Houston County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 9 of 21)

Mb. And Mbs. Bichabd Klonkowset

1910; and Louis, bom Dec. 18, 1914. The seven last mentioned are all residing: at home, those of suitable age attending school. The family attend the Lutheran church.

JaUus Ziemann, who is contributing to the agricultural development of Union township by the cultivation of a farm of 200 acres, residing in section 16, was bom in Germany, Aug. 30, 1855, son of Stephen and Caroline Ziemann. The family came to Houston county from Germany in 1874, the parents engaging in farming. Both father and mother are now deceased. Their children were August, Julius, Gusta, Antonia, Caroline, Stephen, and Theresa, of whom the present survivors are Julius, Gusta and Theresa. Julius, who was confirmed in the Lutheran church in Germany, was 15 years old when he came to the United States. For six years after arriving in Houston county he worked out on different farms. He then married and rented a farm which he operated for twelve years, at the end of which time he purchased the farm on which he now Uves, or, rather, 120 acres of it, buying the additional 80 acres in 1917. He has about 100 acres cleared, the balance being in wood and pasture. He does mixed farming, including stock raising and dairjdng, and has a well improved place, with fine buildings, all erected by himself. The clearing of the land was also his own work. Among his other business interests are those of a stockholder in the co-operative elevator at Caledonia and in the local telephone company. Mr. Ziemann was married, July 29, 1877, in Houston county, to Katherine Hoffmann, who was bom in Wisconsin, Nov. 5, 1857, daughter of George and Elizabeth Hoffmann. Her parents were bom in Germany, but married in this country, settling in Houston county, Minn., where they spent the rest of their lives in agricultural pursuits. They had two children, Mary and Katherine. By a previous marriage the mother had four children, Lena, Elizabeth, Marie and Christ, of whom Lena and Christ are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ziemann have had nine children: William, bom May 6, 1878, who died at the age of 13 months; Louis, born Jan 29, 1880, and now living in Sheldon township, this county; Emma, bom Nov. 15, who married Valentine Elsheimer; Otto, bom Aug. 17, 1885, who resides in Preston; John, bom Dec. 22, 1888, who died at the age of 14 months ; JuUus, bom July 12, 1890, residing at home, who for the last five years has been engaged in grain buying in Iowa, and who intends entering into mercantile business ; Elizabeth, born May 22, 1893, residing at home ; Robert, bom Nov. 20, 1895, and Cora, born March 22, 1900, both of whom are living on the home farm.

John Plitzuweit, proprietor of a farm of 101 acres in section 20, Union township, was bom in Russian Poland, Jan. 6, 1873, son of John Plitzuweit, Sr., and wife. His parents, who were farmers, are now deceased. Their children were George, Mary, John, August, Samuel, Anna and Peter. John, the subject of this sketch, was 25 years old when he came to the United States. He had attended school in his native land and had worked at farming. On arriving in this country, having a brother in St. Louis, Mo., he went there and found work in a brewery. A year later he removed to Philadelphia, where he lived three years. Then coming to Houston county, Minn., he located at Eitzen, and for three years worked out on farms in the vicinity. At the time of his marriage, in 1904, he took the farm on which he now resides, and of which about 80 acres are cleared. He has made some notable improvements on it, having built a new bam and house, besides several outbuildings. The bam is a modem stracture, 32 by 60 feet, with stone basement, while the house is a good eight-room frame. All the buildings are provided with the Carbide lighting system. Mr. Plitzuweit is making a specialty of stock raising, giving his chief attention to cattle and hogs. He has made good progress and is now numbered among the prosperous citizens of Union township. He is a shareholder in the co-operative elevator at Caledonia and in the local telephone company. Mr. Plitzuweit was married, Feb. 19, 1904, to Louisa Burmeister, daughter of George and Mary (Bauer) Burmeister, of Eizen. Her father, a native of Grermany, has for many years been engaged in farming. His children by his wife Mary were Louisa, Clara and George, of whom the last mentioned is now deceased. After his wife's death he contracted a second marriage, with Elizabeth Tessmer, by whom he has had twelve children: Emma, Lydia, Matilda, Beata, Elizabeth, Edwin, Martin, Arthur, George, Freda, Irene and Hulda. Mr. and Mrs. Plitzuweit are the parents of three children : Paul, bom July 28, 1905 ; Arthur, bom July 9, 1907, and Norman, bom May 11, 1917. The two elder sons are attending school. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

John N. Schmitz, who is successfully engaged in agriculture and stock raising on a farm of 250 acres in section 32, Caledonia township, was born in Houston county, Minn., Jan. 31, 1868, son of Nichlaus and Anna (Thill) Schmitz. He was educated in the district school and until 27 years of age was engaged in assisting his father in the latter's farming operations. He then married and rented the home farm, which he operated for nine years, at the end of that time purchasing 80 acres in section 32, Caledonia township, to which in 1917 he added 170 acres adjoining. About 170 acres of his land are clear, the rest being in woods and waste land. Here Mr. Schmitz is engaged in general farming, keeping a good herd of Shorthorn cattle, and raising cattle and hogs for the market. He has erected all the buildings on the place, including a fine eight-room house, built in 1908, a barn 34 by 80 feet, with stone basement, in 1910, and a silo in 1914. The barn is cemented and equipped with James litter carriers, and all the buildings are substantial and well adapted to the purposes for which they were designed. Mr. Schmitz is also a shareholder in the Caledonia and Spring Grove creameries, and has served as a director in the latter for six years. He also owns shares in the Caledonia elevator and the Farmers' Telephone Company. He is a one-fifth owner in a complete threshing outfit, which not only does all the threshing for the owners, but also earns them money by doing that of a few of the neighbors. Mr. Schmitz was married Feb. 11, 1896, to Anna Katherine Zenner, who was born in Caledonia, this county, Oct. 11, 1872, daughter of Nick and Mary Ann (Bouquet) Zenner. He and his wife have four children : Nichlaus, bom Jan. 25, 1898, who is assisting his father on the farm ; enlisted April 25, 1917, and served in the Medical Corps, in a Camp hospital at Columbus, N. M., from June, 1917, to February, 1919 ; Lawrence, born May 25, 1901, who is also helping on the farm ; Leo John, born Oct. 13, 1905 ; and Joseph M., born March 10, 1908, who are attending school. The family are members of the Catholic church, attending St. Peter's German Catholic church at Caledonia. Nichlaus Schmitz, father of John N. Schmitz, was born in the Duchy of Luxemburg, and, coming to America alone, was married in East Dubuque, 111., to Anna Thill, a native of the same Duchy. They were the parents of six children : Anna, who married Nick Wagner ; Baltes, who married Lizzie Esch ; Nick, who died in infancy ; John N., subject of this sketch ; Mary, who is the wife of Matt Konzem ; and Maggie, who is the wife of Nick Schmitt. The father, who was a farmer all his life, died sixteen years ago, and was survived by his wife, who is still living.

George W. and Ardcm V. Wheatcm, proprietors of Cloverdale Dairy Farm in Caledonia township, are both natives of Houston county, George W. born Feb. 3, 1889, and Ardon V., Aug. 11, 1893. They are sons of Charles W. and Emma (Kellogg) Wheaton, the former of whom was born in New York State, probably at Carroll, Chautauqua county, Jan. 17, 1843, and the latter in Muscatine, Iowa, Oct. 10, 1854. Charles W. Wheaton came west when 16 years old, and became a farmer, which he remained all his life. He was first married in New York State to Celia Dickenson, by whom he had two children : Nettie, born July 18, 1870, who is now living in Owatonna, Minn., and Lynn, who died in infancy. His second marriage took place in La Crosse, Wis., Jan. 21, 1875, and he and his wife settled on a farm in section 36, Caledonia township, this county, where Mr. Wheaton died March 4, 1900, after a long and industrious career as an agriculturist, during which he gained the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. His wife, who survived him, is still living on the old homestead. They had six children : Florence, born May 8, 1876, who resides with her brothers ; Earl Walter, born Nov. 21, 1877, who is an engineer living in La Crosse ; Mark Eugene, born June 1, 1881, who is an engineer on the Canadian Pacific Railroad and resides in North Battleford, Canada; Grace Harriet, born March 27, 1887, who is living with her brothers in Houston county ; and George W. and Ardon V., the brothers just referred to, the dates of who^ie respective nativities have been already given. Both brothers were young when their father died, George being eleven, and Ardon in his seventh year. On that event the family rented the farm to a tenant and moved to Caledonia village, where they resided for eight years, and where the children attended school, George in time graduating from the high school. At the end of the period mentioned the family returned to the home farm, where George and Ardon remained for five years. They then purchased the farm of 100 acres in section 24 on which they now live, where they are successfully engaged in general agriculture, including dairying and the raising of stock and grain. Their cattle are of the Holstein breed, and they sell all their milk and cream in Caledonia, being shareholders in the creamery there and also in the elevator. They raise all their own grain and feed and do their own feed grinding. In 1914 they built a new modern barn, 34 by 98 feet in size, with a first class equipment, and in connection therewith have good silo facilities. In addition to their own farm they also operate their mother's, which also contains 80 acres. So far the two brothers have re-

