Meeker County, Minnesota - Chapter 4: Teeritorial and State Officees, 1888 (part 7 of 11)

Mr. Flynn is a native of Kane county, III., born August 15, 1840, and is the son of John and Ann (Lynch) Flynn, natives of Ireland. His parents came to America about- 1836, and were married at Chicago, 111. From there they moved to Kane county, 111., where they resided many years. In 1856, he came to Meeker count}' with hisparents who settled in Forest City township. In 1859 the father died and Michael, although but nineteen years of age, took upon himself the management of the farm and the support of the family, but being endowed with a strong will and excellent judgment, felt competent to grapple with the responsibilities of the situation. During the dreadful days of the Indian massacre in 1862, h© found his hands full in endeavoring to protect his charge, and the stock, from the red tomahawk, rifle and torch. His home duties prevented Iiis joining "Whitcomb's Irregulars," l)ut when the occasion offered he was not baclvward in vokniteering to assist in lielj)ing those more exposed than themselves, and incurred many peinls in the discharge of his duty. On one occasion, when out with a ))arty who left the stockade at Forest City on one of their many errands of mercy, the little band was assaulted by a liost of tlie rutliless, retl-handed, murdering Sioux, and forced to flee for their lives. Tiiis was the famous expedition that was driven back l)y over 300 Indians to the fortifications they had erected, with the loss of one horse and wagon that had stuck fast in the mud of a slough. In JN^ovember, 1803, Mr. Flynn's domestic arrangements permitting his absence, he enlisted in Company D, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and joined General Sully's column on the Missouri river, and i)articipated with the regiment in all the engagements n|)on the frontier, the regiment having been assigned for that duty on account of beingcavalry. He remained in the service until November or December, 1865, when, beinghonorably discharged, he returned to the farm, where he made his home, engaged in agricultural ]>ursuits until 1870, when he came to Litchfield and took charge of the lumber yard belonging to Ciiauncey Butler. Three yeai-s he remained in that position, but in 1873 purchased the lumber yard of J. H. Morris, which he carried on ahme until 1874, when his brother Daniel joined him and the present Arm was formed. They added tlie sale of agricultural implements to their business, a branch which they still pursue, having disposeil of their lumber interests in 1S7S, but still carry evei-ything in the way of farm macliinery. In 1880 the brothers purchased the Butlei' elevator and do about the heaviest grain tratle in Litchfield, handling about 175,000 bushels of wheat per annum. In addition to his mercantile engagements, Mi\ Flynn has a farm of 480 acres of flneland in Harvey townshi]), where he carries on, quite extensiveh", the raising of stock.

Our subject has always held a ])rominent place in the official history of Meeker county, and taken a deep interest in the welfai'e of its peo})le. In 1867 he served upon the board of county commissioners, and, appreciating his worth in 1884, he was elected to the State Legislature and served in the House during the session of the Twentyfourth Assembly. When the city of Litchfield came under its new charter in 1887, he was chosen its first mayor. He has large interests in the woolen mill, and is the president of the board of directors of the same ; is a member of the Frank Daggett Post, G. A. Pt. ; of Father Mathew's Total Abstinence Society, and a leading and influential meniber of the Eoman Catholic Church.

Mr. Flynn and ]\Iiss Frances Campbell were united in marriage February 8, 1869. The lady is a native of Kane county. 111., and sister of Hon. William M. Campbell, the United States Marshal of this district. By this union there have been born six children - John, who is a student at the college at Notre Dame, Ind. ; Louise, Elizabeth, Marv. Finances and Edward AVilliam.

pv^ farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 16, Danielson township, is one nf the most prominent citizens of the township in which lie lives. He is a son of Isaac and Hannah Ogi'en, and was born in Sweden, on the '2'^'A of September, 18.">3. He came to the United States with his parents, in 1870, and the family made their way directly to Meeker county, Minn., where they settled upon a forty -acre homestead on section 20, in Danielson township. Alfred mad(>liis home with his parents, working, in the mean time, for different parties, until 18S0, when he purchased a portion of his present farm. Times were very hard during the early days of theh' settlement here, and money was scarce, an incident of whicli is the fact that at one time, when they wanted to mail a letter, it took all the money that three of thetn had to buy a three-cent stamp. Alfred did a good deal of trapping in those days, and in the fall, after frost set in, he walked to Forest City barefooted, and carried 500 rat skins. With the proceeds he purchased a pair of shoes, some sugar, coffee, etc., and felt quite rich when he arrived home with seventy-five cents in his pocket. The loss of crops in 1877, from the depredations of the grasshoppers, made times still harder, as they onlv saved forty -five bushels, after planting 100. A laughable incident is told of the days when Alfred devoted a good deal of his time to trapping. He had a partner, and one day they set a trap in the side of a hill for the purpose of catching whatever might come along. The next day the partner went to discover and bring in whatever might have found its way to the hole. He crawled into the aperture, and was just about to pull the trap out when a skunk, which had got fast, opened hostilities with most excellent aim at his face. The partner beat a hastj^ retreat, while the fun of the joke was all on Alfred's part.

Alfred J. Johnson was married on the 7th of December, 1S81, to Esther Holmgren, a daughter of John and Mary Holmgren, who was born October 16, 1862. They have been blessed with the following children - Gustaf Edward, born September 24, 1883; Edith Evolina, born June 25, 1885; and "Walter William, born September 30, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Johnson now has a splendid farm of 260 acres, a good share of which is under cultivation, and he devotes his time to general farming and stock-raising. In addition to his farming operations, he has for the last fourteen years run a horse-power thresher, and during the last two years has run a steam thresher. In political matters he is a republican, and he has taken an active interest in all mattei's affecting the welfare of his township. He has held various offices of a local nature, among which are the following : justice of the peace, six years ; supervisor, two years, and school clerk, one year. Mrs. Johnson's parents are living in Acton. Alfred's parents reside on section 20, Danielson township. He has two half-brothers living in Meeker county - Andrew, who keeps a hotel at Litchfield, and John, a resident of Danielson.

j^HARLES McALOON, a respected and i^^ well-to-do farmer, residing on section 2, Harvey township, is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1835. His father died in his native land, and in 1853 he started for America with his mother, arriving at Boston on the 19th of May. He went direct to Lowell, Mass., where he was emj^loyed in the factories for fourteen years. At the end of that time he started for Meeker county, Minn., and upon his arrival, after stopping for one night at Forest City, he settled in Manannah township, where he lived for about six months. He then took a homestead in what is now^ Forest Prairie township, and lived there until May, 1871:, when he again settled in Manannah township. On the Irth of October, 1885. he settled on section 2, in Harvey township, where he still lives. He has a valuable farm, a large, comfortable residence and other substantial farm improvements. Mr. McAloon's mother died while he was living at Lowell, Mass.

dren, as follows - John F., born July 2, 1872, died July 2G, 1873, and buried in For- City cemetery ; Charles II., born December 7, 1873; an infant, born July 6, 1871:, -died at birth ; Matthew E., born November 6, 1876; Eosella, born November 11, 1878; Mary C, born October 30, 1880; Alice A., l)orn September 18, 1882; Hannah E., born May 15,1881; Catharine A., born October 12, 1886, died P'ebruary 10, 1887, and buried in Manannah cemetery. Mrs. McAloon's parents were l)oth natives of Ireland. Her -mother died in her native land, and the father is now living in Swift count}', Minn. Mr. McAloon and wife are exemplary and active members of the Catholic Church. In political affairs Mr. McAloon does not follow the arbitrary dictation of any party, but acts in an independent manner. He owes all his prosperity to his own industry and frugality, as he started in the woi-ld without a dollar, but the same habits of thrift, economy and energy which characterize the natives of the Emerald Isle, have been successful in his and he is now well off in this world's goods. He owns 400 acres of land, a good share of which is under cultivation, and he has the place well stocked.

IM^ERSVEND S. THORP is one of the 1^^ many thrifty and suljstantial farmers Acton township. He was born in Norway on the 18th of January, 1841, and is the son Severt and Brynnil Thorp. He came to the United States in 1860, and settled iirst in Goodhue county, Minn., where he remained for a short time at work for diffei'ent parties; then went to Minneapolis and drifted around from one business to another, and from place to place, until 1868, when he came to Meeker county and took a homestead of eighty acres on section 8, in Acton townsliip, where he has since lived. He has added to his homestead, and now has a fann of 270 acres, well stocked and improved, and has fine farm buildings. IMr. Thorp was a poor man when he came to America, but the industry and economy, so characteristic of his countrymen, have been successful in his case, and he is now well off.

Mr. Thorp was married in July, 1869, at Acton, to Miss Beretli MaJvig. They have had the following children - Ole, born August 23, 1870, died same day; Regine, born December 9, 1871, died March 11, 1877; Severt, born August 17, 1873, died in October, 1877; Severt, born August .5, 1874; Pauline, born December 18, 1876, died same day; Bertha, born April 12, 1879, died in September, 1879 ; and Olena, born January 31, 1884. In political matters, Mr. Thorp is a republican, and in religious affairs the family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Thorp devotes his attention to diversified farming and stock-raising. He has met with some reverses, but nothing of a very serious character, except during the grasshopper raids, when he lost about half his crops.

l^RANK NELSON, one of the represent- 1^^ ative young farmers of Cosmos township, has his home upon section 16, where he now owns some 200 acres of fine land. This place, or, rather, 160 acres of it, he purchased in 1886, it being school land. To it he has since added forty acres more, and has some 11.5 acres of it under cultivation. His dwelling, etc., which he erected in 1887, are of an excellent character, and the whole place manifests the thrift and care of its owner.

