Mower County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 4 of 14)

Mathias Krebsbach, one of the honored pioneers, was born on April 21, 1835, spent his early manhood on the farm in Germany, and in 1855 came to America, landing at New York in July of that year, after a voyage of forty-two days. At once upon landing he set out for the west, with only $8 in his pocket, his first stop being in McHenry county, Illinois, where he remained tAvo months, after which he went to Fond du Lac county, "Wisconsin, where he found employment on a farm, remaining three months. He came to Mower county in 1857 and commenced work on his new dwelling May 4, completing it shortly afterward. He raised his first crop of wheat in the season of 1860. This wheat "\vas hauled to McGregor and sold for barely enough to pay expenses. Mr. Krebsbach conducted the general store in the village for several years, and when his sons, John and Michael, were of age, turned the business over to them. He was first president of the village of Adams, was on the village council in 1900 and was also the first pathmaster in the vicinity. He was one of the first trustees of the Catholic church at Adams. Mathias Krebsbach was married in September, 1858, to Susan Bondis, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1856. They are the parents of Michael, born January 6, 1860; John, born January 29, 1861; Gertrude, born August 27, 1863 ; Anna, February 20, 1865 ; Joseph, April 20, 1869, and Mary, born September 2, 1876. Susan Krebsbach died January 20, 1911.

Michael Krebsbach, business man of Adams, was born January 6, 1860, son of Mathias and Susan (Bondis) Krebsbach. He spent his early manhood in his father's store, was associated with his brother in the dry goods business, after the father turned the store over to them, and also had a share in managing the concern which is now the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery. He now eonducts a prosperous and lucrative business in the village and is vice president of the First National bank, of Adams. He married Annie, daughter of N. M. and Elizabeth (Blake) Smith, and this union has been blessed with five children : Isabelle, Julleta, Leona, William and Roy. Mrs. Krebsbach died May 6, 1910.

John H. Krebsbach, grain elevator man of Adams village, was born in Adams township, February 28, 1861, son of jMathias and Susan (Bondis) Krebsbach. He lived on the farm xmtil he was ten years of age, when he came into the village and attended school. At the age of thirteen he worked in the warehouse of Gilchrist & Co., and at the age of twenty, with his brotlier Michael, received charge of his father's store. In 1881 John 11. started a creamery as a side issue. This he conducted with success for sixteen years, after which it was turned over to the farmers of the township, who still conduct it on the co-operative plan. John still has an interest in the general store which his brother conducts, and the brother also has an interest in the elevator which John conducts, but of late years the subject of this sketch has taken entire charge of the elevator business, which he started in 1885. He married Alice, daughter of Nicholas N. and Elizabeth Blake, and this union has resulted in seven children : William T., Arthur J., Paul M., Edward E., Frederick J., Raymond and Alvina.

Albert Knight, now deceased, was for many years an esteemed and respected citizen of Howard county, Iowa. He was born in Dane county, AVisconsin, December 3, 1858, son of Joseph Knight, a native of England, who came to America and settled in Dane county. Albert attended the district schools, and grew to manliood on the farm, remaining there until 1889, when he removed to Howard county, Iowa, and successfully farmed until 1901, when failing health caused his retirement to LeRoy village, where he died, October 9, 1901. Mr. Knight served as a member of the school and township board in Howard county, and was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He was a firm believer and an active worker in the Presbyterian church at LeRoy. The subject of this sketch was married February 27, 1883, to Hattie E. Billington, daughter of Lorenzo D. and Hannah (Mabbott) Billiugton. Mrs. Hattie E. Knight died December 18, 1897, after bearing to Mr. Knight six children : Albert Leonard was born November 23, 1883 ; Alice L. was born January 19, 1885, and died March 7, 1902; Jennie M. was born January 19, 1887, and died June 14, 1889 ; Lura E. was born October 20, 1890 ; Edith I. Avas born July 3, 1894, and Robert IT. was born December 18, 1897. February 22, 1900, Mr. Knight married Lizzie M. Billington, a sister of his first wife. Mrs. Knight is an active worker in church and social circles. She is a member of the Women's Relief Corps at LeRoy, and color-bearer for James George Post, 56, G. A. R. She is vice president of the W. C. T. U., has been president of the Ladies' Guild of the Presbyterian church, is a Sunday school teacher in the same church, and is a member of the LeRoy Library association.

Lorenzo D. Billington Avas born in Ohio, June 19. 1828, .nnd jna'-ried Hannah Alabliott, born in England, July 2, 1837, and a long time resident of Arena, AVis.. to which ])lace she was taken as a child of eight years by her ]iai-ents. Air. and Mrs. Billington were the parents of eight children : Jane was born May 27. 1858, and lives in Nebraska ; Eugene was born September 13, I860, and died December 25, 1906 ; Granville was born January 8, 1861, and died in infancy; Hattie was born February 22, 1862, and died December 18, 1897 ; 'Mary E. was born December 10, 1865, and ib now the wife of Charles Dickinson, of Chippewa Falls, Wis. ; Lizzie M. was born July 6, 1868, and lives in LeRoy ; Clara E. was born November 27, 1871, and died May 13, 1900; Elmer was born October 3, 1875, was married August 30, 1902, to Mabel Porter, and lives in Arena, Wis.

Theadore H. Kramer, assistant cashier of the First State Bank, of Dexter, was born in Cresco, Howard county, Iowa, May 7, 1889, son of Jacob and Bertha (Kedolph) Kramer. He was brought by his parents to Dexter in 1898, and attended the Dexter high school. In June, 1907, he graduated from the Southern Minnesota Normal College, at Austin, and thereafter for a short period helped his father on the farm. Then he accepted his present position. jMr. Kramer lives at home with his parents. Being of a sociable nature, he has allied himself with the M. AV. A. He is just at the threshold of a successful career and his friends predict for him a brilliant future.

Jacob Kramer was born in Howard county, son of one of the early families of that vicinity. His parents came from Havre, together, in 1851, and his mother is now living at Grange, IMinn. Jacob married Bertha Kedolph, who was born near Berlin, Germany, and was brought to America by her parents in 1868, living for some years thereafter in Eldora, Iowa. Jacob Kramer followed farming in Howard county, loAva, until about twelve years ago, when he came to Dexter. There are seven children in the family, Theadore H., assistant cashier of the Dexter First State Bank, being the oldest.

John P. Krebsbach, a prominent real estate dealer of Adams village, was born in Johnsburg, "Wis., October 5, 1869, son of Nicholas Krebsbach, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1855 and located in Wisconsin. John P. was educated in AVisconsin, and there grew to manhood. In 1895 he came to the village of Adams, first engaged in the furniture business four years, and has since conducted a real estate office, handling Dakota and Minnesota land, but dealing largely with Dakota people. He is a Republican in politics, has been recorder of the village of Adams, and belongs to the Foresters and the Knights of Columbus. The subject of this sketch was married, in 1898, to Annie Krebsbach, daughter of Mathias Krebsbach, a pioneer. This union has been blessed with four children: Francis A. N., Regina, G. Alphonso, and Her])ert, who died in infancy. The

W. P. Lambert, restaurant keeper at Austin, was born in Paw- Paw, 111., in 1880, son of Oscar D. and Clara (Hampton) Lambert. Oscar D. Lambert originally came from Hamlin, N. Y., and in 1878 came west and located in Illinois. In 1886 he came to ^linnesota and purchased a farm at Red Rock, where the subject of this sketch, William, assisted his father in farming. William grew up on this farm, attended the district school in the winter, and later for three seasons took courses in the Southern Minnesota Normal school at Austin. In this way he gained a good business education. In the meantime he had learned cooking as a boy at home and followed this at various times, working his way through school by waiting on table. During the Pan- American Exposition at Buffalo he worked as a waiter at Niagara Falls. He also Avorked as clerk at Hirsch's clothing store during the fall and winter of several years, going out each year to act as waiter or cook. Following this manner of employment for some time, he saved enough of his earnings to start in business for himself in 1904, in which year he purchased the restaurant near the C, M. & St. P. station, and since which date the place has increased in popularity and patronage. Mr. Lambert is a member of the Blue Lodge and of the Commandery in the Masonic order, and he also belongs to the Eagles. He was married September 12, 1906, to Bertha Ames, daughter of Henry and Barbara (Sachse) Ames, and to this union has been born one daughter, Ruth.

Henry Lang, an old and respected citizen of Austin, was born in Scotland, June 10. 1842. Shortly after his birth, in 1844, he oarae to this country with his parents, who first located in New Y'ork city, thence removing to Taunton, IMass., and from there to Roxbury, Mass., finally settling in Wisconsin, where he received his education. After leaving school he at once engaged in farming, coming to ^Minnesota in 1862 and settling on a 240-acre tract in London township, Freeborn county, breaking and developing the land, and building a house and barns. On this farm he followed general diversified farming until 1902, achieving unusual success tlirough hard work and common sense farming methods. He then disposed of this property, and moving to Austin, he purchased a piece of land witli a small house, situated on the corner of Oakland street and Kenwood avenue, and soon afterward removed the old house, erecting a fine modern residence on the same site where he now makes his home. In politics he casts his l)allot for the welfare of the community, regardless of i)arty lines. Mr. Lang served fifteen years as clerk of London township, and was also clerk of his school district for many years. The Masonic order numbers him among its loyal members. May 9, 1866, he was married to Jane Meadowcroft, who died July 30, 1902. Eight children were born to them, six of whom are living : ^lary, living at home with her father; Kate, who died March 16, 1903; Edith, living in South Dakota, wife of R. B. McPherson ; ^Margaret, living in North Dakota, wife of D. T. AVatkins ; George, of Spokane, "Wash.; Maude, who died January 18, 1910; Benjamin, living in Canada; and Mattie, living at home, clerk for French & Sasse, attorneys. The family attend worship at the Presbyterian church.