Martin Diersen, a well known and prosperous farmer of Jefferson township, residing in section 18, was born in Winnebago township, this county, Sept. 30, 1882, son of Henry and Magdalene (Burmester) Diersen. The parents were natives of Germany who came to the United States many years ago, settling first in Illinois, whence they removed to Eitzen, Houston county, Minn. Henry Diersen, the father, worked first as a farm hand, but subsequently engaged in farming for himself in Winnebago township, this county, where he is still living, being now one of the well to do citizens of that township. Martin Diersen was brought up on his parents* farm and attended district school up to the age of about 17 years. In the following year he began working out, though residing for the most part at home. On Feb. 7, 1907, he married Emma Meyer, daughter of J. H. Herman and Dorothy Meyer of Winnebago township, and for two years after his marriage worked his father's farm. In 1910 he bought the Pat Mangner farm of 160 acres in Jefferson township, which had 105 acres broken, there being also an old house and barn on the place, and at the same time, to give him a good start, his father presented him with all the money he had earned and turned in from the time he was 18 years old. Thus provided with funds, he began to improve his place and has since greatly increased its value. He has erected a good two-story frame house, a modern barn with hip roof, 32 by 72 by 18 feet in size, a granary 16 by 30, poultry house 14 by 20, and a garage 12 by 16 for his Oakland auto. His operating equipment is also fully complete, and he is successfully engaged in general farming, breeding high-grade Black Aberdeen cattle and Duroc hogs, in addition to raising hay and grain. His farm lies eight miles northwest of New Albin, and ten miles northeast of Eitzen. Mr. Diersen, in addition to his direct farm interests, is a shareholder in the Co-operative Stock and Grain Co. and the Farmers* Co-operative Mercantile Co. of New Albin, la. A hard and steady worker, he has already achieved a good measure of success and is numbered among the enterprising and prosperous young farmers of Jefferson township. A Republican in politics, he has taken part in the affairs of local government, having served as town supervisor, and also as treasurer of his school district. He and his wife are the parents of six children : Ada, born April 20, 1908; Erwin, Oct. 25, 1909; Elmer, March 28, 1912; Harry, Feb. 11, 1914; Arthur, Feb. 27, 1916; and Leslie born Sept. 22, 1918. Mr. Diersen and his family are members of the German Lutheran Evangelical church.

Charles Kubitz, who occupies a prominent place among the successful farmers of Jefferson township, residing in section 21, was bom in Germany, Oct. 22, 1860, son of Ernest and Louisa Kubitz. He was but nine years when in 1869 he came with his parents to the United States, and the next four years of his life were spent with them in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1873 the family came to Houston county, Minnesota, and bought a farm in Jefferson township. Most of the farms in those days, however, were but little improved, if improved at all, and could be bought cheaply - a necessary condition in the case of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Kubitz, whose pecuniary re- sources were very limited. On that farm the son Charles grew to manhood and became inured to agricultural labor, having little opportunity for attending school, and there he remained until 1879. Then, a young man in his nineteenth year, he went to Clay county, Minnesota, where he resided for about four years, doing farm work to some extent, and also working in a brickyard and for awhile being employed on the railroad. After various wanderings, Mr. Kubitz returned to Jefferson township, Houston county, in 1890, and bought 240 acres of land situated four miles northwest of New Albin, Iowa, on which tract were some improvements, including a small house and barn. In the same year he established a home of his own, being united in marriage, Dec. 30, to Mary, daughter of Peter and Catherine Dehning, of Dorchester, Allamakee county, Iowa. He has since more than doubled the size of his farm, having bought an adjoining tract of 245 acres, so that he is now the owner of 485 acres, of which land 160 acres are under cultivation, the rest being pasture and timber. In 1903, he erected a comfortable frame house, and has a good set of barns and outbuildings, which, together with the house, are lighted by electricity. His farm is well equipped with all necessary machinery of modern type, and is well watered with flowing wells. In 1917 Mr. Kubitz rented it to his son Edward, and is now practically retired from active work, and resides at New Albin, Iowa. Always a hard and persevering worker, Mr. Kubitz has reaped the reward of his industry, having amassed a fair competence and can now take his ease and watch the younger generation carry on the work which he and others like him initiated in the county under more difficult conditions. During his active career he carried on stock operations somewhat extensively, and with good success, breeding high grade Black Aberdeen cattle to the extent of 70 to 75 head annually and about 75 to 100 Poland-China hogs per year. He is a stockholder in the Co-operative Mercantile Company and the Co-operative Stock and Grain Company of New Albin. Mr. and Mrs. Kubitz are the parents of six children, as follows : Pearl, born Oct. 13, 1891, who is the wife of John Krock, of New Albin, Iowa ; (Jeorge, born Feb. 16, 1894, who was in the United States service, is now in the vulcanizing business at New Albin, Iowa ; Edward, born May 11, 1895, now operating the home farm; Otto, born July 9, 1900; Florence, born Dec. 6, 1903 ; and Arlie, born Sept. 6, 1905, who are residing at home. Mr. Kubitz and his family are members of the German Evangelical Lutheran church at New Albin, Iowa. Mr. Kubitz has always been a Republican in politics. As one of the influential and public spirited citizens of his township he takes a warm interest in whatever makes for its advancement along moral or material lines, and served for three years as a member of the town board. He and his family stand high in social regard.

William Pohlman, who, though not one of the original pioneers, was an early settler in the southern part of Houston county, was of German birth. With his wife Elizabeth he came to Eitzen, Houston county, Minn., in 1868, but after awhile settled in Jefferson Township, buying 200 acres of wild grub land, of which in time he cleared and developed 90 acres, besides erecting substantial buildings. He also achieved success as a breeder of pure-blooded Aberdeen Black Poll cattle and other good stock, and was recognized as one of the thorough-going, practical farmers and reliable citizens of his township. Though not active in local government affairs, he was a supporter of the Republican party. He died on his farm in 1914, having survived his wife, who passed away in 1911. They were the parents of 11 children, whose record in brief is as follows: Anna, now deceased; Bertha, wife of Henry Hahn of Jefferson township; Bemhard, of Jefferson township; Matilda, now Mrs. Otto Luttchens of Jefferson township; William, a farmer in Crooked Creek township; Minnie, wife of John Schuldt of Jefferson township; George, the present proprietor of the home farm; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Gust Becker, of Winnebago township; Herman, who died in childhood ; Mary, now Mrs. Paul Heitman, of Union City township, Iowa; and Edward, who is now in France in the United States service.

George Pohlman, who owns and operates the old farm of his parents in section 16, Jefferson township, was born on this farm, Dec. 20, 1885, son of William and Elizabeth Pohlman. He was early trained to agriculutral work, in which he has since continued, and in 1917 he bought the home farm, which he is now conducting. Besides raising the usual crops, he is a breeder of pure-blooded Aberdeen Black Poll cattle, the herd having been started by his father, and also Duroc-Jersey hogs. The farm is in excellent condition, the buildings and equipment being up to date, and the soil fertile, and Mr. Pohlman is operating it on a profitable basis. His nearest market is at New Albin, Iowa, which lies five miles to the south. A Republican in politics, he has served four years as chairman of the town board, and for some time has occupied his present position as clerk of the district school board. Aside from his direct farming interests, he is a shareholder in the Co-operative Stock and Grain Co. at New Albin, and among his useful possessions is a five-passenger Dodge automobile. Mr. Pohlman was married Dec. 16, 1913, to Mary, daughter of Ferdinand and Minnie Klinskie, of Winnebago township, this county, who was born Oct. 24, 1892. He and his wife have one child : Wilma, who was born Feb. 19, 1915.

William Henry Schuldt, who for the last 16 years has been proprietor of the old Schuldt homestead established by his parents in section 14, Jefferson township, in 1886, was born in Crooked Creek township, Feb. 16, 1877, son of William and Elizabeth Schuldt. In his boyhood he attended the common and parochial schools, but his education was limited, as most of his time had to be devoted to work on the home farm, his parents being then poor and in need of his services. In 1898, at the age of 22, he went to North Dakota, where he proved up a claim of 160 acres, and also worked there as a farm hand until 1902, when he sold his claim and returned to his parents' farm in Houston county, which he then took over and has since operated, his father, now retired, residing with him. His mother died in 1893. Mr. Schuldt holdings in land total 278 acres, of which he has 100 acres under cultivation, but the land being rough and of uneven surface, he gives a large part of his attention to the raising of stock, to which it is well adapted, and is successfully breeding Shorthorn cattle and Duroc- Jersey hogs, having a good operating equipment. He is making admirable progress, and is a stockholder in the Co-operative Creamery, the Stock and

William Pohlman And Family

Grain Company, and the Farmers' Savings Bank, all of New Albin, Iowa. In politics he is a Republican and for a number of years has served as school treasurer. Mr. Schuldt was married, June 7, 1905, to Dora Isaacksen, daughter of Ole and Mary Isaacksen of Jefferson township. His family has been enlarged by the birth of 8 children : Arnold, born Oct. 22, 1906 ; Helen, April 27, 1908; Harry A., March 14, 1910; Henry H., June 1, 1912; Blanche F., January 7, 1914 ; Esther M., March 30, 1915 ; Evelyn M., April 14, 1917, and Margaret D., born Feb. 10, 1919.

