Mower County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 10 of 14)

Charles K. Olson, a substantial citizen of Nevada township, Avas born in Norway, June 7, 1852, son of Charles Olson and Mary 0. Olson, both natives of Norway and both now deceased. Charles K. came to Quebec in 1870 on an old sailing vessel, the "Skein." The wind failed them and before the landing was made in Quebec, after eleven weeks on the water, the boat exliausted its store of food and drink. From Quebec Charles K. came to Adams village and worked out for a year, afterward going to Iowa for a year. Then he returned, attended school win- ters and for a period of ten years spent his time laboring by the month on farms, in the woods and in various other capacities. By frugality he saved enough money to buy eighty acres in section 10, Nevada township, and with this start he prospered until he now owns 320 acres of good land. He raises corn, potatoes and timothy and makes a specialty of cattle, mostly Herefords, for beef and dairy purposes. Mr. Olson is a Republican in politics and has been justice of the peace four years, director of the school board of his district five years, and treasurer of the same district for eight years. He has been a stockholder in the Nevada Co-Operative Creamery for seventeen years and disposes of his cream to that institution. The subject of this sketch Avas married, January 1, 1877, to Sara Ostemuson, a native of Norway, who came to the United States in 1870. Six children have been born to them: Carl is at home; Andrena married Lars A. Larson and lives in Adams township ; Mollie is now Mrs. Hans O. Sampson, of Nevada township ; Annie, Christ and Julia are at home.

Albert Paape, a modern farmer of Waltham township, was born near Berlin, Germany, August 30, 1860, son of August and ]\Iary (Tews) Paape. He came to America with his parents and lived with them in Wisconsin, his father, August, dying there. Albert started in life for himself by working out by the day near Winona, this state, for three years. Then he spent two years in Waltham. Subsequently he went to Nebraska, but in 1898 again came to Waltham township and purchased 160 acres in section 8, where he still resides. He erected the house where lie now lives and has a large and well-tilled farm, well equipped with tools and machinery and having a suitable number of buildings for the housing of stock and crops. Mr. Paape married Bertha Wiesch, and they have twelve children.

Joseph Reinartz, a Mower county farmer now living in Lansing township, Avas born in Washington county, Wisconsin, August 31, 1865, son of Joseph Reinartz, who Avas born in Germany and came to America in 1849, settling in Washington county, Wisconsin, where he raised his family. Joseph, Sr., came to Mower county in 1879 and took up his abode at Rose Creek, where he engaged in farming and Avhere he still lives, making his home Avith his son John and his daughter Anna. Joseph, Jr., the subject of this sketch, went to school in Wisconsin and at Rose Creek in MoAver county. When he Avas fourteen years of age he started in life for himself by Avorking out among the farmers of the county. In 1886 he rented a farm, wliich he conducted five years. Subsequentl.y he rented another farm for two years and in 1893 came to Lansing and purchased I' is present place. His farm is near the village. Mr. Reinartz lias beeu on the township board six years and is now chairman of tlie board. He is also a member of the Foresters. By liis wife, Anna Gertrude Shnornberg, daughter of Henry and Gertrude (Weise) Shnornberg, ]\Ir. Reinart has eight chiklrcn, as follows: Anna M., Josephine, Bernard, Lawrence, Albert H., Henry J., Leonard and Helen E.

George Sutton, one of the pioneers of Mower county, has lived here since 1857, and has taken an active interest in township and county affairs. He has done his part toward the development of this section of the country and has always been outspoken in behalf of the things that he has believed to be for tlie best interests of the community. He was born March 19, 3838. in Greens county, Ireland, son of Stephen and Mary (Mc- Bride) Sutton, the father a native of County Longford, Irelaud, and the mother of County Donegal, Ireland. The subject of this sketch came to this country with his parents in 1849, remaining in New York state until 1857, when he came with Ihem to Mower county, locating at Rose Creek, Windom township. After his father's death, in 1859, he entered the claim Avhich his father had pre-empted, as heir-at-law, and acquired the proper title. Here he developed the land, erected buildings and followed general farming until 1873, when he moved his family into the village of Rose Creek, and engaged in grain baying, still continuing, however, to conduct his farm. He followed the grain buying business until 1898, when he retired from active participation in business. In 1896, he returned to the old farm, where he now lives with his son, Arthur, who conducts the homestead. Mr. Sutton is a Democrat in politics, a lifelong member of the Masons and a former member of the Grange. He has served as justice of the peace, is a member of the town l)oard of Windom and has been a member of the school board for many years. He also held other local offices. The subject of this sketch was married in Windom township, January 7, 1866, to Alma E. Slocum, who died February 8, 1901, leaving two children: Alice, now Mrs. Uber E. Bryant, of Oakland, Cal., and Arthur R., who conducts the home farm. Stephen Sutton, father of George Sutton, was born in County Longford, north of Ireland, and there received his education, afterward l;ecoming a civil engineer. He was employed as government surveyor in Ireland for fourteen years, traveling all over that country. In 1849, he came with his family to America, locating at Norwich, Chenango county. New York, where they remained until April, 1857, when they set out to seek a new home in Minnesota, coming directly to what is now Windom townsliip. where he entered a claim in section 26 and remained until his death, in 1859. Here his good wife remained with her son until

J. J. Scallon is one of the well-liked young men of Austin, and is in every way capable to fill the position he occupies. Mr. Scallon was born in Wisconsin, March 31, 1884, son of William S. and Julia Scallon, both of whom are now living in Wisconsin. J. J. Scallon received his education in the common schools of Wisconsin and later graduated from the business course in the AVisconsiu Business College at La Crosse, Wis. After graduation, he kept books for the John Gund Brewing Company, of La Crosse, for a few months, and was then made manager of the branch of that company at Austin. In this position he has since remained. This was the first brewery agency to be established in Austin. Southern Minnesota and northern Iowa points are supplied from here and the constantly growing business now amounts to over $40,000 a year.

Antone Swenson conducts the Swenson estate of 220 acres in Marshall township for his brothers and sisters and is one of the substantial citizens of the township. He was born in 1878, in Sweden, and was brought to Mower county 'by his father, Andrew Swenson, in the early eighties. He is well liked in the township, has been road overseer for several terms, votes the Republican ticket and attends the Swedish Lutheran church. Andrew Swenson was born in Sweden, came to America in the early eighties, and located in section 29, Marshall township, T/here he became a successful farmer, dying in 1899. He had eight children: Charles is a teacher in St. Paul; Annie lives at home; Esther and Nathle are in Austin; Manda is teaching school in this county, Hattie and Cora are at home, and Antone manages the home place.

Charles A, Sleeper was born in Fairfax, Vt., August 12, 1848, son of A. L. and Elbertine (Church) Sleeper. He spent his early life in his father's store and is now engaged in the dry goods and notion business, which enterprise he started in 1905. He was married to Delia, daughter of L. C. and Amelia (Dunlap) Gillett, and to this union has 'been born one child, Edna. Mr. Sleeper is a member of the M. W. A. and attends the Baptist church.

Ozro A. Sleeper Avas born in Fairfax, Vt., August 31, 1850, son of A. L. and Elbertine (Church) Sleeper, and was brought to Mower county in 1864, his father having located on a farm near Brownsdale two years previous. After completing his school days, he entered his father's store and engaged with other members of the family in the general mercantile business until 1905, when he took over the business of manufacturing the Sleeper lightning flypaper, which was invented by his father and bj' him manufactured for many years. Ozro A. Sleeper devotes his entire time to the manufacture and sale of this flypaper, and his success has been marked, the last season's business being larger than that of any preceding year. The subject of this sketch married Ella Hoy, daughter of John Hoy. He is a member of Lafayette Lodge, No. 116, A. F. & A. M., Brownsdale, and the St. Barnard Commandery, K. T., as well as of the M. B. A. and the United Commercial Travelers.

Knute Thompson, a respected farmer of Nevada township, was born in Norway, October 26, 1850, son of Thomas Torbensou and Turber Knustader, his wife, both of whom were born, spent their lives and died in Norway. Knute came to this country in 1872, making the trip in a sailing vessel from Norway to New York. He landed on American soil June 25, after an eight Aveeks' tiresome and dangerous trip. He lived three months in Wisconsin, and then came to Nevada township, this county, where he worked out by the month for a year. Then he rented land a year, and at the end of this period had saved enough to acquire eighty acres of good land in section 7, Nevada township. In 1882, he i?urchased eighty acres in section 4, Adams township, and has since continued to make his home here. He has erected a comfortable home and the necessary buildings for stock and crops and carries on diversified farming. He devotes his attention largely to grain and cattle raising, selling the milk from liis herd to the Adams Co-operative creamery. Mr. Thompson is a Republican in politics, has been road overseer for twelve years and member of the school board nine years. He aligns himself with the progressives. The subject of this sketch was married November 8, 1872, to Arlia Aslexon, a native of Norway, and they have seven children: Trina, Alex, Thomas, Theodore, Hans, Henry and Clara. Trina is now the wife of Ole Erickson, of Northfield, Minn. : Alex is farming in Williams county, North Dakota, and is also interested in coal mining ; Thomas is married and resides in Faribault, ]\linn. ; Theodore is at home; Hans is married and has a homestead in Williams county, Minnesota ; Henry has a homestead in Valley county, Montana; Clara is the wife of AVilliam Peterson, a builder in Minneapolis.

Hans A. Turtdal, a successful farmer of Nevada township, was born in Norway, August 24, 1857, and came to America in 1878. After landing in New York, he made his way directly to Nevada township, where he worked as a farm hand ten years and then rented land for six years. He purchased forty acres of land and started farming on his own account. His operations have been crowned with .success and he now owns 180 acres in section 21. He has followed diversified farming and makes a specialty of raising hogs for the market and cows for beef and dairy purposes. INIr. Turtdal is a Eepublican in polities, but has never aspired to public office. He was married February 12, 1891, to Annie Lee. a native of Wisconsin, born December 9, 1860. They have three children: Lena, aged eighteen, at home; Trina, at school in Albert Lea, and Alfred, who lives at home and attends the public schools. The family worships at the Lutheran church.

