McLeod County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 5 of 12)

Andrew Thompson, Indian fighter, Civil war veteran, law Maker, and estimable citizen, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, near the County Londonderry line, July 12, 1832, son of Andrew and Naney (MeCormick) Thompson, of Scotch-Irish descent, He was reared in his native county, and came to America in 1857, arriving in St. Paul, May 2, of that year, A few days later he went to Rice county, where his brothers, William and James, who came to America in 1849, had established their residence. The father arrived later, and with him Andrew worked on the farm until the outbreak of the Civil war, when in Aug. 15, 1862, he enlisted at Ft. Snelling in Co. G, Sixth Minn. Vol. Inf. Immediately on his enlistment he Secured a furlough, and started home. At Shakopee, on Aug. 19, he learned of the Indian Massacre, and on reaching home found that fright had caused all the people there to flee. With * pitchfork as his only weapon, and with custard pie and boiled potatoes as his only food, he stayed alone for a night and a day, after which his brothers, John and Thomas, returned from Belle Plaine. Andrew Thompson then hastened back to Ft. Snelling. Learning there that his company had gone to Ft. Ridgely, he hastened after them on foot, With his company he assisted in defending the frontier until May, 1863, when he was assigned to the Ordnance Department and went South. After his discharge in July, 1865, he returned to Rice county, and there remained for many years. He became a leading man of his community, and served in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature in 1873, 1875 and 1879, In 1880 he came to Collins township, in this county, and bought 240 acres of land in section 23, where he farmed until the fall of 1907, when he retired, and moved to Hutchinson, where he resided until his lamented death, Jan. 31, 1911. His life had been a busy one, his achievements had been worthy, his efforts had agsisted in the making of a great state, and his years had been well spent, Mr. Thompson was married Jan. 1, 1886, to to Laura Holliston, born in Orinoco, Olmsted county, Minnesota, daughter of James and Mary (Stephenson) Holliston, and this union has been blessed with seven children: Laura, Nancy, William A., Samuel H., Esther M., Bessie R., and an unnamed infant. Laura was born Feb. 4, 1887, graduated from the St. Cloud State Normal School, and is now a teacher in the Hutchinson schools. Nancy was born March 21, 1888, married Henry Mergen, who farms near Hutchinson, and has one daughter, Ruth. William A. died at the age of seven years. Samuel H. graduated from the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota in 1914, and is now a scientific assistant, connected with the United States Department of Agriculture, and located at Ames, Iowa. Esther M. is the wife of George Moore, who is connected with the Boelter Co-operative Store, at Hutchinson. They have two children, Robert G. and Richard S. Bessie R. is studying home economics in the Agricultural department of the University of Minnesota. Mrs. Thompson makes her home in Hutchinson, where she has a sightly modern residence.

Thomas Thompson, a well known retired farmer, formerly of Collins township, but now residing in Hutchinson, Minn., was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, December 17, 1844. He is a son of Andrew and Nancy (McCormick) Thompson, who came to America with their family in 1857, first locating in St. Paul, Minn. They remained there but a short time, however, soon going to Rice county where Andrew Thompson took up land, built a Jog cabin and, with the help of an ox-team, began agricultural operations. At the time of the Indian outbreak he, with all the rest of the family, except his sons Thomas and

John, fled to St. Paul for safety. Thomas and John had gone to Belle Plaine and on their return found the family had gone. They remained there, however, and were not molested. Andrew Thompson died on his farm in Rice county in 1870, his wife having passed away in 1863. They had a large family numbering 11 children, namely: Samuel, deceased; William, Mary Jane, James, Andrew, Eliza, Martha, John, Thomas, Oliver and Maggie Ann. Most of these children are now deceased. William, James and Andrew were soldiers in the Civil war. Thomas Thompson was brought up on the parental homestead in Collins township and carried on agriculture and stock raising in that township until September, 1914, when he removed with his family to Hutchinson, He was a successful breeder of Holstein cattle and Clyde horses and also raised many hogs. He milked from 10 to 12 cows and for a long time he was a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery at Brownton. His principal crops were corn, wheat and oats. In politics a Republican, he was for many years a member of District No, 72, Collins township school board. Since early manhood he has been a member of the Presbyterian church. April 6, 1882, Mr, Thompson married Miss Fannie M. Gard, who was born in Sumter township, August 14, 1862, a daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth Thompson. She died November 16, 1907, having borne eight children, whose names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Anna Laura, born January 30, 1883; Ethel Grace, May 26, 1885; Leonard James, Sept. 13, 1887; Andrew Robert, April 12, 1890; Edna Florence, June 28, 1893; William Bradford, October 10, 1898; Evert, and Eveline (twins) March 16, 1902. Ethel Grace was married June 2, 1911, to Charles Clifton Phillips and is now residing in Collins township. She has two children, Vera Mary, born October 26, 1912, and Neva Emeline, born October 13, 1915. Andrew Robert married April 6, 1915, Bernice Lee, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Lee, They have one child, Vernon, born Oct. 23, 1916, Holmes B. Higgins, who for over half a century was one of he most enterprising and successful farmers of Hassan Valley township, MeLeod county, Minn., was born at Starks, Me., March 17, 1830, son of John and Rachel (Foss) Higgins, His mother was a distant relation of Governor Foss, of Massachusetts. The father, John Higgins, was a New England farmer, Who, with hig wife, came to McLeod county a few years after their Son, Holmes. Their children were: Holmes B.; Elmira; ilburn, who resides in California; Turner, who died in California; and Calista, who died in Hutchinson. Holmes B, Higgins made his appearance in McLeod county in 1857, having walked here from Minneapolis. Taking up a homestead in Hassan Valley township, he first built a log cabin. Later, in- tending to build a new house, he procured the lumber and had it on the ground, when it was burned by Indians. A second supply was destroyed by a prairie fire, But in spite of these vicissitudes, he persevered and in course of time his industry met with due reward. Like all the other pioneers, he broke up his first land with an ox-team. He added to his possessions and at one time he and his two brothers owned 700 acres of land in Hassan Valley township. In 1862 he was working on Lewis Harrington's farm near Hutchinson, when he heard of the Indian outbreak. He walked to town and was the first man to enlist under Captain Harrington in defense of the stockade at Hutchinson. During his later years he had one of the finest kept farms in Hassan Valley. He set out one of the first apple orchards, planting nearly every variety of apple. In addition to this he had a lovely grove of black walnut, elm, oak, maple and cottonwood trees. During the gold excitement times he, with his brothers, prospected one year in Colorado, returning home just before the outbreak of the Civil war. He was one of the first to volunteer to go to the rescue of the Stouts expedition, which had been cut to pieces at Acton. In 1864 he enlisted in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and served in the South until the close of the war. All in all he was-one of McLeod county's foremost citizens and it would be hard to name one who was better known or more generally esteemed. He died on his farm near Hutchinson, June 22, 1908. Until late in lite Mr. Higgins was a bachelor, but at the age of 65 he changed his condition, marrying, September 11, 1895, Hannah Anderson, a sister of Hon. S. G. Anderson, of Hutchinson. Born May 8, 1855, in Salem county, N. J., daughter of Ezra S. and Sarah Anderson, she survives her husband and resides in Hutchinson, where she enjoys the society of a wide circle of friends.

Alfred H. Stegmeier, proprietor of the Ideal Confectionery store at Hutchinson, Minn., was born in Hassan Valley township, McLeod county, Minn., March 22, 1890, a son of Martin and Josie (Pulkrabek) Stegmeier, The father is now a retired farmer residing in Hutchinson. There were but two children in the family: Gertrude, who graduated from the Hutchinson high school in 1907 and is now a teacher in McLeod county, and Alfred H,, the subject of this memoir. Alfred H. Stegmeier was graduated from the Hutchinson high school in 1909 and in the following year from the Minneapolis Business College, Being now equipped for a commercial or business career, he entered the employ of the Citizens Bank at Hutchinson as bookkeeper, remaining there from February, 1910, till May, 1912. Owning a ranch of 640 acres at Valentine, Neb., he went there and operate] it, being engaged in breeding horses, until October, 1913. He then returned and was assistant cashier of the Farmers National Bank from October, 1913, to February, 1914, Subsequent to this he was bookkeeper for the Hutchinson Produce Company till July 22, 1915. He then became connected with his present business, buying out the interest of E, D, Black, who was a partner on equal shares with Fred Kroll. Mr. Stegmeier bought out Mr, Kroll's interest January 26, 1916, and is now sole owner of the business. In addition to general confectionery, he has cigars and soda fountain and puts up lunches on demand. He is conducting a Prosperous business, having a constantly increasing patronage. He is a member of Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 109, of Hutchinson; Hassan Valley Lodge, M. W. A. of Hutchinson, the R. N. A. and Encampment, I. O. O. F. Mr. Stegmeier was married July 16, 1914, to Marcia Maurine Rebstock, of Hutchinson, daughter of Ernest W. and Marcia (Tifft) Rebstock, her father being a druggist at Buffalo Lake, Minn. Mr. and Mrs, Steg- Meier are young people having a wide acquaintance in Hutchinson and the vicinity and both enjoy a high degree of personal popularity.

