Mower County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 12 of 14)

T. M. Hagerty, for fourteen years clerk of Bennington township, is one of the progressive and popular men of the community. He Avas born in Houston county, Minnesota, September 15, 1861, son of William and Sabina (Reilly) Hagerty, natives of Ireland. He received his education in Houston county, and came to this county with his parents in 1877, engaging in farming with his father until his father's death. Then until 1894 he was in partnership with his brothers in farming the family acres. In that year the property was divided, and T. M. selected the 240 acres in Bennington township, where he erected a fine home and buildings, and where he now carries on general farming, making a specialty of raising Polled Angus cattle. Mr. Hagerty is an independent voter, and in addition to the office mentioned above has been assessor of Clayton township eight years and clerk of his school district a number of terms. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., the K. of C. and the M. W. A., and is a stockholder in the hall of the latter society at Grand Meadow. The sub.iect of this sketch was married May 22, 1895, at Grand Meadow, to Julia Duggan, born in Houston county, Minnesota, December 24, 1865. daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Welch) -Duggan, natives of Ireland. This union has resulted in tliree children: Sabina ilargaret Lucille, born February 2, 1898; Julia ]M., liorn November 15, 1908, and died IMarcIi 7, 1904, and ]\Iary F., born February 24. 1906.

William Hagerty was born in Ireland and married Sal)ina Keilly, a native of the same place. They came to America in 1848, and William worked in the mines of Pennsj'lvania and Ohio until 1854, when he came to Minnesota and took a homestead in section 17, township 102, range 4. He broke and developed this land and followed farming until 1877, when he came with his family to Mower county, purchasing three farms of 240 acres each, two in Clayton and one in Bennington. These farms he conducted with the assistance of his sous until his death. May 14, 1885. His widow died February 8, 1911.

Daniel Duggan was born in Ireland and married Margaret "Welch, a native of the same country. They came to America in 1848, lived in Houston county until 1877, and then came to IMower county and purchased 160 acres in Clayton township. In 1881 they retired and moved to La Crosse, where Daniel died October 29, 1907, and his wife September 29, 1907.

-Jacob S. Bowers, deceased, was for many years an honored resident of Lyle township, where his integrity and honor vviW long be remembered. His friends mingled high respect with their intimate liking of the man, and his influence was ever for the good. His was a life well spent, and his duty in earth's battles Avere faithfully performed. He was born in Canada, December 28, 1829, v/liere he received his early education and grew to manhood, learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed in connection with conducting a sawmill. J\Iay 15, 1849, he married Eliziibeth Quiekfall, born in Lincolnshire, England, February 7. 1829. She came to America with lier parents at two years of age, locating in New York state, where they remained for six years, after which they removed to Canada, where she was educated and grew to maturity. In 1860 Mr. and Mrs. Bowers came to the United States and located in Lemar, in the northwestern part of Missouri, remaining until the following spring, when they moved to Fayette county, Iowa, two years later going to Osage, Iowa, where they remained for eight years, after which they came to Minnesota and located in Lyle township. Mower county, where Mr. Bowers purchased 200 acres in section 17. Like the other arrivals of that period, he broke and improved the land and brought his farm to a high degree of excellence, at the same time following his trade as a carpenter. He died May 17, 1908. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowers were born seven children : Norman S., the oldest, died at Superior, Wis., December 15, 1909 ; Mrs. Hanna L. Haney was born in May, 1852 ; Harriett E. was born in June, 1854, and married M. E. Varco; Milton B. was born in August, 1856; Charles was born -August 8, 1858; Alberta was born in March, 1864, and married B. V. Wilder ; Wilhelmina M. Avas born m May, 1867, and married F. Hotson. Mr. Bowers was a Democrat and a Mason, and was buried Avith Masonic honors. Mrs. BoAvers, Avho is past eighty-tAvo years of age, is a remarkable example oF all that is SAveet and beautiful in old age. Aside from a disabled hip, as the result of an accident, she is sprightly and

Martin B. Johnson, a respected and substantial resident of (jrand j\Ieadow. was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, October 28, 1837, son of AVilliam and Mary (Keefe) Johnson, natives respectively of England and Wales. Martin came to Mower, county with his parents and brother, John L., in 1855, and settled in Brownsdale. August 19, 1862, he enlisted in the Union army, and served in Company C, Ninth Volunteer Infantry, became corporal and v.'as bass drummer for the regiment, serving until the close of the war, when he was discharged at St. Paul, in August, 1865. He then returned to Mower county and took up land in Udolpho township, where he engaged in farming for five years. Then he removed to Brownsdale. Soon afterward he was appointed deputy sheriff, and served for fourteen consecutive years under R. 0. Hall, H. B. Cory, Allan Mollison and Nicholas Nicholsen. He also engaged in the land and collection business with E. J. Stimson for fifteen years at about the same time. In March, 1908, he moved to Grand Meadow. Mr. Johnson was married September 19, 1861, to Mary A. Hines, of Red Rock township, who died April 3, 1909, leaving two children: Albert, of Grand Meadow, and May, who keeps house for her father. I\Ir. Johnson is a Republican in politics and a member of the G. A. R. post. He served continuously as marshal of Brownsdale from 1875 to 1908, with the exception of five years. He is now justice of the peace. For five years he served in the loAver house of the Minnesota legislature in an appointive position. He has also served in many other positions of public and private trust and honor.

Thomas A. Hotson is one of the venerable ^nd honored citizens of IMower county, ripe in years and wisdom, and filled with that tolerance and gentleness that time alone brings to the noble souls of the earth. His good wife has proven an able helpmeet, and hand in hand they are spending the late afternoon of life together, loved by all who know them. ]\Ir. Hotson was born in Norfolk, England, December 16, 1829. AVhen twenty years of age, in 1849, he was united in marriage with Esther Guttridge, wlio was also born in Norfolk, England, April 6, 1829. They remained in Norfolk until 1854, when they left the bonny shores of England and came to America, sailing from Liverpool, October 6, and landing at New Orleans, after six weeks and four days' passage. They first located in St. Louis, where he was engaged in a rolling mill for a short time; thence going to St. Clair county, Illinois, where he purchased an interest in a brick yard, which he operated for one season. After this he engaged in farming in St. Clair county, Illinois, until 1862, when he came to iMower county.

and purchased 160 acres of wild land in section 10, Lyle township, only four acres of this land being broken, and preemption shantj' erected, which constituted the improvements at the time of purchase. He broke and developed the rest of this land, bringing it to a high degree of cultivation, erecting a tine house and outbuildings. On this farm he has since continued general agricultural operations. Mr. and Mrs. Hotson have been blessed with six children: Atkins, Thomas, Fred, William, Emir and Emer.

Fred Hotson, third son of Thomas A. Hotson, was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, March 15, 1859. He came to Mower county with his parents at three years of age, and here received his education, remaining Avith his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he purchased a 175-acre farm, on section 16, Lyle townsliip, where he has erected tine buildings and improved the land, and now carries on general farming. He was married September 25, 1888, to Wilhemena M. Bowers, and they have two children: Mae E., born December 11, 1889, a teacher; Vance B., born September 23, 1890, who is at home on the farm with his father. Mr. Hotson is a Republican and belongs to the Masons and the M. W. A.

Herman T. Julson, an industrious farmer of Grand Meadow township, was born in "Wisconsin, July 5, 1872, son of Ulriek and Rachel Julson. He lived with them in Wisconsin and Iowa, and came to Grand Meadow tOAvnship with them in 1876 as a boy of four years. Here he was reared to agricultural pursuits and attended the public schools. He now owns the old homestead of eighty acres in section 36, and also eighty acres adjoining in section 35. Here he successfully carries on general farming in a scientific manner. He married Ida Olson, daughter of Nels Olson.

Ulriek Julson, now deceased, was born in Norway, December 8, 1821, and was married there. In 1848 he came to America, being eighteen weeks crossing the ocean, and here took up the trade of farmer, although he had been a tailor in the old country. After living in Wisconsin about twenty-five years he Avent to ToAva, and after stajdng there three years came to Mower county in 1876, and settled in section 36. As there Avas no building of any kind on the land at that time he lived six Aveeks wnth a neighbor named Harley Peck Avhile he built a shack for his family. Before the winter set in he had a frame house completed. Ulriek Julson died July 25, 1902, and his Avife, October 2, 1902.

Isaac H. Every, retired farmer of LeRoy toAvnship and veteran of the Civil war, was born in Delaware county, Ncav York, December 18, 1837, son of Hiram and Hannah (Stonghenburg) Every. He received a public school education, attended the DelaAvare Academy one year, took up farming Avith liis father and learned the carpenter's trade. December 18, 1861, he enlisted in the Union army at Delphi, Delaware county, and was sworn in at Newburgh, Orange county, New York, serving in the Eighth Independent New York Battery until the fall of 1864, when he was honorably discharged at Norfolk, Va., on account of ill health. He participated in all the battles of his regiment up to that time and was neither wounded nor captured, although his health was so impaii-ed that he was able to do but little work for several years thereafter. In 1868 he came to Minnesota and for two years followed his trade, living in the village of LeKoy. At the end of this time he purchased 160 acres of wild land in Howard county, Iowa, from Henry Spencer, who had obtained it from the government. Mr. Every cleared and broke this land, erected some fine buildings and followed general farming, making a specialty of breeding Shorthorn cattle. In 1906 he rented his farm and purchased his present home of eleven acres in section 34, LeRoy township, where he now lives. Before coming here Mr. Every served for several years as a member of the board of trustees of Oakdale township, Howard county. He also served on the school board a number of years. He is a staunch Republican, a member of the G. A. R. and a communicant of the Presbyterian church. The subject of this sketch was married October 'SO, 1867, to Esther A. Ferguson, born in Delaware county. New York, January 8, 1847, daughter of William and Nancy (McArthur) Ferguson, the former of whom died in October, 1874, and the latter May 8, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Every were the parents of five children: Flora E., W. F., Arthur H., Martha M. and Minnie B. Flora E. was born October 30, 1869, married W. E. Dennis, and resides in Corydon, Iowa. W. F. was born April 11, 1872, and is now general claim agent for the Northern Pacific, with an office in St. Paul. Arthur H. was born July 2, 1876, and is district claim agent for the Northern Pacific, Avith an office at Glendive, Mont. Martha il., the twin sister of Arthur H., was born July 2. 1876, married Dr. C. J. Maerchlein, and lives in Lidgerwood, N. D. irinnie M. was born September 29, 1879, and married Perry Hanson, a general merchant at Carver, Minn.