Clifford C. Leek, M. D., a prominent member of the medical profession at Austin, was born October 28, 1873, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His early education was received in the public schools of his native city, subsequently attending the public schools of i\Iinneapolis, after his removal there with his parents at the age of twelve, and graduating from one of the city's high schools in 1894. After graduation he taught in the grade schools of LeRoy, Minn., for one year, prior to taking a short course in a business college. In 1897 he entered the medical department of the Uciversitj'^ of Minnesota, receiving his degree as doctor of medicine three years later. His first experience in his profession was received during a year as interne in the St. Paul city and county hospital, leaving to engage upon the practice of his profession at Austin in 1901. Dr. Leek has the well-merited confidence and patronage of a large clientage throughout the city and county. He is an active member of the County, State and American Medical Associations, serving one year as president and two as secretary of the Mower County Medical Society, and one year as county physician. He is now the examiner for IMower county for the State Sanitarium for Consumptives, at Walker, ]\Iinn., and local examiner for the Central Life Assurance Society, of Des Moines, and the Mutual Benefit of New Jersey. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Republican party. The Order of Maccabees and the Phi-Alpha-Gamma fraternity count him a loyal member, and he is also identified with the local commercial club. January 1, 1903, he was married to Flora E. Horn, of LeRoy, Minn. They have three children : Ruth ]\I., Paul C, and Robert E. The family worship at the Congregational church. Henry and Ellen (McLeod) Leek, parents of our subject, are natives of Halifax, the father being a builder by trade.

Henry W. Lightley, an extensive farmer of Austin township, is one of IMower county's distinguished citizens. He has represented the county in the lower house of the state legislature three terms, being elected in 1884, 1889 and 1903. He was appointed chairman of the delegates to the state Republican convention in J893; was appointed by Governor Van Sant as a delegate to the

Farmers' Congress held at Niagara Falls, in 1903; was appointed as a delegate to a later annual session of the same congress held in Lincoln, Neb., October 6, 1910; was elected delegate to the Stock Breeders' convention held at Denver, Colo., in 1904; has served as school treasurer for eighteen years and is now serving as director; and has served as chairman of Austin township for over twenty years. He is a staunch Republican in politics, and affiliates with the IMasonic order and the G. A. R. The subject of this sketch was born in Buffalo, Erie county, N. Y., September 28, 1838, son of John and Louise (^Maltby) Lightley. He received a part of his education in New York state, and moved with his parents to Wisconsin, in 1855. There he completed his studies. In 1860 he came to Minnesota with his brother, John, and improved the quarter section in Oakland township, Freeborn count}', that his brother had preempted in 1858. Here Henry W. remained for the summer, and in the fall went to the Black river country, where he worked in the pines for $10 a month. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union army and served until the close of the war as a private and sergeant in Company H, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads, La., and as a result carried his right arm in a sling for some time, but never left the command. He participated in all the glorious campaigns in which his regiment covered itself with glory, and was discharged in Louisiana, being mustered out at Madison, Wis., at the close of the conflict. Then he returned to Minnesota and purchased 160 acres from a speculator for $5 an acre. On this farm he continued to make his home, working, however, in the pines thirteen winters and two summers. He has added to his land from time to time, until he now has 280 acres all told, and all in a high stage of cultivation, witli well tilled acres and fine buildings. In 1874 he started breeding pure blood Pereheron horses, and in addition to this he now takes great pride in his Aberdeen-Angus cattle and Poland-China liogs. Mr. Lightley was married June 25, 1877, at Austin, to Lucy Elliott, daughter of Rev. George Elliott, a clergyman. Mrs. Lightley died May 30, 1909, her union with Mr. Lightley having been blessed with four children : Bertha E. was born in 1879 and died at the age of ten years ; Roy IM. was born April 6, 1883 ; H. J. was horn July 17, 1891 ; Ethel Ruth was born April 4, 1895.

John Lightley was a native of Yorkshire, England, and after coming to this country he married Louise A. jNIaltby. He located in Buffalo, N. Y., in the twenties, and purchased a small tract of timber land along the lake shore, which he cleared, graded and broke, farming there until 1855, when he brought his family to Beaver Dam, Wis. In 1861 he came to ^linnesota, located on a quarter section of land in Oakland township, wliich. his son Jolin

Abraham S. Lott was one of the pioneers of IMower county, having ari'ived in Austin in the fall of 1854 with a party of four men, as related at length elsewhere. During the four decades of his residence in this county he watched the county develop and took his share in its progress. His memory, and the example of his life, will long live in this community. The early life of Abraham S. Lott was an adventurous one. He was born in Painesville, Ohio, July 7, 1832, son of Henry Lott, a native of Pennsylvania, who moved from that state to Ohio at the age of eight years. When Abraham was very young his parents returned to Pennsylvania and took up their residence in Jefferson county. There Abraham received his earlier education. When he was fourteen years of age his family went to Missouri, and thence to Polk county, Iowa. In 1850 Abraham left the Missouri river. May 8, with a party bound on an overland trip to the gold fields, arriving in California July 22. It is worthy of note that Avhile on this journey Mr. Lott was one of the four men who killed forty buffalo in one hour. After four years ' mining in California, j\Ir. Lott returned by way of the Isthmus and went directly to Rock county, Wisconsin. That same fall, 1854, he came to Mower county with three others, and took a homestead claim in Austin township. The following spring, 1855, he brought his wife, and here established his home, building a house and developing the land. He added to his place from time to time until he owned 700 acres in this county. He was hard working, conscientious, energetic and well informed, and successfully farmed until old age made his retirement from the active duties of life advisable. He died December 24, 1894. Mr. Lott married Jane C. Beebc, at Union, Rock county, Wisconsin. She was born in Wyoming county. New York, September 5, 1834, daughter of Guy Beebe, who migrated with his family to Wisconsin in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Lott were blessed with two children : Colbert H., now managing the old homestead, and Olive M., now Mrs. Riley Brooks.

Colbert H. Lott, the first boy born in Austin township, first saw the light of day October 10, 1855, on the farm where he still resides, his parents being those grand old pioneers, Abraham S. and Janes C. (Beebe) Lott. Colbert H. attended the district schools and farmed with his father, having had charge of the home place since attaining his majority. He operates about 700 acres of land, and aside from raising large crops, breeds fine Aberdeen-Angus cattle, having a herd of about 125. He also keeps about a hundred hogs, as well as the usual amount of poultry and horses. He is a Democrat in politics, but has consistently refused to accept the offices which in the estimation of hia neighbors, his honored name, his ability and his record entitle him. Being of a helpful nature, he has, however, consented to serve as treasurer of the Rose Creek cemetery for many years, and his interest in the commercial development of the township is shown by the fact that he holds investments in the Inter-State Telephone Company. In other ways he has shown his interest in the county, and has never failed to support movements for the betterment of the community. Colbert H. Lott was married January 20, 1886, to Amelia Ann Goodsell, who has proved a most able helpmeet. This union has been blessed with five children : Effie J., Cora L., Riley AV., Ruth A. and Virginia B. Cora L. married Riley A. Brooks, and they have three children: Arthur A., Audrey L. and IMabel I. Mr. Lott is a high degree ]\Iason.

Jens Larson, mayor of Lyle, is a man of extensive business interests, and is a progressive citizen, always interested in that which tends to the betterment and development of village, township and county. He was born in Norway, June 26, 1873, son of Lars and Tea (Larson) Larson, natives of Norway, now living in Christiana in that country. Jens Larson received his education in the public schools of his native country, and came to America in 1892. He located in Austin, and after working for the C, M. & St. P. for six years, engaged in the retail meat business in the Third ward. A year later he sold out and located in Lyle, continuing in the same line of business. He has been successful, and in addition to his retail trade, manufactures lard and sausage and prepares hams and bacon. He is president of the Gilbert Corrugated Culvert Company, of Austin, Minn., and Aberdeen, S. D., and is a stockholder in the Lyle Telephone Company. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M., the B. P. 0. E. and the M. W. A., votes the Republican ticket, and before assuming his present office three years ago served three years on the village council. Mr. Larson was married June 12, 1900, to ]\Iartha Nelson, of Austin. IMrs. Nelson died January 30, 1911.

0. T. Lund, merchant, former president of the village council of Lyle, was born in Norway, September 1, 1848, son of Thor Gunnuelson and Ingborg Jurgenson, his wife, both born near Skien. Thor Gunnuelson was a carpenter and died January 17, 1868, his wife passing away in Lyle, INIinn., in 1888. 0. T. received his earlier education in Norway, and learned the tailor trade in the city of Skien. April 18, 1868, accompanied by his mother and sister, he left Norway, and upon arriving in America located iu Columbia county, "Wisconsin. In April, 1869, he went to Chicago, pursued English studies and followed his trade until 1882, when he came to ^Slower county, located in Lyle, and witli his brotiierin-law, A. 0. ^lyher, entered into the general merchandise business by l)uying out G. F. Ilammel. After five years the partners divided the stock, and since that date, Mr. Lund has been in business alone. He has served as member and president of the village council of Lyle and has been on the school board some quarter of a century. Aside from his business and a pleasant home on Fourth street, he owns stock in the Lyle Telephone Company. Mr. Lund vpas married in Chicago in August, 1872, to Emma Olson, who died in Lyle, March 1, 1884. This union was blessed with three children: Ida Rebecca died while a student at the Norwegian Normal school at Sioux Falls, S. D. ; Oscar Theadore died at eight years and Matilda Susan at eleven months. Mr. Lund was married at Lyle, August 30, 1886, to Anna Ashley, and this union has been blessed with six children: Ruth (deceased), Ruth Juliette, Cora Viola, Alice Bendicka, Thorman, C. 0. and Ida Rebecca. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Arthur B. Lovell, auctioneer and merchant of Austin, Avas born in this city, December 6, 1871, son of B. AV. and Mary Ann (Sessions) Lovell. He received his early education in the public schools and at the Madison Business College, and in the meantime obtained considerable experience with his father as a cattle dealer. At a suitable age he started in this business for himself, but later went into the brick business at Lyle. Here he lost all his money, and conseqiiently took up the buying and selling of horses, going to Montana in 1893 and handling western horses three years. Subsequently he handled live stock for Tomlin & Stafford, of Chicago, for a year in Montana and North Dakota, and then engaged in similar work a year for Thuet Brothers, of South St. Paul. At the end of that time he came to Austin and engaged in the live stock business for himself until 1904, in which year he started business as an auctioneer, also jobbing new and second hand commodities of all descriptions. Mr. Lovell served three years in Company G, Second Regiment, Minnesota National Guard. He is a Republican in politics, and affiliates with the I. 0. 0. F., the M. W. A., and the F. 0. E. He was married at Owatonna, March 11, 1891, to Grace M. Brown, of Nevada township. Mower county. Her parents were Ozni C. and Nancy A. Brown, who came to IMower county in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Lovell have one daughter, Ardith Lillian, born February l2, 1910.

