Meeker County, Minnesota - Chapter 4: Teeritorial and State Officees, 1888 (part 1 of 11)

Chapter 4: Teeritorial and State Officees

HE first governor of the Territory of Minnesota was Alexander Ramsey, who served from June 1, 1S40, to May 15, 185:1 Willis A. Gorman succeeded him, and held the office until April 23, 1857. Samuel Medary was the next territorial governor, and held the office until the State officers were sworn in. May 24, 1858.

The first secretary of the Territory was Charles K. Smith, who served from June 1, 1849, until October 23, 1851, when Alexander Wilkin qualified and held the office until May 15, 1853. Joseph Travis Rosser was the next, and served until April 23, 1857. Charles L. Chase, the last territorial secretary, qualified on the date last named and served until succeeded ijy the newly chosen secretary of state. May 24. 1858.

The office of territorial treasurer was first filled by Calvin A. Tuttle, who served from November 3, 1849, to July 2, 1853. George W. Prescott came next and retained the position until Februar}' 24, 1854. Succeeding him Charles E. Leonard served until May 7, 1857, when George AY. Armstrong was appointed and served until the State officers qualified, May 24, 1858.

J. E. McKusick Avas the first territorial iiuditor, qualifying November 3, 1849, and serving until November 30, 1852. A. Van V orhees succeeded him and held the office until the IStli of May, 1853, when Socrates Nelson qualified. January 17, 1854, Julius Georgii took charge of the office and served until succeeded by the State auditor, May 24, 1858.

Dui'ing the existence of the Territory of Minnesota, Lorenzo A. Babcock and then Lafayette Emmett were the only ones to hold the office of attorney general. The first named served from June 1, 1849, until May 15, 1853, and the latter from 1853 until May 24, 1858.

In tei'ritorial times there were no district judges, but the justices of the supreme court attended to all judicial matters now within the jurisdiction of the district bench. The first chief justice of the territorial supreme court was Aaron Goodrich, who served from June 1, 1849, to November 13, 1851, when Jerome Fuller was appointed and presided until December 16, 1852. Henry Z. Hayner was next appointed, but never presided at a term of court. William II. Welch was appointed April 7, 1853, and served until May 24, 1858.

David Cooper and Bradley B. Meeker were the first associate justices, and served from June 1, 1849, until April 7, 1853. Their successors were Andrew G. Chatfield and Moses G. Sherburne, who retained the ]iositions until A]n'il, 1857, and were followed by E. R. Nelson and Charles E. Flandrau, who served until the State officers qualified.

The clerks of the territorial supreme court were : James K. Humphrey, Andrew J. Whitney and George W. Prescott, in the order named. The reporters were : William Hollinshead, Isaac Atwater, John B. Brisbin, M. E. Ames and Harvey Officer.

M. Rice was the second, serving from December 5, 1853, to March 4, 1857, when he was succeeded by W. W. Kingsbury, wlio qualified December 7, 1857, and whose term expired May 11, 1858.

State Officers

The auditors of State have been as follows : W. F. Dunbar, from May 24, 1858, to January 1, 1861 ; Charles McHrath to January 13, 1873 ; O. P. Whitcomb, to January 10, 1882, and W. W. Braden, who is the present incumbent of the office.

The present board of railroad commissioners is made up of Horace Austin, John L. Gibbs and George L. Becker. Those who have composed the boai'd in the past were: A. J. Edgerton, W. E. Marshall, J. J. Eandall, J. H. Baker and S. S. Murdock.

Edward D. Neill was the first superintendent of public instruction for ilinnesota. Pie was appointed in March, 1860, and on the 1st of July, 1861, was succeeded by B. F. Crary. From 1862 to 1867 the secretary of State was ex-officio superintendent, but on April 1, 1867, M. H. Dunnell was appointed sujierintendent, and served until August. 1870, when he was succeeded b\' II. B. Wilson. April 3, 1875, David Burt was appointed superintendent, and retained the office until succeeded by the present incuir. bent, D. L. Kiehl, who was appointed Se[) tember 1, 1881.

The oiRce of insurance commissioner has been liekl in turn by Pennock I'usey. A. II. McGill and Charles Sliandrew ; the hist nameil gentleman having been appointed January 0, 1SS7, is the present commissioner.

The commissioners of statistics have been as follows : J. A. Wiieelock, Pennock Pusey, C. F. Solberg, J. B. Phillips, T. M. JMeteaif, J. P. Jacobson, F. Sneedorflf, Oscar Malmros, A. F. Nordin, Victor Hjortsberg and Herman Stockenstroin.

The following is a list of the gentlemen who have filled the office of adjutant-general : Alex. C. Jones, W. II. Acker, John B. Sanborn, Oscar Malmros, John Peller, 11. P. Van Cleve, M. D. Flower, .II. A. Castle, 11. P. Van Cleve, A. C. Ilawley, C. M. McCarthy and F. W. Seeley.

Judiciary

The first chief justice of the supreme court of the State was Lafayette Emmett, wlio was sworn in May 2-i, 1858, and served until January 10, 1805. Thomas Wilson succeeded him and served until July 14, 1SC9, when he was succeeded by James GiLfillan.

Christopher G. Ripley was the next, liolding the position from January Y, 1870, until April 7, 1874, when he was followed by S. J. R. AIcMillan, who served until March 10, 1875. At that time James Giltillan became ciiief justice, and is the present incumbent.

The following statements -will show the associate justices, together with the date of qualification of each : Charles E. Flandrau and Isaac Atwater served from ]\Iay 24, 1858, to July 0, 1864; S. J. R. McMillan from July 0,1864, to April 7, 1874; Thomas Wilson from July 6, 1S04, to January 10, 1865; George B. Young from April 10, 1874, to January 11, 1875 ; F. R. E. Cornell from January 11, 1875, to May 23, 1881, and Greenleaf Clark from March 14, 1881, to January 12, 1882. The present associate justices are John M. Berry, who first qualified January 10, 1865 ; D. A. Dickinson, since June 27, 1881; William Mitchell, since March 14, 1881, and C. E. Vanderburgh, since January 12, 1882.

Creation Of Counties

ENATORS. The firstUnited States Senators from Minnesota were James Shields and Ilenrj^ M. Rice, who took the oath of office May 11, 1858. The former was succeeded on March 4th, 1860, b}' Morton S. Wilkinson, who served the full term. Daniel S. Norton was sworn in to succeed Wilkinson, March 4, 1867, and died while in office, July 14, 1870. O. P. Stearns was appointed, and served out the few weeks left of the term. William Windom came next, and retained the office until March 12, 1881, when he was succeeded by A. J. Edgerton, who resigned, however, in October of the same year, and William Windom was again chosen, serving until succeeded by one of the present Senators, D. M. Sabin, March 4, 1883.

Henry M. Rice, who was mentioned as a colleague of James Shields, served as United States Senator from May 11, 1858, to March 4, 1863, when Alexander Ramsey succeeded him, and retained the position until March 4, 1875. S. J. R. McMillan became United States Senator on the day last named, and occupied the position for two full terms - twelve years - being succeeded March 4, 1887, by Cushman K. Davis, one of the present Senators.

Representatives In Congress

spoken of. When the State of Minnesota was organized, it was entitled to two representatives in the House of Representatives of the United States. This state of affairs continued until 1871, when a reapportionment was made, and the State was allowed three members of the House. At that time the State was divided into three congressional districts - No. 1, embracing the southern. No. 2 the central, and No. 3 the northern portion of the State. In 1881 another apportionment was made, by which the State secured five Representatives. This is the present status of the representation. The State is divided into five congressional districts, as follows : The first district includes Houston, Fillmore, Mower, Freeborn, Steele, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona and Wabasha counties ; the second district includes Faribault, Blue Earth, Waseca, Watonwan, Martin, Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Rock, Pipestone, Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, Brown, Nicollet, Yellow Medicine, Lac qui Parle, Sibley and Le Sueur counties ; the third district embraces Goodhue, Rice, Swift, Dakota, Scott, Carve i", McLeod, Meeker, Kandiyohi, Renville and Chippewa counties ; the fourth district includes Washington, Ramsej', Hennepin, Wright, Pine, Kanabec, Anoka, Chisago, Isanti and Sherburne counties, and the fifth district includes Mille Lacs, Benton, Morrison, Stearns, Pope, Douglas, Stevens, Big Stone, Traverse, Grant, Todd,

The following is a list of the various gentlemen wiio have represented Minnesota in tlie lower house of Congress, with the years during which they served. With one or two exceptions, the term of office began and closed March 4th.

