McLeod County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 12 of 12)

Vincent J. Klinkhammer, the genial and pleasant proprietor of the dray line of Stewart, was born in Collins township, March 9, 1889, son of Nicollet Klinkhammer. Vincent J. received his early education in the common school of his neigh. borhood and High school of Stewart and grew to mandhood on the farm near the village. He engaged in contracting on road work and employed men and teams, giving his entire attention to this work for three years. Then he took charge of the dray line of Stewart in March, 1915 and continued to some extent in the road contracting work. Heisa member of the ©. 0, F. and of the Catholic church of Stewart.

Frank John Kasal was born February 10, 1868, in LeSueur county, Minnesota, and is a gon of John and Barbara Kasal, natives of Bohemia, who left that country in 1866 with their two children, Rosie and Barbara. After ten weeks on the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, the little party arrived at New York, from whence they made their way to Lesueur county, Minnesota. In his native land Mr. Kasal had been a laboring man, and on his arrival at his destination began to work at whatever honorable employment presented itself, until finally he was able to secure forty acres of wild wooded land in Lins. burg township, on which there were no improvements, For his home he built a log cabin, 12 x 16 feet, and this was followed by a straw shed for the shelter of his one Ox, which he had raised from a calf. In the first year he borrowed another animal to make up a team with which to draw his home-made drag, with wooden pins, while his wagon, built of native trees, was borrowed from a neighbor who had used it for five years,

Mr. Kasal had intended to use this vehicle for only two days, but subsequently bought it and got good use out of it for two years. For food the family was often compelled to depend upon field corn, which was ground up ina coffee mill, and when Mr. Kasal desired to obtain flour and other merchandise, he was compelled to travel twenty-two miles, carrying his produce on his back. Inspite of these handicaps, he was making a success and establishing a home for his growing family when, at the age of thirty-six years, he met death by a stroke of lightning. He was a religious man, and he and the members of his family walked four miles to attend the Catholic church. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kasal in LeSueur county: Frank John, Mary and Josie. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Kasal married Frank Allal, a native of Bohemia who had lived in the county for some time, and they had two children: Albert and Joe. Mrs. Allal died about 1903 at the age of sixty-four, having survived her second husband several years. Asa boy, Frank John Kasal was given but few opportunities to gain an education, although he was given some instruction in the church and alao attended the log schoolhouse of his community for short periods. For the most part his youth was passed in the hard and unremitting work of the farm, and he was brought up to ideas of thrift and habits of industry. On February 23, 1892, he was marnied in Lesueur county to Mary Chrony, who was born in that county, a daughter of Joseph and Katie (Kenton) Chrony, natives of Bohemia. Her parents left their native land about 1866, with one daughter, Anna, and after six weeks in a sailing vessel arrived in the United States and settled in Lesueur county, where they passed the rest of their lives. Their children born in this country were: Mike, Mary, Frank, Rosa, Joe, James, Kate, Christina and Laura, After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs, Kagal settled on his father's farm, where Mr, Kasal had driven the ox-team with its primitive equipment as a_ boy. After six years on that land he disposed of his interest therein and came to McLeod county, where he bought 142 acres in section 34, Collins township, on which there were small buildings. This he put under a good state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings, and next added 154 acres in section 33 to his holdings, following this purchase with two others, in which he acquired 156 acres in section 33 and 120 acres in section 34. It is such progressive and substantial records as his that explain the fine standing of McLeod county as a wealthy agricultural district. Mr. Kasal has well defined ideas regarding stock raising, and never deviates from his policy of raising only high-grade stock. As improvements to his property he has erected a modern comfortable house, and a commodious barn, 34 x 90 feet, with silo attached. He is heart and soul a farmer, an appreciator of the farmer's independence and freedom from restraint, and a believer in the mission as the foremost factor in the world's progress, He ig public-spirited and ready to participate in anything for the advancement of the community, and has served as a member of the school board, in addition to ably discharging the duties of the office of township treasurer, which he now holds. With his family, he belongs to the Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Kasal have been the parents of eight children: William, Ben, Frank, Mike, Mary, Nora, James and Arthur, of whom Ben, Mary and James are deceased,