James Holliston, a pioneer, was born in Ogdensberg, New York, May 11, 1834, son of Andrew and Mary (Lees) Holliston. Coming to Minnesota in 1855, he secured a farm near Orinoco, Olmsted county. In 1864 he came to McLeod county, locating in Collins township, on the White farm, where had been enacted one of the horrible scenes of the Indian massacre. He batiently endured the hardships of pioneer life, until gradually his prosperity increased, and modern comforts took the place of early privations. In 1897 he retired, and after living three years in Washington, and four years in Renville county, this State, he died at Hutchinson in 1904. Mr, Holliston was married Sept, 9, 1857, to Mary Stephenson, who was born in Penn- Sylvania, Feb. 3, 1838, daughter of Chester and Melissa (Lillie) Stephenson. To Mr. and Mrs, Holliston were born five children: Eva, Andrew, Laura, William and Frances. Eva, born Aug. 13, 1858, married W. B. Knott, now a retired farmer of Hutchinson, Andrew, born Aug. 17, 1859, died in October, 1867. Laura is the wife of Andrew Thompson. William, born April 20, 1863, is in the real estate business in Creswell, Orefon. Frances, born Feb. 20, 1865, is the wife of Beecher Cooke, of Olympia, Washington. Mrs. Holliston now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Cooke.

Frank Monroe, a member of the well known business firm of Monroe & Bretzke, of Hutchinson, dealers in farm implements, tractors, gasoline engines, washing machines, etc., was born in Rich Valley township, McLeod county, Minn., July 16, 1878. Hig Parents are Charles and Louisa (Dufek) Monroe, the father being now a retired farmer, 62 years old, residing in Hutchinson. The mother of our subject is living at the age of 58. Charles Monroe was born in Racine, Wis., and came to McLeod county in 1875, buying a farm in Hutchinson township, which he carried on successfully for many years. He and his wife had six children: Frank Monroe, after he had finished his school studies in Hutchinson, went to Minneapolis, where he took a course in Munson's Short Hand Institute. Then returning to Hutchinson, he entered the employ of W. W. Sivright, with whom he remained for 13 years. For two years subsequently he was engaged in the hardware business at Reeder, N. Dak. Again returning to Hutchinson, in February, 1913, he purchased the business of Mr. Sivright, which, with Otto A. Bretzke as a partner, he has since carried on. The building, which is entirely taken up by the firm, was bought in February, 1916, and is a three-story brick structure, 44 by 80 feet ground dimensions. The firm has built up a prosperous business here, which is steadily increasing, and which is one of the substantial enterprises of the town. Mr. Monroe is a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants State Bank, Inc., of Hutchinson, a member of the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Hutchinson, He is unmarried.

Emil H. Grubert, a well known and prosperous building contractor of Hutchinson, was born at Buetow, Pommern, Germany, October 23, 1879, son of Frederick and Johanna (Gutzmer) Grubert. The father, formerly a tanner, is now 74 years of age and is retired. His wife is living at the age of 61. Emil H. Grubert acquired an excellent education in his native Germany. He worked for his father in the tannery until reaching the age of 17, and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years. He -also travelled extensively throughout Europe and was a student in several builders' schools. In 1899 he came to America and spent one year in Milwaukee, going from that city to Le Sueur, Minn., where also he spent a year. He then travelled over most of the United States. In 1909 Mr. Grubert located in Paynesville, Minn., where he remained until 1914, coming to Hutchinson in January of that year. Here he has built up an excellent business as building contractor, employing on an average about 12 men during most of the year. He was married September 5, 1906, to Miss Matilda Gutzmer, of Le Sueur, Minn., daughter of Albert and Augusta (Zabel) Gutzmer. Her father, a pioneer farmer of Le Sueur county, died in 1905 at the age of 63 years. Her mother still lives in Le Sueur and is now 59 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Grubert have two children: Mabel, born April 2, 1908, and Melvin, born April 9, 1912.

William E. Bonniwell, who is successfully operating an 80- acre farm in section 3, Hutchinson township, was born at Eagle Lake, Wis., April 28, 1860, son of Walter and Anna (Coles) Bonniwell. The father was born in England in 1829 and died in April, 1884. He was a brother of Henry V., George, William, James, Alfred and Charles Bonniwell. He was twice married, there being two daughters by his first union. His Second marriage, to Anna Coles, was solemnized in Milwaukee about 1854. He subsequently resided successively at Eagle Lake, Wis., Sun Prairie, Wis., Mercer county, Ills., where he remained 15 years, and McLeod county, Minn., coming here in 1877. Here he bought 120 acres in section 3, Hutehinson township, where the rest of his life was spent. His second wife died in 1899, at the age of 64 years. They had six children: Alfred, a farmer in Hutchinson township; William E., whose name appears at the beginning of this article ; Jessie, now the Wife of Martin Sheehan, a farmer at Long Prairie, Minn.; Nellie, wife of Frank Farrar, a banker of Newark, S. D.; Ona, how Mrs. Osterhout, of Ivey, Ida., and Harry, who died July 9, 1909, at the age of 33 years, William E. Bonniwell lived at home with his parents until reaching the age of 21 years, in early manhood operating a saw mill in company with his brother Alfred H. He has been engaged in threshing all his life, Tn 1882 he homesteaded his present farm and has since resided here, living in the house which was first built on the place. Although not a pioneer of this section, he has been here many years and has seen great changes and improvements take place, in some of which he has himself taken part. In his childhood he lived amid pioneer surroundings, as he was the first white aby born at Eagle Lake, Wis., and he therefore knows how to adapt himself to rude conditions of life and evolve order and Civilization out of the wilderness. Mr. Bonniwell was first Married January 1, 1882, to Nettie Green, of Hutchinson town- Ship, who died at the age of 32 years, October 4, 1896. By her e had four children: Walter, now a farmer in Lynn township, this county, who married Alma Sitz and has one child, Clifford; Rodney, a farmer in Hutchinson township who married Jennie Johnson and has two children, Donald and Milon; Eugene, a

'ew, Ills, April 27, 1897, Mr, Bonniwell contracted a second matriage, to Pauline Jensen, a resident of Hutchinson township, Who was born in Germany, May 23, 1880. She was the third born of the seven children of Andrew and Mary (Peter- Sen) Jensen, her father being now a retired farmer residing in Hutchinson, Of this second marriage there have been two children : Helen, born April 25, 1902, and Erwin, born August

30, 1909. Mr. Bonniwell has served for 11 years as director of school distriet No. 47. He is an active and enterprising citizen, widely known and equally popular.

Edward H. Babeock, who is engaged in the house moving business in Hutchinson, where he is the leading man in his line, was born in Lewis county, N. Y., April 10, 1846. His parents were Hiram W. and Catherine C- (Wells) Babcock, both natives of New York state, where the father was born June 24, 1819. He was a minister in the Seventh Day Adventist church, preaching for a number of years in New York state, five years in Pennsylvania and ten years in Wisconsin, while the last 25 years of his life were spent as pulpit supply at and near Cottage Grove, Oregon, where he died at the age of 92 years. His wife Catherine who was born in 1826, died in Oregon at the age of 81 years, They had a family of six children, as follows: Hmergene, now deceased; Edward H., subject: of this sketch; Morton, a farmer in the state of Oregon; Eloise, who is married and lives in Oregon; Adel and Astel, twins, both of whom are now deceased. Edward H. Babcock finished his school days at Albion, Wis. In February, 1864, at the age of 18 years, he enlisted in the Third Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, Company D. On the subsequent reorganization of the regiment he was transferred to Company I. The regiment was assigned to the Department of the Missouri, with headquarters at Ft. Leavenworth, Kans., and was chiefly engaged in fighting Quantrell's guerrillas along the borders of Missouri and Kansas. Mr. Babcock also participated in the battles of Newtonia, Lexington, Independence and Westport, Mo. He was mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth, Mo., September 25, 1865. Just prior to that his company had been detailed to accompany the Butterfield expedition to Colorado, which was gotten up for the purpose of mapping out a new and shorter "nony express" route to the west, Subsequently returning to Wisconsin, in the spring of 1866 Mr, Babcock went with his parents to New Auburn, Minn., his father taking up a homestead in Sibley county. In that county the subject of this sketch lived 30 years, owning a homestead there. In 1896 he moved to Hutchinson and for two years lived on a farm adjoining the town. He then moved into Hutchinson and engaged in the house moving business, which has since been his occupation, He is regarded as the foremost man in his line and is widely known and respected by all who know him. In 1896 Mr. Babcock went to South Dakota and homesteaded 160 acres of land, returning to Hutchinson in 1910. In 1886 he joined the Grand Army post at Glencoe, being transferred to Hutchinson post in 1896. In polities Mr. Babcock is a Republican. While residing in Sibley county he was chairman of the town board for a number of years. He also served as constable of New Auburn for 11 years. On May 7, 1870, Mr. Babcock was married to Emily Burdick, who was born in Niagara county, New York, July 18, 1853. Her parents were Benjamin F. and Antoinette (Kinney) Burdick, both natives of New York state. When a young man her father was a basket maker, but: later taught School and in the fall of 1865 moved to Sibley county, Minn., Where he took up a homestead. He died there in 1874 ut the age of 50 years. Mrs. Babcock's mother survived her husband until 1880, passing away at the age of 47. Their family numbered four children: Emily ; Charles, who died at the age of 38 years; Edwin, who resides at Lockport, N. Y., and Amanda, who is now Mrs. Martin Babcock and lives in Oregon, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Babcock have had five children, whose record in brief is as follows: William, born 1871, died in 1873, Inez, born in 1874, married Charles E. Tucker, who was born May 380, 1860. Mr, Tucker, formerly a school teacher, is now a traveling salesman, who makes his home in Hutchinson. He and his wife have two children: Nina Alice, born October 19, 1894, and Bede Oswald, born November 7, 1896. Frank Babeock, the third child of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1876. He '8 married and lives in South Dakota. The fourth child, Charles, born in 1879, is a minister at Chamberlain, South akota. He is married and has five children, namely: Russell, July 10, 1906: Clarence, born March 9, 1908: Harold, born November 28, 1910; Burton, born June 12, 1912, and Edward

» born March 1, 1915. De Forest, the youngest of Mr. Babcock's children, was born in 1883 and died September 26, 1908. Mrs. Babcock is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church,

