Meeker County, Minnesota - Chapter 4: Teeritorial and State Officees, 1888 (part 5 of 11)

JTOSEPH HUBBARD, postmaster at Crow SI river, e.K-county commissioner, and one of the most successful and prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Meeker county, is a resident of section 33, Union Grove township.

Mr. Hubbard is a son of Joseph and Merriam (Biownjllubbard, and was born on the 27th of May, 1820. He commenced life for himself when about nineteen years of age, first working in a cotton factory at Three Rivers, Mass., remaining there until he was twenty-seven years of age. He then traveled through the country canvassing for newspapers until 185i, when he came to Minnesota, and prer-mptod 160 acres of land in Scott county. He lived there for twelve years and then sold out and settled at

Shakopee, where he remained for four years engaged at teaming. In 1869 he came to Meeker county and purchased a farm of 240 acres in Union Grove township, and has since made this his home. Besides liis residence he has a small store building in which he keeps quite a large assortment of goods for the accommodation of the neighborhood and also the postoffice. In connection with his general merchandise he also handles a limited line of agricultural implements, ]ilows, etc. He has one of the most valuable farms in the township, and it is well arranged for diversified farming and stock-raising, which he carries on. Mr. Hubbard has taken an active interest in public matters, and no man in the northern jiortion of the county is more prominently identified with the official history of the county than is he. For the past twenty-five years he has held the office of justice of the peace, both here and at his former place of residence. For six years he was a member of the board of county coramissionei's, and during that time was one of the most influential members of that body. During the war he was deputy provost marslial.

Mr. Hubbard was married in April, 1842, at Northfield, Mass., to Gratia Field, a daughter of Oliver and Rhoda Field. Slie died in October, 1864, leaving three childi'en, as follows - Emma, born Jan. 21,1844; Edward J., born Fel). 1, 1847 ; and Crissa, born in December, 1857, died in January, 1864. Emma married Abner S. Marshall, and they live in Union Grove; they have five ciiildren - Joseph B., Mabel C, Lewis C, Frank F., and Anna H. Edward J. married Fidelia Nichols, and they live in McPherson county. Dak.; they have four children - George A., Charles E., Addie L., and Linna L.

Mr. Hubbard's second marriage occurred in April, 1866, when he was wedded to JNlrs. Mianda McKinney, formerly ]\Iiss Hidden. By her nuirriage with Frederick McKinney

, she had had five children, as follows - William O., George F., Fannie, Edwin A., and Everson E. Fannie and William are dead. Mrs. Mianda Hubbard died in June, 1870. Mr. Hubbard's present wife was the widow of Samuel McCoy, formerly Miss Elisabeth Haseltine. They have two adopted children - Ida and Oliver.

In 1S7G the First Universalist Church of Crow river was organized, and Mr. Hubbard was chosen deacon, he having been for years a believer in that faith.

Politically Mr. Hubbard has been a republican ever since the birth of that ]iarty, and has cast his ballot for every republican nominee for president up to date.

He has always been a constant reader and patron of republican literature. Believing that the boys of to-day will be the men of to-morrow he has liberally su]ip!ied his own family with the best of literature, which has been almost a circulating library in his neighborhood.

P- REDERICK ADAMS, one of the hard- working agriculturists of Collinwood townsliip, living upon section 1, is a native of Hampshire, England, born September 7, 1839, and is the son of Henry and Mary (Marsh) Adams. His parents were of the class of sturdy yeomen of Alljion that have made that island so famous in history, and were born, like their forefathers, in that Empire. From tlie time he was about seven years old, our subject was emjiloyed in farmlabor until leaving his native land. May 29,. 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Forder, who was born, also, in Hampshire December 9, 1S38. She is the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Bo wen) Forder. Her father, a native of same country, was born May 17, 1804, came to America in April, J871, and died November 31, 1881. Her mother died in England, in 1858.

Mr. Adams, appreciating the im]irobability of his acquiring a competency in his native land, determined to seek his fortune in the United States, the land of the free, and accordingly, on the 6th of April, 1871, bidding adieu to " White-cliffed Albion," he sailed for America, and after a pleasant and easy voyage, landed at New York, April 17,

1871. On the 21st of the same month, he reached the home of AVilliam Forder, in Indiana. He remained in that State, employed in a saw mill and on a farm, until the following spring, when he came to Collinwood township, this county, where, April 6,

1872, he purchased forty acres of railroad land on section 1, upon which he moved and has since made his home. He now has an excellent farm of 120 acres in this and section 11, about fifty -five acres of which has been cleared of the primeval forest that covered it. The first year he was here, he was in absolute penury, having but little provisions and often suff'ering for the want of the necessaries of life. But energy and diligence will accomplish much, and he has, assisted only by his devoted wife and children, succeeded in turning the point that leads to competency and fortune.

Mr. and Mrs. Adams' marital life has been blessed by the advent of four children, as follows - William, whose birth took place March 31, 1861 ; Elizabeth, born October 26, 1865; Mary Ann, whose birth dates from December 5, 1867; and George Henry, liorn August 22, 1871. In liis political views Mr. Adams coincides with the republican party, and has held the office of road overseer of his district for over ten years.

PROMINENT business man of Meeker county is D. Elmquist, watchmaker and jeweler, of Litchfield, who is a native of Sweden, Ijorn in 1848. His parents were

John Magnus Elmquist and Christena Johnson, botli of whom are now tleceased. Mr. Ehnquist connnenced in eai-ly manhood to learn the jeweler's trade, at wliich he has become so proficient. In ISf!',) he came to Minneapolis, Minn., Init a short time later went to Wisconsin, where he worked at his trade with his brother, P. J. Elm(|uist, with whom he i-emained as journeynian until 1S72. He then returned to Minneapolis and went into business with this brother, and remained there four years; then after that he located at Litchfield, opening a jewelry store as a branch of their Minneapolis store, but later on bought out his brother's interest, and still continues in that business, carrying a full and complete stock of everything in that line. Mr. Elmquist was one of the charter members of Litchfield lodge, No. 50, A. O. U. AV., and is also an active member of the Litchfield fire department.

Mr. Elmquist was mai'i'ied, February 22, 1876, to Miss Ida M. Ilultgren, of Minneapolis, and they have been blessed with five children, four of whom are still living. The names of the survivors are as follows - Emily Christine, Minnie, Charles J. and John Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Elmquist are prominent and zealous members of the Swedish Lutheran Cimrch at Litchfield, and exemplary Christian ]ieople.

j) ICHARD ELLIOTT, an active citizen Hjy of Dassel, and the proprietor of the G. A. R. House, is one of the veterans of the late civil war - section, our subject was reared until he was sixteen years old. About that time the family, tired of the stony soil of the East, came with the "star of empire'' and settled in the town of Ossian, Winneshiek county, Iowa, among the earliest settlers of that county. On the 13th of December, 1861, Richard Elliottenlisted in CompanyC, Thirteenth United States Infantry, and served until December 12, 1864, when he received his discharge at JN'ashville, Tenn. He partici)3ated in some nine pitched battles, prominent among which were the siege of Yicksburg, Chattanooga, and Mission Ridge. He was fortunate enough to escape without a wound or scratch, or ever having been in hospital after leaving their barracks. On his discharge, he returned to his home in Iowa, but shortly after removed to Fillmore county, this State, whither his father had preceded him. In 1869 he moved to Stevens county, and took up a homestead, where he remained until 1876, suffering two years from grassho])pers, which devoured his crops, and two years from drouth, which burned them up. These circumstances embarrassed him financially, and he traded the farm off for an interest in the steam saw-mill at Dassel, to which {)lace he removed with his family. Two yeai-s later he sold his mill interests and erected the hotel, which, for a time, he leased. In ISSl he took charge of it himself, and has run it ever since. In connection, he is considerablv engaoed in buving and ship})ing hoo|) jtoles and cordwood.

Mr. Elliott was united in marriage with Miss Sallie L. Huntley, October 8, 1868, in 'Fillmore county, Minn. The lady is a native of Beaver Dam, Wis., and is the mother of four children - Mertie, now Mrs. L. Whittaker, of Cokato ; James D., Jasper, and Thoren. Mr. Elliott is quite prominent in G. A. R. circles ; was a charter member and is the present officer of the guard of Colfax Post, No. 133, of the village of Dassel.

M^NDREW ELOFSON, one of the leadjp>^ ing citizens of Swede Grove townsliip, is a son of Elofson and Bertha Anderson. He was born in Sweden, on the ISth of July, 1840. His father died in Sweden, in 1855, and in 1857, with his mother, Andrew came to the United States. He settled in Swede Grove township, Meeker county, Minn., in 1857, and this has since been his home. The mother and three sons were among the first settlers in the township. Andrew has a well-tilled and valuable farm on section 29, where he carries on general farming and stock-raising, and has accumulated a fair competency. Mr. Elofson's mother died in Swede Grove, in 1871.

Andrew Elofson was married, on the 31st of December, 1870, to Miss Sine Peterson, a daughter of Hans and Betsy Peterson, residents of Swede Grove township. Mr. and Mrs. Elofson have been blessed with the following named cliildren - Matilda, born April 13, 1873 ; Elmerth, born September 20, 1875 ; Morris, born October 4, 1877 ; Mabel, born November 1, 1881, antl Alma, born August .27, 1886. Mr. Elofson has taken a prominent part in all matters pertaining to the western portion of the county, and has taken an active interest in all the township and official matters. He has been township assessor for the past eighteen years ; has been pathmaster a number of terms ; chairman of the supervisors several terms, and has also, at various times, held the offices of town clerk, scliool clerk, school treasurer and school director. He can certainly be justly termed one of the leading and I'epresentative farmers of Meeker county.