In this connection we present a list of the counties of Minnesota, together with the date on which they were created by the territorial or State Legislatures, v-iz.: Aitkin, May 83, 1857, Marsliall, February 25, 1879,

William H. Greenleaf

-g,.. v.. .jitchtield, is one of the early pioneers of Meeker county who has risen to prominence through hisown unaitled efforts. lie is a native of Allegheny, now Livingston county. New York, born December 7, 1834, and is the son of William and Elmira (Sanford) Greenleaf, natives of the Empire State and Vermont, respectively. Tiie Greenleaf family is of respectable antiquity in this country, the chain of ancestry having been traced back as follows: William Greenleaf, the father of our subject, was the son of Tilly Greenleaf and was born December 23, 1797. Tilly was the son of Israel Greenleaf, and born March 25, 1770. Israel was born March 28, 1732, and was the son of Dr. Daniel Greenleaf, who was born November 7, 1702, died July, 1795, and was the son of Eev. Daniel Greenleaf. The latter was the son of Stephen Greenleaf, Jr., and was born February 10, 1680, and died August 26, 1763, his father's birth having taken place August 15, 1652, and his death October 13, 1743. Stephen Greenleaf, Sr., was born in 1630, and was the son of Edmund Greenleaf, and died December 1, 1690. llis father,

Edmund, was born in the parish of Brixham, Devonshire, England, about 1600, and came with his family in 1635 to this country and settled at Newbury, in the colony of Massachusetts Bay. lie was the lineal descendant of an old French Huguenot family, who left theu" home in La Belle France on account of religious persecutions early in the sixteenth century, the name Greenleaf being a literal translation of their French name, Fuillevert. The subject of this personal memoir, William H., when he was but eight years of age, removed with his parents to, Jefferson county, Wisconsin, which in that year, 1843, was but a new country, where his father settled upon a farm. When he had attained the age of seventeen, William H. commenced attending school at the Fort Atkinson Academy, his earlier education having been derived from the common schools, and remained at that institution some two years, after which he acquired a knowledge of civil engineering. In 1856, during the Kansas troubles, he made a trip to that territory with a company raised by Prof. Daniels, for the assistance of the Free Soilers. He returned to Wisconsin where, in 1857, he was engaged as surveyor on the Wisconsin Central railroad. In the spring of 1858 he came to Meeker county and locateil upon section 30, Ellsworth township, where he put up a saw mill and improved the water power. He also took up a homestead on section 25, in Greenleaf township, which township was named in liis honor. A history of his business operations while in the villao-e of Greenleaf is given in detail elsewhere in this volume. While a resident of that place he was awakened at four o'clock on the morning of August 18, 1862, and told the dreadful tidings of murder and rapine that heralded the terrible massacre of that eventful year, and as soon as possible took his wife and ten-months-old child to St. Paul for security, and then returned to help make a stand against the red fiends who were de|)opulating the border. He stopped at Hutchinson, where he went through the experience of border warfare with the people of that village and remained that fall. Pie then went to Minneapolis, where he made his home until March, 1864, and then returned to this county, where he has lived ever since. In the spring of 1872 he removed to Litchfield, and put up some of the first buildings in that town. In 1871 he entered into the general merchandise business in that "burg" in which he continued until 1876. In 1874 he was appointed receiver of the United States Land office at this jilace and continued in that office, having been reappointed in 187S, until 1879, when he resigned. In 1878 he purchased the lumber yard of M. J. Flynn, and in 1880 that of II. B. Brown, and consolidated the two, thus establishing his present business. In 18S2 the present firm was formed by the admission of his son, Charles A., to a full partnership.

In the fall of 1870 Mr. Greenleaf was elected by the people of this district to represent them in the State Legislature, and served continuously for three sessions in that capacity. In 1882 he was sent to the State Senate and for four vears was a member of that august body, looking sharply after the interests of his constituents. He was united in marriage September 27, 1859, with Miss Cordelia J. DeLong, the daughter of Hiram and Maria DeLong, the latter a niece of the celebrated revolutionary general, Ethan Allen. Iler father is still living at Greenleaf village at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. The result of this marriage has been four children - Charles A., of whom a sketch is given elsewhere; Jessie A., now Mrs. H. S. Branham ; and twins, Frankie and Fred, deceased.

ORRIS Y. TAYLOR, an enterprising, prosperous and reliable farmer of Ellsworth township, has his home upon section 17. He settled on this place on coming to the county in 1874, and has now a fine farm of 246 acres of excellent arable land for the most part, 110 of which is under a high state of tillage. He carries on general farming, but gives considerable attention to dairy interests, keeping about thirty head of cattle, mostly of Ilolstein strains.

Our subject is a native of Illinois, born in Vermilion county, October 8, 1850. He commenced life young, for when but sixteen years of age he hired out to work for ten dollars per month. His next move was to work for his board and go to school, with the set purpose of making up for the lack of earlier opportunity. In this way he acquii'ed the elements of an excellent education, taking a course or more in the higher branches, in the schools at Berrysville, Ind. He now commenced farming in the neighborhood of Bismarck. In the spring of 1870, having had an attack of some lung disease, he came to Minnesota and was engaged in lumberyards at Stillwater, but a few months later he moved to St. Paul and was engaged as chainman by a party of Government surveyors. This kind of business recuperating his health and being agreeable to him, he continued to follow it seven years in one capacity or another until he rose to be superintendent in charge of the party. The north shores of Lake Superior, the White Earth reservation, the Eed Eiver valley, and the Leach Lake reservation' were all the scenes of his labors. In 1877 he gave up his wandering and came to Meeker county, where he had settled, or rather bought a farm and worked it between his surveying expeditions. Here he remained until 1880, when he accepted the superintendency of the "Nobles county farm," of George L Seney, of New York, but the next year transferred his services to the executors of the Horace Thompson estate in the same capacity. For three yeai-s he managed one of their farms, and then came back here and has remained ever since.

Mr. Taylor was married May 3, 1881, to Miss Fina Shuart, a native of Geauga county, Ohio, and daughter of William and Mary Ann Shuart, and by this union there have been three children - George S., Wilford B., and Marion.

In his views Mr. Taylor is entirely free politically, and independent of party lines. He was elected to the office of town clerk in the spring of 18SS, and still holds that office.

JTAMES SHELLEY. Among the promi- ^ nent pioneers of Darwin township, and well-to-do farmers, there is none tliat has more influence in the community in which he Uves than the subject of this sketch. He has his residence upon section 26, on his fine farm of 500 acres, 120 of which are under a high state of cultivation, wliere he carries on agricultural pursuits.

lived from time immemorial. In 1848, that eventful year in Irish history, he left his native land and disembarked at New York after a long voyage, and for over seven 3'ears was employed at Wilberham, Mass. At the expiration of that time he came West, and after one week spent in Wisconsin, settled in Meeker county. April 29, 1857, he took a claim by preemption, the northeast quarter of section 22, Darwin township. At that time there were but eight or ten men settled here and the country was in its wild and primitive condition. After putting in his crop of potatoes, corn, etc., and working around some, he went to Minneapolis and fired on board the steamer H. M. Kice, then plying upon the river. Returning to his farm, he passed the winter here and made this his home until the Indian troubles of 1862. Before this he had been accustomed to trade with the Sioux and found them peacefully inclined, althougli they would steal whatever they could lay their hands on. When he heard of the outbreak he was harvesting, but at once went to Forest City, and tlie next morning started for Clearwater, where he went to work for Eugene Baldwin. Shortly after he came back and procured some of his things and returned to Clearwater. He was back and forth several times, and in the fall took some of his stock to Minneapolis, and then returned and passed the winter here. He then went to Minneapolis and remained nearly all the time, occasionally coming to his place to see about it, until the spring of 1865, when he came to stay and lias lived on his place ever since.

Mr. Shelley was married in 1866 to Miss Mary Vaughan, in Minneapolis, and by this union there have been born four children - William, John, Daniel, and James, all of whom are still living. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shelley are members of the Eoman Catholic Church and prompt in the fulfillment of their religious duties.

^I^H" C. MARTIN, ex-judge of probate of M^^ Meeker county, is one of the most prominent attorneys at Litchfield. He is a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he was born on the 20th of January, 1843. His parents were Samuel M. and Martha (McGrew) Martin; the father a native of Pennsylvania, but who had come to Ohio wlien young ; the mother a native of Ohio. They both died when the subject of this sketch was six years old, and N. C. went to live with his grandmother, who was carrying on a farm. In ISfi-l she removed to Indiana and our subject remained on the farm, except the time he sjient in the army, until he was twenty-eight years of age. On the 2nd of June, 1862, N. C. Martin enlisted in Company G, Eighty-sixth Ohio, and served during that year in "West Virginia. He was then mustered out of that regiment, and enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on the 20th of June, 1863. He served in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. He never missed a day's service during his army life, and was tinalh' mustered out as orderly sergeant on the 5th of March, 1864. In 1870 Mr. Martin began reading law at Bowling Green, Clay county, Ind., with Hon. E. Miles, now of Denver, Colorado. In 1871 he was admitted to the bar and in the spring of 1872 he established the Clay County Enterprise at Knightsville, in Indiana, a republican paper which is still running, - the only republican paper in that county. Mr. Martin conducted that paper for one year, and a short time later he struck out for the West for the purpose of locating in Minnesota. After remaining a few days at St. Paul and Minneapolis he came to Litchfield, arriving August 20, 1873, and has since made that his home. While living at Knightsville, Indiana, he was married to Miss Clara S. Ward. Upon his arrival at Litchfield Mr. Martin first engaged in the law and real estate business, but in 1876 he established the Litchfield Independent and ran that as a greenback paper, supporting Peter Cooper for the presidency. He continued in tlie newspaper business until June, 1877, when he sold out, and the same fall was elected to the office of judge of probate of Meeker county on the greenback ticket. He was three times re-elected, the last time his nomination being endorsed by all the parties. He served from January 1, 1878. until January 1, 1887, and in the fall of 1887 was unanimously renominated, but declined. Since that time Mr. Martin has given his attention wholly to the practice of law, also carrying on an extensive real estate and loan agency. He has alwa\'s taken an active interest in all matters affecting the welfare of Litchfield. He was one of the principal workers in the original organization of the Frank Daggett Post, Grand Army of the Tiepublic, and has taken an active interest in its progress. He held tiie office of commander of the post for four successive terms, a fact which speaks for itself, as the office is one wliich is usually held but one term. In 1879 Mr. Martin was a candidate for Attorney General on the greenback ticket and for a number of years took a very active interest in political matters. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have seven children, Myrtle, Daisy, Clara Ma\', Belle, Emma, Nathan and an infant.

