Meeker County, Minnesota - Chapter 4: Teeritorial and State Officees, 1888 (part 2 of 11)

The elder Mr. Laughton owned and operated a splendidly equipped woolen factory upon his farm, and Charles A., who attended school in the summer months, during the winters worked in the mill, and there showed his mechanical ingenuity. In 1870 when the place was sold, Charles entered the Young Men's Academy, at Lake Forest, 111., where he spent two years. He then entered into the mercantile trade at Platteville, with his brother, but finding the work too confining for his health, entered the employ of J. I. Case tt Co., of Racine. The following spring of 187+, he commenced traveling in their interests, as an expert, over the United States and Canada, and has seen much of the world while doingso. He followed that line of work,in the service of the same company, until September, 1881, when he came to Litchfield, as the resident agent for Case & Co.'s threshing machinery. In the spring of 1887, he built the machine shop where he does all kinds of repairing of machinery, especially engine work, which he carries on in connection with his other business.

November 10, 1887, C. A. Laughton wasunited in marriage with Miss Julia Gratiot, a native of Platteville, Wis., daughter of the late Lieut. Col. E. H. and Ellen (Hager) Gratiot, natives of St. Louis, Mo., and Paltimore, Md., and niece of the late Hon. E. B. Washburn. While Mr. and Mrs. Laughton are not among the' older residents of the village, their genial dispositions and happy mannershave won tiiem a high place in social circles. Mr. Laughton is ranked among the leadingbusiness men of the place, and a bright future is evidently before him.

TaCOB LENHARD, of Darwin town- 0 ship, is a native of the German Empire, born July 1, 1827. He was reared in that classic land and remained there until 1852, when bidding adieu to the beloved fatherland he crossed the ocean to the shores of free America, in search of the liberty of action and the chance of competency not afforded to him in the land of his birth. He settled near Buffalo, N. Y., where he remained some three months, after which he went to Canada, and worked on the construction of the railroad suspension bridge oyer the Niagara river. From there he proceeded west to Chicago, 111., but less than a year later removed to Polk county, Wis., and there purchased a farm and settled down to the life of a Western farmer. He made that part of the " Badger State" his home for thirteen years and at the expiration of that time, in 1868, came to Meeker county, and settled in Darwin township. He was united in marriage, Septem-

^TeLS F. JOHNSON, is one of the well- &''fj| to-do farmers of Swede Grove township. He is a son of John and Anna Christianson,and was born in Sweden, on the 28th of June, 1862. He came to the United States with his parents in 1868, and they came direct to Meeker county, Minn., settling in Swede Grove township, where Nels F. re a common-school education. He lived with his parents, working on the farm until 1887, when he purchased 160 acres of land on section 6, whei'e he now lives, keeping "bachelor's hall" and tilling his farm. A sketch of his parents will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Johnson takes active interest in township matters. He was appointed school clerk to fill the unexpired term when tiiat oihce became vacant throucrh

^HE legal profession has a number of able and prominent representatives at Litchfield, among them being J. M. Eussell, county attorney of Meeker county. He is a native of Clay county, Ind., born on the 13th of Februar\', 1852. His early life was spent upon a farm attending district school in the winter, and thus continuing until he was sixteen years old, when he began teaching school in the winter, working on the farm during the summer. Two years later he purchased his brother's interest in the old homestead, his father having died when he was less than three years of age. After this he worked the farm during the summer, teaching during the winter months, until he was twenty-three j'ears old, when he sold the stock and farm implements and for two years attended college at Westfield, 111. From there, in the spring of 1877, he came to Meeker county, remaining here one year and teaching two terms of school. In the spring of 1878, returning to the old home in Indiana, he worked on the farm with his brother that season and taught school during the following winter.

On the 8th of April, 1879, Mr. Eussell was married to Miss Julia E. Hays, of Clay county Ind., and the following day they started for Meeker county, Minn. For a year he taught school at Cedar Mills, and, on the 14th of September, 1880, he settled at Litchfield and entered the law office of N. C. Martin for the purpose of fitting himself for that profession, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1882. He spent the summer of 1881 upon a claim in Dakota. He sold this in 188.3, and having taken a homestead in the same Territory, that spring, he spent the summer on that, and still owns the farm. After being admitted to the bar in the fall of 1882 he formed a law partnership with IST. C. Martin under the firm name of Martin & Eussell. This partnership was maintained until the 1st of January, 1887, when it was dissolved, and since that time Mr. Eussell has devoted his attention exclusively to his profession, as before, but alone in business, and has built up a lucrative practice. In 1884 he was elected city attorne}"^ and held the office for three successive terms. In the fall of 1887 he was elected county attorney on the republican and alliance tickets and assumed the duties of the office on the 1st of January, 1SS7. Mr. Russell is an active meniof the Christian Church.

^MNDREW DAVIDSON, is one of the pio- J^}i_ neers of Dassel township, where he lives on section and one of its leadincr and representative citizens. He is a native of Scotland, born in Wigtown Shair, Mai'ch 28, 1833. Among the heaths and glens of his native land he was reared, and there made his home until his twenty -first year, and then determined to seek a new home in the wilds of America. Crossing the tempestuous Atlantic, he landed in New York, and for a short time made his home in Orleans countv, N. Y., but then moved to Morristown, N". J., where he went into a hardware store, where he was employed for some time, and later commenced market gardening or "truck farming." In 1856 our subject came west, and for ten years followed farming in Columbia county, Wis., from whence he came to Meeker county in 1866. He drove the entire distance with an ox team, brineinor his family with him, and on his arrival here took up as a homestead eighty acres of land on section 14. First setting foot in the county July 4, 1866, he has been for nearly twenty years a constant citizen, except the first winter, when he spent that season in McLeod county after partially building the house upon his place, where he worked to keep his family in the necessaries of life. During the fii'st few years he did considerable hunting, getting at one time eighty -six deer in six weeks, and in taking the venison and furs to Minneapolis to market he added considerably to his revenue. As game became sciirce. he took up teaming with a yoke of oxen, and transacted considerable business at remunerative figures. Soon his farm demanded his sole attention, and by the exercise of labor and perseverance, together with the thrift and frugality with which his race are proverbially endowed, has succeeded in placing himself in comfortable circumstances^ and lives surrouinled by most of the co7uforts of life.

Mr. Davidson wiis married before he left "the land of heather," December 1, 1849, to- Miss Grace McAllister, but left her in Scotland when he came to America in search of a home. Two years afterward she emigrated to the "land of the free," joining her husband, in Morristown, in 1856. They are thehappy parents of four children - Janet, Peter, Margaret and Alexander. Janet is the wife of Barney Cox, a resident of Dassel ; Peter, who is also married, lives in the town of Dassel; the other two still reside at home.

On the organization of the town in 1867,, Mr. D. was elected one of the first justices of the peace, and for the past thirteen years has been chairman of the town board of supervisors.

BAVID B. HOAR. The subject of this, biography, a prominent and successful farmei' and stock raiser, residing on section 34, Union Grove townshij), justly beai'S thereputation of being one of the most solid and substantial citizens in the northern part of the county, and his many yeai-s of residence there have caused him to be well known to all the old settlers of that region.

Mr. Hoar was born in New Brunswick, Albert county, Canada, on May 8, 1822.. His father was originally a tanner, but he lost his feet from the eifects of a cold, mortification setting in, and amputation was necessary, and he then learned and worked at the tailor's trade for some time, after which he was engaged in the mercantile business. A few years later he built a vesseL

David B. Hoar, our subject, spent his early days in aiding to care for his parents. In May, 1857, he came to Minnesota, and ^Yorked in a steam saw mill in Wright county until tlie spring of 1858, when he came to Meeker county, and rented a farm in what is now Union Grove township, which he worked and raised three crops on. The last year he bought the right and improvements on 160 acres of land on section 3-i, wiiere he wintered. The next summer he worked for farmere in Wright county, and the same fall, on October 23, 1861, he was married to Miss Melissa Bryant, daughter of Ambrose and Narcissa Bryant. She was born in Kenne|3ec county. Me., July 24, 1842, and came to Minnesota with her parents in the fall of 1855. At the age of nineteen she commenced teaching school, and taught one term before and one after marriage. She was teaching when the outbreak of the Indians occurred. As a full history of this matter is given in another department of this work, it is unnecessary in this connection to repeat it. On the Wednesday following the massacre at Acton, Mrs. Hoar was teaching, when a man came and notified her that the Indians were coming. She at once sent the children to their homes, and she rode home with the mail carrier. Mr. Hoar at once started to notify the Goodspeeds, Mrs. Goodspeed being a sister of Mrs. Hoar. They hitched up a yoke of oxen and a horse, antl expected to take dinner at Mr. Hoar's, but they did not stop to eat it, as the Indians had got sight of him and were in hot pursuit. Mr. Hoar cocked his gun and backed up to the wagon, waiting till all were in, and they started, and before they were out of sight the Indians were plundering the house. The party drove to Manannah, where they were joined by quite a crowd, and then proceeded to Forest City. Mrs. Hoar, Mrs. Learning and two children, Mrs. Helen Goodspeed and three children, and Miss Florinda J. Bryant, the four sisters, went to Monticello. Mr. Hoar remained during the summer and was on some of the most perilous expeditions, and had many narrow escapes. He spent the ensuing winter at his father-in-law's, after which he spent about three years in his native province. In 1866 he returned to Union Grove, and this has since been his home. He has one of the most desirable farms in the township, owning 320 acres, and has substantial improvements. All that he possesses is the result of his own management and industry, and he has accumulated a fine property, notwithstanding tlie fact that he has passed through enough hardships and dangers in early days, and loss of crops in later years, to have discouraged and disheartened the generality of mankind.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoar are the parents of the following children - Adelbert, born December 12, 1862 ; David Alonzo, born September 1, 1864; Elisabeth S., born August 11, 1866; Wesley J., born September 5, 1868 ; Winogene, born July 11, 1870 ; Irvine, born January 15,1872; Forest, born April 26, 1873; A. Chesley, born March 23, 1875 ; Phebe A., born January 13, 1877 ; Narcissa, born December 30, 1878 ; and Ambrose, born October 24, 1880. Adelbert is mentioned elsewhere in this work. David Alonzo runs a stationary engine at BuS'alo, Minn. The rest are at home.