Mr. Nelson, who is the son of Swan and Louisa Nelson, was born in Goodhue county March 2, 1864, and came to Meeker county with his parents on the 26th of September, 1876. The family located in the town of

Litchfield, where our subject remained until coming here. June 10, 1887, he and Miss Mary Petereon were united iu marriage, and took up the duties of life upon their farm.

Our subject has always manifested considerable interest in all town and educational matters, and since coming here has been intrusted with the office of clerk of school district No. 81.

'OHN CARNEY, the able representative of the hardware trade at Eden Valley, came to that village iu the fall of 1886,' and the next spring established his present business. In addition to the usual lines handled, he gives a share of his attention to farm machinery and }nimps.

Mr. Carney is a native of Rutland county, Yt., born February 17, 185*3, and a son of Jeremiah and Catherine (McConnell) Carney, natives of Ireland and Vermont, respectively. When our subject was only about four years of age his parents removed to Eice county, Minn., where they settled on a farm. In the spring of 1878 they moved to Chippewa county and took a homestead and timber claim, where they still live. In Rice county John Carney grew up, receiving his education in the district schools of the vicinity. He made his home with his parents, and learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1886 he came to Eden Valley and opened a smithy, but the next spring commenced dealing in hardware, which business he still follows.

Ilton Gorton

[1^_ the old pioneers of Meeker county, who yet remain here, is the gentleman who is the subject of this memoir. Coming here in 1857, the second year of the county's existence, he has, more or less, been identified with its history, ever since. He is a resident of the town of Forest City, on his farm on section 29 and 30, which he preempted on his arrival in tiiis localit3^

Mr. Gorton was born in the county of Steuben, N". Y., May 22, 1822, and is the son of Silas and Betsey (Spring) Gorton, both of whom were natives of the " Empire State." He was one of a family of nine children born to his parents, the others being - Horatio, Betsey, Jane, Stephen D., Elmira, Hiram, William and Milo. Milo, a member of a New York Regiment, was killed at the battle of Resaca, Ga.

Our subject is the grandson of Peleg Gorton, one of the six proprietors of Painted Post, N. Y., and was reared in that vicinity, and there received the elements of a common school education. On the 3d of July, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriett C. Marks, a native of New York State, also.

At the time of the Indian outbreak, Mr. Gorton's wife and he took refuge in Forest Cit}', and upon the memorable morning of the 23d of August, when nearly everybody had fled from the county, Milton Gorton was one of the little band of heroes who remained to make a stand at Forest City, in defense of their homes, as detailed in the history of the massacre in this volume. Mr. Gorton lost heavily by these troubles, the Sioux burning his house and its contents, and destroying everytfiing else that they could about the 2)lace. lie has, however, fully recovered from the setback, and is one of the large land owners and prosperous farmers of the county, owning over a full section of some of the best land in the town of Forest City.

Mr. Gorton, having no children of his own, adopted Ida A. Fergerson, when she was but five years of age. She was born April 17, 1873, and is the daughter of George Fergerson.

JOHN BIRCH, of the firm of Birch & Nelson, Litchfield, is a native of Sweden, born August 21, 1840, and is the son of Andrew and Martha (Johnson) Birch. He remained in his native land until ISOS, when, with a natural wish to better his financial condition, he bade adieu to the old world and souo-ht in America a new home. He had served a long apprenticeship in the land of his birth, to the trade of tailor, and on landing on these shores, worked at journey work in that trade in the city of St. Paul, whither he had come, until 1880, when he removed to Litchfield, and in company with Andrew Nelson, founded the business now represented by Mr. Birch and Easmus Nelson, trading under the firm name of Birch & Nelson, in the clothing and gents' furnishing goods line. Mr. Birch is a mendjer of the I. O. O. F., having joined that order while in St. Paul.

Mr. Birch was married January 4, 1873, to Miss Sarah Johnson, a daughter of Olaf Johnson, of this county, and a native of Sweden. They have three children - Amanda Elizabeth, Ella Hannah and Horace John.

JETER SANGREEN, a hard-working and _^p industrious farmer, living on section 9, Collinwood township, was born in Sweden in 1856, and is the son of Andrew Peter and Eve Anderson. "When he was about sixteen years of age he left his native shores and emigrated to America, and located in St. Louis county, Minn. For three years there he was employed in railroad work, and then came to Collinwood, where his parents had come, that year, 1876, and took uj) his home beneath their roof. One year later he rented a farm, upon which he carried on the avocation of a farmer, and then purchased forty acres of land where he now lives. The neat impi'ovements in the way of liouse, granary, stable, etc., have all been erected by himself, and he is in a fair way to achieve success in life through energy, industry and frugality. He has held the office of town clerk five years; chairman of the board of supervisors one year; side supervisor two years, and the responsible position of county commissioner for two years, and always with credit to himself and honor to the judgment of those who placed him in those capacities.

Mr. Sangreen was united in marriage March 6, ISSO, with Miss Caroline Dohlman, a native of Sweden, born August 5, 1858, and daughter of Olaf and Caroline Dohlman.

f) of Dassel village, is engaged in the retail liquor business. Born in Yaermlan, Sweden, March 24, 1857, he is the son of John and Mar\' Larson, natives of Swetlen. He came to Meeker county with his parents in 1870, when he was about twelve years of age. The family settled upon a farm in section 30, Dassel township, where his parents still live.

John remained at home, assisting his father in the labors incident to farm life, until 1874, when he entered the employ of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Eailroad, at St. Paul, with whom he remained for a couple of years. In 1879 he returned to this county and settled at the village of Dassel, where he entered the service of Andrew Linquist, as bartender, and fulfilled the duties of that position until 1882. In the latter year he entered into a proprietorsbip with John Thomas, in the same hne, but sliortly after J. H. Eemick, having bought out Mr. Thomas, the firm of Eeraick & Larson was formed. In February, 1883, their place of business was desti'oyed b}' fire, and our subject lost his entire stock of clothes, except those he had on and considerable of his stock in trade. At once, in companj^ with J. II. Remick and Thomas Gallagher, he commenced the erection of the Dassel house, but before its completion IVIr. Larson sold out his interest in the hotel, only reserving the saloon part, where he now carries on the business.

Mr. Larson was married, in 1883, to Miss Emma J. Bunting, who was called away by death May 31, 1885, leaving without a mother's love and care, their little girl, Ella May.

/f^LA NELSON, a thrifty and successful ^^i£} farmer, Avho resides on section 36, Litchfield township, is a native of Sweden, born October t), 1848. His father, Nels Swanson, was born in Sweden in 1822, and died in Meeker county in 1875, having settled hei-e in 1872. Ola's mother, Hannah Swanson, was born in 1819, came to America in 1871, and died in 1884.

Ola Nelson came to the United States in 1866, and in 1869 he located on section 36, Litchfield township. Meeker count}', Minn., Avliere he has since lived. During that time he has continually followed farming, and has been reasonably successful, notwithstanding the reverses which he has met, including the destruction of his crop two seasons by grasshoppers and hail, and the burning of his residence, with all its contents, March 2, 1873.

ROACH, an enterprising, and energetic farmer of Forest Prairie township, living upon section 4, is the son of Michael J. and Sarah J. (Wynn) Eoach, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in the pages of this volume. "William was born in Cass county, Indiana, July 1, 1848, and received his earlier schooling in that locality. In 1866 he came to this county with his parents and passed his time between that and his majority in attending school and in assisting his father to cany on the farm. About the year 1 871 he commenced the battle of life for himself, engaging in agricultural pursuits upon the place wiiere he now resides, and where he has met with merited success.

Mr. Eoach was united in marriage February 26, 1871, with Miss Matilda Kisinger. The lady is a native of Fulton county, Ind., and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kisinger. Her mother is among those who have gone to their rest in the land of the blest ; but her father is still living. Bv this marriae-e Mr. and Mrs. Eoach have a family of eight children - Matilda, Emma, Henry, Eosa, Nettie, William, Monroe, all living at home, and George and John deceased.

Mr. Eoach is a democrat politically, and has served in some of the local offices in this township. He is a veteran of the late war, enlisting in 1862 in the Twenty-first Indiana Heavy Artillery, but was honorably discharged from the service, after a short term, and returned to his home.

and trapping. In 1S71 I threw down the gnn iuul trap and went to farming. About the first money I earned I carried a Ijushel of potatoes from Forest City for AVilliani M. Abbott."

JOHN OLSON, a steady, thrifty farmer of Kingston township, came to Meeker county in IsfiS, and took a liomestead of eighty acres of knd on section 34, where he now liv^es. He was born in Sweden, November 8, 1830. In 1SG5 he determined to seek in the new world his fortune, and emigrated thither, landing at Xew York, but came at once West and was engaged at various kinds of labor in St. Paul, Stillwater and in the pinery, until he came to this county. He is the son of Ole and Anna Flink, the former of whom was always a farmer. Our subject was one of a family of ten children, but he is the only survivor.

Mr. Olson was married to Miss Sabrina Olson, by Rev. John L. Fasig, and they are the parents of si.x children - Selina, born November 5, 1870; Obenius, born August 31, 1872 ; Alva Josia, born August 2-4, 1874 ; Johan Adolph, born May 23, 1876 ; Hilma, born March 26, 1878, and Caleb Sethur, born September 30, 1881. This was Mr. Olson's second marriage, he having wedded Miss Josephine Peterson, at Stockholm, Sweden, but she died after about eighteen months' time. Mr. Olson and his family are zealous members of the Missionary Church at Kingston. In politics he is a republican.