JTOHN M. MOUSLEY, one of the earliest ^ settlers of Meeker county, and an honored and respected citizen of Ellsworth, has his residence upon section 22 of that town, where he first settled in 1S5S. He is a native of England, born in Manchester December 6, 1827, and is the son of Samuel and Nancy (Mason) Mousley, natives, also, of "Albion." The family came to Canada in 1851, and settled in Elgin count}^ where

Samuel died of lung disease in 1864. He was born in 1792. His wife, who first saw tlie light in 1795, died in England in November, 18-19. The father of our subject was a cotton dyer by trade, having learned the trade when a boy. He was an excellent citizen, a good Cliristian man and a kind neighbor. Both he and his estimable wife were meml^ers of the Church of England, or E[)isco])al Churcli. They were the parents of five children - James, Alfred, Jane, John and Alice.

The subject of this narrative continued to make his home beneath the parental roof until the spring of 1842, when, although but fourteen years of age, he crossed the briny deep to Canada, where he had an uncle living, with whom he made his home for some eight years. During this time he assisted in the work upon the farm and attended the common schools, receiving therefrom the elements of a fair education.

Most of this was obtained under difficulties, as hai'd and persistent work was tiie order of the da\'. He finally commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade with McPherson, Glasgow & Co., but after the expiration of his three years' apprenticesliip returned to his uncle's, working for him in the summer. He then took u[) liis trade in the employ of several parties, and continued tlius emplo^^ed until he came to this county, in 1858, as detailed above. After taking his claim of 160 acres of land, the next spring he went to St. Paul and went to work for one Frank Gilnian in a foundry. With what he earned he purchased a yoke of oxen and tlie various tools he would need, and returned here and commenced the development of his farm, and has seen it grow from pristine wiidness to its present condition. Pie has since that, once or twice, worked at his trade, but only for short periods.

born in 1841, who died in January, 1872, leaving four children - James Alfred, Hattie Jane, Fi-ank M.,and Alice Ann. Hattie died in the spring of ISSl, when some fifteen years old ; and Alice died August 26, 1886. Mr. M. has held the offices of town su]iervisor, town clerk and scliool clerk for years.

Tp)ETER MARTENSON is engaged in I^ farming on section 25, Litchfield township. He is a son of Marten and Annie Isaacson, and was born in Sweden, on the 27th of February, 1845. Peter was engaged in farming with his father in the old country until 1869, when he started for America. He came direct to Meeker county, Minn., and purchased a tract of railroad land on section 25, in Litchfield township. During the winter of 1871-2 he re-visited the fatherland, but the pleasure of his visit was marred by the death of his father on the very day that he arrived at the old home. In the spring of 1872, he was married to Ellen Larson, a daughter of Lars and Ellen Peterson, and in the following May he returned to the United States, and to his Meeker county home. Four children have been the fruits of their marriage, as follows: Louis, born October 14, 1872; John, born March 29, 1876; Henry, born September 6, 1879: and Annie, born April 2, 1882.

Like others in iiis neighborhood, Mr. Martenson has sutt'ered from grasshoj)pers and hailstorms, but his industry and perseverance have enabled him to recover from these reverses and he is now in comfortable circumstances.

J^^iCHAEL DELANEY, a prosperous jPLi^L 'I'ld industrious farmer of Ellsworth township, residing upon section 16, came to Meeker county in 1877, and located on the place where his home now is. He had pui'cliaseil the land sdine time previous to this, but he has made iiearh' all, if not all, the improvements here, and he has now a magnificent ])ropertv consisting of 342 acres h'ing in tiiis and (ireenleaf townsiiips. lie is giving a large share of his attention to stock-raising, principally to half and threequarter-bred Durham, llolstein and Jersey cattle. His home is one of the most beautiful in the township, and attracts the attention of even the most casual observer.

Mr. Delaney is a native of Ireland, born in County Leitrim, July 28, 1828, and is the son of Bernard and Catiierine (McWeeny) Delaney, both of whom died in that "ever verdant isle," the mother' in 1863, the father in 1873, at theage of ninety years. Bernard Delaney was a farmer ancl followed that business as best he could in that oppressed land. lie was the ])arent of but two children, Bernard and Michael.

The latter, the subject of this biography, was reared among the beautiful scenery of the West of Ireland, but on attaining manhood felt that he must seek in other countries the freedom from the Saxon's yoke that has oppressed that island for seven centuries, and accordingly, in 1852, emigrated to the United States, landing in New York. From there, after stopping a short time in New Haven, Conn., he went to the State of Virginia, where he was engaged in railroad construction for four years. His next move was to Minneapolis, where he arrived in 1856, and made his home until 1877, except a year spent in Kentucky and Tennessee. At the date last mentioned he moved to Meeker county.

Mr. Delaney was united in marriage in June, 1858, with Miss Mary Garvey, a native County Mayo, Ireland, who had come to the United States a short time before. Ihe ceremony took place in St. Anthony, now Miiin(-a])iilis. By this uni(jn they have had seven ciiildren, six of whom survive: Mar}', who is a teacher in tiic St. Paul schools;

John, teaching in Swift County, this State; Kate, who is teachmg the school in District 68, Litchfield township; Hannah, who is teaching in District '(i^, Ellsworth ; Nellieand Antliony William.

TprON. JAMES B. ATKINSON, one of '_^S8L the pioneers of JNIeeker county, as well as one of the most prominent citizens, is a native of Kingston, Canada, born November 13, 1822. His parents were both natives of Yorkshire, England, but came to America in 1821, landing in New York, from whence they proceeded to Canada, where James B. was born. About a year later the}^ removed to Black Rock, N. Y., where they remained for about nine years. The father was a stone mason by trade, and during this time was contracting on canal bridges and other heavy work. Later, he purchased a large farm near Freeport, Penn., where he lived until the time of his death. The parents of James B. had four children, three of whom are still living - two in Minnesota and one in Kansas.

James B. Atkinson remained athomew'ith his parents until eighteen years of age, attending common schools most of the time. At the age referred to he began learning the printer's trade at Freeport, following that at various places until he was twenty-two, when he returned home and rented a farm for twentj'-one months. The firet fall from this experiment, the hay crop cleared him $600 above all expenses, including the rent for the full time. The following winter, March 20, 1845, he was married to Miss Abbie Sholes, of Allegheny City, Penn., Init remained on the farm until tiie followin"- fall, when he moved into Frt'(>p(>i't and opened a butcher shoj). Five oi' six yeais latei-, he sold out and began his aftciward extensive business of i-ailroad contracting. His first contract was one for $8,000 on the Allegheny

Valley road ; next on the North-Western, now Pennsylvania, and from that to the Iron Mountain, on which he had a contract for over $100,000. His next move was to return to Freeport, where he bought a stock of general merchandise and conducted that business for one year. He then came West in search of a location, and spent some time in travelling through the eastern part of Iowa. In the .spring of 1856, he decided to come to Minneapolis, and, being pleased with the prospect there, he returned to New York for goods, was taken sick and laid up for three months. For this reason he did not get back to Minneapolis until August of that year and the .same fall came out to Rockford and took up a claim, where he remained thirty days. The town of Rockford had been laid out only that iSpring : game was abundant and the prospect generally fine. After returning to Minneapolis, where he remained some six weeks, he went East for his family. His Jiousehold goods were packed and shipped West, but the goods never arrived, nor have they ever been seen or heard of since. Early in the year 1857, he made his first trip to Meeker county, driving through with a team, bringing a load of goods and working his way through the " Big Woods." Upon his .arrival he located at Forest City. The county had just been organized and that country village, being the county seat, was the principal point within its limits, although there were neither business nor business houses there at that time. Mr. Atkinson, liaving brought the first goods to the county, went immediately to work getting up a building. He then returned to Minneapolis for the balance of his goods.

Having, like all others, taken up a claim, lie placed his family upon it, and going back to St. Paul, proved up on it, paid for it, and returning with more goods, removed to the village, where he opened his store for business, about March 1, 1857. He, the following fall, erected the hotel, which he ran in connection with his other businesses until 1879. The store was kept by him until 1865, when he disposed of it to his partner, he having taken Mark W. Piper in with him in 1862. During the winter of 1861-2 Mr. Atkinson made a trip to Pike's Peak, but came home, arriving at Forest City, August

I, just seventeen days previous to the Indian outbreak. At the time of the organization of the' "Home Guanls," at Forest City he was elected first lieutenant. The night previous to the attack u])on the stockade, ammunition being short, he volunteered to go after a supply, and starting after night, alone, traveled throug'h the "Bio' Woods,'* beset with savage enemies, but, although aware of his peril, would not quail or flinch. His undaunted courage carried hmi through safely, and procuring powder, lead, and soldiers to relieve the garrison, he returned. He had previous to this, in company with Geo. C. Whitcomb, been raising a company for the Sixth Minnesota Infantry, but the outbreak stopped jiroceedings. He then enlisted and served as private and scout, althougli favored by his superior officers to a degree unknown elsewliere, on account of his social position and certain promises made to him but not fulfilled, in Company D, Second Cavalry. He remaineil with them until the close of hostilities with the redskins, when he was given a commission to recruit men at St. Paul. After following this for a time he raised a company which was mustered into the service as Company

Captain Atkinson has filled many offices of trust and honor in this coinmunit}'; he was the representative in the Legislatui'e in 1857 and 1858, has filled the office of member of the board of county commissioners, served <as town sn]iervisor for years, was sheriff for three years, town assessor for seventeen years, and occupied tlie position of justice of tlie peace for nearly a quarter of a century. He is the parent of eiglit children : Hannah Elizabeth, Mrs. J. W. McKean, of Indianapolis, Ind.; Charlotte M., Mrs. Henry Clinton, of Las Vegas, Cal.; Abigail A., now Mrs. E. H. Hull, living at Mineapolis; Frank, now Mrs. T. Tiichardson, of Forest City;Chai-les II., of the same place; Kate, Mrs. C. E. Bai'kam, of Dallas, Tex.; Jessie B., Mis. Charles Boynton, of Forest City; and .lames B., Jr., at home, .-^ih-

^ M N DREW S. MATTSON, a jn-osper- _^^L ous farmer whose land adjoins the village of Litchfield, is a native of Sweden, born Se})tember 7, 1852. His parents were Swan and Margaretta Mattson, who came to the United States with their family in 1858 and located in Carver county, Minn., where they were among the pioneers. A year or so after their settlement there, Mr. Mattson, the father died, and in 1859 Mrs. Mattson removed with her family to Meeker county and claimed eighty acres of Government land on Section 10, in Ness (now Litchfield) township. AV^hen the Indian outbreak began, she removed to St. Paul, and remained there until after the close of hostilities, when she returned to her land in Meeker county, erected a small house and commenced improvements. She made this her home until 1885. She was married to Nels M. Pearson in 1867, and is now a resident of Darwin township.