William Edward Schuldt, who for 45 years has been a resident of Houston county, and for over 30 years a well known and respected citizen of Jefferson township, this county, was born in Hanover, Germany, Jan. 28, 1842, son of John and Dora Schuldt. In his native land he attended the common and parochial schools and subsequently began industrial life as a farm hand. His mother was the only parent he can remember, as his father had died when William Edward was but three years old. In 1868, at the age of 26 years, he came alone to the United States, proceeding west to Lansing, Iowa, and from Lansing walking to Wilmington village, in Houston county, Minnesota. He was almost penniless, as he had but two dollars left when he reached Lansing, but on arriving in Houston county he found work as a farm hand with George Schulze of Wilmington,, and remained with him for two years. By the end of that time he felt competent, not only to provide for himself, but also for another, and was united in marriage with Elizabeth Linde, daughter of John and Sophia Linde, a young lady whom he had known in Germany and who had come to America alone in 1869. They began domestic life together in Allamakee county, Iowa, just south of the village of Eitzen, Minn., Mr. Schuldt working by the day as a farm hand, which he continued to do for three years after his marriage. In 1873 he made an independent start in life as a farmer in Crooked Creek township, Houston county, buying 120 acres of land, of which all was wild except two acres. There was, however, a frame house on the place, and with this for a residence Mr. and Mrs. Schuldt began the task of establishing a home. There they remained until 1879, when Mr. Schuldt, after having improved the place considerably, sold it to his wife's brother. After that until 1886 he worked rented farms, but in the year last mentioned bought the farm on which he is now living, containing 270 acres in sections 10, 11, 14, and 15, Jefferson township. About 50 acres of the land had been broken and there was a small log house of one room on it. The land is rough and hilly, but Mr. Schuldt made many improvements, erecting a good set of buildings, and at the present time there are 100 acres under cultivation. In 1893 Mr. Schuldt turned the active management of the farm over to his son William H., and in 1901 he himself practically retired from active work, though he continues to live on the farm. During his active career he became the owner of 480 acres of land, besides erecting the buildings above mentioned. Always strong and rugged, he was a hard worker and made good progress in improving his financial condition, having now a reasonable competence. In 1893 his wife died and since then he has remained a widower. Their children were as follows: Emma, now Mrs. Henry Barenscher, of Church's Ferry, N. D.;

John F., now a prosperous farmer and stockraiser in section 15, Jefferson township; Mary, widow of Ferdinand Weipert, now of Kingley, Mont.; William Henry, the present owner of the old home farm ; Henry, deceased ; Minnie, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Sharles Schunemann, of Bloom, S. D. ; Anna, wife of Charles Eldrige, of Wattsf ord, N. D., and Herman, a farmer in Crooked Creek township, Houston county, Minn. Mr. Schuldt is a member of the New Albin congregation of the German Evangelical church, giving it liberal support and taking a prominent part in its various useful activities. He is a man who has always put fluty before pleasure, but has found pleasure in duty faithfully performed. As such as he has gained the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends.

John F. Schnldty a well known farmer and stock raiser, residing in section 15, Jefferson township, was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, near the village of Eitzen, Minn., March 18, 1874, son of William Edmund and Elizabeth (Linde) Schuldt. His parents were natives of Germany, but were married in this country, beginning domestic life at the location above mentioned, in Allamakee county, Iowa. Soon after the birth of their son John F. they took a farm in Crooked Creek township, Houston county, Minn., which they operated for some years and then sold. In 1886 they bought a farm in section 14, Jefferson township, which is now owned by their, son, William Henry, with whom the father resides, the mother having died in 1893. John F. Schuldt acquired a limited education, attending the district school whenever he found opportunity, but the greater part of his time in boyhood and youth being devoted to industry, as he had to assist his father and brothers in the development and cultivation of the home farm. This kind of work, however, fitted him for his vocation in life, and he continued in it, working but little on other farms. Among the neighboring families was that of William and Elizabeth Pohlman, to whose daughter Elizabeth, John F. Schuldt was married May 16, 1905. She was then 21 years old, having been born in Jefferson township, Dec. 13, 1883. Mr. Schuldt now felt it necessary to establish a home of his own and begin an independent career, and accordingly purchased in Jefferson township 322 acres of upland, together with 80 acres on the Mississippi bottoms. Of this land he now has 150 acres under the plow, all of which is very productive ; but as much of his land is rough and hilly, he gives his chief attention to stock raising, breeding high grade Aberdeen Poll cattle, besides good swine. His operating equipment, which is fully adequate, includes a good automobile, nowadays almost an essential for the up-to-date farmer. New Albin, la., only five and a half miles away, affords Mr. Schuldt a convenient market, and he is also interested in the business enterprises of the place, being a shareholder in the Co-operative Mercantile Company and the Co-operative Creamery. For a number of years Mr. Schuldt has held the office of school director in his district. In politics he is a Republican, while religiously he belongs to the German Evangelical church, he and his family being members of the New Albin, la., congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Schuldt are the parents of six children, who were born as follows : Edwin, May 24, 1907; Frida, June 27, 1908; Ella, April 13, 1910; Ervin, Aug. 28, 1911; William, Dec. 7, 1912; and George, March 22, 1916.

Anton Olson, one of that sturdy band of pioneers who helped to change the wild places of Houston county into fruitful farms, was a native of Norway, where he grew to manhood and married Regina Anderson. Four children were born to them there, which was all their family, and with them, seeking to better their condition, they came to the United States, making their way to Houston county, Minnesota, and locating in Wilmington township, just east of Spring Grove. The expenses of their long journey had exhausted their slender resources, and for some time they were very poor. They remained at the location above mentioned for two years, Mr. Olson working as a farm hand when he could find employment. From necessity they had to be very economical, and not only managed to exist, but by 1876 Mr. Olson was able to make the first payment on a tract of wild land in section 9, Jefferson township and start in for himself as a pioneer farmer. This he did by erecting log buildings and then devoted himself to the work of breaking the land. He was strong and rugged, and had farmed in Norway, but he found the work no easy task. Year after year he continued his arduous labors, and year by year the cultivated area of his farm increased in size, in time also other improvements being made, until he found himself the owner of a paying farm without incumbrance. Here he continued to reside until his death in 1910. He was survived by his wife, who is now about 90 years of age and lives with her children. Of these the eldest is Christ, a farmer in Houston township, the others being : John, a farmer in South Dakota; Olive, now Mrs. John Reum, of South Dakota; and Martin, who is a farmer in secteion 8, Jefferson township.

Martin Olsons who is numbered among the prosperous farmers of Jefferson township, residing in section 8, was born in Tronjen, Norway, April 14, 1866, son of Anton and Regina (Anderson) Olson. He was a small boy when he accompanied his parents and their other three children to Houston county, Minnesota, and, after a two years' residence in Wilmington township, to a pioneer dwelling on a tract of wild land in Jefferson township. It was here that he received his industrial training, which was sufficiently thorough, his opportunities for school attendance being very limited. As he grew older he continued to work on the home farm, except for two or three summers, which he spent in the lumber mills of La Crosse, Wis. On August 30, 1892, he changed his condition of life, being united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Peter and Katherine Dohlin, of Crooked Creek township, Houston county. For the first three years after his marriage he worked his father's farm, and then, in 1895, bought 160 acres of land in section 8, Jefferson township, of which tract 20 acres were broken, there being also a log house, which was the only building. Here he has since remained, until recently actively engaged in general agriculture and stock raising, but in 1919, being afflicted with rheumatism, though still able to work to some extent, he leased the farm to his son Arthur. About 110 acres are now under the plow, the balance being in timber and pasture. The buildings, which were erected by Mr. Olson, include a comfortable house, a bam erected in 1913, a machine shed, granary, cream house, workshop and garage. The farm is also well stocked with graded Shorthorn cattle and Duroc swine, of which latter Mr. Olson raised from 50 to 60 annually, and is only six miles from New Albin, la., which forms a convenient market. Mr. Olson is also the owner of a fine automobile, and is a stockholder in the New Albin Stock and Grain Company. Politically he is a Republican. He and his wife Mary, who was born in Sweden, July 4, 1869, have had five children, all of whom are now living, namely: Ellen, born Nov. 15, 1891, who is now Mrs. Louis Lampert of Crooked Creek township, and has two children, Leland and Eva R. ; Minnie, born July 14, 1894, residing at home ; Arthur, born Nov. 2, 1896, who is operating the home farm ; Clara, born Nov. 2, 1898, and Laura, born Nov. 14, 1902, both residing at home.

William Langen, who settled in Houston county at the beginning of the Civil War, and died at Hokah, Feb. 26, 1918, was born in Wittenburg, Germany, February 23, 1835. After coming to the United States, he settled in 1861 in Mormon Coulie, La Crosse county, Wisconsin, but remained there only two months, removing in May of that year to La Crescent township, Houston county, where he took a farm, which was the stopping place of the first settlers. His development of the place was interrupted, however, by his enlistment in Co. E, Second Minnesota Infantry, with which organization he served in the South until the close of the war. Then returning home he resumed farming, continuing in that occupation until 1870, when he sold his farm, and became associated with his father-in-law, Joseph Pfeeffer, in the operation of the Hokah brewery. In 1878 he went to La Crosse, remaining there until 1881, when he bought a farm in Pfeffer Valley and conducted it until 1901, when he sold it to his son, William J., and moved to Hokah, where he has since resided, with the exception of a short visit to Germany in 1870. He married Mary Pfeffer, who was born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1848 and who died Nov. 26, 1882. They were the parents of five children : William J., Mary, Antonette, Julius and Matilda.