Nicholas Ulwelling, now deceased, was a solid and respected citizen of Lansing for many years, having taken up his residence in the township in 1892 and purchased the old Yates farm. He was born in Germany and came to America with his parents in 1851. They emigrated to Washington county, Wisconsin, and in 1870 came to Mower county and located in the township of N'evada. In 1892, as before related, Mr. Ulwelling came to Lansing. His farm is now one of the richest in the county, consisting of 440 well-tilled acres, with suitable and modern buildings and machinery. After a life of successful toil, Mr. Ulwelling passed away January 19, 1910. Mrs. Ulwelling now has charge of the farm, assisted by her children, and is a capable business woman. Before her marriage she was Margaret ITschald, a native of Wisconsin, but of German descent. The children number nine, as follows : Frank, Joseph, Margaret, Nicholas J., John, Anna, Henry, George and Trasse. Margaret is now ]\Irs. Gerhart, of Windom township, and Anna is Mrs. Balwers.

Walter S. Willmarth, now deceased, was a respected citizen of LeEoy township and left a heritage of honor to his descendants. He Avas born in Burk, N. Y., February 12, 1857, son of Elisha and Anna (Blanchard) AVillmarth. At Burk, AValter attended school and there lived until fourteen years of age, when he went to New York City with his aunt and completed his studies in the Packard Business College. After this he learned the harness-making trade and followed this vocation in New York City until 1885, when he came west and located at Blkton, 8. D., where he engaged in the general mercantile business for a period of seven years. Then he sold out and came to Minnesota, locating in LeRoy township, where he purchased 160 acres of land in section 33. On this tract he conducted general farming until his death, September 6, 1908. Since his death his wife has taken charge of the farm and, being a woman of energy and ability, she is meeting with much success in her endeavors. The subject of this sketch was married, September 23, 1885, at Flandreau, S. D., to Susie Cardiff, born in Princeton, Wis., September 1865, daughter of John and Mary Cardiff. This union has been blessed with three children: Roy G., of LeRoy; Rhoda A., now Mrs. Willis J. Sanders, and Reginald A., who lives at home. Tlie family faith is that of the Baptist church.

Peter N. Weinert, a successful and prosperous general mercliaut of Rose Creek, was born in Cedar Creek, Washington county. Wis., son of Anton and INIary (Peil) Weinert, the former of whom was born in Berlin and came to America in 1846, and the latter of whom was a native of one of the French possessions. Peter N. grew to manhood in his native county and for six years taught school in Richfield, Wis., to which place his parents had previously moved. He became deeply interested in the Cleveland campaign and ran for register of deeds in Washington countj', being defeated by but one vote. After giving up school teaching he went to college for a time, and then with Andrew Shottler bought out the store of John Cronan in Rose Creek. Two years later they sold out to E. C. Keefe. Mr. Weinert then purchased a farm four miles southeast of Austin, which he operated seven or eight years, after which he rented his place and returned to Rose Creek. In 1906 he erected a fine brick store building and entered into partnership with Henry L. Jensen in the general mercantile business. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Foresters and of the German society of the Roman Catholic church. He married Abbie Shottler and they have four children : Mary, Anthony, AVinifred and Amy.

Abe F. Watkins, retired farmer, esteemed as a loyal friend and good neighbor, was born in Wales, December 21, 1846, son of John and Mary (Turner) Watkins. He came to America with his parents in 1850, and to Austin township in 1856, receiving his education in the district schools, and remaining at home until twenty-one years of age, when he tiled on 240 acres of railroad land in Austin township, section 31, town 102, range 18. He broke the land, made general improvements and carried on general farming, making a specialty of breeding hogs and horses. In 1898 he rented his farm and came to Austin for the purpose of educating his daughters. At that time he purchased his present home on Park avenue. Mr. Watkins is a Republican. He served on the town board of Austin nine years and was school treasurer in his district lifteen years. The subject of this sketch was married, April 11, 1870, to Phoebe Carter, who died October 9, 1905, leaving five children : Franklin A. is the assistant manager of the Booth packing house in INIinneapolis ; Jennie is the wife of George Goslee, owner and proprietor of a gas plant in Chicago ; Elda, who became Mrs. Durant, died at the age of twenty-three ; Laura married James Connor and lives in Billings county. North Dakota ; Anna P., now wife of Robert Carter, a Alinneapolis electrician, graduated from the Austin high school and the AViuona normal school, taught school four years and v.as head teacher at Anoka two years; Alarjorie, now Airs. George Srinson, wliosc Imsbaiid conducts toiisorial pai'loi's at

Sargeant, graduated from the Austin high school and the Southern Minnesota normal school, of Austin, and was for several years head bookkeeper for the Hub department store in Austin. Mr. "Watkins was married the second time, October 8, 1910, to Mrs. E. H. Ingham. The family faith is that of the Baptist churcli. John and ]\Iary (Turner) "Watkins were natives of Wales, the latter being a sister of Robert Turner, a member of Parliament. They came to America in 1850, lived in Wisconsin a time, and in 1856 came to ]\Iower county and settled in Cedar City in what is now Austin township. They took a homestead of 160 acres, made the usual improvements and followed farming, the wife dying in 1858, two years after coming here, and the father in 1893, after a life filled with honest toil and successful endeavor.

Henry Beneke is one of the industrious farmers of Waltham township. His farms, located in sections 16, 17 and 20, are all under cultivation, his home and grounds are well kept, and his outbuildings commodious and in an excellent state of repair. He was born in Olmsted county, this state, June 5, 1857, son of Martin and Sophia Beneke. The father, Martin, came from Gerjnany in the late '30s and located in Wisconsin, Avhere he remained for a time. Then he located in Olmsted county, seven miles from Rochester, on the old stage road. Here he tilled the soil and lived in contentment and peace until his death in 1897. Martin Beneke often related, as the state became thickly settled, incidents of the early days when Rochester consisted of one tavern and one store, both built of logs. Henry spent his early days on a farm in Olmsted and at the age of seventeen years was given charge of the farm his father owned in section 20, Waltham township. In 1882 he moved on to this farm, and after his marriage purchased it from his father. A few years Inter he purchased his present farm in section, 16 to which he moved and where he now resides. Mr. Beneke was married in early manhood to Louisa Meyer, daughter of John Meyer, and their children are Louis, Sarah, Lydia and Edna. Louis lives in JMinneapolis. Sarah married George Condo and they have one daughter, Martha. Mrs. Louisa Beneke died in 1892, and Mr. Beneke married for his second wife Emma Schwebke.

A. R Browning, one of the foremost residents of Dexter township was born in Allegany county. New York, February 5, 1868, son of Elisha L. and Betsy A. (Bull) Browning, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Vermont. They came west to Wisconsin about 1857, then went to Allegany county, New York, and in 1876 again started for the west, bringing their family, including A. R., who at that time was but eight years old. They settled on section 18, Dexter township, built a tern- porary shack, and endured the hardships of pioneer life. Soon tliey prospered and the fruit of their hard work was seen in a fine frame house, excellent barns and well-tilled acres. A. R. Browning, as before stated, came to Dexter township with his parents. His education was received in the schools of Allegany county. New York, and in the sehols of Dexter and Brownsdale, this county. He was reared on the home place and has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. His model farm now comprises 400 acres, with suitable buildings and machinery and some sleeklooking live stock. Mr. Browning is a member of the A. F. & A. M. at Brownsdale and the M. W.A. at Dexter. He married Huldah H., daughter of John and Polina (Blanchard) Reiser, the former of whom died in 1904 and the latter in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Browning have been brightened and gladdened by the arrival in tlieir home of two fine boys, AVesley C, now aged nine, and Clifford H., aged six. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Herman Boelk, an honest and law-abiding citizen of Waltham township, was born in Germany, September 26, 1857, son of John and "Wilhelmina Boelk, who brought him to America in 1872, locating in "Waltham township, after a two months' stop by the way. For a time they rented the Matter house, and then moved into a house which they had erected on section 18. The parents took up farm work with energy and continued the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1892 and the mother in 1902. Herman Avas reared in "Waltham township, attended school, assisted his father on the home farm, and later came into possession of it. He has made many improvements on the place, and in 1902 rebuilt the home. Being of a religious nature, Mr. Boelk has allied himself with the Evangelical Lutheran denomination. Formerly he was a trustee of the Evangelical Trinity Lutheran church for five years, and for six years he has been a trustee of the St. Miehael's German Lutheran Evangelical church, to which latter church he now belongs. The subject of this sketch married Bertha "Wagner, a native of Germany, and they have eight children: Albert, Bernhart, Olga, Leona, Rosa, Louis, Herbert and Irene.

0. C. Bratrud, who gave the land upon which the Lutheran church is located in Bennington township, was born in Norway, and came to America when fourteen years of age, being seven weeks on the water. Elsie Torgrimson, who afterward became his wife, crossed the water to America some years later. After locating in Fillmore county in 1854, iMr. Bratrud acquired 145 acres of land and carried on general farming until 1890, when he removed to Spring Valley for the purpose of bettor educating his children and to look after his real estate lu:)l<lings, which consisted of a tract in Fillmore county and 380 acres in Bennington township, this county. He died February 25, 1910, and his widow survives him, making her home in St. Paul. They were the parents of seven children: Theodore graduated from the University of Minnesota and is now a practicing attorney in "Warren, Minn. ; Albert is a farmer in Bennington township ; E. O. is cashier of the State Bank at Roswell, S. D. ; Clara has just completed her studies in art at the University of INIinnesota, and L. I., Arthur and Edward are still students in that institution.