l[£>j) ASMUS NELSON, the junior member 'JPfV *^f *^^ o^ Birch & Nelson, Litch^ field, is a native of Denmark, born February 11, 1844. His father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and our subject was reared upon a farm, acquiring such education as the schools of his native land afforded until ho w;is some fourteen years of age, after wliich his tiiue was devoted solely to labor. In 1869 he emigrated to the New World and upon lauding in this country, came to Minnesota and pui'fhased a farm on section 34, Acton township, and upon that tract of land made his home for some sixteen years. While a resident in that portion of the county he was very active in the discharge of his duties as a citizen, and was duly honored by the people with election to several important offices. He served three years as town supervisor, four years as county commissioner, and in a number of the minor ones, and on the school board.

In 1884 the subject of this sketch purchased the interest of Andrew Nelson in the clothing and gents' furnishing goods firm of Birch & Nelson, and has been actively engaged in mercantile pursuits in this line and place ever since. lie is still the owner of some 400 acres of excellent farm land in the county, most of which is under cultivation. His house, which is a handsome one, is surrounded by a fine grove, and his place contains a thrifty orchard, and is generally considered one of the best farms in the county.

Mr. Nelson was united in marriage in Denmark, previous to his leaving his native land, with Miss Maren Peterson, a native of the same countr}'^, who died September 29, 1887. They were the parents of eight children - Nels P., Charles G., Annie, Carrie M., Gertie C, Walter W., Jennie and Arthur E.

lEMJT^ANS IVERSON resides on section 33, JPSL Acton township. The parents of the subject of this biogi'aphy were Iver and Johanna Anderson, both of whom were born in Norway and lived in their native land until the time of their deaths. Hans Iverson was a native of the same country and was born on the 4th of May, 1846. He came to the United States in 1869, and shortly after his arrival he proceeded to Dakota county, Minn., where he was employed by various farmers until during the year 1873, when lie came to Meeker county and bought railroad land on section 33, in Acton township, where he still lives. He has a good farm of 130 acres of land with a good portion of it under cultivation, a comfortable house, and other farm buildings, and withal is in comfortal)le circumstances. This has all been the result of his own industry and economj', as he was a poor man when he came to this countr}'. He has met with some reverses, especially during the year that the grasshoppers visited Meeker county, but as a whole his farming operations have been very successful.

Mr. Iverson was married in 1869 to Miss Ingeborg Pederson. She was born in Norway', on the 4th of April, 1848, and is a daughter of Iver and Martha Pederson. Her father died in Norway and her mother is now living in Pope county, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Iverson have been the parents of the following children - Martin, born March 14,1870; Man, born December 29, 1873; Olof, born July 7, 1875 ; Mina, born September 10, 1877; Hilda, born January 16, 1880; and Lydia, born July 23, 1882.

^^TlMROD BARRICK, a farmer of EUs- ^y'fji worth townshi[), lives on section 33, where he carries on agricultural ]mrsuits, and confines his operations to grain and cattle raising.

Mr. IJarrick was born in Cediu' county, Iowa, September 20, 1851, and is the son of Alpheus and Minerva (Porter) Parrick, natives of \'irginia and Indiana respectively, who came to Meeker count}' in the spring of 1864, and settled in the town of Cedar Mills, where they still live. Mr. and Mrs. Alpheus Barrick were the parents of eight children - Isaac, Amos, Sarah, Scott, Nimrod, Nellie,

James and Ethan. Isaac, one of those " whose faith and truth on war's red touchstone rang true metal," enlisted in Company 11, Third Minnesota Infantry, and after nearly three years' service, died from exposure. Ethan died at the age of two years.

The subject of our sketch spent a portion of his earl}' life in Rice county, Minn., where his father followed his trade, blacksmithing, until war times, then enlisted in Company A, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving one year. During this time our subject attended district school, and in the fall of 186-i he, with the rest of his people, removed to Meeker county, Minn., and settled in Cedar Mills township, where he remained at home, assisting in the work and improving the place, until the fall of 1873, when he commenced }ife for himself and removed to the town of Ellsworth.

October 9, 1873, Mr. Barrick and Miss Julia Kennedy pledged their mutual vows at the marriage altar. The bride was a daughter of Dr. V. P., and Julia Ann (Rudisill) Kenned}', natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana respectively, and was herself born in Clay county, Ind. A history of her parents is given elsewhere in the pages of this Album, to which the reader is referred. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Barrick have become the parents of three children, Poscoe, Vincent and Baby, and their home is lightened by the merry sound of childhood's laugh and song.

In the spring of 1885, Mr. and Mrs. Barrick moved to Brown county, D. T., but becoming dissatisfied there, returned to Meeker county in the fall of the same year.

Our subject is republican in his principles, and affiliates with that organization. In local politics he takes considerable interest although, in no way a professional politician or an office seeker. In 1882 he was honored by the citizens of Ellsworth township, by having had bestowed upon him the office of town supervisor, and for four years filled that position. Several minor offices have, also, in him found a worthy and trusty administrator and he merits and receives the respect and esteem of the whole community.

l&saTFNRY MARTIN, a successful and en- JPjL ter])rising farmer residing on section 9, Cedar Mills township, has been a resident of Meeker county, with the exception of one year, since 1873. He is a native of Monroe county. Wis., and was born October 8, 1855.

When Henry was seven years of age he removed to Kedron, Fillmore county, Minn., with a man named Hale, who had adopted him. He remained there until 1873, when he came to Meeker county, Minn., and located in what is now the town of Cosmos. After remaining there a year he went to Stevens county, Minn., where he also remained a year, and then returned to Meeker county. After his return he lived in Greenleaf township until the spring of 188-1, when he purchased his present farm on section 9, Cedar Mills township. Since that time he has resided upon his farm and devoted his time to diversified farming and stock raising. He has a valuable farm of 160 acres, considerable of which is under cultivation, and is in very comfortable circumstances.

Mr. Martin was married on January 9, 1878, to Miss Alma Pt. Nevens. She is a native of Maine, born November 26, 1861, and is a daughter of Daniel and Eveline Nevens, who were among the earliest settlers of Greerdeaf township. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are the parents of four children, as follows - Luman D., born January 28, 1880; Mary E., born May 28, 1882; Sarah A., born April 28, 1885 ; and Lettie G., born September 22, 1887, all of whom are now living.

Meeker Couxty, Minnesota

"OHN HUNTER, SR. The subject of this sketch, who is one of the most ])romiiient and respected fannei-s and stock raisers in the northern porti(Mi of the county, is a resident of section IS, Union Grove township. He comes of a race which make the best citizens in Minnesota's population, and a race which is proverbial for their integrity, industry, frugality, and genial and hospitable temperament, for it is an old and true saying that " no man goes liungry from a Scotchman's door."

Mr. Hunter was born in the county of Barrackshire, Scotland, on the 10th of April, 1826. His early life was spent in the land of his birth, Avhere he received the training and education afforded by the facilities of those days, and imliibed the principles of honesty, industry and economy, which are characteristic of the Scotch ))eople. Economy and industry were essential in those days to make a living, and the wage earnings of that day would now be considered a pittance. About the year 1849 he came to America and settled in Canada, where he remained for sixteen years. He then, in 1865, came to Meeker county, Minn., and located on section 18, in what is now Union Grove township, where he has since lived. At the time he came here there were only three settlers within the limits of the township, as all the earlier settlers had been driven off by the Indians and had not returned as yet. Mr. Hunter had a good deal to contend with during those early days and had to encounter difficulties and disadvantages to which most men would have surrendered. When he arrived here his earthly possessions consisted of one yoke of oxen and a cow, and for two years he had very little to eat, living a good share of the time on wheat boiled in milk. Flour was worth $16 per barrel, and potatoes $1.25 per bushel, and at one time he traded a two-yearold steer, even, for a 100-weight of flour. They were obliged to go to Cold Springs, a distance of twenty -five miles, to mdland the trip usually took three days. No work could be found, and there was no money in the country, and at times it looked astliough starvation stared them in the face, but during all the trials and hardships his courage and enterprise never forsook him and it has not been unrewarded, as he is now rated as one of the most solid and substantial citizens of the township in which he lives. He has a fine farm of 250 acres and a comfortable home.

Mr. Hunter was married on the 1st of April, 184:9, to Agnes Brown Lee, and tlieir union has been blessed with seven children, as follows - Mary, Jane, James (deceased), John, Charles, Charlotte, and George (deceased).