Andrew S., the subject of this sketch, lived with his mother until they moved to Darwin, when the mother conveyed the farm to him. Since that time he has added about $1,150 in building improvements, and otherwise added to the value of the farm. He now has 1 15 acres of good land within eighty

[^ONORABLE EVEN EVENSON, the jiresent representative of Meeker county in the Lower House of the State Legislature, resides on section 8, in Gi-eenleaf townshiji, and is one of the most prominent citizens of the county. He is a native of Norway, and was born on the 21st of November, 184-4. His parents were Hans and Chi'istine Evenson, who came to America in 1857, settling first in Scott county,. Minn., where they remained one year, and then removed to Wright County, where they resided for two years, after which, in 1860, they settled in Meeker County, Minn., the father pre-empting a quarter of section 8 in the ])resent township of Greenleaf. A full history of the father and other member's of the family will be found in another department of this work. The family consisted of father, mother and five children. Even being the eldest son.

At the time of the Indian outbreak ia 1862, Even was residing with his parents on. the homestead. Although not j^et eighteen years of age, he was a careful observer of events, and on the memorable 17th of August was in attendance on the war meeting at the old Pipley postoffice. That night he was one of the fearless little band of settlers, who went to the Jjaker and Jones residencesand discovered the horrible butchery which the savages had committed so near their own doors. He remained with the squad that night and the following day, and, later in the same week, went with the family to Forest City, where he was doing guard duty when the Indians attacked the place in the night. A sentinel named Henry L. Smith was the first man to I'eturn the fire of the savages, and the second shot was fired by Even. Diirinii' the folliiwino; vear, Even worked in St. Paul suid Anoka, and in the fall of 1863 he enlisted in Company' I, Second Minnesota Cavalry. The regiment was assigned to duty on the frontier, and Even went with a detachment of his company as escort of Captain Fisk's immigrant train to the Idaho gold fields, and went as far as Fort Rice in Dakota. He remained with the command, doing frontier service until the fall of 1805, when he was mustered out. He returned to the old homestead, and has since remained there, with the exception of the summer of 1867, when he was emplo3^ed near St. Paul.

In November, 1869, Mr. Evenson Avas married to Helen Danielson, a daughter of Nels and Randi Danielson, who wei-e among tlie first settlers in Meeker county. She was boi,'n in Norway on the 28th of October, 1847. During the Indian outbreak she had a thrilling and dangerous adventure, she being one of the two women who were left in the thicket all night while the settlers were flying for their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Evenson have been blessed with seven children, the tliiril born of whom, Robert E., is dead. The othei's are as follows: Henry Nicholas, liorn October 24, 1871; Carl Richard, born December 17, 1873; Robert B., born July 27,1877; Elmer Emanuel, born August 13, 1879; Anna Bertha, born September 25, 1881; and Nels Oscar, born April 13, 1 884. The family are members of the Ness Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Mr. Evenson's life has nx)t only been a busy one, but an unusually useful one as well. Besides tilling various township offices, he has filled the office of county commissioner for eight years, the last four years of which time he was honored with the chairmanship of that body. He made a careful and efficient member of the board, and dui'ing his service was recognized as second to none in point of ability or influence. In 1886 Mr. Evenson was elected to represent Meeker county in the Lower House in the XXVth Legislature on the republican ticket, and he has proven well worthy tlie trust rej)osed in him, making a record satisfactory to his constituents and highly creditable to himself. His ability was recognized in the formation of the House Committees as he was placed upon the Committees on Education, Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institute, and on Roads, Bridges and Navigable Streams.

When the State Board of Trade was in existence Mr. Evenson was appointed by Judge Brown to represent the Twelfth Judicial District in that body, the most important work of which was the recommendation to the Letjislature for the establishment of the State grain inspection system.

K&riLLIAM HUKRIEDE, the genial proy0Sl. ]irietor of the Mansard House, the leading hotel of Eden Valley, is a native of West])halia, Germany, born September 4, 1838. He was reared in that classic land, I'eceiving in youth the education which is the birthright of the rising generation of his fatherland. He was there, in 1860, married to Miss Mary Christopher, a native of Westphalia, Germany, and daughter of Henry and Lizzie Christopher. In 1873, with his family, he emigrated to America, and purchasing a farm on section 23, in Manannah township, commenced life here. On this place he made his home until the fall of 1887, when, in connection with his son Henry, he came to Eden Valley and bought the Mansard House, and has continued at the head of its affairs ever since. Mr. Hulvriede has a family of eight children, as follows: Fred, born May 28, 1861 ; Henry, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this volume; Reka, born October 6, 1865; William, born February 1, 1808 ; Ernest, born January 28,

J'iilENRY HUKRIEDE, the partner of his - ^H|J father in the proprietorship of the Mansard House and who is, also, engaged in operating a blacksmith's sho]) in Eden Valley, is a native of "Westphalia, German}^, born January 5, 1863, and is the second son of William and Mary(Christopher)Hukriede. lie came to the United States in 1873, with his parents, and remained upon their fann until the spring of 1882, when he went to Litchfield and tiiere learned the blacksmith's trade. In thespringof 1886, became to Eden Valley wliile the graders were still at work here and bofore tlie iron upon the i-ailroad was laid and started a blacksmith's shop, and has followed that trade ever since. In 1887, in connection with his father, he bought the hotel and maintains connection therewith.

JOHANNES OLSEN, a well-to-do and re spected farmer, residing on section 32, Acton township, is a nativeof Norway, born January 31, 1837, and a son of Ole and Sophia Johnson. He came to the United States in 1857, and first stopped at St. Paul, where he hired to a man, named Fred Erickson, wiio held a Government contract for furnishing hay. Tliey cut tiie hay on the Minnesota liiver bottoms near P'oit Snelling, and the ground was so wet that tliey were obliged to carry it on poles to higher land for stacking. After spending some time in this way, he, with six others, went to Howard Lake, Wright county, and selected claims. Two of the ))arty remained during the winter to make the improvements necessary to hold the claims, while the others returned to St. Paul to earn and send provisions to their two comrades. The following spring Mr. 01- sen returned to his claim, expecting to find a house erected and other improvements, but as nothing had been done he went back to St. Paul to find work. He had a hard and discouraging time of it, but in the fall he secured a job on tiie railroad between St. Anthony and St. Cloud, and on the southeast side of the Minnesota Tliver, above Mendota. This was a very wet season, and they were obligexl to lay plank tracks in order to run their wheelbarrows. Heturning tlien to St. Paul he did not succeed in finding employment until after Christmas when he got work cutting cord wood, which lasted until spring. His next move was to Point Douglas, where he hired to a farmer for six months at $10 per month. At the expiration of that time he returned to St. Paul and woi'ked at building Hat boats, and in the spring went with them to St. Louis, where he was paid off. During the summer he worked at farming on Paint Creek Prairie, Alhunakee county, Iowa, and split and cut rails during tiie winter. Tiie following spring - April 1-f. 1800 - he was married to Miss Mary Paulson, a daughter of Mathias and Mary Paulson. After his marriage he rented a fann for two years, but the first season the chinch bugs destroyed most of his crop. In 1864 he came to Meeker county, Minn., and took a homestead on section 32, Acton township, wliei'e he has since lived.

Mr. and Mrs. Olsen have been blessed with the following children - Mathias, born November 10, 1862, died July 15, 1885 ; Sophia Elizabeth, born October 12, 1864 ; Ole, born March 15, 1867 ; Paul Emanuel, born September 17, 1869; and Carl Johan, born February 16, 1877. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. In political matters Mr. Olsen affiliates with the republican party. Both of Mr. Olsen's parents died in Norway. His wife's parents are also deceased - the father, Mathias Paulson, died in Acton July 26, 1883; and the mother died September 19, 1880.

JI^ARTIN HOUK, a Avell-known, suc- J^J.^^ ccssf 111 and highly respected fanner, residing on section 3G, Ilarvey township, was born in Owen county, Ind., on the 3d of November, 1844, and is a son of John and Evelin (Grouse) Houk. His parents still reside in his native State.

Martin, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native State, working on a farm and attending school, according to the facilities of that day. He was married in Indiana on the 23d of January, 1870, to Miss Mary F. Doll, and in 1874, with his wife and two children, started for the West, arriving in Meeker county, Minn., on the 15th of October, 1871. He first settled in Manannah township and remained there for one year, and then removed to Harvey township, settling on section 36, where he has since lived. He has three brothers living in Meeker county.

