Mower County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 6 of 14)

Nicholas Schuartz, a retired farmer of Windom, was born in New York city, in 1845, son of John and Katherine Schuartz, who were born in Germany, and after coming to this country in 1845 located in Washington county, Wisconsin, where they died, the father at the age of forty and the mother at the age of seventy. Nicholas received his education in the schools of Washington county, Wisconsin, and there grew to manhood. He was married March in, 1871, to Mary Ilschult, daughter of John and M^ygarettc Uschult, and at once after their marriage they came to

and attorward to Wiiidoin township, where tliey have prospt'i'ed and reared their eliiUlren. Mrs. SehuarU died April 1.3, 1903. or the tive ehildreu of Niehohxs Sehuartz, one died at tile ajre of eleven years. Those living are: George, John, Niek, and Charles, all farmers of Windom townsliip. Mr. Schuartz has one sister, Katherine, living. She is (lie wife of Nicliolas Giller, of ]\[enoniinee Falls, Wis.

J. C. Schottler, a snceessful farmer of Windom township, where he lias a fine farm in section 30, consisting of IKi'Ji aeres. \\ hieh he purchased in Decemher, 1899, was born in Germantown. Wis., i\Iay 15, 1872, son of Nicholas and Anna (Regenfuss) Schottler, the former of whom came from Germany in 1846 and located in Gei-mantown, Wis., Avhere he now resides, and the latter of whom was boi-n in Richfield, Wis., of German descent, and died June 13, 1908. J. C. Schottler was educated in the district schools and at Valparaiso, Ind., since when he has followed general farming. He is an independent voter, is in favor of the entire prohibition of the sale of liquor, belongs to the Grange and attends the Catholic church at Austin. He was married June 24, 1901, to Katharine Muellei*, daughter of Peter and Margaret (Thielmann) j\[ueller, the former of whom came to this country in 1851 and settled in Germantown, Wis., and the latter of whom came in 1861. ]Mr. and ]\Irs. Schottler have five children: Julius, born Janu.^vy 19, 1903; Edward, February 18, 1904; Agnes, August 3, 1905; Florence, August 31, 1907, and Marie, May 16, 1909.

F. August Smith, for fourteen years a member of the board of supervisors of Red Rock township, and for eight years chairman of that board, is a man whose aflfable manner, kindness of purpose, and honesty of heart toward all, has won for him the respect of the community wdierein he lives. He w'as born in Racine county, Wisconsin, July 21, 1855, son of John and Mary Smith, both natives of Germany. John Smith, the father, was a cooper by trade, and came to America about 1852, living both in Albany, N. Y., and Milwaukee, Wis., before locating in Racine county, Wisconsin, about five miles west of the city. He was killed in 1870 by a horse. Fredrick August, the subject of this sivetch, remained on the homo farm until thirty years of age, and then came to JMinnesota, where he' purchased a farm in the northeast quarter of section 35 in Red Rock township. He lived on this farm in a little red house, and at once set about making improvements. In 1895 he built the pleasant dwelling house where he and his family now reside. Mr. Smith married Bertha, daughter of Valentine and Wilholmina (Miller) Zimmerman, and their children are: William, Charles, Alice, jMary and Arthur W. Alice marrii'd Henry E. ]Miller and they have one son, Lloyd.

Power Plant of Austin, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, September 1, 1857. When twenty-two years old he emigrated to the United States, first locating in loAva for a year and then removing to Austin, Minn., Avhere he entered the employ of the Chicago, J\lilwaukee & St. Paul railroad, with which he was connected until 1900, in the capacity of stationary engineer. He then took a position with the Austin city waterworks, and subsequently became superintendent of the City Water, Electric and Power Plant, in which position he has shown himself an ideal public servant, having been largely instrumental in making public ownership in Austin an unusual success. In politics, he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party. Numerous offices have been held by him in the Masonic order, such as past master, past higli priest, past commander, and past grand high priest for the state of Minnesota. He is both a Knight Templar and a Shriner. The American Waterworks Association numbers him among its members. Mr. Todd's wife, whom he married in 1881, was formerly Elizabeth Morrison. They have four children : Jane C, Catherine R., Isabell A., and Elizabeth M. The family attend worship at the Presbyterian church. William and Katharine (Rae) Todd, parents of our subject, are natives of Scotland, which has always l)een their home. Nine children were born to them, five boys and four girls, viz. : AVilliam, the subject of this sketch ; Jolm, rancher, residing in Spokane, AVash. ; Jane, a resident of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia; James, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased ; Thomas, of Glasgow, Scotland ; Andrew A., farmer of Rockhampton, Australia; Christine, of Rockhampton, Australia, and IMargaret, deceased.

J. C. Taney, superintendent of the Austin Cement Company, was born in Covington, Ky., February 10, 1878, son of James and Nancy (Kramer) Taney. He received his education in the public schools of Indiana, and then learned the cement business, startig at fifty cents a day, and working his way up from water boy to superintendent of the United States Cement Company, at Sellersburg, Ind. From his first engagement with this company until 1906, he remained in its steady employ, with the exception of tAvo years, during which, being inspired with an ambition to be a physician, he joined the staff of an insane asylum, in Indianapolis. Two years of this, however, caused him to decide that he was better suited for the cement business. In 1906 he came to Austin and assumed his present position. He is a Democrat, and belongs to the B. P. 0. E., the I. O. R. M., and the F. O. E. The subject of this sketch Avas married October 20, 1909, at Austin, to Margaret C. Bechel, daughter of Joliu Bcchel. It is interesting to note that J. C. Taney is a direct descendant of Hon. Roger Brook Taney, chief justii'c of tlie United Strifes, who rendered the Dred Scott decision, and was secretary of the treasury in 1838, under President Jackson, whose memorable influence on the finances of the country form a chapter in the story of the growth and development of the national government. Jolin W., a brother of J. C, was for many years express messenger for the Adams Express Company, at Cincinnati, Ohio. James Taney was born in Kentucky and married Nancy Kramer, a native of Indiana. James was a cement worker and merchant. In 1884 he moved his family to 8ellersburg, Ind., and after working in one of the large cement l)lauts there as superintendent, joined with friends and formed Avhat is now the United States Cement Company, and of wliich he is still general superintendent.

Henry Taylor, one of the oldest residents of j\Iower county, has outlived four score and ten years, and is still hale and hearty and more active than many a younger man. He has seen life in three continents, Europe, Australia and North America. The subject of tliis sketch was born in Wesel, Germany, May 1, 1820, and received his education in tlie public schools and at Wesel college, served one year in the standing army of Germany, and in 1844 went to Australia, where he engaged in the general mercantile business. In 1865 he came to America and located at ^Milwaukee, still engaged in the general mercantile business, in which he continued for a period of seventeen years. During this period he owned several vessels on Lake jMichigan. One, named from his daughter, Hetty Taylor, now lies at the bottom of that lake. In 1 882 Mr. Taylor disposed of his business in Milwaukee and came to ]\Iower county, purchasing a farm of 240 acres in section 30, ^Marshall township, where he engaged in general farming, until 1900, when he sold to his son, Dr. E. A. Taylor, who is a prominent physician of Racine, Wis., still continuing, however, to look after the interests of the place for this son. After selling his farm, }>lr. Taylor purchased a home in the village of Rose Creek, where he now lives a retired life. He is an independent voter and a member of the Congregational church. The subject of this sketch was married in Australia, June - , 1858, to Mary Addison, who died July 13, 1900, leaving one son and two daughters: Dr. E. A., of Racine; Hetty, who married James Ballweber, now of Minneapolis; Bena, who married William Ballweber, now of Jamestown, N. D. It is worthy of note that on his ninetieth birthday, friends and citizens of Rose Creek presented ^Ir. Taylor with a suitably f'ligraved cane, commemorative of the event, tlie mciucnto Ix'iiig liighly prized l)y the recipient.

John A. Thompson, a veteran of the Civil Avar, is now living in retirement in Austin, enjoying the fruits of a long and well-spent life. He was born in Preston, Chenango count}', New York, November 23, 1828, son of Robert and Dorotliy (Skinner) Thomp- son, the former of -whom, a farmer and blacksmith, was born in New London county, Connecticut. When John A. was eight years of age they moved to Addison, Steuben county, where he grew to manhood, learing the trade of carpenter and teaching school in Addison. Here he met and won his wife. He came west when twenty-six years of age and proved up his claim to a quarter section in Avhat is now Windom township. He was married by a Baptist clergyman near Addison, N. Y., April 30, 1857. In a few days they started for their new home in Mower county, going by rail to Dunleith, then up the ^Mississippi to McGregor, then by wagon to the town of AVindom, where John A. erected the first frame house in the township and commenced improving his land. Here they started life together, and the years proved kind to them, bringing a large measure of happiness and prosperity as the result of hard work and self-sacritice. During his early years here I\Ir. Thompson taught school winters and work at his trade, thus helping to erect some of the oldest buildings in Austin. During the Civil war the subject of this sketch enlisted in the army and served in Company C, Nintli Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, first against the Indians and then in the South, after which he was mustered out with his regiment at Fort Snelling. Then he returned to his farm and attained prominence in the community. At the organization of the town of "Windom i\Ir. Thompson was elected one of the first board of supervisors, and was chairman of the board for many years. He served as county commissioner for one term. Mr. and ]Mrs. Thompson continued to live on the old farm until 1891, when they moved into Austin, and their home has since been here. They are highly regarded for their many excellent and sturdy traits of character. They have helped materially in laying the foundations of our present prosperity and development. Mr. Thompson is a Mason and a member of the G. A. K. He and his wife have had eight children, of whom six are living : John A. Jr. Robert, HoAvard, Sylvester, Thaddeus, and Emily. Mary and Mora are dead. John A. Jr. is an assayer in Nevada. Robert, Howard and Sylvester are farmers. Thaddeus is a mail carrier in Austin. Emily married B. C. INIanchester and lives on the old homestead in W'indom township. In 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Thompson celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. The affair was attended by the old soldiers, old settlers, Masons and the ladies of the Eastern Star, as well as by many other relatives and friends. The happy couple Avas highly eulogized and received many beautiful presents.