Jacob Every, grandfather of: Isaac H., was an early settler of Delaware county. New York, and there built and conducted a saw, grist and flouring mill. Hiram Every, father of Isaac H., was born in Delaware county, and at the age of fourteen learned the miller's trade, which he followed in Delaware county all his days. He died in Delaware county in 1897, and his wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Stoughenburg, died in 1899.

George Howard has taken an active interest in public affairs, and is one of the successful and prosperous citizens of Lyle township. He Avas born in Chautauqua county. New York, April 23, 1867, son of Addison and Adeline (Sprague) Howard. He carae westward with his parents at ten years of age, receiving his education at the Woodbury school, Lyle township, and working on the farm with his father. After leaving school he became a partner of his father and his brother Charles, and the three conducted the farm until the father's death, in 1900, since which date he and his brother have continued to develop the place, adding acres and buildings. They own several hundred acres, including the home farm of 360 acres, and also other places. Mr. Howard has recently purchased a farm of eighty acres, to which he has moved, in section 33, his brother having retired and moved to the village. The home farm is in sections 29 and 32, and the other land the brothers own is mostly in these two sections. George Howard is a Republican in politics, and has served as chairman of the board of supervisors of Lyle township for twelve years, to the credit of himself and the honor of the community. He has also served as clerk of the Woodbury school for several years. He holds stock in the London Creamery in Freeborn county, and in the Lyle Telephone Company of Lyle. The subject of this sketch was married September 5, 1905, to Gertrude De Remer, and to this union four children have been born : Lon, Carroll, Asa and Charles. The family faith is that of the Methodist church.

Addison Howard and Adeline Sprague, his wife, were natives of New York state, and came westward in 1877, locating in Lyle township, where they purchased 160 acres of land, in the southwest quarter of section 29. To this they made additions, and as the two sons, George and Cliarles, grew to manhood, they were taken into partnersliip. Mr. Howard died in 1900, and Mrs. Howard lived with her son, Charles, in the village of Lyle, until November 18, 1910, when she died. Mr. Howard was a man of sterling character, loving in his family and loyal to his friends.

John Mahoney, now deceased, was for many years a prominent farmer of LeRoy township. He came to LeRoy as a poor man, and by good management and hard work accumulated a handsome property. He held the esteem of the community and was beloved for Jiis many excellent trnits of mind and ciiaraeter. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, November 15, 1846, youngest child of John Mahoney, the elder, who came to America in 1859, located in Mower county in 1866 and died in 1878. John, the subject of this sketch, came to America with his father at eleven years of age, living for a time in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and then coming to Mower county in 1866. He acquired the southwest quarter of section 7, LeRoy township, broke and improved the land, erected buildings and a fine home, increased his jioldings from time to time, and carried on general farming until his lamented death, April 19, 1902, when he was killed by being tiirown from a vehicle by a pair of runaway horses. Mr. Mahoney

',vas well thought of in the community and was an enthusiastic member of the A. F. & A. M. at LeRoy and the eommaudory at Austin as well as of the Eastern Star. He was married April 15, 1877, to Sarah L. Smith, born at Yorksville, Pa., March 17^ 1855, (laughter of Charles and Fannie (Rawley) SmitJi, natives ot' Pennsylvania. They came west to this county in 1866, purciiased 160 acres of land in LeRoy township, one mile west of the viUage, lived there a short tinie, and then sold out, immediately purchasing the adjoining 160 acres, where they erected a pleasant home and conducted general farming the remainder of their days, Charles Smith dying January 28, 1893, and his wife May 18, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of six children. James P. died at two years of age ; Milton, Alvin, Lucy J. and Charles E. died within the same month, all of diphtheria. Mrs. Mahoney is the only surviving member of the family. To Mr. a-nd Mrs. ;\Iahoney were born three daughters. Fannie E. is now Mrs. Adolph Bhend, of Le Roy township. She is a graduate of the Le Roy high school and before her marriage taught school. Mary E. graduated from the Decorah Business College, and is now an able stenographer in Mason City, Iowa. Iva R. lives at home and attends the Le Roy high school. Mrs. Mahoney still owns the old homes lead of 240 acres aside from twenty acres of timberland. Since the death of Mr. Mahoney, she has rented the farm and purchased a fine residence in Le Roy where she now lives. She has taken great pride in the education of her children. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Mahoney were charter members of the Eastern Star at LeRoy, and iMr. Mahoney was treasurer of his school district for over thirty years.

George A. Lyman, a pioneer of Fillmore county, came to Frankford township witli his family in 1905, and immediately became identified with the progress of this locality. He has already served as assessor two years and is much interested in the educational matters of his district. The subject of this sketch was born in Fillmore county, March 18, 1862, son of Abner F. and Ellen (Green) Lyman, the former a native of Northfield, Mass., and the latter of Ware, N. H. Abner F. Lyman came to Hartland, "Wis., with his parents, was there reared, and in 1855 came to Fillmore county, where he passed the remainder of his life with the exception of a few years in Racine township, this county. George A. passed his early life on the farm, and attended the district school of Sumner in his native county. He devoted his life to agricultural pursuits there until coming to Frankford township. He married Hannah, daughter of J. C. and Sarah J. (Hoff) Brush, Ihe former a native of St. Albans, Vt., and the latter from New York state. This union has resulted in five chil-

Henry J. Lockwood, Jr., of Frankford township, is of that younger generation who combine the hardworking, industrious temperament of their predecessors with the intelligent and scientific understanding of agricultural conditions which has resulted from modern experiment and investigation. The subject of this sketch is a native of Mower county, having been born on the farm where he now resides February 1-1, 1879, son of Henry J. Lockwood, Sr., now deceased. He received his earlj^ education in the district schools of his neighborhood and in the graded schools of Grand Meadow. Then he entered the agricultural school of the University of Minnesota, and was pursuing his studies there when he was called home by his father's death. He now has charge of the Lockwood estate consisting of 525 acres in sections 14, 22, 23 and 27, Frankford township, and carries on general farming on an extensive scale, making a specialty of Shorthorn and Dui'ham cattle. Mr. Lockwood is an independent Democrat, and has served as treasurer of school district 19 for eight years. He is also a stockholder in the Exchange Bank, of Grand Meadow. The subject of this sketch was married September 2, 1902, to Julia Nelson, born in Grand Meadow, this county, February 27, 1880, daughter of Gilbert and Karen G. (Olson) Nelson, who came to America from Norway in 1870, located in Grand Meadow township and took up general farming, the father dying January 10, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood have two children: Katherine Claire, born August 8, 1905, and Charles Henry, born February 15, 1910.

Henry J. Lockwood, Sr., was one of the early settlers of this county, although not of the earliest. He was born of true American parents of French and English descent, who Avere among the first settlers of the country. His mother died when he was thirteen years of age, and being the only boy the duty of becoming bread winner for the family devolved upon him, the father being a cripple. Henry J. clothed and schooled his two sisters on his small salary of $12.50 per month for four years, or until they were old enough to work some. His "stick-to-it-iveness" and determination won for him the respect of men who helped him up the ladder, round by round. In 1858 he came from Ohio to Minnesota with a team and settled in Fillmore county, where he taught school winters and worked his farm of eighty acres in summer. In 1863 he went back to Ohio and married Kathryn Sharp, who with his sisters accompanied him back to this western home. When the Indians made trouble at New Ulm and at other places he applied for enlistment but was again rejected as on two other occasions when the calls were made for volunteers at the beginning of the Civil war, on account of his having but one eye (the sight of the other being damaged by a <.'ataract grovi'th). He figured strongly in the political affairs of the township wherein he resided. In 1865 he bought a farm of 160 acres in Frankford township and moved onto it in May of that year. He served two terms as county commissioner and Avas always found ready to serve the best interests of the county regardless of threats or bribery, thus placing him in the ranks of those who do and dare. He w^as a strong and loyal lover of libert.y and strove to serve his country. His opportunity came when the Spanish war broke out, and Jay, his second son, enlisted in Company G of the Twelfth Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers, the members of which were held at Chickamauga, for months. Jay became very sick, and as a father Mr. Lockwood kept his word. "Boy, I'll come when you need me," and he went despite the entreaties of his family. He nursed, waited upon, fanned and kept flies off the sick boys until the strength of his sixty-two years began to lag and he became a victim of the typhoid malaria and lived but one month after reaching home, dying with the full assurance that he had served his country. Word came from camp often, enquiring of "Dad's" welfare, for that is what they named him at the U. S. hospital. The sick boys would call and call for assistance and as a last resort call for "Dad," who never failed them as long as his strength remained. Though not rich he left a good farm of 525 acres as a result of the push and determination of a poor boy. He was an example of charity for his fellow man, and his straight, honest dealings in business and politics won for him the respect of those who were acquainted with him.

