general store at Beaver Creek, Minnesota. Carl Oliver is in the meat business at Taylor, Wis., with Tilford Schansberg, under the firm name of Schansberg & Rauk. Mrs. Rauk, who was born in Norway, June 14, 1844, and is therefore now in her seventy-fifth year, is still active and able to take care of the home, being a smart and careful housekeeper. She and her husband are highly esteemed within a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

Die B. Tone, who died at his home in Spring Grove village, in March, 1917, was for a number of years one of the most prominent and highly esteemed citizens of Houston county, an able and influential business man, and at one time a member of the state legislature. He was bom at Ness Hallingdal, Norway, April 14, 1847, being a member of a family which numbered 14 children. When he was a year old he was brought by his parents to America, they settling at Rock Prairie, near Orfordville, Wis. There as he grew up he acquired a limited education in the common schooL When only 15 years old he enlisted for service in the Civil War as a member of the 13th Wisconsin Infantry and was a soldier for three years. At the end of the war he returned home, and in the spring of 1867, with Naarve Roen, came to Houston county, Minnesota, looking for a business location, and took up his temporary residence with George Temanson of Spring Grove township. That fall he engaged in business with Mr. Roen at Riceford, this township, and the partnership was continued until the summer of 1869, when it was dissolved. After that, for several years Mr. Tone was variously employed, residing with a Mr. Oatman at Ricef ord. There in the spring of 1873 he opened a general store, of which he was proprietor until 1879, when he sold it to John Rauk. During that period he also served as postmaster. For about a year after he had disposed of his store Mr. Tone was engaged in the real estate business. He had by this time acquired a considerable amount of prominence and popularity, which led to his election on the Republican ticket, in the fall of 1880, as representative to the state legislature, in which he served one term, from Jan. 4, 1881, to March 4, 1882. After that he pursued a mercantile career for awhile, buying and selling, and still residing with Mr. Oatman. In January, 1885, Mr. Tone went to Orfordville, Wis., where on the twenty-second of that month he was united in marriage with Randa, daughter of Erick and Mary Ovestrud of that place. Bringing his bride to Spring Grove, he began housekeeping over Hendrickson's store, but that summer built a commodious, two-story frame house on Maple avenue, into which he moved with his wife in the fall. A shrewd business man, he containued bujdng and selling various kinds of property up to 1889, in which year he bought the hardware business of T. T. Bergh of Spring Grove, becoming a partner in it with 0. B. Nelson under the style of Nelson & Tone. In this occupation he remained until 1907 when he sold his interest and retired. In the same year he was appointed village postmaster, which office he held until 1912. He then resigned it in order to become president of the Spring Grove State bank, which was then just being organized, and in which position he continued up to the time of his death, which was due to heart failure. Mr. Tone was also interested in the Farmers' and Merchants' bank of Orfordville, Wis., and the People's State bank of St. Paul. A man of strong convictions, he was a power in the business community, and had a wide acquaintance not only in this section but throughout various parts of the state, and to some extent in Wisconsin. He had an indomitable will, yet was just and even tender-hearted and generous. His wife Randa, who was bom at Orfordville, Wis., May 20, 1858, died at the age of 51 years Sept. 27, 1909, her death, like his own being due to heart failure. They were both, with their children, members of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. The children were as follows: Cora, born Feb. 22, 1886, now Mrs. John Schansberg of Spring Grove ; Beldin, born Jan. 13, 1888, who resides in St. Paul, Minn. ; Elmer, born Nov. 28, 1889, now in the mercantile business at Hamblin, Montana ; Mandy, bom Feb. 4, 1892, a student in a Minneapolis Business college ; Owen Ralph, bom Dec. 17, 1895, who served in the United States army during the Great War; Phebe, born Jan. 9, 1900, who is studying nursing at La Crosse ; and Owen R., born Jan. 27, 1895, who died in infancy.