Albert Bratrud, a prosperous farmer of Bennington township, was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, April 27, 1876, son of 0. C. and Elsie (Torgrimson) Bratrud. He received his early education in the district and graded schools of his native county, took a two years' course in the Spring Valley high school, and graduated from the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota in 1898. Then he came to IMower county and purchased 160 acres of land from his father in section 22, Bennington township. On this place he has erected his home and buildings and follows general diversified farming, as well as stock and grain raising. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative creamery and elevator at Ostrander, ]\Iinn., and also has other business holdings. A Republican in politics, he has done excellent work on the school board. Mr. Bratrud Avas married, March 21, 1900, to Georgia Rendahl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. 0. Rendahl, of LeRoy township. In the family there are five children: Emil. Esther. Ruth, Olive and Milton, all at home. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

C. Arthur Carlson, machinist and automobile agent, was born in Austin, in Avhich city he still resides, March 24, 1878, son of Carl A. and Matilda (Olsen) Carlson. He received his education in the public and high schools of Austin, and then learned the machinists' trade, which he worked at until 1904, when he started in business for himself, conducting a machine shop and doing general repair work, as well as repairing and selling automobiles. He is agent for the Rambler and E-]\I-F machines, and has done much to make those makes popular in this locality. Mr. Carlson is a member of the Austin and Mower County Automobile Club, belongs to the Masonic order and to the M. W. A., attends the United Lutheran church, and votes the Republican ticket. He was married, January 16, 1901, at Austin to Anna Anderson, and this union resulted in three children: Arthur Willard, George E. and Helen C. The family residence is at the corner of College and South St. Paul streets.

tor. After his early schooling he clerked in a clothin!; store until twenty years of age, when he went to New York and underwent several years' training in the tailoring business, receiving a tirst-class diploma from JMitchell & Co., one of the finest establishments in New Y''ork City, known far and wide for excellent workmanship. After completing his training in New York City, I\Ir. Cutter came to Austin in February, 1896, and entered the employ of the Modern Tailoring Company. A year later he started business on his own account, since which date he has enjoyed that full measure of prosperity that his excellent work so richly deserves. Mr. Cutter's political affiliation is with the Socialist party and it is interesting to relate that lie was placed on the ticket for alderman of Austin two years ago and with no effort on his part came within one vote of being elected. Mr. Cutter belongs to the I\Iasonie order, and also to the M. W. A., the K. of P., the E. F. V., the B. P. 0. E. and the F. 0. E., being well liked in each. Mr. Cutter married Maude A. Patterson, daughter of William AY. Patterson, of Austin, and they have two children : Rex C. and Brooks Dare.

F. W. Cutter was born in New Haven, Conn., and married Josephine Dare, a native of New York state. In early life, F. W. followed the trade of harness maker in New Haven, and when he reached the age of twenty-one he came to Minnesota and traveled on the road fifteen years. He and his wife had three children.

Joseph V. Cafourek, one of the prosperous farmers of Lyle township, is a fine example of those whose thrift and honesty, brought from the old country, has raised them to a position of trust and honor in the community. He has raised a large family and given to each child a good education. Mr. Cafourek was born in Bohemia, October 14, 1859, son of Frank and Anna (^ludra) Cafourek, natives of Bohemia, who came to America in 1877, locating in London township, Freeborn county, this slate, where they purchased land and engaged in farming. The fallier died in 1899, and the mother still remains on the old home. Joseph V. received his early education in Bohemia, coming to America in 1876, and locating near Cleveland, Ohio, for a ]ieriod of three months. After this he came to Mower county and worked out for one summer. He then joined his parents, wiio in the meantime had located in Freeborn county, and worked for his father for a period of six years. In 1890, he purchased his pre.sont farm of 320 acres, in sections 19 and 20, Lyle township, where he erected his home and other buildings, his residence l.dng in section 19. He now carries on general farming along the latest approved lines, and is erecting a new home in section 20. :\lr. Cafourek is a Kepul)lican and attends the Catholic church. He belongs to the Bohemian Benevolent Society and is serving his twelfth year as treasurer of his school district. The subject of this sketch was married June 16, 1883, to Mary Kuthan, a native of Bohemia also. To this union have been born eight children: Anna is now Mrs. T. S. Johnson, of London township, Freeborn county; Mamie is now Mrs. Leo Carter, of Oakland, Freeborn county ; Jerome is home on the farm ; Lillie is home on the farm; Elsie is a teacher; Josephine is attending the Austin high school ; Frank and Ernest are at home.

Frederick M. Conklin, cashier of the First State Bank of Doxter, was born in Deer Creek, Otter Tail county, Minn., September 13, 1884, son of Robert C. and Minnie (Pulver) Conklin. He received his early education at Chester, in Howard county, Iowa, and then worked in a store six years. Subsequently he entered the German Savings Bank at Chester and worked three years. He was the moving factor, in 1907, in organizing the bank of which he is now cashier. This institution, although young, is conducted along sound financial lines and is already demonstrating its worth and importance in the community. Mr. Conklin has allied himself Avith the Dexter Lodge, 263, A. F. & A. M., and before coming here joined the M. W. A. at Chester, Iowa. He married Eliza Nichols, daughter of H. B. and Emma (Pillsbury) Nichols, the former of whom is a prominent grain dealer.

John Cotter, retired farmer, now living in Austin, was born in Ireland, January 14, 1843, son of John and Johanna (Meade) Cotter, and came to this country in 1852, accompanied by his mother and two sisters. The trip was made on a sailing vessel, and all who took that particular voyage remember the long eleven months spent on the way. The Cotter party landed at Boston and from there went to Manchester, N. H., where they remained six years. During that time the subject of this sketch worked in the woolen mills. Afterward the family came west, locating in Adams, "Wis., where John Cotter spent his time in farming. In 1865 he came to Freeborn county, and from then until 1908 carried on farming operations, acquiring three fine farms in Oakland township. He now lives in retirement in Austin. John Cotter married Katherine Keneven, daughter of Cornelius and Katherine (Collins) Keneven, and to this union ten children have been born: Arthur (deceased), John, Albert, Frank A., Leo J., Theresa, Maurice C, Esther and Roy J.

William M. Catherwood, one of the pioneers of southern Minnesota, came west in 1857, and located in the village of Sumner, in Freeborn county. He took up a claim and farmed for many years, coming to Austin in 1880. He died in 1890. Mr. Catherwood was a man of more than usual intelligence and was a mathematician of prominence, being considered an authority in several of the more advanced branches of this science. He was also a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Second Minnesota Cavalry. William M. Catlierwood married J]lizabcth LoAvry, and to this union were born two sons, Thomas L. and Samuel D. ^Mrs. Catherwood, nee Elizabeth Lowry, was born near Indianapolis, Ind., daughter of Rev. Samuel G. Lowry, D. D., and IMarguerite J. Hannah, his wife. Dr. Lowry spent the years of liis active ministry in Indiana, but in his declining years lived in Freeborn county, this state. He settled in Indiana in 182.i, and there raised a family of eleven children, four by his first wife and seven by his second. The latter mentioned are Elmirti, Elizabeth, Felicia, Alfred, Esther (deceased), Annie and Leander. Dr. Thomas Catherwood, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. William M. Catherwood, married Jennie De Wolf, and they have three children: Baird, Dorothy and Virginia. Samuel D. Catherwood, second son of Mr. and ]Mrs. William M. Catherwood, married Gertrude Sherwood, and they have three children: Josephine, Catherine and Roger. The revolutionary ancestor of the Lowry family was Rev. Samuel Doak, the first president of Washington College, Tennessee.

Charles M. Colby, a substantial farmer of Waltham township, is the scion of a distinguislied family, being a descendant of Anthony Colby, who came to America in 1628-29 with Sir Robert Winthrop, and settled in Massachusetts. Charles M. Avas born in AYaltham township, September 24, 1873, son of Amos and Mary E. (Stephens) Colby, both of whom came from Bow, N. H., settled in Wisconsin in 1856, in Red Rock townsliip, this county, in 1857 and in the northwest quarter of section 35, Waltham, a few years later, remaining until his death. May 13, 1907. Charles M. attended the district school and also studied one season in the Owatonna schools. His early manhood was spent on the farm and he now has charge of the place. His quarter section is under good cultivation and Mr. Colb}?- has been most successful in his endeavors. The subject of this sketch married Clara Belle Nichols, daughter of Charles E. and Clara (Hill) Nichols, descended from a pioneer Maine family. j\Ir. and IMrs. Colby are the happy parents of twin boys, born August 7, 1908.

Lewis G. Church, one of the successful farmers of Waltliam township, is a native of this eountj^ having been born in tlie tov.nsliip, where he still resides, September 14, 1868, son of George and Susan Church. George came from Ulster county, New York, when a cliild and lived there until 1866, wlien the family came to Waltham townsliip. Lewis G. was reared on his father's farm and received liis education in district 61. AVhen a youug man he purchased the home farm and his father moved in to the village of Walthara, Avhere he still resides. The farm now consists of 120 acres and on this Lewis Church carries on general farming and raises the usual crops. He is Avell liked among his fellow citizens and is a popular member of the M. W. A.