B. W. Lovell, an early live stock dealer of Austin, was born in Vermont and married Mary Ann Sessions, of New York state. He received his early education in the schools of his native state, was admitted to the bar, and was engaged in the successful practice of his profession at St. Louis, Mo., at the outbreak of the Civil war. Then he left his office, went to Michigan, was enlisted in a Michigan regiment. AVhile at Chattanooga he was put at work witli the rest of his eoinpany earrying heavy tiiiil)ers, and this proved so great a strain that a great tumor appeared on his shoulder, seriously endangering his health. After the war he came directly west, located in Northwood, Iowa, a short time, and then came to Austin, where lie opened a dairy farm, and also engaged in the sale of fruit trees. Later he started dealing in live stock, shipping the first car load ever sent out from this vicinity. In this line he continued, handling on an average of 325 car loads annually. He died in October, 1890, and his wife is still living on the old home place.

Kanute Larson, now deceased, was born in Norway, but spent the greater part of his years in America, arriving in this country in 1866 with his parents. He lived in Decorah, Iowa, two years, and then came to Lansing township and locating on the land in section twenty now owned by J. D. Sheedy, of Austin. Mr. Larson remained on this farm nine years and then moved to the southwest quarter of section sixteen, where he spent the remainder of his days, carrying on general farming with considerable success. He died April 6, 1909. The sub.ject of this sketch was married to Lena Oakland, a native of Norway, and they were blessed with five children : Jennie, Henry, Ella, Tobias, and Carl. Jennie, who is dead, married L. F. Claussen, and they have two children, Francis and George. Henry married Mary Matheson and they have three children, Clarence, Polly and Harry. Ella, who is also dead, married William Henderson. Tobias married Clarese Nicholsen and they have four boys, Louis, Theodore, Elmer and Norman.

Carl A. is the youngest. He was reared on the farm, and now manages it for his mother. He married Hanna Monson, and to this union one child has been born. Alma L., now four years old. Gunder and Louisa ]Monson, parents of Mrs. Carl A. Larson, live in South Dakota. They are the parents of four children, Harry, Samuel, Hanna and John.

Lee Lewis was born in Kendall county, Illinois, May 27, 1870, son of Lars and ]\Iartha (Olson) Lewis. The father, Lars, was born January 18, 1821, and in 1858 came to America and located in Illinois, where he farmed for several years. In the spring of 1885 he came to Windom township, this county, and located on what was known as the Snow farm, five miles east of Austin. Lee Lewis came to Mower county as a lad of fifteen years, and has resided here since. After liis marriage he purchased 120 acres in section twenty-eight, where he and liis family now reside, being among the .substantial residents of Red Rock township. The sub.iect of this sketch married Alice, the daughter of !Marion, born December 18, 1898. August and Mary ("Williams! .Milbr.id, and tliey liavc one cliih].

William D, Lockwood, who is engaged with the Colman Lumber Company, in Grand Meadow village, is a descendant of one of the oldest Connecticut families, dating his lineage back to the American founder of the family, who settled in Stamford, Conn., shortly after 1600. William D. was born in Frankford, Mower county, Minnesota, July 10, 1870, son of Henry J. Loekwood. William D. acquired the usual common school education in Grand Meadow, and worked on the farm until twenty years of age, at which time he spent eight months in Minneapolis. At the age of twenty-six he purchased a farm of his own, in Frankford, and worked on this for eleven years, after which he came to Grand Meadow, where he has various interests. He married Nanna M., daughter of C. F. Greening and Clara Caswell, his wife. Four interesting children have blessed this union, Willa M., Francis J., Harold G. and Ruth H.

Henry J. Lockwood, one of the territorial pioneers of Minnesota, was born in Otsego county, New York, August 2, 1837, came to Fillmore county in 1856, and took a land claim. Later he taught school two years, and in 1865 moved to Frankford township, where he purchased 160 acres of land, of Mdiich fifteen acres were under cultivation. On this farm he raised his family of four children, Hattie, wife of L. AV. Hunt ; William D., Jay and Henry J., Jr. His wife was Katherine Sharp. The father of Henry J. and grandfather of William D. Lockwood was Charles, born in New IMilford, Conn., 1802. His father was Josiah, born in Norwalk, Conn., 1766. His father, Isaac, was born in Norwalk, Conn., December 24, 1727. The family record states that the family is Welsh and that three brothers came to America in 1600. Daniel settled in Stamford, Conn. Isaac, father of Isaac, mentioned above, settled in Norwalk, Conn. The third brother was either John or James, who settled at Horseneck, Conn.

H. A. Lewis, a substantial farmer of Lansing township, was born in Westfield, Dodge county, IMinnesota, August 2, 1866, son of L. Lewis and Grand Hillson, his wife, natives of Norway, but now Avell-known residents of Blooming Prairie in Steele county. H. A. was the third of seven children, the family consisting of Louisa, now Mrs. Mick Mickelson ; Lewis ; Julia, now ]\Irs. M. J. Kirby; Emma, now Mrs. Fred Bowman; Theo, William J. and H. A. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of his neighborhood, and has always lived in this vicinity, being now engaged in successfully conducting general farming, with some stock raising. His first wife, Annie Ulland, died, and he then married Ida Lund, daughter of Christ. Lund. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have no children, but have given the loving care of parents to an adopted son, Lee Clifford.

tary and manager of the Red Rock Creamery Assoeiatiou at Brownsdale, was born in Butfalo, N. Y., September 10, 1846, son of William and Mary Lawrence. He spent his early life in farming, and in 1875 came west to Brownsdale, where he opened a general store, which he conducted for twenty-six years. His establishment was destroyed in 1900, and Mr. Lawrence did not rebuild, though he is still interested in a number of enterprises. Mr. La-wrence belongs to Lafayette Lodge, No. 116, A. F. & A. M. He married Alice C, daughter of J. B. Graves, a pioneer of Mower county. They are the parents of six children, Fay B., Margaret, Bessie, Celecta, Harry and Lueile. Margaret, who married Howard Eagan, is dead. She left four children, Elwin, Harry, Francis (deceased) and Donald.

Ole K, Lestrud, for over a quarter of a century a successful farmer in Mower county, and now a retired citizen living in Grand Meadow village, was born in Norway, July 25, 1849, son of Knut and Tora (Skearn) Lestrud, natives of Norway, where the father died. The mother came to America with her daughter in 1868, located in Dane county, AViseonsin, until 1876, and then came to Mower county, where she died in 1893. Ole received his education in Norway, and came to America in 1867, following lumbering and various occupations in jMichigan and Wisconsin until 1875, when he came to IMower county and purchased 160 acres in Pleasant Valley township. This land he developed and improved, erecting the necessary buildings, and carrying on general farming until 1904, when he retired, moved to Grand Meadow village, and purchased a house and lot, wherein he now makeshis home. Mr. Lestrud has taken an active part in township affairs, has been chairman and member of the township board of Pleasant Valley at various times, and is a stockholder in the First National Bank, of Grand Meadow; the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Grand Meadow, and the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery Association, of the same place. He is an independent voter and belongs to the Lutheran church. ]\Ir. Lestrud was married, July 16', 1878. to ]\Iartba Nelson, born in Mower county, Decem1)er 17, 1857, daughter of John and Mary Nelson, pioneers, who in 1855 settled in Racine township, where John Nelson died in ISSo. Mr. and ^Mrs. Lestrud ^re the parents of three children : Knut, who lives? in the old homestead in Pleasant Valley township; Sarah, who is a clerk in South Dakota, and Mary, Avho teaches in the same state.

Abijah B. M. Lindsley, a venera1)le resident of the Grand Aleadow village, is a pleasant example of kindly old age, ripe in years and wisdom, and possessing that benevolence of spirit anti that kindliness of judgment tliat <'omes only from a long life well spent. TI;' and his good v.-if'c live in a large and comfort- able home which he built twenty-nine years ago, and here they are spending the evening of life together. Mr. Lindsley and his wife still enjoy the good things of life, and take an interest in the affairs of the present day. Mr. Lindsley was born in Nelson, Madison county. New York, March 31, 1823, son of David and Jerusha (Merrill) Lindsley, and came west to Ripon, Wis., in 1857. There he lived twenty-four years. In 1881 he came to Grand Meadow, where he and his family have since resided. He married Lucia M. Cutler, daughter of Frasier and Lovisa (Hazelton) Cutler, the former of whom was a native of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Lindsley are the parents of three children: Lesler C. is living, Jennie M. died in 1874 and one died in infancy. Lesler C. inarried Hattie Gary, daughter of Riley P. and Maria (Grover) Gary. Mr. and Mrs. Lesler Lindsley have one son, Earl L., who married Nellie Jennings, one of the eight children of John Jennings. Riley Gary was born in Nelson, Madison county. New York, and in 1846 came to Milwaukee. His wife, Marie Grover, was born in Springwater, Livingston county, New York, and in 1847 located in "VVauwatosa, Milwaukee county. They were married in 1848.