Peter T. Torkelson, a skilled and popular physician of Lyle, was born in LaSalle county, Illinois, in 1881, son of Gilbert and Caroline (Foseti) Torkelson, natives of NorAvay. Gilbert Torkelson came to America as a boy of tAvelve, and his wife came in

William R. Terry

1877. They farmed in LaSalle county until tlu- death of .Mrs. Gilbert Torkelson, in 1886, sonic time after whicli lici- liusl)an(l moved to Newark, Kendall county, Illinois, where he now lives. Peter T. received a good common school education in his home neighborhood, and attended the high school at Morris, 111., two years. Later he entered the University of Valparaiso, taking the scientific course two years and graduating from the course in pharmacy in 1903. After woi'king a time in a drug store in Morris, 111., he entered the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery, and graduated in 1908, later receiving his hospital practice as interne in the Norwegian Lutheran Deaconess Hospital at Chicago. From February to April, 1909, he increased his knowledge by acting as assistant in the Heron Lake Hospital, at Heron Lake, Minn., after which he located in Lyle, where he has built up a large practice. He is associated with the American, Minnesota State and ]Mower County Medical associations, and belongs to the JMasonic and Pythian orders. He votes the Republican ticket and attends the Norwegian Lutheran church. Dv. Torkelson was married September 8, 1909, to Belle Brekken, of Sacred Heart, Minn., and to this union one son, Kermit G., was born July 7, 1910.

Walter R. Terry, -a popular and efficient conductor on the Towa & Minnesota division of the C, M. & St. P., is a native of this state, having been born in Winona, Minn., October 24, 1857, son of H. S. and Mary (Frink) Terry. He received his education in Winona, and followed harnessmaking at St. Charles and Winona for five years. Then he went to Flandreau, S. D., and was in the laud agency business for five years, and in the lumber business for three years. In April, 1887, he came to Austin, and engaged as a brakeman with the C, "SI: & St. P. Two years later he Avas promoted to conductor, which vocation he has since followed. He thus has nearly a quarter of a century of railroad service to his credit, and during that long period his success, his popularity and his efficiency has increased. In addition to his business, Mr. Terry makes a specialty of raising Shetland ponies, of which he is very proud, having some unusually fine specimens. Mr. Terry is a staunch Republican, and while never aspiring to office has ahvays taken an active part in politics, and was one of the ardent workers in electing C. F. Cook to the state senate in 1910. He belongs to the Order oi Railway Conductors, the B. P. 0. E., tlie F. 0. E. and the Austin Commercial Club. The subject of this sketch was married January 1, 1885, at Flandreau. S. D., to Fannie Churchill, born in Cottage Grove, Washington county, ]Minuesota. August 5, 186G, daughter of J. A. and Nellie (Cate) Churchill, the former now a resident of Denver, Col., antl the latter having died August 15, 1899. -\Ir. Terry is the fatmr of four children : Cassins C, brakeman on the I. & M. division of the C, M. & St. P.; Edgar E., brakeman on same division; Eula, stenographer for E. H. Smith Land Company, and John H., attending school. The familj^ attends the Episcopal cliurch. H. S. Terry and ]\Iary Frink, his Avife, were natives of New York state. They came west in 1854 and located at Winona, where H. S. conducted the pioneer livery business and stage route. In 1805 he took up farming in Fremont township, Winona county. Ten years later he went to Brookings county, South Dakota, for a year, and then farmed for a time in Utica township, in Winona county, this state. Later he retired and took up his home in AVinona, living there until his death, July 7, 1899. His widow died July 2, 1910.

Andrew S. Todalen, Avho owns 240 acres of good land in Udolpho township, was born in Norway in 1850, son of Sever Sevei'son, and came to America alone in 1897. After living two years in Corning, Mower county, he went to North Dakota, and there remained sixteen years. Then he returned to this county and purchased the Cook farm, on which he at present resides. He married Julia Helgason, daughter of Helga B. Olson, Sr. The mother of Mrs. Todalen is still living and has reached the ripe old age of ninety-one. To ]\Ir. and Mrs. Todalen have been born seven children: Sever, Helge, Maggie, Halver, Adolph, Alfred and Mollie. The family worships at the Lutheran church.

Nels A. Tending, the capable buttermaker for the Oak Grove Creamery, Lansing, Avas born in Denmark in 1870, son of Anders Nelson, a farmer in that country. Nels A. came to America in 1896, came directly to Corning and at once took up his present employment. He has general charge of making the butter in the , creamery with which he is engaged, turning out $50,000 worth annually. Mr. Tending is well liked in the community, belongs to the Danish Brotherhood, and worships at the Oak Grove Lutheran church. He married Cihristiana Anderson and they have four bright children: Laurits Christian, Carl Hemming, Johanne Emelia and Niels Helmot.

Joseph N. Thatcher, a substantial citizen of BroAvnsdale, Avas born in Burlington, Vt., March 25, 1846, son of Stephen and Helen G. (Isliam) Thatcher, of English and German descent. He lived Avith his parents in Dane toAvnship, Dane county, AVisconsin, and in Winnebago City, Faribault county, Minnesota, until 1874, when he came to BroAvnsdale, where he has since been engaged as a carpenter and contractor. Mr. Thatcher is a prominent Mason, and is the historian for this work of Lafayette Lodge, No. 116. of BroAvnsdale. He and his Avife both belong to the Eastern Star. Mr. Thatcher married Aurelia, daughter of Lemuel and Mary (StockAvclI) Ware, New Yorkers by birth. Eight children have been born: Stephen V., ^Mary AV., Julius E., Leland L., Thadeous, George K., Helen AV. and ]jaura \V. Alary is the wife of Ned Hunt. Stephen Thatcher, father of Joseph N., came west in 1853, settled in Dane township, Dane county, AVisconsin, and in 1862 took up his residence in AVinnebago City, Faribault county, Minnesota.

Galen K. Truesdell, one of the substantial citizens of Austin and an able and genial traveling salesman, was born in Austin, July 18, 1865, son of AVilliam and Alary (AIcDonald) Truesdell. He received his education in the pul)lic schools and started commercial life as a clerk in the store of his uncle, James Truesdell, an Austin shoe merchant. He worked in this store eight years, and was then employed four years in the store of F. P. McBride and four years in the store of F. 0. Hall. He began his career on the i-oad in 1893, as tlour salesman for the Campbell Brothers. A year later he traveled for Franklin AlcVeagh, selling groceries, and the following year represented the Mason City Grocery Company. Since then he has been employed by the Griggs-Cooper Company, of St. Paul. He has built up a large trade, and not only does excellent service for his employers but is also popular and well liked among his customers. He belongs to the I. O. 0. F. and the U. C. T., and votes the Republican ticket. Mr. Truesdell resides at 209 South Alain street, nuvking his home with his mother, and his sister, Almeda E.

William Truesdell, formerly an Austin manufacturer, now deceased, was for many years an honored resident of this county. He was born in New York state, October 8, 1829, and there received such education as the schools of that period afiPorded. Then he learned cabinetmaking, which he followed for many years. In 1860 ho came to Austin, and continued his trade, also engaging in the manufacture of chairs and bedsteads. He died October 8, 1870. AVilliam Truesdell was married September 12, 1864, at Austin, to Alary AIcDonald, who was born at New Brunswick, October 8, 1841, the daughter of Air. and Airs. Isreal AIcDonald. Airs. Truesdell came to Austin in 1863. To her union with AVilliam Triiesdell two children were born: Galen K. is a traveling salesman, and Almeda E. is a successful teacher in the Austin schools. The family faith is that of the Alethodist Episcopal church.

Thomas Varco, now deccas(>d, was one of the well-thought-of men of the county. He was born in England and came to Canada at the age of six years. There he Avas educated, grew to maidiood and married. In 1847 he came to the United States and located in Fond du Lac county, remaining there until 1856, when he brought his family to Alower county and took a homestead of 160 acres in Austin township. To this he added from time to time until he owned 480 acres, upon which he farmed until later life, when he gave each of his sons eighty acres. He passed to the Great Beyond in February, 1893. His wife, Avho was Emeline Eddy, still survives, living in her own home on the old homestead.

Maitland E. Varco, whose familj^ name is perpetuated in the name of the railroad station four miles south of Austin, was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, July 8, 1851, son of Thomas and Emeline (Eddy) Varco, the pioneers. He came to IMower county with liis parents in 3856, and received his education in the district schools of Austin township, later engaging in farming with liis father. When twenty-six years of age he received a present of eighty acres from his father, and to this he added another eighty, making in all a quarter section in section 35. In 1900 he rented his place and engaged in the painting business in Austin for several years, but later returned to his farm, and is now doing general farming. He is a Republican in polities, has served in township and school office, and has joined the ]\Iodern Woodmen and the United Workmen. He attends the Seventh Day Adventist church. The subject of this sketch Avas married December 24, 1876, to Hattie E. Bowers, daughter of J. S. Bowers, now deceased, a prominent farmer of Lyle township. Mr. and Mrs. Varco have two children. C. Mabel is now Mrs. James H. Aiiltfather and Gertrude G. is a teacher and trained nurse.