Ole Christenson Bratrud, who gave the land upon Avhieh the Norwegian Lutheran church is located in Bennington township, was born in Sigdal, Norway, on March 25, 1833, and came to America with his parents in the spring of 1848, spending seven weeks on the Atlantic ocean. He first located at Rock Prairie, Wis. In May, 1854, he was united in marriage to Ambjer Finneseth, of that place, and soon thereafter they came to Minnesota and located at Root Prairie, near Fountain. Here the family lived until the death of Mrs. Bratrud, October 27, 1872. To them six children were born, three of whom died quite young. Of the other three, Louis died at AVest Superior, Wis., in 1896, and Thollef died at Chester, Iowa, in 1905. The oldest, Christian C, resides at Sioux Falls, S. D., where he is vice president of the Sioux Falls Savings Bank and has twice represented his district in the state legislature. On June 1, 1873, O. C. Bratrud was united in marriage to Elsie Torgrimson, who survives him and is now living in St. Paul. This union was blessed with seven chil- dren, all of whom are living. They are : Dr. Theodore Bratrud, of Warren, Minn. ; Albert, who is a farmer in Bennington township ; E. Oscar, who is cashier of the State Bank of Roswell, S. D. ; John who attends the St. Paul Law School ; Clara, who is at the Northwestern Conservatory of Art and Music at Minneapolis, and Arthur and Edward, who are medical students at the state university. Ole Bratrud was a public spirited citizen and was honored by having been elected to several positions of trust in his county. In 1870 he represented Fillmore county in the state legislature. In the spring of 1889 Mr. Bratrud with his family moved to Spring Valley for the purpose of better educating his children and to look after his real estate holdings, which consisted of a tract of 380 acres in Bennington toAvnship, in Mower county, and various tracts in Fillmore county. He was an honorable, upright Christian man and worked very industriously to give his children a good education. In this he succeeded admirably and for it they will ever praise his memory. Mr. Bratrud passed away at his home in Spring Valley February 26, 1910.

Joseph R. Mason was born in AYestminster, Windham county, Vermont, August 15, 1827. In 1845 he came with his parents to Dane county, Wisconsin, and there his father purchased and improved government land on which he remained until the time of his death. In 1852 he married Lucinda Freeman, a native of the town of Plymouth, Chenango county. New York. In 1856 they started westward to seek a new home, and for several years lived in Mitchell county, Iowa. Their residence in Mower county dates from 1865, when they came to LeRoy township and purchased 240 acres of land in section 8. This land they broke and improved, and here they carried on general farming until death, Joseph R. dying June 6, 1894, and his wife December 31, 1893. They had three children, Florence and Clarence, twins, and Arthur. They also brought up two children not adopted, Ida ]\Iay and Ella.

Asa Brown, an early hotelkeeper, was born in Vermont, and married Lucy Baker, of Ohio. After their marriage they located in Indiana, where Asa was one of the contractors on the Wabash canal. After the completion of the canal he located in Noble county, purchased a tract of land, and founded the village of Lisbon. Here he also erected a hotel which he conducted for sevei'al years. In 1861 he removed to Alexandria, Minn., built and conducted a feed and flouring mill, and remained three years. In 1864 he came to Austin, Minn., and purchased what afterward became the Lacy House. Three years later he sold out and purchased a farm in Fillmore county. After farming three years he came to LeRoy and engaged in the hotel business a year. Then he and his wife spent two years in Kentucky, afterward taking up their residence in Lansing township. Here Asa Brown died in 1876 at the age of eighty-three years. Ilis wife died in June, 1909, at the age of eighty-seven.

Charles B. Brown, a prominent farmer of LeRoy township, was born in Noble county, Indiana, August 19, 1849, son of Asa and Lucy (Baker) Brown. He received his early education in Cold Springs, Ind., and at Austin, Minn., and then engaged in farming in Lansing and LeRoy townships until 1885, when he Aveut to Anoka, Minn., and engaged in lumbering for some fourteen years. In 1899 he returned to LeRoy township and engaged in farming on the ]\Iason place in section 8, where he is now successfully engaged in diversified farming, making a specialty of Durham and Black Poll cattle. Mr. Brown was married November 5, 1873, to Florence Mason, born in Rutland county, Vermont, May 12, 1856, daughter of Joseph and Lueinda (Freeman) Mason., This union has been blessed with three children : Jay R., born March 6, 1875, is manager of the North American telegraph in the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce ; May, born July 16, 1880, is the wife of Charles Howe, of LeRoy village. Grace is the wife of Arthur J. Arnot, of Bismarck, N. D.

John H. Skinner, managing editor of the Austin Herald, daily and weekly, was born in Northampton, Mass., August 13, 1864, son of Thomas and Rosamond (Reece) Skinner. The family moved to South Hadley, Mass., where John H. was reared. After leaving school he took up newspaper Avork, came to Mower county in 1896, and became proprietor of the Herald two years later. In 1907 he disposed of a half interest to Fred C. Ulmer. Mr. Skinner was married June 26, 1900, to Gertrude C. Ellis, daughter of Allen V. and Helen (Quain) Ellis. Mrs. Skinner was born in MoAver county, has traveled extensively in Europe, and Avas superintendent of MoAver county schools ten years. She is noAv associate editor of the Herald.

Fred C. Ulmer, business manager of the Austin Herald, daily and Aveekly, Avas born in Clear Lake, loAva, December 23, 1880, son of Charles and Bertha (Pezold) Ulmer, both of German birth. He Avas brought by them to Austin in 1891, graduated from the Austin high school in 1901, and began his ncAvspaper career as a reporter on the MoAver County Register. A year later he entered the employ of George A. Hormel & Co., and remained with this firm until 1907, Avhen he became a copartner in the firm of Skinner & Ulmer. ]Mr. Ulmer is an official of the Episcopal church, Avorshipful master of Fidelity Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. ^I.. and a member of various other organizations and clubs.

George E. Anderson, assistant postmaster of Austin, is a native born son of this county, having first seen the light of day August 23, 1876, on a farm in ^Marshall township, tAvelve miles east of Austin. His parents are Sven and Anna (Anderson) Anderson, the pioneers. George E. attended the district schools, came to Austin with his parents in 1881, and graduated from the Austin high school in 1893. Then he attended the University of Minnesota three years. Subsequently he entered the mail service as clerk in the Austin postoffiee, and later took the first civil service examination which was held in Austin for the city carrier service, standing the highest in a class of forty-five. He served as carrier for nine years, and in 1907 was appointed assistant postmaster. In December, 1910, he was placed in the civil service by an order affecting all the assistant postmasters in second class offices throughout the United States. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Masonic order, and is a past commander of St. Bernard Commandery, No. 13, Knights Templar, as well as past worthy patron of Unity Chapter, No. 29, 0. E. S. He is also a member of the M. W. A., the Austin Commercial Club, the Austin high school alumnae association and the Minnesota Association of Assistant Postmasters. The subject of this sketch was married July 1, 1903, to MoUie Anderson, daughter of O. G. and Matilda (Nelson) Anderson, old settlers of Lansing township. To this union has been born one child, George E. Anderson, Jr., born November 15, 1910. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church. In spite of his busy life, Mr. Anderson has found time to make a hobby of collecting coins and Civil war relics. His collection of war relics is one of the finest in southern Minnesota and his coin collection contains many coins of rare value.

Paul C. Keith, the successful editor of the Adams Review, M^as born in Traer, Iowa, April 23, 1885, son of AVilliam C. and Betsey (Jackson) Keith, natives of Scotland. He attended the common schools, graduated from the Goldfield (Iowa) high school in 1901 and then took courses at Monmouth College, Monmouth, 111., and Coe College, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Then he took up newspaper business. He came to Mower county in 1908 and in April of the following year became editor of the Adams Review. He is a member of a number of organizations and has served the village of Adams in various capacities.

Charles Brownlow, one of the prominent citizens of LeRoy village, has extensive interests in this part of the county, and is honored as a man of progressive views and keen business ability. He was born in Beaver Dam, AVis., November 17, 1872, son of Joseph and Eliza (Hufton) Brownlow. He received his early education in the district schools of Mower county, and then took up farming with his father and brothers, helping to break and develop what was then the extensive Brownlow farm. Here he carried on farming until 1901, Avhen he retired and moved to the village of LeRoy, where he and his family now reside in a beau- tiful home on North Main street. He looks after his own business interests, and lias charge of his wife's fai-m of 1,280 acres in Clayton township, owning aside from this a section of land in North Dakota. He is a Republican, has served on the village council of LeRoy, affiliates with the I. 0. O. P. and the M. W. A., and attends the Baptist church. Mr. Brownlow was married December 5, 1901, at LeRoy, to Claudine Colman, daughter of D. B. Colman.

Joseph Brownlow was born in Lincolnshire, England, and came to America as a young man, afterward returning to his native shire and marrying Eliza Hufton, a native of the same place. Together they located in Beaver Dam, Wis., where Joseph engaged in farming for a short period, later taking up the cooperage business at the same place. In 1875 he moved his family to the state of INIaryland, where they remained four years, from 1875 to 1879, and then in 1880 coming to LeRoy immediately locating in Lodi township, where he first purchased 280 acres of land. To this farm he added from time to time until he owned 640 acres, his land lying in the townships of LeRoy, Bennington and Lodi. Together with his sons he broke and developed this land, erected commodious buildings, and there remained until his death. He Avas a man of sterling ciualities, well liked throughout the community for his industry, thrift and honesty. He died November 3, 1903. and his wife March 16, 1887. They were the parents of five children, four sons and one daughter: William, now on the home farm in Lodi ; Fannie, who is now Mrs. Henry J. Boyd, of LeRoy; Richard, a farmer of LeRoy township; Charles, of LeRoy, and Frank, who also carries on farming in LeRoy township.