T. C. F. Ehmke, a modern farmer of AValtham, came to the township in 1877 and settled on section 9, which is now within the corporation limits of the village. He carries on general farming on the home place of 162 acres and also has a tract of eighty acres in the township. He is a hard-working man and well thought of in the community. T. C. F. Ehmke was born near the city of AVoline, in CTcrmany, January 17, 1844, son of Christian and Johanna (Strage) Ehmke. Christian Ehmke brought his family to America in 1845, made a short stay in IMilwaukee, and then went to Jackson, Washington county, "Wisconsin, where he took up farming on an eighty-acre tract. There lie lived until his death at the age of eighty-two, his wife passing away at the age of eighty. T. C. F. was reared on the farm in Wisconsin, and as above related, came to Mower county as a young man. His first wiPe was Augusta Rahm. Of the two children by this marriage, one, Julius, is living, making his home in Nebraska. His children are Marie, John, Ella (deceased) and Minnie. For his second Avife, Mr. Ehmke married Dorothy Amspach and they are the parents of tlie following children: Theodore W., who lives in the village of Waltham; Johanna, Louis J. F., Margaret, Carl F. A., and John A. H. The family worship at the St. Michael German Lutheran church.

Charles Faber is one of the industrious farmers of AValttiam township, and has done his share toward its development. His record, indeed, is a most honorable one and includes service on the board of supervisors eighteen years and on the school board fifteen years. At the present time he is treasurer of the Waltham Co-operative Creamery, a position he has tilled ten years. He has also served in a similar capacity for a similar period in his church. Charles Faber was born near the Rhine, at Pferdsfeld, R, B. Coblenz, Germany, January 26. 1863. His parents, Gotlieb and Elizabeth (Kuntz") Faber, brought him to America in 1868, and they lived in Rochester. Minn., two years. Then they came to Waltham township, and located in section 20, where they remained the rest of their days, the father passing away in 1893 and the mother April 20, 1910. Charles Faber attended school in Olmsted county and in Waltham township. When he was twenty-three years of age, July 13, 1886, he married jMartha, daughter of Henry Baumgartner, who was born in Kirchhayn, Washington county, Wisconsin. This union has been blessed with six children: Eda, Clara, Carl, Louis, Loua and Magdalona. Kda is the wife of Herman Frohriech. When the family first canic lo "Waltham township they huilt a house and broke a few acres of land. The Faber home is now a comfortable one and is surrounded liy suitable liuildings. The farm consists of 160 acres of well-tilled land, upon which Mr. Faber conducts general farming.

John Gjernes, one of the leading citizens of Sargeaiit township, was born in Norway, September 18, 1849, son of Torges Ojernes. '>vith whom he came to America in 1868. After a year in Kasson, Dodge county, and six years in Iowa, the family came to Mower county, and located in section 11, Sargeant township. A few years later the parents moved to Crow Wing county, this state, where the father died. John Gjernes came from. Dodge county to Sargeant in 1874, and settled in section 2. Ilis original home was in an old pioneer log cabin, but this in 1897 he replaced with a fine modern dwelling. He owns a quarter section of land and has the usual complement of machinery and tools. Tlie subject of this sketch has taken an active part in politics. He was sergeant-at-arms in the Minnesota state senate for four years, and in 1910 was the nominee for representative against Ralph Crane, the successful candidate. He has also been supervisor of the township, and for eighteen years treasurer of the school board. Mr. Gjernes married Gertrude K. Olson, a native of Norway, who came to America with her parents in 1862, settling first in Olmsted county and then in Dodge county. Mr. and Mrs. Gjernes are the parents of eight children : Jacob ; Agnes, wife of Ole Rognaldson ; Theodore ; Clara, v/ife of John Jacobson; Mary, wife of August Wagner; Ida, wife of ]\lyron Johnson ; Ijouisa, wife of Frank Bridwell, and Bina, who lives at home.

Henry Grimm, an honored figure in the life of Sargeant, was born in Branerdam township, Wisconsin, July 7, 1847, son of John F. and Barbara (Graessle) Grimm, both natives of Germany. John F. Grimm came to America about 1831, lived in Pennsylvania for a time, went to Ohio and was there married, after which he went to Illinois and stayed a year, later taking up his residence in Wisconsin. In 1862 he came to Minnesota with his family of eleven children and settled in Rochester. Henry was taken to Rochester by his father when fifteen years of age, and there spent his young manhood. In 1885 he came to Sargeant tOAvnship, purchased a farm in section 16, and followed farming some twenty-five years. In 1900 he moved to the A'illage, where he now lives, having practically retired from active life. He occupied many township offices during his residence on the farm and was a prominent nmn in many wnys. He married Carolina ^lartin and tlicv have four cliildrcii. Frank mar-

Edmond Hill is one of the scientific and modern farmers of Mower county, and his farm of 480 acres in section 33, Red Rock, is one of the model places of the township. He was born in Red Rock township, September 24, 1872, son of Orrin J. and Frances (Ransom) Hill, pioneers. He received his schooling in the "Pioneer" schoolhouse in his native township, and his early manhood was spent on his father's farm, where he still continues to reside. He married Emma Bassett, daughter of Charles D. and Nellie A. (Smith) Bassett. Mrs. Hill was born in Udolpho township. Mower county, but her parents moved to Dundas, in Rice county, this state, when she was one year old. Charles D. Bassett came from Carroll county, New Hampshire, and he and his wife still reside in Dundas. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have four bright children: Lorna, aged 12; Ruth, aged 10; Esther, aged 7, and Robert, aged 4.

Henry Theo Hagen is one of the estimable citizens of Dexter township. He v/as born in Dane county, Wisconsin, June 2, 1871, son of D. and Elizabeth Hagen. D. Hagen was born in Germany, came to America about 1869, settled in Dane county, iind there remained one year. After coming to Minnesota he lived in Owatonna three years, and then in Grand Meadow township, this county, eight or nine years. Later he took up his residence in Marshall toAvnship, where he and his wife now reside. Henry Theo Hagen came to Minnesota with his parents and with them lived in Owatonna, Grand Meadow and Marshall townships. After his marriage to Sophia Spreekels, he purchased land in section 35, Dexter township, and there he now continues to live. He has 160 acres, which he has occupied and developed for sixteen years, and has a pleasant home, good outbuildings and excellent tools and machinery. He is chairman of the board of supervisors, has been on the town board ten years and on the school board twelve years. He has also been treasurer of the German Lutheran church for nine years. In his family are four bright children: Oliver D., fourteen; Theodore H., ten; Oscar C, nine, and Harold D. M., six. Mrs. Sophia (Spreekels) Hagen, is the daughter of Dedrieh and Anna (Tiedemann) Spreekels, and was born in Goodhue county, this state. When but a child, she came with her parents to this county and located with them in Red Rock township. After working hard for many years, Dedrieh Spreekels determined to take a trip to Germany. On his return there was a collision at sea and his vessel sank with all on board.

June 27, 1874, son of Lewis and Sarah Hanson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1856, and settled in Frankford township, where they purchased land and where they still live. Gustav L. was educated in the county schools of Mower county, and when twenty-one years of age started in life for himself by renting land for several years in his native township. In 1896, he purchased land in section 7, Clayton township, and on this tract he conducts general farming, having about thirty-five head of dairy cattle, twenty-five Poland-China hogs and eight horses, as well as the usual equipment of tools and machinery. He is a Republican in politics, has been road overseer ten years and director of school district 127 for seven years. The subject of this sketch was married, Novem.ber 6, 1899, to Lena Anderson, daughter of Tom Anderson, of this county, and they have five children: Leonard, Alfred, Ernest, Clifford and Glenn. The three oldest are at school.

Glenn W. Vail, a skilled dentist of Lyle, was born in Hia- Avatha, Kans., April 18, 1877, son, of Benjamin H. and Emily 0. (Hutchinson) Vail, natives of New York, who came to Henry county, Illinois, in the early days, and after living there and in La Salle county for a time, went to Hiawatha, Kans., where they remained until 1882. Up to this time, Benjamin H. had been engaged as a wagon maker. Upon moving to Auburn, Neb., in 1882, he engaged in the retailing of windmills, pumps and other farm machinery. Eight years afterward, in 1890, he went to Omaha, Neb., where he still lives. His wife, Emily 0., died at Hiawatha, Kans., in January, 1881. Glenn W. received his education in the public and high schools, and in 1900 entered tlie State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, graduating from t!ie dental department in 1905. For one year he practiced at Panora, Iowa, and then came to LeRoy, where he has since been located, maintaining an office Avell equipped with the most modern appliances. Dr. Vail belongs to the Minnesota State Dental Association and to the Southern Minnesota Dental Association. He is an active worker in the Commercial Club, a popular member of file Knights of Pythias and an attendant of the Congregational church. He was married, June 10, 1905, at Iowa City, 1o Lena R. "Wood, of Mankato, Minn., Avho died November 1, 1906, leaving a son, Dana F., born October 31, 1906. January 26, 1910, he was married at Winona to Dena L. Hedemark, daughter of B. D. Hedemark, a former Lyle shoe merchant, who died in June, 1909, Mrs. Hedemark still making her home in Lyle.

Carl E. Johnson, a modern farmer of Bennington township, has performed work which will have its effect for countless generations !o come. lie has set out a thousand apple trees which are boginuing to bear fruit; he is about to plant 200 Dutchess apple trees, and is well under way with the planting of 4,000 hardy troes, Avhieh will beautify the landscape for decades, if not for a century, to come. He was born in Sweden, April 12, !1871, son of Nick Larson and Christina L. Peterson, his wife, both of whom died in Sweden. Carl received a good education m Sweden, and was there reared to manhood, coming to America in 1891, and locating in Illinois. After working as a farm hand three years he rented a farm for four years, and ttien purchased 130 acres in Victor township, DeKalb county, Illinois. There he remained until 1902, when he sold and came to this county. Here he purchased 240 acres in section 20 and eighty acres in section 19, Bennington township, remodeling the buildings, and making many improvements, including the putting up of 900 rods of woA^&n wire fencing. Mr. Johnson now carries on general farming -and breeds Durham grade cattle and Chester "White hogs. He is a Republican in politics, and has done jury duty in Austin. The subject of this sketch was married February 26, 1896. to Anna M. IMarcus, a native of Norway, and they have six children: Christina, Esther, Albert, Clara, Julia and Emma.

