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

Nelson J. remained at home with his ])arents until he was about sixteen years of age, at which time he went to Boston, where he s[)ent some six years. From there he removed to New York city, where he made his home until 1852. in which year he eniiffrated to Illinois, where he was in the employ of a railroad company, and had his headquartei-s in the cities of Springfield and Bloomington. In August, 1855, with a view to the betterment of his financial condition, he came to Minnesota, and followed the trade of carpenter at St. Paul. In the summer of 1861, and through the following fall and winter, the subject of our sketch was eno-ao-ed in recruiting- men to fill various Minnesota regiments, at the front and in the process of organization, and continued in this employment until July, 1862, when he was appointed deputy provost marshal of the second district, and sei'ved in that capacity until released from duty in July, 1865. Mr. March then engaged in the market gardening business on some seven acres of ground in St. Paul, and remained in that city until 1867, when, having purchased a tract of 160 aci'es of wild land in the town of Cedar IMills, this county, he came here and broke a j>art of it, and got it ready for seeding. In the fall he returned to St. Paul, where he spent part of the winter in getting ready for removal. In January, 1868, Mr. March moved his household goods and belongings to this farm where he made his home until 1874:, when having been elected to the office of sheriff of the county he removed to Litchfield, on taking up the duties of that position. He was reelected at the expiration of his term of office, and served, in all, four years, in a very satisfactory manner. About 1876, our subject disposed of his farm in Cedar Mills, but shortly after invested in 240 acres on section 30 of the same town, which he owned until 1885. In 1880, however, he took up a tree claim in Spink county, Dak., and bought lots in the village of Mellette. In 1885 he purchased SO acres on section 1, Litchfield township, which he now cultivates. In 1862 Mr. March married Miss Mary J. Morrison, who was born in Bradford, N. IL, in 1842, and is the daughter of Moses and Mary (Cressey) Morrison, representatives of two of the oldest families of the " Old Granite State." Her parents settled at St. Anthony, Minn., in 1855, Ijut a year later removed to St. Cloud, where JMr. March and Miss Morrison were married. By this marriage there have been born five children - Frank M., born October

22, 1863 ; Nelson D., born February 26, 1866 ; George K., July 26, 1868; Charles IL, October 20, 1870; and Mary N., July 1, 1874. Mr. March is a member of the city council of Litchfield, and of Frank Daggett Post, No. 35, G. A. E., and of the Masonic fraternity, having joined the latter order in St. Paul in 1857.

Mr. March has been a ])rominent and active public man wherever he has lived. In the spring of 1858 he was ajipointed assessor of the third ward in the city of St. Paul ; in the spring of 1859 was appointed market master for one year by the common council of St. Paul; in June, 1862, was appointed enrolling agent of Dakota county, Minn., by Governor Ramsey. These positions all came to him unsolicited, as was also the case Avith his apjiointment as provost marshal. Mr. ]\Larch was engaged at "enrolling" in Dakota county when he first learned of the Indian outbreak.

JTOHN DUCKERJNG. Among the older ^ residents of the county, and reliable, trusted citizens, may be found the subject of thi^ sketch, who is a resident of section 22, Ellsworth township, where he settled July 5, 1865,' and where he is devoting a large share of his attention to the rearing of Norman and English Shire horses, high-bred Durham and Shorthorn cattle, and also sheep. He has some imported stock of the very best strains, that represent a large outlay of cash capital. Of late years the celebrated Cotswold sheep have been his favorite, although formerly doing much with the fine-wool or Merinos. He sold, during the year 1886, of his surplus stock some §1,500 worth. His English Shire horse is claimed to be as fine a one as there is in the State, and, with one exception, the only one in the county. He has now some 348 acres of excellent land, a large share of which is under tillaare.

Mr. Duckering was born in Apley, Lincolnshire, England, September 11, 1819, hence is nearly the same age as Queen Victoria. lie is tlie son of John and Elizabeth (Semper) Duckering, the former a native of Horsington and the latter of Bucknell, England. The greatgrandfather of oui' subject was born in DenniJirkand died in England, and all of the ancestors on his father's side died in the same house, and lie in the same cemetery. John Duckering, the father of oui' subject, was a whig in politics, an<l a ('hristian member of the Church of England. He was the \yavent of but three children - Mary, Elizabeth and John. The two girls are still residents of "Old Albion," living in the city of Lincoln. John Duckering came to the LTnited States alone in 1842, and first located in Troy, Walworth county. Wis., after a short stay in ]\[ihvaukee. He remained there several years, and then removed to Dodge county, in the same State, and there made his home for the term of seven years. While there he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Bean, October 22, 1846. She is the daughter of John K. and Maria Bean, \\-\\o had a family of eigiit children - Louisa, William, Betsey, Charley, Elizabeth, Maria, John, ami one that died in infancy. Mrs. D. is a native of Clinton count}', N. Y., anfl is the mother of twelve children, four of whom are dead. Those living are - Mary E., Charles H., John, Adam, Duane H., Maria L., Flora B., William C. and Warren W. Those deceased are - Dora, born in 1861, died September 13, 1886, the wife of James Lemon; Frederick v., born March 29, 1859, died February 25, 1864; and William and Willis, twins, born in 1865, who died in infancy.

Mills township. He wiis born in Switzerland on the 22(1 of August, 1832. When he was six months old his parents came to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, where they died when the subject of this sketch was eitcht vears old. H. J. then went to Jersey City, where he remained until he was eleven years of age. Fi'om there he went to Dryden, N. Y., and was adopted by Albert Phillips, with whom he remained until he was fifteen years of age. At that time he went to Homer, N. Y., and learned tiie tinner's and copjtersinith's trade, serving until twenty-one. lie followed this Im.siness for years afterward in various cities thi'oughout New York.

While at Marathon, N. Y., on May 15, 1854, he was married to Catherine J. Topping, of Dryden, N. Y. They remained there until 1859, when they came to Meeker county, Minn., and located on section 12, Cedar Mills township, having an interest in a claim taken by his wife's father, Mr. Topping. He also claimed land on section 4, and in 1861 moved on to the latter claim. For a time they lived in an Indian tepee, then in the stai)le, and finally when theii' house was ready for occupancy they moved into it December 31, 1861. There they were living when the Indian outlircak began. As a full history of this matter is given in another tlepartment, it will only be necessary to briefly refer to j\Ir. Lasher's personal movements during those trying times. On Monday morning, August 18, 1862, he learned of the massacre at Acton, and sent his family to section 12, where his wife's brother-in-law, D. B. Peck, lived, while he started to notify the settlers in Greenleaf. He found them all srone and he made his wav down to Peck's. The same day his family returned to his farm and he remained to help Peck harvest. Thursday he Avas notified of firing near his farm and went to Cedar Mills to get some one to accompany him for his family, but no one would venture, so he went alone. On reaching the farm he met some twenty parties wlio had started from Forest City to bury those killed at Acton, but they had been chasing Indians into Kandiyohi county and had made their way back this far in the night. Mrs. Lasher got supper and breakfast for them and they then started for Forest City. The family returned to Cedar ]\Iills, and Peck, with his team, hauled 1,G00 pounds of flour and other provisions from the farm to the same place. When they got there they found some eight or ten families gathered from the surrounding country, all bent on fleeing for safety, but after some tallc it was decided to build fortifications and i-emain. While they were talking, Dr. Earl, from Beaver Falls, Kenville county, came up and stated that all were killed in his neighborliuod except a very few, and that his three boys were wandering on the prairie somewhere southwest of them. Mr. Lasher and L. S. Weymouth started out and soon found and brought in the boys. They had met three Indians on the prairie who had passed through Greenleaf and Cedar, and had given them food and traded guns with them. These Indians they recognized as Little Crows. When Lasher and Weymouth got back, however, all the rest had fled. The\' Avere soon overtaken and brought back. Mr. Lasher was appointed captain, and they decided to fortify "the Point" in Cedar Lake and remain thereuntil the trouble was over. Wej'mouth and Lasher stood guard at the crossing by the mill. On AVednestlay a part}' of thirty or forty refugees from Yellow Medicine county came up, accompanied by the friendly Indian, " Other Day." With them was a Mr. Garvey, who had been wounded, and who died the following day at Mr. Lasher's house. Thursday all the new-comers left for a safer place, and a few days later the ''Point" was evacuated, and all the settlers went to Hutchinson, through the advice of " Other Day," Mr. Lasher and several others returned to the farm to care for the grain, Mrs Lasher, Miss C. Jewett and Mrs. Geo. WiUs accompanying them to do the cooking. While there Strouts' company came through from Minneapolis on their way to Acton, and the next morning were surprised by the Indians, and routed and returned to Hutchinson. The others also went back except Mr. Lasher and Frank Jewett, who remained upon a hill till they saw the Indians passing east and west, when they also started for Hutchinson, and met a party in search of them. The following day the Indians made the attack on Hutchinson. The next day Lasher and Weymouth returned to Cedar Mills and set loose all the stock. They found the mill running, it havmg been started b\^ the Indians, who had stolen all the flour. They returned to Hutchinson, and the next day Mr. Lasher organized a company, went back and repaired the mill and ground some flour for the settlers, who were sadh^ in need of it. Shortl}^ after this a portion of the Third Minnesota Regiment, under command of Major Welch, came through, and Mr. Lasher joined them as a scout, and remained in the service with Gen. H. II. Sibley for three years and a half, ])articipating in all its expeditions and battles, being in the engagements at Wood Lake and Lac qui Parle, etc. At the latter place they captured a number of Indians, thirteen of whom were afterward hung at Mankato.