John H. Sanken, who owns and operates a fine 240 acre farm in Sumter township, was born in Hassan Valley township, August 25, 1862, son of Henry and Maggie (Peters) Sanken, The father, Henry, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, April 18, 1824, and was there married in 1855, soon afterwards coming to America with his young wife, After a long ocean voyage they landed in this country and went first to Illinois, where they lived for Some years, as three children were born land, but soon the Indian troubles began and they had to flee to Carver. About three weeks later, the danger being over, they returned and resumed the work of improving their property. They had a log house 20 x 26 feet and a straw shed for abarn, Their stock consisted of a couple of cows. Their mill was at Carver and Mr. Sanken often went to Hutchinson on foot. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Minnesota Regiment and served nine months in the South. After returning he resumed his labors on the farm and continued them until he had a set. of g00d buildings and his holdings had increased to 280 acres. He Was a member of the Evangelieal church at Biscay and one of its trustees from its organization. He also belonged to Robert L. MeCook Post, G. A. R. The last ten years of his life wore spent in Glencoe, where he Was buried, his death occurring Feb. 1910. His wife died February 24, 1901, at the age of 62 years. In addition to their three children born in Iinois, Sophia, Lena and Hannah, and others, one of whom died in infancy, the survivors being: Christopher, Henry, August, Annie, Bertha and Liza. John H. Sanken's opportunities for obtaining an education were few and meagre, but he made the best of those he had and grew to manhood on the parental homestead. In 1887 he struck out for himself, buying a tract of 80 acres in Section 8, Sumter township. There were no improvements on the place, but he built that year a part of the present house, with board and straw sheds for barns. He was married in the following year and he and his family have since been located on this place, He has increased the size of his farm to 240 acres, built a good modern house, and a barn 40 x 60 feet. He keeps Holstein cattle, Chester White hogs and Norman graded horses. He is a member of the board of directors of the Biscay creamery and has served on the township school board for the last 24 years. His religious affiliations are with the Evangelical church. Mr. Sanken's marriage occurred June 21, 1888, the maiden name of his wife being Henrietta Hopps. She was born in Illinois in 1870, daughter of Henry and Margarita (Ewald) Hopps, the parents being of Holstein, Germany, who eame to the United States a young married couple, in 1867, settling first in Illinois. From that state they soon came to McLeod county, Minn., and after a year or so in Sumter township, located on a tract, of 160 acres in Section 36, Hassan Valley township. This tract was wild land and Mr. Hopps started in to improve it, using an ox team and building a log house. Here he lived many years, finally retiring to Glencoe, where he died at the age of 64, His widow still survives him and is now living in Glencoe. Before quitting his farm Mr. Hopps had increased its size to 280 acres, besides erecting good buildings, so that it was a very well improved piece of property. He was a member of the school board for 26 years. One of the early members of the Evangelical church at Biscay, he also served as its trustee, and was on its building committee. For some time before his death he was a member of the Glencoe council. He was also one of the original organizers of the creamery at Biscay and a member of its board, and a representative of the Farmers' Fire Insurance Company. On his farm he raised Hereford cattle. His children born here were Henry and Elnora, Mr. and Mrs, Sanken have three children Herbert, Earl and Luella.

William Sanken, a former citizen of Sumter township, where he was well known and respected, being generally known as John William Sanken, was born in Germany, November 26, 1289, his father, Henry Sanken, being a day laborer who lived and died In his native land, William married in Germany Amulia Behrns, and with his wile and one child, Henry, born

September 9, 1866, came to America in the spring of 1867. They landed at New York after a voyage of 19 days by steamer and at once started for Minnesota, William having a brother, Henry Sanken, who was already settled in Sumter township, McLeod county. He arrived here somewhat in debt and so lost no time in getting to work, Going to Hennepin county, he worked there for a year or so until he was unfortunate to meet with a bad accident, losing his arm while engaged in operating a threshing machine. He then returned to Sumter township and took up a homestead of 40 acres in Section 8, the land consisting of bare prairie, Here he built a log house, 14 x 16 and a straw shed and with an ox team that he had brought with him began his improvements. He had one cow and two pairs of oxen, with an old wagon and he made a wooden pin drag. The nearest mills were at Hutchinson and Glencoe, He was greatly handicapped, of course, by the loss of his arm and had a hard time in starting. One year fire destroyed his buildings, but in spite of these discouragements he persevered and in time bought 160 acres more land. He also erected good buildings and was regarded as one of the prosperous men of the township, this place being his home for the rest of his life, which came to an end, Jan. 13,1905. He was 4 member of the Lutheran church and was active in the building of the church of that denomination at Biscay. His wife died at the age of 85 in 1881. Their children were: Henry, born in Germany ; Timm, in Hennepin county; and Margaret, Amelia Rosa and William, all born in Sumter township, McLeod county, of whom Amelia is now deceased. Henry Sanken wag educated in the district school and stil] resides on the old homestead, which he has never left, except for a period of nine months. He raises Jersey cattle of good grade, besides horses, and is a share holder in the Biseay creamery, For two years he has served as constable. He ig one of the best known men in the township and is one of its energetic and prosperous farmers. His brother Timm resides on the homestead with him.

William John Brandt, a farmer who owns 200 acres of land in Sumter township, was born in the province of Holstein, Germany, April 8, 1866, son of Thies and Marie (Heuer) Brandt, the father being a laborer. The family consisted of nine children: Peter, Anna, William J., August, Rudolph, Edward, Adolph, John and Amelia. Peter was the first to come to the United States, Stopping one year in New York, he then came on to Minnesota. Then, in 1883, William J, and his sister Anna came, heading for Sumter township, MeLeod county, where Peter was already located. William arrived here with nothing and had to work out for about six years before he could save enough money to start in for himself, which he finally did, renting a farm in Sumter township. He led a bachelor's life for two years and then, July 29, 1896, married Augusta Napp, who was born in Holstein, Germany, February 26, 1871, she being a daughter of Theodore Napp. Her parents came to this country in 1882 with three children, John, William and Augusta, locating in Davenport, Iowa. Afterwards they went to Illinois and still later returned to Iowa, where Theodore Napp died at the age of 78 years and his wife at that of 68, They were members of the Lutheran church. After his marriage William J. Brandt rented a farm for some ten years and then bought a tract of 120 acres in section 18, Sumter township. They are still residents of the township und now have 80 acres more in Section 7, which adjoins Section 18. There was a house on the place when Mr. Brandt bought it but he had to build a barn. He keeps good graded stock and is doing a prosperous business as a farmer, He is a member of the Lutheran church at Brownton. He and his wife have had five children: Ferdinand, John, Arthur, Helen, and one that died in infancy, whose name was Marie.