^^^ICHAEL LOVETT, deceased, was at J^ili^ one time a ])rominent citizen of ^lanannah township. He was a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and came to the United States about the year 1848, and located in tiie city of Boston, Mass. Two years later he went to the State of Xew York, wliere he also lived for about two years, after which he removed to Canada. That Dominion was his home for about eighteen j'ears, and then, in 1870, he came with his family to Meeker county, Minn., and located on a farm in what is now ^Manannah township, where he remained until the time of his death, on tlie 29th of April, 1879. He was married to Miss Bridget Fanley, who still survives him. They had a family of nine children, five girls and four boys, whose names were as follows - Bridget, Alice, Peter, Catherine, Mar}', Ann, John, Michael and James. All of the cliildren are still living, except Mary and Alice. The widow still carries on the place, which consists of eight}' acres of land. She is a member of the Catholic Church, and holds the res])ect of all who know her.

James Lovett, a son of Michael, who owns forty acres of land in the township of Manannah, was born in Canada on the 13th of November, 1865, and still resides with his mother. He is also a member of the Catholic Church, and in political matters he acts independently of party creed, and votes for the man rather than party.

M Lb E R T Vitzthum Von Eck

M LB E R T VITZTHUM VON ECK- .^^L STAEDT, of Litchfield, was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1845, and is the son of Frederic and Louisa (Manns) von Eckstaedt. His father was a captain in the army of Prussia, and served in the wars of Napoleon. Later in his life he was the occupant of an important position in tlie custom house of that State, and died in his native land in 1854. He was of the aristocratic class, as the "von" before his name jilainly shows.

mtiined some three years, and at the age of sixteen received a commission as lieutenant in the Second Pomeranian Lancers, and served in the army for four years. In 1865 he left the fatherland and came to America, where he traveletl for a couple of years, most of the time on the Pacific slope. In 1878 he came to Litchfield, and for two years was in the employ of John Eodange, and at the expiration of that time entered into partnership with the same gentleman in the saloon business. In 1SS2 the subject of this memoir opened his present place of business on Sibley avenue.

Albert Y. von Eckstaedt has alwa\'s taken great interest in military affairs, especially in the militia, and was largelj^ instrumental in the organization of Company II, First Reginient M. N". G., of this place, and also helped organize the bucket brigade of the Are department. He is a valued citizen and much res[)ected member of the community.

Our subject was married November 11, 1881, to Miss Lizzie Mittwer, a native of Prussia, Germany, and daughter of Martin and Busche (Eadise) Mittwer. By this union there have been born two children - Adelia and Theresa.

lp)ROMlNENT among the farmers of 1^ Swede Grove township, is N. L. Nelson, who has a good farm and comfortable home on section 33. He was boi-n in Sweden on the 2oth of February, 1815, his parents being Lewis and Johanna Nelson. N. L. Nelson came to the United States with his father in 1871. He came direct to Swede Grove township, and worked for several farmers in that part of the county for seven years, when he bought a farm on section 22 and lived tliere for nine years. He then sold that and bought his present place on section 33.

Mr. Nelson was married on the 21th of March, 1868, to Emily Anderson, and they have had the following children - Ole, who was born January 28, 1869; Albert, born May 21, 1874; and Lewis, born May 16, 1877. AVhen Mr. Nelson came to this country he was a poor man, but by industry and economy he has acquired a competency and a comfortable home. He now has 155 acres of land and has a good lot of stock gathered about him. He is a republican in political matters and ranks as one of the leading farmers of his township.

/^^j»ADlSON DELONG, a prominent J -tIl mem ber of the farming community of CoUinwood township, has his home upon section 1, where he owns and cultivates nearly his entire farm of 163 acres. His house, which is a neat and tast}^ cottage, is surrounded with all the necessary conveniences and comforts for carrying on his business, and is a home in the true sense of the word. Mr. Belong was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, June 1, 1836, and is the son of Francis and Nancy (GiUilan) Belong, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. He remained beneath the parental roof until his marriage, March 5, 1857, on which date he led to the nuptial altar Miss Elizabeth Lunsford, a native of Augusta county, Va., and daughter of Reuben and Nancy Lunsford. He then commenced work at a smelting furnace where he was engaged until 1866, when he came to Carver county, Minn., but one year later removed to Scott county. While variously engaged there he came to this county and took up a claim on section 34, Dassel, on the site of the present village of that name, where he resided, keeping " bach " that winter. He returned to Scott county where his family were, and in coming back to his claim found that it had jumped by Parker Simons, a railroad man. A law-suit ensued, which was carried up to the Secretary of the Interior, and linally Mr. Delong's title to the claim was canceled. The claimant then comproniised with our subject, wiio removed to Collinwood townshij), and settled where he now lives. He was a poor man when he came to this country, and his law-suit and loss of his claim still furtlier set him back, but by liis energy and industry he has been the arciiitect of iiis present excellent financial condition. Mr. Belong has held the office of town supervisor for some eight years, and that of assessor for four, and holds the latter position now.

IRGIL H. HARRIS, the popular druggist of Litchfield, is the descendant of one of the colonial families of Virginia, and was born in Hanover, Licking county, Ohio, May 14, 1840.

John Harris, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Hanover county, Va., where he remained until his death. His sons drifted to North Carolina, where they became prominent men, and were prime movers in the movement for Independence passed at Charlotte, Mecklenburgh county, N. C, May 20, 1775, antedating the Beclaration of Independence of the Continental Congress over one year, and furnishing many of the ideas for that celeljrated document. Subsequently the^' removed to South Carolina, and settled on the San tee river, from which place Ephraim Harris, the grandfather of the suliject of this sketch, in company with Baniel Boone, who was a warm friend of his, made a trip into the wilderness that is now the State of Ohio. After prospecting over that territory, Mr. Harris, aiwut 1820, took up a homestead on the Licking i-iver, in what is now Licking county, and there made a settlement. The old homestead now forms a part of the site of the busy city of Newark. Ephraim Harris remained upon this place for about twenty years, wlien he removed to the town of Hanover, in the same county, near his son Baniel's farm, and there made his home until he was killed in breaking a pair of colts, in his ninety-eighth year.

Baniel Harris, the father of the subject of this memoir, who was a tanner as well as a farmer, remained upon the farm which he had purchased in Licking countv until about 1848, when he sold out and removed to Bayton, Ohio, where he followed his trade for about a year, when he died, leaving a wife and five children to mourn their loss. The children bore tlie names of Virgil II., Emma E., Cynthia A., Louis E., and Bavid M.

The mother of Virgil was formerly Miss Martha Bowling. Her father was a native of Ireland, who had left the land of his birth on account of some trouble with a landlord, which culminated in Mr. Bowling pulling him off of his horse and beating him. This, in that oppressed land, was a terrilile offense, so he emigrated to this country, and settled in Juniata county, Penn., where the future Mrs. Harris was born. When her brothers moved to Ohio, she went with them, walking the whole distance, some 700 miles, driving their cattle all the way. Later she married Mr. Harris, and after his death returned to Licking county, from whence, two years later, she removed to Marion county, in the same State, where her ])eople had settled. Subsequently she married Jolm Baker, and made her home in Ohio until 1883, when the}' removed to Indiana, where she died in 18S7.

Virgil remained with his mother after his father's death until about 1852, when, being but twelve j'ears of age, he went to Macon count}'. 111., where for four years he was engaged in herding some 4,000 head of sheep. In the fall of 1859 he returned to Ohio, and cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1860. In May, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio Infantry, and sefved until the close of the war. He participated, with his gallant regiment, in some twenty-eight engagements, the principal of which were Perryville, Green Kiver Bridge, Bowling Green, Crab Orchard, Loudonville, Kno.wille, Buzzard's Koost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Allatoona, Spring Hill, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Fisher and others. He received his discharge as orderly sergeant, June 28, 1865, and on returning home attended college for a year and a half at Indianapolis, Ind., and Ashland, Ohio. He was married, December 25, 1S6S, to Miss Lizzie Hill, a native of Marion county, Ohio, and daughter of Jolm and Catherine Hill, who were among the pioneer families of the Buckeye State. For two years after that Mr. Harris followed farming in Marion county, Ohio, whither he had moved. In December, 1870, in company with George Lyon, he came to this part of the State, and, determining to settle at Litchfield, brought his family here in January, 1871, when the place was but in embryo. In company with S. Y. Gordon he started a meat market and remained in that two years, and then opened a drug store, which business he has followed ever since.

of the village of Litchfield, and has, since then, been alderman, recorder, mayor and county commissioner, and is now serving as chairman of that board, having been a member of it for five years. He is a memljer of Frank Daggett Post, G. A. E., holding the third rank in the department of Minnesota, and belongs to the A. O. U. W.

I^EWIS OSTERLUND, of the mercantile " '^ firm of Osterhmd & Leighton, prominent dealers in general mei'chandise, in Dassel village, came to Meeker county in the year 1881. In March, 1882, he entered the postoffice in this place as clerk, under Louis Rudberg, postmaster, with whom he remained until January 1, 1883, when he was himself appointed postmaster. He occupied this official position until May 1, 1887, after which the present firm was formed and the store opened under their auspices. He is a native of Sweden, born October 17, 1853, and remained a resident of his native land until he had attained the age of twentyseven years, but on the 23d of May, 1881, embarked for the promised land, the home of the poor man beneath the folds of our starry banner, and upon setting foot upon the free soil of America, came to Meeker county as mentioned above. After a short time he went to Minneapolis, but five months later returned to Dassel where he now lives.