Alexander L, Falconer, a well known cattle and horse dealer, Who has been located in Hutchinson since 1892, was born in Rice county, Minn., August 22, 1860, a son of John and Jemima t Lancaster City, that state, he married Jemima Lyon, who Was born in Inverness, Scotland in 1821, daughter of John and Jessie (Matthews) Lyon, her father being a lock keeper. The family of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. John Falconer Were: Mary, now Mrs. Arthur Terrell, residing in St. Louis; Alexander L,, subject of this sketch; Catherine, who married

- A. Bayne, of Hubbard, Minn., and died Sept. 20, 1910: John R, who was a farmer in Wheaton, Minn., and died in 1900; William W., who is in the employ of the Standard Oil Compony in Chadron, Nebraska, and Leith, who is engaged in neperd at Tuttle, N.D. John Falconer, with his family, went then homesteaded land in Wheatland, Rice county, Minn., and was there during the next two years. Subsequently until 1862 he was engaged in farming in Farmington township, Dakota county. About this time he served six months in the Minnegota Volunteer Infantry. In the spring of 1868 he homesteaded a farm in the southeast quarter of Section 30 Lynn township, McLeod county, and here he resided until his death in October, 1893. Alexander L, Falconer, when 17 years of age, began work in the pineries, and was thus employed from 1877 to 1885. He then bought out a cattle and horse business, and also engaged in general farming, continuing in the latter industry until he moved to Hutchinson in 1892, since which time he has confined himself to his live stock interests. In this line of business he has met with a remarkable degree of success, having, in his dealings with farmers and ranchers, bought and sold more live stock than any man in the state of Minnegota. As one of the most prosperous business men of Hutchinson, and a good reliable citizen, he is widely known and respected. Since 1889 he has been a member of the Masonic order and has passed several chairs in his lodge. Mr. Falconer was married, in March, 1887, to Mary Martin, of Collins township, daughter of Phineas and Catherine (McEnroy) Martin. Her father has been long deceased but her mother is still living, at the age of 85 years. She resides with her son Edward at Creswell, Ore. Mr, and Mrs, Falconer have six children: Harvey W., a stockman residing in Hutchinson; Ethel, wife of Will Hatch, a hardware man doing business in Hutchinson; Ray D., Harry A., Donald K., and Blanche G,

Harlow A. Jennings, a well known contractor and builder, of Hutchinson, Minn., prominent among the younger business men of the town, was born at Redwood Falls, Minn., December 3, 1885, a son of Cyrus B. and Orpha G. (Root) Jennings, After attending school for the usual period he learned his trade in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, residing in one or the other of those cities for ten years. Then, in February, 1910, he came to Hutchinson and established himself in business as contractor and builder, doing general contracting. In this line of enterprise he has achieved a gratifying success having erected some notable buildinvs, among them the resjdences of Dr. M. S. Goodnow, Herman Rand, Mrs. B. W. Day and Mrs. Laura Thompson and Peterson Bros.' garage, all of Hutchinson, Mr, Jennings is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a wide awake citizen, interested not only in his own success but also the general welfare of the community. He was married, December 7, 1910, to Luella Kjorstad, of Long Lake, Washbuin county, Wis,, daughter of Ole H. and Rhoda

Kjorstad, her father being a prosperous farmer. He and his Wife have two children: Elvern Mildred, born April 4, 1912, and Grace Elliot, born August 11, 1916.

Charles A. Borkenhagen, secretary and treasurer of the Square Clothing Company, of Hutchinson, Minn., a business man of high repute, was born in West Lynn, McLeod county, Minn., August 19, 1890. His parents were Edward and Augusta (Kelm) Borkenhagen, the father a native of Germany who came to America and died here in 1903. His widow sub- Sequently married a Mr. Ohland and resides in Hutchinson. Charles A. Borkenhagen lived at home with his parents and attended the Hutchinson high school until 1905. He then be- &an clerking for the Square Clothing Company, Inc., of Hutchinson, and was thus occupied until the spring of 1913, when the rm was reorganized, he becoming secretary and treasurer, Which position he still holds. A bright and progressive young man, he has not only made his mark in the business world, but is an active member of the Union Club and a leader in all civic improvement movements. Mr, Borkenhagen was married, August 5, 1914, to Evangeline Gazin, of Glencoe, a daughter of ouis and Augusta (Bauer) Gazin, her father being one of the Pioneer farmers of Glencoe township. Mr. and Mrs. Borkenhagen have a large circle of friends among the younger genera- Hon in Hutchinson. _ Henry G. Felepe, proprietor of the City Shoe Shop, Hutchson, was born in Rich Valley township, May 15, 1882. He is @ son of Frank J. Felepe, a representative farmer of this townhip, who was born in Austria in 1840, came to the United States in 1870 and two years later to McLeod county, Minn., Where he has since resided. Frank J. Felepe married Fanny Emponger, who died in 1904. Henry G. Felepe spent two Years - 1900 to 1902 - in learning the shoemaker's trade. He opened a shop for himself on North Main street, Hutch- 'nson, where he was located until 1904, at which time he bought his present place, where he has since carried on business, This is a two-story, brick veneer building, 20x40 feet, With full basement and supplied with modern lighting and heating facilities. He carries only the best stock, which is the largest stock of men's and boys' shoes in the city. He *mploys One assistant in the store. Mr, Felepe was the first An i the city to install modern shoe machinery in his shop, bene an electric finisher, repair jack and sole stitcher. He % ongs to the Odd Fellows' lodge and Encampment at Hutch- Son having passed all the chairs in each. He was married, ane 9%, 1914, to Alice Agnes Schuneman, of Hutchinson, F: eee oF James and Mary (Birkebeck) Schuneman, her atther being a well known merchant of this city. He and his

William B. Hopper, interior decorator, carrying on business in Hutchinson, Minn., may be called a native son, as he was born in this city January 22, 1872. He is a son of Andrew and Adelia (Fuller) Hopper and a grandson, on the paternal side of Andrew A. and Eliza Hopper, who came to Minnesota from Pennsylvania in 1860, the grandfather homesteading land in Hassan Valley township. At the time of the Indian outbreak Andrew A. Hopper brought his family into Hutchinson, where they took refuge behind the stockade. He was 2d lieutenant in the Home Guards. His family numbered five children: James, who disappeared soon after the outbreak; Albert, now engaged in the grain business at Hume, Ills.; Andrew; Eliza, now wife of Dr. Curtis Ames, medical attendant at the Soldiers' Home, and Frank, a farmer in Itasca county, Minn. Andrew Hopper, father of the subject of this memoir, assisted in the defense of Hutchinson, as a member of the Home Guard, during the Indian troubles of 1862. In the previous year, 1861, he had enlisted in Company B, 9th Minn. Vol. Inf., and he subsequently re-enlisted for three years, taking part in 16 battles of the Civil War, in one of which he received a wound in the wrist, After the war was over he came back to Hutchinson, was an officer of the city government 10 years and sheriff of McLeod county eight years. He died July 19, 1892, aged 52, as the after effects of hardships and exposures during the war. About 1868 he married Adelia Fuller, of Hutchinson, who had come to McLeod county with her uncle, Lewis Harrington, and had been reared by him. She died August 15, 1900, when about 53 years old. Their children now living are: Frank, who resides in Cloversdale, Calif.; William B., of Hutchinson; Lewis L., a mechanical engineer residing in Minneapolis; and Jay W. @ chauffuer, also a resident of Minneapolis, William B. Hopper resided at home with his parents until his marriage, June 22, 1898, to Grace Smith, of Hutchinson, whose parents were Samuel and Katherine (Shult) Smith, of Walker, Ark. Having learned the trade of decorator, he has since followed it in Hutchinson and has acquired a high reputation as a finisher artist in his line. He and his wife have five children, Esther, Lida, Wilma, Lois and Andrew L., all living at home with their parents. Mr. Hopper belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, being Venerable Council of the same, and is a member of the Union Club and of the Gopher Camp Club of Hutchinson.

Anthony W. Ludwig, familiarly known as "Tony" Ludwig, who carrying on a successful business as proprietor of a meat market in Hutchinson, Minn., was born in Eden Valley, Meeker county, Minn., March 23, 1890. His parents were Nicholas and Katherine (Moam) Ludwig, the father being a farmer who died in 1902, in which year his wife also died. Anthony W. Ludwig was but two years old when he lost his parents, and he was reared by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hemberger, of Eden Valley, Minn, In 1904, when 12 years of age, he began working in a meat market at Eden Valley and was employed there until 1910, He then went to work for E. C. Keehn, proprietor of a meat market at Waverly, Minn., remaining there until 1913, When Mr. Keehn came to Hutchinson, Mr, Ludwig accompanied him and soon after bought his present market, which he has since conducted with profitable results. He is a member of the Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus at Waverly, An enterprising business man, Mr. Ludwig takes an interest in public affairs, casts his vote in the cause of good Sovernment and is ever ready to support a worthy cause. Henry A. Dobratz, a well known furniture dealer of Hutchinson, whose large and finely stocked store is well patronized by residents of this city, was born in Hutchinson, August 18, 1872. He is of German parentage, his father, William Dobratz, coming to the United States in 1864, with his parents, who bought a farm in Acoma township, where they spent the rest; of their lives. William Dobratz subsequently, or in 1870, bought a farm in Lynn township, which he operated until his death in 1900. He was married here to Elizabeth Eblert, a daughter of Christian Ehlert, who was a farmer in Acoma township and who died in 1899. They were here during the Indian outbreak, at which time they took refuge in the Hutchinson stockade. They had ten children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. Henry A. Dobratz, after attending the Hutchinson schools, went to Minneapolis, where for five years, from 1893 to 1898, he was employed as clerk in a grocery store. He then returned to Hutchinson and entered the employ of Kouwe & Tmey, clothing merchants, remaining with them twelve and one half years. On March 1, 1911, he bought out the furniture store of G. H. Seibold in Hutchinson and has Since been proprietor of the business, which he has built up to Considerable dimensions. In 1914 he erected his present build- Ng, a two-story brick, with full basement, constructed on the most modern plan, and he occupies the whole of it, He has a 800d freight elevator and every necessary convenience. Mr. obratz carries an unusually large and fine stock for a place the 8ize of Hutchinson, his establishment being equal to most stores of the kind in the larger cities. His efforts to please have been 'ppreciated and he enjoys a large and growing business. He 48 a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of lutchinson, and is not only a power in local business circles but also a citizen of public spirit, ready to aid in any worthy enterprise for the general good of the community. For two years he rendered good service as a member of the council. He belongs to the German Evangelical Association. Mr. Dobratz was married, June 20, 1896, to Mary Bosshardt, of Morristown, Minn., second of the eight children of John and Salome (Wolf) Bosshardt, pioneer settlers in this states, who came here from Pennsylvania. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dobratz: Floyd, Aug. 15, 1899; Donald, Aug. 10, 1905, and Ruth, June 10, 1907, all of whom give promise of becoming worthy citizens of whatever community their lot may be cast in.

