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

Charles A. Rank, who for a number of years was one of the enterprising farmers of Houston county and a citizen held in high esteem, was bom at Riceford, Minn., May 12, 1870, son of John and Christina (Krause) Rank. He attended school at Riceford and also the Houston High School After the removal of the family to Houston township in 1888 he took charge of the farm and was thus occupied, while his father was engaged in stock buying, until two years after his marriage, which occurred Jan. 10, 1892, his bride being Anna M. Chapel, daughter of Harvey and Julia (Wydhoff) Chapel. After two years' domestic life on the home farm he settled on a farm of 140 acres in section 8, Money Creek township, and engaged in agriculture and stock raising on his own account, making a specialty of the latter branch of industry. In course of time he increased the size of his farm to an area of 490 acres, which amount he owned at the time of his death on June 22, 1914, and to which his widow has since added 80 acres more. An active and enterprising man, he was one of the founders of the Money Creek Creamery and was a stockholder in both of the Houston banks. He and his wife were the parents of four children: Gale C, Genevieve E., Ralph Elsworth and Helen Viola. Gale C, who is a farmer In Money Creek township, married Laura Marie Wells, of Dodge Center, Minn., and has two children, Roland Charles and Ruth Marie. Genevieve E. is the wife of Arthur Ronnenberg, a farmer residing three miles west of Money Creek, and has one child, Caryl Arthur. Ralph Elsworth and Helen Viola are living on the home farm with their mother. All these children have received a good education and a careful home training, their mother having always been solicitous that they should be qualified to take a creditable place in society and be well equipped for all the duties of life. Herself a woman of unusual determination of character and business ability, she has capably managed £he farm since her husband's death, besides, as above mentioned, increasing its area, and her home is one of the most modem and completely equipped in Houston county. She is a member of the Red Cross Society in Houston, and also of the Ladies' Aid Society, of which she was formerly president.

Matheias O. Myhre, a respected farmer of Black Hammer township, residing in section 7, was bom in Gulbrandstahl, Norway, Dec. 22, 1866, son of Ole and Anna Myhre. At the age of 3 years he accompanied his parents to Spring Grove township, Houston county, Minnesota, the father ' working out for three years for Ole H. Hanson. In 1872 the family moved to Black Hammer township, where Matheias was reared to manhood, attending district school up to the age of 14 years. The household was a large one, numbering nine children, of whom the first three, John, Matheias 0. and Ole, were bom in Norway, and the others in Black Hammer township, Houston county. Those native bom were: Lena, now Mrs. G. G. Amsten, of Black Hammer township ; Bertha, wife of EUing Karlsbratten, of Esmond, N. D. ; John, deceased ; Clara, wife of A. K. Dahle, of Black Hammer township; and Olaus and Tina, who are deceased. Matheias 0. remained at home until 22 years of age. In December, 1893, he was married to Sophia, daughter of Peter and Gunil Moen, of Black Hammer township, and has since been engaged in agriculture and kindred occupations on his own account, owning a small farm in section 7 and also operating a portable sawmill and threshing outfit. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Black Hammer congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. He and his wife have been the parents of eight children : Gertrude, who is now Mrs. Clarence Hoff, of Yucatan township; Owen, who died Oct. 18, 1898 ; Innie C, died April 21, 1909 ; Sarah J., died March 23, 1904; Sarah J. (second) ; Peter; Juleman, died Nov. 15, 1909; and Ina C, who is residing at home.

Michael McCormick, who settled in Money Creek township, Houston county, at an early date and for awhile conducted agricultural operations in that township, was bora in County Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States in early manhood. In Caledonia, Houston county, he was married to Mary Gallagher, a native of County Mayo, Ireland, and they took land in Money Creek township and engaged in farming. After being thus occupied for awhile they left the county, taking 40 acres of timber land in Pleasant Hill township, Winona county. There being no buildings on the tract, they erected a log house and Mr. McCormick began the improvement of the place, with the aid of a yoke of oxen. There he and his wife made theijr home for the rest of their lives and finally died, each at the age of 72 years. They were Catholics in religious faith and were among the earliest members and active workers of the Catholic congregation in Pleasant Hill township. He also served as a member of the school board. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick had in all eight children, three of whom died in infancy.

Matthew McCormick, who has charge of the dray business for the Standard Oil Company's plant at Caledonia, was born in Pleasant Hill township, Winona county, Minnesota, March 4, 1872, son of Michael and Mary (Gallagher) McCormick. His early years were spent on the farm of his parents, where he was engaged in agriculture. Then coming to Houston county, he engaged in farming on shares on a farm of 480 acres in Black Hammer township and was thus occupied for twelve years, raising a good grade of cattle, sheep and hogs. At the end of that time he moved to Caledonia township, buying a tract of 80 acres, on which he followed agriculture for three years, finally, however, selling 40 acres of his land. Of the other 40 acres he is still the owner. About six years ago Mr. McCormick engaged in the dray business, securing the patronage of the Standard Oil Company, with which concern he is still connected. A Catholic in religion, he helped to build the parochial school connected with St. John's Catholic church of Caledonia. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. While living in Black Hammer township he served as path master.

Mr. McCormick married Rose McDonnell, who was born in Hokah, this county, daughter of Michael McDonnell. He and his wife have three children : Helen Rose, Mary Angeline and Leo Matthew.

Moses Emery, soldier of the Civil War, former clerk of court, former postmaster at Caledonia, prominent fraternity man and one of the county's most useful and active citizens, is now engaged in the coal and fuel business in Caledonia, where he is doing an excellent business and where he is held in high regard by all his townsmen. He was born in Morgan, Orleans county, Vt., April 10, 1847, son of Joshua and Sally (Hadley) Emery. Joshua Emery, a carpenter and farmer, brought his family to Minnesota in 1855 and settled in Rushford, Fillmore county, five years later coming to Money Creek, this county, where both died. They were honored, respected people, highly regarded by their neighbors and friends. Their ten children were as follows: Martha (deceased); Stephen, who died in 1862 while serving in the Civil War; Sarah, Betsy, Moses, Mary, George, Phoebe, Louisa and Belle. The son Moses was a boy of 7 when he came to Minnesota and of 12 when he came to Houston county. In July, 1864, then a youth of but 17 years, he enlisted in Company K, 11th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged and returned to his home in Money Creek. Feeling the desirability of a better educational equipment, he enrolled as a student in the High School at Winona, which he attended two years. Then he went to Rushford, in Filmore county, and clerked in a store there the year that the Southern Minnesota railroad was being constructed to that place. Subsequently locating in La Crescent, this county, he became purchasing agent and salesman for the Toledo Woolen Mills at La Crescent, Minn., and later salesman for Pratt & Hall, Chicago shoe dealers, and remained in their employ two years. In 1875 he engaged in the general mercantile business at Money Creek, this county, and the same year was appointed postmaster.