During this time, Mr. Lasher's family had returned to the old home in New York. In the fall of 186-i they returned to Hutchinson, and in the following summer again settled on the farm. In lS(i9 Mr. Lasher removed to Litchfleld, where he followed his trade until 18S1, when they again settled upon the farm, and have since remained there. While in Litchfield Mr. Lasher took an active interest in l)and matters, and was leader of that

Mr. and Mrs. Lasher are members of the Presbyterian Church. ^Ir. Lasher has always taken an active interest in church matters. Lie was one of the prime movers in securing the organization of the church in this township. lie had charge of the erection of the building, and besides devoting much time, he personally became responsible for $200 to complete the edifice. He was also chosen superintendent of the first Sunday school organized in the township in 1860, and when they removed to their farm on section 4, they organized a Sunday school there.

Mr. and Mrs Lasher have been the parents of eight children. Only four of them are living, as follows - Hulda C, now Mrs. II. P. Pfaff of Greenleaf ; Albert P., Sarah A. and Daniel B. The last three are still at home.

1B)ETER N. HANSON, a young and enter- _|^ prising farmer of Cosmos township, has his home upon section 2, where he has 160 acres of land, as well as another quarter on section 9, making his farm to consist of 320 acres. He is the son of Hans H. and Mary Hanson, natives of Norway, who came to the United States in 1863. Llis father with his family came to Meeker county in 1865, and located in Greenleaf township. In the spring of 1867, he came to Cosmos and put up the claim shanty of Daniel Iloyt, the first settler in the town, and later the same year took up a claim for himself on section 10. The same fall he removed with his wife and children to this ])lace, and they were the first family in the township. They lived in a "dugout" that winter, but erected a house i'eter X. remained with his pai'ciits until his marriage December 13, 1876, Avith Miss Mary Olson, the daughter of Marten and Kain Olson, who was born in Norway. He then struck out for himself and bought a farm on section 2, and on this spot has lived ever since.

Although a young man in years, Mr. Hanson has a shrewd head on him, and this being appreciaited by the community, they have elected him to the office of town supervisor, whicli office he now holds; he has also been road supervisor.

JOHN GIBNEY, an enterprising and successful farmer residing on section 27, Manannah township, is one of the most intelligent and one of the best read and posted men in the county, and a man of a great deal of natural as well as acquired ability. He is a self-educated man, but a thorough course of reading on scientific, theological and other subjects has made him a ripe scholar, and because of his attainments he is one of the most prominent citizens in the northern part of the county.

Mr. Gibney was born in County West Meath. Ireland, on the 22d of June, 1819, and is a son of Timoth}^ and Mary E. (Carney) Gibney. His early life was spent in the land of his birth, but in 1836 he came to the new world, binding at New York, and settled in the county of Madison, in New York State. In 1S3S he removed to Canada, and remained there until 186.5, when he came to Meeker county, Minn., and settled in Manannah township, where he has since lived.

In 1818 Mr. Gibney was married to Miss Anna Lleaney, and their union has been blessed with ten children, five girls and five boys, whose names are as follows - Timothy,

During twenty-two years of his life, Mr. Gibney followed railroatling, but the balance of the time he has been farming. In political matters he is an independent voter, and acts regardless of the dictation of party or creed. He has taken an active interest in his township affairs, and has held several local offices, one of which was that of township assessor.

AMES A. KLINE, who has been engaged ^ so successfully in carrying on farming and stock-raising on his fine farm on section 22, Kingston township, is a native of Amsterdam, Montgomery county, N. Y., born December 17, 1813. He remained in the place of his nativity until some twentytwo years of age, when he emigrated to the wilds of Michigan, settling in Genesee county, where he was engaged in farming and lumbering. From there about

1855, he removed to Winnebago county, 111., where he made his home nntil 18G7, when he came to Meeker connty, and settleil where he now lives. He received in his youth the elements of a good commonschool education and l)y a diligent use of it has well-informed himself on all general subjects. AVhile a resident of Michigan he went to Tuolumne county, Cal., where he engaged in mining foi' two j'ears and then returned home. Most of his life has been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, but having succeeded in achieving an easy competence, he is spending his declining years in the enjo^'ment of home.

Our subject is the son of Adam and Elizabeth (Ciyslor) Kline, both of whom were natives of the Empire State, and who emigrated to Michigan in 1838, where the father died at the age of fifty-two years. His wife, the mother of our subject, died after attaining some eighty-three years. They had a family of twelve children- - William A., born August 21, 1810, died April 15, 1840; A. C, born May 31, 1812; James A., born December 17, 1813 ; John, born January 24, 1851 ; Joseph, born August 20, 1823; George, born November 10, 1827; Sarah Jane, born March 23, 1830; Henry, born May 15, 1832, enlisted in the Eighth Michigan Infantry, and was killed July 12, 1864; Maria, born April 28, 1819, died August 1, 1822; Margaret, born November 17, 1822, died August 8, 1823; and Elizabeth J., born January, 1826, died November 8, 1826.

James A. Kline was first married on tiie 11th of October, 1840, in Michigan, to Mary Ann Perry. They had one son, who is living - George P. Kline, a resident of Dakota.

Mr. Kline's second marriage occurred December 12, 1848, when he was wedded to Mrs. Ann Talbott, nee Shimin, who was born in England, a daughter of John and Ann (CoiTis) Shimin. The date of her birth was November 21, 1815. A sketch of the Shimin family is given elsewhere in this Album. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Kline have had two children - Anna, wife of Mr. Hiram Ramsey, and James E., a farmer of this townsliip, who married Miss Emma Baker. Mrs. Kline by her former marriage had two children - Henry T., killed in the army November 25, 1863, at Lookout Mountain, a member of the Seventy-Fourth Illinois Infantry, and William, born January IS, 1846, married in 1868 to Miss Amelia Boom.

^WAN AUGUST SCARP, of Litchfield, ^^^ is a native of Sweden, born August 20, 1845, and emigrated to the United States when he was about twenty-seven years of age. On landing he came direct to this village, where he remained until the following spring, when lie moved to a farm near that place, where he spent the next two years. Keturninii- to Litchfield he erected his residence, and entered the employ of S. Alnupiist, in the saloon business and remained with him some six years and a half, at the expiration of which time he entered into the same line of business for himself and continues to carry on the saloon. In 1887 he erected one of the finest residences in the village, at a cost of over $5,000, superintending its erection himself.

Mr. Scarp, November 16,1873, was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Johnson, a native of Sweden, and daughter of John and Ingra (Parson) Johnson; who became the mother of four children - Annie C, Julia L., Francis E., and Jennie. Mr. S. is a member of the Order of United Workmen.

J. P. Scarp, a native of Sweden, was one of Litchfield's earliest business men, coming here in 1871, and engaging in sale of agricultural implements. He continued in that line of trade until 1882, when he made a visit to the land of his birth to see the old home and his parents, and on the vo^'age back, the vessel upon which he sailed was wrecked and he was di-owned in the Baltic Sea. He carried a policy of insurance in the Redwing company, which provided partially for his family, who still are residents of the village, and this, with his other estate, places them far above any necessity. He was a charter member of the Workmen's Lodge in Litchfield, the insurance from which was also $2,000. He was a man who ])ossessed the respect and esteem of the whole community, and was widely known as everybody's friend. His cruel death was a sad blow to his bereaved family, who still mourn his loss.

^^, EORGE BECKER, a successful and \^pr prominent farmer and stock-raiser, who resides on section 23, Greenleaf township, has the distinction of being one of the oldest settlers of Minnesota, who now resides in Meeker county, lie is connected with a family that has given a number of i)ioneers and prominent pul)lic men to the State.

Mr. Pecker was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., September 30, 1842. When he was three years old his ])arents settled in Michigan, and remained there until 1855, when they came to Minnesota, and located near the present site of St. Cloud, in Stearns county. They made part of the journey by railroad, a portion by steamboat itnd the latter part by team. They arrived at their destination in May, 1855, and were among the very first settlers in that county. The government survey had not yet been made ; the old -' Territorial Road " was opened that far, but that was the terminus so far as settlement was concerned. The father made arrangements, in 1854, to claim the land which afterward became the original plat of St. Cloud, l)ut, through the du])licity of one in whom he had placed confidence, he was cheated out of it. There they lived through the most trying times in the history of the State, and there our subject, George, grew to manhood.

His father, Harmon Becker, was born in 1797, and for years was a hotel-keeper in Schoharie county, N. Y. He Avas married to Margaret M. Efner, and they reared a family of eight children - five boys and tliree girls. Harmon Pecker was a man of prominence and ability, and in the prime of his life had a great deal of influence in the locality where he lived. He took a great interest in stock-raising, and imported the first thorough-bred stallion of Duroc blood ever brought to the United States. In slavery days he was a slave-owner, but at the time of the abolition movement he gave his slaves their freedom, and ]>resented them with a forty-acre farm on which to live, notwithstanding their protestations that they preferred to continue their old relation of master and servant. In 1846 Harmon Becker removed to Washtenaw county, Mich., settling near Ann Arbor. While in that State he erected a large hotel, and later, sold it for $8,000 to a man named Grovener, but lost it ; and besides this, lost another $8,000 by becoming surety for another party and having to pay it. After this he followed farming until 1854, when he came to Minnesota to see the country, and, being pleased with it, he made arrangements to locate the land on which the city of St. Cloud is now located. J. L. Wilson was sent for a compass to survey the site, and, immediately upon his return, he ran out tlie lines, and built a shanty of tamarac rails and slept on the place that night. The next day, when search was made for him, there he was, in the first house on the site, and he, accordingly, claimed the land. Harmon Becker then returned to Michigan, and, the following year, settled in Stearns county, as stated above. He lived there until the time of his death, in January, 1857, aged sixty-six years. The widow, Margaret M., was very sickly at the time of leaving Michigan. She gained strength, however, and recovered, living until January, 1886, when her death occurred at Litchfield. She was eighty years of age. She was a woman of rare personal courage, which stood her in good need during the Indian outbreak. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Becker were members of the Presbyterian church, and exemplary Christian people.