RIC P. EKLLIND, one of the blacksmiths of the village of Grove City, is a native of Sweden, born July 3, 1836, and is the son of Peter and Lisa Kranz. Having acquired the blacksmith's trade in his youth and early manhood, he worked at that calling in his native land until he was about twenty-five years of age, when he went to Russia and purchased a smithy, and for three years labored among the Muscovites at his calling. AVhile there ilr. Eklund was united in marriage with Miss Julia Paulina Elizabeth Kruger, the ceremony takingplace October 13, 1863. Tiie lady, a daughter of Henry and Louisa Kruger, was born in Ilussia, July 25, 1843. The same year Mr. Eklund returned to Sweden, where he worketl at his trade for two years more and then emigrated to the United States in search of a fortune more consonant with his ideas than was to be found in the Old World. He remained in New York for some ten months, where he found amjile enniloymentat the forge, iiutat the end of that time came west and located at St. Paul, where he remained employed as usual until 1808, in which year he came to Meeker county' and took a homestead in section 14, Swede Grove township, on which he made his home for five years. During this time he erected a blacksmith shop in the village of Grove City, where he now carries on his trade. Three years later he built his fine residence in the same block as his smithy, where he now lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Eklund have been the parents of thirteen children, as follows - Leontina Louisa, born Koveraber 7, 1864, died January 8, 1877 ; Engelbert, born September 27, 1866; Amanda Julia, born April 8,1868; Alga Matilda, born December 4, 1869; Gottlieb Waldimar, born September 22, 1871 ; Otilia Valeria, born September 3, 1873 ; Ida Almira, born August 15, 1875, died December 29, 1880 ; Elida Paulina, born September 25, 1876, died January 16, 1881 ; Leonhard Eric and Leontina Elizabeth, twins, born October 27, 1879; the first of whom died February 22, 1881 ; Arthur Eric, born June 20, 1881 ; Hilger Conrad Anton, born June 11, 1883; and Henry Oscar Edwin, whose birth took place October 26, 1885. Amanda J. is married, and with her husliand, ]Vels S. Strand, is engaged in running a boardinghouse and dining-room at Helena, Mont.

^M LBERT H. DELONG. The subject of Jp>-^ tliis sketch is a resident of section 25, Greenleaf township, and is one of the most prominent and respected old settlers in ]\Ieeker county. He is a native of St. Lawrence county, N. Y., born April 12, 1842, and his parents, Hiram and Maria Delong, were natives of Grand Isle, Lake Champlain. Tlie mother died in the village of Greenleaf in 1>70, while the father, who was born in 1799, is still living, making his home with Albert H. The family emigrated from New York to A\'isconsin when Albert was seven years of age. His time was divided between school and work on his father's farm, and at the age of seventeen he came to Meeker county, Minn. After entering and paying for a claim in what is now Ellswortli township, he leased the flouring mill on the outlet of Cedar Lake, known as Cedar ]\[ill, and there he was engaged Avhen the Indian outbreak began. A few days previous to the massacre at Acton, IMr. Delong, while at the agency, met an old Indian known as Charley Minnetonka, whose friendship he had gained by various acts of kindness. He had always worn citizen's clothes but was then rol)ed in a hritiiit I'ed blanket. He acted strangely and took occasion to infonn Mr. Delong, suh rom., that there wasgoiiig to be "a big fight." Little or no attention was paid to the old fellow's warning, for it was thought he had reference to some fight in project between the Indians. "When the news of the massacre reached the mills, on the morning of August 18, 1862, Mr. Delong and Vincent Coombs started out to learn whether or not there was an J' truth in the reports. Learning nothing definite, they went on to Acton and found the people assembled there preparing to bury the bodies of the five who were slain. When the Indians came upon the scene, Albert joined the party which chased them to tlie Kandiyohi woods. Having a keen sense of the duties of a scout, he was made useful ill that capacity many times during the terrible weeks and months that followed. At Hutchinson he was enrolled with a company of volunteers as a scout, and for six weeks never missed a day in the saddle, riding sometimes as much as forty miles a day. When the detail of the Ninth Minnesota Regiment was sent to Forest City he joined, them as a scout, and -was riding in advance, and was first to discover the redskins in ambush at the time of the battle near Acton. The Indians were crawling in a wheat field and the glimmer of a bright gun was dis covered by Mr. Delong, who rode back and informed the captain. AVhen the Indians saw they were discovered they rose and fired a volley at the whites, and then commenced surrounding them. In this battle three men were killed and twenty-one wounded out of a total of forty-nine in the command. Although left behind by the command, and once almost completely surrountled Iw Indians, he escaped unhurt. In the summer of 1863 he was with the Sibley expedition as a scout, and in the fall of the same year again put his mill in operation. Two years later he bought an interest in the Greenleaf sawmill, which he retained about three ji^ears, and then jHirchased an interest in the Greenleaf flouring mill, he and his partner subsequently buying the old Cedar Mill. Matters became seriously complicated with the firm, and the outcome was a complete collapse. Albert then went to the Black Hills and spent the summer; and the following 3'ear went out and remained nearly two 3' ears, when he returned to Meeker county and purchased the fine farm where he at present makes his home, on section 25, Greenleaf township.

He has been twice married, his first wife, Cecilia Nichols Delong, to whom he was married in 1803, bore him one child, Francis, born September 21, 1867. His first wife died in 1869, and in 1871 Mr. Delong was married to Mary Post, daughter of Abrani and Sarah

Mr. Delong has taken an active interest in the affairs calculated- to benefit either his town or county, and is rated as one of the most prominent citizens in the south half of Meeker county. He is a member of Golden Fleece Lodge," No. 89, A. F. and A. M.

v^jJHARLES SMITH. Among the influen- ;^p tial citizens of Cosmos township, is the gentleman whose name heads this article. He has been prominently identified with the growth and development of Minnesota since 1S55, although he did not come to Meeker county until 1879. He is the son of Alexander and Henrietta (Sutphin) Smith, and was born in Upper Stillwater, Maine, on the 19th of July, 1835. "When he was only two years of age his parents removed to the State of New Yoi-k, and settled at Plattsburgh, Clinton county, where they remained until taken from this world by death.

The subject of this memoir resided beneath the parental roof until attaining his nineteenth year, when he came to Minnesota, coming from Chicago with a team. In that year. 1851, there was but one building in either St. Anthony or Minneapolis, except the pul)lic edifices. He remained in St. Paul some six months, and then returned to New York, l)ut in the following fall returned to this State. He made his home in Minneapolis until the year 1800, when he removed to Aitkin county, where he engaged in lumbering. He was a resident of that county when it was organized, and was appointed by Governor Pillsbury as one of the organizing commissioners, and filled that oflice by election for some thirteen yeai-s.

Meeker Cou.Vty, Minnesota

Minnesota, and with that noble regiment, whose name brings up so many gallant deeds, participated in the first battle of J'uU Run, July 21, ISGl. lie was there wounded by a ball in the right shoulder, and was laid up for some seven months, Ijut on recovery re-enlisted in his old regiment, and stood with them in the awful Hood of lire, that so nearly annihilated them, at Antietam, and in the battle of Mill Spring.

After his discharge Mi*. Smith came back to Minnesota, and in 1879 removed to this county and purchased a farm on section 22, where he now lives, in Cosmos township. Of his fine place of 200 acres, some 125 are under cultivation.

BOCTOR WILL E. CHAPMAN, while not among the old practitioners of the county, has, by close attention to the duties of his profession and a remarkable success in gra])pling with the dread destroyer, death, taken a prominent position among the medical fraternity of this county, and ranks high in the estimation of the community.

Dr. Chapman isanativeof Hill, Merrimack county, N. II., born February 0, 1S57, and is the son of John W. and Charlotte (Taplin) Chapman, natives of Kew Hampshire and New York respectively. Our subject recei ved his primary education and was reared among the hills and valleys of the " Granite State," upon the paternal acres. At the age of fifteen years lie entered a drug store, where he remained about two years. Having then attained a sutticient age, he matriculated at the medical department of the Vermont State University, at Ihirlington, Yt., and after a rigid course of study was graduated from that celebrated institution of learning, in Julv, 1879. Tiie ne.xt year he located at North Branch, Chisago county, Minn., where he was engaged in the practice of his chosen profession for about two years. In 1882 he came to Meeker county, and opened an office in Forest City, but, after two years" labor in that field removed to Litchfield, and, commencing practice here, has rapidly grown into favor with the people of the city and the surrounding country. His pleasant mannei's in the sick-room, his love for his calling and his rare judgment in diagnosis are fast fiainino- him friends and patrons, and bv careful stud}- to keep abreast of the times he merits the warmest encomiums.

The Doctor assumed the duties of matrimon\' December 24, 1883, while a resident of Forest Citv^, on wliich day he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Georgie Kimball, a native of New Hampshire and a daughter of Edwin and Phoebe (Manwell) Kimball.