L. 0. Axnas, a successful farmer of Frankford township, was born in Norway, August 2, 1841, son of Ole Olson and Bertha Skjeie, who spent the span of their years in Norway. L. 0. received his education in his native land, and there spent his early manhood. At the age of t^venty-nine years, in 1870, he came to America and located at Rushford, Fillmore county, where lie worked out by the month for two years. Then he came to Mower county and purchased eighty acres of land in section 16, Frankford township. This land he broke and improved, built a home and outbuildings and added land from time to time until he owned 200 acres of rich land. He has recently sold forty acres to his son, leaving 160 acres, all in section 16. Here he now follows general farming. He is a Republican in politics, but has never sought public office. The subject of this . sketch .vas married November 9, 1872, at Rushford, to Christie Lelaud, who was born in Norway, July 16, 1846, and came to America in 1872. She has proven a most able helpmate in all Mr. Axnas' undertakings. They have five living children : Severt, who lives at home, owns eighty acres and works the home place ; Christina, wife of George A. "Wright, banker of Grand Meadow; Hannah, wife of Leander T. Jester, real estate broker of St. Paul; Martin, who is manager of the Home Telephone Company at Grand ^Icadow, and Julia, who is a student at Hamline University. <^ne son, Olaf, died at tire age of four years. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

William Brown is one of the stauncli old pioneers of Mower county, inul is greatly honored throughout tlie community. He and his good wife, though reared amid the tranquillity of an older part of the counti-y, left the comforts and advantages of an established community and with courage turned their faces toward the West to hew out for themselves a home in the wilderness. With energy and intelligence they established their household, and their names will be respected for generations to come for the good that they have accomplished. Of them it may truly be said that their lives have assisted in the advancement of all that is good and admirable. Mr. Brown has been a member of the town board twenty years, was assessor four years, and clerk of school district 32 for fifteen years. He did the county good service for twelve years as county commissioner and during tliat period alwaj^s stood staunchly for the benefit of tlie county at large. For a period of thirty years his voice has been heard in the various county and state conventions. of his party. His wife is still the active, strong, sympathetic and intelligent helpmate that she has always been, and the infiuence of their home on the community has ever been a salutary one. In fraternal circles Mr. Brown has been no less prominent, being a member of the Blue lodge. Chapter and Commandery of the Masons, as well as of the LI. AV. A. and the Royal Neighbors. William Brown was born in Scotland, New Year's day, 1843, son of Alexander and Margaret Brown, who brought their family to America in 1846 and settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., where Alexander followed his trade as a rope maker three years, thus saving enough money to purchase a farm in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he and his wife ended their days, Alexander at the age of seventy and jNIargaret at the age of ninety. AVilliam left Wisconsin when twenty-four years of age, and lived a short lime in Cresco, Iowa, after which he came to Mower county, and on March 29, 1868, acquired 160 acres of land in section 8, Pleasant Valley township. He remained there two years and then came to his present location in section 24, now owning 400 acres in sections 23, 24 and 25. He also owns ten acres of timber land in High Forest, Olmsted county, and a fine city residence with three acres of ground in Stewartsville. Since the failure of the wheat crop in 1878 he has followed diversified farming and stock raising. He has about sixty head of cattle of the Shorthorn variety and for many years has made a specialty of Poland- China hogs, of which he has 125 head. ]\Ir. Brown was married. July 30, 1865, to Clarion ]McCoy, a native of Scotland and daughter of James and IMarion IMcCoj'. This union has been blessed with seven children; Alexander AV. is married and lives in St. Paul, where he is engaged in the grain connnission business.

James E. is married and is now engaged in machinery and implement dealing in Stewartsville, where he owns the Farmers Supply Company. He was reared in this county, taught school here nine years, and was subsequently salesman for the Fairbanks-Morse Company, seven years before starting in business for himself. George F. is married and lives on an eighty-acre farm of his own and operates his father's farm in Pleasant Valley. Maggie is the wife of E. H. Englehart, of Pleasant Valley. Delia May died at the age of thirty-tln-ee. She was the wife of Frank Reese. At the age of thirty her health failed; local physicians were unable to diagnose her ailments, and she was treated by leading medical men of Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Omaha and Denver without relief. Finally, in Denver, realizing that the end was near, she started for home. "When she reached Omaha she was too greatly exhausted to continue the journey, and her parents accordingly joined her there and were at her bedside when she died two months later. ' William is married and farms in Racine township. The youngest died in infancy.

James R. Brownell, a veteran of the Civil War, is one of the honored and esteemed residents of Racine township, and is a member of the G. A. R. The subject of this sketch Avas born in ]\Iichigan, April 1, 1839, son of Sands and Hannah M. Brownoil. In 1853, the family came to Decorah, Iowa, and a few months later came to Fillmore county and staked their claim for a home, the land not then being siTrveyed. The parents lived in that county until the fall of 1869, when they moved to Mahaska county, Iowa, some years later moving to Waukee, where the mother died. After some years the father went to Oregon, and died in 1904 at the age of ninety-three. James R., better known as Russell, received his education in the district schools, and continued to work on the home farm until 1861, Avlien he Avent to Michigan and engaged in nursery work. In 1863, he enlisted in Co. I, Mounted Rangers, and afterward served in Co. D, Brackett's Battalion, in North and South Dakota and Montana, the troops being sent to settle the Indian troubles. He received his honorable discharge at Ft. Snelling in 1866. Then he returned to Fillmore county and in 1868 purchased 160 acres of land in section 29, Racine toAvnship, afterwards buying 160 acres joining, where he farmed six years. Subsequently he sold out, but in 1882 had to take the farm back again. He now OAvns a fine farm of 320 acres. On this place he carries on general farming. James R. BroAvnell married, IMarch 23, 1887, Anna E. Gove, daughter of Dennis and Sally B. Gove, whose mother Avas one of the early school teachers in IMoAver and Fillmore counties. This union has been blessed with five children : Howard is at liotnc ; Florence is teaching ; Percy is a student in Grinnell college, in Iowa; Tracy is a student in the University of Minnesota and Fred a student at Grinnell college.

Henry 0. Basford was born at Guilford, Me., April 22, 1838. At the age of fourteen he commenced learning the printing business in the Jeffersonian office of "W. E. Quiner. After learning tlie business he entered the Watertown academical and preparatory school, and there studied two years. Soon after he became connected with the Argus and Democrat office at Madison, Wis. He then went to St. Paul in 1836 and was engaged on the Minnesotian. From there he went to St. Joseph, Mo. He was engaged on the Daily "West, and just before the breaking out of the war he was one of the pioneers who carried the art of printing across the plains of the West, and was connected with the Rocky Mountain News, of Denver, Colo. He was one of the large number Avho lost their accumulation of years when that office was destroyed by floods. For eight years afterward he Avas a miner of gold, and a claim holder in the famous California gulch, where Leadville, Colo., now stands. After leaving Colorado, he was employed upon the Chicago Tribune, where he remained until he came to Austin in 1867, and soon thereafter became connected with the Austin Register, which he conducted for many years. Mr. Basford was married, September 28, 1876, to Mary E. Miller, of Winona, Minn. He was appointed postmaster at Austin July 2, 1884. Mr. Basford has now retired from active life and devotes his time to general literary work. He was the most conspicuous figure in the publication of a former history of this county.

C. T. Bussell, a descendant of the IMaine family of that name, spent some fifteen years of his life in Grand Meadow, and as he went in and oiit among the people acquired a reputation for honor and integrity that won him the honor and respect of all who knew him. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Me., September 19, 1828, son of Joseph B. and Mary (Chapman) Bussell, honored residents of that place. He acquired such education as the schools of that period afforded, and remained at home until eighteen years of age, at which time he started to learn the hatters' trade. This business he followed until 1861, when he v.ent to Aroostook county, IMaine, and remained tAvo years. Tn 1883 he came west, settled on a farm in Bennington township for a short time, and in 1885 came to Grand ^leadow village, where he spent tlie remainder of liis days, dying in 1903. ]\Ir. Bussell Avas married, September 5, 1849, to Emeline W. Davis, daughter of Levi and Dorothy (Batchelder) Davis, the former of Avhojn spent his life as a farmer in Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Bussell were blessed with seven children. Charles E., Mary E., Joseph H. and Emily A. are dead. The living are Herbert E., Harry B. and Abbie G. Abbie G. was born in Oakfield, Aroostook county, Maine, married Guliek Hestad, and has two children, Joseph A. and Helen E.

William Cooper, Jr., a pioneer, was born in Lincolnshire, England, and married Mary Jackson. She died in 1839, and he married Ann Bennett, of Siirrej% Kingston, England. In 1853 this couple crossed the briny deep to America, and lived three years in Kane county, Illinois. Then they lived a while in Fillmore county, this state, and in 1858 came to Bennington township, where William Cooper pre-empted the northwest quarter of section 24. Later he acquired the northeast quarter, thus making 320 acres. On this tract he followed general farming, and he and his good wife underwent all the trials and privations of pioneer days. He died in November, 1887, and his wife in March, 1888.

William Cooper, retired farmer, now living in Spring Valley, is one of the pioneers of the county, having come here as a boy of seventeen. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, November 5, 1841, son of AA^illiam and Mary (Jackson) Cooper, and was brouglit to America by his father and step-mother in 1853, living with them in Illinois and in Fillmore county, this state, before coming to Bennington township in 1858. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and remained at home until his father's death. Then the farm was divided between him a,nd his brother Robert, "William taking the northwest quarter of section 24. To this he added until he now has 400 acres in section 24 and the northwest quarter of section 23, a total of 560 acres. Here for many years he conducted general farming, making a specialty of Durham grade cattle. At the time of his father's death, AVilliam rented out his part of the farm, but continued to live on the place until 1906, when he moved to Spring Valley and purchased his present home. Mr. Cooper is an independent voter and has served on the school board for several years. He is a man of sterling character, greatly respected by his neighbors. The subject of this sketch was married, January 20, 1906, to Sophia Guy, daughter of Henry Guy, an early settler of Bennington.