Times were very hard during their first few j'ears' settlement in Stearns county, as all pioneers will realize, and at times it seemed as though starvation stai-ed them in the face. But with that indomitable perseverance and hope for the future which is of necessity a characteristic of the pioneer, they lived through it all. Just as times began to look a little brighter the Indian outbreak occurred, but they stood their ground and lived at or near St. Cloud during all the excitement. Shortly after this, George joined the Sully expedition, and followed the movements of that brigade, acting as sutler's clerk. Upon his return he remained at St. Cloud until 1865, when he went to the Pacific coast, by way of New York city, and as his journeys, hardships and adventures form an interesting narrative, we will briefly review them in this connection. He shipped from the metropolis on the steamer "Golden Rule" for Central America. They crossed the Isthmus by way of the Nicaragua river and lake, their steamer striking a rock and sinking, but the passengers continued their journey on other crafts. The river was so low that a part of the way they were conveyed in small boats, manned by the natives. George Becker finally reached the Pacific ocean and shipped for San Francisco. The second day out they learned from a passing vessel the news of the death of Abraham Lincoln, and the flags were placed at halfmast during the rest of the voyage, and upon their arrival at the metropolis of California, they found the city a solid mass of emblems of mourning in honor of the martyred president. The trip from New York to this point had consumed forty-five days, and George at once sailed for the city of Victoria, Vancouver's Island, and, in a small boat crossed Puget sound to Whatcom county. There he remained for three years, following lumbering, and then returned to St. Cloud, Stearns county, Minn., on which trip he experienced many dangers and hardships. He first shipped on the steamer "California" for San Francisco. When within thirty-five miles of the harbor of the latter place they encountered one of the worst storms ever known on the Pacific and they were driven 500 miles to sea by the gale. The cabin was partly filled with water by the waves rolling over the vessel and the stateroom doors were broken in by tlio force of tlie water. When the vessel pitched and rolled, those in the lower berths were carried to the' floor by the water. Some were crying, some were Jiraying, some swearing, and others, as the saying goes, "were throwing up Jonah." Alter three days the storm subsided, but the waves were mountain high and it was not until the fifth day that they reached San Francisco. Their vessel had been given up for lost and reported wrecked with about eighty others that shared this fate. George Becker then shipped for Panama and on this voyage the vessel he was in took fire. When the alai-m was given it created a terrible panic and for a time it looked as though all were lost, but the engine, with a capacity of 320-horse power w^as attached to the hose, and the flames were extinguisiied. Four daj's later, the vessel ran out ot fuel, and the masts, yardarms, deck, cattle pens, bacon, rezin and all other loose material was used for fuel, to get ashore at Saline Bay, twelve miles from San Juan del Sura. Tliere they anchored and sent boats to San Juan for coal, while the passengers and crew went ashore in small boats, to cut mahogany wood, securing about forty cords by the time the coal arrived. That night the crew mutinied, and those who refused to do their duty, were brought to time by being tied to the masts. Upon his arrival at Panama, George Becker crossed the Isthmus on the railroad, the trains being queer affairs and running only at the rate of five miles an hour, making no stops. Our subject then shipped on the Atlantic for New York. When two days out, the vessel was wrecked or disabled by the cylinder head being blown out, and for twenty-four hours they were left at the mercy of the sea. They were then taken in tow by another steamer and piloted to the Gulf Stream, off' the coast of Cuba, and were then left to drift in to Savannah, Ga. By this time, George Becker had had enough of that kind of life, as for the last three days out, the cabin passengers hail nothing to eat but rice, crust coffee and hiud tack. Accordingly, he pui'chased another ticket for New York by rail, through the Southern States. This was shortlj' after the war, and General Sherman had left Georgia a hard looking country. Provisions were verj' scarce, and the conductors were obliged to telegi'a])h ahead for supplies for the passengers. Mr. Becker sto])ped off at several points, includiui!' Pichmond, Washington and New York, and finally arrived at St. Cloud on February 1-1, 1S6S. He remained there, following the vocation of a policeman and various other lines of business until June, 1871, when he returned to tiie Pacific coast by wa_y of the Central Pacific Eailroad, proceeding from San Francisco to Puget Sound. He remained there until the winter of 1876, when he came to Litchfield, Meeker count}', Minn. In 1878 he settled on the farm where he now lives, on section 23, Greenleaf township. He has one of the largest farms in the township, and one of the most valuable in the county, and has justly earned the reputation which he bears, of being one of the most desirable citizens, and from liis extensive travels and wide association with business, is one of the most intelligent and best-posted men in the county.

On July 18, 1885, Mr. Becker was married to Sophia Vanberg, and they are the parents of two children - William II., born April 28, 18S6, and Lillie M., born August 18. 1887, both of whom are living. Mr. Becker is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian Church.

Cavan, Ireland, in Maj', 1824. His parents, Avho were Pliigh and Elizabeth Martin, were natives nf the same count}'. The father died in Ireland in 1830. The mother came to the United States in 1851, and lived in Pennsylvania until the time of her death, in 1876.

John Martin, the subject of our sketch, grew to manhood in liis native land, acquiring the same habits of enterprise, industry and frugality which are so characteristic of his race. In 1S4S he left Ireland and came to the United States, landing at New York city on the 23d of May, and two days later he went to Bucks county, Pa., where he remained for four years. At the expiration of that time he went to Schuylkill count}', Pa., and remained there from the year 1852 until 1877. While in that State he was employed in mining coal for twenty-seven years. In 1877 he came to Meeker county, Minn., and located on a farm on section 5, in Harvey township, where he has since lived. Since his residence here he has been eneae'ed in farming and stock-raising, and now has a valuable farm of 160 acres, a good share of which is under cultivation.

Mr. Martin was married on the 25th of July, 1852, to Mary Farrelly, and their marriage has been blessed with the followingnamed children: Ellen, born August 22, 1853, died January 25, 1855; Hugh, born October 31, 1855, died October 12, 1857; Joseph, born September 28, 1857; Bridget and Lizzie, born November 17, 1859; John, born November 3, 1861 ; Mary, born September 18, 1863, died December 17, 1863; Thomas, born January 30, 1870, died same day. Mrs. Martin's parents were both natives of Ireland, where they lived until the time of their death.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin are both active and exemplary members of the Catholic Church. In political matters Mr. Martin affiliates with the democratic party.

ELS EKBOM is one of the prominent farmers of Swede Grove township. He was born in Sweden on the 16th of December, 1849, and came to the United States in 1857, with his parents, Anna and Andrew Ekbora. They settled in Carver county, Minn., where Nels worked part of the time for his father, and the balance of the time for other farmers. In 1865 they came to Meeker county, and from Nels Swanson they rented a farm, on which the village of Litchfield is now located. A year later they removed to Swede Grove township, and took a homestead on section 34, where Nels has since lived. He has been industrious, and the results prove that he is an excellent manager, as he has accumulated a fine property. He now has 120 acres of land, with fine buildings located on the edge of a beautiful grove. He has a goodly lot of stock, and all the necessary farm machinery.

Mr. Ekbom was married on the 16th of July, 1870, to Miss Betsey Nelson, a daughter of Nels and Ellen Peterson, and the couple have had the following children - Anna (deceased), born July 5, 1871, died September 15, 1871; Oscar, born July 22, 1873; Eugene, born August 15, 1875 ; Ellmer, born November 3, 1878 ; Anna, born May 8, 1882 ; and Joseph, born October 8, 1883. Mrs. Ekboin's father is dead and her mother is living in Sweden. Mr. Ekbom's mother is dead, and his father resides with a bi'other, Simon. Nels Ekbom and wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which he Is a deacon. Mr. Ekbom is a prohibitionist in political matters, and takes an active interest in township matters. He has held various local offices, including those of side-supervisor and road overseer.

Mr. Ekljom is a man of the strictest integrity, and is held in high esteem by all. He has been superintendent of the Sunday school for over fifteen years.

WILLIAM S. COX, one of the leading merchants of the village of Dassel, is the junior partner in the hardware firm of Gallagher k, Cox, who succeeded Bartholomew tV: Co. in 1888. lie is, althoiigh a man 3'^oung in years,'oneof the influential citizens and largely interested in the growth and prosperity of his home village. He is a native of Bakersville, N. C, born in 1853, and is the son of S. I), and Mary ("Wright) Cox, natives of Virginia and North Carolina respectively. The father of our subject owned property in Knoxville, Tenn., and when AVilliam was but four vears of aoe, the family removed to that place, where they resided until 1860, at which date they returned to Bakersville, N. C, where the parents still live.