Christof Stockman, owner of a fine farm and residence in Sumter township, where he stands high in the regard of his fellow citizens, was born in Hanover, Germany, December 13, 1850. He was about eight years old when he came to the United States. His educational opportunities were confined to a short attendance at the church school, as, at an early age, he had to make himself useful on his father's farm, On this in time he made improvements, among others, erecting a good frame house to replace the log structure. He also increased the size of the farm from 160 acres to 240 acres. December 4, 1872 he married Eliza Dahming, who was born March 6, 1852, in Hanover, Germany, daughter of Frederick and Anna \(Mauck) Dahming, their other children being Christina, Henry, Christof and Katie. Eliza and Christina came first to the United States as single girls, in 1868, they having an uncle in this country. Three years later they came to McLeod county. The father and mother with the rest of the children came in 1871, locating in Glencoe, where they lived the rest of their lives, Mr. Dahming dying at the age of 81 years and his wife at that of 82. They were members of the Lutheran church which they helped to build. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stockman continued to reside on their original home~ stead until about ten years ago, when they removed to Sumter township, buying a tract of 240 acres in section 18, there being a small house and barn then on the place. Mr. Stockman has since erected a fine farm house of 14 rooms; also a barn, 36 x 80 feet. He raises Holstein cattle, Chester-White hogs and a good grade of horses. He and his wife have three children: Ed-

George A. Griebie, a successful young farmer of Collins township, was born in Douglas county, Minn., son of George Gottlieb and Sarah (Miller) Griebie, George Gottlieb Griebie was born Jan. 15, 1842 and married Dec. 3, 1871, Sarah Ellen Miller, who was born in Minnesota, March 22, 1851, They had the following children: Charles R., born Jan. 2, 1873; George and Mary L., twins, born April 28, 1876 and died August 1, and May 3, respectively ; Osker Eugene, born August 8, 1878; George A., born Oct 11, 1880; John E., born Feb. 26, 1883; James C., born May 11, 1886 and died Dee. 1, 1887; Henry Ernest, born Feb. 29, 1888; Henrietta Ellen, born June 8, 1893. George Gottlieb Griebie died March 16, 1901 and his wife died Sept. 23, 1909. George A., received his schooling in Douglas county, Minn., and grew to manhood on the farm in section ll, Collins township, MeLeod county, where he now is engaged in farming with his brother Osker Eugene. Their father secured this tract of 234 acres as wild prairie land and improved it and brought it to a high state of cultivation. There are good buildings and a good grade of stock is raised. In addition to their farming, George and Osker Eugene (generally known as Eugene) have operated a threshing rig for seven or eight years. George is a member of the Collins Creamery Co. Mr. Griebie was married to Paulina Drews, born in Jasper county, Mo., March 27, 1881, daughter of Carl F. and Louisa Tracy Hepwer Drews. Mr. and Mrs. Griebie have one adopted child, Helen, born Sept. 13, 1911. Carl F. Drews, son of John and Bertha Drews was born in Germany and came with his parents to the United States when three years of age. They located at Sheboygan, Wis. and cut their way through a trackless forest to reach their homestead where they lived the rest of their lives and reared a family. Carl F. left home at the age of seventeen and hired out to work. He helped work on the bridge built across Sandusky Bay and then went to Missouri and purchased a home in Jasper county where he lived until 1890. Then he went to Oklahoma and the next nine years were spent on a claim in the Indian territory. He then went to Coffeyville, Kansas and lived there until his death at the age of fifty-four years, His wife was born in Chase county, Kansas and died at the age of fifty-two years, They had thirteen children of whom ten are living: Arthur, Pauline, Frank, Emma, John, Lula, Leonore, Carl, Anna and Dorothy.

Warren J, Ives, in former years one of the leading merchants of Hutchinson, Minn., was born at Dickinson, Franklin county, N. Y., Feb, 22, 1838, son of Warren and Louisa (Ladd) Ives, the father being an attorney of that place. Warren J. remained at home until 14 years of age, and then went to live with Dr. G. Sprague, with whom he remained five years, attending school and reading medicine; but not liking that profession, he took up the carpenter's trade. Aug. 10, 1862, he enlisted in Company G. 106th N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, and subsequently for gallantry in action he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. After his discharge he came west and located at Red Wing, Minn., where he engaged in the manufacture of barrel staves and headings. Inthe spring of 1871 he came to McLeod county, locating at Hutchinson, and at once purchased an interest in the G. K. Goodnow mercantile business, with which he was connected until his death March 2, 1899. In 1883 Mr. Iveg was largely instrumental in the founding of the Hassan Valley Creamery and had charge of it subsequently for many years. In 1885, by his efforts and those of others, a company was formed to build a railroad to connect with the St. Louis road at Young America, and had the line surveyed, though it was never built. Mr. Ives served as mayor of Hutchinson several times. In 1880 he was elected to the legislature and was one of the board of managers in the impeachment trial of Judge E. St. Julien Cox. In 1881 he was re-elected to the legislature, and in 1887 he received the appointment of state dairy commissioner. Mr. Ives married Maria Goodnow, by whom he had six children: Ella F., Fred W., Helen B., Matt C. G., Genevieve and Violet May.