During the first year that Mr. Hunter and his family were liere, they had neither team nor cow ; they had to carry their house-logs out of the woods - Mr. Hunter carried one end and old Mr. Beaumont the other. The boys each had to liold forked sticlcs to reach to the log so as to help. When they got their oxen, thev did all their hauling, summer and winter, on a sled. Deer and elk would often come into the doorj'ard, while bear was by no means an unfrequent visitor. On one occasion, they found by the ti-acks, that a bear had climbed upon the wood-house and from there to the roof of the cabin, which was covered with sod. In those days they were afraid that some night they might come down the fire chimney. Wolves were numerous, and in addition to this they were constantly on the lookout for Indians. These were some of the trials, experiences and hardships which the early settlers endured.

ber 29, 1848, and is the son of Edward and Lizzie (Hanlon) Dowling, natives of tlie Emerald Isle, wiio liad settled in Maine sliortly before the birth of Hugh. The father of our suljject worked at sliip-carpentering until 1850, in Bath, after which lie came to Minnesota, and remained until 1855 in St. Paul. He then, in company with a Mi'. Egan, removed to Dakota county, this State, and was one of the first settlers in the town of Egan. He took up a homestead there, and made it his home until 18(56, when he sold out and came to Meeker county and bought a farm. He died here December 27, 1870.

Hugh Dowling resided at home on tlie farm until he had attained the age of twentj'-five years, when he commenced to learn the harness-making trade. In 1879 he opened a shop of liis own, which burned down March 4, 1885, with a loss of $1,900, only part of wliich was covered by insurance. Recovering himself, our subject soon afterward opened his present place of business, where he carries in stock all kinds of harness, robes, blankets, trunks, et<c.

Mr. Dowling and Miss Kate E. Dougherty were united in marriage January 11, 1880. Tlie lady is a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Ward) Dougherty, natives of County Donegal, Ireland, who were among the very earliest settlers in this county, coming here in July, 1856. Mrs. Dowling is a native of Will county. 111.

OB B. SHERMAN, a prominent resident of Litchfield, is a native of Erie county, N. Y., born in 18-40. His parents were Joseph and Mercy (Willitt) Sherman ; the fatlier a native of Massachusetts who had settled in Erie county, N". Y., in 1823, and the mother a native of New York. They remained upon their old homestead in Erie county from the time of their settlement until the time of their deaths.

Job B. remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, when he enlistened in Company K, One Hundred and Sixteenth New York Infantry, serving two years and nine months. During this time he was in thirteen elitferent battles, and was wounded twice - first at Port Hudson, La., by a minie ball entering his left cheek and coming out at the back of his neck ; and again at Cedar Creek, Va., bj' a spent minie ball entering his left cheek. The first wound was serious, and unfitted him for duty for about six months, seven weeks of which time were spent in the hospital. After receiving his discharge from the army, Mr. Sherman returned to Erie county, N. Y., and engaged in farming, remaining there until 1885, when he settled at Litchfield. With the exception of one year spent in Kansas, Litchfield has been his home since that time. He followed his trade (carpentering) until the spring of 1887, when he was appointed policeman for the village, which position he still holds. Mr. Sherman was married on the 25th of December, 1865, to Miss Hannah E. Sole, of Erie county, N. Y., and they are the parents of two children - Grace D., wlio was born December 5, 1867 ; and Blanche H., born July 29, 1878. Mrs. Sherman is one of the most active members of the Woman's Eelief Corps, No. 17, and is the present secretary of the corps. The family are members of the Episcopalian church. Mr. Sherman is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also the Odd Fellows.

,LE HALVERSON NESS is one of the most prominent old settlers of Meeker county. He was born in Hullingdal, Norway, October 6, 1824, and is a son of Halver Munsonand IngeberNess. His father served for thirty-six years in the Norwegian army, and Ole H. saw six years' service in the same army, with the rank of sergeant. In 1846 he was married to Margaret Christian, a daii£rhter of Christian Knudson, who was born in 1821. One week after liis marriage Mr. Ness embarked for America with his parents, and settled in Rock county, Wis. In 1856 he sokl his farm there and came to Meeker county, Minn., his family being one of the three original families who settled in Litchlield township. The party came tlirough by " prairie-schooner" conveyance, and were charmed with the delightful scenery of Minnesota in June. During the summer the family lived in "'camp-lifestyle" on the land where Ole H. had taken-up his claim, and in the fall he completed one of the first cabins erected in the township, and moved into it.

After experiencing the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life, he had just begun to get a foothold in the M'ilderness, and was looking forward to the brighter days of civilization, when the outbreak of the Sioux Indians came. Bred in the school of the intrepid Norwegian soldiery, Mr. Ness did not for a moment quail or hesitate before the onslaught of the savage redskins, but sprang to the defense of his home and fireside. On the night of the shedding of the first blood, a few miles from his own door, he was one of the few who dared to go to the scene of the slaughter in the darkness, and who, after finding the bodies of the five slain pei-sons, stood faithful watch until they were bm'ied. Then O. H. Ness went home, and, although the whole populace seemed to be on wheels to get out of the way of the savages, he remained at home with his family until Saturda\- following the massacre at Acton, when he took them to Forest City. His horses being pressed into service, he spent a few days at Kingston and then returned to Forest City, and superintended the building of fortifications there. His family occupied apartments over the postoffice at the time of the Indian attack, and he first discovered it while going out to change the guard, and had just time to arouse the people and get them into the fortress. After remaining at Forest City until the latter part of December, 1862, Mr. Ness removed his family to the farm and kept them there during the entire winter - the only case of the kind in the whole county. The Indians destroyed fully $2,000 worth of pro}ierty for him.

Mr. Ness' first mari'iage was blessed with eleven children, whose names are as follows - Sarah, Halver O., Christian, Margaret, Martin O., Lina, Caroline and Karl. Margaret is married to Abt Mattson, Lina to Paul P. Olson, and Caroline to George Beach. The first wife died in August. 1877.

Mr. Ness has retired from all active participation in business affairs, and is now pleasantly passing the evening of his life with his second wife. All his children have grown up about him, and are comfortably settled in life.

i^NE of the most intelligent and enterprising farmers in the southern part of the county is L. M. Johnson, a resident of section 22, Greenleaf township. He is a native of Sweden, and was born on February 25, 1844. His parents were also natives of Sweden, where they are still living, his father following the vocation of a farmer.

L. M. Johnson, the subject of our sketch, was reared in early life on a farm, but later, while still in the old country, was employed at the milling business, and at the carpenter's trade. In 1867, he left the land of his birth and came to the United States, and after spending some three weeks in Chicago, he went to Marquette county, Mich., where he worked at the carpenter's trade. On May 8, 1869, he came to Meeker countj^ Minn., and settled upon a farm on section 17, in

Greenleaf township. In 1871 he entered a homestead of forty acres, where he now lives, on section 22, and moved onto it during the same season. He now has a splenditl farm of 180 acres, a large portion of which is under cultivation, and his buildings, which are among the best in the township, reflect great credit upon his enterprise and good management. He has a large amount of stock and carries on diversified farming, together with stock raising. He has taken an active interest in public matters.

Mr. Johnson was married on July 4, 1867, to Sarah C. Olson. Her parents were born in Sweden, where her father died, and her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been blessed with the following children - Johanna T., born June 24, 1869 ; Esther E., born October 6, 1870 ; Mary S., born July 11, 1873 ; John W., born October 8, 1874 ; Ida N., born August 9, 1876 ; Euth J., born May 16, 1878 ; Joshua E., born August 24, 1881 ; and a pair of twins that died at the time of their birth, August 28, 1868. The family are members of the Church of God. Mr. Johnson has five brothers and two sisters living in this country.

^Jf^lNCENT COOMBS. The subject of \^l this sketcli, a successful farmer and stock raiser, residing on section 11, Cedar Mills township, is one of the oldest settlers in the southern portion of the county. He is a native of Indiana, and was born on April 30, 1841.

He arrived in Meeker county, ilinn., on the 7th of July, 1857, with his parents, Milton and Elizabeth Coombs, he being at the time only sixteen years of age. The father, Milton Coombs, took a claim in the town of Ellsworth, but only remained on it a few days ; not being satisfied with the location, packed up his goods, preparatory to starting for Iowa. Upon arriving at Cedar City he was persuaded to take a claim in Cedar Mills township, and he accordingly selected 160 acres of land on section 2. For some time they lived at Cedar City, working the farm in the meantime, however, and in 1859 they moved to the place. When the Indian outbreak occurred, tliey with others went to the "Point" in Cedar Lake, where they built fortifications, and later went to Hutchinson. In the spring of 1863, they, with George Nichols and family, returned to Cedar Mills - they being the first to return.

In the fall of 1862, Vincent Coombs enlisted in Captain Herriiigton's three months State Militia, and served during his term of enlistment. In the following spring he enlisted as a scout under General Sibley, and served with the Sibley expedition thi'ough the West. He was one of the scouts who picked up the son of Little Crow to the south of Devil's Lake. Mr. Coombs was in the Indian country during most of the time while the trouble lasted. He was one of the four men who went into the timber to look after Caleb Sanborn, and found his body where the Indians had killed him, near his own house. He was also one of the party that went from Hutchinson to recover the body of Daniel Cross, who was killed by the Indians north of Cedar Lake.