The subject of this personal memoir remained with the family until 18Y0, at which time he returned to Knoxville, but a short time subsequent, removed to Broadhead, Ky., where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits for about a year and then, after a short stay in Little Eock, Ark., removed to Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, where he made his home until 1878, when he came to Meeker county, and settled on a farm on section 4, Collinwood township. He was engaged in railroad work while there until 1881, when he purchased a farm on section 33, Dassel township, where he followed a farming life until 1885. He moved into the village in January, 1886, and for a year was a member of the firm of Johnson & Cox, dealers in agricultural implements, and remained in this connection until January, 1887. At that time, having been elected city marshal, he entered upon the duties of the office, but in August following resigned and entered the employ of the Minnesota k, Dakota Elevator Co,, with whom he remained until the formation of the present firm.

married, April 11, 1878, to Miss Ala E. Wrigiit, a native of Minnesota. They are the parents of four children, of whom the following is a record - Custer, born August 21, 1S7".»; Agnes, whose birth took place November 15, 1880 ; Soery, born August 15, 1882, and died March 6, 1883; Sampson, the date of whose l)irth was J^ebruary 2, 1884; and Mautl, who was born December 25, 1887.

JSRAEL J. ANDERSON, a farmer, resid- %^ ing on section 19, and one of the leading citizens of Union Grove township, is a native of Norway, born on the 4rth of February, 1851, and is a son of Andrew and Karen Jacobson. His boyhood days were spent in his native land, and in 1868, in company with his mother and step-father, he came to the United States, and they settled first in Eacine county, Wis. When Israel started out to earn his own way in the world, he went to the southern part of Minnesota, and for three years he worked in different localities. During this time he married his first wife, her name being, before marriage. Miss Jensinellendrickson, born on the 21st of June, 1854, a daughter of Hendrick and Maren Olson. She died, leaving three children, whose names were - Hilda, born on the 25th of December, 1873 ; Albert, born on the 17th of June, 1875, and Martin, born on the 28th of March, 1877.

Some time later Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Anna Jacobson, a daughter of Adrean Jacobson and wife. She was born on the 20tii of August, 1861. This marriage has been blessed with four children, as follows - Jensine Nettie, born on the 7th of October, ISSO ; Adoli)h B., born on the 24th of February, 1883; Ida, born on the 7th of Februar}', 1885, died on the 17th of July, 1887 ; and Anna, born on the 1st of March, 1887, died on the 9th of March, 1887.

Mr. Anderson comes of a nationality, Avhich through their enterprise, thrift, industry and frugalit}', make the most valuable citizens included in Minnesota's pojjulation, and following the habits characteristic of liis race, lie has accumulated a fine pro]ierty. He now owns 250 acres of land located on sections 4,19 and 30, Union Grove township, and has comfortable building improvements located on sections 19 and 30. lie has taken an active interest in township matters, and has held various local offices, including those of supervisor and school clerk. In political matters he is a prohibitionist. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

iLE NELSON LINDELL, one of the \^^ leading, enterprising merchants of the village of Grove City, is a native of Sweden, born March 9, 1844, and made his home in the land of his birth until after his marriage which took place Nov. 7, 1867, on whicli day he wedded Miss Ella Nelson. In 1SG9, the young couple decided to leave their home beneath the frowning rocks and rocking ])ines of Norway, and seek in the new world that easier road to competence that America affords. On their arrival they came at once to Minnesota, and Mr. Lindell bought a homestead claim in Swede Grove township, of O. Levander. Tiiis was in the southeast quarter of section 2fi, and constituted the south half, and upon tliis fanu he lived some eight years. In 1871 he bought sixty acres more ; his father's family emigrated to this country. TJenting hisjilacetoan individual for six years, Mr. Lindell removed to the village of Grove City, and engaged in the furnicure business and gave some attention to his trade, which was that of a car jienter. A year's trial satistietl him that the venture would be a judicious one, he added a full and complete stock of hardware and has now as large an assortment in both lines as is needed by the necessities of the trade. In the cellar of his store building he carries all kinds of heavy hardware ; on the first floor shelf and fancy hardware, and the second story is packed with furniture of every description.

Mr. and Mrs. Lindell are the parents of four children, three on earth and one in Heaven. Their records are as follows - Mary Chi'istine, who was born Nov. 27, 1871 ; Mina Albertina, born in September, 1880; Otto, born Dec. 23, 188.5, and died March 25, 1886 ; Otto Anton, born Feb. 19, 1887.

Mr. Lindell in politics affiliates with the Democratic party and usually supports the candidates of that organization. He has held the position of village trustee for two years, and in March, 1888, was elected president of the village trustees, and is looked upon as a representative citizen. Mrs. Lindell is a consistent member of the Swedish Lutheran Church.

In 1884 our subject became a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, was elected financier and served for two years and was then chosen master workman of the lodge.

(^^ KIMBALL, who was for many years \^^ closely connected with the business life of the country, and one of its leading mill owners, although now retired from the active pursuits of trade or manufacture, still keeps up his interests in wiiatsoever is for the benefit of the community. He is a native of tlie State of Maine, having been born in Oxford county, Jan. 4, 1832, and is the son of Asa and Esther A. (Walker) Kimball, both of whom were natives of the "Pine Tree State." His motlier was a daughter of tlie celebrated Col. Dexter Walker, whose history is too well known to be repeated in this connection.

The subject of tliis memoir was reared in Androscoggin county, Me., and received a fair business education. From liis boyhood he lias always had a taste for study, and is to-day a ripe scholar. On reaching tlie years of manhood lie embarked in mercantile business, which liecari-ied on successfully for some thirteen years in his native State and then came to Minnesota, locating at Forest City in the fall of lS(i7. The same year, the firm of nines, Kimball c*c Beedy built the large fiouring mill at that place, and the same time opened a store in the village. This business arrangement continued until 1873, when Mr. Hines retired from the firm, the company having erected the Manannah flour mill on the Crow River, some ten miles above Forest City. This last Mr. Ilines took antl operated for several j'ears, the business at Forest City being continued by Kimball & Beedy until 18S2, when ilr. Kiml)all I'etired from the business on account of ill-health, paying all his attention to the improvement of his place, one of the handsomest in Foi'est City township, and to bee keeping, in which he is pre eminently successful.

Mr. Kimball was united in marriage, February 7, 1854, with Miss Phoebe Manwell and they are the parents of two children: Georgiana, the wife of Dr. W. E. Chapman, of Litchfield, and Edna Cecil, at home. Both Mr. K. and his estimable wife, are members of the Baptist Church. He is a republican in j)olitics, and is filling the offices of justice of the peace and coroner, and isa pension and real estate agent. lie has held the office of justice for over fifteen years.

kOCTOR F. E. BiSSELL, one of the most prominent ])liysicians and surgeons in this part of the State, settled at Litchfield in 1871, and began the practice of his profession in Meeker county. Doctor

Bissell is a native of Wisconsin, and was the first male child born in Washington county, of that State - his birth having occurred on December 27, 18-15. His parents were Cyrus and Amanda (Case) Bissell, both of whom were natives of Connecticut ; but they had settled in Washington county. Wis., in .lune, 1S15, and were therei'ore among the oldest settlers of that region. The Doct<n' was raised ujion a farm, but at an early age entered a drug store, and remained at that business for five years. AVhen he was eighteen he enlisted in the United States Navy, and served on the U. S. Gunboat "Lexington," on the Mississippi river, and was in a number of minor engagements. The Doctor served as surgeon's steward, and was finally mustered out of service on June 0, 18(15. He then went to Cleveland, Ohio, and the following winter entered the Charity Hospital College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1869. He first began practice in Clinttm Junction, Wis., and remained there until coming to Litchfield in 1871. He has since pursued his practice here, and has attained a wide reputation as well as a profitable business. It should be stated, however, that since his settlement here, he has been absent eleven months. In the spring of 1878 he removed to Cold S]n-ings, Stearns county, and opened a drug store. In the fall of that year he was elected to the legislature on the republican ticket. In the spring of the following ye.ir, he returned to Litchfield, where he has since lived.

Dr. Bissell was married on June 19, 1875, to Miss Addie F. Simons, of New York. They have two children - Emily S., who was born in November, 1875, and Frank S., who was born in October, 1878. The family are prominent members of the Episcopal Church.

Dr. Bissell has always taken an active interest in all public and political matters, and takes a prominent part in the affairs of that party. In 1880 he was elected a mem- ber of the council, and in the spring of 1886 he was elected mayor of the city. The Doctor is the oldest jiractitioner now following the profession of medicine at Litchfield, and has a large practice. He is a member of the State ^[edical Association, and is president of the Pension Examining Board. He is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic; was a charter member and one of the first officers of E. Branham Post, which was organized in 1873, and was one of the charter members of Frank Dago^ett Post, No. 35. He was elected surgeon of the latter Post at its first meeting, and still holds that position. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, being identified with Golden Fleece Lodge, No. 89, A. F. and A. M., and Eabboni Chapter, No. 37, R. A. M.

iSM ILLIAM H. MILLER, the owner of ^^jji a finely cultivated farm of eighty acres of land on section 8, Kingston township, came to Meeker county in August, 1865. He was born in Bath, Steuben county, N. Y., January 2, 1814, and is the son of David and Anna Maria (Bennett) Miller, natives of the " Empire State," where his father died. In 1838 the mother of our subject came to Beaver Dam, AVis., where she is now living, having passed her ninetieth birthday. Her second husband was Andrew Sears, who died in 1855.

Our subject received a common-school educaiion in his native State, and, as he grew to manhood, engaged in the milling business and farming with his uncle, Sheldon Sears, spending some thirty years in various kinds of mills. He moved to AVisconsin with his mother, and, when the tocsin of war sounded, enlisted, November 5, 1861, in the Eighth Battery, AYisconsin Light Artillery, and veteranized in the same battery in February, 1861:. He was an active participant in a number of engagements, among which were the battles of Stone River, Peri'yville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout .Mountain and Murfreesboro. He was discharged at the close of the war, August 10, 1805, at Alihvaukee, and came direct to Meeker county, arriving here the last day of that month.