Peter Christenson, a farmer of Grand Meadow township, was born in Denmark, April 19, 1837, son of Christian Peterson. With his wife and son he came to America in 1872 and located in Lyle, this county. After three months there, he worked for the Hon. Charles J. Felch for a year. Then he rented land in Racine township and farmed four years. In 1877 he came to Grand Meadow, settled in section 2, and lived there two years. Then he lived in various places in the township until 1901, when lie look up his location on section 3, erected a home and out- Imildings, and has since carried on general farming, owning a quarter section of good land. The subject of th4s sketch mai*- ried ]\lar,y Rasmussen and they have eight children: Chris, Marj% Clara, Alfred, Tena. Theodore, Alice and Peter. Mary is the ".vife of Thomas Jacobson. Tena is the wife of J. C. Christiansen. Clara is married to Henry Faubel.

J. B. Dunham is one of the respected residents of Spring Valley, and is held in high regard in Bennington township, where, for so many years, he was a leading citizen. He was born in Indiana, December 11, 1837, son of Henry and Mary (Walker) Dunham, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana, who came to ]Mowi'r county in 1856, pre-empted 160 acres of land, and followed farming in Frankford township the remainder of their lives. J. B. Dunham came to Mower county with his parents, but .shortly afterward went to Decorah, la., Avhere he worked out by the month, three years. Then he returned to Bennington township and purchased 120 acres in, section 2. To this he later added forty acres, making in all 160 acres in the northeast quarter of section 2. Here he built his home and the necessary outbuildings, and engaged in general farming. As the years passed, he tlourished and prospered, and in time added another eighty just over the line in Frankford township, making in all 240 acres of land. In 1911 he sold his farm and retired. It is worthy of note that in the early days Mr. Dunham planted a grove of cotton woods, and the trunks of some have already reached a circumference of nine feet. Mr. Dunham has always been an active worker in his township and county, holding many offices of trust and honor, greatly to his own credit and to the satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He served his township as chairman for a good many years, and was on the school board for many terms. At the time of his father's death, Mr. Dunham purchased a home for his mother in the village of Spring Valley, and in this home he now lives. The subject of this sketch married Ann E. Williams, born in New York state, April 1, 1844, daughter of Apollos and Betsj' (Adams) Williams, who came west in 1861 and located in Pleasant Valley, this county, and engaged in farming the remainder of their days. Mr. and ]\Irs. Dunham are the parents of nine children: Ella is now Mrs. Charles Taylor, of ^Michigan ; ]\Iinnie is now Mrs. Ralph Davis, of Breckenridge, IMinn. ; Edith is a school teacher in Spring Valley ; Myrtle is ]\Irs. L. G. Ilaasrud, of Whalen, Minn.; Bertha, now Mrs. Clyde Edgerton, of Spring Valley; Roy married Bessie Smith, of ]\Iinneapolis; Eiiniiii is now -Airs. J. C. Olson, of Spring Valley; Ray is now living in Sratlic, Washington ; Ernest also lives in Seattle, Washington. PMith and ;\Iinnie ai-c both graduates from the normal department of the

Northern Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso, Ind., and Myrtle and Roy graduated from the Southern IMinnesota Normal College at Austin. All the daughters have taught school.

Frank P. Dawes, a successful stock buyer of Austin, was born in Waushara county, Wisconsin, October 30, 1864, and came to Mower county in 1885 to marry Lania Chandler, after which he returned to Waushara county with his bride and remained five years. Then he again came to Mower county and located in TJdolpho township, farming there five years. Since 1902 he has been located in Austin, where he buys and sells live stock in large quantities. Mr. Dawes is a Republican in his political views, and the family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. lie is a popular member of the Austin Commercial Club, and also affiliates with the Masonic order and with the M. W. A. ]Mr. and Mrs. Dawes have had one child, Chester Inman, who died at the age of four months.

Stephen Chandler was born in Canada, and was married in Austin to Abigail Mehatable Richardson. They came to Lyle township at an early date, and there their daughter, Lania, now Mrs. Frank P. Dawes, was born, March 28, 1862. In that same year, Stephen Chandler joined the Union army, served in several important engagements, and was finally captured and imprisoned in Andersonville, where he was starved to death by his cruel captors. His widow came to Austin later and was married to I. J. B. Wright.

Alfred Richardson, one of the earliest pioneers of MoAver county, was born in New England, and came to Austin from Iowa by ox team, in 1856. Here he farmed until 1880, when he went to the Dakotas, later moving to Tennessee, where he died. He built one of the early houses in Mower county, hauling the lumber sixty miles by ox team from West Union, la. He was the father of Mrs. Albert Hart, Mrs. Stephen Chandler, and grandfather of Mrs. Frank P. Dawes.

Philip T. Elliott, vice president of the Exchange Bank, , at Grand Meadow, has been clerk of the village two years, member of the village council three years, and clerk of the school board four years, and in these several capacities has given general satisfaction. He was born in Fox Lake, Wis., January 19, 1865, son of Ford T. and Phoebe (Olive) Elliott. He came to Grand Meadow with his father in the fall of 1878, at the age of thirteen, and five years later, at the early age of eighteen, engaged in the hardware business on his own account. Six years later he sold out, and entered the employ of G. F. Greening in his bank and store. When the Exchange Bank was organized under state laws in 1906, he became vice president, a position he has since retained. Mr. Elliott is popular among his fellows, and is a chapter Mason. He married, October 1, 1890, Anna S., daughter of Samuel Rodman Stout and Jane Hibbs, his wife. This union has resulted in two children, Roland P. and Janette.

Ford T. Elliott was born in Sunderland, and for many years followed the sea. He made his first trip to America in 1856, and thereafter crossed the Atlantic many times until 1859, when he took up his permanent abode in this country. He learned the blacksmith trade at Portage, Wis., stayed there a few years, then followed his trade in Ripon, in the same state, some eleven years. He took up his abode in Grand Meadow, October 10, 1878. His wife died April 26, 1897.

Samuel Rodman Stout was a native of Bensalem township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and his daughter, Anna S., was born in Philadelphia. Samuel came west in 1886 and located in Grand Meadow township, where he bought a section of land known as the Grouse Ridge Farm, the south half of section 28 and the north half of section 33, where he farmed until January, 1903. when he came to Grand Meadow village, where he died May 17, 1903. His wife, wliose maiden name was Jane Hibbs, died November 15, 1902.

Caswell Fairbanks, a retired farmer, now living in Austin, was boru July 25, 1835, in the town of Antwerp, Jefferson county, state of New York, son of Hiram and Elifie Fairbanks. Caswell Fairbanks lived at home until of age, working on the farm, and attending school in winter. In 1856 he married Miranda Tyler, daughter of John and Huldah (Warren) Tyler, and this union has been blessed with three chidren, Charles E., Jennie B. and Burton, the latter being dead. In 1857 Caswell Fairbanks came west and located in the town of Springfield, Dane county, Wisconsin; worked the farm until the war of the rebellion broke, out. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, First Regiment of Berdan's sharpshooters, and is now a member of the Mclntire Post, No. 66, C. G. A. R. In 1864 he drove a team across the plains to the gold fields of Montana, remaining two years. Then he came back to Davis county, lived there some years, and then moved to ]Mower county, Minnesota, in 1876, purchasing a farm of 2-40 acres, which he still owns. While at Dexter he was town treasurer and school treasurer, and assessor for a long period. His son now nianasi's the farm in Dexter township.

Luke B. Fairbanks was born in Vermont, ]\Iarcli 26. 1838. Wlien he was seventeen years of age he went to Iowa to join his brother in INIitchell county, and spent three years with him in Mitchell and Howard counties, then came to Austin with him. His brother purchased an interest in a steam saw mill, and later added a flour mill. He assisted his brother in the mill tlierc until 1S60. wluMi he sold out and bought a farm in

"Windom. He spent the summer with his brothei* here ; then in the fall retui-ned to Vermont. He enlisted there, in May, 1861, in Company F, Third Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and with the regiment joined the Army of the Potomac. The first battle in which he participated was the battle of Lee's Mill, in which he was wounded. As soon as he was able to make the trip he was granted a furlough and visited home. He joined the regiment after an absence of three months. His health was not good at the time, and he was detached for the recruiting service in Vermont. He again joined the regiment in December, and was with them until after the close of the war, having veteranized in 1863. Among tlie many battles in which he participated, we mention the following : Second battle of Fredericksburg, Wilderness, Petersburg, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, and participated in the battle of Winchester, was in New York City at the time of the riot, and in the battles of Gettysburg and Cedar Creek. He was mustered into the service as a private. He was promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct. May, 1864, to first lieutenant, and soon after to captain. He was discharged from the service with the regiment, July. 1865, and returned to Vermont and bought a farm. In 1869 he sold out there and emigrated to Kansas. He took a homestead and bought some wild land in AVashington county. He bnilt a stone house and improved a portion of the land, living there until 1872, when he sold and came to Mower county and bought wild land in the northeast quarter of section 29, Windom township. He was joined in marriage in 1863 to Caro Bowen, also a native of Vermont. They had seven children, named Samuel, Henry, Eugene, Guy, Dan, Leila and Florence. In 1893 Mr. Fairbanks sold his farm in Mower county and removed to southern California, where he remained two years. He then returned to Austin, where he resided until his death, October 24, 1907.