I^HILIP DECK, deceased, who fell by the "lfS>^ deadly rifle of the ruthless Sioux during the tragic days of the Indian massacre in 1862, was born in France May 24,1825. He learned the trade of baker in his native land, and there made his home until his twentyfirst year, when he came to America and settled at Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y. He remained there until 185-4, at which date he removed to Sault Ste. Marie, and was the foreman on the ship canal then in course of construction there. He staid there until that work was finished and then went to New York, but in the spring of 1856 came West, to Milwaukee, Wis., where he made his home until July, 1860, when he came to Meeker county, arriving here the 5th of that month. He purchased 160 acres of land, which was ]iartially improved, on section 29, Manannah township, of William Wilcox, taking everything on the place, house, furniture, stock, crop in the field, etc. He then returned to Milwaukee for his family, who arrived at St. Paul after numerous mishaps and troubles, and there made a stay of a da}', and from there to their place, where they located the same fall. Mr. Deck remained upon this farm until thetimeofthe Indian outbreak. The news of the murders in Acton reached the house about 11 o'clock in the forenoon of Monday, August ISth. Mrs. Deck was sick in bed, and Mr. Deck was away from home helping a neighbor harvest. Mrs. Ryckman brought the news, and took Mrs. Deck and her family to Silas Maybee's, where they were left while the men were sent for. The women soon saw some Indians approaching, and were terribly scared, but the savages did not come to the house. Mr. Deck rejoined his family that night, and remained there until morning. The next night they spent at the house of ]Sr. C. Caswell, but learning that the outbreak was general, the entire body of settlers removed to Forest City. Friday Mr. Deck took his family to Kingston, where he remained until the following Monday, when, provisions running short, he returned to Forest City, with the intention of trying to get to his farm for clothing, provisions, etc. In company Avith Wilmot Maybee and others, they started, and met with the fate told in the history of the Indian massacre in this volume. Shot in the very dooryard of Carlos Caswell's house, Mr. Deck was found some ten or twelve rods from where his wagon had stood, lying on his face, with eight bullet holes in his back, and it is supposed that, not being hit at the first fire, he jumped to the ground and ran that distance before he was shot. The home guard turned out the second day after and buried the dead, all except Wilmot Maybee, whose body was not found until three months after. Deck, Howe and Page were buried in one grave in Manannah cemeteiy, where, owing to the exertions and liberality of Mrs. Deck, there is erected a fine and appropriate monument to mark the place where rests the remains of her murdered husband and his companions.

Mrs. Deck remained at Forest City until the following fall and then returned to Wayne county, N. Y., with her family of five children, where she remained until April 22, 1879. On that date she returned to thjs county, having all these years had a hard struggle to keep her little family and pay the taxes on her farm. Almost everythingupon the latter was destroyed by the savage marauders, the loss amounting to some $1,100, which Mrs. Deck did not receive from the State until nearly twelve years after, owing to the carelessness of those intrusted with her business.

Mr. and Mrs. Deck were united in marriage April 23, 18-19, at Lyons, N. Y. The lady, whose maiden name was Miss Salome Shimpf, was boi'n at Salza, France, November 21, 1830, and came to the United States in 1810. They were the parents of five children, as follows - Philopena, born December 4, 1850, now married and living iu New Yoi'k; Magdalena, born May 18, 1852, also married and living in the same place ; Josephine, born March 11,1856, married, making her home in the Empire State; Franklin, in this coimty; and Marie Louise, born December 22, 1860, died December 9, 1862.

Franklin Deck, who was born August 2, 1858, in Humboldt, Milwaukee, Wis., came back to Meeker county with liis mother in 1879, and purchasing eighty acres on section 28, Manannah, carries on agricultural pursuits on it and upon the family homestead, and with him the widowed mother makes her home.

TEETER D. RINGSTROM, the landlord llg>^ of the Grove City House, is a native of Sweden, born March 17, 1814, and is the son of Nels and Ingra Kingstrom. His parents were farmers in that country, and he was reared to agricultural pursuits and re- ceived the elements of a fair education. He remained at home until some twenty-seven years when, bidding adicni to the parental roof and all whom it sheltered, he crossed the to a home in America. On landing, he came direct to Atwater, this State, arriving at that place May 24, 1S71. Entering the emjiloy of Pahrs Pahrson he was engaged in farm work that summer and on the railroad during the fall and winter. Going to Breclcenridge he was employed as hotel and liartender for about six months, after which he worked on the railroad in the nfigld)orhood of Alexandria, where he remained until October 3, 1872. He then made his home for a short time with Peter Christoferson, with whom he always remained when out of employment, while waiting for money due him from his Breckenridge employer, intending to go back to Sweden, but falling in love with Mr. Christoferson's daughter Joanna, he gave up the prospective tri]) and married the young lady. The young couple moved on her homestead claim and Mr. Pmgstrom commenced farming and continued to follow this avocation until 1885, when he rented the farm and sold agricultural machinery. They made their home upon their place, however, until March 28, 1888, when, renting the Grove City House, he removed with his family to tlie village, and is now running the hotel. March 31, 1888, he was elected chief of the police of the village and fills that position.

Mrs. Ringstrom is a native of Sweden, born April 8, 1844, and came to the United. States with her parents in 18fi4. She was at the time of her marriage with the subject of this sketch, the widow of Charles Johnson, who died in Illinois on their road to Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Eingstrom are the parents of four children - Kels Peter, born April 8, 1876; Carl Oscar, born October 17, 1878; Alice, born April 10, 1883; and Saraii. liorn April 20, 1887.

^iCHAEL FINNEGAN, one of the ^_i.S^^ most prominent and successful farmers and stock-raisers in Aleeker county, is a resident of section 28, Harvey township. He has one of the most valuable farms in the county, and his building and other improvements are a credit to the townsiiip in which he lives.

Mr. Finnegan was born in Ireland, on the 2d of December, 1852. AViien he was less than two years of age, his parents came to the United States, and for several years they moved about considerably, tlie father following the trade of blacksmithing. In 1857, the father, Patrick Finnegan, came to Meeker county, ]\nnn., and imrchascd a farm in Harvey township, and lived on tlie farm carrying on his farming operations, and at the same time working at his trade. He was living on the farm with the family at the time of the Indian outbreak. The same day as the massacre at Acton, a neighbor brought them the news of the killing, and they went to Forest City with the rest to decide what course to pursue, returning to the farm the next day. The following day they went to Clearwater, where they remained until the fall of 1862. During the winter they lived at Elk River, and then settled at Minneapolis, where they remained until the ensuing fall. During that winter the father worked on the Omaha railroad, and the family lived at Fort Snelling, and in tiie spring they returned to Minneapolis. In July, 1865, they returned to tiieir farm in Harvey township, where the family have since lived. Thefatherdied in Harvey May 23, 1885, and was burieil at Litchfield. In his death the county lost a worthy and substantial citizen, and a respected old settler. His widow still lives in Harvey.

IVIichael Finnegan, tlie subject of this .sketch, is an active member of tiie Catholic Church. In political matters he affiliates witii the democratic party. He has been vei'y successful in his farming o])erations, and has the reputation of being one of the best business men in the township. In connection with diversiHed farming, he carries on stockraising extensively, for tlie farm is conveniently arranged.

J^TaRRY H. mines, an intelligent and JKL trusted citizen of the village of Dassel, the superintendent anil manager of the Minnesota and Dakota elevator, is a native of Colchester, Chittenden county, Yt., born in August, 1848, and is the son of Benjamin and Emily (Rolfe) Ilines. His paternal grandfather, William Hines, was one of the earliest settlers of the town of Colchester, as was the maternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Rolfe, and these two gentlemen and one other owned, at one time, nearly the entire town. William Hines lived and died among the verdant hills of the " Green Mountain State," where he settled, and on his death the homestead descended to his son Benjamin, the father of our subject, who, besides managing three good farms in that portion of the countrj^, was engaged in mercantile pursuits. Jacob Rolfe, the giundfather of Harry, mentioned above, was a colonel in command of the "Green Mountain Boys" during the last conflict with Great Britain, 1S12-15, and was a gallant and able soldier, and our subject recollects his telling of war experiences, in his younger days.

Harry H. Ilines came to Meeker county in 1868, and settled in what is now Litchfield township, on section 31, where he followed agricultural pursuits for some ten years, after which he removed, after selling his pro]ierty, to the village of Darwin, where he purchased wheat and other grain for the Davidson Elevator Company. In August, 1SS6, he came to Dassel and assumed charge of the elevator where he is now located. He has, since first coming here, taken a lively interest in all educational and political affairs, and is now serving as one of the school directors of the the village. In his political affiliations he is in thorough accord with the republican party, and supports the candidates of that organization. He is a member of the Golden Fleece Lodge, No. 89, A. F. & A. M., having been made a Mason at Litchfield in 1882. Mr. Hines was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Harding, October It), 1870. His life companion is a native of Jennings county, Ind., and a daughter of Mitchell and Mary Ann (Reeves) Harding. By this marriage there have been six ciiildren - Maud, Grace, Bessie, Benjamin, Blanche and the baby.

^jJl^HE PRESENT county treasurer of Meeuiiy ker county, N. W. Hawkinsox, an old settler of the village of Litchfield, is a native of Skone, Sweden, and was born in 1837. He remained in his native countrj^ until he was thirty-two years of age. His father died when he was about fourteen years of age, and short!}' after this he began learning the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he spent an apprenticeship of three years and then followed as a trade for four 3'ears. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that until he was twent}' eight, when he -entered the mercantile business and remained in that until 1869, when he sold out and came to Minnesota, coming direct to Meeker county. For a time he stayed at Forest City, following the carpenter's trade, but in November of the same year he went to Califoi*- nia, and followed his trade there for about one year, working up and down the Pacific coast. At the eiul of that time he returned to Sweden, going by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New York. He remained in his native land until the following June, 1871, and then came again to Meeker county, Minn., locating at Litchfield, where he has since lived. I'^or a number of years he followed his trade, but in the fall of 1883 he was elected to the office of county treasurer, and, being re-elected in the fall of 1880, he is the present incumbent of that office. He is a careful and j)ainstaking official, and has filled the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to the ])ublic. Mi'. Iluwkinson is a prominent membei' of the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Golden Fleece Lodge, Xo. 89; Rabboni Chapter, ISTo. 37; and Melita Commandery, No. 17, Knights Templar, iuul has held various offices in these organizations. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United "Workmen, and was one of the charter members of the organization at Litchfield, of which he is the present financier.