Air. Aliller was married in 1834 to Miss EUenor Gregory, from whom he was shortly afterward -<livorced. He was subsequently married to Miss Clarissa Nodine, and two children were born to them - Susan AI. and Charles S. Aliller. After this Air. Aliller removed to AVisconsin, and a short time later to Chicago, 111. In 1852 his second wife died while on a visit to Portage City, AVis.

Air. Aliller was united in marriage December 20, 1855, with Aliss Susan Sanders, a native of Steuben county, N. Y., born November 14, 1837, and daughter of David and Susan (AYakefield) Sanders, both of whom are deceased, the mother In 1852, and the father in 1882. Her father died in Portage county, AVis., whither he had removed many years before. By this union Air. and Mrs. Aliller are the parents of nine children - Eugene, born May 20, 1859; Edwin, born April 20, 1867 ; Emma, born July 22, 1868 ; Jennie V., born July 2, 1870; and Bertram D., born October 3, 1878. These are all living. Those deceased are - Etta R., born August 25, 1856, died in infancy ; Nellie AI., born June 9, 1861, died May 25, 1875 ; Alice B., wife of AVilford Downing, died November 8, 1883 ; and Jessie, born Alay 25, 1874, died November 1, 1884.

MONO the most prominent newspaper p^S\^ men in Aleeker county should be classed H. I. Peterson, editor and proprietor of the Litchfield Lidependent. He is a native of Goodhue county, Minn., born at Red AVing, on the 14th of February, 1857. He was raised upon a farm, attending district schools daring the winter months until he had reached the age of fifteen, and in the mean time coming with his parents to Meeker county, jVIinn., in 1867. When he had reached the age mentioned he entered the office of the Meeker county News as an apprentice to learn the printing business, and remained there for about two years. After that time he was engaged chiefly at his trade as a compositor until 1876 when hel)ought a half interest in the Litchfield Independent^ of wliicli he is now sole proprietor.

Mr. Peterson was married in 1881 to Miss Jessie Doll, of Meeker county. They have three children - Edward - Leroy, Florence Edith, and Bessie Frances. Mr. Peterson takes an active interest in all matters which tend to advance the mterests of either town or county; is a capable writer, and his paper is deservedly influential and po])ular.

JAMES H. MORRIS, one of the most prominent citizens, as well as one of the most extensive farmei's and stock-raisers in Meeker county, is a resident of section 22, Litchfield township. He is a native of Fort Niagara, N. Y., was born on the 26th of September, 1815, and is a son of Colonel Thompson and Martha B. (Upham) Morris. His fatiier was Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth United States Infantry, was a prominent and influential man of his times, and died on the 11th of February, 1870. James II. Morris' great grandpai-ents came from Wales in 1715, and located near Philadelphia. Ilis grand fatiier, -Tames C. Morris, emigrated to Ohio in 1811; he had seen service in the Tripolitan war, and was one of those captured on the frigate Piiiladeipiian, and held prisoner for two years by the Bashaw of Tripoli.

years of age, by clerking for Col. J. D. Bingham, chief quartermaster of the Seventeenth corps, but was taken sick in front of Vicksburg, and returned home. After recuperating he began clerking for Capt. II. B. Goodrich, A. Q. M., and continued until March, lSf)-t, wiien lie enlisted in the 137th Ohio Infantiy. In the following June he was ]n'omoted to second lieutenant in the Tenth New York Artillery, and served in tlie front of Petersburg and Richmond during the summer of 1861:, and in the campaign of Shenandoah Valley,- Va., in the fall of 1864. During the winter of 1865 he was in the front of Petersburg and Richmond, on the Bennuda front ; and after the collapse of the Confederacy, was on duty in Petersburg, on the staff of post-commandant Col. George C. Kibble, of the Sixth New York Artillery. He was finally mustered out of the service on the 30th of June, 1865, at Sackett's Harbor, New York. After the close of the war he went West, and finally located in Minneapolis. In ]\Iai'ch, 1869, he removed to Dassel. Meeker countv, where he erected a saw mill and built the first store. In December, 1873, he removed to Litchfield and engaged in the milling and mercantile business. His name is closely indentified with the growth and develojnnent of Litchfield, and he figures prominently in the business history of the county seat. On the 1st of April, 1875, he was appointed postmaster of that jilace, and retained tiie office until the 30th of June, 1887. He now resides on his magnificent farm of several hundred acres, on the western shoi'e of Lake Ripley, and devotes his attention to his extensive farming and stockraising interests. Mr. Mori-is has taken a prominent and active interest in all public matters. He was first lieutenant of Compan}^ II, First Regiment Minnesota National Guards, from its organization until March 1, 1888; is a member of Golden Fleece Lodge No. 89, A. F. & A. M., and was its master for a number of years ; a member of Rabboni Chapter, No. 39, and is the present eminent commander of Mileta Commandery No. 17, Knights Templar. He is also a prominent member of Frank Daggett post, G. A. E.

Mr. Morris wiis married at Minneapolis on the 13th of July, 1870, to Miss Florence J. "Williams. She is a daughter of John G.and Jane S. Williams. Iler father died in July, 1880, and her mother is now living in Minneapolis. Mrs. AVilliams, her mother, has five children who are now living, as follows ; Florence J., now Mrs. Morris, of Litchfield ; Lou B., now Mrs. James E. Upham, of Litchfield ; J. C. Williams, Marcia A. and Sallie E., of Minneapolis.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Morris has been blessed with the following named children - Mattie P\, Louise J., James C, Thompson C. and Richard W. (twins), and Harbron W., all of whom are living except Thompson C, who died at the age of seven months.

^^ENUS O'KEEFFE, a well known, M^'i^^i^ successful and highly-respected farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 6, Manannah township, is one of the most prominent citizens of the northern part of the county, and is one whose enterprise and thrift are evidenced bj' the fact that the building improvements, which have been erected on his farm, are a credit to the neighborhood in which he lives.

Mr. O'Keeffe was born in County Cork, Ireland, on the 1st of November, 1830, and is a son of Menus and Charlotte (Fillpot) O'Keeffe. He remained in the land of his birth until January, 1853, when he sailed for the New World, landing in New York city April 12, 1853. They had a hard voyage, and for a time he lost lioj^e of ever seeing the United States, from hunger and starvation, as the vessel sprung a leak; but finally landed in safety. Our subject worked at gardening for six months, at 100th street, Bloomingdale road, N. Y., and from there went to Manhattanville, and drove an express wagon between that point and Fulton street, from September until the following March, 1854, being without mitts or overcoat. Speaking of it he sa^'s : " I felt comfortable, as my Irish blood was warm and young at that time." In April, 1854, he went to work as hostler and groom in a hotel on the Bloomingdale road, N. Y., and remained for five years. In 1859 he began work in the Central Park, N. Y., which he continued for five years, and then started for the " Great West," and the headwaters of the "mighty Mississippi." He landed at Minneapolis, and for two years was employed on the Manitoba railroad at Cedar Lake, and also at brick-making. In the fall of 18(56 he came to Meeker county, driving through by team, anil located on section 6, Manannah township, where he still lives. He is comfortably fixed, as the saying goes, in this world's goods, and has a very ])leasant home, a good wife and. an intelligent family. He owns 240 acres of land, a goodly portion of which is under cultivation, and also does considerable in the stock-raising line. In political matters he is a democrat.

Mr. O'Keeffe was married in Julj^ 1856, to Julia McLoney, and they have been the parents of nine children, as follows - William, Menus, Mary, Sharlotte, John, Elizabeth, Julia, Margaret and James. All the children are living, except William, Mary and Sharlotte, who died and were buried in New York city. Both Mr. and Mrs. O'Keeffe are zealous and prominent members of the Catholic Church.

^HOMAS H. BOGAR, who came to Minnesota in the spring of ]8()(j, was born November 10, 1810, in Juniata county, Penn., on the hanks of tliat beautiful river known in poetry as tiie " Uiue Juniata," where his childhood years were spent. He was brought uj) as a miller, that being his father's occupation. When a mere lad tlie family moved to Hawkins county, Tenn., where he assisted iiisfatherin running a large flouring mill. On leaving the mill he learned the saddler's trade; and at the age of twentyone he went to Russell county, Va., and commenced business at Lebanon, the county seat. Hei'e he met and married Sallie T., daughter of Garland and Martitia (Thurston) Hurt; of this union were born eleven children - six sons and five daugiiters. nine of whom reached the years of maturity. In the year of 1837 he removed from Russell to Tazewell county, locating at Thompson's Gap. Intending to go to Oregon by way of the overland route - the only way at that time - he turned a considerable part of his means into extra good horses and wagons. But before he succeeded in closing up his business the great financial crisis came. Embarrassed by his own debts, and that of a friend for whom he was surety, he succeeded in meeting his own liabilities, but saw his property sold at public auction to satisify creditors of the man for whom lie had indorsed. Pie was broke. When the woi-st of the crash was over - being sued, he sued no one - he collected what he could of his outstanding notes and accounts, and bought a small farm ( 100 acres ) located in Thomi)son Valley. Here he endeavored with indifferent success to dig a living ,out of the ground. After five years' residence on the farm he sold out and removed to Piketon, Pike county, Ky. Here he worked at his trade, employing only two assistants, holding at the same time the office of postmaster, to which he was appointed soon after his arrival in tlie village. In 1S51 he removed to John's Creek valley same county, and leasing land, engaged in raising grain and stock, in which pursuit he was fairly successful until tiie breaking out of the civil war, when his property was again lost in various ways. In politics he was a democrat; in religion a Methodist. He was beloved by all, es])eciaily by the young, who liked to congregate at the house of the kind and genial man. He was at one time a slave holder, the property coming from his wife's estate; but he always thought the system a curse.

