Houston County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 8 of 21)

John Pederson, who contributed to the agricultural resources of Mound Prairie township by developing a farm from wild land in section 18, was born in Norway in 1830, and was there reared to manhood. He there married Inga Gulbrandson, who was born in Norway in 1832 and in 1870 they came to the United States, locating in Storer Valley, Houston county, MiniL, where Mr. Pederson improved some land, subsequently removing to Houston, where he resided for three years. He then returned to Storer Valley, Mound Prairie township, and bought the land which now constitutes the farm of his son Christian J., in section 18, which he improved, residing thereon until his death in 1913. His wife survived him several years, passing away in 1916. They were the parents of two children, the son above mentioned and Dorothy, now Mrs. Byford Buckbee of Storer Valley, this county.

Christian J. Pederson, proprietor of a farm of 120 acres in section 18, Mound Prairie township, which is the old homestead established by his father, was born near Christiania, Norway, March 28, 1858, son of John and Inga (Gulbrandson) Pederson. He was twelve years old when he came to Houston county with his parents, and for a time attended school in Mound Prairie township and in Houston. His early industrial experience was gained on the home farm, but at the age of seventeen years he began working out for others at intervals, and after he was twenty his work was entirely away from home. In April, 1881, he was united in marriage with Lizzie Olson, who was bom in Storer Valley, Mound Prairie township, daughter of Olaus and Dorothy (Gulbrandson) Olson. With his young wife he then went to Wadena county, in the northern part of Minnesota, where he engaged in farming, residing there thirteen years. After suffering some losses from a fire, he sold out and returning to Houston county, settled on the old home farm, where he has 120 acres of land, with good buildings and other improvements, and is doing a good business as a general farmer. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and has served on the board of education for a number of years, in politics being a Republican. He and his wife have had ten children of whom there are now living, Olga Genetta Blanche, Abraham and Clara Eveline, all residing at home. The parents of Mrs. Pederson, Olaus and Dorothy (Gulbrandson) Olson, were both bom in Norway, and were pioneer settlers in Houston county, Minnesota, taking land and improving a farm. Both died on their homestead, the mother in 1892 and the father in 1915. They had a family of ten children, of whom their daughter Lizzie (Mrs. Pederson) was the second in order of birth.

Jacob Happel, one of the pioneer settlers of Mound Prairie township, long since deceased, was born near Marens, in Hesse, Germany. Until the age of thirty years he resided in his native land, and while there served eleven years in the German army, during a part of that time as substitute for another man. With the money thus earned he paid his passage to the United States. After arriving here he made his home for a short time with his brother, who lived near Hartford, Wis. He then became engaged in railroad work and while thus occupied visited various localities, going as far as North Carolina. About 1858 or 1859 he came to Houston county, Minnesota, and secured forty acres of wild land in what is now section 20, Mound Prairie township, his residence being a small log house. On that land, which he developed into a good farm, he resided until his death in 1884. Mr. Happel married Martha Lena Siegler, who was born in Baden- Baden, Germany, their marriage taking place in this country. She survived him ten years, dying in 1894. They had a family of eight children : Barbara, William, Louis, Charles, Henry, Caroline, John and Peter.

Charles J. Happel, proprietor of the old Happel homestead in section 20, Mound Prairie township, the estate now containing 220 acres, was born on this farm, Jan. 18, 1865, son of Jacob and Martha Lena (Siegler) Happel. He was the fourth bom of his parents' eight children. Brought up on the farm, he attended school in Day Valley, this township, though at an early age he was obliged to make himself useful assisting his father, and also, as he grew older he operated a threshing outfit, doing work for the neighbors. At the age of twenty-nine years he bought the home farm and has since operated it, making a specialty of breeding Durham cattle and Poland-China swine, besides other good stock. He is doing a successful business and is a shareholder in the Houston creamery and Houston elevator. His farm is well improved and fully equipped, being kept up to a high modern standard. In October, 1913, he finished his present modem home, which is as fine a place as is to be found in the neighborhood. It is a sightly structure, beautified with a spreading lawn and pretty shrubbery, and is equipped with all the comforts and conveniences that modern life demands. In politics Mr. Happel is a Republican and is now serving his sixteenth year as a member of the school board of his district. He has also served three years on the town board. He is a member of the Evangelical Association church. Mr. Happel was married Sept. 15, 1897, to Minnie Ruehman, was born in the city of Chicago, Feb. 17, 1873, daughter of William Amelia (TetzlafF) Ruehman. He and his wife have two children : Flori C, a graduate of the normal department of the Houston high school ; Wesley C, residing at home. The parents of Mrs. Happel were both bor Germany, the father in Hanover, June 14, 1834, and the mother in F mern, Nov. 25, 1843. Mr. Ruehman was a tailor by trade and was engs as such in Chicago for a number of years. Subsequently coming to Houi county, Minnesota, he engaged in farming not far from the present h of Mr. Happel, his son-in-law, but later sold out and went to La Crc where he resided for a number of years. He and his wife are now retired are living with Mr. and Mrs. Happel. He was formerly an active the A. 0. U. W., and other fraternal orders. He and his wife had s( children, of whom their daughter Minnie was the second in order of bi The others are August, Caroline, Amelia, Louisa, August and Henrii Minnie, now Mrs. Happel, passed her early years in Chicago, where she quired her education. Mr. and Mrs. Happel are among the prosperous i dents of Mound Prairie township. They stand high socially and have a i circle of friends and acquaintances throughout this part of the cou Adam Doering, a well known farmer and respected citizen of Ui township, residing in section 32, was bom in Germany, Jan. 12, 1865, of Henry and Katherine (Falk) Doering. The parents were bom and r ried in Germany, the father being a weaver by trade. They cam( America in 1870 and, settling in Houston county, Minnesota, engage farming. Both are now deceased. Their children were : Elizabeth, K Bertha, Mary, Anna, Valentine, Henry, Adam, William, Daniel and Gus Bertha is now deceased. Adam Doering was educated in the district sc' and worked on the home farm until nineteen years of age, after whicl worked out four years for others. He then moved to Winona, when followed the blacksmith's trade for two years. During the next six y< he was engaged in farming in Nebraska. He then retumed to Houj county, and having married, operated in succession two rented farms, e for two years, in 1898 buying the farm on which he now lives. It cont eighty acres, all the land being cleared. Mr. Doering does general farm including dairying and stock raising, keeping graded Shorthorn ca About 1904 he rebuilt his house, and in 1906 his bam, which measi 32 by 60 feet, and is provided with a stone basement. He has also ere various outbuildings. In addition to his home farm, he also has a fam eighty acres in Mayville township. He is a shareholder in the co-opera elevator at Caledonia, and in the local telephone company. For two y he served as clerk of his school district. He has made good progress ; farmer, having an expert knowledge of the business, and is now in comf able circumstances. Mr. Doering was married in Wayne, Neb., Marc 1893, to Clara Henningsen, who was bom in Denmark, April 18, 1: daughter of Nels H. and Mary (Hansen) Henningsen. She was elc years old when she accompanied her parents to America, where for the n part her father's occupation was that of a farmer. Both parents are i deceased, as also are two of their seven children. The survivors are : ^

Celia, Clara, Peter and Olga, the last mentioned of whom is the wife of Andrew Erickson. Mr. and Mrs. Doering have had four children : Mabel, bom Feb. 16, 1894, who is the wife of Clifford Orr, of Mound Prairie township; Chester Henry, bom Dec. 23, 1896, residing at home; Adam Earl, bom March 31, 1902, who died April 1 the same year, and Clarence Valentine, born April 13, 1903, who is attending school. The family attend the German Lutheran church.

Frederick Klinski, for many years one of the enterprising and successful men of Union township, was born in Germany, Feb. 16, 1857, son of Adam and Mrs. Eva (Zemska) Klinski. The parents were born and married in West Prussia, the father being a worker in a brick factory. Neither ever came to America, and both are now deceased. Their children were Augusta, Wilhelmina, Frederick, Johann, Erastus, Ferdinand, and two others now deceased. Frederick, after attending school, took up his father's trade of brick making, and worked at it in his native land until reaching the age of twenty-five years, when he came to America. Locating at once in Houston county, Minnesota, he became a hired hand on the farm which he afterward owned in section 29, Union township, and remained such for a year and five months. The next summer he worked out on another farm. In 1885, when he married, he rented a farm, which he operated subsequently for nine years, at the end of that time buying another farm, on which he made improvements, building a barn, and which he later sold to his son. About ten years ago he bought a farm in section 29, Union township. It contains 120 acres, of which eighty, acres are cleared, the balance being in wood and bluff land. He repaired the buildings, which are now in good condition, and engaged in mixed farihing, giving his chief attention to raising cattle and hogs for the market. In his latter years his sons i)erformed the actual work, Mr. Klinski exercising a general supervision. In addition to his direct farming interests he was also a stockholder in the local telephone company. He died March 6, 1919. Mr. Klinski was married Jan. 27, 1885, in Mayville township, this county, to Wilhelmina Haberland, who was born in Germany, daughter of John Haberland and wife, both of whom are now deceased. She was one of five children, namely : Louisa, Wilhelmina, Augusta, Marie and Ludwig, of whom Ludwig is dead. To Mr. and Mrs. Klinski ten children have been bom: Ida, Feb. 19, 1886 ; Emma, Feb. 28, 1887 ; Mina, Oct. 3, 1888 ; John Emil, July 23, 1890; Frederick, Jan. 31, 1893; Ludwig, Aug. 25, 1895; Emil, June 7, 1897; Louisa, June 7, 1899; Ella, July 3, 1902; and Reinhold, July 21, 1904. The four first mentioned are married, Ida being a resident of Houston county. Emma of La Crosse, Mina of Caledonia, and John Emil of Houston county. The others are residing at home, the younger members attending school. The family attend the Lutheran church in Union township