Christian J. Schansberg, of the firm of Schansberg & Muller, meat dealers of Spring Grove, was born in Coon Valley, Vernon county, Wisconsin, Feb. 16, 1871, son of John and Bergete (Steenberg) Schansberg, early Norwegian settlers in that locality. He studied in the district school in Coon Valley, spent two winters as a student at Lanesboro, Minn., and tnen took the full course at a business college in La Crosse, Wis. In the meantime he had worked summers on his father's farm. In the fall of 1889 he came to Caledonia, in this county, and in 1893 to Spring Grove, where he is now a prominent citizen. Mr. Schansberg has taken a prominent part in public affairs, and has done good work as a member of the village board. In politics he is a Republican. He worships at the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Schansberg was married June 20, 1901, to Bertha Caroline Rauk, daughter of Ole K. and Gunhil Rauk, of Spring Grove township, and this union has been blessed with two children : Gladys Beola, born Aug. 31, 1902 ; and James Orlando, bom Oct. 18, 1906. The family residence, built in 1907, at the corner of Wilmington street and Hendrickson is one of the finest in the village, furnished with steam heat and other modern conveniences.

John J. Schansberg, of the firm of Schansberg & Muller, meat dealers of Spring Grove, was born in Coon Valley, Vernon county, Wisconsin, Jan. 8, 1879, son of John and Bergete (Steenberg) Schansberg. He was educated in the district schools and learned farming from his father. In 1896 he came to Spring Grove, and here has since remained. He is a successful business man, and occupies a substantial position in the community. In 1898 he purchased the old Ole B. Tone homestead, on Maple avenue, in Spring Grove village. This home, Mr. Schansberg has remodeled into a handsome, comfortable residence, with all modern improvements, and here he and his family are pleasantly located. On May 10, 1910, Mr. Schansberg married Cora Tone, the daughter of Ole B. and Randy (Ovestrud) Tone, the former a prominent banker and business man of Spring Grove. This union has been blessed with three children. Jerome C. was born April 22, 1916, and Ruth Borgel was born Dec. 7, 1918. One died in infancy. Mr. Schansberg was reared in the faith of the Norwegian Evangelican Lutheran church and is affiliated with the Spring Grove congregation.

Schansberg & Muller, the firm consisting of the brothers. Christian J. and John J. Schansberg and J. F. Muller, conduct an extensive meat and provision business in Spring Grove, and have one of the leading business establishments of the village. The business here had its beginning in 1893, when Christian J. Schansberg, who since 1889 had been employed by the Caledonia firm of Schansberg, Solberg & Co., came to Spring Grove and with C. H. Schansberg, S. J. Solberg and J. J. Solberg, of that firm established the Spring Grove company of the same name. June 20, 1901, C. H. Schansberg and S. J. and J. J. Solberg retired from the firm, and Christian J. Schansberg formed a partnership with John J. Schansberg under the firm name of Schansberg Brothers. In 1916, J. E. Muller was admitted to the firm, and the company assumed its present name. In 1910 Christian J. and John J. Schansberg purchased the Knute Gilbertson place, two miles south of the village. This is a valuable piece of property containing 143 acres, of which 100 acres are under the plow. The farm is well equipped, and the excellent set of buildings include a two-story stone house, one of the oldest in the community, but in good condition ; a frame barn 30 by 70 by 16 feet, with full stone basement ; a swine house 12 by 60 feet with cement feeding floor ; corn cribs, a machine shed, granary and stave silo. This farm is prospering under the care of a tenant, while the owners devote their time to their business interests in Spring Grove. In addition to this, they own forty acres joining the village limits on which is their abattoir and buildings for the housing of their employes. Each also owns a pleasant home in the village.

Col. William H. Hairies, for many years one of Houston county's most distinguished citizens, commonly known as Captain Harries, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1843, and came to La Crosse, Wis., in 1855. April 18, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 2d Wis. Vol. Inf., and made an admirable record as a gallant and loyal soldier. He was promoted through the various ranks, and on Dec. 21, 1864, was commissioned captain of Co. F, Third United States Volunteers, which formed a part of the corps commanded by General Winfield S. Hancock. Capt. Harries participated in many of the important engagements of the war. In the Battle of Antietam he was severely wounded through the left lung, this being his only serious injury. He received his honorable discharge April 17, 1866. Returning to Wisconsin, Capt. Harries began the study of law, and later entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, graduating in 1868 with the degree of LL.B. Within the summer of the same year he established himself at Caledonia, and was admitted to the Minnesota bar May 6, 1868. He served four years as county attorney. He was president of the village, a member of the board of education and served in other public capacities. His reputation grew, and in time he was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-first Congress. In 1884 he was appointed collector of internal revenue for the state of Minnesota and served four years. Then he resumed his practice in Caledonia. In 1901 he was appointed one of the trustees of the Minnesota Soldiers' home ; in 1907 he became secretary of the board, and in 1911, commandant of the home. From this position he has but recently retired. Col. Harries has been prominent in G. A. R. affairs. In 1901 he was department commander of the Minnesota Department of the Grand Army of the Republic, and has also been commander of the Minnesota Commandery of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He has also been honored with many high positions in the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of the Masonic order. Sept. 15, 1870, Capt. Harries married Anstis L. Dunbar, daughter of William F. Dunbar, the first state auditor of Minnesota. She died July 7, 1881, leaving three children: Mrs. J. Frank Smalley, Paul W. and Mrs. Walter E. Krick. On July 15, 1882, Capt. Harries married Hattie H. Dunbar, the sister of his first wife. She died in 1895, leaving three children, Estella, Beatrice and Donald D.