PETER J. CONNOLE. a thrifty and enteiprising \'ouiig man who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 16, Harvey township, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born on the ICth of April,

1865. His parents were Peter and Bridget Connole. The father, Peter, was a native of Ireland, born November 1, 1830. When still young he came to the United States and settled in Hollidaysburgh, Blair county, Pa. The family remained there until 1872, when they removed to Meeker county-, Minn., and settled in Harvey township, where they were living at the time of the death of the father, August 22, 1877. His death was the result of a runaway. He had rented a farm in Kandiyohi county, and was on his way from home to the farm when the sad accident occurred, and it was supposed that the wagon ran over him. "When found he was still living, but so seriously injured that he died within eight hours. His death was a sad blow to the family, as he was beloved by them and respected by all who knew him. His widow, who was also a native of Ireland, is still living in this township. They had a family of nine children, who are still living, six boys and three girls. Their names are as follows - Thomas W., John C, Mary A., Peter J., Katie E., Lillie B., Rodgei", Patrick and Martin F.

Peter J. Connole, the subject of this sketch, has followed farming most of his life. He i-eceived a common-school education, and imbibed the same principles of frugality and industi'v which are characteristic of the race from which he springs. He is a good manager and has been very successful in his farmmg operations. In religion he is a Catholic, and in political matters he supports the democratic principles.

BAVID SHEPHERD, an active, prominent and entei])rising farmer, residing on section 29, Greenleaf township, was born in Scotland on the 2d of April, isii. He can trace his genealogy back through four generations, William Shepherd being the name of his gi-eat-great-great-grandfather, then James in the next degree. Ilis grandfather, Wiliam Shepherd, was born in Scotland about the year ITnC). His fatiier was born in tlie same country, and still lives there, being now about seventy-one years of age. He (David's father) was married in 1840 to Margaret Ayer, and they were the parents of two cliildren - David, our subject, and James, who is now living in New Zealand.

David Shepherd, of whom we write, left his native land in 1869 and settled in Canada, where he remained about one year, and then removed to St. I'aul, Minn. After three months' residence there he went to Hastings and remained a like period, then went to Minneapolis. Here he left his family and went to Colorado and Nevada, and after a sojourn in that region of some fourteen months returned to Minneapolis. On the 27th of April, 1879, he arrived in Meeker county, Minn., and purchased of Anna McGraw a farm on section 29, Greenleaf township, where he has since lived. He now has a valuable farm, which consists of about 300 acres of land, his buildings being located on the line between sections 29 and 32. It is a most desirable place, containing some forty acres of timber, and he has it well stocked. He lievotes his time to diversified farming and stock-raising, and well deserves the standing which he maintains of l>eing one of the most solid and influential farmers in the township. In political matters Mr. Shepherd is a re])ublican, and has taken an active interest in affairs of that nature, having held various local offices which his fellow-citizens have desired him to fill. , He is the present chairman of the township supervisors, and the fact that he is the pi-esent treasurer of school district No. 34 is evidence of the well-known fact that lie takes a commendable interest in educational matters.

was a native of Scotland. Their union has been blessed with the following children, all of whom are still living: D. K., born January 7, 1872; Christina A., born April 28, 1874; and Maggie S., born March 31, 1879.

JTaMES LAWTON, one of the pioneers of ^ Forest Prairie township, came to Meeker county in 1867, and took up a homestead on section 32, where he now resides, carrying on general farming. He was born in Hadley, Saratoga county, N. Y., IVIarch 19, 1825, and is the son of David and Thankful (Parraeter) Lawton, the latter a native of White Hall, N. Y., and the former of Dennison, Vt. During the childliood of our subject his father's house was destroyed by fire, and with it the records of the family, so the}' are lost. In January, 1856, the mother of our subject died in Lafa^'ette, McKean county, Penn., and the father's decease occurred in 1858.

James Lawton passed his school days in Wa\'ne and Morgan counties, N. Y., with his brothers and sisters, whose names were - Amos, Iluth, Pollie, Luc}', Davitl, Iluldah, Hester, Daniel and Jonathan. In 1846 he removed with his parents to Warren county Penn., wiiere they lived some six or seven years, he being engaged in farming and in lumliering. In 1856 he came west and settled in Shelby county. 111., where he remained until August 11, 1862, when, leaving wife and family, he enlisted atthecall of jiatriotism, in the One Hundred and Fifteentli Illinois Infantry ,and participated in all the skirmishes and battles in which his regiment was engaged, the principal one being that of Chickamauga. He was dischargetl August 14, 1864. on account of disability, and returned home. He then came to Meeker coimty to look over the country, and went back to Illinois, where he remained two yeais longer, and then came here and settled.

Mr. Lawtoii was married Mairli i!5, 1859, to Miss Mary M. Vermillion, a native of Shelby county, 111., where she was married, and daughter of James and Jane (Fletcher) Vermillion. Her birth took place December 26, 1842. By this union there has been born one son - David E., whose birth took place July 26, 1882. Mr. Lawton is a staunch republican in ])olitical faith; and has held various local offices. He is a prominent and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and class leader of the congregation at Forest City.

;LARK L. ANGELL, photographer, is one of the pioneers of Minnesota, as well as one of tlie first settlers at Litchfield, after the village was i)latted. He was born in Jefferson countj^ N. Y., in May, 1838, and is the son of Nicholas and Aseneth Angell. His parents were both natives of Vermont, but were removed by their families to New York in their childhood. His father was enrolled among the brave defenders of his country, during the last war with Great Britain in 1 812-1815, and it is within the recollections of his mother viewing the battle ui)on Lake Cham])lain, as they lived at or near Plattsburgh. After tiieir marriage the parents of our sui)ject removed to Jefferson county in tlie same State, where the elder Mr. Angell died, at the age of sixt\'-one. His widow came to Minnesota, where she died at the advanced age of eighty -eight.

Clark L. was reared in the Empire State, but at the age of eighteen years commenced life for himself, starting for the AVest in the fall of 1855, stopping first at Dunlieth, 111., which was then the terminus of the railroad. From there he took a boat up the Mississippi river to St. Paul, and the following spring, of 1856, he claimed government land near Rockford-, Minn., that being previous to the laying out of the village. lie remained there, impi'oving liis claim, until the war broke out, when, in the fall of 1861, in response lo the first call for men, he enlisted in Company A, Third Minnesota Infantry. He sjient a year in the army, serving in Tennessee and Kentucky, and was finally discharged on account of sickness, and soon returned to Minnesota. He then learned photography, and spent most of his tinae on the road, until the fall of 1869, when he settled in Litchfield and opened the art gallerv, which he still conducts. He at once erected a house and brought his family here in the spring of 1870. Litchfield has since been his home, and he now has one of the finest and most complete galleries in this part of the State. Mr. Angell is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was one of the charter members of the first ])Ost organized at Litchfield. He also a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been one of the charter members of Golden Fleece Lodge. No. 89.

OSES H. BOGAR, who is one of the ^^jf^ self-made men of Collinwood township, lives on section 2. He is a son of Thomas H. Bogar, who is mentioned at length elsewhere in this volume, to whose sketch the reader is also referred for much of the personal history of the gentleman whose name heads this article.

Moses H. Bogar was born in Tazewell county, Va., November 28, 1842. When about seven years of age he removed with his parents to Pike county, Ky., where he was reared to agricultural pursuits. At the bi-ealcing out of the civil war, he enlisted, October 25, 1861, in Company H, Fourteenth Kentucky U. S. Infantr}^ and went into active service, participating in the battles of Ganley, Middle Creek, and Half Mountain, Kentucky; Hagar Gap, Koeler Pole,

Virginia; and Tazewell. Tenn., Altoona, Cupp's Farm, and Atlanta, Ga., Jonesboro, and various other battles of the campaign. He served successively under the following generals: Nelson, C4arfield. White. Beard, Morgan. Cooper, Ilaskel, Schofield, Sherman, and, lastly, Thomas.

Our subject came to Minnesota Avith his fathei' in ISfifi, and settled on section 2, Collinwood. On the 1st of March, 18tl!», he was married to Mrs. Mary C. (Graves) Livingston. She died in May. 1SS2, leaving six children, as follows - Lizzie ilay, born February 18, 1870 ; Edward G., born July 18, 1871 ; Cynthia C, born September 9, 1873 ; Joseph 0.,born February 28. 1876 ; Moses XL, born February 2, 1878 ; and John P., born February 1, 1880.

On the 13th of December, 18S3, Mr. Bogar married Caroline, a daughter of Volney and Lura (Farrington) Gay, who was born Julv 21, 1857. This marriage has been blessed with two children - Geneva Blanche and Ruth Lillian.