George Thom, a retired farmer residing in Hutchinson, who is one of the few surviving early settlers of McLeod county, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, August 24, 1836, son of Francis and Margaret (Cragin) Thom. George Thom accompanied his parents and the rest of the family to America in 1856. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, Ist Minn. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Lewis McKune, and was with his regiment all through the war, participating in the battles of Bull Run, Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Savage's Station, White Oak Swamp, Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and many others. He was discharged with his regiment at Fort Snelling, April 28, 1864, having served two years, 11 months and 11 days. In January, 1866 Mr. Thom moved onto a farm in Section 7, Penn township, McLeod county and lived there until 1890, at which time he retired to Hutchinson. He was marvied, January 30, 1866, to Maria Hall, who was born in Steuben county, N. Y., March 20, 1845, daughter of Isaac and Jemima (Gorsline) Thom. Mr, and Mrs, George Thom had three children: Dora, born November 19, 1866, who resides at home with her father; Sherman, born July 30, 1870, who died January 17, 1873, and Robert, born May 28, 1881, who died July 24, 1891.

Joseph A. Tmey, successful clothing dealer of Hutchinson, Minn., was born in Bohemia, July 2, 1857. His father Joseph, also a native of Bohemia, came to America in 1867, locating on 160 acres of land in Section 25, Hutchinson township, McLeod county, Minn. Here Joseph Tmey, the elder, resided until his death in 1907 at the age of 76. He married Anna Kreil, who died at the age of 70 in 1900, Joseph A. Tmey remained on the homestead until he was 14 years old. From 1873 to 1881 he assisted his father on his farm in Hutchinson. That he was industrious and had saved money is evidenced by the fact that he then became a partner in the general store of Goodnow & Ives, being thus connected until 1887. Then, in company with Isaue Kouwe, his brother-in-law, he started the firm of Kouwe

& Tmey, dealers in clothing. In 1900 Mr. Tmey bought out Mr, Kouwe, since which time he has conducted it under his own name. Mr. Tmey has attained a high place in the community, both as business man and citizen. He served as village treasurer for ten years, was a member of the village council and was mayor of Hutchinson in 1900. For 20 years he also served on the school board, a part of the time as president or treasurer, He is a director in the Farmers and Merchants State Bank, He has attained the 32d degree in the Masonic order, having taken both the York and Scottish rites, and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Tmey was married in 1881 to Emmeline Breenberg, a daughter of Wilhelm and Anna (Weiss) Greenberg, farming people of McLeod county. She died in 1900 at the age of 61 years, having borne her husband three children, namely: Irma, wife of A. L. Danek, a hardware merchant at Silver Lake, Minn.; Frederick, who died in 1912 at: the age of 22 years, and Donald, who resides at home with his father,

& came to McLeod county and located in Lynn township, on a biece of land that he had purchased some years before while living in Ohio. He died in 1912, at the age of eighty-one. His wife, Laura M. Smith, at the age of eighty, is living with her Son, Andrew, on the home farm.

James Powell, was born in Boyd county, Kentucky, April 6, 1841, son of Burr and Nancy (Smith) Powell, the former of whom died in 1856 at the age of 55 while the latter survived to 1914, when she died at the age of ninty-seven. James Powell remained with his parents until after attaining his majority. In 1864 he homesteaded land in section 13, Hutchinson town- Ship, which he developed, and where he farmed until 1889, When he retired and moved to H utchinson, where he now does Market gardening on seventeen acres of land. He is a stockolder in the Farmers Elevator and Creamery companies, His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, 1 which he is a trustee.

Patrick H, Murnan, a retired farmer residing in Hutchin- Son, Where he now engaged in the purchase and sale of farm lands, was born at Ft. Ridgely, Minn., October 2, 1861. His Parents were Patrick and Mary (Flanagan) Murnan. The father, born in County Limerick, Ireland, came to America in 1849, He served five years in the United States army, during Which time his family resided in Pittsburg, Penn. In 1857 he came with them to Fort Ridgely. Later he pre-empted land Section 18, West Newton township, Nicollet county, He took part in the defense of Fort Ridgely during the Indian out- break, afterwards going back to his farm, where he resided until his death. His brother Nicholas was killed by a shell from the fort while engaged in scouting. Mrs. Mary Flanagan Murnan was a native of Pittsburg, Penn. She and her husband had three children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the youngest. Patrick H, Murnan resided at home with his parents and after his father's death operated the farm for his mother until 1887. He then bought a farm one mile west: of Fairfax, in Section 12, Camp township, Renville county, There he lived for five years, after which he sold the place and bought a farm in Section 31, Brookfield township, Renville county, where he remained eight years. Again he sold and bought, his new farm this time being in Kingston township, Meeker county. Subsequently disposing of this farm also, he moved to Hutchinson in 1912, where he now lives retired from active labor but engaged in business as a deaier in farm lands, He has made a success of this occupation, being well informed and having good judgment in regard to farm values in various localities. He owns 1000 acres of land near Sumatra, Montana. June 3, 1889 Mr. Murnan was united in marriage with Jane Maxwell, of Fairfax, Renville county, Minn. Her parents were James and Mary (Winn) Maxwell, the former of whom died in 1913 at the home of the subject of this sketch, aged %8 years. He was one of the early homesteaders in Camp township, Renville county, taking land there in 1869. His wife, Mary Winn Maxwell, died in 1907 at the age of 75 years. Mr. and Mrs. Murnan are the parents of six children: Mary, residing at home, who is a clerk in the employ of Braun & Sowle; John, a traveling salesman, Thomas, Robert, Laura and James, The family are religiously affiliated with the Catholic church. Martin G. Kimm, cashier of the First State Bank of Biscay, was born in Hastings, Minn., Novy. 10, 1875, son of Theodore and Magdelena (Dreis) Kimm. His father died in 1901 at the age of 75 years. He was a native of Germany who came to America as a young man and became a shoe merchant of Hastings, and was also in the hotel business. The mother died in 1895 at the age of 50. Martin G. Kimm in his youth attended the Hastings Business College. He was assistant postmaster for five years and worked in the county treasurer's office two years. In April, 1903, he became assistant cashier at the Merchants National Bank of Willow City, North Dakota, luter becoming cashier in the same bank and then yice-president. There he remained nine years. Then he became assistant cashier of the Bottineau National Bank at Bottineau, North Dakota, where he remained two years. Feb. 1, 1914, he became eashier of the First State Bank of Biscay, Minn, He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Mr. Kimm was married August 19, 1907, to Clara B, Fahy, daughter of James T. and Mary A, (King) Fahy, pioneers of Hastings. Mr. Fahy was born May 22, 1845, and died in 1893, His wife who was born June 9, 1854, died Aug. 14, 1916, at her old home in Hastings, Minn. For some time she remained in Minneapolis. The family faith is that of the Catholic church.

Henry Kuester, for some years a merchant of Biscay, was born in Livingston county, D1l., Nov. 6, 1878, son of Frederick C, and Elizabeth (Fox) Kuester. Mr. Kuester was a wagon maker and farmer in Osceola county, Iowa, where he died in 1907 at the age of 65 years. His wife now makes her home with her daughter in Minneapolis. Thirteen children were born to these parents, ten of whom are living: Peter J., a farmer of Alberta, Canada; Minnie, Mrs. J. G. Benz of Iowa; Louis W., a farmer of Iowa; Henry; Kathryne, who was in Partnership with Henry in the mercantile business at Biscay; Elizabeth, wife of Theodore Berndt, a farmer of North Dakota; Rose, wife of H. W. Jobes, a druggist of Melvin, lowa; August E., a farmer of Meeker county; Phoebe, with her mother in Minneapolis; Anna, wife of Otto Gildemeister, a farmer of Grand Rapids, Minn.; Frederick, killed by lightning When twelve years of age. Two others died in infancy. Henry attended the Highland Park College at Des Moines, Iowa, in 1899 and 1900. Then for a year and a half he was engaged in the grain business at Cloverdale, lowa, and in the same business for two years at Plessis, lowa. The next six years were Spent at Melvin, Iowa, in the grain, lumber and coal business. In the fall of 1912 he bought the general merchandise business of Frank Kolar at Biscay, Minn., and conducted it subsequently Under the name of Kuester Mercantile Co., with his sister Kathryne as equal partner. In 1915 they erected a store build- Mg, iron clad frame, 26 by 50, with a 26 by 36 dwelling in the Fear; it having a full basement and electric lights. The com- Pany carried a large stock of goods, but has recently gone out of business, Mr. Kuester was married Dec, 3, 1901, to Emily M. Schreiber, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and they have three children - Leona, Loraine and Wilhelm. The family are members of the German Lutheran church.

alma (Howard) Holmes, now living at Owatonna. Six children were born to these parents: Jennie, wife of Robert Klockzein, a farmer of Itasca county, Minn.; George A.; Gertrude, Wife of Edgar Patchett, a farmer of Steele county on the old home farm; Fannie, wife of Jay Cotter, a farmer in Steele county; and two who died in infancy. George A. Holmes graduated from the Pillsbury Academy at Owatonna in 1895, After remaining home for two years he learned the butter makers' trade at Owatonna. In 1898 he graduated from the dairy school and then became manager of the creamery at Dundee, Minn., where he remained seven months. He next went to Dovray, Minn,, where he remained five years, nine months being subsequently spent at Lemond. April 1, 1904, he came to Biscay and took the management of the Biscay Creamery, together with the position of buttermaker. Mr. Holmes holds 15 diplomas for excellence (the average score being 94), four of them being obtained in national contests. He has also a silver medal from the St. Louis exposition. Aside from his immediate occupation, he is vice-president of the First State Bank of Biscay. Mr. Holmes was united in marriage, June 6, 1900, to Emma Cohrs, of Dovray, daughter of Henry Cohrs, who is now in the shoe business at Westbrook, Mr, and Mrs. Holmes have four children: Mildred, Lyle, Warren, and Maurice.