In the stormy days of secession, he took the field as a campaign speaker; being well read in history, more especially the history of his own country, his opponent, a young man of the legal profession, soon learned that the quiet farmer, who knew how to grind wheat, make a saddle, or lead a meeting, also knew how to make a speech. On one occasion, after the speeches had been delivered, a man walked up to Mr. Bogaranil struck him over the head with a cane. The l)low stunned him, but recovering himself, Mr. Bogar walked away, got on his horse and went to the next precinct, telling people that the blow was their best argument.

On the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the fourteenth Regiment, U. S. Infantry, serving about three months, principally as a scout, and was then discharged for disability. Mr. Bogar's sons, like liimself, were strong- Union men. Joseph, the oldest, cast one of the two Lincoln votes in Pike county, Ky., Moses H., the second son, enlisted in the same regiment as tiie father, and at the same time. John G., the third son, only a lad, later enlisted in the Thirty-Xinth Kentucky.

In 1866, Mr. Bogar came to Minnesota bringing most of his family with him, and located on section 2, Collinwood, where he lived until the time of his death, November 1, 1S6S. The widow still lives on the homestead, and Mrs. C. A. Pauley, her daughter, has lived with her most of the time.

ANDREW W. EKLUND is one of the leading and most successful farmers and stock-raisers in Danielson township, being a resident of section 5, in that subdivision of Meeker county. He comes from the same sturdy race which forms such a in Meeker C(junty's pojiula tion, having been born in Sweden on the 31st of March, 1846, being a son of John and Bertha Olson. lie I'emained in his native land until 1869, Avhen he came to the United States, and, shortly after his arrival, he settled in Michigan, where he was employed in the iron mines and where he remained about seven years. At the expiration of that time, thinking that he could better his condition, financially and otherwise, he came to Meeker county, Minn., and purchased a farm on section 5, in Danielson township, where he has since lived. He now has a splendid farm of 160 acres, upon which he has put excellent improvements, having erected a fine house, barn and other farm buddings. Mr. Eklund is in very comfortable circumstances, and he owes all he has to his own efforts and industry, as he was almost penniless when he came to the United States, his sister having advanced him the money witli whicli to pay his fare. Since coming to Meeker county he has lost several crops through the grasshoppers, but, considering everything, he has been very successful and is now in comfortable circumstances. In political matters Mr. Eklund affiliates with the democratic party. He

Mr. Eklund was mari'ied on the 24th of June, 1870, to Miss Sophia Larson, a daughter of Lars and Bertha Olson, who was born on the 18th of December, 1849. Their marriage has been blessed with three children, as follows - Anna Sophia, born May 4, 1871 ; Mary Josephina, born April 28, 1873; and Charles William, born July 23, 1882.

SHARLES A. GREENLEAF, tlie junior member of the firm of W. H. Greenleaf & Son, lumber dealers of Litchfield, is, in the opinion of his fellow townsmen, one of the most promising young business men of the village. He was born in Meeker county, Minn., Oct. 27, 1861, and is the son of Hon. "William H. Greenleaf, one of the most influential and leading citizens of the county. In his younger days, Charles received his primary education in the primitive log cabin school houses of the period, around whose rugged walls fond memories throw the glamom- of boyhood's halcyon days. After the family removed to Litchfield, our subject commenced a more advanced course of scliooling, finishing with a course in the excellent high school of Litchfield, and was graduated with the first class to finish in that institution. He at once assumed a position in his father's place of business and continued in his employ until attaining his majority in 1SS2, when he entered into the present firm. He is also engaged in the real estate business, owning and controlling an addition to the city of Minneapolis, in connection with H. S. Branham ; and also an addition to the village of Litchfield, in company with others.

Campbell, a native of Manchester, Conn., but reared in Hartford, the same State. Mr. Greenleaf is a careful business man and occupies a prominent place in the estimation of his fellow citizens. He is at the present a moniljer of tiie village council, represent ino; the first ward.

^^^ARL SCHULTZ, a prominent old set- ^^^ tier of Meeker count}', residing on section 23, in Harvey township, was born in the western part of Prussia, on the 2-l:th of JMay, 1880. He remained in his native land during his boyhood days, and until tlie 1st of April, 185-4, when he sailed for America, landing in the city of New York on the 17th of May. Two days later he went to Chicago, and remained near that city, working in a lime-kiln for about two months. Chicago was then only a small village. From tliere he went to the pineries of Northern Michigan, and remained there until 1855, when he returned to Chicago. In October, 185(), he started for Meeker county, Minn., landing at Forest City on the 1st of November, 1S5(), and remained there until the 10th of the following May. He then went to Minnea])olis and worked during the summer on a farm near by, for R. P. Russell. The following winter he worked near Forest City, getting out fence rails. In the meantime, on the 1st of November, 1856, he had taken a preemption on section 23, Harvey township, and during the summer of 1858 he put in some cro])s and worked on the place, remaining upon it until the spring of 1862, when he went to ilinneapolis, where he worked at the mason's trade until the following October. He then returned to Harvey, remained about a month and went to Fort Snelling, where, on tiie 10th of December, 1863, he enlisted in Com pany D, Second Minnesota Cavalry. He served in the Northwest, was with the Sully expedition and remained in the service until the 1st of September, 1865, when he was discharged on account of sickness, and returned to Harvey townsijip, where his brother Rudolph was living. He remained with his brother during the winter, until lie was able to walk again, and then went to Minneapolis and spent the summer workino- on the Russell farm. Tlie ensuintr winter was spent in Harvey, and the following summer he was engaged at mason work at Minnea])olis. Then, in the fall of 1867, he returned to Harvey and lias since made this his home.

On the 17th of November, 1867, he was married to Miss Minna Tiieile, and the fruits of their union have been five children, all of whom are still living, as follows - Louisa, Ida, Clara, Minnie and Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Schultz are active members of the Lutheran Church and devout Christians. Mr. Schultz has taken an active interest in all matters calculated to benefit his townshij), and is one of the most substantial and highly respected citizens of the county.

It may be of interest to state that Mr. Shultz's farm-house was used as headquarters by the Indians when the attack was made on Forest City in 1862.

'c\ir^ the " brave boys in blue,'' now living in Forest Prairie township, on section 26, came to the count}' in 1881, and bought eighty acres of land of Michael Flynn, where he now lives. He was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, August 25, 1832, and is the son of Carlos and Rosa Ann (Duquet) Greenwood, natives of Canada, who emigrated to New York in 1830, where they made their home until 1866. The mother died in the Empire State, after which the fatlier of our subject removed to Sibley county, Minn. Marcellus was married, October 12, 1853, to Miss Rosaiina Gesiner, who is also a native of St. Lawrence countj', N. Y., and by this union there has been born a family of twelve children - Libby, Mary, Allen, Frank, Emma, Louisa, Sophia, Edward, Stephen, Jerome, Rosa and Maggie. All the children are married except the last iive. In his political views Mr. Greenwood coincides with the I'epublican party. His family are zealous members of the Roman Catholic church.

During tiie late civil war, December 28, 1863, our subject enlisted in Company M, Eighteenth New York Cavalry, and served that gallant re^'iment, being- transferred to Company I, until May 31,1866,when he was mustered out of service at Victoria, Texas, and returned to his home. His service was chiefly performed in Virginia, the regiment being attached to the Army of the Potomac.

UGUST DAVIDSON, a farmer on section 18, Acton township, is one of the pioneers of Minnesota, having settled within its boundaries while it was yet a territory. Mr. Davidson is a son of David and Kate Nelson, and was born in Sweden on the 1st of June, 1838. He came to the United States in 185-1-, and came direct to Chisago county, Minnesota He remained there a few weeks and then went to Wisconsin, where, for two years, he was em]iloyed by one man in farming, after which he worked another year for a neighboi'. He then went to the pineries and was employed at lumbering and "on the drive" until the fall of 1S(U, when he enlisted in Company D, Third Minnesota Vohmteer Infantry. They were sent South for service and participated in several skirmishes but not in any pitched battle. After a year's service, the war closed and being honorably discharged he returned to the pineries of Wisconsin, where he worked until the spring of 1868. During that spring he came to Meeker county, Minn., and bought land in Acton township. He at once began farming, and has since made this his home. He has been very successful and now owns 270 acres of land, and has it improved with substantial farm buildings. He does a general farming and stock-raising business.

Mr. Davidson was married on the 25th of June, 1868, to Matilda Anderson, and their union has been blessed with the following named children - Levi, born May 20, 1869; George, born November 11, 1875; Clara, born June 0. 1882; and Arthur, born November 28, ISS-t. The famil}' are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church. In political matters Mr. Davidson affiliates with the republican party. The parents of Mr. Davidson still reside in Sweden, their native land, while those of Mrs. Davidson are residents of Meeker county.

TOHN J. SUNDQUIST, the photographic ^ artist and notion and clothing dealer of Dassel, is a fair representative of the class of self-made men who have " climbed the ladder rung by rung" to an easy competence. Boi'n among the wild and picturesque scenery of Sweden, April 28, 1846, the son of John and Keser Johnson, his boyhood and youth were passed in his native land. His father served in the Swedish National Guards, and remained in that kingdom until his death.