In the fall of 1864 Vincent Coombs sold the farm in Cedar Mills and took a homestead in Greenleaf township. In the spring of 1869 he was married to Miss Lydia A. Abbott, of Forest Prairie. Mrs. Coombs died on the 18th of November, 1878, leaving her husband five small children to care for, her last request being that her childi-en be kept together, and it has been faithfully fulfilled.

Mr. Coombs was again married in the spring of 1SS3, when Sarah J. Jordan, of Cedar Mdls, became his wife. Our subject resided ill tlie town of Greenleaf until the spring of 18S7, when he sokl his phice and purchased the Pitman farm, of a fraction over 332 acres, located on sections 2 and 11, Cedar Mills township. While in Greenleaf, Mr. Coombs held many offices of a local nature, and took an active and prominent part in politics, township matters and educational affairs. He is a meinber of the Masonic order, having joined Golden Fleece lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. M., in 1872, and Eabboni chapter. No. 37, Eoyal Arch, in 1887. "When the Grange movement s'tarted he was one of the leading members in the oi'ganization and was master of the Greenleaf lodge.

Mr. Coombs has now one of the best farms in the town of Cedar Mills, he and his wife together owning 412 acres of the finest land in this region. Mr. Coombs has good substantial buildings and a nice artificial grove, set out by Rev. J. M. Pitman about twenty years ago. In conversation with Mr. Coombs, he said : " I am my mother's best boy - being the only boy in ten children."

^^ P. PETERSON, attorney at law, of \^i Litchfield, came to Meeker county in May, 1S67, with his parents, Olof and Hedda F. Peterson. E. P. Peterson was born in Goodhue county, Minn., in June, 1855, and was therefore twelve years of age when he came here. His father took a homestead in Harvey township and remained until 1883, when he removed to Nicollet countj'^, and later to Des Moines, Iowa, where he still lives. E. P. Peterson remained at home attending school, and also spent one year in the State University, and when he had arrived at the age of nineteen he began teaching school, and followed tliat profession for three years. Then, m company with his brother H. I., he bought the Litchfield IndepeiuJent. In 1880, selling his interest in the paper to his brother, he began the study of law with Campbell & Spooner, of Litchfield, and about two years later was admitted to the bar. Since that time he has devoted his time exclusively to his profession, and has been very successful.

^P^HOMAS F. PRICE, a prominent old XiL- settler of Meeker county, residing on section IS, Harvey township, is a native of Gilmanton, N. H., and was born on the 18th of August, 1838. His puivnts were Thomas and Ann E. Price. The father was born in Gilmanton, N. H., and remained there until the time of his death, February 14, 1849. The mother was a native of Med way, Mass., born August 26, 1809. She came West with her family in the fall of 1856, and for six months remained at Minneapolis, after which she settled at Kingston, in Meeker county, and made her home in this county, afterward,however, removing to Harvey township, until the time of her death Januaiw 10, 1877. She was formerly Ann E. Purlen from Medway, Mass., and w;is united in marriage to Thomas Price, of Gilmanton, N. II., October 30,1836. After coming West she endured many hardships and privations, especially during the outbreak of the Indians in 1862, but still maintained great fortitude and courage through all - alwavs cheerful and looking on the bright side, until the last, and, at sixty-seven years, passed away, after suffering acutely for over one 3' ear. She was a member of the Congregational church, with her husband, ller remains were buried at Manannah cemetery. There were five children in her family, four of whom - E. A., of Big Stone county, Minn., Thomas F., Harriet M., and Augusta A. - are still living.

Thomas F. Price, the subject of om- present sketch, spent most of his early life in his native town. He received the education afforded by the facilities of those days, and at an early age he learned the carpenter's trade, which he worked at more or less at Boston and other places. In 1856 he came West with his mother's family to Minneapolis, and six months later to Kingston. They were living there when tiie Indian outbreak occurred. The^^ remained at Kingston during all of the trouble with the redskins, although nearly all of the settlers throughout the county went away for safety. In 1863 they removed to Harvey township, where Thomas F. has since lived. He has devoted his time to general farming and stock raising and owns a valuable farm.

In religious matters Mr. Price attends the Congregational church, and in his political views he affiliates with the republican party. He has taken considerable interest in township affairs, and has served more or less as justice of peace during the last few years. Mr. Price is a man of the strictest integrity, and is justly regarded as one of the leading citizens of the township in which he lives.

UNDER H. SUNDAHL is one of the eading farmers in the southeastern portion of Acton township. He is a son of Halver and Mary Sundahl, and was born in JSTorway, on the 28th of July, 18-16. He remained in his native land until 1870, when he came to the United States, and first stopped in Iowa, where he worked at railroad work for three years. In 1873 he came to Litchfield, and for two years was em])lo}'ed by various farmers in the neighborhood, after which for two years he ran a ditching machine. He then purchased a farm of 152 acres on section 25, Acton township, where he has since lived, devoting his time to diversified farming and stock raising. He has been very successful, and now has a good lot of stock gathered about him. His farm is in a good location and he has a considerable portion of it under cultivation.

Mr. Sundahl was married in 1878 to Miss Christina Olson, who was born on the 12th of July, 1856. She was a daughter of Andrew Olson, who was killed by the Indians in September, 1862, a short distance from where Mr. Sundahl now lives. A full account of this matter is given elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Sundahl have had the following children born to them : Halver. born December 31, 1878 ; Andrew, born August 28, 1880 ; Matilda, born March 29, 1881 ; and Lura, born March 18, 1884. Mr. Sundahl takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his to\vnship, and is one of its leading citizens. He is a republican in political matters.

J^^ RELIABLE and enterprising citizen of J^>^ of Ellsworth township is N. D. Merrill, livmg on section 32, where he is engaged in carrying on general farming and stock raising. He first came to Minnnesota in 1855, and after a year spent in Minneapohs, settled in Buffalo, Wright county, where he made his home until the breaking out of the Civil War, when, imbued with the patriotism of an American citizen, Mr. Merrill enlisted in the Second Minnesota Battery, under the command of Captain Hotchkiss, on January 1, 1862, and on the 21st of April following, moved forward to the seat of war. The company was engaged for the first time at the capture of Corinth, and from that time on made a creditable record for itself in the conflicts of Perryville, Knob Gap, Stone River, Chattanooga, Mission Kidge and others. When the war closed they were on detached duty in East Tennessee, where they were mustered out. His term of service over, Mr. Merrill returned to Minnesota, where he remained until 1867, when he removed to Montana, where he was engaged in mining for three years, returning to Wright county, this State, from whence he came to Meeker county, in 1870, and here has made his home ever since. He is a native of Maine, born in Dover, December 29, 1834, and is the son of True and Sally C. Merrill, both natives of Maine, the father having been born September 7, 1806, and the mother, Jul}' 25, 1805.

N. D. Merrill, our subject, was married on July 21, 1870, to Mrs. Ireland, widow of Wesley Ireland. She was a native of Penobscot county. Me.; was married in 1860 to Mr. Ireland, who afterward died. She came to Minnesota in 1864 with her one child, Ellen M., and lived a widow until her marriage with Mr. Merrill. Her daughter, Ellen M. Ireland, was born November 1, 1861, and is now Mrs. A. G. Hoot, of Nebraska.

>ALEB HULL, a prosperous and enlight- ^ ened farmer of Dassel township, having his home on section 10, is a native of Herkimer county, N. Y., born in the town of Russia, September 26, 1824, and is the son of Benjamin and Betsey (Clapper) Hull, natives of lihode Island and New York, respectively. Benjamin Hull removed to

The subject whose name heads this personal sketch, commenced at the age of thirteen years to learn the shoemaker's trade, and after devoting three years to it, went to St. Lawrence county, N. Y., whither his parents had removed, where he made his home for three years. Coming West, he spent the same period of time in Jefferson county. Wis., and then was engaged in the pineries of that State for six years. On his return, he built a house at Hustisford, Dodge county, Wis., but from there went to the Michigan pineries, where he spent some three years more, and then came back to Dodge county, where, December 1, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss Eunice Frost. The next year of his life was passed in Watertown, AVis., after which he removed to Freeborn county, Minn., and purchased 160 acres of land on section 6, town of Freeman, where he settled. While there, he followed hunting and trapping to a great extent, and found it highly remunerative ; so much so as to enable him to provide his family with many comforts that the other new settlers could not reach. While thus engaged, came the news of the Indian outbreak of 1862, and most of his neighbors fled panic stricken, but he would not go. One day, while returning from his work in Iowa, he met a numljer of his neighbors who advised him not to go home, saying, with their selfish instincts ujtpermost, that by the time he got there, his family would be murdered and his home in flames, as the Indians were close behind ; but, nol^ly responding to his duty, which called liim to the ilefense of his family, he went on and found all peaceful at home, and the danger mucli magnified by their fears and abject tenor. He remained in Freeborn county some nine years and then sold out and came to Meeker county, arriving here July 7, 18G7. He took up a homestead on section 10, where he now lives, but lived in Darwin until the spring of 1868, and then moved into a log cabin, where the family lived until he could get a house built, which stood where his present cottage now stands. This latter was erected in 1879, at a cost of $1,000, and is handsome, neat and commodious, and he has a fine farm of 120 acres of excellent land.