In the fall of 1886 he was elected county clerk of court. He took office the foUowing January and in April, 1887, moved to Caledonia. About 1891 he opened a clothing store in Caledonia. By re-election he served as clerk of court for eight years. In 1897 he became postmaster at Caledonia. In this capacity he established the first three rural delivery routes in southern Minnesota, emanating from the Caledonia office, and before the close of his term he had estabhshed three more. After, retiring from the postmastership Mr. Emery and his wife made a trip to Montana to visit their daughter, Gertrude, who with her husband resides on a ranch near Glendive. After a six months' stay there they went to South Dakota and remained a year and a half, proving up on a homestead on the newly opened Cheyenne Indian reservation, on which they lived for two years, or until they had proved up on their property. Then returning to Montana they resided in that state about a year. In the fall of 1912 they returned to Houston county, and in 1914 Mr. Emery engaged in his present business as coal and fuel dealer. In addition to the offices mentioned Mr. Emery has served in several other positions, such as town clerk and member of the town board in Money Creek township. He was also postmaster at Money Creek village, making in all over twenty-five years that he has served as postmaster in this county. For more than half a century he has been a member of the Masonic order, having joined Mystic Circle Lodge, U. D., A. F. & A. M., at Houston in 1868, and during all that remarkably long period he has been an active and useful member of the order. For many years he has belonged to Caledonia Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M., of which he is past master. He also helped to organize Oriental Lodge, No. 84, at Money Creek, and Eagle Butte Lodge, No. 174, at Eagle Butte, S. D. Mr. Emery was married, Feb. 9, 1875, to Anna Webster, who was born in Hayesville, Ohio, in March, 1856, daughter of William and Martha (Thompson) Webster. This union has been blessed with three children: Leslie W., Gertrude L. and Hazel M. Leslie W. was born May 7, 1876, and is now a grain buyer at Spencer, Iowa. He was married in November, 1902, to Sophia Langen, and they have four children, George, Donald, May and John Webster. Gertrude L. was bom Nov. 10, 1882, and was married in October, 1907, to \r. S. King, of Bums, Mont. She has two children, William and Virginia A. Hazel M. was born April 22, 1886, and was married in September, 1909, to D. C. Mero, assistant cashier in the Sprague State Bank at Caledonia. She has one child, Eugene Emery. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church.

Nels Nelson, who was formerly engaged in the work of agricultural improvement in Houston township, but is now deceased, was born in Sweden, where he grew up and was married. With his wife Carrie he emigrated to Norway and later in 1885 to the United States, coming directly to Houston county and settling in the southern part of Houston township. There he took land and engaged in farming, which was his occupation until the closing years of his life. His death took place in October, 1901. His wife now resides with a son in Amery, Wis. In the family there were seven children, of whom there are now living three, Charles, Gust and Alfred D.

Alfred D. Nelson, an enterprising and successful fanner, residing in section 18, Money Creek township, was bom near Christiana, Norway, March 6, 1872, son of Nels and Carrie Nelson, natives of Sweden, who moved to Norway and in 1885 came to America and settled in Houston township, this county. Alfred D. thus became a resident of this county when he was 13 years of age. He attended the district school in Storer Valley and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. At the age of 19 he rented a farm for himself in Mound Prairie township. Five years later, with his brother, he purchased a farm in Houston county and resided on it another five or six years. At the end of that period he purchased his present farm. This place contains 160 acres of valuable land, which Mr. Nelson has continued to develop and improve. He remodeled the house, ornamented it with pebble dash, added a large sun porch, well screened, and supplied it with a hot-air heating plant, an electric lighting equipment and other conveniences. He has also constructed and remodeled his other buildings. For the comfort and convenience of himself and family he has acquired a six-passenger Buick automobile. He successfully carries on general farming, keeps good graded Holstein stock and does a prosperous business. He has equipped his farm with the latest tools and equipment and does much of his work with the aid of a Case tractor. A Hinman milking machine furnishes him with facilities for milking his twenty-five cows. At Houston he is president of the Houston Creamery Company and a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator, and he is likewise a stockholder in the Independent Harvester Company branch at Piano, 111. His fraternal relations are with the Yeomen. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Nelson was married in November, 1900, to Sena Henderson, who was born in Houston county, daughter of Julius Henderson. Her parents, natives of Norway, were early settlers in Houston county. Six children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, all of whom are residing at home, namely: Ella Gladys, Henry L., Cora, Olive, Albin and Eileen Avis.

Die O. Tollefsrud, who developed a fine farm in Spring Grove township, of which he was a resident for most of his life, was bom in section 32, that township, Oct. 31, 1859, son of Ole and Lesczie Tollefsrud. His parents, who had arrived from Norway in the spring of that year, settled in section 26, Spring Grove township, on the farm on which he was reared to manhood. As they were poor and the country wild, he had but limited educational opportunities, being obliged to work at an early age, and remained on the home farm until his marriage. That event occurred Feb. 21, 1883, when he took for his bride Gurine, daughter of Knute and Annie Storlie, of section 9, Spring Grove township. Buying a farm of 150 acres in section 29, in that township, of which seven or eight acres had been broken, he began farming on his own account, he and his wife making their home in a three-room log house, which continued to be their dwelling place for more than twenty years. Working together they cleared fneir land and in time built a good two-story frame house of eight rooms, with a detached summer kitchen ; a frame bam, 32 by 50 by 18 feet, with full basement ; a machine shed, 16 by 30 ; a granary, 16 by 24, and other neces- sary buildings. In 1906 Mr. ToUef srud bought 120 acres in sections 28 and 29, half a mile north of the old home, and improved the place by the erection of good buildings, renting it to his son Oscar from 1908 to 1913, when the latter bought it. He also bought twenty acres adjoining and which lay in the village of Mabel. In addition to this property he was the owner of eleven city blocks in Austin, Minn. In 1912 Mr. Tollefsrud sold the old home farm to his son Clarence and moved to Mabel, where he owned a good house. There he died in 1916 after a sickness of eight months, having previously enjoyed good health. He had always been a hard working man and had enjoyed a career of great prosperity, in addition to the interests already mentioned, being a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery, of Mabel, and the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company. In politics a Republican, he served his district on the school board for a number of years. His religious affiliations were with the Mabel congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. A good husband, kind father and faithful friend, he was also a useful and public spirited citizen, always ready to lend his aid to a worthy cause, whether for the moral or material welfare of the community, and was highly respected and esteemed by his fellow citizens. His wife, who survives him, is still a resident of Mabel. The children born to them were as follows : Clarence Olaus (first), bom Jan. 27, 1884, who died March 27, 1884; Lena Albertina, bom Feb. 8, 1885, now the wife of Nels Olsgard, a farmer of Spring Grove township ; Clarence Olaus (second), born Jan. 11, 1887, who is now on the old farm; Oscar Reginus, born March 29, 1889, now farming in Spring Grove township; Olga Gustine, born June 5, 1891, wife of Gust Larson, of Spring Grove township ; Anna Clarine, born Aug. 8, 1893, wife of R. B. GuUings, of Minneapolis ; Leonard Elginus, born Sept. 7, 1896 ; Mabel Genova, bom Jan. 17, 1898, now the wife of Thomas A. Trehus, of Spring Grove ; Lilly Viola, April 30, 1901; Richard Odine, Sept. 25, 1903, and Milford Alvin, June 13, 1906, who are residing at home in Mabel and attending school.