William J. Langen, a well known farmer and prominent business man of Hokah township, was born in La Crescent township, Houston county, Feb. 17, 1869, son of William and Mary (Pfeffer) Langen. He was educated in a convent school and worked at home until his marriage, when he bought his father's farm of 160 acres, known as Castle Rock Farm, 80 acres of which lies in section 20, La Crescent township and 80 acres in section 29 Kokah township. Here he has since carried on general agriculture, having a well improved place and having made good material progress. He is also a stockholder in the Hokah Grain & Stock Company, the Farmers' State Bank and the Bush Valley Telephone Company, and was secretary of the Peoples Telephone Exchange at Hokah at the time of its establishment. Aside from the interests above mentioned Mr. Langen has for a number of years taken a more or less active part in public affairs. He was town clerk from 1890 to 1895, served several years as assessor, first taking that office in 1896, and has been school clerk for the last 17 years. In politics he is a Democrat and in religion a Catholic. Mr. Langen was married Oct. 8, 1901, to Katie Von Arx, the eldest of the four children of A. J. and Katie (Hindenberger) Von Arx, and who was educated in the convent school at Hokah. Mr. and Mrs. Langen are the parents of seven children, who were born as follows : Matilda, Aug. 2, 1902 ; Marie, April 9, 1904; Martin, Feb. 17, 1907; Victor, May 28, 1909; Irma, Feb. 21, 1911;

Rudolph, May 27, 1913; and Norbert A., Nov. 27, 1915. A. J. von Arx, in former years one of the leading citizens of Houston county, who died May 7, 1916, was born in Switzerland, May 9, 1849. At the age of 25 years he came to the United States, locating first at Galena, 111., where for three or four months he worked in the mines. Then coming to Houston county, Minnesota, he settled on a farm in Bush Valley. A man of forceful character, he soon made his influence felt and was connected with various local enterprises, besides holding official position. He was the first secretary of the Mound Prairie Farmers' Insurance Company, remaining such until his death; and was vice-president of the Hokah State Bank, and a director in the Houston State Bank. For 16 years he served as county commissioner. Mr. von Arx married Katie Hindenberger, who was born in Switzerland, Sept. 29, 1859, and who is still residing on the farm with a son and daughter.

Martin Hdrihen, who in former years helped to develop the agricultural resources of La Crescent township, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. About 1840 he emigrated to the United States and for some years was employed in iron works in Pennsylvania. In 1848 he came west to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he engaged in fanning, being thus occupied in that locality until 1874. He then moved to Houston county, buying a farm m La Crescent township, which he cultivated until about 1888 when he retired. His death occurred Nov. 1, 1900. Mr. Horihen married Anne Ruth, who was, like himself, bom in Kilkenny, Ireland. She died on the farm in La Crescent township. They were the parents of a family of eight children.

Joseph S. Horihen, who is engaged in agricultural and stock raising - principally the latter - in section 7, Hokah township, was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, Jan. 1, 1859, son of Martin and Anne (Ruth) Horihen He was educated in a district school in Fillmore county and in the convent school at Hokah, and after becoming industrially active was engaged for a number of years in assisting his father on the home farm in La Crescent township. Later he and his brother William bought the farm from their father, operating it in partnership for seven years. Joseph S. then sold his share to his brother, and removing to Hokah township, bought his present farm, then containing 340 acres, in section 7. This purchase was made in 1903 and Mr. Horihen conducted the farm as a whole until 1915 when he sold 120 acres of it to his son Martin, who lives at home and cultivates his own portion. Finding stock raising profitable, Mr. Horihen is giving particular attention to that branch of his business. He is also a shareholder in the Kokah Grain Stock Company. He served as town supervisor in 1898 and from 1899 to 1902. In politics he is a Democrat and in religion a Roman Catholic. On Sept. 23, 1889, Mr. Horihen was united in mamage with Mary McDonald, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Daley) McDonald. Of this union there are six children : Anna, born July 21 1890 now the wife of William Schnedecker. a farmer of La Crescent towkship- Martin, born Feb. 4, 1892, now operating that part of the home farm which he purchased from his father; Joseph, born April 30. 1894, who served wita the United States army in France; Mary, born Oct. 17, 1899, now a teacher at Freeburg, Houston county; Pearl, born Sept. 15, 1904; and Raymond, born April 26, 1906. Jeremiah McDonald, the father of Mrs. Horihen, was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1807. In his native land he married Mary Daley, who was born in the same county in 1823. Coming later to the United States, they settled in Chicago previous to the great fire that nearly destroyed that city in 1871, but remained there only a short time, when they came to Houston county, Minnesota. Here Mr. McDonald died in 1873, being survived by his wife, who passed away 25 years later, in 1898.

John B. Tschumper, who is connected with the agricultural Interests of Hokah township as a farmer in section 36, Hokah township, was bom in La Crescent township, this county, March 19, 1875, son of Emil and Veronica (Hickey) Tschumper. The father, Emil, was bom in Switzerland and came to Minnesota when a young man, buying land in La Crescent township, Houston county, as soon as he had the means, sending for his parents, who joined him here. He and his wife are still living, being now residents of Hokah. John B. Tschumper, who was the third bom of his parents' eight children, was educated in Notre Dame Convent at Hokah, and also in the district school. He worked at home until his marriage, when he bought his present farm of 100 acres, where he is carrying on general agriculture, raising good stock and grain on a profitable basis. He is a shareholder in the Hokah Stock and Grain Company and in the Hokah Telephone Company. In religion he is a Roman Catholic and in politics a Democrat. Mr. Tschumper was married Nov. 24, 1902, at Notre Dame Convent, Hokah, to Elizabeth Hosheit, daughter of John and Anna (Wolff) Hosheit. He and his wife have two children: Veronica, born May 30, 1904; and Sophia, bom Nov. 20, 1907. Mrs. Tschumper's parents were bom in Luxemburg, the father about 1830 and the mother about 1838. They came to the United States after their marriage, settling on a farm near Caledonia, this county. Mrs. Anna Hosheit died at Caledonia, March 25, 1900, and Mr. Hosheit at Spokane, Wash., in July, 1910. They had a family of eight children, of whom their daughter Elizabeth was the youngest.

Anton Feldmeier, who with his brother Frank is successfully operating a farm of 170 acres in Hokah township, his residence lying in section 29, was bom in this township, Feb. 17, 1876, son of John and Julia (Jasper) Feldmeier, natives of Germany, the father born Dec. 26, 1830, and the mother Aug. 15, 1834. It was in 1872 that the parents came to Houston county and bought a farm in the vicinity of Brownsville. On that farm they remained for six years, at the end of which time they removed to one on South Ridge, where they made their home until 1894. They then bought the farm in section 29, Hokah township, now being operated by the two sons above mentioned, and here the father, John Feldmeier, died in October, 1916, being survived by his wife, who is still living on the farm. Anton, the youngest of their five sons, was educated in the district school and in the school attached to the Hokah convent, and worked on the home farm from early age. On the death of his father together with his brother Frank he bought the farm in partnership, it then containing 140 acres, to which they have added 30 more. In 1917 they built a good modem bam.

36 by 86 feet in size, with complete equipment. Mr. Feldmeier raises both grain and stock, finding a ready market for his products, and is numbered among the enterprising and prosperous citizens of Hokah township and has been town treasurer since 1915. He is a stockholder in the Hokah State Bank and in the Hokah Grain and Stock Co. In politics he is an independent voter and his religious affiliations is with the Catholic church.