Frank A. Osmek, postmaster and agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, at Biscay, was born in Glencoe, March 8, 1884, son of Frank and Anna (Havlish) Osmek, The father, a native of Austria, is a retired farmer of Glencoe, having farmed in Rich Valley township for 35 years. Frank A, Osmek was graduated from the Stevens Seminary in Glencoe in 1905 and from the Wallace school of Telegraphy of St. Paul, April, 1906. He became assitant agent at Wadena on the Great Northern railway where he remained six months. For two years he was a professional baseball pitcher at Hutchinson and Hopkins. Sept. 1, 1907, he became station agent at Biscay for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, which position he now holds. March 1, 1912, he was appointed postmaster of Biscay, and has since served in that capacity keeping the postoffice at his residence. He is a stockholder and director in the First State Bank of Biscay and of the Biscay Hall Association, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Biscay. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Catholic Order of Foresters at Glencoe and the Knights of Columbus at Hutchinson, Mr. Osmek was married June 11, 1912, to Mary E. Boushka of Biscay, daughter of Frank and Frances Boushka, farmers of Hassan Valley township. The family are members of the Catholic church of Silver Lake.

Robert G. Benjamin, who for a number of years was one of the leading farmers of McLeod county, and a highly esteemed citizen, was born near Boston, Mass., August 9, 1851, son of John and Elizabeth (Taylor Garner) Benjamin, whose memoir appears elsewhere in this volume. Robert G, Benjamin was a young child when he accompanied his parents to McLeod county. He resided with them until his marriage, October 26, 1887, to Martha J. McBroom, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Kellett) McBroom. Her father was born in the north of Ireland and came to America in 1851 at the age of 21 years, locating in Indiana, in which state he remained for seven years, He then spent two years in Wisconsin and in 1860 came to Minnesota, buying a farm in Danville township, Blue Earth county, where he subsequently resided until his death in 1900. He was one of the most prominent citizens in the county, serving two terms as representative in the state legislature. He was also an official of the Mapleton State Bank at Mapleton, Minn., and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and active in church and Sunday school work, His Wife Elizabeth, to whom he was married in Wisconsin, died in 1904 at the age of 64 years. About the time of his marriage Mr. Benjamin purchased 80 acres of land in section 5, Hassan Valley township, and took up his residence there with his wife. e subsequently increased his holdings until at his death he Was the owner of 420 acres, having one of the finest and most Complete farms in McLeod county. Here he earried on diver- 8ified farming and dairying, keeping graded Guernsey cattle, feeding one car load of hogs a year, and raising sheep, White Leghorn and Rhode Island poultry, Pekin ducks and Toulouse feese. He also had a fine orchard of two acres. This farm, which is now operated by Mrs. Benjamin and her sons, is the State demonstration farm for McLeod county. Mr. Benjamin was also actively interested in farmers' co-operative institutions. He was a member and an official of the Methodist. Bpis- Copal church, and active in church and Sunday school work. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin are: George W., a Student at the State Agricultural College; Elizabeth, a graduate of the Hutchinson high school, who is now a teacher in the Public schools of St. Paul; Walter G., a student at the State University ; Arthur J., who graduated from the Hutchinson high school in 1915 and is now working on the home farm; ac B., a student at the Hutchinson high school, as also is Benjamin R.; and Blanche, who is attending the public schools of Hutchinson. The family are affiliated with the M. E. church. "rs. Benjamin was a graduate of the Mankato Normal school 1) 1884 and was a teacher in the public schools for six years Subsequently. - FR, Benjamin, for many years proprietor of the Highland Home Fruit Farm, situated half a mile east of Hutchinson, was rn in Belvidere, Boone county, Ill., May 6, 1857. A memoir of appears elsewhere in this volume. In the year of his. birth they moved to Hutchinson, Minn., and here at the age of five years he was one of the two score of little children who spent hours of terror in the stockade when it was attacked by the Indians on the night of September 4, 1862. As he grew up he attended the Hutchinson school, his boyhood being spent on the farm. He was married October 2, 1889, to Minnie L. Walker, daughter of John K, and Mary (Larraway) Walker. Her father, a native of England, came to America in 1829, locating in McLeod county, Minn., in 1857, where he engaged in farming. He died September 16, 1868, at the age of 48 years, being' survived many years by his wife, who passed away Sept. 4, 1895, at the age of 75 years. In the year following his marriage J. F. Benjamin moved with his wife to Pierce county, Neb., where he purchased and for ten years managed a large ranch, the last years keeping about 150 head of cattle, 1500 head of sheep, and shipping about seven carloads of swine stock and sheep to the market each year. In 1900 he returned to Hutchinson, having sold his ranch, and purchased 184 acres in section 6, Hassan Valley township, known as Highland Home Fruit Farm, which was his home until his death on July 15, 1916. Here he carried on farming and a small nursery and orchard, the two covering about 25 acres. He built a fine, flineroom brick house, with modern improvements and all the necessary out-buildings. He also raised Percheron horses, all of a high grade. His life was a highly useful one, filled with honorable toil, and the beautiful and valuable farm he left, largely the product of his own hands, is a monument to his memory that will long endure to be admired and enjoyed by others as one of the model rural places of Minnesota, Mr. Benjamin was an active factor in farmers' co-operative society affairs, and supported all movements for the moral and educational uplift of the community. He had been for many years, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belonged also to the Woodmen's and Royal Neighbor's camps, of both of which he was an active and valued member. He and his wife had but one child, which died in infancy. Mr. Benjamin was the fifth to pass away in his parents' family of six sons and three daughters. One of the boys, Gridley, died from exposure during the Indian troubles. Byron was drowned in the river at Hutchinson in 1881. Robert died at Hutchinson in September, 1906, and Anna (Mrs. William Me- Kenzie) died the same year. The surviving members of the family are Drs. Arthur E. and Winfred G. Benjamin of Minneapolis, Mrs. Louisa Cooke of Hutchinson, and Olive (Mrs. Howard Bacon) of Los Angeles, Cal., all of whom except Mrs. Bacon, were often with their brother during his long sickness.

Theodore F, Miller, a prominent hardware and implement dealer of Plato, Minn., was born in Young America township, Carver county, Minn., August 2, 1876, a son of Henry and Augusta (Foreman) Miller. His parents, who were highly respected farming people, were natives of Germany. Mr. Miller's early life was spent on a farm in Bergen township, to which location his father had moved from Carver county. At the age of 22 years he began business for himself, at; the Same time assuming domestic responsibilities by taking as his Wife Minnie Erke, a daughter of Carl Erke, who had located on an 80-acre tract in section 25, Bergen township. An old log building stood on the place, which Mr. Miller replaced by a 00d modern house, Here also he started a chicken ranch, raising Brown and White Rose, Silver Wyandots, Light Brahmas and Rhode Island Reds. He also bought and sold stock and raised Duroc-Jersey hogs, Which breed he introduced into the vicinity. For two years Mr. Miller served as assessor of the township and was also for some time a member of the School board. He continued to operate his farm until 1910, when, on November 3, having sold it, he moved to Plato, Here

© purchased the furniture and implement business of J. Kimble and operated it as sole proprietor for three years. He then took as partner Mr. Otto Gruenhagen and together they purchased the hardware business of Dave Graupman. In the Spring of 1915 they still further expanded their business en- by erecting, in partnership with Albert Olson, a gar- "8e 50 by 80 feet ground dimensions, it being one of the best and handsomest garages in this section. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Miller is fairly launched on a successful business career, and in view of his wide-awake and energetic character, backed by good business judgment and rigid honesty in his dealings, there can be little doubt that his success will be continued and will be still greater in the future. He takes an active and useful part in local affairs, having served on the Village council and being now treasurer of the fire department, 4nd he was also a member of the building committee of the new Schoolhouse. He and his wife are the parents of three children, Lydia, Freda and Rosina.