Arthur Larson, a farmer of Marshall township, was born in the township in which he still resides, in 1878, son of August Larson, a native of Sweden, who came to America in 1870, settled first in Boston, where he was engaged in shoemaking, later coming to Mower county and purchasing eighty acres in Marshall township. On this farm Arthur Larson was born, spent his boyhood and grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-one he started in life for himself, and worked out as a farm laborer until 1900, when he purchased eighty acres in section seven, Marshall township, where he now lives and carries on general farming, owning forty acres additional in section seventeen. He devotes his attention largely to breeding Shorthorn cattle and raising grain. Mr. Larson is a Republican. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church. In 1902 he married Amanda Blom, and they have four children: Hildur Anna Cecelia, Ida Ellen Johanna, Walter Alva and Carl Bernhard Ferdenand.

Lewis Lewison is one of the prominent citizens of Adams township, and has lived here since early infancy. He was born in Norway in 1860, son of Lars Trulson, who brought his family to America in 1861, locating in Dane county, Wisconsm, where they remained three years, after which they came to ]\Iower county, and purchased 160 acres of laud, upon which Mr. Trulson farmed until his death in 1904. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Mower county and remained on the home farm assisting his parents until attaining his majority. At that time he purchased 240 acres of land in section one,

Adams tovvusliip, and here he has since followed general farming, raising general crops and grains, and breeding cattle for beef and dairy purposes. His house is comfortable, his barns well kept, and his acres highly cultivated. In 1890 he married Bessie Gordon, a daughter of Emery Gordon, and they have seven children: Laura, Lizzie, Clara, Alfred, Melvin, Blanche, Olaf. .Mr. Lewison is a Republican and has served as road overseer. He attends the United Lutlieran church.

John Mathieson, who was an honored resident of Lansing for over fifty years, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, March 14, 1833, son of Charles and IMargaret (Riach) Mathieson, also natives of Scotland. The father died about 1844, and in 1853 the subject of this sketcli came to this country and engaged as a shoemaker in Kenosha, Wis. The year later the mother came over and brought her two daughters, Violet and Ann. The former was married. In 1855 the family, in company with John and James Morrison, came to Lansing township, the IMathieson family settling on sections twenty-three and twenty-six, on a farm of 142 acres. A sister, Ann, taught school in Lansing township three years, and died shortly afterward. Mr. Mathieson continued to live on the home farm, which he conducted until he retired and came to Austin to live. He has now practically retired from active life, but still spends his time in looking . after his various interests in the county. He has been a member of the town board of Lansing and also has served as town clerk. In 1884 he represented his district in the legislature. Mr. Mathieson is a ^lason, and is the fifth oldest member of the Austin lodge.

Albert F'. Mattice, avIio died June 30, 1907, honored and respected by all Avith whom he had come in contact, was born in Fulton, Schenectady county. New York, April 13, 1845. At an early age he came to Waterloo, AVis., with his parents, receiving his education in the public schools of that place. Though but sixteen years old at the outbreak of the war, he enlisted September 2, 1861, in Company C, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving the entire four and a half years of the war, and rising from private to second lieutenant, these promotions attesting to an excellent record. Keturning to his home in AVaterloo, he v/orked in the commission house of his father for a time, and tlien entered into railroading for the Chicago, iMilwaukec & St. Paul railroad, first acting as brakeman, then as fireman, and in 1873 was made an engineer, in which capacity he remained with the road until his failing health compelled his retirement in 1906. An equal to his record as an engineer is seldom met with, not an accident marring his thirty-five years of service. In his death Austin lost an old and respected citizen, our country a valiant soldier of the Civil war, the railroad a tnisted and tried engineer, and his family a loving husband and father. In politics he was an adherent of the Democratic party. He was a prominent Mason, a Templar, and a member of the Eastern Star order for seventeen years, and was also associated with the Grand Army of the Republic and the B. of L. E. ]\Iarch 4, 1874, he was married to Elizabeth Furtney, daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Hilker) Furtney, of Austin, the father a farmer. He died March 12, 1903, at the age of eighty-three years, and the mother, September 22, 1903, at the age of eighty-one. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Mattice are as follows : Oscar A., an engineer on the Hastings & Dakota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, located at Aberdeen, S. D., a Knight Templar and Shriner and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen ; Lydia L., wife of Harry Van Pelt, of Missoula, Mont. ; Albert J., living at home, a brakeman on the Chicago, IMilwaukee & St. Paul railroad, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the order of Owls, and the B. R. T. ; Clarence W., living at home, a callboy in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad ; and Helen 6., also living at home. The family attend worship at the Presbyterian church. ]\Irs. Mattice is a member of the order of the Eastern Star, the W. R. C, the Degree of Honor, and the G. I. A. Alston F. and Sally A. (Garrison) Mattice, parents of our subject, were natives of New York, later coming to Milwaukee, where the father was engaged as a commission merchant, continuing in the same line after their removal to Waterloo, Wis. In 1883 they migrated to Clark, S. D., where the father died, April 25, 1902, at the age of eighty-seven years. The mother passed away, February 15, 1904, aged ninety-two years. \,

William H. Miller, deceased, was for some years a substantial farmer at Willmar, Minn. He was born in Canada in 1839, and was left an orphan at the age of thirteen years. He came to the States with relatives, and located near Minneapolis, where as a young man he engaged in various work, after which he became a farmer in Willmar. Later he located on a farm in Lansing township, and died a year later. He was a man of sturdy character, and his dealings were upright in every particular. In 1886 he united with the Presbyterian church. Mr. Miller was married to ]\Iary A. Chadwick, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Morris) Chadwick, natives of England, who came to America with a colony and settled in the town of Bloomington, in Hennepin county, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were blessed with seven children: Frederick E., William (deceased), Allen, Herbert, Louis, Clara M., and George H. Herbert married Hattie Young. Mrs. Miller conducts the homestead of 160 acres, and is assisted in the work by her sons.

Joseph Mayer, an estimable citizen living in Austin, was born in Germany, Kingdom of Wertenberg, in 1835, son of Florian and Magdaline Mayer, both natives of Germany. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1869, landing at Castle Garden, New York, August 26, of that year. He came directly to Austin with his family and has since been a resident of this city, working for the railroad seven years, and being engaged in various labor the remainder of the time. He married ^lagdaline, daughter of Michael and Magdaline (Shaub) Effinger, and to this union have been born six children : IMichael, John, Mary, Theresa, Susan and Joseph. Michael, Theresa, Joseph and Susan, the latter of whom is now Mrs. Adolph Glassel, live in Austin. John lives in Kansas City, Mo., and IMary, who is now Mrs. Fred Bradbury, lives in Oakland, Cal. ]\Ir. and Mrs. JMayer and their daughter Tiienjsa make their home at 1405 East Water street, where they have lived since 1888.

August Mulbrad, a retired farmer now living in Austin, was born in Germany, and came to this country in 1859, settling in Dodge county, Wisconsin. Iri 1864: he went to Geneva, in Freeborn county, and after about three years there returned to Dodge county, Wisconsin. In 1871 he came to Mower county, and settled in Windom township. He there became a substantial resident and served a number of years on the school board of his district. In 1897 he retired and moved to Austin, where he has since resided. ]\Ir. Mulbrad married Mary Jane Williams, a native of Connecticut, and to this union have been born four children : Alice A., Jay E., George A. and Herbert V. Alice A. married Lee Lewis and they have one child, Marion. Jay E. married Antfelia Stern and has four children, Ethel M. Helen A., Everette Jay and Herbert W. George married Frances Newton and has two children, Genevieve A. and Myrtle R. Plerbert V. married ]\Iaude J. Beekwith.

Frank Howell McCulloch, commercial printer, born at Shabbona, 111., Aiigi^st 5, 1862, son of Harrison G. and IMary P. (Ketcham) McCulloch ; educated in De Kalb, 111., high school until fourteen years of age. Learned printing trade at Rochelle, 111., and worked at it in different parts of Iowa ; editor of Scranton (Iowa) Journal, 1881; established a commercial printing house in Albert Lea, IVIinn., 1890; located in Austin, 1892, and established the F. H. McCulloch Printing Company, contracting printers and publishers, which company was incorporated November 1, 1908, and of which he is president and manager. ^lember of Austin Commercial Club, Woodmen, Court of Honor and Odd Fellows. ^Married in Scranton, Iowa, to !Miss Luella Goodyear in 1882.

G70 History Of Mower County

American House, Austin, was born in Drouglieda, County Loud, Ireland, in 1840. He came to America in 1862, and after staying four months in New York city he moved to Providence, R. I., where he conducted a livery and sales stable. In 1865 he came West and purchased a claim at Sauk Rapids, Minn., which he still retains. He also purchased a farm at Waseca county, which he conducted for two years, after which he sold out, came to Austin and for four years was engaged with Colonel Mansfield. Then he purchased the American House, where he still resides. The subject of this sketch was married to Bridget Twill, February 2, 1875, at Chatfield, Minn. To them were born ten children, seven of whom are living.

Hugh R. Mills, chairman of the town board of Windom, is a progressive farmer of the township, and cultivates 128 acres of good land in section thirty, where he has a pleasant home and suitable outbuildings. The subject of this sketch was born July 6, 1864, in the township where he now resides, son of Hugh D. and Abbie (Sargent) Mills, the pioneers. He was reared on the home farm and there lived until February, 1887, when he moved to Wallace county, Kansas, and homesteaded a claim, remaining there nine years, and experiencing something of pioneer life, as did his parents before him. In 1896 lie returned to Mower county and has since farmed in Windom. He is an independent voter, a member of the United Workmen at Rose Creek. Mr. Mills Avas married March 2, 1897, to Julia Bunker, daughter of Albert and Serena (Thompson) Bunker, and their only child died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are noted for their hospitality and good cheer, and delight in keeping open house for their friends.