Decatur B. Colman, now deceased, the father of Mrs. Charles Brownlow, Avas one of the most successful farmers in Mower county, at one time owning 2,560 acres of land in this county. He was born in the town of Springfield, Otsego county. New York, September 21, 1826, and Avas reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in the district schools and later attending the Oriskany Academy in Onondaga for three terms. At seventeen years of age he began his life as a teacher, which profession he folloAved the greater pai^t of his time for tlie folloAA'ing twelve years, in the states of Ncav York, Ohio, Wisconsin. He had during this time been engaged in clerking in a general store one and a half years. In 1855 he dealt in horses, living in Ohio and shipping them west. In 1857 he moved to loAva and located at Burr Oak, and there engaged in the mercantile business. There he continued for tAvo years. In 1859 he moved to Preston, Fillmore county, this state, AA-here he Avas a pioneer. There he opened a store Avith a large stock of general merdian- dise, and was with Conkey Bros., the leading merchants of Prescott, for many years. In 1874 he opened a branch store at Grand Meadow, being the first store in the place. In 1868 he purchased four sections of land in Clayton township, viz. : sections 14, 15, 22 and 23. Later he sold sections 14 and 23. In 1869 he commenced improvements on sections 15 and 22, and in 1877 settled on the farm, where he followed general farming until 1896, when he retired and moved to LeEoy. He died July 12, 1900, and his wife passed away December 1, 1903. They were the parents of two children: Clarence, who died at two and a half years, and Claudine, who is now Mrs. Charles BrownJow, of LeRoy. Mr. Colman was married January 22, 1856, to Minerva E. Thayer, born in the town of Springfield, N. Y. Mr. Colman always took an active interest in public aifairs, served as a member of the town board of Preston, was county commissioner of Fillmore county, and several times chairman of the board of supervisors in Clayton township.

Allen Valois Ellis was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, New York, February 8, 1834. He attended district school until his fifteenth year, when he entered St. LaAvrence Academy. After a year in study here, he taught school for two years and at the age of eighteen, on April 6, 1852, he started for the gold fields of California. He made the journey overland from Erie, Pa., where railroad traffic ended, and at St. Joseph, Mo., joined the Beeman-Pugh overland party to California, under the personal leadership of Pugh. The journey ended at Eldorado, Cal., September 11, 1852. For the next three years Mr. Ellis Avorked in the gold mines of California. He made the homeward journey via Isthmus of Panama, minted his gold in Philadelphia and returned to his old home in Potsdam, where he married Belle McGill, February 13, 1856. Three months later he came west, preempted" 160 acres of land thirty miles west of Red Wing and also bought a quarter section. Later he sold his land and returned east. His wife died January 1, 1857, leaving an infant daughter. In May of that year he again came west and located at Austin, and was employed as civil engineer of the Minnesota Central railway. On April 24, 1859, he married Helen Quain and the next day they moved out to Avhat is now known as the Evergreen Farm, Avhere he lived for more than fifty years, dying there August 3, 1909. He left a Avidow, tAvo sons, Charles F., of I\randan, N. D., and Dr. Sidney A., of Boston, Mass., also four daughters, Mrs. W. W. Keyser, of St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. J. H. Skinner, Austin; Mrs. K. C. Ingmundson, St. Paul, and Mattie C. Ellis, Peru, Neb. Mr. Ellis was. one of the builders of the county. He was a man of tireless energy and indomitable will. "When other men were satisfied to sow their wheat among the stumps, lie cleared -liis fields by grubbing. lie is credited with being the first man to bring the evergreen trees to this county and from his nursery rows thousands of these trees were transplanted to beautify southern Minnesota. lie counted these his best monument.

Ole Aslakson is one of the leading citizens of Nevada township. He has been assessor of the township for thirty years, member of the board of supervisors three years, chairman of that board five years and clerk of the school board of his district for many terms. He believes in the betterment and improvement of farm conditions, and his services as president of the Nevada Farmers' Co-operative Creamery have given general satisfaction. Mr. Aslakson was born in Norway, April 14, 1845, son of Aslak Oleson, and came to America as a young man. He lived a time in Chicago working at the carpenter trade, which he had learned in the old country, and then came to Mower county, pursuing the same line of work. In 1875 he purchased 160 acres in section 14, Nevada tow^nship, where he now lives. In the early days he erected a shanty 14x16 and in this lived for some time. He now has a fine complement of buildings, mostly erected by his own hands. The old original residence is preserved on the place and used for a tool shed. At first Mr. Aslakson raised grain, but of late years has carried on general diversified farming on the three quarter sections of land which he now owns. He takes particular pride in his herd of Shorthorns, and has about forty head, which he breeds for both beef and dairy purposes. Mr. Aslakson was married June 24, 1876, to Susie Anderson, a native of Norway, and they have eleven children : Anton, Andrew, Theodore, Christian, Halver, Oie, Clara, Lena, Selva, Gertrude and Hilda. Anton is married and lives in the town of Nevada ; others are at home and the three youngest attend school. The family faith is that of tlie Lutheran church.

Peter Lausen, one of the substantial farmers of Lyle township, has made liis own way in the world wdth but little encouragement, and is a fine example of a self-made man. He was born in Ato Sehleswig-Holstein, now Germany, then a part of Denmark, September 10, 1863, son of Peter and Anna (Hansen) Lausen, natives of Sehleswig-Holstein, but of Danish blood. The father is still living in the old country, and follows his trade as a shoeinakc)-. The mother died in 1895. Peter received his education in the scliools of his native land, and came to tliis country at tlie age of seventeen years, arriving in Austin, April 27, 1881. Here he worked out by the month on a farm for a period of five years, and then spent a summer in California, later returning to Austin, where he accepted a position with Oscar Avers, in his machine shop, remaining with liini for five years. He then ac(M>pted a position Avith the IMinneapolis Harvester Company, working with that company three years. Subsequently he engaged with the Interstate Grain Company, as manager of their elevator at Varco, for six years, serving in the elevator winters and working on his farm in the summer. In 1893 he purchased 160 acres of land in section 1, Lyle township, which he developed and brought to a high state of cultivation. In 1899 he erected a new modern home and buildings, now having a model farm place in ev(Ty respect. In 1902 he added eighty acres to his farm, making 21:0 acres in all. Mr. Lausen is an independent Republican, a member of the Lutheran church, a member of the M. W. A., and has served on the board of town supervisors of Lyle township, a position he still occupies. He also is clerk of school district number 46. When Mr. Lausen came to this vicinity he had $2.80 in his pocket, and since then, aside from acquiring his tine property, he has sent over $1,000 to his parents in the old country. The subject of this sketch was married August 26, 1896, to Randi E. Evenson, and to this union have been boim three children: May, born December 23, 1897; Henry, born October 19, 1901, and Minnie, born October 31, 1906.

M. J. McGown, one of the progressive farmers of Waltham township, was born in Rochester, Minn., February 13. 1869, son of Alexander and Mina (Johnson) McGown. The father, Alexander, a native of Ireland, came to America in 1853, settled in St. Lawrence county, New York state, and then in 1865 came to Minnesota. After living four years in Rochester, he came to Waltham township, and settled in section 21, where he carried farming until his death, in 1904. J. M. McGown spent his early life on his father's farm and was educated in the common schools. After his marriage to Alice, daughter of Bert E. and Eliza (Symes) Stimson, he purchased his present farm in section 21, Waltham township. Here he has a comfortable home, commodious barns, and 320 acres of land upon which he conducts general farming. He has taken an interest in the affairs of the township and has served as supervisor, town clerk and assessor. Being of a fraternal nature he has allied himself with the A. F. & A. M., the Eastern Star and the M. W. A.

Rev. Olaf Carl Myhre, pastor of the Little Cedar Lutheran Congregation, of Adams, and of the West Leroy Lutheran church, in LeRoy townsliip, is an earnest worker for the cause to which he has consecrated his life, being respected by the entire community and loved by the members of his two flocks. He was born in the parish of Vang, Valders, Norway, January 18, 1870, being baptized March 31, of the same year. He is the son of Christopher and Marie Myhre. The subject of this sketch received his ediieation in the public schools of Norway, came to America with his parents in 1882, aud located with them iu Cioodhue county, Minnesota. He was confii-med in that county June 3, 1883, by the Rev. J. N. Kildahl. In the fall of 1884 he entered Luther College, at Decorah, Iowa, where he studied for three years. After this he entered St. Olaf College, at Northfield, Minn., for a similar period. Later he studied for two years at the Dr. :Martin Luther College, at New Ulm, Minn. In the fall of 1892 he entered the Augsburg Seminary, and graduated in j\Iay,- 1895. After receiving a call he was ordained as a pastor of the United Lutheran church, June 26, 1895, at St. Paul, at the annual meeting of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. He accepted the call and became pastor of the Windom Lutheran church, in Cottonwood county, Minnesota, serving three congregations, Windom, Heron Lake and Brewster, staying there for twelve years. Then he received a call to Adams, where he was installed pastor of the Little Cedar Lutheran church, September 30, 1906. This charge includes the congregations mentioned at the head of this sketch. Mr. INlyhre is a member of the Annuity Fund for Pastors aud Professors of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. He was married at Windom, Cottonwood county, Minnesota, January 21, 1901, to Clara Marie Hanson, of that place. This union has been gladdened with three sons : Valgard C. H., born October 3, 1903 ; Hilding C. M., born July 21, 1906 ; Paul L. S., born April 11, 1908.