Ferdinand Goede, a representative agriculturist of Mound Prairie township, operating a farm of 264 acres, was bom in this township, Aug. 4, 1876, son of Ferdinand and Pauline (Bmnke) Goede. The parents were natives of Pommem, Germany, who early settled in Houston county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming. The mother died a number of years ago, but the father is still living on the old homestead. Ferdinand, Jr., was educated in the district school and also attended a German school in La Crescent township, the family being: members of the German Lutheran church. He was reared on the home farm, and at the age of twenty-one years went to work on the city railway in La Crosse. Subsequently returning to Houston county, he resumed farm work and three years later bought his present farm of 264 acres, which he is operating along general lines, raising grain and stock with profitable results. He has a well improved place, with adequate buildings, and is making good progress. In politics he is independent. Mr. Goede was married Aug. 25, 1909, to Minnie Selke, who was bom in La Crescent township, this county, daughter of Fred and Christina Selke. Her parents were natives of Germany, who settled in Houston county, Minnesota, many years ago. The father died when Mrs. Goede was a child, but her mother still survives and is now a resident of Hokah. To Mr. and Mrs. Goede three children have been bom : Adeline, born Feb. 25, 1909; Wilma, born April 6, 1911; and Fem, born April 9, 1916.

Mrs. Mary Snure, residing in section 32, Union township, where she is operating a farm of 240 acres, was bom in Germany, Jan. 2, 1854, daughter of Henry and Katherine (Falk) Doering. In 1869, at the age of fifteen years, she accompanied her parents to the United States, the family settling in Union township, where they engaged in farming. Both parents are now deceased. They had eight children: Valentine, Henry, Adam, William, Daniel, Gustav, Mary and Anna. By a previous marriage the father had three other children: Elizabeth, Katherine and Bertha. Mary, who was reared on her parents' farm, in her youth attended the district school, and as she grew older assisted in the work of the household. She was first married to Emest Wiggin, who died at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving two children, Anna and Ella Louise, both of whom are married. Some time after her first husband's death the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with George W. Snure, who was born in Canada, Sept. 22, 1838, and who was one of the pioneers of Houston county, settling here in 1855. He was also a veteran of the Civil War, in which he served three years, being honorably discharged and afterwards becoming a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He had been twice previously married, having no children by his first wife, but one by his second, namely, George Albert, who was born Jan. 23, 1875, and who is now living in Fillmore county. Mr. Snure was a prosperous farmer and a highly respected citizen of Union township, whose death on Aug. 16, 1905, was much regretted. His farm contains 200 acres, and was enlarged by Mrs. Snure some eight years ago, when she purchased forty acres more. The land on the original place was cleared by Mr. Snure, he also erecting the buildings, the improvement of the place, together with his duties as school clerk for over twenty years, keeping him fully occupied. With the assistance of her sons, Mrs. Snure is operating the farm on a profitable basis, raising grain and stock. She is also a shareholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Caledonia and the Cooperative Creamery. Mr. and Mrs. Snure had ten children, whose record in brief is as follows : Henry, bom July 12, 1879 ; Matilda Elizabeth, bom March 23, 1881 ; Mabel Agnes, Dec. 6, 1882, died April 26, 1891 ; Clara Christina, March 31, 1885; Robert W., March 15, 1888; Nellie Mildred, Feb.

25, 1890, died Dec. 4, 1918; Viola Irene, Aug. 19, 1891; Raymond LaRoy, July 4, 1893; Daisy La Verae, July 12, 1895; and Doris Lucille, Sept. 7, 1897. The family attend the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Snure is operating the farm with the assistance of her children, and has shown herself both a good farmer and a good business woman. She and her family are prosperous and occupy a high social standing in Union township.

Mrs. Anna Snure, a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of Union township, being proprietress of a farm of 119V2 acres in section 29, was bom in Mound Prairie township, Houston county, Minn., Nov. 27, 1888, daughter of Martin and Bertha (Wiese) Rosine. Her parents, natives of Germany, came to this country separately, and after their marriage engaged in farming in Mound Prairie township. Mr. Rosine is now dead, but his wife is still living on the old homestead. They had four children: Anna, John, Ferdinand and Louisa. John, who was bom April 29, 1890, is residing with his sister, Mrs. Snure, and helping her to operate the farm. Ferdinand died in infancy. Louisa, born May 11, 1893, is residing on the Rosine farm with her mother. Anna, the subject of this sketch, married Philip Snure, who died in 1915. They had two children: Ruth Electa, bom July 8, 1909 ; and Phyllis Orinda, born July 5, 1915. Since her husband's death Mrs. Snure has operated the farm with the assistance of her brother. Of its total area about eighty acres are cleared. The barn, 32 by 44 feet, is cemented and provided with a stone basement, while the house is a good frame building of eight rooms, other improvements being in contemplation. Mrs. Snure successfully carries on mixed farming, making a specialty of stock raising. Her career presents additional evidence of woman's ability to succeed in most of the occupations followed by men, as she is carrying on a profitable business and has a well kept farm. She is also a shareholder in several important local enterprises, including the creamery, elevator and telephone companies. The family attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

Peter Araet, a former resident of Mound Prairie township, where he broke land and established one of the good farms of the township, was born in Germany, and came from that country to the United States when nineteen years old, locating in Washington county, Wisconsin. As a young man he learned the brewer's trade, but later gave that up and engaged in farming. Before starting in for himself, however, he worked for others, and thus eamed money to pay the passage of his parents to this country. His first farm was in Washington county, Wisconsin, and he operated it until April, 1864, when he sold his interests there and came to Houston county, Minnesota. Soon after his arrival here he enlisted in a Minnesota regiment, with which he served until the close of the Ciyil War. On his return he took up farming in Mound Prairie township, buying a tract of land which he improved until he had a good farm of 160 acres, on which he resided until his death in 1885. Mr. Amet married Elizabeth Eberhard, who was like himself a native of Germany, and who died some years before him. They had a family of twelve children: Catherine, George B., Sophia, Elizabeth, Charles, Margaret, John, Lillie, living; and Peter and Jacob and two unnamed infants, deceased.

George B. Arnet, a prominent farmer of Mound Prairie township, who has built up a fine farm of 301 acres from what was practically a tract of wild land when he took it, was bom in Washington county, Wisconsin, Jan. 16, 1857, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Eberhard) Amet. He was the third born of his parents' twelve children, and being only about seven years old when he came to Houston county, his education was acquired in the district school near where his parents settled. Like all the early schoolhouses, it was a log structure, as was also the house in which he first resided here, and which is still standing and in good condition. In those days deer and other wild game were plentiful, and neither meat nor fish was hard to procure. Up to the age of twenty-three years he assisted his father to improve and cultivate the home farm, and after that began working out. When ready to start in for himself he purchased the land that constitutes his present farm, and which then was but slightly improved. This he has since developed into a good modem farm, with substantial buildings, and a complete equipment for grain and stock raising. He breeds a good grade of Durham cattle, together with other stock, and is enjoying a prosperous career, finding a ready market for all his products. In the early days he assisted in breaking the land on this farm, using from four to six yoke of oxen, and a large breaking plow, so is thoroughly familiar with all the conditions of pioneer farming. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, and a part of his time has been given to public affairs, as for twenty-two years he served as township treasurer, and for a number of years on the school board. He is a member of the Evangelical Association church. On March 11, 1887, Mr. Amet was united in marriage with Matilda Burow, who was born in Mound Prairie township, daughter of Frederick and Amelia (Freyschmidt) Burow. Mr. and Mrs. Arnet were the parents of eight children : Elsie E., Irena S., Selma M., Frederick Peter, Philip George, Joseph John, Edwin William, and Amelia A. Elsie E., Irena S., Selma M., Joseph John and Edwin William are residing on the home farm. Selma M., who acquired her elementary education in the district school, subsequently attended school in Houston, and later the Northwestern College at Naperville, 111., where she was graduated with the degree of B.A. She is now a high school teacher. Frederick Peter, who graduated from the Houston high school, died May 17, 1894. Philip George, a graduate of the agricultural college at St. Paul, served in France with Co. E, 47th U. S. Infantry, and was killed in the battle of Chateau Thierry. Amelia A. died at the age of nine months. Mrs. Matilda Amet, the mother of these children, died Feb. 15, 1907, her loss being deeply regretted in the community.

Frederick Burow, formerly a prominent citizen of Mound Prairie township, was a native of Prussia, Germany, and married Amelia Freyschmidt. Upon coming to Houston county, Minnesota, he took land in Mound Prairie township, which they developed into a good farm. Here Mr. Burow died in 1903. During his active career he served many times in school and town office, and for a number of years was a director of the Farmers Insurance Company. His wife survived him some years, dying in 1910. They were the parents of seven children, one of whom, Matilda, became the wife of George B. Amet. The two families have been closely connected since the early days, Frederick Burow and Peter Arnet serving in the same company and regiment in the Civil War, and after that conflict making the trip to Mound Prairie together.