Mr. Bogar's house was destroyed by fire, with most of its contents, April 1, 1888. In political matters our subject is an opponent of monopoly and is a prohiljitionist. He has held several local offices with honor.

lLAF B. JORGENSON, the efficient ^^ and trustworthy harness maker of the village of Grove City, is a native of Norway, born February 26, 1868, and is the son of Ove E. and Bertha Jorgenson. He was reared in that rugged but picturesque land, aniid its bold mountains and velvety vallej's, until about sixteen years of age, coming to America in 1884. Coming directly to the State of Minnesota, after a few days spent at Willmar, our suiiject wentto Kirkhoven, and worked at the harness maker's trade with his brother Oscar, and remained there some five months. lie then returned to Willmar and worked for an uncle, Martin Jorgenson, at the same ti-ade, for about two months, at the close of which time he came to Grove City, and for nearly two years followed his trade with A. II. Lind. In March, 1887, he quit work here and went to St. Paul and worked for W. II. Konants & Bro.. with whom he only staid until October 1st. when he returned to Grove City and bought out ]\Ir. i^iiid, and commenced business for himself. He has always a full and complete stock of all kinds of goods in his line, ami Ijeing an excellent workman, honest and true, and of pleasant manners, he has a large and increasing business. He commenced to learn his trade in Norway with his father, who is a harness maker, as is the onlj' brother he has in this country, who now lives at Benson.

fAMES H. SHIMIN, a farmer of Kingston township, residing upon section 26, where he has a nice place, is a native of Albany, the cajntal of the State of New York, born January 1, 1830, and is the son of John and Ann (Corros) Shimin, both of whom first saw the light in the Isle of Man, a dependency of the British Empire, located in the Irish Sea. His parents came to America in 1829, and settled in Albany, where they resided many years and where the father dieil. In 184-1 the mother removed to Michigan and made her home there until 1867, when she came to Minnesota and located in Henne)iin county, where she died at the age of eighty four years. She was a devout Christian and a member of the Episcopal church.

The subject of this memoir was reared upon a farm, and has always followed the occui)ation of a farmer. Commencing life on his own account in New York State at the age of eighteen years, he essayed agi'iculture in the Empire State, but later re- moved to Michigan, where lie lived until he came to Hennepin county, Minn., where he made his home until December. 1876, when he came to Meeker county, arriving here the 18th of that month.

Mr. Shimin was married in January, 18G1, to Miss Mary Ann Thomas, a native of Richmond county, Ind., and daughter of Robert Thomas, of tiuit State. She cauie to Hennepin county, this State, where she was united in marriage to our subject, and there died December 21, 1863, leaving one child - Edgar T., born December 5, 1863. Mr. Shimin again contracted a matrimonial alliance, August 14, 1887, with Miss Maggie Francis, a resident of Kingston township, a native of Meeker county, this State, and daughter of A. J. and II. Francis.

In his politics Mr. Shimin is a republican and is the present treasurer of school district No. 33. During the great civil war our subject, with commendable patriotism, enlisted February 18, 1864:, in Company B, Sixth Minnesota Infantry, and served until the close of the war with that gallant regiment, receiving his discharge August 19, 1865. His record wliile carrying a musket is that of a loyal and gallant soldier and one " prompt to everv dutv's call."

?i'"-^ M. BECKSTRAND is a Avell-known and highly respected farmer, who resides on section Id, Greenleaf township. He has one of the finest farms in the county, and his farm buildings are a credit to the township in which he lives. His place consists of 207 acres of land, a good portion of which is under cultivation, and, as he has it well stocked, he devotes his time to general farming and stock-raising.

Ml'. Beckstrand is a native of Sweden, and was born on the 1st of December, 1849. He remained in his native land until the fall of 1869, when he came to the United States, and made his way directl}^ to Greenleaf township, Meeker county, Minn., where his uncle, John Sampson, was then living. This townshij) has been his home ever since. In 1881 Mr. Beckstrand sent for his parents, who were still living in the land of his birth, and thej^ tlien came to this country, and are now living in Cedar Mills township with one of their sons.

In 1875 the suljject of our sketch was married to Bengta Nelson, and their marriage was blessed with one child, a girl named Emma G., who was born in September, 1878, and who died March 11, 1879, and was buried in the Beckville Cemetery. Mrs. Beckstrand's parents were natives of Sweden ; her father died there, and her mother is still living in the Fatherland. Mr. and Mrs. Beckstrand are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. Mr. B. has taken an active interest in public affairs, and has for two years been a member of the board of supervisors of the towTiship.

AMUEL A. HEARD. Among the prominent figures in the history of Litchfield, of which he is a resident, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, who was the pioneer merchant of the place. He was born in Newport, Canada, September 6, 1831, and is the son of Samuel and Sojjhronia M. (AVilliams) Heard, both of whom were natives of the same province. He was reared upon a farm and remained with his parents until his twenty-third year, when he came to the United States, and, after a short time spent in Illinois and Wisconsin, in the spring of 1856 came to Minnesota, and settled in Wright county, where he located on a farm of 160 acres, which he took up on government land, a few miles south of Clearwater. The first summer was employed in looking after the interests of the Clearwater Town

Meeker Co Un 7- Y, Minnesota

Site Company, and the following wintei- in teaching school a sliort distance I'roni tiie village. ^Next spring, in company witii a Mr. Chase, lio bougiit out tlio mercantile establishment of Gibbs & AVhitney, of Clearwater, and remained in that business for over a year, when, the firm being dissolved, Mr. Heard built another store, and again entered into trade, and followed it until IStil. He had been appoint eil (U'piity postmaster in 1857, and had ciiarge of the mails until 1S61, when, his health failing, he gave up liis business altogether, and spent the following year in ]\[aine and Canada, returning to Clearwater in the spring of 1S()2. whei-e he passed some time, and later went to Cold Springs, where lie rebuiltthe Hour-mill, wiiich had been destro\'ed by fire. After gravitating between this State and his native home for some years, in 1869 he came to Litchfield, and, in company with C. D. Ward, opened the first store in the embryo village. After continuing in the mercantile trade, both with his partner and alone, until 1880, Mr. Heard then sold out and retired fi-om trade. He has large real-estate interests in the village still, and stock in the woolen-mills and other enterprises in Litchfield, and finds in their conservation and improvement sutticient employment. In 1S78 he was elected a memberof the village council, and in 1879 as mayor of the place, and served with great credit to himself.. He has always been deejily imbued with religious ideas, and has always lent a helping hand in all church matters. He had charge of the erection of the first church edifice in the village, the Presbyterian, and was chairman of the building committee.

Mr. Heard was united in marriage, October 1, 1871, with Miss N. 11. iiowen, a native of Chenango county, N. Y., and daughter of Luther and Martha (Hatch) Bowen, both of whom are natives of Connecticut, and both of whom were among the iii'st settlers of that region, settling there in 1785. Mr.

Dui'ing the civd war J\lr. Heard was ap- |)ointed ensign of Company A, Nineteenth Regiment, M. V. M. He assisted in raising a company for service in 1861, and was to have gone with them, but ])oor health induced the doctor to order his remaining at home, much to his I'egret.

Mr. Heard has always been prominently identified with the best interests of the village. He was a charter member and is the master workman of the Litchfield Lodge of Ancient Order of United Workmen.

i^HARLES H. ATKINSON, a young and >^y enterprising farmer of Forest City township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born May 7, 1855, and is the son of Hon. James B. Atkinson, one of the pioneers of Meeker county, a sketch of whom is given in the pages of this Album. Charles came to this county with his father's family in 1857, and here resided until about eighteen years of age, when lie went to Minneapolis to read up in the higher branches of studies, in the Union School. Returning from there he entered the office of Hon. A. C. Smith, with whom he read law, but finally abandoned that and settled down upon a farm, whei'e he now lives. He has been the incumbent of several township offices, first filling that of assessor foi' some two years; and then that of justice of the peace for a like term, antl now is the present chaiiinaii of the town board of su]iervisors.

Mr. Atkinson and Miss Ida Mitchell plighted their mutual vows at the marriage altar, June 27, 18S2. The lady is the daughter of David Mitchell, one of the oldest settlers of this county, and whose memoir can be found in this volume. By tliis union there have been born two ciiiklren - Stella Elizabeth and Charles Herbert. Mr. Atkinson, following the traditions of the familv, is a staunch democrat, politically.

"OHN E. ZACKRISON, a respected farmer, residing on section 17, Cedar Mills township, has been a resident of Meeker county since 1S75. He is a native of Sweden, and was born January -i, ISiT. His early life was spent in the land of his birth, Avhere he remained until he was twent3'-one years of age, when he came to the United States and settled in Marquette county, Mich. "While there he was employed in iron mining, contract drilling and various other lines of work. 'After he had been there five years he rented a farm and engaged in the milk and dairy business. Two years later, in the spring of 1875, he sold out his interests there and came to Meeker county, Minn. Upon his arrival he purchased a farm of 316 acres in the town of Greenleaf, and remained on that for three years. He met with a number of serious reverses. The first year he had a very fair crop ; the second year he did not raise over five bushels to the acre; and the third year he lost all his grain on account of the grasshopper depredations. These misfortunes proved a severe setback to him and resulted in the loss of his farm, upon which he had paid $1,500 in cash. During the summer of 1878 he remained in Greenleaf townshij), working for various parties, and in the fall of the same year he purchased the farm on section 17, Cedar Mills townsiiip, upon which he still resides. He now owns 160 acres of land, a good share of which is under cultivation, and devotes his time and energies to raising stock and doing general farming. His enterprise, industry and economy have again placed him in comfortable circumstances, notwithstanding the severe reverses and misfortunes through which he has passed, and he now ranks as one of the substantial and leading farmers of his township.

Mr. Zackrison was married on June 19, 1869, at Xegaunee, Mich., to Miss Caroline Swanson, who is also a native of Sweden. She was born on September IS, 1837. Their marriage has been blessed with four children, as follows - Hulda J., born Jime 12, 1874; Annie S., born Septembers, 187G; Ella M., born November 18, 1878, and Oscar E., born May 13, 1881.

fAMES GRANT, an industrious and energetic agriculturist of CoUinwood township, was born in the parish of Cromdal, Scotland, August 1, 1807, and is the son of Donald and Catherine (Grant) Grant, natives of the same country.