Mr. and Mrs. Hull have had a family of six children, four of whom still survive - Augustus, living in Dakota, Ida E., Mrs. Charles Penny, of Dassel; Lillie B., and Mark W., at home. Mr. Hull has served in several official positions, chief among which was that of chairman of the town board of supervisors.

MELS CLEMENTS, of Litchfield, is the son of Nels and Betsy Clements, and Avas born in Meeker county May 14, 1860. His parents, natives of Sweden, came to Meeker county in 1857, and on the 20th of August settled in the town of Litchfield on a farm, where they lived until the death of the father, in 1870. During the time of the Indian outbreak Nels Clements removed for safety to Forest City, and manfully did his part toward the building of the stockade and its defense. Having been on friendly terms with the Indians, they did not destroy his house, but stole all the provisions and stock that were left on the place.

Nels remained at home upon the paternal farm until he was of aye, on attaininu- which he went to Minneapolis, but returned during the following winter. The season of 1SS2 he spent in Montana, but, returning to this county in 1883, he located in Grove City, and went into the farm-machinery ])usiness. In 1881 he came to Litchfield and tended bar for S. A. Scarp, but in October, 1886, opened the saloon he now lams. He was married April 30, 1886, to Miss Kate Menten, a native of Meeker count}^, Minn., and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Menten, natives of Germany. By this union there has been born one child - Mary, whose birth took place May 9, 1887.

5^ ELS AKESON is one of the prominent y''^ and well-to-do citizens of Swede Grove township. Mr. Akeson is a son of Ake and Hannah Anderson, and was born in Sweden on the 9th of May, 1841. He came to the United States in 1868, and first settled at Stillwater, Minn., where he lived for about seven years, being employed part of the time in a saw mill, again at railroading and various other means of securing a living. In 1875 he came to Swede Grove township, and bought a farm on section 35, where he has since remained, carrying on general farming and stociv raising. He has a comfortable home, having a neat frame house and a very fine barn 30x44 feet in size, and has gathered about him considerable stock. When he came to the United States he had only fifty cents in his pocket, but by industry and good management he has placed himself in comfortable circumstances, and to-day is one of the substantial farmers of his township. Mr. Akeson married Anna, a daughter of Ole and Carrie Anderson. She was born January 17, 1851. They have had the following children : Hilma, born July 18, 1875; Hattie, born February 23, 1877 ; Carrie, born February 10, 1879 ; Ake, born April 24, 1881 ; Ella, born September 13, 1883; and Olof, born August 9, 1887. The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. Mr. Akeson has taken a prominent and active part in all public matters, and has held the ottice of township clerk since 1882. He is a republican in political faith.

JMLON. JOHN S. SHIELDS, the present \j -X^ state senator from Meeker county, is a resident of Darwin townsliip, living upon his fine and extensive farm on section 34. He is a native of Ottawa, Canada, born November 8, 1830, and is of Irish ancestry, at least ujwn liis father's side. He was reai-ed and educated in the Dominion of his birth until is.",;), when he came to the United States, and from June until the following fall remained mostly in the city of Minneapohs. During this time he came to Meeker county, and prospected, spending July 4, 1859, here, and the following August came here and made a settlement at Forest City, where he resided until that winter, when he located wliere he now lives. I'revious to leaving his liome, on the 24th of May, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Kenney, and with his young wife came through the Big Woods to the new settlement. Mr. Shields furnished the labor toward making the first United States flag ever floated in Meeker county, J. B. Atkinson furnishing the cloth and Thomas Grayson the paint. He was appointed in 1860, by the State, to cut a road thrnugh the Biff Woods, and did so about this time, and through it hauled the merchandise for a merciiant at Forest City, which was the first load brought that way. Mr. Shields remained upon his farm until the sad times of the fall of 1862, but on the terrible Sabbath of the 17th of August, he heard the news of the Indian outbreak and went to Forest City to investigate. He returned and warned all witliin his reach. He took part in the inquest, and all the subsequent movements of the settlers as detailed elsewhere. He sent his wife and children to Clearwater, but he remained in Forest City and took part in all the marclies, engagements, etc., of the Home Guards, although not mustered into the company. When the attack was made by the Indians on Forest Citv, Jir. Shields was sleeping in the barn with the sixty horses of the Home Guards, and on the commencement of the tiring untied his two horses and endeavored to get to the stockade, but one horse was shot, and with the other he got away. This was the only horse saved out of the lot. Many more incidents of his bravery could be given did not space forbid, but it is enough to say that lie did his duty manfully.

He afterward went to Minneajiolis, where he remained until 1865, but in the fall of that year returned to this county and to his farm where he now lives. He has occupied several responsible positions since coming here, including that of chairman of the town board, assessor, town clerk, and justice of the peace, and was elected to represent the county in the State Senate in 1886, on the Farmers* Alliance ticket, of which organization he is the present president. He is the father of the following six children : Isabella, born April 15, 1860, and died October 29, 1879; EUen J., born December 19, 1864; William A., born August 20, 1868 ; Maggie E., born April 2, 1870 ; and Charles A., born October 2, 1872. On the 11th of December, 1874, the death angel invaded this little family circle and drew from their affectionate embrace the beloved wife and mother, leaving only her memory in their inner hearts, wliere it is forever enshrined. Mr. Shields is an attendant upon the services of tlw Episcopal chui'ch, and an upright, honorable gentleman.

In the fall of 1886, as above mentioned, Mr. Shields was elected to represent his district in the State Senate, took his seat at the opening of the Twenty fifth Legislature, and holds that office at the present writing. In the last session lie was among the most active and influential members of that body, and ably represented liis constituents in a session which was among the most important held in the historv of the State. His influence and ability were recognized in the formation of the senate committees, and none more zealously favored and aided anti-monopoly legislation. He has been identified with

Minnesota matters for more than a quarter of a century and is well informed as to its history. An able parliamentarian, a clearheaded and careful business man, lie has accumulated a comfortable fortune.

lllyHE PRESENT register of deeds of \j Meeker county, N. A. Vieen, came to this section of the State in 1858, and in April of that \'ear passed through to tiie extreme frontier of those days, and located in Kandiyohi county. He remained there until the ,21st of August, 1862, when the dreadful massacre of the defenseless settlers by the red wards of our government struck terror into the hearts of all upon the borders, for their loved ones were in imminent danger. Mr. Viren joined the tide of fugitives for safety, and finally, after considerable travel, reached Forest Cit}' with his family. He took the latter on to Clearwater, where he left them, and returned to assist those who were less fortunate and to help make a stand against the diabolical I'ed fiends, who, reeking with the blood of the innocents, thirsted for more lives to take. He did not join the home guai'ds, but was active in many of the volunteer expeditions that went out to look up stock, etc., and was in Kandiyohi at the time of the attack on Forest City. After performing his part in the operations of that fall Mr. Viren removed to St. Paul, where he made his home until 180!*, when he again tur-ed westward, and located in Litchfield, where lie opened a wagon shop, wliicii business he continued in until assuming the duties of register of deeds, in January, 1871, to which he had been elected tiie previous fall. He remained in this oSice, being reelected his own successor, until January, 1879. He during the next few years filled the positions of justice of the peace and town clerk, but at the regular election of November 4, 1884, the people of the county manifested a wish for him to resume the office of register of deeds, and he accordingly entered upon its well-known duties in January, 1885, where he has remained ever since.

V. BROWN, the efficient station and express agent at Eden Valley came to tiiat village November 15, 1886, to take charge of tlie Minneapolis & Pacific Railroad Company's business, and has remained tiiere in that position ever since. He became the agent for the American Express Company in the fall of 1886, also.

Mr. Brown was born in the beautiful city of Watertown, Jeff'erson county. Wis., January 8, 1858, and is the son of Peter V. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Brown, both of whom were natives of New York. The father of our subject was one of the early settlers and pioneer merchants of Watertown, and is one of the stockholders of the Wisconsin National Bank of that ]ilace, where he still resides.

The subject of our sketch received his education in the excellent schools of his native city, and at the age of fifteen entered the office of tlie Northwestern Telegraph Company at that place, as manager, where he remained four years. He was then transferred to Eau Claire, Wis., but a short time after came to St. Paul and entered the office of the train despatcher of the St. Paul & Sioux City Railroad Company, where he remained about one year. In May, 1878, he became station agent at Darwin, Meeker county, in the employ of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad Company, and remained at that post four years.

The next two years he h.ad charge of the station at Willmar, but in 188-4 went to Western Montana, as traveling auditor of the iNorthern Pacific Railroad, which position he held for two years, and then accepted his present place. His upright dealing and straightforward, gentlemanly demeanor has won him hosts of friends, and his future looks bright.

OHN LINDGREN, who has charge of the Farmer's and JMerchant's Co-operative Elevator at Litchfield, is a native of Sweden, born in 1854. He was brought to America when still less than four years of age by his step-father, his father having died when John was an infant.