Philip George Amet, one of the heroes of the great war, who willingly gave his life for the great cause of humanity, was one of the highest type of those splendid representatives of manhood who bore the torch of human liberty across the seas to war-wrecked France. A true consistent Christian in private life, filled with the highest ideals of service both in his daily walk and in his army career, he met his death unflinchingly, and left a record that will make the world better for his having lived, even for so short a time. Philip was born June 6, 1895, on the farm of his father, G. B. Arnet, in Mound Prairie township. He attended district school in his neighborhood, and later entered the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota from which he was graduated with the class of 1916. With a brilliant career ahead of him. Tie then started his work as a scientific farmer. When war was declared between Germany and the United States he desired to enlist, but was pursuaded by his friends to wait until the call should come for his services. The call for the National Army soon came, and on Sept. 8 he left Caledonia, in charge of the first quota of men from Houston county. He received his first training at Camp Dodge, Iowa, and in November was transferred to Camp Pike, at Little Rock, Ark., where he spent most of the winter. From there he went to Camp Green, Charlotte, S. C, and then to Camp Mills, Hemstead, N. Y. During all this time his letters were always filled with cheer, and with the joy of service, and he anxiously awaited his opportunity to reach the firing line. At Chateau Thierry, on Aug. 3, the very day in which he had written his last letter home, he was killed in action, during a charge which showed his courage, and those same qualities which has distinguished his whole career. His fellow members of Co. E, 47th Infantry, laid him to rest in the soil of France, which he had died to save, and there he awaits the Last Day. His memory will long be cherished by a grateful country and in the hearts of those who loved him. The young man was a devoted member of Tabor's Evangelical church, and was active in its work, having held various offices in the Sunday School and Young People's Society. It is worthy of note that Philip was a close friend from boyhood of Frank Sheldon, who also gave his life for his country and for humanity, making the supreme sacrifice on the fields of France.

Henry Philip Eberhard, who spent the greater part of his life in Mound Prairie Township, engaged in the work of land improvement, was bom in Germany, in 1842, and was a mere babe when his parents emigrated to Wisconsin, in which State he remained until past his twelfth year, being a boy in his " 'teens" when the family removed to Houston County, Minnesota. Brought up to agricultural pursuits, he naturally became a farmer, acquiring land in Mound Prairie township, which he developed and cultivated, establishing a good farm, on which he resided until hii» death in 1903. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in a Minnesota regiment, and though never wounded was confined to the hospital for a number of weeks with an attack of black measles. During the years oi his activity he served at times in local office, being for a number of years a member of the school board and also for some time chairman of the town board. Mr. Eberhard married Maria Louisa Corlett, who was born in Rochester, N. Y., in May, 1845. She resided with her son, Harry Philip, on his farm in section 28, Mound Prairie township, until her death, April 9, 1919.

Harry Philip Eberhard, Jr., a general farmer residing in section 28, Mound Prairie township, where he is cultivating 65 acres of land, was bom in this township Sept. 26, 1880, son of Henry Philip and Louisa (Corlett) Eberhard. He acquired his education in the local schools and remained at home assisting his parents until arriving at the* age of 22 years, after which he began working out and so continued until he bought his present farm in 1912. He is doing a good business as a general farmer and is numbered among the well to do citizens of his township. He attends the Evangelical church, while his political principles are those of the Republican party.

Adolph Haupt, one of the men whose labors as pioneer agriculturists have been the chief factor in the building up of Houston county, his own particular work being done in Mound Prairie township, was bom in Germany on Jan. 14, 1835. The years of his early manhood were spent as a sailor, but he was still young when he came to the United States with the intention of settling here. In New York he was married to Henrietta Redmann Nov. 1, 1863, and, turning their backs on the East, they came to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1866, taking an unimproved farm in Mound Prairie township. Besides developing this farm, in section 9, Mr. Haupt acquired and improved other land, and was one of the organizers of the fire insurance company in this township. He finally retired from active work and took up his residence in Houston village, where he is now living. His wife died in June, 1887. They were the parents of a large family nun^bering eight children : Lena, Henrietta, Henry, Matilda, Adolph F., Anna F., Helen and Julia.

Adolph F. Haupt, a well known stock farmer of Mound Prairie township, operating 360 acres of land, his residence lying in section 9, was bom in this township June 4, 1872, son of Adolph and Henrietta (Redmann) Haupt. He was educated in district school No. 94 in this township and was reared on the home farm, assisting his father until the age of 16 years, after which, for three years, he worked out. He then returned to the homestead and operated the farm with his father for a number of years, finally purchasing from him his present farm. Later he bought the old home, thereby becoming proprietor of 360 acres altogether, which he is operating as a general stock farm in a careful business-like manner, buying when prices are low and utilizing his property to its full capacity of production. He is also a stockholder in the Houston Elevator. A Republican in politics, he has served on the school board for about 20 years, and was road supervisor seven years.

Oct. 19, 1897, Mr. Haupt married Emma Lemke, who was born in Mound Prairie township, Aug. 7, 1873, daughter of Frederick and Bertha (Klitzke) Lemke. He and his wife have eight children, all residing at home, namely : Esther, Rosella, Herbert, Silas, Edna, Nina, Laura and Dorothy. Frederick and Bertha Lemke, the parents of Mrs. Haupt, were both born in Germany. The father was an early settler in Mound Prairie township, this county, farming for a number of years, and also for a number of years being employed in mills in La Crosse. From the latter place he finally returned to his farm, where his death occurred. His wife subsequently operated the farm until 1917, when she retired, and is now residing with her son, Herbert, in Mound Prairie township. It is worthy of note that Mr. Haupt's friends are justly proud of the work that he has done in home activities during the great war. He has done more than his share in everything that the Government asked of its loyal citizens. Furthermore he acted as solicitor in the various war drives, and did much toward winning for the town the reputation which it enjoys of "going over the top" in its contributions.

John J. Moe, who came to Houston county over thirty years ago has has since established himself as one of the prosperous and well to do farmers of Jefferson township, was born in Tronjem, Normay, Aug. 22, 1865, son of John and Christine Moe. Up to the age of 22 years he resided in his native land working for a bare living ; but being an ambitious young man, home prospects did not satisfy him, and he resolved to seek a field of larger opportunity in the great American republic. Some of his acquaintances had already emigrated to Houston county, Minnesota, and from them he had learned of the opportunities for obtaining cheap land, as well as of the widespread demand for labor. Accordingly in 1887 he said good bye to his friends and relatives in Norway and came alone to the United States, arriving in Houston county in October. The expenses of the journey had exhausted his funds, and buying land was for the present out of the question, but employment was easy to obtain and he became a wage earner, living economically and saving his money with an eye to the future. During the winters of 1887, 1888 and 1889 he worked in the Wisconsin pineries as a sawyer, and the summers of 1888 and 1889 in the lumber mills of La Crosse. In the fall of 1889 he went to Washington territory, where he was connected with the lumber business for three years, working in the woods during the winters and in the mills in summer. In the spring of 1893 he returned to Houston county, Minnesota, and being by this time much better off financially than when he had arrived in Houston county, a green Norwegian immigrant, he made preparations for embarking on the last stage of the road to progress by taking a wife, being united in marriage July 5, 1893, to Mary, daughter of Andreas and Berit Anderson of Jefferson township. In the same year he bought 200 acres of land in section 19, Jefferson township, a small part of which tract was cleared, and it being also provided with an old log house of two rooms, and a barn. Though the improvements were so scanty, the land was good and only needed developing, a task to which Mr. Moe applied himself with vigor. His work in the woods and mills had strengthened his body and hardened his muscles, giving him just the sort of capital he needed with which to achieve success, but pioneer farming is no child's play, and many a night when he went to rest he felt as tired as though he had done a hard day's work in the woods. But gradually conditions improved and the work became less arduous. He and his wife occupied the original house for the first fall and winter only, after which he built a more comfortable log house, to which they transferred their home, and in which they resided up to 1907, when the erection of a two story modern frame house of nine rooms marked a still further advance in material circumstances, emphasized by the other substantial buildings which Mr. Moe has erected from time to time. These include a good frame bam, 32 by 84 by 18 feet in dimensions ; a granary, 26 by 40 by 10 feet ; machine shed, 20 by 40 by 10 ; hog house 20 by 40, with corn cribs and other outbuildings indispensable to a good modern farm. Mr. Moe has also increased the amount of his land by the purchase of 120 additional acres, and now has 150 acres under cultivation, the rest consisting of pasture and timber land. He has an adequate supply of tools, machinery and stock, his cattle and hogs being graded animals, and his farm, which is six miles north of New Albin, is productive and profitable. He also derives profit as a shareholder in the Co-operative Creamery, Co-operative Stock and Grain Co. and Co-operative Mercantile Co. of New Albin, and is a ready supporter of all commendable local enterprises. In politics he is a Republican, while his religious affiliations and those of his family are with the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Moe are the parents of seven children, born as follows : Elmer, Sept. 15, 1894 ; Cecelia, Oct. 9, 1896 ; Elmer, Jan. 8, 1899 ; Walter, Nov. 13, 1901; Carl, Oct. 18, 1903; Mabel, Feb. 18, 1906, and Ida, May 7, 1908. It is interesting to note that in 1914, Mr. Moe made a three months' trip to Norway to visit his aged mother. He made the trip by way of Washington, D. C, visited England and France, and sailed through the English Channel and the North Sea to Christiania.