James T. Mullin is one of the industrious and reliable farmers of Collins township, classed with the rising generation of agriculturists, who are acknowledged to be as broad and scientific in their methods and as fruitful in valuable results as the workers in any other branch of modern activity. In the field of agriculture it has often happened that the fathers have secured broad and fertile tracts of land which the sons have brought to their full capacity of productiveness. The rough, preliminary labors of the pioneers are as necessary as the developing work of the after generations; all combine for the general advancement of the wonderful agricultural development of the West, James T. Mullin was born in Wheatland township, Rice county, Minnesota, Sept. 3, 1874, and is a son of John and Martha (Thompson) Mullin, natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. His grandparents were James and Catherine Mullin, also of that part of Erin, whose children were: James, John, Samuel, Jane, Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth and Margaret. Among these children, John was the first to come to the United States. He left Ireland March 16, 1857, on a sailing vessel, on which also as passengers were the lady who was to become his wife, Martha Thompson, with her parents, Andrew and Ann (McCormick) Thompson, and the other children, Andrew, John, Thomas, Margaret and Elizabeth. The boat made port at New York, May 2, 1857, and the little party was met by two other children of Andrew Thompson, James and William, who had come before. After arrival in the United States, John Mullin located at St, Paul, and for several years was engaged in teaming and farming, and when the Civil war came on he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, with which organization he fought for three years, a part of this time being spent in quelling the Indian outbreak. On his return from the war he secured a farm in Wheatland township, Rice county, a tract of 80 acres of wild land on which he erected a log house with basswood floor and shingles cut from logs. He was married in September, 1868, and brought his bride to the new home, and together they settled down to make a farm. Mr, Mullin had an ox-team and a small amount of stock, and soon Was started on the way to a Successful career, his energy and ine dustry combining with his native shrewdness and ability to gain him prosperity. He and his wife resided on this farm until 1881, when Mr. Mullin sold out and came to MeLeod county, here locating on a tract of 120 acres of wild land in section 24, Collins township. Once again he started in a log house, but this was soon replaced by a frame residence, around which grew other substantia] buildings, and later he added 80 acres more land. Here he rounded out his long and successful career in March, 1905, when he died in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Mallin always took an interest in matters which affected his locality and served as a member of the school board in both Wheatland and Collins townships. Mrs. Mullin still survives and resides on the Collins township homestead. There were four children in the family : Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine and James T., the first-named now being deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, the parents of Mrs. Mullin, located in Wheatland township, Rice county, among the first settlers, resided in a log cabin, cultivated their land with an ox-team, and sent. their grain to Dundas to be milled, They passed their entire lives after coming to America on that farm, and there Mr, Thompson died in 1870, when about 80 years of age, Mrs, Thompson being 64 years old at the time of her death in 1864, They were faithful members of the North Ireland Presbyterian church and Services were held at their home during the early days. James T. Mullin was seven years old when brought to McLeod county, and his education was secured in the district schools of Collins township. He has always resided on the home place, of which he took charge at the time of his father's death, and on which he has made numeroug improvements of a substantial and lasting character, In addition to diversified farming, he raises a good grade of stock, and in both departments is winning success through his enterprising and progressive methods. Mr. Mullin is an official in the local shipping association and in other ways has shown his good business judgment and sound ability. As a citizen he has served his community in several local offices, having been for one term a member of the Collins township school board and for six years a member of the township board of supervisors. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Odd Fellows Camp at Brownton and the Encampment of that order at Hutchinson; and the Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at Brownton and has many friends in both bodies. He is unmarried and makes his home with his mother.

Fred C. Schweikert, son of J. George and Sophia (Stueble) Sehweikert, was born in Carver county, Minn., June 11, 1871. His parents are now deceased, the father dying in 1904 at the age of 77 years, and the mother in 1903. They were both born in Germany, J. George Schweikert settling in Canada when a young man and there following the cooper's trade. There also he met and married Sophia Stueble and subsequently they came to Minnesota, locating in Carver county, where they spent the rest of their lives. Their nine children were: Elizabeth, born in Canada, who died in Washington; Martha, now Mrs. John Glaser, a resident of this state; George, who is in Texas; John, who died in 1909 and who was a resident of Caryer county; Christine, now Mrs. Fred Harms, of Hamburg, Minn.; Fred C., subject of this sketch; Annie, wife of Otto Oelfke, of Hamburg, Minn. ; Sophia, wife of August Albright, residing in North Dakota; and Martin, who lives in Washington. After finishing his education in the country schools, Fred C. Schweikert worked two years for a merchant at Hamburg, Minn, He then entered the furniture and implement business for himself at Gibbon, Minn, being thus engaged for six years. After that, selling out his business, he came to Me- Leod county and bought 120 acres of land south of Lester 'Prairie, for $50 an acre. This was in 1901 and he resided on it until January 1, 1906, when he gold it for $208 an acre. He had increased the value of the farm by making many improvements on it, building a new house and barn, granary and chicken-house. While living there he was engaged in breeding full blood Holstein cattle, Poland-China hogs and Percheron and Hamiltonian horses. He also did a dairy business, milking on an average of 15 cows daily. When he sold the farm he entered into the hardware business at Lester Prairie. Mr. Schweikert is a member of the German Lutheran church, He was married November 1, 1894, to Minnie Gebhardt, who was born in 1872, daughter of Christian and Catherine (Schupp)

Gebhardt. Both her parents are now living, the father being a farmer, located northeast of Lester Prairie, They had seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Schweikert's family numbers five children: Oscar, born September 8, 1896; Edwin, May 13, 1898; Hilda, August 3, 1901; Hattie, August 8, 1903; and Herbert, Apyril 2, 1906.