Hugh D. Mills, pioneer, was born in Delaware county, New York, February 12, 1831, and was reared to manhood in his native state, attending school and working for his parents. At the age of seventeen he purchased his time and left home, but returned to the parental roof in 1851, at the request of his mother after the death of his sister. In the fall of that year he started west, and after farming in Defiance, Ohio, for a while, worked in Fayette county, Iowa. He visited Mower county in 1855, went back to Iowa and clerked in a hotel in West Union that winter, and in March, 1856, came to Mower county and .pre-empted the northwest quarter of section twenty-nine, in Windom township. He proved up his claim, worked about for a time, and in March, 1860, married Abbie A. Sargent, born in Marshfield, Washington county, Vermont. At the time of his marriage he located in section sixteen, Lansing township, but about four years later took up his residence on his claim in Windom. He built a log cabin, and therein resided until 1882, when he erected a brick veneer house, at that time the only one of its kind in the township. This was his home at the time of his death, in June, 1884. His wife is now living in Austin. They had eight children, three of whom are dead. Edwin G. lives in Austin ; Eliza A. married Elijah Bosserman, of Wallace county, Kansas ; Hugh R. lives in Windom township ; Jenette is the wife of T. 6. Bailey, of Seattle, Wash. Charles farms in Windom township. The members of the family are well regarded in the various communities wherein they have taken up their residences.

Lynds S. Mitchell, for many years a blacksmith in Austin, came here' after the war, and was married in 1870 to JMinnie Eitzsimmons, daughter of Patrick and Huldy (Hoffman) Fitzsimmons, and to this union were born three children: Elizabeth, Ida and Lulu. Elizabeth is now Mrs. Aultfather, and they have one child, David H. Ida is the widow of T. Myatt and has one child, Lela D. Lulu is now Mrs. Walter Hill. Mr. Mitchell died in December, 1901. It is worthy of note that Mrs. Mitchell has lived in the same pleasant home where she now resides for forty-one years.

Patrick Fitzsimmons was born in Ireland, and after comnig to this country married Huldy Hoffman, who was born in Utiea, N. Y. He farmed for many years in Woodstock, 111., and then came to Freeborn county, where he took up a claim and remained until his death in 1863. He and his wife had six children: Charles (deceased), Lorilla, Katherine, Richard (deceased), Helen and Minnie. The latter, who is now Mrs. Lynds S. Mitchell, of Austin, was born in Woodstock, 111., came with her parents to Freeborn county when six years of age, and was married in 1870.

J. A. Mitchell, merchant of Taopi, is one of the most enthusiastic workers in the upbuilding of the village, and has shown his faith in the future of the place by his business and real estate investments. He was born in Marion, Marion county, Ohio, December 11, 1857, son of John and Mary A. (Hammond) Mitchell, going with them at the age of one year, in 1858, to Clinton, 111., where he received his education and grew to manhood, after which he took up farming in DeWitt county, Illinois. There he followed agricultural pursuits until 1900, when he moved to Eagle Grove, Iowa, where he followed farming for five years, after Avhich he came to Taopi, and continued farming. In 1907 he erected a modern store block in the village of Taopi, which he rented for two years. Then he bought the stock and goods, and became proprietor of the store wiiicli he now successfully conducts, carrying a large stock of the goods usually found in a general store of this kind. While in Illinois, Mr. Mitchell served as assessor of his town, and also held several minor offices. He is a member of the Christian church, of which lie has served as clerk and elder for many years, and of whicli lie has served as Sunday school superintendent constantly for fifteen years. He is a Democrat in politics, and affiliates with the M. W. A. Mr. Mitchell was married October 26, 1880, to :\Iary B. Butterworth, and seven children have blessed this union: Ezra, Irvin, Charles, Bessie, John. "William Ray and Ina.

James D. McCormick, a courteous and highly efficient conductor on the Iowa & Minnesota division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, was born in Edgerton, Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1856, son of Thomas and Mary (Malley) McCormick, the father and mother both being natives of Ireland. James D. passed his early life at home, and in 1873 came to Austin, and clerked in the old American house for a time. Then he took up railroading. His attention to work, his honesty and his efficiency won him gradual promotion through the various grades of service until he attained his present honorable position. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Brotherhood of Railway Conductors. The subject of this sketch was married in 1880 to Sarah M. Smith, daughter of Matthew and Sarah (O'Brien) Smith, early settlers of Rock county, Wisconsin, who had five children: Mary, now Mrs. Edward Ford; MatthcAV, living in Dakota; Patrick, deceased; Cath:;rine, now ]\Irs. Andrew Cullen, and Sarah, now Mrs. J. D. McCormick.

D. A. McKee, manager of the South elevator at Racine village, was l)orn in Pleasant Valley township, June 4, 1867, son of James and Frances A. Hall McKee. After finishing school he pursued the occupation of well driller for seven years, after which he assumed his present position. He has worked in this capacity thirteen years, and is a shrewd business man and an excellent .iudge not only of harvested grain, but also of crop conditions. During the Spanish-American war ]\Ir. McKee served in Co. F, 12th Regiment, Minn. Vol. Inf. He is well thought of in the village, and being of a sociable nature he has allied himself witli the A. F. & A. M., the B. A. Y. and the I. 0. 0. F. The subject of this sketch married Sarah Schwartz, and they have one child, Melda.

James McKee, an estimable citizen of Pleasant Valley, in which townsliip he lived from the close of the Civil war until 1884, when he moved to Spring Valley, Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he lived until his death, in November, 1910. He was born in Ireland, came to America, lived in New York city three years, and then settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, from which locality he enlisted in the Civil war, serving three years, and accompanying Sherman on his famous march to the sea.

Edgar J. Markham, president of the village council of Waltham, was born in Beaver Dam, Wis., December 1, 1857, son of Walter and Lucelia (Buck) Markham, the former of whom was boru in Onondaga, N. Y. ; came west about 1840, and lived near Chicago a time before settling in Beaver Dam, Wis.; raised liis family in Wisconsin, returned to New York for four years, and then took up his residence in Waltham, this county, where he died in 1885. Edgar worked on the home farm until 1885, when he went into business for himself selling farm machinery, in which Aoeation he continued some three or four years, afterward selling harvester machinery on the road for a similar period. Still later he bought grain for a line of elevators, and subsequently purchased and rebuilt the elevator at Waltham village, which he now conducts. He is a member of the Masonic order and also affiliates with the Modern Woodmen. Before becoming mayor of Waltliam, he was chaii-man of the township and also a justice of the peace. The subject of this sketch married Harriet Soules, daughter of Martin W. Soules, and this union has been blessed with three children : William F., Clarence E. and Carrie E.

Lorenzo Mott, farmer of Red Rock township, was born in Vergil, Courtlaud county. New York, December 5, 1841, son o*' Henry and Sarah (Overton) Mott, both of English descent. In 185G the family located in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, and six years later in Olmstead county, ]\Iinnesota, where Henry Mott ' died in 1867. Lorenzo then continued to manage the home farm, which in the meantime he had purchased, until 1875, when he took his family and hovisehold goods and went to Oregon and California, with the intention of locating permanently in the west. That following year, hoAvever, he returned and settled on sections 20, 21 and 29, where he still resides, and where he has taken an important part in the life of the community, serving at different times in various public offices. He married Sarah D., born in Elmira, Chenango county. New York, daughter of Timothy and Deborah (Wisner) Brockway, of English descent. The children of this union are Grant, Lyman A., Edwin, Orren, Clara A., Bertha E. and Minnie. Clara A. married William Rugg, and they have three children : Albert, Donald and Everett. Grant married Gertrude Trump and they have three children : Clara P., Eunice F. and R. Galen. Henry and Sarah (Overton) Mott joined the IMethodist Episcopal church in early life and continued earnest workers in that denomination until their death.

]Mr. Mott served on the town board several years, and on the school board for over a quarter of a century. He owned at one time over 800 acres in Mower county, twenty-four acres being a tine fruit orchard. His farm now consists of 280 acres. In 1893 he erected one of the largest barns in his township, its ground measurements being 100 x 34 feet. He is a breeder of Red Poll and Durham cattle and his sheep are Shropshire and Oxford. He lias also given a great deal of attenfion to the breeding of fine draft horses of the full blooded registered Belgium breed, now owning some twenty of these animals. In addition to his Mower county land, he owns city property on the Gulf of Mexico at Corpus Christi, Texas.

Philip Martin, retired farmer of Waltham, came to ]\Iower county in 1882. He was born in Prussia, Germany, December 26, 1834, son of Frank and Mary (Fuchs) Martin, who came to America in 1849 and located in Washington county, Wisconsin, where they farmed until 1864, when they came to Olmsted county and continued farming, the father dying in 1874 and the mother one year later. Philip received his earlier education in Prussia, Germany, and in 1849 came to America with his parents, locating with them in Wisconsin, and moving with them to Minnesota. In 1864 he purchased a small farm in Olmsted county, and there remained until 1882, when he came to Mower county and located on 240 acres Avhich he purchased in section 16, Sargent township. This he improved and increased until he owned 480 acres of rich, Avell-eultivated land. In 1901 he retired, purchased lots in Waltham village, erected a comfortable home and has since resided here, enjoying a well deserved rest after a life filled with busy toil. He was married February 14, 1856, to Christina Fuchs, and to this union seven children have been born : Margaret is now Mrs. Thomas Graham, of Rochester, Minn. ; Caroliiia is now ]\Irs. Henry Grimm, o? Sargent ; Louisa is now ]\Irs. Joseph Graham, of Rochester, Minn. ; Mary lives at home; Emma is now Mrs. George Boliou, of AValtham village ; Frank and Jacob live in Sargent township. Mr. Martin is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Lutheran church.