Like many of the boys of that land, he at an earl}' age commenced working both at home and elsewhere, and made his home in the "land of heather" until 1835, when, with a wish to better his condition, he came to the United States, landing in New York. He remained in that city from August 18 to the 28th of the following April, employing himself at whatever he could find to do. From there he went to Maysville, Ky., but after a year's experience there gardening and portering, he removed to Louisville and worked in a store. At Millstown, Ky., he was next employed, as engineer of a large distillery, where he remained some five years. At the expiration of that time he went to Madison, Ind., and there rented a farm and lived four years. While at that place he was married, January 7, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth McMillen, a native of Jefferson county Ind., the daughter of Robert McMillen, and who died in 1845. From Madison he removed to AVinooski, in the same State, where he dwelt for about twenty years. He was married there, to

Miss Eebecca Fifer, June 3, 1847. By this union thei'e has been born a family of nine children, as follows - George, James, William, Joiin, Sai-ah. Belle, Ann Catherine, Jane and ]\rary. ]\fr. Grant came to Meeker county on the 10th of October, 180(3, and built a house on land that he su|)|)()sed to be his, but two }'ears later, finding his error, moved to his own place, on section 26, where he now lives, lie has 120 acres, well improved.

JOHN P. FALK, one of the leading farmers of Acton township, is a native of Schleswig, a province of t)enmark, which the Germans took in 186-1:. lie was born on the 17th of Feliruary, 1833, and came to the United States in 1876, and after stopping for about two months on Two Bivers, in Morrison county, Minn., walked from there to Acton township, a distance of eighty-two miles, in two days. One difficulty he encountered was in finding a place to stay all night, as he had $1,200 on his person, and feared robbery ; but after considerable trouble, he found a place at German's where he was hospitably treated. In Denmark he had owned a small farm, which he had sold before leaving the old counti-y. and upon his arrival in Acton he pui'chased eighty acres on section 32, with no improvements, paying $1,000 for it. lie has added forty acres to the farm since, and now has a comfortable home and a valuable farm. He has substantial farm Iniildings, and his barn is the most conveniently ari-anged in tiie township, it being so Iniilt that he can water his stock without taking them out of tiieir stalls, and it is so warm that water does not freeze in it during the most severe weather.

Mr. Falk was married, on the 27tli of March, 1857, to Sophia Christianson, who was born on the 21st of September, 1830. They have had tiie following children - John, born January 28, 1858, died when about five months okl ; Laurine, born Se])t('mber 12, 1859, married Martin Ilinck, and lives in Minneapolis; and Beter John, born December 2, 18<il. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Falk has taken a prominent part in public affairs. He was one of the founders of the insurance company which was organized in Acton and Genesee townships, and has been treasurer of the company since its organization. He has devoted a great deal of time and money to the interests of the association, and deserves much credit for his zeal. He has also been church treasurer for a nuniljer of years, and has spared neither labor nor moiie}' when the good of the cause demanded his aid. In political matters he is a democrat, and has held various offices of trust, including that of supervisor for two years.

ELSON TURNER. The great Empire State has furnished her full quota toward the upbuilding of the extensive Northwest, and no more enterjirising people come from anywhere than from that noble, Commonwealth. Among this class may be found the subject of this sketch, who was born in Livingston county, N. Y., March 5, 1831, and is the son of Clement and Elmira (Boslev) Turner, natives of Connecticut and New York respectively. The mother died in the latter State while a young woman, and the father of our subject emigrated to the State of Wisconsin in 1816, and to Fayette county, Iowa, in 1870, and died in the latter place in 1875. The old gentleman was a farmer, a democrat, and the father of two boys, George and Nelson.

The latter passed the halcyon days of childhood in attending school in his native State, and at the age of sixteen years commenced life for his own benefit, hiring out his services to various farmers. While a resident of the Empire State, he was united in mari'inge, December 18, 1856, with Miss Mary Iluinsey, a native of the same Commonwealtii, born June 1, 1840, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Rumsey, now residents of Kingston. By tliis marriage tliere have been born some five children: - Eva, Emma, Ella, Etta, and Guy Ernest. Eva married Michael Caylor ; Emma is the wife of Fi-ank McConville, a merchant of Forest City; Ella is Mrs. Abbott Tonnpers, of Kingston.

Mr. Turner came to Meeker county in 1868, and located, where he now lives, on section 34, Kingston township. He is a man who takes deep interest in the educational work m the county, and has served for three years as director of school district No. 41. One of the most highly respected citizens of the count}', he may well be classed among its representative citizens.

NDREW SULLIVAN. Prominent ]£-^JL am(jng the old settlers of Forest City where he makes his home, upon section 36, is th^ subject of this biographical memoir. He is a native of County Kerry, Ireland, born in October, 1822. He remained in the beloved land of liisljirth until thirty 3'ears of age, but growing tired of the oppressed condition of his country, he determined to seek in the New World the freedom he could not find under British rule or misrule. June 22, 1852, he embarked at Liverpool, England, whither he had gone for that purpose, and, after an ocean voyage,landed at Boston, where he remained some three years. From there he moved to Indiana, but in the spring of 1857 came to Meeker county, and settled on section 25, Forest City township. Some fifteen or sixteen years later he removed to his present place. He has a fine farm of some 276 acres, much of which is under the plow.

He has been accustomed to farm work from his youth up, and of course thoroughly understands his calling in alt respects, and his place shows it.

Mr. Sullivan was united in marriage January 8, 1857, with Miss Bridget Flynn, a native of Ireland, who had come to the Laiited States with friends in 1852. The wedding ceremony was pei-fornied in the city of Chicago, where Mr. Sullivan was employed at the time. By this union there have been born five children - John, Margaret, Ellen, Mary and Catherine. The last two mentioned are school-teachers, and all, being still single, are living with their parents, except Mary and Catherine, whose duties carry them to other places, although their home is beneath the parental roof.

Mr. Sullivan is one of the leading agriculculturists and stock-raisers of Forest City, and keeps up a herd of some thirty-five or forty head of good horned cattle and some nine or ten horses, the latter of which are part Norman blood. In his political faith he maybe classed among the democrats. He and his estimable family are membei's of the Eoman Catholic Church, attending services at Forest City.

'OHN M. JOHNSON, the leading hardware merchant of the village of Dassel, was born in the Kingdom of Sweden in 1846, and is the son of John and Gatrud Johnson. He received his education in his native land, and remained there until the year 1864, which found him crossing the stormy Atlantic to a new home in the United States. He came direct to Minnesota on landing on these shores, and took up his residence in Carver county, where he lived for a period of two years. From there he removed to Minneapolis, of which city he was a citizen until 1871, when he took up a homestead in Cokato township,A\'"right county, to M'hich he moved.

Two years' residence satisfied him, and selling out he purchased a farm in tlio same county, where he hved four years, and tlien disposed of that and removed to the village of Dassel, where he purchased an interest in the blacksmith shop of Erick Eenquist, that being his trade, and remained in partnership with liim until two years later, when he bought out Mr. Renquist. Alone he then carried on the business until 18S2, at which date, in company with L. W. Leighton, he established the second hardware store in the village. The firm, thus formed, continued until January 1, 1887, when our subject purchased his partner's interest, and for more than a j'ear was alone in the concern. March 15, 1888, he admitted to a partnership John Osterman, and the present firm of J. M. Johnson & Co. was formed.

Mr. Johnson, although not partisan in his views, has decided opinions upon political questions, and particularly in all local matters. His excellent business tact and sterling uprightness have drawn upon him the attention of the community, and he was duly elected to a position upon the board of village trustees in 18S2, and was again chosen to fill that office in March, 18S8. As a business man he is active and enterprising, and he has a financial interest in both the woolen mill and the foundry, both institutions of great value to the community.

Mr. Johnson was united in marriage January 27, 1870, while living in Wright county, with Miss Maiy Clarquist, a native of Sweden, and daughter of Lewis and Christine Clarquist, the latter of whom were early settlers on section 14, Dassel township. Mrs. Johnson has a fine millinery establishment in the village, which she instituted in 1884.

Septomlier 24, 1824. He is the son of Ira and Sallie (Barnes) Fuller, both of whom were born in the State of Connecticut, the former April 17, 1793, and the latter January 12, 17U5. His father and mother were married at Lisle, Broome county, N. Y., September 14, 1814, and in 1833 removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, where thev made their home until the death of Mr. Fuller, Sr., on his seventy-fourth birthday ; his wife sm'- vived him until March 25, 1877.

The subject of our narrative remained with his parents until he was about fifteen j'ears of age, when he commenced life by teaching for one term. He then entered the jiostffice at AVarren, and was there employeil during the great ])residential campaign of 1840, between W. II. Harrison and Martin Van Buren. He remained in that position for about a year, and then attended the Farmington Academy for a time. He then entered what is now Dennison University where he remained over five years, graduating from there in 1847. He taught school for two terms subsequent to this and then entered the imiversity, taking charge of the Baptist church at Birmingham, in the Buckeye State, where he remained some three years. The next three years were passed in the service of the Lord at Ashtabula, Ohio, after which he occupied the puljtit of the I'aptist church at Meadville, Penn., for a like period. Having been sent by the Baptist Home Missionary Society to Chatfield, this State, he came to Minnesota in 1858, and remained in the last mentioned city some seven years, a faithful watchman upon the walls of Zion. From there he removed to Lake City, and during his labors in that place, extending over a period of seven years, missed but two Sabbaths' exercise of his beloved calling. His health becoming impaired, he came to Litchfield in 1872, and purchasing twenty-live acres of land, established his present nursery business.