William Sandrock, who is extensively engaged in the nursery and fruit raising business in Money Creek township, is one of the leading pioneers in this industry in Houston county, having been engaged in it for some forty years. He was born in Saxe-Weimer, Germany, May 25, 1851, son of John and Bertha Erb, who were natives of the same German state, the father bom in 1824, and the mother on May 2, 1828. The father, who was a jeweler by trade, died when the subject of this sketch was a young boy, and the mother in 1853 came to the United States, settling in Milwaukee, where she married a Mr. Salzer, by whom she had five children. Her son William was adopted by a family named Sandrock, and has since retained that surname. He attended school for 18 months in Germany, and later for some time in Milwaukee and in Columbia county, Wisconsin. At the early age of ten years he had to contribute to his own support and began industrial life in a paint shop in Milwaukee. Subsequently he followed other occupations, working in a tobacco warehouse and also in a drug store, where he was employed when the Civil War broke out. Toward the latter part of the war he tried to enlist but was refused on account of his youth, he being then only in his fourteenth year. He succeeded, however, in securing a job as sutler's assistant in a soldier's camp, and thus his craving for military excitement was partially satisfied. After that, for about seven years, he worked for a Mr. Hawkins at Wyocenia, Wis., then worked land on shares for one year, and finally, in 1873, came to Money Creek township, Houston county, taking the land that constitutes his present farm. It was then wild and covered with woods, and for the first year Mr. Sandrock, who was then married, resided with his brother-in-law. At the end of that time he built a house for himself, which was the first of his many improvements. In 1875 he engaged in the fruit raising business, in which he has since continued. In 1880 he added the nursery business to the interests and has developed that also to considerable proportions, making a specialty of evergreens and flowers. Among his trees are the Norway spruce, Colorado spruce, Douglas fir, balsam fir, Norway pine, Scotch pine, white pine, jack pine, Mocha pine, Austrian pine, American arborvitae, white spruce, tamarack, and the cottonless cottonwood. In his orchard he has seventy species of apple trees and eleven of crab apples, and he also uses a small apple tree for shrubbery. Some of his cottonwood trees have attained a growth of eleven feet in one year. His estate, containing 123 acres, is known as Vinegar Hill Nursery, that name having been bestowed on the hill by Mr. Sandrock himself. He is a member of the State Horticultural Society, and keeps well informed as to all improvements and discoveries in his line of business. He is also a man of broad reading along many other lines and is a member of the National Geographical Society. A Republican in politics, he has served a number of years on the school board, of which he is now the clerk, but has declined other offices. Mr. Sandrock was married Dec. 5, 1871, to Emma Hawkins, who was bom at Wyocena, Columbia county, Wisconsin, daughter of Henry and Louise (Spaulding) Hawkins, her father being a native of New York State and her mother of Vermont. Of this union five children have been bom: Bertha, wife of E. Kingsley; May Frances, widow of Mel Foster, and residing at St. Charles, Minn. ; Arietta, wife of Max Splittstoesser, farmer of St. Charles ; Louis, who died in 1906 at the age of 26 years ; and Emma, wife of Charles Houtz, residing in Winesap, the State of Washington. Mrs. Emma (Hawkins) Sandrock, died April 25, 1892, and for the past 22 years Mr. Sandrock's sister, Emma Salzer, has been his home keeper.

William F. A. Neumann, who is prosperously engaged in general farming and stock raising in Jefiferson township, residing in section 10, was bom in Crooked Creek township, Houston County, Minnesota, Aug. 12, 1883, son of William F. F. and Margaret (Hanke) Neumann. His parents settled in Crooked Creek township in 1873, buying wild land in sections 3 and 34, where they subsequently developed a farm, and later they bought a considerable quantity of other land, most of which the elder Neumann has since divided among his children. He is still a resident of Crooked Creek township, but his wife is deceased, having passed away in 1913. William F. A. Neumann, who was the first bom in a family of eight children, acquired his education in the district school and was early trained to agricultural work in various branches. He remained on the home farm until 1905, and then went to Dickey county. North Dakota, where he owned 160 acres of land, of which he broke 50 acres, also building a house and barn. In 1912 he sold out his farm there and returned to Houston county, Minnesota, again taking up his residence on his parents' farm. In 1917 Mr. Neumann came to his present farm in sections 10 and 11, Jeflferson township - a farm of 240 acres, of which he is the owner, 120 acres of it lying in section 10, in which also his house, a good frame building, and a new frame barn, are located. The farm is located six miles northwest of New Albin,

Iowa, and is a desirable piece of agricultural property on which Mr. Neumann has already made a good start as an independent farmer, having an adequate equipment of teams, tools and machinery. Eighty acres of the land are already under the plow. Mr. Neuman is a member of the Crooked Creek congregation of the German Evangelical church. In politics he is a Republican. Young, ambitious and energetic, he has excellent prospects for the future and is a respected citizen of the community in which he resides.

William F. F. Neumann, a resident of section 34, Crooked Creek township, where he is living on the farm established by his parents 45 years ago, and on which he has spent most of his life, was bom in Pommern, Germany, April 17, 1855. He attended school in his native land and in 1871 accompanied his parents to the United States and to Brownsville, Houston county, Minnesota, where the family resided for two years. In 1873 they bought 160 acres of land in sections 3 and 34, Crooked Creek township, a wild and very rough tract, of which they developed a part, also building thereon a two-story stone house, with good barns and other farm structures. There the mother of the subject of this sketch died in 1886, being followed to the grave four years later by her husband. They had four children, two sons and two daughters, the latter being now deceased. The other son, August, now resides next to the old home farm in Crooked Creek township. William F. F. Neumann has remained on the home farm since taking up his residence on it in boyhood, and on his father's death in 1890 he became its owner. Sturdy and strong, during his active career he was a hard worker and grubbed many an acre of land, besides doing much harvesting by hand. He did general farming, but gave his particular attention to stock raising, breeding from 100 to 150 head of cattle annually. He owned good teams and equipment and was successful in the line of business he undertook. The surface of his original homestead farm is of a hilly character, but he also accumulated a considerable amount of other land, including a farm of 720 acres, some timber land in Jefferson and Crooked Creek townships, and about 1,000 acres of Mississippi bottom land. These holdings he has divided among his children, retaining his residence on the old home farm. He is a prominent member of the Crooked Creek congregation of the German Evangelical church, and in politics is a Republican. Mr. Neumann was married Oct. 4, 1882, to Margarita, daughter of Julius and Katherine Hanke of Brownsville. She died in April, 1913, after undergoing an operation at Rochester, Minn. To Mr. and Mrs. Neumann were born eight children: William F. A., now a prosperous farmer residing in section 10, Jefferson township; Katy, deceased; Ferdinand, a farmer living in Crooked Creek township; Clara, now Mrs. Benjamin Pohlman of Jefferson township; Julius residing on the home farm; Henry, of Jefferson township; Anna, wife of George Colsch ; and Rosa, now Mrs. Joseph Fink of Crooked Creek township.

Levi W. Corey, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm of 340 acres in sections 6 and 7, Money Creek township, was bom in Wiscoy township, Winona county, Minn., Feb. 6, 1869, son of Gilbert M. and Esther (Todd) Carey. He was the second child in a family of seven and was edu- cated in district schools in Winona county. His parents being farmers, he was trained to agriculture from his youth, and until his marriage worked at intervals for his father and for other farmers, sometimes being away from home. For six years after his marriage he farmed for himself in Winona county. He then went to Emmons county, North Dakota, where he bought a farm, which he held for four years, though at the time residing in Wiscoy township, Winona county. At the end of that period he located on a farm in Money Creek township, Houston county, where he was profitably engaged in general dairy and stock farming until 1918, when he moved to a fine farm of 340 acres in sections 6 and 7, in the same township. He is a stockholder in the Money Creek Creamery and the Houston Elevator. A Republican in politics, he is now serving his tenth year as treasurer of school district No. 7.

Mr. Corey was married January 6, 1897, to Tena Olson, who was born in Mound Prairie township, daughter of Peter and Hannah Olson. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Corey, namely : Gilbert (deceased) , Myrtle, James A., Neal, and Robert E.

Gilbert M. Corey, father of Levi W., was born in Vermont, near the city of Montpelier, Aug. 9, 1839. His wife, Mrs. Esther Todd Corey, was a native of New York State, born in October, 1843. Emigrating to Minnesota previous to the Civil War, when that great struggle broke out, he entered the service as a private in Company D, Seventh Minnesota regiment, and was a soldier for nearly four years. On being honorably discharged he returned to Minnesota and located in Wiscoy township, Winona county, where he bought land and engaged in farming, spending many years in the improvement of his property. In 1907 or 1908 he moved from his farm to the city of Winona, where he is now living retired. During his active career he held various town and school offices and also served as representative from his district in the State Legislature. He was also for many years overseer of the C. A. Butler lands. Peter and Hannah Olson, the parents of Mrs. Lee W. Corey, were born in Norway, but were married in this country. Peter Olson served in the Civil War in a Minnesota regiment, and subsequently became a land owner and farmer in Mound Prairie township, Houston county. He died on his farm in December, 1915. His wife now resides with a daughter, Mrs. Henry Hanson, of Houston township.