Charles R. Varco, the oldest merchant of Rose Creek, was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, July 25, 1853, and came with his parents, Thomas and Emeline (Eddy) Varco, pioneers of .i\Iower county, to Avhat is now Varco station, Austin township. He received his early education in the district schools, and graduated from the Austin high school. At nineteen years of ago he engaged in teaching at Cedar City, in Austin township. After teaching tliree terms, he had saved enough money to purchase a small frame building at Varco station, which he fitted up as a store, obtaining his first stock of goods on credit. From 3875 to 1882 lie engaged in the general mercantile business in this building, and then purchased the building and mercantile business of Staiilej^ Warner, of Rose Creek, to which place he moved and where he has since remained in business. At the time of the purchase the store was 40x22. His rapidly increasing business ]nade it necessary for him to enlarge his store three difl'erent times, until he now has a floor space 76x34. He carries a large stock of general merchandise, including a large stock of boots and shoes, and in fact everything, found in an up-to-date store of this kind. In addition to his mercantile business, in 1887 he opened a harness shop where he has an expert harness maker and repairer in charge. Aside from this he has at various times been interested in other lines, having been a stock dealer four years; in the machinery business six years and in the grain l)iisiiii'ss two years. He owns several warehouses, and a commodious hall ul)()vo his store, which is rented for general public affairs. lie rents out three dwelling houses in the village of Eose Creek, and eighty acres in AVindora township. His residence is a pleasant l)uilding on South Chataui street, in the city of Austin. Mr. Varco is a stockholder in the Inter-State Telephone Company and in the Austin "Weed Exterminator ^Manufacturing Company. He is a progressive Republican, a member of the B. P. O. E., the ]\I. W. A. and the A. O. U. W. Mr. Varco is an up-to-date man in every respect, and is interested in everything that pertains to the growth and development of the county. The subject of this sketch was married October 10, 1878, at the bride's home in Austin township, to Isabella Gemmel, born February 11, 1858, daughter of Andrew and Phoebe (Phelps) Gemmel, pioneers. To this union have been born five sons: Albert R. is a graduate of the Austin high school and the Minnesota State University, and holds a diploma from each of these institutions as well as from the C. & C. Hospital at St. Paul, being now a physician at Miles City, Mont. Charles E. is manager of the Yellowstone Valley IMercantile Company, with headquarters at Sydney, ]Mont., controlling four stores. Lynn G. is manager of one of the stores of the Yellowstone Valley Mercantile Company, with headquarters at Fairview, Mont. Thomas E. is with his brother Charles at Sydney. Walter L. lives at home. All are graduates of the Austin high school. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Andrew Gemmel, one of the pioneers of Mower county, was a native of Scotland, born in Renfrewshire, town of Paisley, October 25, 1819. His father was a postmaster in the city of Glasgow, where Andrew received his education and grew to manhood, after which he was employed as clerk in his father's warehouse, remaining in this position until 1842, when he left the bonny shores of Scotland and sailed for America. After spending one year at Montreal, Canada, he went to St. Hyaeinthe, where he engaged in the general mercantile trade for a period of nine years, after which he came to the United States, where he was engaged in business at Burlington, Racine county, Wisconsin. After two years he sold out, returned to Canada and engaged in similar liusiness for a period of three years until 1857. He then started for :\Iinnesota with his family, coming by train to Dunlieth, 111., thence up the river to St. Paul, where he hired teams to bring tiiem to Cedar City, :Mower county. They stopped until fall with a brother-in-law, and during that time ^Nlr. Gemmel erected a log cabin on the land he had pre-empted in section 30, Austin township, where the family lived until 1876, their house being burned May 29, of that yeai-. After this he erected a fine frame house, where he lived and followed general farming the balance of his days. He died December 16, 1898, and his wife passed away September 4, 1909. He was married March 8, 1845, to Phoebe Phelps, who was born in Raughmont, near Montreal, October 5, 1821. Seven children blessed this union: Andrew, Alexander E., Margaret, Victoria, Arthur, Isabella P. and. Agnes D. Mr. Gemmel was the first collector in the town of Austin.

G. K. Volstad, retired farmer of Lyle, was born in Norway, April 13, 1837, son of Knute and Julia (Halver) Volstad, natives of Norway. G. K. received his education in the schools of Norway, and came to America in 1860, locating in Mower county and engaging in farming on 320 acres in Nevada township. This land was Avild, and Mr. Volstad broke and cultivated it, and there followed a life of hard labor and patient industry until 1901, when he retired and came to the village of Lyle to live. He was married October 25, 1865, to Julia Jurgenson, a native of Norway, who came to this country at six years of age. Of their nine children four are living. Samuel lives in Ohio ; Artiiur owns half a section in North Dakota ; Emma married H. G. Dahl ; Mollie married J. W. Johnson, who is dead ; Malena married Bert Brown, of Owatonna. Knute, Jorgen, Mary and Fred are dead. Mr. Volstad is a Prohibitionist and a member of the Gospel Mission church, and owns stock in the Otter Creek creamery, the Lyle Telephone Company and in the Kelley Canning Company.

J. M. Vandegrift, a farmer of Red Rock township, Avhere he has spent the greater part of his life, was born in Wilmington, Del, in 1849, son of John and Mary (Worn) Vandegrift, the pioneers. He was brought to ]\Iower county in 1856 and reared in a log cabin in section 34, R,ed Rock township. He attended the public schools, and since then has devoted his life to farming. He has a comfortable residence, and his cattle are well housed in commodious buildings. Mr. Vandegrift m.arried Anna, daughter of Soreju and Anna Sorensen, both of Denmark, and they are the parents of eight children: Louise M., John M., Thomas 0., Howard C, Margaret A., Miles H., Alice A. and Sumner W.

In 1888, Mr. Vandegrift purchased his parents' farm of 160 acres. He also owns the 160 acres adjoining, thus making a farm of 320 acres. This place he has greatly improved, and a feature of the landscape is his fine grove of poplar and evergreen trees. In 1908 his little son had a bonfire in the barn, this igniting the building and totally destroying it. Mr. Vandegrift then built his present large and commodious barn, 104 x 32 feet, with many modern improvements. Aside from his Mower county property, he owns 480 acres in Beltrami county, this state. He is a progressive citizen, a scientific farmer, and a sympathetic father,

John M. Vandegrift, the pioneer, was horn in l'hila(h'li)hia, Ta., :\lay 15, 1808, and there learned tiic uiason trach'. In 184:5, with his wife, Mary "Worn, wlio was boi'n in l'iiiiadcl()iiia, .Inly 13, 1809, and whom he married Febnmry 17, 18:51, iu' went to ^ViImington, Del., and then in 18<50 moved to Indianapolis, Ind. In 1856 ISlr. Vandegrift brought his family to Mower county and settled in section 34, Red Rock tow^nship, where he was living at the time of his passing away, July 19, 1875. His wife died December 1, 1890. Their children were named Amanda L., "William R., Elizabeth M., Thomas B., ]Mary W., Charles H., John M., "Virginia and Clara. Mr. Vandegrift was an early justice of the peace in Red Rock.

Martin H. Vosburgh, artistic photographer of Austin, Avas born in Columbus, Wis., July 10, 1861, son of Orrin and Marj (Holmes) Vosburgh, both natives of New York state, who located on a farm near Columbus in 1850 and there spent the remainder 0*" their days, the former dying March 13, 1907, and the mother December 9, 1906. Martin received his education in the district pcl;ools of Columbus, and then went into the photogra[)h business in that village in 1883. Five years later he went to Beaver Dam, Wis., and remained two j'^ears, later going to Charles City, Iowa, Tor elc\en years. After short periods at "White Water and West Allis, Wis., he came to Austin, in July, 1902, and purchased the studio of E. H. Austin, which he has conducted with marked success, his work and artistic ability giving him a wide patronage. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Congregational church and of the K. of P., the Maccabees and the B. A. Y. He is also a member of the Photographic Association of America and the Northwestern Photographic Association. Mr. Vosburgh was married May 3, 1887, to Myrta A. Davis, of Beaver Dam, Wis., and to this union have been born two sons: Harold D., born December 24, 1891, and i\Iox 0., born September 6, 1904. September 3, 1910, Mr. Vosburgh purchased the studio of J. A. Douglass, at Osage, Iowa, and moved there October 1, ])ut still retains his Austin stiidio, which is conducted by his son, Harold.

Knud 0. Wold, a pioneer resident and leading druggist of Austin, Avas born in Sogndahl, Bergenstift, Norway, November 4, 1845. His education was received in the public schools of the Fatherland, after completing which he emigrated to this counTrv with his parents, in 1865, assisting ins father for a year on his farm in Adams township. Mower county. He then came to Austin and entered the employ of the drug firm of Woodard & Dorr as a clerk, becoming a parti:er A\ith Mr. Dorr in 1S72, two years after the retirement of Mr. Woodarii. This ])artnership continued until 1897, when Mr. Wold purchased the interest of Mr. Dorr and became sole owner and proprietor, having met with a marked degree of success and built up a large and growing patronage. A full line of all that pertains to a first class drug store is carried, prescriptions being a specialty. In political convictions he inclines strongly toward the tenets of the Republican party. He is a member of the local merchants' association, and is identified with the Royal Arcanum, Ancient Order of United AVorkmen and the Masonic order. November 3, 1876, he was united in marriage with Petra A. Moe. Three children have blessed this union, all of whom have been given a fine education and have shown themselves worthy of the devotion of their parents. Walter E., born December 1, 1877, who is with his father in business, is a graduate of the Austin high school and of the Northwestern School of Pharmacy, of Chicago. His wife was formerly Pearl Bascomb. Ethel A., born October 9, 1881, after graduating from the Austin ' high school entered the state university, receiving her diploma in 1905, and then spent a year at postgraduate work in the University of Chicago. She is now teaching English in the high school at St. Cloud, Minn. Guy K, born October 19, 1888, is also a graduate of the Austin high school and received his degree from the chemical department of the Northwestern College of Pharmacy in 1909. He is in the drug business with his father and brother. The family are loyal attendants of the United Lutheran church. Their residence is at 308 South Chatham street. 0. J', and Maria (Amble) Wold, parents of our subject, both natives of Norway, crossed the waters to this country in 1865, locating in Adams township. Mower county, Minnesota, Avhere the father was engaged in farming until 1885. He then retired and removed to Austin with his wife to enjoy the remaining years of his life in retirement. He passed away August 6, 1892, at the age of eightytwo years. The mother died June 15, 1907, aged ninety-two years. Seven children were born to them, only three of whom are living : James, of Enderlin, Ranson county. North Dakota, who preceded the rest of the family to this country by a year; Knud 0., our subject, and John, located at Eldora, loAva.