Mr. Hawkinson was married in 1862 to Miss Nellie Hanson, of Sweden, and they Avere blessed with three children - Andrew, Ellen and Annie. The wife and mother died shortly after their removal to the United States. Mr. Hawkinson was again married, in ] 873, to Annie Katharena Anderson. They have one child - Harry. All of the children are still at home, except Andrew and Ellen, who are now residents of Minneapolis.

^.EORGE PAULSON, a farmer of Acton township, has probably the most famous and historic piece of land in Minne sota. He owns the place where the Jones and Baker families were killed by the Indians on the 17th of August, 1862 - the spot where the first blood was shed in the memorable Indian massacre of 1862. Mr. Paulson is a native of Norway, and was born on the 3d of March, 1855, his parents being George and Anna Paulson. The family came to the United States in 1868, and after stopping for one year in Iowa, they came to Meeker county, Minn., and took a homestead on sec tion 33, in Acton township. In 1877 they went to Dakota, where George Paulson, Jr., took a homestead, and remained until 1886, when he sold out and returned to Minnesota, and purchased the farm in Acton township, where he still lives. He has a valuable farm and devotes his attention to "-eneral farming and stock raising. The farm is often visited by sight-seers, who wish to look ujion the old cabin and the site which has become famous in Minnesota's history. The subject of this sketch was married at LitcMeld, January 25, 1875, to Miss Christina Kittelson, who was born in AVisconsin March 3, 1854, and their union has been blessed with the following-named children - Clara Josephine, who was born April 28, 1877, died a few months later; Carl Johan, born June 29, 1878 ; Ella, born September 27, 1880; James Christan, born October 18, 1883 ; Anna Josephine, born March 13, 1884 ; and Cora, born December 30, 1887. Mr. Paulson's parents still reside in Dakota.

^HARLES H. DUCKERING, one of the -^' most prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Cosmos township, resides upon section 30, where he cultivates about 150 acres of his magnificent 400-acre tract. He is a native of Beaver Dam, "Wis., born on the 25th of September, 1849, and is the son of John and Maria (Bean) Duckering, who were natives of England and New York, respectively. In 1863, when our subject was about sixteen years of age, he came with his parents to Meeker county and settled with them in Ellsworth township. He remained beneath the parental roof until 1871, when he came to Cosmos and took up a homestead on section 30, and breaking some twenty-five acres and putting up a house, made a pennanent settlement. In 1877 he leased his farm and made a trip to "Washington Territory, and prolonged his stay there until the beginning of 1880, at which time he returned to this county and has lived on his farm ever since. He is largely engaged in stockraising, but still has some 1,500 bushels of grain as the result of his labors each year. In 1876 and 1877, he lost about all his crop through the incursions of the grasshoppers, and the outlook being poor he went to the West, as before mentioned.

Mr. Duckering has been called upon several tiiues to nil the responsible olRce of town supervisor, and has been chairman of that Ijoard for four consecutive years. He has filled several of the minor offices, as well as been director of district No. 53. He still holds the last-named position.

July 18, 1880, Mr. Duckering was united in marriage with Miss Sarah I. Dean, a native of Bartholomew county, Ind., and daughter of John and Eliza (Roberts) Dean, residents of Hutchinson, McLeod county. By this union there have been three children - John S., born May 27, 1881 ; Daisy, born May 9, 1883 ; and Edna, born May 15, 1885.

NDREW J. ANDERSON, the senior '~^^\ partner in the firm of Anderson & Hanson, hardware dealers in the village of Litchfield, is a native of Norway, born in 1843. "When he was about a year old he was brought by his parents to the United States, they settling in Waukesha county. Wis., where they were among the very earliest settlers. They remained in that place until 1850, when the}' removed to Winnebago county in the same State, ami in 1866 to this county.

Andrew remained at home with his parents until 1864, when he enlisted in Company H, Fifth Wisconsin Infantr}', and served in that noble regiment until the close of the war.

He participated in several of the engagements of the bloody campaign that closed the war, particularly in the immortal charge on the lines at Petersburg, Va., April 1 and 2, 1865. After receiving his discharge Mr. Anderson returned to Wisconsin, but in 1866 came to Meeker county, where he took up a homestead in the town of Harvey. He was engaged in farming until 1876, at which time he removed to Litchfield and entered into the sale of farm nuvchinery and implements. He made quite a success in this business, and in Ma}', 1886, in copartnership with Nels C. G. Hanson, he opened the hardware establishment where he now carries on business, and in conjunction with which they still make a specialty of the sale of agricultural machinerv. Mr. Anderson is a prominent member of Frank Daggett Post, No. 35, G. A. Pt., of Litchfield, and takes great interest in the order.

l^RANK J. CHEVRE, the owner and JP^ manager of the pioneer elevator at the village of Darwin, is a native of Chautauqua county, N. Y., born November 6, 1859, and is the son of Henry J. and Jeannette (Fievre) Chevre, who are of French ancestry. His father came to Minnesota in 1867, and died in August, 1874, and his remains lie buried in Scott county, this State. The subject of this sketch left the Empire State with his parents in 1867, and settled with them at Chaska, Carver county, where he received his primary' education. At the age of thirteen he removed to Minneapolis to attend school and remained until in his nineteenth year, in study and the pursuits of knowledge. For a year thereafter he was engaged in keeping books, but at the end of that time he came to Dassel and commenced to learn the miller's trade, and finally took charge of the Washington flour mill of that place which he ran successfully until the spring of 18ST, at wiiicii time he removed to the village of Darwin and erected the elevator where he now carries on business. He is an unmarried man, his mother living with him, and one of the most reliable, trustworthy citizens of town, and. for so young a man, possesses a large share of the respect and esteem of the whole community. In his political views he is in accord with the principles formulated by the republican party, and supports, Avith energy, the candidates and platforms of that organization. As a business man, he is active, enterprising and upright, and socially, genial and companionable, and bids fair to achieve a high position in life.

ENRY CLAY, the popular postmaster of the village of Dassel, is the son of Caleb and Zilpah (Akers) Clay, and first saw the light January 4, 18i2, in Lawrence county, Ky. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of Tennessee, who had married in Pike county, Ky., and later moved northward to Lawrence county. Some time after the birth of our subject they removed to "Wayne county, W. Ya., where they made their home until the spring of 1866, at which time they came to Minnesota and settled in McLeod county. A year later they made their appearance in Collinwood township, this county, but in the spring of 1868 settled on section 28, in what is now Dassel township, where they resided until called to " cross the dark river. Death," the mother in 1875, the father in 1877.

Henry remained beneath the paternal roof until September 5, 1861, when he was united in ^Tarriage with Miss Martha Bartrum, a native of Boyd county, Ky., after which he with his young wife settled on a farm in Wayne county, W. Va. On the 24th of

June, 1863, Henry enlisted in Companj' B, Fortj'-fifth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, and served in the Union army. They were employed in the pursuit of Morgan when on his famous raid, and Mr. Clay, with the balance of the command, was in the saddle for twent\'-six days and nights, only stopping long enough to feed their horses and cook their coffee. The little sleep they got was found in the saddle. They were in two engagements, Mt. Sterling and Cynthiana, at the last named totally scattering and demoralizing the rebels, and the command for several days were engaged in picking up strago'lers. Amono; them w^ere a cousin and an old school mate, the former with his arm broken. Out of Mr. Clay's family he was the only loyal one, all his brothers except one being in the Confederate army. He received his discharge December 21, 1864, and the next spring came to Minnesota, and after remaining in Glencoe some eighteen months removed to Meeker county and took up a claim on section 32, in what is now Dassel township. This being all timber his crops for a year or so were quite limited, but as the land was cleared they grew more extensive. He remained upon the farm until 1870 or 1871, and then entered the employ of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad Company, building snow fences, although his family resided on the farm. In December, 1887, he removed his family to the village of Dassel, and on the 1st of May, 1887, took possession of the postoffice, he having been appointed to that position.