Anthony Demo, now living retired in Hokah, is a man well known and respected throughout Houston county as one of its notable pioneers. His career in different branches of railroad work, as one of the early manufacturers of the county, as farmer, and as a public official and state legislator, is one of interest and instruction to all who seek knowledge in regard to the history of this county. Mr. Demo is of Eastern birth, his native place being Grand Isle, Vermont, and the date of his nativity April 13, 1835. His parents were Anthony and Louisia Demo, the father being a native of Lower Canada, and the mother of New York State. After their marriage they resided in Vermont for a number of years, while their children were growing up, and then, coming to Houston county, Minnesota, settled at Hokah, where they resided for some thirty years. Anthony, who was the sixth bom of their eight children, and who is the only one now living, was educated in the public schools of Vermont. He began industrial life at the age of 14 years, finding employment at bridge work on the Vermont Central Railroad. Later he went to Jordan, Canada, and from there to Chicago, where he entered the employ of Stone & Boomer as builder of bridges and turntables. As such he helped to construct the frame of the first bridge built across the Mississippi at Rock Island, and was there when the first train came in. He also built the turn-table at that place. Finally, in 1855, he resolved to seek his fortune in the Northwest and at Chicago bought a ticket for St. Paul and set out; but on reaching Brownsville, Minn., he got off the train to investigate the place, and instead of proceeding to his intended destination, remained in Houston county, from Brownsville walking to Hokah along the Indian trail which was then the only road. Some settlers were then coming in and Mr. Demo found carpenter work to do, which kept him employed for a while. Soon, however, in company with Ed Lampkin, he started a sash and door factory, the partnership continuing for two or three years, at the end of which time Mr. Demo bought out his partner and continued the business alone, also doing carpenter work at frequent intervals until the Civil War took place. That event caused more or less disturbance in existing conditions and interfered for awhile with the growth of the county, few new settlers coming in and many of those here joining the army, either through enlistment or the draft. Mr. Demo himself became a soldier, serving two and a half years as a member of Company K, 2d Minnesota Cavalry. After his return from the war he resumed carpentry work in Hokah and continued at it until the construction of the railroad, when he found employment in the shops here. He was the first baggageman engaged on the Southern Minnesota division, but worked in the shops as long as they remained in Hokah. He was also placed in charge of the repair shops at Stevens Point, where he remained two years. On his return he took a farm in this township, on which he resided, engaged in its cultivation, until his retirement in 1895, at the age of sixty years, when he took up his residence in the village. That Mr. Demo's strong personality made an impression on his fellow citizens may be gathered from the fact that he was elected as the first marshal of Hokah. He was also a lieutenant in the first regiment of militia organized in the state, and was elected by the voters of this district to represent them in the state legislaure during the sessions of 1879 and 1891. For one term also he was doorkeeper in the Senate, and for six months was gatekeeper at the St. Louis exposition. He also served 18 years as president of the Hokah school board. He helped to organize the first 1. 0. W. lodge in Minnesota, and for many years has been a member of the G. A. R. post at Caledonia. He is a veteran Mason, having been a member of the A. F. & A. M. He has been elder of the Presbyterian church since 1895, and has also done the church efficient service as church treasurer and Sunday school superintendent. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Presbyterian . Mr. Demo was first married March 22, 1858, to Elizabeth Snure, who died Dec. 23, 1891. Two children were born of this marriage: William Anthony, now a practicing dentist at Blue Earth, Minn. ; and George Albert, who is employed in the internal revenue office at Pittsburg, Penn. William Anthony married Minnie Stillman, and has three children, Florence, Percy and Robert. George Albert married Inez Hollister, and has one child, Hollister. On Oct. 17, 1894, Mr. Demo married, secondly, Mrs. Maryelta Train, a widow. Her parents, Daniel and Phoebe (Place) Clark, both now deceased, were natives of New York State, the father born at Belgium, Onondaga county, and the mother at Davenport, Delaware county. They were early settlers at Ridgeway, Minn., arriving there in 1855 ; and there they spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Clark djring in 1867, and Mrs. Clark in 1890. Their daughter Maryelta was the twelfth bom of their thirteen children. She was first married, May 21, 1876, to Dr. H. B. Train, who for many years was one of Houston county's most prominent physicians, and who died July 27, 1890. The only child of their marriage was Guy Clifford Train, bom Jan. 8, 1878, who died when 18 months old.

Dan Brown, a retired stock dealer, now residing in the village of Hokah, who has also for the last six years been one of the leading officials of the Houston County Fair Assiciation, was bom in Winona county, Minn., April 15, 1858, son of Edward and Adeline (Blanchard) Brown. The father, a native of Montreal, Canada, bom in 1817, when a young man removed to New York State, whence in 1857 he came to Winona county, Minn., seeing the county under primeval conditions when deer, bear, and other wild game were plentiful, and the creeks were full of trout. Taking 185 acres of land at Fremont, he farmed it until 1876, and then engaged in the hotel business in Utica, Winona county. In 1885 his hotel burned, and for six years following he worked as a weaver. He then went to Roseburg, Ore., with his son Edwin, remaining there five years, at the end of which time he retumed to Minnesota, and until the death of his wife, which occurred Aug. 5, 1910, resided with his son Dan in Hokah. He then accompanied the same son to Spokane, Wash., where he died Dec. 9, 1910. Dan Brown, who was the seventh bom of his parents' ten children, was educated in the schools of Winona county and was reared on his parents' farm, where he acquired a good knowledge of stock. When 21 years old he borrowed twenty dollars from his mother to enter the butcher's business, which he followed subsequently for ten years. After being engaged in it for five years he began shipping live stock to Chicago from Utica, Hokah and Houston, Minn., and was engaged in that business for 36 years, during the last five of which he also shipped from North Dakota. He also owned a number of fast horses, at one time having five trotters, and keeping a trainer at the Utica tracks. Becoming the owner of the J. L. Klein farm, he resided on it, feeding live stock for the Chicago markets, and also owned a 160-acre farm in Money Creek and a section of land in North Dakota. In 1910 he built his present residence in the village of Hokah. For the last six years he has been superintendent of the horse division at the Houston county fair, and for many years previously was starter for the races at the same fair. He is a stockholder in the Hokah State Bank and the La Crescent State Bank, being a director in the former, and has served three terms as president of the village of Hokah. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Brown was married in December, 1880, to Eva Duckworth. On Jan. 1, 1897, he married for his second wife Anna Snure, daughter of John Clark and Addie (Hochstrasser) Snure, she being the third bom of their six children. He has one daughter, Mabel, now the wife of Frank Spencer, Grand Canyon, Arizona. John Clark Snure was bom at St. Catherine's, Canada, July 21, 1832, and came to Hokah, Houston county, Minn., when a young man. Until 1878 he was engaged in farming in this vicinity, and then entered the grocery business in Hokah, in which he continued until 1902, from which time until his death, July 1, 1907, he resided in Tacoma, Wash. His wife Addie, bom Aug. 17, 1839, died June 28, 1918.

Carl L. Dahlke, a well known citizen of Hokah, owner of the old Dahlke farm near this village, but who is at the present time conducting a pool room in the village, was bom in Prussia, Germany, Oct. 9, 1852, son of John Frederick and Henrietta (Kajuth) Dahlke. The father, bom in 1834, came to America with his family in 1870, settling on the farm above mentioned near Hokah, this county, where, after an industrious agricultural career, he died in 1914. His wife, bom in 1828, died in 1880. Carl L., who was the eldest of their five children, was educated in Germany, and was 18 years old when he accompanied his parents to this country. In 1873, at the age of 21, he took a farm in Peiffer Coolie, La Crescent township, and in the same year he was married to Mary Bonnwarth, daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Meyer) Bonnwarth, and who was born in Alsace, France, in 1850. For 15 years after his marriage, Mr. Dahlke remained on the home farm. Then he sold and bought the Neumeier place, near the old convent at Hokah. There he and his family lived until 1915, when he took up his home in Hokah village. The farm is now operated by his son Charles, and daughter Frances, he himself devoting his time to attending to his business interests in the village. He is one of the stockholders in the Hokah State Bank. For over twenty years he was a member of the town board, the greater part of which time he was chairman. He was also a member of the school board for over twenty years. He was bred in the Lutheran faith, and in politics is a Republican, while his fraternal affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Dahlke have had ten children, four of whom died in infancy. Flora (Mrs. Portz) is also dead. The survivors are Mary (Mrs. Kindhammer) , Otto, Eda, Charles and Frances. Mrs. Dahlke is deceased.

James E. Parish was bom in Mound Prairie township, Minnesota, August 13, 1876. He moved with his parents, Thomas R. and Lucy (Rice) Parish, now of Rushford, to Houston in 1879, and attended the public schools at that place, entering the Signal office as an apprentice while attending school. He taught school in this county five years. Dec. 22, 1896, he married Nellie M. Briggs, who died June 22, 1898. August 27, 1902, he married Molena T. Weone, and has three children : Royal, bom August 22, 1903 ; Myrtle, born March 22, 1905 ; and Fern, bom October 24, 1911. Mr. Parish was owner and publisher of the Rushford Star-Republican from February, 1912, to 1914, and then sold to S. N. Risley and worked for him two years, going to Spring Grove and for two years managing the Herald. He took charge of the Hokah Tribune December 1, 1918. He served in Co. G, 12th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American war. His fraternal relations are with the A. F. & A. M., M. W. A., B. A. Y., and Henry Lawton Camp, No. 12, United Spanish-American War Veterans of Winona.

George J. HoflFmaiiy cashier of the Hokah State Bank, and a business man of high reputation in this part of Houston county, was born in Hokah township, this county, Jan. 3, 1869, son of John and Martha E. (Mohr) Hoffman. The parents were natives of Germany who came to the United States when children in 1840, their respective families locating at Burlington, Kenosha county. Wis., where they remained until 1855 or 1856. They then came in two prairie schooners, drawn by eight oxen, to La Crosse, and, crossing the river on a ferryboat, settled in Houston county, the Hoffmans taking a farm of 160 acres in section 34, Hokah township, for which they paid $1,200. Arriving on July 4, they planted Indian com, which ripened notwithstanding the lateness of the season. There the parents spent the rest of their lives, the father dying Jan. 13, 1882, and the mother in June, 1894. George J., who was the second born of their six children, in his boyhood attended the Hokah public school for awhile, his parents' farm being near the village, but his book knowledge was gained mostly through home study. In his youth he assisted his father on the homestead and until the age of 27 years was engaged in farming and the nursery business. In 1896 he engaged in the implement business at Hokah, as a member of the firm of Adams & Hoffman ; but after six months' experience in that line, he went back to the farm, where he remained until 1901. He then sold the farm, of which he had become the proprietor, and bought the hardware and farm implement business of J. D. Becker, of Hokah. In 1903 he added groceries to his stock in trade. A year or two later he took John Ender into the business as a partner, and they bought out the general store of Otto Rippe, and carried it on for about eight years, or until 1913, when they sold the general store to Reilly & Reilly, and added a lumber yard to their other business. In 1910, Mr. Hoffman, in association with C. J. Schofield, started the Hokah State Bank, of which he has since been cashier. For five years he had a one-third interest in the Hokah Creamery Co., which he increased to a half interest on Jan. 1, 1919. On the same date he disposed of his interest in the hardware business previously mentioned, and became sole proprietor of the Hokah Midget Mill, in which he had owned a half interest for two years. Politically he is a Republican, and, religiously, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On Sept. 28, 1894, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage with Bessie Miller, daughter of Rev. Henry J. and Mercy (Fox) Miller, and a native of Pennsylvania, where her father followed his ministerial calling until his death. Mrs. Bessie Hoffman died July 9, 1902. On Feb. 25, 1903, Mr. Hoffman married Laura Cook, who was bom in Red Wing, Minn., daughter of George and Louisa (Fuchs) Cook, her parents, who were natives of Germany, having settled in Goodhue county, this state, the father dying Feb. 3, 1899, and the mother still continuing to make her home in Red Wing. By this union Mr. Hoffman has three children : Rolland, bom Dec. 12, 1903, now assisting his father in the bank ; Clinton, bom March 7, 1910, and died Oct. 2, 1910, and Ruth, bom May 26, 1914.