A. B. Wilder, a well-known resident of Lyle, is a substantial figure in tlie financial integrity of tiie county. He was born in Otranto, Iowa, December 1, 1864, son of Nelson and Maria H. (Vaughan) Wilder. Nelson Wilder Avas born in AVisconsin and came to Otranto, Iowa, in 1854, and homesteaded the farm which is now owned by A. B. Wilder. Later he was married to Maria H. Vaughan, of Lansing, the first public school teacher in Austin. After the death of Nelson Wilder, in November, 1877, his widow remained with the family on the home place imtil 1902, when she went to Portland, Ore., Avhere she still lives. The subject of this sketch, after bis father's death, took charge of tlie lioiuc farm until October 6, 1902, when he eaiue to Lyle. At this time lubecame interested in the First National Bank, of Lyle. Later lie became interested in the Lyle Corrugated Company, located in Lyle and Minneapolis, of which lie is president. In addition to his financial intei-ests, Mr. "Wilder owns 160 acres in Lyle township and 360 acres in Otranto, Iowa. He still takes an active interest in his farm work, and devotes a great deal of his time to it. ]\lr. Wilder was married December 21, 1885, to Ida Barman, daughter of I^Ir. and IMrs. Leslie Barnum, prominent farmers and pioneers of Lyle township. Mrs. Ida "Wilder died November 25, 1900, leaving three children : Vera M., now a student in Carleton College, Minnesota ; Maurine, who is at Stanley Hall, Minneapolis, and Irving L., who is at home. July 2. 1902, INIr. "Wilder married Grace E. Trowbridge, of Lyle townsliip, daughter of H. C. Trowbridge. Mr. AYilder is an independent voter and an active member of the Knights of Pytluas, as well as of the Masonic lodge at Lyle.

John J. Watland, an old resident of ^Nlower county and a successful farmer, Avas born Fel^ruary 14r, 1850, on a farm called "\^^atland, but later moved to Norem Stjernero, Stavanger, Norway. His parents. Jonas and Johanna "SYatland, owned a fine farm on this island, and there lived in comfortable circumstances, enjoying life as could but few of the people in the neighborhood. Close to the farm was a steamboat landing, schoolhouse, postoffiee and church, and in addition to these advantages a trip, across the strait to the metropolis, Stavanger, could be made in two hours. Aside fi-om John, there were two other children in the family, Bjorn and Marthe Sesselia. As these children grew older, the desire to emigrate to the so-mueh-heard-of and talked-of America became so strong in young John that the elder "Watland, in the spring of 1873, sold his farm and personal property in Norway, and with his wife and three children left Stavanger May 11, 1873, for America. On the Avay here they stopped five days in England, ultimately reaching their destination, LeKoy, May 31, 1873. The first Norwegian they met at LeRoy was L. Rounestrand, now deceased, who at that time was running a tailoring shop in LeRoy. The first summer Jonas AVatland, his wife, and children, Bjorn and Sesselia, made their home with Soren Engelson, while John hired out to F. B. Garvey. He was in peculiar and most inconvenient circumstances on account of not being able to speak tlie English language, but the Garveys were kind hearted and considerate people, and took such an interest in young Watland tliat they kept him until Christmas eve. In the spring of 1874 the elder "Watland purchased eighty acres of land, one and a lialf miles north of LeRoy, and began farming. This piece of laud had a small house on it, and some thirty-five or forty acres were under cultivation. The elder Watland purchased a span of horses and a yoke of oxen, together with such machinery as was needed to operate the farm. In 1875 the Watlands bought another 160 acres, mostly covered Avith young timber, and brush, which had to be grubbed out and broken, thus keeping five men busy. An extra team of horses was bought, and young John Watland did most of the breaking, coming to understand fully and completely the deepest meaning of the scriptural words, "In the sweat of thy brow, thou shalt eat thy bread." In the summer of 1877 John and a Frenchman took their stand on a McCormick harvester and bound 120 acres of wheat that threshed 4,500 bushels. In addition to this they cut a considerable quantity of oats which they had to bind by hand on the ground. At this time there was much speculators' land, selling at from |8 to $12.50 per acre, and the country north and west of LeRoy was sparsely settled, most of the farm houses being built of logs. In 1878 John AVatland purchased eighty acres, and in 1879, 160 acres, all located in LeRoy tov/nship, near the village of LeRoy. About this time John Watland took unto himself a Mafe, Bergethe Fuglesteen, of Newark. 111., and built a house on the last 160 acres he purchased, thus establishing his own household of which he was the head. It is generally asserted among the old settlers that John Watland has ''turned over m.ore sod" than any other man in this part of Mower county, and his progressiveness and belief in modern methods is shown by the fact that in 1890 he planted on his farm in LeRoy toAvnship two acres of apple trees, which have proven both satisfying and profitable. Some years ago the Norwegians living north of LeRoy met together, and organized a Lutheran congregation which bears the name of Betania. In this work the "Watlands took a very active part, and donated liberally to the building of a church. After establishing his home Mr. AVatland added to his holdings from time to time and after having carried on successful agricultural operations for seventeen years, he rented his farm and moved to the village of LeRoy. Mr. Watland has now disposed of his old homestead, but still owns a large farm one-half mile south from LeRoy, together with lands in southern ]\Iinnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Mr. and i\Irs. Watland are still enjoying good health and have all the comforts that Avorldly goods can bestow, while they are living in Avell deserved retirement amongst their friends and neighbors. Mr. Watland has always been a staunch Republican, and as such is always ready to serve his party and to promote its cause.

Eugene Wood, register of deeds of Mower county since 1886, is one of the most honored and respected citizens of the county, standing high in both political and fraternal circles, his reputa- tioii as a man equalling his liouorablo position as an oflicci'. Jlc was born in Albany county, New York, September IS, lH-i)i, son of John M. and Orpha (Denison) Wood, both natives of New York and both now deceased. Eugene, as he was then called by his friends, received his education in the district and select sciiools in his native county, afterward remaining on the farm with his parents until nearly twenty-two years of age. He tiien worked in the wholesale and retail drug house of Wing & Sissou until 1865. In 1866 he went to Ames, Montgomery county, New Yuik, and purchased a half interest in a lumber and flouring mill, which he conducted four years. Then he became a general merchant in Stillwater, N. Y. February 9, 1877, dates his arrival in Austin. Here he engaged in the hardware business until 1886, when he was elected to the county office in which he has since so faithfully served. Mr. Wood is a high degree Mason, has been senior grand warden of the Grand Commandery of the state of Minnesota, master of the Blue Lodge, high priest of the Chapter, and commander of the Commandery, as well as worthy patron of the Eastern Star. He has also been treasurer of the B. P. 0. E. for many years, and his services as president of the Austin school board have advanced the cause of education. The subject of this sketch was married September 30, 1863, to Henrietta Beatty, of Coxsackie, N. Y. This union has been blessed with four children : Fred B., now adjutant general of the state ; Clara 0., wife of Dr. A. j\r. Lewis, of Aiistin ; J. Solan, deputy register of deeds, and Clarence, twin of Clara 0., who was scalded to death. The family faith is that of the Congregational church.

Ezbon W. Wilder, a retired farmer and landowner, now living in Austin, was born on his father's farm in Bristol township, Dane county, Wisconsin, September 9, 18.32. After acquiring a good common school education in the public schools of his native county, he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until 1876, when he came to Brownsdale, this county, and engaged in farming on his own account. Two years later he purchased the farm he now owns, consisting of 320 acres, all adjoining, described as follows: the south half of the southwest quarter of section 13 ; the northwest quarter of section 24, and the east half of the northwest quarter of section 23, all in Red Eock township. ]\[r. Wilder gradually developed this farm into one of the most productive in the county, adding up-to-date buildings and machinery from time to time and building a modern home, always keeping well abreast of the times. On this farm he pursued general diversified farming with much success until 1902, when he left the farm and moved to Austin, where he has since lived, enjoying a well earned rest after his many strenuous years of toil. Li addition to his farm in Mower county, he owns a quarter sec- lion in Lac qui Parle county, this state. In politics he is a Republican, and has served several terms as assessor of Red Rock township. He was married March 14, 1881, to Catherine Davis, born in the same year as himself. They have five children : Ruth E., a teacher in the Austin schools ; Davis E., of Williston, N. D. ; Nellie L., a graduate nurse, now in the Wesley Hospital in Chicago ; Frost W., of Minot, N. D., and S. Katherine, who lives at home. The family worships at the Methodist Episcopal church. David "Wilder, a Wisconsin pioneer and father of Ezbon AV. Wilder, of Austin, was born in Bristol, Ontario county. New York, May 24, 1815, and died in the village of Sun Prairie, Wis., January 18, 1896. He was a descendant of Thomas Wilder, who in 1838 sailed from Southampton, England, in the ship Confidence and settled in Massachusetts. In 1819 his father moved to Campbell county, Indiana, and in 1822 he settled permanently in Rush county, Indiana. He lived at home until 1836, when he came to Milwaukee, where he remained two years. David Wilder Avas one of the pioneers of Dane county, Wisconsin, and settled in Madison in 1838, soon after it was established as the seat of government. He lived there until the spring of 1839, then went to Mineral Point, and stayed one summer, returning to Madison again in the fall. In the spring of 1840 he went to Milwaukee and was the second carrier on the stage route between Madison and Milvsraukee, working the route in partnership with Jesse Clark, another pioneer. In 1840 he returned to Madison, remained there until 1842, then settled in what is now the township of Bristol, in Dane county, and lived there with the exception of one year until May, 1877, when he rented his farm and removed to the village of Sun Prairie, where he ended his days. At the organization of Bristol township he suggested the name and was a member of the board that laid out the principal roads in that township. October 23, 1844, he was married to Ruth Nichols. Three sons and four daughters blessed this union: Howard N., of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Ezbon W., of Austin ; George W., of Waukesha, Wis. ; Mrs. T. L. Waddell, of Jennings, La. ; Mrs. C. S. Moak, of Leavenworth, Kan. ; Mrs. C. E. Mann, of Chicago, and Helen, now deceased. For thirty years Mr. Wilder was a member of the Methodist church, and for a greater part of the time an official in that organization. Ruth A. (Nichols) Wilder, wife of David Wilder and mother of E. W. Wilder, of Austin, was born in Leeds,, Canada, March 7, 1825. Her parents were New England people. At the age of seventeen she, with her brother and two sisters, located in Wisconsin, making the trip overland by ox team, settling near Sun Prairie, where their parents had preceded them. She was married October 23, 1844, to David Wilder, and in 1894 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, the family oirc^le at that time being iinbrokon. Mrs. Wilder was a woiuaii of deep piety and sweet Christian character. Robert Davis, father of Mrs. E. W. Wilder, of Austin, was born in North Wales, in 1815. At the age of twenty-four he and his aged mother settled in Utica, N. Y., and three years later moved to Racine, Wis. There, in March, 1845, he married Eleanor Jones. After his marriage he took up a claim near Watertown, Wis., and with his young wife journeyed hither by ox team. In 1864 he located in Bristol township, Dane county, Wisconsin, and farmed many years, after which he moved to the village of Sun Prairie and spent his life in retirement until tlie ending of his days. He was the father of eight children: John, David, Nellie, Mrs. F. R. Salisbury and Mrs. E. W. W^ilder. Mrs. Eleanor (Jones) Davis, wife of Robert Davis and mother of Mrs. E. W. Wilder, of Austin, was born in North Wales, December 21, 1816, and came to America with her family in 1844. She was married in March, 1845. Mrs. Davis was a woman of beautiful Christian character, loved by all.