Christopher ]Myhre and Marie Mylire, his wife, were natives of Valders, Norway. They came to America in 1882, and located in Goodhue county, Minnesota, near Kenyon. Two years later, iu 1884, the wife died. Shortly after this Christopher Myhre went to Brookings county. South Dakota, Avhere he engaged in farming for the remainder of his days. He died in 1890.

Wilber D. Ames, chairman of Lyle township, has spent his entire life in this county, aud is known as one of the progressive and prosperous men of the community, always ready to bear his share in promoting any good cause. He was born in Lyle township, October 9, 1861, only son of Ezra D. Ames, an early pioneer of the county. After receiving his education in the district schools, he took up agricultural pursuits with his parents, remaining on the home farm until twenty-five years of age, when he purchased eighty acres of land from his grandmother, Loomis, just across the street from his birthplace, in section 18. Since that time he has added 160 acres in section 19. He has greatly improved this land, erected modern buildings, and brought the place to a high state of cultivation, conducting diversified farming along the latest approved methods. He served on the town board for five years, and at the present time is chairman. He has served on the school board over twenty years, and at the

-present time is elerk. He is an independent Republican and a Methodist, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. The subject of this sketch was married March 22, 1887, to Carrie A. Torrens, daughter of James and Charlotte Torrens, prominent farmers of Oakland township, Freeborn county. To this union has been born one son, Loy L., born April 8, 1888, who makes his home with his parents on the farm.

Ezra D, Ames, an early pioneer settler of Mower county, was born in LeRoy, Geneseo county. New York, May 15, 1826. His father was a native of ]\Iassachusetts and a millwright by trade. When five years of age Ezra D. went with his parents to Venango county. New Y'ork, for two years. They then removed to Pennsylvania, spending eight years in Mercer and Beaver counties, thence to DeKalb county, Indiana. At sixteen years of age Ezra began work with his father; one year later his father died, and he continued working with his brothers two years. He then engaged on the Wabash canal, and followed boating until 1854, when lie took up farming in DeKalb county, Indiana. In 1855 he removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he remained until March of the following year, when he hired a team to convey his family and household goods to Mower county, Minnesota, first living in an empty shanty which they occupied for a few weeks, in the meantime preempting land in section 21, in Lyle township, and building a log house. The same fall they moved on section 19, where a fine frame house was soon erected. Mr. Ames broke and developed the land, and set out an abundance of fruit trees, as well as planting a fine grove. In 1883 he had 250 apple trees all bearing fruit, it being at that time the finest and largest orchard in Mower county. He lived on his farm until 1893, at that time renting out his farm, since which time he has lived Avitli his children, now living with his son, W. D. Ames. His Avife died June 7, 1893. He w^as married June 13, 1852, to Mary Loomis, daughter of Samuel and Christina (Swarts) Loomis. She was born in Wayne county, Ohio, May 19, 1836. They had four children : Emma, wife of A. A. Smith, now of Austin, died September 13, 1885; Ida, wife of John Summers, of Sioux Falls, S. D.; Hattie, now Mrs. William Jackman, of Nebraska ; William D., of Lyle township.

Samuel E. Morse, a pioneer, was liorn in Camden, Oneida county, New Y^ork, April i, 1843, youngest son of Elihue and Mary (Stoddard) Morse, well known settlers of the early days. He was brought by his parents to Indiana in 1848, and was but thirteen years of age Avhen he came to Mower county with his parents. He attended school as a boy, and assisted his father on the farm until December 16, 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Fourth ]\Iinnesota Volunteer Infantry, and went south and participated in the many important battles in which the regiment was engaged. He reinlisted in January, 1863, and served in the same company until July 16, 1865, being mustered out at Loiaisville, Ky., and discharged with his regiment at Ft. Snelling. Then he returned home and farmed with his father until 1876, when he purchased the old homestead of 160 acres in LeEoy township. This he has increased until lie now' owns 320 acres in LeRoy township, as well as a half interest in a 400-acre tract in Wisconsin. He now carries on general farming in LeRoy township. He is a director in the State Bank of LoRoy, in which he has served sixteen years, and he also has other business holdings. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and of the G. A. R., has served on the school board for many terms and has been clerk of his district for over sixteen years. The subject of this sketch was married at Austin, by Elder Parker, April 8, 1875, to Julia A. Bacon, born in Wisconsin, December 6, 1850, daughter of Samuel P. and Elizabeth Bowen Bacon, who settled in LeRoy township in 1857. Mr. and ]Mrs. Morse were blessed with seven children: Mabel E., Marion B., JMilton A., Melvin E., Morton P., jMinnie R. and Milo D. Samuel P. Bacon served in the legislature of iMinnesota at an early day. In 1874 he and his wife moved to Texas and in 1875 to Kansas, where they both died.

Elihue Morse, the first settler in the north part of LeRoy township, was born in Litchfield, Litchfield county, Connecticut, October 14, 1803, and was there reared to agricultural pursuits. At the age of twenty-four he left home and located in New York state, where he was married in 1828 to Mary Stoddard, who was born in the town of Camden, Oneida county. New York, May 26, 1809. They lived in New York state until 1848, then moved to Whiteley county, Indiana, stayed there a short time, and then moved to Kosciusko county, remaining there until 1856. In that year they started for Minnesota with horse and ox teams, arriving in Mower county after eight weeks' travel. Elihue Morse entered the northwest quarter of section 6, in what is now the township of LeRoy. He drove stakes in the ground and placed the wagon boxes thereon, thus forming a shelter in which he lived until fall. He then erected a log house with a stone fireplace, the chimney being outside. During the following winter lie drew his provisions on a hand sled from Frankford, then a small trading post at a distance of thirteen miles. He improved his farm, and made his home there until 1876, when he sold to liis son, Samuel E., and purchased a place in the old village of LeRoy. There he lived until 1883, when he and his wife returned to the old homestead to live with their son. The father died December 6. 1887; the mother died in August, 1881.

iu the north of Ireland, August 1, 1839. After attending school he remained in Ireland until 1860, Avhen he came to America and located in Wisconsin, engaging in farming ten years, after which he came to Mower county and located in Lyle township, where he purchased 160 acres of wild land in section 7, range 18, township 101. This land he broke and improved, and erected some fine buildings, his farm now being in a fine stage of cultivation. In 1903 he erected a fine barn, 60x56. Mr. Magee breeds Shorthorn cattle, and is now breeding in the Berkshire white hogs, following general farming. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Presbyterian church. He has always refused to serve in public office, although often urged to accept. He now owns 240 acres of land. Mr. Magee was married July 1, 1871, to Cassie Guy, and to this union have been born five sturdy sons: Jolm ; George, of Washington ; Isaac and Joseph, who are on the home farm ; Guy, who is clerking in a drug store at Lyle.

John Magee, eldest son of James Magee, was born in Lyle township, September 25, 1873, received his education in the Austin public schools and in an Austin business college. After this he returned to the home farm, where he remained until 1899, when he purchased 120 acres in sections 8 and 17, where he built his home, and now follows general diversified farming. He was married April 4, 1899, to Alma Dearborn, and they have one child. Myrtle, born December 1-4, 1900. Mr. Magee is a Republican, a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is serving his eleventh term as assessor of Lyle township, much to his honor and to the credit of the town.

John L. Neller was born in Baden, Germany, December 25, 1841. He came to America in 1852, and was married April 22, 1869, to Emma M. Stokes, born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, April 27, 1850. He came with his parents to Udolpho township, where they settled in 1856. Mr. Neller enlisted August 9, 1862, in Company C, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, until August, 1865 ; was taken sick at Mobile about the time Lee surrendered, from the el¥ects of sunstroke, and remained there until the last days of February, 1866, from the effects of which he draws a pension. John L. Neller is the son of Francis A. and Magdalena (Miller) Neller, who came to America, bringing a family of seven children, viz.: Margaret, Sebastian, Johanna, John L., Martin, Sophia and August. The mother died in UdolpJio in 1862. The father moved to Blue Earth county, where he died December 13, 1883. Sebastian lived in the township until the summer of 1864, when he sold out and went to the town of Medo, Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where he died January 29, 1878. John L. Neller was on the town board from 1885 to 1893 and Avas assessor in 1879. He now lives in Austin.

William G. Pace, treasurer of Lyle township as was his father before liiin, comes of an old pioneer family, his father and mother both having come to Lyle with the earliest settlers. He is a native of this county, born on the farm in Lyle, where he now lives, March 19, 1881, son of Charles M. and Emma (Gekler) Pace. William G. received his education in the school district of which he is now treasurer, namely, district 57, and then entered the Southern Minnesota Normal College, graduating in 1902. Thus equipped with an excellent education he returned to the home farm, and pairchased the homestead of 120 acres in section 22, to which he has since added eighty acres more, making a fine farm of 200 acres, on which he now conducts general farming. Mr. Pace has made extensive improvements on his land and buildings, and has taken an active interest in the welfare of the town. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, and is now serving his fourth term as town treasurer. He is a member of the M. W. A.. The subject of this sketch was married December 31, 1904, to Elma A. Varco, of Austin township, and to this union have been born two children, Glenn E., born June 3, 1906, and Clarence N., born September 6, 1909.

Charles M. Pace, for many years treasurer of Lyle township and of school district 57, was born in Perry county, Ohio, son of "William M. and Esther A. (Martin) Pace, the pioneers. He came to Mower county with his parents, here grew to manhood, and here married Emma Gekler, daughter of David Gekler, the pioneer. In 1902 Charles M. Pace and his wife went to Ward county, North Dakota, and took up a homestead where they still live.