Mr. Fuller has three times been married, his present wife being Miss S. S. Garfield, a second cousin of our late lamented, martyred president, James A. Garfield. lie is the parent of nine children, five of whom are living-. The record of these is Isabel, Mrs. Dr. Canney, of San Francisco, Gal.; Minnie E., whose husband, L. Swift, is lousiness manager of the Minneapolis Evening Journal; Annie, deceased wife of J. Q. A. Braden,who died October 2.5, 1879, at Santa Cruz, California ; George Garfield, who is book-keeper for the AYashburn Mill company, Minneapolis; Pauline, the lately deceased wife of E. B. Benson, the cashier of the Meeker County Bank, who died May 19, 1S8S ; and Jevrel and Lillian, living at home.

/^f^ARlON BOYER, a veteran of the ir-Ltr"\ late war', is engaged in carrying on both the meat-market and dray business in the village of Dassel, where he located in 1881. He is a native of Mercer county, Ohio, born January 1, 1840, and is the son of Louis and Nancy A. (Bowersock) Boyer, both of whom were also natives of the " Buckeye State." The parents of our subject, in 1855, removed with their family to Crawford, how Vernon county, AVis., where they remained upon a farm until the death of the father, in 1857. Later the mother came to Hastings, in this State, and died at St. Paul in 1887.

Marion, in 1860, at the age of twenty, was united in marriage with Miss Esther Buckmaster, with whom he lived upon a farm until the spring of 1862 when the angel of death invaded his household and snatched away his wife from his embrace. He then gave up farming, and, August 6, 1862, enlisted in Company I), Thirty-First Wisconsin Infantry, and served with that well-known regiment imtil the close of the wai'. The first battle in which he participated was that of

Peach Tree Creek, in the Atlanta campaign, and throughout the engagements around the last-named city, and at the capture of that ])lace. Mr. Boyer Avas always present with regiment, wliich did excellent service. When Sherman cut himself off from his base of supplies and commenced his memorable march to the sea, the Thirty-First Wisconsin was a part of his columns, and our subject marched with his company. During the battle of Bentonville, N. C, when the confederate general, Joseph Johnston, had turned the flank and surrounded our forces, the regiment, with others, faced about and charged the enemy, during which Mr. Boyer received a bullet and fell to the ground. Lying upon the ground, propped upon his elbow, he essayed to open the cartridge boxes of his fallen comrades, and, in spite of his wound, passed the ammunition to his companions, and while doing so was again hit in the neighborhood of the s])ine, which disabled him entirelv. His gallant comrades, outnumbered, were forced to retire, leaving him, as the}' supposed, dead upon the field, and the rebel line charged over him. Some time elapsed, and, coming to, he managed to crawl to a tree, Ijut, on ])ulling himself erect, found he could not stand, so crawled on all fours toward the lines of his regiment, about half a mile away, and when his comrades saw him they came forth and carried him in and placed him in an ambulance. Four or five days later he moved along with the regiment, and in a month resumed duty. He participated in all the hardships of that famous march, and wound up with the grand review at Washington, after which he received his discharge, June 20, 1865, at Louisville, Ivy., and returned to Wisconsin. In the spring of 1866 he came to Minnesota, and settled in Dakota county, but in 1873 removed to Bird Island, and from there, the next spring, to Elk River, where he remained until coming here.

Mr. Boypr, November 28, 1872, again entered the marriage state, being united on that day with Miss Annie Slieldon, a native of Elk River. Minn., and daughter of Henry II. and Cyntiiia Slieldon. ller ])arents set, tied in Sherburne county, at Elk River, in Mav, 1850, and were among the earliest settlers of that section. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Boyer have two children - Clara E. and Louis.

Mr. Boyer was quite prominent in the organization of Colfax Post, No. 133,G. A. R., at this village, and was the first officer of the day. He was a member of the post at Elk River before coming here. He has been an officer in the Good Templars order, and is prominent in the prohibition movement.

fOHN MURRAY, who is numbered among the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers of Meeker county, is one of the pioneers of 1857. During that year he made his first appearance here, and immediately took up a claim of IGO acres upon section 30, Forest City townshi]), where he now resides. To his original farm he has added from time to time, until lie has now one of the finest properties in the county, extending into the three townships of Dassel, Darwin and Forest City, embracing something like 800 acres.

Mr. Murray is a native of that "Gem of the Sea," Ireland, and was Ijorn in the year 1838. At the age of fourteen years, he left his native home and came alone to the United States. Arriving in New York, the young emigrant, after a few months spent in the metropolis, came out AVest, ami spent the next five years in the city of Chicago. From there he came to tiiis county l)y way of Minneapolis, and on his arrival, settled, and has ever since made this his home. During the Indian (tutbreak of 18C2. he took his family to a place of safety, but soon returned to help in the defense of his home. He has always been engaged in agriculture, and still follows that avocation.

Mr. Murray was married in March, 1857, to Miss Margaret Flynn, a native of the Emerald Isle, born in 1835. By this union there have been born a family of nine children, whose names are as follows - John, Michael, Thomas, William, James, Daniel, Catharine, Ellen and Margaret. John, the only one not single, married Miss Lizzie Hughes, and is a farmer.

In his political views Mr. Murray coincides witii the democratic part}', and accepts their doctrines and principles. In religion he is a zealous Roman Catholic, and socially is a genial hospitable gentleman, like all the Celtic race, and one whom it is a pleasure to meet.

"OSEPH VOSSEN, the merchant of AVatkins, came to that village in 1882, and opened a stock of general merchandise, in company with A. D. Spaulding, in a building 22x10, which they erected for the purpose. After carrying on the business for about six months, tlie partnei'ship was dissolved, Mr. Yossen purchasing ^Mr. Spauiding's interest. Since that time he continued to operate the business alone.

Mr. Yossen was born in the Rhine Provinces of the German Empire, on the 17tli of April, 1849, and is the son of Ciiristian and Nella (Koenigs) Yossen. He passed his early years and received his education 'neath the genial skies and amid the vineclad hills of his native land, but on attaining his thirteenth year commenced woi'k for himself. In 1864 he came to the United States with his parents, landing at New Yoi'k after a voyage of fifty-four days. They settled in Carver county, where they remained about four years, and then came to

Mr. Vossen, of whom we write, was united in marriage with Miss Anna Weinman January 29, 1877, at Burton, Carvercounty. She is the daughter of John W. Weinman, a farmer of that county. I'y this union there have been borij a family of three children - Joseph, Nellie and John.

Mr. Vossen is entirely independent of party lines in discharge of his elective franchise. He has, however, held the post of town supervisor for eight or nine years. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

P. NYGREN, a prominent citizen and a successful farmer, residing on section y, Greenleaf township, was born in Sweden on the 24th of June, 1822. He was raised on a farm, learning the habits of industry and economy, whicli are a characteristic of the people of his nationality. In June, 185-1, he was married at Kroneburg, Sweden, to Anna F. Petterson. lie remained in his native land until 1SG8, Avhen he came to the United States, and after making short stops at New York City, Rockford, 111., and Watertown, Minn., he finally arrived in Meeker county in October, 1868, locating at once in Greenleaf township. He has as good a farm as any in the township, has it well stocked and has fine farm buildings.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nygren, has been blessed with the following children - John P., born October 2, 1855; Matilda C, born January 22, 1857; Carl A., born in November, 1858; Christina M., born December 15, 1860, and Charles O., born December 21, 1862; all of whom are still living except John P., who died October li, 1877, in Greenleaf township ; and Carl A., who died in Sweden when only fifteen months old.

Matilda C. is now the wife of W. H. Wilkins, and resides in St. Cloud ; Christina is now in Litchfield ; and the son Charles O., is still at home and carries on the business. Charles has a thorough knowledge of farm work, and lias the reputation of being one of the most thorougli and successful agriculturistsin the township.

J. P. Nygren is a re|niblican in jiojitics, and in religious matters he and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church. Mrs. Nygren is a native of the same country as her husband, having been born in Sweden on the 18th of July, 1828.

1||\AV1D GORMAN, who carries on a livii/ eiy, feed and sale stable at Litchfield, is a native of Canada West, born in 1855, and is the son of John and Bridget (Taberty) Gorman, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1840. He remained in his native country until he was thirteen years of age, when his parents removed to Minnesota and settled at Monticello, Wright county. David made his home with his parents until he was twent\'-one years of age, his time being spent upon a farm, attending common school as opportunity offered. On reaching his majority he went to the Black IliUs, and for a year remained there following mining, after which he returned to Minnesota and engaged in the liquor trade at Monticello. In ISSO he was employed at bridge building* on the Manitoba railroad, and later took charge 6f the Howard House at Litchfield, in company with Richard Knights, and ran that a \'ear, but at the expiration of that time sold out to his jiartner, purchasing at the same time the livery business of Knights & Mc- Carger, at Litchfield, and has conducted it ever since.

the time. Their union luis been blessed by the advent of t\vochikh-en - Herbert Francis, born August 30, 1883, and Ilattie Marie, born February 12, 188S.

^Ip^HOMAS RYCKM AN, a well-known and JID' highly respected oiil settler, and one of the most successful and pi'ominent stockraisers and farmers in tlie northern part of Meeker county, resides on section 14, Union Grove towiisliip.