Col. Charles L. West, one of Austin's leading citizens, is known far beyond the limits of the county where he has made his home, and his service on the military staff of the chief executives of the state has done him much credit. Colonel AVest was born in Chautauqua county. New York, March 30, 1846, and was brought west by his parents in 1855, and spent the winter of that year in Indiana, living for a time in Lyle tOAvnship, this county, and then at Otranto, gust across the line in Iowa. His boyhood education was received in the schools of the latter village, after which he entered the Cedar Valley Seminary at Osage, Iowa, in 1863. After a three years' course in that school he entered the employ of a general store in the same place, and remained another three years. In 1869 he came to Austin, and clerked three months for Johnson Bros, in their drug store. Then until 1871 he worked in the general store of Austin & Richardson. In the latter year he embarked in business for himself by opening n crockery store. In June, 1873, he and R. 0. Hall opened a general store, which wms gradually specialized until it became a first class dry goods emporium. In July, 1901, Colonel West purchased the interest of Mr. Hall, and has since been the sole proprietor, the firm being known as the C. L. West Dry Goods Company. The store is modern in every particular, and carries a fine line of dry goods, cloaks and suits. Colonel West is a Republican in politics. He served the city of Austin one term as mayor, two terms as alderman from the second ward, and two terms as city treasurer. In Masonic circles he also ranks high. He has been grand commander of ^Minnesota, Kniglits Templars, and has also served as grand high priest and deputy grand master of the state grand lodge, A. F. & A. M. In 1891 Charles L. West was appointed major on the staff of Governor William R. ]\Ierriam for two years. During this period he was appointed lieutenant colonel. He served in a similar capacity on the staffs of Governors Knute Nelson and David M. Clough, but in 1897 retired from military life to serve as a member of tlie legislature, being re-elected in 1899. In 1901, Avhen Governor Samuel R. Van Sant came into office, he appointed Charles L. West colonel on his staff. Governor John A. Johnson retained him in a similar capacity, and as Governor Adolph 0. Eberhart retained all the members of tlie old staff' he is still serving. In business life Colonel West has not confined himself to his dry goods line, but has interested himself in a number of oth^r enterprises, including the Tri State' Telephone Company, of which he was one of the organizers. He was married December 18, 1872, at Dixon, 111., to Charlotte C. Hall, daughter of R. 0. Hall. She was the mother of four children: Katie, who died at fourteen years; Harry L. and Veta A., who are Avith their father, and Leon H., who has a clerical position in the bank at Missoula, Mont. July 7, 1893, Colonel West married Minnie Van Blarcum, at Madison Lake, Minn. The family faith is that of the Congregational church. David West and Harriett AVoodworth, his wife, early pioneers and parents of Col. Charles L. West, were natives of New York state. They came west in 1855 and spent the winter of that year in Indiana, and later they came to Mower county and pre-empted 160 acres of wild land, built a log cabin and remained until 1862. Then they moved across the line into Iowa, and there the fatiier opened a hotel at Otranto, which he conducted until about 1869, when he disposed of the hotel business and became a merchant and postmaster in Otranto station. He and his wife were sturdy old early settlers, and had their share of the hardships incident to pioneer days. David West died in 1902, his wife having passed away in the fall of 1868.

I. E. Mandeville Worthing-, M. D., one of Austin's well-liked and capable physicians and surgeons, was born in the old Worthing homestead in Penfield township, j\Ionroe county. New York, November 13, 1876, son of Jerome E. and Emma C. (Mandeville) Worthing. He received his early education in the district schools of liis native township, and in the public and high schools o£ Webster, then taking a course in normal training at Fairport, N. Y., graduating August 8, 1898. After more than two years of teaching, iie again resumed his studies, and took courses as follows : Genesee AVesleyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y., two years ; medical department of the Southern Indiana Normal College, at Valparaiso, Ind., one year; College of Physicians and Surgeons, University of Illinois, at Chicago, about two and a half years;

Nortlnvesteni Medical Hcliool at (_'liieafj:o, about two years. Aricr liis graduation witli a medical degree in 1908, he returned lioimfor a few months and then practiced at Hinkley, Pine enunly. .Minnesota, three months. In iMarch, 1909, he started practice in Austin, and has been very successful. He is a Republican in polities and belongs to the Methodist church. Di-. Worthing was married November 28, 1909, to Mary E. Hell, daughter of Mr. and ^Irs. Benjamin Bell. The family home is at 408 North IVIain street. Dr. AVorthing is at present instructor in physiology and hygiene at the Southern Minnesota Normal College. Jerome E. AVorthing and i]nnua C. IMandeville, his wife, parents of Dr. I. E ilandeville AVorthiug, are of English and French-Holland aueestry, respectively. They are now engaged in farming iu Pentield township, IMonroe county. New York, and have had six children : I. E. Mandeville AVorthing, an Austin physician ; i\Iabel, a teacher ; Anna, now Mrs. Arthur Todd, of West Webster, N. Y''. : E'lith, a teacher and a graduate of the Brockport (N. Y.) State Noi'mal School; Mason, of West Webster, N. Y., and Frances, teaching near New York city.

Henry Waterman, who is engaged in the general building ind contracting business, came to Austin in 1902, and has since been actively engaged, among his larger contracts being tlie erection of the Carnegie iibrary, the IMethodist church and the Hall & DalMgejbuilding on Main street. Mr. Waterman is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and is well liked by his associates. He was born in Conk county, Illinois, June 25, 1856, son of Henry and Sophia (Winter) Waterman, the former being a native of Bremen, Germany. Heni'y grew to manliood in Cook county on his father's farm, and remained at home until sixteen years of age. After that he learned the carpenter trade and then came to Austin. He married Tillie ]\Iaas, daughter of Julius Maas, and they have two children : Lillie and Gilbert. He is a member of the Alethodist church and of tiie Republican party.

Edwin Watkins was born in Austin township, July 8, 1873, son of AVhittechur and Mary (Reynolds) Watkins. He was reared on the farm, attended the schools of his neighborhood, the graded scl'ools of Austin and a business college in Austin. In 1896 he rented the old place and there lived until 1905, Avhen he came to Austin and started in the second-hand business, also devoting his time to the purchase and sale of second-hand goods. He wa.s married Scptemb-r 2, 1896, to Katie A. Brown. His l)rotlier. Harvey, conducts the home place in Lyle townsiiip.

Whittechur Watkins, now deceased, for many years an honored farmer of Lyle township, and still later a resident of Au.stin, Avas l>orn in AVales, Februaiy 28, 1844, and came to America with his parents, locating first in Wisconsin. He came to Minnesota in

1856, aud located in the embryo village of Cedar City, where after receiving a common school education he remained on the home farm until he was enabled by diligence and thrift to purchase eighty acres of land in Lyle township. He increased his possessions until he owned 200 highly cultivated acres, ou which he conducted general farming until 1896, when he retired and moved to Austin, making his home here until his death, August 5, 1909. He was married the first time to Mary Reynolds and by this union had two children: Edwin and Harvey. After the death of his first wife he married Frances Hoffman. He was for many years supervisor of Lyle township and was interested in the Farmers' Co-operative Fuel Company.

A. M. Warner, of Grand Meadow, was born in Spring Valley, Fillmore county, December 9, 1875, son of George and Ella (Cole) Warner, who came from Canada and settled in Spring Valley, where George Warner was an early settler, becoming a respected citizen and remaining until his death, in 1908. In the home of George and Ella AVarner were seven children. Alva M. was the fifth child. He remained at home until sixteen years of age aud then worked out until twenty years old, when he married Settu Schwabenthal, daughter of AVilliam and Minnie (Fielhaber) Schwabenthal, both of whom are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are the parents of four children: Verna, Sidney, Freddie and Duaue. In 1895, after his marriage, Sir. Warner rented a farm. Mine years later, in 1904, he engaged in the livery business, Avhich he is stiil conducting successfully. Being of a fraternal disposition, he has allied himself with the B. A. Y., in which he is a popular member.

Michael White, now deceased, for many years a farmer in Lansing township, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, and after coming to America located for a time in Pennsylvania. Later he M'ent to Le Seuer, in Alinnesota, and subsequently took up his home in Lansing. In 1874 he married Mary Rutherford, daughter of William and Charlotte (Green) Rutherford. Mrs. White was born in Louisville, Ky. She is a capable business woman, .ind since her husband's death in 1903 has managed the farm of 165 acres, assisted by her two sons and a daughter. Mr. and ]Mrs. White were blessed with nine children, of whom six are living: Julia, Charlotte, Philip J., IMary, Margaret and Thomas P. Charlotte is the wife of T. P. Cain and Mary is the wife of F. X. Rn.vder. Julia is the wife of jNI. G. Braun.