Mr. and Mrs. Honk are the parents of seven children - five girls and two boys - all of whom are living. Their names are as follows: James F., Josephine, Alice M., Evelin, Henrietta, Jessie and Marcus R.

^^IMON MAYER, residing on section 2.3, "^^^ is an ex-Union soldier, and is one of the most prominent and successful farmers and stock-raisers in Union Grove. He is a son of Gregor and Mary (Winterholden) Mayer, and was born in Wiirtemberg, Germany, on the 20th of October, 1834. His parents died when he was fifteen years old, and he was apprenticed to learn the turner's trade. When he was eighteen years old, in 1852, he came to the United States and for three years worked at his trade in New York city and in Paterson, N. J., after which he came to St. Paul, where he remained for two days, but as he could not find work, he left his trunk at the hotel and walked to Stillwater, one Sunday night. He secured work on a raft and made three trips to St. Louis, thus spending one summer. He next worked on farms and spent one winter in the pineries; also worked for L. D. Bartlett, running a ferry from Lakeland to Hudson, for several summers. In the fall of 1801 he went to Fort Sneliing and enlisted for tliree years in Company B, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and went Soutii the same fall. He participated in many skirmishes, but not in any pitched battle. When his three years were ended he re-enlisted at Little Rock, Ark. Tiie Third was surrendered to General Forrest at Murfreesboro and was paroled and sent to Benton Barracks, Mo., and from there was sent to the relief of the settlers in Minnesota, and started for Forest City. Seventy-five men of the Third reported at Forest City. A history of their movements will be found in the chapter devoted to the Indian troubles. When they landed at Fort Sneliing Governor Ramsey made them a speech and requested them to march for Forest City that night, whicii they did. From this campaign they went to Sibley Camp, Fort Ridgely, and joined Sibley in liis expedition through the JNorthwest. Mr. Mayer participated in the bloody fight at Wood Lake. The Third Regiment left Sibley and joined Governor Marshall, and captured the Indians who were hung at Mankato. January 15, 1863, Mr. Mayer returned Soutii and served until August, 1865, when he was mustered out at Fort Sneliing.

He then went to Hudson, AVis., and was married to Ellen Moody, October 16, 1865. She was a daughter of Arnold and Olive Moody, and was born November 16, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Mayer have been the i>arents of two children, as follows: William, born January 11, 1868 ; Delia, born October 4, 1873.

ters, imd has taken an active and prominent part in township aff.iirs. He has held vui'ious to\viishi|) ottices, iiaving been cliairnian of tiie supervisors tliree years, school treasurer twent3'-one years, road overseer, and in other minor positions. lie is one of the best posted and most intelhgent men in the township, and is a careful business man. lie stands high, wherever he is known, for his integrity and uprightness, and is one of the leading citizens of his townshij).

,RS. ELIZABETH GARDNER of Dassel township, came to Meeker county in July, ISGtS, with her brother-in-law, Andrew Davidson, bringing with her her only child, Petei", who was then f<air years of age. She, at once, took up a homestead of eighty acres of land on section 1-1-, Dassel townslii|), where she has since made her home. She is the widow of Bradford (xardner.

The husband of oui' sul)ject was a native of Pennsylvania, who, when a young man. came west to AVisconsin and settled, where he was united in marriage with Elizabeth McCalister, a native of Scotland, born in Whitehorn, Wigton Shair, 1836, who had come to America in 1855 and subsequently located at Caledonia, Wisconsin. After' their mairiage they lived in Sauk County, in the "Badger State," until November 20, 1863, when Mr. Gardner, being drafted, entered Company I), P'irst Wisconsin Infantrv as a I'ecruit and served with that gallant re<'-iment until the battle of Buzzard's Roost, in the Atlanta campiign, when he fell mortally wounded, and died in the hospital at Chattanooga, Tennessee, September S, 18G4. Filling an honored soldier's grave, his life offered up a sweet sacrifice upon the altar of his country, his mission on earth was accomplished, and while the comrades regret his loss, they dare not murmur against the decree of the Most High, that snatched him from liis loving widow and his boy.

Mrs. Gardnei' and her son remained at their home in Wisconsin until they came to Minnesota, grieving after the brave soldier who had lain down his life in defense of his country and who is enshrined in every patriot's breast.

Peter has always remained with his beloved mother. He was born in Sauk county, Wis., May 14, 1862, and was married December 24, 1885, to Miss Sarah Ai-rowood, a native of IMinnesota, and daughter of G. D. and Louisa Arrowood, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, who came to this town in 1865.

OHN CHRISTENSON, a highly respected and successful farmer residing on section 32, Union Grove township, was born in Sweden, on the 22dof August, 1828, and is a son of Christen and Bets}' Eliason. His early life was spent in the land of his birth, where he acquired the habits of industi'y, economy and integi'ity which are characteristic of the people of his nationality. In 1868 he came to the United States with his family and came to Meeker county, Minn., where he took a homestead of eighty acres on section 6, Swede Grove townsh'p. Seven years later he moved to section 5, where he bought 280 acres of railroad land, and lived there until the si)ring of 1887, when he settled upon his present farm on section 32, Union Grove township, having purchased eighty acres there in 1SS6. He has divided the rest of his land among his children, giving them a start in the world.

kOCTOR V. P. KENNEDY, of Litchfield, besides being a pioneer, is one of the .best known citizens in this part of the State. Doctor Kennedy was born in Butler county, Penn., on the 11th of July, 1824. "When he was five years of a,ge his parents removed to and became pioneers of Indiana, where the subject of this sketch remained until 1856. His younger days were spent upon a farm, but when twenty-one he entered the Asbury University at Greeneastle, Ind., where he spent two years, and then went to Rockville, Ind., where he began the study A year later he went to ; later to Chicago, and in 1851

Doctor Kennedy's parents were Martin and Elinor [Pellett] Kennedy. The father died when the Doctor was ten and the mother when he was six years of age. He was then thrown upon his own resom-ces and for a time lived with an uncle ; but when sixteen he left iiis uncle's roof and began the battle of life on his own account. In June, 1856, he came to Meeker county, Minn., and took the same claim which had been held by Dr. Frederick N. Rijjley, which is mentioned at length elsewhere in this volume. Ripley had been frozen to death in March of that year. Dr. Kennedy at once Ijegan improvements in a light way, building a little cabin on the place, but he lived in Cedar City, McLeod county, until the spring of 1857, when he settled on his claim. During the season of 1856 he had " broke " some land and raised a few potatoes, the Indians, however, getting the benefit of his labor. Doctor Kennedy remained on his claim until the fall of 1860, when he was elected to the State Legislature. He was re elected in the fall of 1861. In the spring of 1862 he entered the United States service as surgeon of the Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and remained with his regiment until the 1st of May, 1865, when he was mustered out at Montgomery', Ala. The following summer was spent upon his farm, and in the fall he received the appointment of physician for the Chippewa Indians at Red Lake, and remained there from November, 1865, until March, 1867. He again returned to Meeker county, and bought what was known as the Cedar Mill and ran that until 1869, when he came to Litchfield and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1880 he went to Brown county D. T., and took a claim, but continued his practice at Litchfield until 1883, when he removed to Ordway, D. T., and engaged in the drug business, also becoming postmaster. In the fall of 1885 he was elected to the Dakota Senate and took an active interest in shaping Territorial legislation. In the spring of 1886 his family returned to Litchfield and for some time the Doctor was back and forth between the two points, but the latter place is now his home.

Doctor Kennedy was first married on the 19th day of July, 1S49, to Miss Julia A. Rudisell, who died July 13, 1854. This union was blessed with two children, one of whom is now living, Julia A., wife of Nimrod Barrick, who lives at the Doctor's original claim in Meeker county. Dr. Kennedy was again married, on the 2d of July, 1860, to Caroline Rudisell, a sister of his first wife.

They have three children now living - Milford P., who lives on a farm in Daivota ; Harry M. and Lewis H., who are attending university at Minneapolis.

Doctor Kennedy is an active member of tlie Grand Army of the Republic. At the annual encampment in 1887 he was elected medical 'director for the department of Minnesota and served for one year. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined Golden Fleece Lodge in the fall of 1875. He is prominently identified with the State Medical Association and is recognized as one of the best educated and most experienced members of the medical profession in this part of the State. During late years, however, he has devoted his attention chiefly to his extensive farming interests, having 360 acres in this county all of which is improved ; and 640 acres in Dakota, with 400 under cultivation.

l''-)? ARL NELSON, the subject of the present biographical notice, is a respected and enterprising farmer and stock raiser, who resides on section 10, Danielson township. He is a son of Nels and Karen Madson, and was born in Denmark on the 20th of August, 1849. His early life was spent in his native land, where he remained until 1866, when he came to the United States with his parents, and settled in Steele county, Minn. A year later, in July, 1867, they removed to Meeker county, and the father took a homestead on section 8, in Danielson township, in which township there was only six settlers at that time. Here the father died in October, 1872, and the mother in April, 1885.

After his father's death, Carl went to St. Paul and worked at different kinds of employment for about two years, when he returned to the homestead and remained with his mother until the 4th of June, 1882, when he was married to Miss Anna Marie Madson. She was born March 19, 1860, and is a daughter of Martin and Anna Marie Madson, who are residents of Danielson. By this marriage, Carl Nelson and wife have been the parents of two children - Minnie, born June 11, 1883, and Nels, born November 30, 1885. Tlie family are members of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Nelson now lias a valuable farm, of which he lias considerable under cultivation, and has a comfortable home. He has the farm well stocked and devotes his energies to diversified farming and stock raising. By economy and industry' he has placed himself in comfortable circumstances, and is justly rated as one of the leading citizens of his township. He has taken an active interest in township affairs, and has held various local offices, including those of supervisor and road overseer.