Ralph S. Mitchell, M. D., chairman of the board of health of Grand Meadow, is well known in both village and township, and enjoys a large practice. He was born in Eden Prairie, Hennepin county, Minnesota, April 28, 1874, son of Alexander and Sarah J. (Dean) Mitchell. He was reared in his native village, there attended school, and later entered Hamline University, graduating from the medical departinent with the degree of ]\I. D. in 1903. The following year he was employed as house surgeon at Asbury hospital, Minneapolis, and thus equipped with training and skill, came to ]\Iower county the following year and opened his present office in Grand Meadow. Being thoroughly ethical in his practice, he has allied himself with the American, Minnesota State and Tllower County medical associations, and he also belongs to the B. A. Y. and the M. W, A. Dr. Mitchell was married January 25, 1905, to Mabel H. Lucas, a sister of the well-known lumber dealer and daughter of John and Margaret (Hill) Lucas, of Eden Prairie, Minn. This union has been blessed with one daughter, Barbara F., born February 23, 1906. Alexander and Sarah J. (Dean)

Mitchell, parents of Dr. R. S. IMitehell, are of Scotch-Irish extraction. They were married in Sliakopee, Scott county, IMinnesota, and engaged in farming in Hennepin county for many years. Alexander Mitchell died December 25, 1899, and his wife is still ou the old homestead.

Milton A. Morse, of the tirm of Morse Brothers, grocers, of LoRoy, was born on the old homestead in LeRoy township, Januar}' 4, 1880, son of Samuel and Julia A. (Bacon) Morse, the pioneers, and grandson of Elihu and Mary (Stoddard) IMorse, the first settlers in the northern part of LeRoy township. Milton A. received his education in the district schools of LeRoy township, and farmed with his parents until June 17, 1909, at which time he came to LeRoy village, and with his brother, Melvin, purchased the grocery business of Roy Smart. In this business the brothers are itill engaged, carrying a large stock of staple groceries and crockery. Milton A. was married April 10, 1910, to Nannie Blackmer, daughter of J. R. Blackmer, of LeRoy. ]\Ir. ]Morse is a member of the Masonic order.

Joseph L. Mitchell, a prominent banker of Austin, is actively identified with a number of the city's leading enterprises and organizations. He was born in Aurora township, Steele county, Jane 21, 1865; received his education in the public schools of -lurora township, and graduated from the Owatonna high school in 1882. As a youth he Avorked in his father's furniture store a year, and later entered the First National Bank of Owatonna as clerk and bookkeeper for a period of four years. Then he was bookkeeper for the National Bank of Commerce, at Minneapolis, for nearly three years. In 1890 he came to Austin, and was made director and assistant cashier of the Austin National Bank. He continued in this position with much efficiency for a short time, and was then promoted to cashier. In this capacity he proved no less capable, and in January, 1909, he was chosen to his present position as vice president of the institution. Mr. Mitchell is a Republican in polities ; treasurer of city of Austin ; director and treasurer of the Austin Weed Exterminator Manufacturing Company; secretary of the Austin Cement Stone & Tile Company; treasurer of the Mower County Abstract Company; director in the Waltham State Bank, of Waltham, Minn. ; secretary of the Austin and Mower County Automobile Club ; member of the Austin Commercial Club, of the Maccabees and the A. 0. U. W., and a thirty-second degree jMason. The subject of this sketch was married September 15, 1891, at Austin, to Ethel ^l. Davidson, daughter of Charles H. Davidson, of this place. This union has been blessed with one daughter, Margaret, born September 8, 1893, and now a student in the Austin high school. The family religion is that of the ^letliodist church. Henry H. and ^lary L.

(Goodnow) Mitchell, parents of Joseph L. Mitchell, were natives respectively of Indiana and Ohio. They located in Aurora township, Steele county, this state, about 1863, and engaged in farming until 1873, when they moved to Owatonna, where Henry H. opened a furniture store. Later he removed to Aldrich, Mo., where he still lives, engaged in farming.

W. J. McEldoon, who has lived in Udolpho township for over thirty-five years, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, May 4, 1856, son of Nicholas and Isabell (Orr) McEldoon, the former of whom was in early life a sailor and in later life owned a farm on which the state eapitol at Madison now stands. W. J. came to Mason City, Iowa, in 1869, and worked on the railroad for several years. He dates his residence in Udolpho from 1874. Mr. Mc- Eldoon married Ella Manchester, daughter of Carlos and Lydia (Gleason) Manchester, the former of whom was a native of New York. The McEldoon home has been gladdened by the arrival of six children: John C, Robert E., Earle L., Lloyd R., Eugene C. and i\Iay H.

Nicholas Nicholsen, the plucky and faithful sheriff of ]\Iower county, was born in New York city, February 25, 1868, son oF Nicholas and Johanna M. (Olson) Nicholsen. He was brought to Austin by his parents in 1870, and here received his education. After leaving school he farmed for a while, clerked in a store, and then was appointed deputy sheriff, serving seven years. In 1904 he was elected sheriff, and has since been successively reelected. He also has the honor of being the senior major in the Second Regiment, Minnesota National Guards, and has won for himself the praise of the business men of Austin for his work as chairman of the membership committee of the Austin Commercial Club. The Germania-Harmonica Society claims him as an energetic member and he is as well a high degree Mason and Odd Fellow, in addition to being a member of the B. P. 0. E., the K. of P., the F. O. E., the M. W. A. and the Sons of Norway. He is a past president of the State National Guard Association and member of the Spanish-American War Veterans. Nicholas Nicholsen, S.r., and Johanna M. Olson, his wife, parents of Sheriff Nicholas Nicholsen, were natives of Norway. They came to America in 1866, lived in New York until 1870, and then came to Austin, where Nicholas, Sr., was for many years a furniture dealer. Pie died in 1876, and his widow passed away many years afterAvard, in 1908.

Theodore E. Nelson, the modern and progressive merchant of Corning village, was born in Austin township, March 1, 1868, on the farm known as the old Wallace place. Theodore E. Avas three years old when his family moved to Lansing toAvnship. He attended school in district 72, and remained at home until twenty- four years of age, at which time lie went to North Dakota, speut a time ou a farm, and one winter in tlie woods. lie then moved to South Dakota, and was there nine years. In 1892 he came l)ack to Lansing, and opened a store in the village of Corning, Avhicli he is now successfully conducting. ]\Ir. Nelson is a Republican in polities, and at the time of leaving Blooming Valley, 8. D., liad served four years as township treasurer. He is a meml)er of the Evangelical Lutheran church. The subject of this sketch married Irene Egtvet, and they have one bright son, Elester, now seven years of age.

Mike Neus, farmer of ]\Iarshall township, was liorn in Adams township, Mower county, January 8, 1876, son of Andrew Neus, who came to America in 1866 and took an 80-acre homestead in IMower county. Mike Neus was educated in the Mower county public schools and at the age of twenty-four started in life for himself. He rented land near Lyle and then for three years conducted the old homestead which he inherited. In the winter of 1910 he sold his farm, and now leases the Sam. Lepley farm of 120 acres, awaiting an advantageous opportunity to purchase a farm of his own. He is a member of the Lutheran church, votes the Republican ticket and belongs to the Modern Woodmen. In 1900 he married Jennie Show, daughter of H. J. Show, and they have six children: Burnie, Harriett, Fernie, Elmer, Ina and Vida, the three oldest being pupils in the public schools.

Robert Sabin Noyes was born July 11, 1873, in Hamilton county, Iowa, son of Sabin and Calista (Riley) Noyes, the former of whom died in 1875 and the latter in 1897, in Webster City, Iowa, to which place they came from Wisconsin. Robert S. was married November 22, 1899, to Ida Oslund, whose parents were natives of Sweden. Mrs. R. S. Noyes was born February 8, 1878, and licr childhood was spent on a farm near Stratford, Iowa. She has borne Robert Sabin Noyes five children: Zola C, Ermu A., Helen C, Darwin R. and Carl A. The family moved to Dexter m this county in 1906 on a farm, and in 1909 ]\Ir. Noyes engagcl in the hardware, harness and furniture business. In 1910 he sold out and purchased a 120-aere farm west of Dexter.

John Olsen, foreman for the Lyle Corrugated Culvert Company, of Lyle, was born in Norway, January 30, 1870, son of .John and ]Marie Olsen, who came to America in 1873, and located in Chicago for four years. Then they cam.e to Mower county and liere the father engaged as a carpenter and contractor, a business lie followed until his death, in 1876, his wife being still alive and making her home with her son. At the age of eleven years Joliu Olson, the subject of this sketch, left home, and worked on a farm. This lie continued until he was sixteen, and then worked four voars on the railroad. In 1898 iie engaged in the restaurani

])usiness and continued some five years. He is now giving exeellent service as foreman of the Lyle plant of the Lyle Corrugated Culvert Company. He has been a member of the village council for three years. He is single, a Bepublican, a member of the Knights of Pythias, and an attendant of the Lutheran church.

John Opsall, one of the prominent Norwegian-Americans of the county, came to Minnesota as a boy of sixteen, and has since taken an active interest in its growth and development.- He was born in Norway in 1855, his father being Hans Opsall and his mother Julia Olson. He came to America with his mother in 1869, and joined the father who a year previous had located in Grant county, Wisconsin. In 1871 they came to Minnesota and located in Freeborn county. John, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm, and in 1878 started out in life for himself by purchasing his present farm of 160 acres in Lansing township, this county. In addition to this he owns five acres across the line in Freeborn county. His farming operations, which are conducted along the latest approved lines, have been most successful, and he is regarded as one of the well-to-do men of the county. He belongs to l\[ason Lodge and to the A. 0. U. W. Mr. Opsall was united in marriage many years ago to Mary Anderson, a native of Norway. This union has been blessed with two children. They are Harry M., at home, and Lena M. Lena M. is now the wife of L. C. Berry and lives in "Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Berry have three children : Marcus, Lewis J. and Otto.