William Rutherford, now deceased, was a prominent man of the early days and was instrumental in strengthening the Catholic faith in this locality, contributing liberally in time and money to its cause. He was born in the county of Dublin, Ireland, April 27, 1822, and there grew to manhood, receiving a good common school

-'(lucation. His early manhood was spent in farming in liis native country, and in 1846 he married Charlotte Green, who was born July 15, 1818. In 1850 they left the old country and sought their Portuues in America. They landed in New York city, July 12, then went to Kentucky and remained until 1854, going thence to Iowa, where they remained for nearly a year. August 10, 1855, they came to Mower county, entered the east half of the east fourth of section 11, and proceeded to build a log house, Avhich is still standing one-half mile from the village of Lansing. His prosperity increased, his farm was developed, and he attained success by hard work and perseverance. It is an interesting fact that I\Ir. Rutherford assisted in laying the corner stone for the first church erected in Austin.

Milton J. Woodson, now deceased, was one of the honored pioneers of Mower county. His life was an exemplification of industry, integrity and righteousness, and in dying he left an honored heritage to his children. The subject of this sketch was born in Green county, Kentucky, February 14, 1823, son of George Washington "Woodson. He was taken to Illinois when nine years of age and there completed his education. After his school days were over, he hauled lead from Galena, 111., to Milwaukee, and in ]849 went to Iowa, where he bought a farm in Fayette county, and farmed until 1855, when he came to Mower county and purchased a quarter section of government land at $1.25 per acre. On this land he continued farming until his death, December 24, 1890. The subject of this sketch was married November 15, 1848, at Green county. Wisconsin, to Cj^nthia Ann Davis, who was born in Indiana, April 25, 1832, daughter of Elder John and Ilanna (]\Ioore) Davis. The union of I\Ir. and Mrs. Woodson was blessed Avith ten children: James W., born September 22, 1849, now at Charleston, 111. ; John Wesley, born August 30, 1851, and died in July, 1853; William J., born April 26, 1854; George A., born J\Iay 11, 1856; Henry, born June 17, 1858; Albert, born November 12, 1865, now of Colorado; Sarah, born August 7, 1867, now Mrs. Joseph Lohman, of Austin; Thomas, born November 10, 1869; ]\Iartha, born March 8, 1872, now of Denver, Col., and John, born Marcli 13. 1875. The family faith is that of the United Brethren churcii. George Washington Woodson was a native of Virginia. When a young man he with a colony went to Kentucky and tiiere lived until 1824, when he went to Indiana. Years later he returned In Kentucky and there remained until 1834, when he went to Illinois, where, in 1835, his wife died. He afterward married again, and soon purchased a farm in Coles county, Illinois, where he ended his days. His maternal grandfather, James Buntin, was a soldier in the war of 1812.

Brownsdale, and his general store is well stocked and well patronized. He was born in Rochester, Minn., December 16, 1872, sou of John and Helen (Greenleaf) AVarren. He was reared on a farm and spent one winter in Florida ; then one winter in Warren, Wis. ; then two years in Shetield, Iowa ; then five years at Redfield, S. D. ; then one year in Beebee, Ark. The last eighteen years he has spent in Mower county. He is a member of the ^l. W. A. Arthur E. Warren married Anna Hunt, daughter of George Hunt, and they have three children: Hope, Frank and Robert.

John Warren was born in Saratoga county, New York, and married Helen Greenleaf, a native of Chautauqua county. New York. He came west in 1863 and settled in Rockdell township, Olmsted county. In 1874 he came to Brownsdale, but from time to time worked in the pineries with his brother at a place still called Warren, Wis. In latter years he worked a small farm near Brownsdale. His children are : Hattie, Avife of Carlos 0. Sleeper ; Louis, George and Arthur E.

Frank T. Young', general merchant and prosperous citizen of LeRoy, was born in Albion, Ind., August 1, 1858, son of Thomas and Adeline (Avery) Young, who brought him to Mower county as a child. He received his schooling in the brick schoolhouse in LeRoy, and after this taught school two years. After two more years, spent in P. H. Avery's store, he worked on the railroad, and was giving satisfaction to his employers in this work when a wreck in the St. Paul yards caused him serious injury. After his recovery he worked for a time for T. A. Killen, and later for H. A. McConnell, subsequently going to Chicago, where he was employed with Marshall & Hardcastle. This work he was obliged to give up, being called home to settle the estate of his uncle, F. H. Avery. In 1885 he formed a partnership with Willard K. Porter, which continues to the present time, conducting one of the old substantial general merchandise houses of the county. Aside from the local business, the cloak department of the company has salesmen on the road, and in addition to this the partners deal extensively in live stock, making daily shipments to Austin. Mr. Young is a member of the B. P. 0. E., of Austin, and of Eureka Lodge, No. 75, A. F. & A. M. He married Mary, daughter of Captain John E. Jones, of Carroll, Iowa, and they have three children: Thomas 0., Bernice and Frank E. Thomas Young was born in Wayne county, New York, where his parents lived anil where lie spent his early manhood and was married, aftervvaril coming to Mower coiinty. Adeline Avery, his wife, was tin? daughter of John T. Avery, a silversmith, who was born in Norwich, Conn., and later moved to Cochecton, Sullivan county. New York, subsequently going to Wayne county, New York., where Adeline was married.

Samuel W. Rtce

Samuel W. Rice, pimiciT. vcttTiin of the Civil war. and i-ctircd fanner imw living- in Austin, was horn in Tlu'lford, ()ran,i,'i' eoimty, Vermont, February 27, ISM. son of Sanund 11 and Sarali (Caswell) Riee. He was taken by them to Errol, Coos county, New Hampshire, in 1851, and in the spring of 1855 eame West, lieing employed for a time in running a head saw in the j\li(diigaii pineries. He arrived in Austin the same year, the eity then being but a small hamlet of scattered houses. He went to work for Chauneey Leverich, one of the oi'iginal proprietors of Austin, and in liis saw mill sawed the lumber for the first liotel ereeted in Austin, the structure being located on the corner of Franklin and Mill streets, on the present site of the Williams House. Mr. Riee and R. O. Hunt were afterwai'ds in partnership in the blacksmith business for a short time. He then operated a threshing machine with Wesley Slocum one year. The sub.ject of this sketch enlisted in Company C, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in the early stages of the Civil war, and served over two years as bugler, receiving an honorable discharge for disability caused by eye trouble. Returning to Mower county, he farmed until fifteen years ago, when he retired. His son now^ owns and operates the home farm. ^Ir. Rice married Lucinda Slocum, daughter of Cook Slocum, a native of New York state. Mr. and ^Irs. Riee have had seven children, of whom the living are : Mary L., now Mrs. Louis Clark ; Charles L. ; Emma, now ]\Irs. Otis Robbinson ; and Walter J. Those deceased are : Nettie B. Adams, William Rice and one who died in infancy.

Samuel B. and Sarah (Caswell) Rice were natives of Vermont. The former, who was a miller by occupation, sold his mill in 1851, and moved his family to Erroll, Coos county. New Hampshire, where he purchased several hundred acres of land. Thei-e he farmed and raised his family of four children: Hanna M., Elizabeth. Lester B. and Samuel W.

Charles L. Rice, who has prominently identified himself with the movement for the bettering of farm conditions in ^Minnesota, was born in AVindom toAvnship. this county. May 28, 1865, the closing year of the Civil war. He received his education in the district and graded schools and in the Austin high school, after Avhich lie took up farming on the home place, which now consists of 215 acres in sections 11 and 12, Austin township. Here he still continues to carry on agricultural operations, raising diversified crops and breeding pure blooded Hereford cattle, Percheron liorses and registered Chester white hogs. He is the owner of Lapolian Prince, one of the greatest sires in the state. He is a modern farmer in every respect, has a remodeled, well furnished liome; water supply in house, barn and hog house; a large silo; commodious barns, and an engine house, as well as a full equip- ment of luoderu machinery. Mr. Rice was married June 20, 188S. to Rose E. Grimshaw, and this union has been blessed with two children: George W., who lives near Round Up, Montana, and Charles R., who died in infancy. Mr. Rice is a prominent officer of Grange No. 604, Patrons of Husbandry, and for twenty years has been a member of the Mower County Agricultural Association, serving as its president two years. He is a Republican in politics, and has served in various capacities on the town and school board.

Samuel Schutz, a pioneer of Fillmore county, was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, and there married Elizabeth Hane. also a native of Switzerland. He brought his family to America in 1852, and purchased eighty acres in Will county, Illinois, remaining on that farm until 1856, when he sold out and came overland by ox team to Fillmore county, where he took a homestead of 160 acres in Beaver township. He first erected a log cabin and in this he and his family lived until 1869, when he erected a fine brick house in which he lived until 1873, when he sold his farm and moved to Kasson, Dodge county, where he purchased a home and lived until his death, February 13, 1892, his good wife preceding him to the grave, in August, 1876. They were the parents of seven children. Four died in early life. Three grew to manhood and womanhood. Of these three, Samuel H. and Rudolph A. are living and Elizabeth is dead. Samuel H. served in Company K, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and is now a pensioned soldier living in retirement at Naperville, 111. He has nine children: Sarah, Albert, Anna, Lena, Lilly, Frank, Nettie, Elmer and Birdie. Elizabeth married Jacob Leuthold, a native of Zurich, Switzerland, and died April 12, 1910, leaving seven children : Carrie, Jake, John, Henry, Charles, Rudolph and Anna, the latter being the wife of Philip Hines, who is connected with the Drs. Mayo, of Rochester, as a druggist. The sons constitute the firm of Leuthold Brothers, the well-known clothiers, who own a chain of stores throughout the NorthAvest. Rudolph A. is a resident of LeRoy township.