HE WELL-KNOWN and able editor the Litchfield News-Ledger, W. D. JouBERT, is a native of Fon du Lac county, Wis., born in September, 1852. His parents were Stephen and Elizabeth Joubert ; the father of French descent, but born in Montreal, Canada, and the mother a native of New York. Stephen Joubert was a carpenter by trade. He was one of the pioneers of Hudson, Wis., but is now a resident of Traverse county, Minn.

W. D. Joubert had but little schooling advantages, until he was nine years of age, but from that time until he was fifteen, the most of his time was spent in school. When he was fifteen. he began life on his own account and began learning the printer's trade with Daggett & Rose, at Wabasha, Minn. He remained with them for three years and then went to LaCrosse, Wis. Later we find him at Minneapolis, where, for several months, he worked on the Minneapolis Hews, then edited by George K. Shaw. From there, in April, 1872, with Franli Daggett, the man under whom he had learned his trade, he came to Litchfield, and started the Litchfield Ledger, wliich has since become the News- Ledger.

Mr. Joubert was married December 3, 1881, to Miss Ida Kline, of Kingston, Meeker county. They now have one child - Ethel,, who is five years of age. Mr. Joubert is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined the Golden Fleece Lodge in 1873, and is quite active in promoting the interests of the organization. He is also a member of the fire company, and was one of the principal workers in getting that organization estabUshed. Besides these he is a member of the military company, and was one of the charter members of the dramatic association, which was organized in 1873. Mr. Joubert is a staunch republican in political faith, and is recognized as one of the ablest editorial writers on political questions in this part of the State.

"OHN AUGUSTUS SAMPSON, who resides on section -t, Greenleaf township, "is one of the leading farmers and stock raisers, and also* one of the most prominent cit izens in the southern part of Meeker county. He comes of a nationality, wliich, through their industry and frugality, makes the most substantial and valuable citizens of Minnesota. He was born in Sweden, on the 9th of August, 1849, and came to the United States in 1858 with his parents, John and Anna Hellena Sampson. After having resided one year and a half in Jamestown, N. Y., he, with his mother and youngest sister, joined his father and oldest sister, who had gone six months before, in Minnesota, in tlie fall of 1859, and took up their residence with the husband and father, on section 4, in the town of Greenleaf, Meeker county, where they

John A., the subject of this biographical memoir, was reared on a farm, imbibing and acquiring from the necessities, the principles and habits of industry and economy which were so essentially a concomitant of pioneer life. As no district schools were yet in the neighborhood, he managed to attend a few months school a few miles from home, working at the same time in a private family for his board. Being fond of reading and general information, he enlarged his stock of knowledge in both the Swedish and English languages, and tried in all respects to be a sel-fmade man. An op]iortunity offered itself to acquire a more substantial knowledge in the winter of 1864 and 1805, when he resolved to attend for a few months, the Anscary Academy, at East Union, Carver county, then superintended by his brotherin-law, Rev. Andrew Jackson.

On the 30th of August, 1874, he was joined in marriage to Anna Elizabeth Romwall. His wife was born in Sweden July 29, 1852, and came to America in 1864 with her parents, who are still living in Carver county, Minn. Their marriage has been blessed with five children, as follows: P>eda (deceased), born July 2, 1875 ; Freda L. V., born June 11, 1877; Esther A., born June 3, 1879; Joshua Theodore, born July 14, 1881 ; Hannah JST., born November 23, 1883; and Walter C. E., born June 30, 1887. The family are active and jirominent members in the Beckville Lutheran church.

Mr. Sampson has taken an active interest in public matters, and is I'ated as one of the most substantial and prominent citizens of his township. In political matters he affiliates with the republican party, and has held many offices of local importance, including those of township supervisor, assessor, treasurer, etc. In financial matters, although, like others in his township, he has suffered some reverses, he has withal been very successful. He has a large and valuable farm, a great proportion of which is under cultivation, and has it well stocked. Ilis building improvements are among the finest in the township, making a home in which he may justly take a pride, and which is, in the enterprise it manifests, a credit to the county.

EORGE W. HARDING, one of the leading citizens of Darwin township, and the present town clerk, is living on his fertile and highly-cultivated farm on section 21. lie was born in Hardenburgh, Ind., Octol)er 3, 1852, and is the son of Mitchell and Mary A. Harding. He was reared and educated in the '-Iloosier State" and remained a resident there until April 25, 1866, when became to Meeker county, Minn., with his father, and settled in Darwin township, where he now makes his home.

Mitchell Harding, the father of our subject, was born in Genesee county, N. Y., March 14, 1808, and came West and settled in Indiana in 1836, one of the pioneers of that noble State. His father was a veteran of the conflict with Great Britain in 1812-1815, and died at Fort Erie during the war. Mitchell Harding makes his home with his son, George, having given up active business pursuits, as he is over eighty years old.

George Harding was united in marriage, April 5, 1874, with Miss Josie L. Smith, and by this union they are the parents of tiiree children - Earl C, born March 1, 1875, died October 8, 1880; Jennie M., born May 11, 1878 ; and George W., born July 26, 1881.

Our subject is politically a republican, and has been called on several times by his fellow citizens to discharge official duties. He was elected chairman of the town board of supervisors, and served in that capacity three terms. Town assessor and town clerk he has also been, and at present holds the two offices - clerk of the township and school district treasurer. Keligiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his estimable wife holds communion with the Chui'ch of God, and both are sincere, earnest. Christian people.

^^VENNING JOHNSON is a respected ~^^ and successful farmer, who resides on section 21, Danielsoii township. Like a majority of the most thrifty and enterprising farmers of his township, Mr. Johnson is a native of Sweden, where he was born November 3, 1831. His early life was spent in his native land, but in 1869 he came to the United States, and first settled in Illinois, where he remained for two years, working for different farmers. At the end of that time, on April 24, 1871, he came to Meeker county, Minn., and ]nirchased forty acres of land on section 21, in Danielson township, where he has since lived. He has since bought 140 acres more, so that he now owns 180 acres, 100 of which are on section 21, and eighty on 29.

Mr. Johnson was married ]^fay 2, 1862, while still in Sweden, to Johanna Larson, and their union has been blessed with the following named children : Amanda, born Api'il 18, 1863 ; Augusta, born September 9, 1864 ; Lewis, born August 28, 1867 ; August, born September 26, 1869 ; Hattie, born September 1, 1872, and Emel, born July 28, 1874. Amanda and Augusta are working in St. Paul. The son, Lewis, has general charge of the farm, as his father is now well along in years, and is spending the evening of his long and useful life, partially retired from the active participation in farm labor. The famil}' are members of the Methodist church.

States he was a poor man, and it was only by the hardest labor and strictest economy that he secured a start and was able to support his family. lie pei-severed, however, and is now in very good circumstances, having a cojnfortable home in which to spend the latter part of his life, and is possessed of a comfortable property.

"OHN YOUNGSTROM, a farmer, residing on section 2S, Litchfield township, is one of the most intelligent and best-posted citizens in his portion of the county. He is a native of Sweden, born on the 1st of Februar}^, 184-5, and is a son of Andrew and Christine Youngstrom. John grew to manhood at the home of his parents, and at an ea,rly age embarked in the mercantile business, continuing it until 1868, when he came to the United States. Shortly after his arrival he decided to locate in Meeker county, Minn., and accordingly purchased parts of sections 21, 28 and 29, in Litchfield township. His farm at that time was one of the largest operated by one man west of the " Big Woods," but after about ten years' trial, he became convinced that it was not quantity of land which was essential to success in farming, but sagacity and business tact in management. Accordingly, he unloaded a good portion of his huge farm, and has since been operating on the safe side. Although the grassho]ipers, hailstorms and drouth have caused him serious backsets, entailing the loss of three crops in four years, he has managed to come out of it all in pretty good financial shape.

Mr. Youngstrom was married in 1871 to Mary C. Kjellander, a daughter of John Kjellander, and a native of Sweden, born in 1844. Four children have been born to them, viz.: John Oscar, Hilder Mary, Olga and Axel H. Although Mr. Youngstrom has never been caught m the maelstrom of political office seeking, he has ever been a close student of political economy, and has lent a considerable amount of time and all his influence to the remedying of existing evils in governmental aff'airs, and is an unyielding foe to monopoly and all manner of oppression and harmful influences.

l^RANK E. DAGGETT, deceased, was Jp^ at one time one of the most prominent citizens of Meeker count}^ and during his residence at Litchfield, figured conspicuously in its history. He was a native of Vermont, but when quite young he came "West to Fond du Lac, Wis., and in 1853, went to Hudson, in the same State. He learned the trade of a printer when still a boy, at Hudson, Wis., and Stillwater, Minn. At an early day he went to Kansas and Nebraska, and as a journalist, took an active part in the antislavery movements, being one of John Brown's most active associates, and expected fully to accompany Brown on the Harper's Ferry expedition ; but he went home to visit his mother, and as the move took place earlier than was planned, he did not get back in time to participate in it. After that, he went to St. Paul and began working at his trade on the old Pioneer. From there he returned to Rutland county, Vt., and in 18(>0 was married. Before he started West again, war was declared, and he enlisted for three months in the First Vermont Regiment. At the expiration of his term of service, he came to Minnesota and enlisted in the Sixth Minnesota Infantry, and was ordered to the frontier to participate in the Indian warfare. After the close of the Indian troubles, he went before the examining board at St. Louis, and having passed the examination, was appointed lieutenant in the 117th LTnited States Regiment [colored], and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. In the summer of 1861 he was taken sick and ordered to resie:n.