John D. Olson, now deceased, one of the sturdy old pioneers of Mower county, was born in Norway, in December, 1836. In ISIS he came to America, and located in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1855. He then came to Mower county, making the trip overland by ox team, his brothers, Ragnald and Stephen, and his sister^ Lena, and parents accompanying him. He settled in section 12, Adams tOAvnship, gradually broke and developed the land and carried on general farming, making a specialty of grain raising and stock breeding. Mr. Olson was well liked. He died October 25, 1895, and his death was the cause of much sincere mourning. The subject of this sketch was married May 28, 1866, to Ida Gurina Johnson, daughter of J. C, Johnson, and this union has been blessed with nine children: Junetta, Steffina, Bertha, Emma - these four are living. Five died in youth. Junetta is the wife of Ben S. Knutson; Bertha is the wife of Peter Erickson; Emma is the wife of Knute Gordon: Steffina is the wife of Ed, Lunde. Mrs. Olson has lived in the village of Adams eight years. Her memory of the events transpiring in the early days is very clear, and she is an earnest advocate of the preservation of the early records.

John Opsall

ill the vilhige of Grand ]\Ieadow since 1902. He was horn in Norway, Deoemher 28, 1828; received his education in tlie schools of Norway, and there grew to manhood, leaving his native land for America at the age of thirty-three, in 1861. He first located in Wisconsin for a time, and then, in 1864, came to Mower county, where he purchased eighty acres in Grand Meadow township and twenty acres of timber land in Frankford township. Five years later he purchased eighty acres adjoining his original purchase, thus making a farm of 160 acres. This land he broke and improved, erected the necessary buildings and carried on general farming. On this place he toiled and prospered until 1902, when he sold the farm and purchased a lot in Grand Meadow village, on Avhich he erected a pleasant residence, in which he and his good Avife now live, enjoying the fruits of their early toil and hardships. i\Ir. Ostegaard was married August 23, 1867, to Olena -Johnson, a native of Norway, who was born September 10, 1835, and came to America in 1866. They are the parents of three children: John lives in Grand Meadow; Anna lives in Frankford township and is now ]Mrs. Tver Peterson ; Ole is a carpenter and contractor ill ^liimeapolis.

Andrew M. Olson, whose farm is in the immediate vicinity of the village of Brownsdale, was born in Sweden, April 16, 1861, son of Oiaf and Kyersten (Anderson) Larson. He came to America in 1888, and in the same year located in Austin, remaining five months. After this he worked six years in Brownsdale, and then farmed a similar period for Charles Gage. In 1899 he purchased a farm in Red Rock township near Brownsdale, and in 1900 moved onto the place. He has the 160 acres under good cultivation, has a substantial home and large outbuildings in Avhich the cattle and crops are well housed. j\[r. Olson was on the school board in 1903 and he has allied himself with the i\r. W. A. and the B. A. Y. lie married Hilda M. Sodergren, daughter of Charles and Lena (Peterson) Sodergren, and this union has resulted in five children: Alvin A., "Walter S., Edna M., Russell F. and Helen C.

Ole T. Odden, retired farmer of Grand jMeadow, was born in Norwa.y, October 10, 1835, son of Torgrim Anderson and Segrie Halverson, his wife, who came from Norway to America in 1870, and located in Lansing town.ship, this county, later moving over the line into ^Moscow, Freeborn county, remaining there until their death. Ole T. received his education in Norway, and came to America in 1867, locating in Frankford townsliip, this county, where he purchased eighty acres of land, wliicli he improved and developed. In 1906 he sold this farm, then bought it back again, and then disposed of it permanently. In the fall of 1910 he took up iiis abode in (Jrand Meadow. He still owns 160 acres in

Frankforci township, which he rents. AYhile living on his farm ]\Ir. Odden served seven years as justice of the peace. He was married in September, 1859, to Ingeberg Severson, and this union has been brightened with seven children : Torgrim lives in Wadena county, Minnesota ; Sever lives in Staples, Todd county, Minnesota ; Halvor is a furniture dealer in Grand Meadow; Anton is janitor of Grand Meadow high school; John and Simon died of diphtheria in 1877 ; Emma C. is at home. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church. The brothers and sisters of Ole T. Odden are as follows, he being the oldest: Anders, killed at Murfreesboro, January 1, 1864; Carolina, of Norway; Halvor, farmer of Freeborn county, town of Moseo ; Sarah, the wife of Lewis Quam, of Elmore, Minn. ; Simon, of Freeborn county ; Bertha, wife of George Baudler, of Austin, and Christopher, deceased.

Halvor Odden, furniture dealer and funeral director of Grand MeadoAV, was born in Norway, February 13, 1865, son of Ole T. Odden. He came to America with his parents in 1867, was reared to manhood in Frankford township, and remained on the home farm until the age of twenty-three, when he started clerking in a general store in Spring Valley, remaining there from 1888 to 1891. In the latter year he came to Grand INIeadow, worked in a general store several years and in 1906 bought out N. P. Stenshold, and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. He was married September 25, 1895, to Anna Maria Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Anderson.

George Pick, a farmer living in Brownsdale village, was born in Leicestershire, England, March 19, 1839, son of William and Ann (Johnson) Pick, and married Emma Beer, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Hill) Beer, of London, England. George Pick and his wife came to America in 1864, and located on a farm in Fillmore county. In 1868 they came to AYaltham township and purchased a farm in section 36. In 1908 Mr. Pick moved to the village of Brownsdale, and has since made his home here, although he still operates his farm, being assisted in his work by his son. Fay. Mr. Pick takes ao interest in public affairs, and in addition to serving on the town board at various times was clerk of the school board of his district for twenty years. In the Pick family there were five children : Jennie, William, Lydia, Arthur and Fay. Jennie married Thomas Johnson, of Waltham, Minn., and tliey have five children : Mabel, Vaughan, Myrtle, Ray and Rose. William 0. lives in Clay county, Minnesota. He married Jennie Bull, and they have three children: Glinee, Nellie and Olive. Lydia married Jasper Hill and lives in Bruno, Pine county, ]\Iinnesota. Arthur lives in Antelope county, Ne])raska. Pay married ]\rabe] Baiiy, lives in Waltham, and assists on the home farm.

county. He has a productive farm of 480 acres in Udolplio tOAvnship, beautifully laid out and equipped with all the most modern machinery. His house, erected in 1887, is a model of l)cauty and comfort, and the stock is well housed in commodious ([uarlers, while there are in addition numerous buildings for the shelter of crops and machinery. i\Ir. Peterson also owns land in other parts (>f jMinnesota. Although these extensive holdings entail much labor and care on his part, he has nevertheless found time to take an active part in public affairs, and he has been chairman of the board of supervisors of the township for twenty years, as well as ti-easurer of his school district for many terms, and treasurer of tlie Lutheran church congregation for eighteen years. He was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, December 28, 1852, son of Asleck Peterson, who came from the old country to America in 1845 and settled in Spring Valley, Rock county, where he lived until his death. In 1875 Helge A. Peterson married Betsy T. Knudson Berg, who died July 9, 1876, leaving one daughter, Betsy, who is wife of Ole H. Kanudtson, and lives in Wisconsin. In 1882 Helge A. left Wisconsin and came to Udolpho township, where he purchased his present farm. His wife, whose maiden name was Helena 0. Lewis, was a daughter of Ole Lewis, who served in the Civil war, and died at Chattanooga, Tenn., of sickness contracted in the army. This union has been blessed with nine children: Samuel Arthur, born June 5, 1885 ; Ormanzo Benhart, born October 28, 1887 : Nellie Johanna, born November 26, 1889, and died May 8, 1890; Nellie Charlotte, born February 26. 1891; Charles Palmer, born January 20, 1893; Blanche Lillian, born August 21, 1895; Ralph Alexander, born February 23, 1897, died September 5, 1898 ; Signe Evangeline, born August 12, 1900, and Agnes Helena, born October 9, 1904. Samuel Arthur was married August 12, 1905, to Serena Anderson, and this union has been blessed with four children: Tonetta Henrietta, born October 7, 1905: Harriet Otena, born October 27, 1907; Selina Ordell. born June n, 1909, and Erwin Chester, born November 10, 1910.

Charles Peachey has a fine farm in Lyle township, well cultivated and well set with fruit and sliade trees. He was born in f^ngland. in Cam])ridgeshire, April 20, 1849, son of James and Charlotte (^larsh) Peachey, natives of England, who came to America in 1851 and located in Milwaukee, Wis., remaining there about two years, after which they moved to Waupun, Wis., where they remained for about four years, subsequently removing to Rice lake, Dodge county, remaining there about twenty years, .still later coming to Owatonna, Steele county. Here the fatiier died, December 28, 1908, the mother still making her home in Owatonna. Charles crossed the ocean with liis parents at one and a liali' years of age, and received liis education in tlie i>ul.lic schools of Rice Lake, Minn. After this he worked out by the month for a period of five years, and in 1876 went to AVaupun, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and engaged with Raymond brothers on a farm for one year. In 1877 he came to Mower county, and located in section 7, Lyle township, where he purchased forty acres of wild land and built a home and other buildings, breaking and developing the land. Six years later he added an adjoining forty acres, his farm now consisting of eighty acres of good land. He has set out an abundance of shade trees, giving his residence a pretty appearance, and also has over 100 apple trees. Mr. Peaehey is a Republican in politics and attends the Presbyterian church. Although interested in public affairs, he has never consented to run for public office. The subject of this sketch was married March 27, 1877, to Eliza A. Marsh, who has proved an able helpmeet. She is the daughter of James and Christina (Nolden) Marsh, the former a native of Cambridgeshire, England, and the mother of Bonn, Germany. The father came to America at nineteen years of age and the mother at ten, the former locating in Milwaukee, Wis., and the latter at Waupun, in the same state. They came to Minnesota in 1888, from Dodge county, Wisconsin. Both are now living in Austin. Mrs. Peaehey has served as treasurer of her school district. No. 14, for eight years, and has taken a deep interest in local, civic, literary and educational subjects.