Rudolph A. Schutz, of LeRoy township, agriculturist, horticulturist and lecturer on the preceding subjects, with the State Farmers' Institute, was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, May 22, 1850, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hane) Schutz, the pioneers. He came to America with his parents in 1852, lived with them in Will county, Illinois, and with them came to Beaver township, Fillmore county, in 1856. There he received his earlier education, and later attended a school taught in the old town of LeRoy, by the Hon. John Williams, who was afterward burned to death in the postoffiee fire at LeRoy. Rudolph A. also attended the Evangelical College, at Plainfield. 111. Thus equipped he returned home and farmed with his fatlier until 1872, in which year he took charge of the home farm. Two years later he purchased eighty acres of wild land iu section 13, LeRoy township, and built a home. The following year, after breaking the land, he set out trees which have now developed into a fine grove of maples, willows and cottonwoods. At the same time he set out many evergreen trees such as fir, balsam, spruce and European larches. He also entered into fruit growing, and started an abundant supply of apple, plum, cherry and other fruit trees, as well as a variety of small fruits and berries. He soon added another eighty acres to his farm, making a quarter section in all. On this farm he worked until 1891, when he purchased a farm in section 22, to which he moved. That fall he rented his first farm, and two years later sold it. To his new farm he has added from time to time until he now owns 250 acres, all under the highest cultivation. His buildings are also in good condition. In 1891 he began planting apple trees on this farm, and now has two large orchards in bearing condition. In 190tt he was awarded the silver medal in the Minnesota fruit exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, being the only one to receive that prize from Mower county. Mr. Schutz is a Repiiblican in politics, and his family are all members of the First Presbyterian church at LeRoy. Aside from serving his township as supervisor for five years, he has been greatly interested iu horticulture all his life, and for the past six years has been connected with the Farmers' State Institute. During the first three years of this time his lectures were confined solely to horticulture, but since that time he has lectured on all the principal farm pursuits as well. He also gives evening lectures on '"ilodel Home Life on the Farm, Its Beauties and Attractions." In 1909 he Avas sent as a delegate to the Horticultural and Agricultural Convention, held at Winnipeg, and covering the provinces of Canada. In June, 1910, he was promoted to conductor, having charge of a corps of lecturers, for the State Farmers' Institute, which position he now occupies. In 1910 he was chosen as a delegate to the Williamsburg State Convention of Iowa. Rudolph A. Schutz was married July 20, 1872, to Minnie A. Klampe, born in Germany, July 5, 1852. This union has been blossed v.-ith six children : ]\Iatilda E., died May 25, 1879 ; Eliza A. is the wife of George J. iMalcombson. of LeRoy township; Alice F. graduated from the LeRoy high school, and is now teaching, being the holder of a first grade certificate; Ralph F. assists his father on the home farm ; Walter Valentine is teller of the First Xational Bank, of Mott, North Dakota; Irene S. is a student at tlic state school in Faribault, having been stricken deaf and duiiil) as the result of brain fever at the age of five montlis. Tlic parents of Mrs. Rudolph A. Schutz were John and

Mary (Las) Klampe. They came to America from Germany in 1858, and after living a time in Dodge county, Minnesota, moved to Sibley, Iowa, where they took a homestead. Mrs. Klampe died December 10, 1899, and her husband moved to Jefferson, Oregon, where he died April 5, 1908.

Hon. John Frank. Few men in southern Minnesota, now alive, have accorded them a greater meed of love and appreciation than has been earned by John Frank, of LeKoy township. Possessing, as he does, one of those rare characters which instinctively attract sterling friendshii^s, he has unostentatiously pursued his way, radiating encouragement and cheer, and instilling new ambitions and happiness in the hearts of all with whom he comes in contact. Already well past the allotted three score years and ten, he is now one of the patriarchal figures of the county, respected and held in highest regard by the older people, and venerated and held in affection by the younger. Such a life as his, standing as it does for industry, progress and decency, cannot fail to have a lasting and salutary effect upon the character of the county. The youngest of the seven children of Jacob F. and Frederika (Geds) Frank, well-to-do middle-class German farmers, he was born February 13, 1834, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and in that kingdom was reared to manhood, losing his mother when he was twelve years of age, and his father three years later. June 4, 1854, he landed in New York city, and thus began his honorable career as a resident of this country. After spending several months in New York, he resolved to seek a newer country, and accordingly came westward, spendmg the summer of 1855 as a clerk in a store at Rockford, Illinois. In September, 1855, he continued his westward journey, and located for the winter in Howard county, Iowa. In the spring of 1856 he came to Mower county, and pre-empted a quarter section of wild land in section 30, LeRoy township. Since that date, he has continued to reside in this county, gaining increasing honors with increasing years. Upon his arrival here, he erected a log cabin, and for a time kept house for himself. The country so strongly appealed to his sense of beauty and utility that he resolved here to establish his rooftree. Accordingly he returned to Rockford, Illinois, and was there married to Catherine E. Lachele, thus consummating a most delightful romance. Catherine E. Lachele was born in Geisingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, October 30, 1833, in a home of wealth and comfort. In 1854, after her mother's death and the coming of a step-mother to the home, Catherine E. and her sister left the old country, came to America, and located in Forest City, Ohio. In Cleveland she met the young countryman of hers who was designed afterward to become the life-long companion of her joys and sorrows. After their marriage, the young people set up housekeeping in the wilderness.

]\Irs. Fi-ank proved herself a true and noble helpmeet, ever a loving-, sympathetic and faithful vi^ife and mother, and a shrewd, frugal, capable and hardworking housewife. These two souls Avei'e well mated. Their quarter section has been enlarged until they now own 1,580 acres, and their log cabin has been replaced by a modern home, known far and wide for its hospitality. While accumulating so goodly a store of this world's goods, the Franks have not forgotten the needy, and have distributed to the poor and deserving with liberal hand. In October, 1861, the peace of the home was shattered by the call for soldiers to defend the l^nion, and for many years these loving souls were apart. Mr. Frank enlisted in Company K, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, for three years, and at the close of that period re-enlisted until the close of the war, servmg until the summer of 1865, when he was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and discharged at Fort Snelling, having in the meantime followed all the fortunes of his i-egiment. After his discharge he served as sutler's clerk for two years, and was then appointed sutler, serving in this capacity until 1877, when he returned to the farm, where he has since resided. In 1899 he retired from active life, but still lives on the old homestead. Mr. Frank has always been a Democrat. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, a Knight Templar and a member of the G. A. R. He served in the legislature of 1882, has been school clerk twenty-five years, and has given his services to the town in various other capacities, such as those of supervisor and road overseer. He was candidate for the office of Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota in 1886, and for presidential elector in 1884. In the Frank family are three children: Louisa, wife of John LeBorius, a farmer of Hennepin county; William Monroe, cashier of the First National Bank of LeRoy ; and Irene M., wife of W. D. Bassler, a leading Austin haberdasher and clothier. The parents of Mrs. Frank were Christopher and Barbara (Graff) Lachele.

John R. Roberts, for over twenty-five years a member of the liiiard of supervisors of Bennington township, and for a greater part of the time chairman of that body, was born in Portage county, Ohio. January 11, 1841, son of Edward and Ann (Thomas) Roberts. He was reared .on the farm, educated in the country schools of Wisconsin, and there grew to manhood, remaining on the home farm until 1870, when he came to Mower county and two years later, in 1872, purchased eighty acres in section 26. Bennington township. This land he broke and improved, erecting a good lot of frame buildings and later adding another eighty, making in all 160 acres, all in section 26. On this tract he conducts general farming, a vocation in which he lias been most successful. The subject of this sketch was nuirried

November 11, 1872, to Mary J. Perry, who was born at Albany, Missouri, November 12, 1858, and died July 6, 1899, leaving seven children : Albert O., Glenn and Stanley B. are residents respectively of Bennington township, Minneapolis, and the state of Washington. Edna lives in Minneapolis and is the wife of Edward ]\I. Sly. . Maude is the wife of William Biel, and, they haA^e two children : Alleen and Loyce. The Biel family lives Avith Mr. Roberts. Edward Roberts lives in the state of Washington. Bessie is the wife of Carl Watt, of Richland county, Wisconsin. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Edward Roberts, father of John R. Roberts, Avas born in Wales and came to America at the age of fourteen years. His wife was born in the same country and came to America Avhen sixteen years of age. They were married at ClcA^eland, Ohio, and settled at Akron, Ohio, where Edward engaged in farming and stone cutting until 1848, when they came to AVisconsin, locating in Rock county. Here they acquired 160 acres of land by paying a settler $40 for his claim, and then paying the government $1.25 an acre. On this tract Edward Roberts prospered and liA^ed until April 6, 1852. His wife died in Spring Valley, this state, January 9, 1897. Their children are : Elizabeth, William, John R., Sarah A., Kate A., Edward and Albert.

Rev. Christian A. .A.ffeldt is pastor of three German Evangelical churches in MoAver county and is doing a noble work. Well fitted for his work by natural abilities and by acquired training, he has already seen much fruit of his ten years' service in MoAver county. Rev. Aifeldt was born near Wykoff, Fillmore county, December 15, 1876, son of Julius and Wilhelmina (Kolberg) Affeldt. Julius Affeldt was born in Greifenhagen, Pomerania, Germany, came to America in 1865, and located near Watertown, Wisconsin, a short time, afterward taking up his residence near Portage until the spring of 1875, Avhen he came to Minnesota, purchased a farm in Fillmore township, Fillmore county, and there carried on agricultural operations until his death, October 16, 1902. His mother is still alive. Christian A. attended the district schools in his native county, and then went to the parochial school of his at Wykotf. In the fall of 1892 he entered the Concordia Seminary at Si^ringfield, Illinois, from AAdiich he graduated in June, 1899. After serving a short time at Litchfield, Custer county, Nebraska, he came to Mower county and took charge of the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity church, located in section 29, Waltham toAvnship. In connection Avith this church a parochial school is conducted, Avhere, in addition to the usual branches, German is taught and religious instruction given. In addition to this, Rev. Affeldt also has charge of the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church in Austin and the St. John German

Evangelical Lutheran cluiri'Ii in Sargeant. The subject of this sketch was married, ^lay 17, 1900, to Martha Asche, daughter of Werner and Caroline (Brennieke) Asche, and their children are: Paulus, Phoebe, Erna, Edna, Timothy, Flora, Theodora and Arnold.