Mr. Lindgren lived with his step-father, T. G. Cornelius, until he was thirteen years of age, when he began life for himself, working on a farm in Meeker county. In the spring of ISSO he went to llallock, Kittson county, Minn., where he had charge of a large farm for four years, after which he returned to Litchfield, where he has since been connected with the grain trade. Mr. Lindgren was married in 1876 to Miss Matilda Olson, of Stevens county. They have four living children - Annie M., George J., Bertha E., and an infant.

gf^RED SWANSON. The subject of this Ijiography, a jirominent and respected fanner, residing on section 2, Greenleaf towruship, is a native of Sweden, born Maj' 5, 1S46. He remained in his native land until twenty-one years of age, when he came to the United States and settled in ]\Iarquette count\% Mich. For six years he was employed in the iron mines in that county, and then came to Meeker county, Minn., and purchased a farm on section 2, in Greenleaf township. By good management, industry and economy he has been very successful in his farming operations, notwithstanding the fact that he has met with the partial loss of crops in various j'ears, and is to day in comfortable circumstances and justly rated as one of the substantial and "solid " citizens of his townshi]). He has an excellent farm of 213 acres, about half of which is under cultivation, and has it well stocked. The place is a valuable one, and is located in the best farming district in Meeker county.

Mr. Swanson was married in 1809 to Miss Mary L. Walstrom. She was a native of Sweden, and had settled in Marquette county, Mich., in 1869, being twenty-three years old at that time. Her father died when she was yet a child, and her mother remained in Sweden until 1882, when she came to live with her daughter in Greenleaf. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have been the parents of seven children, six of wliom are still living. Their names are as follows - Clara J., born March 29, 1870; Carl J., ])orn September 27, 1873; Hebna M. (deceased), born October 14, 1875, died December 24, 1886 ; Ida E., born September 6, 1878; Esther M., born April 1, 1881 ; Hulda E., born June 1, 1885 ; and Sigfrid E., born December 4, 1886.

M DELBERT B. HOAR, a thrifty and J^-S^ enterprising young farmer residing on section 32, Union Grove township, is the eldest son of David B. and Melissa (Bryant) Hoar, and was born in Wright county, Minn., on the 12th of December, 1862. A full sketch of his parents will be found in another department of this work, as they were among the most jM'oininent early settlers in the north- Avestern part of the county.

The subject of our present sketch commenced hfe for himself when about twentyone years of age, but remained at home for a year or so after that time. He received the education afforded by the pubhc schools, and supplemented this by attending the Litchfield schools for some time. On the 4th of May, 1887, he was married to Miss Emma A. Caswell, a daughter of Nathan W., and Margaret (Robinson) Caswell. She was born at Brompton, Province of Quebec, Can., March 9, 1865.

Mr. Hoar purchased eighty acres of land on section 32, Union Grove township, in 1885, and that forms liis present place. He has a comfortable residence, and substantial farm buildings and is getting in good shape for carrying on his farming and stock raising operations. In addition to this he owns a half interest in an improvetl steam thresher, and during the proper season devotes his attention to that business.

MOS NELSON FOSEN, ex-county ^)^ treasurer of Meeker county, and now a prominent farmer residing on section 31, Litchfield township, is a native of Norway, born on the 26th of September, 1837, and a son of Nels and Malline (Ilovelsen) Gunderson. His father died in Norway in 1886 at the age of eighty-two years, and the mother is still a resident of his native land. In 1855 Amos sailed for the [Jnited States, and after spending one year in Wisconsin, he came to Meeker county, Minn., becoming one of the six original settlers of Litchfield township. He first took up a timber claim on section 25, in Acton township, but afterward settled on section 30, in Litchfield township, and retained property there until 1887, when he sold that and rented the Crowe farm on section 31, where he now^ lives. In 1861 he went to Fort Snelling to enlist for service in the army, but before being sworn in he received a commission as a recruiting officer and started for home to raise men. He had to walk the entire distance and sleep out of doors at night, thereby contracting rheumatism, which unfitted him for service, and from which he has never fully I'ecovered. At the time of the Indian outbreak in 1862 his farm was tenanted by Burger Anderson, and he onl}' spent a portion of the time there. He was employed as a farm hand by Jones, and narrowly escajjed being one of the party that was murdered f»n that fatal Sunday - August 17, 1862.

After the excitement attendant on the Indian troubles had somewhat subsided he returned to his farm. He was married, in. 1869, to Eacliel Hanson, a daughter of Christopher Hanson. They have had eight children, one of Avhich died in infancy, and the rest are all living at home, as follows - Nels A., Mathilda Caroline, Laura Marie, Kagna Amelia, Agnes Eosilia, Hjalmar Arthur and Gunda Mabel. The family are active members of the Ness Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Fosen has always taken a commendable interest in all public matters and has held a great many local offices, besides which he held the office of county treasui'er for three successive terms.

WILLIAM H. JOHNS, of the firm of Johns Brothers, dealers in hardware, at Litchfield, and one of the most prominent business men in Meeker count}', is a native of Louisa, Lawrence county, Ky., the date of his birth being July 23, 1855. His parents w^ere Daniel N. and Annie [Atkins] Johns. In 1864 the family removed to McLeod county, Minn., and purchased a farm upon which they lived for a number of years, but they are now residents of Glencoe, in the same county. William H. remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, during which time he received the advantages of a commonschool education in the district scliools, anil also attended tlie higher gi'aded scliools at Howard Lake and Hutchinson. Upon ai-rivino- at his majority he began life for himself, and for four or five years was engaged at teaching school and working on a farm. He then went to Groton, Dak., and in com^iany with his brother, D. B. Johns, opened a hard- Avare store under the firm name of Johns Brothers. They remained in trade at that place for about six years, when they sold out and opened their present business at Litchfield. Mr. Johns is a member of tlie Masonic fraternity, having joined Groton lodge No. G5, in 1SS6; and is also a member of an Odd Fellow's lodge at the same place.

/^ZRA B. COMSTOCK. Among the \^^ well known ]ioi)ular educators and school teachers of Meeker county, there is, perhaps, no better representative than Mr. Comstock, a resident of Ellsworth township, living in the village of Greenleaf. lie is a native of Canada, having first seen the light October 8, 1838, in Brown county, in the province of Quebec, and is the son of Anson and Hannah (Constadt) Comstock, both of whom have passed to their reward in the land beyond the river of death.

Our subject received the benefits of a primary education in the district schools of his native count}', and knowing the advantages to be derived from it, for two years was a student at I'rowne College, from which he was graduated in 1858. His studies for a time were in the direction of civil engineering but meeting with an accident to one of his limlis, whicli disqualified from the labors incident upon that profession, he gave it up and turned his attention to "teaching the vounff idea how to slioot." He commenced his life's labors as pedagogue in his native land. He came to the State of Minnesota in 18G9, and for some four years presided over the studies of a large school. From there he came to Meeker count}', locating, for the nonce in Cedar Mills townshi]), where he remained, following his profession, for some four years, and then removed to his present residence, in Greenleaf.

May 21, 1861, Mr. Comstock was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Cook, a native also of the Dominion of Canada, with whom he had been to school in his youth. Her parents, both of whom were born in tlie same section of country, are both dead, the mother dying when Mrs. Comstock was but a child, and the father in June, 1SG7. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Comstock have one child - Myrtie M., who was born in Meeker county, this State, May 12, 1875.

In his political views, Mr. Comstock coincides with the republican party, although not blindly partisan. His judgment and own intelligence are what he mostly depends upon. He has held many of the more important township offices since coming here, and always with honor. He has been a constant resident since 187,3, except that during the year 1870 when he was teaching in St. Paul, he has taken a deep interest in the advancement of educational matters, and to him is due a share of the jmjgress made in this direction by Ellsworth township. Mr. Comstock at present holds a commission as notary public.

BANIEL AVERY CROSS, deceased, was one of the most prominent of those hardy pioneers who first located in the southern part of the county. He was born in Oneida county, N. Y., on the 6th of Julv, 1820. When he was five years old,

In 1857, accompanied l)y his family, which consisted of his wife and two children, and also a man named E. Dibbel, Mr. Cross came to Minnesota and took a claim on section 13, in what is now Cedar Mills townshij). They arrived in July, and Mr. Cross and family lived in tlieir wagon on the bank of Cedar Lake until fall. That fall they built a house an Cedar City, McLeod county, as they were unable to procure the logs unless they built on the town site, a plan which was followed for the purpose of building up a village. Two years later they moved the house to the claim, and lived there until the Indian outbreak occurred. At the time the news of the massacre reached him, Mr. Cross moved his family to the "Point," in Cedar Lake; but a short time later moved them to Hutchinson. "When the report came tljat the Indians were raiding and burning in Cedar Mills, volunteers were called to go on an expedition, and Mr. Cross was one of the first to offer his services. They followed the Indians until dark, and then spent the night at Mr. Cross' house. In the morning Llr. Cross, with five others, started to go to the house of Caleb Sanborn, who lived on the north side of Cedar Lake, to warn him of his danger if the Indians had not already killed him. While on their way they were surprised by the Indians, and Mr. Cross was shot and killed, while the others fled. Mr. Cross laid where he fell until the following day, when his remains were taken to Hutchinson, where the}^ were interred on the 25th of September, 1862. His death was mourned by a wide circle of friends. He was a man possessed of the very best of qualities, and of the strictest integrity and honor.

and a half, when she returned to the farm on section 13, Cedar Mills township, where she has since lived. Mrs. Cross has two children, who are now living: Mary E., now Mrs. A. Jordan, of Greenleaf township; and Daniel Avery, who was born March 16, 1863, and still lives on the old homestead, where he carries on farming and stock raisino".