James J. Belden, one of the notable pioneers of Houston county, and one of its earliest public officials, who was for nearly 60 years a resident of the village of Caledonia, was born in Wethersfield, Conn., Sept. 13, 1822, and died in Caledonia, Minn., Sept. 18, 1913. At the age of 15 years he removed to Meriden, and later to Hartford, Conn., in which latter place he learned the tinsmith's trade. In 1849 he removed to South Hadley Falls, Mass., and there on Jan. 10, 1850, was married to Anstis F. Dunbar, a native of that state. There he remained for about four years and then, in 1854, came with his family to Houston county, Minnesota, arriving in Caledonia, April 10. Here he bought 160 acres of government land located within what are now the corporate limits of Caledonia city, and opened a shop, and later built a store building which he used for many years, the latter standing on the site now occupied by the drug store of his son, W. D. Belden. Putting in a stock of hardware, Mr. Belden conducted his store and also followed the tinsmith's trade until 1888, and retired to his home on his farm until the year of his wife's death, which occurred Oct. 3, 1902. After that bereavement he took up his residence with his daughter Evaleen in apartments over the B. F. R. drug store, the building which he owned, and there he continued to reside until his death, Oct. 18, 1913, at the age of 91 years. A man of keen intelligence and high and forceful character, Mr. Belden's exceptional qualifications were early noticed by his fellow citizens, not only in Caledonia, but throughout the county, and he had not been here more than a year when, in 1855, he was elected to the office of county treasurer. In 1856 he was elected clerk of the district court, to which office he was afterwards elected for two more terms. He was also for many years deputy clerk and at various times served as village and school trustee. At the time of his death, in addition to the store building previously mentioned, he also owned 40 acres of the orginal claim on which he settled in 1854. Mr. Belden's active career as one of the leading business men of Caledonia covered a period of about 48 years, and he saw the village develop from a few scattered houses into the flourishing community it is today, a transformation in which he, himself, was a leading factor. Honorable in all his dealings, and strict in the performance of duty, whether of a public or private character, he died one of the best known and most respected citizens in Houston county, one whose memory will long endure. To Mr. and Mrs. James J. Belden were bom three children : William Dunbar, now one of the leading citizens of Caledonia, where he is engaged in the drug business ; Evaleen, who is employed in her brother's store as assistant pharmacist, and James E., who died at the age of 11 years.