Lorenz Brothers, John, Anton and Joseph, well known farmers and respected citizens of Hokah township, are the sons of Anton and Elizabeth (Brooks) Lorenz, and were born in Hokah township, John on Dec. 8, 1876, Anton in January, 1887, and Joseph Feb. 1, 1897. The parents were both natives of Bohemia, Austria, the father born in June, 1848, and the mother in September, 1863. The former came to Hokah, Minn., in 1866, and took the farm on which he resided subsequently until his death in March, 1918. Mrs. Elizabeth Lorenz, then Elizabeth Brooks, came to America in 1871, locating first in Maryland, where she resided for two years. She then came west to Chicago, remained there two years, and then came to Hokah, Houston county, Minn., where she soon after became the wife of Anton Lorenz. She is now residing on the home farm with her sons. The latter were educated in the convent school at Hokah, and were associated together on the farm, in the development of which they assisted their father. On the latter's death they assumed the care of the farm, which contains 90 acres, John being the owner of an additional tract of 26 acres. The place is well improved and they are conducting agricultural operations with profitable results. They are members of the Roman Catholic church. Anton is now serving as road overseer. The other children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lorenz, Sr., are Frances, Katie, Anna, Mary and Frank. Francis is the wife of Fred Schnedecker, of Hokah township; Katie is now Mrs. George Sauer, of La Crosse; Anna is now Mrs. William Tschumpen, of La Crescgnt township ; Mary is now Mrs. Joseph Schnedecker, of Hokah ; and Frank is a farmer of Hokah township.

B. B. Brown, who is engaged in operating the old Brown farm at Hokah, having altogether 360 acres of land, was born in Hokah village, this county, Oct. 30, 1868, son of Christopher and Margaret (Shea) Brown. The father, who was born at St. Catherine's, Canada, Sept. 16, 1836, came to Houston county, Minesota, when a young man, being among the earliest settlers at Hokah. Here he establised the farm now operated by the subject of this sketch, on which he resided until his death in 1909. His wife, who was a native of Ireland, came to this county with her parents when very young, settling near Brownsville. She died in the same year as her husband. B. B. Brown, who was the second born of his parents' four children, was educated in the Hokah public school. He worked on the home farm until about twenty years of age, after which, for about eight years, he was engaged in railroad work on the Wisconsin Central Railway, with headquarters at Ashland, Wis. Then returning home, he took charge of the old homestead in Hokah, where he has since remained. The farm is well improved, and Mr. Brown is making a specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle. He is a stockholder in both the Hokah banks, having formerly been a director in the Farmers' State Bank. He has also seen a number of years' service as village treasurer and assessor, in politics being a Republican. His religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church, and he is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen.

Charles Bolduan, who is the owner of a good farm of 130 acres in section 6, Hokah township, which he is operating successfully along general agricultural lines, raising grain, hay and stock, was bom in Hokah Wllage, May 17, 1877, son of Frederick and Wilhelmina (Voss) Bolduan. The parents were natives of Germany who came to the United States in 1869, locating immediately in Hokah township, Houston county, Minn. After a residence here for about ten years they bought land and engaged in farming, continuing in that occupation until about fifteen years ago, when they retired from active work and are now making their home with their son, Charles. They are the parents of six children : F. W. A., Ernest, Amelia, Charles, Hulda and Tillie. F. W. A. lives with Charles ; Ernest is a resident of Chicago Heights ; Amelia is now the wife of Frank Rotunde, of Mayville township, this county; Hulda keeps house for her brothers, and Tillie is now Mrs. Louis Helm, of Hokah village.

Charles Bolduan, the subject of this sketch, acquired his education in Hokah and worked at home with his father until about 1903. He then bought his present farm from his father and has since been engaged in its cultivation. It is well improved and is yielding good returns in bountiful crops and healthy stock, for all of which he finds a ready market. Mr. Boulduan is also a shareholder in and secretary of the Hokah Stock & Grain Company. Occupying a prominent position among the well-known and reliable citizens of his township, he has served as town supervisor since 1910, and since 1918 has been president of School District No. 12. In Dolitics he is independent, while his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. Mr. Bolduan was married at Brownsville, this county, r ct. 4, 1905, to Anna Kelly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Kelly. Her parents were born in Ireland and came to the United States, settling in Wisconsin, probably about fifty-five years ago, or towards the close of the Civil War period. They remained in that state, however, but a short time, soon locating in Houston county, Minnesota, and taking a farm in Union township, where they were numbered among the early settlers. They are still living on their farm. Their daughter, Mrs. Anna Bolduan, died in February, 1907, leaving two children, Frank and Marguerite, the latter of whom died in the fall of 1915. Mr. Bolduan's sister Hulda is now keeping house for him and his family circle includes his parents, who are making their home with him, and one brother, who owns a threshing outfit and a machine shop, where he does some repairing.

Edward J. ReiUy, cashier of the Farmers' State Bank of Hokah, Minn., was born in Hokah, Aug. 19, 1875, son of Edward and Marie (Solon) Reilly. The parents came to this section from Ireland about 1848 and are still residing here, the father for most of his life having been engaged in railroad work. Edward J. was the fourth born of their six children and w£s educated in the local schools. At the age of 20 years he went to Iowa, where for twenty-one years he was engaged in the grain business. In October, 1916, he returned to Houston county to take his present position in the bank, where he has shown ability and made himself popular with the patrons of the institution. He also has farming interests in Iowa. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Woodmen, Royal Neighbors and Yeomen. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Roman Catholic. Mr. Reilly was married in June, 1903, to Mae McDermott, daughter of Michael and Margaret McDermott. Her parents, who were born in Illinois, moved in 1896 to Iowa, where the father engaged in mercantile business. They are still residents of that state. Their daughter Mae (Mrs. Reilly) v;as the first born of their four children.

J. D. Becker, who is connected with the Hokah post office as rural mail carrier, was born in Union township, this county, July 11, 1861, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (James) Becker. The father, born in Germany in 1832, emigrated to Canada, whence, after a year's residence, he came to Hokah, Minn. But a year later, in 1860, he removed to Union, where he bought a farm of 165 acres, on which he resided until 1872, when he returned to Hokah. Here he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1911. His wife Elizabeth, who was born in Germany in 1834 and who came to America in childhood, died in 1914. J. D., who was the eldest of their six children, was educated in public schools. At the age of 22 he left home and entered the Hokah mill, where he was employed for fourteen years subsequently. He then engaged in the hardware business in Hokah and was thus occupied for ten years, giving it up to engage in carpenter work, in which he spent two years. In 1903 he took his present position as rural mail carrier on Route No. 1 from Hokah. He owns a comfortable home in the village and is a man in good circumstances. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America, having served six years as clerk of the latter. Independent in politics, he has served nine :^ears on the school board, being its present treasurer, and was village president nine years - from 1894 to 1902. Mr. Becker was married, June 18, 1889, to Lucinda Walter, daughter of Jacob and Lucinda (Schaller) Walter, her father being a native of Germany. They were farmers for many years in Mower county, Minnesota, residing there until Mrs. Walter's death, after which Mr. Walter made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Becker, until his death, Aug. 25, 1904. Of the eleven children in the Walter family, Mrs. Becker was the third in order of birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Becker six children have been born : George, Irene, Jacob, Ralph, William and Walter. Jacob and William served in the United States