Mr. Clay is an active and influential member of Colfax Post, No. 133, G. A. R., and was one of the signers for a charter for that society. Mr. and Mrs. Clay are the parents of seven children, whose names are as follows - Rufus E., Ida M., John F., Emily E., Walter Scott and Walter McClellan, twins, and Clifford H.

ship, living on section 9, was born in Sweden June 10, 1832, and is the son of John and Christina Jolinson. At the age of eleven years he commenced to learn the tailor's trade, and followed that line of business in his native land until 1S5S, when, with a natural desire to better his condition in life, he crossed the ocean to America. He settled in Carver county, this State, putting in his time on a twenty -acre tract that he purchased there, and in working for his neighbors, until August 20, 1SC2, when he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Minnesota Infantry. The next day he heard of the Indian outbreak, and took his family to an island in Clearwater Lake, where many others had fled for .safety, where the}' camped without shelter from the rain. Three days later Mrs. Johnson went home to their little cabin in the brush, with her fom* children, her husband going with his regiment to Glencoe. He remained in that locality until spring, and then participated in the Sibley expedition, and was present at the hanging of the thirtyeight Indians at Mankato. In October, 18^3, he, with the regiment, was ordered South, and met the enemy at Guntown, Miss. They also were engaged in the siege and cnpture of Mobile. Our subject Avas mustered out of service in October, 1865, and returned to his home. While he was absent in the army, his wife was laid up by sickness brought on by exposure, and for the last week of her illness she and her little ones were without food or fire, although it was cold winter weather. An old man hobbled over on crutches, finall}', to find what had become of them, and helped them out of their distress by sawing up some wood and sending in some provisions.

when he came to CoUinwood township and settled where he now lives. He was married November 1, 1855, to Christina Louisa Anderson, a native of Sweden, born June 12, 1835, and dangliter of Andrew and Katrina. Anderson. They have had eleven children, namely - Ilulda, born December 14, 1856, died January 11, 1873; Frank Victor, born January 1, 1859; Abbie, born October 9, 1860; Clara, born August 3, 1862; Godfrey, born April 30, 1806, and died September 10, 1866; August, born July 21:, 1867; Josephine, born October 22, 1869 ; Ida, born December 25, 1871, and died September 16, 1878 % Alice, born April l-l, 1874; Hulda, born July 9, 1876, and died April 21, 1880; and Nathaniel, born March 26, 1878.

Mr. Johnson is a zealous member of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a republican of the strict type, and is an influential citizen. His estimable wife is beloved bv all with Avhom she comes in contact, and her home-loving tastes are abundantly testified to by the multitude of choice ])lants and flowering shrubs that adorn and beautify her home, and make winter lovely Avith summer's perfumes and verdure.

^ this sketch is one of the leading and well-to-do farmers of Acton township, being a resident of section 7 in that subdivision of Meeker county. He is a native of Sweden, born February 14, 1829, and a son of Andreas and Christina Anderson. In 1861 he came to the United States, and for one summer he worked in Illinois ; then he settled at Clearwatei', "Wright county, Minn., where he rented a farm and remained for three years. At the expiration of that time he went to Idaho to seek his fortune in the gold fields, and, being very successful there, he remained three yeai-s. In 1868 he came to Meeker county, Jlinn., and bought 240 acres of railroad land iu Acton townshi]), where he now lives. Three years later he returned to the gold fields of Idaho, and engaged in mining and the hotel business, in company with his brother, Solomon, and, while in the midst of their prosperity, making money very rapidly, their mining camp broke uji, many of their boarders being left penniless, and from these and kindred causes they lost about $13,000. David, thereupon, sold his property there^ returned to his farm in Acton, and engaged in farming and stock-raising, which business he has since continued. He has a valuable farm, good improvements, and a good deal of stock, lie has met with some slight reverses, especially during the grasshopper raids, but, withal, has been verj- successful, and his enterprise and good management have earned for him a competency. In political matters, he is republican, and in religion, he is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Chui'ch.

Mr. Anderson was married in Sweden, in 1852, to Miss Petronella Samuelsdatter, a native of the same land. The fruits of their union have been one child, Solomon, who was born on the 24th of December, 1853. Solomon is unmarried and still lives with his parents.

ELS CHARLES G. HANSON was born May 14, 1857, at Hamburg, Germany his parents, Bengt and Elna Hanson, were on their way from their native land, Sweden, to America, and is a twin brother of C. J. G. Hanson. His parents settled on a farm in what is now Litchfield township, in 1857, where our subject grew to manhood.

Charles remained with his parents until 1S79, at which time he entered the employ of the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad Company, with whom he remained but one winter, and then worked for a time for the St. Paul Harvester AVorks, traveling through the country as an expert in their business. One year later he transferred his services to the McCormick Harvester Company, and traveled through the Southern States, and followed the harvest season north again. In 1880 he was engaged in farming on section 27, Litchfield township. In the spring of 1887, in company with A. J. Anderson, he opened their present hardware and agricultural depot at Litchfield.

Mr. Hanson and Miss Clara L. Ahlstrom Avere united in marriage June 30, 1S87. The lady is the diiughter of A. M. and Christine Ahlstrom, who were among the earliest pioneers that broke the way for civilization into the wilds of Chisago county, Minn.

/^ORNELIUS McGRAW, a prominent \^J^ farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 33, Greenleaf townshij), is one of the oldest settlers residing in that portion of the count3^ He came to Meeker county in 1860 with his parents, who were Michael and Winnefred McGraw, and the father selected 160 acres of land on section 26, in Greenleaf township. At that time the family consisted of the parents, six boys and two girls, and four of the boys are still living here. Accompanying the party were Patrick ]\Ianley and family, M. Ilanley and famil}^ M. Ryan and familj'^, Lewis Maher and family, and a Mr. Carrigan and family, all of whom settled in Greenleaf. The part}' arrived in July, and Michael McGraw at once put up a cabin and began improvements. He remained on the farm, except during the Indian troubles, until the time of his death, which occurred in March, 1878. His widow is still living on the old farm.

the time of the Indian outbreak. After they heard of the killing of Jones and Baker, he went to G. C. AVhitconib's to learn the particulars, and returned that night. The following (lay the whole settlement gathered at Whitcomb's, and remained there for two days, when all hands started for Forest Cit}', driving their stock with them. The following day Cornelius returned to his father's house and found that the Indians had been there, but had not burned it. After Whitcomb had returned from St. Paul with guns and ammunition, Cornelius enlisted in the company which was organized, and served in it until it was disbanded. In the spring of 1863 he joined the Inde]3endent Battalion Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry, and served on the frontier until the war closed. He then returned to Gi'eenleaf and worked at various things until 1869 when he pui'ohased 160 acres of wild land on section 27, and at once began improvements. He lived upon that for about ten years, when he sold it and bought his present place on section 33, where he now has 235 acres, well improved with excellent buildings. He devotes his attention largely to stock-raising, and his able management has placed him among the most prominent stock-raisers and general farmers of the county.

He has taken an active interest in educational matters, and has held various offices in his district. In political matters he does not hold himself bound to any ])arty, but acts independently.

Mr. McGraw made a gallant and creditable record during Indian times. When the Indians made the attack on Forest City, he was asleep, and, not until the bullets were flying thick and Indians yelling all around was he aroused. He started up to find that he was left alone with a single companion. They each grasped a box of ammunition and fire arms, a heavy load, and started for the stockade, arriving in safety amidst the yells and bullets of the foe. For three years and a half he was in service, fighting the redskins wheneveran opportunity presented, and never flinched when dutv called. He began fighting Indians when only si.xteen, and his bravery equaled that of the hardiest of men. He was one of the nine who remained in Forest City in those trying times, when there was scarcely a white man in the county beside themselves.

/^^EORGE MAYNARD. The suljject of V^r>i this sketch is one of the residents of Ivingst(jn township at present, although one of the first settlers in the town of Dassel, where he located in May, 1866. He made his home in that part of the count}' for about twenty j'ears and then removed to his present place, which is located upon section 32. He is one of the " woods " farmers and stockraisers of the town, and one of its representative citizens.

Mr. Maynard was born in Floyd county, Ky., on the 27th of August, 1852, and is the son of Rev. William and Sarah (Parsons) Maynard. His father was, also, born upon " the dark and bloody ground," and was ordained a minister in 1860, and first preached the gospel in Floyd county, in his native State. He came to Meeker count}' in 1866, settling in Dassel, Avhere he cast the first vote after its organization, and where he has continued to fulfill his duties as watchman upon the walls of Zion. since coming here. He is still a resident of Dassel.

George Maynard was but thirteen years of age when his parents came here, and was reared the balance of his days in this count}', together with his brothers and sisters. These latter were Susan, jS'ancy, Oma, Charity, Maggie, James N. and Robert G. Finishing the education l)egan in Kentucky, after coming here, Mr. Maynard grew to manhood upon his father's farm.

Meeker Coua'J'V, Mevnesota

March 5, 1875, George Maynard and Miss Margaret Sanson were united in marriage. The lady is a native of "West Virginia, born in 1859, and daughter of "Riley and Sarah Sanson, who were natives of the same State, but residents of this county now. By this union there have been born a family of five children - Sarah, "William R., Minerva J., Margaret A. and James M. Mr. Maynard is a member of the Seventh Day Advent Church. In his politics he affiliates with the repulilican party.

JTOHN OGREN, a wealthy, successful and ^ prominent farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 20, Danielson township, conies of the same thrifty and enterprising nationality which forms such a large element in the best class of citizens in Minnesota's population. Industrious, economical and enterprising, his characteristics are the natural result of the general training given to the youth of his nationality. Having come here a poor man and accumulated a comfortable property he is a self-made man, and his present easy circumstances is entirely due to his own industry and efforts.

Mr. Ogren is a son of Andrew and Hannah Anderson, and was born in Sweden on the 17th March, 1838. His early life was spent in his native land, where he remained imtil 1 SOU, when he came to the United States and proceeded to Stillwater, Minn., where he remained for four months, being emjiloyed for two weeks on the river, and the balance of the time working for farmers. At the expiration of that time, October 1, 1869, he came to Meeker county, Minn., and took a homestead on section 20, in Danielson township, where he still lives. He now owns 520 acres of land upon which he has placed excellent building imjjrovements. The farm is among the most valuable in the township, as a good share of it is under cultivation. He has it well stocked. "When Mr. Ogren took his homestead he had only $10 left after buying one cow and a yoke of oxen.