Peter G. Peterson, successful farmer of Lansing township, and for nine years supervisor, a position he has filled with credit to liimself and to the satisfaction of his fellow citizens, was born in Clayton county, Iowa, son of Gulleck Peterson, also a farmer, who came to America from Norway in 1862. Gulleck lived in Clayton and Dodge counties, Minnesota, and AVorth county, Iowa, and died in the latter county in 187"7. His wife, with her three children, consisting of Peter, the subject of this sketch, and two girls, came to Lansing and located on section 18, in 1877, and Peter G. has since been a resident of this township. Six years ago he moved to section 21, where he still resides. The home farm consists of 160 acres of good land, which is doing well under careful attention. The house is comfortable, the buildings well kept, and the stock and crops well looked after. ]\Iodern tools and machinery add to the success that Mr. Peterson has achieved. In addition to his farm in section 18, he owns ten acres in section 17, in the same township, and 160 acres of good land in Richland county, North Dakota. He is a believer in education, and in addition to giving the township good service on the town board, has served faithfully for sixteen years as a member of the school board of his district. The subject of this sketch was married in 1896 to Helgine Anderson, born in Norway in 1866, daughter of Andrew Olson. She came to America with her parents in 1871 and they have since

Ira Padden

Ira Padden, now deceased, one of the pioneers of AVindoni township, in this county, was born in Scotland, and married ]Mary Wilson, who Avas born in Canada, of Scottish descent. They came to Mower county in 1856, located in "Windoni township, and preempted 160 acres.' Ira Padden had about twenty acres of this land broken, when he listened to his country's call, and enlisted in Co. C, 9th Minn. Vol. Inf., serving until honorably discharged at Ft. Snelling at the close of the war. Then he returned to the farm, and followed agricidtural pursuits until his death, December 17, 1865. His wife died in 1908.

Ira Padden, general superintendent of the plant of the ]Miniiesota Farmers' Brick and Tile Company, Austin, is a native of this county, born on the southeast cpiarter of section 6, AYindom town- . ship, sou of Ira and ]Mary (AVilson) Padden, the pioneers. He received his education in the country schools and in the Austin high school, after which he entered the employ of the C, M. & St. P. After learning the machinists' trade, he was gradually promoted, and during the last six years of his twenty years' employment with that company acted as foreman of the shops at Austin. Subsequent to this he served eight years as state boiler inspector for the First district, and still later entered into the land and real estate business. November 26, 1909, when the ^Minnesota Farmers" Brick and Tile Company was organized, he became its general superintendent, and his efficient and faithful service, as Avell as his mechanical knowledge, has played an important part in Uie favor with which the output of that company has met. IMr. Padden is a Republican in politics, has done valuable service for the city of Austin as alderman from the third ward, a capacity in which he has, with the exception of two years, served since Twenty-one years of age, and has also been sergeant at arms at the state capitol for the last two sessions of the legislature, lie helped to organize Co. G, Second Regiment, ]\I. N. G., and held rank from private to first lieutenant, also acting as captain two years. Mr. Padden is a member of the A. 0. U. AV., the M. AV. A., the I. 0. R. M., the K. of P., the B. P. 0. E. and the Owls. He was married November 25, 1887, to Mira Streeter, and this union has resulted in three children, of whom two are living: Edith, a graduate of the Austin high school and of the University of ]\Iinnesota, is teaching in the high school at Lake City, ]\Iinn. ; Elsie is a student at the Hamlinc University.

N. and Isabell (Rolfe) Pike, natives of New York state. He came with his parents to Wisconsin in 1875, and to Mower county in 1885. Here he purchased 160 acres of farm land, and has since carried on agricultural operations. He added sixty acres to his place by purchase, and obtained a similar area from his father, this making him a farm of 280 acres, which receives his best care and attention. He is an independent voter, and has avoided political office, although his interest in education has caused his acceptance of the office of school district 29, a position he has held with credit for nine years. The subject of this sketch was married, in Green county, Wisconsin, October 20, 1878, to Jennie DeRemer, daughter of Peter and Rose (Domey) DeRemer, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Pike have been blessed with six children, three of whom, Leslie E., Rosabel N. and Celia F., are living, and three of whom, Dellie M., Lloyd L. and Edith I., are dead. Leslie M^as born December 8, 1886 ; Rosabel N., October 9, 1893, and Celia F., September 7, 1896. Dellie M. lived from April 3, 1880, to July 4, 1889; Lloyd L. from December 30, 1888, to September 14, 1893; Edith I. from November 20, 1891, to February 18, 3894, bringing joy by their arrival and presence, and desolation by their departure and absence. The family faith is that of the Baptist church. Frank H. Pike has always been an extensive breeder of stock. At one time he bred the Polled Durham cattle. Mrs. Frarflc H. Pike is one of the oldest breeders of thoroughbred poultry in the township.

Isiah N. Pike was born in New York in 1832, went to Wisconsin in the spring of 1855, and was married in that fall to Isabell Rolfe, a native of Ohio. Then they went back to New York state, and lived there until the fall of 1875, when they came west to Evansville, AVis., and purchased eighty acres of land, farming until 1885, when he came to Austin township, purchased land and followed agricultural pursuits. Isiah N. Pike died September 19, 1904, and his wife makes her home with her son, Frank H., in Austin township.

Willard K. Porter, a substantial and successful business man of LeRoy, was born in the vicinity where he still resides. May 16, 1857, son of Andrew J. and Elizabeth Porter, the pioneers. Willard K. received his schooling in LeRoy, and then clerked for some five years in the LeRoy bank. His ability and popularity secured for him the position of deputy county auditor and this office he filled with credit for two years. In 1892 he assisted in the organization of the First State Bank, of LeRoy, and is now its president. This bank is one in which LeRoy takes a particiUar pride. It lias been judiciously managed since its conception, its policy being progressive in so far as is consistent with sound financial principles, and the financial integrity of this vicinity rests to a large extent upon the solidity of this bauk. ]\Ir. Porter, since THH^, has been a partner in the firm of Porter & Young, general dealers. This concern conducts a general store, has cloak salesmen on the road, and also buys live stock, making daily shipments to Austin and other points. Mr. Porter has had a long and varied experience in tlie buying and selling of live stock, and is considered an authority in this particular line. February 3, 1881, I\Ir. Porter married Eulalie Avery, daughter of John T. and Myra (Mitchell) Avery, and their children are Myra Beth Porter, a student at Carlton College, Northfield, ]\tinn. ; Lynn A. Porter, as.sistant cashier of the First State Bank of LeRoy.

Andrew J, Porter, pioneer blacksmith and lirst constable of LeRoy, was born in Madison, Lake county, Ohio, January 28, 1829. At the age of eight years he lost his father, and when he was twelve the family emigrated to "Wisconsin, locating in Milwaukee county, where they were early settlers. An elder brother bought land and Andrew J. made his home with him until he was seventeen years of age. Then he went to Milwaukee, and learned the blacksmith trade, serving three years. Afterward he went to northern Michigan, and engaged in horseshoeing until 1856, when he started for Minnesota, making the trip over the lakes to W^auwatosa, W^is., and from there to Mower county with ox teams. He was joined by his father-in-law, E. Whitcomb, and upon arriving here claimed the southwest quarter of section 30, in the town of LeRoy. There he remained two years and then purchased the southwest quarter of section 31, where he built a large house 'and remained until 1864, at which time he moved to what is now known as the old town of LeRoy. There he engaged in blacksmithing with E. E. McKee. W'hen the new town was started he bought land in the present village of LeRoy and erected a house. In company with John Curry. he built the first blacksmith sliop in the new village. He was first constable in the village, and was repeatedly elected to offices of trust and honor. Andrew J. Porter married Elizabeth Whitcomb, October 28, 1849, and they were the parents of six children: Anson C, Vica A., Julia I., Willard K.^ Frank AV. and Lizzie M., Ida and Frank dying in infancy.

Jajnes Peterson, a retired farmer living in Lyle, was born in Norway, February 16, 1844, son of Peter Johnson and Brita, his wife, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1867, locating in Mitchell county, Iowa, where they ended their days, the former in 1871 and the latter in 1898. James received his education in Norway and came to Mitchell county in 1866, locating in Union township, where he started farming on 160 acres. This he later increased to half a section, on which he conducted many improvements and carried on general farming, remaining there until 1903, when ho i-etired and moved to Lvlo village. He has served in scliool and township office, and holds stock in the Otter Creek Co-operative Creamery and in the Lyle Telephone Company. He was married April 17, 1866, and twelve children have blessed this union : Bertha is the wife of Ole A. Neversate, of Mitchell county ; Anna is the* wife of Erik Slindee, postmaster at Adams; Julia is the wife of W. E. Brown, of Austin; Josephine is a milliner in Minneapolis ; Petra is the wife of John Thorstas, of Lyle ; Albert, who married Hannah Johnson, is on the old homestead ; John lives in Marion, N. D. ; Henry lives in the same place and is the husband of Celia Strand ; Peter married Mabel Selle ; Ella married Edward Hildebrand ; Lillian is a school teacher, and Peter died at the age of eight years. The family faith is that of the Lutlieran churcli.