Dr. J. W. Browning, a prominent Canadian physician, was born in Somerset, England, in 1845, the son of William Joseph Browning, an English watchmaker, who brought his family to Canada in the early fifties. Dr. Browning received his degree from the Victoria University of Toronto and has since practiced his profession successfully in Exeter, in the Province of Ontario. As is the custom with physicians in many Canadian towns, he is also the proprietor of a drug store. He is interested in public welfare and has served as president of the County Reform Association of his county. He was married as a young man to Nellie Cash, who was bom in Ontario in 1848 and died in 1875, the daughter of David Cash, a native of Wales, who for many years was a Canadian manufacturer. To Xhis union were bom two children : Addie, now Mrs. (Judge) George Mahaff y, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, and William E., a physician and surgeon of Caledonia, Minn. After the death of his first wife Dr. Browning married Elizabeth E. McDonnell and to this union there have been bom five children: H. J., a physician in Manitoba; Percy H., connected with the Dominion Rubber Company at Toronto, Canada; Eva May, wife of George

William E. Browning, M. D., proprietor and house physician of the Caledonia Hospital, an institution in which the people of Houston county generally take a justifiable pride, is also widely known as a public spirited citizen, interested in and an active promoter of whatever is calculated to benefit the community in which he resides. Born at Exeter, Ontario, Canada, July 31, 1873, he is the son of Dr. J. W. and Nellie (Cash) Browning, and descends from a family noted for the number of its members who have achieved success in the medical profession. It was natural, therefore, that after receiving his literary education in the schools of his native vit lage he should enter McGill University at Montreal, from which he was graduated in 1899. His medical education was further perfected by a few months of practice with his father, and in December of the year of his graduation he came to Caledonia and opened an office. His determination, even while in college, was to some time be at the head of a hospital of his own, and this ambition was realized when in 1903 he established the Caledonia Hospital, then a small institution but whose growth made necessary the erection of the present splendid and commodious structure five years later. Of this important institution he has continued to be the proprietor and house physician. His professional ability, combined with good busines management, has caused it to take high rank among similar establishments in this region. Dr. Browning has long been an active member of various medical societies. He served for several years as president of the Houston and Fillmore Counties Medical Society, was formerly vice-president of the Southern Minnesota Medical Society, and is likewise a member of the Minnesota State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the British Medical Society and the Association of Railroad Surgeons of America, and holds a fellowship in the American College of Surgeons. He is president of the local pension board, Caledonia health officer and Icical surgeon for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. Aside from his professional associations Dr. Browning has identified himself closely with the general interests of the community in which he lives and Houston county at large. For a number of years he was vice-president and for two years was president of the Commercial Club of Caledonia, having also served that club for some years as chairman of the roads committee. His interest in permanently improving rural highways is also shown by his work in the capacity as president of the Houston County Automobile Association. He has been chairman of the Houston County Chapter of the American Red Cross since its organization at the beginning of the war, and a member of the American Medical Corps. His intellectual interests extend far beyond the range of his profession and include a broad knowledge of several other sciences. At his downtown office, on the second floor of the Abbott Block, may be seen what is considered by many to be one of the best collections of Indian relics and curios and rare fossils in the state, a collection that has proved a source of entertainment and instruction to his friends, patients and other visitors. He is also a philatelist and numismatist of no mean acquirements, and his collection of stamps and coins, one of the most complete private exhibitions in the Northwest, has been gathered from practically all the civilized countries of the world. Dr. Browning is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic order. He is past master of the Blue Lodge of Caledonia and the past high priest of the local Chapter, also belongs to the Commandery at Preston, is a 32° K. C. C. H. in the Consistory at Winona, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine at St. Paul. By his marriage to Dorothy J. Gould in 1900 he has one son, E. Reginald.

The Caledonia Hospital, of which Dr. William E. Browning is resident physician and proprietor, is one which might well be a source of pride to any town or community. Few establishments of the kind anywhere have a more complete equipment or more attractive surroundings. To a large group of patients who find it necessary to report to hospitals or sanitaria, the surroundings and the atmosphere are of greater importance in effecting a cure than the purely mechanical equipment. This fact has been kept in mind by Dr. Browning ever since he established Caledonia Hospital in 1903. The present building, erected in 1908, is a handsome three-story structure, with ten acres of land forming a part of the estate, and is as far removed as possible from the associations and appearance of an institution, and yet it is constructed with modern fireproof features and equipment of the best establishments of its kind. With its outer walls completely overgrown with ivy, approached by a curving driveway, and the grounds adorned with shrubs and flowers, the aspect is such as to suggest rather the atmosphere of a beautiful country home than a hospital. Among the details of construction may be noted a hydraulic elevator, hot water and steam heat, a private gas plant for lighting and heating, five large bathrooms, tile floors and walls, marble partitions and other approved arrangements, all of them measuring up to the best standards of sanitation and convenience. The service of the Caledonia Hospital affords not only the useful facilities found in such institutions, but is especially designed to minister to the comfort and home feeling of patients and promote their complete cure, and in this respect is equal to that of the best sanitaria in the country. The hospital has accommodations for twenty patients, and the staff consists of one hospital trained graduate physician as interne; the superintendent, Mrs. C. M. Cochrane, R. N., who has been in charge of the institution since its organization, and three regular nurses, while others are employed as needed. While Dr. Browning is proprietor of *the hospital, its equipment and facilities are at the service of other legitimate physicians, and it is therefore in all essential respects a public institution and of much importance to Caledonia and the vicinity.