reamery, was born in Elgin, Wabasha county, Minn., Feb. 21, 1885, son of Julius and Ernestine (Teske) Radke, natives of russia, Germany. Ernestina Teske came to the United tates with her parents when nine years of age, locating in bon, Wis., where her parents engaged in farming, Julius Radke came with his parents at the age of 21 and located in ta Wis. They were married in Wisconsin, in 1859 and in " Went to Caledonia, Minn., making the journey with a team of oxen. Here Mr. Radke farmed for two years and then moved to Greenwood Prairie, Wabasha county, and engaged in farming there. A log house was their first home, which was - later replaced by a modern house. Mr. Radke held township office, being assessor of the township for a few years. In 1901 he moved to Windom, Minn., and farmed in that neighborhood until 1907 when he retired from active work and moved to Rochester. He died at the age of 76 years and his wife at that of 69, Their children were: Fred, Augusta, Bertha, deceased, Adolph, deceased, Edward, Emma, Julius, Albert, Laura, Arthur L., August and Robert. Arthur L. Radke acquired his early education in the schools of Elgin, Wabasha county, and then attended high school at Windom. He remained on the farm for two years subsequently and then went to Hamburg, Carver county, where he worked in a creamery for two years. He then took a course in dairying at the State Agricultural College, graduating in 1907. Returning to the Hamburg Creamery, he remained there one year, In 1909 he came to Plato and was engaged as buttermaker in the creamery there, which position he has held ever since. Mr. Radke is vice-president of the Minnesota State Butter & Cheese Association. He has been village clerk of Plato for four years, and has served as chief of the Plato fire department. Mr, Radke was married Oct. 12, 1910, to Elizabeth Bohlmann, of Carver county. Mr, and Mrs. Radke have one child, Gordon Bohlmann. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church of Hamburg, Minnesota,

John Ff. Albrecht, a prosperous farmer who is carrying on a good dairy farm in sections 15 and 22, Penn township, was born in New Auburn, Sibley county, September 14, 1891, a son of Henry and Minnie (Hochsprung) Albrecht. The father, Henry, was born in Germany and came to America in 1863, accompanying his parents to Sibley county, Minn., where his father, Frederick Albrecht, subsequently died. The latter's wife, grandmother of our subject, is still living and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Henry Straseman at Winthrop. Henry Albrecht, father of John F., was brought up in Sibley county and it was not until 1898, when he was about 32 years old, that he came to McLeod county, taking up the farm on which the subject of this sketch now lives, and which was his home for the rest of his life. He was a prominent citizen of the township, serving as supervisor for years and as a director of school board district No. 7. He was a director in the Farmers' Creamery and Elevator and, altogether, was an active and progressive man, successful himself and willing to aid in promoting the general interests of the community. His death, April 12, 1916 deprived Penn township of a good and useful cit- izen, who was highly esteemed, and whose premature loss was regretted, as he was but 55 years old, His widow survives him and resides with her son, John F. They had four children: Edward, a farmer in Penn township; Lizzie, wife of Charles Winterfield, a farmer of Penn township; John F., whose name forms the caption of this memoir, and Elsie, wife of Arthur Doerr, a farmer of Penn township. John F, Albrecht was but a child two years old, or younger, when he accompanied his parents to McLeod county. He was brought up on the farm to the ownership of which he succeeded on hig father's death, 4nd which he has since carried on with prosperous results. He Keeps graded shorthorn cattle, milking eight, raises Poland China hogs, feeding half a carload per year, and also raises Plymouth chickens. He has two acres of fruit trees and a nice 8rove of evergreens, maples, etc., covering four acres. His Principal crops are corn and clover and he also has two acres of alfalfa. The house in which he and his family reside, is a 800d frame building of eight rooms, built in 1902, with full basement and installed with gasoline lights. His frame barn, erected in 1895, measures 36 x 50 x 18 feet. In 1905 he built a hanel silo, 16 x 24 feet, Mr. Albrecht was married, November 10, 1914, to Helen Helle, who was born at New Auburn, Minn., July 13, 1891, daughter of Christian and Minnie Helle. The father, who was born in Germany, died in 1891. His wife survives him and resides in Moundville, Sibley county, Minn. Andrew Minder, one of the early merchants of Plato, was °rn in Switzerland, April 25, 1845, son of John and Mary hearer) Minder, who were farmers. The family, consisting of the parents and five children - Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, John, and Andrew - came to the United States in 1855 being 33 days on the water, and located in Ohio, where they engaged in farming, In the spring of 1860 the whole family, except Elizabeth, who had married in Ohio, came to Carver county, mh., Making the journey by railroad as far as Prairie du Chien and from there by boat to Carver county, where they bought 160 acres in Camden township. There was a log house 1 the place, into which they moved. They had an ox team and bought a cow, a few chickens and a hog or two. They bean farming with rude home-made tools and their wagon was 4 home-made sled. Here the parents lived until their death, the father Passing away at the age of 77, and the mother at that of 86 years, They were members of the Reformed church, ndrew Minder received his schooling in Ohio and after comng to Minnesota in 1860, became a clerk in Young America, Where he remained for three years. In 1862, when the Indian Massacre began, a man known as "Preacher" Elliot brought © news of the Indian outbreak to the store. Andrew secured some horses and set out for Carver to warn his people. He had considerable difficulty in traveling, as it was raining and was very dark, and he had to get down on his hands and knees several times to find the road. He found Capt. Houghton on his steamboat, to whom he gave the news and he forwarded it through to Gov. Ramsey. The next morning he returned to Young America, where the owner gave him the keys of the store and put him in charge, telling him to do the best he could. When the proprietor returned six weeks later he found that everything eatable had been taken by the soldiers. In 1863 Andrew returned to the farm, where he remained until his marriage. He then located on a farm of 100 acres in Camden township, Carver county. Here he erected a log house and engaged in farming. After five years he sold out and came to Plato where he opened a hardware store, being the second merchant there. The other merchant was a Mr. Holmes, who had come from Carver and had laid out the townsite, Mr. Minder built a frame structure, 22 by 40, and after a time added groceries and dry goods to his stock, In 1896 the building was destroyed by fire and then a brick store was erected, 40 by 90, and a stock of general merchandise put in. The business has since developed into the largest in Plato, and is conducted under the style of the Minder Mercantile Company, George and Andrew Minder being the proprietors, Andrew Minder (Sr.) served as township clerk for several years. He was united in marriage, March 27, 1872, to Mary Ann Amman, who was born in Switzerland and came to the United States in 1869. This union has resulted in eight children: William, now deceased; George, who married Della Klaus, and is now in the store at Plato; Edward, of Washington, who married Stella Green; William (2), deceased; Ida, who married Clyde Miller, and resides at home; Emma, residing at Ortonville; Andrew, who married Anna Stockman, and is in the store at Plato; and Marie, who married Arthur Hartel of Roscoe, S. Dak, The family faith is that of the Evangelical church. Reinhold J. Zeidler, cashier of the Brownton State Bank, of Brownton, Minn., was born at Howard Lake, Wright county, Minn,, October 16, 1881, son of Carl and Eva (Kamman) Zeidler, Mr. Zeidler's father, a retired farmer, living at El Reno, Oklahoma, and now 63 years old, was born in West Prussia, and came to the United States with his parents in 1869. They settled at Howard Lake, Minn., where he was engaved in farming until 1901, when he went to Oklahoma. His wife Eva was born in Germany and accompanied her parents to this country in 1869. She is still living at the age of 53 years. Reinhold J. Zeidler was graduated from Howard Lake high school in 1902 and afterwards spent two years in North-

Western Normal School at Alva, Okla. He then taught four Years in Grant county, Okla. Changing his occupation, he became bookkeeper in the First National Bank at Wisner, Nebr., where he remained one year, going from that place to Tangier, Okla., where for a year he was cashier in the Farmers' State Bank. He was then cashier for four years in the Grant County Bank at Medford, Okla., and subsequently cashier for three years in the Turner State Bank at Kansas City, Kans. He assumed the duties of his present position in June, 1915. While residing in Medford, Okla., he was a delegate to the county and state Republican conventions, Mr. Zeidler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of trustee and is also a local preacher. He is a class teacher in the Sunday school and county president of the McLeod Sunday School Association. On August 8, 1906, he was married to Lillian Schwartz, of Medford, Okla., who was born at Klemme, Iowa, September 2, 1883, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Velau) Schwartz. Her father, a farmer of Grant county, died in March, 1916, at the age of 62 years. Her mother resides in Medford, Okla,, being now 62 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Zeidler have one child, Elden Andrew Carl, born December 5, 1914,

William J. Volkman, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, at Brownton, Sumter township, McLeod county, was born in this Village, in 1874, son of John and Caroline (Lavine) Volkman, The father, John Volkman, was a native of Germany, who, after coming to this country many years ago, worked at first for August Block. Then, in 1895, he began farming in Sumter township and was there three years, afterwards farming two years in North Dakota. He then bought the hotel in Brownton, Where he is now located. The Commercial Hotel, of which William J, Volkman is proprietor, is a substantial, modern frame building of 12 rooms, supplied with hot and cold water nd steam heat, with a bar in connection with it. Here Mr. Volkman has been since 1901, attending to the wants of his Patrons and building up a good reputation as a hotel man. In