Patrick Geraghty, now deceased, was one of the substantial residents of this county. He watched Austin grow from a village of 400 inhabitants, and lived to enjoy the ripe old age of eightyeight years. He was street commissioner eleven years, and treasurer of St. Augustine church many terms, digging the cellar, grading the grounds and carting the stone for the new edifice now occupied by the people of that parish as a house of worship. The subject of this sketch was born in Ireland, in November, 1822, and came to this country in 1851, landing at Castle Garden, New York, in 1851. He went at once to Fairmont, W. Va., and was employed there one year by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Then he went to Janesville, 111., in 1855, and was there married to Ellen Barrett, daughter of Edward and Rose (Gibbons) Barrett. They went togetlier to Freeport, 111., and lived there six years. Their next stopping })liice was McGregor, la., where Patrick Geraghty resumed his occupation of railr-oad work by becoming a contractor, and assisting in the construction of the C ^r. & St. Paul road from IMcGregor to Austin, this work taking about three years. ^Ir. Geraghty then settled in Austin, and a year later, in 1868, purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he retained until 1905, when he retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Geraghty were born nine children : Lawrence, who married Alice Shannon ; Elizabeth, deceased; Ellen, now Mrs. Jacob Shook; Mary; Rose; Charles E., who married Jennie Hattlestead ; Sarah P., now IMrs. F. Tichein; John P.; and Thomas F., married to Flossie AVagner. :Mr. Geraghty died in the fall of 1910.

Thomas J. Grimes, avIio is ably serving as mayor of Grand ^leadow, after sixteen years on the village council, was born in Milwaukee, "Wis., July 5, 1858, son of James and Bridget (AYhaieu) Grimes. He came to Grand Meadow in 1879 and worked for John Peterson, the pioneer blacksmith. In 1882 he became a partner in this concern and in 1891 became sole owner. He now has one of the best appointed shops in Mower county and does a large business. He is a popular member of the M. "W. -A. and stands well throughout the county; He and his wife, who Avas ]Maggie Dugan, of La Crosse, occupy a pleasant home in the village of Grand Meadow. James and Bridget (Whalen) Grimes came from Ireland, and in 1852 James located in IMilwaukee, where for many years he was employed in a grain elevator. It was in ^Milwaukee that his son, Thomas J., was educated and learned the blacksmith trade.

Charles F. Greening, a distinguished citizen of Grand I\readoAv, Avas born in AYorcester, England, January 20, 1844, son of John and IMaria (Kelly) Greening. He came to America in 1846 with his parents, and landed at Ncav Orleans, from Avhieh city he came up the Mississippi river in the steamer Eclipse to Galena, 111. From there the family went by lead Avagons to Farmersville, now IMazomani, Dane county, AVis., and located in the old English colony at that place. Charles F. Greening farmed Avith his parents and spent tAvo years learning the tinsmith trade. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. A, Ele\'enth AA'^isconsin Volunteer Infantry, and serA^ed through the Avar. After the battle of Alobile, Avhich Avas practically the ending of the Avar, he returned home and finished his apprenticeship as tinsmith. Later lie came to INIoAver county Avith a hope of benefiting his healtli, Avar service haA'ing reduced his Aveight to less than 100 pounds. After his health was partially restored, he started Avork for Corbett & Allen, hardAvare merchants and tinsmiths at LeRoy. and in tliis emploA- lie contimied until 1lie fii'in Avas l)uriie(l out.

Then he began his employ with Daniel Caswell. For fifteen months he worked as night clerk in Caswell's hotel, and then went with Mr. Caswell on a farm. Mr. Caswell was killed by the accidental discharge of a gun, and Mr. Greening settled his estate, after which, in 1871, he came to Grand MeadoAv and started a tin shop and hardware store, also engaging in private banking. In this business he continued thirty-three years. In 1904 he disposed of his shop, but still retains his banking interests and also engages in farming. Mr. Greening's career as a banker began in 1871, and for four years he conducted a private banking establishment. Then the banking house of Greening & Warner was established and continued until 1882. In that year Mr. Warner sold out and the business reverted to Mr. Greening. In 1906, Mr. Greening organized the Exchange State Bank of Grand IMeadoAv, which was incorporated the same year, and is now doing a flourishing business, with Mr. Greening as president. In 1910, the institution took up its home in its beautiful new building, which is one of the architectural ornaments of the village. Mr. Greening has done his community marked service in various ways. In 1876-77, he served in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature, and through his eflforts the herd law was passed. This particular bill contributed greatly to his popularity, and the folloAving election he was named for the state senate, but declined the honor. Mr. Greening is senior vicecommander of the G. A. R., a charter member of Lodge 121, A. F. & A. IVL, a member of the Royal Arch Chapter of LeRoy, and a charter member of St. Barnard Commandery, No. 14. He is also vice-president of the Minnesota Bee Keepers' Association, and has served various other societies as officer or director. In addition to this, he has held various local offices, in village and township. The subject of this sketch married Clara E. Caswell, daughter of Daniel E. and Sarah M. (Taylor) Caswell, and they are the parents of five children: Nanna M. is the wife of W. D, Lockwood; Elgar F. is cashier of the Exchange State Bank of Grand IMeadow; Josie E. is the wife of Samuel M. Croft, postmaster in the Congressional Library, Washington, D. C. ; Charles A¥., cashier of the First Bank of Melstone, Mont., lives in Grand Meadow, and Elmore, the youngest, was named from the Elmore estate in England, from which the Greenings originally came.

Elgar F. Greening, son of Charles F. and Clara E. (Caswell) Greening, was born in Grand Meadow, March 31, 1873. He attended the district schools and the Curtis Commercial college in Minneapolis. Upon the completion of his course he entered the Exchange State Bank of Grand Meadow and became its cashier, a position he still holds. Mr. Greening is a member of the Masons and of the M. W. A. He married Josie Rowell,

Carl A. Grimm, a modern farmer of Grand Meadow township, owns 120 aeres of good land in section 36, and a comfortable home, a well-equipped farm, and a variety of live stock, and carries on farming on an extensive scale. He was born, in Germany, February 2, 1870, and came to America with his parents in 1875. They lived in Iron Ridge, Dodge county, "Wis., three years, and then after a short stay in Grand Meadow, located in section 12, Clayton township, where they continued to farm until the father's death in 1895. Carl A. remained at home on the farm and worked with his parents. In 1902 he came to Grand IMeadow and purchased his present farm. He married Daisy LcAvis, daughter of E. H. and Delia (Poat) Lewis, and they have an attractive son, Raymond 1., eight years of age.

Joseph E. Gee and his three accomplished sisters, Cornelia T., Harriet J. and Martha E., live on the old Gee homestead, section 1, Racine township, and constitute an interesting family of enthusiastic workers. Their farm of sixty-seven acres furnishes them with the usual farm produce, but their energies are largely directed to weaving, at which all have become experts both in an artistic and a mechanical way. William Gee, the father, and Lucretia Gee, the mother, came to Fillmore county in 1859, and to Mower county in 1864. In the latter year, William enlisted in Co. E, First Minnesota, and served one year in the ranks. The children were educated in the schools of Fillmore county, and gradually,in the failing health of their parents, assumed the burdens of the household. Some years ago, Joseph E. began to lose his health, and many departments of farm work became too strenuous for his strength. Accordingly he took up the work of weaving rugs and carpets. In this he is assisted' by his sisters, and they do excellent work, marketing their product over a wide territory. In 1903, a fourth sister, Eva L., who until then had remained at home, married AVilliam Schoppers. of Frankford. The Gees attend the United Brethren church at Spring A^alley and all are strong temperance advocates.

Franklin M. Higbie, live stock dealer of Grand IMeadow, was born in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, March 3, 1858, son oC C. J. and Ann E. (AVilson) Higbie. He acquired his earlier education in Wisconsin, and came with his parents to Mower county in 1878. remaining with them lantil 1880, at which time he purchased 160 aeres of land from his father. This land, which was located on section 1, Grand Meadow township, was his thought and care for OA'er a quarter of a century. Here he built his home and reared his children, and here he successfully carried on crcniTal farming until Xovcmbei-. 1906, when he rented hi.s farm and took up his residence in Grand Meadow village. Soon after coming to the village, F. M. Highie formed a partnership with F. T. Seabern, in the live stock business, under the firm name of Higbie & Seabern. This company engages exclusively in cattle and horse bu.ying, shipping most of the animals to Chicago and Milwaukee. Mr. Higbie is a director in the First National Bank of Grand Meadow and president of the Farmers Elevator Company, stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company, the Home Telephone Company and the M. W. A. Hall Association. He is a Republican in polities, and while living in the township was chairman of the board of supervisors and served on the school board for years. The subject of this sketch was married, November 25, 1880, at Green Lake, Wis., to Jeanette Wilson, who was born at Rush Lake, Wis., July 6, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Higbie are the parents of five children: Clarence W., Leland C, George F., Chester E. and Lawrence W. Clarence W. was born February 20, 1882, attended the district schools, the Minnesota Agricultural College at IMinneapolis and a business college in Mankato, and after- Avards became cashier in the First National Bank of Grand ]^leadow, a position he still occupies. He was married in July. 1910, to Jessie A. Bush, of Grand Meadow, Minn. Leland C. was born November 19, 1885, graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1910, and is now superintendent of schools in Little Fork, Minn. George F. was born July 31, 1888, and is now a student at the LTniversity of Minnesota College of Engineering. Chester E., was born June 9, 1890, graduated from the Grand Aleadow liigh school, took a year's course at Hamline and is now teaching in North Dakota. Lawrence W. was born February 11, 1901.