William Beneke, who owns and operates an excellent farm of 320 acres in sections 29, 30 and 32, Jefferson township, was born in Germany, Jan. 9, 1871, son of Henry and Dorathea Beneke. When he was 5 years old his mother died, and his father subsequently married Elizabeth Backhouse, and in 1883 brought William and his brother Henry to America. William had attended school in his native land until about 12 years old, and after coming to this country he attended an English school for about three months. After working on the home farm with his father until about 22 years old he went to North Dakota, where he remained two years. Then returning he spent one year at home, at the end of which time he bought 120 acres in section 32, the land having an old building on it, but there being few other improvements. From that small beginning he has developed his present farm of 320 acres, provided with a fine residence, bams and outbuildings, the estate as a whole being one of the best farms in Jefferson township, an example of successful industry that has won the admiration of all his neighbors. He breeds Black Poll Angus cattle and Poland-China swine, and is a stockholder in the Eitzen Creamery and the Stock & Produce Company of New Albin, Iowa. At times he has served in public office, having been town clerk five years, town supervisor six years and townr treasurer one year. He is a trustee of St. John's Evangelical church, of Union City, Iowa. Mr. Beneke was married, April 24, 1897, to Mary Meyer, a native of Winnebago township, Houston county. They are the parents of nine children: Ella, Edwin, Alma, Freda, Hilda, William, Louis, Olga and Norma.

John Ostern, one of the earliest settlers in Wilmington township, was born near Christiania, Norway, and grew up in his native land, where he married Karen Engebretson, a native of the same locality. In 1851 he came to the United States, first settling in Pine Creek, Iowa, where he and his family remained for one year. In 1852 they came to Houston county, settling on wild land in Wilmington township. The principal inhabitants of the county at that time were the Indians, as very few whites had then settled here. Mr. Ostem's tract consisted of 80 acres, on which he built a small log cabin and began the labor of grubbing with a yoke of oxen. After he had begun raising produce he used to haul it to Brownsville or to Lansing, Iowa, the trips being long and difficult, not only on account of the distance but also, and chiefly, because of the poor roads. For a number of years he and his wife were very poor, but they persevered, and after Mr. Ostern had grubbed all of his original 80 acres he bought another 200-acre tract. Later as his circumstances improved he built a larger and more comfortable log house, which forms a part of the present residence, occupied by his son, Edward J. Ostern. After a long and industrious career Mr. Ostern died in January, 1898, at the age of 67 years. He was survived by his wife, who passed away March 15, 1910, aged 77. They had a family of eight children : Mary, now deceased, who was the wife of Ole Vermager, of Mabel, Minn. ; Edward J., previously mentioned ; Hans, now a farmer in Delmar, N. D. ; Mam, now deceased, who was the wife of John Anderson, of Allamakee county, Iowa; Hanna, now Mrs. Hans Braaten, her husband being a farmer in Anagard, N. D. ; Olaus, who is farming in Wilmington township; Christ, now deceased; and Theodore, who is a resident of Anagard, N. D.

Edward J. Ostern, a well-known and prosperous general farmer of Wilmington township, residing in section 29, was bom in section 28, this township, son of John and Karen (Engebretson) Ostem. He was educated in the district school, which he attended up to the age of 15 years, and worked on the home farm, assisting his father until his marriage, Feb. 25, 1878, to Marie, daughter of Ole and Soneve Sanness, her parents being neighbors of the Osterns. He then began farming on his own account, buying 100 acres of his father, the tract of land being provided with a log house and straw sheds. From that beginning he has developed his present farm of 160 acres in sections 28 and 29, and is also the owner of 17 1/2 acres of timber near Bee village, in section 33. One hundred acres of Mr. Ostem's farm is under cultivation, the rest being in timber and pasture. The soil is productive and the farm well fenced. Mr. Ostem has remodeled the house, having sheeted and sided the original log portion and added a frame wing, and it is now a very comfortable residence. He has also built a frame bam, 36 by 50 by 16 feet, together with other buildings, including a granary, double corncrib, poultry house, hog house, summer kitchen and woodshed, all of frame construction and painted. His equipment is also complete and of modern type, while his stock consists chiefly of graded Shorthorn cattle, Duroc and Poland-China hogs and Shropshire sheep. In addition to the profit derived from his farm he is also a stockholder in the Honey Creamery, the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company and the Spring Grove Hospital. In politics he is a Republican, while religiously of the Wilmington congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran church. To Mr. and Mrs. Ostem ten children have been born : John, April 7, 1881 ; Olaf , May 20, 1883; Sophia, Jan. 14, 1886; Martin, Dec. 22, 1888; Henry, May 8, 1890; Melvin, Dec. 19, 1893; Cora, May 15, 1894; Emil, Aug. 23, 1896; Bertha, Nov. 23, 1898; and Ole, June 23, 1901. John is now a prosperous farmer at Elgin, N. D. ; Olaf, a carpenter by trade, is residing on the home farm ; Sophia is the wife of Julius Bergrud, a carpenter of Elgin, N. D. ; Martin is in the employ of the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company; Henry is a farmer in Wilmington township ; Melvin is helping his father on the home farm; Cora is the wife of Henry Peterson, a farmer of Mabel, Minn.; Emil died at Camp Grant, 111., Oct. 11, 1918; Bertha is now Mrs. Albert Holin, of Black Hammer township; Ole, who has graduated from the eighth grade of the common schools, is still on the home farm. The family is one highly respected throughout this part of the county.

James McManimon, founder of the old McManimon farm in section 8, Yucatan township, who died in November, 1900, was born in New York State and was a boy when he came to Houston county, where he later engaged in farming. For a few years he resided in Houston township, but later settled on the homestead above mentioned, which was then wild land. This he subsequently improved into a good farm of 300 acres. His widow has now 180 acres in the homestead, which is operated by her son Leo. She was bom in this county near Hokah, her maiden name being Bridget Harihan.

James Francis McManimon, a general farmer, operating 140 acres of land in section 8, Yucatan township, was born in this township July 8, 1886, son of James and Bridget (Harihan) McManimon. He was the second bom in their family of seven children, and attended school in District No. 18, Yucatan township. Until the spring of 1915 he resided on the home farm, which he helped to cultivate and improve. He then bought his present farm, which adjoins the old homestead and contains 140 acres of valuable land, and which he is operating successfully as a general stock and grain farm. He is a member of the Catholic church of Houston and of the Knights of Columbus at Caledonia. Independent in politics, he has served efficiently as a member of the town board. Mr. McManimon was married, Nov. 4, 1916, to Helen Ryan, who was born in Money Creek township, Houston county, daughter of Michael Ryan. Her father, who was a farmer, is now deceased, but her mother is living in Money Creek township. Mrs. McManimon died May 7, 1917, after a short married life of six months.