William Dunbar Belden, one of the leading business men of Caledonia, proprietor of a large and flourishing drug business, and who has for a number of years been a live factor in public affairs, was bom at South Hadley Falls, Mass., Dec. 13, 1850, son of James J. and Anstis F. (Dunbar) Belden. He was a child in his fourth year when he accompanied his parents to Caledonia, Minn., and here he was subsequently reared, acquiring his early education in public and private schools, including the high school. Later he attended the Caledonia Collegiate institute and in 1871 entered the University of Minnesota, where he pursued more advanced studies. He retumed to Caledonia and founded the Caledonia academy, one of the first institutions of its kind in the state, providing a preparatory collegiate course, which led up to the university course. This institution he conducted for eight years, or until 1880, when, on account of ill health, he went to Colorado and spent six months in the mining districts. Then returning to Caledonia, he purchased the drug business of Mr. Coe, whose store was located where Molitor's furniture store now stands. This he conducted until 1885, when he sold it and removed to Waseca, Minn., where he was engaged in the drug business until the spring of 1889. Then once more returning to Caledonia, he started his present drug business. In the following year, 1890, he bought the Argus newspaper, which he conducted subsequently until 1897. In 1903 Mr. Belden organized what is known as the Belden-FuUerton-Rhines Medical Company, incorporated, he, himself, being the president and general manager. It was conducted as a corporation until Dec. 31, 1918, when Mr. Belden purchased the outstanding stock and became the sole proprietor. He is now carrying a full line of drugs, stationery and toilet articles, making a specialty of prescriptions. As early as 1876 Mr. Belden was appointed county superintendent of schools, but never served, as before he took office the legislature had made the position an elective one. He has, however, served efficiently on the board of education. From 1894 to 1897 he was deputy collector of revenue for the First Congressional district. He was the first president of the Caledonia Commercial club, serving as such for several terms, and has been a member of its executive committee since its organization. With commendable public spirit, in 1910 he began the agitation for a new city hall, and being elected a member of the council in the following year, he threw his influence and vote in favor of the movement, which, after gathering way, resulted in the present beautiful city hall, a building fully adequate in size and equipment to the needs of a population of several thousand. Mr. Belden also took a patriotic part during the recent war with Germany. He has been vice president of Houston Chapter of the Red Cross, and was chairman of its shipping branch for the whole county. As chairman of the Houston County Loyalty league he also did much to promote loyalty and patriotism throughout the county, and his efforts had their full share in accomplishing the results which gave the county its reputation for doing its share in every way possible toward winning the great conflict. On Sept. 5, 1883, Mr. Belden was united in marriage at Waseca, Minn., to Mrs. Sarah W. Jennison, whose family name was Welch. Of this union four children have been bom : William W., June 22, 1884 ; Anstis, July 6, 1886; James E., April 6, 1891; and Arvilla, Sept. 8, 1896. The first bom, William W., is now postmaster of Caledonia. Anstis, who was graduated from the Caledonia high school and the Winona State Normal school, and for some time followed the occupation of a teacher, is now the wife of C. A. Patchin, superintendent of schools at Worthington, Minn., where Arvilla, who received the same education as her sister, is now a teacher. James E. Belden, well known salesman, acquired his education in the Caledonia high school, the University of Decatur, and the University of Minnesota. For some years he has been district sales manager for Brown & Bigelow of St. Paul, dealers in advertising specialties, making his headquarters in Chicago. He has won a high reputation as a salesman, being familiarly known to his employers and business associates as ''Twenty Thousand Dollar Jim," as he far exceeded the average of good salesmanship.

estimated at about $20,000 a year, by doing that much business in the month of January, 1918, alone. This was the largest month's business ever recorded on the books of the firm ; hence his sobriquet of "Twenty Thousand Dollar Jim" is one reflecting high credit on himself, and one of which his parents and friends are justly proud. The subject of this sketch and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Democrat, but his political activities have been exercised with a view to the general good and with minor regard to party affiliations.

Andrew Honaas, proprietor of a cement block factory, and general cement contractor, of Spring Grove, was born in Caledonia township, Aug. 5, 1872, son of Andrew Peterson Honaas and his wife, whose maiden name was Guirene Butne Haug. The parents were born and married in Norway and emigrated to the United States in 1869, coming directly to Houston county and buying 80 acres of land in section 30, Caledonia township, on which almost the only improvement was a log shack. There, after some 12 years of strenuous farm work, the father died on Jan. 15, 1882. There were five children in the family: Andrew, the subject of this sketch; Peter, the second son; Ole, who died at Le Roy, Minn., in 1898; Anna, now Mrs. William Lloyd, of St. Paul, Minn.; and Gustina, who is unmarried and resides in St. Paul. Some time after the death of the father, his widow married a Mr. Melbraaten of Spring Grove township. She died in the spring of 1909. Andrew Honaas, direct subject of this article, was educated in the schools of Caledonia township and Spring Grove village, and the Winona Business college, where he completed the full course in 1889. He then returned to Spring Grove and to the farm of his stepfather, Mr. Melbraaten, where he remained for three years. In the spring of 1895 he went to Grand Meadow, Mower county, Minnesota, where he was employed in miscellaneous occupations until the spring of 1896. Then going to Crookston, Minn., he entered the employ of the Red River Lumber Co. as talley man and lumber grader and was there until the fall of 1901. After his return to Spring Grove he remained for a year on the Melbraaten farm three miles south of the village. Then buying his mother's village property and renting other land, he engaged in the raising of tobacco, which occupied him for several seasons. After that he entered the employ of C. J. Sylling as manager of the creamery cooper shop, and was with him until 1906, when he resumed tobacco raising and continued in it up to the spring of 1916, when he established himself in his present business. In this line of industry he is making satisfactory progress, and is respected as a wideawake and honorable business man. He is a stockholder in the Spring Grove hospital and takes a helpful interest in everything calculated to benefit the community in which he lives. For the past six years he has served as clerk of the Spring Grove high school. In politics he is independent. Mr. Honaas was married Dec. 30, 1896, to Ella Christine Almaasbak, who was born in Norway, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Almaasbak, and who came alone to this country in 1893, her parents remaining in their native land. At the time of her marriage she was a resident of Harmony, Minn. After some nine years of married life her health began to fail and she took a trip to Norway in the hope that it might benefit her. It failed to do so.