John Wick. Prominent on the list of retired farmers of Mc- Leod county of recognized moral and material worth, whose services have largely helped to develop the interests of their communities, is found the name of John Wick, of Collins township, whose active agricultural labors here extended over 4 period of a quarter of a century. Mr. Wick was born at Posen, West Prussia, Germany, May 5, 1842, and is a son of Martin and Dora (Yelske) Wick. Martin Wick was born in Germany, and there followed the trade of blacksmith throughout a long and honorable career, passing away in his native land in advanced years, as did also his wife. Of hig seven children, five grew to years of maturity: Martin, Charles, John, Gottlieb and Laura. John was the first to come to the United States, and he was later followed by Martin, Laura coming some time after, John father. He was married in 1871 to Ernestina § of Julius Swant, and in 1873, with their one child, started for the United States, making their way from Germany to Scotland, and taking passage at Glasgow for New York. Duly arriving in this country, Mr. Wick went to Chicago, where he secured employment in the blacksmith department of the works of William McCormick, where he remained twelve years, in the meantime carefully saving his earnings with a definite end in view, In his ease it was the call of the country rising above the din of the city, and this call he answered in 1885, when he came to Stewart, Minnesota, and bought 320 acres of land in Collins township, McLeod county, of which 25 acres had been cleared, and on which there stood an old shed to serve for residential purposes. Ags 800n as he had settled down, Mr, Wich proceeded to erect a better house during the time that he could spare from the cultivation of his fields, and in a short time was well established and on his way to the winning of a success. In 1887 he bought his present farm, in the same township, which added 160 acres to his possessions, and to which he moved during the following year. Here he found a Set of small buildings, which sufficed him for a while but which later proved inadequate to his needs, so that he replaced them with more substantial and commodious structures, including a fine modern house and barn 36 x 56 feet. This property Mr, Wick also improved in other ways, making it one of the val- uable farms of the township, and here he continued to be actively engaged in general farming and the raising of stock until advancing years caused him to retire to the comfort and rest that his unremitting labors had earned, At that time he shifted his responsibilities and cares to younger shoulders, and his son, Gustave, is now operating the homestead in an entirely eapable manner, John Wick was known as a thorough, systematic and successful farmer, truly typical of the most worthy and substantial agricultural element of McLeod county. He has been identified with the best interests of the township gince his arrival, has always taken a prominent part in all public enterprises, and church and school have ever found in him a strong friend and advocate. For many years a member of the Lutheran church, he assisted materially in the building of the church at Stewart. He has given his children a thorough mental training and has fitted them for useful and honorable lives. Mrs. Wick died October 8, 1913, aged 65 years. Her children were: William, Ida, Martha, Clara, Max, Anna and Gustave, (twins), Otto Bernard, Henry and Theresa and Mollie, now deceased, Gustave Wick, who is carrying on operations ou his father's farm is one of the skillful and thoroughly trained agriculturists of Collins township, and is getting excellent results through his energetic and progressive work. He was educated in the public schools and ever since starting upon his independent career has devoted himself to farming. He is representative of the material that must be depended upon in the coming years to maintain McLeod county's agricultural prestige.

Fred William Wick belongs to a family well known in agricultural circles of McLeod county. Those bearing the name have established a reputation for agricultural ability and sound citizenship, and the family has lost none of its prestige in these directions through the activities of Fred W. Wick, whose entire career has been passed in Collins township. Mr. Wick was born at Chicago, Lll., October 19, 1871, a son of John Wick. He secured his early education in the public schools of Chicago, and was about 14 years old when he came to McLeod county, his subsequent training being acquired in the district schools of Collins township. He was reared to farming pursuits and began operations on his own account on a rented property in Round Grove township in 1901, but two years later became a landlord when he bought his present farm, a tract of 160 acres lying in section 17, Collins township. At that time there was an old house located on the property, but this Mr. Wick has replaced with a modern eight-room residence, and in addition has erected a good barn and outbuildings, He now farms 220 acres, using the most modern methods, and be- sides raising the standard crops of the locality devotes a good deal of attention to the breeding of a good grade of stock. His interest in the welfare of his community has led him to take part in the enterprises which have made for progress and development, and for several years he has been a member of the township school board. With his family, he belongs to the Lutheran church, Mr. Wick married Miss Hulda Wagner, daughter of Fred Wagner, of McLeod county, and to this union there have been born two children: Harold and Iver.

Otto Bernard Wick, who is favorably known in agricultural circles of McLeod county is connected with the ownership of a farm of 160 acres in section 17, Collins township. He is an example of the farmer who has sought success in business life in the city, only once again to return to the benefits and opportunities of the country. Mr. Wick belongs to the younger generation of farmers of his county and is a native of the township in which he now resides, having been born here September 7, 1887, a son of John Wick, a well known farmer here, Otto Bernard Wick received good educational advantages, attending first the district school in the vicinity of his father's farm, and subsequently spending two years in a business college at Minneapolis, When he was ready to start upon his own career, he left the parental roof and took up the trade of barber, which he followed for 8ix years at Minneapolis ag a journeyman, At the end of that time he was prepared ta enter business on his own account, and did So as the proprietor of a tonsorial establishment at Bowbells, the county seat of Burke county, North Dakota. After gaining some experience at that point, he returned to Minneapolis and opened a Similar enterprise, but after a short time disposed of his interest therein and went to north of Duluth, from whence he returned to Collins township in the fall of 1915, at that time settling on his present tract of 160 acres in section 17. Since that time Mr, Wick has prosecuted his farming operations in an industrious and enterprising manner, in both the direction of general farming and stockraising, and in his intervals of leisure has found time to install many improvements, including a modern home and commodious barn. An atmosphere of prosperity ig found in the well-kept buildings, the modern improvements and the sleek, high-grade cattle, evidencing the presence of good management and farming ability. On November 30, 1912, Mr. Wick was married to Miss Anna Johnson, who was born in Meeker county, Minnesota, a daughter of Martin and Sophia (Hegg) Johnson. Mr. Johnson was born in Malmo, Sweden, March 11, 1856, came to the United States in 1881 and settled on a farm in Meeker county, Minn., engaged in railroad construction work, later working as an architect 10 years. In