De Costa Rhines, M. D., a leading physician and citizen of Caledonia, was born in Jackson county, Minnesota, Jan. 18, 1858, son of (Jeorge W. and Julia (Lincoln) Rhines. After completing his school attendance in the Jackson (Mich.) High School in 1882 he entered the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, 111., and was graduated in the class of 1884. He immediately opened an office and began practice at Rives Junction, Mich., but in July of the same year (1884) came to Houston, Minn., where he practiced his profession until 1898. During his residence there he was for several years a member of the city council, serving one year as its president. In 1899 he came to Caledonia and bought out Dr. Freeman and here he has since remained. He has won a high reputation as an able member of his profession and has built up a lucrative practice, both in the city and country. From 1903 until Jan. 1, 1919, Dr. Rhines was a member of the Belden-Fullerton-Rhines Medical Company, and for several years he served as county coroner. He is a member of the Houston and Fillmore Counties Medical Society, serving also on its board of censors ; also of the Minnesota State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. As a public spirited citizen he has identified himself closely with local interests. He was for two years president of the village council of Caledonia, was for some time a member of the board of education, and is at the present time an active and efficient member of the Commercial Club. He was also chairman of the second, third, fourth and fifth Liberty Loan committees. Politically he is independent. Dr. Rhines' fraternal society affiliations are with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. As a Mason he belongs to Caledonia Lodge, No. 20, of which he is past master; also to the Caledonia chapter and Winona Consistory. His business interests include those of a stockholder in the Caledonia State Bank. Dr. Rhines was married in Jackson county, Michigan, March 15, 1883, to Addie M. Peterson. Two children have been born of this union: Ray N., Feb. 11, 1885, and Hazel L., July 15, 1889. Ray N., who married Marie Shuler, is now manager of the mechanical department of the Northwestern Newspaper Company at Billings, Mont. Hazel L., who was graduated from the Winona State Normal School and was for several years a proficient teacher, is now residing at home.

Olaus J. Ostern, who owns and operates a good farm in section 20, Wilmington township, was bom in this township, Aug. 7, 1869, son of John E. and Karen Ostem. After beginning his studies he attended the district school regularly up to the age of 12 years, and after that during the winters until he was 16, most of his time outside of school hours being devoted to work on the farm. On Oct. 11, 1894, he was married to Caroline Smerud, daughter of Lars and Guro Smerud, of Wilmington township, and he and his wife began housekeeping on a farm of 120 acres in section 20, which he had bought of his father-in-law and which is now the Oliver Myhre farm. There was a small frame house on it, but no barn. There he resided for ten years, at the end of which time he sold it to Nicolai Nelson and returned to his parents' farm, where he spent the next four or five years. Mr. Ostern then bought 80 acres adjoining the first farm on the north, it being all improved land, with a comfortable frame house, a small stable and other buildings. Besides improving the house he has erected a frame barn, 24 by 40 by 16 feet in size, with a lean-to of 14 by 40 for cattle, also a corncrib and machine shed. All the buildings are painted and in good condition, and the farm equipment is complete and of modern type. Sixty-five acres of the land are under the plow, the rest being in pasture and timber. Mr. Ostern carries on diversified farming with profitable results. The stock consists chiefly of grade Shorthorn cattle and Duroc- Jersey swine, the herds having full-blooded sires. In addition to the profit he derives from his farm, Mr. Ostern is a stockholder in the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company, the Spring Grove Hospital and the Honey Creamery at Bee, of which he was one of the organizers. He and his wife have been the parents of eleven children, of whom seven or now living: John Alfred, born Dec. 3, 1894; Louis Gerhard, born Dec. 27, 1901; Minerva Cedella, born March 11, 1903; Odin Carlton, born Sept. 21, 1906; Alma Otella, born March 12, 1907 ; Morris Tilf ord, born Nov. 3, 1813 ; and Gilma Elida, born April 15, 1915. Mr. Ostern and his family are religiously aflSliated with the Wilmington congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

Harvey Snure, at one time a resident of Hokah and for a number of years one of the leading citizens of Houston county, which he represented in the State Legislature, was born in Canada, Dec. 23, 1841. At the age of 14 he went to Chicago, where he remained until coming to Hokah in 1865. Here he entered the employ of the raihoad on the Southern Minnesota division, but later engaged in business with W. F. Weber in Hokah as a dealer in hardware and farm machinery. In 1880 he was elected to the State Legislature, but resigned in the following year to become county treasurer, at the same time moving to Caledonia. After holding the office of treasurer until 1904 he went to St. Paul, where he entered the state auditor's office, in which he is now serving. Mr. Snure married Lilla Weber, who was bom in Dayton, Ohio, April 28, 1849, and they have been the parents of four children.

Frank H. Snure, county treasurer of Houston county, was bom in Hokah, Houston county, Minn., Oct. 31, 1875, son of Harvey and Lilla Snure. In his boyhood he attended public school in Caledonia, where his father was then serving as county treasurer, and after leaving school he became assistant in the office of register of deeds there. In December, 1897, he went into the Bank of Caledonia, with which he was connected for nine consecutive years, obtaining a good insight into banking methods. After that he spent two years in North Dakota, working in banks at Casselton and Blanchard, and going from that state to Wayzata, Minn., where he was connected with a bank for seven years. At the end of that time, or in 1915, he returned to Houston county, locating at La Crescent^ and entered into business as a general merchant in partnership with his brother George, but a year later purchased his brother's interest. He is at present county treasurer, an office filled by his father for twenty-three years - from 1881 to 1904. While at La Crescent he served as village clerk. In this latter office he had experience while living in Wayzata, alsa being a member of the school board there. He is a Republican in politics and was a member and one of the trustees of the Presbyterian church in La Crescent. Mr. Snure was married, Aug. 17, 1904, to Achsa Burgess, daughter of Thomas C. and Florence (Doe) Burgess. He and his wife have three children: Achsa, Frank and Florence. Thomas C. Burgess, father of Mrs. Snure, was bom of Scotch parents in New York City, Oct. 2, 1853, and his wife in Milford, Me., in 1853. In the spring of 1883 he came west to Minneapolis, where he was freight solicitor for the Chicago, Great Eastern, Grand Trunk & Pacific railroad, with which he was connected ever since graduating from the high school, a period covering forty-eight years. He died March 17, 1919. He and his wife have had five children, of whom Achsa (Mrs. Snure) was the third in order of birth.

Alexander Quenett, one of the pioneer settlers of Money Creek township, long since deceased, was born in Steuben county. New York, where he married Clarinda Gelucia, a native of the same county. They removed to Pennsylvania and in the fall of 1857 came from the latter state to Houston county, Minnesota, taking land in Money Creek township, where Mr. Quenett began the work of improvement. After residing there a short time the Civil War broke out and in 1862 Mr. Quenett enlisted as a soldier. He was one of those brave defenders of the Union who went out never to return, as he died while in the service, leaving the work he had begun to be taken up and finished by others. His widow continued her residence in Houston county for the rest of her life, djdng in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Quenett had six children.