Carl J. Weier, proprietor of the Freeburg Silver Star Creamery, was bom in Germany, Dec. 12, 1880, son of Frederick and Emily (Hempt) Weier. He was educated in his native land, attending high school until reaching the age of 19 years, after which he entered a dairy school, where he learned butter making. He then engaged in the creamery business, which he followed in Germany until he came to the United States in 1904, being the only member of his family to come to this country. Locating at Freeburg, this county, he here found a run-down butter-making plant, which he purchased. It was practically dead property, but he succeeded in reviving it, and has since built up the business to a production of 145,000 pounds of butter, and 7,000 gallons of ice cream. The old plant being destroyed by fire, he erected a new building, installed with a 15-horsepower engine and complete modern machinery both for butter making and ice cream freezing.

His record has been in the highest degree creditable, and shows what can be accomplished by special training united with industry and determination. He was obliged to adapt himself to new conditions, learn a strange language, and begin his operations with rusty and worn-out machinery ; yet the first year he turned out 100,000 pounds of butter, and instead of the 24 or 25 patrons with which he began he now has 175 or more. Mr. Weier married Emma Heitman, daughter of John Heitman, a pioneer of Houston county. He and his wife have three children, Arthur, Arnold and Ervin.

Henry A. Holmes, who owns and operates a small but choice farm of 115 acres adjoining the village of Clinton in Money Creek township, and also has other landed property, was bom near Guttenberg, Sweden, Dec. 21, 1858, son of Andrew A. and Hannah (Orup) Holmes, who were natives of the same locality. The father came first to Houston county, Minnesota, and settled at Houston, lower town, being followed by his family eighteen months later. He worked out for others, having intentions of finally establishing himself on the land, but about a year or a year and a half after the arrival of his family, he and his wife and one of their younger sons died of typhoid fever. Henry A., who was eleven years old, or thereabouts, when he came to this country, had attended school for a while in Sweden, and after arriving in this county his education was continued for a while in the school on Swede Bottom, where he acquired his first knowledge of English. When about fourteen or fifteen years old he began working out and continued to be thus engaged until his marriage in 1885. After that event he was employed on the railroad at Winona for a few months, and then engaged in farming in Houston township, where he resided for a number of years. At last, selling his farm there, he purchased the one he is now operating, on which he has made practically all the improvements now standing, as he has remodeled the old buildings and made additions to them, and has a full and complete equipment. He is a stockholder in the Money Creek Creamery, and also owns city property in Houston, and a farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. Independent in politics, he served as school director for a number of years. His religious affiliations are with the Baptist church. Mr. Holmes was first married in 1885 to Ida Benson, who was born in Houston township, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Benson, who were early settlers in that township. Mrs. Ida Holmes died in 1898, leaving no children. In the fall of 1899 Mr. Holmes married Charlotte J. Benson, a cousin of his first wife, and daughter of Benjamin and Christine (Nelson) Benson, prominent residents of Sheldon township. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have one child, Oliver W., wjio was born Feb. 4, 1902, graduated from the Houston high school in the class of 1918, and is now a student at Carleton College, Northfield, Minn.

Paul Peter Noel, proprietor of a blacksmith and woodworking shop in Freeburg, Crooked Creek township, was born seven miles below Dubuque, Iowa, Feb. 4, 1854, son of Anton and Mary (Hilkin) Noel. He was a boy of about thirteen years when he accompanied his parents to Crooked Creek township, Houston county, they taking land on the site of Freeburg. He finished his schooling in the neighborhood and was occupied with farm work on the homestead until reaching the age of twenty, at which time he began to learn the blacksmith's trade in the village of Freeburg. Here in time he built a shop and started in for himself. He has continued in the business up to the present time, having won a good reputation as a reliable blacksmith, and also as a woodworker, for which he has all the necessary machinery. His religious affiliations are with the Catholic church. Mr. Noel was married May 27, 1876, in St. Nicholas church, Freeburg, to Mary A. Jyohe, who was bom in ShuUsburg, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, Sept. 17, 1856, daughter of Lawrence and Sophia (Siley) Jyohe. Mr. and Mrs. Noel have been the parents of eleven children, whose record in brief is as follows : Matilda, born March 3, 1880, who died at the age of five months and six days ; Joseph, bom March 19, 1881, and now a resident of San Francisco ; Anna, bom June 24, 1883, who is the wife of Ed. Haslon of San Francisco ; John, bom Sept. 17, 1885, now a resident of Genoa, Wis. ; Clara E., bom May 10, 1888, who is the wife of H. Hoover of San Francisco ; George, bom July 28, 1890, who is residing at home; Dora, bom Dec. 11, 1892, who is the wife of James Bond of San Francisco; Bemard, born July 21, 1895, and now serving in the United States navy ; Frank, bom April 1, 1897, who lives in St. Paul; Marie, bom Feb. 17, 1900, who is now Mrs. Bert Harm of La Crosse ; and Blanche, bom Sept. 12, 1902, who is residing at home.

Lawrence Jyohe, an early settler in Houston county, was bom in Vier, Germany, and when a young man emigrated to the United States, taking passage in a sailing vessel. During the sixty days he spent on the ocean he made the acquaintance of Sophia Siley, a native of Wurtemburg, and to whom he was married in New York. There he remained for five years working at the trade of woodworker and carver, and then, perhaps following Horace Greeley's advice, he came west, and settled on a farm in Lafayette county, Wisconsin. After twelve years spent in that locality, he came with his family to Houston county, securing a tract of land three miles from Freeburg, and taking possession of a log house which stood on the place. In Wisconsin he had used oxen for his farm work, but after locating in Houston county he made use of horses. He was one of the school officials of his district, and also served for some time as chairman of the town board. After an active and industrious career, he died here at the age of sixty-three years, and his wife at that of eighty-four. They had nine children, Frank, Lawrence, Louis, Stephen, Sophia, Mary, Lizzie, Anna and Clara. The religious affiliations of the family were with the Catholic church.

George G. Miller, formerly proprietor of a fine farm of 320 acres in Money Creek township, who was also a veteran of the Civil War, in which he performed the part of a brave soldier, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, in December, 1848. He was quite young when death deprived him of his father, and a few years after his mother also died, leaving him and another child the surviving members of the family. He was reared in the family of a Mr. Crandall, and for a while was sent to the district school, where he obtained his education. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment for service in the Civil War and served four years, or until its close. Being wounded at the battle of Bull Run, he was confined for a short time to the hospital and then given a furlough, spending the time allowed him at home. He then returned to the army and served out his period of enlistment. At the close of the war he returned to Pennsylvania, from which State he later accompanied Mr. Crandall to Houston county, Minnesota. Here he found emplojrment working for others, but at the end of two years rented land and began farming. For a number of years he operated rented land, and then bought a farm in Money Creek Valley, which he improved by the erection of buildings and in other ways, and expanded to an area of 320 acres. After a successful career as a general farmer, he retired and took up his residence in the village of Money Creek, where his death occurred Sept. 25, 1909. He was one of the first stockholders in the Houston Creamery and was recognized as one of tne township's enterprising and successful men, and as a reliable and useful citizen. In politics he was a Republican, but confined his political activities to casting his vote. He was a member of the G. A. R. post at Money Creek. Mr. Miller was married in January, 1861, to Melissa Jane Vance, who was bom in the State of Vermont, May 22, 1853, daughter of William and Mary Elizabeth (Ricker) Vance. Her parents were among the pioneer settlers of Houston county, arriving here in the early fifties and locating on a farm near Money Creek village. After a number of years they retired and moved to La Crosse, but later returned to Money Creek village, where a few years later Mr. Vance died. His wife died about the year 1898. They had five children, of whom their daughter, Melissa Jane, was the second in order of birth. She was educated in Money Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of eleven children, Minnie, Cora, Clara, Maud, Frank F., Bert, Elmer, Mary, Ethel, Ray G. and Walter, whose record in brief is as follows : Minnie is the wife of Fred Perkins, of Money Creek township. Cora is the wife of Russell E. Vance, and resides at Del Rio, Texas, her husband being proprietor of a large fruit farm there. Clara is the wife of Ernest Christianson, who is engaged in the hardware business at Lewiston, Mont. Maud married John Harmon and resides with her husband on a farm at Banks, N. D. Frank F. is a clerk in a hardware store at Beach, N. D. Bert and Walter are associated together in operating the home farm in Money Creek township. Elmer is a farmer at Beach, N. D. Mary is the wife of Melvin Snuggerud, her husband being engaged in the hardware business at Flandreau, S. D. Ethel married Mark Corey, a farmer, and resides four miles northwest of Money Creek. Ray G. is now in the United States military service. Since her husband's death Mrs. Miller has continued her residence in the village and is an active participant in its social affairs. She is a member of the Eastern Star lodge and is esteemed among a wide circle of friends.