William M. Pace was one of the pioneers of INIower county. He was born in Rehoboth, Perry county, Ohio, August 31, 1822, and there grew to manhood, attending school and assisting his father on the farm. When he was twenty-one years of age he rented a farm and commenced for himself. In 1856 he sold out and came to Mower county, locating in section 21, in the town of Lyle, where he lived for eight years, after which he moved to the south half of the southeast quarter of section 22, where he built a small frame house in which he lived for fifteen years. In 1878 he erected a fine dwelling, and later an excellent granary. Until 3864 Mr. Pace's nearest shipping point was at McGregor, a distance of 120 miles. Often Mr. Pace hauled wheat to Rochester with ox teams and sold it for fifty or sixty cents a bushel, camping along the way, both hotels and money being scarce. In November, 1861, Mr. Pace enlisted in Company K, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served three years with the Army of the Potomac, after which he was honorably discharged. He was married May 22, 1844, to Estlier A. ^Martin, who was an adopted daughter of Judge Robert Lyle, for whom the township was named. This union resulted in six children: Charles M., Emery N., Jane, Elizabeth A., Ahnira O. and Eveline. Mrs. Esther A. Pace died in 1866 and thirteen years later Mr. Pace married Mrs. Electa Graham.

David Gekler, an early settler, was born in Germany, August 2, 1825, and in 1854 came to the United States, landing in New York and settling in Utiea. Then he went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and in 1857 located in Lyle township. He married Anna M. Sloderbeck, who was born in Germany -in 1828, and the fruit of this union was eight children: Bennie, Emma, Mary, Catherine, Lorenzo, Christina, Lowena and Esther.

S. L. Quackenbush, an honored veteran of the Civil war, now residing in Frankford township, was born in Onondaga county, New York, May 12, 1842, son of Lambert and Emlie (Kathau) Quackenbush. The subject of this sketch was four years old when his parents brought him to Wisconsin, where he spent his boyhood and young manhood. At the age of twenty-two, in 1864, he enlisted in the Union army and served six months as a teamster. Before his term of service had expired, he was taken ill, and came home, afterward receiving his honorable discharge. Three years later, in 1868, he came to Frankford township, and settled in section 12, where he still continues to reside. He has never sought office, but for eight years yielded to the solicitation of his friends and honorably filled the office of constable. During his residence here he has become a substantial citizen, and his opinions are greatly respected by his fellow citizens. Mr. Quackenbush married for his first wife Angeliue M., daughter of 0. H. Collar, and this union resulted in two sons, Elmer 0. and William M. For his second wife he married Maria Sutton, daughter of Lemuel and Deborah (Laftin) Sutton.

Frank H. Reed, for eighteen years justice of the peace in Racine township, is a prominent man in the community, and is an excellent citizen in every respect. The subject of this sketch is the son of Daniel and Phoebe Reed and was born in Jefferson county, New York, January 31, 1856. The family moved to Sheboygan Falls, Wis., in 1865, and there Daniel died some weeks later, his wife, Phoebe, still making her home there. Frank H. was educated in New York and Wisconsin, and graduated from the Sheboygan Falls high school. In 1875 he came to Mower county, and taught in the public schools, being at one time principal of the schools at Blooming Prairie in Steele county. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of land in section 28, Racine township, and on this tract he has since followed general farming. He makes a specialty of raising Jersey cattle, and sells cream to the Racine Farmers' Co-operative Creamery, of whieli lit? was one of the origiual stockholders. In addition to the office already mentioned he was town clerk four years, town assessor, and a member of the school board of district 33 for ten years. Being of a sociable nature, he has allied himself with the 1. O. 0. F. and the A. O. U. W. Mr. Reed was married October 12, 1880, to Anna Stewart, daughter of R. E. Stewart, of Racine. This union has been blessed with three children. Jesse is in JMontaua ; Daniel is at home, and Marie, for several years a school teacher, is now ]Mrs. Delbert Gordy. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Carl C. Skogstad, one of the supervisors of Frankford township, is a native of Norway, born January 3, 1855, son of Christian and Caren Skogstad, both of whom spent the span of their years in Norway. Carl C. attended the public schools in Norway, and in 1872 came to America. For five years he did farm and saw-mill work in various places, and then came to Frankford township, where he worked out as a farm hand for seven years. In 188J: he purchased 160 acres of land in sections 8 and 17, developed the land, erected a tine home and the necessary outbuildings, and carried on general farming. He has recently sold ninety acres, leaving him seventy which he conducts with much success. He is a Republican and aside from his town office has been director of his school district for several years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery at Grand jMeadow, and also has other holdings. Mr. Skogstad is a member of the M. W. A. and a communicant of the Lutheran church. He was married December 29, 1882, to Regnald Florrend, born in Norway, June 10, 1850, daughter of Olaf and Martha Steft'eus, who came to America in 1852 and in 1856 located in Frankford. Mr. and Mrs. Skogstad have three children: Clarence was born April 11, 1883, and is a clerk in Grand Meadow ; Otis was born October 10, 1886, and is a student at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.; Cora M. was born February 20, 1889, and lives at home.

Simon E. Severson, for six years deputy sheriff of Mower county, and for fifteen years constable of Racine towmship, was born in Norway, February 10, 1860, son of Erick and jNIarie Severson, also natives of that country. In July, 1861, the family caine to America, landed at Quebec, and made their way directly to ]\Iower county. Here Erick i)urchased eighty acres of railroad land in Racine township and raised grain. He still lives on his original purchase, his wife, Marie, having died January 27, 1907. Simon E. was educated in the country schools and until his marriage assisted his father on the farm, working out to earn such money as he needed for his personal wants. In 1901 he ac(|uired forty acres in section 33, by inheritance, and to this he has added forty acres more. On this tract he conducts general farming, raising the usual crops as well as Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He was married September 19, 1896, to Helen Halverson, and to this union has been born one daughter, Elise. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

William H. Spencer, assessor of the town of LeEoy for the past seven years, clerk of school district 21 for the past twentyone years, and an earnest advocate of progressive and intensive farming, was born on the farm where he still resides in LeEoy township. May 26, 1857, son of William B. and Elizabeth (McGee) Spencer, who were among the earliest pioneers. He received his education in the district schools of LeEoy township, and after this engaged in farming in Otter Tail county for seven years. In 1885 he returned to his father 's farm, and worked its 196 acres for two years, after which he purchased the place. Since then he has increased his holdings to 266 acres. On this farm he has continued to live, successfully conducting general farming on an extensive scale. He has erected a pleasant residence, and has some modern barns, in which are housed his high-bred pureblooded Hereford cattle, of which he has a most excellent herd. Aside from his property holdings, he owns stock in the First State Bank, of LeEoy. Mr. Spencer was married May 8, 1879, to Helen E. Mason, daughter of J. M. and Margaret (Blackburn) Mason. This union has been blessed with six children : Orville, now of LeEoy township ; Alma E., living at home ; Lura H., now Mrs. A. C. Brooks, of Austin township ; Elmer AA^., of LeEoy township ; Marcia B., of Postville, Iowa, now Mrs. H. L. Hauck ; and Blsia I., living at home. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church.

J. M. Mason was born in Vermont, and located in Wisconsin when twenty years of age. He married Margaret Blackburn, who was born in England, and came to America at ten years of age. In 1863 they came to Mower county and purchased land in LeEoy township, where they lived until 1876, when they moved to LeEoy village. J. M. Mason died March 5, 1887, and his widow now makes her home in LeEoy township with her son, Lueian J. There were four children in the Mason family : Lueian J., a farmer of LeEoy township; Samuel M., of Morgan Hill, Cal. ; Elizabeth M., who died in California in December, 1905, and Helen E., now ]\Irs. W. H. Spencer, of LeEoy.

William B. Spencer, a member of the first elected board of county commissioners of Mower county, was born in Covington, Ehode Island, September 5, 1823. When nine years of age he was taken by his parents to Deerfield, Eensselaer county. New York. Nine years later they went to Warren county, Pennsylvania, and there William B. was married October 11, 1842, to Elizabeth IMcGee, born in AVarren, November 18, 1825. In 1855

Mr. and Mrs. Spencer started for Minnesota. At Dunkirk tliey, with their team, embarked on boat for Toledo, there took the cars for Chicago, and then made their way by team to Lafayette county, Wisconsin. On this journey Mr. Spencer was accompanied by his brother and sister as well as by his wife. After a rest of two months they started for Minnesota. The men were ill, and the wife and sister drove the teams. They came to the river at McGregor, pushed on to Mona, Iowa, and there Mr. Spencer left his family, and came to Mower county in search of a suitable location. He purchased a claim in what is now section 29, LeRoy, and then returned for his family. Upon their arrival here they moved into a log cabin, and lived in this until a farm house was built in 1857. At the first election for county officers, held in 1856, William B. Spencer was elected county commissioner, and held that office during the memorable countyseat contest. At the first town election he was made a member of the town board. In October, 1861, he enlisted and assisted Captain Mooers in raising Company K, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, going with this company to Ft. Snelling as second lieutenant. During the winter he was taken ill, and this coupled with illness in his family caused his resignation. In 1862 he enlisted in Company M, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and was mustered in as first orderly sergeant, serving fourteen mouths Avith Sibley on the frontier. Then he returned to LeRoy and farmed until 1887, when he retired and moved to LeRoy village. His wife died November 4, 1906. Mr. Spencer now lives with his daughter, Elizabeth, in Ionia, Iowa. In the family Avere four children: Marcia, wife of L. W. Prosser, of LeRoy township ; Henrietta, of Chicago ; Elizabeth J., now wife of Dr. Deloss Hurlbert, of Ionia, Iowa, and William H.