C. J. Higbie and Ann Wilson, his wife, were born in New York state, were there married, and in the early '50s located in Jeflferson county, Wisconsin. In 1852, C. J. was seized with the California gold fever, and together with a party of about sixty started on foot across the deserts for California. On reaching there, C. J. Higbie remained about two years, and then returned to Wisconsin with about $10,000 in gold dust. After farming a time in Jefiferson county, he moved to Green Lake county in the same state, and followed farming until 1878, when he came to Grand Meadow township, IMinnesota, witli his family, and purchased the 360 acres known as the Langworthy farm. Later he acquired eighty acres adjoining on the west and also the Joe Sorben farm of seventy acres on the east. Subsequently he sold 160 acres to his son, Franklin, leaving a farm of 310 acres, upon which he conducted farming operations until 1895, when he )'ented his farm and removed to Grand Meadow village, where lie purchased a home in which lie lived until Novemher 1, 1906, when he went to San Diego, Cal., and purchased some lots in that city, on which he erected a home and where he now lives. ]\[rs. Iligbie died on the home farm, March 31, 188-i, and later ^Iv. Ilighie married Mrs. Mary AVood. C. J. and Ann (AVilson) Hig-bie were the parents of nine children: Wallace C, Lcttie, ]da A.. Franldin M., Anna S., Harry W., Halbert E., Wilson S. and Edgar C. William Wilson and Agnes McArthur, his wife, ])arents of Jeanette Wilson Higbie, were born in Scotland, the former coming to America in 1841 and the latter in 1844, and locating at Rush Lake, Wis., being married at Janesville, Wis. They pre-empted land in Winnebago, county, Wisconsin, and there farmed the remainder of their days, William AVilson dying December 14, 1876, and his wife, who was remarried to Rev. J. W. Fridd, passing away August 14, 1883. This union was blessed with seven children : AVilliam, John, Albert, Frank, Jeanette. Alarion and Agnes.

William R. Hoppin, one of the popular farmers of Grand Alcadow township, has 320 acres of land on which he successfully conducts farming operations in a modern manner. He was born in the township where he still resides, October 15, 1874, son of William P. and Callie H. (Paddock) Hoppin, early settlers. He was reared on the home farm, and has always devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. The last few years he has devoted his attention more to stock raising, and fattens annually for the Chicago market several carloads of cattle, sheep and hogs. He has three large silos, and everything raised on the farm is fed and sold in the form of live stock. He has a seed house especially constructed for the curing of seed corn, where he saves many bushels for his own planting and finds a ready market for all surplus right at home. He married Alta G., daughter of G. K. and Harriett (Kirkham) Harvey, and they have three children, AVilma A.. Clara W. and Geraldine H. Mr. Hopinn is a mcml^er of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen.

William P. Hoppin, now of Northfield, Minn., was for many years a farmer of this county. He was born in AVauwatosa, near Alihvaukee, AVis., and came to Pleasant Valley township, this .^^ate. about 1867. There he purchased a farm adjoining one wliich his father had acquired. In 1874 he came to Grand Alcadow township, and located on the southwest quarter of section 18, where he built a frame house. A few years later he purciiased a farm in the northwest quarter of section 17, where he lived twelve years. He married Callie E. Paddock.

George R. Hoppin, retired farmer and extensive land owner, now living in the village of Grand IMeadow, was born in Milwaukee. Wis., February 21, 1849, son of Richard and Lydia (Potter)

Hoppin, the pioneers. George received his early education in the district schools of Mower county, and in the Fillmore high school, in Fillmore county. In 1874 he went to Nevada and was employed as a cowboy for four years, after which he spent a similar period mining. Then he returned to Mower county and took up farming in Dexter for five years. Afterward he moved to Marshall township, purchased land, developed the place, erected buildings, and carried on general farming until 1903. when he rented his farm to other parties, and moved to Grand Meadow village, where he now lives, spending his time in looking after his extensive land interests, which include 1,100 acres, partly in Mower county and partly in North Dakota, in which state he has a valuable quarter section. Mr. Hoppin is a sti'oug Kepublican, and for many years was clerk of the Elkton school district. He was married October 7, 1889, at Spring Valley, Minn., to Nellie M. Rahilly, of Grand Meadow township, who was born October 12, 1870, and died July 7, 1898. This union has resulted in four children : Ralph H., who was born August 2-4, 1891, is clerk in a store in Grand Meadow; Mamie, Isabelle and ]\Iattie live at home.

Richard Hoppin, one of the early settlers of Pleasant Valley township, now deceased, Avas born in the city of Providence, R. I., February 23, 1811. He there grew to manhood, and received his early education in the public schools. When he was twelve years of age he commenced work in a morocco factory, and was employed there until 1838. In the fall of that year he started for Wisconsin, on a steamboat to Albany, then by canal to Buffalo, thence on a steamer to Milwaukee, where he procured a team and thus reached Walworth county. There he found a man holding as a claim the present site of the city of Whitewater, and this man offered to sell the claim for $50. But Mr. Hoppin went two miles further and purchased a claim that pleased him better. He then returned to Milwaukee and in company with his brother John opened the first exclusive boot and shoe store in Milwaukee, which at that time contained about four hundred inhabitants. In the winter his brother became homesick, and concuded to return to Providence. There being no railroad and the lakes being frozen over, he bought a horse and made the trip home on horseback in forty-one days. In June, 1839, the wife of Richard Hoppin, with two children, started from Providence, and taking the same route that her husband had taken met him at Milwaukee, after a journey of twenty-one days. There they procured a team and then drove to their new home. He built a double log house on his claim, and drew the lumber from Milwaukee to complete the building. The land upon which he had settled came into the market that spring, and Mr. Hoppin attended the first land sale held in J\lilwaukee. In 1841 he traded his land for a squatter's claim iu the limits of the city of Milwaukee. This land he entered from the government and lived there fourteen years, after which he moved to Columbus, Columbia county, and bought a farm on which he lived until 1860, when he sold out and came to Mower county, and purchased the southeast quarter of section 28, township of Pleasant Valley, where he remained until 1874, when he came to Dexter and bought eight acres within the limits of the corporation, and built a house which they occupied for many years. In 1888 he returned to Milwaukee, where he died. Lydia Potter, wife of Kichard Hoppin, was born in Cransten, R. I.. July 6, 1810, and was married in 1835. This union resulted in nine children : Anna L., Henry, Lewds, Edward, Helen, William P., George R., Louise and Susie.

Anton Hansen, now deceased, was a substantial farmer of Frankford township, and lived a quiet, respectable life. He did not care to mingle actively in politics, but devoted his life to his home and family. The subject of this sketch was born iu Denmark, June 9, 1857, son of Hans Hansen, also a native of that country. Anton received his education in Denmark, and there grew to manhood. He came to America in 1880 and located at Rochester, Olmsted county, this state. In 1890 he went to Minneapolis and became a coachman. Later he clerked in a grocery store. In 1893 he came to Mower county, and purchased eighty acres in Frankford township, the land being located in the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section IS. On this farm he conducted general farming until his death, October 3, 1903. He was married June 9, 1883, to Amelia Carlsou, born near Stockholm, in Smaland, Sweden, February 15, 1862. She came to America in 1882, and located in St. Peter, this state. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hansen has been blessed with seven children: Ida, deceased; Hans, born September 28, 1886, a conductor on the street car lines of Minneapolis; Ralph, deceased; Clara, born February 5, 1890; Clayton, born November 28, 1893; Dagmar, born JMay 6, 1896; Ralph, born November 9. 1900. Since her husband's death, Mrs. Hansen has conducted the farm herself, and has been very successful in her management. In 1910 she erected a fine new home. The family is well tliought of throughout the entire community.

John E. Hovda, a reputable citizen of Frankford township, was born on the farm where he still lives, January 16, 1871, son of E. 0. Hovda, one of the earlier settlers. John E. received his early education in the district schools of Frankford and was reared to agricultural pursuits on his father's farm of 180 acres in section 9. In 1893 he rented the home place and a few years later purchased it. He has made mauy improvements, has remodeled the buildings and developed the land. On this place he now conducts general farming, and makes a specialty of grain raising and breeding Black Poll Angus cattle. Mr. Hovda has been clerk of school district 36 for three years, and has also served as constable. He belongs to the IModern Woodmen of America, and attends the Lutheran church. The subject of this sketch was married September 7, 1898, to Laura Gilbertson, born in Grand Meadow township, October 2, 1875, daughter of Julius and Mary Gilbertson, Avho came to America from Norway, located in Grand ]\Ieadow township and engaged in farming, the father dying in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Hovda are the parents of three children: Elgar J., born July 17, 1900; Jeanette, born October 1, 1902, and Agnes, born February 9, 1905.

Albert A. Johnson, the talented editor of the Grand Meadow "Record, has established an excellent business and issues a paper which is a credit to the village and surrounding country. He was born in Brownsdale, this county, December 4, 1871:, and there received his earlier education. While a boy he started his newspaper career by printing and publishing the Brownsdale Leaflet. In 1893 he sold this to L. L. Quimby, and went to ]\IortOD, Renville county, this state, Mdiere he engaged in newspaper work for eight months. Then he worked on the Austin Register, in Austin, this county, for a while, until failing health interfered with his work. In 1894 he came to Grand Meadow and purchased his present business, which he has since continued with the exception of a year and a half, when he leased it and went to Amherst, Wis., and took charge of the Amherst Advocate. Then he returned to Grand Meadow. Under his management and guidance the paper has become one of the most influential in the county. He also does commercial and job work, and deals extensively in books and stationery. Aside from owning his own business and building, Mr. Johnson holds stock in several local enterprises. He is a Republican in politics, belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and attends the Methodist Episcopal church. The subject of this sketch was married February 23, 1898, to Lulu E. Bieman, of Brownsdale, and they have an adopted son, Maynard C, born May 1, 1905.