Okman ig a member of the German Lutheran church. He Was married in 1895 to Emma Knick, of Penn township, whose father, William Knick, is a farmer in that township. He and a native of Germany who came to the United States in 1860, and who died in 1888, at the aye of 65 years. Hubert's first wife, mother of the subject of this sketch, died at the latter's birth and he contracted a second marriage. The second wife died in 1874 and he then married, for his third wife, Dorothy Ellis, who now resides in New Ulm. Joseph H. Zander resided at home until 1885, when he went to New Ulm to learn the wagon-maker's trade, and was there three years. The next three years were spent by him in the furniture business at Winthrop, after which he learned the lumber business, working at it for six years in Brownton. In 1901 Mr. Zander, in company with Albert Streich, bought M. K. Bowen's store in Brownton and conducted it for 11 years, or until 1912, during which time he had two partners. Mr. Streich remained with him one year, selling his interest to O. G. Zimmerman, the firm being known as Zander & Zimmerman till 1912, when Mr. Zander sold out to the Zimmerman Brothers. Then, in company with H. F. Krueger, he built his present garage. Mr, Krueger remained his partner till 1914, in which year Mr, Hill bought out his interest and the style of the firm has been Zander & Hill since December 21, of that year. They have a substantial frame building, galvanized inside and out, 40 x 60 feet in dimensions, with a repair shop of tile, at the south end, 30 x 60 feet. The storage building on the east is 20 x 40, They handle Overland and Ford cars, keep accessories of all kinds, do welding, vulcanizing and all kinds of repairing. Mr. Zander is a director in the Brownton State Bank. He has served on the village council one year and is a member and trustee of the German Lutheran church. He was married, October 27, 1893, to Bertha Hochsprung, of Round Grove township, daughter of William and Frederika Hochsprung. Her father, a farmer, died in 1910 at the age of 65 years. Mr. and Mrs, Zander have had six children: William, who is associated with his father in the latter's business; Fred, an employe of the University State Bank at Minneapolis; Alvin, residing at home; Albert, who died at birth in 1901; and Edmund and Emma at home. Herman Schwarze, a well known farmer of Sumter township, was born in Westphalen, Germany, September 1, 1864, son of Simon and Sophia Schwarze. There were seven children in the family: Henrietta, Herman, Fred, Caroline, Simeon, Charles and August. Terman was the first: to come to the United States, arriving in 1882, and locating in Sumter township, Me- Leod county, Minn., where his uncle Fred had settled a year and a half before. He engaged in farm work and, five years later, having saved enough to enable him to make a start for himself, he rented a tract of 160 acres of land in section 15, Sumter township. Here his brother Fred joined him in 1884, and in 1886 the other members of the family were sent for. In 1892 Herman rented his present place and in 1910 he purchased the farm, in section 22. Many improvements were made on this farm and here the family lived for about 20 years. After Herman Schwarze married, he located on 240 acres in section 22, which he rented. Here he erected good buildings and brought the farm to a high state of cultivation. He has taken an interest in local government, and is the present chairman of the township board, and also treasurer of the school board of district No. 26. Mr. Schwarze was married November 24, 1892, to Emma Klopfleisch, who was born in Sumter township, July 22, 1862, daughter of Frederick and Ernestine Klopfleisch.

hree children have been born of this marriage, Arthur, Wilur and Ernst. Mr. and Klopfieisch were both born in Germany and came to America in 1850, locating at Blue Island, Ill, In 1860 they emigrated from that place to McLeod county, Minn., making the journey, which took six weeks, with an ox team. Their family consisted of seven children, the youngest. being born in McLeod county and the others having accompanied them from Illinois, The names of their children were re- Sbectively : Christopher, Bertha, William, August, Laura, Caroline and Emma. During the Indian outbreak the family took refuge in the Carver stockade, Mr. Klopfleisch became a prominent man in his township and served for several years as township clerk. He died at the age of 75 years, his wife passmg away in 1910. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Fred Griebie, formerly a prominent farmer of Sumter town- Ship, now deceased, was born in Switzerland in 1841, son of John and Henrietta (Sheier) Griebie. John Griebie brought his family to America in or about 1855, there being seven Children in the family: John, Louisa, Fred, George, Emma,

Udolph, and Annetta. He located at Fort Wayne, Indiana, Where he remained about 30 years. Then he moved to Minnesota, residing first at Farmington and later at Alexandria.

fter his marriage in 1864 he went to St. Paul, where he Clerke ina wholesale grocery for six or seven years and then engaged in farming in Douglas county near Alexandria. Here

© remained ten years. Then he opened a store at Farmingn, being the first merchant there. Next he secured 300 acres of land in Sumter township on the shore of Lake Addie, where ® Started farming with a frame house and straw shed. He Was a Progressive and industrious farmer and in time he ac- quired 500 acres of land. He has the distinction of having built the first silo in the county, and was also one of the organizers and officers of the Brownton Creamery Company. He also opened a general store at Brownton being the second merchant there. Ags township clerk and school clerk, he rendered good service. Fraternally he was a member of the Masonic order. His death took place in 1904, when he was 75 years old. Mr. Griebie married Augusta Ludwig, who was born in Prussia, Germany, April 8, 1844, daughter of Carl and Mary (Mahs) Ludwig. Hight children were born of this marriage; Fred, Minnie, William, Emily, Eddie, Edwin, Albert, and Nettie, of whom Eddie, Albert and Nettie are deceased. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church at Brownton, which Mr. Griebie was instrumental in organizing, Carl and Mary (Mahs) Ludwig, the parents of Mrs, Griebie, came to the United States in 1852 with their family, being seven weeks on the ocean. They located in Carver county, Minn., where they built a log cabin and started farming with a team of oxen. They had five children, one of whom died in Germany, the others, who accompanied them to the United States, being: Ferdinand, Fred, Wilhelmina and Augusta. Many hardships and privations were endured by them in those early days. The nearest market was 40 miles and often the journey was made by foot and sacks of grain or other purchases carried back. The boys eut wood at 25 cents a cord and had to walk 25 miles to their place of work. Often corn was ground in the coffee mill to make corn meal. When the Indian outbreak came Mrs, Ludwig refused to leave the place. She sent the children with the neighbors who took refuge in the stockade at Carver. She herself found shelter in the cornfield for several days, venturing out at night to feed and water the stock.

Frank Mann, cashier of the First State Bank of Brownton, was born in Claremont township, Dodge county, Minn., June 4, 1867, son of Lyman J. and Marie (Whitney) Mann, both natives of New Hampshire. Lyman J. Mann was a native of Claremont, N. H., and his wife of Henniker, that state. Coming west te Dodge county, Minn., about 1855 or 1856, they built a log house and engaged in farming with their ox-team. The family were of old New England stock, and were one of the several families that named Claremont township after their old home in New Hampshire. Their five children were all born in the log cabin: Ranson J., Hattie E., Willis P., Charles O., and Frank. Frank Mann acquired his education in the district school and the State Normal school at Winona. He taught school in Dodge county three terms and then entered the First National Bank of Owatonna, where he gained his first banking experience. In 1892 he came to Grownton, McLeod county and organized a private bank in company with A. McClintock under the name of Mann, McClintock & Co., which was operated until 1902, Dee. 31, 1901, the First State Bank of Brownton was organized with the following officers: R. J. Mann, of Clark, S. Dak., president; A. McClintock, vice-president; and Frank Mann, cashier. Mr. McClintock has since withdrawn from the organization and the present oflicers are: R. J. Mann, president; L. G. Prahl, vice-president; Frank Mann, cashier, and William Peik, assistant cashier. The bank has a capital of $12,000 and surplus of $15,000, Frank Mann has served on the Village council; he has been treasurer of the village for the Past eight years, and president of the school board for nine years. [He is a member of Guardian Lodge, No. 149, A. F. & A, M., of Brownton. Mr. Mann was married to Nettie M, Naylor, 4 native of Steele county, and they have four children: Marian, Marjorie, Edward and Elizabeth. The family faith is that of the Congregational church.

Louis G, Prahl, vice-president of the First State Bank of Brownton, and a hardware merchant of that village, was born Jan. 3, 1866, in Posen, Germany, son of Daniel and Emilie here were six children in the family: Albert, Hulda, and Emilie, all in Germany ; Herman, who died in Oregon; Fred and ouis G. Louis was 14 years of age when he came to the United States in 1880 and joined his brother Herman in Ren- Ville, Minn. He engaged in farm work and soon learned the English language. After nine months on this farm he worked our years for another farmer and then two months on the ilwaukee railroad, Subsequently he returned to Renville and took up the work of well digger, which occupation he followed for two years, Then he began handling cordwood at Renville 4nd that winter worked for an implement dealer, receiving his he hardware business of H. Haag & Co., of Brownton, Minn. 1S partnership was continued for one year only, when Mr, rah] became sole proprietor of the business. He carries a full and complete stock, his store and its equipment and manage- Ment being modern in every respect. He also owns 280 acres of well improved Jand in Lac qui Parle county, Minn, While Renville he served on the village council two years. Mr. rahl married Louise Loock, who was born in Watertown, Wis.,