Ole T. Sween, a well-liked farmer of Frankford township, was born iji Norway, October 8, 1847, son of Thomas Olson and Ingar Olson, his wife. He received his education in Norway, and in 1856, at the age of nineteen years, came to Amei-ica and located in Fillmore county, this state. In 1875 he came to Mower county, and with his father purchased land in sections 7 and 8, Frankford township. TJiis farm they worked together until 1891, wiien the property was divided and Ole T. received the east half of tho southwest quarter of section 8. Here he built his home and buildings, and started general farming operations, at which lie has been most successful. Mr. Sween was married March 27, 1884, to Sarah Jorgens, who was born in Norway, July 25, 1850, and came to America in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Sween are the parents of three children: Thomas, born December 13. 1884; Ida J., born February 19, 1887, and Serena, born Noveinl)er 20. 1890.

Thomas Olson was born in Norway and there married Ingar Olson. They came to America in 1866, purchased eighty acres in Fillmore county, this state, and there farmed until 1875. In that year they sold their place and came to Mower county, where Thomas with his son, Ole T., purchased 240 acres in section 8, Frankford township, and fifty acres in section 7. On the fifty acres he erected his home, and together with his son carried on general farming until 1891. Then he sold fifty acres to the Norwegian Lutheran congregation, and gave his daughter, ]\Irs. Olaus Finhart, eighty acres in section 8, taking a life lease from her, and living with her until his death, March 24, 1901.

Oscar H. Hovda, a progressive farmer of Clayton township, was born in the toAvnship of Racine, this county, November 22, 1862, son of H. O. Hovda and Betsy Hovda, natives of Norway. Oscar H. was educated in the schools of Mower county and took a year's course in the Wasioja Seminary, at Wasioja, Minn. Later he studied commercial law and bookkeeping at Darling's Business College, at Rochester, Minn. Then he returned to the home farm, and assisted his parents. In 1887 he purchased 240 acres in sections 11 and 12, Clayton township, and here he has since resided, raising grain and live stock. He breeds cattle now, but has had sheep and has been very successful with them. Mr. Hovda is an estimable citizen in every respect.

1, Racine. To this farm Herman O. has added until he now owns 480 acres. He raises grain and live stock, and is a hard-working, successful man. Mr. Hovda is a Lutheran and votes the Democratic ticket. Mrs. Betsy H. Hovda was born in Norway, August 27, 1843, and came to America in 1851 with her parents, Ole 0. Simpson and Liva 0. Simonson. After living in "Wisconsin a time they came to Minnesota in 1854 and located in Mower county. She was married in 1861 to Herman 0. Hovda. Twelve children have been born. Of these eight are living. They are: Oscar H. Hovda ; Oliver H. Hovda ; Christine, now Mrs. 0. Johnson ; Herman H. Hovda ; Maggie, now Mrs. Henry E. Torgrimson ; Tilda, now Mrs. S. Arneson; Sever H. Hovda and Thanlow H. Hovda.

Ralph Prescott, editor and proprietor of the LeRoy Independent, was born in Postville, Iowa, May 3, 1875, son of A. R. and Lydia (Easton) Prescott. He attended the common schools of his native place and took courses in Grinnell College at Grinnell, Iowa, and Valder's Business College at Decorah, Iowa. After this he learned the printing business with the Waiakon (Iowa)

Standard. Subsequently he spent a year in Sheridan, Wyoming, and after his return became associate editor of the Waukon (Iowa) Republican for a year. Two years as editor of the New Hampton (Iowa) Courier and four years as editor of the Hector (IMinuesota) Mirror gave him a varied experience in newspaper work, and in February, 1908, he came to LeRoy and purchased the LeRoy Independent. Mr. Prescott was married May 28, 1901, at Lansing, Iowa, to Jennie Fellows, daughter of Judge L. E. and Sophronia (Reed) Fellows, early residents of Lansing, Iowa. Editor and Mrs. Prescott are the parents of two children : Robert, born in 1902, and Ruth, born in 1903.

Lyman Allen Sherwood, now deceased, was one of tlie early clerks of court in IMower county. He was born in Somerset, Niagara county. New York, in 1833, son of Marston and Tryphena (Meade) Sherwood, descended from early New York and Vermont families. At the age of eighteen he left the farm, and for some years he and his brother instructed singing schools in various places. Later he came to Merton, AVis., and conducted a store until 1857, Avhpn he came to Austin and purchased property. A little more than a year later he took up his residence here. In December, 1862, he was married to Alta Isabella Albro, daughter of Martin Albro and Harriet Attillia Hutchinson, his wife. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and shortly after was appointed first lieutenant, and after nine months' service on the frontier, went south, and served nearly to the close of the war, returning on account of sickness. Upon his return to Austin he served as deputy provost marshal for this district. He served for some years as clerk of the court, as postmaster, and also in minor offices. He died in May, 1873, leaving besides his wife, four children: Gertrude M., noAV Mrs. S. D. Catherwood ; Lyman Allen, of Chicago ; Ira Burt, of Austin; and Grace B., superintendent of schools for I\Iower county. Mrs. Sherwood (Alta Isabella Albro) was born in Rochester, New York, April 6, 1844, daughter of Martin All)ro, who settled in Rochester at an early day and became a prominent official of that place. After the death of ]\rartin Albro, his wife (Harriet Attillia Hutchinson) married Joshua L. Davidson, and in ]8o7 the family came to Austin. 3Irs. Sherwood is one of the oldest settlers of Austin, and has taken a prominent part in all movements for the betterment of the city and county.

George Kuhn, a represenative citizen of Grand I\Ieadow township, was born in Germany, October 25, 1854. son of George and Margaret Kuhn. He came to America in 1873, at nineteen years of age, and reached New York, March 1. After landing he went at once to Milwaukee, and there lived five years, working at his trade as harness maker. In 1878 he came to Grand Meadow and located in section 36, where he carried on general farming for some years. He now owns a farm of 120 acres in section 35, where he lives, and also a fine place of 240 acres in Clayton township. ]Mr. Kuhn married for his first wife, Augusta Spiloett Spdoeser, and five children were born. Of these three are living: Charles, George W., and William. The present Mrs. Kuhn was Amelia Quarst.

A. L. Sims, retired hotel keeper of Brownsdale, and veteran of the Civil Avar, was born in Erie county, Ohio, December 7, 1840, sou of Abraham and Susan (Barr) Sims. He was reared on the farm, and in 1862 enlisted in Company C, Fifty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He saw much active service and participated in the following engagements : Battle of Dallas, Georgia ; battles of Chickamauga and Mission Eidge ; battle of Stone river ; battle of Franklin ; battle of Peach Tree creek ; siege of Atlanta, Georgia, and charge of Kennesaw mountain. He was wounded at the battle of Dallas, Georgia. Mr. Sims was discharged March 9, 1865, after three years of service. In 1867 he married Mary Ann Nichols, of Iroquois, Illinois, and that same year came to Brownsdale, where he farmed and conducted a hotel for several years. Mr. Sims is prominent in G. A. E. circles and has been a member of Colonel Eogers post, No. 11, G. A. E., for many years. He is the father of three children: Frank, Nellie and Mary.

Samuel Scribner, the pioneer, was born in New York state, and married Hanna Chapman. He brought his family west to Delaware county, Iowa, in 1852; and in 1855 continued his trip, and took up his residence in 1856 in section 10, Frankford, where he preempted a quarter section of land, his oldest son, Andrew, preempting eighty acres in section 2. Upon their arrival here, they erected a small log house 12 x 16 feet, and the following year an addition Avas made. This addition was roofed Avith rag carpets and floored with earth. The severe Avinter of 1856-57 found the family thus housed, and at one time for three Aveeks the snoAV and intense cold prevented their reaching hay Avhich Avas stacked forty rods aAvay. But the years passed, the land \vas broken, a comfortable house replaced the old log cabin, and the crops were good. Samuel Scribner died in February, 1881, and his good wife, December 6, 1899. They had twelve children : Andrew J., George W., Ann Eliza, Adeline, Martin V. B., Markus H., Anna M. and Luther C.

Andrew J. Scribner was born November 12, 1827, came Avest Avith his parents, assisted his father in preempting land, and still resides in Frankford township, on the Avest half of his father's preemption. George "W. Scribner Avas born in Ncav York and married Sarah Coolidge, in DelaAvare county, loAva. They lived a time in loAva and then Avent to Indian Territory, noAV Oklahoma, where he died. Ann Eliza married Henry Doane, of Oliio. Slie died at her home in South Dakota, in 1909. Adeline married Charles H. Chamberlain. She died in Beloit, Kansas, in 1909. Martin V. B., at one time enrolling elerk in the Minnesota senate, married Ruth Sweet and farmed in Minnesota. In 1864 he enlisted in the Union army. Upon his return he purchased the Grand ]Meadow neAvspaper, continuing in the newspaper business in Minnesota, South Dakota and Montana the remainder of his life. He died December 6, 1909. Marcus H. devoted his life to farming and died in 1872. Anna M. married Henry B. Corey, former sheriflt" of Mower county, and now lives in Trinidad, Colorado.

Luther C. Scribner, a substantial and honored citizen of Frankford township, was born in Livingston county. New York, February 17, 1852, son of Samuel and Hanna (Chapman) Scribner. He came west with the rest of the family in 1852, and to Frankford in 1856. In this township he has since made his home. He served in town offices for many years, and in 1897 and 1899 served with distinction in the Minnesota state legislature. He served on the school board for many years. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and he belongs to the Masons and the Woodmen. The subject of this sketch was married October 31, 1874, to Martha Shaw, and this union has been blessed with four children : Edna, a teacher in the town of INIarshall ; Roy, who is in the automobile business in San Francisco; Clarence M., who lives in Portland, Oregon, and Louverne G., who is a pupil in the Stewartville high school.