Mr. Ryckman was born in Upper Canada, on November 2, 1S34, and is a son of Munson and Fidelia (Ganford) Ilyckman. lie remained on his father's farm, attending school during the winter months and working on the farm durini;' tiie summei', until he was about twenty-two years of age, when he started to make liis own way in the world. In 1857 he came to Stillwater, Minn., and remained there for about tln'ee months, working some at harvesting, but putting in the most of his time looking for a suitable location. In September, 1877, he came to Meeker county and pro-emi)ted land on section 28, in what is now Manannah township. He was married on the 11th of February, 1862, to Miss IlaiTiet ilaybee, a daughter of Chai'les and Harriet (Smitli) Maybee. They were living on their farm when the Indian outbreak occurred. As a full history of that matter is given in anotiier department of this work it is imnecessaiy to repeat it here. Mr. R\'ckman took a prominent ])art in the moves of tliose times, and was on some of the most perilous antl dangerous ex])editionsthat were made. Upon hearing the news of the massacre at Acton, August 17, 1862, with the others they went to Forest City, and a day or two later, Mrs. Ryckman went to St. Paul, while Mr. Ilyckman remained to look after his stock, and was back and forth between Forest City and liis claim. Besides many other perilous trips lie made, he was with a party of eleven that went to Caswell's fai'm. and four of the jiarty were killed, AViliiain Maybee, a brother of Mrs. Ilyckman, being among the slain.

After the close of hostilities they returned to their farm, and in 1865 tliey sold the Manannah farm and moved to their present place on section 14, Union Grove township. He now owns 550 acres of land, one of the mo. t valuable farms in the county, and his buildings are by far the best in the township, being a credit to himself and also to the neighborhood. The residence alone cost $3,000.

Ml-, antl ]\Irs. Ryckman are the parents of the following children - Ella Jane, born April 13, 1863; John Nelson, born October 31,1865; Cora Edna, born April 20,1871; and Roy Franklin, Ijorn June 27, 1882.

Mr. Ryckman has four brothers in Oregon - Tobias, James, John and Descum, and four sisters in Canada - Abigail, Sarah, Harriet and Ellen. His parents both died in Canada. The parents of Mrs. Ryckman reside in Litclitield. She has two sisters - Adelia, wife of James A. Lee of Litchfield, and Augusta Jane, wife of Wallace Smith, of Fair Haven, Stearns county, Minn.

Mr. Ryckman has taken an active interest in townshi]iand educational matters, and has held various otfices of this nature. He is one of the leading and most influential citizens of his town.

PETER J. MALMQUIST, one of the blacksmiths at Grove City, is among the most respected citizens of the county. He is a native of Sweden, born July 13, 1833, and the son of Johannes and Ingrid Martins Olander. lie came to the United States during the year 1871, and altera stormy passage, across the briny deep, came directly to this countv. He remained here al)out a month aTul then went to Chippewa county, this State, where he took up a claim with a soldier's warrant. As he had paid for this before he got it he was obliged to make many trips to Litchfield before he could lay his hands on it, but has linally accomplished it. His claim, which was the west halt' of the northeast quarter of section 2(3, Leenthrop township, Chippewa county, was a tine piece of land, and on it he made his home for some four years, and then sold out and came to Groye City and put up his smith}', where he has carried on business eyer since.

Mr. Malmtinist and IMiss Petronella Elizabeth Pearson were united in the holy bonds of matrimony December 2(5, 1860, and are the parents of three children, two of whom are living. Their record is as follows - Charles E. F., born May 20, 1864, died in March, 1866; Charles E. F., born Decendjer 1, 1867, and is now a clerk in the oifice of Dudley & Nelson's elevator, at Grove City; and Ernest H. E., born May 31, 1800, at home attending school.

JOHN TEBERG. Among the Swedish element which makes up so large a share of the population of Meeker county, and whose lial)its of industry and tlirift, brought from their native land, that so soon raise them to competency, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is living on section 32, in the town of Darwin, where he has a fine and extensive farm of 400 acres, 250 of which are under excellent cultivation, and upon which he has some forty two head of horses and cattle.

Mr. Teberg was born in Sweden Kovera ber 5, 1839, and is the son of Carl and Celia Teberg, natives of the same kingdom. He remained in the land of his birth until 1870, when, with a view to better his condition beyond what is possible in the mother country, he emigrated to the United States. On his arrival in this country he came at once to Meeker county, and with his family settled in what is now Litchfield township. After remaining there for about five years he removed to Darwin, and took up his residence where he now lives, on section 32. He has passed most of his life in farm pursuits, his parents being farmers in Sweden, where they botli died.

On the 1st of July, 1866, in Sweden, Mr. Tebero; was united in marriase with Miss Ellen Peterson, the daughter of Peter Larson and Elsie Larson Peterson. Her parents came to America in 1865, and settled in Litchfield township. By this marriage Mr. Tebei'g is the parent of two children, namely John, born September 11, 1866 ; and Martin, born October 15, 1869.

l|;?,aEWlS A. PIER, pastor of the Christian |i^ church at Litchfield, and editor and proprietor of the Saturday L'evieiv, is a native of Yerinont, and was born on the 7tli of October, 1855. His parents were K. A. and Lucy B. (Damon) Pier, both natives of the same State. The father, who was a farmer, came to Dodge county, Wis., in 1856, in the interest of a large real estate owner East, for the purpose of opening up the lands in that part of Wisconsin belonging to his principal. He remained there until 1863, when he settled in Dodge count}', Minn., and bought a farm. In 1869 he was elected treasurer of that county and located at Mantorville. x\t the expiration of his tenn of office he purchased the Mantorville Express, in connection with his son, but soon disposed of his interest to the latter. He is still a resident of Mantorville.

until twenty-one years of age. He enjoyed the advantages of the common schools until he was sixteen years of age, when he entered the office of the Mantorville Kq/reHK to learn the printer's trade. In 1874 he became sole editor and ]n-oj)rietor of the i)aper and conducted it until ISTt), when he sold out and Avent to Indianapolis, Ind., and entered Butler University, from whicii he graduated in 1882. Previous to this, however, he had become pastor of one of the Christian churches of that city, of which he remained in charge until 1883. He then took charge of a church at Union City, Ind., remaining until the spring of 1881, when he settled at Litchfield, Minn., and took charge of the Christian cluirch at that place. In July, of the same year, lie established the Review, whicli he still conducts. Mr. Pier was married on the 31st of August, 1881, to Miss Clarinda C. Ilarriman, of Frankfort, Ind., Avho is also a graduate of Butler Univei'sity.

ip^HRISTIAN HALVORSEN, one of the \^ thrifty fanners of Cosmos townshiji, residing upon section 22, is a native of the Kingdom of Norway, born in November, 184:1. He was reared in the land of his birth and made it his home until he was some twenty-five years of age, when he crossed the ocean to America. He resided for one year in "Wisconsin and then came to Meeker county, arriving at Litchlield in the first passenger train run into that village. In 1870 Mr. Halvorsen bought the claim of O. K. Nelson to the place he now lives on, and the next year filed on it as homestead, he having declared his intention of becoming an American citizen.

During that summer he broke up some five acres of land and then took a tri]) elsewhere, returning the following winter, and in 1871 was married to Miss Annie Hanson. Thev have a family of eight children - Minnie, Helen, IIenr3', Carl, Alma, Clara, Lena and Lawrence. Mr. Halvorsen is among the rising men of the township.

^IliplBBlTTS J. SOULE, superintendent of XJliJ schools of Meeker county, is a native of Erie county, N. Y., born February 3, 1817. His parents were Stephen "W. and Ruth (Munger) Soule, both natives of the Empire State. His father followed the profession of school teaching from the time he was eie:hteen until he was sixty-seven years of age, his last term having been taught in Meeker county in the winter of 188(!-7. He had come West on a visit and was pi'evailed upon to take a school for the winter term, and the following spring returned to his Eastern home.

Tibbitts J. remained with his parents until sixteen years of age, having up to that time attended school most of the time. At that age he enlisted in Company D, Second New York Mounted Rifles, was mustered in January' 27, 1861, and served in the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war. During his service he was in thirteen pitched battles; was wounded twice while in the trenches in front of Petersbui'g; at Bellefield I'aid he had his shin bone shattered by a minie ball, and as he says "had he entered the hospital would have worn a wooden leg to-day " ; but he remained with the "boys" and was soon on duty again. After receiving his discharge, on the 23d of August, 18(15, he returned to his home in Erie county, N. Y., but shortly afterward took a trip through Kan.sas and Indian Territory, remaining West for some two years. After this he went back to New York and followed the profession of a school teacher until 1879, with the exception of two years, during which he was agent for A. S. Barnes & Co.'s school books through Western New York. In 1879 he came to Meeker county, Minn., and rented a 1,200-acre farm, for one year. Being a stranger to that business, he met with considerable loss ; but, with hopes for better success in the future, he stuck to the business, and a year or so later he purchased a farm in Greenleaf township. This place he sold in 1885. In the fall of 1880 he was elected superintendent of schools of Meeker county, which position he still holds, filling the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. Soule is an active member of the Grand Army of tlie Republic and is the present junior vicecommander of Frank Daggett Post, Xo. 35, at Litchfield. He is also a member of the Masonic order, having joined Phoenix lodge, Eo. 262, of Gowand, N. Y., while in that State, and has since retained his membership with them. Politically, Mr. Soule is a democrat. He was an active supporter of Grover Cleveland when he was a candidate for sheriff of Erie county, N. Y., in 1869, there being in that campaign only two successful candidates on the democratic ticket, Grover Cleveland, for sheriff, and Stephen W. Soule (Tibbitts J.'s father), for school commissioner.

Mr. Soule was married in 1873 to Miss Maria Anthony, of Boston, Erie county N., Y., and they have been blessed with four children, as follows - Sharlie M., born May 14, 1875 ; Helen M., born November 13, 1879; Ruth M., born January 29, 1886; and Louisa M., born September 4, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Soule are active members of the Episcopal Church.