1892 he bought a farm in Grant county, Minn., where he died April 15, 1918. He was a member of the Lutheran church, He married Sophia Hegg, who was born in Meeker county, Feb. 14, 1874, a daughter of Peter and Anna Hegg, natives of Karowstad, Sweden, who came to America in 1870, by sailing vessel, Settling in Meeker county, Minnesota, they purchased 80 acres of railroad land in the Swede Grove community and passed the remainder of their lives in farming. Their children, the two first born in Sweden, and the rest in Minnesota, were: Emily, Alfred, John, Sophia, Tillie, Amanda and Henning, and a Henning who died at the age of four years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson were: Anna, Arthur, Elma, Hazel, Alice, Chester, Luella, Nellie, Stella, Myrtle and Irene, all living, and Andy, deceased. Mr, and Mrs. Wick are the parents of two children: Bernice, born Feb, 15, 1914; and Vernelle, born Aug. 16, 1915,

Leroy E. Newcomb, a thriving farmer of Sumter township, was born at Glencoe, McLeod county, Minn., March 4, 1874, son of Alburn R. and Laura (Horner) Newcomb, the latter being the widow of Fred Morgan. The father was born in Pennsylvania, in Susquehanna county, and was a son of Uriah Newcomb, who was of Welsh ancestry. One of eight children, he was reared and educated in his native state and was 21 years old when a strong desire to better his prospects in life led him to seek the Northwest and he made his way to Platteville, Wis. That part of the journey from Galena, Ill., to Platteville he made with team. At the latter place he found work running the ferry boat across the river and remained there until 1858, at which time he set out for Minnesota, making the journey by team in company with a family by the name of Guards, who settled in Glencoe. He located on a farm in Sumter township and in addition to farming he engaged in trapping for the Hudson Bay Company. At the breaking out of the Civil war he endeavored to enlist but was rejected. During the Indian troubles he was employed in hauling soldiers across the country. He had obtained a tract of 160 acres in Sumter county, securing it by purchasing script, the patent being signed by Abraham Lincoln, The buildings he had erected were burned by the Indians, and instead of rebuilding them he went to Iowa, where he had a brother and yemained there about a year. He then returned to MeLeod county, locating for a time at Glencoe. His next experience was as stage driver and for some time he was engaged in running the stage between Blakely and Hutchinson. This stage was his own property and in it he carried as passengers at various times nearly all the residents in that part of the country and was personally acquainted with most of them, Mr, Neweomb next opened a grocery store at Glencoe, in company with a Mr. Moore, but after running this awhile he went into the meat market business, which was his last experience as a merchant, as in the spring of 1881 he located on the farm in section 7, Sumter township. At that time it contained but 80 acres but he later added 80 more, keeping the original buildings. Here he resided until his death about 1908 at the age of 72 years. He was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Glencoe. His wife died about 1894 at the age of 46 years. They had three children: Fred C., Leroy E. and Mabel ¥., who married Ed. May. Leroy E. Newcomb was educated in the district school in Sumter township and a high school in Iowa, which he attended for one term, For a time also he attended the old Stevens Seminary at Glencoe, before his parents left that place. He grew to manhood on the farm in Sumter township and at the age of 18 went to Iowa, After his marriage he located on the old homestead in Sumter township, finally purchasing the oripinal 80-acre tract, on which he now lives, He raises good graded stock and has been successful in his farming operations. He took an active part in the organization of the Farmers' Shipping Association at Brownton and has always been ready

Henry A. Wendt was born in Hennepin county, Minn., Aug. 4, 1892. He is a son of John H. Wendt, now a retired farmer living in Waconia, at the age of 63, and came to Minnesota in 1881. Mrs. John H. Wendt, whose maiden name was Emma Pofahl, is living at the age of 60 years. The subject of this sketch remained at home with his parents until 1912, at which time he was 20 years old. He then went to work in the garage of Elmer O. Burton and was thus employed until August 17, 1914. He went into business for himself. Mr. Wendt was married June 28, 1915, to Lena Schultz, of New Germany, Carver county, Minn, Her parents, Albert and Martha (Kohls) Schultz, are both living, the father, a horseman, being 42 years old and his wife 41. Mr, and Mrs, Wendt are members of the German Lutheran church.