Philip H. Elsheimer, a respected farmer and stock raiser of Crooked Creek township, was born in Franklin county, Mass., Sept. 9, 1863, son of Henry P. and Catherine (Mentis) Elsheimer. In 1865, Henry P. Elsheimer and his father and his father-in-law, John Mentis, came west, and each bought eighty acres of wild land in Crooked Creek township. Here they built a log cabin and made preparations to welcome the rest of the family. They then returned and brought their relatives here. Philip H., then a baby, came with the rest. He had but limited education, but thoroughly learned the business of farming on the rough land on which his parents had located. As he grew to manhood he took over the management of the home farm which he operated for many years. In October, 1912, he and his good wife moved to a farm of 203 acres, one mile south of the homestead. This was nearly all wild land and no buildings had been erected thereon when Mr. Elsheimer purchased it. Since then he has erected a modern two-story, eight-room frame dwelling, a good frame bam, granary, machine sheds and the like. An artesian well supplies fresh pure water. The land being rough, only a small portion is tillable, and Mr. Elsheimer has therefore turned his attention to stock raising, for which the land is admirably suited. He has a fine herd of high grade Hereford cattle, with which he has been very successful. His operating equipment is of the best, and he is constantly adding to it. A man of poor parents, who by industry, intelhgence and frugality has made his present position in the world, he is highly respected by all with whom he comes in contact. His trading center is at New Albion, Iowa, nine miles south, where he was a stockholder in the Farmers' Savings Bank and in the Farmers' Co-operative Mercantile Co. A thorough believer in education, he has done efficient service as a member of the school board for several years, but he has not cared to mingle in politics. Mr. Elsheimer was married June 15, 1904, to Bertha Neumann, born in Crooked Creek township, June 3, 1880, daughter of August and Louise (Mann) Neumann, early settlers of that township. This union has been blessed with five children : Philip H., Louise M. A., August V., Walter J., and Clara H., all bright children and the pride of their parents' hearts. Philip H. was bom March 27, 1905 ; Louise M. A. was bom Jan. 6, 1907 ; August V. was born Dec. 22, 1908 ; Walter J. was bom Jan. 7, 1915, and Carl H. was bom Aug. 8, 1918. The family faith is that of the German Evangelical church of Crooked Creek, of which Mr. Elsheimer is a prominent member and liberal contributor.

Olaf Benson, who was one of the first settlers in Swede Bottom, Houston township, was bom in Halland, Sweden, where he married Christine Letberg. While in his native land he saw in a local paper an account of the Root River valley in Minnesota, which was so favorable that he, with several other men and their families, set out for the promised land. It was in 1853, about a year after the first settler had arrived in Houston county, that Olaf Benson, John Anderson and Abraham Abrahamson, and others with their famihes, located on the east bank of the South Fork of Root River. Wild game of various kinds was abundant, so were Indians, and what is now the flourishing city of La Crosse was only a boat landing with one store. The new settlers lived in tents until a rude log house could be erected in which for a while all the three families made their home. Three other families who had accompanied them from Sweden - ^two by the name of Johnson, and the family of Lars Redding - ^took claims in the vicinity. On the land he had secured Mr. Benson began the usual improvements, using axes he had brought with him from Sweden. In the very next summer, that of 1854, he suffered a great bereavement in the loss of his wife, who died in the community log house above mentioned. He persevered in his task, however, for the few years that were yet allotted to him, but was about to move to a farm which he had purchased near Red Wing, when in 1858 death overtook him also and he rested from his labors. He and his wife had had five children, whose task it became to complete the unfinished work of the parents, a work that in time was well accomplished.

Benjamin Benson, proprietor of a fine general stock farm of 217 acres in section 10, Sheldon township, and who is also one of that rapidly diminishing band of veterans of the great Civil War, was bom in Halland, Sweden, June 2, 1845, son of Olaf and Christine (Letberg) Benson. He was a lad of about eight years when he came with his parents to Houston county, Minnesota, and found himself amid novel and primitive scenes incidental to frontier life. He was scarcely a year older when he lost his mother, but his father continued in the work of developing a homestead until he, too, a few years later, was snatched away by the hand of death. Young Benjamin attended the first district school established in the neighborhood of Swede Bottom, Houston township, where the family settlement had been made. He was only sixteen when the Civil War broke out, and in the following year, or, to be more exact, on August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Seventh Minnesota Regiment. His first service was against the hostile Indians in Minnesota and Dakota, but subsequently he was transferred to the South and took part in the battles of Nashville, Tupelo, Abbeyville and the siege of Mobile. Though never wounded in battle, he received an injury while in the service. It is interesting to note that he was present at the hanging of the Indian murderers at Mankato after the uprising and stood in the third rank from the scaffold. After being mustered out in 1865 he returned to Houston county and settled on his present farm in section 10, Sheldon township. It was then, however, merely a tract of wild land without improvements, and his first task was to erect a log house. During the half century that has since elapsed he has developed his place into a fine farm of 217 acres, well provided with good modem buildings and has had a successful career as a farmer, making a specialty of stock raising. He is also a shareholder in the creamery and telephone companies. Independent in politics, he served for about twenty years as town supervisor, and was also for a long time a member of the school board. He is a member of the Grand Army of the RepubUc, in which he served formerly as junior vice commander and in other offices. Mr. Benson was married March 28, 1874, to Christine Nelson, who was born in Halland, Sweden, June 30, 1853, and who came to this country in 1871, her parents remaining in Sweden. He and his wife have had nine children, all of whom are living, namely: Adelia Caroline, wife of Herbert Mathews, a farmer in Saskatchewan, Canada; Charlotte Jane, wife of Henry Holmes, a farmer of Money Creek township ; Henry and Oliver (twins) , both of whom live in Canada, the former having married Bessie Strand and having one child, Ben. C, and the latter having married Maude Scott; Frank B., who married Elsie Safner, resides on the home farm and has two children, Roger A. and Myrtle L. ; Charles E., a farmer of Money Creek township, who married Ella Benson, and has two children, Goldie and Lena; Lille Grace, who married Alfred Redding, a banker of Bingham Lake, Minn., and has seven children, James, Willis, Victor, Lillie, Gladden, Iris and Benson; Otto Emil, who married Ellen Anderson, of Looney Valley, and is farming a half section in Canada; and

Patrick Welsh, one of the pioneer settlers of Winnebago township, was bom in County Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States as a young man in 1850, locating in Lexington, Scott county, Ind. There he married Stacy McDonald, a native of Wexford, Ireland, who, like himself, had come to America on a sailing vessel in 1850. While residing in Lexington, Patrick worked on the railroad. From there he removed with his family to Hannibal, Mo., and from the latter place in 1859 to Houston county, Minnesota, making the journey in a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen. He and his wife had then four children, Thomas, Mary, Larry and John. Before bringing his family here, he had made a visit to the county in 1857 and bought 120 acres of wild land in Winnebago valley, Winnebago township, and on this he now settled, he and his family living in the wagon until he had built a log house. In addition to his oxen he had one cow, and with this limited amount of stock he began the career of a pioneer farmer in this county. His markets were at Lansing, Iowa, and Brownsville, this county, to which he drove with his wagon and oxen. He increased the size of his farm until it contained 360 acres, and erected all the necessary buildings. He was one of the school officers of his district, and in 1865 helped to build the Catholic church in Jefferson township, of which he and his wife were members. About five years before his death he moved to New Albin, where he finally passed away at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He had been a widower for a number of years, his wife having died on the farm at the age of fifty-eight. In addition to the four children previously mentioned, six others were bom to them in Houston county: Mary, Margaret, Ann, Ellen, Anestolea and Michael.

Thomas William Welsh, one of the leading citizens of Freeburg, Crooked Creek township, where for over forty years he has carried on a blacksmith's business, was bom in Lexington, Scott county, Ind., July 8, 1853, son of Patrick and Stacy (McDonald) Welsh, While still very young he accompanied his parents to Hannibal, Mo., and from there to Houston county, they arriving here in 1859. He was then about six years old, and soon became a pupil in the log schoolhouse in Winnebago valley. Crooked Creek township, where the family settled. At the age of seventeen he began to leam the trade of blacksmith of G. A. Graf, of Brownsville, Minn., and after acquiring a good practical knowledge of it started in business for himself in Winnebago valley. He also conducted a shop for three years at Winnebago Mills. On Oct. 8, 1877, he bought a blacksmith's shop in Freeburg, moving his family here on November 3rd, and taking possession of a house which he had also purchased. His present shop, an improvement over the old one, was erected in 1885. Here he has conducted business uninterruptedly and has become widely known all over the county. He is a stockholder in and one of the directors of the Freeburg State Bank. For thirty-one consecutive years he has served as town clerk. He helped to build St. Nicholas Catholic church and has been one of its officials for thirty-nine years. Mr. Welsh married Johanna Early of New York State, and he and his wife have had eight children, one of whom, Anestolea, died at the age of seventeen years. Those living are Mary, Anna, Michael, James, Minnie, Ella and William. Mr. Welsh has also seven grandchildren.

Fredrick Otto, one of the thriving agriculturists of Mound Prairie township, operating a farm of 240 acres in section 17, was bom in Pommem, Germany, Dec. 11, 1852, son of Fredrick and Carolina (Reinke) Otto. The parents, who never came to this country, are both now deceased. Fredrick, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was reared to farming pursuits in his native land, where in time he became operator of a farm, remaining there until 1880. He was then married to Bertha Saun, a native of Pommem, and in the same year, 1880, they came to the United States, locating in La Crosse, Wis. During his first year's residence there he was employed in railroad work, and then for thirteen years was an employee in a sawmilL He then came with his wife and family to Mound Prairie township, Houston county, and took his present farm, which he is operating along general lines, raising grain and stock on a profitable basis, being now numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. He is a member of the Lutheran church and in politics is independent, voting for the man rather than for the party. Mr. and Mrs. Otto are the parents of four children: William, born April 29, 1884, who married Minnie Hyer and who is a carpenter residing at La Crosse ; Frank, bom Jan. 23, 1888, who now operates the home farm, and who married Olga Blank, a native of La Crosse and has one child, Fredrick; Rosa, bom Sept. 29, 1890, residing in La Crosse; and George, bom June 3, 1895, who has served in the United States military service in France with Co. A, 42d Engineers.