PETER ELOFSON is one of the old settlers of Swede Grove township. He born in Sweden on the 27th of March, 1845, and is a son of Elofson and Bertha Anderson. In 1857, in com]iany with his mother and brothers - INels and Andrew - he came to the United States, and they settled in Swede Grove townshij), this count}'. Jn 1862 they were driven away by the Indians and went to Forest City, and later to Anoka, and he remained with them until the following spring, when he began working out at different lines of business. Three years later he returned to Swede Grove township and took a homestead on section 30, remaining there until 1878, when, he sold out and bought forty acres on section 20, on which there was a small house. He lived there for two years, and, in themeantime, built on land which had been included in his mother's homestead. He alsopurchased more land, and now has a farm of 160 acres, a good share of which is under cultivation. He has considerable stock and is in comfortable circumstances.

Mr. Elofson was married on the 5th of February, 1870, to Miss Emma Nelson, a daughter of Nils and Ingra Pehrson. They have had the following children - Betsy,, born December 12, 1870; Anna, born May 18, 1872; Henry, born January 15,1874;. Edward, born August 19, 1875 ; and AYilliam, born July 12, 1878. Mr. Elofson is a republican in political matters and takes an active interest in all matters affecting his township. He has been road overseer for the past five or six years, and has been school treasurer for six years.

JOHN HALLGREN, a farmer and stock raiser residing on section 17, Greenleaf township,is one of those hospitable and openhearted farmers whom it is a pleasure to meet and who reflect credit on the community in which they live. He is a native of Gothland,. Sweden, and was born on the 1st of November, 1 839. He left his native land in 1807 for the United States, and settled in Michigan. While there he was married on the 6thi of November, 1873, to Mary S.Swanson, and their union has been blessed with three children, as follows - John A., born December

6, 1874; Emma C, born August 11, 1877 ; and Jolin E., born May 10, 1884. All of these are living except John A.. Avho died on the 2d of Febraary, 1881, and was Ijuried at Ish])eming, Mich. Mr. Ilallgren remained in Michigan until 1885, -when he removed to Minnesota and purchased the farm in Greenleaf townslii]) where he now lives. lie has a valuable farm, a comfortalile iiome and is in coiafortabh; circnmstanees linancially.

"While in Michigan j\Ir. Ilallgren followed his profession as an engineer and had the misfortune to lose his hearing, or at least to greatly impair it, while fixing the Avhistle on his engine, it being one of the largest in that The ice had formed about the pipe and he went up with an axe to knock it off. "When the ice dro))ped it struck the lever Avhich blew off the whistle, and the roar was so tremendous that it impaired his hearing «,s stated.

J^) AY F. CASE, the popular young drug- Ji^ gist of the village of Dassel, is a uativ^e of Waupun, Dodge county, AVis., born February 12, 1855, and is the son of Eoyal T. anil Almira (Fay) Case. He came to this county in 1873, with his parents, who settled at BonniwelFs Mill, where they made their home until their deaths, the mother in 1879, the father in 1886. At the time of the settlement of the family. Hay came to Dassel entered the drug store of Charles A. Morris, the pioneer druggist, with whom he remained until that gentleman sold out to Dr. McCulloni, with whom he continued. Jonas Eudberg, the successor of McCullom, appreciating the mei'its of the young man, ke})t him in his employ, and liay was still in the position of confidential clci'k when Mr. Eudberg died. After that event, Mr. Case and Mrs. Eudberg formed a co-partnership to carry on the business, Mr. Case purchasing a lialf interest therein, and [^being managing partner. Close attention to l)usiness and commendable economy enabled him, on the remarriage of his associate in trade, in 1886, to purchase her interest, since which time he has carried on the business alone. lie carries a full lini' of drugs, paints, oils, wall paper, fancy g()(xls, tobaccos, cigars, etc., and is doing a handsome business.

Eay F. Case and Miss Ella G. Stocking, ])ledge(l their mutual faith at the marriage altar, Sei)t ember 8, 18S2. The lad}' is a native of McLeod county, Minn., and a daughter of E. W. and Jennie Stocking, of Hutchinson. Mrs. Case, when an infant, was an inmate of the stockade at Hutchinson, during the attack u])on that ])lace by the Sioux Indians in the fall of 1862.

/^LIAS CARLSON, an enter])rising and \^^ respected farmer and stock raiser, residing on section 30. Ilarve^y township, is the present chairman of the board of supervisors of the townshi]). He has taken an active part and interest in public affairs and is a leading citizen of his township. He is a native of Sweden and was born on the 5th of December, 1837. Ilisjiarents were natives of the same country and his father was a farmer. Both of his ])arents died in the land of their birth.

The early life of Elias Carlson was spent in his native land, but in 1857 he came to the United States and made his way to Minnesota, settling at Taylor's Falls, Chisago county. He i-emained there until August 20, 1864, when he came to Meeker county, Minn., and locateil in Harvey townshij), where he has since lived. lie owns a valuable farm of SOO acres of land, a good share of which is under cultivation. He dev(jtes his time to general farming and stock-raising and now has over iifty head of cattle on his ])lace. He has been ver\' successful in his farming operations and owes all his present prosperit}' to bis own efforts and industry, as he was a poor man when he came here, as was the case with about all of the pioneers of Meeker county. He has splendid improvements on the place and fine buildings.

Mr. Carlson was married on the 14th of November, 1S61, to Mary G. Ahlstrom, and they have been the parents of fourteen children, one of whom, Frank, is married. Mrs. Carlson is also a native of Sweden. Mr. Carlson has spent the most of his time at farming, although he learned the wagonmaker's trade and followed that for a number of years.

l^ARNSWORTH R. HILL, one of Meeker Jp^ county's most successful farmers and stock-raisers, and one of the large land owners, is a resident of Forest City township, his home being upon section 33. He has a magnificent farm of 711 acres of fine land, embracing a large portion of sections 33 and 34, Forest City, and section 4, Darwin, much of which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Hill gives a large share of his attention to the raising of graded Holstein and Durham cattle and graded Norman horses. Plis herd numbers now seme 160 head, and he is extensively engaged in the manufacture of " gilt-edge " butter, which he ships to Minneapolis for sale.

The subject of this personal history was born in Cumberland county, Me., February 20, 1842, and is the son of Reuben and Miriam C. Hill. He was reared in the State of his birth, and there received the elements of a most excellent common-school education. In his earlier days he followed lumbering and farming in the " Old Pine Tree State," and afterwards commenced lumbering operations in Minnesota. He was also engaged in the butchering business for some five years, all in the State of Minnesota. In the fall of

1877 he came to Meeker county, with L. D. Flill, and both settled in the town of Litchfield, but in about a year our subject removed to his present place of abode, where he has. since lived.

He was united in marriage March 25,. 1872, with Miss Etta Sanborn, a native of Cumberland county, JMe., who died July 30, 1881, leaving two children - Emma L. and Charley E., both of whom are at home with their father. December 11, 1882, Mr. Hill contracted a second matrimonial alliance, with Miss Anna L. Peifer, a native of Meeker countj% Minn., who is the mother of two children - Earns worth L. and AVinnie M. Hill.

Mr. Hill is one of the honored and respected citizens of the township, and hasserved the people in the responsible position of supervisor for some time, and is alwaysinterested in tlie public affairs of the county. He is a republican politically.

MNDREW lee. The subject of this- 7;^V biographical notice is a respected farmer, who resides on section 15, Greenleaf township, where he has a valuable farm, a comfortable home, and building improvements which reflect much credit upon his.

He comes of the same nationality which has made so many stunly and substantial citizens of Minnesota, having been born in Sweden on the 31st of August, 1847. His. parents were natives of the same country, his father having been born there in 1809, and died in the land of his birth in 1862, while his mother is now a resident of Meeker county. Andrew left his native land in 1872 for America, and settled in Chautauqua county, N. Y., and two j^ears later, in 1874, again took up his Avestward march and settled in Minneapolis, Minn. Three j^ears later, in ISTO, lie came to Meeker county, Minn., and purchased a I'arni of eighty acres in Greenleaf township, wliere he has since iived. Since that time lie has purchased an additional forty, and also ten in Ellsworth, which makes his present farm 130 acres, a ^ood share of which is under cultivation. He devotes his time to general farming and stock-raising, and has a good numl)er of head of cattle on the farm.

In 1ST5 Mr. Lee was married to IMiss Mary Anderson. Her parents were natives of Sweden ; her mother died there when she -was only seven years old, and her father now lives in Meeker county. Mr. and ilrs. Lee have been the parents of seven children, all of whom are living. Their names are as follows - Frank E., born June -i, 1S77 ; Ernest Y., born February 13, 1879 ; Alex. T., born December 30, ISSO; Pljalmar E., born October 23, 1882; Hilma Y., born May 27, 1884; E., born December 30, 1885, and Polly O., born June 20, 1887.

npiTON. CHARLES E. CUTIS, one of the jyi"J_ ))ioneers of Meeker county, who has always been prominently identified with its progress and development, and who lias held some of the most exalted offices in the gift of the people of this portion of the State, is the subject of this biograjiliical history. He -came to Forest City, where he located, in 18.56, and is still a resident upon tlie land he first settled, on section 22.

Mr. Cutts first saw the light at Orwell. Addison county, Yt., on the 2d of August, 1835, and is the son of Lorain and Emeline {Murray) Cutts, both of whom were natives of the " Green Mountain State."' He received his primary education in the district schools of his native State, and in 1853 s])ent one year at the aoadein\' at Fort Flain, ]\[ontgom- «ry county, N. Y., after which he remained at home until 185(3, when he came West and settled in Minnesota, as mentioned above. He found, on his arrival here, a beautiful land, that far surjiassed anything the other side of the i)ig Woods, and determined to stay and help develop the country. But a few settlers were here at the time, this being but a short time before an almost unknown land. Brought up as he was upon tlie rocky soil of New England he was more than pleased witii the aspect of the new land, for "Here no stonj- ground provokes the wratli of Ihe farmer; Smoothly the plough-share runs through the soil as a keel through the water."