He then returned to Minnesota and worked on the Pioneer until 1S*!6 when he went to Wabasha and purchased the ^Vahaslla Herald. This he published until the fall of 1870, when he went to LaCrosse and bought an interest in the Leader, of that place, the firm becoming Taylor, Burns & Daggett. Through some mismanagement the firm became insolvent, and Mr. Daggett began work on the Milwaukee Daily News as a compositor. .In the fall of 1871 he was given a position as city editor on the Minneapolis News, and remained there till April, 1872, when he resigned and came to Litchfield, and in company with W. D. Joubert, established the Litchfield Ledger. While'in business here he was three times elected clerk of the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was a prominent and active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and at one time was Grand Commander of the Department of Minnesota. The post at Litchfield was named " Frank Daggett Post," in honor of him. Mr. Daggett's death occurred Saturday, October li, 1876. He was then in his thirtyninth year.

CHARLES A. STAPLES, a successful merchant of the village of Manannah, is a native of Waldo county, Me., born February 17, 1843, and is the seventh son of Jacob C, and Elizabeth (Small) Staples, both of whom were also natives of the Pine Tree State. The father of our subject was born March 0, 1801, and his mother March 24, 1805. Their marriage took place March 20, 1828, and they continued to make their home in their native State until October, 1854, when they came to Minnesota with their family of ten children, of whom our subject was one. The\^ settled in Sauk Valley, six miles west of where St. Cloud is now located, but at that time there was not a house where the city now is located. They remained in that vicinity until the time of their death, the mother October 17, 1874, the father, November 26, 1879. The latter's demise was caused by exposure, cold and exhaustion. He was then a man of seventyeight years and having been to St. Cloud, upon a visit to a son who still resides there, and on returning missed his road and landed in the night on Maine Prairie, and being refused shelter by professed Christian people along the way, was out all night that cold November night, and died a few days later. Charles A. remained at home with his parents until attaining his majority, during which time he learned the carpenter's trade of his father, also a good knowledge of farming which afterwai'd he made a success. He came to Meeker county, and took up a homestead on section 5, Union Grove to\vnship, selecting his land in July, 1864. After filing papers for a homestead in August, he enlisted, September 3, 1864, in the Fourth Minnesota Infantry as a recruit, with which he served only about three months, and then being discharged for disabilitv, he returned to his claim and commenced improving it, and made it his home until 1882, during which time he had added by purchase some 360 acres to his original homestead. He then sold his original homestead and went to Litchfield and entered into a partnership in company with his brothers, J. II. and N. P., under the firm name and style of Staples Brothers, who were then in the business of general merchandising. In the spring of 1883 he sold out and made a trip to Dakota, with the intention of dealing in hardware, lumber and farm machinery in Spink county, but returned and located at Manannah, and in November of that year put in a new stock of general merchandise and commenced his present business in company with his brother, J. H. Staples, and continued the business as Staples Brothers up to April 13, 1888, when he purchased his brother's interest and assumed sole proprietorship. He left l^ome emptyhanded but by diligence and business tact natural to him, before he left Union Grove township, he had accumlated a fine farm of 240 acres of land and $3,000 in cash. lie was chairman of the board of town supervisors in that precinct, justice of the peace and town clerk for a number of years, and held some office of trust or responsibility in that town nearly all the time of his residence there. He was, also, active in all educational work and is now one of the trustees in the village of Manannah.

Mr. Staples was united in marriage in the year 1870, with Miss Sarah A. Hinds, a native of Columbia county. Wis., and a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Thomas) Hinds, who settled in Union Grove in 1864. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Staples became the parents of three children - Carrie Angelia, born January 4, 1871 ; Ancil Edmonds, born August 21,1872; and Frances Ann, born January 1, 1882.

^ON. ANDREW NELSON, one of the prominent and leading citizens of Meeker county, resides in the village of Litchfield. His sterling integrity in all his dealings with his fellow men, the honor and ability displayed in official positions and the spotless purity of his private life, have won for him the respect of the entire conmiunity. He is a native of Sweden, born December 29, 1829, in the Forsamling of Troninge Paapsbyl), No. 3, Hallandslane, which is about three-quarters of a Swedish mile (about five miles English) from Halmstadt.

The father of our subject, Nels Anderson, was born in 1773, and was a native of the same country and one of the wealthiest faimers of that locality. He had erected some very fine farm buildings, but lost them by fire, and this, and other misfortunes which overtook him, reduced him in circumstances. He had been assaulted and nearly killed by a man who bore him enmity, and left for dead, with his brains almost oozing from his fractured skull, but being of a very strong constitution he recovered his physical strength, although his mental balance was considerably affected. He came to the United States in 1862, with his wife, Johanna (Anderson) Anderson, and came at once to St. Paul. He died there about 1867, after lying in bed for three j^ears, having been crippled by being run over, and never recovered. His widow is now making her home with her son, Andrew Nelson, in Litchfield, and notwithstanding her eighty-eight years, she having been born in October, 1800, is in the enjoyment of nearly aU her faculties, and in excellent health.

Andrew Nelson, on account of his father's misfortunes, received but a limited education, the present excellent school system of Sweden not having then been adopted; there were no public schools. He, on attaining maturer years, worked out at farm work until the spring of 1856, when, taking passage on a sailing vessel from the port of Gottenborg, emigrated to the new world, and, after a stormy voyage across the Atlantic ocean, arrived in New York harbor on the 3d of July, and was compelled to stay on shipboard all of the 4th. At night when the surrounding scenery was lit up by the brilliant lights of the fireworks, he and his fellow travelers thought the inhabitants of America must be crazy, for they had no idea of our celebrating that day. On landing, Mr. Nelson started for the West and located at Galesburg, 111., where he remained two years, working at farm labor, and teaming, hauling wood for the railroad, etc. In July, 1858, he came to Minnesota and settled in Monongalia count}', now a part of Kandiyohi county, where he took up 160 acres of land near Foot Lake. He commenced the im-

There was living in the house with him, for he was at that time a single man, his brother-in-law, Swan Swanson, with the Litter's wife and three children, Annie, Theodore and Emma. On the 21st of August they received the news of the massacre at Acton and the general uprising of the savages, and at once made preparations for flight. Mr. Nelson assisted Swanson to take off the hayrack from the running gear of the wagon and substitute the box, into which they loaded some of their household goods and the little family, and started for a place of safety, Mr. Nelson remaining to collect some forty head of cattle which they had. Night overtook him, and, starting in the darkness, he soon heard whispered voices near him and incautiously shouted, "Who's there?" and in an instant the rapid footsteps of his savage foes gave him the alarm as they rushed toward him. Favored by the night, he eluded them and made his way toward Foot's house. He saw the Indians enter the house, and he crept into the cornfield ; but hearing them in liis immediate neighborhood, the rustling of the leaves and the breaking of the stalks betra3'ing their movements, he slipped out and sought security elsewhere. Arriving on the banks of Mud Lake, he jumped off of a high bank for the water below, but fell into a scrub oak, but a minute or two after dropped into the lake in mud and water to his armpits. After a short time spent there he scrambled out, and as the water in his boots made such a noise when he walked he pulled them off, and in doing so lost one and then threw the other away. He wandered all about the prairie all night in his bare feet, and at one time, having cast himself down beside a log by the side of the road, saw, dimly portrayed against the sky, the figures of several of his pursuers pass within a. few feet of him. As the morning dawned he heard the sound of musketry, and looked about him to find out his bearings, for he was still bewildered with his wander, ings and did not know where he was, and, casting himself into the grass, made out that he was in the vicinity of Oscar Erickson's house, about two miles from his own ])lace. This cabin was near the outlet of Eagle Lake, and contained four families, those of Foot, Carlson, Swanson and Erickson, who were making a brave defense and drove off the invaders. Young Carlson was killed, and Mr. Foot and Mr. Erickson severely wounded, but all escaped with their lives, except the former. Mr. Nelson, after waiting a short time within about sixty rods of the house, finally struck across the prairie for Diamond Lake. His lacerated feet, the flesh cut from them and bleeding at every step, hardly allowed him to make much speed, but on arriving at the house of Mr. Gates he found a number of the settlers ready to start, but calmly preparing their breakfast. Mr. Nelson's tidings of the nearness of the ruthless savages altered all this, and, abandoning the half-prepared meal, they quickly betook themselves to flight, he riding with them, for by this time the pain in his feet had become insupportable. Behind them, a few miles, they could see a train of fleeing settlers, who were attacked about two miles west of Swede Grove, but who beat off the savages by drawing up their wagons in a circle around a hole in the earth, corraline: their animals and fighting it out with the Indians, losing two of their number, Lorenson and Bucklin. The band with whom the subject of this sketch was arrived at Forest City, and pi-epared to go on east beyond the Big Woods for safety. Mr. Nelson went with them as far as Kingston, where, through the kindness of Mr. Davidson, the miller, ami his wife, he had his feet washed and the wounds dressed with tallow and linen rags bv that gentleman, who loaned him a pair of Indian mocassins to wear. Borrowing a hoise of Swan Munson, Mr. Nelson determined to return and seek his brother-in-law's famil\% but on the way thither met Lieut. J. B. Atkinson, of the Meeker county militia, who was ordered with his squad to take all the horses they could find to mount the command. Mr. Nelson was ordered to dismount, but lie would not, and informed the officer that he could not have the horse as long as he (Mr. Nelson) was alive, whereupon the good-natured officer told him to come along with him, and Mr. Nelson joined the troop, enlisting as a private therein. Tliis was in Captain Whitcomb's company. From this time out Mr. Nelson participated in every movement of the troop, being with every detail. The first time he was out with them they got as far as Peter Lund's farm, and foun<l the Indians preparing a meal in a big iron kettle, which they had strung gypsyfashion over a fire, they having killed one of the settler's hogs. Quitea skirmish occurred, and the Indians retreated to the woods to draw the squad into an ambush, but, their design being penetrated, our forces fell back to Forest City. At another time, as is detailed elsewhere, they were driven back by some three or four hundred savages, re-inforcements to their foes being perceived all around the horizon, and threatening the total annihilation of the little band if they were surrounded. The next day they built the stockade at Forest City, and Mr. Nelson helped defend that place during the attack made on it on the morning of the 3d of September. A few days afterward the command moved to Hutchinson to escort their wounded, and as their horses were stolen the men had to walk. Ole Ingeman loaned Mr. Nelson a horse to ride, but tiie officer would not allow tliat, and our subject was compelled to hobble along as he best could, for his feet were still in a horrible condition. He also toolv part in the expedition to Diamond and Eagle Lakes, where he acted as guide, and helped bury the dead bodies they found.