Fred Stelplugh, a well known dainonan and swine breeder, having a fine farm of 358 acres in section 30, Money Creek township, was bom in Livingston county, Missouri, June 10, 1871, son of Joseph and Caroline (Fink) Stelplugh. The parents were natives of Germany, but were married in Davenport, Iowa, the father coming to the United States when a young man. Later he settled in Missouri, where he operated farm lands, and died when the subject of this sketch was a lad of fourteen years, his wife having passed away ten years previously. Fred, who was the youngest of his parents' seven children, completed his literary education in the high school at Utica, Mo. On his father's death, about 1885, he began working for others, herding cattle, handling horses, and following similar occupations in Missouri for a number of years. Then for two years he operated farms in Freebom county, Missouri, subsequently buying land there which he cultivated until 1912. In that year he came to Houston county, Minnesota, and settled on his present farm, where he is breeding registered Poland-China hogs, and frequently shipping from his herd to other states. His farm is one of the best equipped in the township and Mr. Stelplugh keeps it up to the highest standard in every respect. He was married March 29, 1894, to Mary J. Webster, who was bom at Utica, Mo., July 9, 1871, daughter of Daniel W. and Amelia (Carlton) Webster, and who is a descendant of Anna Dustin, whose name is famous in the annals of New England for her heroic escape from Indian captivity, she, with the assistance of a young boy killing their Indian guards while they lay asleep. Her parents were natives of Haverhill, Mass., and were early settlers in Missouri. The father in early life was a teacher, but later engaged in newspaper work and in the mercantile business. After retiring from active work he spent a number of years with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Stelplugh, but died at Marcelline, Mo., having survived his wife several years. To Mr. and Mrs. Stelplugh eight children have been bom: Letta Agnes, bom Jan. 11, 1895, wife of Ralph Harris, a fruit farmer of La Orescent township ; Grace Amelia, bom July 14, 1896, who is a teacher residing at home ; Verne Bennett, bom Dec. 8, 1898 ; Bertha Jenette, bom Feb. 23, 1902; Blon Waldo, bom Feb. 4, 1906; Homer Carey, bom June 29, 1908 ; Hazel Alley, bom April 24, 1911 ; and Helen Marie, bom June 6, 1913, who also reside at home with their parents.

Albert William Tietz, who for forty-six years has been a resident of Mound Prairie township, and is the owner of a farm of 140 acres in sections 5, 6 and 8 with residence in section 6, was bom in Schlava, Hinter Pommem, Germany, March 1, 1850, son of Martin and Henrietta (Schramm) Tietz. His parents were natives of the same province, where they spent their lives and died. Albert William, who was the third bom of their seven children, attended school in his native land, where he remained until he was twenty years old, being employed chiefly at farm work. In 1872 he emigrated to the United States, landing at Baltimore, from which port he came directly to Houston county, Minnesota. He was at that time unable to speak English, but found employment at farm work in Mound Prairie township, where later he bought land which he developed into his present farm, and which he has operated along general lies, raising crops and stock. Though he has now rented it out, he still exercises a general supervision over the property. He is a stockholder in the Houston Elevator and the La Crescent State Bank, and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. Politically an independent Republican, he served for twentyfive years as a member of the local school board. Mr. Tietz was first married March 1, 1888, to Margaret Kroehler, daughter of Jacob and Kathrine (Eberhard) Kroehler, her parents being numbered among the pioneers of Mound Prairie township, developing a farm in section 21. The father died in November, 1914, and the mother in February, 1915. Mrs. Margareet Tietz died in March, 1900, leaving no children. May 20, 1903, Mr. Tietz married Ella Ender, who was bom in Mound Prairie township, Dec. 8, 1882, daughter of Leonard and Amelia (Radtke) Ender, her parents being farmers in this township. Of this union two children have been bom: Florence Annabel, bom April 9, 1904, now attending the Houston high school, and Avis Luella, bom June 7, 1909.

Berahard C. Pohlmaiin, who occupies a prominent place among the successful farmers of Jefferson township, his residence lying in section 9, was bora in Eitzen, Houston county, Minn., June 5, 1878, son of William and Elizabeth Pohlmann. The third bom in a family numbering 11 children, he was educated in the district school, which he attended regularly from his early years until the age of 11, and subsequently during the winters until he was 15. For three years longer he continued to reside with his parents and then, at the age of 18, began an independent career as an agriculturist, which has been one of successful achievement. The farm which he now owns in Jefferson township contains 400 acres, of which 150 are under cultivation, the rest of the land being in timber and pasture. The buildings include a good frame house, a bam, com crib, machine shed, a hog-house with a basement for poultry, a repair shop and garage, and there is also a complete operating equipment. Mr. Pohlmann is engaged in general farming, giving particular attention to the breeding of high grade Black Aberdeen Angus cattle and Poland-China swine. * He is also a shareholder in the Co-Operative Stock and Grain Company and the Co-Operative Mercantile Company of New Albin, la., and in the Jefferson Township Threshing Company. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Pohlmann was married Oct. 16, 1907, to Clara Neumann, daughter of William F. F. and Margarite Neumann of Crooked Creek township. Of this union four children have been born, all now living, namely: Versell, May 18, 1910; Hilda, Jan. 30, 1913; Esther, Jan. 29, 1917, and Melvin, born Jan. 10, 1919.

Louis Vix, a pioneer settler of Mound Prairie township, where he founded a farm on which he is now living with his son, Grover C, was bora in Alsace, France, March 2, 1841, and came to America with his parents and other relatives when four years old. In the spring of 1854, they moved to Minnesota, settling in Mound Prairie township, this county. In the spring of 1860, he made a trip to Kansas, and pre-empted land near Lawrence, but sold out a month later and went to Kansas City. He then went in the employment of the Government through the Indian Territory to the Arkansas River, thence to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and back up the Arkansas River to El Paso and Canon City, thence up the Platte River to Fort Keamey, and back to Leavenworth, Kansas, and St. Louis, Missouri, and finally to Minnesota. In 1863, he made a claim in Blue Earth county, upon which he made some improvements, but the claim was "jumped" while he was on a visit home. He then purchased land in section 29, Mound Prairie township. In 1865 he enlisted in Co. L, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, was in several battles, and was mustered out Oct. 1, 1865, at Selma, Alabama. In 1876 he married Arvilla Edmonds, who was bom in New York State in 1853, and died in 1898. Of their nine children, the first three died of diphtheria within eighteen days of each other. The others are Louis Vix, Jr., Ida, Margie, Grover, Lulu, and Metta. Ida is now Mrs. Herman Papenfuss; Margie is now Mrs. Charles Bottcher; Lulu is now Mrs. Andrew Flatten ; and Metta is now Mrs. William Bottcher.

Grover Cleveland Vix, a well known and prosperous farmer of Mound Prairie township, residing on the old Vix homestead in section 29, of which he is now the owner, was bom on this farm, Feb. 14, 1885, son of Louis and Arvilla (Edmonds) Vix. After the usual attendance at the district school, and even before he abandoned his studies, he became active as his father's assistant in the improvement of the homestead. When only 14 years old he rented the farm from his father and operated it from that time until his marriage. He then moved to La Crosse, where for two years he was engaged in the hide business. Retuming to the home farm at the end of that time, he resumed agricultural work and a few years later became the owner of the property, which he is now operating as a general stock farm, his father, a widower since 1898, residing with him. The farm has an area of 201 acres and is highly improved as to buildings and equipment. In 1916 Mr. Vix erected one of the finest farm residences in Houston county. Oh May 12, 1903, Mr. Vix was united in marriage with Malissa WooUey, who was bom at Hokah, Houston county, July 26, 1885, daughter of Frank and Henrietta (Fischer) Woolley. Her parents are still residents of Hokah, the father being a painter, paper-hanger and musician. Their daughter was one of the elder members in a family of eleven children. Mr. and Mrs. Vix have eight children : John, residing on the home farm ; Arvilla Jane, who died at the age of six months; Arvilla (second), Alice, and Robert, who are living at home ; a child who died in infancy ; and Sereta and Wauneta, the two youngest of the family. Mr. Vix is independent in politics, aiming to cast his vote for the best man regardless of party. He and his family are among the most respected residents of Mound Prairie township.