Fred Karstens, a prosperous farmer of Sumter township, also proprietor of a summer hotel on Lake Marion, was born in Holstein, Germany, May 20, 1865, son of Klaus and Mary (Reimers) Karstens, The father was a day laborer who came to the United States in 1880. Other members of the family had come heye long before, however, a sister of Klaus, Mrs. Nubbe, settling in Illinois as early as 1856, whence in 1876 she and her family came to Lynn township, Mcleod county. The family of Klaus Karstens made a large party, as he and his wife were accompanied by eight children, John, Maggie, Lizzie, Fred, Jake, William, Christopher, and Anna. One other, named Lena, had died in Germany. Subsequently a tenth child was born in Minnesota and named Marie. On arriving in this country the older boys soon got busy in farming, John getting a tract of 40 acres in Sumter township, on which place the parents passed the rest of their lives, the father dying in 1890 at the age of 63 years, and the mother in 1904 at the age of 73. In religious belief they were Lutherans and attended the church of that denomination at Biscay. A sister of Klaus Karstens, Mrs. Sophia Myers, whose husband's name was John, and who came to America with the other sister, Mrs. Nubbe, now resides in Brownton. Fred Karstens was educated in Germany and after coming to McLeod county he took hold of farming with plenty of vim, determined to do his share in paying off the family debts and in establishing a home for the family, especially his parents. After the 40 acres on which they lived had been secured, he rented a farm for one year and then went to St. Paul, where he worked as eoachman for a family from 1887 to 1902. He was already married, having changed his condition in life in 1886. In 1902 he returned to McLeod county and bought three and onequarter acres of land on the shore of Lake Marion, it lying on the line between Collins and Sumter townships. The land was all slough and brush, but he cleared and improved it and put up a hotel of 18 rooms, 86 xG0 ft. which he named "Lake Marion Grove Hotel." He also built a few boats and later pought another acre for $400 making a ball ground. A bowling alley had been established the first year. In addition to these amusements he erected a dancing pavillion, 28 x 32 feet in dimensions. The bowling alley was burned the third year but he has since built a boat-house, a launch and two cottages. Five years ago Mr. Karstens purchased a tract of 160 acres in section 6, Sumter township, this land lying just across the road from his resort. It had a good house and barn, but the latter burned the following year and he replaced it by a well built barn of 50 x 60 feet. He has fenced and improved the land and here he carries on dairying and stockraising, keeping Holstein cattle and full-blooded Chester White hogs. He also carries on diversified farming, is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association and is a stockholder of the creamery at Biscay. Mr. Karstens was married July 21, 1886, to Bertha Paulson, who was born in Holstein, Germany, daughter of Ferdinand and Johanna (Johnson) Paulson, who came with their family to Glencoe,

O. H. Smith

McLeod county, in 1882. Mr. Paulson engaged in farming in Glencoe township, of which he remained a resident until his death in 1890 at the age of 76 years. His wire died in 1889 at the age of 68. Their children were: Amelia, who remained in Germany; Marie, Bertha, Maggie and Martha, The two last mentioned are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Karstens have three children: Edolph, now Mrs. Seeland of Brownton, Ferdinand and Leslie.

Osear H. Smith, publisher of the Lester Prairie News, was born in Trempealeau county, Wis., Dec. 22, 1872. Two years later his parents moved to Fountain City, Wis., where the father died. Later the family moved to Alma, Wis., and then to Eau Claire, Wis., and here the mother passed away in the year 1885. Being thrown upon his own resources at the age of 13 years, young Oscar entered the employ of a large department store, as errand boy at a stipend of $2.50 a week, In 1886 he entered the employ of the "Democrat," a German paper published in that city, and here he learned the first rudiments of the printing business. A year later Daniel L. Elbert, a job printer at Eau Claire, became interested in the boy and induced him to work for him. Elbert encouraged the lad to study evenings and eventually arranged for him to attend evening school. Between working in the day time and going to school at night, the boy developed an activity that has clung te him ever since. Two years later he entered the employ of the Eau Claire Leader, a morning daily, as pressman. Besides paying better wages, the position permitted him to go to school during the afternoon. Later he took a course in the Shaver college, and then accepted a position as foreman on the Forum, published in that city. In 1890 the young man got the western fever and came to Minnesota. He worked for a short period on the Minneapolis Tribune, later going to the Journal. Being anxious to get into the printing business for himself, he determined to learn the country newspaper business, a branch of the trade he was not familiar with. He accepted a position on the Arlington Enterprise, and shortly after was sent to Fairfax to take charge of a new paper being established there. He eventually became the owner of this paper, but sold it and returned to Minneapolis, where he again entered the employ of the Journal. A year later found him publishing the Waverly (Minn.) Tribune in conjunction with R. D. Topping, now deceased. He then went to Hutchinson, Minn., to enter the employ of S, G. Peterson, then publisher of the Independent, During this time the Lester Prairie Journal was estab. lished, the paper being printed at Hutchinson. In January, 1895, a plant was installed at Lester Prairie and the Journal was published from its own office with Mr, Smith as editor and manager. The following spring the paper was traded to W. E, Talboys for the Glencoe Register, which for a period of five years was published by Peterson & Smith. The latter disposed of his interest in the paper to his partner and in January, 1901, returned to Lester Prairie and made a deal for the purchase of the Journal, After moving to Lester Prairie, the deal fell through and Mr. Smith started a new paper, which he called The News. In June of the same year he purchased the subscription list and good will of the Journal and the latter paper was discontinued by its owner, Mr. Talboys, the plant being moved to Chisholm, Minn. The News has been published continuously by Mr. Smith since its inception and now has one of the most complete and thoroughly equipped printing plants to be found in any small town in this section. In April, 1902, Mr, Smith was appointed postmaster at Lester Prairie and this position he has held through changing administrations for a period of 15 years, being postmaster at the present writing. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers' State Bank of Lester Prairie, being the first vice-president of the institution. Banking was distasteful to him, however, and he later disposed of his interesta in the institution and severed his official connection with the bank. In politics Mr. Smith has been an active Republican ever since the free silver issue was fought out. He has served as secretary of the county committee, been a member of various congressional, state and national committees, and has always held a high place in the councils of his party, Beyond the position of postmaster of his home town, he has never accepted any political position, although such has been frequently offered him. In 1896 he was tendered the position of assistant superintendent of the Government Pyrinting office at Washington, D. C., by President McKinley, but declined the offer, The writer of this sketch, who has been an almost life-long friend of Mr. Smith, personally knows of at least two other instances where the latter refused good political positions offered him, in each instance stating that he preferred to follow his chosen profession and to devote his energies toward realizing the ambition of his life - to own and operate a thoroughly up-to-date country newspaper plant and publish a paper that would be a power for good in the community. How well he succeeded we leave the people of McLeod county to judge. Mr, Smith was married June 21, 1897, to Miss Edith Milbrath, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Milbrath, of Lester Prairie. To them was born one daughter, Irene Muriel, who passed away at the family home at Lester Prairie Sept. 19, 1909, at the age of ten years and five months.