however, but she survived five years longer, passing away at her home in Spring Grove on Sept. 15, 1910. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Honaas ; Glenora Belinda, born in Crookston, March 7, 1898, who is keeping house for her father; Anna Clarissa, born March 4, 1903, who is now in her third year in the Spring Grove high school ; and Alpha, born June 19, 1908.

Elmer O. Kroshus, proprietor of Spring Grove Garage in the village of Spring Grove, was born in Spring Grove township, about four and a half miles southwest of the village, Aug. 29, 1893, son of 0. A. and Christine Kroshus. His education, begun in the district school, was continued in the Spring Grove village school and in the high school, each of which he attended for a year. Until reaching the age of 18 he resided on his parents' farm, acquiring a good practical knowledge of agriculture. He then went to work at the carpenter's trade, at which he spent three years in the employ of contractors, being for a part of the time with Hallan & Roble and afterwards with Carl Errikson. He then engaged in auto repair work and after acquiring a sufficient knowledge of that business, in the spring of 1917 opened the Spring Grove garage, which he is now conducting as sole proprietor, doing repair work and carrying auto supplies, including oils and gasoline. He has already built up a large business and won a reputation as one of the enterprising and successful young men of the village. Mr. Kroshus was married Feb. 13, 1917, to Ruby, daughter of Gulik G. and Mathia Risty, of Spring Grove. He and his wife have one child, Marcellus Oberlin. Mr. Kroshus is a Republican in politics. He and his wife are members of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

William E. McNelly, a respected citizen of Wilmington township, who owns one of the finest places on Portland Prairie, was born in the township where he still resides, Dec. 20, 1857, son of John and Nancy (Schumway) McNelly. His early education was acquired in the common schools and at the Brownsville high school, and he later attended the Caledonia academy under the superintendence of W. D. Belden. After that he taught school for eight years in Houston county. In 1884 he began farming for himself in section 25, Wilmington township. Ten years later he bought 120 acres in section 36. To this he added 70 acres but later sold 40 acres, so that for many years his farm consisted of 150 acres. This place he brought to a high stage of development, having 100 acres under the plow and the remainder in timber and pasture. In 1918 he sold this place to Otto H. Deters, and acquired the nearby farm of August F. Guhl. This farm consists of 180 acres and includes the John McNelly homestead of 80 acres, the old Joseph Winkelman homestead of 80 acres, and 20 acres of timber. The land is as good and well kept up as any in the county, and has a new bam, the largest and best of any in this part of the county. A^ a general farmer he has made good progress, and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. In addition to his direct farming interests he is a stockholder in the People's Co-operative Elevator Co. of Caledonia ; the Wilmington Co-operative Creamery Co., and the First National Bank of Caledonia, having for years been a director of the bank McNelly is also a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Portland Prairie, which he has served as a trustee and in other offices. A Republican in politics, he served as town assessor for six years and has been a member of the school board for more than 30 years. On Oct. 19, 1879, Mr. McNelly was married to Samantha Wright, daughter of Charles and Mary (Metcalf) Wright of Wilmington township. She died Feb. 9, 1890, leaving four children : William Oscar, bom June 4, 1881 ; Chester Leroy, June 12, 1883; Mary Etta, Sept. 21, 1885, and Charles Eugene, July 31, 1888. William Oscar is now county attorney of McLeod county, Minn., being a graduate of the law department of Minnesota university. He resides in Hutchinson, that county. Chester Leroy, who is an agricultural school and college graduate, is now agricultural agent for Dodge county, and resides at Dodge Center, Minn. Mary Etta graduated, like Chester, from the Minnesota Agricultural school at St. Paul, and is now the wife of George Briggs of Grantsburg, Wis., her husband being agricultural agent for Burnett county, that state. Charles Eugene, who was a student for two years in the Minnesota Agricultural school, is now a prosperous farmer near Buhl, Idaho. On June 3, 1891, Mr. McNelly was united in marriage with Jessie P., daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Gilchrist) Ratcliffe, of Mt. Hope, Allamakee county, Iowa. There are two children of this marriage: Frank Ratcliffe, born April 5, 1892, graduated from the Minnesota Agricultural school and now lives at home. He enlisted in the United States service for the Great War, March 11, 1918. Served in France over six months, and was discharged March 31, 1919. Irving Benjamin was bom Oct. 11, 1893, graduated from the Agricultural school and the School of Engineering of the University of Minnesota, enlisted in January, 1918, in the Aviation Corps, became a second lieutenant, and is now located at Bruno, Minnesota.