He at once took up his claim and settled do-wn to the hard life of a Western pioneer upon the border. For a while he kept bachelor's hall, but April 17, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Betsey Larson, a native of Sweden, who had come to the United States the previous year. He has always followed farming, except in 1859, when he held the office of county treasurer. In 1871, Mr. Cutts was elected State Senator from this district and represented the people of Meeker county in the Senate chamber through the sessions of the Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth General Assemblies.

Mr. and ]\[rs. Cutts are the parents of the following chiklren - Alice, Mrs. J. AY. Wright of Litchfield; Rollin E., a student at the State University ; Willie E., Custer and Garfield. In politics our subject is an unswerving republican, and is quite active in all local campaigns. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

TP)UDOLPH SCHWARZ. the village JF^ blacksmith of Manannah, came to Meeker county on 1883, and commenced his work on the spot where he now has his smithy. He is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, born on the lith of Sei)tember, 1853. At the age of fifteen he became ap- prenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, and served some three years, and then pursued that calling as journeyman, beneath his native skies until 1882, when, with the commendable ambition to better his fortune, he emigrated to America. For a sliort time he remained in Milwaukee, Wis., after his arrival in this country, and afterward removed to Duluth. In 1883 he came toManannah, as above mentioned.

Mr. Scliwarz was married September 21, 1886, to Miss Addie Shephei'd, a native of Meeker county, Minn., and daughter of Charles and Adaline (Hartman) Sheplierd. Mr. Schwarz is the son of Christian S. Schwarz and wife, who still live in their native land, Mecklenburg, Germany.

ILLIAM HAMILTON, an ex-Union soldier, and one of the most intelligent and prominent citizens in the northern part of Meeker county, is a resident of section 36, Forest Prairie township, where he has lived since about the year 1870.

Air. Hamilton was born in County Tyi'one, Ireland, on tiie 17th of March, 1833, and is a son of Thomas and Belle Hamilton. The mother died in Ireland, -when AVilliam was six years of age, and in 1811, the father brought the family to America, and settled in Bellview, Eden county, Mich., wdiere he lived until the time of his death, in 1880. At the time of his death the father vi'as about eighty years of age. He was an educated man and a school teacher for manv years ; clerk in the Presbyterian Church, of which he was an exemplary membei-, and otherwise was [irominent in tlie locality in which he lived.

William Hamilton, the subject of this sketch,. began life for himself wlien about twenty years old. He came to Minnesota in 1858, and remained at St. Paul and Minneapolis until 1861,when, on the 26th of August, he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and went into service, his regiment being assigned to the Fourteenth Army Corps.. He saw very active service, participating in the battles of Chickamauga, Hoover's Gap, Mill Spring, Berryville, besides many skirmisiies. In one of these battles he lost the use of his left arm. He finally was honorably discharged at St. Paul, in August, 1861, and returned to Michigan.

Mr. Hamilton was married at St. Anthony, now East Minneapolis, in September, 1804, to Miss Martha J. Dayton, a native of Pennsylvania. They have five living children - Thomas C, Minna B., Earl, Katie and Olive G. Minna B. is now married to A. J. Lynn, a resident of Kingston township.

jANIEL N. DANIELSON, a prominent I By farmer and stock raiser, residing on section 1, Danielson township, is a son of Nils Danielson, the earliest settler in the township, and after whom it was named. Daniel N"., the subject of this sketch, was born in Norway on the 15th of August, 1853. In 1855 his parents brought him to the United States, and they settled on Rock Prairie, Wis., and after remaining there for two years they came to Meeker county, Minn., and bought eighty acres of Government land on section 25 in Acton township. In 1863, the father, Nils Danielson, took a homestead on section 2, Danielson township, and moved his family upon it, thus becoming the first settler within the limits of that township, and it afterward was named in honor of the family. The father lived there until the time of his death, July 10, 1870, and his widow still lives on the old homestead with lier son, A. N. Danielson, There are six of the childivn still living, as follows - A. K, Daniel N., Hans, Ileiuy, Helen, wife of Hon. Even Evonson, and Mary, wife of Ole Nelson of Danielson.

Daniel N. Danielson, the subject of this biography, came to the United States with his parents, and lived under the parental roof until 1S78, when he erected a house on a farm which he had become ])ossessed of on section 1, Danielson township. For some time he kept bachelor's hall and worked his farm, and was then, for two years, employed at car repairing at Fergus Falls, Barnesville and Glyndon. On the ITth of June, 1887, he was nxarried to Miss Betsy Hartz, and their union has been blessed with one child, named Nils Oskar, born March 30, 1888. Mrs. Danielson was born February 6, 1869, and is a daughter of Ole and Johanna Hartz, who are now residents of Acton.

Mr. Pitman is a native of Belknap county, K. 11., born on the 26th of May, 1819, and is a son of Ebenezer l*itman. He received a thorough education in his younger days, both preparatory and collegiate, and was graduated from Dartmouth College,an educational institution of high rank, in 1841. He began teaching while still a boy, and remained in his native State until 1853, when he came West and located in Wisconsin. He first taught school in that State, on Sand Prairie, near Beloit, and the following spring went to Menomonie, where he remained, following his profession, for six years, the greater portion of the time, being a teacher in a private school at that place. In 1860 he came to Meeker county, Minn., and took a pre-emption claim of 172 acres on section 2, Cedar Mills township. During that year he ])ut in a crop covering an acre or so of land, and erected a log house on his claim, lie remained steadily upon the land until the time of the Indian outljreak when he, as did all the rest, left for safety. lie helped to fortify "the Point" in Cedar Lake, when the settlers gathered there. Later he went to Hutchinson, and when the " Hutchinson Guards" was organized at that place he joined them, and took charge of the commissai-y department. After the out break, Mr. Pitman occuj)ied his time with teaching in the winter and farming in the summer, until about 1870, after which he devoted his attention entirely to the farm until 1887, when he sold out and has since retired from participation in the cares of business. During the (>arly days of this country Mr. Pitman preached occasionally to the people on Sund.ay, and on the 22d of September, 1867, assisted in organizing a Baptist Church in Greenleaf, one of the early religious organizations effected in the soutiiern part of the count}'. He has always taken an interest in all matters relating to the welfare of the township. When the organization of the township was effected in 1870, he was elected chairman of the supervisors, and retained the office for five successive years, and he was again elected to the same position in 1885.

^^ O. LINDGREN, one of the active, en- "i^^ terprising business men of the village of Dassel, is a member of the firm of Thompson & Lindgren, general merchants. He was born in Sweden, July 13, 1857, and is the son of Olaf and Anna Lindgren, natives of the same kingdom. He came to this country in 1879, and came to Meeker county direct, and during the summer of that year Avorked on a farm near Litchfield. In

November lie removed to tlie villae^e of Dassel, and attended school until spring, when he entered the store of August Sallberg, as clerk, with whom he remained some two 3'ears. He, at the expiration of his engagement, went to Minneapolis and engaged in Inisiness for a time. In the summer of 1SS3 he returned to Dassel and formed a partnership with John Thompson, and the following September o]iened a stock of general merchandise in a building that they had erected. They have continued in that line of trade ever since, and are now doing a large and increasing trade, their fair dealing and ujn-ightness in all business matters winning them hosts of friends.

Mr. Lindgren has taken great interest in all local politics, and was elected one of the village trustees in 1884. In 1885 he was chosen to fill the position of recorder, and has been re-elected his own successor ever since, and now fills that office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having Ijeen made a Mason hx Cakato Lodge, jSTo. 134, in 1884.

i^^EORGE S. BELKNAP is one of the \^i most prominent citizens of Swede Grove township. He is a son of 8te]ihen and Elizabeth Belknap, and was born on the 28th of March, 1828, in the village of Bloomingl)urgh, N. Y., eighty -four miles from Kew Yoi-k city. Mr. Belknap traces his ancestry back through some of the most notable families in American history. He is ix grandson of Lieut. William Belknap, Avho entered the service of his countr\' in Col. Henry Beekman Livingston s Fourth Ilegiment, and continued in the service until the conclusion of the war. He was an original member of the New York State Society of the Cincinnati, formed by the officers of the American armv of the revolution at the cantonment on the banks of the Hudson river in Mav, 1783. Gen. Georire Washington was elerted president-general of the society, and held that honor until the day of his death. The officers of the American army having generall}' been taken from the citizens of America possessing high veneration for the character of that illustrious Eoman, Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus, who was found following the plough when the statesmen of his country sought him as the only one capable of leading their armies to victory, and clothed him with absolute power, and who, having achieved the salvation of his country, laid aside that power and gladly returned to his plough and the obscurity of domestic life, they thought they could with propriety denominate themselves the Society of the Cincinnati.

The original design or idea seems to have been of an institution bearing resemblance to a military order. The subject of this sketch was elected a member of this organization July 4, 1861.

George S. Belknap received an academical education, then went to New York City and learned the tailor's trade, at which he became an expeit, and was promoted to the position of draughtsman, at a salary of 82,500 per year. Duri ng the war he was inspector of army supphes and equipage in the quartermastei''s department, under Deputy Quartermaster-General, Colonel Yinton, which position he held until the close of hostilities, and then reengaging in his former business with his old-time employer. In 1ST7 he came to Meeker count}', Minn., and settled upon the farm where he now resides, on section 6, Swede Grove township, having previously taken the farm on a mortgage. A short time later he rented the farm and stock for a term of five years, and I'eturned to New York, but a short time later was obliged to return, as his tenant proved a very poor manager.