Peter C. Gran, who is now living retired on his farm of 280 acres in Jefferson township, is a type of the hardy Norwegian race which has done so much to civilize and develop the resources of the great Northwest. He was bom in Toten, Norway, Feb. 8, 1848, a son of Christian Pederson. In his native land he attended the common school and subsequently entered the ranks of industry. In 1871 he came alone to the United States, and making his way to Houston county, Minnesota, located in Spring Grove, in the vicinity of which place he worked for a year as a farm hand. During the next two summers he was engaged in running logs on Black River in Wisconsin after which he made a trip to the Red River Valley in northwestern Minnesota. A year after his arrival in this county he had been joined by his parents, who arrived from Norway accompanied by a young lady, Karine Christiansen, to whom he had plighted his troth in his native land, and to whom he was united in marriage in January, 1873. While working for others he had been saving his money, and by 1874 he found himself in a position to begin an independent career as a farmer. Not having enough money to buy an improved farm, however, he selected a tract of 160 acres of wild grub land in section 17, Jefferson township. It had no buildings and his first task was to erect a log house into which he moved with his wife, and his parents, the house being double, with two rooms in each part. Though his wife was not very strong, she rendered valuable assistance to him in improving the place, working daily with him in the fields when the weather permitted, and together they accomplished the task of grubbing and clearing. In time they acquired more land, buying an adjacent tract in section 8, and erecting larger and more modem buildings, including a house, bams, machine-sheds, granary and hog house. About 100 acres of the farm are now under cultivation, and the old log dwelling, though long since abandoned, is still standing on the original tract. Mr. Gran continued general farming and stock raising until 1914, in which year he retired from active work, renting the farm to his son Otto, but he and his wife continuing their residence on it. He is a shareholder in the New Albin (la.) Co-Operative Stock and Grain Co., and in the co-operative creamery at the same place, from which his farm is about six miles distant. He has always been strong and rugged, and now, at the age of 70 years, could, if necessary, still do a fair day's work. In politics he has always been a Republican, and in former years served as a member of the township board and also of the school board of his district. He and his wife have been the parents of twelve children, as follows : Glaus, who is a farmer in section 18, Jefferson township ; Clara, deceased ; Emily, wife of John Swenson, of Winnebago township, this county; Christian, who is a Pullman car conductor, residing in St. Paul ; Julius, a produce dealer in Caledonia; Peter, Jr., a farmer in Winnebago township; Henry, a bookkeeper in St. Paul, Minn.; Otto, who as above recorded, is operating the home farm under rental; Hannah, now Mrs. Peter Nelson of Wilmington township; Adolph, residing on the home farm; Julia, who is the wife of Oscar Moen of Spring Grove village; and Carl, who was in France in the United States service and is now at home. Mr. Gran and his family are members of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church and attend services conducted by the Caledonia pastor of that faith, there being no church organization of the denomination in this immediate vicinity.

Alfred Wilson, a practical and successful farmer, operating 139 acres of land in section 6, Mound Prairie township, was bom on the old Wilson homestead in this township. May 80, 1875, son of Abraham and Guro (Kittelson) Wilson. The father, a native of Sweden, settled in Houston county, Minn., when a young man and built up the Wilson farm in sections 31 and 6, Mound Prairie township, and section 1 south, Houston township, where he died Feb. 4, 1912. His wife, who was born in Norway, is now residing with her son Edward on the home farm. Alfred Wilson resided on the home farm until his marriage, in his boyhood attending school in District No. 24. Dec. 20, 1910, he assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, his bride being Lulu Schauble, who was bom in Union township, this county, July 3, 1889, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Snure) Schauble, who are still engaged in farming in that township. At the time of his marriage Mr. Wilson took up his residence on his present farm, which he is operating along general lines, raising both crops and stock, for which, in these times of unlimited demand, he finds a ready market and receives good prices. Thus he is enjoying a prosperous career. In politics he is a Republican and has served one term as clerk of the school board, and is now a member of the town board. Religiously he is affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran church known as the ''Stone Church." He and his wife have four children: Louise, bom Oct. 22, 1910; Ansel James, bom Nov. 20, 1912; Silas, bom Sept. 30, 1914 ; and Melvin, bom July 8, 1917.

Otto Gran, who is engaged in operating the old Gran farm of 280 acies in sections 8 and 17, Jefferson township, was bora on this farm, in section 17, Oct. 19, 1883, son of Peter C. and Karine (Christiansen) Gran. He acquired a Umited education in the district school, but early leamed habits of industry, becoming in time a good practical farmer and has always been a hard and efficient worker. He has never left the parental homestead, which when his parents first took it, in 1873, consisted of 160 acres in section 17, but which was subsequently enlarged to its present size by the purchase of adjoininsr land in section 8. All this he helped his father and brothers to improve, and on the father's retirement in 1914, he rented the place and is now operating it on his own account, his parents, and brother, Adolph, residing on the farm with him. He owns one-half of all the teams, stock and equipment, and is doing a successful business in general farming and stock raising. He is also the owner of a good automobile, and in all respects is an enterprising, up to date and prosperous citizen, well known and popular in Jefferson township and the vicinity. He served as town clerk for a number of years and is now holding the office of town treasurer. In politics he is a Republican. Religiously he is of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran faith. Mr. Gran was married, March 6, 1912, to Julia, daughter of Iver O. and Caroline Hendrickson, of Spring Grove, this county. She was bom in Tronjem, Norway, Dec. 21, 1893, and came to America with her parents in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Gran have one child, Ervin Palmer, who was bom Feb. 24, 1913.

Frederick G. HarloSy proprietor of the old Harlos farm in section 17, Mound Prairie township, where he is successfully engaged in stock raising, was born in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, Aug. 23, 1862, son of Daniel and Marcrada (Hinerick) Harlos. He was a boy of four or five years when his parents moved to Hounston county and settled in Mound Prairie township. Here he attended school for a limited period and was trained to industrious habits on the home farm, assisting his parents until 28 years old. He then purchased the homestead, which he has since operated as a general stock farm. It contains 260 acres of valuable land, with good buildings, and is fuUy equipped with modem appliances both for agricultural and stock raising. Mr. Harlos is doing a profitable business and is numbered among the enterprising and Successful men of his township. Religiously he belongs to the Evangelical Association, and in politics is an independent Republican.

Claus P. Gran, who is numbered among the enterprising and prosperous citizens of Jefferson township who are engaged in agriculture, was bom in Wilmington township, Houston county, March 30, 1873, son of Peter C. and Karine Gran. FYom an early age until he was 15 he attended the district school, but out of school hours, after he was old enough to work, he was seldom idle, as there was always something to be done on the home farm in section 8, Jefferson township, which his parents had taken in the year of his birth. Thus his time was occupied until 1893, when he went to St. Paul and entered the employ of the Northem Pacific Railway Company. On March 18, 1900, he was united in marriage with Christine, daughter of Andrew and Bertha Olson of Jefferson township, Houston county, and they began housekeeping in St. Paul. In the fall of 1906 Mr. Gran bought a farm of 120 acres in section 18, Jefferson township, known as the John Whelpers farm, of which 60 acres were broken, and he and his wife, with their two children, Clara B. and Arthur C. - ^their family at that time - ^took up their residence on it. It has since remained their home, and is now in good condition, Mr. Gran having made valuable improvements, including the erection of a comfortable frame house, a large modem bam, and other buildings, besides installing a complete equipment of tools, stock and machinery. He is also a shareholder in the Co-Operative Creamery and Farmers' Co-Operative Mercantile Company of New Albin, Iowa. . Though Mr. Gran's farm is rough in surface, it is very productive, and he raises stock and grain to good advantage. New Albin, seven miles away, is a convenient market. In politics Mr. Gran is a Republican and has served officially as town clerk. He and his family are members of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, but as this denomination has no organization in Jefferson township or the immediate vicinity, meetings are held in private houses and conducted by the pastor from Caledonia. Mr. and Mrs. Gran have four children, who were bom as follows: Clara Bemice, Jan. 21, 1903; Arthur Clarence, June 5, 1905; Esther Pemella, Nov. 25, 1909 ; and Edna Ruth, Oct. 29, 1914.

Frederick Klonkowdcy, the founder of a farm in Union township, was born in Pommem, (Jermany, where he grew to manhood and married Augusta Hoffman. In 1866, at the age of about 31, he emigrated with his family to America, landing at New York, where, being poor, he had to remain until he had earned enough money to come west. When this had been accomplished he came on to Houston county, Minnesota. Here, unable at once to buy land, he worked out for three years, and then started farming for himself on rented land. Four years later he bought a tract from the state, of which six acres were cleared. This he in time developed into a good farm on which he lived until his death. May 13, 1918, his wife still continuing to live on the farm, being now 83 years old. They have had ten children, of whom two only are now living: Louisa, wife of John Betz; and Richard G., now a farmer in Union township.

Richard G. Klonkowsky, a prosperous farmer residing in section 31, Union township, was bom in this township, April 3, 1869, son of Frederick and Augusta (Hoffman) Klonkowsky. He was reared on his parents' farm, assisting his father, and in his boyhood attending the district school. At the time of his marriage in 1896 he took over his father's farm of 120 acres, which he later sold to his brother-in-law. Ten years ago, or about 1908, he bought the farm on which he is now living, containing 150 acres, of which 95 acres are cleared, the rest being in timber. He has erected all the buildings except the house and a few small outbuildings, and is doing mixed farming, giving special attention to the raising of cattle and hogs, but not neglecting wheat and other grains. He is also a shareholder in the Caledonia Stock and Grain Co.'s elevator, and in the Farmers' Telephone CJo. Mr. Klonkowsky was married in Houston county, May 13, 1896, to Theresa A. Kriese, who was born in West Prussia, Germany, Aug. 16, 1875, daughter of Michael and Emelie (Schoet) Kriese. The parents were farmers, owning a farm of 120 acres. They never came to this country and are now deceased. They had six children: Hulda, Emil, Albert, Theresa A., Ida and Wilhelm. Albert is now living in Preston, Minn. The others, with the exception of Theresa, are still living in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Klonkowsky have had nine children: Ema, born Jan. 4, 1898, who married Fred Baker ; Albert, a twin brother of Ema, who died when four months old ; Emil, bom May 17, 1901 ; Herman, bom June 26, 1903 ; Helen, bom Dec. 31, 1905 ; Lily, bom Nov. 13, 1907 ; Paul and Ernst, twins, bom July 3,