Will Quenett, proprietor of a farm of 180 acres in section 19, Sheldon township, was bom in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1857, son of Alexander and Clarinda (Gelucia) Quenett. His parents removed to Houston county in the year of his birth, and a few years later his father died while serving as a soldier in the Union army, leaving the mother with six children to struggle along on a new farm in Money Creek township. Young Will attended district school for a short time, but had to contribute to his own support when but 10 years old, beginning work as a herd boy for farmers. Later he learned the cooper's trade and on his marriage took up his residence in Houston, where he followed his trade for about twelve years. At the end of that time he engaged in agricultural work, taking his present farm a year later. As a general farmer he has met with good success and is enjoying a well earned prosperity. He also owns residence property in Houston, to which place he expects some time to retire when he has finished his career of usefulness on the farm. Politically he is an adherent of the Democratic party. Mr. Quenett was married, Jan. 1, 1885, to Mary O'Connor, who was bom in Sheldon township, daughter of Owen and Winifred (Mulligan) O'Connor, who were pioneer settlers in this township, both being natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Quenett have three children, James Francis, Agatha Ella and Wilfred Ambrose, and an adopted daughter. Myrtle Anna, whom they have reared from infancy. James Francis is now operating a large farm in Caledonia township, his sister Agatha Ella residing with him. Wilfred Ambrose is a veteran of the United States military service.

Targe J. Lewis, proprietor of the old Lewis homestead in section 10, Yucatan township, was born in this township, April 14, 1885, son of John and Signe (Gadsteid) Lewis. He attended school on Oak Ridge in this township, and after a good agricultural training on the home farm at the age of 19 he rented it and has since resided here. He has 320 acres of valuable land and has added to the improvements, the estate being now operated by him as a general stock farm. He has met with good success and by hard work and application to business has placed himself among the prosperous farmers of his township. He is also a shareholder in the Rushford elevator. In politics a Republican, he is now serving as treasurer of the school board, while his religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Lewis was married, Feb. 10, 1915, to Julia Baker, who was bom in Rushford, Fillmore county, Minn., March 29, 1891, daughter of Halvor and Osloug Baker, who were natives of Telemarken, Norway. He and his wife have two children, Helen Alletta and Gehard Joseph.

Harry Pearley Kunun, head butter maker and general manager of the Houston creamery, was born two miles south of Spring Valley, in Fillmore county, Minn., Oct. 20, 1886, son of August and Amelia (Klebesadel) Kumm. The parents were natives of Germany, but were married in Minnesota, the father coming to this country in 1867 when 19 or 20 years old. He and his wife settled in Fillmore county, where he now owns land and is engaged in farming. Harry Pearley Kumm was the fifth born of his parents' eight children. He attended school in Spring Valley and at the age of 14 years began working out. When somewhat more advanced in years he entered the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota, where he was graduated from the dairy course. His first position as creamery helper was at Spring Valley, where he remained for six years. He then took a position as butter maker at Cascade, Mont., and afterwards at Elizabeth, Minn. From the latter place he went to the State Creamery for a short time, then spent two years at Mabel, Minn., from which place he came to Houston to assume the duties of his present position, in which he has shown a high degree of proficiency. Mr. Kumm is also a musician, a good performer on the clarinet, and was formerly instructor of the Spring Valley Harp Orchestra. He belongs to Camp No. 262, Modern Woodmen of America, at Spring Valley. In politics he is independent, and he attends the Methodist Episcopal church. He was married, Jan. 4, 1918, to Ruth Diana Bischoff, of Minneapolis, and this union has been blessed with a daughter, Eleanore Lorraine, born Oct. 14, 1918.

Edwin N. Newhouse, county auditor of Houston county, was bom in the village of Caledonia, this county, Oct. 11, 1886, son of Nels T. Newhouse. After graduation from the Spring Grove High School in 1903 he entered the La Crosse Business University, where he took his diploma in 1905. After tliat for about seven years he worked for his father in a store at Spring Grove. In 1914 he was elected county auditor on the Republican ticket, with a plurality of over 600, and has since served in that office, his record having been fully satisfactory to his fellow citizens throughout the county generally. During the great war he trained for several months in an officers' training camp. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Caledonia, and of the Modern Woodmen of America at Spring Grove. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Charles W. Metcalf, one of the earliest settlers in Houston county, was born in South Hampton, Mass., on May 21, 1829. His youth and early manhood were spent in his native state amid historical scenes and with salutary moral and religious surroundings. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, in which he continued all his life, except for a short period to be hereafter mentioned. In the spring of 1854, a young man of about 24 years, he joined the tide of westward emigration, knowing that in the western and northwestern states and territories he should find a richer and more fertile soil and be able to acquire land at a nominal cost. Another cause influenced his move to the West. He was married, Sept. 25, 1853, to Sarah Stewart, whose parents, Edwin and Lucy Stewart, were of East Granby, Conn., had moved to Houston county, lilinnesota, in 1853, and whom he and his young wife wished to join. In the spring of 1854 the youthful couple arrived in this county and took 120 acres of wild land in section 24, Caledonia township.. The tract was a part of the wilderness, there being as yet no roads. Mr. Metcalf started farming with few resources save those of a stout heart and willing hands, and it may be added as equally important the very helpful co-operation of a devoted and courageous wife, who cheerfully braved the perils and hardships of frontier life and did her full share in the development of their home. Their log house, erected by Mr. Metcalf, was one of the first in the section and, like all the other pioneer settlers, Mr. Metcalf used oxen in breaking his land. Time went on and the Civil War broke out. About that time (May, 1862), perhaps owing to hardships endured, Mrs. Metcalf 's health became impaired. Believing that a change of air and scene was necessary, her husband resolved to give up the farm for a while and, with his family and a few others, which then included two children, Lewis and Fannie, set out in wagons and on horseback in the spring of 1862 for Colorado - a somewhat hazardous trip at that time, but which was safely accomplished. There for some time Mr. Metcalf worked in the mines, and his wife, in the bracing air of that region, and with less hard work to do, gradually recovered her health. When it was fully re-established they resolved to return to Houston county, and again in December, 1865, traversed the long distance in a wagon, having with them at this time their two children. After an absence of three years and seven months, they once more came in sight of their pioneer home in Caledonia township and gladly resumed work amid the old familiar scenes. After a while Mr. Metcalf opened a meat market, but conducted it but a short time, as he soon found it more profitable to attend to the development of his farm, which his son Lewis, when he came in possession in after years named Cloverdale. In time he acquired mor^ land and erected good frame buildings, raising good stock in addition to crops. He was a lover of good horses and owned some of the best in his locality. His wife's parents, Edwin and Lucy Stewart, owned an adjoining farm and close neighborly intercourse was carried on between the two families. But at last the final summons came to Mrs. Metcalf in July, 1882, who was born Feb. 2, 1833, at Ludlow, Mass., and she passed to the land beyond. Thus bereaved, Mr. Metcalf found that the old home had lost much of its attractiveness for him, and, being no longer young, he at last gave it up and took up his residence in the village of Caledonia, where he spent his last days. He and his wife were attandants of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of their four children Lewis is now dead, Fannie is the wife of L. A. Chattelle of Caledonia, Flora the wife of G. E. Andrews of Caledonia township, and Charles L., a prominent citizen of Caledonia, is now clerk of court for Houston county.