John McNelly, a resident of Houston county for over 60 years, and during the greater part of that time one of its leading citizens, was bom in County Down, Ireland, March 25, 1830. At the age of 18 he emigrated to the United States, locating in Norwich, Conn., where he remained for seven years, working first as clerk in a store and later as a traveling salesman. In 1855 he came west to Houston county, Minnesota, settling in Wilmington township, where he made his subsequent home. He was present at the organization of the town and was chosen as its first clerk. Subsequently he served in other local offices, including that of county commissioner. In 1874 and 1875 he was a member of the House of Representatives at St. Paul, and in 1876 was elected state senator for two years. A man of more than ordinary intelligence, taking a lively interest in public affairs, he served his constituents faithfully and won in a high degree their confidence and respect. After a long illness, he passed away at his home in Wilmington township, April 21, 1918, aged 88 years and 26 days. Mr. McNelly was first married, Feb. 15, 1852, to Nancy Shumway, who died a few years later. On Nov. 11, 1869, he was married to Alida Henderson, who also died a few years after her marriage. On Oct. 25, 1893, Mr. Mc- Nelly married Charlotte Cas, who also preceded him in death. He is survived by eight children, 32 grand children, and 27 great grandchildren. The surviving children are: Mrs. Ella E. Graves, of Sioux City, Iowa; William

E. McNelly, of Wilmington, Minn. ; Mrs. Anne M. Lusk, of Bigelow, Minn. ; Mrs. Etta Ripley, of Fergus Falls, Minn.; John H. McNelly, of Duluth, Minn. ; Mrs. Eugenia E. Guhl, of Canada ; Mrs. Mabel E. Bunge, of Miloma, Minn., and Robert J. McNelly, of St. Charles, Iowa.

George Stroud, a representative citizen of Spring Grove township, was bom in Alamakee county, Iowa, and came to this county with his parents in 1860, locating on section 7, Spring Grove township. He was one of a family of nine, his four brothers and four sisters now making their home in Fillmore county. July 20, 1898, he married Marie Stainer, daughter of Andrew and Sarah Stainer, of Fillmore county, and began homemaking on a part of his parents' farm. He now owns 120 acres, 85 of which are under the plow. In 1895 he erected a comfortable frame house and in 1909 built a frame bam 32 by 50 by 20 feet with a hip roof. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of Poland China swine, of which he has a drove of about seventy-five. Mr. and Mrs. Stroud have six children: Grace, bora Aug. 31, 1896, now Mrs. Johan Bloomingdahl, of northern Minnesota; Delia, bora July 11, 1898, now Mrs. Grant Boyd, of Waukon, Iowa; George, born Dec. 5, 1900 ; Elsie, bom June 27, 1905 ; Geneva, born Oct. 11, 1909; and Hazel, born Feb. 28, 1914.