Charles A. Sommerdorf, a thrifty and prosperous farmer of Sumter township, was born in this township, in section 21, on October 24, 1873, son of Carl and Bertha (Schimmelpfeng) Sommerdorf. The father, Carl Sommerdorf, was born in West Prussia, Germany, October 28, 1846, and was a son of John and Carolina (Harten) Sommerdorf, who came to the United States with their family in 1862, the voyage across the ocean, made in a sailing vessel, taking nine weeks. John Sommerdorf had been a shepherd in Germany, and after arriving in this country came to Minnesota, where he secured work as a farm hand. When he had saved some money he purchased 20 acres of Jand in Carver township, Carver county, on which he built a log house, using for the purpose the logs from an old house on another farm. It was two years before he was able to secure a team of oxen. However, by industry and frugality he and his family managed to subsist, and he remained on his little farm in Carver county until 1876, in which year, being now somewhat more advanced in worldly prosperity, he moved to McLeod county, and bought 160 acres of land in section 21, Sumter township. The buildings on the place were old, but as soon as practicable he replaced them by modern and more substantial structures. Here he lived to the venerable age of 96 years. He had been twice married ; the second time to Mrs. "sroline Neibaur, a native of Germany. She died at the age ot 87. Carl Sommerdorf, father of the subject of this sketch, acquired his education in Germany, and subsequently came with the family to this country. He was married June 15, 1870 to Bertha Schimmelpfeng, who was born in Pommerania, Germany, October 7, 1846, danghter of Frederick and Dorethea Schimmelpfeng, and after his marriage lived for awhile in Carver county, Minn. In 1872 he located in Sumter township, McLeod county, securing 80 acres of prairie land. Here he built a log residence and straw barn and began farming with a team of oxen and two cows. Three years later he bought the place in section 21, and here he and his wife lived until 1908, when they moved to Sumter. Carl Sommerdorf was a successful farmer and was widely known and respected. He served as director and treasurer of the school district for several years, and was for some time a member of the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church of Sumter township, which he helped to build, He is now a stockholder in the Brownton Creamery Company. He and his wife have been the parents of a large family, numbering 12 children - Herman, Otto, Charles A., Augusta, Annie, William, one that died un- named, Amanda, Ida, Paul, Maria and Martha, the two last mentioned being twins. Of these children, Otto, Augusta, Ida, Maria and Martha are now deceased. Charles A. Sommer. dorf was educated in the district school of his neighborhood and the high school at Brownton, He acquired a good knowledge of farming and for one season worked out as a farm hand. Afterwards he worked for his father until he had saved enough money to start in for himself, when he bought 240 acres in section 28, Sumter township, There were some old buildings on the place and a good grove had been set out. Mr. Sommerdorf at once started to improve his farm and one of the important things he did was to set out about an acre of fruit trees. In time he also erected a good modern residence and excellent barns, and since taking the place in hand has greatly increased its value. He carries on general farming, raising Durham cattle, Doroc-Jersey swine, and Percheron horses, and is a shareholder in the creamery at Brownton of which he was trustee for many years, He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and with Mrs. Sommerdorf, has joined the Order of the Eastern Star. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of merica. Mr. Sommerdorf was married J une 29, 1904, to Etta Zitlow, who was born in section 29, Sumter township, daughter of Fred and Lucy (Canfield) Zitlow. Mr. and Mrs. Sommerdorf have four children, Harry, Bert, Howard and Isabell. Religiously they are affiliated with the Congregational church at Brownton, Jeremiah Nobles, who is still living near the village of Sumter, came to the township as early as 1856. He was born in tsego county, New York, and with his parents moved to Cook county, Illinois, where the father, William B. Nobles, died, and he Subsequently came with his mother and other members of the family to McLeod county, Minnesota, locating on a homestead in section 25, where he still resides. He married Harriet Hulet, of Hebron, N. Y., and has had a family of ten children, Tp earlier years he took an active part in local affairs and he ig gtill one of the best known and most respected cit- "ens in not. only the township, but in McLeod county. Daniel rire a brother of Jeremiah, born in New York State in 5, after his father's death in Illinois in 1887, came to Sumter township with the rest of the family. In the Civil war he Served in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery. He married } *nnie M. Barrett, In 1886 he was postmaster of Sumter vilnrc Alexander §. Nobles, another brother of Daniel, after Ving for awhile in Sumter township, went to Glencoe, He a 4 fine record as a soldier in the Civil war and after the tad farmed for a short time in Sumter township. His record * more fully given under the head of Glencoe Township, Mra,

Alonzo L. Brown, founder of the village of Brownton, was born at Auburn, N. Y., November 8, 1838, son of Samuel Blake and Ann Gilman (Leighton) Brown. He was educated at the Auburn academy and the public schools of that city, and removed in October, 1855, to Dixon, Ill., and in October, 1857, to McLeod county, Minn. In the spring of the latter year, the father, Samuel B. Brown, with his son, Charles H., and son-inlaw, L. Ocoboek, had arrived in the county from Freeport, IIl., and settled on a part of section 8, in what is now Penn township. In the fall A, L. Brown, with his brother Charles, kept "bachelor's hall' in Penn and during the succeeding winter in a small board shanty on the open prairie on his father's vlaim. September 21, 1861, he enlisted with his brother in Company B, Fourth Regiment Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, was made wagon-master of the regiment, became captain, and after the close of the war was detailed by the secretary of war and served as aide-de-camp on the staff of General Wager Swayne in Alabama until March 20, 1866, when he was finally mustered out of the army, He was engaged in the siege of Corinth, campaign in northern Mississippi, Vicksburg campaign and its battles, campaign against Mobile and assault at Blakely, Alabama. He was married, November 18, 1865, at Montgomery, Ala., to Miss Bedina E. Savage, daughter of P. Savage, F.R.S. In May, 1866, he returned to McLeod county, with his wife, and settled on his farm. His subsequent life was one of great activity. He took an active part in local affairs, serving for a time as a member of the board of supervisors and was interested in every practical movement for the moral or material betterment of the community. In April, 1873, a district school was started in a chamber of his residence, which his wife taught until March, 1877. When the village of Brownton was incorporated, February 12, 1886, Mr. Brown was elected as its first president. In 1892 he published his "History of the Fourth Regiment Minnesota Infantry Volunteers." He also wrote a history of the early settlement of McLeod county, which was published in 1893 in "Brownton Illustrated" by R. H. Lunenburg. Capt, Brown died in Brownton October 11, 1904.

Charles Nicholas Urbach, for many years a substantial farmer of Sumter, but now living retired in the village of Brownton, was born at Platteville, Wis., July 2, 1855, son of Jacob and Annie (Weaver) Urbach. The father, Jacob, who was a native of Germany, came to the United States in 1851, locating first at Quiney, U1. Subsequently he removed to Wisconsin, and still later to Minnesota, settling in the town of

Benton, Carver county, where his wife died about 1860. On his land at Bevens Creek he erected a saw mill, but never Operated it, as about the time it was completed the Indian war broke out, and he enlisted to fight the savages. At the conclusion of his military service, or soon after, he went to California to engage in mining, and wrote to his family at intervals for some two years, his last letter being received by them in 1867, after which news failed and they never heard from him again. Before going away he turned over his land to his mother, Mrs. Regina Urbach, whose husband, Christopher Urbach, had died in Germany, and who settled with her son August, uncle of our subject, in Carver county, where August Urbach took a homestead. She, on her part, undertook to take Care of Jacob's children during his absence. Subsequently August Urbach bought 320 acres of land in section 28, Sumter township, McLeod county, Mrs. Regina Urbach buying 160 acres in the same section, Here Charles, with his two brothers, Fred and Oscar, was brought up, operating his grandmother's farm until 1877, when she deeded the land to him, for a consideration. He was now 22 years old and a good practical farmer, having had experience with pioneer conditions. There was a log house, 12 by 14 feet, on the farm, which he had *rected, and he now set to work to make other improvements. Besides setting out a grove, he increased the size of the farm y the purchase of 80 additional acres, and in time replaced the log house by a fine modern residence, also putting up other necessary buildings. Here he remained, continuing his improvements and engaged in general farming, raising good Sraded stock, until May 1, 1916, when he retired and took up his residence in Brownton. He is a shareholder in the Brownton creamery, and for several years served as road overseer of his township. Mr. Urbach married Lena Sauter, who was born in 4rver county, Minn., daughter of Fred and Sophia (Kreie) Sauter, who were early settlers of Carver. Her father ig a military veteran, having fought against the Indians in 1862, ots mg the outbreak of the Savages, and also against the Conederates in the war for the preservation of the Union. While Serving in the South he was captured and spent some time in ie notorious rebel prison of Andersonville, but escaped the H © of so many Union soldiers who were incarcerated there. © now resides at Cologne, Carver county, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. is . bach are the parents of six children: Edward, whose home 1 at Calhoun Beach, Minneapolis; Arthur, who resides on the r homestead ; Lydia, now Mrs, Frank Dwinnell, of Collins *wnship; George, who lives on a farm in section 15, Sumter °Wnship; and Fred and Clara, living at home. atkin Eynon, a pioneer, was born in Wales, the son of

Thomas Bynon, who brought the family to Canada when Watkin was nine years of age. When the youth grew to manhood he was married in Canada, to Mary Woodhall, a native of England. In 1860, they came to the United States with their six children, Sarah, Ambrose, William, Thomas, Elizabeth and Isabella, another having died in Canada at the age of one year. For several years they lived in a log cabin at Fish Creek, near Bangor, Wis. In 1874 they started for Minnesota, with a team of horses, and after a journey of eight days, reached Preston Lake, where he bought 80 acres of land and set out to improve the place into a good homestead, Like almost all the other pioneer settlers, he began work with an ox-team. In course of time he achieved his ambition and developed a good farm out of his wild land. Being recognized as a good citizen of industrious habits and interested in the welfare of the community he had helped to build up, he was called on to serve in local office and for a number of years was a member of the township board. He was a member of the Presbyterian church at; Mapleplain, Hennepin county, and active in its good work. At the advanced age of 84 years he laid down the burden of life, having long survived his wife, who had died in Wisconsin at the early age of 34,

Ambrose Eynon, who is now carrying on a drug business in Stewart, has been both agriculturist and merchant and has built up a reputation as a substantial and reliable citizen. He was born near London, Canada West, October 7, 1851, or 1852, son of Watkin and Mary (Woodhall) Eynon, attended school for a short time in Canada and afterwards continued his schooling in Wisconsin until his services became too useful on the farm to be dispensed with any longer, when he began to assist his father. Later he took up farming for himself on a tract of 80 acres in section 16, Preston Lake township, to which he later added 80 acres more, These tracts were all wild Jand, but he improved the property into a good homestead, building on it a comfortable frame residence. Like his father, he served in township office, being chairman of the board of supervisors and one of the school directors. In 1887 Mr. Hynon traded his farm for a hardware and furniture store in Stewart, which he carried on for a number of years, finally disposing of the business, During the last three years he has been engaged only in the drug business, He has served as a member and president of the village council, is a member and trustee of the Congregational church and belongs to the Modern Brotherhood. Formerly he belonged to the Odd Fellows lodge in Stewart, which, however, is no longer there. Mr. Eynon was married October 17, 1875, to Luella Scott, at. Lowell, Wis., which was her native town. Her father, Smith Scott, who was a farmer in Wisconsin, came to that state from the state of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Eynon have six children: Mamie, Scott, Arthur, Helen, Enid and Grace.