Charles L. Metcalf, clerk of the district court of Houston county, was bom on his parents' farm in section 24, Caledonia township, this county, Aug. 5, 1872, son of Charles W. and Sarah (Stewart) Metcalf. After attending the public schools of Caledonia, he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade and for several years was associated with P. J. Smalley in the office of the Caledonia Argus. After that he became proprietor of a livery stable in Caledonia, which he operated for five years. He then engaged in the buying of grain, being located at Spring Grove for one season, but at the end of that time, resuming newspaper work, was foreman for three years of the Caledonia Journal, and during two years of that time he served as village clerk. Then in 1907 he was again attracted to the journalistic field, becoming manager of the Spring Grove Herald, which position he held for three years, two months and ten days. In 1910 he was elected on the Republican ticket as clerk of the district court, beginning his duties Jan. 3, 1911. He has since continued in that office, having been re-elected in 1914, and again in 1918 by a majority over his opponent of 1,612 votes, a sufficient proof that his service has been satisfactory to the people of the county generally. He is a shareholder in the State Bank of Caledonia. Fraternally he belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order, to the Woodmen of America, the Order of Yeomen, and the Odd Fellows' lodge at Hokah. On Dec. 21, 1898, Charles L. Metcalf was united in marriage with Hattie Belle Vance, daughter of W. A. and Abbie (Symes) Vance, her parents being natives of South Ryegate, Vermont, of old Vermont ancestry, her father being a brother of Judge David E. Vance, late probate judge of Winona county. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf have one son, Charles Vance Metcalf, who was born Dec. 1, 1900.

Thore T. Bergh, a well-to-do resident of the village of Spring Grove, who conducts business in La Crosse as a dealer in musical instruments and automobiles, was born on a farm in Spring Grove township, Houston county, Minnesota, May 14, 1854, son of Tolef A. and' Gunhild (Helde) Bergh. The parents came to this country from Norway in i848, settling first at Orfordville, Wis., where they remained until 1852. Then coming to Houston county, they settled on a tract of wild land in sections 16 and 17, Spring Grove township, which in time they cleared and developed into a good farm, well cultivated, fenced, and provided with neat and substantial buildings. There the father died, Jan. 14, 1912, and the mother March 19, 1910, after having raised themselves from poverty to comparative affluence. Thore T. Bergh, after acquiring his primary education in the common schools, took a course at the Wisconsin Business University in La Crosse, from which he was graduated at the age of 21 years. In the meanwhile during the summers he had worked on the home farm, on which he continued to reside for a year after his graduation as a business student. In 1876 he began work as a salesman, selling sewing machines throughout this section, and he continued in that business, with intervals spent on the farm, up to 1879. On Oct. 10 that year he was united in marriage with Christie, daughter of Ole and Carrie Guelson, of Orfordville, Wis. On his return from his wedding trip he took his first journey on the Reno-Preston branch, that road having in the meantime been built to Spring Grove village. That same year Mr. Bergh opened a store in the village of Spring Grove, devoted to the sale of hardware and agricultural implements. In 1903 he established himself in his present business on the corner of Fourth and Jay streets, in La Crosse. Under the name of the Bergh Piano Company he deals in automobiles and musical instruments, carrying a full line of Hudson and Dodge Brothers motor cars, Goodyear and Miller tires, accessories and supplies, Vose pianos, autopianos, Edison diamond disc phonographs and Edison amberolas. His trade covers five or six counties and is constantly increasing. He has, however, maintained his residence in Spring Grove, where on Maple avenue in 1883 he built a beautiful brick house which he now owns. He is also an extensive land owner. He is the sole owner of the holne farm of 360 acres in Spring Grove township, and also of an 80-acre farm in the same township. He is a stock fancier and takes great interest in the breeding of blooded stock. He is a stockholder in the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company. A Republican in politics, he has served his township and village in various public capacities. He and his family are members of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. To Mr. and Mrs. Bergh have been bom six children: Thomas, born Dec. 20, 1882, who resides in La Crosse and is associated with his father in business ; Gena, born Dec. 30, 1880, widow of Thomas Quinnell, now residing at home ; Clara, born in 1883, who died in childhood ; Olga and Orrin, both of whom are deceased ; and Clara (second), born May 25, 1897, who is residing at home with her parents.

Gustave H. Lageson, a well-known citizen of Spring Grove township, proprietor of a stock farm in section 32, was born on his parents' farm in this township, of which his own forms a part, Jan. 15, 1884, son of Hans E. and Isabelle (Bendik) Lageson. In his youthful days he attended school in district No. 56, continuing his studies at intervals, as he found opportunity, up to the age of 19. For three years longer he resided with his parents, and then, in the spring of 1906, rented the Tomeraasen farm in section 28, Spring Grove township, which he operated until thie fall of 1909. About that time he had thoughts of going to some more western state, but during the win- ter of 1909-10 resided on his parents' farm in section 32, which he rented in the spring, working it under rental up to January, 1914. He then bought 80 acres of the farm, on which were some good buildings, including a frame house, consisting of a two-story upright and wing, and summer kitchen; a frame bam, machine shed and granary. His sisters Bena and Gertrude remained on the farm with him as housekeepers, his father retiring from active work. Mr. Lageson has a good equipment, and his farm is all in a state of cultivation, the soil being rich and productive. It is located six miles southwest of Spring Grove, and five miles east of Mabel, both places being convenient markets. Mr. Lageson raises a good grade of Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, having full-blooded sires for his herds so as to constantly improve the stock. Industrious and thrifty, he has made good progress in improving his circumstances, and, in addition to his regular farm equipment, owns a good automobile. In politics he is non-partisan, though with leanings to the Republican party. Religiously he belongs to the Mabel congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. He is also a member of the American Society of Equity.