Chaxles W. Mott, an industrious farmer of Grand >\Ieadow towusJiip, came to this county in 1902, and settled on section 5, where he still resides. He has erected a fine home, suitable outbuildings, and a large brick granary. His farm consists of 280 acres of rich land, all under cultivation, and on this place he successfully conducts farming on a large scale. Although a newcomer, he has taken an interest in Grand Meadow affairs and has served- as clerk of his school district for six years. The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe county. New Y^'ork, March 19, 1866, son of John and Elizabeth Mott, who came west in 1878, to Waverly. Iowa, where John farmed for a while. Then tliey went to Clarksville, in the same state, and there John took up the monument business, in which he is still engaged. Charles W. attended the schools in Spring Lake, Iowa, and at Victor, Butler county, in the same state. His early life was spent on the farm. He married IMary Ray. daughter of John Ray, and they have one daughter. Gladys L., aged seventeen.

Nelson. The father, Martin, Avas born in Norway, and came to America in 1868, settling in Frankford township, where he lived two years. Then he came to Grand Meadow, lived here for a while, and then moved to Pleasant Valley, where he now resides. Christ, the subject of this sketch, attended school in Pleasant Valley township, and spent his early life on his father's farm. He now owns 160 acres in section 12, Grand Meadow township, and successfully conducts farming operations and stock raising. He married Anna Green, daughter of Truls Green, and they have six childrer-: Melville, Clarence, Alfred, Elmer, Inez and the baby. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Borgen Anderson is one of the progressive farmers of Frankford township, and works eighty acres in section 8, on which he carries on general farming. ]\Ir. Anderson is a quiet man and has never cared to mingle in public affairs, but in developing his farm has taken his share in the general progress of the county, and is regarded as one of the substantial men of his community. Borgen Anderson was born in Norway, September 15, 1812, son of Andrew and Carrie Christianson, who spent the span of their years in that country. He was reared on the home farm, and at the age of twenty set sail for America. He came directly to Mower county, and after his marriage located on his present farm. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran church. His wife, who originally owned the farm where he now lives, was Mrs. Elsie Olson before their marriage, July 7, 1886. By her marriage to Mr. Olson she had two children, Otto, now of Frankford township, and Christia, wife of Otto Hovda, of North Dakota.

Ferdinand Schuett, one of the leading farmers of Waltham township, was born in Watertown, Jefferson county, Wisconsin, June 20, 1861, son of J'rederick and Augusta Schuett, the former of whom was born in Germany, came to America as a young man, located in Wisconsin, and there married and raised his family. Ferdinand attended the schools of his native place, and wdiile still in his teens learned the trade of cheese making in Hustisford. Dodge county, this state. He worked at this trade there some fourteen years. In 1891, Mr. Schuett came to Waltham township, and purchased 167 acres of land in section 31. Though coming at a modern date, he experienced some of the characteristics of pioneer life, for his land when he came contained nothing in the shape of buildings but an old shack. The present home and barns are a compliment to the industry and good taste of the Schuett family. The farm is an excellent one, all except ten acres of the timberland being under cultivation. Mr. Schuett carries on general farming successfully, and raises the usual crops and live stock. By his marriage to Emma Lindumer, daughter of lleury and Amelia Liiidumer, he has five cliildren : Arnold attends the Southern Minnesota Normal College, in Austin; Edgar is taking a seminary course at the Concordia college, in St. Paul; Arthur is taking a business course in the Southern Minnesota Normal College ; Esther and Rona attend the district school in District 93, Waltham township. Mr. Schuett has been supervisor three years, assessor three years and a member of the school board several terms. He and his family worship at the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity church of AValtham.

John H. Rongley, now deceased, was a quiet, hard-working and industrious citizen of Bennington township. A good husband and considerate father, he left behind him a pleasant memory of a life well lived. John H. Rongley was born in Norway in 1843, and came to Ameria in 1868, locating in Mower county in 1877. Here he purchased 240 acres in sections 34 and 27, and there farmed the remainder of his life. He was a Republican in politics, but never sought public office. He was married June 30, 1878, to Sophia Matson, who was born in Norway, August 23, 1853, and came to America in 1876. Four children were born in the family : Henry M., December 29, 1882 ; Alma, August 29, 1885 ; John H., May 25, 1888; Clara, born February 20, 1891. Mr. Rongley departed this life, May 20, 1893.

John Miller, a law-abiding citizen of Grand Meadow, has a well-improved farm of 160 acres in the northwest quarter of section 18, and here carries on general farming, making improvements from time to time as necessity requires. He has remodeled his home, erected a granary, and made other repairs. The subject of this sketch was born in Denmark, INIay 26, 1850, and came to America Avhen he was twenty-two years of age, locating for several years in Rochester, this state. Then he came to Grand Meadow and purchased his present farm. He married for his first wife, Mary Nissen. The present Mrs. Miller was Anna Jacobson, daughter of Jens Jacobson, and they have five children: Jens C, Christ, Mary, Arthur, and Ole.

James Joyce, who has been town clerk of Grand Meadow since 1892, except the years 1897 and 1903, has taken his share in the upbuilding of the community, and has shown his interest in education by his service as clerk of his school district. Being of a sociable nature, he has allied himself with tlu^ ]M. AV. A. and with the B. P. O. E. at Austin. The sul).iect of this sketch was born in St. Catherines, Canada, November 12, 1858, sou of John and Ann Joyce. He came to the United States with his parents in 1865 and located in Eyota, Olmstead county, this state. After a short time there, the family moved on a farm in Dover township, in the same county, living in that vicinity from 1865 to 1878. In the latter year they came to Grand Meadow, and settled in the southeast quarter of section 10. James spent the greater part of the time from 1880 to 1885 in Chicago and was married in 1892, when he moved to his present residence, where he has since resided, with the exception of one year, 1903, which he spent in Minneapolis as deputy state weigh master. He married Catherine McDonough, and has eight children: Victor J., Raphael, ]\Iadaline, Daniel, Maude, Clarice, Dewart and Everette.

William Christie, of Austin, an extensive dealer in farm implements, wagons and buggies, has at different times given southern Minnesota marked service as chairman of the boards of county commissioners of two counties, and is now serving in that capacity in Mower county. He was born in Highgate, Franklin county, Vermont, March 24, 1844, son of Adam and J\Iary Christie, who brought him to Wisconsin in 1855. In October, 1864, the subject of this sketch came to Minnesota, and started farming, purchasing a quarter section in 1871, located in Oakland tOAvnship. In 1898 he came to Austin and engaged in his present business. Mr. Christie was assessor of Oakland township in Mower county twenty years, and also served as town treasurer, town supervisor and clerk of his school district. In 1883 he was elected chairman of the board of supervisors of Freeborn county and served with credit in that capacity for six years. In the fall of 1892 he Avas elected to the legislature and served one term. In 1904 he was elected county commissioner of Mower county for a four-year term and Avas reelected in 1908. Four years he has served as chairman of the board.

George Berg, an estimable citizen of Grand Meadow village, was born in the Kingdom of Posen, Germany, December 6, 1846, son of Friedrieh and Henrietta Berg, who brought him to Brandon, Wisconsin, in 1863. He assisted on the home farm until after his father's death in 1881, when he and his brother disposed of the farm. George came at once to Frankford, settled on section 31, remodeled the farmhouse, erected a granary, made other improvements and successfully conducted general farming imtil 1910, Avhen he moved to the village of Grand ]\IeadoAV, Avhere he now resides. He married Minnie, daughter of Friedrieh and Annie Hewer, and they have had three children : August H, William and Emma (deceased). William resides in Frankford township and has charge of the home farm. The family faith is fhat of the German Lutheran church.

B. UnderdaJil, a substantial farmer of Clayton tOAvnship, Avas born in Norway, September 29, 1863, son of Ole and Bertha Underdahl, who came to America in 1886 and who are noAV living on rented land in the township of Clayton. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1882, and from New York came directly to Mower county. On his arriA'al here he Avorked out five years, aud then purchased 160 acres in section 32, Clayton township. On this place he has since conducted general farming. His well-equipped barns were erected in 1900 and his comfortable home in 1903. Mr. Underdahl breeds Shorthorn cattle for beef and dairy purposes and also raises Poland-China hogs. He is a Republican in politics and has been school director of District 83 eight years and road overseer four years. Mr. Underdahl was married March 26, 1887, to Engre Hegge, a native of Mower county, and this union has resulted in ten children : Ole, Rachael, Alfred, Leo, Alma, Berdina, John, Stella, Thelma and the baby.

Chaxles Dexter Pollard came to LeRoy township just after the Civil war, and here spent the remainder of his life, achieving success and respect by his industry aud virtues. He was born in AYhately, Franklin county, Massachusetts, came to Stoughton, Wisconsin, at an early date, and then to Mower county. Here he married Helen Leach, who was born in Kirby, Caledonia county, Vermont, came to Stoughton, Wis., in early life, and then to Mower county. In 1866, Charles D. Pollard purchased 200 acres of land in section 10, LeRoy township, the purchase being made from Mr. Burns at ten dollars an acre. Here C. D. erected the necessary buildings and carried on farming extensively until his death, February 28, 1883. His Avife died February 7, 1908. They were the parents of four children: Edward C, Frank M., Grace May, and Mabel Clare.

Edward C. Pollard was born in a pioneer log cabin on the farm where he still resides, September 3, 1868, son of Charles Dexter and Helen Elvira (Leach) Pollard. He received his education in the district schools of LeRoy township, and engaged in farming on the old place with his mother and brother. At the age of twenty years he took entire charge of the farm. Later it was divided and Edward C. received 286 acres. On this large farm he conducts general agricultural operations. In 1894 he engaged in raising Black Poll Angus cattle for beef, and now has a herd of sixty head, having previously had as high as a hundred head. Mr. Pollard is an independent voter.