Albert F. Lewis is a modern farmer of LeRoy townsliip, and has introduced to this vicinity intensive methods of farming wliich are meeting with wide favor. He was born in Barry county, ^Michigan, October 2-i, 1867, son of Franklin E. and Adeliza M. (Hubbard) Lewis, natives of New York state. In 1846, the parents of Franklin Lewis went to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted in the Sixth Michigan Cavalry and served until the end of the war. In 1866 he took up his residence in Middleville, Barry county, in the same state, and farmed there until shot by his hired man, September 22, 1877, at the age of thirty-five years. His widow, with her family, then removed to Galesburg, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and there lived until her death, December 9, 1887. Albert F. received his education in his native state, there grew to manhood, and for several years worked at A^arious work at different places. In 1892 he located in North Dakota, and there attained prominence as a leading citizen, carrying on general stock raising and serving as a justice of the peace. In the spring of 1906 he came to LeRoy and purchased forty acres of land in section 22, which he has improved and developed, erecting a fine frame house, henneries, bee ' sheds, etc. He now successfully devotes himself to the raising of fruits, i)oultry and bees. He has an orchard of 500 apple trees, and in addition to this raises various kinds of berries and small fruits. He has Italian bees and Barred Plymouth Rock fowls.* Recently he has also taken up truck gardening for local trade. The subject of this sketch was married September 20, 1905, to Jennie E. Fairbanks, born in Fillmore county, January 1, 1870, - daughter of David H. Fairbanks, now of Howard county, Iowa. ]\Ir. and ]Mrs. Lewis have one daughter, Irene, born June 29, 1906. Edward Shay, a substantial farmer of Bennington township, was born at Gilbert Station, Illinois, March 18, 1863, son of ^Michael and Ann (Doraty) Shay. At five years of age, after his father's death, he was brought by his mother to Olmsted county, and here he was reared, receiving his education in the public schools of Mower and Olmsted counties. After leaving school he worked out for a few years, and then in partnership with his l)rother John, purchased 240 acres in section 25, Bennington townsliip. The brothers farmed together until 1892, wlien they divided up tlie land, and Edward began for himself. He has added to tliis hmd until he has 400 acres located in sections 25 and 23, Bennington township. He has erected suitable buildings, and here he follows general farming, raising the usual crops and breeding to Dunham cattle and Poland China hogs. He is a stockholder in the Farmers ' Co-operative Creamery of Ostrander, a Democrat in politics, and a Catholic in religion. The parents of Edward Shay came to America from Ireland as children. They settled in Gilbert Station, Illinois, married there, and there Michael, the father, died in 1866, leaving six children. They are : Patrick, now deceased ; Bridget, of Elkton ; Johannah, of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Mary, of Spring Valley, and Edward and John. IMrs. Ann Shay, after the death of her husband, came to JMinnesota with her family in 1868 and located in Olmsted county, where she married Daniel Shay, who died in 1895, she following him to the grave, January 27, 1909. This union was blessed with one daughter, Alice. She received an excellent education, taught school a number of years, and was married, June 29, 1910, to William Beach, grandson of William Beach, a Mowsr county pioneer. I\Ir. and j\Irs. Beach make their home with Edward Shaj^

John Shay was born in Gilbert Station, Illinois, in April, 1865. He came to Minnesota with his mother, located in Mower county later, and continued farming as a partner of his brother Edward until 1892, when they divided their property. He now has 480 acres of his own, all under cultivation and adorned with new buildings which he has erected. Mr. Shay was married November 25, 1891, to Mary M. Meehan, daughter of John Meehan, a pioneer of Bennington township. Four children have crowned this union : Edward M., Lawrence, Kate and May.

John M, Huber, scientific farmer and stock breeder of LeRoy township, is an excellent representative of the modern type of farmer. He believes that farm life should be the most attractive life there is, and accordingly he has his residence equipped with all the latest conveniences and has purchased machinery which greatly simplifies his work. John M. Huber was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 28, 1863, son of Joseph and Maria (Schnitzer) Huber, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. They came to America in 1848, lived two years in New Jersey, went to Pittsburg, where they remained until 1880, then located near Madison, Wisconsin, and farmed, Joseph dying in December, 1884, and Maria now being a resident of Stoughton, Wisconsin. The subject of this sketch received his education in Pennsylvania and grew to manhood on the farm, being reared to agricultural pursuits. For many years he farmed with his father near Madison, but after his father's death went to Nebraska, where he farmed until 1886, in which year he returned to Wisconsin. Two years later he again went to Nebraska, and farmed in Lancaster covinty until 1899, when he sold his farm of 120 acres and purchased 100 acres near Brooklyn, Dane county, AVisconsin. In 1909 he came to Mower county and purchased, with his brother Fred, the ohl Leach farm of 860 acres in LeRoy township. He has erected the finest residence in LeRoy township, at a cost of over $5,000, and has all the latest modern improvements throughout, including running hot and cold water, hot water furnace, bath room and sanitary conveniences. He has also erected a roomy barn, 40x84 feet. The farm is in a high stage of cultivation, 640 acres being tilled, 200 acres pasture and twenty acres timber. Mr. Huber makes a specialty of Hereford cattle for beef purposes, having about 200 head. He also breeds Percheron horses and Chester White hogs, exclusively, and pays much attention to corn and oats, having planted over 200 acres of corn this year. Mr. Huber is a Democrat. The subject of this sketch was married March 3, 1887, at Blooming Grove, Wisconsin, to Anna Kleine, daughter of Karl and ]\Iary (Sehantz) Kleine. Mrs. Huber was born at Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, September 20, 1859. Her mother came to this country at ten years of age and her father at eighteen. They were married at Cottage Grove, and there spent their days farming, the father dying in November, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Huber are the parents of seven children, as follows : Gertrude A. was born in Blooming Grove, Wisconsin, February 21, 1888, lives at home and is a teacher. Francis M. was born in Emerald, Nebraska. September 29, 1889, and is the wife of Christ Bolk, a farmer of Sheffield, Iowa. Dora E. was born January 1, 1891, Matthew J., April 19, 1892, Carl J., October 5, 1893, Henry A., August 15, 1896, all at Emerald, Nebraska. Lizzie W. was born in Oregon, Wisconsin. November 24, 1900. All the children, except the married daughter, are at home.

F. C. Garbish is one of the prosperous men of Waltham. He was one of the first aldermen of the village and faithfully served in the position until 1908. In addition to this he has been eleven years treasurerof the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery, and nine years treasurer of St. Michael's German Lutheran church. Also director of the German Lutheran Hospital at St. Paul. F. C. Garbish was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, July 10, 1855, son of George and Elizabeth (Gierach) Garbish. George Garbish was born in Kosel, Germany, in 1825 and came to Amei'- ica in 1839 at the age of fourteen years. After a year in Albany and three years in Buffalo, he took up his residence in ]\Iilwaukee in 1843, but after a short stay there, went to Kirchhayn, Washington county, Wisconsin, where he farmed until his death in 1861, having in the meantime, April 20, 1847, married Elizabeth Gierach. After his death his wife and oldest son. August, operated the farm for a time, after which Mrs. Garbish sold the farm to lier .son-in-law. The sub.iect of this sketch remained at home until fifteen years of age, and then worked out in Wisconsin for two years. At the age of seventeen he came to Waltham, Mower county, but four years later went to Montana and the Dakotas for three years. Subsequently he came back to Waltham. purchased a farm in section 10, and has since continued to make his residence here. October 12, 1884, F. C. Garbish married Amelia, daughter of Carl and Bertha (Kopke) Zeimer. This union has resulted in six children : Selma, William, George, Hubert. Adolph and Adaline. Selma married William Sehmeling, and they have three children, Werner, Erma and Arthur. George is a barber in the A'illage of Waltham. Hubert is with his uncle, foreman at Vicksburg, Miss. The rest of the family are at home.

Soren Englesen, the pioneer Norwegian of the town of LeRoy, now deceased, was a prominent man in the upbuilding of the community, and his death was sincerely mourned. He was born in Norway, December 15, 1829, and attended school until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he took up farming. May 1, 1854, he left his native land for America, and after a stormy voyage landed at Quebec. He went directly to LaSalle county, Illinois, and there remained three years, engaged in farming. In 1857, in company with his brother-in-law, he started to find a home in Minnesota. They came to Dunleith on the cars, and then took a boat to Brownsville, from which place they came on foot to Mower county. They passed through LeRoy township to Adams, and there bought a pair of steers. Then they returned to LeRoy and selected two claims, building a shanty of poles and sod on the line, so that it woiild answer for both claims. After proving up their claims they returned to Illinois. Soren Englesen was married in 1860 to Martha Fuglesteen, likewise a native of Norway. In the spring of 1861 they started for their new home. Soren left his wife at McGregor, and came on foot to LeRoy, where he bought a pair of oxen and then returned for his wife. He first built a log cabin and in this lived for a number of years until he replaced it with a large frame residence. He prospered as the yea^s went by and was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank, of LeRoy. Soren Englesen died February 8, 1904, and his wife, July 14, 1909. They had two children: Emily, wife of Dr. O. A. Oreson. of Duluth, and Samuel B., a resident of LeRoy township.

Samuel B. Englesen was born March 10, 1868, on the farm in LeRoy township, wh(,'re he still resides, son of Soren and Martha Englesen. He received his education in the district schools, and took one term in the Decorah Institute at Decorah, Iowa. Then he returned to the home place and farmed with his father. Since his father's death he has rented the farm, but still looks after his land and livestock. He also has other interests, being a director in the First National Bank at LeRoy, and a stockholder in the FarmyUKEX EXGELSEX.

ers Telephone Company, of Ostrander, Fillmore county, as well as in the Farmers' elevator in the same village. lie is a Repuhliran in politics and for some time was clerk of his sehool district.