Mr. Ogren was married on the 4th of Januarv, 1868, to Carrie Larson, a daughter of Lewis and Bertha Larson, who was born February 13, 1837. Their marriage has been blessed with six children, as follows - Andrew, born December 1, 1868, died March 17, 1870; Josephine, born July 19, 1870; Hilda Christine, born November 1, 1872; "William, born April 11, 1874; Anna Carolina, born March 31, 1876 ; and Alfred, born July 8, 1S79. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In political matters Mr. Ogren is a republican, and he has taken an active interest in matters affecting the welfare of his township as an organization. He has held various local offices, including those of school treasurer one year, and road overseer three years.

^M DOLPH MAASS, an enterprising, intel- _Z^Sjl ligent and successful farmer residing on section 3, Litchfield township, was Lorn in Brandenburg, Germany, on the 14th of July, 1840, and is a son of John and Maria (Evert) Maas. The parents are both dead, having died in their native land. Adolph grew to manhood in his native land, receiving a common-school education, and working most of the time on a farm. He acquired the same habits of frugality and industry' that characterizes his race and makes them the most desirable citizens which Jlinnesota has received from the Old "\Yorld. In 1869 Adolph came to the United States and settled in St. Louis county, Mo., where he remained for two years and then went to Tennessee. A year later he went back to Missouri, and after a year's residence there he came to Minnesota, and after remaining for a few montlis in Cloodlme county, returned to Missouri. Tlie following summer of 1875, he again came to Minnesota, and after remaining for two winters in Scott county, in 1878 he came to Meeker county, and settled in Litchfield township, whei'e he has since lived. He has a valuable farm within easy reach of the county seat, and there devotes his attention to general farming and stockraising.

Mr. Maass was married on the 17th of November, 1877, to Miss Augusta Arndt, and their union has been blessed with two children, Frederick and Adolph, both of whom are still living and at home. Mrs. Maass is also a native of Germany. She. came to the United States in 1868 with her parents and they settled in Scott county, Minn., where the father and mother are still living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Maass took place in that count}'.

In political matters Mr. Maass does not follow the dictates of any party, but. acts independently and votes for the man rather than creed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Maass are active members of the Lutheran Church, and are exemplary Christian people.

l&jjUKE RAILS, one of the industrious, enerll^i^ getic and able farmers of Manannah township, came to Meeker county in the fall of 1866, with two other men, Silas and John Cossairt, and took up a homestead claim in the spring of 1867. As an instance of his foresight he said to his companions, although they had no neighbors for miles, nothing between theni and Manannah or Forest City. that inside of twenty years there would be a railroad through here, meaning by their farms or near them, and that he would buy a railroad "forty." on section 3, whether he took up a homestead or not, which he accordingly did, and in 1886 the Minneapolis and Pacific Kailroad came to the neighborhood. Soon after neighbors became more plentiful and the vicinit}' settled up.

Mr. Rails is a native of Vermillion county^ 111., born April 27, 1840, and is the son of James and Sarah (Wiles) Rails. He was. reared in that portion of the great " Prairie State," and early in life was initiated intothe mysteries of agriculture and hard work.. Attainingthe years of manhood, with a natural desire for a home of his OM-n and the jo}' s of the family hearth, he was united in marriage, March 10, 1864, with Miss Eliza A. Cossairt, a native, also, of Vermillioni county, and the daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Venible) Cossairt. Shortly after this happy event he removed to Foi'd county, 111., but in September, 1866, started from there with teams, for Stearns county, Minn. In their party were Samuel Cossairt and family, Mr. Rails and wife, and two young men. On their arrival they settled here, as mentioned above. Mr. Rails has now a farm of 200 acres of land, and has made good improvements on the place. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church at Eden Valley and zealous workers in the vineyard of our Lord.

^P^RS. MARY BELFOY {nee McGannon), \i^^ a resident of Litchfield, is a native of Jennings count}% Ind., born July 8, 1843, and is the daughter of John and Mary (Carney) McGannon, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. She was united in marriage, June 11, 1862, with John Blackwell.

John Blackwoll was born in Gloucestershire, Enghmd, January 4, 1832, and came to Meeker county April 15, 1857, and settled in Acton, where he was one of the pioneers. He was a mason by trade, but found but little to do at that calling in the newcountry, so worked on his farm in summer and taught school in the winter seasons, being the first to teach in Litchfield township. After his marriage he went i^nto his farm to live, and while there was interrupted by the news of tiie Indian outbreak. (_)n the eventful night of August 17, 1S(')2, he organized a posse to go to the houses of Jones and Baker to assist the wounded, if any, and was the first to enter the Baker cabin, where with a steady hand he struck a light, a perilous proceeding under tiie circumstances, as he made himself a mark for any lurking foe. He it was that found the little child at Jones' house and gave him into the hands of one of the men who accompanied him. Some time after this he went to Anoka with his j'oung wife and there remained until 1865, when he retui-ned to this count\' and o{)ened a store in the township of Eipley, now Litchfield. In the fall of that year he was elected to the office of register of deeds and removed to Forest City. Shortly after assuming the duties of that position, James M. Harvey, the clerk of the district court, died, and that office was also conferred ujion Mr. Black well, and a short time after he was also made school examiner, thus holding three offices at one and the same time. From this time on he was an occupant of some of the county offices until his death, which took place Ma}' 21, 1875, while he was judge of probate. He left five children - Minnie, wife of F. P. Olney, of Litchfield; Marv J., Mrs. Charles Downey, of Minneapolis ; Addie, George, and John at home, and Mattie, deceased. On the 7th day of January, 1881, Mrs. I'lackwell was again married, this time to Frank Belfoy. Frank Belfoy was a lawyer by profession, and a native of Prescott, Province of Ontario, Canada, born November 1, 1827. lie came to Forest City in 1808 and there established the pioneer journal of Meeker county, The News, which he edited in connection with his legal practice. In 18t)0 he removed to Litchfield and in 1874 he sold the sub. scrijition books and goodwill of The Beios to Daggett & Joubert, who consolidated with Thie Ledger, and Mr. Belfoy devoted his sole attention to his profession. In 1876 Mr. Belfoy purchased an interest in the News- Ledger with Mr. Joubert, and assumed the greater share of the editorial labor, which he continued until July 10, 1881, when he was called to " that land elysian,- whose portals we call death." His widow is still a resident of the village of Litchfield. By her last union there was born one child, Frank, living at home with his surviving parent.

i^^USTOF BERGQUIST, an energetic >^pr and thrifty Swedish farmer of CoUinwood township, resides upon section 10, where he owns some eighty acres of land. His home is pleasantly located, and is surrounded by his excellent outbuildings. His stoolv, to which he gives considerable attention, is of good strains, and the place evinces the prosperity and care of the proprietor. He was born in Sweden August 2, 1831. and is the son of John and Eva Katrina Magason. He made liis home in his native land until he was about forty years of age, when, realizing the fact that it was almost impossible in that section of the world for a man to achieve a competence, determined to seek in America a new home. Accordingly, in 1871, he sailed from tbei'e, and on lantling in the United States, went at once to Duluth, where he was emjiloved three years in a saw-mill. From there he removed to Tiiomson, this State, where he ran a latli mill in summer and worked in the pineries during tl:e winter, for two years. In 1870 he came to Collinwood township, this county, where he purchased the farm where he now Hves, and settled down to nn agricultural life. lie has prospei'ed according to his merits since coming here, and I'iciily deserves the esteem and respect in wiiich he is held by the people of the community. He has held the olHce of town treasurer for some three or four years, and being a strict momljer of the Lutheran Church, has acted as deacon and treasui'er of that organization for some time.

Mr. liergquist Avas married May 5, 1860, to Miss Anna Louisa Peterson, also a native of Sweden, and daugliter of Peter and Katrine Carlson. By this union there has been born a family of eight children, of whom the following is a record - Axel Edward was born December 25, 1801 ; John Siegfried was born November 2,180-4; Jennie Augusta's birth took place November 4, 1807 ; France Augustus was born March. 19, 1871, and died August 19, 1872 ; Anna Olize was born July 1, 1S73, and died April 19, 1885; Walter Emanuel was born April 23, 1879 ; Carl Otto, born July 10, 1882; and Aiigust William was born March 24, 1885. Axel E. married Miss Hulda Swanson, and lives on section 15, Collinwood ; and Jennie A., now Mrs. Theodore Premous, and is a resident of Dassel.

/^^LE JOHNSON RENOS, is a respected ^^hiy «nd thrifty farmer of Acton township. Meeker county, Minn. He is a son of John anil Betsy Renos, and was liorn in Norway in 1825. The grea,ter part of his life was spent in his native land, and he was married there, in October, 1860, to Miss Mary Gunderson. They came to the United States in 1872, and for two years after their arrival they lived in Minneapolis. At the expiration of that tijiie thev came to Acton township and purchased 120 acres of railroad land on section 19, where they still live, and where they now have a comfortable home in which to sj^end their declining years. Mr. and Mrs. Eenos have but one child, a daughter, Betsy, who was born on the 27th of November, 1805.

Betsy Renos was married on the 13th of March, 1882, to John Jacob Oestadt, and they are living with her parents. They have been blessed with one child, Mina Helen, who was born on the 27th of November, 1885. The family are all members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

IpEENRY Mc CANN. The subject of this JHL biographical sketch is a successful and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, who resides on section 9, Harvey township. He is a native of Lowell, Mass., and was born on the 1st of April, 1859. His parents, who Avere natives of Ireland, were Thomas and Alice (McLaughlin) McCann.