The subject of our narrative, when about twenty-three years of age, feeling the impossibility of raising himself financially above the estate in which he was born in that country, determined to seek his fortune in the newer countries across the sea, and embarking, landed upon the shores of America, and made his way to Pepin county. Wis. On his arrival there, with but fifty cents in his pocket, he was taken down sick, and felt that the foi'tune of the poor emigrant was at a very low ebb. As soon as lie recovered, he started for I\Iinnesota, and on reaching the river, opposite Lake City, had l>nt twentvfive cents to his name. Something to eat cost fifteen of this, and ten cents to cross the river, landed him in Minnesota totally penniless and friendless, and the pi-ospect looked dark to him indeed. Instead of sitting down to grieve about it, however,- he found work with a farmer near Eochester, with whom he remained until fall. In the spring of 1870 he commenced work on the river division of the Chicago, Milwankee & St. Paul railroad, grading, and was soon made foreman of a gang of men. The following spring he went to Scott county, this State, when he commenced contracting for grading on the Hastings & Dakota railroad, and worked hard until the fall, when he went to St. Paul and there bought a boarding house and saloon which he only ran a short time. About the last of 1871, he removed to Carver county, and took some more contracts for grading, and there remained until the stoppage of work in 1872. Purchasing some land in connection with others, he platted and established the village of Norwood, where he made his home until 1885, following railroad construction during the summer months, and photography in the winters. The restless activity that ever prompted him to better his condition, induced him in the spring of 1885, to sell out his interests in Norwood, and remove to Dassel village, where he purchased ten acres of ground adjoining the town site, where he put up his residence. Later the same season, he purchased some town lots and put up the brick store building which he now occupies, laying out in these im])rovenients about 84,500. In the summer of 1886, Mr. Sundquist ]Hit in a stock of drugs, but a few months later disposed of them and opened a stock of notions, to which he added afterwards, clothinj)- and boots and shoes. In connection with this business he carries on the jihotograiihic art gallei'y, the second story being litted n\) foithat business.

Mr. Sundquist was married in October, 1871, to Miss Anna Swenson, a native of Sweden. Since becoming a citizen of Dassel, Mr. Sundquist has taken a dee]) intei'est in all matters relating to his ado]ited home, and the people, believing that a man who has been so successful in his own affairs, would be so in the public's, elected him to the position of member of the village board of trustees in 1888.

Iggp P. NELSON, one of the most promil^jjD nent and successful business men in the count}', is a member of the firm of Nelson, Johnson & Larson, dealers in general merchandise at Litchfield. Mr. Nelson is anative of Sweden, born on the 29th of October, 1840, and is a son of Nels and Johanna Anderson. His early life was spent in the land of his birth, but in 1862, with his parents, he embarked for America, and after a voyage of eleven weeks they landed on the shores of the new world and proceeded to St. Paul. It had been their intention to settle on Foot Lake, in Kandiyohi county, Minn., but, learning of the Indian outljrejdv, their plans were changed, and shortly afterward B. P. Nelson, our sultject, went to Galesburg, Knox county. 111., where he remained from October, 1862, until the following May. AVe next find him in Chicago, where he remained for six montiis at work in a brickyard. The following winter was spent in the pineries of Michigan, after which he settled at St. Paul, ]\[inn., and for two years and a half worked in an agricultural warehouse for Bigelow, Murdock & Co. After leaving there, for about a year he was at various places, principally in iVfecker county, and in C'ottage Grove, and then went to Nicollet county, and started a store at New Sweden. Two yeiirsand a half later he sold Ijis business to his biotber in-law, John Burke, and came to Litchfield, arriving here during the year 1871. Upon his arrival he, with his brother, Andrew Nelson, engaged in the general mercantile business, and continued in it for three years, when the business was sold to A. Cairncross. After this our subject was engaged in farming and buying grain until 1880, when the present firm of Nelson, Johnson & Larson was formed, and he has since devoted his time to the interests of the firm.

Mr. Nelson was married on the 31st of May. 1878, to Emily E. Johnson, and tliey are the parents of four children, one of whom died in infancy, and the other three - Archie E., Clara E. and Bertram C. - are living.

Mr. Nelson has taken a prominent and active interest in all matters of a. public nature, and he has been closely identified with the growth and development of business enterprises of Litchfield. He has been one of the directors of the Meeker County Bank ever since its organization.

M, NDREW CARLSON, a successful farjiP^ mer residing on section 17, Greenleaf township, was born in Sweden, on the 17tli of February, 1825. Ilis ])arents were both natives of the same country, and liveti there until tlie time of their deaths. Andrew learned the carpenter's trade, and woi'ked at that and other vocations in his native land until 1869, when he sailed for America. Shorth' after his arrival he went to Michigan, where he was employed chiefly at mining, and remained until 1874, when he came to Meeker county, Minn., and })urchased the farm in Greenleaf townsliip, where ho has since lived. He has a well-cultivated farm of 120 acres, and devotes his attention to general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Carlson was married, in 1856, to Maria C. Olson, a native of Sweden. She bore him two children, and died in Sweden on the 23d of February, 1868. The children were Andrew G. and Alfred G. Anderson. Andrew was born in 1860, and died in infancy-.

Alfred G. Anderson, the second child, was born in Sweden, on the 21st of December, 1863, and came to America when still a lad, with his father, with whom he still lives. Alfred was married, on the of July, 1885, to Augusta E. Hagerstrom, and the couple have had one child - Elmer T., born May 12, 1886.

The father and son are both intelligent, progressive citizens. They are prohibitionists in political matters. The family are members of the Swedish Baptist Church.

^UGUST SWANSON.a progressive and successful farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 17, Cedar Mills township, is a native of Sweden, where he was born on the 15th of June, 1844. His early life was spent in his native land, where he remained until he had reached the age of twenty-four, and then came to the United States. Upon liis arrival he went to Marquette County, Mich., where he secured work in the iron mines. He remained there for about five years, and then started West, and on March 13, 1874, in company with his brother, Fred Swanson, he arrived in Meeker county, Minn., and together they purchased the farm which had been originally taken by J. V. Branhara, in the northern part of Greenleaf tow'nship. August lived there with his brother until 1876, when he sold his interest in the place. After that he worked in that township for two years, and in 1878 he purchased the farm on section 17, Cedar Mills township, where he still resides, erecting the house in which he lives, in 1880. He has a valuable farm of 200 acres, a good sliare of wliicli is under cultivation, and luis substantial and comfortable building improvements. He devotes his attention extensively to stockraising in connection with his fanning, and bv his integrity, industry and eiiterpi'ise he has gained the reputation dI' l)eing one of the most substantial and most highly respected citizens of the township.

fOHN C. KRUGER, a prominent and representative citizen of Ellsworth township, living on section 8, came to this county May 27, 18G2, and settled on section 8 of the same town, where he remained until the Indian outl)reak that fall. At that time lie went to Forest City, Kingston, and Clearwater, but soon came back and remained that winter in Forest City. In the spring he moved to a farm in that vicinity, and from there after one season spent in Greenleaf township, came to his present residence, where he took up eighty acres under the homestead law, to which he has added some 300 acres, and now has an excellent farm.

Mr. Kruger was born in the northern ]iart of Germany, May 1, 1815, and is the son of Charles D. Kruger, who was the parent of five children - four besides our subject - AVilliain, Herman, Charles and Mary, the latter the widow of John Putzer, of Greenleaf.

Mr. Kruger remained in the "fatherland" until 1851, when he sought in free America the chance for achievinga competency denied in the land of his birth, so down-trodden is it by military despotism, lie located in Illinois, where he remained until coming to iVIinnesota. Before leaving his native country, October 20, 184(;, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Long, a native of the same Emjiire, a daughter of Fred Long. She was born March 20, 1824. By this union there have been born five children, as follows - Charles, Ferdinand, Mary, Minnie and Lizzie. In his political I'aitli Mr. Kruger strongly clings to the I'cpublican doctrines, and supports the camlidates of that party.

l^RANK M' INTYRE, a well-to-do and 'JP^ prosperous farmer of Manannah township, lias his beautiful home upon section 26, and is surrounded by his magniticent estate of 440 acres of as fine land as any in the county. He is a native of County Cavan, Ireland, born May 12, 1832, and'is the son of James and Mary (Clark) Mclntyre. He remained in the land of his birth until nineteen years of age, when perceiving the impossibility of e'ettin<i: ahead in that landlord ridden land, he emigrated to the New World, landing in New York city, staying there a year; in the fall of 1852, came West, and located in Joliet, 111., where he was employed in the stone quarries until 1865. a good share of the time as foreman. In the meantime, however, he spent four months in Cuba, laying the first street-car tracks in Ilavanna.