OHN SNELL, the leading furniture dealer of Litchfield, is a native of Verina Island, Sweden, born September 5, 1831, and is the son of Andrew and Katherine (Bergstadt) Snell. He was reared at home until he had attained the age of seventeen, when he commenced to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, and served an apprenticeship at that until he was twenty-one years old. He then determined to emigrate to the New World, the " promised land " of the poor of the old countries, and, accordingly set sail for New York. For eighteen months after landing there he was employed in John dander's piano manufactory in the metropolis of America, after which time he removed to Galesburg, 111., and for a year was engaged at his trade. Coming still farther west after a short time spent in St. Paul, he located in Carver, Carver county, Minn., in 185-1. That village had just been laid out, and as an inducement to have so excellent a mechanic settle among them, Mr. Snell was given a lot in the village upon which to build. He put up a house there, and commenced making chairs, tables, etc., by hand, using one room in his house for a shop. Later on he erected a small mill that ran by water-power, which greatly facilitated his work, and remained, actively engaged in trade in that place until 1874, when he sold out his interests there and removed to Chicago. In the latter city he was engaged in carrying on the photographic business, he having accpiired some knowledge of that art while living in Carver. In 1877 he came to Litchfield and purchased his present business, to wiiich he has added undertaking, and has been employed in tiiat ever since. In 1879 he began the erection of his present handsome quarters, finishing it the next year. It is a tine brick building of some eighty feet front, and corresponding depth, and one of the handsomest in the village.

Mr. Snell was married while in New Yoi'k. in 1852, to Miss Esther Peterson, who died May 13, 1864, in Carver, leaving two children - Clara A., born May 15, 1858, now the wife of William Murdock, a business man of Chicago ; and Hilda E.. bori) January 8, 1802, now Mrs. E. M. "Warhanich, whose husband is a druggist in the same city. Mr. Snell was again married July 2*), 1865, to Miss Ida Peterson, who has been the mother of three children, onl}'^ one of whom is living - Alvin O., born IVlarch 17, 1867. Those deceased were Ida, born April 26, 1866,and died November 12, 1883; and Julian Paul, born May 5, 1870, and died July 13, 1872. Mrs. Snell was born August 17, 1830, and is a most estimable woman.

PETER JOHNSON is one of the leading farmers living in the southern part of Acton township, his residence being on section 33. Mr. Johnson is a son of Peter and Sarah Johnson, and was born in Norway on the 17th of October, 183-4. lie came to the United States in 1868, and for about a year was employed at Minneapolis in a brick yard and in different saw-mills. In 1869 he came to Meeker county and took a homestead of forty acres on the line between Acton and Danielson townships. After proving up on the homestead he removed his house to an adjoining eighty acres which he had purchased in the meantime. He still lives on the last named place.

Mr. Johnson was married in Norway to Miss Guru Peterson, a daughter of Peter and Mary Henderson. B\' this marriage they have had the following named ciiildren - Sarah, born November 28, 1860; Mary, born September 5, 1862 ; John, born November 28, 1866 ; Catherine, born September 8, 1869 ; Peter, born November 12, 1872 ; Christian, born March 18, 1875 ; M;v tilda, born December 30, 1878 ;and Hannah, born October 15, 1881. Mary is now the wife of Theodore Christian Kue, a resident of Cosmos township. Meeker county; and Sarah is now the wife of Lewis Olson, who is a resident of Dakota Territoi-v.

5r OHN BLOMBERG is a prominent iy fanner who i-esides on section 18, Acton township. He is a native of Sweden, born October 27, 1835, antl is a son of Jones and Engriel Blomberg. In 1857 he came to the United States and settled in Chisago county, Minn., where for three j^ears he was engaged at farming and lumbering. He than went to Olmstead county, where for two years he worlced for different parties. Returning to Chisago county, he made that hishome until 1864, when he went to Taylor's Falls and enlisted in Company D, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He served one year with his regiment, and after being honorably discharged he worked in Chicago, Goodhue and other counties until 1867, when he came to JVIeeker county and took a homestead claim in Acton township. For nearly a year after this he worked in the pineries, but in 1868 he settled on his homestead and has since lived there. He was a poor man when he came to the United States and M'as even obliged to borrow a portion of the money with which he paid his passage ; but his perseverance, industry and economy have been rewarded, and he is now in comfortable circumstances and getting along well. He owns 212 acres of land, 110 acres of which are under cultivation and he also has a great deal of stock. He has met with some reverses in his farming operations, especially during the grasshopper raids, when he lost all the wheat on eighty acres except sixty bushels. He says he saved some oats that year, but " there were more grasshopper legs than grain." Mr. Blomberg has taken an active interest in all public matters and has held many local offices, including the following: School clerk, ever since he came hei'e; county commissioner, now serving his second term ; was chairman of supervisors one term ; town clerk two years ; and was assessor four terms. He is the present secretary of the Insurance Company of Acton and Genesee, which includes twenty-five townships in Meeker and Kandiyohi counties. The company was organized in 1S84 and now has a membership of about 600, and is carrying risks to the amount of about $800,000.

Mr. Blomberg was married, by a justice in the town of Acton, in the house where the Indians killed the first wiiites in Meeker county, inaugurating the terrible outbreak of 1862. The marriage occurred on the 25th of Se])tember, 1869, with Miss Lena M. Peterson, who was born July 7, 1842. They have been blessed witii the following children - Charles E., born May 26, 1870, died February 1878 ; Anna Christina, born July 14, 1871; Emily Catharine, born June 30, 1873; Ida Victoria, born September 1, 1875 ; Victor Emanuel, born January 5, 1877 ; Alice Charlotte, born August 27, 1880, died March 21, 1881 ; Claus Edward, born February 4, 188:i ; Peter Eugene, born February 27, 1885 ; and Hattie Maria, born Noveml^er 24, 1887.

nationality, which through their natural thrift, enterprise and frugality', now form one of the most substantial and desirable elements in Minnesota's population.

Mr. McCarney was born in Ireland, and is a son of Patrick and Catherine (Brady) McCarney. He spent his early life in the land of his birth, and on March 1, 1846, he sailed for the United States, landing at New Orleans on the 7th of May, and proceeding from there to Galena, 111. He remained there for five years, and then came to Minnesota and settled at St. Paul, where he spent about three years. His next move was to Dakota county, where he settled upon a farm in Burnsville township. There he was living when the civil war broke out, and in response to the President's call for men, he enhsted on December 24, 1862, in Company M, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers. He remained in the service until August 16, 1863, when he was discharged for disability, and returned to his farm in Burnsville, Dakota county, Minn. Three years later he came to Meeker county, Minn., and after spending the winter with his brother, Patrick, who was living in Manannah township, he settled on the farm where he still resides, on section 4, Harvey townshij-). This was in the spring of 1867.

In May, 1850, Mr. McCarney was married to Miss Margary McGinlay. Tliey are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. McCarney are members of the Catholic church. In political matters, Mr. McCarney affiliates with the democratic party.

AMES DIEAREY, a leading and representative farmer of Darwin township, has his residence on section 10, where he carries on the pursuit of mixed agriculture. He was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, March 9, 1835, but when but eight years of age, in

1843, came to the United States with his parents, who were, also, natives of the Emerald Isle. The family remained in New York, where they at first located, about a year; and then removed to Philadelphia, Penn., where the subject of this narrative grew to manhood. October 15, 1855, he came to Minnesota, locating in Minneapolis, where he remained a year and then removed to Monticello, Wright county, where he made his home for the succeeding four years. In 1860 he came to Meeker county and made a settlem-ent in Darwin township on the land where he now resides, and has been identified with the growth and development of that part of the county e^?er since.

At the time of the Indian outbreak he was livmo: on his fann in Darwin, working south of the house, and the next day removed to Kingston, where he remained until after the attack on Forest City, when he returned to his farm. He in company with his fatlier and brother-in-law, Timothy Dunn, cut loo})holes in his cabin and tletermined to stand and make a strong defense if attacked. They had seven guns and plenty of ammunition, and felt confident of themselves. He remained here until December 1, 1863, when he enlisted in Company D, Second Minnesota Cavalry. After serving against the Indians in Montana, he was discharged December 2, 1865, and returned to his home.

Mr. Dearey was united in marriage, with Miss Hannah Roberts, who bore him two children - John E., and Mary A., both of whom are living. July 7, 1877, the death angel entered the little household and bore from the bereaved husband, his loved companion, and from her little ones their best friend, their mother.

Mr. Dearey is independent in his politics, and a most excellent citizen. He is a member of Frank Daggett Post, G. A. R., of Litchfield, and religiously is attached to the Roman Catholic Church.

#EORGE H. CHAPMAN, harness dealer, and one of Litch field's substantial business men, is a native of Birmingham, England, born January 27, 1844, but came to the United States in July, 1856. His parents were John and Susan (Crump) Chapman. His father, John Chapman, first came to America in 1848, and later took up government land where Portage City now stands. He lived for a year or so at Fort Winnebago, Jefl' Davis at that time being one of the commanding officers of tiie fort. On his first trip Mr. Chapman had brought with liira one son and a daughter, and, after his first few years in the new world, he decided to locate at Mt. Morris, Waushara county. Wis. He accordingly sent for the balance of his family, who arrived in July, 1856, as stated. John Chapman was a tailor by trade, and he followed that in Wisconsin until the spring of 1857, when he again took up his westward march, and, taking with him a stock of goods, he started for Nebraska. He went by the way of St. Louis, and took a boat up the Missouri river, but the boat foundered and Mr. Chapman lost all he had. He remained in Nebraska about four yeai-s, when he returned to Berlin, Wis., where the family had been living in the meantime. His death occurred at Berlin in about the year 1866.