Spurgeon Simpson Beach was born in Decatur, Ill., March 7, 1860, son of George and Mary (McCoy) Beach. He was edtieated in the Methodist Academy at High Forest, Minn., which he attended for two years, and at the North Missouri Normal school, at Kirksville. From 1881 to 1891 he taught school in McLeod and Carver counties and was at the same time engaged in farming on land he had bought near Brownton, situated in section 26, Collins township. This land he farmed until 1901, when he sold it. Mr. Beach is state lecturer on Co-operation for the Extension Division of the State Agricultural School, He is also secretary and treasurer of the Shipping Association, president of the Farmers' National Bank, treasurer of the Cooperative Creamery and vice-president of the Elevator Company. A member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he is acting as one of its trustees, and teaches in the Sunday school, of which he has been superintendent for eight years. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order and is a past grand in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was elected to the state legislature in 1898, but defeated for the state senate in 1906. He was township superintendent eight years, township clerk four years and a member of the school board 12 years. Mr. Beach was married, February 22, 1885, to Clara Huffman, and they have nine children.

Henry L. Simons, banker, was born at Glencoe, Minnesota, Dec. 20, 1859, the eldest son and second child of Luman G, and Miriam C. (Little) Simons, His parents were among the early settlers in the community, Luman G. Simons, surveyor and civil engineer, from Elmira, New York, having located 'there in 1855, Miriam ©, Little, his wife, being the eldest daughter of Henry and Catherine Little, who came in the same year from Stoyestown, Pennsylvania. For many years Luman G. Simons was the only land surveyor in this part. of the country, known as "West of the Big Woods" and the lines of most of the early farmers' claims were located by him. Henry L. Simons has continued to be a resident of Glencoe. After attending such public schools as were available in the early days of the community, he engaged from 1876 to 1892 in the drug store business at Glencoe, then served four years as postmaster, and from January 1, 1896, has served as president of the First National Bank, Glencoe, Minnesota, He was married June 11, 1885, to Anna Louisa Sophia Stockman, daughter of Henry Stockman, pioneer of Carver county.

Henry A Thoeny, cashier of the First National Bank of Glencoe, is one of the rising and influential young business men of McLeod county, He is a native son of Glencoe, having been born here May 11, 1882, son of Matthias and Fannie (Lutz) Thoeny. He attended the public schools of Glencoe and was graduated from Stevens Seminary in the class of 1901, Thus prepared for life's struggle, he entered the First National Bank as clerk and bookkeeper. By promotion in 1909 he was assistant cashier and in 1914 was chosen cashier, a position he is filling with marked credit. Mr. Thoeny is an active participant in every good cause that tends to the betterment of his town and county. He is treasurer of the Glencoe Club, and in 1912 was elected chief of the Glencoe Fire Department, in which office he is still serving. During the years 1915 and 1916 he served as alderman from the second ward of his city. Fraternally he is affiliated with Hope Lodge, No. 42, A. F.& A.M, of Glencoe; Chapter No 38, R. A. M., of Glencoe; Zion Commandery No. 2, K. T., of Minneapolis and Zurrah Temple, N. M. S.,of Minneapolis, also with Camp No. 2335 M. W. A. of Glencoe. Of Hope lodge he is now serving as secretary. His favorite recreations are hunting and fishing. On June 19, 1908, Mr. Thoeny was united in marriage with Elizabeth Laura Mielke, of which union two children have been born: Matthias Adolph, Oct. 21, 1910, and Henry Eugene, Feb. 26, 1916.

Charles W. Tinker, M. D., one of the most respected residents of the village of Stewart, where he has been located for many years, was born at Morristown, Lamoille county, Vitis May 28, 1856, son of Albert and Sarah Jane (Waters) Tinker. Charles W. Tinker received an academic education and at the age of 19 years began the study of medicine with Dr. F, H. Milligan at Wabasha, Minn. Later he took the full course at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1878. Then returning to Minnesota he began practice in the city of Wabasha, where he remained one year. At the end of that time he came to Stewart and opened an office and has since built up a large and successful practice. A Democrat in politics Dr. Tinker served as town clerk of Collins for four years and he has always taken a keen interest in the moral and material welfare of the community in which he has made his home. June 10, 1883, Dr. Tinker was married to Edith May Senescall, who was born in Dakota county, Minn., daughter of William and Mary Senescall.