In June, 1863, Mr. Mclntyremadeatrip to Meeker county Avith the intention of taking up a homestead. Part of the way was made on foot, notwithstanding the warnings and expostulations of the parties along the line of his mai'ch. as there was a fresh Indian scare that summer growing out of the killing of Captain Cady. Arriving at Forest C;itv, the water was too high to cross, so on the advice of F. McCusker, he decided to take a homestead on section 26. This was the first claim made north of the Crow river. He returned to St. Cloud, and filed his entry on the homestead, and returned to Joliet, i where he staid until 1865. In Julv of that year he brought his family by team as far as LaCrosse and tiien he returned to Joliet to finisii some work. The family continued their journey from LaCrosse in company with his wife's Ijrothers and father,a,nd upon arriving here the wife stayed with the McCusker family - (her brother-in-law). A cabin was commenced on Mclntyre's claim, which was the first house erected in the townshij) north of the Crow river. October 18 thecabin was raised - those who helped being James and Peter Mclntyre, Owen Quinn, Peter McMahon, Fergus McCusker, Edward Murphy, Michael and James McNulty and possibly a few others. Mrs. Mclntyre cooked their dinner under an oak tree. On the 22d of November Mr. Mclntyre arrived and at once began finishing the cabin, but it was not finished with doors, etc., until the 20th of December. In the meantime, however, they decided to occupy the cabin, so he waded the river and brought over his wife and they accoi'dingly "moved in." One of their first mishaps was the loss of their only pan of bread dough which their dog made a meal of, and Mr. Mclntyre had to go hungry until his wife went to McCusker's for more provisions. During the following winter, 1865-6, he completed his stable, finishing it about dark New Year's dav. His horses refused to "'o into it for the fii'st time in the dark, so he was obliged to blanket them and let them stand outside till daylight. A storm -came ujj which made it severe for the dumb animals, but they could not be forced into their new quarters until light gave them confidence. As he was the first settler on that side of the Crow river, he was often cut of? from neighbors by high water. He at once went to work to develop the place, and from this humble beginning, by incessant labor, natural business tact, and commendable frugahty, has built up his present fortune. Mr. Mclntyre devotes considerable attention to stock, having now a, Hne herd of al)out sixty head

Tiie subject of this sketcii was married August 20, 1856, to Miss Mary McXulty, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, who is the mother of four children as follows - Mary, born May 9, 1857 ; James P., born March 9, 1859; Charles F., born December 6, 1862 ; and Rosa A., born August 25, 1864.

The first Catholic services in the township were held in the log cabin referred to above, by Father Anthony, of the Benedictine Order. This was on the 3d of August, 1866, when Michael McNulty, the father of Mrs. Mclntyre, died.

ymd.. and influential agriculturist of Darwin township, is a representative of the thrifty, progressive and enterprising New England people, who have pushed their way through every obstacle, in every clime and every land, and have carried with them everywhere the civilization and progress of their forefathers, as well as that of the present age.

Mr. Segar was born in Massachusetts, July 7, 1832, and is the son of Charles H. and Ursula (Taylor) Segar, both of whom have passed to their reward beyond the grave. In his New England home our subject was reared, and there received the education which is the birtiiright of every citizen of that portion of our great Republic. In January, lS5-t, he left the barren soil of the " Old Bay State," and came to the fertile West,, settling in Jackson county, Iowa. Twoyears later, finding that part of the State too hilly for him, he removed to Jones county,, the same State, where he remained some two or three years. Monroe et)unty was the next scene of his labors, but in 1S68 he re- moved to the Missouri slope of Iowa, and settled ill Monona county, where he remained until about 1870, when he came to Meeker county. He at first settled on section 4, in Darwin township, but four years later moved to Kingston, and aftei' spending some time in the various villages in the county, returneii to Darwin and located on section 6, where he now lives.

August 5, 1858, Mr. Segar was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Lewis, a native of Vermont, and daughter of Moses and Julia Lewis. By this union there have been eleven children, as follows - Charles D., Eudora, Lulu M., Anna, Frank E., Harry S., Ernest E., Emmett E., Bessie P., Freddie and Samuel G. The four first named were born in Monroe county, Iowa ; Frank in Monona county, same State, and the rest in Meeker count}', Minn.

^M^NDREW O. LAWSON, senior mem- _^S^ ber of tiie general merchandise firm of A. O. Lawson & Co., one of the leading merchants of Grove City, was born in Sweden, November 3, 1855, and is the son of Lasse and Christina Ostradson. In 1872 he crossed the ocean in search of fortune and hai)piness, and for a time was engaged in taking care of and driving the carriage horses of a business man in Minneapolis. During the summer of that year he came to Acton township and worked in the harvest fields of this locality, and s})ent the following winter here in attending school. In the spring he retui-netl to Minneapolis, where he was variously employed for some two years. Ketui'Uing to Meeker county lie entered the employ of Peter E. Hanson, witii wiiom he remained five years. In the spi'ing of 1881, in company with O. H. Peterson, he started in the grocery trade in Grove City, but sold out to his partner in the fall, and made a tri]i to the Innne of his boyhood, and returning in the spring he again engaged with P. E. Hanson in the real estate business, where he remained some two years. About that time the present firm of A. O. Lawson & Co. was formed between him and T. G. Foi'ster, since which time they have been engaged in this line.

]VIr. Lawson was united in marriage, October If), 188-1:, with Miss Betsey Larson, the daughter of Ole Larson, of this county, and they have been the parents of two children - Cora, born September 7, 1885 ; and Josephine, whose birth occurred February 25, 1887.

In his political views Mr. Lawson is entirely independent of party lines, preferring to cast his l)allot for the best men or the best measures, irrespective of political platforms or dictates.

^M LEX CAIRNCROSS, the head of the ^Ip^ lirui of Cairncross A: Palm, of Litchfiekl, is a native of Scotland. When he was about twenty-five years of age he came to America with his jjarents, and the latter purchased a farm in Sibley county, Minn. Alex Cairncross followed steaml)oat building, together with carpentering, for some years ; later he settled at St. Paul, and was for some time engineer in the International Hotel in that city. In about the year 1870 he came to Meeker county antl opened a general store at Darwin, where he remained until 1874, when he came to Litchfield and bought out the business of the Nelson Bros. Three years afterward he sold his interests here and returned to his native land, and later spent some time in traveling tiirough the East. He tiien returned to Litchfiei<i, and again entered the mercantile trade. In 1885 John Palm became a partner with Mr. Cairncross in this business. In 1882 Mr. Cairncross opened a boot and shoe store, the only exclusive boot and shoe store in the village. He has always taken an active interest in all matters calculated to aid in the development of his village or county, and has a large interest in the woolen mills and also in the creamery. He is president of the Meeker County Bank, in which he is a stockholder, and he is otherwise heavily interested in jjroperty here.

^,\iANlEL JACKMAN. The gentleman t^/ of whom this article is written, a leading agriculturist of Cosmos township, is one of the early settlers of 1867. In that year he came here and took up a homestead upon section 26. He returned to Minneapolis the following spring, but immediately returned here, and has made this his home ever since.

Mr. Jackman is a native of Kennebec county, Me., born April 5, 1822, and is the son of Eben and Hannah (Hutchinson) Jackman, both of whom were also natives of the " Pine Tree State." Both of his grandfathers served in the continental army during the struggle for independence, and after their term of service had expired, settled in Maine, and there died. Eben Jackman, who was a farmer, also lived and died in the same locality. For a number of years after reaching his eighteenth year, our subject was engaged in the pineries of Maine and Canada, takingcharge of the lumber camps, etc. In 18.58 he came to Minneapolis, and went into the logging business towards the headwaters of the Mississippi, and i-enuiined there for seven years. In 1865 hegave up the lumbering business and renting a farm near Minneapolis, remained there three years engaged in farming. He then came to Meeker county, as above mentioned. On his return ]\[ay 4, 1868, he brought his famil}', and putting up his house, made a permanent settlement. In 1877 he made a trip to the Black Hills, and spent the season in gold mining, but returned in the fall.

Mr. Jackman is the oldest resident settler, all the others having passed from this world or moved to other localities. On his arrival here, until he could get up his house, he lived in a tent, and cooked at an open fire. When the township was organized, the first election was held at the house of our subject. He was elected the first chairman of the board of supervisors and served as such some three years.

Mr. Jackman and Annette K. Page were united in marriage February 15, 1852. The lady is a native of Bangor, Me. By this union there have been born four children - Frank P., EUra P., Lettie G. and Mabel M. Fi'ank is the proprietor of the American house at Hector, and the I'est are at home.

OBERT N. DAMUTH.oneof theintel- \i^ ligent anti thonnigh-going agriculturists of the town of Kingston, having his home on section 22, where he located on coming to the county in 1868, is a native of the State of J^ew York. He was born in Jefferson county February 8, 1820, and is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Weaver) Damuth. He is of Holland Dutch ancestry, his grandfather coming from that country and settling where the city of Utica now stands, erecting his log cabin there, the first building on the town plat.

Our subject was reared in that part of the country, receiving his education in the excellent disti'ict schools provided by the Empire State for the rising generation, anil assisted his father in the labors of the farni until he had attained his majority. At that time he commenced life for himself, finding employment on the Erie Canal, where he remained some ten years or more, after which he removed to Marquette count}', Wis., and settled on a farm, where he made his home for four years. From that place he removed to Cokimbia county, in the same State, but a few years later came to Minnesota, and settled in Dakota county, whence, in ISfiS, he came to Meeker county.

August 30, 18-i3, Mr. Damuth and Miss Emily Eliza Stone were united in marriage. His life companion is a native of Oswego county, N. Y., born January 23, 18:^7, and the daughter of Philo and Eliza L. (Scott) Stone, natives of Rhode Island and Connecticut respectively. By this .union there have been born a family of ten children - Madison, Myron W., Ellen E., Edwin S., Emily E., Margaret, Eliza, Carrie A., Addie M. and Robert N., Jr. The death angel has taken all but the last two named, and there are many vacant chairs around the domestic hearth.

In his politics Mr. Damuth is a democrat, but has had no political aspirations. He has always taken a great interest in educational matters.