William J. Miller, a well known and respected citizen of Hokah, residing on the outskirts of the village, was born at Mineral Point, Iowa county, Wis., Sept. 20, 1872, son of William and Mary (Hocking) Miller. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch or German ancestry, and died at Mineral Point, Wis., when the subject of this sketch was 7 years old. His wife, who was born at Mineral Point, Dec. 29, 1852, soon after his (II ath became an invalid, her care devolving upon her son, William J., as soon as he was old enough to assume the responsibility. Another son had died in infancy, and a sister at the age of 14. Mrs. Mary Miller never recovered her health, though she survived her husband for thirty-three years, her death occurring March 11, 1912. She was an earnest Christian woman, a lifelong member of the church, and endured her sufferings with admirable patience and resignation. William J. Miller, owing to the causes above mentioned, had but a limited opportunity for obtaining an education. Thrown upon his own resources at an early age, he learned the value of self-help and not only acquired additional knowledge through home study but also made good progress along industrial lines. In 1891, when he was about 19, a change of climate was recommended for his mother, and for that reason he came to Hokah, Houston county, Minn., buying his present home near the village, a neat and attractive place. For awhile he worked at various occupations, making a specialty, however, of gardening, a branch of industry in which he is well skilled. For a time he was employed by F. Sobeck, merchant, as clerk and general helper, remaining with him three and a half years. For nine years he was gardener on the Dunham estate in Hokah. Later he became the Houston county agent for the Dr. Koch Remedy Company, of Winona, also for the California Perfume & Extract Company. In these interests he is still engaged and also sells a line of dry goods. Politically he is a Republican, while his fraternal affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, including the Rebeckah Lodge. Mr. Miller was married in Brownsville township, Oct. 2, 1912, to Mary Isabella Ainsworth, daughter of Richard and Mary (Balderstone) Ainsworth. Her father, born in England, Jan. 14, 1842, came to America in 1866, meeting his future father-in-law on shipboard, with whom he came directly to La Crescent, Minn., and worked for him awhile here. After his marriage in 1870 he settled on a farm in Dover, Minn., but two years later, on the death of his wife, he drifted west, going with a yoke of oxen to Worthing, S. D. Contracting a second marriage, he reared a family by his second wife, losing all trace of his daughter by his first marriage, Mary Isabella, now Mrs. W. J. Miller. He died May 26, 1915, and having left her by will a generous legacy, his executors discovered her whereabouts and her identity being proved, she received the legacy. The mother of Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Mary (Balderstone) Ainsworth, was born in England, Aug. 5, 1847, and resided in her youth in Liverpool. With her mother and other members of the family, she followed her father to America and resided on the parental homestead in Brownsville township, where she remained until her marriage and where her only daughter, Mary Isabella, was bom.

She died Oct. 14, 1872, at Dover, Minn., her daughter being subsequently reared by the grandparents on the Brownsville farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members and earnest workers in the Presbyterian church.

Charles L. Guenther, for many years the sturdy village blacksmith of Hokah, was born in Prussia, Germany, March 21, 1844, and was there reared and educated. At the age of nineteen he started to learn the blacksmith's trade in his native land. In 1873 he brought his family to America and located in La Crescent, this county, and there remained for four years. Afterward, in 1877, he came to Hokah, where he opened a shop. After many years of worthy hard work he retired in 1908, still continuing to make his home in the village. He was married in November, 1869, to Augusta Fleischauer, and to this union were born four children : William, C. E., Adolph (deceased) and Margaret. Mrs. Augusta Guenther died in August, 1881, and later Mr. Guenther married Fredericka Helm, and to this union were born two children, Minnie and Frieda. Mrs. Fredericka Guenther died in 1886, and in 1904 Mr. Guenther married Mrs. Augusta Schwadler.

William Guenther, the efficient postmaster of Hokah, is likewise the village wagonmaker, and his excellent work is not only assuring his own success but is also doing considerable toward advertising the village. He was born in Prussia, Germany, Feb. 8, 1870, and was brought to America by his parents, Charles L. and Augusta (Fleischauer) Guenther, in 1873. After four years in La Crescent, this county, he was brought to Hokah, where he was reared and educated. As a boy he learned the blacksmith trade from his father. When about 19 he went to La Crosse and there thoroughly learned the wagonmaking trade. With this preparation he returned to Hokah, where he opened his present shop. He is a conscientious, hard-working man, and his wagons have an excellent reputation for quality and workmanship. Mr. Guenther has the unusual record of having been the village recorder for twenty-two years and school clerk for twenty years, and his services have been of much value to his fellow citizens. In September, 1918, he was appointed postmaster of Hokah, a position in which he is still serving. His financial relations are with the Farmers' State Bank, of which he is a director. Mr. Guenther was married Dec. 26, 1894, to Ida Panten, who was born in Germany, the daughter of Herman and Louisa (Schuneman) Panten, who brought their family to America about 1880, and settled in Hokah, where the father worked in a mill. Mr. Panten died in 1916 and his wife in 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Guenther have had six children : Charles H., William E., Helen, Paul, Florence and Ruth. Helen is a graduate of Hokah High School and is now her father's assistant in the poatoffice ; Paul is now with the Hokah Creamery.

Corporal Charles H. Guenther, a veteran of the great war, was born in Hokah, Feb. 21, 1896, son of William and Ida (Panton) Guenther. He was educated in the public schools and then spent one year at the Wisconsin Business University, where he mastered typewriting and stenography. He enlisted in the Army July 14, 1917, and saw service with Co. B, Third Wisconsin National Guard, which became the 128th Infantry, 64th Brigade, 32d Division. He trained at Camp Douglas, Camp McArthur and Camp Merritt, and was sent to France Feb. 18, 1918. On August 9 of the same year he was promoted to corporal. He saw active servie in the Alsace Sector, in the Aisne-Marne offensive, Oise-Aisne offensive and twice in the Muese-Argonne offensive, having participated in every action in which his division was engaged, an exceptional record which can be claimed by but few. He was gassed Sept. 1 at Tuvigny, France, and as the result was in a hospital three weeks, but this was at a time when his regiment was in a rest area. He was in active service when the armistice was signed, and marched with the Third Army of Occupation across the Rhine and there occupied a sector at the Coblenz bridgehead. He was discharged with the rank of corporal. May 19, 1919.

William E. Guenther, a hero of the great war, who gave his life in his country's service, is one of those noble boys whose memories will ever be cherished in the hearts of their grateful countrymen and whose supreme sacrifice made the world a better place in which to live. He was born in Hokah, April 21, 1898, son of William and Ida (Panton) Guenther. As a boy he was of unusually cheery and sunshiny disposition and was a general favorite with everyone in the village. He was ambitious to make a success in life and after long and hard study he passed the difficult examination for the position of railway mail clerk in 1917. But then came the great war. At a time when his prospects were of the brightest he went to La Crosse and, filled with love of country and humanity, volunteered his services in the cause of liberty. This was on July 21, 1917. At first he was a private in Co. B of the Third Wisconsin National Guard, which was afterward the 128th Infantry, 64th Brigade, 32d Division. He trained at Camp Douglass and Camp McArthur. From Camp Merritt, N. J., he Embarked for France, February 18, 1918, and after arrival in Europe was transferred to Co. M, 16th Infantry, 1st Division. He saw service at Braves Sector, Soissons, Cantigny, St. Mihiel, Champaigne Forest and the Meuse, in the Argonne. At the Battle of Champagne Forest, near Chateau Thierry, he was badly wounded in the shoulder and was confined six weeks in the Rouen hospital. He was killed at the Battle of the Meuse in the Argonne, Oct. 11, 1918, and is buried in a beautiful cemetery among his heroic comrades in the Commune Sommerance, Department Ardennes, France. He was a true young man, a good soldier, an heroic warrior, and his short life and noble death left a memory which will be ever inspiring.

Philip G. Frey, a well known and respected citizen of Hokah, manager of the Hokah People's Telephone Exchange, was born in Houston county, April 25, 1880, son of Frederick and Carolina (Redman) Frey. The father, born in Germany in 1819, came as a young man to America, settling in Wisconsin; but after a short residence there he came on to Houston county, Minnesota, and took a homestead in Prairie township which he subsequently developed into a good farm. He died in 1889. His wife, who was born in 1841, is now residing in La Crosse. Philip G., who was the youngest of their eight children, acquired a district school education. At the age of 18 he engaged with his brother in well drilling, being thus occupied for three years. For the next ten years he was a resident of La Crosse, where he was engaged for awhile in the transfer business and also worked some time in button factories. Then in 1901 he married and returned to Houston county and resumed well drilling, but soon became connected with the Hokah Creamery, where he was employed for seven years. He then became local manager of the Hokah People's Telephone Exchange, which position he has held for the last ten years. He is a member of the local Yeomen's lodge and is now serving as treasurer of Hokah village, in politics being independent.

Mr. Frey was married, July 11, 1901, to Frances Behrndt, daughter of Albert and Sophia (Roth) Behrndt. He and his wife have three children : Phyllis, Charlotte and Carol Jean.

Albert Behrndt, father of Mrs. Frey, was born near Berlin, Germany, July 18, 1841. He learned the carpenter's trade and at the age of thirty years emigrated to Houston county, Minnesota, settling first in Crooked Creek township, whence, about 1879, he came to Hokah, where he made his permanent home. His wife, Sophia, was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 16, 1851, and came to Crooked Creek township, this county, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Roth. Their daughter Frances, now Mrs. Philip C. Frey, was educated in Hokah village.

James Green, who is now living retired in the village of Hokah, of which place he is a well known and respected citizen, is a man who, though trained in another walk of life, has achieved success as a farmer and as such has been a factor in the county of West Meath, Ireland, Nov. 11, 1847, son of Patrick and Mary (Colman) Green. When he was a boy his father died, and the mother subsequently came with her children, of whom she had seven, to the United States, settling in Providence, R. I. A grandson of hers was a student and is now a professor in Brown University, that city. Mrs. Patrick Green died in 1998.