John D. HappeU a prominent farmer of Brownsville township, owning 276 acres of good agricultural land, was bora in Mound Prairie township, Houston county, Minnesota, Dec. 6, 1871, son of Jacob and Martha L. Happel. He acquired his education in the Day Valley district school, and his agricultural training on his parents' farm, on which he remained until arriving at the age of 22 years. For about six years thereafter he worked out, and then, at the age of 28, for one year rented a farm in Mound Prairie. For two years subsequently he operated a feed and sawmill in Looney Valley, near Houston, but at the end of that time sold out and moved to the Tom Sheehan farm in Brownsville, which he rented for two years. Then in 1906 he bought the farm he now owns, of 156 acres in sections 20 and

21, Brownsville, an improved place on which he has, however, made further improvements and where he has followed general and diversified farming with marked success. In 1916 he bought 120 acres more, in sections 17 and

22, making his entire estate to consist of 276 acres in all, which he is operating to the best advantage and with satisfactory financial results. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' elevator and the Hokah State bank, and is fraternally affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Germania Aid society of Brownsville. Mr. Happel was married April 5, 1900, to Mary Wohlers, who was born in Brownsville, Feb. 3, 1878, daughter of Henry and Minnie (Deptner) Wohlers. Of this marriage five children have been bom : Clarence H., Jan. 14, 1901 ; Luella M., Sept. 4, 1902 ; Elmer J., Nov. 24, 1904 ; George W., Feb. 20, 1911 ; and Norman R., Nov. 2, 1917.

Peter Johnson Lommen, one of the first Norwegian settlers of Spring Grove township, was bom in Valders, Norway, Sept. 24, 1822. At the age of 15 he began to leam the trade of shoemaker in the city of Christiana, but within two years had to retum home on account of failing health. He then engaged in agriculture and was thus occupied in his native land until 1851, in which year he emigrated to America. Locating first in Dane county,

Wisconsin, he remained there until June of the following year, when he came to Houston county, Minnesota, taking a tract of land in section 3, Spring Grove township. This place he made his home until his death, by industry and thrift developing it into a fine farm of 290 acres. After having won a high place as one of the representative farmers and esteemed citizens of the community, he passed away in 1886, his loss being universally regretted. Mr. Lommen was twice married, first to Jorend Olsen Riste, who died in 1862. She left seven children: Jorend, now Mrs. Mons Fladager, of Spring Grove; Mary (Marit), wife of Ole Langlie, of Lake Preston, S. D. ; John P., a merchant of Caledonia ; Ole, a farmer in North Dakota; Elizabeth, deceased; Tosten, a farmer of Benson county, North Dakota; and George, a farmer and merchant of Fessenden, N. D. For his second wife Mr. Lommen married Maria Amtsen, who is also now deceased. Of this union there were four children born: Christian, who is now dean of the medical department of the South Dakota State University ; Andrew, a physician practicing at Lanesboro, Minn. ; Sarah, now Mrs. Ning Eley, of Desplaines, 111. ; and Ingeborg, who is a teacher in. the University of Iowa.