P. V. Ryan, the efficient editor and publisher of the Caledonia Argus, was bom in Spring Creek, Warren County, Penn., Sept. 8, 1869, and moved with his parents to Iowa in 1873. He came to Caledonia in 1879. In 1895 he established the Kilkenny (Minn.) Gleaner, and published it two years. Since 1897 he has been editor and publisher of the Argus. Mr. Ryan has been a leader in public affairs and his efforts have always been for the best interests of the village and county. The respect in which he is held by his fellow citizens is shown by the fact that in 1917, 1918 and 1919 he was elected mayor of the village. In this capacity he has given most excellent service and the municipal affairs have prospered under his guidance. As mayor during the war period he did all in his power to assist in various patriotic endeavors. In politics Mr. Ryan is a Democrat, in which party he has a high local standing, being a member of the Democratic State Central Committee from this county. His paper enjoys a good circulation, and exerts a strong influence on the life of the community. Mr. Ryan was married Oct. 11, 1898, to Anna A. Murphy, of Kilkenny, Minn., and they have seven sons.

Levi Lincoln Lapham. Among the pioneers from New England to settle on Portland Prairie were "Link" Lapham and his wife Sarah. He was bom in Burrilville, R. I., April 11, 1829. He was brought up on the farm, received the education of the public schools and then went to college a term or two. He leamed the carpenter's trade, and with his two brothers went to Canada and worked in Toronto. Afterwards he returned to "the States" and worked in a grist mill being built by Davis Healy, of Dudley, Mass. Here he met Sarah Cargill Healy, oldest daughter of Davis Healy. She was bom in Dudley, May 20, 1834. She was graduated from the Dudley Academy at Dudley Hill, after which she taught school, receiving $1.75 per week for her services and "boarded 'round." She also learned the "dressmakers' and tailors' trade." However, being an unusually successful teacher, she taught school until 1857, when she was married to Mr. Lapham, Jan. 13. They were both descendants of the old New England families, and many of their forebears were numbered among the Revolutionary heroes, Mrs. Lapham being a direct descendant of Miles Standish, John Alden and Roger Williams. Immediately after the wedding they came to Chicago, where he was employed as foreman in a sash and blind factory. They bought some lots and began to erect a home on Dearborn street. The great "financial crash of '57" forced them to leave Chicago and all they had accumulated and turn their faces to the west. They found work in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this time in a sawmill and chair factory, but the financial panic soon reached Cedar Rapids and again they were obliged to seek new fields for employment. With two cows and a pair of oxen hitched to a "prairie schooner" containing a small calf and a few household goods, they were ready to start for Pike's Peak, for the lure of rich gold finds was strong upon them, when a letter from his brother Amos came, urging them to come to Minnesota to see him before starting on their perilous journey across what was then known as the "Great American Desert." Changing their course to the north, they started for Minnesota. Living on wild game, drinking from brooks and ponds, sleeping under the stars in the open, with their blankets wrapped about them, they followed the north star. Reaching Portland Prairie, they found quite a settlement of New England people who, like themselves, had been driven farther and farther into the wilderness. This was in 1860. Although a single nickel was all the money they possessed, they bought a hundred acres of rich Minnesota land and decided to stay and fight it out right here. "Fever and ague" or "the shakes" was common, and typhoid, diphtheria and scarlet fever took their dreaded toll of Uves in this new country. Home-made coffins were made by Mr. Lapham, lined and trimmed in the Lapham kitchen by the skillful fingers of Mrs. Lapham. A doctor was often from ten to twenty-five miles away when most urgently needed. At such times Mr. Lapham often mounted "Old Luke," a long-limbed, balky, sorrel horse noted for her speed and endurance, and rode her sometimes thirty or forty miles for a doctor. The rebellion broke out and many of the Portland boys went at their country's call. Mr. Lapham volunteered and Mrs. Lapham was left alone to meet the rigors of a Minnesota winter. With a "straw barn" the stock was quite comfortable, and she kept herself and babies from freezing by bringing fuel from the woods and chopping it up herself. There were no telephones, nor telegraphs, and mail sometimes once a week, but more often once a month. Those were days and nights of agonized waiting and watching for news from the front. At last the glad news of Lee's surrender came, and one by one "the boys came marching home again." There was a happy reunion in the little gray house in the edge of the woods, where Mrs. Lapham had kept the home fires burning. At the time of the Indian scare the neighbors met at the Lapham home and everything meltable was run into bullets, for they meant to fortify Arnold's Bluff and fight for their homes and families. Mr. Lapham was a great lover of horses and soon owned a herd of thirty or more animals, two of which took prizes at the state fair. His only dissipation or extravagance was a driving team which must out-travel and "outlook" anything else of the kind in the country. He didn't want, as he expressed it, "to take anybody's dust." His dog was his constant companion. In 1879 they moved out of the old house into the new, which was the brick house which now stands on the homestead. In 1906 he built a larger and more convenient bam and afterwards added a silo, for at this time he was building up a fine herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle of which he was justly proud. The spring after he was eighty-six he planted an orchard of fifty apple trees, that others might enjoy the fruit. He possessed a natural power which enabled him to accurately diagnose, relieve and often cure cases of illness, not only of animals, but of human beings as well. He was a great lover of his home and his family, and very loyal to his neighbors and friends. His heart was profoundly tender and sympathetic. A kitten with an injured paw or a bird with a broken wing appealed to him and not in vain. He was a wise counsellor, an impartial judge, honest, fair and generous in all his dealings with others, and was perfectly fearless, both physically and morally. He had a most lively interest in the world's doings, was well read on all the topics of the day, and although a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, he read both Democratic and Republican periodicals. When eighty-five years old he was the only man in his precinct to appear at the polls that year at the primary election. No worthy cause passed unaided. He was loved and trusted by little children, and animals knew him and came at his call. Never having used liquor or tobacco, his mind and body had the strength and vigor at eighty-six of most men 20 years his junior. His was a life of service, for he lived in his house by the side of the road and was a friend to man. Mrs. Lapham was an active member of the M. E. church at Portland Prairie, and taught a Sunday School class as long as she was able to attend service. She was always ready to help where help was needed. There was no home in the neighborhood that had not known her help- and sympathy in time of sickness and trouble. Side by side with her husband she shared his toil, struggles and hardships as well as his joys, success and triumph. After an illness of several years' duration, she closed her life work at the age of seventy-seven years, April 26, 1911. Mr. Lapham survived her only five years. It had always been his desire to "die in the harness," and his wish was granted Jan. 2, 1916. Four children were bom to them : Frances Payne, Jan. 8, 1861 ; Cora, April 20, 1863 ; George Henry, April 13, 1866 ; and Herbert Lincoln, Aug. 13, 1869. They left their children the priceless heritage of a good name, which is more than riches, and the golden memory of worthy and noble lives well spent.