James Green learned the trade of mason in Massachusetts and followed it subsequently in Providence, R. I., also occasionally working on farms. He was thus occupied until 1864, in which year, following Horace Greeley's advice to "Go west, young man," he made his way to Chicago. There he fell in with some people who were bringing sheep west and he accompanied them by train to La Crosse and from there helped to drive the sheep to Preston, Wis., where he remained for a year. At the end of that time, being tired of the West, he started back home, but on his way stopped at Hokah, Houston county, Minn., where, the prospect pleasing him better, he resolved to remain. This was a step which he has never regretted. After doing mason work for awhile he took a farm of 160 acres in section 3, town 103, range 5 (Mound Prairie township), on which he resided until 1914, farming and occasionally doing mason work. He then retired and took up his residence in Hokah village, in a home which he had maintained for many years previously in order that his children might be able to attend the Hokah school. Here he is now living in comfortable circumstances, enjoying the reward of his previous industry and thrift. Mr. Green was married March 9, 1868, to Annice Fairbanks, daughter of Thomas and Katherine (Orr) Fairbanks, her parents being pioneer settlers in Mound Prairie township, this county, and she being the fourth born of their eleven children. To Mr. and Mrs. Green fourteen children were born : Alice, who is a dressmaker ; Mabel, now Mrs. Mabel Chatfield ; Maud, wife of Wenzel Barinik, of Hokah ; Lark, now Mrs. Joseph Smith, of La Crosse, her husband being connected with the Sta Rite Company; Dora, wife of John Kruger, a railroad man ; Mary, now Mrs. Mary Winkle, of St. Paul ; John, who died in 1917; Oscar, who served in the Army and is now employed in the rubber mills in La Crosse; and Leonard, Lawrence, Thomas and Albert, who are deceased.

William H. Veglahn, one of the leading citizens of La Crescent township, proprietor of a farm of 225 acres in section 7, was born in this township, Jan. 28, 1874, son of William E. and Fredericka (Selke) Veglahn. Both parents were born in Germany, the father in 1842 and the mother in 1848. They came to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1866, locating on a farm on South Ridge, La Crescent township, whence they later removed to another farm in section 7. There the father died in the year 1900. The mother resides on the old Farrell farm now owned by her. William H. Veghlahn acquired his education in the district school on South Ridge. After becoming industrially active he worked on his parents' farm and on other farms in the neighborhood until his marriage at the age of 27 years, when he rented the home farm and operated it subsequently for ten years. In 1911 he bought his present place, which is a well improved piece of property and where he is carrying on general farming with profitable results. He is also a stockholder and director in the Pine Creek Creamery. He was town supervisor in 1905 and 1906 and has served as town treasurer for the last five years. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Lutheran. Mr. Veglahn was married June 5, 1901, to Theresa Lemke, daughter of Fred and Bertha (Kletzke) Lemke. Her parents, natives of Germany, came to Houston county at some date between 1865 and 1870 and engaged in farming on South Ridge, Mound Prairie township, where the father died in 1897. The mother still resides on the home place with her son Herbert Mr. and Mrs. Veglahn are the parents of five children, all residing at home : Elmer G., born April 7, 1902; Dorothy A. B., Nov. 4, 1903; Edwin F. W., Feb. 6, 1907; Arnold 0., April 25, 1909; and Erma T., April 15, 1912.

Henry Radtke, proprietor of a farm of 2191^ acres in section 12, La Crescent township, and who has won a well earned reputation as a dairyman and specialist in fruit culture, was born in Manitowoc, Wis., Sept. 6, 1859, son of August and Fredericka (Oldenburg) Radtke. The father, a native of Schiefelbein, Germany, born April 2, 1832, came to Manitowoc, Wis., in 1858, but after a six months' residence there he and his family removed to Houston county, Minnesota, settling on a farm in La Crescent township, where he spent the rest of his life, dying May 15, 1914. His wife, born in Germany, Sept. 15, 1822, died Nov. 22, 1900. Henry Radtke, who was a babe when he accompanied his parents to La Crescent township, was educated in the district school on South Ridge. After becoming industrially active he worked on the home farm as his father's assistant until his marriage in 1887, when he took over the farm and operated it until 1918, when he rented it to his sons, Gus and William. In addition to building up a good dairy business he was one of the first farmers in this locality to eneage largely in fruit raising, a line of industry in which he has been very successful. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company and is in comfortable circumstances, having realized a competence through his enterprise and industry. In 1890 he served as town supervisor. In politics he is a Republican, and the religious affiliations of himself and family are with the Evangelical church. Mr. Radtke was married, July 4, 1887, to Pluma M. Frazier, who was born Sept. 13, 1886, in the town of Jefferson, Vernon county. Wis., daughter of Stephen and Ruth E. (Hoopes) Frazier. Mr. and Mrs. Radtke are the parents of ten children, born as follows : Milton L., May 23, 1888; William H., March 20, 1890; Charles H., March 27, 1892 ; Gustal W., Jan. 7, 1894 ; Pluma Pearl, May 25, 1897 ; Ruby R., Jan. 27, 1899; Theodore Roosevelt, May 3, 1902; Goldy L., March 27, 1904; Viola M., Aug. 11, 1906; and Glendora H., Oct. 24, 1909. Milton L. is a traveling salesman now residing at Detroit, Mich. He married Blanche Bishop, of La Crosse. William H. married Otilda Rusch, of Arcadia, Wis., and they reside on the home farm. Charles H. married Christina Unnasch, of Pine Creek Valley, and they reside at Pine Creek Valley. They have one child, Arnold C, who was bom July 26, 1918. Gustal W. is associated with his brother, William H., in conducting the home farm. Pluma Pearl is now Mrs. Hugo Lemke, of Pine Creek Valley, and is the mother of a fine pair of twins, Lewis Henry and Lucille Bertha, born July 21, 1917. Two of Mr. Radtke's sons enlisted for services in the recent yar. Charles H., who enlisted Sept. 7, 1917, was located at Camp Dodge, and received his honorable discharge April 7, 1919, with the rank of corporal. Gustal W., enlisted Oct. 24, 1918, was located at Camp Cody, New Mexico, and received his honorable discharge Jan. 11, 1919. Steven Frazier, father of Mrs. Henry Radtke, was born in Noble county, Ohio, Dec. 10, 1837. When 20 years of age he went to Illinois, where he taught school until his marriage in 1863. He then moved to Vernon county, Wisconsin, where he bought a farm, which he operated during the summer, teaching school in the winter. Subsequently he moved to Viola, Wis., where he became mail carrier on the rural route when it was first established and continued in that position until about 1908, when he retired on account of failing health. He died Nov. 25, 1918, at Rochester, Minn. His wife, Ruth E. Hoopes, was born in Fulton county, Illinois, Jan. 10, 1845, and died Feb. 15, 1906, at Viola, Wis., where both she and her husband are buried.

Eyeteii B. Webster, now serving as county surveyor of Houston county, Minnesota, after a long and active career as contractor, builder and justice of the peace, was born in Oneida county, New York, April 29, 1851, son of Wiliam E. and Cornelia (White) Webster. In July, 1865, he accompanied his parents to La Crescent, Minn., where for awhile he attended the village school, being further instructed by his mother, who was a woman of superior education. At the age of 16 he1)egan to learn the carpenter's frade, at which he became expert, and which he followed thereafter until reaching the age of 30, first as a journeyman and later as a contractor. In the latter capacity he built some of the finest country residences in the county, as well as the Catholic church at Dakota, Minn. Appointed postmaster of La Crescent, he assumed his duties April 1, 1898, and continued in that office for sixteen years, or until 1914, when he was elected surveyor of Houston county, a position which he still holds. In politics he is a Republican. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Odd Fellows, to which order he has belonged for the last thirty-five years.

Mr. Webster was married June 3, 1873, to Emma Jane Harris, daughter of John S. and Melissa (Clayton) Harris, who were early settlers in Houston county. He and his wife had four children : Dewitt Clinton ; Albert Eugene, who married Hattie Krebs and is a railroad clerk ; William E. and Mabel, who is the wife of M. W. Smith, of La Crescent. The mother, Mrs. Emma Jane Webster, died September 8, 1917, and on Nov. 6, 1918, Mr. Webster married Ina G. Donald, of Cumberland, Wis.

Peter Adolphus Worthingham, who is connected with the La Crescent post office as rural mail carrier, was bom in Joliet, 111., Dec. 17, 1859, son of Peter M. and Louisa (King) Worthingham. The father, who was bom in Canada, Oct. 20, 1834, became a resident of Joliet, 111., when a boy and remained there until the spring of 1859. He there married Louisa King, who was born in Illinois Nov. 1, 1835. After several years of married life he went to California, where for nineteen years he was engaged in mining. He then came to Houston county, Minnesota, and engaged in the shoemaking business in La Crescent, remaining here until 1886, when he went to Montana, where he is now residing with a daughter and is still in active industrial life. Peter Adolphus Worthingham, who was the younger of his parents' two children, was not bom until after his father's departure for California and never saw his male parent until he had reached the age of nineteen years. The rest of the family, in the meanwhile, having settled in La Crescent, he attended the public school here, and later worked in a shoe shop winters until twenty-one years old, when he engaged in farming. The latter occupation he followed until 1902, when he took his present position as rural mail carrier out of La Crescent. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party. Mr. Worthingham was married June 25, 1883, to Eveline Luther, the second bom of the six children of Frank M. and Harriet (Hill) Luther. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, the father born Oct. 30, 1830, and the mother Oct. 2, 1839. After their marriage they settled in Iowa, from which State they came to La Crescent, Houston county, about 1863, and engaged in farming in this township, where Mr. Luther died in April, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Worthingham have been the parents of nine children : James E., deceased ; Frank, a resident of North Dakota; Louisa L., who married Herbert Murray and died D6c. 21, 1915; Thomton, who is now in the United States service; Elma and Fern, who are teachers ; and Joyce and Peter. Mr. Worthingham belongs to two of the prominent fraternal orders - the Odd Fellows and Woodmen.