After the company was disbandeil, Mr. Nelson went to St. Paul, and worked for the Government at Fort Snelling, building stables, etc., after which he was employed at various labor in that city, sawing wood and other work, the winter of 1862 and 1863. In the spring of 1863 he leased forty acres of land in AVashington county, of John Forber, and put in a crop, and the next year purchased eighty acres of lantl in the same county. To this he added, little bv little, until he owned some 200 acres, all of which he had under cultivation. In 1867 he sold out his property and purchased between 300 and 400 acres of land in Darwin township, this county, on section 19, near Nelson Lake, and moved on it in 1868, commencing to open up a farm. There he made his home until about 1871, when he sold it to his father-in-law, Ole Johanson ; and purcliasing a lot in Litchfield, put up a building, and in company with his brother, B. P. Nelson, opened a stock of general merchand ise. Some years later he sold this business to Alexander Cairncross, since which time he has been variously employed, principally in looking after his large landed property, and farming a little.

Mr. Nelson was one of the original stockholders of the Meeker County Bank, and was its first president, and has always taken an active interest in the business life of the village. He was elected to the Sixteenth Legislature of this State, and served in the lower house during the session of- 1874. In 1875 and 1876, he represented this district in the State senate. As chairman of the board of county commissioners of Meeker county, Mr. Nelson served this people during the years 1884, 1885 and 1886, with credit to himself and honor to the judgment of the constituency that sent him tliere. He was village trustee of Litclilield in 1873, and is now a member of the city council, having been elected to serve through 1888 and 1889.

Mr. Nelson and Miss Ellen Johanson were united in marriage March 28, 1868. She is a daughter of Ole and Hannah Johanson, natives of Sweden, and was born in the latter country. She came to America with her parents in 1857, who, after a short stay in St. Paul, settled that year in what is now Litchfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were the parents of but one child, who died when but nine days old.

OHN SAMPSON, a respected farmer and pioneer of Meeker county, whose home is on section 4, Greenleaf township, is a native of Sweden, born on the 2Stli of March, 1815, and a son of Peter and Catherine Samuelson. His early life was spent on the farm of his parents, employed at farming and carpenter work. In 1858 he came to tiie United States, having previous to this been married, and after living for one year in Jamestown, N. Y., he, with the oldest daughter, took up their westward march in April, 1859, and came to Meeker countv, Minn. The trip from the Eastern States was made by way of railroad and steamboat as far as Carver, Minn., the rest of the family remaining in Jamestown until in the fall. He, together with Charles Allen and Swan Palm, made the journey from Carver on foot. The tri]) was one of severe hardship, as they found it almost impossible to get provisions. Mr. Sampson returned to Carver with an ox team for his baggage, and the roads were so bad that many limes he was obliged to unload the wagon and carry its contents through the mire in his arms. Shortly after arriving in Meeker county he selected land in section 4, in Greenleaf, and the following year (1860) erected a house, and has since continued to reside there, although extensive building and other improvements have been made, so that the farm of to-daj' makes a wonderful contrast with the rude cabin home of twenty -eight years ago.

Mr. Sampson's marriage took place on the 20th of June, 1842, when Anna Ilellena, a daughter of Jonas Jonson, became his wife. She was born in Sweden November 18, 1822. Their marriage was blessed with three children, as follows - Christina, born October 20, 1845, died October 25, 1875; John Augustus, who is mentioned at length elsewhere in this volume, and Johanna Louisa, born January 19, 1852, died April 4, 1886.

At the time of the Indian outbreak the family were living on the farm and the father was doing carpenter work for the neighborhood. The news of the massacre at Acton, only a few miles distant, reached the family on the 17th of August, 1862, and after sto]iping a short time at the houses of neiglibors they went to Forest City. After remaining there and at Kingston a short time, they spent several weeks at Clearwater and St. Paul and then went to Cottage Grove, Washington county, Minn., where they rented a farm and remained until the fall of 1864. They then returned to the homestead.

Mr. Sampson is now spending the evening of his life, partially retired from the cares of active business, and holds the respect and esteem of all who know him. Both he and his wife are members of the Beckville Swedish Lutheran church, and are exemplary Christian people.

liMVANlEL DANIELSON, a successful tkj fanner and stock raiser, residing on section 6, Danielson township, and one of the most prominent citizens in that portion of the county, is a native of Norway, and was born on December 14, 1840, his parents being Daniel and Ingber Aslagson. His «arly life was one of industry and economy, and he was thrown on his own resources when still a mere lad, having earned his own living ever since he was twelve years of age. Wlien he was twenty years of age he left his native land, booking as a sailor on a native vessel for about nine months, then left it in England, and made one trip to the West Indies. In 1862 he left London on a vessel bound for China, and was shipwrecked about sixty miles off the coast of China. After this he remained in China about six "months, acting as quartermaster on a steamer. He then went to Australia, w^here he remained for about five years, part of the time in New Zealand, digging gold ; also working in Sidney, New South Wales, and a part of the time he sailed among the Friendly Isles. He left there in 1868, and after spending about three months at his native iiome in Norway, he sailed for the United States. Upon his arrival in this country, about July 1, he came direct to Meeker county, Minn., and bought eighty acres of railroad land, section 5, in Danielson township. About nine months later he took a homestead on section 30, where he lived for seven years, when he sold that and purchased his present place on section 6. He has also sold his railroad land, so that he now owns 160 aci'es, a good deal of which is under a high state of cultivation. He has suffered some reverses through the loss of crops, particularly in 1876 and 1877 from grasshoppers, and in 1885 from hail.

In political matters, Mr. Danielson is a prohibitionist, and he has taken an active interest in pul^lic matters, having held various offices, including tiiose of township clerk one year and assessor five years.

blessed with the following named children : Peter Chri, born April 2.3, 1869; Ine Dorthy, born April 16,1871; Daniel Edward, born July 26, 1873 ; Hannah Julia, born August 12, 1875 ; Victor Emanuel, born December 9, 1877 ; Martin Julius, born December 16, 1878 ; and Inger Malinda, born March 27, 1885.

ll^EONARD ROMAN. The subject of W&^ this biographical notice, a resident of section 17, is one of the most prominent and successful farmers and stock raisers in Greenleaf township. He was born in Varmland, Sweden, on the 22d of April, 1845. His parents were born, and lived in the land of his birth until the time of their deaths. Leonard was reared on a farm and remained in his fatherland until 1869, when he sailed for the United States, and came direct to Meeker county, Minn., settling in Greenleaf township, where he has since lived. He now has 270 acres of lanil, a good share of whicli is under a high state of cultivation. Pie has been very successful in his farming operations, although he has met with the partial loss of several crops ; but by careful management and hard labor he has accumulated a comfortable pro]ierty. He has taken an active interest in public matters, and has held various offices of a local nature, including that of township assessor. In political affairs he affiliates with the prohibition party.

Mr. Roman was married on the 6th of July, 1876, to Emma E. Ilagerstrom, and their marriage has been blessed with the following children - Axel L., born "June 5, 1877; Benhart E., born March 9, 1879; Victor E., born June 19, 1880; Emma E., born June 4, 1883 ; and Arnold A., born January 18, 1885 - all of whom are still living except Benhart E., who died August 28, 1879, and whose remains are interred in tiie Beckville cemetery. The family attend the

Mission church. Mrs. Roman's parents were also natives of Sweden. They came to Meeker county, Minn., in August, 1871, and are now living in Greenleaf township.

CHARLES A. LAUGHTON, one of the prominent business men of Litchfield, was born in Platteville, Grant county, Wis., March 20, 1851, and is the son of George R. and Mildred (Durley) Laughton. His father was born in Soho Square, London, Eng., June 27, 1820, and came to the United States in 1835, arriving in New York October 25. He came to Southport, now Kenosha, Wis., with L. G. Merrill and John Nichols, who lirought some $56,000 worth of goods to that place October 30, 1842. In December following, these parties sent him to Platteville, with a large stock of goods. He became a large land owner in that county and lived on a farm in the environs of Platteville until 1870, when he removed to that village, where he lives retired from business. He was married. May 1, 18-t4, to Miss Mildred Durley, who was born August 9, 1828, at Greenville, Bond county. 111., who died January' 8, 186-1.