George II. Chapman remained with his father's family until he had reached the age of fifteen, when he began life on his own account, and began learning the harness-maker's trade at Berlin, Wis. He remained at that until November, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Eighteenth Wisconsin Infantry, for three years' service. A short time later he was transferred to Company C, Thirty-Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and remained with that regiment until the close of the war. His first battle was that of Shiloh, in April, 1862, and he afterward participated in the battles of Corinth, Miss., in June,

1862; Cold Harbor, Va., in May, 1864; in front of Petersburg, June 16, ISGA; Weldon Railroad, Va., in August, 1864; Pebel's farm, in September, 1864 ; again at Petersburg, durino; the winter of 1864-5 ; and' was in the final charge on Sunday, April 2, 1865, being with the brigade that captured Ft. Mahone and followed Lee up the south side of the railroad. He was near Appomattox at the surrender of Lee. During all of his eventful and active service Mr. Chapman was neither wounded nor taken prisoner, and was only in the hospital for a few days. He was on guard at Washington during the trial of the conspirators against Lincoln, and saw the gallows where they were executed and the graves of the criminals. He was finally mustered out in August, 1865, and returned to the old home in Berlin, Wis. In 1867 he Settled at Rochester, Minn., and a few years later removed to Wabasha, where he lived for a time, and then decided to come to Litchfield, Meeker county, and accordingly, in May, 1870, he opened the harness and saddleiy business, which he has successfully carried on ever since. Mr. Chapman is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was one of the charter members of Frank Daggett Post, in which he has almost constantly held some office since its organization. He was also a charter member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Litchfield, and has held at different times all the offices in the gift of the local lodge. In political matters he is a staunch re])ublican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for President,while a soldier.

Mr. Chapman was married on the 2d of December, 1868, to Miss Ellen Agnew, of Preston, Fillmore Co., Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the parents of seven children, as follows - Emma Glencora Susan, born September 23, 1870, died January 2,1887; Leslie H., born July 14, 1872; Sybal May, born November 9, 1874, died March 24, 1881 ;

OHN PALM, the junior member of the igi; firm of Cairncross & Palm, of Litchfield, is a native of Sweden, born on October 1, 1860. He remained in Sweden until 1870, when he came to America with his father's family, the father having the year before settled at Litchfield.

John Palm remained with his parents until thirteen or fourteen years of age, when he began to work as a painter, and followed that four summers, attending school during the winter months. In 1878 he entered the store of Cairncross & Johnson as clerk and remained with Mr. Cairncross after that gentleman had bought out his partner, and finally on the 1st of January, 1885, Mr. Palm was admitted to partnership, and the firm became Cairncross & Palm.

Mr. Palm is a shrewd and careful business man, and his manner of conducting the affairs of the firm have deservedly won them an extensive trade.

"OHN PAULSON is one of the old residents of Swede Grove township. He, like a majority of the citizens of his township, is a native of Sweden, and was born on the 14th of July, 1833. His parents' names were Paul and Ingra (Olson) Johnson.

John Paulson came to the United States in 1869, and came direct to Meeker county, Minn., and, purchasing eighty acres of land on section 28, Swede Grove township, he began his life in the new world on the place where he still lives. He was married before leaving Sweden to Miss Betsey Nelson. Mrs. Paulson was the mother of si.x children, as follows - Ellen, l)orn May 28, 1865, is married to John Anderberg, and now lives in Grove City; Hannah, born March 12,1868; Anna, born August 8, 1869; Nels, born May 4, 1870, and died September 1, 1883 ; Lillie, born June 14-, 1872, and died February 18, 1873 ; and Henry, born June 4, 1871. The mother of these children died on March 28, 1876.

Mr. Paulson's second marriage was witli Miss Hannah Jeppeson, a daughter of Nels and Malinda Jeppeson. -Her father died in Sweden, and her mother is now a resident of Meeker county. Mrs. Paulson has been the mother of the following children - Nels, born November 5, 1875 ; Oscar, born January 17, 1878, and died June 18, 1879; Edward, born ISToveraber 22, 1879; Molly, born May 15, 1882; Ella, born June 24, 1884; and Lillie, born May 9, 1886. By thrift and economy Mr. Paulson lias accumulated a comfortable home ; he has a good farm, and has gathered considerable stock aljout liim.

M UGUST T. KOERNER, real estate and J^^ loan agent, is one of Litchfield's most prominent citizens. He is a native of Germany, born July 7, 1843. He remained in his native country until fourteen years of age when he started for this country, ]iractically alone, and made his way to Ste. Genevieve, Mo., wiiere a sister was then living. Until the fall of 1860 he made his home with his sister, and then went to Vernon, Ind., for the purpose of learning the millers' business. He remained at his trade until April, 1861, Avhen he enlisted for ninety days' service in Company H, Sixth Indiana Volunteers, being then three months short of eighteen years of age. After the term of enlistment expired he reenlisted for three years in Company H, Twenty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In the spring of 1864 he veteranized and served until the close of the war. His service covered* a period of four years and three months, the time being spent in West Virginia, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. He was wounded in the left arm by a minie ball at the battle of Prairie Grove ; was all through the siege of Vicksburg, and in all, participated in seventeen battles. After the close of the war he located at Troy, III., where he was employed at book-keeping for Throp & Co., merchant millers. During his residence at that point he made his first trip to Meeker county in August, 1865, and while here was married to Miss Katie McGannon, after which event he returned to Troy. In 1867 he again came to Meeker count}^ Minn., this time to stay, and settled upon a farm on section 2, Greenleaf township.

There he remained for two years, and then gave up the farm and made several trijjs to Illinois. In the spring of 1873 he again moved onto the farm, and, after losing three successive crops from grasshoj)pers and hail, gave it up and removed to Litchfield. For two yeai-s thereafter he was engaged at clerical work, and in 1877 was elected register of deeds of Meeker county. He was twice reelected and therefore served three successive terms. Dui'ing this time he opened a real estate office, and since the expiration of his term of office has devoted his whole attention to his real estate, loan and insurance business.

In 1877, in company with N. A. Viren and P. Ekstrom, Mr. Koerner opened the first set of abstract books in Meeker county. Mr. Koerner has taken an active interest in all matters affecting the welfare of his home, and during his residence here has almost constantly held some public position of trust and responsibility. He Avas one of the charter members of the Frank Daggett Post of the

Grand Army of the Eepublic, and has taken a prominent part in its history. He is a Mason, being a member of Golden Fleece Lodge, No. 89, Rabboni Chapter, No. 37, and Melita Commandery, No. 17, and has held various offices in each organization, tilling all positions with credit to himself and honor to the fraternity. Mr. Koerner and wife, with their family, are members of the Christian church. Their family consists of three children - Mamie, Carney and Pauline - all of whom are living at home. They have lost three children by death.

^^AMUEL COSSAIRT, the managing "^^^ partner of the general merchandise firm of S. Cossairt & Co., and one of the most active, enterprising, energetic business men of Eden Valley, is a native of Vermilion county, 111., born February 12, 186:3, and is the son of Silas and Alvira (Swisher) Cossairt. In 1866 his parents and others of the family came to that part of Meeker county lying in the vicinity of Eden Valley, and settled here , the pioneers of this region, as there were no neighbors between them and Manannah or Forest City. The parents of our subject still live upon the original homestead.

Samuel was reared upon the parental farm and remained beneath his father's roof until he had attained the age of eighteen years, drawing liis primary education from the district schools of the vicinity. In 1881 he commenced attendance at the Normal school at St. Cloud, Minn., where he remained about a year and a half, and for the succeeding three years was occupied in teaching school, in which he made quite a success. At the age of twenty-three he, in company with E. L. Parker, opened a store in the village of Litchfield. Three months later the firm started a branch at Eden Valley, of which our subject took charge, and operated until March, 1888, when, having purchased the interest of his partner, a new firm was formed, consisting of Samuel Cossairt, his father, Silas, and brother G. B. Cossairt. They carry an extensive stock of all the various lines that go to make up an establishment of this kind and are doing an ample business.

In October, 1886, the subject of this memoir was apjiointed postmaster of Eden Lake, and when the office was changed to Eden Valley was reappointed and now holds that oflBce.

Harles Manguson

HARLES MANGUSON. ^ man is a thrifty and respected farmer who resides on section 33, Litchfield township. He is a native of Sweden, born on the 3d of February, 1834, and a son of Magnus and Katrina Nelson. When he was seventeen years of age he enlisted in the Swedish Artillery and served about two years, when he received his discharge on account of an injury received in cannon practice. In 1857 he came to the United States and after living about three years in Chisago and Kandiyohi counties, he settled in Meeker county. In the spring of 1862, he was married to Mrs. Anna Colberg, widow of Nels Colberg (deceased), and they settled on a farm near Lake Harold, where he was living when the Indian outbreak began. Upon receiving the warning he started with his family for Forest City, but when they had arrived within two and a half miles of that place, darkness came on and a terrific rain storm set in. From necessity, therefore, he and his wife and their four children slept all night on the prairie in the beating and drenching rain. The next day they got to Forest City, and after remaining there and at Kingston for several days they went to Anoka and made that their home for two years. In the fall of 1864, Mr. Manguson moved back to