John P. Lommen, who has the distinction of being the first white child born in Houston county, his birth having occurred on his father's farm in Spring Grove township, Dec. 12, 1852, was a son of Peter J. and Jorend (Olson Riste) Lommen. On that farm he grew to manhood, his education being acquired in the school of his district. In 1874, having attained his majority, he left the parental homestead and went to Lanesboro, Fillmore county, where for a year he was clerk in a general store. In 1875, returning to Houston county, he formed a partnership with O. B. Olson, and on May 1 they opened a general store in Caledonia, which they operated under the firm name of Olson & Lommen until 1880. The stock was then divided and the partnership dissolved, Mr. Olson going to Preston to engage in business, while Mr. Lommen remained in Caledonia. In 1882 Mr. Lommen purchased the store building and in the following year rebuilt and enlarged it, and it is now one of the largest in the village, being a solid brick structure measuring 521/2 by 60 feet, with two stories and basement, two apartments and double windows. At the time he made these improvements Mr. Lommen put in a full line of general merchandise, including dry goods and farm machinery. In 1899 he incorporated the business as J. P. Lommen Company, at the same time becoming president of the company, which position he still retains. During the years of his heaviest trade he carried a stock valued at about $35,000 and did a business of over $100,000, a result achieved by industry and capacity, united with a scrupulous honesty in all his transactions. In addition to his important mercantile interests Mr. Lommen is the owner of a large farm of 320 acres in the Red River Valley, which he operates with the assistance of his son, and also has extensive real estate holdings in the village of Caledonia. For eight years he served as a member of the village council, a part of the time as president, and he has always manifested a keen interest in every practical movement for the benefit of the community in which he resides, as well as of the county in general. In politics he is a Republican, while his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. Mr. Lommen was marp. LOMMEN ried, Oct. 29, 1875, to Sarah Quarve, of Spring Grove. She died in October, 1902, leaving seven children: Georgiana, Josephine, Peter, John S., William, Lucille and Harold. Georgiana, who was graduated from the Caledonia High School, the Winona State Normal School and the Minnesota State University, is now a teacher at the University farm. Josephine, who acquired her education in the Caledonia High School and the Winona State Normal School, has for several years been a primary teacher in the Caledonia schools. Peter, who was educated in the Caledonia High School, is residing at home. John S., whose literary and professional education was acquired in the Caledonia High School and the Chicago Dental College, and served with the United States forces in France. William also attended the Caledonia High School, subsequently became foreman in the motor testing department of the Twin City Tractor Company, and served in France with the American forces. Lucille, after leaving the Caledonia High School, was graduated as a nurse from the Lutheran Hospital at La Crosse and for some time was superintendent of the health department of that city. She is now superintendent of nurses at the Lutheran Hospital. Harold, who was educated in the Caledonia High School and St. Paul College of Law, is now a practicing attorney. It will thus be seen that all of Mr. Lommen's children have received a good mental training and are doing useful work of a high character, reflecting credit on their upbringing.

Mr. Lommen has many interesting stories to tell of his boyhood in the early days. As a youngster in those far-distant times he endured such hardships as the present generation has little conception of. In spite of his present broad information acquired by observation and reading, he had but little early education, such schooling as he was able to obtain being acquired during the few winter months when work was dull on the farm in a small frame building on practically the present site of the High School at Spring Grove. When he was only 10 years old he was able to plow alone with a yoke of oxen. At the age of 12 years he hauled his first load of grain to Brownsville. Grain was also hauled from here to Lansing, Iowa ; La Crosse, Wis., and Rushford, Minn., many of which trips Mr. Lommen accompanied. The experience endured on these journeys he will never forget. Camping under the wagons where night overtook them, sometimes spending several days away from home, driving the oxen over the rough trails, often stuck in the deep prairie mud or in the muck of the swamps, beset with mosquitoes and other pests, the boy learned to endure privations and acquired that sturdiness of health that has since stood him in such good stead. Wheat in those days brought but little money and what little was obtained was usually spent for lumber and provisions for the little pioneer home, many of the millers paying only in trade. At the age of 16 he started to operate a threshing machine, run by horsepower. He worked from before sunrise until after dark, then, tired out, going sometimes three or more miles for the purpose of watering the horses. One fall he worked until after Christmas. The crew slept on the straw piles, and one night awoke to find themselves covered with a foot of snow. But such work was building up the country, and Mr. Lommen and his friends lived to see a pioneer region develop into one of the most progressive and highly improved farming communities in the upper Mississippi Valley.

John Rank, formerly a well-known farmer and merchant of Riceford, who later engaged in agriculture and stock raising in Houston township, but is now living retired in La Crosse, was bom near Berlin, Germany, Aug. 4, 1827. At the age of 21 he married Christina Krause, a native of the same locality as himself, bom Nov. 10, 1830, and with his bride set out for America. Locating first in Portage county, Wisconsin, he worked out and attended school during the winter. After a brief residence there he removed to Onalaska, La Crosse county, where he also worked for others for a short time. Then moving to Riceford, Minn., he settled on a farm, which in time he increased to an area of 800 acres, also owning and operating a threshing outfit. In addition to this he engaged in the general mercantile business, conducting a store for many years. As each of his sons married he gave them a farm, except Peter H., whom he' gave the store at Riceford when he moved to Houston township in 1888. Here he took a farm and engaged in stock buying, which was his 'main business for twelve years, at the end of which time he moved to Houston village. At the age of 80 years he retired and took up his residence in La Crosse, where he is now living in the enjoyment of good health. During his active career he served at various times on the local school board. He and his wife have been the parents of seven children: Peter H., John (deceased), George, William, Edward, Charles and Emma (deceased). Mrs. Rank died Dec. 12, 1916.